CN1145464C

CN1145464C - Individually wrapped absorbent artical and method and apparatus for its production

Info

Publication number: CN1145464C
Application number: CNB988130793A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C・李; C·李; 锊┑; K·特里博德
Original assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Current assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc; Kimberly Clark Corp
Priority date: 1997-11-12
Filing date: 1998-10-30
Publication date: 2004-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 2018-10-30
Also published as: BR9815624A; CN1368870A; JP2001522643A; WO1999023984A1; AU1300899A; AU750428B2; EP1030632A1; TW407050B

Abstract

An individually wrapped absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin (20, 220) which is simple, compact, sanitary, and easy to unwrap for use and to dispose of after use. The absorbent article avoids the need for a separate peel strip and pouch because it is provided with a wrapper (22, 222) that can be folded into a pouch (26, 226). Substantially the entire backsheet (34, 234) of the absorbent article (20, 220) directly faces the wrapper (22, 222) and is secured to it to form an assembly (24, 224). In the case of a winged or tabbed type absorbent article (20), this configuration obviates the need for a separate peel strip to cover the garment adhesive located on the wings or tabs (30, 31). The assembly (24, 224) is wrapped by folding the lateral flaps (56, 58, 256, 258) thereof longitudinally over one another to enclose the article (20, 220) to prevent the garment adhesive (46, 48, 50, 246) from becoming contaminated. The package is then tri-folded laterally to form an e-shaped pouch (26, 226). Wrapping and folding are performed by an in-line process that uses simple equipment and that does not require reversal in the direction of article conveyance. Folding is performed by a tri-folding mechanism (308) that translates to convey wrapped packages (25, 225) through an in-line tri-folder assembly and that rotates to fold the packages into the e-shaped pouches (26, 226).

Description

The production method and the equipment of the absorbent article of independent packing

Background of invention

1. invention field

The present invention relates to absorbent article, for example sanitary towel, connect the trousers liner, incontinence product or analog particularly relate to the absorption product of independent packing, wherein absorbent article releasably is fixed with peel strip, and folding and sealing is to form parcel.To wrap up packing then and be folded to form the bag of depositing and transport absorbent article.The invention still further relates to the packing and the independent packing of folding the above-mentioned type absorbent article method and realize the equipment of this method.

2. the discussion of correlation technique

As everyone knows, absorbent article is used for absorbing and retaining body fluid for example urine, menstruation, blood etc.Typical these absorbent articles are sanitary towel, company's trousers liner, incontinence product and analog.Be primarily aimed at sanitary towel at this problem that occurs in this area is discussed, be appreciated that some or all these problems also can appear in trousers liner, incontinence product and other absorbent article.

Two types the sanitary towel that uses is generally orthogonal no flap-type or does not have the fin type at present, with flap-type is arranged or the fin type is arranged, this has flap-type or has the fin type partly to have the flap or the fin (hereinafter claiming " flap ") of the transverse edge of the main body that horizontal expansion exceeds sanitary towel in its longitudinal center.The typical sanitary towel of any type comprises the absorbent cores that wraps in or be contained in big envelope or the sheath, and this big envelope or sheath comprise top flat, also are referred to as " covering ", and tergite, also are referred to as " block piece ".Top flat is designed to towards user, and is liquid permeable, but to allow liquid to flow in the absorbent cores of retain liquid.Tergite is an impermeable liquid.One can be fixed on the outer surface of tergite with the bonding bonding strip of clothes, so that make sanitary towel can unclamp or be fixed on separably on the underwear of user.Flap is being arranged or having under the situation of fin type sanitary towel, some additional bonding strips or sticking patch are fixed on the basal surface of flap, so that these flaps are fixed on the underwear of user.By applying adhesive on the releasable peel strip, bonding strip can be transferred in the sanitary towel, then, when peel strip was connected with tergite or block piece, adhesive transfer was to sanitary towel.Peel strip prevents adhesive contamination, and till sanitary towel prepared to use, this moment, user removed peel strip.

The sanitary towel of packing separately owing to many reasons needs.For example, they be compact (for example, pocket or wallet that they can put into user easily carry), they prevent that sanitary towel and liner are contaminated before use or make dirty, and exhausted sanitary towel can use bag or other packaging material to handle.For example, the patent No. of authorizing people such as Srinivasan is 3,973,567 United States Patent (USP) (Srinivasan patent); The patent No. of authorizing people such as Swanson is 4,556,146 United States Patent (USP) (a Swanson patent); With the patent No. of authorizing people such as Roach be the sanitary towel that discloses independent packing in 5,413,568 the United States Patent (USP) (Roach patent).All these patent disclosures have the sanitary towel of the tergite part that is adhered on liner or the peel strip, this liner or peel strip also constitute at least a portion of the packing material of sanitary towel.Srinivasan and Swanson patent disclosure independent packing no flap or do not have the disposable sanitary towel of fin, and the Roach patent disclosure flap being arranged or the disposable sanitary towel of fin is arranged of independent packing.

The sanitary towel of traditional independent packing for example in Srinivasan, Swanson and Roach patent disclosed those sanitary towels have some defectives and deficiency.For example, they difficulty open.Under the situation of Swansonn patent, packing material towards and the tergite part of admitting sanitary towel, so that the vertical and horizontal flap that surrounds sanitary towel to be set.Then, the packing material three of sanitary towel and stickup is folded into a unit.Vertically the lateral edges of flap pollutes to prevent sanitary towel along its total length loosely sealing.When opening assembly, must tear these sealings.The sealing that need tear has hindered opens.In addition, illustrated packing material is not suitable for handling used sanitary towel, because it is big unlike sanitary towel basically.

The fin type is arranged or have flap-type sanitary towel also to be subjected to additional packing influence.For example, in the Roach patent, disclosing a kind ofly has fin or flap-type sanitary towel is arranged, and this sanitary towel has the tergite that releasably adheres on the packing material, and the mode that the tergite of its bonding mode and Swanson adheres on the corresponding packing material is similar.But the end of flap extends beyond the lateral edges of packing material.The flap that exposes is longitudinal folding on the top flat of the main body of sanitary towel, flap alignment and be close to the top flat of sanitary towel like this, and its end face is to the longitudinal centre line of sanitary towel, and its bonding sticking patch or bonding strip are towards last.Flap must cover at least one and two independent or special-purpose liners that unclamp probably, with the bonding sticking patch on the protection flap.Before using sanitary towel, must remove the additional liner that unclamps one by one by user.This extra step is very inconvenient, and user has to handle the additional refuse of a slice at least.And, because packing material is wide unlike the main body of sanitary towel basically,, be difficult to handle used sanitary towel with packing material for user.

Another problem relevant with the sanitary towel of traditional independent packing is owing to following reason has hindered production, promptly because packing and folding need step separately and equipment and/or since packing and folding operation can not on streamline, carry out.Replace packing and folding by quite big and complicated cylinder, roller and impact blade construction, described structure need have at least a and common several change on the direction that sanitary towel transmits in packing and folding process.The example that has the typical process of these shortcomings can be 3,635,462 United States Patent (USP) in the patent No. of authorizing Joa; The patent No. of authorizing Larsonneur is 4,701,156 United States Patent (USP); With the patent No. of authorizing Munsch is to find in 5,176,615 the United States Patent (USP).

Brief summary of the invention

Therefore, main purpose of the present invention provides improved compactness and the absorbent article of the independent packing opened easily.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of absorbent article of independent packing, and this absorbent article satisfies first main purpose at least, and can easily handle with the packing material that provides.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of absorbent article that satisfies first main purpose of the present invention, this absorbent article health and opening easily under complete packed state.

Another purpose of the present invention provides a kind of absorbent article of independent packing, and this absorbent article satisfies first main purpose at least, and does not need isolating peel strip and packing material.

According to a first aspect of the invention, can realize these purposes by the absorbent article that the independent packing that comprises absorbent article and packing material is provided.Absorbent article has first and second principal phases to the surface, and packing material has the absorbent article receiving surface, at least a portion of the first surface of absorbent article releasably cementation to this absorbent article receiving surface to form assembly.This assembly has a longitudinal centre line, a cross central line and a periphery.This periphery is by a pair of relative transverse edge on the opposite side that is arranged in longitudinal centre line, with a pair of relative vertical end formation on the opposite side that is arranged in cross central line.Transverse edge is packaged on the second surface of absorbent article, and sealing is to form parcel.

Best, in order to seal this parcel fully, by packing material is adhered on itself, thereby a pair of relative vertical end of parcel is all sealed.

The present invention is applicable to that the absorbent article of flap for example has the sanitary towel and the analog of flap, and the absorbent article that does not have flap or do not have a fin for example do not have flap sanitary towel, connect trousers liner and analog.

Another object of the present invention provides a parcel, and this parcel satisfies one or more aforementioned purposes, and this parcel can fold, reel or other is operated to form a bag.Best, this bag comprises a core and first and second vertical flap.First vertical flap alignment and the contiguous core, and second vertical flap alignment and the contiguous first vertical flap.Second vertical flap preferably releasably cements on first vertical flap.

Another main purpose of the present invention provides a kind of protective wing type sanitary napkin that has of independent packing, and it does not need to be used for the isolating peel strip of the flap of sanitary towel.

According to a further aspect in the invention, by providing the assembly that forms by absorbent article and packing material to realize this purpose.Absorbent article has first and second principal phases to the surface, comprises a main absorber with relative transverse edge, and comprises a pair of flap from the relative outside horizontal expansion of transverse edge.At least a portion of the first surface of absorbent article is releasable to be fixed on the absorbent article receiving surface of packing material, to form assembly.In order to protect the underwear binding agent on the flap and not need isolating peel strip on the flap, this part that is fixed to the first surface on the packing material comprises at least a portion of absorber and at least a portion of each flap.

Best, pack is to form parcel, folding then, to form the above-mentioned bag that satisfies first main purpose.

Another main purpose of the present invention provides the simple and advantageous method of a packing and a folding assembly, and this assembly is formed by absorbent article and the releasable packing material of fixing this absorbent article.

Best, this assembly has a longitudinal centre line and a periphery, and this periphery is formed with a pair of relative vertical end by a pair of laterally relative side direction flap of the opposite side that is arranged in longitudinal centre line.This assembly is through packing and be folded to form bag, that is to say, by longitudinal folding side direction flap on the second surface of absorbent article, to form parcel, laterally folded then should the parcel is to form bag.The step of laterally folded parcel preferably includes: first vertical flap that will wrap up is folded on the core of parcel, such first vertical flap alignment and the contiguous core, then, second vertical flap is folded on first vertical flap such second vertical flap alignment and the contiguous first vertical flap.Then, first and second vertical flaps are releasably fixed with each other.

Another object of the present invention provides and satisfies second main purpose of the present invention and with the method for pipeline system packing and unfolded absorbent article.

According to a further aspect in the invention, order about the first reciprocating type propeller and enter near the transverse line in the parcel a position, this fold line is connected core with first vertical flap, and enter near the transverse line in the parcel a position by ordering about the second reciprocating type propeller, this fold line is connected core with second vertical flap, can realize this purpose thus.

Another object of the present invention provides parcel three is folded into improving one's methods of a bag.

According to a further aspect in the invention, can realize this purpose like this, promptly transmit parcel, when transfer path moves, make and wrap up the three fold mechanisms rotation that contacts, meanwhile make three fold mechanisms at least usually along the transfer path translation at parcel along transfer path.This rotation simultaneously and translation make the wrapped core of wrapping up in of first vertical flap of parcel folding, such first vertical flap is near the core alignment, and first vertical flap and the core of the folding parcel of wrapped second vertical flap of wrapping up in, like this, second vertical flap is near first vertical flap alignment.Then, second vertical flap is fixed on first vertical flap to form bag.

Step around the folding first vertical flap of core preferably includes: at folded sheet upper support first vertical flap of three fold mechanisms, meanwhile, the folder fin of three fold mechanisms is arranged near the transverse line, this transverse line is connected core with first vertical flap, and rotate three fold mechanisms, such first vertical flap moves with folded sheet, so that folding around folder fin and core.The step that folds the core of first vertical flap and second vertical flap around second vertical flap preferably includes: rotate three fold mechanisms, so that first vertical flap and core move with folder fin, thus folding around folded sheet and second vertical flap.Best, laterally move with respect to transfer path by making three fold mechanisms, so that during folding operation or afterwards, extract folded sheet and folder fin out from bag, meanwhile, three fold mechanisms are at least usually along the transfer path translation.

Another main purpose of the present invention provides and is used to pack and fold the improvement system of the absorbent article of packing separately.

According to a further aspect in the invention, can realize this purpose like this, first conveyer that is fit to system that assembly is sent to promptly is provided, this assembly comprises packing material and the absorbent article that is fixed on the packing material, be fit to outwards transmit second conveyer and first and second propulsion component of bag from system.First propulsion component comprises vertical reciprocating type propeller, and this vertical reciprocating type propeller is fit to receive assembly and suitable partially folded this assembly from first conveyer.Second propulsion component is the reciprocating type propeller of level, the reciprocating type propeller of this level is arranged to and first conveyer and first propeller keep vertically spaced relationship, and the reciprocating type propeller of this level is fit to receive from the first angle of rake assembly and further this assembly is folded to form bag.

Best, first and second propellers fluting so that binding agent is applied on the assembly, and can not influence first and second propellers.

Other system unit preferably includes 1) the parcel former, it with absorbent article releasably cementation to successive sheet of packing meterial, to form parcel, 2) longitudinal folding device, this longitudinal folding device is arranged in the downstream of parcel former, and it is the continous thin layer packaging material are longitudinal folding, to form packaged parcel, in this packaged parcel, the transverse edge lateral arrangement of continous thin layer packaging material is in the inboard of the transverse edge of parcel, and 3) cutter, this cutter are arranged between the longitudinal folding device and first conveyer, and the continous thin layer packaging material of cutting parcel office.

Another purpose of the present invention provides by the folding parcel of streamline to form the improvement system of bag.

According to another aspect of the invention, this system comprises the parcel supporting structure, this structure qualification the parcel operating path and three fold mechanisms that move through system, this three fold mechanism is rotatable and can be with respect to the transfer path translation.When three fold mechanisms are adapted at wrapping up and move along transfer path, engages with parcel and three fold these parcels.

Best, three fold mechanisms comprise the first and second isolated folding elements, and this folding element is fit to engage with the opposed major surfaces of parcel.First and second folding elements for example can comprise a L shaped folded sheet and cylindrical folder fin respectively, and they are installed on the rotatably mounted structure, and first and second folding elements are installed on this supporting structure.Rotatable supporting structure preferably includes the axle with an axle surface, and first and second folding elements are installed on the surface.

To those skilled in the art, be called the part and the accompanying drawing of " detailed description of preferred embodiment " with reference to following name, other purpose of the present invention, feature and advantage are apparent.But, should be appreciated that when providing the preferred embodiments of the present invention the detailed description and the accompanying drawings are only unrestricted for illustration purpose.Under the prerequisite that does not exceed essence of the present invention, can carry out many changes and modification within the scope of the invention, and present invention includes all this modifications.

With reference now to the embodiment of description of drawings preferred illustrative of the present invention,, the wherein identical in the text identical parts of Reference numeral representative, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the top plan view of the assembly that constitutes according to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, and this assembly is formed by absorbent article and packing material;

Fig. 2 is the exploded cutaway view that intercepts along the line 2-2 among Fig. 1 usually;

Fig. 3 is the perspective view of absorbent article shown in Fig. 1 and Wrapper component, and expression is in the absorbent article of local packed state;

Fig. 4 is the plane graph of the assembly of absorbent article shown in Fig. 1 and packing material, and expression is packed fully to form the assembly under the package status;

Fig. 5 is the side view of parcel shown in Figure 4;

Fig. 6 is the perspective view of the partial cut of the parcel shown in the Figure 4 and 5;

Fig. 7 is the perspective view by the formed bag of parcel shown in folding Fig. 4-6;

Fig. 8 is the assembly top plan view that constitutes according to second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and this assembly is formed by absorbent article and packing material;

Fig. 9 is usually along the cutaway view of the exploded of the intercepting of the line 9-9 among Fig. 8;

Figure 10 is the perspective view of the assembly of absorbent article shown in Fig. 8 and packing material, and expression is in the absorbent article under the part packed state;

Figure 11 is the part perspective illustration of first packing material/folder system, and this system is used for making absorbent article and packing material in conjunction with to form assembly, and assembly is folded into parcel, makes then to be wrapped to form bag;

Figure 12 represents the local perspective illustration of the secondary folder assembly of system shown in Figure 11, and represents the phase I of its operating sequence, wraps up so that it is folded into bag by secondary folder assembly location in this stage;

Figure 13 is the view corresponding with Figure 12, but different is the secondary folder device that its expression is in the second stage of operating sequence, cylinder moves to the position, and in this position, the first reciprocating type propeller of secondary folder assembly folds into first vertical flap of bag on the core of bag;

Figure 14 is the partial sectional view of the part of the secondary folder assembly shown in Figure 12 and 13, and has shown and apply adhesive on the bag;

Figure 15 is the view corresponding to Figure 12 and 13, and its expression is in the secondary folder assembly of operating sequence, and wherein Dai second vertical flap is folded on first vertical flap;

Figure 16 is the local perspective illustration of second packing material/folder system, and this system is used for absorbent article and packing material in conjunction with to form assembly this assembly being folded into parcel, makes then to be wrapped to form bag;

Figure 17 is the top plan view of three folding systems of packing material/folder system shown in Figure 16, and its expression transmits the parcel that will be folded to three folding systems;

Figure 18 is the sectional view along the line 18-18 among Figure 17 intercepting, the reception condition of the parcel that its expression is folded by three fold mechanisms of three folding systems shown in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is the perspective view of remaining co-acting part of the perspective view of three fold mechanisms of three folding systems shown in Figure 16-18 and three folding systems;

Figure 20 is the perspective view of cooperation part of the bolster that has keyway of the perspective view of roller bearing of three fold mechanisms shown in Figure 19 and roller bearing;

Figure 21 is the perspective view of the guide rail of three folding systems shown in Figure 16-18, and represents one of them moving around the roller bearing of three fold mechanisms of guide rail;

Figure 22 is usually along the cutaway view of the intercepting of the line 22-22 among Figure 17, and it represents that one of them of three fold mechanisms of three folding systems is in the position that three fold mechanisms can be folded into parcel bag;

Figure 23 is the cutaway view that intercepts along the line 23-23 among Figure 17 usually, and it represents that the roller bearing of one of them three fold mechanism of three folding systems is in and can wraps up the position of transmitting through three folding systems and do not influence other through the motion of three folding systems; And

Figure 24 is the partial schematic side view of the part of three folding systems shown in Figure 17 and 18, and its expression is in one of them roller bearing of three fold mechanisms of all places, is used to illustrate three folding operations.

Detailed description of preferred embodiment

According to the present invention, a kind of absorbent article of independent packing is provided, for example sanitary towel, connect trousers liner, incontinence with device or analog, this absorbent article is simple, compact, open easily when health and use, and uses the back to handle easily.This absorbent article does not need peel strip separately or liner and/or bag, both can be used as the knock-down packing material that packing material also can be used as bag because it is provided with.Basically the whole tergite of absorbent article or block piece be directly towards the upper surface of packing material, and be fixed to form molectron or assembly by unclamping binding agent.Flap is being arranged or having under the situation of fin type absorbent article, this structure does not need to use one or more up-stripping bars of flap or fin.Assembly is packed with the formation parcel, and can be prevented that by the side flap of longitudinal folding packing material articles for use from being polluted.Then, packaged parcel horizontal three is folded to form e type bag.Pack and fold through the streamline production process, this operation is used simple equipment and is not needed sanitary towel reverse on direction of transfer.Wrap up best foldingly by three fold mechanisms, this three fold mechanism is in rotation in the translation on the transfer path of parcel at least usually.

The present invention is applicable to the absorbent article of various independent packings, and these absorbent articles comprise sanitary towel, connect trousers liner, incontinence product and analog.Particularly be suitable for very much absorbing and retaining the sanitary towel of menstruation liquid stream.Therefore, the present invention will mainly discuss in conjunction with sanitary towel, is appreciated that the present invention also can be applicable to other absorbent article.

Fig. 1-3 illustrates sanitary towel 20, this sanitary towel 20 by binding agent releasably cementation to packing material 22, thereby form assembly 24.Folding and sealing to be to form parcel 25 with assembly 24, and shown in Fig. 4-6 the best, packaged then parcel is folded to form common e shape bag 26 through three, and this is shown in Fig. 7 the best.

At first referring to Fig. 1, the sanitary towel 20 of present embodiment is the product that flap is arranged or fin is arranged, and this product has main absorber 28 and a pair of laterally relative flap or fin 30 and 31, hereinafter abbreviates " flap " as.Each flap 30 and 31 laterally outwards stretches from longitudinal center's part of the wherein corresponding transverse edge of main absorber 28 respectively.As known in the art, flap 30 and 31 designs are used for being fixed to dividually on the outer surface of underwear of user.

Referring to Fig. 2, sanitary towel 20 comprises an absorbent cores 32 and encases a big envelope 33 of absorbent cores 32.Absorbent cores 32 can be by any suitable absorbing material for example pulp, cellulose wadding, gas-felt, silk paper layer, superabsorbent material, or their conjugate is made.Big envelope 33 comprises the tergite or the block piece 34 of an impermeable liquid, and this tergite or block piece 34 are arranged in the top flat or the covering 36 of absorbent cores 32 belows and a liquid permeable, and this top flat or covering 36 are arranged on the absorbent cores 32.Top flat 36 is configured to the health towards user, and is used for therefrom seeing through for liquid, thereby liquid is kept by absorbent cores 32.Tergite 34 has the back side 35, and this back side 35 is configured to by three clothes bonding strips or sticking patch 46,48 and 50 releasable cementations to packing material 22.Clothes bonding strip 46,48 and 50 can be formed by any suitable binding agent, and is preferably made by the contact adhesive of frequent type of service in this field.Should be noted that available one or two wide bonding strip replaces three narrower bonding strips 46,48 and 50.In case packing material 22 takes off from sanitary towel 20, clothes bonding strip 46,48 and 50 is stayed in the sanitary towel 20, and is used for making sanitary towel 20 to be attached and fix in position on the inner surface of the underwear of user.Top flat 36 is fixed on the tergite 34 by the aspect of close health one side of construction adhesive 38 and construction adhesive 40, and this construction adhesive 38 is arranged on the inner surface 39 of top flat 36, and this construction adhesive 40 is positioned on the inner surface or front surface 41 of tergite 34.If desired, utilize heat bonding or pass through other adhering technique as well known to those skilled in the art, for example ultrasound wave can be removed this construction adhesive 40.

Sanitary towel 20 itself is traditional.But the relation of it and packing material 22 and parcel bag 26 then is not traditional, and this parcel bag 26 is by packing and foldingly constitute (see figure 7) by sanitary towel 20 and packing material 22 assembly 24 that forms that combines.Explain its relation now.

Refer again to Fig. 2, knock-down packing material 22 can form and comprise multilamellar or multipart layout, but preferably comprises monolayer, and this monolayer promptly is used as releasable peel strip again as packing material.Packing material 22 can by any suitable thermoplastic for example polyethylene or polypropylene form, preferably form by polyethylene.Packing material 22 has first and second opposed major surfaces 42,44, the first respectively or preferably is coated with the sticking material of suitable pine towards interior surface 42 so that separate with 50 with bonding strip 46,48.As long as bonding strip 46,48,50 can be fixed to main absorber 28 and flap 30 and 31 on the packing material 22, they just can adopt many kinds of profiles.After sanitary towel 20 peeled off from packing material 22 and removes, bonding strip 46,48,50 can be fixed to main absorber 28 and flap 30 and 31 on the underwear of user.Three bonding strips 46,48,50th, long fillet.First or central strip 46 in alignment along the longitudinal centre line X--X (Fig. 1) of main absorber 28 with this centrage, and on the main part in percentage ratio of the longitudinal length of sanitary towel 20, extend.For example, bonding strip 46,48,50 can the total length of sanitary towel 20 about 50% to about 99% on extend.The second and the 3rd bonding strip 48 and 50 all is arranged in side under the approximate centre part of corresponding flap 31 and 30 respectively.Be noted that importantly the second and the 3rd bonding strip 48 and 50 is used for flap 31 and 30 is fixed on the packing material 22.This does not need flap 30 and 31 is folded back on the main absorber 28 and with independent peel strip protects bonding strip 48 and 50.

Refer again to Fig. 1, knock-down packing material 22 has by a pair of longitudinal end 51 and 53 and a pair of transverse edge 55 and 57 peripheries that limited, this longitudinal end 51 and 53 is arranged on the opposite side of cross central line Y--Y, and this transverse edge 55 and 57 is arranged on the opposite side of longitudinal centre line X--X.Best, the respective transversal lateral edges that the transverse edge 55 and 57 of packing material 22 exceeds sanitary towel 20 stretches out, like this lateral ends 63 of the outermost of flap 30 and 31 and 65 and the edge of packing material 22 between form horizontal space.The transverse edge 55 and 57 of packing material 22 preferably extends to the respective transverse edge 59 that exceeds main absorber 28 and 61 about 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches, even better about 2.0 inches.The transverse edge 55 and 57 of packing material 22 also extends to the end 63 that exceeds flap 30 and 31 and 65 between about 0.25 inch to 0.75 inch, even better is about 0.5 inch.The longitudinal end 51 and 53 of packing material 22 similarly extends beyond the longitudinal end 73 and 75 of sanitary towel 20.This formation not only is convenient to sanitary towel 20 is fixed on the packing material 22, and guarantees to obtain enough wrapper material, so that handle wherein exhausted sanitary towel 20.

With sanitary towel 20 releasably cementation to the packing material 22 to form assembly, the folding and sealing with this assembly is to form parcel 25 (Fig. 3-6).Then, will wrap up 25 folding, with bag 26 (see figure 7)s that health, compactness are provided, carry and open easily easily.

Particularly, referring to Fig. 3, packing material 22 is along the fold line 52 and the 54 longitudinal folding sanitary towels 20 of two longitudinal extensions, and side flap 56 and side flap 58 are from the opposition transverse edge 55 and 57 horizontal expansions of packing material 22 like this.Side flap 56 and 58 is stacked on the top flat 36 of sanitary towel 20 after folding shown in the Zuo Bantu of Fig. 3.This packing prevents that the transverse edge 67 and 77 of sanitary towel 20 from being polluted and not needing the edge of sealed envelope 25, therefore is convenient to make with also easy to use, and the result does not need to destroy the sealing of arranging along the length of parcel 25 when opening sanitary towel 20.As shown in Figure 4, best, longitudinal folding line 52 and 54 and the vertical side or the edge 59 and 61 of absorber 28 extend jointly, and be arranged to make side flap 58 near the longitudinal centre line X--X of parcel 25 with another side flap 56 lappings, therefore cover the top flat 36 of sanitary towel fully.With the form of one or more bounding points or bonding strip, side flap 56 and 58 can be interfixed (seeing Fig. 2 and 4) by binding agent 60, so that subsequently folding and compacter parcel 25 is provided.Yet, even under the situation of using bonding strip 60, do not need to stick bonding strip 60 along the whole length of lapping yet.

And the preferably sealing shown in Fig. 4-6 of the

end

69 and 71 of parcel 25 is so that seal sanitary towel fully.Packaged parcel 25 is around the fold line 62 and 64 laterally folded (promptly being parallel to the cross central line Y--Y in the Figure 4 and 5) of horizontal expansion, so that form bag 26 (Fig. 7) with core 66 and first and second vertical flaps 68 and 70.First flap 68 is arranged under core 66 and is adjacent, and second flap 70 is arranged under first flap 68 and is adjacent, and as shown in Figure 7, forms the bag of common e shape.Second flap, 70 looselys are fixed on first flap 68, are not intended to open to prevent bag 26.Can realize fixing (shown in the best in the Figure 4 and 5) by use binding agent 72, for example multiple spot or adhesive tape that extends to the inner of fold line 62 first flap 68 before from the outer end 69 of second flap 70.As shown in the figure, in position, and between first and

second flaps

68 and 70, fix by the bounding point 72 (hereinafter claiming " sticking patch ") that sticks contact adhesive near the outer end 69 of second flap 70.

Through packing and fold very health of the final bag 26 that forms, because sanitary towel 20 seals out fully with environment basically.And, by resist loose bonding sticking patch 72 than slight drag, thereby simply second flap 70 is pulled away from first flap 68, can take apart quickly and easily the packing and open the bag 26.Then, side flap 58 and the 56 loose bonding sticking patch 60 of opposing launches than slight drag.Spur it by an end and vertical the going up of catching sanitary towel 20 now, like this, peel off down sanitary towel 20 simply from packing material 22 with respect to packing material 22.Therefore, neither need to contact any health part of sanitary towel 20, also do not need to remove independent peel strip, otherwise need cover the bonding strip 48 and 50 that is positioned on flap 30 and 31 with this peel strip.Sanitary towel 20 is ready to engage with underwear now.After the use,, can handle this sanitary towel 20 easily by simply sanitary towel 20 being wrapped in the packing material 22.Because basically greater than sanitary towel 20, therefore, packing and processing subsequently are easy to packing material 22 on the vertical and horizontal both direction.And, do not need to open an independent bag, so that in the bag that taking-up sanitary towel for use, perhaps need firmly not make this exhausted sanitary towel enter makes separately during handling yet.Therefore, with the product comparison of many prior arts, unpacking and handling obviously becomes easy.

The present invention also is fit to no flap absorbent article, for example no protective wing type sanitary napkin 220 as shown in Figure 8.By bonding, sanitary towel 220 releasably cementation to the packing material 222 to form assembly 224.Assembly 224 is folded and seals to form parcel 225, and shown in the best, packaged then parcel three is folded to form common e shape bag to this parcel 225 in Figure 10.

Referring to Fig. 8, the sanitary towel 220 of present embodiment has main absorber 228, and this main absorber 228 is common rectangular shapes, and have a pair of relative transverse edge 259 with 261 with a pair of relative longitudinal end 273 and 275.Here used " rectangle usually " implication should also should comprise ellipse, hourglass shape and analogous shape except that comprising real rectangular shape.Knock-down packing material 222 has one first or goods receiving surface 242, a second surface 244 (shown in the best among Fig. 9), form with a periphery, this periphery by relative longitudinal end 251 with 253 with relative transverse edge 255 and 257 determine, this longitudinal end 251 and 253 is arranged on the opposite side of cross central line Y--Y, and this transverse edge 255 and 257 is arranged on the opposite side of longitudinal centre line X--X.Best, the transverse edge 255 and 257 of packing material 222 stretches out outside the respective transverse edge 259 and 261 of main absorber 228 about 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches, even better about 2.0 inches.In conjunction with first embodiment as mentioned above, this structure not only is convenient to sanitary towel 220 and is fixed on the packing material 222, and guarantees to obtain enough wrapper material to allow handling exhausted sanitary towel 220 in packing material.

Refer again to Fig. 9, sanitary towel 220 comprises an absorbent cores 232 and encases a big envelope 233 of this absorbent cores 232.Big envelope 233 comprises the tergite or the block piece 234 of an impermeable liquid, and this tergite or block piece 234 are arranged under the absorbent cores 232 and the top flat of a liquid permeable or covering 236, and this top flat or covering 236 are arranged on the absorbent cores 232.Top flat 236 is configured to the health towards user, and is used for seeing through for liquid, thereby liquid is kept by absorbent cores 232.Tergite 234 has the back side 235, and this back side 235 is configured to by a garment-adhesive 246 releasable cementations on first or goods receiving surface 242 of packing material 222.Garment-adhesive 246 can be taked the form of wall scroll as shown in the figure, perhaps can be replaced by two or more dispersive sticking tablets or sticking patch.Top flat 236 is fixed on the tergite 234 by the aspect of close health one side of construction adhesive 238 and construction adhesive 240, this construction adhesive 238 is arranged on the inner surface 239 of top flat 236, and this construction adhesive 240 is positioned on the inner surface or front surface 241 of tergite 234.As the embodiment of Fig. 1-7, if desired, utilize heat bonding or pass through other adhering technique as well known to those skilled in the art, for example ultrasound wave can be removed this construction adhesive 240.

As first embodiment, assembly 224 is packed forming a parcel, and can further be folded to form a bag.Referring to Figure 10,, form a parcel 225 by making packing material 222 respectively around the fold line 252 and the 254 longitudinal folding sanitary towels of two longitudinal extensions.Side flap 256 and side flap 258 are from the opposition transverse edge 255 and 257 horizontal expansions of packing material 222 like this.Side flap 256 and 258 is stacked on the top flat 236 of sanitary towel 220 after folding shown in the Zuo Bantu of Figure 10.In conjunction with first embodiment as mentioned above, this packing prevents that the transverse edge 267 and 277 of sanitary towel 220 from being polluted and not needing the edge of sealed envelope 225, therefore be convenient to make with also easy to use, the result does not need to destroy the sealing of arranging along the length of parcel 225 when opening sanitary towel 220.Best, longitudinal folding line 252 and 254 and the vertical side or the edge 259 and 261 of sanitary towel 220 extend jointly, and be arranged to make side flap 258 near the longitudinal centre line X--X of parcel 225 with another side flap 256 lappings, therefore cover the top flat 236 of sanitary towel fully.With the form of one or more bounding points or bonding strip, by binding agent 260 (see figure 9) that side flap 256 and 258 can be interfixed, so that subsequently folding and compacter parcel 225 is provided.Referring to the end 269 of a left side half figure of Figure 10, the end 269 and 271 of parcel 225 preferably seals, so that all seal sanitary towel.

Parcel 225 is preferably longitudinal folding to make e shape bag.This bag is identical in appearance with the bag 26 of first embodiment, does not therefore need to go through.

Utilize the whole bag of tricks, comprise manual method, can pack and fold the sanitary towel 20 or 220 and the absorbent article of similar structures of above-mentioned independent packing.Yet, being preferably in the streamline production process and packing automatically and fold, the streamline production process does not need to make assembly to transmit interruption, or makes the assembly direction of transfer reverse suddenly.To describe its typical implementation method in detail in conjunction with the protective wing type sanitary napkin 20 that has of first embodiment now, be appreciated that, can use identical or identical in fact method to pack and fold the no protective wing type sanitary napkin 220 of second embodiment with equipment, and other absorbent article of packing separately, for example connect trousers liner, incontinence article or analog.

Referring now to Figure 11 to 15,, the figure shows first embodiment of packing material/folder system 100, this system is used for assembly 24 is made by sanitary towel 20 and packing material 22, and assembly 24 is packaged into parcel 25, and will wrap up 25 and be folded into bags 26.In the streamline production process, finish all these three operations, and can not transmit by interrupt module, and the assembly direction of transfer can be not reverse.At first referring to Figure 11, system 100 comprises following critical piece: the longitudinal folding device of assembly former 102,104, sealing and a cutting mechanism 106 and a secondary folder 108.Except secondary folder 108, the corresponding component that uses in the known similar approach of other parts and those skilled in the art is same or similar.Therefore, only these functions of components are carried out brief and concise argumentation.

Assembly former 102 receives preformed sanitary towel 20 and successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ', and three clothes bonding strips 46,48 and 50 are applied on the successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ', to form the assembly 24 of end-to-end link.Then, sanitary towel 20 is positioned on the successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ', and with clothes bonding strip 46,48 and 50 two parts 22 ' and 20 is cemented in together.In Figure 11, sanitary towel 20 and successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' are fed in the assembly former 102 from the above and below respectively by first and second conveyers 110 and 112.First conveyer 110 can be to have the prone vacuum conveyor 110 that transmits the surface.Second conveyer 112 can be the belt conveyer that a roller drives, and this belt conveyer is arranged on the discharge end below of first conveyer 110, and has one towards last transmission surface.When by second conveyer 112 with successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' feeding unit former 102 in the time, the adhesive applicator 114 of standard is applied to first, second and the 3rd clothes bonding strip 46,48 and 50 on the successive sheet of packing meterial 22 '.Perhaps, clothes bonding strip 46,48 and 50 can be applied in the sanitary towel 20.Conveyer 110 and 112 speed are adjusted in known manner, and first, second and the 3rd clothes bonding strip 46,48 and 50 align in the appropriate location of corresponding sanitary towel 20 like this.Pressure roller 116 is pressed in successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' with sanitary towel 20 and goes up so that pressure-sensitive garment bonding strip 46,48 and 50 is set, and like this, finishes assembly by traditional pressure roller 116 and is shaped.The orientation that should be appreciated that assembly former 102 can be opposite, therefore, from below with sanitary towel's 20 feeding unit formers 102, and from top with successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' the feeding unit former 102.In this case, vacuum conveyor 110 can be replaced by traditional belt conveyer or similar device.

Still referring to Figure 11, longitudinal folding device assembly 104 folds into the side flap 56 and 58 of successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' on the sanitary napkin topsheet 36.In diagram and preferred embodiment, longitudinal folding device assembly 104 comprises the folding plough on adhesive applicator 124 and the output section that is arranged in conveyer 112.Folding plough comprises the scraper plate 126 and 128 of pair of curved, and this engages and fold the horizontal opposite edges of successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' to scraper plate.Specifically, when successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' is sent to as shown in the figure the left side, scraper plate 126 and 128 engages with the formation side flap 56 of successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' and 58 transverse edge, and their fold lines 52 and 54 in Fig. 2 and 4 is longitudinal folding, thereby form an aforesaid parcel.Scraper plate 126 and 128 is staggered on the sheet of packing meterial direction of transfer, such two side flaps 56 fold and not mutual interference mutually with 58, that is, they are folded into one on another like this, thus near the longitudinal centre line X--X of assembly 24 formation seam (Fig. 3).Adhesive applicator 124 is applied to the lapping or the seaming zone of first flap 56 with above-mentioned loose bonding strip 60, and by second scraper plate 128 with second or relative flap 58 be depressed into 60 sealings of these bonding strips and contact.As mentioned above, these bonding strips are not unique for pack, but available adhesive tape or heat bonding replace.

Three-dimensional vacuum conveyor can be used in combination with scraper plate 126 and 128.These conveyers are agreed to the profile of scraper plate 126 and 128, and

side flap

56 and 58 is in operation between conveyer and scraper plate 126 and 128 under the guiding of conveyer like this.This conveyer makes complex procedures, but has strengthened the reliability of operation and formed higher productivity ratio.To one skilled in the art, three-dimensional vacuum conveyor is known with being used in combination of folder, therefore for succinct purpose, has omitted the detailed description to the conveyer that is fit to this operation.

Still referring to Figure 11, the product that leaves longitudinal folding device assembly 104 is made of the parcel 25 of the continuation column of contacting each other with end to end system.Then, sealing and cutting assembly 106 cut off successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' between adjacent parcel, forming independent parcel 25, and with the

ends

69 and 71 sealings of these parcels 25, so that encase the sanitary towel 20 of wrapping up in 25 fully as sausage.To those skilled in the art, it is known being fit to these purpose sealings and cutting assembly.Typical this assembly comprises a pair of isolated heated sealant/cutting roller 136,138.Lower roll 138 has some " anvils " of opening along the circle spacing, and each anvil has axially extended center glue applicator.When each anvil contacts with successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' rotation, this anvil cuts successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ', glue applicator with the sealing of heat bonding or alternate manner separately and the

end

69 and 71 of adjacent parcel 25, meanwhile, anvil and the

good parcel end

69 and 71 of roller 136 crush seals that matches.Formed the parcel 25 of independent packing and good seal this moment.

It should be noted that, if sanitary towel 20 is from following rather than send packing material/folder system 100 to from above, the downstream part of shown conveyer 112 can be replaced by the vaccum bench that is positioned on the parcel 25, and longitudinal folding device assembly 104 will be placed under the vacuum tank.

Still referring to Figure 11, suspension type foreplate mechanism 140 is arranged in the downstream of sealing and cutter sweep 106, is used for making parcel 25 counter-rotatings of new formation, and therefore, they are sent in the secondary folder assembly 108 with seam state down.Illustrated suspension type foreplate mechanism 140 takes the twisted plate form, and this twisted plate just is positioned at the downstream of sealing and cutting roller 136 and 138.When parcel 25 slided on the concave surface of this plate, this wrapped up 25 turn-overs, drops on the downstream feed conveyer 150 of secondary folder assembly 108 in the turn-over position then.Suspension type foreplate mechanism 140 can bring replacement by reversing of known configurations, or by any other suitable mechanism of 180 ° of parcel 25 upsets being replaced.If the conveyer 110 of sanitary towel 20 and 112 and the orientation of successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' can be reverse as mentioned above, if perhaps the orientation of secondary folder assembly 108 can be as described below oppositely, so, can also cancel suspension type foreplate mechanism 140.

It is 25 3 folding that secondary folder assembly 108 will wrap up, the e shape bag of finishing with formation 26.Still referring to Figure 11, secondary folder assembly 108 comprises one first or feed conveyer 150, first and

second propulsion components

152 and 154, adhesive applicators 156 and one second or discharging conveyer 158.

Feed conveyer 150 will pack separately with spaced apart relation but folding as yet parcel 25 is sent to propulsion component 152 and 154.The speed of control conveyer 150, so as with the speeds match of

propulsion component

152 and 154.

Still referring to Figure 11, propulsion component 152 and flatly reciprocating motion vertical respectively with 154 is so that be folded into bag 26 with assembly 24.Cam, hydraulic cylinder or similar device can make

propulsion component

152 and 154 move back and forth.In a preferred embodiment, by corresponding pneumatic cylinder 160 and 162 they are moved back and forth.Each

propulsion component

152 or 154 has the

horizontal push plate

164 or 166 that connects with the tailpiece of the piston rod of relevant pneumatic cylinder 160 or 162.Each

push pedal

164 or 166 should be wide equally with the width of parcel 25 at least.With the reason that gets across, vertically slit 168,170 is positioned at the free end of each

push pedal

164 and 166 for below.Each

push pedal

164 and 166 leading edge preferably are tapered or present a radius, so that reduce at the pressure that is acting on during the forward operation on the parcel 25, and prevent the assembly cutting or cut off.Push pedal 164,166 also should be made and/or be handled with silicon or other anti-friction agent by low-friction material, so that assembly is folding.

Guider is combined in the secondary folder assembly 108,, and helps folding operation so that parcel 25 is directly moved through propulsion component 152 and 154.These guiders comprise first and second fixed guiders 172 and 174, and the first and second pivot guiders 176 and 178.First fixed guider 172 comprises a twisted plate, this twisted plate has a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, the top that this horizontal leg is arranged in the discharge end of feed conveyer 150 keeps certain intervals, and this vertical leg extends upward from the discharge end of feed conveyer 150.Second fixed guider 174 comprises a gap frame that is rendered as slotting 182 (Figure 12-15), and this socket 182 has little gap towards the discharge end of feed conveyer 150 between socket and this discharge end, and the thickness in this gap is enough to hold push pedal 164.Socket 182 holds the leading edge of the parcel that is transmitted, and breaks through propulsion component 152 to prevent them.The first pivot guider 176 comprises twisted plate 184, and this twisted plate 184 and first fixed guider 172 are spaced apart, receives the gap thereby form assembly between them.Plate 184 bends upwardly to the left side of figure, and can rotate to an orientation from vertical orientated (Figure 11 and 12) usually around pivot pin 186, and its upper end position is near the inlet of discharging conveyer 158 (Figure 15) on this orientation.The second pivot guider 178 comprises a gap frame 188 that is rendered as socket 190 (Figure 12-13 and 15), this framework 188 can rotate to an orientation from vertical orientated (Figure 11 and 12) usually around pivot pin 192, and its lower end position is near the inlet of discharging conveyer 158 (Figure 15) on this orientation.

Shown in Figure 14 the best, adhesive applicator 156 is installed in the transverse center part of the vertical leg of first fixed guider 172, thereby can be under push pedal 164 drives, the hole 180 in guider 172, and through the slit 168 of push pedal 164, with adhesive spray to parcel 25.But adhesive applicator 156 can be replaced by adhesive tape applicator or some other structures that is fit to.

Refer again to Figure 11, discharging conveyer 158 is formed by a pair of isolated continuous band conveyer 200 and

202.Conveyer

200 and 202 transmits bag 26 and leaves

propulsion component

152 and 154, meanwhile, squeeze bag 26 in the band gap 204 that between

conveyer

200 and 202, forms, so that reduce their integral thickness, and the bonding

good flap

68 and 70 of each bag 26 is depressed into position with bonding sticking patch 72 sealed engagement.Following conveyer 202 comprises an acclivitous intake section 206, and this intake section 206 receives bag 26 from propulsion component 154, and bag 26 is sent in the band gap 204.

Bag 26 forms in secondary folder assembly 108 as described below.

Referring to Figure 12, parcel 25 is delivered to the secondary folder assembly 108 from charging conveyer 150, and the longitudinal seam of parcel (overlap by side flap 56 and 58 forms) faces down.When parcel 25 when entering secondary folder assembly 108, the push pedal 164 of first propulsion component 152 is upwards driven by its pneumatic cylinder 160, so that engage with near the transverse line 162 parcel 25.Moving upward continuously of push pedal 164 lifted parcel 25 from the plane of charging conveyer 150, so as shown in figure 13, promote parcel 25 between curved guide device 172 and 176, thereby first vertical flap 68 is partly folded on the core 66.As shown in figure 14, start adhesive applicator 156 this moment, so that the slit 168 that the sticking patch 72 (Figure 4 and 5) of binding agent is passed first push pedal 164 is ejected into the end of second vertical flap 70.Shown in Figure 13 and 14, moving upward continuously of first push pedal 164 forces the part of parcel 25 to enter in the socket 190 of the second pivot guider 178, and the part of this parcel 25 comprises the fluidic junction of core 66 and first vertical flap 68.The motion of parcel 25 in socket 190 partially folded and the one-tenth U-shaped further makes first vertical flap 68 fold in the core 66 and first push pedal 164.

Then, with 152 adverse movements of first propulsion component, so that first push pedal 164 is withdrawed from from socket 190, and second propulsion component 154 stretches, so that promote second push pedal 166 to the second pivot guider 178.By using mechanical means pivot pin 192 to be connected with propulsion component 154, like this, can eliminate contacting of metal and metal between push pedal 166 and guider 178 with pivotally connected, cam or similar device (not shown).Then, guider 178 pivots and can not contact with push pedal 166.

As shown in figure 15, when push pedal 166 was extended continuously, it moved along guider 178, and contacted with parcel 25 in the position near the transverse line 64 between the core 66 and second flap 70.The serial movement promotion parcel 25 of push pedal 166 leaves inserts 190, and pushes discharging conveyer 158 to.Between this moving period, parcel second vertical flap 70 of 25 engages with the first pivot guider 176, and when it forces guider 176 to be pivoted to as shown in figure 15 the position, begins to fold on first vertical flap 68 (so formation bag 26).Slit 170 in second push pedal 166 with this moment patches of adhesive 72 on second flap 70 align push pedal 166 patches of adhesive 72 of can not making dirty like this.The additional movement of push pedal forces bag 26 to be positioned on the intake section 206 that is inclined upwardly of lower conveyor belt 202 of discharging conveyer 158, thereby makes second vertical flap 70 further bending on first vertical flap 68 of bag 26.Then, discharging conveyer 158 transmits bag 26 and leaves second propulsion component 154, and sends into bandgap region 204, and at this bandgap region 204, squeeze bag 26 is so that make its compactness, and contact adhesive sticking patch 72 is set.Then, the bag 26 that discharging conveyer 158 will finally form transmits and leaves system 100, for example is packaged into case or box so that carry out follow-up work.

Referring now to Figure 16 to 24,, the figure shows the packing material/folder system 300 that constitutes according to another embodiment of the invention, this system 300 is used for assembly 24 is made by sanitary towel 20 and packing material 22, and assembly 24 packing is formed parcel 25, and will wrap up 25 horizontal three and be folded into e shape bag 26.As shown in the embodiment of Figure 11-15, all these three operations are all carried out in the streamline production process, neither can the interrupt module transmission also can not make the assembly direction of transfer reverse.

At first referring to Figure 16, packing material/folder system 300 comprises following critical piece: the longitudinal folding device of assembly former 302,304, sealing and a cutting mechanism 306 and one three folder system 308.Except three folder system 308, the corresponding component of the embodiment of other parts and Figure 11-15 is same or similar.Therefore, only these functions of components are carried out brief and concise argumentation.

Referring to Figure 16, assembly former 302 receives preformed sanitary towel 20 and successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ', and the clothes bonding strip is applied on the successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' again, to form the assembly 24 of end-to-end link.Then, sanitary towel 20 is arranged on the successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ', and with clothes bonding strip 46,48 and 50 two parts 22 ' and 20 is cemented in together.Sanitary towel 20 and successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' are delivered in the assembly former 302 from the above and below respectively by first and second conveyers 310 and 312.First conveyer 310 can be to have the prone vacuum conveyor 310 that transmits the surface.Second conveyer 312 can be the belt conveyer that a roller drives, and this belt conveyer is arranged in the discharge end below of first conveyer 310, and has one towards last transmission surface.When by second conveyer 312 with successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' feeding unit former 302 in the time, the adhesive applicator 314 of standard is applied to first, second and the 3rd clothes bonding strip 46,48 and 50 on the successive sheet of packing meterial 22 '.Perhaps, clothes bonding strip 46,48 and 50 can be applied in the sanitary towel 20.Conveyer 310 and 312 speed are adjusted in known manner, and first, second and the 3rd clothes bonding strip 46,48 and 50 align in the appropriate location of corresponding sanitary towel 20 like this.By traditional pressure roller 316 sanitary towel 20 is pressed in successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' and goes up, finish assembly like this and be shaped so that pressure-sensitive garment bonding strip 46,48 and 50 is set.In conjunction with the embodiment of Figure 11-15 as mentioned above, the orientation of assembly former 302 can be opposite, therefore, from below with sanitary towel's 20 feeding unit formers 302, and from top with successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' the feeding unit former 302.In this case, vacuum conveyor 310 can be replaced by traditional belt conveyer or similar device.

Referring to Figure 16, longitudinal folding device assembly 304 folds into the side flap 56 and 58 of successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' on the sanitary napkin topsheet 36 again.Longitudinal folding device assembly 304 comprises adhesive applicator 324 and is arranged in folding plough on the output section of conveyer 312.Folding plough comprises the scraper plate 326 and 328 of pair of curved, and this engages and fold the horizontal opposite edges of successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' to scraper plate.Specifically, when successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' is sent to as shown in the figure the left side, scraper plate 326 and 328 engages with the formation side flap 56 of successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' and 58 transverse edge, and their fold lines 52 and 54 in Fig. 2 and 4 is longitudinal folding, thereby form an aforesaid parcel 25.Scraper plate 326 and 328 is staggered on the sheet of packing meterial direction of transfer, such two side flaps 56 fold and not mutual interference mutually with 58, that is, they are folded into one on another like this, thus near the longitudinal centre line X--X of assembly 24 formation seam (Fig. 3).Adhesive applicator 324 is applied to the lapping or the seaming zone of first flap 56 with above-mentioned loose bonding strip 60, and by second scraper plate 328 with second or relative flap 58 be depressed into 60 sealings of these bonding strips and contact.Three-dimensional vacuum conveyor can be used in combination with scraper plate 326 and 328.These conveyers are agreed to the profile of scraper 326 and 328, and side flap 56 and 58 is in operation between conveyer and scraper 326 and 328 under the guiding of conveyer like this.This conveyer makes complex procedures, but has strengthened the reliability of operation and formed higher productivity ratio.

Still referring to Figure 16, the product that leaves longitudinal folding device assembly 304 is made of the parcel 25 of the continuation column of contacting each other with end to end system.Then, sealing and cutting assembly 306 cut off successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' between adjacent parcel, forming independent parcel 25, and with the

ends

69 and 71 sealings of these parcels 25, wrap up in 25 so that as sausage sanitary towel 20 is wrapped in fully.Sealing and cutting assembly 304 comprise a pair of isolated upper and lower heated sealant/cutting roller 336,338.Lower roll 338 has some " anvils " of opening along the circle spacing, and each anvil has axially extended center glue applicator.When each anvil contacts with successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ' rotation, anvil cuts successive sheet of packing meterial 22 ', glue applicator with the sealing of heat bonding or alternate manner separately and the

end

69 and 71 of adjacent parcel 25, meanwhile, anvil and the

good parcel end

69 and 71 of roller 336 crush seals that matches.Formed the parcel 25 of independent packing and good seal this moment.

For the embodiment of Figure 11-15, if sanitary towel 20 from following rather than from top feeding system 300, shown in the downstream part of conveyer 312 can replace by the vaccum bench that is positioned on the parcel 25, and longitudinal folding device assembly 304 will be placed under the vacuum tank.

It is 25 3 folding that three folding systems 308 will wrap up, the e shape bag of finishing with formation 26.Again referring to Figure 16, three folding systems 308 comprise one first and feed conveyer 350, streamline three folder assembly 400 and one second or discharging conveyer 358.

Still referring to Figure 16, feed conveyer 350 and discharging conveyer 358 will package separately respectively but not folding as yet parcel 25 is sent to streamline three folder assemblies 400, and transmit the bag 26 that folds from streamline three folders.Control conveyer 350 and 358 speed, so as with the speeds match of streamline three folder assemblies 400.Therefore applicator 356 is arranged on the charging conveyer 350, the bonding strip or the sticking patch 72 of binding agent can be ejected on each parcel 25, subsequently, makes the first and second

vertical flaps

68 and 70 bonded to each other.Discharging conveyer 358 is formed by a pair of isolated successive belt conveyer 500 and 502.

Belt conveyer

500 and 502 transmits bag 26 and leaves streamline three folder assemblies 400, meanwhile, push the bag 26 in the band gap 504 that forms between them, reducing the thickness of each bag, and bonding good

vertical flap

68 and 70 of each bag 26 is depressed into position with bonding sticking patch 72 sealed engagement.

Still referring to Figure 16, streamline three folder assemblies 400 be designed to when bag 25 when streamline three folder assemblies 400 transmit, packaged bag 25 is folded into e shape bag 26, meanwhile, can not interrupt the transmission of bag or bag is oppositely transmitted.Streamline three folder assemblies 400 comprise a supporting structure 402, also comprise some three fold mechanisms 404 in addition, and supporting structure 402 is determined the transfer path T that bag 25 transmits through streamline three folder assemblies 400 _PThree fold mechanisms 404 are supported jointly by shared supporting rail 406, are parallel to transfer path T at least usually by Continuous Drive element 408 _PTranslation, and usually along transfer path T _PGuide by guide rail 410 in the motion.When it usually along transfer path T _PWhen being driven by Continuous Drive element 408, each three fold mechanisms, 404 rotation is folded into e shape bag 26 so that will wrap up 25 accordingly.

Referring to Figure 17, transfer path T _PExtend at vertical plane V, each three fold mechanism 404 is transversely extending usually with respect to plane V at least.Supporting rail 406, Continuous Drive element 408 and guide rail 410 all extend on the plane that is parallel to vertical plane V at least usually, and extend in the horizontal with respect to the rotation axis A of the axle 450 of three fold mechanisms 404.Guide rail 410 is arranged between vertical plane V and the Continuous Drive element 408, and Continuous Drive element 408 is arranged between guide rail 410 and the supporting rail 406.At least two three fold mechanisms 404 are longitudinally-spaced along Continuous Drive element 408, therefore, can fold the parcel 25 more than in Continuous Drive element 408 rotates a circle.

Still referring to Figure 17, Continuous Drive element 408 can comprise can stream waterline three folder assemblies 400 transmit three independent fold mechanisms 404 in successive loop any structure.In the illustrated embodiment, Continuous Drive element 408 comprises a pair of isolated continuous chain 412 and 414.

Chain

412 and 414 is at one end driven by common driving shaft 416 and corresponding driving sprocket wheel 418 and 420, is supported by pony axle 422 and corresponding

idler sprockets

424 and 426 at the other end.

Referring to Figure 18, parcel supporting structure 402 transmits and folds parcel with convenient three fold mechanisms 404 and supported this parcel at 25 o'clock across the longitudinal separation G between charging conveyer 350 and the discharge conveyor 358.Supporting structure 402 comprises that is gone up a curved surface 430, and curved surface 430 slides and preferably is coated with for example plasma coating of antifriction material parcel 25 along being somebody's turn to do upward.This surface is crooked in vertical plane V, so that adapt to the rotation of the functional unit of three fold mechanisms 404 during parcel is folding.The curvature on surface 430 partly depends on along the transverse line 62 of the longitudinal length of

parcel

25 and 64 ideal position (Figure 4 and 5).Curvature is big more, and the center longitudinal component 66 of the bag 26 that folds is short more, and first and second

vertical flaps

68 and 70 are long more.When with shown in three fold mechanisms 404 when being used in combination (best image in Figure 19), described surperficial 430 profile causes bag to be shaped, each

vertical flap

68 and 70 has the length of about 25-30% of the longitudinal length of parcel 25 in the bag.

Still referring to Figure 18, supporting rail 406 can comprise any structure, as long as this structure can support three fold mechanisms 404, and when three fold mechanisms 404 stream 400 rotations of waterline three folder devices with Continuous Drive element 408, can produce the height change of three fold mechanisms 404.In the embodiment shown, supporting rail 406 comprises a metallic plate 432, be provided with slit or groove 434 in this metallic plate 432, these slit 434 segmentations form top and lower part 436 and 438 (Figure 19), and are placed with the backing roll 440 of three fold mechanisms 404 in the slit.During the parcel folding operation, the roller 440 of each three fold mechanism 404 (Figure 18 and Figure 19) is placed on down in the slotted portion 436 (Figure 16), then, when three fold mechanisms move in the other direction, move on the sloping portion 442 with slit 434 (Figure 16), so that promote three fold mechanisms 404 to transfer path T _PThe top.Then, three fold mechanisms 404 turn back in the slotted portion 438, and then the common edgewise Y shape part 444 through slit 434 moves, and this Y shape part 444 connects upper and lower part 436 and 438, therefore makes three fold mechanisms 404 drop to transfer path T _PIn, wait for three folding parcels 25 to admit another.

Referring to Figure 19, each three fold mechanism 404 comprises especially: an axle 450 is equipped with the functional unit of three fold mechanisms 404 on this axle; A link assembly 452, these linkage 452 supporting and drive spindles 450; With a motor 454, this motor 454 is bearing on the linkage 452, and drive spindle 450 rotations when allowing axle 450 with respect to link assembly 452 transverse movements.Link assembly 452 comprises a horizontal supporting pin 456, and this fulcrum post 456 passes block 458 and 460 and extends, and these blocks are fixed on driving-chain 412 and 414 successively.One end of fulcrum post 456 is connected with above-mentioned backing roll 440 by the first arm 462, and the upper end of this first arm 462 is connected pivotly with the bolster 464 of backing roll 440, and its lower end is connected pivotly with fulcrum post 456.The other end of fulcrum post 456 is by second arm, 466 supporting motors 454, and the upper end of this second arm 466 is connected pivotly with pin 456, and has the cramp bar 468 of motor 454 usefulness on its lower end.Because the structure of supporting rail 406 and guide rail 410, when three fold mechanisms 404 streamed 400 rotations of waterline three folder assemblies with Continuous Drive element 408, it is constant that the angle α (Figure 18) between arm 462 and 466 keeps.

Motor 454 can comprise any suitable variable speed motor, and preferably includes an AC servo-positioning motor.As shown in figure 20, motor 454 has a splined rotatable output shaft 470, so that mate with the axial hole that has keyway 472 in the axle 450.This splined allows motion to axial between axle 450 and the motor output shaft 470, meanwhile, forbids the relative rotary motion between axle 450 and the output shaft 470.Therefore, this structure allows axle 450 to carry out above-mentioned transverse movement with respect to motor 454 and vertical plane V.

Still referring to Figure 20, axle 450 comprises that the diameter of this main body is littler than dish 474 and 476 by a main body 478 a separated axially interior positioning disk 474 and axial external support dishes 476.The guide rail 410 that positioning disk 474 is described in detail is below caught and is guided.The functional unit of supporting disk 476 bearing core shafts 450.In illustrated embodiment, these functional units comprise a L shaped folded sheet 480 and a cylindricality folder fin 482.Folded sheet 480 has lower limb 484 and the one second narrower lower limb 486 that is in one first broad that extends at the right angle.Wide lower limb 484 forms the area supported of first vertical flap 68 of the parcel 25 that is folded.The backstop of the end 69 of first vertical flap 68 of narrow lower limb 486 formation parcels 25.The width W of wide lower limb 484 ₁Should be more smaller than the predetermined length of first vertical flap 68, and preferably should extend about 20-30% of parcel 25 length.In the illustrated embodiment, wherein wrapping up 25 has approximately The length of inch, width W ₁2 inches of Ying Zaiyue and

Between the inch, and preferably about Inch.The width W of narrow lower limb 486 ₂Should be not more than the thickness of parcel 25.In the illustrated embodiment, wherein wrap up 25 and have about 3/8 inch thickness, width W ₂Should be not more than 3/8 inch, and preferably be about 5/16 inch.Each folded sheet 480 and folder fin 482 should all have at least the wide the same long length L with parcel 25, that is, be at least in the illustrated embodiment Inch.Move with respect to three fold mechanisms 404 between in due course for the ease of wrapping up 25, folder fin 482 and folded sheet 480 preferably are coated with not for example plasma coating of adhesive material.

Still referring to Figure 20, folder fin 482 respectively with wide lower limb and the narrow lower limb 484 and 486 D spaced apart of folded sheet 480 ₁And D ₂Distance D between folder fin 482 and wide lower limb 484 ₁Answer long enough,, do not allow parcel 25 to carry out unnecessary radial motion with respect to axle 450 but should not grow with the gaps that provide parcel 25 to use.In the illustrated embodiment, wherein wrapping up 25 is about 3/8 inch thickness, and this interval should be about 1/2 inch.Distance D between folder fin 482 and narrow lower limb 486 ₂Should approximate the width W of wide lower limb 484 ₁

The main purpose of guide rail 410 is when axle 450 is streamed 400 rotations of waterline three folder assemblies with Continuous Drive element 408, the axle 450 that makes each three fold mechanism 404 is towards and away from vertical plane V motion, and the folded sheet 480 of such three fold mechanisms 404 and folder fin 482 can move into and shift out transfer path T _PMotion.By the power drive reciprocal element, for example pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder or electric helical actuation device are realized above-mentioned functions, electric helical actuation device Continuous Drive element 408, motor 454 and axle 450 located in series.Can also be by any realization above-mentioned functions in many cam mechanisms.In a preferred embodiment, by making guide rail 410 be configured as cam-follower to control axle 450 with respect to vertical plane V and therefore with respect to transfer path T _PSide or lateral attitude, thereby can realize above-mentioned functions.Referring to Figure 21, guide rail 410 comprises two spaced common oval-shaped plate 490,492, these two oval-shaped plate at least usually and vertical plane V (as shown in figure 17) extend in parallel.Usually oval shaped slot 494 by plate 490 and 492 face edge limited, and be divided into upper and lower part 496 and 498.The positioning disk 474 of the axle 450 of each three fold mechanism 404 assigns in this slit 494, like this at least one of two edges of facing of the relative axial vane surface of positioning disk 474 and slit 494 and preferably two engage.The profile of slit 494 basically with supporting rail 406 in slit or the outline of groove 434, the backing roll 440 of each three fold mechanism 404 and positioning disk 474 are basically along identical path operation like this.The upper and lower part 496 and 498 of slit 494 all also comprises a sloping portion 497 and 499, this sloping portion extends with horizontal acute angle with respect to vertical plane V, so that when axle 450 when slit 494 moves, axle 450 with respect to motor 454 and vertical plane V carry out above-mentioned laterally or lateral movement.Therefore, the position L that represents as the solid line among Figure 21 ₁Shown in, when axle 450 was positioned at the upstream of part 499, the joint between the edge of positioning disk 474 and slit 494 remained on a position with axle 450, this position and motor 454 spaced apart and contiguous vertical plane V, and this is as shown in figure 22.Otherwise, in axle 450 across position L as Figure 21 ₂The sloping portion 499 of shown slotted portion 498 also runs to position L ₃Afterwards, as shown in figure 23, towards motor 454 and leave vertical plane V drive spindle 450, folded sheet 480 and folder fin 482 are spaced with vertical plane V like this.The serial movement that axle 450 is streamed waterline three folder assemblies 400 causes guiding the sloping portion 497 of the last slotted portion 496 of positioning disk 474 processes and being directed to position L ₄, so that axle 450 turns back to the position of contiguous vertical plane V.

As described below, in three folding systems 308, form bag 26:

Referring to Figure 16, parcel 25 is delivered to three folding systems 308 from charging conveyer 350, and the longitudinal seam of this parcel 25 (lapping by

side flap

56 and 58 partly forms) is towards last.When parcel 25 entered three folding systems 308, adhesive applicator 356 was applied to patches of adhesive or bonding strip on the parcel 25.Sticking patch 72 is positioned in during the folding operation, avoids contacting with folded sheet 480.For the push pedal of first embodiment, if desired, folded sheet 480 can be slotted to adapt to bonding strip or sticking patch 72.And, as first embodiment, can replace bonding strip 72 with article tape or analog.

Then, parcel 25 ends from charging conveyer 350 are sent in the streamline three folder assemblies 400.At this moment, one of them three fold mechanism 404 is driven into position as shown in figure 16 by Continuous Drive element 408, in this position, folded sheet 480 is arranged near the delivery end of charging conveyer 350, and motor 454 drive spindles 450 rotate to a position around its axis A, wide lower limb 484 at this position folded sheet 480 is horizontally disposed, and basically with the area supported co-planar arrangement of charging conveyer 350.Then, parcel 25 transmits between folded sheet 480 and folder fin 482, and it is bearing on the wide lower limb 484 of folded sheet 480 like this, and the narrow lower limb 486 of folded sheet 460 is adjoined in its end 69 like this.

Then, when three fold mechanisms 404 during across the length of streamline three folder assemblies 400 (Figure 18 and 24), this three fold mechanism 404 is by a whole week of 360 ° of rotations, is folded into bags 26 thereby will wrap up 25.Particularly, referring to Figure 24, axle 450 its initial parcel receiving position from Figure 16 is to position P ₁(Figure 24) rotation and longitudinal translation simultaneously make folded sheet 480 rotate on folder fin 482, wrap up first vertical flap 68 of 25 at first to core 66 bendings so that make.The folding parcel of having caught that this is initial, like this, under the power drive of Continuous Drive element 408, the axle translation through continuing, parcel 25 transmits by streamline three folder assemblies 400.Axle 450 is through the position P among Figure 24 ₂, P ₃And P ₄Rotation and translation have been rotated till about 270 ° from its original position up to axle 450 continuously.At this moment, first vertical flap 68 of parcel 25 is folding fully around folder fin 482, and aligns with the core 66 of the parcel 25 that is close to.The positioning disk 474 of axle 450 approximately enters the sloping portion 499 of the lower part 498 of the slit 494 in the guide rail 410 at this moment, laterally extracts folded sheet 480 and folder fin 482 so that begin out from wrapping up 25.But, arrive position P shown in Figure 24 up to axle 450 ₅After, still do not finish extraction, wrap up 25 first vertical flap 68 and core 66 this moment and move with folder fin 482, so as between first vertical flap 68 and second vertical flap 70 insertion folded sheet 480, thereby formation e shape bag 26.

Till this moment, discharging conveyer 358 has been caught e shape bag 26, and it continues downstream or transmits bag 26 to the left side of Figure 24 like this.Bag 26 passes the operation squeeze bag 26 that is converged the bandgap region 504 that forms by upper and

lower conveyer

500 and 502, so that make its compactness and contact adhesive sticking patch 72 is set.Then, the bag 26 that discharging conveyer 358 will finally be made leaves packing material/folder system 300 and transmits, so that carry out operation subsequently, for example is packaged into case or box.

Refer again to Figure 16, after the axle 450 of three specific fold mechanisms 404 is laterally extracted out from the bag 26 that folds, element 408 transmits this axle 450 through backstroke continuously, this backstroke extends upwardly to the right of Figure 16, get back to the left side then downwards, so that three fold mechanisms 404 are reorientated, thereby receive and folding another parcel.During this backstroke, the sloping portion 497 on the top 496 of the slit 494 in the positioning disk 474 of axle 450 and the guide rail 410 engages, force axle 450 laterally to be returned towards vertical plane V, folded sheet 480 and folder fin 482 can move to transfer path T like this _PIn, thereby receive another parcel 25 that will fold.

Above-mentioned operation can be finished faster than three traditional folding process, because they are with pipeline system, that is, in folding process, the transmission of parcel can not stop or oppositely.In addition, because operation does not need to operate with any traditional jackknife, therefore, in folding process, almost do not pierce through the danger of bag.

Under the prerequisite that does not exceed essence of the present invention, the present invention can carry out many changes and modification.For example, as mentioned before, the present invention also is applicable to other absorbent article except sanitary towel.And, in described embodiment, can cancel patches of adhesive 72 or replace with adhesive tape.The

applicator

156 or 356 that applies patches of adhesive 72 also can be arranged on the diverse location in

system

100 or 300, and independent heating or ultraviolet activation agent can be positioned at the downstream part of secondary folder assembly 108 or three folding systems 308, so that binding agent is set.In addition, the secondary folder assembly 108 of system 100 can reverse, and discharging conveyer 158 is arranged under the charging conveyer 150 like this, and such first propulsion component 152 forces parcel 25 to make progress downwards rather than as shown in the figure.And, as mentioned above, pack and folding system shown in can replacing with many other systems, perhaps pack and fold even can finish by hand.From obvious other excursion as can be known of appended claims.

Claims

One kind will wrap up three be folded to form the bag method, described method comprises:

A) transmit described parcel along a transfer path;

B) during along the operation of described transfer path, three fold mechanisms that contacts with described parcel are rotated at described parcel, meanwhile, make described three fold mechanisms at least usually along described transfer path translation, so that

(1) make first vertical flap of described parcel folding around the core of described parcel, like this, described first vertical flap is near described core alignment; With

(2) make described first vertical flap of described parcel and described core folding around second vertical flap of described parcel, like this, described second vertical flap is near described first vertical flap alignment; With

C) described second vertical flap releasably is fixed on described first vertical flap to form described bag.
2. the method for claim 1, it is characterized in that, (a) step around the folding described first vertical flap of described core comprises: at folded sheet upper support described first vertical flap of described three fold mechanisms, meanwhile, the folder fin of described three fold mechanisms is arranged near the transverse line, this transverse line is connected described core with described first vertical flap, rotate described three fold mechanisms, described like this first vertical flap moves with described folded sheet, so that it is folding around described folder fin and described core, (b) step around the core of the folding described first vertical flap of described second vertical flap and described second vertical flap comprises: rotate described three fold mechanisms, so that described first vertical flap and described core move with described folder fin, thus folding around described folded sheet and described second vertical flap.
3. method as claimed in claim 2, it also comprises: laterally move with respect to described transfer path by making described three fold mechanisms, so that extract described folded sheet and described folder fin out from described bag, meanwhile, described three fold mechanisms are at least usually along described transfer path translation.
4. method as claimed in claim 3, it is characterized in that, the step that described three fold mechanisms are laterally moved comprises a surface and cam engagement that makes described three fold mechanisms, and this cam forces described three folding machines to move away described transfer path with an acute angle.
5. method as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, described cam comprises an inclined surface of a slit of the guide rail that is used for described three fold mechanisms.
6. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, described transfer path extends along a vertical plane at least usually, and described method also comprises:

A) at described three fold mechanisms of supporting rail upper support, this supporting rail is parallel to described vertical plane at least usually and extends, and spaced with described vertical plane; With

B) along at least a portion of described three fold mechanisms of rail guidance, this guide rail is parallel to described vertical plane at least usually and extends, and is arranged between described vertical plane and the described supporting rail.
7. method as claimed in claim 6, its step also comprise by engaging with a beveled edge surfaces of described guide rail, thereby the described part that drives described three fold mechanisms laterally moves with respect to described vertical plane.
8. method as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that, makes described three fold mechanisms in described transfer path translation, make described three fold mechanisms with described parcel contact condition under the step of rotating comprise:

A) utilize the Continuous Drive element to order about described three fold mechanisms and be parallel to described vertical plane at least usually and move, described Continuous Drive element is parallel to described vertical plane and extends, and be arranged between described supporting rail and the described guide rail and

B) utilize electro-motor to order about described three fold mechanisms rotation, this electro-motor is bearing on the described Continuous Drive element, and has the output shaft with respect to described vertical plane horizontal expansion.
9. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, releasable fixed step comprises described first and second vertical flaps are bonded together.
10. method as claimed in claim 9, it is characterized in that, adhesion step comprises: binding agent is applied at least on one of them of described first and second vertical flaps, after applying described binding agent, is pressed onto together described first and second vertical flaps are sticking.
11. one kind with parcel be folded to form the bag method, described parcel comprises packaged absorbent article, described method comprises:

A) make three fold mechanisms at least usually along the transfer path translation, meanwhile make described three fold mechanisms rotation, described transfer path extends in a vertical plane, described three fold mechanisms comprise a rotatable axle, and this axle has the rotating shaft with respect to described vertical plane horizontal expansion; Order about an electro-motor of described axle rotation; At least a common L shaped folded sheet, this folded sheet are installed on the axle surface of described axle, and leave described axle surface and axially go up extension; With a folder fin, this folder fin is installed in described axle surface and goes up and leave described axle surface and extend axially, and described axle is driven by a continuous chain along described transfer path, and described axle is bearing on the supporting rail of fluting, and by the rail guidance of slotting;

B) described parcel is arranged in a position, in this position, first vertical flap of described parcel is between described folded sheet and described folder fin, and be bearing on the described folded sheet, and in this position, described folder fin is positioned near the transverse line, and this transverse line is connected described core with described first vertical flap; Then

C) continue described three fold mechanisms of rotation when making described three fold mechanisms be parallel to described vertical plane translation, described like this first vertical flap moves with described folded sheet, so that folding around described folder fin and described core; Then

D) when being parallel to described vertical plane at least usually and driving described three fold mechanisms, continue described three fold mechanisms of rotation, described like this first vertical flap and described core move with described folder fin, so that folding, thereby form described bag around described folded sheet and described second vertical flap;

E) order about described three fold mechanisms and acutangulate mobilely with respect to described vertical plane, like this, described folded sheet and described folder fin are extracted out from described bag, at step c), d) and e) during, 360 ° of described three fold mechanisms rotations; With

F) described first and second vertical flaps are bonded together.
12. the method that absorbent article three is folded, it comprises:

A) provide a kind of absorbent article, this absorbent article has first and second principal phases to the surface;

B) provide packing material with an absorbent article receiving surface; Then

C) at least a portion with the described first surface of described absorbent article releasably is fixed on the described absorbent article receiving surface of described packing material, to form assembly, described assembly has a longitudinal centre line, a cross central line and a periphery, described periphery is by a pair of relative transverse edge on the opposite side that is arranged in described longitudinal centre line, with a pair of relative vertical end formation on the opposite side that is arranged in described cross central line;

D) described transverse edge is longitudinal folding on the described second surface of described absorbent article, to seal described absorbent article;

E) make described transverse edge releasably fixed with each other, to form parcel;

F) described parcel is transmitted along transfer path;

G) when described parcel during along the operation of described transfer path, make three fold mechanisms with described parcel contact condition under rotate, meanwhile make described three fold mechanisms at least usually along described transfer path translation, therefore

(l) first vertical flap of described parcel is folded on the core of described parcel, like this, described first vertical flap is near described core alignment, (2) make on described first vertical flap of described parcel and the second vertical flap that described core is folded in described parcel, like this, described second vertical flap is near described first vertical flap alignment; With

H) described second vertical flap releasably is fixed on described first vertical flap.
13. one kind by the folding parcel of streamline to form the system of bag, described system comprises

A) determine the parcel supporting structure that a transfer path moves through described system for described parcel; With

B) rotatable and can be with respect to three fold mechanisms of described transfer path translation, when described parcel when described transfer path moves, described three fold mechanisms are fit to engage and should wrap up three with described parcel and fold.
14. system as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that, described parcel supporting structure comprises a fixed guide surface.
15. system as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that, described three fold mechanisms comprise the first and second isolated folding elements, and this folding element is fit to engage with the corresponding main surfaces of described parcel.
16. system as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, described first and second folding elements comprise L shaped folded sheet and column folder fin respectively.
17. system as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, described three fold mechanisms also comprise rotatable supporting structure, and described first and second folding elements are installed on this rotatable supporting structure.
18. system as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, described rotatable supporting structure comprises an axle with an axle surface, and described first and second folding elements are installed on this surface.
19. system as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, described three fold mechanisms also comprise a motor, and this motor drives described rotatable supporting structure rotation.
20. system as claimed in claim 17, it is characterized in that, described transfer path extends in a vertical plane at least usually, and comprise the Continuous Drive element, the described rotatable supporting structure of this Continuous Drive element drives is parallel to described vertical plane at least usually and moves, described three fold mechanisms comprise connecting rod, and this connecting rod connects described rotatable supporting structure and described Continuous Drive element, and allow described rotatable supporting structure laterally to move with respect to described vertical plane.
21. system as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that, it also comprises a supporting rail, and described connecting rod and described rotatable supporting structure are bearing on this supporting rail movably.
22. system as claimed in claim 17, it is characterized in that, it also comprises a guide structure, when described rotatable supporting structure when described transfer path moves, this guide structure guides described rotatable supporting structure, the part of described guide structure plays a cam effect, and this cam forces described rotatable supporting structure laterally to move with respect to described transfer path at the assigned address along described transfer path.
23. the system as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that, described guide structure comprises the guide rail with slit, and this slit guides described rotatable supporting structure, and the described part of described guide structure comprises a beveled edge surfaces of described slit.
24. the absorbent article that a system, this system are used for wrapping up by folding a kind of independent packing of streamline and formation is to form bag, described system comprises:

A) fixed guide surface, this fixed guide surface determine to supply the described transfer path that packages and form the absorbent article of parcel through described system motion;

B) continuous chain, this continuous chain is arranged on the described guiding surface, and is parallel to a vertical plane extension, and this vertical plane stretches through described transfer path, and this continuous chain and described vertical plane are spaced;

C) guide rail, this guide rail are parallel to described continuous chain and described vertical plane and extend, and this guide rail is arranged between described vertical plane and the described continuous chain, have the common oval shaped slot that forms in the described guide rail within it, and this oval shaped slot has the upper and lower;

D) supporting rail, this supporting rail are parallel to described continuous chain and extend, and therefore described continuous chain is arranged between described guide rail and the described supporting rail, have the common oval shaped slot that forms in the described supporting rail within it, and this oval shaped slot has the upper and lower; With

E) some three fold mechanisms, these three fold mechanisms are spaced apart along described continuous chain, and by described supporting rail supporting, three fold mechanisms are by described rail guidance, and each described three fold mechanism comprises

(1) roller, this roller is rotatable to be bearing in the described slit of described supporting rail;

(2) connecting rod, the rotatable and described roller of this connecting rod is connected, and with respect to described vertical plane from described roller horizontal expansion, the described continuous chain of connecting rod extend past is towards described vertical plane and described guide rail, described connecting rod is connected with described continuous chain;

(3) motor, this motor is installed on the described connecting rod, and has the rotatable output shaft with respect to described vertical plane horizontal expansion;

(4) axle, this axle has the rotation axis with respect to described vertical plane horizontal expansion, and axle has the axial lead surface in the described slit that is captured in described guide rail, and has the axially mounting face axially spaced with described guiding surface;

(5) have the connector of keyway, by this connector, described axle is connected with the output shaft of described motor, to allow motion to axial between them, forbids relative rotary motion between them simultaneously;

(6) L shaped folded sheet, this L shaped folded sheet is fixed on the described guiding surface of described axle, and towards described vertical plane horizontal expansion; With

(7) column folder fin, this folder fin are fixed on the described guiding surface of described axle, and spaced apart with described folded sheet, but also towards described vertical plane horizontal expansion.
25. the system that absorbent article three is folded, it comprises:

A) assembly former, this assembly former releasably is fixed to absorbent article on the successive sheet of packing meterial, to form assembly;

B) longitudinal folding device, this longitudinal folding device is arranged in the downstream of described assembly former, and described continous thin layer packaging material are longitudinal folding to described absorbent article;

C) cutter, this cutter are arranged between described longitudinal folding device and described first conveyer, and cut the described continous thin layer packaging material between the described absorbent article, to form parcel; With

D) a kind of three folding described parcels that are used for are to form the system of bag, and described system comprises

(1) determines the absorbent article supporting structure that a transfer path moves through described system for described parcel; With

(2) rotatable and can be with respect to three fold mechanisms of described transfer path translation, when described parcel when described transfer path moves, described three fold mechanisms are fit to engage and should wrap up three with described parcel and fold.