JP2014033799A - Device and method for producing packaged article of absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce loss of raw materials caused by packaging devices when packaging an absorbent article to produce a packaged article by actuating a plurality of the packaging devices equipped on a packaging line while synchronizing the packaging devices to a plurality of production devices equipped on a production line for absorbent articles.SOLUTION: Provided is a device for producing a packaged article in which an absorbent article is packaged. The present invention includes: a plurality of production devices for carrying out a process for producing the absorbent article by operating in synchronization with each other on the basis of a first synchronization signal; an encoder for outputting a second synchronization signal by being rotationally driven by a servomotor; and a plurality of packaging devices for carrying out a process for packaging the absorbent article by operating in synchronization with each other on the basis of the second synchronization signal. By positionally controlling the servomotor with the inputted first synchronization signal serving as a command position, the encoder is caused to output as the second synchronization signal, a signal such as a signal that synchronizes with the first synchronization signal.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers.

  BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins are sold in the form of packaged products that are packaged in a packaging sheet such as a film. Such a packaged article is manufactured by transporting an absorbent article manufactured on the absorbent article production line to the packaging line and packaging the absorbent article on the packaging line (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-200545

  For example, in the production line, a plurality of apparatuses that perform processing related to the production of the absorbent article are arranged along the conveyance direction of the semi-finished product of the absorbent article. These devices operate in synchronism with each other based on the synchronization signal, whereby each device performs its own processing on semi-finished products that are sequentially sent along the transport direction, and absorbs them. Manufactures sex goods.

  Moreover, the some apparatus which performs the process which concerns on packaging of an absorbent article is arrange | positioned along the conveyance direction of an absorbent article also in the packaging line. And these devices operate in synchronization with each other based on the synchronization signal, whereby each device performs the processing that it is responsible for the absorbent article sequentially sent along the transport direction, The absorbent article is packaged to produce a packaged product.

  And recently, for the purpose of improving productivity, an integrated production type production line is also used in which a packaging line is directly connected to the downstream side of the production line to continuously complete a packaged product. However, in such an integrated production type production line, all processes from the production line to the packaging line are carried out through various processes until the packaged product is completed. For this reason, in order to prevent troubles such as stagnation of semi-finished products related to absorbent articles, synchronization is made between a plurality of devices on the production line and a plurality of devices on the packaging line.

  As a method for obtaining this synchronization, for example, the following method can be considered. That is, the synchronization signal is generated in association with the processing operation of the main apparatus among the plurality of apparatuses included in the production line. For example, in the case of a napkin production line, a die cutter device may be used as the backbone device. The die cutter device includes a cutter roll and an anvil roll that are driven to rotate with their outer peripheral surfaces facing each other. Then, the napkin semi-finished product is passed between the rotating cutter roll and the anvil roll, and thus the napkin is punched and generated. Here, the rotary encoder is provided at the shaft end of the cutter roll. When the cutter roll rotates, a rotation signal is output from the rotary encoder based on the rotation operation.

  In general, the cutter roll is provided with one punching blade on the outer peripheral surface of the roll so that only one napkin is punched per rotation. That is, one rotation operation is a unit processing operation for punching and generating only one napkin. Therefore, every time one napkin is punched out, a rotation signal corresponding to one rotation is output from the encoder. Then, the rotation signal of the encoder is transmitted to the packaging line, and each device is operated by using the rotation signal as a synchronization signal in the packaging line. That is, the synchronization signal has a unit signal corresponding to the unit processing operation, and the encoder repeatedly outputs the unit signal for each unit processing operation as the synchronization signal. Each device of the packaging line operates to perform a unit processing operation corresponding to one packaged product for each unit signal of the synchronization signal.

  By the way, in the case of such a configuration, when the production line stops operation, the synchronization signal is not output, so the packaging line also stops in conjunction. When the production line resumes operation, a synchronization signal is output, so that the packaging line also resumes operation almost simultaneously.

  Here, when the operation of the production line is resumed, it takes a certain amount of time to send a normal napkin that can be a product from the production line. According to the above configuration, the production line is based on the synchronization signal. At the same time as the resumption of operation, the operation of the packaging line is resumed. Therefore, the packaging line is operated even during the above required time when normal napkins are not delivered, and as a result, the packaging line will continue to make empty packaging products that do not contain napkins with packaging sheets. As a result, a great loss of the packaging sheet occurs.

  The present invention has been made in view of the conventional problems as described above, and the object thereof is to provide a plurality of packaging lines that are synchronized with a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses included in the production line for absorbent articles. By operating the packaging device, the loss of raw materials that can occur in the packaging device is reduced when the absorbent article is packaged to produce a packaged product.

The main invention for achieving the above object is:
An apparatus for manufacturing a packaged product formed by packaging an absorbent article,
A plurality of manufacturing apparatuses that perform processing related to manufacture of the absorbent article by operating in synchronization with each other based on the first synchronization signal;
An encoder that outputs a second synchronization signal by being driven and rotated by a servo motor;
A plurality of packaging devices that perform processing related to packaging of the absorbent article by operating in synchronization with each other based on the second synchronization signal;
When the position of the servo motor is controlled using the input first synchronization signal as a command position, the encoder outputs a signal that is synchronized with the first synchronization signal as the second synchronization signal. This is an apparatus for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles.

Also,
A method for producing a packaged product obtained by packaging an absorbent article,
Performing a process related to the manufacture of the absorbent article by operating a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses in synchronization with each other based on the first synchronization signal;
Performing a process related to packaging of the absorbent article by operating a plurality of packaging devices in synchronization with each other based on the second synchronization signal;
Outputting a signal synchronized with the first synchronization signal from the encoder as the second synchronization signal by driving and rotating the encoder by a servo motor whose position is controlled by using the first synchronization signal as a command position; and It is a manufacturing method of the package of the absorbent article characterized by having.

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

  According to the present invention, the absorbent article is packaged by packaging the absorbent article by operating the plurality of packaging apparatuses provided in the packaging line while synchronizing with the plurality of manufacturing apparatuses provided in the absorbent article production line. When manufacturing the product, loss of raw materials that may occur in the packaging device can be reduced.

1A is a schematic top view of the packaged article 11, FIG. 1B is a view taken along arrow BB in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a view taken along arrow CC in FIG. 1A. 2A is a schematic top view of the napkin 1, and FIG. 2B is a view taken along the line BB in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a schematic side view of the napkin production line Lm, and FIG. 3B is a schematic plan view showing how the napkin 1 is produced. 4A is a schematic side view of the napkin packaging line Lr, and FIG. 4B is a schematic plan view showing how the napkin 1 is packaged. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the end seal part and perforation part forming apparatus 150. It is explanatory drawing of the 2nd synchronizing signal generation apparatus 210 which concerns on this embodiment.

At least the following matters will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
An apparatus for manufacturing a packaged product formed by packaging an absorbent article,
A plurality of manufacturing apparatuses that perform processing related to manufacture of the absorbent article by operating in synchronization with each other based on the first synchronization signal;
An encoder that outputs a second synchronization signal by being driven and rotated by a servo motor;
A plurality of packaging devices that perform processing related to packaging of the absorbent article by operating in synchronization with each other based on the second synchronization signal;
When the position of the servo motor is controlled using the input first synchronization signal as a command position, the encoder outputs a signal that is synchronized with the first synchronization signal as the second synchronization signal. An apparatus for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles.

According to such an absorbent article packaging product manufacturing apparatus, if the servo motor is stopped, the output of the second synchronization signal is stopped. Therefore, the packaging apparatus is stopped regardless of the operating state of the manufacturing apparatus. Can be in a state. Therefore, after the start of the operation of the manufacturing apparatus, the start timing of the operation of the packaging apparatus can be adjusted according to the convenience of the packaging apparatus itself, independently of the manufacturing apparatus. As a result, when a normal absorbent article can be delivered from the production apparatus, the operation of the packaging apparatus can be started, and as a result, the loss of raw materials such as packaging sheets in the packaging apparatus is reduced. be able to.
When the servo motor is started, the servo motor is driven to rotate based on the input of the first synchronization signal, and a second synchronization signal is generated. As a result, the packaging device operates in synchronization with each other based on the second synchronization signal. Here, the servomotor is position-controlled using the first synchronization signal as a command position, and thus the encoder A signal that is synchronized with the first synchronization signal is output as the second synchronization signal. Therefore, the packaging apparatus is operated in synchronism with the manufacturing apparatus, and as a result, the packaging apparatus and the manufacturing apparatus can cooperate with each other to continuously manufacture a package of absorbent articles. .

An apparatus for manufacturing a package of such absorbent articles,
A switching mechanism for switching the servo motor between an operating state and a stopped state;
In the operating state, the servo motor preferably drives and rotates the encoder, and in the stopped state, the servo motor stops driving and rotating the encoder.
According to such a manufacturing apparatus for a packaged product of absorbent articles, since the switching mechanism is provided, it is possible to easily and reliably switch between the operating state and the stopped state of the servo motor.

An apparatus for manufacturing a package of such absorbent articles,
It is preferable that the switching mechanism switches the stopped servo motor to the operating state after the plurality of manufacturing apparatuses in the stopped state are switched to the operating state.
According to such a manufacturing apparatus for absorbent article packaging, when a normal absorbent article can be delivered from the manufacturing apparatus, the servo motor is switched to an operating state to start the operation of the packaging apparatus. be able to. Therefore, the loss of raw materials in the packaging apparatus can be reliably reduced.

An apparatus for manufacturing a package of such absorbent articles,
The servo motor is preferably not used for the operation of the manufacturing apparatus.
According to such an apparatus for manufacturing a packaged product of absorbent articles, the servo motor can be switched between an operating state and a stopped state, completely independently of the manufacturing apparatus, according to the convenience of the servo motor itself. Therefore, when a normal absorbent article can be delivered from the manufacturing apparatus, the operation of the packaging apparatus can be started.

An apparatus for manufacturing a package of such absorbent articles,
As the first synchronization signal, a first unit signal is repeatedly output so as to correspond to each of the absorbent articles,
The plurality of manufacturing apparatuses each perform processing related to the manufacturing by performing a patterned unit processing operation for each of the first unit signals,
As the second synchronization signal, a second unit signal is repeatedly output so as to correspond to each of the packaged goods,
Each of the plurality of packaging devices preferably performs a process related to the packaging by performing a predetermined patterned unit processing operation for each second unit signal.

According to such an apparatus for manufacturing a packaged product of absorbent articles, each manufacturing apparatus repeatedly performs a unit processing operation for each first unit signal. This can be done reliably.
Similarly, each packaging device repeatedly performs the unit processing operation for each second unit signal, so that the processing that it is in charge of can be reliably performed on the absorbent article.

An apparatus for manufacturing a package of such absorbent articles,
The second unit signal is preferably the same type of signal as the first unit signal.
According to such an apparatus for manufacturing a packaged product of absorbent articles, the first unit signal and the second unit signal are the same type of signal, so that the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal can be easily synchronized. It can be done smoothly.

An apparatus for manufacturing a package of such absorbent articles,
The absorbent article is continuously conveyed across the plurality of packaging devices,
It is desirable that the packaging apparatus performs a process related to the packaging on the absorbent article that is continuously conveyed.

According to such an apparatus for manufacturing a packaged article of absorbent articles, since the processing relating to the packaging of absorbent articles is performed on absorbent articles that are continuously conveyed rather than intermittently conveyed, the absorbent articles are packaged. Productivity of packaged products can be increased.
Also,
A method for producing a packaged product obtained by packaging an absorbent article,
Performing a process related to the manufacture of the absorbent article by operating a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses in synchronization with each other based on the first synchronization signal;
Performing a process related to packaging of the absorbent article by operating a plurality of packaging devices in synchronization with each other based on the second synchronization signal;
Outputting a signal synchronized with the first synchronization signal from the encoder as the second synchronization signal by driving and rotating the encoder by a servo motor whose position is controlled by using the first synchronization signal as a command position; and A method for producing a package of absorbent articles, comprising:

According to such a method for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles, since the output of the second synchronization signal is stopped when the servo motor is stopped, the packaging device is stopped regardless of the operating state of the manufacturing device. Can be in a state. Therefore, after the start of the operation of the manufacturing apparatus, the start timing of the operation of the packaging apparatus can be adjusted according to the convenience of the packaging apparatus itself, independently of the manufacturing apparatus. Thereby, when a normal absorbent article can be delivered from the production apparatus, the operation of the packaging apparatus can be started, and as a result, the loss of raw materials in the packaging apparatus can be reduced.
When the servo motor is started, the servo motor is driven to rotate based on the input of the first synchronization signal, and a second synchronization signal is generated. As a result, the packaging device operates in synchronization with each other based on the second synchronization signal. Here, the servomotor is position-controlled using the first synchronization signal as a command position, and thus the encoder A signal that is synchronized with the first synchronization signal is output as the second synchronization signal. Therefore, the packaging apparatus is operated in synchronism with the manufacturing apparatus, and as a result, the packaging apparatus and the manufacturing apparatus can cooperate with each other to continuously manufacture a package of absorbent articles. .

=== This Embodiment ===
The manufacturing apparatus for the packaged article 11 of the absorbent article 1 according to the present embodiment produces the packaged article 11 according to the sanitary napkin 1 as an example of the absorbent article 1. FIG. 1A shows a schematic top view of the package 11, FIG. 1B shows a BB arrow view in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C shows a CC arrow view in FIG. 1A. ing. In FIG. 1A, a partially enlarged view is also shown.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, in this example, the packaged product 11 is connected to another packaged product 11. That is, each of the packaged products 11, 11... Is an individual packaged product 11 in which, for example, the napkin 1 in a tri-fold state is individually wrapped with the packaging sheet 12, but the packaged products 11, 11. In an aligned state, they are connected to the adjacent packages 11. And it ships in this connection state. In addition, in the example of FIG. 1A, what is called 10 continuous goods which 10 individual packaged goods 11, 11, ... are continued in a row as a plurality of examples is shown, but it is not restricted to 10 continuous goods at all. Or may be shipped in a single item separated for each package 11. Hereinafter, each packaged product 11 is also referred to as “individual packaged product 11”, and a product connected in a predetermined number of stations is also referred to as “connected product 11a of individual packaged product 11”.

  2A is a schematic top view of the napkin 1, and FIG. 2B is a view taken along the line BB in FIG. 2A. The napkin 1 includes a liquid-impermeable back sheet 4 such as a film, a liquid-permeable surface sheet 2 such as a nonwoven fabric, and pulp fibers as liquid-absorbing fibers interposed between the sheets 2 and 4. It has the absorber 3 which has 3p as a main material. And the surface sheet 2 and the back surface sheet 4 are joined by the heat seal over substantially the entire circumference of the outer edge portion 1e of the napkin 1, whereby the absorber 3 is interposed between these sheets 2 and 4 It is contained and held in space so that it cannot be detached.

  In the example of FIG. 2A, the wing portions 1w and 1w projecting from the edges in the width direction are provided on both sides in the width direction, but may not be provided. Further, a portion of the topsheet 2 that covers the absorber 3 is formed with a substantially annular embossed groove 2t so that the topsheet 2 and the absorber 3 are joined and integrated. The embossed groove 2t may be omitted. Furthermore, in this example, the pulp fibers 3p of the absorbent body 3 are covered with the tissue paper 3t (not shown), but may not be covered with the tissue paper 3t. Moreover, although not shown in the example of FIG. 2A, each may have a leak-proof wall on both sides in the width direction, or may have an adhesive portion for fixing the napkin 1 to the underwear. Moreover, you may have the peeling sheet provided covering the said adhesion part so that peeling is possible. That is, a known configuration that can be included in the napkin 1 may be appropriately selected and additionally provided on the napkin 1 in FIG. 2A.

  On the other hand, the connected product 11a of the packaged product 11 formed by packaging the napkin 1 is, as shown in FIG. 1A, for example, ten napkins 1, 1,. For example, it has a long and flexible packaging sheet 12a having an overall length of 10 series. On the packaging sheet 12a, ten napkins 1, 1... Are placed in a line with the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet 12a as the alignment direction in a state of being spaced apart from each other. Moreover, each edge part 12ae and 12ae of the width direction of the packaging sheet 12a are each bent, and the packaging sheet 12a is made into three-fold shape. It should be noted that each napkin 1 is also bent in a tri-fold shape along with this folding. And each end 12ae, 12ae of the folded said packaging sheet 12a is piled up on each napkin 1 and the packaging sheet 12a was made into the cylinder shape, and each these end parts 12ae, 12ae heat By joining with a seal | sticker etc., the shape of the packaging sheet 12a is being fixed to the cylinder shape. Further, a bonding process such as heat sealing is also performed on each portion 12ab between the napkins 1 and 1 in the cylindrical packaging sheet 12a to form a pair of sealing portions 12as and 12as. And each napkin 1 is separately accommodated in the bag-shaped space divided by the said sealing part 12as, and, thereby, the connection goods 11a of the packaging goods 11,11 ... are substantially formed. In each portion 12ab where the pair of sealing portions 12as and 12as are formed, a perforated perforated portion 12ac is also formed at a position between the pair of sealing portions 12as and 12as. And it is separable for every package 11 in the perforated part 12ac. As the material of the packaging sheet 12a, a nonwoven fabric or a resin film mainly composed of resin fibers is used.

  Such a connected product 11 a is manufactured on the production line La of the packaged product 11. The production line La has a napkin production line Lm and a napkin packaging line Lr directly connected to the downstream side thereof. In the napkin production line Lm, the napkin 1 is produced. In the napkin packaging line Lr, the napkin 1 conveyed from the napkin production line Lm is packaged with the packaging sheet 12a, and the connected products 11, 11... In FIG. To do.

<<< About Napkin Production Line Lm >>>
FIG. 3A is a schematic side view of the napkin production line Lm. FIG. 3B shows a schematic plan view of how the napkin 1 is manufactured in correspondence with each step S20 to S90 of FIG. 3A.

  In the napkin production line Lm, the semi-finished product 1a of the napkin 1 is continuously transported along a predetermined transport direction by an appropriate transport mechanism CV, CV,. During such conveyance, various processes such as welding, pressing, and punching of various parts are performed on the semi-finished product 1a, and the semi-finished product 1a changes its state sequentially each time. The napkin 1 in the state of 2A is generated. Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 3B, in this example, the semi-finished product 1a is basically conveyed in a so-called longitudinal flow mode. That is, the semi-finished product 1a is conveyed while aligning the direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1 with the conveyance direction. However, before the napkin 1 is sent out to the napkin packaging line Lr, the direction of the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1 is changed to a direction (CD direction) orthogonal to the transport direction, that is, the transport mode is changed to a so-called lateral flow mode. Later, the napkin 1 is sent to the napkin packaging line Lr.

  As the transport mechanism CV for transporting the semi-finished product 1a, for example, a suction belt conveyor having a suction holding function on the belt surface serving as a mounting surface, or between the endless belts arranged in pairs above and below, A belt conveyor or a conveyance roller as a conveyance path is used.

  The napkin production line Lm has an absorbent body forming step S20, a top sheet supplying step S30, an embossed groove processing step S40, a back sheet supplying step S50, a round seal processing step S60, a dividing step S70, along the conveyance path of the semi-finished product 1a. It has a defective product discharge step S80 and a conveyance form change step S90.

  Hereinafter, although each process S20-S90 is demonstrated, the conveyance direction of the semi-finished product 1a is also called "MD direction" in the following description. Of the two directions orthogonal to the MD direction, the direction that is not the thickness direction of the semi-finished product 1a (in FIG. 3A, the direction that penetrates the paper surface) is also referred to as the “CD direction”. . The CD direction is parallel to the width direction of the semi-finished product 1a.

  In the first absorber forming step S10, the absorber 3 is formed. That is, a continuous sheet 3ta of tissue paper 3t (hereinafter also simply referred to as tissue paper 3ta) is fed out from a tissue paper roll 3tr supported by an appropriate reel device, and is continuously conveyed in the MD direction. And when passing under the position of the pile drum device 22, the pulp fiber 3p which is the main material of the absorbent body 3 is continuously supplied from the pile drum device 22, and thereby the upper surface of the tissue paper 3ta. Is mounted with a continuous body 3pa of pulp fibers 3p formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape continuous in the MD direction. Then, when passing through the position of the bending guide plate 24, each end 3tae in the CD direction of the tissue paper 3ta is passed by the guide plate 24, and each end 3tae in the CD direction of the continuous body 3pa of the pulp fibers 3p. , 3tae are bent so as to cover from above, whereby a continuous body 3a of the absorber 3 is generated. And when the continuous body 3a passes the absorber cutter apparatus 26, the edge part 3ae of the downstream side of the continuous body 3a is cut off, and the cut sheet-shaped absorber 3 is manufactured.

  The absorber cutter device 26 has, for example, a pair of upper and lower rolls 26u, 26d that rotate about rotation axes C26, C26 along the CD direction, and the upper roll 26u has a cutter roll 26u having a cutter blade (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface. The lower roll 26d is an anvil roll 26d that receives the cutter blade. In this example, only one cutter blade is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cutter roll 26u. Therefore, every time the upper roll 26 u rotates once, only one absorber 3 is cut from the continuous body 3 a of the absorber 3 and is generated. And the produced | generated absorber 3 is sent to the downstream belt conveyor 28 sequentially.

  Here, the conveyance speed value V28 of the absorber 3 on the belt conveyor 28 is set to a speed value larger than the conveyance speed value V26 of the continuous body 3a on the upstream side including the absorber cutter device 26. Yes. The ratio R1 (= V28 / V26) between the conveyance speed values V28 and V26 is generally set to the ratio R1 (= L1 / L3) of the full length dimension L1 of the napkin 1 to the full length dimension L3 of the absorber 3. (FIG. 2A). Thereby, in the belt conveyor 28, the gap | interval G3 is formed between the absorbers 3 and 3 adjacent in MD direction based on the said ratio R1, As a result, each absorber 3 is the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1 It is transported in the MD direction at a transport pitch P1 corresponding to the full length dimension L1.

  In the next surface sheet supply step S30, the continuous sheet 2a of the surface sheet 2 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the surface sheet 2a) is supplied to the absorbent bodies 3, 3. Are continuously supplied toward the surface, whereby each of the absorbers 3, 3... Is covered with the top sheet 2a from below.

  In the next embossing groove processing step S40, the embossing device 40 squeezes and forms the embossed grooves 2t on the lower surface from the lower surface corresponding to the surface of the surface sheet 2a, whereby the surface sheet 2a and the absorber 3 are separated from each other. Bonded and integrated. The embossing device 40 has a pair of upper and lower rolls 40u and 40d that are driven and rotated about rotation axes C40 and C40 along the CD direction with their outer peripheral surfaces facing each other. Here, the lower roll 40d has a convex portion (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface, and the upper roll 40u has a smooth outer peripheral surface to receive the convex portion. Moreover, the convex part protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of 40 d of lower rolls in the shape corresponding to the formation pattern of the above-mentioned embossing groove | channel 2t. Therefore, when the absorbent body 3 passes through the roll gap between the rolls 40u and 40d, the absorbent body 3 is sandwiched between the convex portion and the outer peripheral surface of the upper roll 40u with a predetermined pressing load via the top sheet 2a. As a result, the embossed groove 2t is pressed and formed in the portion of the top sheet 2a that covers the absorber 3. In this example, only one convex portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower roll 40d. Therefore, each time the absorbent body 3 passes, the lower roll 40d rotates once, thereby forming an embossed groove 2t in the top sheet 2a corresponding to each absorbent body 3.

  In the next back sheet supply step S50, the continuous sheet 4a of the back sheet 4 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the back sheet 4a) is supplied to the semi-finished product 1a through the supply roll 50 positioned above. And the back surface sheet 4a is overlap | superposed on the surface sheet 2a in the part which protrudes to the side from the absorber 3 among the back surface sheets 4a, pinching each absorber 3 in cooperation with the surface sheet 2a. Thereby, the semi-finished product 1a will be in the state by which the absorber 3 was interposed between the surface sheet 2a and the back surface sheet 4a.

  In the next round seal processing step S60, a seal portion 1s is formed in a portion corresponding to the outer edge portion 1e of the napkin 1 in the semi-finished product 1a, whereby the sheets 2a and 4a are welded and bonded to each other at a portion corresponding to the outer edge portion 1e. To do. The forming process of the seal portion 1s is performed by the round seal processing apparatus 60. The round seal processing device 60 has a pair of upper and lower rolls 60u and 60d that are driven and rotated about rotation axes C60 and C60 along the CD direction with their outer peripheral surfaces facing each other. Here, the upper roll 60u has a convex portion (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface, and the lower roll 60d has a smooth outer peripheral surface to receive the convex portion. Further, the convex portion protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the upper roll 60 u in a shape corresponding to the outer edge portion 1 e of the napkin 1. Therefore, when the semi-finished product 1a passes through the roll gap between the upper and lower rolls 60u and 60d, a portion corresponding to the outer edge 1e of the napkin 1 in the semi-finished product 1a is formed by the convex portion and the outer peripheral surface of the lower roll 60d. By being pinched with a predetermined pressing load, a seal portion 1s is pressed and formed at a portion corresponding to the outer edge portion 1e of the napkin 1 in the semi-finished product 1a. In this example, only one such convex portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper roll 60u. Therefore, every time a portion corresponding to one napkin 1 passes, the upper roll 60u rotates once, and thereby a seal portion 1s is formed corresponding to each portion corresponding to each napkin 1.

  In the next dividing step S70, the semi-finished product 1a continuous in the MD direction is divided into product units, whereby a single-cut napkin 1 is generated. This dividing process is performed by the die cutter device 70. The die cutter device 70 has a pair of upper and lower rolls 70u and 70d that are driven and rotated about rotation axes C70 and C70 along the CD direction with their outer peripheral surfaces facing each other. The upper roll 70u is a cutter roll 70u having a cutter blade (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface, and the lower roll 70d is an anvil roll 70d that receives the cutter blade on a smooth outer peripheral surface. Moreover, the cutter blade protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the cutter roll 70 u in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the napkin 1 described above. Therefore, when the semi-finished product 1a passes through the roll gap between the upper and lower rolls 70u, 70d, the napkin 1 is punched out from the semi-finished product 1a. In this example, only one cutter blade is provided on the upper roll 70u. Therefore, every time the upper roll 70u makes one rotation, only one napkin 1 is punched from the semi-finished product 1a. Each punched napkin 1 is sent downstream at a transport pitch P1 that is substantially the same as the overall length L1 of the napkin 1 in the longitudinal direction.

  In the next defective product discharge step S80, only the defective napkin 1 is selectively discharged from the discharge path Tre while the napkins 1 are conveyed in the MD direction by the two belt conveyors 82 and 84 arranged in the MD direction. The belt conveyor 82 located on the upstream side has a pair of upper and lower endless belts 82u and 82d, and the endless belts 82u and 82d are driven to circulate so that the endless belts 82u and 82d are transported between the napkin 1 Transport. Further, the belt conveyor 84 located on the downstream side is a so-called suction belt conveyor, that is, drives and circulates the napkin 1 while adsorbing the napkin 1 on the lower surface of the endless belt 84u. The suction belt conveyor 84 is provided with an air injection device 86 that injects air only to the defective napkin 1 and separates the defective napkin 1 downward from the suction belt conveyor 84. As a result, the defective napkin 1 is discharged from the discharge path Tre.

  Here, the conveyance speed values V82 and V84 of the belt conveyor 82 and the suction belt conveyor 84 are enlarged to R6 times (R6> 1) the conveyance speed value V70 of the napkin 1 in the die cutter device 70. Therefore, each napkin 1 sent out in a state where there is no gap in the MD direction at the position immediately downstream of the die cutter device 70 is the napkin 1 adjacent in the MD direction on the further downstream belt conveyors 82 and 84. It is conveyed with a gap G6 formed between them. That is, the transport pitch P1 of the napkin 1 in the die cutter device 70 is substantially the same as the overall length L1 (product length L1) in the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1, but the transport pitch on the belt conveyor 82 and the suction belt conveyor 84. P6 (= R6 × L1 = R6 × P1) is enlarged to R6 times the total length L1 of the napkin 1, and as a result, a gap G6 is formed between the napkins 1 and 1 adjacent to each other in the MD direction. The The gap G6 secures the time required for the defective product discharge processing on the suction belt conveyor 84. That is, in the gap G6, the operating state and non-operating state of the air injection device 86 can be switched. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the non-operating state for the non-defective product and maintain the conveyance by the suction belt conveyor 84, while operating the non-defective product to smoothly remove only the defective product from the suction belt conveyor 84. .

  In the next transport mode changing step S90, the napkin 1 transported in the vertical flow mode is changed to the horizontal flow mode, and the transport pitch P6 of the napkin 1 in the MD direction is changed to the transport pitch P11 required in the napkin packaging line Lr. . After that, the napkin 1 is delivered to the napkin packaging line Lr while being conveyed in the MD direction.

  The change of the conveyance mode and the change of the conveyance pitch from P6 to P11 include, for example, the rotary drum device 92, a delivery roll 96 provided on the downstream side in the MD direction while facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum device 92, Is done by.

  The rotary drum device 92 includes a rotary drum 93 that rotates around a rotation axis C92 along the CD direction, and a plurality of holding pads 94, 94... Arranged in the circumferential direction Dc93 on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 93. Have. Each holding pad 94 has a holding surface capable of adsorbing and holding the napkin 1, and the holding pad 94 is being held on the holding surface by rotating around a rotation axis C94 located at the center of the holding surface. The direction of the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1 can be changed from the MD direction to the CD direction. Further, each holding pad 94 is configured to be reciprocally movable over a predetermined range in the circumferential direction Dc 93 relative to the rotating drum 93.

  Therefore, first, when each holding pad 94 passes through a position facing the suction belt conveyor 84, the holding pad 94 is used as a receiving position for the napkin 1, and the holding pad 94 is moved vertically from the suction belt conveyor 84. Adsorb and receive. Then, while the holding pad 94 is moved along the circumferential direction Dc93 to the delivery position to the delivery roll 96 by the driving rotation of the rotary drum 93, the holding pad 94 is rotated to change the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1 to CD. The holding pad 94 is moved relative to the rotating drum 93 in the circumferential direction Dc93, and the pitch between the holding pads 94 and 94 in the circumferential direction Dc93 is changed to a conveyance pitch P11 necessary for the napkin packaging line Lr. The napkin 1 is delivered to the delivery roll 96 at the delivery position after aligning with the (conveying pitch P11 corresponding to the napkin packaging line Lr).

  On the other hand, in the delivery roll 96, the napkin 1 is sucked and held on the outer peripheral surface, and the napkin 1 is conveyed to the connection position of the napkin packaging line Lr by driving rotation, and the napkin 1 is delivered to the line Lr at the same position. . Here, the peripheral speed value of the delivery roll 96 is substantially aligned with the conveyance speed value of the napkin 1 at the delivery position of the rotary drum device 92. Therefore, on the outer peripheral surface of the delivery roll 96, the transport pitch in the MD direction of the napkin 1 is maintained at the transport pitch P <b> 11 changed by the rotary drum device 92. As a result, the napkin 1 is delivered to the line Lr at the necessary transport pitch P11 in the napkin packaging line Lr.

  By the way, operation | movement of each process S20-S90 of this napkin production line Lm is performed in response to each other. In particular, the devices 26, 40, 60, and 70 (corresponding to manufacturing devices) in steps S20, S40, S60, and S70 operate in synchronization with each other based on the first synchronization signal.

  Here, the first synchronization signal is a signal obtained by repeatedly outputting the first unit signal corresponding to each napkin 1, and in this example, each rotation of 0 ° to 360 ° is used as the first unit signal. A rotation angle signal composed of angle values is output. Each device 26, 40, 60, 70 has a patterned unit processing operation to be repeated for each napkin 1, and the unit processing operation and the first unit signal are associated in a one-to-one correspondence. ing.

  Therefore, the first synchronization signal is transmitted to the amplifier of each servo motor that is the drive source of each device 26, 40, 60, 70 of each step S20, S40, S60, S70, and based on the first synchronization signal. By controlling the position of each servo motor, each of the devices 26, 40, 60, 70 performs a prescribed unit processing operation on the part corresponding to each napkin 1 in the semi-finished product 1a.

  For example, for each first unit signal of the first synchronization signal, the servo motor is positioned by an amplifier or the like so that the upper and lower rolls 26u and 26d related to the absorber cutter device 26 in the absorber forming step S20 rotate once as a unit processing operation. Be controlled. Similarly, for each first unit signal, upper and lower rolls 40u and 40d related to the embossing device 40 in the embossing groove processing step S40, upper and lower rolls 60u and 60d related to the round seal processing device 60 in the round seal processing step S60, and a dividing step. Each servo motor is position-controlled by an amplifier or the like so that the upper and lower rolls 70u and 70d related to the die cutter device 70 in S70 rotate once as a unit processing operation.

  The generation of the first synchronization signal is performed by, for example, the controller CLm that controls each device 26, 40, 60, 70 of the napkin production line Lm. That is, the controller CLm has a circuit for generating the first synchronization signal, or has a program for generating the first synchronization signal in the memory. In the former case, the circuit repeatedly generates the first unit signal of the first synchronization signal and sends it to the servo motor amplifiers of the devices 26, 40, 60, 70. In the latter case, The processor of the controller CLm reads the program from the memory and executes it, thereby repeatedly generating the first unit signal of the first synchronization signal and supplying it to the servo motor amplifiers of the devices 26, 40, 60, and 70. Send.

  In this example, for the purpose of facilitating understanding, the first unit signal of the first synchronization signal is described as a signal indicated by a rotation angle value of 0 ° to 360 °, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first unit signal of the first synchronization signal may be configured with a digital value of 0 to 8191, which will be described later.

  In this example, the napkin 1 and its semi-finished product 1a are transported by the transport mechanisms CV, CV,... And the belt conveyors 28, 82, 84, respectively. Is used). And each conveyance speed value V26, V28, V70, V82, V84 of these conveyance operation | movement increases / decreases interlock | cooperates mutually, Thereby, MD direction smoothly without the napkin 1 and the semi-finished product 1a staying in a predetermined position. Are continuously conveyed.

  Here, various well-known methods can be applied as a method of interlocking the transport operations with each other. In this example, the transport mechanisms CV, CV,... And the belt conveyor 28 are based on the first synchronization signal. , 82 and 84 are synchronized with each other, thereby realizing the interlocking of the above-described transport operation. That is, each servo motor is position-controlled so that it is transported by a transport amount corresponding to one napkin 1 for each first unit signal of the first synchronization signal, so that the transport operations are linked to each other. . However, in this case, the size of the above-mentioned “conveyance amount corresponding to one napkin 1 (hereinafter also referred to as a unit conveyance amount)” is determined by the respective conveyance mechanisms CV, CV... And the respective belt conveyors 28, 82, 84. Varies depending on the transport pitches P0, P1, and P6 to be realized.

  For example, in step S20 of FIG. 3A, since the transport pitch P0 of the semi-finished product 1a is the substantially full length dimension L3 of the absorber 3, the unit transport amount of the transport mechanism CV is approximately the full length dimension L3 of the absorber 3. However, in the belt conveyor 28 between the process S20 and the process S30, since the conveyance pitch P1 of the semi-finished product 1a is the substantially full length dimension L1 of the napkin 1, the unit conveyance amount of the belt conveyor 28 is napkin 1. The substantially full length dimension L1. And about subsequent process S30-process S70, since the conveyance pitch P1 of the semi-finished product 1a is maintained at the above-mentioned substantially L1, the unit conveyance amount of each conveyance mechanism CV and CV of process S30-process S70 is also the above-mentioned. Is maintained at approximately L1. However, in the next step S80, since the transport pitch P6 of the napkin 1 is R6 times the total length L1 of the napkin 1, the unit transport amount of the belt conveyors 82 and 84 in step S80 is approximately L1 × R6. .

<<< About Napkin Packaging Line Lr >>>
FIG. 4A is a schematic side view of the napkin packaging line Lr. Moreover, FIG. 4B shows a state in which the napkin 1 is packaged in a schematic plan view corresponding to each step S130 to S160 of FIG. 4A.

  In the napkin packaging line Lr, the napkin 1 sent from the napkin production line Lm at the transport pitch P11 is individually packaged by the packaging sheet 12aa to produce the packaged product 11. In this example, a connected product 11a of the packaged product 11 in which 10 packaged products 11 are connected as a plurality of examples is manufactured.

  The napkin packaging line Lr includes a wrapping step S130, a center sealing step S140, an end seal portion and perforated portion forming step S150, and a separating step S160 along the conveyance path of the napkins 1, 1,. Further, the napkins 1, 1... Are continuously conveyed along the conveyance path. That is, the transport of the napkins 1, 1... Is not basically stopped for reasons other than line trouble or repair. For example, in any of the above steps S130, S140, S150, S160, the napkins 1, 1,. Is not intermittently conveyed (repeating the conveying operation and the stopping operation). Therefore, when the napkins 1, 1,... That are continuously conveyed pass through the respective steps S130, S140, S150, S160, the processes in charge of the respective napkins 1, 1,. As a result, the connected product 11a of the packaged product 11 is manufactured with high productivity.

  As the transport mechanism CV2 that transports the napkins 1, 1,..., The same transport mechanism CV used in the napkin production line Lm can be exemplified. That is, a suction belt conveyor having a suction holding function on a belt surface as a mounting surface, a belt conveyor having a napkin 1 conveyance path between endless belts arranged in pairs above and below, a conveyance roller, and the like can be exemplified. . Each of the transport mechanisms CV2, CV2,... Has a servo motor as a drive source. Then, by controlling the position of the servo motor based on the second synchronization signal, each of the transport mechanisms CV2, CV2,... Transports the napkin 1 in synchronization with each other, which will be described later.

  Hereinafter, although each process S130-S160 is demonstrated, in this napkin packaging line Lr, each napkin 1 is conveyed along MD direction similarly to the napkin production line Lm. The definition of the CD direction is the same as that in the case of the above-described napkin production line Lm. For example, in FIG. 4A, the CD direction is the direction penetrating the paper surface.

  In the first wrapping step S130, each napkin 1 is wrapped in a cylindrical shape with a continuous sheet 12aa of the wrapping sheet 12a. That is, a continuous sheet 12aa (hereinafter also simply referred to as a packaging sheet 12aa) of the packaging sheet 12a is fed out from the packaging sheet roll 12ar supported by an appropriate reel device, and is driven to rotate by using a servo motor (not shown) as a drive source. It is continuously conveyed in the MD direction by the conveying roll 131. Then, when the packaging sheet 12aa passes below the position of the above-described delivery roll 96 in the napkin production line Lm, the napkin 1 is received from the delivery roll 96 on the upper surface, whereby the upper surface of the packaging sheet 12aa is in the MD direction. The napkins 1 are arranged in the above-described conveyance pitch P11, and in this state, the napkins 1, 1,... Are integrally conveyed with the packaging sheet 12aa and conveyed in the MD direction. Then, when passing through the position of the wrapping guide plate 134, the guide plate 134 bends each end portion 12aae, 12aae in the CD direction of the packaging sheet 12aa toward the center side in the CD direction, and each end portion 12aae, 12aae. They are overlapped with each other above the napkin 1, whereby the packaging sheet 12 aa is formed into a cylindrical shape and encloses the napkin 1.

  In the next center sealing step S140, the end portions 12aae and 12aae of the overlapped packaging sheet 12aa are joined together, and the shape of the packaging sheet 12aa is fixed in a cylindrical shape. This joining process is performed by the heat seal device 140. The heat sealing apparatus 140 includes a heating unit 142 heated to a predetermined temperature. And when the packaging sheet 12aa in the state where the napkin 1 is wrapped in a cylindrical shape passes through the position of the heating unit 142, the heating unit 142 is placed between the end portions 12aae and 12aae of the stacked packaging sheets 12aa. For example, the end portions 12aae and 12aae are brought into contact with each other from above and heated and melted to join the end portions 12aae and 12aae. And thereby, the shape of packaging sheet 12aa is fixed to a cylinder shape.

  In the next end seal portion and perforated portion forming step S150, a pair of sealing portions 12as and 12as are formed in each portion 12aab between the napkins 1 and 1 in the cylindrical packaging sheet 12aa, and in each portion 12aab A perforated portion 12ac is formed at a position between the pair of sealing portions 12as and 12as. Thereby, each napkin 1 is individually accommodated in the packaging sheet 12aa, that is, a continuous body 11aa of the packaged product 11 is generated.

  The forming process of the sealing parts 12as and 12as and the forming process of the perforated part 12ac are performed by the end seal part and perforated part forming apparatus 150. FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view of the device 150. The apparatus 150 includes a pair of upper and lower rolls 151u and 151d. On the outer peripheral surfaces of the rolls 151u and 151d, processed portions 152u and 152d for forming the sealing portions 12as and 12as and the perforated portions 12ac are provided, respectively. That is, the upper processing portion 152u of the upper roll 151u includes a pair of sealing portion convex portions 153us and 153us for forming a pair of sealing portions 12as and 12as on the packaging sheet 12aa, and a perforated portion 12ac on the packaging sheet 12aa. And a perforating blade 153uc for forming a pair are provided close to each other, and on the other hand, the lower processing portion 152d of the lower roll 151d receives the pair of sealing portion convex portions 153us and 153us. The pair of receiving portions 153ds, 153ds and the receiving blade 153dc for receiving the perforating blade 153uc are provided close to each other. The upper and lower rolls 151u and 151d are driven and rotated in synchronization with the transport operation of the packaging sheet 12aa by a servo motor (not shown) as a drive source. Therefore, when each portion 12aab between the napkins 1 and 1 in the packaging sheet 12aa passes through the gap G151 between the upper and lower rolls 151u and 151d, the upper processed portion 152u and the lower processed portion 152d face each other. A pair of sealing portions 12as and 12as and a perforated portion 12ac are formed in each portion 12aab. And thereby, each napkin 1 is made into the state which can be cut | disconnected by the said individual accommodated unit, individually accommodated in packaging sheet 12aa. That is, the continuous body 11aa of the packaged products 11, 11,... Formed by connecting the packaged products 11 in a state in which they are arranged in the MD direction is formed.

  The upper processing portion 152u and the lower processing portion 152d may be provided one by one for the upper roll 151u and the lower roll 151d, but in this example, in order to increase the production speed, four processings are provided as a plurality of examples. .., 152d, 152d... Are provided. Therefore, in this example, each time the upper roll 151u and the lower roll 151d rotate by a quarter, a pair of sealing portions 12as and 12as and a perforated portion 12ac are formed for one place of the packaging sheet 12aa. That is, four packages 11, 11,... Are partitioned for each rotation of the upper and lower rolls 151u, 151d.

  Incidentally, the arc distance D152u on the orbit between the upper processing portions 152u and 152u adjacent in the rotation direction and the arc distance D152d on the orbit between the lower processing portions 152d and 152d adjacent in the rotation direction are: Each of the napkin 1 in the packaging sheet 12aa is set to be approximately equal to the alignment pitch P11 in the MD direction. Therefore, in this apparatus 150, by rotating the upper and lower rolls 151u and 151d, the upper processing part 152u and the lower processing part 152d circulate at a peripheral speed value V152 substantially the same as the conveyance speed value V12aa of the packaging sheet 12aa, so that the packaging sheet The pair of sealing portions 12as and 12as and the perforated portion 12ac can be formed corresponding to each portion 12aab between the napkins 1 and 1 on the 12aa, and as a result, the conveyance speed value V12aa and the peripheral speed at the time of processing. The formation of the pair of sealing portions 12as and 12as and the perforated portion 12ac is effectively prevented from being unstable due to the relative difference from the value V152.

  In addition, rotating the upper and lower rolls 151u and 151d in synchronization with the transport operation of the packaging sheet 12aa is performed based on the second synchronization signal for the napkin packaging line Lr, which will be described later.

  In the next separation step S160, the downstream side portion of the continuum 11aa of the packaged product 11 is separated by the target station number, thereby generating the connected product 11a of the packaged product 11 having the target station number. The separation process is performed by the separation device 160. That is, the cutting device 160 is a cutting target specified corresponding to a target station number to be manufactured, such as ten, from among the plurality of perforated portions 12ac, 12ac... Only the perforated portion 12ac is cut, and thereby the connected product 11a formed by connecting the packaged articles 11, 11,. And this is sent downstream as a final product.

  The separating device 160 has a pair of nip roll mechanisms 162 and 164 arranged side by side in the MD direction. Each nip roll mechanism 162, 164 has a pair of upper and lower nip rolls 162u, 162d, 164u, 164d that are driven and rotated about rotation axes C162, C164 along the CD direction. In other words, the upstream nip roll mechanism 162 located on the upstream side is a pair of upper and lower nip rolls 162 u that are driven and rotated so as to feed the continuum 11aa downstream in the MD direction while slightly sandwiching the continuum 11aa from the outer peripheral surface from the thickness direction. , 162d, and the downstream nip roll mechanism 164 located downstream of the upstream nip roll mechanism 162 also sandwiches the continuum 11aa from the thickness direction on the outer peripheral surface, and the continuum 11aa in the MD direction. It has a pair of upper and lower nip rolls 164u and 164d that are driven and rotated so as to be sent downstream.

  The nip rolls 162u, 162d, 164u, 164d of the upstream nip roll mechanism 162 and the downstream nip roll mechanism 164 are driven and rotated by a servo motor (not shown) as a drive source, and the peripheral speed values V162, V164. Is controlled so as to be substantially equal to the conveyance speed value V11aa of the continuous body 11aa. For example, when the transport speed value of the continuous body 11aa is V1, the peripheral speed value V162 of the upstream nip roll mechanism 162 is set to V1 as a steady speed value, and the peripheral speed value V164 of the downstream nip roll mechanism 164 is The steady speed value is set to V1 to 1.06V1.

  However, when the controller CLr described later detects that the perforated portion 12ac has reached between the upstream nip roll mechanism 162 and the downstream nip roll mechanism 164, only the peripheral speed value V164 of the downstream nip roll mechanism 164 is detected. Is instantaneously increased from the steady speed value and immediately returned to the steady speed value. For example, the peripheral speed value V162 of the upstream nip roll mechanism 162 is maintained at the steady speed value V1, but the peripheral speed value V164 of the downstream nip roll mechanism 164 is increased to a speed value of 2.95V1, and the increase is made. After the speed, it is immediately returned to the above-mentioned steady speed value V1 to 1.06V1.

  As a result, the transport speed value V11aa of the continuum 11aa in the upstream nip roll mechanism 162 is maintained substantially at the steady speed value V1 of the peripheral speed value V162, but the transport speed value V11aa in the downstream nip roll mechanism 164 is The peripheral speed value V164 is instantaneously increased to 2.95V1 instantaneously. As a result, the perforated portion 12ac to be cut is pulled in the MD direction by the upstream nip roll mechanism 162 and the downstream nip roll mechanism 164. Only the perforated portion 12ac is selectively cut. As a result, the connected product 11a having the individual packaged products 11, 11,... Corresponding to the target number is separated from the continuous body 11aa and manufactured. The connected product 11a generated by being separated is transported to a shipping process or the like by the downstream transport mechanism CV2.

  Here, when the perforated portion 12ac to be cut enters between the upstream nip roll mechanism 162 and the downstream nip roll mechanism 164, all the devices 131, 140, 150,... In the napkin packaging line Lr including the separation device 160 are detected. This is performed by the controller CLr that controls the above. The controller CLr is a so-called computer or PLC (programmable logic controller), and has a processor and a memory. The controller CLr receives the second synchronization signal for the napkin packaging line Lr. And this 2nd synchronizing signal is also comprised by the 2nd unit signal output corresponding to each napkin 1, ie, each packaged article 11, like the 1st synchronizing signal of the napkin manufacturing line Lm. Details of the second synchronization signal will be described later. The memory stores a counter-and-comparison program, which is executed by the processor to count the number of second unit signals related to the second synchronization signal input to the controller CLr. The count value is compared with a predetermined value recorded in the memory. Further, a numerical value of the target station number is recorded as the predetermined value in the memory.

  Therefore, the processor reads the program from the memory and executes it to count the number of second unit signals of the input second synchronization signal, and records the count value in the memory each time the count value increases. It compares with the numerical value of the above-mentioned target station number. When the count value matches the numerical value of the target station number, the controller CLr determines that the perforated portion 12ac to be cut has entered between the upstream nip roll mechanism 162 and the downstream nip roll mechanism 164. The controller CLr instantaneously increases the servo motor of the downstream nip roll mechanism 164 to cut the perforated portion 12ac. Incidentally, at the same time when the count value reaches the numerical value of the target station number, the counter value is reset to zero, and the counter-and-comparison program is set up so as to prepare for the counting of the next station number.

<<< Second Synchronization Signal Used in Napkin Packaging Line Lr >>>
By the way, in this napkin packaging line Lr, operation | movement of each apparatus 131,140,150,160 of each process S130-S160 is performed in response to each other. In particular, the devices 131 and 150 and the transport mechanisms CV2, CV2,... In step S130 and step S150 operate in synchronization with each other based on the second synchronization signal.

  Here, in this example, the same type of signal as the first synchronization signal used in the napkin production line Lm is used for the second synchronization signal. That is, the second synchronization signal is a signal obtained by repeatedly outputting the second unit signal corresponding to each napkin 1, and the second unit signal is composed of rotation angle values of 0 ° to 360 °. Rotation angle signal. Each of the devices 131, 150, CV2, CV2,... (Corresponding to the packaging device) has a patterned unit processing operation to be repeated for each napkin 1 (that is, for each packaged product 11). The processing operation and the second unit signal are associated on a one-to-one basis.

  Therefore, the second synchronization signal is transmitted to the amplifier of each servo motor that is a drive source of each device 131, 150, CV2, CV2,..., And the position of each servo motor is controlled based on the second synchronization signal. Accordingly, each of the devices 131, 150, CV2, CV2,... Performs a prescribed unit processing operation corresponding to each napkin 1.

  For example, for each second unit signal of the second synchronization signal, the transport roll 131 in the wrapping step S130 performs a transport amount corresponding to one napkin 1 as a unit processing operation (that is, transport corresponding to one packaged product 11). Further, in other words, the position of the servo motor of the roll 131 is controlled by an amplifier or the like so that the packaging sheet 12aa is conveyed at a conveyance amount equivalent to the conveyance pitch P11. Similarly, the servo motors of the rolls 151u and 151d are driven by an amplifier or the like so that the upper and lower rolls 151u and 151d in the end seal part and perforated part forming step S150 rotate by a quarter as a unit processing operation for each second unit signal. Position controlled. Further, each of the transport mechanisms CV2, CV2,... Has a transport amount corresponding to one napkin 1 as a unit processing operation for each second unit signal (that is, a transport amount corresponding to one package 11), and In other words, the position of the servo motor of each of the transport mechanisms CV2, CV2,... Is controlled by an amplifier or the like so as to transport at a transport amount equivalent to the transport pitch P11.

  Incidentally, since each packaged product 11 is generated in a one-to-one correspondence with the napkin 1, the meaning of “for each napkin 1” is synonymous with the meaning of “for each packaged product 11”, and also corresponds to “napkin 1”. "Is also synonymous with the word" corresponds to the package 11 ". Therefore, in the following description, instead of the expressions “for each napkin 1” and “corresponding to the napkin 1”, there may be “for each packaged item 11” and “corresponding to the packaged item 11”.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the second synchronization signal generation device 210 that generates and outputs the second synchronization signal. The generating device 210 includes a rotary encoder 220 that outputs a second synchronization signal when driven to rotate, a dedicated servo motor 210m that drives and rotates the rotary encoder 220, and an amplifier 210a that controls the servo motor 210m. Have.
The amplifier 210a receives the first synchronization signal, and the servo motor 210m is position-controlled using the first synchronization signal as a command position. Therefore, the encoder 220 outputs a signal that is synchronized with the first synchronization signal as the second synchronization signal. That is, in this example, the first synchronization signal repeatedly outputs the first unit signal composed of each rotation angle signal of 0 to 360 °. However, the rotary encoder 220 related to the second synchronization signal also has the first synchronization signal. In order to follow the unit signal of the signal, a second unit signal composed of rotation angle signals of 0 to 360 ° is repeatedly output. And each apparatus 131,150, CV2, CV2 ... of a napkin packaging line Lr comes to operate | move synchronously with respect to each apparatus 26,40,60,70, CV ... of a napkin production line Lm by this. .

  The servo motor 210m is not used as a drive source for the other devices 26, 40, 60, 70, 131, 150, CV2, CV2,..., And a drive source for the rotary encoder 220 related to the second synchronization signal. Used only as Therefore, without considering the convenience of the other devices 26, 40, 60, 70, 131, 150, CV2, CV2,..., Only the self-convenience of the second synchronization signal as to whether or not the second synchronization signal should be output. Therefore, the servo motor 210m can be switched between the operating state and the stopped state. When the servo motor 210m is stopped, the output of the second synchronization signal is always stopped. Therefore, the output of the second synchronization signal can be easily and reliably stopped, which contributes effectively to the reduction of the loss of the packaging sheet 12aa described later.

  Here, as a switching mechanism for switching between the operating state and the stopped state, for example, a switching switch 210s such as a power switch can be exemplified. In the example of FIG. 6, the changeover switch 210s is provided. Therefore, the encoder 220 can output the second synchronization signal when switched to the operating state under the input of the first synchronization signal, while the output of the second synchronization signal can be stopped when switched to the stopped state. it can.

  However, the switching method between the operation state and the stop state is not limited to the method using the above-described changeover switch 210s. For example, the normal servo motor 210m has a power cable plug for power supply, and enters a stop state when power supply is cut off. Therefore, the operation state and the stop state may be switched by inserting / removing the plug into / from an appropriate electrical outlet. In some cases, the operation state and the stop state may be switched based on a switching signal output from the controller CLr that controls each device 131, 150... Of the napkin packaging line Lr to the amplifier 210a of the servo motor 210m. .

  If the second synchronization signal generating device 210 is provided, the loss of the packaging sheet 12aa that can occur in the napkin packaging line Lr is effectively reduced when the production line La of the napkin 1 that is stopped is re-operated. Can be suppressed. Details are as follows.

  First, when the napkin production line Lm is stopped due to a failure or the like, the output of the first synchronization signal is stopped. Then, since the first synchronization signal is not input to the servo motor 210m related to the generation of the second synchronization signal, the servo motor 210m is also stopped, and the output of the second synchronization signal of the encoder 220 is also stopped. As a result, the transport roll 131 in the wrapping step S130 that operates based on the second synchronization signal, the upper and lower rolls 151u and 151d in the end seal portion and perforated portion forming step S150, and the transport mechanisms CV2, CV2,. Thereby, the conveyance operation of the packaging sheet 12aa and the napkin 1 in the napkin packaging line Lr is stopped, and the napkin packaging line Lr is also apparently stopped.

  However, at this time, for safety reasons, the motor 210m is switched to the stopped state by the above-described switch 210s of the servo motor 210m so that the napkin packaging line Lr is completely stopped.

  Next, after repairing the failure part of the napkin production line Lm, the operation of the line Lm is resumed. However, even if the operation is resumed, a predetermined time is required until the respective devices 26, 40, 60, 70... On the same line Lm are in a steady state, so that the normal napkin 1 is not manufactured for a while. For example, the abnormal napkin 1 in which the formation position of the embossed groove 2t and the seal portion 1s is shifted from the target position is manufactured. The abnormal napkin 1 is discharged as a defective product from the discharge path Tre of the defective product discharge process S80.

  At this time, the first synchronization signal is output from the controller CLm with the operation of the napkin production line Lm. The first synchronization signal is also input to the second synchronization signal generator 210.

  However, while the napkin production line Lm is stopped, the servo motor 210m is switched to the stopped state by the operation of the changeover switch 210s. Therefore, even if a 1st synchronizing signal is input, the 2nd synchronizing signal is not output from the 2nd synchronizing signal production | generation apparatus 210, but the napkin packaging line Lr is maintained in a halt condition as it is.

On the other hand, after a while, the synchronization of the devices 26, 40, 60, 70... Of the napkin production line Lm is completed, and the normal napkin 1 is produced on the line Lm.
Therefore, the operation of the napkin packaging line Lr is resumed while the most downstream napkin 1 among the normal napkins 1, 1... Passes the appropriate position in the transport mode changing step S90, for example. That is, the servo motor 210m in the stopped state is switched to the operating state by the changeover switch 210s.

  Then, the transport roll 131 in the wrapping step S130, the upper and lower rolls 151u, 151d in the end seal portion and perforated portion forming step S150, and the transport mechanisms CV2, CV2,... Restart the operation based on the second synchronization signal. As a result, when the normal first napkin 1 arrives at the most downstream position of the napkin production line Lm, the napkin packaging line Lr is in a steady operation state in which the packaging sheet 12aa is conveyed at the steady speed value V1. Thus, the napkin 1 can be quickly packaged. That is, the conveyance start of the packaging sheet 12aa can be synchronized with the normal supply start timing of the napkins 1, 1,..., And as a result, the loss of the packaging sheet 12aa can be effectively suppressed.

  In the above description, the timing at which the servo motor 210m of the second synchronization signal generation device 210 is switched to the operating state is that the first normal napkin 1 is passing the appropriate position in the transfer form changing step S90 after the operation of the napkin production line Lm is resumed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the servo motor 210m is switched to the operating state at an appropriate timing if the timing is such that the first normal napkin 1 can reach the napkin packaging line Lr before the line Lr is in a steady operating state. Good. For example, the motor 210m may be switched to an operating state while the first normal napkin 1 is passing the belt conveyors 82 and 84 in the defective product discharging step S80. Further, instead of the changeover switch 210s, this changeover operation may be performed by transmitting a changeover signal from the controller CLr to the amplifier 210a of the servo motor 210m.

  By the way, in the above-described realization of the position control of the servo motor 210m of the second synchronization signal generator 210, the servo motor 210m is controlled so that the deviation between the actual position of the servo motor 210m and the command position indicated by the first synchronization signal is small. Is done. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the servo motor 210m is different from the encoder 220 that outputs the second synchronization signal described above, and the position control encoder 210e that measures the rotation angle value θr as the actual position of the servo motor 210m. It has. The amplifier 210a of the servo motor 210m has a position comparator 210a1 and a drive current calculator 210a2. Then, the position comparator 210a1 compares the rotation angle value θa indicated by the first synchronization signal as the command position with the rotation angle value θr measured by the position control encoder 210e as the actual position, and calculates a deviation Δθ between them. The deviation Δθ is input to the drive current calculator 210a2. Then, the drive current calculator 210a2 performs a predetermined calculation using the deviation Δθ, and calculates the value of the drive current I so that the deviation Δθ becomes small. The amplifier 210a supplies the calculated drive current I to the servo motor 210m to drive the servo motor 210m, thereby realizing the position control described above.

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

  In the above-described embodiment, the controller CLm generates the first synchronization signal used to synchronize the devices 26, 40, 60, and 70 of the napkin production line Lm. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a dedicated rotary encoder that generates the first synchronization signal may be provided, and a signal output from the encoder may be used as the first synchronization signal. In this case, a dedicated servo motor may be provided as a drive source for driving and rotating the encoder, or the core device in the napkin production line Lm, for example, the upper and lower rolls 70u and 70d of the die cutter device 70 The encoder input shaft may be connected to the shaft end of one of the rolls 70u (70d), and the encoder may be driven and rotated by using the rotation operation of the roll 70u (70d) as a drive source. However, when the former servo motor is used as a drive source, a command signal is input to the amplifier of the servo motor from the controller CLm to control the entire operation. The command signal has a unit signal corresponding to a unit processing operation which is a processing operation for one napkin 1, for example. Therefore, the position of the servo motor is controlled based on this command signal, and as a result, the encoder repeatedly outputs the first unit signal for each unit processing operation as the first synchronization signal.

  In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the first unit signal related to the first synchronization signal and the second unit signal related to the second synchronization signal, the rotation angle signal composed of each rotation angle value of 0 ° to 360 ° is used. Although illustrated, it is not restricted to this at all. That is, the first and second unit signals may be digital signals each composed of a plurality of digital values. More specifically, the first and second unit signals may be configured by 8192 digital values from 0 to 8191. Further, each of the first and second unit signals may be a pulse signal composed of a plurality of pulses. In the case of a pulse signal, the amplifier 210a of the servo motor 210m of the second synchronization signal is the number of pulses of the first synchronization signal input and the number of pulses output from the encoder 210e included in the servo motor 210m. A counter that counts the deviation is provided, and the drive rotation of the servo motor 210m is controlled by the amplifier 210a so that the deviation is reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first unit signal and the second unit signal are the same type of signal. That is, since the first unit signal is a rotation angle signal composed of rotation angle values of 0 ° to 360 °, the second unit signal is also a rotation angle signal. The signal may be For example, when the first unit signal is a rotation angle signal or a pulse signal, the second unit signal may be a digital signal. When the first unit signal is a digital signal, the second unit signal is a rotation angle. It may be a signal or a pulse signal.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the napkin packaging line Lr, both the formation of the sealing portions 12as and 12as and the formation of the perforated portion 12ac are performed by the single device 150, but this is not a limitation. That is, the device for forming the sealing portions 12as and 12as and the device for forming the perforated portion 12ac may be divided into different devices.

  In the above-described embodiment, the separation device 160 has cut the perforated portion 12ac to be cut in the MD direction. However, the method for cutting the perforated portion 12ac is not limited to this, and for example, shearing may be used. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the sanitary napkin 1 is illustrated as an example of the absorbent article. However, the absorbent article is not limited to this as long as the article absorbs the excretion fluid of the wearer. For example, the absorbent article is a disposable diaper. There may be.

1 napkin (absorbent article), 1a semi-finished product,
1e outer edge part, 1s seal part, 1w wing part,
2 surface sheet, 2a continuous sheet of surface sheet, 2t embossed groove,
3 absorber, 3a continuum of absorber, 3ae downstream end,
3p pulp fiber, 3pa pulp fiber continuum,
3t tissue paper, 3ta tissue paper continuous sheet,
3tae end, 3tr tissue paper roll,
4 Back sheet, 4a Continuous sheet of back sheet,
11 packaged goods, 11a connection goods, 11aa continuum,
12 packaging sheet, 12a packaging sheet,
12aa Continuous sheet of packaging sheet,
12ar sheet roll,
12 aab part, 12 aae end, 12 ab part, 12 ae end,
12ac perforated part, 12as sealing part,
22 stacking drum device, 24 folding guide plate,
26 Absorber cutter device (manufacturing device),
26u upper roll (cutter roll), 26d lower roll (anvil roll),
28 belt conveyor,
30 supply rolls,
40 Embossing device (manufacturing device), 40u upper roll, 40d lower roll,
50 supply rolls,
60 round seal processing device (manufacturing device), 60u upper roll, 60d lower roll,
70 Die cutter device (manufacturing device),
70u upper roll (cutter roll), 70d lower roll (anvil roll),
82 belt conveyor, 82u upper endless belt, 82d lower endless belt,
84 Suction belt conveyor, 84u endless belt,
86 Air injection device,
92 rotating drum device, 93 rotating drum, 94 holding pad,
96 delivery roll,
131 conveying rolls (packaging device), 134 wrapping guide plates,
140 heat sealing device, 142 heating section,
150 End seal part and perforated part forming device (packaging device),
151u upper roll, 151d lower roll,
152u upper processing part, 152d lower processing part,
153uc perforation blade, 153us convex part for sealing part,
153 dc receiving blade, 153 ds receiving part,
160 detaching device,
162 upstream nip roll mechanism,
162u upper nip roll, 162d lower nip roll,
164 Downstream nip roll mechanism,
164u upper nip roll, 164u lower nip roll,
210 second synchronization signal generator,
210m servo motor,
210a amplifier, 210a1 position comparator, 210a2 drive current calculator,
210e encoder, 210s changeover switch (switching mechanism),
220 encoder,
CV transport mechanism, CV2 transport mechanism (packaging device),
CLm controller, CLr controller,
La packaging product production line,
Lm napkin production line (production line), Lr napkin packaging line (packaging line),
C26 rotation axis, C40 rotation axis, C60 rotation axis, C70 rotation axis,
C92 rotation axis, C94 rotation axis,
C162 rotation axis,
S10 absorber formation process, S30 surface sheet supply process,
S40 Embossed groove processing step, S50 Back sheet supply step,
S60 round sealing process, S70 cutting process,
S80 defective product discharge process, S90 transfer mode change process,
S130 wrapping process, S140 center sealing process,
S150 end seal portion and perforated portion forming step, S160 separation step,
Tre discharge channel,
G3 gap, G6 gap, G151 gap,

Claims (8)

An apparatus for manufacturing a packaged product formed by packaging an absorbent article,
A plurality of manufacturing apparatuses that perform processing related to manufacture of the absorbent article by operating in synchronization with each other based on the first synchronization signal;
An encoder that outputs a second synchronization signal by being driven and rotated by a servo motor;
A plurality of packaging devices that perform processing related to packaging of the absorbent article by operating in synchronization with each other based on the second synchronization signal;
When the position of the servo motor is controlled using the input first synchronization signal as a command position, the encoder outputs a signal that is synchronized with the first synchronization signal as the second synchronization signal. An apparatus for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles. An apparatus for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles according to claim 1,
A switching mechanism for switching the servo motor between an operating state and a stopped state;
The apparatus for manufacturing a packaged product of absorbent articles, wherein the servo motor drives and rotates the encoder in the operating state, and the servo motor stops driving and rotating the encoder in the stopped state. An apparatus for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles according to claim 2,
An apparatus for manufacturing a packaged product of absorbent articles, wherein the switching mechanism is configured such that the stopped servo motor switches to an operating state after the plurality of manufacturing apparatuses in the stopped state are switched to an operating state. An apparatus for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The apparatus for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles, wherein the servo motor is not used for the operation of the manufacturing apparatus. An apparatus for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
As the first synchronization signal, a first unit signal is repeatedly output so as to correspond to each of the absorbent articles,
The plurality of manufacturing apparatuses each perform processing related to the manufacturing by performing a patterned unit processing operation for each of the first unit signals,
As the second synchronization signal, a second unit signal is repeatedly output so as to correspond to each of the packaged goods,
Each of the plurality of packaging devices performs a process related to the packaging by performing a predetermined patterned unit processing operation for each second unit signal, and the packaged product of an absorbent article, Manufacturing equipment. An apparatus for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles according to claim 5,
The said 2nd unit signal is a signal of the same kind as the said 1st unit signal, The manufacturing apparatus of the packaged goods of an absorbent article characterized by the above-mentioned. An apparatus for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The absorbent article is continuously conveyed across the plurality of packaging devices,
The method for manufacturing a packaged product of absorbent articles, wherein the packaging apparatus performs a process related to the packaging on the absorbent article that is continuously conveyed. A method for producing a packaged product obtained by packaging an absorbent article,
Performing a process related to the manufacture of the absorbent article by operating a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses in synchronization with each other based on the first synchronization signal;
Performing a process related to packaging of the absorbent article by operating a plurality of packaging devices in synchronization with each other based on the second synchronization signal;
Outputting a signal synchronized with the first synchronization signal from the encoder as the second synchronization signal by driving and rotating the encoder by a servo motor whose position is controlled by using the first synchronization signal as a command position; and A method for producing a package of absorbent articles, comprising:

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