JP2005218553A - Automatic folding and supplying device for towel - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic folding and supplying device for towel for automatically folding wet towels in two so as to supply them to a post-process such as a wet towel winding-up and forming/packaging device or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The device comprises a flat-placing conveying part (a flat-placing conveying means) 1 having a placing face for conveying the towel T in an unfolding state, a hanging conveying part (a hanging conveying means) 2, and a rolling delivery part (a rolling delivery means) 3. The hanging conveying part 2 is provided consecutively from the flat-placing conveying part 1 for holding a widthwise center part of the towel T which is sent out from the flat-placing conveying part 1, and for freely hanging down both sides of it in an inversed U-shape vertical view so as to convey it in a hanging state. The rolling delivery part 3 is provided consecutively from the hanging conveying part 2 so that the towel T sent out from the hanging conveying part 2 is sent out by being rolled while being held and conveyed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

本発明は、タオルを自動的に二つ折りに折り畳んで、おしぼり巻上げ成形・包装機等に、供給するタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置に関する。   The present invention relates to an automatic folding supply device for towels that are automatically folded in two and supplied to a hand towel roll forming / packaging machine or the like.

周知のように、飲食店等で広く用いられているおしぼりは、湿潤状態の小型タオルを円柱形状に巻上げ成形し、かつ樹脂フイルムで包装して使用に供されている。   As is well known, hand towels widely used in restaurants and the like are used by rolling a small towel in a cylindrical shape into a cylindrical shape and packaging it with a resin film.

また使用後には、洗浄・殺菌処理され、再び同様に巻上げ成形および包装されて使用に供される。   Further, after use, it is washed and sterilized, and is similarly wound up and packaged again for use.

このような、おしぼりを自動的に巻上げ成形して包装する装置として例えば、水平方向に移動するベルトコンベアと同ベルトコンベアの上部に対向配置された巻上げガイドとで構成され、そのベルトコンベアに供給された湿潤状態のタオルを移送しながら所定円柱形状のおしぼりに巻上げ成形する巻上げ成形部と、成形部から送り出されたおしぼりを、個別ないしは複数個単位で、Ｖ字状とされた２枚の樹脂フイルム間に導くとともに、その周囲を熱圧着して封入・包装する包装部とを備えた装置が実用に供されている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。
特開平７−６９３３０号（第２〜５頁および図１） As an apparatus for automatically winding and forming a hand towel such as this, it is composed of, for example, a belt conveyor that moves in the horizontal direction and a winding guide that is disposed opposite to the top of the belt conveyor, and is supplied to the belt conveyor. Two resin films that are formed into a V-shape, individually or in units, from a roll forming unit that rolls and molds a wet towel in a predetermined cylindrical shape while transferring a wet towel. An apparatus including a wrapping portion that encloses and encloses and wraps the periphery by thermocompression bonding is provided for practical use (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-7-69330 (pages 2-5 and FIG. 1)

しかしながら、それら従来の装置では下記のような問題がある。すなわち、従来のおしぼり巻上げ成形・包装装置では、通常、二つに折り畳んだタオルを送入して巻き上げ・包装する構成とされ、供給するタオルの折り畳みは人手に依存しているため、装置の処理速度を高めたとしても、供給側の処理能力は高め難く、結果として処理速度が制約される。またタオルを、巻上げ成形時に型崩れが生じないように正確に、かつすばやく折り畳むには習熟を要するため、熟練者と非熟練者とでは処理速度に大きな差が生じ、これが平均処理能力を低下させる。   However, these conventional devices have the following problems. In other words, the conventional hand towel roll-up forming / packaging apparatus is usually configured to feed and wrap and wrap the towel folded in two, and the folding of the towel to be supplied depends on manpower. Even if the speed is increased, it is difficult to increase the processing capacity on the supply side, and as a result, the processing speed is limited. In addition, skill is required to fold the towel accurately and quickly so that it does not lose its shape during roll-up molding, so there is a large difference in processing speed between skilled and unskilled workers, which reduces the average processing capacity. .

本発明は上述の点に鑑みてなされたもので、タオルを自動的に折り畳んでおしぼり巻上げ成形・包装装置に供給することができ、しかも作業者の習熟度等の人的能力の影響を低く抑えて処理速度を安定して高く維持でき、よっておしぼり巻上げ成形・包装装置の高速化にも寄与できるタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置を提供することを目的としているものである。   The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and can automatically fold a towel and supply it to a hand towel roll forming / packaging apparatus, while suppressing the influence of human ability such as the proficiency level of an operator to a low level. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic towel supply device that can stably maintain a high processing speed, and thus can contribute to speeding up a hand towel roll forming and packaging device.

上記の目的を達成するために請求項１に係る本発明のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置は、タオルを二つ折りの状態に折り畳んで巻上げ成形等の後工程に供給するタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置であって、前記タオルを展開した状態で搬送可能な載置面を有する平置搬送手段と、前記平置搬送手段に続いて設けられ、同平置搬送手段から送り出される前記タオルの幅方向中央部を保持することにより両側を自由に垂下させ、幅方向の縦断面形状が逆Ｕ字形となる懸吊状態で搬送する懸吊搬送手段と、前記懸吊搬送手段に続いて設けられ、同懸吊搬送手段から送り出される前記タオルを保持して搬送しつつ、横転させて送り出す横転送出手段とを備えていることを特徴としている。   In order to achieve the above object, the towel automatic folding supply device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a towel automatic folding supply device that folds the towel in a folded state and supplies the towel to a subsequent process such as roll forming. A flat conveying means having a mounting surface that can be conveyed in a state in which the towel is unfolded, and a central portion in the width direction of the towel that is provided following the flat conveying means and is sent out from the flat conveying means. The suspension conveying means for freely hanging both sides by holding and conveying in a suspended state in which the longitudinal sectional shape in the width direction is an inverted U shape, and the suspension conveying means provided following the suspension conveying means It is characterized by comprising a horizontal transfer delivery means for holding the towel delivered from the means and transporting it while rolling it over.

請求項２記載のように、前記平置搬送手段は、前記タオルよりも広幅の平形搬送ベルトを備える平置ベルトコンベアとし、前記懸吊搬送手段は、細幅の搬送ベルトを、始端部が前記平形搬送ベルトの終端部の幅方向中央部下方に位置し、かつ搬送面が水平となるように配するとともに、両側にガイド板を兼ねる側板を上辺縁が前記細幅搬送ベルトの搬送面よりも僅少に低くなるように配し、かつ少なくとも一方の側板の上辺部を前記細幅搬送ベルトの終端縁から所定寸法搬送方向に張り出させた構成の懸吊ベルトコンベアとし、前記横転送出手段は、一対の平形で幅狭の搬送ベルトをそれぞれ横転させ互いの搬送面が対面して接するように配し、かつ少なくとも一方の搬送ベルトを対の相手側に向けて所定押圧力で付勢させた構成であって、始端部を前記懸吊ベルトコンベアの側板の前方張出上辺部を対間に挟むような位置に配するとともに、同始端部よりも終端部側を低くして傾斜させて配設された挟持ベルトコンベアと、
前記挟持ベルトコンベアの終端寄りの下方に位置し、平形の搬送ベルトの搬送面が水平であって搬送方向が平面視前記挟持ベルトコンベアの搬送方向と交差し、かつ前記幅狭搬送ベルトの終端部下側端との高さ間隔が所定少間隔となるように配設された裾払ベルトコンベアとを備えており、かつ前記挟持ベルトコンベアの前記裾払ベルトコンベアの始端側にある前記幅狭搬送ベルトの終端部の直前方に位置し、同幅狭搬送ベルトの終端回送曲面に所定間隔を隔てて沿い、かつ他方の幅狭搬送ベルトの終端回送面との間の間隔を狭くする一方、下辺側が開放端となるように配設された円弧状の偏向ガイド板とを備えた構成とすることができる。 According to a second aspect of the present invention, the flat conveying means is a flat belt conveyor provided with a flat conveying belt wider than the towel, and the hanging conveying means is a narrow conveying belt, the start end of which is The flat conveyor belt is positioned below the end in the width direction of the end of the flat conveyor belt and the conveyor surface is horizontal, and side plates that also serve as guide plates on both sides have upper edges that are more than the conveyor surface of the narrow conveyor belt. A suspension belt conveyor that is arranged so as to be slightly lowered, and has an upper side portion of at least one side plate protruding from a terminal edge of the narrow conveyance belt in a predetermined dimension conveyance direction, A configuration in which a pair of flat and narrow conveying belts are rolled over so that their conveying surfaces face each other and come into contact with each other, and at least one of the conveying belts is urged toward the other side with a predetermined pressing force Because The clamping belt is disposed with its end portion positioned at a position such that the upper protruding upper side portion of the side plate of the suspension belt conveyor is sandwiched between the pair, and is inclined with the end portion side lower than the starting end portion. A conveyor,
Located below the end of the sandwich belt conveyor, the transport surface of the flat transport belt is horizontal, the transport direction intersects the transport direction of the sandwich belt conveyor in plan view, and below the end of the narrow transport belt A narrow conveyor belt disposed at a start end side of the bottom belt conveyor of the nipping belt conveyor, and a bottom belt conveyor disposed so that a height interval with the side edge is a predetermined small interval. Is located just before the end of the narrow belt, along the end turning surface of the narrow conveying belt with a predetermined interval, and narrows the distance between the other end of the narrow conveying belt and the lower side is It can be set as the structure provided with the circular-arc-shaped deflection guide plate arrange | positioned so that it may become an open end.

請求項３記載のように、前記挟持ベルトコンベアは、前記一対の幅狭搬送ベルトの互いに接する搬送面の背面側にバックアップローラー配するとともに、双方のバックアップローラーを搬送方向で互いに異なる位置に配置することで、双方の幅狭搬送ベルトを互いに接しながら蛇行させる構成とすることができる。   According to a third aspect of the present invention, the sandwiching belt conveyor is provided with a backup roller on the back side of the conveying surface where the pair of narrow conveying belts are in contact with each other, and both the backup rollers are arranged at different positions in the conveying direction. Thus, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which both narrow conveying belts meander while being in contact with each other.

請求項４記載のように、前記裾払ベルトコンベアは、その搬送方向が平面視前記挟持ベルトコンベアの搬送方向に傾いた状態となるように配されているものとすることができる。   According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the skirting belt conveyor can be arranged such that its conveying direction is inclined in the conveying direction of the sandwiching belt conveyor in plan view.

請求項５記載のように、前記タオルの横二つ折り幅よりも広幅の平ローラーに形成され、前記偏向ガイド板の直下方に位置し、前記挟持ベルトコンベアの搬送方向と直交して水平に、かつ相前後して対をなして配するとともに、少なくとも一方を駆動し他の一方を対の相手側に向けて所定押圧力で付勢させた一対の下方送出ローラーを設けているものとすることができる。   As described in claim 5, formed on a flat roller wider than the laterally folded width of the towel, located directly below the deflection guide plate, and horizontally perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sandwich belt conveyor, In addition, a pair of lower delivery rollers that are arranged in pairs and are driven at least one and urged the other toward the other party with a predetermined pressing force are provided. Can do.

請求項６記載のように、前記平置ベルトコンベア、前記懸吊ベルトコンベア、前記挟持ベルトコンベアおよび前記裾払ベルトコンベアと、前記一対の下方送出ローラーの一方のローラーは、それぞれ個別のモーターで駆動され、かつそれら駆動モーターは制御部からの信号で同調作動するシンクロモーターとされているものとすることができる。   The flat belt conveyor, the suspension belt conveyor, the sandwiching belt conveyor and the hem belt conveyor, and one of the pair of lower delivery rollers are each driven by an individual motor. These drive motors may be synchro motors that operate in synchronization with signals from the control unit.

請求項７記載のように、前記平置ベルトコンベア、前記懸吊ベルトコンベア、前記挟持ベルトコンベアおよび前記裾払ベルトコンベアが備える搬送ベルトの搬送面と、前記一対の下方送出ローラーの胴部外周面とは粗面に形成されているものとすることができる。   The conveyance surface of the conveyance belt with which the said flat belt conveyor, the said suspension belt conveyor, the said clamping belt conveyor, and the said skirting belt conveyor are equipped as described in Claim 7, The trunk | drum outer peripheral surface of a pair of said lower sending roller And can be formed on a rough surface.

請求項８記載のように、前記平置ベルトコンベアの始端側の直後方および終端側の上部に、同平置ベルトコンベアの平形搬送ベルト幅と略同幅とされ、胴部に粘着テープを多重に巻付けた塵取ローラーを軸平行に配し、かつ前記始端側の塵取ローラーは、中間に小径のアイドラーローラーを介装させるとともに前記平形搬送ベルトの始端側曲面に向けて所定押圧力で付勢して同平形搬送ベルトと同回転方向に追従回転する構成とし、前記終端側上部の塵取ローラーは、上下方向に移動自在に保持し、自重によって前記平形搬送ベルトの搬送面に接して追従回転する構成としているものとすることができる。   The width of the flat conveyor belt of the flat belt conveyor is substantially the same as the width of the flat conveyor belt immediately after the start end side and the upper end of the flat belt conveyor. A dust removal roller wound around the shaft is arranged in parallel to the axis, and the dust removal roller on the start end side is provided with a small-diameter idler roller in the middle and at a predetermined pressing force toward the start end side curved surface of the flat conveyance belt. It is configured to follow and rotate in the same rotational direction as the flat conveyor belt by energizing, and the dust removal roller at the upper end side is held movably in the vertical direction and comes into contact with the conveyance surface of the flat conveyor belt by its own weight. It can be configured to follow and rotate.

上記の構成を有する請求項１にかかる本発明のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置によれば、平置搬送手段により、タオルを展開した状態で搬送し、続く懸吊搬送手段にて、同タオルの幅方向中央部を保持することで両側を自由に垂下させ、縦断面形状が逆Ｕ字形となる懸吊状態、つまり実質的に二つ折りの状態にして搬送し、これを続く横転送出手段にて横転させて送り出し、これにより展開させて送り込んだタオルを連続かつ自動的に二つ折りの状態に折り畳んで後工程に供給することができる。   According to the automatic folding and supplying apparatus of the towel of the present invention according to claim 1 having the above-described configuration, the towel is conveyed in a developed state by the flat conveying means, and the width of the towel is then increased by the suspended conveying means. By holding the central part in the direction, both sides can be freely suspended and transported in a suspended state in which the vertical cross-sectional shape is an inverted U shape, that is, in a substantially double-folded state. Thus, the towel which is unfolded and sent out can be continuously and automatically folded into a two-fold state and supplied to the subsequent process.

またタオルは、懸吊搬送手段による搬送過程において両側が自重で垂下するので、湿潤状態であれば、より容易に垂下して円滑に逆Ｕ字形となり、かつ安定して搬送することができる。またタオルの送り込み時には、展開させるだけで良く、作業者は特段の習熟や技能等を必要としないので、人的能力の影響を低く抑えて、処理速度を安定して高く維持でき、よって後工程の高速化にも寄与することができる。   Further, since both sides of the towel hang down under its own weight during the transporting process by the suspending and transporting means, if it is wet, it can be more easily suspended and smoothly turned into an inverted U shape, and can be transported stably. Also, when the towel is fed, it only needs to be unfolded, and the operator does not need special skill or skill, so the influence of human ability can be kept low, and the processing speed can be stably maintained high. It can also contribute to speeding up.

なお、上記横転送出手段としては、懸吊搬送手段から懸吊状態で送り出されるタオルを、その上辺部を挟持して搬送しつつ、二重で垂下している下部を横水平方向に押しやることでタオル横転させて送り出す構成のもの、同懸吊状態のタオルを、始端側では垂直方向両側から挟持して搬送しつつ、挟持方向を終端側に向けて順次水平方向に倒すことでタオルを横転させて送り出す構成のもの、同懸吊状態のタオルを、始端側では上辺部と下辺部とを挟持して搬送しつつ、上下の挟持部を終端側に向けて順次水平方向に倒すことでのタオルを横転させて送り出す構成のもの等を採用することができる。   In addition, as the horizontal transfer out means, the towel that is sent out in a suspended state from the suspension conveying means is transported with the upper side of the towel held, and the lower part hanging down is pushed horizontally in the horizontal direction. While the towel is rolled over and sent out, the suspended towel is transported while being held from both sides in the vertical direction at the start end, and the towel is turned over by turning it horizontally toward the end side in turn. Towels that are sent out in the same way, and transporting towels in the suspended state while holding the upper and lower sides sandwiched between the top and bottom sides, and sequentially tilting the upper and lower clamping parts toward the end side in the horizontal direction The thing of the structure etc. which roll over and send out can be employ | adopted.

請求項２記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置によれば、平置搬送手段は、タオルよりも広幅の平形搬送ベルトを備える平置ベルトコンベアとし、続く懸吊搬送手段は、細幅の搬送ベルトを、始端部が平形搬送ベルトの終端部幅方向中央部下方に位置して搬送面が水平となるように配した懸吊ベルトコンベアとしているので、タオルを展開して、平置ベルトコンベアの平形搬送ベルトに載置して搬送し、そのタオルを、続く懸吊ベルトコンベアの細幅搬送ベルトにより、幅方向中央部を保持して両側を自由に垂下させて逆Ｕ字形の縦断面形状となる懸吊状態、つまり実質的に二つ折りの状態にして搬送することができる。また、細幅搬送ベルトの両側には、ガイド板を兼ねる側板を上辺縁が同細幅搬送ベルトの搬送面よりも僅少に低くなるように配しているので、垂下したタオルの両側が細幅搬送ベルトの駆動プーリーや回帰部等に巻き込まれることを回避することができる。また少なくとも一方の側板の上辺部を細幅搬送ベルトの終端縁から所定寸法搬送方向に張り出させているので、懸吊状態のタオルを、細幅搬送ベルトと後続の横転送出手段の可動部とが干渉し合わない前方まで送ることができる。   According to the towel automatic folding supply apparatus according to claim 2, the flat conveying means is a flat belt conveyor provided with a flat conveying belt wider than the towel, and the subsequent hanging conveying means is a narrow conveying belt. Since the suspension belt conveyor is arranged with the start end located below the center in the width direction of the end of the flat conveyor belt so that the conveyor surface is horizontal, the towel is unfolded and the flat conveyor of the flat belt conveyor is used. The towel is placed on a belt and transported, and the towel is suspended by a narrow-width transport belt of a subsequent suspension belt conveyor, holding the central portion in the width direction and freely hanging down on both sides to form an inverted U-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape. It can be transported in a suspended state, that is, in a substantially folded state. Also, on both sides of the narrow conveyor belt, side plates that also serve as guide plates are arranged so that the upper edge is slightly lower than the transport surface of the narrow conveyor belt, so that both sides of the hanging towel are narrow It is possible to avoid being caught in the drive pulley, the return part, etc. of the conveyor belt. Further, since the upper side portion of at least one side plate is projected from the end edge of the narrow conveying belt in the predetermined dimension conveying direction, the suspended towel is attached to the narrow conveying belt and the movable portion of the subsequent lateral transfer means. Can be sent to the front where they do not interfere with each other.

また、続く横転送出手段は、一対の平形で幅狭の搬送ベルトをそれぞれ横転させ互いの搬送面が対面して接するように配し、かつ少なくとも一方の搬送ベルトを対の相手側に向けて所定押圧力で付勢させた構成であって、始端部を懸吊ベルトコンベアの側板の前方張出上辺部を対間に挟むような位置に配するとともに、同始端部よりも終端部側を低くして傾斜させて配設された挟持ベルトコンベアと、その挟持ベルトコンベアの終端寄りの下方に位置し、平形の搬送ベルトの搬送面が水平で搬送方向が平面視挟持ベルトコンベアの搬送方向と交差し、かつ上方の挟持ベルトコンベアの終端部下側端との高さ間隔が所定少間隔となるように配設した裾払ベルトコンベアとを備えているので、挟持ベルトコンベアによって懸吊ベルトコンベアから送り出された懸吊状態のタオルを、上辺部を挟持して下部を二重で垂下させた状態で、斜め下方に向けて搬送する一方、同タオルの二重で垂下状態にある下部を、下方に配した裾払ベルトコンベアによって横水平方向に押しやって横転させて送り出すことができる。   Further, the following lateral transfer and output means is arranged such that a pair of flat and narrow conveying belts roll over so that their conveying surfaces face each other and come into contact with each other, and at least one of the conveying belts faces the other side of the pair. It is configured to be urged by pressing force, and the start end portion is arranged at a position where the front protruding upper side portion of the side plate of the suspended belt conveyor is sandwiched between the pair, and the end portion side is lower than the start end portion. The sandwiched belt conveyor is inclined and disposed near the end of the sandwiched belt conveyor, the transport surface of the flat transport belt is horizontal, and the transport direction intersects the transport direction of the sandwich belt conveyor in plan view. And the bottom belt conveyor disposed so that the height interval with the lower end of the end portion of the upper clamping belt conveyor is a predetermined small interval. While the suspended towel that has been pulled out is transported in an obliquely downward direction with the upper side sandwiched and the lower part suspended vertically, the lower part of the towel in the suspended state is suspended, It can be pushed out in the horizontal and horizontal directions by the bottom belt conveyor arranged at the lower side and sent out.

更に、挟持ベルトコンベアの裾払ベルトコンベアの始端側にある幅狭搬送ベルトの終端部の直前方に位置し、幅狭搬送ベルトの終端回送曲面に所定間隔を隔てて沿い、かつ他方の幅狭搬送ベルトの終端回送面との間の間隔を狭くする一方、下辺側が開放端となるように配した円弧状の偏向ガイド板を備えているので、この偏向ガイド板によって、挟持ベルトコンベアの対の搬送ベルトで挟持されて垂直状態で送られてくるタオルの上辺部を、裾払ベルトコンベアの搬送方向とは逆方向に案内することにより、タオルの上辺部の折り重なりを防止しつつ倒伏させ、これにより垂直方向で二つ折りとされたタオル全体を横転させて送り出すことができる。   Furthermore, it is located immediately before the end portion of the narrow conveying belt on the starting end side of the bottom belt conveyor of the nipping belt conveyor, along the end feeding curved surface of the narrow conveying belt at a predetermined interval, and the other narrow width An arc-shaped deflection guide plate that is arranged so that the lower side is an open end while narrowing the distance between the terminal belt and the last feeding surface of the conveyor belt is provided. By guiding the upper side of the towel sandwiched between the transport belts and sent in a vertical state in the direction opposite to the transport direction of the skirting belt conveyor, the towel is laid down while preventing the upper side of the towel from being folded, Thereby, the whole towel folded in the vertical direction can be rolled over and sent out.

請求項３記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置によれば、挟持ベルトコンベアの対の幅狭搬送ベルトを、背面側に配したバックアップローラーを搬送方向で互いに異なる位置に配置して、双方の幅狭搬送ベルトを互いに接しながら蛇行させる構成としているので、一対の幅狭搬送ベルトの互いに接する搬送面における張力および付加された付勢力を均等化して、搬送するタオルに対する挟持・保持力を確かなものとすることができる。   According to the automatic folding and supplying apparatus for towels according to claim 3, the narrow conveying belts of the pair of sandwiching belt conveyors are arranged with the backup rollers arranged on the back side at different positions in the conveying direction, and both narrow widths are provided. Since the conveyor belt meanders while being in contact with each other, the tension and applied biasing force on the conveying surfaces of the pair of narrow conveyor belts that are in contact with each other are equalized, and the clamping and holding force for the towel to be conveyed is ensured. can do.

請求項４記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置によれば、裾払ベルトコンベアは、搬送方向が平面視で挟持ベルトコンベアの搬送方向に向けて傾き、同搬送方向と所定角度で斜めに交差するように配しているので、挟持ベルトコンベアによって上辺部を挟持されて、斜め下方に向けて搬送されてくるタオルの下部を、同挟持ベルトコンベアの搬送速度と略同調できる斜め前方への速度もたせて横方向に押しやり、よってタオルにしわ等が生じないように無理なく横転させることができる。   According to the towel automatic folding and supplying apparatus according to claim 4, the hemping belt conveyor is inclined in the conveying direction of the sandwich belt conveyor in a plan view and obliquely intersects the conveying direction at a predetermined angle. The upper part of the towel is sandwiched by the sandwiching belt conveyor, and the lower part of the towel transported obliquely downward is given an oblique forward speed that can be substantially synchronized with the transporting speed of the sandwiching belt conveyor. Pushing in the horizontal direction, so that the towel can be rolled over without any wrinkles.

請求項５記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置によれば、タオルの横二つ折り幅よりも広幅の平ローラーに形成され、偏向ガイド板の直下方に位置し、挟持ベルトコンベアの搬送方向と直交して水平に、かつ相前後して対をなして配するとともに、少なくとも一方を駆動し他の一方を対の相手側に向けて所定押圧力で付勢させた一対の下方送出ローラーを設けているので、裾払ベルトコンベアと偏向ガイド板とによって横転させられて送り出されてくる二つ折りのタオルを、同一対の下方送出ローラーで下方に向けて送り出し、例えば後工程の搬送ベルト上に送給することができる。   According to the automatic folding and feeding apparatus of the towel according to claim 5, the towel is formed on a flat roller having a width wider than the lateral folding width of the towel, and is positioned directly below the deflection guide plate and orthogonal to the conveying direction of the sandwich belt conveyor. A pair of lower delivery rollers that are arranged horizontally and in pairs, and at least one of them is driven and the other is urged toward the other party with a predetermined pressing force. Therefore, the two-folded towel that is rolled over and sent out by the skirting belt conveyor and the deflection guide plate is sent downward by the same pair of lower delivery rollers, for example, is fed onto the transport belt in the subsequent process. be able to.

請求項６記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置によれば、平置ベルトコンベア、懸吊ベルトコンベア、挟持ベルトコンベアおよび裾払ベルトコンベアと、下方送出ローラーの一方のローラーは、それぞれ個別のモーターで駆動し、かつそれら駆動モーターは制御部からの信号で同調作動するシンクロモーターとしているので、各ベルトコンベアおよびローラーのタオルに対する搬送速度を調整・同調させて、タオルを円滑に搬送でき、また例えば、いずれかのベルトコンベアおよびローラーの駆動系に、タオルに随伴して持ち込まれた糸屑の絡まり等によって、過負荷が生じた時、フイードバック情報によって他のベルトコンベアおよびローラーを容易に停止させてトラブルの波及を防止でき、よって安定した運転を継続できる。   According to the towel automatic folding supply device according to claim 6, each of the flat belt conveyor, the suspension belt conveyor, the sandwiching belt conveyor and the bottom belt conveyor, and one of the lower delivery rollers is driven by an individual motor. Since these drive motors are synchronized motors that operate in synchronization with signals from the control unit, the transport speed of each belt conveyor and roller relative to the towel can be adjusted and tuned to smoothly transport the towel. When the belt conveyor and roller drive system is overloaded due to entanglement of lint brought along with the towel, the other belt conveyors and rollers can be easily stopped using the feedback information. Ripple can be prevented and stable operation can be continued.

請求項７記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置によれば、平置ベルトコンベア、懸吊ベルトコンベア、挟持ベルトコンベアおよび裾払ベルトコンベアが備える搬送ベルトの搬送面と、下方送出ローラーの胴部外周面とは粗面に形成しているので、搬送するタオルに位置ずれが生じることを抑えて、送入されたタオルを安定して搬送しながら折り畳むことができる。   According to the towel automatic folding and supplying apparatus according to claim 7, the conveying surface of the conveying belt provided in the flat belt conveyor, the suspension belt conveyor, the sandwiching belt conveyor and the bottom belt conveyor, and the outer peripheral surface of the trunk portion of the lower delivery roller Since it is formed on the rough surface, it is possible to fold the towel that has been fed in while stably transporting the towel while suppressing the occurrence of displacement in the towel to be transported.

請求項８記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置によれば、平置ベルトコンベアの始端側の直後方および終端側の上部に、平置ベルトコンベアの平形搬送ベルト幅と略同幅とされ、胴部に粘着テープを多重に巻付けた塵取ローラーを軸平行に配しているので、平置ベルトコンベアで展開して搬送するタオルの、下面を始端側の塵取ローラーに、上面を終端側の塵取ローラーに接触させ、タオルに付着している糸屑等の塵を胴部の粘着テープに転移付着させて除去し、糸屑等の塵の侵入による駆動系のトラブルを回避することができる。また、始端側の塵取ローラーは、中間にアイドラーローラーを介装した状態で付勢することで平形搬送ベルトと同方向に追従回転させ、終端側上部の塵取ローラーは、自重によって平形搬送ベルトの搬送面に接して追従回転させる構成としているので、継続使用によって胴部の粘着テープが塵取機能を失った時、平形搬送ベルトとの追従回転関係を簡易に解除し、胴部の最外周粘着テープを取り除いて塵取機能を回復させることを容易に行うことができる。   According to the automatic folding and supplying apparatus for towels according to claim 8, the width of the flat conveyor belt of the flat belt conveyor is substantially the same as the width of the flat conveyor belt immediately on the start side of the flat belt conveyor and on the top of the terminal belt. Since the dust removal rollers with multiple adhesive tapes wound around are arranged in parallel to the axis, the lower surface of the towel that is unfolded and transported by the flat belt conveyor is transferred to the dust removal roller on the start side, and the upper surface on the end side. Touching the dust roller and removing dust such as lint attached to the towel by transferring it to the adhesive tape on the body, it is possible to avoid problems in the drive system due to intrusion of dust such as lint . In addition, the dust removal roller on the start side is energized with an idler roller in the middle to rotate it in the same direction as the flat conveyor belt, and the dust collector roller on the upper end side is flattened by its own weight. Because it is configured to follow and rotate in contact with the conveyor surface, the continuous rotation relationship with the flat conveyor belt can be easily canceled when the adhesive tape on the trunk loses the dust removal function due to continued use. It is possible to easily remove the adhesive tape and restore the dust removal function.

以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態を説明する。   Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

図１〜図７は本発明の実施例にかかるタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置を示すもので、図１は本例装置の概要構成を示す斜視図、図２は正面図、図３は平面図、図４〜図７は要部の作動説明図、図８は同装置の実装状態を示す概要図である。   1 to 7 show an automatic folding and supplying apparatus for towels according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of this apparatus, FIG. 2 is a front view, and FIG. 3 is a plan view. 4 to 7 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the main part, and FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a mounting state of the apparatus.

本実施例の装置１０１は、図１〜図３に示すように、送入側に配設され、タオルＴを展開した状態で搬送する平置搬送部（平置搬送手段）１と、この平置搬送部１に続いて設けられ、同平置搬送部１から送り出されるタオルＴの幅方向中央部を保持し、両側を自由に垂下させた懸吊状態で搬送する懸吊搬送部（懸吊搬送手段）２と、この懸吊搬送部２に続いて設けられ、同懸吊搬送部２から送り出されるタオルＴの上辺部を挟持し、搬送しながら横転させて送り出す横転送出部（横転送出手段）３とを主要部として備えている。   As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment includes a flat transport unit (flat transport means) 1 that is disposed on the feeding side and transports the towel T in a developed state. A suspending transport unit (suspension transport unit) that is provided subsequent to the transporting unit 1 and that transports the towel T that is fed from the flat transporting unit 1 in a suspended state in which the center in the width direction is freely suspended. (Conveying means) 2 and a horizontal transfer output section (lateral transfer output means) that is provided subsequent to the suspension conveyance section 2 and sandwiches the upper side of the towel T sent out from the suspension conveyance section 2 and rolls it over and conveys it. ) 3 as a main part.

平置搬送部１は、タオルＴよりも広幅の平形搬送ベルト１１を備える平置ベルトコンベア１０を配設してなり、かつその平置ベルトコンベア１０は、展開したタオルＴの載置が容易で、かつ送入状態の視認が行えるように、終端側を始端側よりも高くして、平形搬送ベルト１１の搬送面を斜め後方に向けさせている。   The flat conveying section 1 is provided with a flat belt conveyor 10 having a flat conveying belt 11 wider than the towel T, and the flat belt conveyor 10 can easily place the developed towel T. In addition, the conveying surface of the flat conveying belt 11 is inclined obliquely rearward so that the terminal end side is higher than the starting end side so that the feeding state can be visually confirmed.

また、平形搬送ベルト１１の、始端側の直前方および終端側の上部に、同平形搬送ベルト１１の幅と略同幅とされた胴部に粘着テープを多重に巻き付けた塵取ローラー１２、１４を軸平行に配している。始端側の塵取ローラー１２は、中間に小径のシリコン樹脂製のアイドラーローラー１３を介装させるとともに、図示省略の付勢バネによって、平形搬送ベルト１１の始端曲面に向けて付勢して同回転方向に追従回転させる構成としている。一方、終端側の塵取ローラー１４は、上下方向に移動自在に保持し、自重によって平形搬送ベルト１１の搬送面に接して追従回転させる構成としている。   Further, dust collecting rollers 12 and 14 in which adhesive tapes are wound around the body of the flat conveyance belt 11 immediately before the start end side and at the upper end of the end end side and are substantially the same as the width of the flat conveyance belt 11. Are arranged parallel to the axis. The dust removal roller 12 on the start end side is provided with an idler roller 13 made of silicon resin having a small diameter in the middle, and is urged toward the start end curved surface of the flat conveyance belt 11 by an urging spring (not shown) to rotate the same. It is configured to follow and rotate in the direction. On the other hand, the dust removal roller 14 on the end side is configured to be held so as to be movable in the vertical direction and to rotate in contact with the conveyance surface of the flat conveyance belt 11 by its own weight.

また、終端側の塵取ローラー１４の中央部外周に平溝を設ける一方、その溝内下方を通した形態で、平形搬送ベルト１１の終端曲面に所定間隔を隔てて沿う円弧状に形成された幅狭のガイド板１５を配し、このガイド板１５で搬送中のタオルＴの前端縁の浮き上がりを防止する構成としている。   In addition, a flat groove is provided in the outer periphery of the central portion of the dust removal roller 14 on the end side, and the arc is formed along the end curved surface of the flat conveying belt 11 with a predetermined interval in a form passing through the lower portion of the groove. A narrow guide plate 15 is provided, and the guide plate 15 is configured to prevent the front edge of the towel T being conveyed from being lifted.

平置搬送部１に続く懸吊搬送部２は、細幅(本例では、３ｍｍ幅)の搬送ベルト２１を、始端部が平形搬送ベルト１１の終端部の幅方向の中央部下方に位置し、かつ搬送面が水平となるように配するとともに、両側にガイド板を兼ねる側板２２、２３を、上辺縁が細幅搬送ベルト２１の搬送面よりも僅少に低くなるようにして垂直方向に平行に配し、かつ一方の側板２２の上辺部を細幅搬送ベルト２１の終端縁から所定寸法だけ搬送方向に張り出させた構成の懸吊ベルトコンベア２０(本例では、両側の側板を含む全幅が１０ｍｍ)を配設してなる構成としている。   The suspended transport unit 2 following the flat transport unit 1 has a narrow (in this example, 3 mm width) transport belt 21, the start end of which is located below the center of the end of the flat transport belt 11 in the width direction. In addition, side plates 22 and 23 that also serve as guide plates are arranged on both sides so that the conveying surface is horizontal, and parallel to the vertical direction so that the upper edge is slightly lower than the conveying surface of the narrow conveying belt 21. And a suspension belt conveyor 20 having a configuration in which the upper side portion of one side plate 22 protrudes from the end edge of the narrow conveyance belt 21 by a predetermined dimension in the conveyance direction (in this example, the entire width including the side plates on both sides). Is 10 mm).

懸吊搬送部２に続く横転送出部３は、懸吊搬送部２から送り出されるタオルＴの上辺部を挟持して搬送する挟持ベルトコンベア３０と、この挟持ベルトコンベア３０の終端寄りの下方に配された裾払ベルトコンベア４０と、挟持ベルトコンベア３０の終端部に配された偏向ガイド板５０と、この偏向ガイド板５０の下方に配された一対の下方送出ローラー５１、５２とを配設してなる構成としている。   The horizontal transfer output unit 3 following the suspension conveyance unit 2 is arranged below the clamping belt conveyor 30 that conveys the upper side of the towel T fed from the suspension conveyance unit 2 and near the end of the clamping belt conveyor 30. And a pair of lower delivery rollers 51 and 52 disposed below the deflection guide plate 50, and a bottom guide belt 50 disposed at the end of the sandwiching belt conveyor 30. The structure is

そして挟持ベルトコンベア３０は、一対の平形で幅狭（本例では、１５ｍｍ幅）の搬送ベルト３１、３２を、図１および図３に示すように、それぞれ横転させて互いの搬送面同士が対面して接するように配し、かつ一方の幅狭搬送ベルト３１を、図示省略の付勢バネによって、相手側の幅狭搬送ベルト３２に向けて付勢させるとともに、図３に示すように、相接する搬送面の背面側に配した双方のバックアップローラー３１ａ、３２ａを搬送方向で互いに異なる位置に配置することで、一対の幅狭搬送ベルト３１、３２を互いに接しながら蛇行させる構成としている。さらに、図１および図２に示すように、始端部を懸吊ベルトコンベア２０の側板２２の前方張出上辺部を対間に挟むような位置に配するとともに、終端部が始端部よりも低くなるように傾斜させて配設している。   The sandwiching belt conveyor 30 is a pair of flat and narrow (15 mm width in this example) conveyor belts 31 and 32, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, respectively, so that the respective conveyor surfaces face each other. The one narrow conveying belt 31 is urged toward the other narrow conveying belt 32 by an urging spring (not shown) and, as shown in FIG. By arranging the two backup rollers 31a and 32a disposed on the back side of the conveying surface in contact with each other at different positions in the conveying direction, the pair of narrow conveying belts 31 and 32 meander while being in contact with each other. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the starting end is disposed at a position where the front overhanging upper side portion of the side plate 22 of the suspended belt conveyor 20 is sandwiched between the pair, and the end portion is lower than the starting end portion. It is arranged so as to be inclined.

また、この挟持ベルトコンベア３０の幅狭搬送ベルト３１、３２は、図２および図３中に一点鎖線で示す支持盤３３に吊下支持させるとともに、同支持盤３３に載設したモーターＭ３によって、チェン掛け駆動し、同期させて駆動する構成としている。また支持盤３３は、始端側を支点として終端側を上方に向けて回動可能に配設し、必要に応じて挟持ベルトコンベア３０を垂直方向に回動させて内部の点検整備が容易に行えるようにしている。   Further, the narrow conveyor belts 31 and 32 of the sandwich belt conveyor 30 are suspended and supported by a support plate 33 indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIGS. 2 and 3, and by a motor M3 mounted on the support plate 33, The chain is driven and driven in synchronization. Further, the support plate 33 is disposed so as to be rotatable with the start end side as a fulcrum and the end side facing upward. If necessary, the holding belt conveyor 30 can be rotated in the vertical direction to facilitate internal inspection and maintenance. I am doing so.

一方、裾払ベルトコンベア４０は、図２および図３に示すように、挟持ベルトコンベア３０の終端寄りの下方に位置し、平形の搬送ベルト４１の搬送面が水平であって、搬送方向が平面視で挟持ベルトコンベア３０の搬送方向に向けて傾いて、同挟持ベルトコンベア３０の搬送方向と交差し、かつ幅狭搬送ベルト３１、３２の終端部下側端との高さ間隔が所定少間隔（二つに折り畳んだタオルＴの円滑な通過を許容する少間隔）となるように配設してなる構成としている。   On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bottom belt conveyor 40 is positioned below the end of the sandwich belt conveyor 30, the transport surface of the flat transport belt 41 is horizontal, and the transport direction is flat. The height interval with the lower end of the end portions of the narrow conveying belts 31 and 32 is set to a predetermined small interval (inclined toward the conveying direction of the sandwiching belt conveyor 30 as viewed, intersecting with the conveying direction of the sandwiching belt conveyor 30). The towel T folded in two is arranged at a small interval that allows smooth passage).

また、偏向ガイド板５０は、図３に示すように、挟持ベルトコンベア３０の裾払ベルトコンベア４０の始端側にある幅狭搬送ベルト３１の終端部の直前方に位置し、同幅狭搬送ベルト３１の終端回送曲面に所定間隔を隔てて沿う円弧状に形成されるとともに、他方の幅狭搬送ベルト３２の終端回送面との間の間隔を狭くする一方、図２に示すように、支持盤３３に吊下支持されて下辺側が開放端となるように配設してなる構成とされている。   Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the deflection guide plate 50 is located immediately before the end of the narrow conveying belt 31 on the starting end side of the bottom belt conveyor 40 of the sandwich belt conveyor 30, and the same narrow conveying belt. 31 is formed in an arcuate shape along the terminal-feeding curved surface 31 with a predetermined interval, and the space between the other narrow-feeding belt 32 and the terminal-feeding surface of the other narrow conveying belt 32 is narrowed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. It is configured to be suspended and supported by 33 and disposed so that the lower side becomes an open end.

また、下方送出ローラー５１、５２は、タオルＴの横二つ折り幅よりも広幅の平ローラーに形成され、偏向ガイド板５０の直下方に位置し、挟持ベルトコンベア３０の搬送方向と直交して水平に、かつ相前後して対をなして配するとともに、一方の下方送出ローラー５１を駆動し、他の一方の下方送出ローラー５２を、図示省略の付勢バネによって、対の相手側に向けて付勢させた構成としている。   Further, the lower delivery rollers 51 and 52 are formed as flat rollers wider than the laterally folded width of the towel T, are located directly below the deflection guide plate 50, and are orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the sandwich belt conveyor 30. And one pair of lower delivery rollers 51 are driven, and the other lower delivery roller 52 is directed toward the other party by a biasing spring (not shown). The configuration is energized.

翻って、上記の平形搬送ベルト１１、細幅搬送ベルト２１、一対の幅狭搬送ベルト３１、３２および搬送ベルト４１の搬送面と、上記一対の下方送出ローラー５１、５２の胴部外周面とは粗面に形成して、搬送するタオルＴに位置ずれが生じることを抑制できるようにしている。   In turn, the conveyance surfaces of the flat conveyance belt 11, the narrow conveyance belt 21, the pair of narrow conveyance belts 31 and 32, and the conveyance belt 41, and the outer peripheral surface of the trunk portion of the pair of lower delivery rollers 51 and 52 are as follows. It is formed on a rough surface so that positional deviation of the towel T to be conveyed can be suppressed.

また、図３に示すように、平置ベルトコンベア１０、懸吊ベルトコンベア２０、挟持ベルトコンベア３０および裾払ベルトコンベア４０と、下方送出ローラー５１は、それぞれ個別のモーターＭ１〜Ｍ５で駆動する構成としている。これらのモーターＭ１〜Ｍ５は、図示省略の制御部からの信号で同調作動するシンクロモーターとすることで、各ベルトコンベアおよびローラーの搬送速度を調整・同調させて、タオルＴを円滑に搬送でき、また例えば、いずれかのベルトコンベアおよびローラーの駆動系に、タオルＴに随伴して持ち込まれた糸屑の絡まり等によって、過負荷が生じた時、フイードバック情報によって他のベルトコンベアおよびローラーを容易に停止させてトラブルの波及を防止でき、よって安定した運転を継続できるようにしている。   Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the flat belt conveyor 10, the suspension belt conveyor 20, the sandwiching belt conveyor 30, the skirt belt conveyor 40, and the lower delivery roller 51 are respectively driven by individual motors M <b> 1 to M <b> 5. It is said. These motors M1 to M5 are synchronized motors that operate in synchronization with signals from a control unit (not shown), so that the conveyor speed of each belt conveyor and roller can be adjusted and tuned to smoothly transport the towel T. Also, for example, when an overload occurs due to tangling of lint brought along with the towel T in one of the belt conveyors and roller drive systems, the other belt conveyors and rollers can be easily connected with the feedback information. The system can be stopped to prevent the spread of troubles, so that stable operation can be continued.

なお下方送出ローラー５２は、もう一方の下方送出ローラー５１に押付られ追従して回転する構成としているが、下方送出ローラー５２自身もモーター駆動させるようにしても良い。この場合、下方送出ローラー５１・５２は回転数を合わせて駆動させることで、タオルＴを真下に送り出すようにし、ベルトコンベヤＢに送給する際折り重ならないようにする。   Note that the lower delivery roller 52 is configured to be pressed and rotated by the other lower delivery roller 51, but the lower delivery roller 52 itself may be driven by a motor. In this case, the lower delivery rollers 51 and 52 are driven at the same number of rotations so that the towel T is delivered directly below and does not overlap when fed to the belt conveyor B.

上記構成の本実施例の装置１０１では、湿潤状態のタオルＴを、横に広げながら、図４に示すように、平置搬送部１の塵取ローラー１２および平形搬送ベルト１１の始端縁部に垂れ掛けるようにしてセットすることで、平形搬送ベルト１１の搬送面上に展開させて送り込み、これによって搬送するタオルＴの下面を、塵取ローラー１２に接触させて付着している糸屑等の塵を胴部の粘着テープに転移付着させて除去する。続いて同平形搬送ベルト１１で搬送するタオルＴの前端縁をガイド板１５によって、終端側上部の塵取ローラー１４との間に導いて通過させ、これによってタオルＴの上面を、塵取ローラー１４に接触させて付着している糸屑等の塵を胴部の粘着テープに転移付着させて除去する。   In the apparatus 101 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the wet towel T is spread laterally, as shown in FIG. 4, at the dust collecting roller 12 of the flat conveying unit 1 and the starting edge of the flat conveying belt 11. By setting it so that it hangs down, it is unfolded and fed onto the transport surface of the flat transport belt 11, and the lower surface of the towel T transported thereby is brought into contact with the dust collecting roller 12 to remove lint etc. Remove dust by transferring and adhering to the adhesive tape on the body. Subsequently, the front edge of the towel T transported by the flat transport belt 11 is guided by the guide plate 15 to the duster roller 14 at the upper end side, and thereby the upper surface of the towel T is passed through the duster roller 14. The dust, such as lint that is attached to the surface of the body, is removed by transferring it to the adhesive tape on the body.

つまり平置搬送部１では、湿潤状態のタオルＴを、展開させて搬送する一方、送入するタオルＴに付着していた糸屑等の塵を除去し、糸屑等の装置内侵入に起因する駆動系のトラブルを回避することができる。また、始端および終端側の塵取ローラー１２、１４は、平形搬送ベルト１１に追従回転させる構成としているので、継続使用によって胴部の粘着テープが塵取機能を失った時、平形搬送ベルト１１との追従回転関係を簡易に解除し、胴部の最外周粘着テープを取り除いて塵取機能を回復させることを容易に行うことができる。   In other words, in the flat conveying section 1, while the wet towel T is unfolded and conveyed, dust such as lint attached to the towel T to be fed in is removed, and the lint etc. enters the apparatus due to intrusion. Trouble of the driving system can be avoided. In addition, since the dust removal rollers 12 and 14 on the start and end sides are configured to follow and rotate with the flat conveyance belt 11, when the adhesive tape on the trunk portion loses the dust collection function due to continuous use, The following rotation relationship can be easily released, and the dust collecting function can be easily restored by removing the outermost peripheral adhesive tape of the body portion.

次いで、平置搬送部１の平置ベルトコンベア１０から展開した状態で送り出されたタオルＴを、続く懸吊搬送部２の懸吊ベルトコンベア２０によって、同タオルＴの幅方向中央部を保持することで両側を自由に垂下させ、図５に示すように、幅方向の縦断面形状が逆Ｕ字形となる懸吊状態にして搬送する。   Next, the towel T sent out in a state of being unfolded from the flat belt conveyor 10 of the flat conveyance section 1 is held by the suspension belt conveyor 20 of the subsequent suspension conveyance section 2 at the center in the width direction of the towel T. As shown in FIG. 5, both sides are freely suspended, and are conveyed in a suspended state in which the longitudinal sectional shape in the width direction is an inverted U-shape.

ここで、懸吊ベルトコンベア２０は、細幅搬送ベルト２１の両側にガイド板を兼ねる側板２２、２３を配した構成としているので、垂下したタオルＴの両側が細幅搬送ベルト２１の駆動プーリーや回帰部等に巻き込まれることを回避でき、また一方の側板２２の上辺部を搬送方向に張り出させているので、懸吊状態のタオルＴを、細幅搬送ベルト２１と後続の挟持ベルトコンベア３０の可動部とが干渉し合わない前方まで水平方向に送ることができる。つまり懸吊搬送部２では、タオルＴを、幅方向中央部を保持して搬送することで、実質的に二つ折りの状態にすることができる。   Here, the suspension belt conveyor 20 has a configuration in which the side plates 22 and 23 that also serve as guide plates are arranged on both sides of the narrow conveyance belt 21, so that both sides of the hanging towel T are driven pulleys of the narrow conveyance belt 21 and the like. It is possible to avoid being caught in the return part and the like, and because the upper side of one of the side plates 22 is projected in the transport direction, the suspended towel T is transferred to the narrow conveyor belt 21 and the subsequent clamping belt conveyor 30. It can be sent in the horizontal direction to the front where the movable part does not interfere with each other. That is, in the suspending conveyance part 2, the towel T can be substantially folded into two by conveying it while holding the central part in the width direction.

次いで、続く横転送出部３では、懸吊ベルトコンベア２０から逆Ｕ字形となる懸吊状態で送り出されたタオルＴを、挟持ベルトコンベア３０によって、同タオルＴの上辺部を挟持し、これにより垂直方向で二つ折りに折り畳み、かつ二重に折り畳んだ下部を垂下させた状態で斜め下方に向けて搬送する。   Next, in the subsequent horizontal transfer and output unit 3, the towel T sent out from the suspension belt conveyor 20 in an inverted U-shaped suspended state is sandwiched by the sandwiching belt conveyor 30, thereby vertically Folded in half in the direction, and conveyed in an obliquely downward direction with the lower part folded down hanging down.

一方、同二重に垂下させたタオルＴの下部を、図６に示すように、下方に配した裾払ベルトコンベア４０の搬送ベルト４１の搬送面に載せて、挟持ベルトコンベア３０の搬送方向に向けて傾く横水平方向に押しやりつつ、挟持ベルトコンベア３０の一対の幅狭搬送ベルト３１、３２で挟持されて垂直状態で送られてくるタオルＴの上辺部を、図７に示すように、偏向ガイド板５０によって、裾払ベルトコンベア４０の搬送方向とは逆方向に案内し倒伏させる。   On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower part of the towel T suspended in the same double is placed on the transport surface of the transport belt 41 of the bottom belt conveyor 40 disposed below and in the transport direction of the sandwich belt conveyor 30. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper side portion of the towel T that is sandwiched between the pair of narrow conveying belts 31 and 32 of the sandwiching belt conveyor 30 and is sent in a vertical state while being pushed in a horizontal and horizontal direction inclined toward the The deflection guide plate 50 guides and lies down in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the bottom belt conveyor 40.

これにより、垂直方向で二つ折りに折り畳まれたタオルＴを、しわや折り重なった部分等が生じることなく横転させて送り出すことができる。また、二つに折り畳まれ、かつ横転されて送り出されたタオルＴは、偏向ガイド板５０の直下方に配した一対の下方送出ローラー５１、５２によって下方に向けて送り出し、例えば、図１〜図３中に二点鎖線で示す後工程の入側のベルトコンベアＢの搬送面上に送給する。   As a result, the towel T folded in two in the vertical direction can be turned over and sent out without causing wrinkles or folded portions. Also, the towel T folded in two and turned over and sent out is sent downward by a pair of lower sending rollers 51 and 52 arranged just below the deflection guide plate 50, for example, FIG. 3 is fed onto the conveyance surface of the belt conveyor B on the entry side in the subsequent process indicated by a two-dot chain line.

ここで、挟持ベルトコンベア３０の一対の幅狭搬送ベルト３１、３２は、一方を他方に付勢し、かつ互いに接しながら蛇行させる構成としているので、一対の幅狭搬送ベルト３１、３２の互いに接する搬送面における張力および付加された付勢力を均等化して、搬送するタオルＴに対する挟持・保持力を確かなものとして、タオルＴを高速に、かつ安定して搬送することができる。   Here, since the pair of narrow conveying belts 31 and 32 of the sandwiching belt conveyor 30 are configured to urge one side to the other and meander while being in contact with each other, the pair of narrow conveying belts 31 and 32 are in contact with each other. The towel T can be transported at high speed and stably by equalizing the tension on the transport surface and the applied urging force and ensuring the clamping / holding force for the transported towel T.

一方、裾払ベルトコンベア４０は、その搬送方向が平面視で挟持ベルトコンベア３０の搬送方向に向けて傾かせて斜めに交差するように配しているので、挟持ベルトコンベア３０によって搬送されてくるタオルＴの垂下した下部を、同挟持ベルトコンベア３０の搬送速度と略同調できる斜め前方への速度もたせて横方向に押しやり、よってタオルＴにしわ等が生じないように無理なく横転させることができる。つまり横転送出部３では、懸吊搬送部２で逆Ｕ字形となる懸吊状態とされたタオルＴを、連続して高速かつ安定に搬送しながら横転させて送り出すことができる。   On the other hand, the hemper belt conveyor 40 is arranged so that its conveying direction is inclined in the direction of conveyance of the sandwiching belt conveyor 30 in a plan view and crosses obliquely, so that it is conveyed by the sandwiching belt conveyor 30. The lower part where the towel T is suspended can be pushed sideways with an obliquely forward speed that can be substantially synchronized with the conveying speed of the pinching belt conveyor 30, so that the towel T can be rolled over without any wrinkles. it can. That is, in the horizontal transfer delivery part 3, the towel T made into the inverted U shape in the suspension conveyance part 2 can be rolled over and sent out while being continuously and stably conveyed.

従って、本実施例の装置１０１では、展開させて送り込んだタオルＴを連続かつ自動的に二つ折りに折り畳んで、おしぼり巻上げ成形・包装装置等の後工程に供給することができ、しかもタオルの送り込み時には、展開させるだけで良く、作業者は特段の習熟や技能等を必要としない。   Therefore, in the apparatus 101 of the present embodiment, the towel T that has been unfolded and fed can be continuously and automatically folded into two and fed to a subsequent process such as a hand towel hoisting and packaging apparatus, and the towel can be fed. Sometimes it only needs to be deployed, and the operator does not need any special skill or skill.

次に本実施例の装置１０１の実装例を、図８により簡約説明する。図８において、２０１はおしぼり巻上げ成形・包装装置あって、このおしぼり巻上げ成形・包装装置２０１は、水平方向に移動するベルトコンベアＢによって二つ折りのタオルＴを搬送しながら、同ベルトコンベアＢの上部に対向配置した巻上げガイドＧに接触させることで、所定円柱形状のおしぼりＲＴに巻上げ成形し、そのおしぼりＲＴを、前部と後部とから繰り出されて、ベルトコンベアＢの終端部下方でＶ字状とされた２枚の樹脂フイルムＦの間に導くともに、その周囲をシールカットヘッドＳによって熱圧着して封入・包装する周知の構成のものである。   Next, an implementation example of the apparatus 101 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 201 denotes a hand towel roll forming / packaging apparatus. The hand towel roll forming / packaging apparatus 201 conveys the towel T folded in half by the belt conveyor B that moves in the horizontal direction, and the upper part of the belt conveyor B. Is rolled up into a predetermined cylindrical hand towel RT, and the hand towel RT is drawn out from the front and rear, and V-shaped below the end of the belt conveyor B. The resin film F is guided between the two resin films F, and the periphery thereof is sealed and sealed by a seal cut head S so as to be enclosed and packaged.

一方、本実施例の装置１０１は、同おしぼり成形・包装装置２０１の上に、互いの主搬送方向が逆向きになり、横転送出部３の下方送出ローラー５１、５２が、ベルトコンベアＢの始端側の直上方になるように載設し、これにより組み合わせた装置全体の設置面積を低く抑えている。   On the other hand, in the apparatus 101 of this embodiment, the main conveying directions are opposite to each other on the hand towel forming / packaging apparatus 201, and the lower delivery rollers 51, 52 of the lateral transfer output unit 3 are connected to the beginning of the belt conveyor B. It is mounted so as to be directly above the side, thereby reducing the installation area of the entire combined apparatus.

そして、このように本例装置１０１を組み込んだおしぼり成形・包装装置２０１では、従前の手で折り畳んで供給していた時には、熟練作業者で１時間当り約８００本であったのに対し、平均的な作業者で１時間当り約１，２００本を処理できた。   In the hand towel molding / packaging apparatus 201 incorporating the apparatus 101 in this way, when it is supplied by being folded by a conventional hand, it is about 800 per hour by a skilled worker, but on average A typical worker was able to process about 1,200 bottles per hour.

以上に述べたように、本実施例にかかるタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置によれば、湿潤状態のタオルを連続かつ自動的に折り畳んで、おしぼり巻上げ成形・包装装置等の後工程に供給することができ、しかも作業者の習熟度等の人的能力の影響を低く抑えて処理速度を安定して高く維持でき、よっておしぼり巻上げ成形・包装装置等の後工程の高速化にも寄与することができる。   As described above, according to the towel automatic folding and supplying apparatus according to the present embodiment, wet towels can be continuously and automatically folded and supplied to a subsequent process such as a hand towel roll forming and packaging apparatus. In addition, the processing speed can be stably maintained at a high level while keeping the influence of human ability such as the proficiency level of the worker low, so that it can also contribute to speeding up the subsequent processes such as a hand towel roll forming / packaging device. .

上記に本発明の一実施例を挙げたが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではない。例えば、本例では横転送出部を、懸吊搬部から送り出されるタオルの上辺部を挟持して搬送しつつ、二重で垂下している下部を横水平方向に押しやることでタオル横転させて送り出す構成のものとしたが、これはタオルに対する接触面積を低く抑えるに好適であるためである。   Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in this example, the horizontal transfer output unit is transported while holding the upper side of the towel sent out from the suspension carrying unit, and the towel is turned over by pushing the lower part hanging down horizontally in the horizontal direction. Although it was set as the structure, it is because it is suitable for keeping the contact area with respect to a towel low.

したがって、この横転送出部は、二つ折りのタオル幅と略同幅の一対の平形搬送ベルトをそれぞれの搬送面が対面して接し、かつ始端側では垂直方向で、終端側では水平方向で対面するように捻曲させた構成の挟持ベルトコンベアを配し、懸吊状態のタオルを全体的に挟持して搬送しつつ横転させて送り出す構成ものとしても良い。   Therefore, the horizontal transfer output portion is in contact with a pair of flat conveyor belts having approximately the same width as the folded towel width, with the respective conveying surfaces facing each other, and in the vertical direction on the start side and in the horizontal direction on the end side. It is good also as a structure which arrange | positions the pinching belt conveyor of the structure twisted in this way, and rolls over and sends out the towel in the suspended state as a whole.

もしくは一対の幅狭の平形搬送ベルトを有し上記同様の捻曲構成とされた二つの挟持ベルトコンベアを、互いに所定間隔を隔てて始端側では上下に、始端側では水平幅方向で並ぶような位置関係に配し、懸吊状態のタオルを、上辺部と下辺部とを挟持して搬送しつつ上下の挟持部を水平方向に倒すことで、同タオルを横転させて送り出す構成のもの等とされて良い。   Alternatively, two sandwich belt conveyors having a pair of narrow flat conveying belts and having the same twisted configuration as described above are arranged in the horizontal width direction on the start end side up and down on the start end side at a predetermined interval from each other. Arranged in a positional relationship, with the suspended towel being transported with the upper and lower sides sandwiched between the top and bottom, the top and bottom sandwiching portions are tilted horizontally, and the towel is rolled over and sent out, etc. May be good.

また、折り畳むとともに横転させたタオルを一対の送出ローラーで下方に送り出す構成としたが、これは本例装置を既存の形態のおしぼり成形・包装装置の上部に組み込み、全体としての設置面積を低く抑えることを想定した構成であって、必要に応じて斜め前方等に送り出す構成とされて良いことは言うまでもない。二つの挟持ベルトコンベア   In addition, the folded and rolled towel is sent out downward with a pair of delivery rollers, but this is built into the upper part of the existing form of hand towel forming and packaging equipment, keeping the installation area as a whole low It is needless to say that the configuration may be a configuration that sends it obliquely forward or the like as necessary. Two clamping belt conveyors

本発明の実施例にかかるタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置の概要構成を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the automatic folding supply apparatus of the towel concerning the Example of this invention. 同装置の概要構成を示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows schematic structure of the apparatus. 概要構成を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows an outline structure. 同装置の要部の作動説明図である。It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the principal part of the apparatus. 同装置の要部の作動説明図である。It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the principal part of the apparatus. 同装置の要部の作動説明図である。It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the principal part of the apparatus. 同装置の要部の作動説明図である。It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the principal part of the apparatus. 同装置の実装状態を示す概要図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the mounting state of the apparatus.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 平置搬送部（平置搬送手段）
２ 懸吊搬送部（懸吊搬送手段）
３ 横転送出部（横転送出手段）
１０ 平置ベルトコンベア
１１ 平形搬送ベルト
１２ 塵取ローラー
１３ アイドラーローラー
１４ 塵取ローラー
１５ ガイド板
２０ 懸吊ベルトコンベア
２１ 細幅搬送ベルト
２２・２３ 側板
３０ 挟持ベルトコンベア
３１・３２ 幅狭搬送ベルト
３１ａ・３２ａ バックアップローラー
３３ 支持盤
４０ 裾払ベルトコンベア
４１ 搬送ベルト
５０ 偏向ガイド板
５１・５２ 下方送出ローラー
Ｂ ベルトコンベア
Ｆ 樹脂フイルム
Ｇ ガイド
Ｍ１〜Ｍ５ モーター
Ｓ シールカットヘッド
Ｔ タオル
ＲＴ おしぼり
１０１ 自動折り畳み供給装置
２０１ おしぼり巻上げ成形・包装装置 1 Flat transportation unit (flat transportation means)
2 Suspension transport unit (suspension transport means)
3 Horizontal transfer exit (transverse transfer means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Flat belt conveyor 11 Flat conveyance belt 12 Dust removal roller 13 Idler roller 14 Dust removal roller 15 Guide plate 20 Suspension belt conveyor 21 Narrow conveyance belt 22.23 Side plate 30 Nipping belt conveyor 31.32 Narrow conveyance belt 31a. 32a backup roller 33 support plate 40 skirting belt conveyor 41 transport belt 50 deflection guide plate 51/52 downward delivery roller B belt conveyor F resin film G guide M1 to M5 motor S seal cut head T towel RT hand towel 101 automatic folding supply device 201 Wet towel winding and packaging equipment

Claims (8)

タオルを二つ折りの状態に折り畳んで巻上げ成形等の後工程に供給するタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置であって、
前記タオルを展開した状態で搬送可能な載置面を有する平置搬送手段と、
前記平置搬送手段に続いて設けられ、同平置搬送手段から送り出される前記タオルの幅方向中央部を保持することにより両側を自由に垂下させ、幅方向の縦断面形状が逆Ｕ字形となる懸吊状態で搬送する懸吊搬送手段と、
前記懸吊搬送手段に続いて設けられ、同懸吊搬送手段から送り出される前記タオルを保持して搬送しつつ、横転させて送り出す横転送出手段とを備えていること
を特徴とするタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置。 An automatic folding supply device for a towel that is folded in a folded state and is supplied to a subsequent process such as roll forming,
Flat transportation means having a mounting surface that can be transported in a state where the towel is unfolded,
It is provided subsequent to the above-mentioned flat conveying means and holds both sides of the towel in the width direction by being sent out from the flat conveying means so that both sides can freely hang down, and the vertical cross-sectional shape in the width direction becomes an inverted U-shape. Suspension transportation means for transportation in a suspended state;
An automatic folding of a towel, comprising: a lateral transfer out means that is provided subsequent to the suspension conveyance means and holds and conveys the towel sent out from the suspension conveyance means, and rolls over and sends out the towel. Feeding device. 前記平置搬送手段は、前記タオルよりも広幅の平形搬送ベルトを備える平置ベルトコンベアとし、
前記懸吊搬送手段は、細幅の搬送ベルトを、始端部が前記平形搬送ベルトの終端部の幅方向中央部下方に位置し、かつ搬送面が水平となるように配するとともに、両側にガイド板を兼ねる側板を上辺縁が前記細幅搬送ベルトの搬送面よりも僅少に低くなるように配し、かつ少なくとも一方の側板の上辺部を前記細幅搬送ベルトの終端縁から所定寸法搬送方向に張り出させた構成の懸吊ベルトコンベアとし、
前記横転送出手段は、一対の平形で幅狭の搬送ベルトをそれぞれ横転させ互いの搬送面が対面して接するように配し、かつ少なくとも一方の搬送ベルトを対の相手側に向けて所定押圧力で付勢させた構成であって、始端部を前記懸吊ベルトコンベアの側板の前方張出上辺部を対間に挟むような位置に配するとともに、同始端部よりも終端部側を低くして傾斜させて配設された挟持ベルトコンベアと、
前記挟持ベルトコンベアの終端寄りの下方に位置し、平形の搬送ベルトの搬送面が水平であって搬送方向が平面視前記挟持ベルトコンベアの搬送方向と交差し、かつ前記幅狭搬送ベルトの終端部下側端との高さ間隔が所定少間隔となるように配設された裾払ベルトコンベアとを備えており、
かつ前記挟持ベルトコンベアの前記裾払ベルトコンベアの始端側にある前記幅狭搬送ベルトの終端部の直前方に位置し、同幅狭搬送ベルトの終端回送曲面に所定間隔を隔てて沿い、かつ他方の幅狭搬送ベルトの終端回送面との間の間隔を狭くする一方、下辺側が開放端となるように配設された円弧状の偏向ガイド板とを備えた構成としていること
を特徴とする請求項１記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置。 The flat conveying means is a flat belt conveyor provided with a flat conveying belt wider than the towel,
The suspending conveying means arranges a narrow conveying belt such that a starting end portion is positioned below a central portion in the width direction of a terminal end portion of the flat conveying belt and a conveying surface is horizontal, and guides are provided on both sides. A side plate also serving as a plate is arranged such that the upper edge is slightly lower than the conveying surface of the narrow conveying belt, and the upper side of at least one side plate is arranged in the conveying direction with a predetermined dimension from the end edge of the narrow conveying belt. It is a suspended belt conveyor with an overhanging configuration,
The lateral transfer means is arranged such that a pair of flat and narrow conveying belts roll over so that their conveying surfaces face each other and come into contact with each other, and at least one of the conveying belts faces a pair of opposite sides with a predetermined pressing force. The start end portion is arranged at a position where the upper protruding upper side portion of the side plate of the suspension belt conveyor is sandwiched between the pair, and the end portion side is made lower than the start end portion. A sandwiching belt conveyor disposed in an inclined manner,
Located below the end of the sandwich belt conveyor, the transport surface of the flat transport belt is horizontal, the transport direction intersects the transport direction of the sandwich belt conveyor in plan view, and below the end of the narrow transport belt A skirting belt conveyor disposed so that the height interval between the side ends is a predetermined small interval;
And located immediately before the end of the narrow conveying belt on the starting end side of the bottom belt conveyor of the sandwiching belt conveyor, along the end feeding curved surface of the narrow conveying belt with a predetermined interval, and on the other side An arcuate deflection guide plate disposed so that the lower side is an open end while narrowing the gap between the narrow conveying belt and the terminal feeding surface is provided. Item 2. A towel automatic folding supply device according to Item 1. 前記挟持ベルトコンベアは、前記一対の幅狭搬送ベルトの互いに接する搬送面の背面側にバックアップローラー配するとともに、双方のバックアップローラーを搬送方向で互いに異なる位置に配置することで、双方の幅狭搬送ベルトを互いに接しながら蛇行させる構成としていること
を特徴とする請求項２記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置。 The sandwiching belt conveyor is provided with a backup roller on the back side of the conveying surface where the pair of narrow conveying belts are in contact with each other, and both the backup rollers are arranged at different positions in the conveying direction, so that both narrow conveying The apparatus for automatically folding and supplying towels according to claim 2, wherein the belts meander while contacting each other. 前記裾払ベルトコンベアは、その搬送方向が平面視前記挟持ベルトコンベアの搬送方向に傾いた状態となるように配されていること
を特徴とする請求項２または３記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置。 4. The automatic folding and feeding apparatus for towels according to claim 2, wherein the skirting belt conveyor is arranged such that a conveying direction thereof is inclined in a conveying direction of the holding belt conveyor in a plan view. . 前記タオルの横二つ折り幅よりも広幅の平ローラーに形成され、前記偏向ガイド板の直下方に位置し、前記挟持ベルトコンベアの搬送方向と直交して水平に、かつ相前後して対をなして配されるとともに、少なくとも一方を駆動し他の一方を対の相手側に向けて所定押圧力で付勢させた一対の下方送出ローラーを設けていること
を特徴とする請求項２〜４のいずれかに記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置。 The towel is formed on a flat roller wider than the lateral folding width, and is positioned directly below the deflection guide plate, and is paired horizontally and perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sandwich belt conveyor. 5. A pair of lower delivery rollers, wherein at least one of them is driven and the other one is urged with a predetermined pressing force toward the other side of the pair, are provided. The automatic folding supply apparatus of the towel in any one. 前記平置ベルトコンベア、前記懸吊ベルトコンベア、前記挟持ベルトコンベアおよび前記裾払ベルトコンベアと、前記一対の下方送出ローラーの一方のローラーは、それぞれ個別のモーターで駆動され、かつそれら駆動モーターは制御部からの信号で同調作動するシンクロモーターとされていること
を特徴とする請求項２〜５のいずれかに記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置。 The flat belt conveyor, the suspension belt conveyor, the pinching belt conveyor and the skirt belt conveyor, and one of the pair of lower delivery rollers are driven by individual motors, and the drive motors are controlled. The automatic folding and feeding apparatus for towels according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the towel is a synchro motor that operates in synchronization with a signal from the section. 前記平置ベルトコンベア、前記懸吊ベルトコンベア、前記挟持ベルトコンベアおよび前記裾払ベルトコンベアが備える搬送ベルトの搬送面と、前記一対の下方送出ローラーの胴部外周面とは粗面に形成されていること
を特徴とする請求項２〜６のいずれかに記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置。 The conveying surface of the conveying belt provided in the flat belt conveyor, the suspension belt conveyor, the sandwiching belt conveyor and the skirt belt conveyor, and the outer peripheral surface of the body of the pair of lower delivery rollers are formed on a rough surface. The automatic folding and feeding apparatus for towels according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein: 前記平置ベルトコンベアの始端側の直後方および終端側の上部に、同平置ベルトコンベアの平形搬送ベルト幅と略同幅とされ、胴部に粘着テープを多重に巻付けた塵取ローラーを軸平行に配し、かつ前記始端側の塵取ローラーは、中間に小径のアイドラーローラーを介装させるとともに前記平形搬送ベルトの始端側曲面に向けて所定押圧力で付勢して同平形搬送ベルトと同回転方向に追従回転する構成とし、前記終端側上部の塵取ローラーは、上下方向に移動自在に保持し、自重によって前記平形搬送ベルトの搬送面に接して追従回転する構成としていること
を特徴とする請求項２〜７のいずれかに記載のタオルの自動折り畳み供給装置。

Immediately after the start end side of the flat belt conveyor and at the top of the end side, a dust removal roller having a width substantially equal to the width of the flat conveyor belt of the flat belt conveyor and having adhesive tapes wound around the body portion in multiple layers. The dust collecting roller on the start end side is arranged in parallel with the axis, and a small-diameter idler roller is interposed in the middle, and is energized with a predetermined pressing force toward the start end side curved surface of the flat transfer belt. The dust removal roller at the upper end side is movably held in the vertical direction, and is configured to follow and rotate in contact with the conveyance surface of the flat conveyance belt by its own weight. The automatic folding and supplying apparatus for towels according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

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