Device for bundling flat seaweed bundles with protective paper

Abstract

To propose a bundling device of a flat laver bundle together with protector paper which, firstly, reliably and stably achieves bundling in the flat laver bundle without any difficulty, secondly, here, avoids damage to the flat laver bundle, and, thirdly, is automated for supply and winding of the protector paper.SOLUTION: A conveyor 2 of a bundling device 1 conveys a flat laver bundle A mounted thereon. A paper supply mechanism 20 covers the flat laver bundle A with protector paper P. A pressing plate 3 capable of moving up and down rises with the flat laver bundle A loaded thereon covered with the protector paper P to press the flat laver bundle from below against a press receiver. A paper putting part puts ends of the protector paper P covering the flat laver bundle A under the pressing plate 3 so as to wind the protector paper. A bundling machine 4 bundles the pressed flat laver bundle A wound with the protector paper P together with the pressing plate 3 with a bundling band D. A pushing-out member 5 pushes and removes the pressed and bundled flat laver bundle A wound with the protector paper P together with the bundling band D, with the flat laver bundle being lowered, out of the pressing plate 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for bundling flat laver bundles with protective paper, which is used in the laver production process. That is, the present invention relates to a device for bundling flat laver bundles with protective paper. [Background technology]

[0002] 《Technical background》 In the production process of nori (dried nori), after the pre-processing of picking raw nori, washing with water, papering, dehydrating, and drying, the post-processing of inspection, counting, accumulation (folding), and bundling is carried out, and the nori is produced and shipped. That is, in the subsequent process, the dried and inspected flat seaweed is counted and accumulated into bundles of, for example, 10 sheets, and then typically folded in half, bound, and shipped. In contrast to this conventional example 1 (typical example, general example), conventional example 2, in which the nori bundles are not folded or bundled, but are instead bundled and shipped as flat, is also becoming more common due to market needs. Conventional example 2, in which nori bundles are bundled and shipped in bundles of 50 or 100 sheets, has also recently become more common. That is, the produced and shipped nori is often subjected to secondary drying and secondary processing such as roasted nori and seasoned nori. In this case, in the conventional example 1 where the nori was folded and bound as described above, the binding is untied and the folds are straightened out again, and the nori is dried and processed as the original flat nori. In contrast, in order to avoid the hassle of stretching, many conventional methods2 are used to bundle and ship the flat nori seaweed as is. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] As a conventional example 2 of the device that binds and ships flat nori seaweed without folding it, for example, there are devices shown in the following Patent Documents 1 and 2. [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-101809 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-101810 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] <<Prior Art>> Regarding Prior Art Example 2, the flat seaweed bundling device (bundling device) of Patent Documents 1 and 2 is composed of a structure combining a predetermined elevator, support plate, compression plate, bundled paper feed device (chucker), cylinder, etc. Furthermore, since the binding part of the flat seaweed with the binding band is not compressed by the press, the binding part is bound in a bulging state, which may cause damage to the seaweed.Furthermore, since multiple cylinders are used as the driving source, there are concerns about the stability of the press. Therefore, there is a strong demand for a new structure for the bundling device for flat laver bundles of Conventional Example 2. The development of a new bundling device for flat laver bundles has been an issue. In addition, in Conventional Example 2, a protective paper was used to protect the flat laver bundle. The protective paper was covered and wrapped around the entire laver. In other words, protective paper was used to prevent damage to the flattened bundles of nori seaweed when they were tied together with cable ties, during subsequent handling, and during distribution (see Figure 13 (3) below). The protective paper was then manually wrapped around the bundle of laver sheets during bundling. Therefore, the bundling device for laver sheets of Conventional Example 2 had the problem of poor efficiency in wrapping the protective paper.

[0005] About the present invention The flat laver bundle binding device of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances and to solve the problems of Conventional Example 2. The present invention aims to provide a device for bundling bundles of flat nori seaweed with protective paper, which, firstly, ensures reliable, stable and trouble-free bundling of the bundles of flat nori seaweed, secondly, avoids damage to the bundles of flat nori seaweed, and thirdly, automates the supply and wrapping of the protective paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] <<About each claim>> The technical means of the present invention to solve such problems are as follows, as set forth in the claims. Regarding claim 1, the following applies: The device for bundling a bundle of flat laver sheets with protective paper according to claim 1 is used in the laver production process, and is connected to a conveyor, a paper It has a feeding mechanism, a press plate, a paper inserting section, a binding machine, and an extrusion member. The conveyor carries the flat laver bundles one by one and transports them forward. The paper supply mechanism covers the laver bundle whose transport has been stopped with a protective paper from above. The press plate can move up and down between a lower base position and an upper top position, and the bundle of flat nori seaweed that has been stopped from being conveyed and covered with protective paper is transferred onto the press plate above the base position, loaded, and then raised to the top position where it is pressed and compressed from below between the press receiver. The paper inserting section inserts the end of the protective paper covering the compressed bundle of laver under the press plate and wraps it around. The bundling machine ties the compressed flat laver bundle wrapped with protective paper together with the press plate with a bundling band. The pushing member pushes out and extracts the flat laver bundle that has been compressed, bound, lowered and wrapped with protective paper from the press plate together with the binding band, thereby obtaining a flat laver bundle with protective paper bound with the binding band.

[0007] Regarding claim 2, the following applies: In the device for binding a flat nori bundle with a protective paper of claim 2, the paper inserting section is characterized in that it presses both ends of the covering protective paper against the underside of the press plate and wraps it around. Regarding claim 3, the following applies: In the device for binding a flat laver bundle with a protective paper according to claim 3, the paper inserting section wraps both ends of the covering protective paper around the lower surface of the press plate by suction. At this time, a tensile force is applied to the protective paper, so that the wrapped protective paper is tightly adhered to the whole of the flat laver bundle without any gaps. Regarding claim 4, it is as follows: The device for binding bundles of flat nori seaweed with protective paper in claim 4 is the same as claim 1, except that the conveyor is a string conveyor. The binding machine binds the compressed flat nori seaweed bundle by wrapping it with binding bands from above, below, left, and right from the outside of the wrapped protective paper, and at the same time binds the press plate as well. Regarding claim 5, the following applies: The binding device for flat seaweed bundles with protective paper of claim 5 is characterized in that, in claim 1, the press plate is divided into left and right halves, and the push-out member is capable of reciprocating back and forth within the space between the divided press plates.

[0008] Regarding claim 6: The binding device for flat seaweed bundles with protective paper of claim 6 is the same as claim 1, in that the press plate is provided with an auxiliary press plate below the front end, and the auxiliary press plate can be displaced up and down relative to the press plate between a close position and a separated position. In the close position, the press plate can press and compress the nori seaweed bundle in conjunction with the press plate. In the separated position, the gap between the press plate and the wrapper band can be used to push or pull out the lower part of the wrapper band from under the press plate. Regarding claim 7, the following applies: The seventh claim of the device for binding flat seaweed bundles with protective paper is the same as the first claim, except that the press plate is made of a thin plate with a thickness of just a few millimeters. This reduces the load imposed by the press plate when the lower part of the binding band is pushed out or pulled out from under the press plate. Regarding claim 8, the following applies: The protective paper-attached binding device for flat nori seaweed bundles of claim 8 is characterized in that the press plate has a width that is equal to or slightly narrower than the width of the flat nori seaweed bundle, thereby easing the load from the press plate when the lower part of the binding band is pushed out or pulled out from under the press plate.

[0009] <About the effects> The present invention comprises such means and is as follows: (1) This device for bundling flat seaweed bundles with protective paper is used in the seaweed production process. (2) First, the nori bundle is covered with protective paper by the paper supply mechanism. (3) The nori bundle covered with protective paper is carried under the binding machine. The press plate and auxiliary press plate are in the base position under the binding machine. The push-out member is in the forward position. (4) The nori bundle is then lifted towards the binding machine. The press plate and the auxiliary press plate, which has been displaced to a close position, rise from the lower base position, carrying the nori bundle covered with protective paper and further rising. (5) The nori seaweed bundle is then pressed. The press plate and auxiliary press plate stop at the top position and press and compress the nori seaweed bundle covered with protective paper. (6) The compressed bundle of nori seaweed is wound around the press plate by inserting both ends of the protective paper under the press plate using the paper inserting section. The nori seaweed is wound around the press plate using either a pushing method with a pushing guide or a winding method with a suction guide. (7) The binding machine then binds the compressed nori bundle with a binding band from the outside of the protective paper wrapped around it, along with the press plate. Meanwhile, the pushing member moves from the forward position to the backward position. (8) The compressed and bound bundle of nori seaweed is then lowered. The press plate and auxiliary press plate are then lowered, and the bundle of nori seaweed wrapped in protective paper is also lowered. After this, the auxiliary press plate is displaced from the close position to the separated position. (9) After that, the bundle of nori seaweed wrapped in protective paper is pushed out and removed from the press plate together with the binding band. The pushing member moves from the retracted position to the advanced position, and the bundle of nori seaweed with protective paper and bound with the binding band is pushed out and removed. (10) During such pushing and pulling, the lower part of the cable tie is pushed and pulled out from under the press plate by utilizing the gap formed between the press plate and the auxiliary press plate at the separation position. (11) By placing an auxiliary press plate under the front end of the press plate, and by making the press plate thinner and narrower than the width of the nori seaweed bundle, the load from the press plate when pushing or extracting from under the press plate is reduced. This further reduces the load on the bottom of the nori seaweed bundle with protective paper, and especially on the bottom of the binding band. (12) As described above, the protective paper-attached binding device of the present invention is characterized by (a) compressing the nori seaweed bundle from below, (b) binding it together with the press plate, and (c) pushing and pulling it out from the press plate, etc. This reduces friction and stress on the nori seaweed bundle and binding band, preventing damage and breakage. In addition, by incorporating a paper supply mechanism and a paper inserting section into the bundling device, the protective paper can be automated, wrapped around the bundle of laver seaweed, and bound together with the bundle of laver seaweed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] First effect First, the binding of the flat laver bundles can be achieved reliably, stably and without any problems. The device for binding laver bundles with protective paper of the present invention is characterized by the adoption of unique methods (a), (b), and (c) that have never been used before, in which the laver bundle is (a) pressed and compressed from the bottom as a whole, (b) bound together with the press plate, and then (c) pushed out and extracted from the press plate. In addition, auxiliary press plates, plate thickness and width settings of the press plates are also added, and it is possible to make flat seaweed bundles and binding bands. The load is alleviated and the binding of the flat laver bundles is realized reliably, stably, smoothly and without any hindrance.

[0011] Second Effect Secondly, damage to the Nori seaweed bundles is avoided. As described above, the device for bundling laver bundles with protective paper of the present invention achieves bundling while reducing the load on the laver bundle and the bundling band, thereby preventing the laver bundle from being torn, disorganized, scattered, bent, curved, deformed, or damaged during bundling. The flat nori bundles are free from quality, handling, and appearance problems, and damage is avoided. The flat nori bundles are prone to damage because they are spread out flat, but this damage is avoided.

[0012] Thirdly, the supply and wrapping of protective paper is automated. The device for bundling a bundle of flat nori seaweed with protective paper of the present invention incorporates a paper supply mechanism and a paper inserting unit, which automates the supply and wrapping of protective paper onto the bundle of flat nori seaweed. This automates the wrapping process, which was previously done manually, and improves efficiency. Thus, the effects of the present invention are remarkable and great. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] The following is a description of a mode for carrying out the invention of a binding device for a flat laver bundle with a protective paper according to the present invention. Figure (1) is a front explanatory view, and Figure (2) is a side explanatory view. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are explanatory front views of the paper supply process by the paper supply mechanism, and are provided for explaining the mode for carrying out the invention. FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show steps 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are explanatory front views of the paper supply process by the paper supply mechanism, illustrating the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are explanatory front views of the paper supplying process by the paper supply mechanism, and are provided for explaining the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are explanatory front views of the entire process for explaining the embodiment of the present invention, in which (1) shows the first step, (2) shows the second step, and (3) shows the third step. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are explanatory front views of the entire process for explaining the embodiment of the present invention, in which (1) shows the fourth process and (2) shows the fifth process. [Figure 7]This figure is provided to explain the embodiment of the invention and shows a push-type paper inserting section, etc. Figures (1), (2), (3), and (5) are side views, and Figure (4) is a front view. Figures (1) and (2) show the paper inserting section in operation, Figures (3) and (4) show the paper being bound by the binding machine, and Figure (5) shows the end of operation. [Figure 8] This figure is provided to explain the embodiment of the invention and shows a suction-type paper inserting section, etc. Figures (1), (2), (3), and (5) are side views, and Figure (4) is a front view. Figures (1) and (2) show the paper inserting section in operation, Figures (3) and (4) show the paper being bound by the binding machine, and Figure (5) shows the end of operation. [Figure 9] 1A, 1B, and 1C are explanatory side views of a bundling process performed by a bundling machine, illustrating an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 10] 1A, 1B, and 1C are explanatory side views of a binding process performed by a binding machine, illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are explanatory side views of a binding process using a binding machine, illustrating an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B show steps 7 and 8. [Figure 12] The following provides an explanation of the mode for carrying out the invention. Figures (1) and (2) are explanatory front views of a bundle of flat seaweed with protective paper. Figure (1) shows the bundle before extrusion and removal from the press plate, and Figure (2) shows the bundle after extrusion and removal from the press plate. Figures (3) and (4) are explanatory side views of a bundle of flat seaweed with protective paper. Figure (1) shows the bundle before extrusion and removal from the press plate, and Figure (2) shows the bundle after extrusion and removal from the press plate. [Figure 13] The following is provided to explain the mode for carrying out the invention. Figure (1) is a bottom view of the suction part of the paper supply mechanism. Figures (2), (3), and (4) are perspective explanatory views. Figure (2) shows a bundle of flat nori seaweed, Figure (3) shows the state in which protective paper is wrapped around it, and Figure (4) shows the bound state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Overview of the Invention The outline of the present invention is as follows. The bundling device 1 for flat laver bundles A with protective paper P of the present invention is used in the laver production process. It has a conveyor 2, a paper supply mechanism 20, a press plate 3, a paper inserting section 30, a bundling machine 4, a push-out member 5, etc. The conveyor 2 carries the flat seaweed bundles A one by one and transports them forward. The paper supply mechanism 20 covers the flat laver bundle A whose transport has been stopped with a protective paper P from above. The press plate 3 can move up and down between a lower base position B and an upper top position C. The press plate 3 transfers the flat seaweed bundle A, which has been stopped and covered with protective paper P, above the base position B, loads it, and then rises to the top position C, where it presses and compresses it from below between the press receiver. The paper inserting section 30 inserts an end Q of the protective paper P that has been placed on the flat laver bundle A under the press plate 3 and wraps it around. The bundling machine 4 binds the compressed flat laver bundle A wrapped with protective paper P together with a press plate 3 using a bundling band D. The push-out member 5 pushes out and removes the flat seaweed bundle A, which has been compressed, bound, lowered, and wrapped with protective paper P, from the press plate 3 together with the binding band D. This results in the flat seaweed bundle A bound with protective paper P and bound with binding band D. The outline of the present invention is as described above. The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0015] Conveyor 2nd Class First, the conveyor 2 of the binding device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The conveyor 2 carries the flat seaweed bundles A one by one and transports them forward. The flat seaweed bundles A are fed from the previous counting and stacking process, where they are stacked in bundles of 50 or 100 sheets without being folded (see also Figure 13 (2)). A single sheet of flat seaweed is approximately 210mm (up to 230mm, or even 275mm) long and 190mm (up to 200mm) wide, and is a thin, roughly rectangular sheet. Conveyor 2 is a string conveyor, and is installed at least below binding machine 4. The width between the two strings is narrower than the width of the nori seaweed bundle A. In Figure 1(1), 6 is a motor for the drive mechanism of conveyor 2. As shown in FIGS. 1(1) and 1(2), an alignment unit 7 is disposed on the conveyor 2 below and before the binding machine 4. The alignment unit 7 consists of a pair of centering plates arranged on the left and right outer sides of the conveyor 2, and aligns the center of the width of the flat nori seaweed bundle A so that it passes through the center of the press plate 3. When the sensor 8 detects the arrival of the conveyed flat nori seaweed bundle A, the conveyor 2 temporarily stops and the alignment unit 7 aligns the center. In Figure 1(1), 9 is a motor for the drive mechanism of the alignment unit 7. The above is the case for Conveyor 2, etc.

[0016] 《Paper supply mechanism 20》 Next, the paper supply mechanism 20 of the binding device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1(1), FIGS. 2 to 4, etc. The paper supply mechanism 20 covers the laver bundle A, which has been stopped from being conveyed, with protective paper P from above. The protective paper P is wrapped around the laver bundle A to protect the laver bundle A from contact during bundling and tightening with the tie bands D, subsequent handling, and distribution. A thin paper, such as paperback paper, with a thickness of about 0.002 mm to 0.1 mm and dimensions of about 170 mm to 280 mm x 400 mm to 650 mm, for example, dimensions of about 205 mm x 470 mm (it does not have to be completely wrapped around the nori seaweed bundle A) is used.

[0017] Further details will be given of the paper supply mechanism 20. The paper supply mechanism 20 includes a vertical conveyor 21, a vertical shaft 22, a drive slide 23, a free slide 24, a connecting member 25, a suction unit 26, a paper box 27, a conveyor 28, a plate unit S, etc. That is, it comprises a vertical conveyor 21, a drive slide 23 which is guided by a vertical shaft 22 arranged in parallel and which is raised and lowered by the vertical conveyor 21, and a free slide 24 which is guided by the vertical shaft 22 and which can be raised and lowered almost in conjunction with the raising and lowering movement of the drive slide 23. The drive slide 23 and the free slide 24 are both attached to the vertical shaft 22 so as to be able to slide up and down. The free slide 24 is placed on the drive slide 23. The free slide 24 is connected to a suction section 26 via a connecting member 25, and a paper box 27 that stores protective paper P and can move back and forth laterally. In the figure, reference numeral 28 denotes a conveyor for the paper box 27. A commercially available or well-known suction pad, vacuum pad, Bernoulli gripper, suction cup, or other suction or adsorption structure is used as the suction unit 26. As shown in Fig. 13(1), for example, four suction units 26 are attached to the bottom four corners of a horizontal H-shaped iron plate S.

[0018] The paper supply process by the paper supply mechanism 20 will be described with reference to the examples of Figures 2 to 4. First, in the process shown in Figure 2(1), the paper box 27 moves below the suction unit . → Then, in the step of FIG. 2(2), the suction part 26 is lowered by the drive slide 23 and the free slide 24, and comes into contact with the uppermost sheet of protective paper P in the paper box 27. → Then, the free slide 24 stops descending, creating a gap between it and the drive slide 23, → and based on the detection of the sensor 29, the drive slide 23 also stops descending. Then, the suction unit 26 turns on suction and sucks the protective paper P. The sensor 29 is attached to either the drive slide 23 or the free slide 24. 3(1), the suction unit 26 sucks and separates the topmost protective paper P, and then rises. The protective paper P is now in a state where its center is horizontal and both left and right ends are hanging down. The paper box 27 retreats and retreats from under the suction unit 26. Then, in step (2) of FIG. 3, the suction unit 26, while still sucking the protective paper P, descends onto the laver bundle A on the conveyor 2, which has been stopped at the lower position. →When the suction part 26 reaches the nori seaweed bundle A, →the free slide 24 stops descending, creating a gap between it and the drive slide 23, →based on the detection of the sensor 29, the drive slide 23 also stops descending. →The suction part 26 then stops suction, and the protective paper P is placed on the nori seaweed bundle P. →Then, in the process shown in Figure 4(1), the suction section 26 rises, and →in the process shown in Figure 4(2), the flat nori seaweed bundle A covered with the protective paper P is transported by the conveyor 2 to the binding position below the binding machine 4. The paper supply mechanism 20 is as described above.

[0019] Press Plate 3: Part 1 Next, the press plate 3 of the binding device 1 will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, 6, etc. The press plate 3 can move up and down between a lower base position B and an upper top position C. Thus, the laver bundle A, which has been stopped and covered with a protective sheet P, is transferred onto the press plate 3 slightly above the base position B, loaded, and then raised to the top position C where it is pressed and compressed.

[0020] The press plate 3 will now be described in more detail. When the sensor 10 detects that the conveyed nori bundle A covered with the protective paper P has reached the binding position, the conveyor 2 stops and the nori bundle A also stops at the binding position under the binding machine 4. Then, the press plate 3 rises from the lower base position B, transferring the flat laver bundle A covered with the protective paper P from the stopped conveyor 2. The press plate 3 then rises carrying the nori seaweed bundle A covered with the protective paper P, stops at the top position C, and presses and compresses the nori seaweed bundle A. In the illustrated example, the lower panel 11 of the binding machine 4 is used as the press support. In FIG. 1(1), reference numeral 12 denotes a motor for a drive mechanism 13 for the press plate 3, and the drive mechanism 13 uses a cam 14. Regarding the press compression by the press plate 3, for example, the top position C and the press pressure can be appropriately selected, set, stabilized, managed, and maintained by inverter-controlling the rotation of the motor 12 based on detection control using an encoder. A servo motor or pulse motor can also be used. The overview of Press Plate 3 is as above.

[0021] <<Paper inserting section 30 (push type) in Figure 7>> Next, the paper inserting section 30 (push type) of the binding device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The paper inserting section 30 wraps the protective paper P that has been placed over the flat laver bundle A by inserting the end Q under the press plate 3. Then, the paper inserting section 30 shown in Figure 7 presses both left and right end portions Q of the protective paper P covering the flat seaweed bundle A against the underside of the press plate 3, thereby wrapping the protective paper P entirely around the flat seaweed bundle A.

[0022] The paper inserting section 30 in Fig. 7 will now be described in more detail. In the illustrated example, a total of four paper inserting sections 30 are arranged at the front, back, left and right. That is, in addition to being provided on the front left and right as shown in the figure, there are also provided on the rear left and right (not shown) and each has a pushing portion 31 formed on its tip. The paper inserting section 30 is movable forward and backward, and is also movable up and down in synchronization with the press plate 3. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7(1), when the nori seaweed bundle A is pressed and compressed by the press plate 3 at the top position C, the left and right lower end portions Q of the protective paper P hanging down from the nori seaweed bundle A are pushed and guided by the pushing portions 31 of the insertion part 30 as they move forward from the left and right outer sides to the inner underside of the press plate 3, as shown in Figure 7(2). As a result, the left and right lower end portions Q of the protective paper P that were hanging down are brought into contact with the underside of the press plate 3 and are then pushed in by a pressing motion to be inserted and wrapped around. Once the protective paper P is wrapped around the paper inserting section 30 in this manner, the flat seaweed bundle A is bound with a binding band D from the outside of the protective paper P in the binding machine 4, as shown in (3) and (4) of Figure 7. Then, as shown in (5) of Figure 7, the flat seaweed bundle A wrapped with protective paper P and bound with binding bands D is lowered along with the press plate 3. Each insertion part 30 retreats to the left and right outward. The paper inserting section 30 (push type) in FIG. 7 has been described above.

[0023] <<Paper inserting unit 30 (suction type) in Figure 8>> Next, the paper insertion section (suction type) of the binding device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the paper inserting section 30 wraps the protective paper P covering the flat laver bundle A by inserting the end Q under the press plate 3. The paper inserting section 30 shown in Figure 8 wraps the protective paper P covering the flat seaweed bundle A around the entire flat seaweed bundle A by adsorbing both left and right end portions Q onto the underside of the press plate 3. At this time, a tensile force is applied to the protective paper P, so that the wrapped protective paper P is tightly attached to the flat laver bundle A without any gaps.

[0024] The paper inserting section 30 shown in Fig. 8 will now be described in more detail. As in the example shown in Fig. 7, a total of four paper inserting sections 30 are arranged at the front, rear, left and right. That is, they are provided on the front left and right as shown in the figure, and also on the rear left and right as not shown. Each has an adsorption part 32 on its tip, and is movable forward and backward as well as up and down. The suction portion 32 may be a commercially available or known suction pad, vacuum pad, Bernoulli gripper, suction cup, or other suction or suction structure. As shown in Figure 8(1), when the nori seaweed bundle A is pressed and compressed by the press plate 3 at the top position C, the left and right lower end portions Q of the protective paper P hanging down from the nori seaweed bundle A are forcibly pulled and guided by the suction portions 32 of the insertion portion 30 as they move forward from the left and right outer sides to the inner underside of the press plate 3, as shown in Figure 8(2). As a result, the left and right lower end portions Q of the protective paper P that had been hanging down are brought into contact with the underside of the press plate 3 and pressed in by suction, and then inserted and wrapped around. Once the protective paper P is wrapped around the paper inserting section 30 in this manner, the flat seaweed bundle A is bound with a binding band D from the outside of the protective paper P in the binding machine 4, as shown in (3) and (4) of Figure 8. Then, as shown in (5) of Figure 8, the flat seaweed bundle A wrapped with protective paper P and bound with binding bands D and the press plate 3 are lowered. Each paper inserting section 30 retreats to the left and right outside.

[0025] By the way, with such a suction type paper inserting section 30, the protective paper P is tightly adhered to the flat seaweed bundle A without any gaps as a whole, and the adhesive function of the protective paper P is also exhibited. That is, as described above, when both end portions Q of the protective paper P are inserted under the press plate 3, the paper inserting portion 30 sucks and guides the protective paper P from both the left and right sides toward the inner underside of the press plate 3. Therefore, a tensile force acts on the entire protective paper P, and the protective paper P is squeezed and wound up with tension, so that it tightly adheres to the nori seaweed bundle A without any gaps. Therefore, the protection of the nori seaweed bundle A by the protective paper P is carried out smoothly. The paper inserting section 30 (suction type) in FIG. 8 has been described above.

[0026] About the Binding Machine 4 Next, the binding machine 4 of the binding apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 9 to 11, etc. The binding machine 4 is installed upright above the binding position conveyor 2. The binding machine 4 binds the flat seaweed bundle A, which has been compressed by the press plate 3 and wrapped with the protective paper P, together with the press plate 3 using a binding band D. That is, the binding machine 4 binds the compressed nori seaweed bundle A by wrapping it with binding bands D from the outside of the wrapped protective paper P at the center of the front, back, top, bottom, left and right, and also binds the press plate 3. Wide paper tape is used as the binding bands D.

[0027] The bundling machine 4 is described in more detail below. Other commercially available and known strapping machines for bundling may be used (for example, the Strapak OB-360N strapping machine). 9 to 11, an example of the bundling process using the bundling machine 4 will be described. In the figures, E is a roll paper (tape paper) for the bundling band D, 15 is a roller for feeding and rewinding, and 16 is a welding and cutting section. From the initial state of the process shown in (1) of Figure 9, the roll paper E is sent out and guided to the periphery in the process shown in (2). Then, in the process shown in (3), the flat seaweed bundle A is loaded onto the press plate 3. Next, in the process shown in FIG. 10(1), the stacked and lifted flat laver bundle A covered with protective paper P is pressed and compressed between the press plate 3 and the lower plate 11 of the binding machine 4. Then, in step (2), the roll paper E is unwound, and in step (3), the roll paper E becomes the wrapping band D, which wraps around, tightens, and binds the flat seaweed bundle A wrapped in protective paper P and the press plate 3. As a result, the wrapping band D is heat-sealed between one end and the other at the welding and cutting section 16, and the end is cut. 11(1), the bundled nori seaweed A with protective paper P attached and the press plate 3 are lowered, and the next roll paper E is sent out. Then, in the process shown in FIG. 11(2), the bundled nori seaweed A with protective paper P attached is pushed out and removed from the press plate 3 (see also FIGS. 12(1) to (4)), and the next bundle of nori seaweed A is waiting to be delivered. (Note that for the process shown in Figure 10(1) above, see also Figure 7(1) and Figure 8(1) described above. Also, for the process shown in Figure 10(3) above, see also Figures 7(2), (3), and (4) and Figures 8(2), (3), and (4). Furthermore, for the process shown in Figure 11(1) above, see also Figure 7(5) and Figure 8(5).) That's all about binding machine 4.

[0028] <<About extrusion member 5>> Next, the push-out member 5 of the binding device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The push-out member 5 pushes out and removes the flat nori seaweed bundle A, which has been compressed, bound, lowered, and wrapped with protective paper P, together with the binding band D, from the press plate 3. The press plate 3 is divided into left and right halves, and the push-out member 5 can move back and forth between the divided press plates 3.

[0029] Such a push-out member 5 will now be described in more detail. First, the illustrated press plate 3 is divided into three parts: a central plate 31, a side plate 32, and a side plate 33, with spaces formed between each part (see the side view of FIG. 1(2)). The two push-out members 5 can be reciprocated within the two spaces formed between an advanced position F (see Figures 5(1) and 5(2) and Figure 6(2) etc.) and a retracted position G (see Figures 5(3) and 6(1) etc.) by a drive mechanism equipped with a motor etc. Therefore, the extrusion member 5 is in the forward position F when the nori seaweed bundle A has not yet been compressed (Fig. 5 (1) and (2)). → Then, when the nori seaweed bundle A is raised, compressed, and bound, the extrusion member 5 moves backward from the forward position F to the backward position G (Fig. 5 (3)). Then, as the nori seaweed bundle A descends (Fig. 6 (1)), it advances from the retreating position G to the advancing position F, pushing out and extracting the nori seaweed bundle A together with the binding band D from the press plate 3 (Fig. 6 (2)) (see also Fig. 12 (1) → (2) and Fig. 12 (3) → (4)). This results in the nori seaweed bundle A with the protective paper P attached and bound with the binding band D. The pushing member 5 is as described above.

[0030] <About auxiliary press plate 17> Next, the auxiliary press plate 17 of the binding device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The main press plate 3 described above is provided with a sub-auxiliary press 17 below its front end. The auxiliary press plate 17 is vertically displaceable relative to the press plate 3 between a close-fitting position H and a separated position J. At the close-fitting position H, it moves together with the press plate 3. At the separated position J, the gap formed between it and the press plate 3 is used to push out and extract the lower portion D' of the wrapper strap D.

[0031] The auxiliary press plate 17 will now be described in more detail. First, as described above, the illustrated press plate 3 is divided into three parts: the center plate 31, the side plate 32, and the side plate 33, and three auxiliary presses 17 are attached to the lower front end of each of these parts. Each of the three auxiliary press plates 17 can be displaced up and down between a close position H (see Figures 5(2) and 5(3)) in which it is in close contact with the bottom of the press plate 3, and a separated position J (see Figure 5(1) and Figures 6(1) and 6(2)) in which it is separated from the bottom of the press plate 3 and a gap is formed. Therefore, at the close contact position H, the laver bundle A can be pressed and compressed in conjunction with the press plate 3. In contrast, at the separation position J, the upper and lower gaps formed between the press plate 3 are utilized to push out and extract the lower portion D' of the tie band D, which had previously also bound the press plate 3, from below the press plate 3 by the push-out member 5 (see (1) in Figure 6) (see also (1) → (2) and (3) → (4) in Figure 12). In Figure 1(1), reference numeral 18 denotes a cam of a drive mechanism 19 for the auxiliary press plate 17. This drive mechanism 19 shares the motor 12 with the drive mechanism 13 for the press plate 3 described above, and the press plate 3 and the auxiliary press plate 17 are driven in cooperation with each other by the single motor 12 via the respective cams 14, 18. Therefore, the setting, management and maintenance of each top position C and press pressure are the same as those described above for the press plate 3, but these can be done more appropriately by the cooperative drive. The above is the case with regard to the auxiliary press plate 17.

[0032] Press Plate 3: Part 2 Next, the thickness and width of the press plate 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the press plate 3 is made of a thin plate with a thickness in millimeters, for example, 2 mm to 5 mm. As a result, when the lower part D' of the cable tie D is pushed out and pulled out from under the press plate 3, the press plate 3 functions to relieve the load. That is, when the bound flat seaweed bundle A and the binding band D are pushed out and removed from under the press plate 3, the load on the lower part of the flat seaweed bundle A, especially the lower part D' of the binding band D, is alleviated and reduced by the press plate 3. Because the press 3 is thin, the load is alleviated and reduced compared to when the press 3 is thick, making pushing out and removal easier (see also Figure 12 (1) → (2) and Figure 12 (3) → (4)). Furthermore, the press plate 3 has a width that is equal to or slightly narrower than the width of the flat nori seaweed bundle A. Therefore, when the lower part D' of the tie band D is pushed out and pulled out from under the press plate 3, the press plate 3 functions to alleviate the load. That is, when the bound flat seaweed bundle A and the wrapper band D are pushed out and removed from under the press plate 3, the load on the lower part of the flat seaweed bundle A, especially the lower part D' of the wrapper band D, is alleviated and reduced. Because the press plate 3 is narrow, the load is alleviated and reduced compared to when the press plate 3 is wide, making the pushing and removal easier (see also Figure 12 (3) → (4)). The thickness and width of the press plate 3 are as described above.

[0033] 《Effect etc.》 The present invention is configured as described above, and therefore, the first to fifth steps shown in FIGS. (1) The bundling device 1 for the flat nori seaweed bundle A with protective paper P of the present invention is used in the nori seaweed production process, in which the flat nori seaweed is shipped without being bent.

[0034] (2) First, in the first step of FIG. 5(1), a protective sheet P is placed on a flat laver bundle A. That is, a bundle of, for example, 100 sheets of flat seaweed A that have been counted and accumulated in the previous process (see also Figure 13 (2)), is transported one by one on the conveyor 2, and is centered in the alignment section 7 (see also Figure 1), and a protective paper P is placed on top of them by the paper supply mechanism 20 (see also Figures 1, 2, 3, Figure 4 (1), etc.).

[0035] (3) Then, one bundle of flat seaweed A covered with protective paper P is carried under the binding machine 4 (see also (2) in Figure 4). The press plate 3 and the auxiliary press plate 17 are located at a lower base position B below the binder 4 and the conveyor 2. The auxiliary press plate 17 is located at a position J away from the press plate 3. The push-out member 5 is located at a forward position F.

[0036] (4) Then, in the second step of FIG. 5(2), the Nori bundle A is lifted up towards the binding machine 4. That is, the press plate 3 and the auxiliary press plate 17 displaced to the close contact position H rise from the lower base position B, load the nori sheet bundle A covered with the protective paper P, and further rise toward the upper binding machine 4 (motor 12 rotates forward). The push-out member 5 is in the forward position F.

[0037] (5) Then, in the third step shown in FIG. 5(3), the flat seaweed bundle A covered with the protective paper P is compressed by a press (see also FIG. 7(1) and FIG. 8(1)). That is, the press plate 3 and the auxiliary press plate 17 at the close contact position H are stopped at the top position C, and the flat seaweed bundle A with the protective paper P that is being loaded is press-compressed between them and the lower plate 11 of the binding machine 4, which serves as the press receiver (motor 12 is temporarily stopped).

[0038] (6) The press-compressed flat seaweed bundle A with the protective paper P is then wound around the sheet by the paper inserting section 30, whereby both ends Q of the protective paper P are inserted under the press plate 3 (see also Figure 13 (3)). Then, the left and right ends Q of the protective paper P that was hanging down and covering the flat nori seaweed bundle A are inserted under the press plate 3. In the example of FIG. 7, the protective paper P is wound around the laver bundle A by the pushing type paper inserting unit 30 pushing both end portions Q of the protective paper P under the press plate 3 with the pushing guide. In the example of FIG. 8, the protective paper P is wrapped around the laver bundle A by the suction type paper inserting unit 30, whereby both end portions Q of the protective paper P are wound under the press plate 3 by the suction guides.

[0039] (7) Then, the binding machine 4 is activated, binding the compressed nori seaweed bundle A together with the press plate 3 from the outside of the wrapped protective paper P with binding bands D (see also Figures 9-10). Meanwhile, the push-out member 5 moves from its previous forward position F to its retracted position G in the lower space formed under the press plate 3.

[0040] (8) After that, in the fourth process shown in Figure 6(1), the compressed and bound flat seaweed bundle A with the protective paper P is lowered (see also Figure 7(5), Figure 8(5), Figure 11(1), etc.). That is, the press plate 3 and the auxiliary press plate 17 at the close contact position H are lowered from the top position C (the motor 12 rotates in the reverse direction) and stopped directly above the conveyor 2 (the motor 12 is stopped). As a result, the stacked and bound flat seaweed bundles A with the protective paper P are also lowered and stopped. Thereafter, the auxiliary press plate 17 is displaced from the close position H to the separated position J, and a gap is formed between the auxiliary press plate 17 and the press plate 3 .

[0041] (9) Thus, in the fifth step of Figure 6 (2), the flat seaweed bundle A with the protective paper P is pushed out and extracted from the press plate 3 together with the tie band D (see also Figure 12 (1) → (2) and Figure 12 (3) → (4)). That is, as the push-out member 5 moves from the retracted position G to the advanced position F, the flat seaweed bundle A bound with the wrapper band D is pushed forward and extracted (see also Fig. 11(2) and Fig. 13(4)). Then, for example, it is discharged onto the conveyor 2. Once the extrusion and extraction are completed and a bundle of flat seaweed A with protective paper P bound with a binding band D is obtained, the press plate 3 and auxiliary press plate 17 return to the base position B below the conveyor 2 (the motor 12 rotates in the reverse direction again).

[0042] (10) When the flat seaweed bundle A or the cable tie D with the protective paper P is pushed out or removed from the press plate 3, the lower part D' of the cable tie D is pushed out or removed as follows. The lower part D' of the cable tie D is smoothly pushed out and extracted from under the press plate 3, etc., by utilizing the gap formed between the press plate 3 and the auxiliary press plate 17 at the separation position J (see also Figure 6 (1) and Figure 12 (1) → Figure 12 (2) and Figure 12 (3) → Figure 12 (4)).

[0043] (11) In addition, the auxiliary press plate 17 is provided under the front end of the press plate 3, and the thickness of the press plate 3 is made thinner, and the width of the press plate 3 is smaller than the width of the nori sheet bundle A. This further reduces the load imposed by the press plate 3 when the sheet is pushed out or extracted from the press plate 3 (see Figure 12, (1) → (2) and Figure 12, (3) → (4)). That is, the friction and load exerted by the press plate 3 on the lower part of the flat seaweed bundle A with the protective paper P, particularly the lower part D' of the binding band D, is alleviated and reduced.

[0044] (12) As described above, the binding device 1 for the flat seaweed bundle A with protective paper P of the present invention employs a distinctive and unique method in which (a) the flat seaweed A is pressed and compressed from the bottom as a whole, (b) it is bound together with the press plate 3, and then (c) it is pushed out and extracted from the press plate 3. As a result, (a), (b), and (c) allow the nori seaweed bundle A to be bound securely and stably with the protective paper P. The load on the nori seaweed bundle A and the binding band D is also reduced, preventing damage to the nori seaweed bundle A. Furthermore, by incorporating the paper supply mechanism 20 and the paper inserting section 30 into the binding device 1, the protective paper P is automatically wrapped around the laver bundle A and bound together with the laver bundle A.

[0045] "others" First, the lower press method of the present invention is as follows. A typical press machine is of the top pressing type, where the press plate 3 presses the object from above. In contrast, the press plate 3 of the binding device 1 of the present invention is characterized by adopting the bottom pressing type, where the object, the nori seaweed bundle A, is pressed from below (see Figures 5 and 6). After pressing, the flat seaweed bundle A bound together with the press plate 2 by the binding band D is pulled out from the press plate 3 and removed. In this case, in the general top press method, it is necessary to lift and hoist the flat nori bundle A with the cable tie D, which puts a large load on the flat nori bundle A and is prone to damage. In contrast, the present invention employs a lower press method, so there is no need to lift or hoist the nori seaweed bundle A when pulling out or extracting it, which reduces the load and prevents damage to the nori seaweed bundle A.

[0046] Secondly, regarding the multiple use of cable tie D, the following applies: In the above-described embodiment, one wrapper strap D is used, but the binding device 1 of the present invention is not limited to this and can also use a plurality of wrapper straps D. In particular, when the length of the nori seaweed is long, for example 275 mm, it is possible to use two tie bands, for example, to prevent the bundle of nori seaweed A from scattering. In other words, it is possible to use two tie bands D and wrap them around the nori seaweed bundle A in parallel to bind it. The process of the second binding (second roll) by the binding device 1 is similar to that of the first binding (first roll) described above, but after the first binding is completed, the nori seaweed bundle A is pushed and moved by the push-out member 5 to a position corresponding to the second binding, and then the nori seaweed bundle A is again raised by the press plate 3. Then the second binding is performed, and the press plate 3 and the nori seaweed bundle A are lowered, and the nori seaweed bundle A that has been bound twice is pushed out and extracted by the push-out member 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] A flat seaweed bundle B Base position C Top position D Cable Ties D' Lower part of cable tie E Roll paper F forward position G Backward position H Close position J Departure position P Protective paper Q end S plate part 1 Binding device 2 Conveyor 3 Press Plate 31 center plate 32 Side Plate 33 Side board 4 Binding machine 5 Extrusion member 6 motors 7 Alignment section 8 sensors 9 Motor 10 sensors 11 Bottom plate 12 motors 13 Drive mechanism 14 Cam 15 Roller 16 Welded cutting section 17 Auxiliary press plate 18 Cam 19 Drive mechanism 20 Paper supply mechanism 21 Vertical conveyor 22 Vertical shaft 23 Drive slide 24 Free Slides 25 Connecting member 26 Suction part 27 Paper Box 28 Conveyor 29 Sensors 30 Paper insertion section 31 Pushing part 32 Adsorption part

Claims

1. This device is used in the production process of nori seaweed, and is used to attach protective paper to bundles of flat nori seaweed. It includes a conveyor, a paper supply mechanism, a press plate, a paper inserting section, a bundling machine, and a push-out member. The conveyor carries the Nori seaweed bundles one by one and transports them forward. The paper supply mechanism covers the laver bundle whose transport has been stopped with a protective paper from above, The press plate can move up and down between a lower base position and an upper top position. The nori sheet bundle, which has been stopped and covered with protective paper, is transferred onto the press plate above the base position, loaded, and then raised to the top position where it is pressed and compressed from below between the press support. The paper inserting section inserts the end of the protective paper covering the compressed nori bundle under the press plate and wraps it around. The bundling machine ties the compressed and wrapped protective paper bundle of laver together with the press plate with a bundling band. The extrusion member pushes out and removes the flat laver bundle that has been compressed, bound, lowered, and wrapped with protective paper from the press plate together with the binding band, thereby obtaining a flat laver bundle bound with protective paper and bound with the binding band.

2. 2. The device for binding a bundle of flat nori seaweed with protective paper according to claim 1, wherein the paper inserting section presses both ends of the covering protective paper against the underside of the press plate by pushing the both ends and wraps the protective paper.

3. According to claim 1, the paper inserting section wraps both ends of the covering protective paper around the lower surface of the press plate by suction, In this case, a tensile force is applied to the protective paper, so that the wrapped protective paper is tightly attached to the flat laver bundle without any gaps as a whole, thereby forming a bundling device for the flat laver bundle with protective paper.

4. 2. A device for binding flat seaweed bundles with protective paper, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor is a string conveyor, and the binding machine binds the compressed flat seaweed bundles by wrapping them with binding bands from the outside of the wrapped protective paper in all directions, and at the same time, binds the press plate together.

5. 2. The device for binding flat nori seaweed bundles with protective paper according to claim 1, wherein the press plate is divided into left and right halves, and the extrusion member is capable of reciprocating back and forth within the space between the divided press plates.

6. In claim 1, the press plate has an auxiliary press plate below its front end, and the auxiliary press plate is vertically displaceable between a close position and a separated position relative to the press plate, This device for binding a flat nori seaweed bundle with protective paper is characterized in that, in the close position, it is possible to press and compress the flat nori seaweed bundle in conjunction with the press plate, and, in the separated position, it is possible to push out or pull out the lower part of the binding band from under the press plate by utilizing the gap formed between the press plate and the device.

7. 2. A device for binding flat nori seaweed bundles with protective paper, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the press plate is made of a thin plate having a thickness of the order of millimeters, thereby reducing the load imposed by the press plate when the lower part of the binding band is pushed out or pulled out from under the press plate.

8. 8. A device for binding a bundle of flat nori seaweed with protective paper, as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the width of the press plate is equal to or slightly narrower than the width of the bundle of flat nori seaweed, thereby reducing the load imposed by the press plate when the lower part of the binding band is pushed out or pulled out from under the press plate.

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