JP5986843B2 - Folding device for connected body of individually packaged product related to absorbent article - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles related to absorbent articles such as disposable diapers.

Conventionally, when a disposable diaper, a sanitary napkin or the like is purchased at a store, a pack in which a predetermined number of 10 sheets or the like is packed can be purchased as a minimum purchase unit. However, in recent years, sales forms similar to cut-off sales are sometimes taken. That is, at the storefront, for example, 10 individual packaged items of diapers are displayed in a connected state in which the diapers are connected in a line, and the consumer can supply the necessary number of individually packaged products from the connected body. We will purchase separately.
An example of a method for manufacturing such a linked body of individually packaged products is disclosed in Patent Document 1. And according to this method, what connected the individual packaged goods in the state where three individual packaged goods were arranged in a line as a connected object of an individual packaged article is manufactured, and after that, the connected object is in the deployment state extended in a straight line. It is conveyed by a belt conveyor, accommodated in a box for packing, and shipped.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-200545

However, in the case where the connected body of individually packaged products is accommodated in the box in the unfolded state extending straight, if the height of the box is not aligned with the entire length of the connected body, Or a useless space which does not contribute to accommodation will arise in a box.
In addition, the connected body of this example is a triple product in which three individual packaged products are connected. However, when the serial number is changed from such a triple product to a five product or a ten product, these five products are connected. Boxes having height dimensions corresponding to products and 10-line products must be prepared, and further, the box body is moved to the exit position of the belt conveyor in accordance with the change in the height dimension of the boxes. It is also necessary to change the supply mechanism that automatically supplies the power to the door.
Furthermore, in the case of a small number of three-line products, the connection body may be accommodated in a box with the connection body extending in a straight line. When the connected body is fed from the belt conveyor and pushed into the box, the connecting body may be broken in the middle because of low bending rigidity, and may be housed in a messy manner.

  The present invention has been made in view of the conventional problems as described above, and the object thereof is to prepare a box of a corresponding size even when the number of connected bodies of individual packages changes. It is to make it easy to handle the connected body of individually packaged products, such as making it possible to accommodate in a box of a predetermined size with a high space occupancy rate, or arranging them in an orderly manner.

The main invention for achieving the above object is:
An upstream side transport mechanism for transporting a connection body of individual packaged products in which a plurality of individual packaged products in which absorbent articles are individually accommodated are connected in an aligned direction, with the alignment direction as the transport direction;
Folding each portion between the absorbent articles adjacent to each other in the alignment direction, being arranged downstream of the upstream conveyance mechanism in the conveyance direction and interlocking with the conveyance operation of the coupling body in the alignment direction. As a position, by alternately performing a mountain fold and a valley fold for each of the parts, a folding mechanism that folds the connector in a zigzag shape ,
The folding mechanism includes a guide member that guides the coupling body to the downstream side in the transport direction while restricting relative movement of the coupling body in the thickness direction of the coupling body,
The guide member swings in the thickness direction while interlocking with the transport operation of the connecting body, thereby folding the portions between the absorbent articles adjacent in the alignment direction as the folding position,
On the downstream side of the guide member in the transport direction, a downstream transport mechanism for transporting the connecting body fed from the guide member to the downstream side in the transport direction, and the feed member sent from the guide member A receiving member configured to receive and stand up the individual packaged product in the most downstream of the transport direction among the plurality of individually packaged products of the coupling body; and
The receiving member moves to the downstream side in the transport direction in conjunction with the swinging motion of the guide member, thereby transporting the connector in the downstream direction in the transport direction in cooperation with the downstream transport mechanism. It is the folding apparatus of the coupling body of the individual packaged goods which concerns on the absorbent article characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

  According to the present invention, even when the number of connected bodies of individually packaged products is changed, it can be accommodated in a predetermined size box with a high space occupancy without preparing a corresponding size box, or orderly For example, it is possible to make the connected body of individually packaged products easy to handle, such as being able to accommodate them side by side.

FIG. 1A is a schematic top view of the coupling body 11a of the individually packaged items 11, 11,..., FIG. 1B is a bottom view thereof, and FIG. 1C is a view taken along the line CC in FIG. It is a schematic side view of the coupling body 11a folded by the folding apparatus 20 of this embodiment. It is a schematic side view of the folding apparatus 20 of this embodiment. 4 is a schematic enlarged view of a downstream side transport mechanism 41 related to the folding device 20. FIG. It is a VV arrow line view in FIG. It is a schematic explanatory drawing at the time of having two receiving members 51 and 51 as a plurality of examples. It is a schematic side view of the coupling body 11a when the uppermost folding position 12ab in the coupling body 11a is valley-folded, and the folding position 12ab downstream of the upstreammost folding position 12ab is quasi-valley folded. It is a schematic side view of the coupling body 11a when the uppermost folding position 12ab in the coupling body 11a is valley-folded, and the folding position 12ab downstream of the upstreammost folding position 12ab is quasi-valley folded. It is a schematic side view of other embodiment of the folding mechanism 131. FIG.

At least the following matters will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
An upstream side transport mechanism for transporting a connection body of individual packaged products in which a plurality of individual packaged products in which absorbent articles are individually accommodated are connected in an aligned direction, with the alignment direction as the transport direction;
Folding each portion between the absorbent articles adjacent to each other in the alignment direction, being arranged downstream of the upstream conveyance mechanism in the conveyance direction and interlocking with the conveyance operation of the coupling body in the alignment direction. And a folding mechanism for folding the coupling body as a position. A folding device for a coupling body of an individually packaged article according to an absorbent article.
According to such a folding apparatus for a linked body of individually packaged articles, the linked body is folded at each part between the absorbent articles. The plane size can be roughly aligned with the plane size of the individual packaged product. Therefore, regardless of the number of stations, it can be accommodated in a packing box of a predetermined size with a high space occupancy rate, and since it is folded, it can be accommodated in a neatly arranged manner. It can be in an easy state.

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
The folding mechanism includes a guide member that guides the coupling body to the downstream side in the transport direction while restricting relative movement of the coupling body in the thickness direction of the coupling body,
As the guide member swings in the thickness direction while interlocking with the transporting operation of the connecting body, the portions between the absorbent articles adjacent in the alignment direction are folded as the folding position. desirable.
According to such a folding apparatus for a linked body of individually packaged articles according to the absorbent article, since the linked body is folded by a simple method of swinging the guide member, the linked body can be folded reliably and accurately. .

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
It is desirable that the guide member swings in the thickness direction to fold the portion between the absorbent articles adjacent in the alignment direction by mountain fold or valley fold.
According to the apparatus for folding a linked body of individually packaged products according to such an absorbent article, the coupled body is folded by folding in a mountain or a valley, so that the folded coupled body can be easily raised. Therefore, when an operator picks up the connected body after folding and accommodates it in the box for packing, it becomes easy to take the connected body by hand.

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
Except for the most upstream part in the conveying direction among the parts between the absorbent articles, the folding mechanism performs the mountain fold and the valley fold alternately on the parts, thereby It is desirable to fold the body in a zigzag shape.
According to such a folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles according to the absorbent article, the coupling body is folded into a zigzag shape by alternately repeating mountain folds and valley folds. Can be reliably aligned with the planar size of the individual packaged product. Therefore, the whole dimension of a coupling body can be made compact and it becomes easy to accommodate the said coupling body in the box for packing.

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
It is desirable to perform a mountain fold on the most downstream portion in the transport direction among the portions between the absorbent articles.
According to the apparatus for folding a linked body of individually packaged articles according to such an absorbent article, the first folding in the linked body is a mountain fold, so that the subsequent folding operation can be performed stably.

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
The guide member has a pair of endless belts that come into contact with the connecting body from both sides in the thickness direction, and the pair of endless belts respectively drive and circulate in conjunction with the transport operation of the upstream transport mechanism. Accordingly, it is preferable that the connection body fed into the guide member from the upstream side in the transport direction is sent out to the downstream side in the transport direction.
According to the folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles according to such an absorbent article, the linked body quickly passes through the guide member due to the driving circulation of the endless belt of the guide member. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the connecting member is clogged and blocked by the guide member due to the swinging operation of the guide member.

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
It is preferable that the guide member swings in conjunction with the transport amount of the coupling body in the transport direction.
According to such a folding apparatus for a linked body of individually packaged articles, the guide member swings in conjunction with the transport amount of the linked body, so that the guide member reliably absorbs the linked body. It can be folded at each part between the articles.

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
The guide member swings the downstream end with the upstream end of the guide member as a fulcrum,
A detection sensor that detects that the connecting body has reached a predetermined position upstream in the transport direction from the downstream end of the guide member, and outputs a detection signal;
It is desirable that the guide member starts swinging based on the detection signal.
According to the apparatus for folding a linked body of individually packaged articles according to such an absorbent article, the guide member starts swinging based on the detection sensor detecting the arrival of the linked body at a predetermined position. Therefore, the guide member can start the swinging operation at an appropriate timing regardless of the trouble in the upper process of the folding apparatus and the presence or absence of the discharge process of the defective product of the connected body in the upper process. As a result, the folding process to the coupled body can be performed reliably.

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
On the downstream side of the guide member in the transport direction, a downstream transport mechanism for transporting the connecting body fed from the guide member to the downstream side in the transport direction, and the feed member sent from the guide member A receiving member configured to receive and stand up the individual packaged product in the most downstream of the transport direction among the plurality of individually packaged products of the coupling body; and
The receiving member moves to the downstream side in the transport direction in conjunction with the swinging motion of the guide member, thereby transporting the connector in the downstream direction in the transport direction in cooperation with the downstream transport mechanism. Is desirable.

According to such a folding apparatus for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to absorbent articles, the individual packaged articles of the linked body that are fed while being swung by the swinging guide member are first sent out from the guide member. The individual packaged product is received by the receiving member and brought into a standing state. Therefore, each individual packaged product that is sent out after that is tilted so as to lean against the individual packaged product that is initially raised, so that it can be easily maintained in an upright state. As a generally standing posture.
In addition, the receiving member moves to the downstream side in the conveying direction in conjunction with the swinging motion of the guide member, thereby conveying each received individual packaged product sequentially to the downstream side in cooperation with the downstream conveying mechanism. . Therefore, it is possible to sequentially generate and secure a space for receiving the remaining individual packaged articles of the connected body that are sequentially sent out from the guide member on the downstream side of the guide member, and as a result, the folding process is smoothly performed. It can be carried out.

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
A plurality of the receiving members are provided,
The receiving member orbits a predetermined orbit, and a waiting position for receiving an individual packaged product at the most downstream in the transport direction according to the coupling body is set on the orbit.
While one receiving member of the plurality of receiving members is transporting the connector in cooperation with the downstream transport mechanism, at least one receiving member other than the receiving member is the standby unit. It is desirable to return to the position.
According to the apparatus for folding a linked body of individually packaged articles according to such an absorbent article, while one receiving member is transporting the linked body, one of the other receiving members is in a standby position. You can go back. Therefore, it is possible to effectively avoid a situation in which the number of connected bodies that can be folded per unit time is limited by the rate-determining operation of the receiving member to the standby position.

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
It is desirable that the movement operation of the receiving member to the downstream side and the conveyance operation of the coupling body of the downstream conveyance mechanism are performed in conjunction with each other.
According to such a folding apparatus for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to absorbent articles, the transport operation of the downstream transport mechanism and the movement operation of the receiving member are performed in conjunction with each other. Both the receiving member and the downstream conveying member can receive each of the individual packages to be folded smoothly and sequentially and can be conveyed downstream.

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
The downstream transport mechanism has an endless belt on which the connecting body is placed,
The endless belt continuously circulates around the drive;
The receiving member moves downstream in the transport direction in conjunction with the swinging motion of the guide member,
When the receiving member stops, the individual packaged product of the coupling body placed on the endless belt is restrained by the receiving member while sliding relative to the endless belt that rotates around the drive,
When the receiving member moves downstream in the transport direction, it is preferable that the coupling body is transported downstream in the transport direction together with the receiving member.
According to the folding apparatus for a linked body of individual packages related to such an absorbent article, each individual package mounted while being folded on the endless belt of the downstream transport mechanism is moved along with the movement of the receiving member. It will be conveyed downstream. Further, the movement of the receiving member is performed in conjunction with the swinging movement of the guide member. Therefore, each folded individual folded product can be conveyed downstream while accurately folding the connector.

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
In each of the portions between the absorbent articles, a seal portion that separates the absorbent articles and a perforated perforated portion for separating individual packaged products that are adjacent in the transport direction are formed. It is desirable that
According to the folding device of the connected body of the individual packaged goods according to such an absorbent article, since each part between the absorbent articles is formed with a seal part and a perforated perforated part, Compared to other parts of the connected body, it has low rigidity. Therefore, the said part can be functioned reliably as a folding position which concerns on folding, and the breakage of a connection body can be prevented.

A folding device for a linked body of individually packaged articles relating to such an absorbent article,
Among the parts between the absorbent articles, in the part on the downstream side of only the most upstream part in the transport direction, the valley is folded,
In the most upstream part, it is preferable that the upstream end of the individual packaged product in the transport direction among the individual packaged products of the connector is folded so as to face the downstream side in the transport direction.
According to the folding device of the connected body of the individual packaged goods related to such an absorbent article, among the parts between the absorbent articles, in the most upstream part in the transport direction, The upstream end is folded so as to face the downstream side in the transport direction. Therefore, the most upstream individual packaged product is either placed on the folded part of the connected body to which the individual packaged product belongs, or is inserted into the above-described valley folded part. It becomes. And thereby, the said connection body can expand the clearance gap between the connection bodies adjacent to the upstream of the conveyance direction, As a result, the visibility of the boundary between connection bodies is improved. . Therefore, when an operator picks up each connected body from a large number of connected bodies arranged in the transport direction and accommodates them in a packaging box, the operator can easily identify each connected body and improve the packaging work efficiency. Can be planned.

=== This Embodiment ===
The folding device 20 of this embodiment is the device 20 which folds the connection body 11a of the individual packaged goods 11,11 ... which concern on the disposable diaper 1 as an example of an absorbent article. FIG. 1A shows a schematic top view of the coupling body 11a, FIG. 1B shows the bottom view thereof, and FIG. 1C shows a CC arrow view in FIG. 1A.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the connection body 11a of the individually packaged articles 11, 11... Is a structure in which a plurality of individual packaged articles 11, 11. . In the example of FIG. 1A, a so-called ten-line product in which ten individual packages 11, 11,... Are continuously arranged in a row is shown as an example.

  Specifically, the packaging sheet 12a according to the coupling body 11a in FIG. 1A is a flexible long sheet 12a having a length corresponding to the ten individual packages 11, 11,. On the long packaging sheet 12a, ten diapers 1, 1,... Are placed in a line with the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet 12a as an alignment direction with a space between them. In the state where the end portions 12ae, 12ae in the width direction of the packaging sheet 12a are overlapped with each other above each diaper 1 and the packaging sheet 12a is formed into a cylindrical shape, heat sealing is performed on the overlapped portions 12ae, 12ae. In addition, each of the portions 12ab between the diapers 1 and 1 is also subjected to a bonding process such as heat sealing to form a sealing portion 12ab (corresponding to a seal portion). And each diaper 1 is isolated from the diaper 1 adjacent in the alignment direction by the sealing part 12ab, that is, each diaper 1 is individually accommodated in the portion 12 of the corresponding packaging sheet 12a, thereby , The connected body 11a of the individually packaged items 11, 11... Is formed. Incidentally, each portion 12ab in which the sealing portion 12ab is formed is also formed with a perforated perforated portion 12ac, and can be separated for each individual packaged product 11 by the perforated portion 12ac. . As the material of the packaging sheet 12a, a nonwoven fabric or a resin film mainly composed of resin fibers is used.

  Such a connected body 11a of the individually packaged items 11, 11... Is generated in the packaging step S1 of the packaging line of the diaper 1 directly connected to the downstream side of the production line of the diaper 1. And in packing process S2 located downstream of this packing process S1, it is accommodated and shipped in the cardboard box as a box for packing.

  However, in the unfolded state where the connecting body 11a extends substantially in a straight line as shown in FIG. 1A, there is a problem that it is difficult to accommodate in the corrugated cardboard box and it is difficult to correspond to the sequential number change as described above.

  Therefore, in this example, the folding device 20 is arranged at a position between the packaging process S1 and the packaging process S2 in the packaging line (FIG. 3). Then, as shown in the schematic side view of FIG. 2, the folding device 20 makes the connecting body 11a zigzag (zigzag folded) with the respective portions 12ab between the diapers 1 and 1 in the connecting body 11a as folding positions. Folded. Thereby, the operator who accommodates the coupling body 11a in the cardboard box can easily pick up the coupling body 11a, and the packaging work efficiency is improved. Further, by folding the connecting body 11a at each portion 12ab between the diapers 1 and 1, the planar size of the connecting body 11a is substantially equal to the planar size of each individual packaged article 11, which is also the packaging work efficiency. It greatly contributes to improvement. Further, the planar size of the folded connected body 11a is constant regardless of the number of stations, and for example, even if the number of stations is changed from 10 to 5, the plane size is substantially the same as that of the individual packaged product 11. It is constant. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the change of station number without any problem. In addition, since it is difficult to manually perform the folding work, since the folding apparatus 20 performs the folding work, it is possible to reduce the work load and the labor cost.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the folding apparatus 20. FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view of the downstream-side transport mechanism 41 according to the folding device 20, and FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line VV in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the packaging step S <b> 1, the connection body 11 a of the individually packaged products 11, 11... Is generated while being transported with the alignment direction of the diapers 1, 1. The connecting body 11a is fed into the folding device 20 as it is. In addition, said alignment direction is also the longitudinal direction of the coupling body 11a. Therefore, the connecting body 11a is transported with the longitudinal direction as the transport direction.

  In the following description, this conveyance direction is also referred to as “MD direction”, and the width direction of the coupling body 11a is also referred to as “CD direction”. Incidentally, the longitudinal direction of the connecting body 11a, the width direction of the connecting body 11a, and the thickness direction of the connecting body 11a are orthogonal to each other. Therefore, the MD direction, the CD direction, and the thickness direction are also orthogonal to each other.

  In FIG. 3, the MD direction is an arbitrary direction parallel to the paper surface. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when two directions orthogonal to each other in the plane of the page are defined as a vertical direction and a front-rear direction, an arbitrary direction defined by these two directions is the MD direction. In addition, the up-down direction faces the vertical direction, and the front-back direction faces the horizontal direction. Moreover, in this example, packing process S2 is located ahead of MD direction rather than packaging process S1. Therefore, as a whole, the traveling direction of the coupling body 11a in the folding device 20 faces the front in the MD direction. Further, the CD direction is the direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 3, and in this example, the CD direction is the horizontal direction.

  The folding device 20 has an upstream conveying mechanism 21 that conveys the connecting body 11a sent from the packaging step S1 to the downstream in the MD direction, and a zigzag shape that is disposed close to the downstream side while conveying the connecting body 11a in the MD direction. A swing mechanism 31 that folds in the middle, a downstream transport mechanism 41 that is disposed in the vicinity of the swing mechanism 31 and that is folded in a zigzag shape, and transports downstream in the MD direction, and a connection that is sent out from the swing mechanism 31 while being folded. A receiving member 51 that receives the body 11a to be in a substantially upright state, and that is transported downstream in the MD direction in cooperation with the downstream side transport mechanism 41 while holding the connecting body 11a in the substantially upright state, and each of these components 21 , 31, 41, 51.

  And while the swing mechanism 31 is transporting the connecting body 11a in the MD direction in cooperation with the upstream transport mechanism 21, the swing mechanism 31 swings in correspondence with the individual packaged articles 11, 11,. Thus, the connecting body 11a is alternately folded in a mountain and a valley at the portion 12ab between the diapers 1 and 1, thereby folding the connecting body 11a into a zigzag shape. During the folding, each individual packaged product 11 that is sent out from the swing mechanism 31 while being folded is received by the receiving member 51 so as to be substantially upright, and the receiving member 51 cooperates with the downstream transport mechanism 41. Then, the folded connection body 11a is conveyed to the downstream side in the MD direction. Therefore, the folded connection body 11a can be conveyed to the packing step S2 in a substantially upright state. And since the said connection body 11a is a substantially standing state, the operator of packing process S2 can pick up the connection body 11a easily. Hereinafter, each component 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 will be described.

  The upstream transport mechanism 21 is directly connected downstream of the packaging process S1. Then, the coupling body 11a fed from the packaging step S1 is transported at a speed value V21 that is substantially the same as the transport speed value Vs1 in the packaging step S1 and fed to the swing mechanism 31.

  The upstream transport mechanism 21 includes a pair of upper and lower endless belts 23 and 25 that are disposed to face each other in the thickness direction of the coupling body 11a, for example. Specifically, the upper endless belt 23 is wound around a plurality of rollers 23r1, 23r2 that rotate about rotation axes C23r1, C23r2 along the CD direction, and at least one of these rollers 23r1, 23r2 is driven. It is a drive roller that is driven and rotated by a conveyance servomotor (not shown) as a source. Similarly, the lower endless belt 25 is also wound around a plurality of rollers 25r1 and 25r2 rotating around rotation axes C25r1 and C25r2 along the CD direction, and at least one of these rollers 25r1 and 25r2 is driven. It is a drive roller that is driven and rotated by a conveyance servomotor (not shown) as a source. The pair of upper and lower endless belts 23 and 25 are arranged with their outer peripheral surfaces facing each other. Therefore, the pair of upper and lower endless belts 23 and 25 drive and circulate in a state where the connecting body 11a is sandwiched from both sides in the thickness direction, so that the connecting body 11a is maintained in an unfolded state extending substantially linearly. Sent to the swing mechanism 31 downstream in the direction.

  Incidentally, as described above, the pair of upper and lower endless belts 23 and 25 sandwich the connecting body 11a from the thickness direction. For this reason, the relative slip between the connecting body 11a being conveyed and the endless belts 23, 25 is made substantially absent, whereby the rotational speed value V21 of the endless belts 23, 25 is approximately set to the connecting body. The connecting body 11a is transported in the MD direction as the transport speed value of 11a.

  Further, this driving lap is performed in conjunction with the conveying operation of the coupling body 11a in the upper packaging step S1. That is, the rotation speed of the above-described servo motor of the upstream-side transport mechanism 21 is controlled by the controller 61 so that the rotation speed value V21 is substantially the same as the transport speed value Vs1 of the coupling body 11a in the packaging step S1. Therefore, the upstream side conveyance mechanism 21 conveys the connection body 11a intermittently sent from the packaging step S1 smoothly and quickly downstream in the MD direction without substantially stagnation.

  The swing mechanism 31 (corresponding to a folding mechanism) swings a pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35 disposed on the downstream side in the MD direction from the upstream side transport mechanism 21 and a pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35 at the same time. And a swing drive mechanism 37.

  A pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35 (corresponding to guide members) are arranged with their outer peripheral surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the coupling body 11a. Then, the connecting body 11a is transported downstream in the MD direction by rotating around the drive while sandwiching the connecting body 11a between the endless belts 33 and 35.

  Specifically, the upper endless belt 33 is wound around guide rollers 33r1 and 33r2 respectively arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side in the MD direction, and these guide rollers 33r1 and 33r2 are rotational axes C33r1 along the CD direction. , C33r2 can be rotated. The lower endless belt 35 is also wound around the guide rollers 35r1 and 35r2 disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side in the MD direction, and these guide rollers 35r1 and 35r2 are also rotational axes C35r1 and C35r2 along the CD direction. It can be rotated around. In each of the upper endless belt 33 and the lower endless belt 35, at least one of the upstream and downstream guide rollers 33r1, 33r2, 35r1, and 35r2 is a conveyance servomotor (not shown) as a drive source. It is configured to be driven and rotated. Therefore, the endless belts 33 and 35 are driven to circulate while the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35 are sandwiched from both sides in the thickness direction, whereby the connecting body 11a is downstream in the MD direction. It is conveyed to.

  This driving lap is performed in conjunction with the driving lap of the upstream transport mechanism 21. For example, the conveyance servo motor of the swing mechanism 31 includes the controller 61 so that the circumferential speed value V31 of the endless belts 33 and 35 is substantially the same as the circumferential speed value V21 of the endless belts 23 and 25 of the upstream side transport mechanism 21. The number of revolutions is controlled by. Further, as described above, the pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35 sandwich the connecting body 11a from the thickness direction, and there is almost no relative slip between the connecting body 11a being transported and the endless belts 33 and 35. Has been. Therefore, the endless belts 33 and 35 of the swing mechanism 31 are transported smoothly and promptly in the MD direction without causing the endless belts 33 and 35 of the swing mechanism 31 to be intermittently fed from the upstream transport mechanism 21.

  In addition, the pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35 swing with the rotation shafts C33r1 and C35r1 positioned at the ends (corresponding to the upstream ends) on the corresponding upstream guide rollers 33r1 and 35r1 side as fixed fulcrums, respectively. It is supported movably. That is, the downstream end 33ed, which is the end of the upper endless belt 33 on the downstream guide roller 33r2 side, is configured to be swingable with the rotation axis C33r1 of the upstream guide roller 33r1 as the fixed fulcrum C33r1, and similarly, The downstream end 35ed, which is the end of the lower endless belt 35 on the downstream guide roller 35r2 side, is also configured to be swingable with the rotation shaft C35r1 of the upstream guide roller 35r1 as the fixed fulcrum C35r1. The downstream end portions 33ed and 35ed are connected and integrated by an appropriate link member (not shown) with a space between them. Therefore, when the drive operation generated by the swing drive mechanism 37 is input to at least one of the downstream end portions 33ed and 35ed, both of the downstream end portions 33ed and 35ed are based on the drive operation. However, they swing in the same direction in conjunction with each other with respect to the thickness direction of the coupling body 11a.

  The swing drive mechanism 37 transmits the drive operation of the swing servo motor 37m as a drive source and the drive rotation shaft 37ms of the swing servo motor 37m to the downstream end portions 33ed and 35ed of the pair of endless belts 33 and 35. And a link mechanism 38. In this example, the link mechanism 38 includes an arm member 38a having a base end fixed to the drive rotation shaft 37ms of the swing servo motor 37m, and the distal end of the arm member 38a as the downstream end 33ed, 35ed. Further, as the drive operation described above, the drive rotation shaft 37 ms is oscillated and rotated within a predetermined angle range. Accordingly, the downstream end portions 33ed and 35ed of the pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35 are oscillated within a predetermined oscillating range based on this oscillating rotation operation.

  About this rocking | fluctuation range, although it can set suitably so that the coupling body 11a may be folded by zigzag shape, in this example, it is set as follows. First, one swing limit of the swing range is a position where the downstream end 33ed (35ed) is positioned below the fixed fulcrum C33r1 (C35r1) and forward in the MD direction. The remaining other swing limit is a position where the downstream end 33ed (35ed) is positioned upward and forward of the state positioned at the one swing limit. In the following, the former is also referred to as “lower limit position” and the latter is also referred to as “upper limit position”. Then, by swinging from the lower limit position to the upper limit position, the mountain is folded between the individual package product 11 being sent out from the downstream side end portions 33ed and 35ed and the next individual package product 11, and from the upper limit position. By swinging to the lower limit position, valley folding is performed between the individual packaged product 11 being sent out from the downstream end portions 33ed and 35ed and the next individual packaged product 11. In the following, the swing operation from the lower limit position to the upper limit position is also referred to as “outward swing operation”, and the swing operation from the upper limit position to the lower limit position is also referred to as “return swing operation”. The one-way swinging operation is also referred to as “unit swinging operation”, and the reciprocating swinging operation is also referred to as “reciprocating swinging operation”.

  Incidentally, the drive operation of the above-mentioned swing servomotor 37m is not limited to the above-described swing rotation operation, and may be a continuous rotation operation in one direction. However, in that case, the continuous rotation operation of the drive rotation shaft 37 ms is oscillated and rotated between the drive rotation shaft 37 ms of the servo motor 37 m and the downstream end portions 33 ed and 35 ed of the pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35. A motion conversion mechanism (not shown) such as a crank mechanism that converts the motion is interposed.

  Further, in the example of FIG. 3, the first folding operation is performed by mountain folding. That is, among the portions 12ab between the diapers 1 and 1, the most downstream portion 12ab in the MD direction is folded in a mountain. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and valley folding may be performed. However, the mountain folding can stably perform the subsequent folding operation.

  The downstream transport mechanism 41 has a belt conveyor 41a as a main body. The belt conveyor 41a is provided below the pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35 related to the swing mechanism 31 and extends forward in the downstream in the MD direction. The belt conveyor 41a is a normal belt conveyor, that is, at least a pair of rollers 43r1 and 43r2 arranged side by side with a space in the front and rear in the MD direction, and an endless wound around the pair of rollers 43r1 and 43r2. Belt 43. The pair of rollers 43r1 and 43r2 are provided so as to be rotatable about rotation axes C43r1 and C43r2 along the CD direction, respectively, and at least one of the rollers 43r1 and 43r2 is a conveyance servo as a drive source. A driving roller driven and rotated by a motor (not shown). Therefore, the connecting body 11a that is fed out from the pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35 related to the swing mechanism 31 and is folded in a zigzag shape is placed on the upper surface of the endless belt 43, and the upper surface is used as a conveying surface. Is conveyed toward the front which is the downstream side in the MD direction.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the conveying surface which is the upper surface of the endless belt 43 is inclined with a downward gradient having a predetermined inclination angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction. In other words, the height of the transport surface decreases toward the front, which is the downstream side in the MD direction. This is because the folded coupling body 11a is leaned against the receiving member 51 to be described later and is substantially omitted. This is for maintaining the standing state.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the receiving member 51 receives the connecting body 11a from the front (traveling direction) in the MD direction so that the connecting body 11a placed on the endless belt 43 of the belt conveyor 41a is substantially upright. It is a member to support. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, two such receiving members 51 are arranged above the upper surface of the endless belt 43 along the normal direction of the upper surface, and are arranged side by side in the CD direction. Bar members 51a and 51a are used. The pair of rod members 51a and 51a are arranged with a gap between each other in the CD direction, and the endless belt 43 is interposed in the gap. Therefore, the pair of rod members 51a and 51a are respectively disposed on the end side in the CD direction with respect to the endless belt 43, whereby each of the rod members 51a and 51a is connected to the CD from the endless belt 43 in the connecting body 11a. The part that protrudes toward the end side is brought into contact with the front in the MD direction, and the folded part of the coupled body 11a being folded or the coupled body 11a that has been folded is supported in a substantially upright posture.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the receiving member 51 is substantially the same speed as the speed value V41 of the endless belt 43 in conjunction with the endless belt 43 along the transport path Tr41 of the coupling body 11a formed by the upper surface of the endless belt 43. Move with value V51. That is, the standby position P51w of the receiving member 51 is set in the vicinity of the upstream end P41u of the transport path Tr41, and the receiving member 51 is separated from the transport path Tr41 in the vicinity of the downstream end P41d of the transport path Tr41. The separation position P51out to be set is set. Therefore, from the standby position P51w to the disengagement position P51out, the receiving member 51 moves forward together with the endless belt 43 to the downstream side in the MD direction, whereby the receiving member 51 is connected in a zigzag shape. While supporting the body 11a in a substantially upright state, the joint body 11a is conveyed downstream in the MD direction in cooperation with the endless belt 43.

  However, when the separation position P51out is reached, the receiving member 51 descends and enters a separation state that disappears from the transport path Tr41. Then, in this disengaged state, the receiving member 51 moves backward in the MD direction along a return path Trb set in advance substantially parallel to the transport path Tr41, and returns to a position corresponding to the standby position P51w. The receiving member 51 rises. As a result, the receiving member 51 reappears at the standby position P51w of the transport path Tr41, and waits in a stationary state at the same position P51w until the next coupling body 11a is delivered from the swing mechanism 31. The standby position P51w is set in advance to a position where the receiving member 51 that receives the most downstream individual package 11 that is initially sent from the swing mechanism 31 can be received from the front. When the swing operation of the swing mechanism 31 is started, the standby receiving member 51 starts moving forward along with the endless belt 43 along the downstream side in the MD direction substantially simultaneously with this start. . Here, this moving operation is performed in conjunction with the swing operation during the swing operation of the swing mechanism 31. Accordingly, the receiving member 51 sequentially generates a space between the swing mechanism 31 and the receiving member 51 for receiving the individual packaged articles 11, 11. It can be secured. As a result, the receiving member 51 can support the folded individual packages 11, 11... In a substantially standing state while quickly receiving them through the most downstream individual package 11. On the other hand, the connecting body 11a can be smoothly folded without clogging the connecting body 11a with the downstream end portions 33ed and 35ed.

  Then, when the swinging operation with respect to the connecting body 11a is completed, the receiving member 51 and the downstream side transport mechanism 41 interrupt the interlocking with the swing mechanism 31, and promptly move the connecting body 11a to the downstream end P41d of the transport path Tr41. In addition, the receiving member 51 further moves downward at the separation position P51out in the vicinity of the downstream end P41d → backward movement operation along the return path Trb → standby until the next swing operation starts. The ascending operation at the position corresponding to the position P51w is sequentially performed, and thereby, as described above, in the stationary state at the standby position P51w of the transport path Tr41 to receive the connecting body 11a sent from the swing mechanism 31 next. stand by.

  Incidentally, the movement operation of the receiving member 51 along the circular orbit Tr51 as described above, that is, the forward movement operation on the conveyance path Tr41, the lowering movement for separating from the conveyance path Tr41, and the return path Trb The four movement operations, that is, the backward movement operation and the ascending operation for returning to the transport path Tr41, are realized by, for example, the drive mechanism 52 that performs box motion. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, the drive mechanism 52 includes a guide member 53 such as a bush that guides the receiving member 51 so that the receiving member 51 can be moved up and down, and the receiving member 51 together with the guide member 53 before and after in the MD direction. And a reciprocating mechanism 55 capable of reciprocating. And the raising / lowering operation | movement of the receiving member 51 is made | formed by the raising / lowering servomotor (not shown) as a drive source attached to the guide member 53. FIG. Further, the reciprocating mechanism 55 includes a pair of pulleys 55p and 55p provided at approximately the distance of the conveyance path Tr41 before and after in the MD direction, and an endless timing hung around the pair of pulleys 55p and 55p. It has a belt 55b and a moving servo motor 55m as a drive source for driving and rotating at least one of the pair of pulleys 55p, 55p, and the moving servo motor 55m performs a forward / backward moving operation in the MD direction. . Therefore, when the controller 61 controls both the lift servo motor and the movement servo motor 55m, the lift operation and the forward / backward movement operation in the MD direction are combined to follow the above-described orbit Tr51. A moving operation is realized.

  By the way, desirably, as shown in FIG. 6, it is preferable to provide a plurality of receiving members 51, 51 (two in the example of FIG. 6). Then, as shown in FIG. 4, while one receiving member 51 is transporting the connecting body 11a downstream in the MD direction in cooperation with the endless belt 43, another receiving member 51 (return path Trb) is transported. ) (See the two-dot chain line receiving member 51) can be returned to the standby position P51w. As a result, the swinging operation is completed, and the receiving member 51 that is transporting the received coupled body 11a does not have to be returned to the standby position P51w until the start of the next swinging operation. As a result, it is possible to effectively avoid a situation in which the number of coupling bodies 11a that can be folded per unit time is limited due to the rate-determining operation of the receiving member 51 to the standby position P51w.

  However, in the case where a plurality of receiving members 51, 51... Are provided in this way, naturally, as shown in FIG. 6, the driving mechanisms 52, 52 are provided for the receiving members 51, 51, respectively. The receiving members 51 and 51 may be driven independently of each other. Then, even if the next swinging operation is started while the receiving member 51 that has already received the coupling body 11a is still moving on the transport path Tr41, the receiving member 51 is not moved. It is not necessary to be linked to the movement operation, that is, the movement operation of the transfer route Tr41 can be continued irrespective of the swinging operation.

  The controller 61 includes a computer or a PLC (programmable logic controller) as a main body, and includes a processor and a memory. Then, the processor reads out the folding process program recorded in advance in the memory and executes the folding process, so that the components 21, 31, 41, 51 are sent from the packaging step S 1 to the folding device 20 while being controlled. Each of the connected bodies 11a, 11a,.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, from the packaging step S1, the connecting bodies 11a, 11a,... Are intermittently sent with a time interval between the connecting bodies 11a adjacent in the MD direction. And the magnitude | size of the said time interval may change by influences, such as discharge | emission processing out of the line of the defective coupling body 11a made by packaging process S1, the unexpected trouble in the packaging process S1, etc.

  Therefore, the controller 61 detects that the coupling body 11a conveyed from the packaging step S1 has reached the predetermined position Pin, and starts various operations related to the folding process based on this detection.

  For example, in this example, the predetermined position Pin is set to an appropriate position Pin in the transport path of the upstream transport mechanism 21, and a photoelectric tube 71 is used as the detection sensor 71. Therefore, when the downstream end of the coupling body 11a passes the installation position Pin of the phototube 71, the detection signal S71 is transmitted to the controller 61 from the phototube 71 that has detected the passage. Then, when the controller 61 receives this and detects that the coupling body 11a has been transported by a predetermined initial transport amount from this reception as a starting point, it starts various operations related to the folding process using this as a trigger. That is, the swing servomotor 37m of the swing drive mechanism 37 of the swing mechanism 31 is controlled to start swinging of the pair of upper and lower endless belts 33, 35, and the transport servomotor of the downstream transport mechanism 41 is started. And the drive mechanism 52 of the receiving member 51 is controlled, The conveyance operation of the belt conveyor 41a and the moving operation | movement to the front of the receiving member 51 in standby are started.

  The initial transport amount data is stored in the memory in advance. Further, the conveyance amount is measured by a rotation detection sensor (not shown) such as a rotary encoder built in the conveyance servomotor of the endless belts 33 and 35 of the swing mechanism 31. Then, the controller 61 compares the measured value of the transport amount with the initial transport amount and provides it to the detection process described above.

  The swing operation of the swing mechanism 31 is defined in the above-described folding processing program so as to be performed once per predetermined unit transport amount of the coupling body 11a. That is, in the folding processing program, the movement pattern of the forward swing operation and the operation pattern of the backward swing operation are defined in association with each value constituting the unit transport amount. It is defined that the moving operation and the backward swing operation are alternately performed in this order. Therefore, the controller 61 controls the swing servo motor 37m of the swing drive mechanism 37 of the swing mechanism 31 based on the folding processing program while referring to the measurement value of the transport amount sequentially transmitted from the rotation detection sensor. Thus, one of the forward swing operation and the backward swing operation is alternately performed for each unit transport amount of the coupling body 11a. In addition, as said unit conveyance amount, the value equivalent to the length of one MD direction of the individual packaged goods 11 or the value of its vicinity is preset, for example. Therefore, when each individual package 11 is delivered from the pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35 of the swing mechanism 31, either the forward swing operation or the backward swing operation is generally performed with respect to each individual package 11 respectively. One is performed alternately. Thereby, each part 12ab between the individual packaged goods 11 and 11 is made into folding position 12ab, and a mountain fold and a valley fold are made alternately, As a result, the coupling body 11a is folded in zigzag shape.

  Further, the conveying operation of the downstream conveying mechanism 41 and the moving operation of the receiving member 51 are also defined in the folding processing program. That is, when the swing mechanism 31 starts the swinging operation, the endless belt 43 of the downstream side transport mechanism 41 and the receiving member 51 waiting at the standby position P51w start the transport operation and the movement operation in synchronization with this start. The folding processing program is defined as follows. Further, in the program, each operation pattern of the conveyance operation and the movement operation is defined in association with each value constituting the unit conveyance amount. Therefore, after the swinging operation is started, the controller 61 refers to the measured value of the transport amount sequentially transmitted from the rotation detection sensor, and based on the folding control program, the transport servo of the downstream transport mechanism 41. The motor and the servo motor 55m for movement of the receiving member 51 are controlled, so that the conveying operation and the moving operation are performed in conjunction with the swing operation of the swing mechanism 31.

  Further, when the swing operation is completed, the folding processing program is defined so that the downstream transport mechanism 41 and the receiving member 51 perform a predetermined transport operation and movement operation different from those during the swing operation. That is, in the program, the transport operation of the endless belt 43 and the receiving member 51 so as to transport the connecting body 11a to the downstream end P41d of the transport path Tr41 with a predetermined transport speed value and movement speed value that are unrelated to the swing operation. The movement operation is defined. Therefore, when the swinging operation is finished, the downstream side transport mechanism 41 and the receiving member 51 stop interlocking with the swing mechanism 31 and promptly transport the connected body 11a to the downstream end P41d of the transport path Tr41. The receiving member 51 is defined in the folding processing program to perform an operation of moving down to the separation position P51out near the downstream end P41d of the transport path Tr41 and returning to the standby position P51w via the return path Trb and the like. . As a result, the receiving member 51 quickly returns to the standby position P51w via the separation position P51out and the return path Trb. And it waits in a stationary state at the same position P51w.

  Incidentally, the end of the swinging operation can be detected as follows. First, the controller 61 is provided with a counter whose count value increases every time the forward swing operation and the backward swing operation. And if the controller 61 compares this count value with the number (10 in this example) of the individually packaged articles 11, 11... That each connecting body 11a should have, the end of the swinging operation is detected. Can do.

  By the way, depending on the case, you may fold as shown in the schematic side view of FIG. 7 in the last of the folding operation | movement with respect to the coupling body 11a. That is, in the part 12ab between the diapers 1 and 1 that should be at the respective folding positions 12ab in the connecting body 11a, only one part 12ab downstream of the most upstream part 12ab in the MD direction is subjected to valley folding. In addition, in the most upstream portion 12ab in the MD direction, the upstream end portion 11eu of the individual package product 11 in the uppermost stream in the MD direction among the individual package products 11 of the coupling body 11a faces the downstream side in the MD direction. It may be folded like this. More specifically, in the last folding operation of a series of folding operations in which mountain folding and valley folding are alternately repeated, the mountain folding should be originally performed (see FIG. 2). In FIG. Such a folding operation (hereinafter also referred to as “folding operation of the quasi-valley fold”) is performed, and by this, in combination with the valley fold just before it, the valley fold and the quasi-valley fold are continuously performed and the connecting body 11a. Although the folding operation is finished, this may be used.

  And if it does in this way, as shown in the same FIG. 7, the most upstream individual packaged goods 11 can be put on the folded part of the coupling body 11a to which the said individual packaged goods 11 belong. Thus, the gap G11a between the coupling bodies 11a, 11a adjacent in the MD direction can be enlarged. Therefore, it becomes possible to recognize at a glance the boundary between the coupling bodies 11a and 11a. As a result, the operator of the downstream packing step S2 of the downstream side transport mechanism 41 is placed on the belt conveyor 81 in the same step S2. When picking up each connecting body 11a from a large number of connecting bodies 11a, 11a,... And storing it in a cardboard box for packing, it is easy to distinguish each connecting body 11a, and the packaging work efficiency can be improved.

  Incidentally, the process of performing the quasi-valley fold as described above with respect to the most upstream folding position 12ab that should originally be mountain-folded in this way is, for example, the forward movement corresponding to the most upstream folding position 12ab. The moving motion, that is, the forward swing operation performed on the individual packed product 11 one downstream from the most upstream individual packed product 11 is performed at a slower speed, that is, for a long time than the forward swing operation to be performed originally. It is realized by doing. More specifically, the magnitude of the unit transport amount that defines the forward swing motion and the backward swing motion is basically the MD direction of one individual package 11 as described above. When set to the same value as the length, only the forward swing operation performed on the individual packaged product 11 on the downstream side of the most upstream individual packaged product 11 is set to the unit transport amount of the individual packaged product 11 described above. It may be set larger than the length of one minute.

  However, in the case where it is difficult to individually set the unit transport amount for such a specific unit swinging operation for reasons such as the configuration of the controller 61, the following may be performed. That is, all the unit transport amounts are set to be slightly larger than the length of one individual package 11 in the MD direction. If it does so, the timing of the said unit rocking | fluctuation operation will shift | deviate largely to the side late | slower than the timing which should be performed originally, so that the unit rocking | fluctuation operation | movement later in order among the several unit rocking | fluctuation operations concerning folding. The accumulated error of such timing is substantially maximized during the forward swing operation performed on the individual packaged product 11 on the downstream side of the most upstream individual packaged product 11, and as a result. For the most upstream folding position 12ab, a quasi-valley fold is performed instead of the mountain fold that should be performed.

  In addition, depending on the setting of the unit conveyance amount described above, by performing the quasi-valley fold immediately after the valley fold as described above, as shown in FIG. The folded portion 12ab can be inserted from above. Even in such a folding mode, a relatively large gap G11a can be formed between the coupling bodies 11a and 11a adjacent in the MD direction, and the boundary between the coupling bodies 11a and 11a is visually recognized. Improves.

  Further, in the case of the folding mode of FIG. 8, compared with the folding mode of FIG. 7 described above, it is possible to reduce the time and effort when it is accommodated in a cardboard box for packing. That is, in the case of FIG. 7 described above, the most upstream individual package 11 placed on the folded connection body 11a must be folded again so as to be in the state of FIG. In the case of FIG. 8, the connecting body 11a can be held with both hands as it is from both sides in the MD direction and can be stored in the cardboard box. In other words, the trouble of refolding can be eliminated. The folding mode of FIG. 8 is superior.

=== Other Embodiments ===
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, said embodiment is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and is not for limiting and interpreting this invention. Further, the present invention can be changed or improved without departing from the gist thereof, and needless to say, the present invention includes equivalents thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the swing mechanism 31 is illustrated as an example of the folding mechanism 31. The swing mechanism 31 has a pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35 as guide members that swing in the thickness direction of the connecting body 11a. The connecting body 11a is connected between the diapers 1 and 1. The mechanism is not limited to this as long as each portion 12ab can be folded at the folding position 12ab.

  For example, as a folding mechanism other than the swing mechanism 31, a folding mechanism 131 as shown in the schematic side view of FIG. That is, the folding mechanism 131 is provided with an inclined surface 133 that slides the connecting body 11a obliquely downward along the MD direction, and a folding position 12ab that is to be folded in the connecting body 11a. A mountain-folding injection device 135a that selectively injects an air flow toward the folding position 12ab when it passes, and is provided to face the inclined surface 133 and should be valley-folded in the coupling body 11a. A trough folding injection device 135b that selectively injects an air flow toward the folding position 12ab when the folding position 12ab passes.

  And since the connection body 11a of an unfolded state is sent from the upstream conveyance mechanism 21 along the said inclined surface 133 of the folding mechanism 131, in the upstream part in the inclined surface 133, the connection body 11a is unfolded. It slides down as it is. On the other hand, the downstream portion of the inclined surface 133 is a gentle inclined surface 133a. Therefore, when the downstream end portion 11aed of the connecting body 11a passes through the gentle slope 133a, the slow slope 133a is braked and picked up, whereby the downstream end portion 11aed is sequentially connected to the connecting body 11a. The upstream part catches up. However, at this time, each folding position 12ab of the coupling body 11a has been provided with folds of mountain fold and valley fold by the above-described mountain fold injection device 135a and valley fold injection device 135b. Therefore, when the connecting body 11a is picked up as described above, the connecting body 11a is folded in a zigzag shape at each folding position 12ab.

  In the above-described embodiment, the swing mechanism 31 has the pair of upper and lower endless belts 33 and 35 that circulate around the drive as guide members. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, any member that guides the connecting body 11a to the downstream side in the MD direction while restricting the relative movement in the thickness direction of the connecting body 11a (allows the relative movement of the connecting body 11a to the downstream side in the MD direction). It can be applied as a guide member. For example, a pair of upper and lower rollers arranged at intervals in the thickness direction of the coupling body 11a may be used, or a pair of upper and lower plate members arranged at intervals in the same thickness direction may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the rotary encoder built in the conveyance servomotor of the endless belt 33 (35) of the swing mechanism 31 is used as the rotation detection sensor that measures the conveyance amount of the coupling body 11a in the MD direction. However, it is not limited to this. That is, other rotation detection sensors may be used as long as the transport amount in the MD direction of the coupled body 11a in the unfolded state can be measured. For example, a rotary encoder built in the servo motor for transporting the endless belt 23 (25) of the upstream transport mechanism 21 may be used, or a dedicated rotation detection sensor may be additionally provided.

  The concept of “measuring the carry amount” described above includes measuring a value corresponding to the carry amount in addition to directly measuring the carry amount. That is, it also includes measuring a numerical value proportional to the transport amount. Strictly speaking, the above-described rotary encoder built in the servo motor also outputs a digital value as a value proportional to the carry amount, or outputs a number of pulses proportional to the carry amount. For this reason, the measurement by the encoder is also a concept close to the latter meaning measurement.

  In the above-described embodiment, the receiving member 51 and the endless belt 43 are operated in conjunction with each other on the transport path Tr41 of the downstream transport mechanism 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the receiving member 51 is controlled to move in conjunction with the swinging operation of the swing mechanism 31, and the receiving member 51 regulates the conveying operation of the connector 11a on the conveying path Tr41. If so, the endless belt 43 may continuously rotate around the swing mechanism 31 regardless of the swinging motion of the swing mechanism 31. For example, the endless belt 43 may continuously circulate at a rotational speed value V41 equal to or higher than the moving speed value V51 of the receiving member 51. In this case, the individual packages 11, 11... Of the coupling body 11a placed on the endless belt 43 are basically conveyed forward in the MD direction by the endless belt 43. When 51 stops or when the moving speed value V51 of the receiving member 51 is smaller than the circumferential speed value V41 of the endless belt V51, the moving of the connecting body 11a in the forward direction in the MD direction is restricted by the receiving member 51. As a result, the connecting body 11a moves together with the receiving member 51 while relatively sliding with the endless belt 43 that continuously circulates. Therefore, when the receiving member 51 moves in conjunction with the swing operation of the swing mechanism 31, the connecting body 11a is also transported in conjunction with the swing operation.

  In the above-described embodiment, the folding device 20 includes the downstream-side transport mechanism 41 and the receiving member 51, but these 41 and 51 are not essential components. That is, if at least the upstream side transport mechanism 21 and the swing mechanism 31 are present, the connecting body 11a can be folded, so the downstream side transport mechanism 41 and the receiving member 51 may be omitted.

  In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the disposable diaper 1 was illustrated as an example of an absorbent article, if it is an article which absorbs a wearer's excretion liquid, it will not restrict to this at all, for example, an absorbent article is a sanitary napkin. There may be.

1 disposable diapers (absorbent articles),
11 individually packaged product, 11eu upstream end,
11a connector, 11aed downstream end,
12 wrapping sheet, 12a wrapping sheet according to the connector,
12ab part (folding position, sealing part, seal part), 12ac perforation part,
12ae end,
20 folding device,
21 upstream transport mechanism,
23 upper endless belt, 23r1 roller, 23r2 roller,
25 lower endless belt, 25r1 roller, 25r2 roller,
31 Swing mechanism (folding mechanism),
33 upper endless belt, 33ed downstream end,
33r1 upstream guide roller, 33r2 downstream guide roller,
35 lower endless belt, 35ed downstream end,
35r1 upstream guide roller, 35r2 downstream guide roller,
37 oscillating drive mechanism, 37m oscillating servo motor, 37ms drive rotating shaft,
38 link mechanism, 38a arm member, 38b link member,
41 downstream transport mechanism, 41a belt conveyor,
43 endless belt, 43r1 roller, 43r2 roller,
51 receiving member, 51a bar member,
52 drive mechanism, 53 guide member,
55 moving mechanism, 55b timing belt, 55m moving servo motor,
55p pulley,
61 controller,
71 Photoelectric tube (detection sensor),
81 belt conveyor,
131 Folding mechanism, 133 inclined surface, 133a gentle slope,
135a Mountain fold injection device, 135b Valley fold injection device,
S1 packaging process, S2 packaging process,
C23r1 rotation axis, C23r2 rotation axis,
C25r1 rotation axis, C25r2 rotation axis,
C33r1 rotation axis (fixed fulcrum, fulcrum), C33r2 rotation axis,
C35r1 rotation axis (fixed fulcrum, fulcrum), C35r2 rotation axis,
C43r1 rotation axis, C43r2 rotation axis,
P41d downstream end, P41u upstream end,
P51w standby position, P51out leaving position,
Pin position,
Tr41 transport path, Trb return path,
Tr51 orbit,
G11a gap,

Claims (11)

An upstream side transport mechanism for transporting a connection body of individual packaged products in which a plurality of individual packaged products in which absorbent articles are individually accommodated are connected in an aligned direction, with the alignment direction as the transport direction;
Folding each portion between the absorbent articles adjacent to each other in the alignment direction, being arranged downstream of the upstream conveyance mechanism in the conveyance direction and interlocking with the conveyance operation of the coupling body in the alignment direction. As a position, by alternately performing a mountain fold and a valley fold for each of the parts, a folding mechanism that folds the connector in a zigzag shape ,
The folding mechanism includes a guide member that guides the coupling body to the downstream side in the transport direction while restricting relative movement of the coupling body in the thickness direction of the coupling body,
The guide member swings in the thickness direction while interlocking with the transport operation of the connecting body, thereby folding the portions between the absorbent articles adjacent in the alignment direction as the folding position,
On the downstream side of the guide member in the transport direction, a downstream transport mechanism for transporting the connecting body fed from the guide member to the downstream side in the transport direction, and the feed member sent from the guide member A receiving member configured to receive and stand up the individual packaged product in the most downstream of the transport direction among the plurality of individually packaged products of the coupling body; and
The receiving member moves to the downstream side in the transport direction in conjunction with the swinging motion of the guide member, thereby transporting the connector in the downstream direction in the transport direction in cooperation with the downstream transport mechanism. An apparatus for folding a linked body of individually packaged articles according to an absorbent article. A device for folding a linked body of individually packaged articles according to claim 1 ,
According to the absorbent article, the guide member swings in the thickness direction so that the portion between the absorbent articles adjacent to each other in the alignment direction is folded in a mountain fold or a valley fold. Folding device for linked products of individual packages. A device for folding a linked body of individually packaged articles according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The guide member has a pair of endless belts that come into contact with the connecting body from both sides in the thickness direction, and the pair of endless belts respectively drive and circulate in conjunction with the transport operation of the upstream transport mechanism. Thus, the connection body folding apparatus for an individual packaged product according to an absorbent article, wherein the connection body fed to the guide member from the upstream side in the transport direction is sent to the downstream side in the transport direction. A folding device for a connected body of individually packaged articles according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The apparatus for folding a connected body of individually packaged products according to an absorbent article, wherein the guide member swings in conjunction with a transport amount of the connected body in the transport direction. A device for folding a connected body of individually packaged articles according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The guide member swings the downstream end with the upstream end of the guide member as a fulcrum,
A detection sensor that detects that the connecting body has reached a predetermined position upstream in the transport direction from the downstream end of the guide member, and outputs a detection signal;
An apparatus for folding a connected body of individually packaged products according to an absorbent article, wherein the guide member starts swinging based on the detection signal. A device for folding an assembly of individually packaged articles according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
A plurality of the receiving members are provided,
The receiving member orbits a predetermined orbit, and a waiting position for receiving an individual packaged product at the most downstream in the transport direction according to the coupling body is set on the orbit.
While one receiving member of the plurality of receiving members is transporting the connector in cooperation with the downstream transport mechanism, at least one receiving member other than the receiving member is the standby unit. An apparatus for folding an individual packaged article related to an absorbent article, wherein the apparatus is returned to a position. A device for folding an assembly of individually packaged articles according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The moving operation of the receiving member to the downstream side and the conveying operation of the coupling body of the downstream conveyance mechanism are performed in conjunction with each other, and the linked body of individually packaged articles according to the absorbent article Folding device. A device for folding an assembly of individually packaged articles according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The downstream transport mechanism has an endless belt on which the connecting body is placed,
The endless belt continuously circulates around the drive;
The receiving member moves downstream in the transport direction in conjunction with the swinging motion of the guide member,
When the receiving member stops, the individual packaged product of the coupling body placed on the endless belt is restrained by the receiving member while sliding relative to the endless belt that rotates around the drive,
When the receiving member moves downstream in the conveying direction, the coupling body is conveyed downstream in the conveying direction together with the receiving member. Folding device for connected body. A device for folding an assembly of individually packaged articles according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
In each of the portions between the absorbent articles, a seal portion that separates the absorbent articles and a perforated perforated portion for separating individual packaged products that are adjacent in the transport direction are formed. An apparatus for folding a connected body of individually packaged articles according to an absorbent article. A device for folding an individual packaged article related to an absorbent article,
An upstream side transport mechanism for transporting a connection body of individual packaged products in which a plurality of individual packaged products in which absorbent articles are individually accommodated are connected in an aligned direction, with the alignment direction as the transport direction;
Folding each portion between the absorbent articles adjacent to each other in the alignment direction, being arranged downstream of the upstream conveyance mechanism in the conveyance direction and interlocking with the conveyance operation of the coupling body in the alignment direction. As a position, by alternately performing a mountain fold and a valley fold for each of the parts, a folding mechanism that folds the connector in a zigzag shape,
Among the parts between the absorbent articles, in the part downstream of only the most upstream part in the transport direction, the valley folding is performed when viewed from the upper side of the folding device ,
In the most upstream part, the upstream end of the individual packaged product in the transport direction among the individual packaged products of the coupling body is folded so as to face the downstream side in the transport direction. Folding device for a linked body of individually packaged products related to absorbent articles. A device for folding an individual packaged article related to an absorbent article,
An upstream side transport mechanism for transporting a connection body of individual packaged products in which a plurality of individual packaged products in which absorbent articles are individually accommodated are connected in an aligned direction, with the alignment direction as the transport direction;
Folding each portion between the absorbent articles adjacent to each other in the alignment direction, being arranged downstream of the upstream conveyance mechanism in the conveyance direction and interlocking with the conveyance operation of the coupling body in the alignment direction. As a position, by alternately performing a mountain fold and a valley fold for each of the parts, a folding mechanism that folds the connector in a zigzag shape,
Of the respective parts between the absorbent articles, the most downstream part in the transport direction is subjected to mountain folding when viewed from the upper side of the folding device. Folding device for packaged product.

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