Fabric sheet folding and lamination machine
The folding and laminating apparatus addresses non-uniform sheet overlap and complex operations by using a stacking conveyor and guide unit to align folds parallel to the discharge direction, achieving stable and efficient sheet transfer.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- RHEON AUTOMATIC MASCH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing folding and laminating devices face issues with non-uniform overlap of dough sheets due to perpendicular conveyance and discharge directions, requiring complex structures and large installation spaces, and existing fabric sheet laminating devices have complex operations when changing the inclination angle of conveyors.
A folding and laminating apparatus with a stacking conveyor that transports fabric sheets in a transport direction, a discharge conveyor perpendicular to it, and a guide unit that reciprocates to align the fold of the sheets parallel to the discharge direction, using sensors to stabilize sheet positioning and conveyor speed control.
Enables uniform folding and laminating of fabric sheets with ease, reducing complexity and space requirements by aligning folds parallel to the discharge direction, ensuring stable sheet transfer and efficient operation.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a folding and laminating device that laminates dough sheets such as bread dough by folding them.
Background Art
[0002] There is known a folding and laminating device having a laminating conveyor that conveys a dough sheet such as bread dough in a conveyance direction and a discharge conveyor disposed below the laminating conveyor, and reciprocating the position of the dough sheet in the conveyance direction and the direction opposite to the conveyance direction when delivering the dough sheet to the discharge conveyor, thereby folding the dough sheet on the discharge conveyor to form a laminated dough sheet, and discharging the laminated dough sheet in a discharge direction different from the conveyance direction by the discharge conveyor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Since the laminated dough sheet is moved in the discharge direction by the discharge conveyor, the dough sheets are laminated while being shifted in the discharge direction (see FIG. 9).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In the folding and laminating device described in Patent Document 1, the conveyance direction for conveying the dough sheet and the discharge direction for discharging the laminated dough sheet are perpendicular to each other. In this folding and laminating device, as shown in FIG. 9, when laminating the dough sheet S on the discharge conveyor 70, the fold line SF of the dough sheet S tends not to be parallel to the discharge direction C. Specifically, the downstream edge portion SD of the dough sheet S tends to be pulled back toward the center SLC of the width of the laminated dough sheet SL. As a result, the overlap of the dough on both sides of the laminated dough sheet SL may become non-uniform in the discharge direction C.
[0005] In the folding and laminating apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the conveying direction for transporting the fabric sheets and the discharge direction for discharging the laminated fabric sheets are inclined relative to each other. Therefore, it is easy to make the fold line SF of the fabric sheet parallel to the discharge direction. However, when changing the number of laminated fabric sheets, it is necessary to change the inclination angle of the introduction conveyor relative to the discharge conveyor, making the structure and operation of the folding and laminating apparatus relatively complex. In addition, since the introduction conveyor is positioned at an inclination relative to the discharge conveyor, a relatively large installation space is required for the folding and laminating apparatus.
[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a folding and laminating apparatus in which the conveying direction for transporting the fabric sheets and the discharge direction for discharging the laminated fabric sheets are perpendicular to each other, and in which it is easy to arrange the folds of the fabric sheets parallel to the discharge direction. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] To achieve this objective, the folding and stacking apparatus according to the present invention, which stacks fabric sheets by folding them, has a stacking conveyor that transports continuous fabric sheets in a transport direction, the stacking conveyor including a downstream end, and further having a discharge conveyor positioned below the stacking conveyor that receives continuous fabric sheets from the downstream end of the stacking conveyor and discharges the stacked fabric sheets in a discharge direction perpendicular to the transport direction, the downstream end of the stacking conveyor is configured to reciprocate between a first folding position and a second folding position in the transport direction and in the direction opposite to the transport direction, thereby folding the continuous fabric sheets onto the discharge conveyor to form stacked fabric sheets on the discharge conveyor, and further reciprocating together with the downstream end of the stacking conveyor, guiding the continuous fabric sheets from the downstream end of the stacking conveyor to the discharge conveyor The stacking conveyor has a guide unit including a pair of guide members, the pair of guide members being configured such that the downstream edge of a continuous sheet of fabric passes between them, and when the downstream end of the stacking conveyor is moved in the opposite direction to the transport direction to reach the first turning position, that is, when it has reached the first turning position, the guide unit is configured to move the pair of guide members in the opposite direction to the transport direction in order to move the downstream edge of the continuous sheet of fabric beyond the first turning position in the opposite direction to the transport direction, and when the downstream end of the stacking conveyor is moved in the transport direction to reach the second turning position, the guide unit is configured to move the pair of guide members in the transport direction in order to move the downstream edge of the continuous sheet of fabric beyond the second turning position in the transport direction.
[0008] In a folding and stacking device configured in this way, the conveying direction for transporting continuous fabric sheets and the discharge direction for discharging stacked fabric sheets are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, when the downstream end of the stacking conveyor reaches the first folding position, the guide unit moves a pair of guide members in the opposite direction to the conveying direction, moving the downstream edge of the fabric sheet in the opposite direction to the conveying direction from the first folding position. Furthermore, when the downstream end of the stacking conveyor reaches the second folding position, the guide unit moves a pair of guide members in the conveying direction, moving the downstream edge of the fabric sheet in the conveying direction from the second folding position. This makes it easy to position the fold of the fabric sheet parallel to the discharge direction after the downstream edge of the fabric sheet is pulled back toward the center of the width of the stacked fabric sheet.
[0009] In the folding and stacking apparatus configured in this manner, preferably, the stacking conveyor is configured to increase the speed of the conveyor belt of the stacking conveyor when moving the pair of guide members to move the downstream edge of a continuous sheet of fabric in the opposite direction to the transport direction from the first folding position and to move it in the transport direction from the second folding position.
[0010] In an embodiment of the folding and stacking apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, an introduction conveyor is further positioned above the stacking conveyor and transports a continuous sheet of fabric in the direction opposite to the transport direction, wherein the introduction conveyor has a downstream end and is configured to transfer the continuous sheet of fabric from the downstream end of the introduction conveyor to the stacking conveyor. More preferably, a sensor is provided to detect the position of the continuous sheet of fabric in the transport direction when the continuous sheet of fabric is transferred from the downstream end of the introduction conveyor to the stacking conveyor.
[0011] In a folding and laminating device configured in this way, fabric sheets can be supplied onto a laminating conveyor in a stable state.
[0012] In an embodiment of the folding and stacking apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, a roller is provided between the downstream end of the introduction conveyor and the stacking conveyor to maintain the position of the continuous fabric sheets in the transport direction when the continuous fabric sheets are transferred from the downstream end of the introduction conveyor to the stacking conveyor.
[0013] In an embodiment of the folding and stacking apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the apparatus further includes a sensor for detecting the position of the continuous fabric sheets in the transport direction when the continuous fabric sheets are transferred from the downstream end of the stacking conveyor to the discharge conveyor.
[0014] In an embodiment of the folding and stacking apparatus according to the present invention, a pair of guide members may include a pair of guide rollers, a pair of guide plates, or both. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0015] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view of a folding and stacking apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing multiple conveyors of the folding and stacking device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing the roller moving unit and conveyor moving unit of the folding stacking device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing multiple conveyors of the folding and stacking device. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing the roller moving unit and conveyor moving unit of the folding stacking device. [Figure 6] This is a schematic plan view showing the guide unit of the folding and stacking apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] This is a schematic plan view showing the guide unit of the folding and stacking apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] This is a schematic right side view showing the guide unit of the folding and stacking apparatus in Figure 1. [Figure 9] This figure shows a laminated fabric sheet from a conventional folding and laminating device. [Figure 10] It is a schematic right side view showing a guide unit of the folding and laminating apparatus of the modification example. [Figure 11] It is a schematic front view showing a plurality of conveyors of the folding and laminating apparatus of the modification example. [Figure 12] It is a schematic plan view showing a guide unit of the folding and laminating apparatus of the modification example. [Figure 13] It is a schematic front view showing a plurality of conveyors of the folding and laminating apparatus of the modification example. [Figure 14] It is a schematic plan view showing a guide unit of the folding and laminating apparatus of the modification example.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, embodiments of the folding and laminating apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the folding and laminating apparatus 1 has three belt conveyors, namely, an introduction conveyor 10, a lamination conveyor 20, and a discharge conveyor 30. The introduction conveyor 10 is located in the upper stage and is configured to receive the fabric sheet S continuously supplied and convey it in the first direction A. The lamination conveyor 20 is located in the middle stage and is configured to receive the fabric sheet S from the introduction conveyor 10 and convey it in the second direction B opposite to the first direction A. The discharge conveyor 30 is located in the lower stage and is configured to receive the fabric sheet S from the lamination conveyor 20 and convey it in the third direction C perpendicular to the first direction A. The first direction A, the second direction B, and the third direction C are substantially horizontal directions.
[0018] In the present embodiment, on the upstream side of the introduction conveyor 10, a supply conveyor 60 for continuously supplying the fabric sheet S and a conveyor 62 for brushing off excess powder adhering to the upper and lower surfaces of the fabric sheet S are arranged. Further, in order to prevent shrinkage of both ends of the fabric sheet S, it is preferable that a stretching device (not shown) for stretching both ends of the fabric sheet S is arranged on the supply conveyor 60. The stretching device is, for example, a stretching roller.
[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the introduction conveyor 10 includes frames 12 on both sides, a drive roller 14a, a front roller 14b, a return roller 14c, a counter roller 14d, a conveyor belt 14e wrapped around them, and a drive unit 14f (see Figure 1) that drives the drive roller 14a. The front roller 14b constitutes the downstream end that transfers the fabric sheet S to the stacking conveyor 20.
[0020] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the front roller 14b and the counter roller 14d are configured to move relative to the frame 12 in a first direction A and a second direction B, and in opposite directions to each other. More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the introduction conveyor 10 includes a roller moving unit 16, which includes a drive pulley 16a, a driven pulley 16b, a belt 16c wrapped around them, an upper slider 16d fixed to the upper running portion of the belt 16c, a lower slider 16e fixed to the lower running portion of the belt 16c, and a drive unit 16f that drives the drive pulley 16a. The upper slider 16d is connected to a roller 18b and a front roller 14b that can run on an upper rail 18a. The lower slider 16e is connected to a roller 18d and a counter roller 14d that can run on a lower rail 18c.
[0021] Furthermore, a sensor 40 for detecting the position of the tip roller 14b and a sensor 42 for detecting the position of the fabric sheet S being transferred from the introduction conveyor 10 to the stacking conveyor 20 are attached to the frame 12. These sensors 40 and 42 are used to detect whether the fabric sheet is being pulled or slack by the stacking conveyor based on the difference in their detected positions.
[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the stacking conveyor 20 includes frames 22 on both sides, a drive roller 24a, a driven roller 24b, a conveyor belt 24c wound around them, and a drive unit for driving the drive roller 24a (built into the drive roller 24a in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the drive roller 24a constitutes the downstream end that transfers the fabric sheet S to the discharge conveyor 30.
[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the stacked conveyor 20 is configured to move in a first direction A and a second direction B relative to the frame 12 of the introduction conveyor 10. More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the stacked conveyor 20 includes a conveyor moving unit 26, which includes a drive pulley 26a, a driven pulley 26b, a belt 26c wrapped around them, a slider 26d fixed to the upper running portion of the belt 26c, and a drive unit 26f that drives the drive pulley 26a. The slider 26d is connected to the frame 22 of the stacked conveyor 20 and a roller 28b that is movable along a rail 28a. The drive unit 16f of the roller moving unit 16 and the drive unit 26f of the conveyor moving unit 26 are interlocked, and the two drive pulleys 16a and 26a are arranged to rotate in the same direction.
[0024] A sensor 44 is provided on the frame 12 of the introduction conveyor 10 to detect when the downstream end (drive roller 24a) of the stacking conveyor 20 is in a position corresponding to the center SLC of the folded width SLW of the stacked fabric sheet SL. The center SLC of the folded width SLW (see Figure 6) is generally the center in the width direction of the discharge conveyor 30. The drive unit 26f of the stacking conveyor 20 is configured to detect the distance traveled by the stacking conveyor 20. As a result, the stacking conveyor 20 is configured to reciprocate between a first turning position P1 and a second turning position P2 according to a predetermined (input) folded width SLW. The first turning position P1 is a position moved in the first direction A by half the distance of the folded width SLW from the center SLC of the folded width SLW. The second turning position P2 is a position moved in the second direction B by half the distance of the folded width SLW from the center SLC of the folded width SLW.
[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the discharge conveyor 30 includes frames 32 on both sides, a conveyor belt 34e including a conveying surface that moves in a third direction C, and a drive unit (not shown) that drives the conveyor belt 34e. The discharge conveyor 30 is preferably inclined downward toward the third direction C. The inclination angle is preferably in the range of about 5 to 25 degrees, for example, 15 degrees. Since the discharge conveyor 30 is a known conveyor, a detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the folding and stacking device 1 further includes a guide unit 50 that guides the fabric sheet S when transferring it from the stacking conveyor 20 to the discharge conveyor 30. The guide unit 50 is located below the downstream end (drive roller 24a) of the stacking conveyor 20 and is fixed to the frame 22 of the stacking conveyor 20. Therefore, the guide unit 50 is configured to reciprocate together with the stacking conveyor 20.
[0027] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the guide unit 50, when viewed in the third direction C, which is the conveying direction of the discharge conveyor 30, has an upstream support portion 52, a downstream support portion 54, and a pair of guide members 56 that extend between the upstream support portion 52 and the downstream support portion 54 and face each other. The pair of guide members 56 are configured such that the fabric sheet S passes between them. In this embodiment, the guide member 56 is composed of an upper guide plate 56a and a lower guide roller 56b.
[0028] The guide member 56 is configured to swing around the pivot 52a of the upstream support section 52. More specifically, the upstream support section 52 includes a bracket 52b fixed to the frame 22 of the stacked conveyor 20, and a bracket 52c that pivots around the pivot 52a fixed to the bracket 52b, with the upstream end of the guide member 56 attached to the bracket 52c. The pivot 52a is preferably positioned at the downstream end (drive roller 24a) of the stacked conveyor 20.
[0029] The downstream support section 54 includes a linear motor 54a fixed to the frame 22 of the stacking conveyor 20, and a bracket 54c slidably attached to the slider 54b of the linear motor 54a, with the downstream end of the guide member 56 attached to the bracket 54c. As a result, the guide member 56 can swing in the first direction A and the second direction B by a predetermined angle α around a central position GC extending in the third direction. The predetermined angle α can be changed according to the number of stacks of the stacked fabric sheet SL. For example, when increasing the number of stacks, the angle α should be decreased, and when decreasing the number of stacks, the angle α should be increased. This makes it easier to set up the folding stacking device when changing the number of stacks. The predetermined angle α is, for example, 15 degrees.
[0030] Next, we will explain the operation of the folding and stacking device.
[0031] A continuous sheet of dough S is introduced from the supply conveyor 60 to the introduction conveyor 10 via a conveyor 62 for removing powder, and is transported in a first direction A by the introduction conveyor 10. Next, the continuous sheet of dough S is transferred downward from the tip roller 14b (downstream end) of the introduction conveyor 10 to the stacking conveyor 20, and is transported in a second direction B by the stacking conveyor 20. Next, the continuous sheet of dough S is transferred downward from the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 to the discharge conveyor 30.
[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the tip roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the first direction A, so that the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 reaches the first turning position P1. At this time, the guide member 56 is moved from the center position GC to the first direction A. As a result, the downstream side edge SD of the fabric sheet S is positioned on the discharge conveyor 30 at position P1a, which is moved in the first direction A from the first turning position P1.
[0033] Next, the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 is stopped at the first turning position P1 for a predetermined time. Then, the tip roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the second direction B to form a fold SF in the fabric sheet S and fold the fabric sheet S. The downstream side edge SD of the fabric sheet S is pulled back toward the center SLC of the width of the stacked fabric sheet SL, and finally, the fold SF is aligned with and parallel to the third direction (discharge direction) C. After that, the guide member 56 is returned to the center position GC.
[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, the tip roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the second direction B, so that the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 reaches the second turning position P2. At this time, the guide member 56 is moved from the center position GC to the second direction B. As a result, the downstream side edge SD of the fabric sheet S is positioned on the discharge conveyor 30 at position P2a, which is moved in the second direction B from the second turning position P2.
[0035] Next, the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 is stopped at the second turning position P2 for a predetermined time. Then, the tip roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the first direction A to form a fold SF in the fabric sheet S and fold the fabric sheet S. The downstream side edge SD of the fabric sheet S is pulled back toward the center SLC of the width of the stacked fabric sheet SL, and finally, the fold SF is aligned with and parallel to the third direction (discharge direction) C. After that, the guide member 56 is returned to the center position GC.
[0036] By repeating this operation, a laminated fabric sheet SL is formed. The laminated fabric sheet SL is discharged in a third direction C by a discharge conveyor 30.
[0037] When moving the guide member 56 as described above, it is preferable to increase the speed of the conveyor belt 24c of the stacking conveyor 20. This prevents the guide member 56 from pulling the fabric sheet S, which is being handed over from the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20, too hard, which would cause the folding of the fabric sheet S to become unstable. Furthermore, when the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 reaches the first turning position P1 and the second turning position P2, it is preferable to return the speed of the conveyor belt 24c of the stacking conveyor 20 to its original speed.
[0038] Furthermore, by detecting the position of the dough sheet S relative to the tip roller 14b detected by sensors 40 and 42, it is preferable to estimate the degree of tension (bending) of the dough sheet S and adjust the speed of the conveyor belt 14e of the introduction conveyor 10 so that the position of the dough sheet S is within a predetermined range where the tension of the dough sheet S is weak (bending is large). For example, if the tension of the dough sheet S becomes strong, the speed of the conveyor belt 14e is increased, and when the position of the dough sheet S returns to the predetermined range, the speed of the conveyor belt 14e of the introduction conveyor 10 is returned to its original speed.
[0039] Although embodiments of the folding and stacking apparatus according to the present invention have been described above, various modifications are conceivable and are also included within the scope of the present invention.
[0040] In the above embodiment, the guide member 56 had a pair of guide plates 56a and a pair of guide rollers 56b, but any other configuration is acceptable as long as it can move the downstream edge SD of the fabric sheet S. For example, the pair of guide plates 56a may be omitted, or the pair of guide rollers 56b may be omitted. The pair of guide rollers 56b may be driven rollers or free-rotating rollers. The outer diameter of the guide rollers 56b may be constant (cylindrical shape (see Figure 10)) or vary (for example, a shape that is narrower in the middle (see Figure 8)). Also, the length of the guide rollers may be long enough to receive the entire fabric sheet S, or long enough to receive a part of the fabric sheet S (for example, the downstream edge SD).
[0041] As a variation, a guide roller 14g (shown by dashed lines in Figures 2 and 4) for guiding the dough sheet may be provided below the tip roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10. For example, if the dough sheet S being delivered from the downstream end (drive roller 24a) of the stacking conveyor 20 to the discharge conveyor 30 slides off the stacking conveyor 20 due to its own weight, the dough sheet S will not be substantially supported by the stacking conveyor 20, and the folding of the dough sheet S will not be controlled. In this case, by providing the guide roller 14g, the dough sheet S may be reliably supported on the stacking conveyor 20. This will allow the dough sheet S to maintain a curved (loose) state.
[0042] As a variation, a sensor 46 (shown by dashed lines in Figures 2 and 4) for detecting the degree of curvature (loosening) of the dough sheet S may be installed integrally with the stacking conveyor 20 below the stacking conveyor 20, and the speed of the stacking conveyor 20 may be controlled. For example, if the dough sheet S becomes too loose, unevenness will occur in the stacked dough sheet SL, so it is preferable to slow down the speed of the conveyor belt 24e of the stacking conveyor 20.
[0043] In the above embodiment, the tip roller 14b (downstream end) of the introduction conveyor 10 was moved, but the introduction conveyor 10 itself may be moved if the introduction conveyor 10 can receive the fabric sheet S. Also, in the above embodiment, the stacking conveyor 20 itself was moved, but it may be configured so that only the downstream end of the stacking conveyor 20 is moved.
[0044] In the above embodiment, the pair of guide members 56 are configured to swing around the pivot 52a of the upstream support 52, but any configuration can be adopted as long as the downstream edge SD of the fabric sheet S can be moved. For example, the upstream support 52 may have a linear motor fixed to the frame 22 of the stacking conveyor 20, similar to the downstream support 54, and may be configured to move the pivot 52a of the upstream support 52 in a first direction A or a second direction B.
[0045] The operation of the pair of guide members 56 should be modified according to the properties (behavior) of the fabric sheet S. For example, the timing of the start of movement of the guide member 56 from the center position GC during the reciprocating motion of the stacking conveyor 20, the stopping time after the guide member 56 has moved, the timing of the start of the return of the guide member 56 to the center position GC, and the movement speed of the guide member 56 can be arbitrarily selected.
[0046] Next, Figures 10 to 14 show a preferred modified folding and stacking device. The preferred modified folding and stacking device is constructed by partially modifying the embodiment described above. Specifically, the guide member 56 is composed only of guide rollers 56b, i.e., the guide plate 56a is omitted. Also, the outer diameter of the guide rollers 56b is constant, i.e., the guide rollers 56b are cylindrical (see Figure 10). The guide rollers 56b are driven rollers (rollers with a drive mechanism). The speed of the conveyor belt 24c of the stacking conveyor 20 is constant. In addition, a guide roller 14g for guiding the fabric sheet is provided below the tip roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10. Furthermore, the timing of the start of movement of the guide member 56 from the center position GC during the reciprocating motion of the stacking conveyor 20 is changed.
[0047] Next, the operation of a preferred modified folding and stacking apparatus will be described.
[0048] Similar to the above embodiment, a continuous sheet of dough S is introduced from the supply conveyor 60 to the introduction conveyor 10 via a conveyor 62 for brushing off powder, and is transported in the first direction A by the introduction conveyor 10. Next, the continuous sheet of dough S is transferred downward from the tip roller 14b (downstream end) of the introduction conveyor 10 to the stacking conveyor 20, and is transported in the second direction B by the stacking conveyor 20. Next, the continuous sheet of dough S is transferred downward from the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 to the discharge conveyor 30.
[0049] As shown in Figure 11, the tip roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the first direction A, and the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 is stopped when it reaches the first turning position P1. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the drive roller 24a was stopped, the guide member 56 is moved from the center position GC in the first direction A, as shown in Figure 12. As a result, the downstream side edge SD of the fabric sheet S is positioned on the discharge conveyor 30 at position P1a, which is moved in the first direction A from the first turning position P1.
[0050] Next, similar to the above embodiment, the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 is stopped at the first turning position P1 for a predetermined time, and then the tip roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the second direction B to form a fold SF of the fabric sheet S and fold the fabric sheet S. The downstream side edge SD of the fabric sheet S is pulled back toward the center SLC of the width of the stacked fabric sheet SL, and finally, the fold SF is aligned with and parallel to the third direction (discharge direction) C. After that, the guide member 56 is returned to the center position GC.
[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the tip roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the second direction B, and the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 is stopped when it reaches the second turning position P2. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the drive roller 24a was stopped, the guide member 56 is moved from the center position GC in the second direction B, as shown in Figure 14. As a result, the downstream side edge SD of the fabric sheet S is positioned on the discharge conveyor 30 at position P2a, which is moved in the second direction B from the second turning position P2.
[0052] Next, similar to the above embodiment, the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 is stopped at the second turning position P2 for a predetermined time, and then the tip roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the first direction A to form a fold SF of the fabric sheet S and fold the fabric sheet S. The downstream side edge SD of the fabric sheet S is pulled back toward the center SLC of the width of the stacked fabric sheet SL, and finally, the fold SF is aligned with and positioned parallel to the third direction (discharge direction) C. After that, the guide member 56 is returned to the center position GC.
[0053] By repeating this operation, a laminated fabric sheet SL is formed. The laminated fabric sheet SL is discharged in a third direction C by a discharge conveyor 30.
[0054] In a preferred modification, the speed of the conveyor belt 24c of the stacked conveyor 20 is constant. In this case as well, it is possible to prevent the guide member 56 from overtightening the fabric sheet S that is being passed from the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacked conveyor 20, which would cause the folding of the fabric sheet S to become unstable. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0055] 1. Folding and stacking device 10. Introductory conveyor 14a Tip roller (downstream end) 14g Laura 20-tier conveyor 24a Drive roller (downstream end) 24c conveyor belt 30 Discharge conveyor 50 guide units 56 A pair of guide members 40, 42 sensors 46 sensors A. First direction (opposite direction to the transport direction) B. Second direction (conveying direction) C. Third direction (discharge direction) S Fabric Sheet SD downstream edge SL Laminated Fabric Sheet P1 First turning point P2 Second turning point
Claims
1. A folding and laminating apparatus (1) that laminates fabric sheets (S) by folding them, The system includes a stacking conveyor (20) that transports continuous sheets of fabric (S) in the transport direction (B), and the stacking conveyor (20) includes a downstream end (24a). Furthermore, the system includes a discharge conveyor (30) positioned below the stacking conveyor (20), which receives continuous fabric sheets (S) from the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) and discharges the stacked fabric sheets (SL) in a discharge direction (C) perpendicular to the conveying direction (B). The downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) is configured to reciprocate between a first folding position (P1) and a second folding position (P2) in the transport direction (B) and in the direction opposite to the transport direction (A), thereby folding a continuous sheet of dough (S) onto the discharge conveyor (30) to form a stacked sheet of dough (SL) on the discharge conveyor (30). Furthermore, the system includes a guide unit (50) which includes a pair of guide members (56) that reciprocate together with the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) and guide a continuous sheet of fabric (S) from the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) to the discharge conveyor (30), wherein the pair of guide members (56) are configured such that the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous sheet of fabric (S) passes between them. With the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) moved in a direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B) to reach the first folding position (P1), the guide unit (50) is configured to move the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous fabric sheet (S) in a direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B) beyond the first folding position (P1), and the guide unit (50) is configured to move the pair of guide members (56) in a direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B). Folding and stacking device (1), wherein when the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) is moved in the transport direction (B) to reach the second folding position (P2), the guide unit (50) is configured to move the pair of guide members (56) in the transport direction (B) in order to move the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous fabric sheet (S) further in the transport direction (B) than the second folding position (P2).
2. The guide unit (50) is configured to move the downstream end (24a) of the stacked conveyor (20) in a direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B) to reach the first turning position (P1) and stop it, and then move the pair of guide members (56) in a direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B). The folding stacking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the guide unit (50) is configured to move the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) in the transport direction (B) to reach the second folding position (P2) and stop, and then move the pair of guide members (56) in the transport direction (B).
3. The folding and stacking apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the stacking conveyor (20) is configured such that the speed of the conveyor belt (24c) of the stacking conveyor (20) is constant when the pair of guide members (56) are moved to move the downstream edge (SD) of a continuous sheet of fabric (S) in the opposite direction (A) to the transport direction (B) from the first folding position (P1) and to move it in the transport direction (B) from the second folding position (P2).
4. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the stacking conveyor (20) is configured to increase the speed of the conveyor belt (24c) of the stacking conveyor (20) when moving the pair of guide members (56) to move the downstream edge (SD) of a continuous sheet of fabric (S) in the opposite direction (A) to the transport direction (B) from the first folding position (P1) and to move it in the transport direction (B) from the second folding position (P2).
5. Furthermore, the folding and stacking apparatus (1) according to claim 1 has an introduction conveyor (10) positioned above the stacking conveyor (20) and transporting a continuous sheet of fabric (S) in a direction opposite to the transport direction (B) (A), wherein the introduction conveyor (10) has a downstream end (14a) and is configured to transfer the continuous sheet of fabric (S) from the downstream end (14a) of the introduction conveyor (10) to the stacking conveyor (20).
6. Furthermore, the folding and stacking apparatus (1) according to claim 5 has a sensor (42) for detecting the position of the continuous fabric sheets (S) in the transport direction (B) when the continuous fabric sheets (S) are transferred from the downstream end (14a) of the introduction conveyor (10) to the stacking conveyor (20).
7. Furthermore, the folding and stacking apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein a roller (14g) is provided between the downstream end (14a) of the introduction conveyor (10) and the stacking conveyor (20) to maintain the position of the continuous fabric sheets (S) in the transport direction (B) when the continuous fabric sheets (S) are transferred from the downstream end (14a) of the introduction conveyor (10) to the stacking conveyor (20).
8. Furthermore, the folding and stacking apparatus (1) according to claim 3 or 4 has a sensor (46) for detecting the position of the continuous fabric sheets (S) in the transport direction (B) when the continuous fabric sheets (S) are transferred from the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) to the discharge conveyor (30).
9. The folding and stacking apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pair of guide members (56) includes a pair of guide rollers (56b).
10. The folding and stacking apparatus (1) according to claim 9, wherein each of the pair of guide rollers (56b) is a driven roller.
11. The folding and stacking apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pair of guide members (56) includes a pair of guide plates (56a).