PATENT ABSTRACT
A mounting member, a rotation mechanism, and a plurality of plate-shaped members are included in a folding apparatus in order to simplify the configuration thereof, to make it easy to perform maintenance and repairs, and to reduce costs. The mounting member is a plate-shaped member wherein a foldable article can be mounted on a first surface so that part of the foldable article hangs down. The rotation mechanism rotates the first surface of the mounting member around an axis included in the first surface. The plurality of plate-shaped members are capable of moving toward the mourning member so as to hold part of the foldable article after part of the foldable article has been positioned in the vicinity of the mounting member due to the mounting member being rotated by the rotation mechanism.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This U.S. National stage application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-248949, filed in Japan on Sep. 14, 2006, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a folding apparatus for folding foldable articles, a conveying apparatus for conveying folded articles that have been folded, and a method for folding foldable articles. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In establishments such as cleaning stores whose business is cleaning, a large amount of foldable articles such as shirts must be folded. In view of this, apparatuses for folding numerous foldable articles have been considered. 
     For example, an existing example of an apparatus for folding shirts as foldable articles is a folding apparatus comprising a shirt-mounting base for mounting a shirt, a plurality of plate-shaped members for folding a part of a shirt, the plate-shaped members being capable of moving relative to the shirt-mounting base from a space below and to the side of the shirt-mounting base to a space below the shirt-mounting base, and a photoelectric sensor for sensing the positions of the sleeves or the like of the shirt (see Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 8-215500). 
     With this shirt-folding apparatus, an operator mounts shirts on the shirt-mounting base so that the sleeves or the like hang down from the shirt-mounting base. When a shirt is mounted on the mounting base, the positions of the sleeves or the like of the shirt are recognized by the photoelectric sensor, the plurality of plate-shaped members are moved relative to the shirt and the shirt-mounting base to a space below the mounting base so as to fold the sleeves of the shirt, and the shirt is folded. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems the Invention is Intended to Solve 
     In the shirt folding apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 8-215500, when the plurality of plate-shaped members are moved relative to the shirt and the shirt-mounting base from a space below and to the side of the shirt-mounting base to a space below the shirt-mounting base in order to fold the sleeves or the like of the shirt, part of the shirt is pulled by the ends of the plate-shaped members on the sides in the movement direction. At this time, the shirt is damaged due to the shirt being pulled. 
     The shirt is also damaged because when the plate-shaped members move, the shirt and the plate-shaped members slide relative to each other. Therefore, the shirt is readily damaged. 
     Furthermore, a mechanism for sliding the plurality of plate-shaped members must be provided, and the configuration becomes complicated. A photoelectric sensor or the like must also be provided in order to confirm the positions of the sleeves or the like, and the cost increases. 
     An object of the present invention is to ensure that a shirt or another foldable article is not readily subjected to damage or stress when a foldable article such as a shirt is folded. It is also an object to simplify the configuration of the folding apparatus and to make maintenance and repairs easier to perform and less expensive. 
     Means for Resolving these Problems 
     The folding apparatus according to a first aspect comprises a mounting member, a rotation mechanism, and plate-shaped members. The mounting member is a member on which a foldable article can be mounted on a first surface so that part of the foldable article hangs down. The rotation mechanism rotates the first surface of the mounting member around an axis included in the first surface. The plurality of plate-shaped members are capable of moving toward the mounting member so that part of the foldable article is held, after part of the foldable article is positioned in proximity to the mounting member by the rotation of the mounting member with the rotation mechanism. 
     In this folding apparatus, the foldable article, e.g., a shirt is mounted on the first surface of the mounting member so that part of the shirt (a sleeve or the like) hangs down from the mounting member. The mounting member is then rotated by the rotation mechanism so as to be inclined substantially 90° from its initial state. At this time, the foldable article is spread between the vicinities of the first and second surfaces of the mounting member, i.e., the part hanging down from the mounting member due to gravity becomes positioned in the vicinity of the other surface of the mounting member. In this state, a plate-shaped member moves toward the mounting member, and part of the foldable article is held between the mounting member and the plate-shaped member. When, for example, the mounting member is thereafter rotated again by the rotation mechanism 180° in the opposite direction of which the mounting member first rotated, part of the foldable article moves to the vicinity of the surface of the plate-shaped member on the side opposite the side facing the mounting member. At this time, another plate-shaped member moves toward the mounting member, this plate-shaped member being different from the one that has already moved toward the mounting member, and part of the foldable article is held by the surface of the plate-shaped member on the side opposite the surface facing the mounting member. In this manner, the foldable article continues to be held sequentially by two plate-shaped members from the plurality of plate-shaped members, and the foldable article is folded. 
     In this configuration, when the mounting member is rotated by the rotation mechanism, e.g., the sleeve of the shirt, part of a towel, or the like is spread over the vicinity of the first surface of the mounting member and the vicinity of the second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, and part of the foldable article in the vicinity of the second surface is held between two plate-shaped members. Therefore, the shirt is not pulled and the shirt and plate-shaped members do not slide when the shirt or the like is folded, and the shirt is not readily subjected to damage or stress. There is also no need to precisely detect the positions of the shirt sleeves or the like. Therefore, there is no need for a photoelectric sensor, and costs can be suppressed. The configuration can be simplified, and maintenance and repairs are easily performed. 
     The folding apparatus according to a second aspect is the folding apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of plate-shaped members are turnably fixed at one end to the mounting member, and the folding apparatus further comprises a turning mechanism for turning the plate-shaped members toward the mounting member at a predetermined timing. 
     The foldable article can be folded by the plurality of plate-shaped members and the mounting-member by turning the plurality of plate-shaped members toward the mounting member. Therefore, there is no need for a mechanism for sliding the plate-shaped members to the space below the mounting member, and the configuration can be simplified. 
     The folding apparatus according to a third aspect is the folding apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the turning angle of the plurality of plate-shaped members in relation to the mounting member is 90° or less. 
     The foldable article can be folded by the plurality of plate-shaped members and the mounting member by turning the plurality of plate-shaped members toward the mounting member. Therefore, there is no need for a mechanism for sliding the plate-shaped members to the space below the mounting member, and the configuration can be simplified. 
     The folding apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the folding apparatus according to any of the first through third aspects, further comprising: a conveying apparatus having a holding mechanism for holding a folded article as a foldable article that has been folded, and a folded article movement mechanism for conveying the folded article held by the holding mechanism from the mounting member to a predetermined position. 
     In this folding apparatus, the folded article is held by the holding mechanism, and the folded article is conveyed to a predetermined position by the folded article movement mechanism. 
     The folding apparatus according to a fifth aspect comprises a plate member, a rotation mechanism, a plurality of plate-shaped members, and a turning mechanism. The plate member is a member in the shape of a plate. The rotation mechanism is placed at an end of the plate member, and the rotation mechanism rotates a first surface of the plate member around an axis included in the first surface. The plurality of plate-shaped members are rotated by the rotation mechanism and are attached in the vicinity of the lateral end of the plate member where the rotation mechanism is placed, the plurality of plate-shaped members being capable of turning relative to the plate member. The turning mechanism turns the plurality of plate-shaped members relative to the plate member. 
     In this folding apparatus, an operator mounts a foldable article such as a shirt on the plate member so that a part (e.g., a sleeve) protrudes out from the plate member; i.e., so that a part of the foldable article hangs down from the plate member. The rotation mechanism rotates the first surface of the plate member around an axis included in the first surface. At this time, one plate-shaped member from among the plurality of plate-shaped members is caused to turn by the turning mechanism when the foldable article becomes spread to one end of the plate member. At this time, the foldable article is folded while being held between the plate member and the plate-shaped member. The plate member and the plate-shaped member are then caused to rotate further by the rotation mechanism, and part of the foldable article hangs down in the vicinity of the surface of the plate-shaped member on the side opposite the side facing the plate member. In this state, a plate-shaped member other than the plate-shaped member facing the plate member is caused to turn, and the foldable article is held and folded between this plate-shaped member and the plate-shaped member facing the plate member. This type of operation is repeated to continue to fold foldable articles such as shirts. 
     In this configuration, when the plate member is rotated by the rotation mechanism, e.g., the shirt sleeve or towel or the like is spread over the vicinity of the first surface of the plate member and the vicinity of the second surface on the side opposite the first surface, and part of the foldable article in the vicinity of the other surface is folded while being held between two plate-shaped members. Therefore, when the shirt or the like is folded, the shirt is not pulled and the shirt and plate-shaped members do not slide against each other, and it is possible to ensure that the shirt is not readily subjected to damage or stress. There is also no need to precisely detect the position of the shirt sleeve or the like. Therefore, there is no need for a photoelectric sensor, and costs can be suppressed. The configuration can be simplified, and maintenance and repairs are easy to perform. 
     The folding apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the folding apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the rotation mechanism and the turning mechanism are operated by a single drive source. 
     Since the rotation mechanism and the turning mechanism are operated by a single drive source, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of drive sources, and to reduce space and cost. 
     The folding apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the folding apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the turning mechanism turns the plurality of plate-shaped members at a turning angle of 90° or less relative to the plate member. 
     Turning the plurality of plate-shaped members toward the plate member makes it possible for the foldable article to be folded by the plurality of plate-shaped members and the plate member. 
     The folding apparatus according to an eighth aspect is the folded apparatus according to any of the fifth through seventh aspects, wherein the plurality of plate-shaped members are turnably connected at one end to the plate member. 
     Part of the foldable article can be folded by turning the plurality of plate-shaped members around the portion connected to the plate member. 
     The folding apparatus according to a ninth aspect is the folding apparatus according to any of the fifth through eighth aspects, further comprising a conveying apparatus including a holding mechanism having a first holding member placed below the folded article, a second holding member placed above the folded article so as to face the first holding member, the second holding member and the first holding member being capable of holding the folded article therebetween, and a holding member movement mechanism for moving the first holding member and the second holding member toward the folded article, and further including a folded article movement mechanism for moving the folded article to a predetermined position; and a stacking device for stacking the folded article conveyed by the conveying apparatus. 
     In this folding apparatus, the first holding member is placed below the folded article while the second holding member is placed above the folded article, the first holding member and second holding member are moved toward the folded article by the holding member movement mechanism, and the folded article is held by the first holding member and the second holding member. The folded article is then conveyed by the folded article movement mechanism. The folded article is then stacked by the stacking device. 
     The folded article can thus be conveyed to a predetermined position and stacked. 
     The folding apparatus according to a tenth aspect is the folding apparatus according to the ninth aspect, wherein the plate member and the plurality of plate-shaped members have cutouts through which at least one of the first holding member and the second holding member can pass when the plate member and the plurality of plate-shaped members are superposed together. 
     The folded article that has been folded by the mounting member and the plurality of plate-shaped members is easily held by the first and second holding members. 
     The folding apparatus according to an eleventh aspect is the folding apparatus according to the ninth or tenth aspect, wherein the stacking device has a stacking structure whose height position varies according to the weight of the folded article. 
     Since the height position of the stacking device varies according to the weight of the folded article, a greater amount of folded articles can be stacked. Specifically, as the amount of folded articles become heavier by increasing the folded articles, the height position lowers according to the weight of the folded articles, and the space increases in which new folded articles can be accommodated and stacked. 
     The folding apparatus according to a twelfth aspect is the folding apparatus according to any of the ninth through eleventh aspects, wherein the folded article movement mechanism has a plate-shaped folded article mounting member on which the folded articles can be mounted, rod-shaped members attached to both ends of the folded article mounting member, the rod-shaped members being longer than the width of the folded article mounting member, and guide members for guiding the rod-shaped members so that the folded article mounting member moves between a mounting position where folded articles are mounted on the folded article mounting member, and a stacking position where the folded articles mounted on the folded article mounting member are stacked at a predetermined position. 
     In this folding apparatus, the rod-shaped members are guided between the mounting position and the stacking position in a state in which the folded articles have been mounted on the conveyed article mounting member. 
     The conveying apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect comprises a first holding member placed below a conveyed article, a second holding member placed above the conveyed article so as to face the first holding member, the second holding member and the first holding member being capable of holding the conveyed article therebetween, a holding member movement mechanism for moving the first holding member and the second holding member toward the conveyed article, and a conveyed article movement mechanism for moving the conveyed article to a predetermined position. 
     In this conveying apparatus, the first holding member is placed below the conveyed article while the second holding member is placed above the conveyed article, the first holding member and second holding member are moved toward the conveyed article by the holding member movement mechanism, and the conveyed article is held. The conveyed article is then conveyed by the conveyed article movement mechanism. 
     The conveyed article can herein be conveyed to a predetermined position. 
     The folding method according to a fourteenth aspect comprises a first step for mounting a foldable article on a plate-shaped mounting member on which the foldable article can be mounted; a second step for rotating the mounting member and thereby positioning a first folded part in the vicinity of the surface of the mounting member on the side where the foldable article is not mounted, the first folded part being part of the foldable article mounted on the mounting member; a third step for moving a flat first plate-shaped member so as to hold the first folded part between the mounting member and the flat first plate-shaped member; a fourth step for rotating the mounting member and thereby positioning a second folded part in the vicinity of the surface of the first plate-shaped member on the side opposite the mounting member, the second folded part being a different part of the foldable article than the first folded part; a fifth step for moving a flat second plate-shaped member so as to hold the second folded part between the flat first plate-shaped member and the flat second plate-shaped member; a sixth step for rotating the mounting member and thereby positioning a third folded part in the vicinity of the surface of the second plate-shaped member on the side opposite the first plate-shaped member, the third folded part being a different part of the foldable article than the first folded part and the second folded part; and a seventh step for moving a flat third plate-shaped member so as to hold the third folded part between the second plate-shaped member and the flat third plate-shaped member. 
     In this folding method, the foldable article is mounted on the mounting member, and the mounting member is rotated, thereby positioning the first folded part in the vicinity of the surface of the mounting member on the side where the foldable article is not mounted. The first plate-shaped member then moves toward the mounting member and the first folded part is held between the mounting member and the first plate-shaped member, whereby the first folded part is folded. The mounting member is then rotated, thereby positioning the second folded part in the vicinity of the surface of the first plate-shaped member on the side opposite the mounting member, and the second folded part is folded while being held between the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member. The mounting member is then rotated, thereby placing the third folded part in the vicinity of the surface of the second plate-shaped member on the side opposite the first plate-shaped member. At this time, the third plate-shaped member moves toward the second plate-shaped member, and folds the third folded part while holding the third part between the second plate-shaped member and the third plate-shaped member. 
     The foldable article can herein be folded by the mounting member and the three plate-shaped members. 
     The folding method according to a fifteenth aspect is the folding method according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the mounting member is turned 90° or more in the second step, the fourth step, and the sixth step, thereby positioning the folded part in the vicinity of the surface of the mounting member on the opposite side of where the foldable article is placed, the folded part being part of the foldable article mounted on the mounting member. 
     In cases in which the mounting member is rotated only 90° or less than 90°, part of the foldable article  81  bends, as does the distal end of the mounting member  82  in particular, as shown in  FIG. 33 . In this state, wrinkles form in the first folded part when the foldable article  81  is held by the mounting member  82  and the plate-shaped member, and the foldable article cannot be folded neatly. 
     The foldable article  81  can be prevented from bending between the mounting member  82  and the plate-shaped member by turning the mounting member  82  by 90° or more, as shown in  FIG. 34 . Therefore, the foldable article can be folded neatly. 
     The folding apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect is the folding apparatus according to any of the first through fourth aspects, wherein the width of the mounting member can be adjusted according to the shape of the foldable article, and the positions of the plurality of plate-shaped members can be adjusted according to the shape of the foldable article. 
     Since the width of the mounting member can be adjusted according to the shape, i.e., the size and shape of the foldable article, various types of foldable articles can be folded. 
     The folding apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect is the folding apparatus according to any of the first through fourth and sixteenth aspects, wherein the mounting member and the plurality of plate-shaped members are capable of generating heat and supplying steam to the foldable article. 
     Since the mounting member and the plurality of plate-shaped members are capable of generating heat and of supplying steam to the foldable article, it is possible to readily smooth out wrinkles in the foldable article. 
     The folding apparatus according to an eighteenth aspect is the folding apparatus according to any of the first through fourth, sixteenth, and seventeenth aspects, wherein the plurality of plate-shaped members are placed at a predetermined distance away from the mounting member, and are bent so as to hold the foldable article from the distal end sides between the mounting member and the plate-shaped members. 
     In cases in which the foldable article  83  is thick, the distal end side  831  of the foldable article  83  is not held between the mounting member  84  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  85 , as shown in  FIG. 35 . 
     The distal end sides of the plurality of plate-shaped members  85  are bent, and the distal end of the foldable article  83  can be held. Therefore, even a thick article can be folded. 
     The folding apparatus according to a nineteenth aspect is the folding apparatus according to any of the fifth through twelfth aspects, wherein the width of the plate member can be adjusted according to the shape of the foldable article, and the positions of the plurality of plate-shaped members can be adjusted according to the shape of the foldable article. 
     Since the width of the plate member can be adjusted according to the shape, i.e., the size and shape of the foldable article, various types of foldable articles can be folded. 
     The folding apparatus according to a twentieth aspect is the folding apparatus according to any of the fifth through twelfth and nineteenth aspects, wherein the plate member and the plurality of plate-shaped members are capable of generating heat and supplying steam to the foldable article. 
     Since the plate member and the plurality of plate-shaped members are capable of generating heat and of supplying steam to the foldable article, it is easy to smooth out wrinkles in the foldable article. 
     The folding apparatus according to a twenty-first aspect is the folding apparatus according to any of the fifth through twelfth, nineteenth, and twentieth aspects, wherein the plurality of plate-shaped members are placed at a predetermined distance away from the plate member, and are bent so as to hold the foldable article from the distal end sides between the plate member and the plurality of plate-shaped members. 
     The plurality of plate-shaped members can be bent at arbitrary portions, and the distal end of the foldable article can be held. 
     The folding apparatus according to a twenty-second aspect is the folding apparatus according to any of the first through twelfth, sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first aspects, wherein the plurality of plate-shaped members can be elastically deformed. 
     It is herein even easier for the foldable article to be held between the mounting member and the plurality of plate-shaped members. 
     The mounting apparatus according to a twenty-third aspect is a mounting apparatus for setting a foldable article on a mounting member on which foldable articles can be mounted, the mounting apparatus comprising a gripping member for gripping one end of the foldable article, wherein the gripping member mounts the foldable article on the mounting member by advancing in one direction while gradually moving from the space above the mounting member to the space below. 
     In cases in which the foldable article has creases or wrinkles when the foldable article is mounted on the mounting member, the foldable article cannot be folded neatly when folded. 
     It is herein easy to mount the foldable article on the mounting member so that wrinkles do not form. Specifically, since the gripping member moves in one direction of the mounting member while being lowered, the positions of the mounting member and gripping member approach each other, and wrinkles or creases do not readily form. 
     Effect of the Invention 
     In the present invention, when a foldable article such as a shirt is folded, it is possible to ensure that the foldable article such as a shirt will not be readily subjected to damage or stress. The configuration of the folding apparatus can be simplified, maintenance and repairs can be performed easily, and costs can be reduced. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an overall cross-sectional view of a folding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a view showing the first plate-shaped member; 
         FIG. 3  is a view showing the second plate-shaped member; 
         FIG. 4  is a view showing the third plate-shaped member; 
         FIG. 5  is a view showing the turning mechanism and the rotation mechanism; 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed view of a portion of the rotation mechanism; 
         FIG. 7  is a view showing part of the turning mechanism; 
         FIG. 8  is a view showing the vicinity of the mounting member; 
         FIG. 9  is a view of the folding apparatus as seen from the left side of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a view showing the first holding member and the second holding member; 
         FIG. 11  is a view showing a first rotating guide member in contact with a first rotating guide upper stopper; 
         FIG. 12  is a view showing a first rotating guide member in contact with a first rotating guide lower stopper; 
         FIG. 13  is a view showing a second rotating guide member; 
         FIG. 14  is a view showing a third rotating guide member; 
         FIG. 15  is a view showing a fourth rotating guide member; 
         FIG. 16  is a view showing a fourth rotating guide member and the first or second holding rotating shaft; 
         FIG. 17  is a view showing a state in which a fourth rotating guide member is in contact with a first and second stopper; 
         FIG. 18  is a view showing a state in which a foldable article such as a shirt is mounted-on the mounting member; 
         FIG. 19  is a view showing a state in which the mounting member is rotated 90° from the state in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a view of the mounting member in the state in  FIG. 19  as seen from a different position (from behind); 
         FIG. 21  is a view of part of a shirt held by the mounting member and the first plate-shaped member; 
         FIG. 22  is a view of state in which the mounting member or the like is rotated 180° from the state in  FIG. 21  and part of the shirt hangs down; 
         FIG. 23  is a view of a state in which the second plate-shaped member is moved toward the mounting member in the state shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a view of a state in which the mounting member or the like is rotated 180° from the state shown in  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a view of a state in which the third plate-shaped member is moved toward the mounting member from the state shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is an overall view of the folding apparatus according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 27  is a side view of the folding part; 
         FIG. 28  is a view showing the turning mechanism and other components, excluding the plurality of plate-shaped members; 
         FIG. 29  is a view showing a state in which the first thin plate and second thin plate have moved apart from each other; 
         FIG. 30  is a view showing a state in which the first thin plate and second thin plate have come together; 
         FIG. 31  is a view schematically depicting the movement of the gripper hand when a foldable article is mounted on the mounting member; 
         FIG. 32  is a view showing the plurality of plate-shaped members according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 33  is a view showing a shirt in a case in which the rotational angle of the mounting member is 90° or less; 
         FIG. 34  is a view showing a shirt in a case in which the rotational angle of the mounting member is 90° or greater; and 
         FIG. 35  is a view showing a state in which the foldable article is held by the mounting member (plate member) and a plate-shaped member in the case of a thick foldable article. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     First Embodiment 
     1. Overall Configuration 
       FIG. 1  shows a folding apparatus  1  according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The folding apparatus  1  is an apparatus for folding foldable articles, e.g., shirts, towels, or the like, and the apparatus comprises a frame  2 , a folding part  3 , a conveyor  4 , and a stacking part  5 . 
     2. Frame 
     The frame  2  is a portion for supporting the folding part  3 , the conveyor  4 , and other components, and is a substantially cubical portion. An opening is placed in the portion corresponding to the location where the stacking part  5  is placed. 
     3. Folding Part 
     The folding part  3  is a portion for folding shirts and the like as foldable articles, and the folding part  3  comprises a mounting member  31  (a mounting member or a plate member), a plurality of plate-shaped members  32 , a rotation mechanism  33 , and a turning mechanism  34 . The folding part  3  is placed at the top of the entire device, and is supported on the frame  2 . 
     The mounting member  31  is a member where foldable articles such as shirts can be placed, and is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member. The mounting member  31  is provided so that a first end  31   a  in the longitudinal direction is positioned lower than a second end  31   b  on opposite side of the first end  31   a ; i.e., the mounting member  31  is placed at an incline at a predetermined angle, and the second end  31   b  side is fixed to a base plate  334  of the rotation mechanism  33 . Furthermore, a rectangular cutout  311  (see  FIG. 7 ) is provided in the middle of the first end of the mounting member  31 . 
     The plurality of plate-shaped members  32  are members for folding the foldable articles in steps, and the plate-shaped members  32  include a first plate-shaped member  321 , a second plate-shaped member  322 , and a third plate-shaped member  323 . The plurality of plate-shaped members  32  are rotatably attached at one end in proximity to the second end  31   b  of the mounting member  31 . 
     The first plate-shaped member  321  has a first connecting part  321   a , a first supporting part  321   b , and a first holding plate-shaped part  321   c , as shown in  FIG. 2 , and the first plate-shaped member  321  is disposed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the mounting member  31  extends before a foldable article is held between the mounting member  31  and the first plat-shaped member. The first connecting part  321   a  has a first cylindrical connecting part  321   d  shaped as a cylinder, and a first connecting plate  321   e  protruding diametrically outward from the first cylindrical connecting part  321   d  and having a plate shape of substantially the same width as the longitudinal width of the first cylindrical connecting part  321   d . Inserted through the first cylindrical connecting part  321   d  is a first turning shaft  349  (see  FIG. 7 ), described hereinafter, for turning the first plate shaped member  321 . The first supporting part  321   b  is a portion connected to the first connecting part  321   a  on the opposite end of where the first cylindrical connecting part  321   d  is placed, and is also a plate-shaped portion extending to a side opposite of the side in which the first connecting part  321   a  is disposed. The first supporting part  321   b  has approximately one third the width of the first holding plate-shaped part  321   c , and is placed at the left (the top in  FIG. 2 ) end of the width direction of the first holding plate-shaped part  321   c , as seen from the first connecting plate  321   e  in a state in which the first connecting part  321   a  is placed underneath the first supporting part  321   b . The first holding plate-shaped part  321   c  is a substantially rectangular portion, and foldable articles are held between the mounting member  31  or the second plate-shaped member  322  and the first holding plate-shaped part. The first holding plate-shaped part  321   c  is connected at one end to the end of the first supporting part  321   b  opposite the end where the first connecting plate  321   e  is placed, and provided in the center of the other end is a first cutout  321   f  of the same shape as the cutout  311  of the mounting member  31 . Furthermore, the first holding plate-shaped part  321   c  is substantially equal in width to the mounting member  31 , the width of which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. 
     The second plate-shaped member  322  has a second connecting part  322   a , a second supporting part  322   b , and a second holding plate-shaped part  322   c , as shown in  FIG. 3 , and the second plate-shaped member  322  is disposed so as to extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the mounting member  31  extends. The second connecting part  322   a  has a second cylindrical connecting part  322   d  shaped as a cylinder, and a second connecting plate  322   e  protruding diametrically outward from the second cylindrical connecting part  322   d  and having a plate shape of substantially the same width as the longitudinal width of the second cylindrical connecting part  322   d . Inserted through the second cylindrical connecting part  322   d  is a second turning shaft  353  (see  FIG. 7 ), described hereinafter, for turning the second plate-shaped member  322 . The second supporting part  322   b  is a portion connected to the second cylindrical connecting part  322   d  of the second connecting part  322   a , and is also a plate-shaped portion extending to the side opposite the side in which the second cylindrical connecting part  322   d  of the second connecting part  322   a  is disposed. The second supporting part  322   b  has approximately one third the width of the second holding plate-shaped part  322   c , and is placed at the right (the bottom in  FIG. 3 ) end of the width direction of the second holding plate-shaped part  322   c , when the second connecting part  322   a  is placed underneath the second supporting part  322   b  and viewed from the second cylindrical connecting part  322   d . The second holding plate-shaped part  322   c  is a substantially rectangular portion, and part of the foldable article is held between the first plate shaped member  321  or the third plate-shaped member  323  and the second holding plate-shaped part. The second holding plate-shaped part  322   c  is connected at one end to the lateral end of the second supporting part  322   b  opposite the lateral end where the second connecting plate  322   e  is placed, and provided in the center of the other end is a second cutout  322   f  of the same shape as the first cutout  321   f  and the cutout  311  of the mounting member. Furthermore, the second holding plate-shaped part  322   c  is substantially equal in width to the mounting member  31 , the width of which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. 
     The third plate-shaped member  323  has a third connecting part  323   a , a third supporting part  323   b , and a third holding plate-shaped part  323   c , as shown in  FIG. 4 , and the third plate-shaped member  323  is disposed extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the mounting member  31  extends. The third connecting part  323   a  has a third cylindrical connecting part  323   d  shaped as a cylinder, and a third connecting plate  323   e  protruding diametrically outward from the third cylindrical connecting part  323   d  and having a plate shape of substantially the same width as the longitudinal width of the third cylindrical connecting part  323   d . Inserted through the third cylindrical connecting part  323   d  is a third turning shaft  357  (see  FIG. 7 ), described hereinafter, for turning the third plate-shaped member  323 . The third supporting part  323   b  is a portion connected to a third connecting plate  323   f , and is also a plate-shaped portion extending to the opposite side of the third cylindrical connecting part  323   e . The third supporting part  323   b  has approximately one third the width of the third holding plate-shaped part  323   c , and is placed in the middle of the width direction of the third holding plate-shaped part  323   c . The third holding plate-shaped part  323   c  is a substantially rectangular portion, and part of the foldable article is held between the second plate-shaped member  322  and the third holding plate-shaped part. The third holding plate-shaped part  323   c  is connected at one end to the end of the third supporting part  323   b  opposite the end where the third connecting plate  323   f  is placed, and provided in the center of the other end is a third cutout  323   f  of the same shape as the cutout  311  of the mounting member  31 , the first cutout  321   f , and the second cutout  322   f . Furthermore, the third holding plate-shaped part  323   c  is substantially equal in width to the mounting member  31 , the width of which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. 
     The first plate-shaped member  321 , the second plate-shaped member  322 , and the third plate-shaped member  323  are placed so that the first holding plate-shaped part  321   c , the second holding plate-shaped part  322   c , and the third holding plate-shaped part  323   c  overlap each other, and are also placed in alignment so that the first cylindrical connecting part  321   d , the second cylindrical connecting part  322   d , and the third cylindrical connecting part  323   d  overlap each other in the stated order from the mounting member  31 . Therefore, a single shaft member can be inserted in one direction through the first cylindrical connecting part  321   d , the second cylindrical connecting part  322   d , and the third cylindrical connecting part  323   d.    
     The rotation mechanism  33  is a mechanism for rotating around a shaft extending along the longitudinal direction of the mounting member  31 , and is placed at the other end of the mounting member  31 . The rotation mechanism  33  has a first drive motor  331 , a power transmission mechanism  332 , and a base plate  334 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 through 7 . 
     The first drive motor  331  is a member supported on the frame  2  via a drive motor support member  331   b , and is also a member for generating power for rotating the mounting member  31  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  32 . The first drive motor  331  is provided with a drive shaft  331   a , and a first pulley  332   a , described hereinafter, of the power transmission mechanism  332  is connected to the drive shaft  331   a . The drive motor support member  331   b  is a member formed into a substantial U shape, one end of which is fixed to the frame  2 . 
     The power transmission mechanism  332  is a mechanism for transmitting the power of the first drive motor  331  to the base plate  334 , and the power transmission mechanism  332  comprises a first pulley  332   a , a second pulley  332   b , a transmission belt  332   c , a first transmission cam  332   d , a first bevel gear  332   e , an intermediate transmission gear  332   f , a second bevel gear  332   g , a second transmission cam  332   h , a dumbbell-shaped member  332   i , a first intermediate transmission member  333 , a second intermediate transmission member  333   a , a first rotating gear  333   b , and a second rotating gear  333   c . The first pulley  332   a , the second pulley  332   b , the transmission belt  332   c , the first transmission cam  332   d , the first bevel gear  332   e , the intermediate transmission gear  332   f , the second bevel gear  332   g , the second transmission cam  332   h , the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i , the first intermediate transmission member  333 , and part of the second intermediate transmission member  333   a  of the power transmission mechanism  332  are placed outside of the frame  2 . The first pulley  332   a  is a member caused to rotate by the first drive motor  331 , and is also a discoid member having a groove in the external periphery capable of supporting the transmission belt  332   c . The second pulley  332   b  is a discoid member similar to the first pulley  332   a , and is also a member placed underneath the first pulley  332   a . The transmission belt  332   c  is a member for transmitting the power of the first pulley  332   a  to the second pulley  332   b  and to a third pulley  341 , described hereinafter, and is also an endless belt-shaped member. The transmission belt  332   c  is a member installed over the first pulley  332   a , the second pulley  332   b , and the third pulley  341 , and power is transmitted from the first pulley  332   a , and the belt is circulated when the first pulley  332   a  is rotated. The first transmission cam  332   d  is a member to which a shaft (second pulley-rotating shaft  332   j ) of the second pulley  332   b  is provided, and is a substantially elliptical plate-shaped member. The first transmission cam  332   d  rotates counterclockwise in  FIG. 5  according to the rotation of the second pulley  332   b . The first bevel gear  332   e  is a member provided coaxially with the first transmission cam  332   d , and is caused to rotate in the same direction as the first transmission cam  332   d  according to the rotation of the second pulley-rotating shaft  332   j . The intermediate transmission gear  332   f  is a gear meshed with the first bevel gear  332   e , and is supported by a support member  332   m  extending from the frame  2 . The second bevel gear  332   g  is a gear meshed with the intermediate transmission gear  332   f , and the second bevel gear  332   g  rotates in the direction opposite the rotational direction of the first bevel gear  332   e . The second transmission cam  332   h  is a member attached to the second bevel gear  332   g , and is a substantially circular cam. The second transmission cam  332   h  rotates in the opposite direction of the first transmission cam  332   d , i.e., clockwise in  FIG. 5 . The portion of the first transmission cam  332   d  where the distance from the second pulley-rotating shaft  332   j  is farthest (hereinbelow, the first transmission farthest portion  332   k ) is farther than the portion of the second transmission cam  332   h  where the distance from the second pulley-rotating shaft  332   j  is farthest (hereinbelow, the second transmission farthest portion  332   n ). The dumbbell-shaped member  332   i  has two columnar portions  332   o , and a rod-shaped part  332   p  for joining two columnar portions  332   o , and the two columnar portions  332   o  are respectively in contact with at least one of the first transmission cam  332   d  and the second transmission cam  332   h . The rod-shaped part  332   p  of the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i  is connected at one end to the end of the first intermediate transmission member  333 . When the vicinity of the first transmission farthest portion  332   k  of the first transmission cam  332   d  is positioned near the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i , the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i  is in contact with the first transmission cam  332   d . Otherwise, when the vicinity of the first transmission farthest portion  332   k  of the first transmission cam  332   d  is not positioned near the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i , the second transmission cam  332   h  is in contact with the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i . When in contact with the second transmission cam  332   h , the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i  is caused to rotate counterclockwise in  FIG. 5  according to the rotation of the second transmission cam  332   h . When in contact with the first transmission cam  332   d , the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i  is caused to rotate clockwise in  FIG. 5  according to the rotation of the first transmission cam  332   d . The first intermediate transmission member  333  is a T-shaped member, part of which is supported on the frame  2 . The second intermediate transmission member  333   a  has a plate-shaped portion  333   g  and a shaft  333   h  provided at the end of the plate-shaped portion  333   g , and one end of the first intermediate transmission member  333  is connected to the second intermediate transmission member  333   a . A substantially elliptical hole is opened in the portion where the first intermediate transmission member  333  is connected, and a shaft provided at the end of the first intermediate transmission member  333  is placed in the hole. The first intermediate transmission member  333  is capable of rotating relative to the second intermediate transmission member  333   a . The first rotating gear  333   b  is a gear attached to the end of the shaft  333   h  of the second intermediate transmission member  333   a . The second rotating gear  333   c  is a gear member meshed with the first rotating gear  333   b.    
     The base plate  334  is a plate-shaped member attached to the second rotating gear  333   c , and is also a member caused to rotate according to the rotation of the second rotating gear  333   c . The base plate  334  is a plate-shaped member formed into the shape of a U. Two support members  334   a  formed by bending plates into L shapes are placed on the base plate  334 , and the mounting member  31  is fixed by the two support members  334   a . A plurality of plate-shaped members  32  are turnably supported on the support members  334   a , which remain underneath the mounting member  31  while the foldable article has yet to be mounted. Furthermore, the mounting member  31  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  32  rotate according to the rotation of the base plate  334 . The mounting member  31  remains placed in the state shown in  FIG. 1 ; i.e., in a state in which one surface faces upward in  FIG. 1  while a foldable article has yet to be mounted. 
     The turning mechanism  34  is a mechanism for turning the plurality of plate-shaped members  32  toward the mounting member  31 , and is placed at the second end  31   b  of the mounting member  31 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  7 , and  8 . The turning mechanism  34  comprises the first drive motor  331 , the first pulley  332   a , the third pulley  341 , the transmission belt  332   c , a turning mechanism rotating shaft  342 , a first turning gear  343 , a second turning gear  344 , a second turning shaft  345 , a first turning cam  346 , a first turning plate member  347 , a second turning plate member  348 , a first turning shaft  349 , a second turning cam  350 , a third turning plate member  351 , a fourth turning plate member  352 , a second turning shaft  353 , a third turning cam  354 , a fifth turning plate member  355 , a sixth turning plate member  356 , and a third turning shaft  357 . The third pulley  341  is a discoid member of the same shape as the first pulley  332   a  and the second pulley  332   b , and is placed above the first pulley  332   a . The turning mechanism rotating shaft  342  is a shaft member attached to the third pulley  341 , and is disposed so as to pass through the frame  2 . A bearing and supporting cylinder member is placed on the turning mechanism rotating shaft  342  in order to enable the shaft to rotate relative to the frame  2 . The first turning gear  343  is a member placed at the end of the turning mechanism rotating shaft  342 , and is provided in proximity to the second rotating gear  333   c . The first turning gear  343  is a helical gear in which the screw thread is formed in a helical shape on the second turning shaft  345 . The second turning gear  344  is a gear meshed with the first turning gear  343 , and is placed above the first turning gear  343 . The second turning gear  344  is a helical gear, which is formed a helical screw thread that meshes with that of the first turning gear  343 . The second turning shaft  345  is a shaft-shaped member that passes through the second turning gear  344 , and is caused to rotate according to the rotation of the second turning gear  344 . The first turning cam  346  is attached to one end of the second turning shaft  345 , and the first turning plate member  347  is attached to the external periphery of the first turning cam  346 . The first turning cam  346  rotates counterclockwise in  FIG. 1 . The first turning plate member  347  is a plate-shaped member extending in one direction, wherein the first turning cam  346  is fixed to one end and the second turning plate member  348  is disposed at the other end. The first turning plate member  347  is turnably attached in the center to the base plate  334  (see  FIG. 1 ). The second turning plate member  348  is a plate-shaped member extending in one direction, and a hole extending along the direction in which the second turning plate member  348  extends is provided in the center thereof. The first turning shaft  349  is attached to one end of the second turning plate member  348 . Therefore, when the first turning cam  346  rotates, the first turning plate member  347  and the second turning plate member  348  are caused to rotate according to the rotation of the first turning cam  346 , and the first turning shaft  349  is caused to rotate according to the rotation of the second turning plate member  348 . The first plate-shaped member  321  turns toward the mounting member  31  when the first turning shaft  349  rotates. The first turning shaft  349  is a portion attached to the first connecting part  321   a  of the first plate-shaped member  321 . The second turning cam  350  is a member provided in proximity to the other end of the second turning shaft  345 , and the third turning plate member  351  is attached to the external periphery of the second turning cam  350 . The third turning plate member  351  is a plate-shaped member wherein one end is attached to the second turning cam  350 , and the other end is attached to the fourth turning plate member  352 . A hole extending in one direction is formed in the center of the fourth turning plate member  352 , and a shaft provided at one end of the third turning plate member  351  is turnably placed in the hole. The second turning shaft  353  is placed at one end of the fourth turning plate member  352 . The second turning shaft  353  is a cylindrical member, and the second plate-shaped member  322  is placed at the end on the side opposite where the fourth turning plate member  352  is placed. When the second turning shaft  345  rotates, the second turning shaft  353  rotates via the third turning plate member  351  and the fourth turning plate member  352 , and the second plate-shaped member  322  turns toward the mounting member  31 . The third turning cam  354  is placed farther toward the other end of the second turning shaft  345  than the second turning cam  350 , and the fifth turning plate member  355  is attached to the external periphery of the third turning cam  354 . The fifth turning plate member  355  is a plate-shaped member wherein one end is fixed to the external periphery of the third turning cam  354 , and the sixth turning plate member  356  is attached to the other end. The sixth turning plate member  356  has a hole extending in one direction formed in the center, and the third turning shaft  357  is placed at the other end. A shaft provided at the end of the fifth turning plate member  355  is placed in the hole of the sixth turning plate member  356 . When the second turning shaft  345  rotates, the third turning shaft  357  is caused to rotate according to this rotation via the fifth turning plate member  355  and the sixth turning plate member  356 . The third plate-shaped member  323  turns toward the mounting member  31  when the third turning shaft is rotated. The third turning shaft  357  is attached at one end to the sixth turning plate member  356 , and the third plate-shaped member  323  is attached in the vicinity of the other end. The third turning shaft  357  is disposed so as to pass through the second turning shaft  353 . 
     4. Conveying Apparatus 
     The conveyor  4  is an apparatus for conveying folded articles to a predetermined location, the folded articles being foldable articles that have been folded, and is placed underneath the folding part  3 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  9 , and  10 . The conveyor  4  comprises a holding mechanism  41  and a conveyed article movement mechanism  43 . 
     The holding mechanism  41  is a mechanism for holding folded shirts, and the holding mechanism  41  comprises a first holding member  411  provided at the end of a conveyed article mounting member  431  described below, a second holding member  412  provided at one end of the conveyed article mounting member  431  described below, and a holding member movement mechanism  42 . The first holding member  411  is a plate-shaped member that can pass through the cutout  311  in the mounting member  31 , and the first holding member  411  is placed below the mounting member  31  while the conveyed article mounting member  431  described below is at its lowest position. The second holding member  412  is a plate-shaped member placed above the mounting member  31  so as to face the first holding member  411 , and is capable of passing through the cutout  311  in the mounting member  31 . The second holding member  412  is a member bent into the shape of a V. The holding member movement mechanism  42  is a mechanism for moving the first holding member  411  and the second holding member  412  holding folded shirts, and the mechanism comprises a first holding rotating shaft  421 , a first holding lever  422 , a second holding rotating shaft  423 , a second holding lever  424 , first holding lever protuberances  425 , and second holding lever protuberances  426 . The first holding rotating shaft  421  is a member wherein the first holding member  411  is provided at one end, and is a shaft member extending in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the conveyed article mounting member  431  (described below) extends. The first holding lever  422  is a member placed at the other end of the first holding rotating shaft  421 , and is provided in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first holding rotating shaft  421  extends. The first holding rotating shaft  421  can be rotated and the first holding member  411  can be rotated by rotating the first holding lever  422 . The second holding rotating shaft  423  is a member extending in the direction in which the first holding rotating shaft  421  extends, and is placed so as to be adjacent to the lateral end where the first holding member  411  is placed. The second holding rotating shaft  423  is capable of rotating relative to the first holding rotating shaft  421 , and the second holding member  412  is provided at the lateral end where the first holding rotating shaft  421  is laced. Specifically, the second holding member  412  is attached to the second holding rotating shaft  423  via an intermediate connecting member  423   a  comprising a rectangular support part  423   d  on the second holding rotating shaft  423 , and a connecting part  423   e  for positioning the second holding member  412  at the same axial position on the second holding rotating shaft  423  as the axial position (in the axial direction of the first holding rotating shaft  421  and the second holding rotating shaft  423 ) of the first holding member  411 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The second holding lever  424  is a portion provided to the second holding rotating shaft  423  at the end opposite the second holding member  412 , and is provided in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the second holding rotating shaft  423  extends. The second holding rotating shaft  423  can be rotated by rotating the second holding lever  424 , and as a result, the second holding member  412  can be turned toward the foldable article. The first holding lever protuberance  425  is a member provided in proximity to a holding rotating shaft guide member  44  described below, and the first holding lever protuberance  425  rotates the first holding lever  422  according to the movement of the first holding rotating shaft  421 . Specifically, the first holding member  411  is turned toward the folded article. The second holding lever protuberance  426  is a member provided in proximity to the holding rotating shaft guide member  44  described below, and the second holding lever protuberance  426  rotates the second holding lever  424  according to the movement of the second holding rotating shaft  423 . Specifically, the second holding member  412  is turned toward the folded shirt. A holding contact lever  49  (see  FIG. 16 ) is placed at the end of the first holding rotating shaft  421  on the side opposite where the first holding member  411  is placed, and at the end of the second holding rotating shaft  423  on the side opposite where the first holding member  411  is placed. 
     The conveyed article movement mechanism  43  is a mechanism for moving folded shirts to a predetermined position, the mechanism comprising the conveyed article mounting member  431 , a second drive motor  432 , a first movement pulley  433 , a second movement pulley  434 , a third movement pulley  438 , a movement transmission belt  435 , a first guide rod  436 , a second guide rod  439 , a first movement guide member  437   a , a second movement guide member  437   b , and the holding rotating shaft guide member  44 . 
     The conveyed article mounting member  431  is a plate-shaped member having substantially the same shape as the mounting member  31 , wherein the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  are placed at one end thereof. A cutout  431   a  is provided at the lateral end where the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  are placed, allowing the first holding member  411  and the second holding member  412  to pass through. Furthermore, a shaft member  431   b  parallel to the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  is placed at the end of the side opposite where the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  are placed. 
     The second drive motor  432  is a member for generating power for moving the conveyed article mounting member  431 , and is placed at the bottom of the apparatus. 
     The first movement pulley  433  is a discoid member attached to the second drive motor  432 . 
     The second movement pulley  434  is a discoid member provided above the first movement pulley  433  at the lateral end where the rotation mechanism  33  is provided, and is attached to the frame  2 . 
     The third movement pulley  438  is provided to a position at the same height as the second movement pulley  434 , and is placed at the lateral end opposite the lateral end where the second movement pulley  434  is provided. 
     The movement transmission belt  435  is a member installed between the first movement pulley  433  and the second movement pulley  434 , and the movement transmission belt  435  circulates when the first movement pulley  433  is caused to rotate. 
     The first guide rod  436  is a rod-shaped member attached at both ends to the frame  2 , and is provided so as to be substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the frame  2 . 
     The second guide rod  439  is a member fixed at both ends to the frame  2 , and is provided above the holding rotating shaft guide member  44 . The second guide rod  439  is also a member disposed so as to be parallel to the first guide rod  436 . 
     The first movement guide member  437   a  is a member extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the first and second guide rods  436 ,  439 , and is placed between the first guide rod  436  and the second guide rod  439 . The first movement guide member  437   a  is attached to the movement transmission belt  435  and the first and second guide rods  436 ,  439  so as to be capable of sliding relative to the first and second guide rods  436 ,  439 . Therefore, when the second drive motor  432  rotates and the movement transmission belt  435  circulates, the first movement guide member  437   a  slides along the first and second guide rods  436 ,  439 . A first slit  437   c  extending in a substantially perpendicular direction is formed in the first movement guide member  437   a , and through this first slit  437   c  the first holding rotating shaft  421  is inserted, i.e., is placed between the lateral end of the second holding member  412  and the second holding lever  424 . 
     The second movement guide member  437   b  is a member extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the first and second guide rods  436 ,  439 , and is placed between the first guide rod  436  and the second guide rod  439 . The second movement guide member  437   b  is a member disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the first movement guide member  437   a , and is placed to the right of the first movement guide member  437   a  in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, the second movement guide member  437   b  is attached to the movement transmission belt  435  and the guide rod  436  so as to be capable of sliding relative to the first and second guide rods  436 ,  439 . Therefore, the second movement guide member  437   b  slides along the first and second guide rods  436 ,  439  when the second drive motor  432  is rotated and the movement transmission belt  435  is circulated. A second slit  437   d  extending in a substantially perpendicular direction is formed in the second movement guide member  437   b , and the shaft member  431   b  is inserted through the second slit  437   d . Since the first and second movement guide members  437   a ,  437   b  are placed between the first guide rod  436  and the second guide rod  439 , the first and second movement guide members  437   a ,  437   b  are supported in a stable manner. 
     The holding rotating shaft guide member  44  is a member for guiding the movement of the conveyed article mounting member  431 , and is composed of a pair of members placed at the axial outer sides of the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423 . The holding rotating shaft guide member  44  guides the conveyed article mounting member  431  so as to be capable of moving between a mounting position where folded articles are mounted on the conveyed article mounting member  431 , and a stacking position where folded articles are stacked on a stacking plate  51  of the stacking part  5 . Each holding rotating shaft guide member  44  has a first guide part  441 , a second guide part  442 , a third guide part  443 , a fourth guide part  444 , a first turning guide member  445 , a second turning guide member  446 , a third turning guide member  447 , and a fourth turning guide member  448 . Grooves having a width that allows the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  and the shaft member  431   b  to move are formed in each first guide part  441 , second guide part  442 , third guide part  443 , and fourth guide part  444 . 
     The first guide parts  441  are placed at an incline so that the ends on the side where the rotation mechanism  33  and turning mechanism  34  are placed are positioned higher than the ends on the other side, and the first guide parts  441  have a predetermined length. The first holding lever protuberance  425  is placed in the vicinity of the portion where one first guide part  441  and one third guide part  443  connect, and the second holding lever protuberance  426  (see  FIG. 9 ) is placed in the vicinity of the portion where the other first guide part  441  and the other third guide part  443  connect. 
     The second guide parts  442  are placed at an incline so that the ends on the side where the rotation mechanism  33  and turning mechanism  34  are placed are positioned lower than the ends on the other side, and the second guide parts  442  have a predetermined length. The second guide parts  442  are connected with the first guide parts  441  at one end. In the initial state (the state when a conveyed article (a shirt or the like) has yet to be placed on the conveyed article mounting member), the conveyed article mounting member  431  is placed at the lateral ends of the second guide parts  442  where the rotation mechanism  33  and turning mechanism  34  are placed. 
     The third guide parts  443  are portions for connecting the first guide parts  441  and the second guide parts  442 , and are arcuate portions placed at locations separated at fixed distances from the portions where the first guide parts  441  and the second guide parts  442  connect. These fixed distances are the same distance as the distance between the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  and the shaft member  431   b . Therefore, the shaft member  431   b  is capable of moving the third guide parts  443  while the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  remain positioned at the portions where the first guide parts  441  and the second guide parts  442  connect. 
     The fourth guide parts  444  are placed so as to connect the first guide parts  441  and the second guide parts  442 , and are placed nearer to the mounting position and the stacking position than the third guide parts  443 . The fourth guide parts  444  are portions formed into substantially arcuate shapes, and are connected from the substantial centers of the second guide parts  442  to the vicinities of the lateral ends of the first guide parts  441  where the rotation mechanism  33  is placed. 
     The first turning guide members  445  are plate-shaped members, and are placed at the portions where the second guide parts  442  are connected to the first guide parts  441 , i.e., at the ends of the first guide parts  441  and second guide parts  442  opposite the side where the rotation mechanism  33  is placed (the right in  FIG. 1 ). The first turning guide members  445  have first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a , first turning guide upper members  445   b , first turning guide middle members  445   c , first turning guide lower members  445   d , first turning guide upper stoppers  445   e , and first turning guide lower stoppers  445   f . The first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a  are columnar members attached to the frame  2 , and are placed at the portions where the first guide parts  441  are connected to the second guide parts  442 . The first turning guide upper members  445   b  are members placed at higher positions than the first turning guide middle members  445   c  and the first turning guide lower members  445   d , and are turnably attached at one end to the first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a . The first turning guide middle members  445   c  are members placed between the first turning guide upper members  445   b  and the first turning guide lower members  445   d , and are turnably attached at one end to the first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a . The first turning guide lower members  445   d  are turnably attached at one end to the first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a . The first turning guide upper stoppers  445   e  are members provided above the first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a , and are columnar members. The first turning guide lower stoppers  445   f  are members placed below the first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a , and are members for stopping the first turning guide lower member  445   d  from turning by coming into contact with the first turning guide lower members  445   d.    
     When the first turning guide lower stoppers  445   f  and the first turning guide lower members  445   d  are in contact, the lateral ends of the first turning guide upper members  445   b  where the first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a  are not placed and the lateral ends of the first turning guide middle members  445   c  where the first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a  are not placed are positioned at the ends of the second guide parts  442  as shown in  FIG. 11 . Hook-and-loop fasteners are placed on the portions of the first turning guide upper stoppers  445   e  that contact the first turning guide upper members  445   b , and on the surfaces of the first turning guide upper members  445   b  that face the first turning guide upper stoppers  445   e , and the first turning guide upper members  445   b  are kept in a state of contact with the first turning guide upper stoppers  445   e  as shown in  FIG. 12  by contact between the hook-and-loop fasteners. While the first turning guide upper members  445   b  remain in contact with the first turning guide upper stoppers  445   e , the ends of the first turning guide middle members  445   c  on the sides opposite the first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a  and the ends of the first turning guide lower members  445   d  on the sides opposite where the first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a  are placed are positioned at the ends of the second guide parts  442  on the sides opposite the ends where the rotation mechanism  33  is placed. 
     The second turning guide members  446  are members provided to the portions where the third guide parts  443  are connected to the first guide parts  441  as shown in  FIG. 13 , and are also members for preventing the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  from moving from the first guide parts  441  to the third guide parts  443  when the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  are positioned above the second guide parts  442 , and for moving the shaft member  431   b  from the first guide parts  441  to the third guide parts  443  when the shaft member  431   b  moves from the lateral ends of the first guide parts  441  where the rotation mechanism  33  is placed to the lateral ends opposite the lateral ends where the rotation mechanism  33  is placed. The second turning guide members  446  have second turning guide rotating shafts  446   a  and second turning guide bifurcating members  446   b . The second turning guide rotating shafts  446   a  are columnar members. The second turning guide bifurcating members  446   b  are plate-shaped members and are attached at one end to the second turning guide rotating shafts  446   a . The second turning guide bifurcating members  446   b  are members disposed at an incline of a predetermined angle in relation to the first guide parts  441  as shown in  FIG. 13 , blocking off the side where the rotation mechanism  33  is placed from the opposite side of where the rotation mechanism  33  is placed. The second turning guide bifurcating members  446   b  are capable of turning around the second turning guide rotating shafts  446   a , but may also be fixed in place so as to be incapable of turning. 
     The third turning guide members  447  are members provided to the portions where the fourth guide parts  444  are connected to the first guide parts  441  as shown in  FIG. 14 , and are also members for allowing the shaft member  431   b  to move from the fourth guide parts  444  toward the first guide parts  441 , and for blocking the shaft member  431   b  from moving from the first guide parts  441  toward the fourth guide parts  444 . The third turning guide members  447  have third turning guide rotating shafts  447   a  and third turning guide bifurcating members  447   b . The third turning guide rotating shafts  447   a  are columnar members. The third turning guide bifurcating members  447   b  are attached at one end to the third turning guide rotating shafts  447   a , and are plate-shaped members having a greater width than the fourth guide parts  444 . The third turning guide bifurcating members  447   b  are members placed so as to close off the third guide parts  443 , and these members turn when the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  move from the third guide parts  443  toward the first guide parts  441 . 
     The fourth turning guide members  448  are provided to the portions where the fourth guide parts  444  are connected to the second guide parts  442  as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , and are members for bifurcating the direction in which the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  and the shaft member  431   b  move. The fourth turning guide members  448  have fourth turning guide rotating shafts  448   a , first bifurcating guide members  448   b , second bifurcating guide members  448   c , and third bifurcating guide members  448   d . The portions where the fourth guide parts  444  are connected to the first guide parts  441  are provided with first stoppers  448   e  for stopping the rotation of the second bifurcating guide members  448   c , and second stoppers  448   f  for stopping the rotation of the third bifurcating guide members  448   d , as shown in  FIG. 15 . The fourth turning guide rotating shafts  448   a  are columnar members. The first bifurcating guide members  448   b  are members placed so as to block off the sides of the first guide parts  441  where the rotation mechanism  33  are placed and the sides opposite the sides where the rotation mechanism  33  are placed when the conveyed article mounting member  431  is positioned at the stacking position, and the first bifurcating guide members  448   b  are also plate-shaped members. The first bifurcating guide members  448   b  are rotatably attached at one end to the fourth turning guide rotating shafts  448   a . The distal ends at the other ends of the first bifurcating guide members  448   b  are provided with inclined surfaces  448   g  so that while the conveyed article mounting member  431  is positioned at the stacking position, the bottom ends are positioned to the left in  FIG. 15  (the right in  FIG. 1 ) of the top ends. The second bifurcating guide members  448   c  are members for guiding the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  toward the fourth guide parts  444  when the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423  move from the first guide parts  441  toward the fourth guide parts  444 , and the second bifurcating guide members  448   c  are also plate-shaped members. The second bifurcating guide members  448   c  rotate around the fourth turning guide rotating shafts  448   a , and constitute part of the second guide parts  442  while in contact with the first stoppers  448   e . The third bifurcating guide members  448   d  are in contact with the second stoppers  448   f  while the conveyed article mounting member  431  is positioned in the stacking position, and the third bifurcating guide members  448   d  are plate-shaped members having a substantial V shape and are attached at one end to the fourth turning guide rotating shafts  448   a . In the vicinities of the distal ends near the second stoppers  448   f , the third bifurcating guide members  448   d  have contact portions  448   h  extending at an incline towards the front of the paper surface in  FIG. 15 . The shaft member  431   b  moves in the direction in which the rotation mechanism  33  is provided and thereby rotates around the fourth turning guide rotating shafts  448   a , while the contact portions  448   h  of the third bifurcating guide members  448   d  are in contact with the holding contact lever  49  (see  FIG. 16 ) provided in proximity to the guide parts of the first and second holding rotating shafts  421 ,  423 . The first holding lever protuberances  425  and the second holding lever protuberances  426  are placed on the first guide parts  441  and the fourth guide parts  444 , respectively. In cases in which part of a foldable article hangs down at one end of the mounting member  31 , part of the foldable article can be inserted in between the conveyed article mounting member  431  and the mounting member  31  and folded when the conveyed article mounting member  431  moves from the stacking position to the mounting position. 
     5. Stacking Part  5   
     The stacking part  5  is an apparatus on which folded articles such as shirts are placed and folded articles are stacked, and the stacking part  5  is placed at the bottom of the folding apparatus. The stacking part  5  comprises the stacking plate  51 , stacking guide rods  52 , a dividing plate  53 , and springs  54 . 
     The stacking plate  51  is a plate-shaped member provided so as to be positioned below the conveyed article mounting member  431  when the conveyed article mounting member  431  is positioned at the stacking position. Furthermore, the stacking plate  51  is provided with two holes through which the stacking guide rods  52  can be inserted. 
     The stacking guide rods  52  are members extending substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface of the frame  2  to a predetermined height, and are placed so as to pass through the holes in the stacking plate  51 . 
     The dividing plate  53  is a member for supporting the folded articles stacked on the stacking plate  51  so that the folded articles do not fall off, and the dividing plate  53  is placed at the end of the stacking plate  51 . 
     The springs  54  are members that compress according to the weight of the folded articles, and are placed so that the stacking guide rods  52  pass through. The springs  54  are placed between the bottom surface of the frame  2  and the stacking plate  51 . Therefore, the springs  54  are compressed by the weight of the folded articles when the folded articles are mounted on the stacking plate  51 . 
     As the amount of folded articles mounted on the stacking plate  51  increases, the height position of the stacking plate  51  lowers according to the weight of the folded articles, increasing the space in which new folded articles can be accommodated and stacked. 
     6. Operation 
     The operation of folding will now be described. 
     The initial state of the mounting member  31  is the state shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the mounting member  31  is substantially parallel to the first guide parts  441  of the apparatus, and the plurality of plate-shaped members  32  are opened at substantially orthogonal angles to the mounting member  31 . In this state, a foldable article, e.g., a shirt is mounted on the surface on one side of the mounting member  31  so that part of the shirt hangs down from the mounting member  31 , as shown in  FIG. 18  (first step). The second pulley  332   b  is rotated via the first pulley  332   a  by the power from the first drive motor  331 , and the first transmission cam  332   d  and second transmission cam  332   h  are rotated according to the rotation of the second pulley  332   b . At this time, the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i  is rotated counterclockwise in  FIG. 5  by the second transmission cam  332   h . The mounting member  31  changes from the initial state to a state inclined at 90° shown in  FIG. 19 , by the rotation of the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i . With this change, part of the shirt (one sleeve or the like) mounted on the mounting member  31  is hung by gravity so as to be positioned in proximity to the surface of the mounting member  31  opposite the side on which the shirt is mounted (second step) (see  FIG. 20 ). At this time, the third pulley  341  also rotates according to the rotation of the first pulley  332   a , and the second turning shaft  345  is caused to rotate according to the rotation of the third pulley  341 . The first turning cam  346  rotates according to the rotation of the second turning shaft  345 , and the first plate-shaped member  321  turns toward the mounting member  31  according to the rotation of the first turning cam  346  (third step). At this time, part of the shirt (one sleeve or the like) is held between the mounting member  31  and the first plate-shaped member  321 , whereby the shirt is folded (see  FIG. 21 ). 
     From this state, the second pulley  332   b  rotates further, the first transmission farthest portion  332   k  of the first transmission cam  332   d  begins to come in contact with the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i , and the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i  is caused to rotate clockwise in  FIG. 5 . With the rotation of the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i , the mounting member  31  and the first plate-shaped member  321  are caused to rotate 180° clockwise in  FIG. 5 . At this time, part of the shirt (the other sleeve or the like) is positioned in proximity to the surface of the first plate-shaped member  321  on the side opposite the surface facing the mounting member  31 , as shown in  FIG. 22  (fourth step). At this time, the second pulley  332   b  is also caused to rotate further. The second turning shaft  353  is caused to rotate by the rotation of the second pulley  332   b , and the second turning cam  350  rotates. The second plate-shaped member  322  turns toward the first plate-shaped member  321  by the rotation of the second turning cam  350 . Part of the shirt (the other sleeve or the like) is then held and folded by the first plate-shaped member  321  and the second plate-shaped member  322  by the turning operation of the second plate-shaped member  322 , as shown in  FIG. 23  (fifth step). 
     From this state, the first pulley  332   a  rotates further. The second pulley  332   b  rotates according to this rotation, and the first transmission cam  332   d  and second transmission cam  332   h  rotate as well. At this time, the second transmission cam  332   h  comes in contact with the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i , and the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i  is caused to rotate counterclockwise in  FIG. 5  in accordance with the rotation of the second transmission cam  332   h . The mounting member  31  and the first and second plate-shaped members  321 ,  322  rotate 180° counterclockwise in  FIG. 9 , according to the rotation of the dumbbell-shaped member  332   i . At this time, part of the shirt (the end of the other sleeve or the like) is positioned in proximity to the surface of the second plate-shaped member  322  on the side opposite the surface facing the first plate-shaped member  321 , as shown in  FIG. 24  (sixth step). At the same time, the third pulley  341  also is caused to rotate further, and the second turning shaft  345  rotates by the rotation of the third pulley  341 . The third turning cam  354  rotates by the rotation of the second turning shaft  345 , and the third plate-shaped member  323  turns toward the second plate-shaped member  322  (seventh step). Part of the shirt (the end of the other sleeve or the like) is held and folded by the second plate-shaped member  322  and the third plate-shaped member  323 , as shown in  FIG. 25 . 
     From this state, the second pulley  332   b  rotates further, and the mounting member  31  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  32  are caused to rotate 90° clockwise in  FIG. 9 . 
     Next, the conveying operation will be described. 
     In the initial state, the conveyor  4  is in the state shown in  FIG. 1 , i.e., the state in which the height position of the conveyed article mounting member  431  is lowest. After the foldable article is folded by the mounting member  31  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  32 , the first movement pulley  433  is caused to rotate by the power from the second drive motor  432 . The movement transmission belt  435  is circulated according to the rotation of the first movement pulley  433 . The first movement guide member  437   a  and the second movement guide member  437   b  are moved to the left in  FIG. 1  by the circulation of the movement transmission belt  435 . When the conveyed article mounting member  431  is positioned as far to the left as possible in  FIG. 1 , the first holding rotating shaft  421  and second holding rotating shaft  423  move between the first turning guide upper members  445   b  and first turning guide middle member  445   c  and arrive in proximity to the first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a . The conveyed article mounting member  431  then moves to the left in  FIG. 1 . At this time, the first turning guide members  445  are rotated, moving from the state in  FIG. 11  to the state in  FIG. 12 . At this time, the shaft member  431   b  moves toward the fourth guide parts  444 , being guided by the first bifurcating guide members  448   b  of the fourth turning guide members  448 . Specifically, the shaft member  431   b  moves to the top of  FIG. 15 , and the second bifurcating guide members  448   c  are moved to the left of  FIG. 15 . The shaft member  431   b  moves above the second bifurcating members in  FIG. 15 , and moves to the fourth guide parts  444 . The conveyed article mounting member  431  then gradually moves to the right of  FIG. 1 , and moves into proximity of the mounting member  31 . When the conveyed article mounting member  431  moves into proximity of the mounting member  31 , the first holding lever  422  is caused to rotate by the first holding lever protuberances  425 , and the second holding lever  424  is caused to rotate by the second holding lever protuberances  426 . When the first holding lever  422  and the second holding lever  424  rotate, the shirt supported on the mounting member  31  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  32  is held by the first holding lever  422  and the second holding lever  424 . The conveyed article mounting member  431  moves along the first guide parts  441  while the shirt remains held in this manner. At this time, the first holding lever  422  is caused to rotate by the first holding lever protuberances  425  so as to separate from the shirt, and the second holding lever  424  is also caused to rotate by the second holding lever protuberances  426  so as to separate from the shirt. When the first holding rotating shaft  421  and the second holding rotating shaft  423  move to the position where the height position of the first guide parts  441  is lowest, the shaft member  431   b  moves toward the second guide parts  442  along the third guide parts  443 . At this time, the first holding rotating shaft  421  and the second holding rotating shaft  423  move, and when these shafts  421 ,  423  reach the proximity of the first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a , the first turning guide rotating shafts  445   a  change from the initial state in  FIG. 12  to the state in  FIG. 11 . At this time, the shaft member  431   b  passes through the third guide parts  443  and moves toward the second guide parts  442 . The conveyed article mounting member  431  then moves to the right of  FIG. 1 , and the holding contact lever  49  and the contact portions  448   h  of the fourth turning guide members  448  come in contact. The fourth turning guide members  448  are rotated, thereby changing from the state in  FIG. 17  to the state in  FIG. 15 , and the conveyed article mounting member  431  moves to the stacking position. 
     The stacking operation will now be described. 
     When the conveyed article mounting member  431  moves to the stacking position (in proximity to the position where the height positions of the second guide parts  442  are lowest) and then moves away from the stacking position, a shirt is mounted on the stacking plate  51 . After the first shirt is mounted, a second shirt is conveyed to the stacking position by repeating the folding and conveying operations described above, and the second shirt is stacked on the stacking plate  51 . The folded shirts continue to be stacked sequentially in this manner. At this time, the springs  54  compress according to the weight of the shirts, and the height position of the stacking plate  51  is adjusted. The shirts or other articles stacked in this manner can then be taken out of the apparatus through an opening  21 . 
     The cost can be suppressed because the configuration does not require a photoelectric sensor. The configuration of the mechanism for folding shirts and the like can be simplified, there being no need to provide a mechanism for moving the plate-shaped members for folding shirts and the like to the underside of the mounting member  31 , the mechanism being provided below and to the side of the mounting member  31 , and maintenance and repairs are easier. 
     Second Embodiment 
     1. Overall Configuration 
     A folding apparatus  10  according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 26 . The folding apparatus  10  is an apparatus for folding foldable articles, e.g., shirts, towels, and the like, and the apparatus  10  comprises a frame  12 , a folding part  6 , a mounting device  7 , a conveyor  14 , and a stacking part  15 . The frame  12 , the conveyor  14 , and the stacking part  15  of the folding apparatus  10  according to the second embodiment are configured identical to the folding apparatus  1  according to the first embodiment and are therefore not described. 
     2. Folding Part 
     The folding part  6  is a portion for folding shirts or the like as foldable articles, and the folding part  6  comprises a mounting member  61  (mounting member or plate member), a plurality of plate-shaped members  62 , a steam supply device  63 , a rotation mechanism  64 , and a turning mechanism  65 . The folding part  6  is placed at the top of the entire apparatus and is supported on the frame  12 . 
     The mounting member  61  is a member on which foldable articles such as shirts can be mounted, and is provided so that a first end  61   a  in the longitudinal direction is positioned at a lower position than a second end  61   b  opposite the first end  61   a . Specifically, the mounting member  61  is placed at an incline of a predetermined angle and is attached to a base plate  644  of the rotation mechanism  64 . The mounting member  61  has a first thin plate  61   c  and a second thin plate  61   d , as shown in  FIG. 29 . The first thin plate  61   c  is a flat plate-shaped member extending in one direction, and formed throughout the entire interior is a flow channel  611  through which steam can pass. The first thin plate  61   c  is also provided with steam holes  612  for supplying steam from the flow channel  611  to the foldable articles. The second thin plate  61   d  is configured substantially identical to the first thin plate  61   c  and is disposed in parallel with the first thin plate  61   c . A gap is formed between the first thin plate  61   c  and the second thin plate  61   d . The first thin plate  61   c  and second thin plate  61   d  are capable of sliding relative to each other by a mounting member movement motor  613  or the like, described hereinafter. 
     The plurality of plate-shaped members  62  are members for folding the foldable articles in steps, and these members include a first plate-shaped member  621 , a second plate-shaped member  622 , a third plate-shaped member  623 , and a fourth plate-shaped member  624 . The plurality of plate-shaped members  62  are attached at one end to the vicinity of the second end  61   b  of the mounting member  61  so as to be capable of turning around one end. 
     The first plate-shaped member  621  has a first connecting part  621   a  and a first holding plate-shaped part  621   b  as shown in  FIG. 27 , and the first plate-shaped member  621  is disposed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the mounting member  61  extends while the foldable article has yet to be held between the mounting member  61  and the first plate-shaped member. The first connecting part  621   a  has a first cylindrical connecting part  621   d  in the shape of a cylinder, and a first connecting plate part  621   e  having a substantial L shape and protruding diametrically outward from the first cylindrical connecting part  621   d , as shown in  FIG. 28 . A turning base shaft  652  (see  FIG. 28 ), described hereinafter, for turning the first plate-shaped member  621  passes through the first cylindrical connecting part  621   d . The first holding plate-shaped part  621   b  is a portion connected to the end of the first connecting part  621   a  on the side opposite where the first cylindrical connecting part  621   d  is placed, and is a plate-shaped member extending in a direction opposing the direction in which the first connecting part  621   a  is placed. The first holding plate-shaped part  621   b  is a plate-shaped portion having a greater width than the first and second thin plates  61   c ,  61   d , and is placed at a position capable of being in contact with the first thin plate  61   c . The first holding plate-shaped part  621   b  is a substantially rectangular portion, and part of the foldable article is held between the mounting member  61  or the second plate-shaped member  622  and the first holding plate-shaped part. Furthermore, similar to the first thin plate  61   c  and second thin plate  61   d , formed inside the first holding plate-shaped part  621   b  are a flow channel (not shown) through which fluid or steam can pass, and steam holes (not shown) for supplying steam to the foldable article from the flow channel. 
     The second plate-shaped member  622  has a second connecting part  622   a  and a second holding plate-shaped part  622   b  as shown in  FIG. 27 , and the second plate-shaped member  622  is disposed so as to extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the mounting member  61  extends while the foldable article has yet to be folded. The second connecting part  622   a  has a second cylindrical connecting part  622   d  in the shape of a cylinder, and a second connecting plate part  622   e  having a substantial L shape and protruding diametrically outward from the second cylindrical connecting part  622   d , as shown in  FIG. 28 . The turning base shaft  652 , described hereinafter, for turning the second plate-shaped member  622  passes through the second cylindrical connecting part  622   d  (see  FIG. 28 ). The second holding plate-shaped part  622   b  is a portion connected to the second cylindrical connecting part  622   d  of the second connecting part  622   a , and is a plate-shaped portion extending in the direction opposite the direction in which the second cylindrical connecting part  622   d  of the second connecting part  622   a  is disposed. The second holding plate-shaped part  622   b  is a member having the same width as the first holding plate-shaped part  621   b , and is superposed over the first plate-shaped member  621  at the end in the width direction. The second holding plate-shaped part  622   b  is a substantially rectangular portion, and part of the foldable article is held between the first plate-shaped member  621  or the third plate-shaped member  623  and the second holding plate-shaped part. Similar to the first thin plate  61   c  and second thin plate  61   d , formed inside the second holding plate-shaped part  622   b  are a flow channel through which fluid or steam can pass, and steam holes for supplying steam to the foldable article from the flow channel. 
     The third plate-shaped member  623  has a third connecting part  623   a  and a third holding plate-shaped part  623   b , and the third plate-shaped member  623  is disposed so as to extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the mounting member  61  extends while the foldable article has yet to be folded. The third connecting part  623   a  has a third cylindrical connecting part  623   d  in the shape of a cylinder, and a third connecting plate part  623   e  having a substantial L shape and protruding diametrically outward from the third cylindrical connecting part  623   d , as shown in  FIG. 28 . The turning base shaft  652  (see  FIG. 28 ), described hereinafter, for turning the third plate-shaped member  623  passes through the third cylindrical connecting part  623   d . The third holding plate-shaped part  623   b  is a portion connected to the third connecting plate part  623   e , and is a plate-shaped portion extending toward the opposite side of the third cylindrical connecting part  623   d . The third holding plate-shaped part  623   b  is a member having substantially the same width as the first and second holding plate-shaped parts  621   b ,  622   b , and is a member placed at the same position in the width direction as the first plate-shaped member  621 . Furthermore, the third holding plate-shaped part  623   b  is a substantially rectangular portion, and foldable articles are held between the first plate-shaped member  621  and the third holding plate-shaped part. Similar to the first thin plate  61   c  and second thin plate  61   d , formed inside the third holding plate-shaped part  623   b  are a flow channel through which fluid or steam can pass and steam holes for supplying steam to the foldable article from the flow channel. 
     The fourth plate-shaped member  624  has a fourth connecting part  624   a  and a fourth holding plate-shaped part  624   b , and is disposed so as to extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the mounting member  61  extends while the foldable article has yet to be folded. The fourth connecting part  624   a  has a fourth cylindrical connecting part  624   d  in the shape of a cylinder, and a fourth connecting plate part  624   e  having a substantial L shape and protruding diametrically outward from the fourth cylindrical connecting part  624   d , as shown in  FIG. 28 . The turning base shaft  652  (see  FIG. 28 ), described hereinafter, for turning the fourth plate-shaped member  624  passes through the fourth cylindrical connecting part  624   d . The fourth holding plate-shaped part  624   b  is a portion connected to the fourth connecting plate part  624   e , and is a plate-shaped portion extending toward the opposite side of the fourth cylindrical connecting part  624   d . The fourth holding plate-shaped part  624   b  is a member of substantially the same width as the first through third holding plate-shaped parts  621   b ,  622   b ,  623   b , and is a member placed at the same position in the width direction as the second plate-shaped member  622 . Furthermore, the fourth holding plate-shaped part  624   b  is a substantially rectangular portion, and foldable articles between the third plate-shaped member  623  and the fourth holding plate-shaped part  624 . Similar to the first thin plate  61   c  and second thin plate  61   d , formed inside the fourth holding plate-shaped part  624   b  are a flow channel through which fluid or steam can pass, and steam holes for supplying steam to the foldable article from the flow channel. 
     The plurality of plate-shaped members  62  are placed in alignment so that the ends of the first plate-shaped member  621 , the second plate-shaped member  622 , the third plate-shaped member  623 , and the fourth plate-shaped member  624  overlap in the stated order, and during folding, the plate-shaped members  62  turn toward the mounting member  61  in the stated order. 
     The steam supply device  63  is a device for supplying steam to the flow channels in the mounting member  61  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  62 , and this device has a fluid storage tank  631 , a heater  632 , and a feed tube  633 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . 
     The fluid storage tank  631  is a container capable of storing fluid, and is placed above the rotation mechanism  64 . 
     The heater  632  is a device for vaporizing the fluid stored in the fluid storage tank  631 , and is placed between the fluid storage tank  631  and the feed tube  633 . 
     The feed tube  633  is a member for feeding steam vaporized by the heater  632  to the flow channels of the mounting member  61  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  62 , and is formed from a pliable material so as not to be severed or the like even when the mounting member  61  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  62  are caused to rotate a predetermined angle by the rotation mechanism  64 . 
     The rotation mechanism  64  is a mechanism for rotating the mounting member  61  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  62  around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the mounting member  61 , and is placed on the side of the mounting member  61  near the second end  61   b . The rotation mechanism  64  has a rotation drive motor  641 , a second transmission gear  642 , a second transmission shaft  643 , and a base plate  644 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . 
     The rotation drive motor  641  is a member attached to the frame  12 , and is also a member for generating power for rotating the mounting member  61  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  62 . The rotation drive motor  641  is provided with a drive shaft  641   a , and a first transmission gear  641   b  is attached to the drive shaft  641   a . The second transmission gear  642  is a gear capable of meshing with the first transmission gear  641   b , and is fixed to the second transmission shaft  643 . Therefore, the rotation of the second transmission gear  642  causes power to be transmitted to the second transmission shaft  643 , and the second transmission shaft  643  rotates. The second transmission shaft  643  is rotatably attached to the frame  12  via a bearing  643   a , and the base plate  644  is attached to the distal end of the second transmission shaft  643 . 
     The base plate  644  is a plate-shaped member attached to the distal end of the second transmission shaft  643 , and is a member caused to rotate according to the rotation of the drive shaft  641   a.    
     A pair of base shafts  644   a  having spiral grooves formed in the outer surfaces are attached to the base plate  644 , a pair of substantially cubic attachment members  644   b  are attached to the base shafts  644   a , and the first thin plate  61   c  and second thin plate  61   d  are respectively attached to the attachment members  644   b . The mounting member movement motor  613  is provided on the base plate  644 , and the mounting member movement motor  613  is capable of transmitting power to the base shafts  644   a  via a mounting member movement gear train  614  (see  FIG. 29 ). The rotation of the base shafts  644   a  causes the first thin plate  61   c  and the second thin plate  61   d  to move either toward or away from each other. 
     The turning mechanism  65  is a mechanism for turning the plurality of plate-shaped members  62  toward the mounting member  61 , and is placed in proximity to the second end  61   b  of the mounting member  61 , as shown in  FIG. 27 . The turning mechanism  65  also has a first turning base plate  651 , a turning base shaft  652 , a first drive motor  653 , a first turning gear train  654 , a second turning base plate  655 , a second drive motor  656 , a second turning gear train  657 , a third drive motor  658 , a third turning gear train  659 , a fourth drive motor  660 , and a fourth turning gear train  661 , as shown in  FIG. 28 . 
     The first turning base plate  651  is a plate-shaped member attached to the first thin plate  61   c  in a substantially perpendicular manner, and is attached to the base plate  644  so as to be capable of sliding in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the first turning base plate  651  also moves according to the movement of the first thin plate  61   c.    
     The turning base shaft  652  is a shaft-shaped member extending along the second end  61   b  of the mounting member  61  in proximity to the second end  61   b . The first through fourth plate-shaped members  621 ,  622 ,  623 ,  624  are attached to the turning base shaft  652 . 
     The first drive motor  653  is a member attached to the first turning base plate  651 , and is a device for turning the first plate-shaped member  621 . The first drive motor  653  has a first drive shaft  653   a  protruding outward. 
     The first turning gear train  654  has a first drive shaft gear  654   a  attached to the first drive shaft  653   a , and a first base shaft gear  654   b  attached to the turning base shaft  652  and meshed with the first drive shaft gear  654   a . The first base shaft gear  654   b  is fixed to the first plate-shaped member  62   i , and the first plate-shaped member  621  turns according to the rotation of the first base shaft gear  654   b . The power from the first drive motor  653  is transmitted to the first base shaft gear  654   b  via the first drive shaft gear  654   a , and the turning base shaft  652  is caused to rotate. 
     The second turning base plate  655  is a plate-shaped member provided to the second thin plate  61   d  in a substantially perpendicular manner, and is attached to the base plate  644  to be capable of sliding in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the second turning base plate  655  also moves according to the movement of the second thin plate  61   d.    
     The second drive motor  656  is a motor for turning the second plate-shaped member  622 , and is a member attached to the second turning base plate  655 . The second drive motor  656  has a second drive shaft (not shown) protruding outward. 
     The second turning gear train  657  is a portion for transmitting power from the second drive motor  656  to the second plate-shaped member  622 , and the second turning gear train  657  has a second drive shaft gear  657   a  attached to the second drive shaft, and a second turning shaft gear  657   b  capable of meshing with the second drive shaft gear  657   a  and attached to the second plate-shaped member  622 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . The second plate-shaped member  622  also turns according to the rotation of the second turning shaft gear  657   b.    
     The third drive motor  658  is a motor for turning the third plate-shaped member  623 , and is placed on the first turning base plate  651  in alignment with the first drive motor  653 . The third drive motor  658  also has a third drive shaft (not shown) protruding outward. 
     The third turning gear train  659  is a portion for transmitting power from the third drive motor  658  to the third plate-shaped member  623 , and the third turning gear train  659  has a third drive shaft gear  659   a  attached to the third drive shaft (not shown), and a third turning shaft gear  659   b  capable of meshing with the third drive shaft gear  659   a  and attached to the third plate-shaped member  623 . The third plate-shaped member  623  also turns according to the rotation of the third turning shaft gear  659   b.    
     The fourth drive motor  660  is a motor for turning the fourth plate-shaped member  624 , and is placed on the second turning base plate  655  in alignment with the second drive motor  656 . The fourth drive motor  660  also has a fourth drive shaft  660   a  protruding outward. 
     The fourth turning gear train  661  is a portion for transmitting power from the fourth drive motor  660  to the fourth plate-shaped member  624 , and the fourth turning gear train  661  has a fourth drive shaft gear  661   a  attached to the fourth drive shaft  660   a , and a fourth turning shaft gear  661   b  capable of meshing with the fourth drive shaft gear  661   a  and attached to the fourth plate-shaped member  624 . The rotation of the fourth turning shaft gear  661   b  causes the fourth plate-shaped member  624  to turn. 
     3. Mounting Device 
     The mounting device  7  is a device for mounting foldable articles on the mounting member  61 , and is placed above the folding part  6 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . The mounting device  7  comprises a gripper arm  71  and a gripper hand  72 . The gripper arm  71  has an arm connecting part  711 , a first arm part  712 , and a second arm part  713 . The arm connecting part  711  is a part for attaching the mounting device  7  to the frame  12 , and is attached to the top side of the frame  12 . The first arm part  712  is turnably attached at one end to the arm connecting part  711 , and is a substantially columnar portion. The second arm part  713  is a substantially columnar portion, attached to the other end of the first arm part  712  and capable of turning relative to the first arm part  712 . The gripper hand  72  is a member capable of gripping foldable articles, and is attached to the distal end of the second arm part  713 . The gripper hand  72  is capable of turning relative to the second arm part  713 , and the gripper hand  72  has a pair of first holding parts  721  and a pair of second holding parts  722 . The first holding parts  721  are portions in which foldable articles are held between the second holding parts  722  and the first holding parts  721 , and are placed apart from each other at a predetermined distance so as to be capable of holding foldable articles in a stretched state so that wrinkles do not form. The first holding parts  721  are placed so as to face the second holding parts  722 . The second holding parts  722  are portions bent into substantial L shapes, and are also portions capable of moving toward the first holding parts  721 . The pair of second holding parts  722  are also placed apart from each other at the same predetermined distance as the first holding parts  721 . The gripper hand  72  is moved according to the deformation of the gripper arm  71  so that the hand&#39;s height position is gradually lowered from above the second end  61   b  of the mounting member  61  toward the first end  61   a , as shown in  FIG. 31 . When the gripper hand  72  moves from the second end  61   b  toward the first end  61   a  in this manner, a foldable article is mounted on the mounting member  61 . 
     4. Operation 
     Operations other than the folding operation, i.e., the conveying operation and the stacking operation are identical to the first embodiment and are therefore not described. The following is a description of the mounting operation for mounting a foldable article on the mounting member  61 , and the folding operation for folding a foldable article. 
     First, a shirt is mounted on the mounting member  61  by the mounting device  7 . Specifically, a shirt is held in a stretched state between the pair of first holding parts  721  and the pair of second holding parts  722  of the gripper hand  72 , and the gripper hand  72  moves while lowering in height from the second end  61   b  of the mounting member  61  toward the first end  61   a , as shown in  FIG. 31 , according to the turning and movement of the first arm part  712  and second arm part  713 . The shirt is mounted on the mounting member  61  without creasing according to the movement of the gripper hand  72 . 
     When the shirt, being the foldable article, is mounted on the mounting member  61 , the mounting member  61  is caused to rotate counterclockwise by the rotation drive motor  641 . Specifically, the mounting member  61  is caused to rotate 90° or more, or substantially 100°. This rotation causes part of the shirt mounted on the mounting member  61 , including the sleeve portion on one side, to be positioned in the vicinity of the surface of the mounting member  61  on the side opposite where the shirt is placed. In this state, the first plate-shaped member  621  is caused to turn toward the mounting member  61  by the first drive motor  653 , and part of the shirt including the sleeve portion on one side is held between the mounting member  61  and the first plate-shaped member  621 . The mounting member  61  is then caused to rotate substantially 180° clockwise by the rotation drive motor  641 . In this state, the second plate-shaped member  622  is caused to turn toward the mounting member  61  by the second drive motor  656 , and part of the shirt including the sleeve portion on the other side is held between the second plate-shaped member  622  and the first plate-shaped member  621 . From this state, the mounting member  61  is caused to further rotate 180° counterclockwise, and the third plate-shaped member  623  is turned toward the mounting member  61 . Part of the shirt is then held between the third plate-shaped member  623  and the second plate-shaped members  622 . Thus, the shirt is folded by the mounting member  61  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  62 . From this state, the mounting member  61  is further caused to rotate 180° clockwise, and the fourth plate-shaped member  624  is caused to turn toward the mounting member  61 . Part of the shirt is then held between the fourth plate-shaped member  624  and the third plate-shaped members  623 . Thus, the shirt is folded by the mounting member  61  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  62 . The third plate-shaped member  623  and the fourth plate-shaped member  624  do not need to be used when folding a half-sleeve shirt or the like. 
     Since the mounting member  61  is caused to rotate 90° or more by the rotation drive motor  641 , wrinkles do not readily form when part of the shirt including a sleeve is held between the mounting member  61  and the plurality of plate-shaped member  62 . 
     Furthermore, the flow channel  611  and steam holes  612  are formed in the plurality of plate-shaped members  62  and the mounting member  61 , steam is supplied to the foldable articles, and the foldable articles are heated, whereby wrinkles can be smoothed out. Therefore, foldable articles can be folded in a presentable manner. 
     Foldable articles of various sizes can be folded, because the width of the mounting member  61  can be adjusted and the positions of the plurality of plate-shaped members  62  can be adjusted. 
     Other Embodiments 
     (a) In the embodiments described above, cases of three or four plate-shaped members  32  were described, but the present invention is not limited to these options alone, and two plate-shaped members or five or more plate-shaped members are also possible options. Cases of the foldable articles being shirts were also described, but towels, pants, and other articles may also be used. 
     (b) In the embodiments described above, the plurality of plate-shaped members  32  were turned and moved toward the mounting member  31 , but the present invention is not limited to this option alone, and another possible option is to slide and move the plurality of plate-shaped members in parallel toward the mounting member  31  while the plurality of plate-shaped members are parallel to the mounting member  31 , the plurality of plate-shaped members being placed parallel to the surface of the mounting member  31  on the side opposite where the shirts or the like are placed. 
     (c) In the embodiments described above, the mounting member  31  and other components were turned clockwise after the third plate-shaped member  323  was turned toward the mounting member  31 , but the present invention is not limited to this option alone, and the components may be rotated counterclockwise. 
     (d) In the embodiments described above, the mounting member and the plurality of plate-shaped members were driven by one motor, but the present invention is not limited to this option alone, and the shaft of the motor may be rotated manually. 
     (e) In the embodiments described above, the conveyed article mounting member  431  was caused to approach the mounting member  31  by the fourth guide parts  444  so as to turn toward the mounting member  31  from below, but the present invention is not limited to this option alone, and another possible option is to move the conveyed article mounting member  431  into proximity of the mounting member  31  by moving the conveyed article mounting member  431  from the ends of the first guide parts  441  on the side opposite where the rotation mechanism  33  is placed toward the ends on the side where the rotation mechanism  33  is placed. In this case, part of the shirt or the like is folded according to the movement of the conveyed article mounting member  431 . 
     (f) In the embodiments described above, the plurality of plate-shaped members  62  were all flat plate-shaped members, but the present invention is not limited to this option alone, and the plate-shaped members may be bent in the direction in which the plate-shaped members can turn, as shown in  FIG. 32 . In this case, the distal ends of the plurality of plate-shaped members  62  are bent so as to approach the mounting member  61  when the distal ends have been turned, and the foldable articles can therefore be firmly held in the vicinities of the distal ends. 
     (g) In the second embodiment, steam was supplied and heat was generated by the steam and steam holes in the flow channels, but another possible option is to place nichrome wire or the like inside the mounting member  61  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  62  to generate heat in the mounting member  61  and the plurality of plate-shaped members  62 . 
     (h) In the second embodiment described above, a gripper hand  72  having a pair of first holding parts  721  and a pair of second holding parts  722  was used, but the present invention is not limited to this option alone, and another possible option is to use first holding parts and second holding parts of a predetermined length capable of gripping one end of a foldable article while the foldable article is being stretched.