Apparatus for producing folded food

Abstract

This apparatus (1) comprises: a pair of sealing rollers (61, 62) that are rotated in mutually opposite directions so as to seal a peripheral edge part (DA) of an outer skin material (D) that has been folded together with an inner material (F); and a support device (7) that is disposed below the pair of sealing rollers and supports the sealed outer skin material. Each of the pair of sealing rollers has, in an initial position thereof, a lower surface (65d, 66d) constituting a lower recess, and the support device is located, in the initial position, at a position raised into the lower recess.

Description

Folding Food Manufacturing Device 【0001】 The present invention relates to a device for manufacturing a folded food in which an inner material is wrapped with an outer skin material by folding a flat outer skin material. 【0002】 Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose devices for manufacturing a folded food in which an inner material is wrapped with an outer skin material by folding a flat outer skin material, and use a pair of opposing rollers. 【0003】 International Publication No. 2024 / 019146 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-089546 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-099566 【0004】 In the devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, there is a demand for stably manufacturing the shape of the folded food into a desired shape. 【0005】 Therefore, the present invention aims to stably manufacture the shape of a folded food, in which an inner material is wrapped with an outer skin material by folding a flat outer skin material, into a desired shape, in a device using a pair of opposing rollers. 【0006】 In order to achieve such an object, the device according to the present invention for manufacturing a folded food in which an inner material is wrapped with an outer skin material by folding a flat outer skin material includes a pair of sealing rollers that are rotated in opposite directions so as to seal the peripheral edge of the outer skin material folded together with the inner material, and a support device that is disposed below the pair of sealing rollers and supports the sealed outer skin material. Each of the pair of sealing rollers has a lower surface that forms a lower concave portion in its initial position, and the support device is in a position raised into the lower concave portion in its initial position. 【0007】 In the device configured as described above, the support device is not in a position below the pair of sealing rollers in its initial position, but in a position raised into the lower concave portions of the pair of sealing rollers. Therefore, the support device can support the outer skin material from the initial stage of the sealing process by the pair of sealing rollers and prevent deformation of the outer skin material. Thereby, the shape of the folded food can be stably manufactured into a desired shape. 【0008】In the apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the support device is configured to descend together with the rotation of a pair of sealing rollers. 【0009】 In the apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, a pair of sealing rollers, in their initial position, include an upper portion having an irregularly shaped cross-section with an expanded circle, and are controlled to move horizontally as the pair of sealing rollers rotate, so as to maintain the pair of sealing rollers in the sealing gap. 【0010】 In the apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, one of a pair of sealing rollers has an inner surface that inclins the outer material being sealed by the rotation of the pair of sealing rollers toward the other of the pair of sealing rollers. 【0011】 In the apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, there is an end-pressing member positioned above a pair of sealing rollers, the end-pressing member being able to descend so as to press the peripheral edge of the outer material placed on the pair of sealing rollers between the pair of sealing rollers. 【0012】 In the apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, a peripheral pressing member is positioned above a pair of sealing rollers, the peripheral pressing member is movable downward so as to press the peripheral edge of the outer material placed on the pair of sealing rollers onto the pair of sealing rollers, and the end pressing member is initially retracted into the peripheral pressing member and is movable downward from the peripheral pressing member when pressing the outer material. 【0013】This is a schematic front view of the folding food manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. This is a schematic top view of the folding food manufacturing apparatus of Figure 1. This is a schematic perspective view of the pressing device of the folding food manufacturing apparatus of Figure 1. This is a perspective view of the pressing device and sealing roller. This is a perspective view of the pressing device and sealing roller. This is a schematic perspective view of the sealing device of the folding food manufacturing apparatus of Figure 1. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front cross-sectional view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front cross-sectional view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a left side cross-sectional view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front cross-sectional view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a left side cross-sectional view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front cross-sectional view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a left side cross-sectional view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front cross-sectional view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a left side cross-sectional view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front cross-sectional view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front cross-sectional view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front view showing part of the manufacturing process. This is a front cross-sectional view showing part of the manufacturing process. 【0014】 Referring to the drawings, a manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the present invention for a folded food product P in which an inner material F is wrapped in a flat outer material D will be described. The flat outer material D can be obtained, for example, by adjusting and then stretching a ball of rolled dough. For example, the outer material D is bread dough, the inner material F is cream, and the folded food product P is a cream bun. 【0015】As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the manufacturing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus frame 1a, a supply conveyor 2 that supplies outer material D on which the inner material F is placed in the X direction (conveying direction), a folding device 3 that folds the outer material D so as to enclose the inner material F with the outer material D, and a discharge device 8 that discharges the folded food P in the X direction (discharge direction). In this embodiment, the folding device 3 is configured to fold two outer material D simultaneously. Figure 2 shows the center position CP of the outer material D and the folding line CL in a plan view when the outer material D is folded. The folding line CL is perpendicular to the X direction. As shown in Figure 4b, the outer material D includes a peripheral portion DA and a central portion DC, and the peripheral portion DA includes two peripheral end portions DB located at both ends on the folding line CL. 【0016】 As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the supply conveyor 2 is a belt conveyor and includes a tip 2A that can extend and retract in the X direction and a sensor 2B for sensing the outer material D that has reached the tip 2A. The tip 2A is configured to reciprocate between a first forward position T1 advanced downstream, a second forward position T2 set back from the first forward position T1, and a retracted position T3 set back upstream. The sensor 2B is attached to the tip 2A of the supply conveyor 2. The sensor 2B is, for example, a photoelectric sensor. 【0017】 The folding device 3 includes two pushing devices 5, two sealing devices 6, and two support devices 7. The sealing device 6 includes a pair of sealing rollers 61 and 62 (see Figure 4a). The pushing devices 5 are positioned above the pair of sealing rollers 61 and 62, and the support devices 7 are positioned below the pair of sealing rollers 61 and 62. 【0018】 As shown in Figures 3 to 4b, the pressing device 5 includes a pressing unit 51 that holds down the outer shell material D that has been moved onto the sealing rollers 61 and 62, a pressing unit 52 that pushes the peripheral edges (both ends) DB of the outer shell material D between the sealing rollers 61 and 62, and a drive mechanism 53. The drive mechanism 53 is configured in common for the two pressing devices 5, thereby configuring the two pressing devices 5 to operate synchronously. 【0019】The drive mechanism 53 includes a first base 5a mounted on the device frame 1a so as to be movable vertically, an actuator 5b mounted on the first base 5a, and a second base 5c mounted on the operating side of the actuator 5b. The first base 5a is configured to be controlled so as to be able to adjust its height position by an actuator (not shown), such as a servo motor. The actuator 5b is, for example, a pneumatic cylinder. 【0020】 The retaining unit 51 includes a retaining bracket 51a attached to the first base 5a, a tubular sliding bearing 51b detachably fixed to the retaining bracket 51a, and a cylindrical peripheral retaining member 55 fixed to the sliding bearing 51b so as to communicate with the inside of the sliding bearing 51b. 【0021】 The push-in unit 52 includes an upper connecting pipe 52a detachably fixed to a second base 5c, a lower connecting pipe 52b detachably attached to the upper connecting pipe 52a via a socket and plug (not shown), a cylindrical central member 56 detachably fixed to the lower end of the lower connecting pipe 52b, and end push-in members 57 coupled to both sides of the central member 56. 【0022】 The upper connecting pipe 52a is connected to a compressed air supply source (not shown). The lower connecting pipe 52b is slidably inserted into the sliding bearing 51b. The central member 56 and the end pressing members 57 are positioned inside the peripheral pressing member 55. As shown in Figure 6b, the central member 56 has an internal space 56a communicating with the lower connecting pipe 52b, a lower surface 56b, and an air hole 56c provided on the lower surface 56b. Thus, the pressing unit 52 is configured to eject compressed air from the air hole 56c on the lower surface 56b of the central member 56. 【0023】The periphery pressing member 55 is cylindrical and is configured to press down on the outer shell material D by sandwiching it between the periphery pressing member 55 and the sealing rollers 61 and 62. More specifically, the periphery pressing member 55 has a lower portion 55a with an arc-shaped cross-section that extends along one surface of the sealing rollers 61 and 62, and a convex lower portion 55b that extends from one sealing roller 61 and 62 to the other. The convex lower portion 55b has a double structure and includes an inner wall 55c with an arc-shaped cross-section that is continuous with the lower portion 55a with an arc-shaped cross-section, and an outer wall 55d that extends outward from the inner wall 55c and forms a space that extends vertically between it and the inner wall 55c. 【0024】 The end-pressing member 57 is positioned along the folding line CL, is elongated and plate-shaped, and extends downward from the top of the central member 56 and beyond the central member 56. The end-pressing member 57 is also movable up and down within the space between the inner wall 55c and the outer wall 55d. In order to seal the internal space of the perimeter pressing member 55, it is preferable that the end-pressing member 57 is configured to slide against the inner wall 55c and the outer wall 55d. 【0025】 By moving the first base 5a up and down, the perimeter pressing member 55 and the end pressing member 57 can move up and down together. Also, by moving the second base 5c up and down, the end pressing member 57 can move up and down relative to the perimeter pressing member 55. 【0026】 As shown in Figure 5, the sealing device 6 includes a pair of sealing rollers 61 and 62 extending in the Y direction parallel to the folding line CL (see Figure 2), and a drive mechanism 63. The drive mechanism 63 is configured in common for the two sealing devices 6, thereby configuring the two sealing devices 6 to operate synchronously. 【0027】 The sealing roller 61 on the upstream side in the X direction has a roller body 61a and a rotating shaft 61b that rotates the roller body 61a. The sealing roller 62 on the downstream side in the X direction has a roller body 62a and a rotating shaft 62b that rotates the roller body 62a. 【0028】The drive mechanism 63 is configured to reciprocate the sealing rollers 61 and 62 in the X direction (horizontal direction) and to rotate the sealing rollers 61 and 62. The upstream sealing roller 61 is rotatable counterclockwise when viewed from the front, and the downstream sealing roller 62 is rotatable clockwise when viewed from the front. The drive mechanism 63 is the same as the drive mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1, so only its outline will be described. 【0029】 The drive mechanism 63 includes plates 63a and 63b that rotatably support both ends of the rotating shafts 61b and 62b, respectively; a rail 63c that guides the plates 63a and 63b in the X direction; a first connecting body (not shown) that connects the upstream plate 63a of the two sealing devices 6; a second connecting body 63d that connects the downstream plate 63b of the two sealing devices 6; a first actuator (not shown) that reciprocates the first connecting body in the X direction; and a second actuator (not shown) that reciprocates the second connecting body in the X direction. As a result, the sealing rollers 61 and 62 are configured to move closer to and further away from each other with respect to the folding line CL. 【0030】 The drive mechanism 63 also includes timing pulleys (not shown) fixed to the rotating shafts 61b and 62b, a first timing belt (not shown) that operatively connects the upstream timing pulleys of the two sealing devices 6, a first drive motor 63e that rotates the upstream rotating shaft 61b, a second timing belt (not shown) that operatively connects the downstream timing pulley of the sealing device 6, and a second drive motor 63f that rotates the downstream rotating shaft 62b. The first drive motor 63e and the second drive motor 63f are each configured to control the angular position of the sealing rollers 61 and 62 in the rotational direction. 【0031】As shown in Figure 6a, the cross-sections of the roller bodies 61a and 62a of the sealing rollers 61 and 62 are irregularly shaped. More specifically, when the sealing rollers 61 and 62 are in the initial position shown in Figure 6a, the cross-sections of the roller bodies 61a and 62a each include a lower half along a reference circle C having centers C1 and C2, and an upper half extending beyond the reference circle C. The upper half preferably has an arbitrary shape that prevents the outer sheathing material D from shifting position and from slipping through the roller bodies 61a and 62a when the outer sheathing material D is moved onto the sealing rollers 61 and 62. In this embodiment, the upper halves of the roller bodies 61a and 62a each include an upper surface 65a and 66a formed by a gentler arc than the reference circle C and extending generally horizontally, and opposing side surfaces 65b and 66b formed by a gentler arc than the reference circle C and extending generally vertically. The upper surfaces 65a and 66a are surfaces that approximate being flat. Furthermore, it is preferable that the upper surfaces 65a and 66a and the opposing side surfaces 65b and 66b have surface shapes (for example, grooves, protrusions, unevenness, dimples) that promote the prevention of displacement of the outer shell material D. 【0032】 Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4a and 6b, the roller bodies 61a and 62a each include upper edges 65e and 66e forming a circular upper recess centered at the central position CP, lower surfaces 65d and 66d forming a lower recess with most of the lower half removed, and inner surfaces 65f and 66f forming through holes connecting the upper and lower recesses. The upper recess allows the central part DC of the outer sheath material D to hang down from the peripheral part DB when the outer sheath material D is moved onto the sealing rollers 61 and 62. The lower recess allows the support device 7 to rise to near the centers C1 and C2 to support the outer sheath material D. The through holes allow the outer sheath material D to expand downward together with the inner material F when the sealing rollers 61 and 62 are in their initial positions. The lower surfaces 65d and 66d are, for example, surfaces that extend horizontally. The inner surface 65f of the roller body 61a extends diagonally downward toward the downstream (roller body 62a). The inner surface 66f of the roller body 62a may be nearly vertical, or it may extend diagonally downward toward the downstream direction. 【0033】The drive mechanism 63 can change the positions of centers C1 and C2 in the X direction when rotating the sealing rollers 61 and 62. For example, when rotating the sealing rollers 61 and 62, it is possible to control the positions of centers C1 and C2 in the X direction so that the gap between the roller bodies 61a and 62a is symmetrical and constant with respect to the folding line CL. 【0034】 The support device 7 is positioned below the sealing device 6 and includes a vertically movable support conveyor 7a for supporting the outer shell material D. The support conveyor 7a is configured to rise in its initial position and approach the lower surfaces 65d and 66d of the lower recesses of the roller bodies 61a and 62a. The lifting speed, lifting timing, conveying speed, and conveying timing of the support conveyor 7a are adjustable according to the folded food product P to be manufactured. 【0035】 The discharge device 8 includes two belt conveyors 8a and 8b. The upstream belt conveyor 8a is positioned between two support devices 7 and is configured to receive folded food products P from the upstream support device 7 and discharge them to the downstream support device 7. The downstream belt conveyor 8b is positioned downstream of the downstream support device 7 and is configured to receive folded food products P from the downstream support device 7 and discharge them. To transport the folded food products P in a horizontal position, contact members (not shown), such as rollers, may be placed above the belt conveyors 8a and 8b. 【0036】 Next, the operation of the manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 6a to 15b. 【0037】As shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the periphery pressing member 55 and the end pressing member 57 of the pressing device 5 are set to their initial positions. Specifically, by raising the first base 5a using an actuator (not shown), the periphery pressing member 55 of the pressing unit 51 is raised, and by operating the actuator 5b, the end pressing member 57 of the pressing unit 52 is retracted into the periphery pressing member 55. In addition, the sealing rollers 61 and 62 of the sealing device 6 are set to their initial positions by operating the drive mechanism 63. In the initial positions, the upper surfaces 65a and 66a of the sealing rollers 61 and 62 are approximately horizontal, the upper edges 65e and 66e of the upper recesses form approximately circular openings, and the sealing rollers 61 and 62 are separated by a gap G1. The support conveyor 7a of the support device 7 is also set to its initial position. Specifically, the support conveyor 7a is raised to approach the lower surfaces 65d and 66d of the lower recesses of the sealing rollers 61 and 62. The lower recesses of the sealing rollers 61 and 62 allow the support conveyor 7a of the support device 7 to be positioned in a raised position within the lower recesses. In addition, the leading edge 2A of the supply conveyor 2 is retracted to the retracted position T3 (see Figure 1). 【0038】 Multiple outer shell materials D, each containing the required amount of inner material F, are placed on a supply conveyor 2 at intervals in the X direction and transported in the X direction by the supply conveyor 2. When the sensor 2B detects an outer shell material D during transport, the tip 2A is moved forward in the X direction to a first forward position T1, stopping the outer shell material D at a position where its center coincides with the downstream center position CP in a plan view. Next, the tip 2A is quickly moved backward to a second forward position T2, moving the outer shell material D onto the sealing rollers 61 and 62 of the sealing device 6 downstream from the tip 2A. 【0039】 Next, the next outer shell material D is transported in the X direction by the supply conveyor 2. When the outer shell material D is detected by the sensor 2B while being transported, the outer shell material D is stopped at a position where its center coincides with the upstream center position CP in a plan view. Then, the tip 2A is quickly retracted to the retracted position T3, and the outer shell material D is moved from the tip 2A onto the sealing rollers 61 and 62 of the sealing device 6 on the upstream side. 【0040】As shown in Figures 7a to 7c, the peripheral edge DA of the outer shell material D is positioned on the upper surfaces 65a and 66a of the sealing rollers 61 and 62, and the central part DC of the outer shell material D on which the inner material F is placed is located inside the upper edges 65e and 66e of the upper recesses of the sealing rollers 61 and 62, and is lower than the peripheral edge DA due to the weight of the inner material F. The surfaces of the roller bodies 61a and 62a have an anti-slip surface shape, which prevents the position of the outer shell material D from shifting relative to the center position CP. 【0041】 The following two pushing devices 5, two sealing devices 6, and two support devices 7 operate in synchronous manner. 【0042】 As shown in Figures 8a to 8c, the first base 5a is lowered using a servo motor (not shown), causing the peripheral pressing member 55 to contact the entire peripheral edge DA of the outer shell material D. This prevents the outer shell material D from moving relative to the sealing rollers 61 and 62, and seals the inside of the space formed by the peripheral pressing member 55 and the outer shell material D. The lowered position of the peripheral pressing member 55, that is, the strength with which it presses the outer shell material D, can be arbitrarily set according to the properties of the fabric. To minimize damage to the outer shell material D, it is preferable that the pressing strength is not too strong. 【0043】 Next, as shown in Figures 9a to 9c, compressed air supplied from a compressed air supply device (not shown), such as a compressor, is supplied from the air holes 56c on the lower surface 56b of the central member 56 into the sealed space inside the peripheral pressing member 55. This pushes the inner material F downward, causing the outer material D to expand downward into a bowl shape towards the support conveyor 7a. This allows the outer material D to be deformed without causing damage. It is also preferable that the top of the inner material F is positioned below the peripheral edge DA of the outer material D, thereby stably positioning the inner material F inside the outer material D. Furthermore, it is preferable to support the outer material D at an angle by the inner surface 65f of the roller body 61a. This causes the outer material (D) to tilt toward the sealing roller 62. The sealed space created by the peripheral pressing member 55 and the outer material D prevents compressed air from leaking to the outside, allowing the outer material to be deformed efficiently. 【0044】Next, as shown in FIGS. 10a to 10c, the end pressing member 57 is lowered by the actuator 5b to project downward from the peripheral holding member 55. Thereby, the peripheral edge portion DB of the outer skin material D is pushed and extended downward, and the outer skin material D is folded along the opposing side surfaces 65b and 66b of the roller bodies 61a and 62a. It is preferable to lower the end pressing member 57 until the outer skin material D abuts against the support conveyor 7a. Further, according to the product, by determining in advance the size of the central member 56 that descends together with the end pressing member 57, the top of the inner material F may be further depressed, or the central member 56 may be used only for supplying compressed air so as not to contact the top of the inner material F. 【0045】 Next, as shown in FIGS. 11a to 11c, by raising the second base 5c, while the peripheral edge portion DA of the outer skin material D is held by the peripheral holding member 55, the end pressing member 57 is raised and drawn into the peripheral holding member 55. Almost simultaneously therewith, the drive mechanism 63 of the sealing device 6 is operated to move the sealing rollers 61 and 62 closer to the sealing gap G2. Thereby, the peripheral edge portion DA of the outer skin material D pushed between the roller bodies 61a and 62a is sealed. Also, the central member 56 is raised together with the end pressing member 57. In order to prevent the adhesion of the inner material F to the central member 56, it is preferable to discharge compressed air from the air holes 56c on the lower surface 56b of the central member 56. 【0046】 Next, as shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b, by raising the first base 5a, the peripheral holding member 55 and the end pressing member 57 are raised together. 【0047】Next, as shown in FIGS. 13a to 14b, the sealing rollers 61 and 62 are rotated to move the outer skin material D downward while maintaining the sealing gap G2, and at the same time, the sealing rollers 61 and 62 are moved in the X direction according to the rotation angle. Thereby, the peripheral edge DA of the outer skin material D is sealed over the entire area. At this time, it is preferable to lower the support conveyor 7a in accordance with the outer skin material D. Thereby, from the initial stage to the completion of the sealing process, the outer skin material D can be supported by the support conveyor 7a and the desired product shape can be maintained. It is preferable to drive the support conveyor 7a so as to tilt the folded food P upstream in the X direction while the sealing rollers 61 and 62 sandwich the outer skin material D. 【0048】 Next, as shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b, the sealing rollers 61 and 62 are rotated to discharge the folded food P onto the support conveyor 7a and to lower the support conveyor 7a. The folded food P is discharged onto the belt conveyors 8a and 8b. 【0049】 Although the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the folded food P according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, and these are also included within the scope of the present invention. 【0050】 In the above embodiment, the end pushing member 57 is disposed inside the peripheral pushing member 55, but it may be provided outside the peripheral pushing member 55. Also, in the above embodiment, the end pushing member 57 and the central member 56 are coupled and moved together by the same actuator 5b, but the end pushing member 57 and the central member 56 may be separated and moved separately. 【0051】 Also, the cross-sectional shape on the upper surfaces 65a and 66a of the roller bodies 61a and 62a can be arbitrarily selected according to the shape of the outer skin material D and the like. For example, it may be constituted by a plurality of continuous arcs, or may be constituted by a combination of an arc and a straight line. 【0052】 Also, the shape of the inner surfaces 65f and 66f of the roller bodies 61a and 62a can be arbitrarily selected according to the shape of the desired folded food P, and they may have the same shape as each other, or may have a shape different from the above embodiment. 【0053】Furthermore, an external shape adjustment device may be added above the sealing rollers 61 and 62 to deform and maintain a consistent external shape of the outer shell material D supplied from the supply conveyor 2 before or after it is placed on the upper surfaces 65a and 66a of the sealing rollers 61 and 62. 【0054】 1 (Apparatus for manufacturing folded food products) 7 Support device 55 Peripheral pressing member 57 End pressing member 61, 62 Sealing roller 65d, 66d Bottom surface 65f Inner surface D Outer shell material DA Peripheral part DB Peripheral end F Inner material G2 Sealing gap P Folded food product

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for manufacturing a folded food product (P) in which an inner material (F) is wrapped in an outer material (D) by folding a flat outer material (D), comprising: a pair of sealing rollers (61, 62) that are rotated in opposite directions to seal the peripheral edge (DA) of the outer material (D) that is folded together with the inner material (F); and a support device (7) positioned below the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62) to support the sealed outer material (D), wherein each of the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62) has a lower surface (65d, 66d) that forms a lower recess in its initial position, and the support device (7) is in a raised position within the lower recess in its initial position.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support device (7) is configured to descend in conjunction with the rotation of the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62) in their initial position include an upper portion having an irregularly shaped cross-section with an expanded circle, and are controlled to move horizontally as the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62) rotate, so as to maintain the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62) in the sealing gap (G2).

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein one of the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62) (61) has an inner surface (65f) that tilts the outer material (D) being sealed by the rotation of the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62) toward the other of the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62) (62).

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, further comprising an end-pressing member (57) positioned above the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62), wherein the end-pressing member (57) is movable downward to press the peripheral end (DB) of the outer material (D) placed on the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62) between the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62).

6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a peripheral pressing member (55) positioned above the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62), wherein the peripheral pressing member (55) is movable downward so as to press the peripheral edge (DA) of the outer material (D) placed on the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62) onto the pair of sealing rollers (61, 62), and the end pressing member (57) is initially retracted into the peripheral pressing member (55) and is movable downward from the peripheral pressing member (55) when the outer material (D) is pressed.

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