JP6358683B1 - Sheet folding apparatus and method for manufacturing folded body - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a sheet folding apparatus and a method for manufacturing a folded body that can efficiently mass-produce folded bodies. A folded body manufacturing method includes a feeding step of feeding a flat sheet S1, a wave folding step of folding the flat sheet S1 at a wavy fold BL1, and a wave obtained by the wave folding step. A parallel folding step 16 of folding the folded sheet S2 at the parallel fold BL2. The wave folding step 14 includes a bending step 14A for bending a predetermined portion of the flat sheet S1, and a pressing step 14B for pressing the curved portion of the flat sheet S1. The parallel folding step 16 includes a bending step 16A for bending the wave folded sheet S2 at the set position of the parallel fold BL2, and a folding step 16B for folding the wave folded sheet S2 in a bent state. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet folding apparatus and a method for manufacturing a folded body.

  In modern times, very many documents are almost one size A4 size. However, since various information needs to be described, there is an increasing demand for documents that can be viewed in a large format, such as maps, blueprints, and manuals. The large format often requires folding after output for carrying and storage. Accordingly, there is an increasing demand for instruments that fold documents in a small size.

  Among the various folding structures, the folding structure called Miura folding (registered trademark) has unique properties such as unfolding / storing property, strength, and memory of the folds compared to the ordinary bellows folding structure (patented) Literatures 1-2).

JP 2008-284860 JP 2009-51620

  In order to make a folding structure called Miura folding (registered trademark), it is necessary to fold a sheet as a raw fabric with a wavy fold. However, even if the folding process is performed using a machine, there are problems such as a case where the folding process is not performed or the sheet is torn, and thus automation is difficult. For this reason, the folding structure cannot be produced efficiently and in large quantities, and there has been a limit to popularizing Miura folding with excellent characteristics in the market.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention intends to provide a sheet folding apparatus and a method for manufacturing the folded body, which can efficiently mass-produce the folded body.

The present invention provides a sheet, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, and an intermediate sheet between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion. And the wavy crease are defined to include both a crease position before the crease is provided on the sheet and a fold line provided on the sheet, and the intermediate sheet portion is defined by the wavy crease. The folding sheet folding device, wherein the wavy folds are a plurality of line segments connected in a zigzag shape, extend so as to intersect the transport direction, and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the transport direction, A one-side bending unit that bends the wavy fold of the intermediate sheet portion to one side; and a folding unit that folds the curved wavy fold; And gripping and feed capable upstream roller pair of the sheet portion, the the gripping and feed capable downstream roller pair of the second sheet portion, the upstream roller pair a second side with respect to the conveying path and A regulating plate disposed between the downstream roller pair and a control device for controlling each unit, wherein the control device forms the upstream drive roller and the downstream roller pair forming the upstream roller pair. The downstream drive roller is individually rotatable in forward and reverse directions, the restriction plate includes a ridge line protruding toward the conveyance path, and the control device includes the intermediate sheet portion including the wavy fold. , The upstream roller pair feeds the first sheet portion downstream in the transport direction, and the downstream roller pair feeds the second sheet portion upstream in the transport direction, And the ridgeline is Thereby regulating the curvature of the intermediate sheet portion to the serial other side, wherein said at while those prompting the curvature of the intermediate sheet portion to the side. Further, the present invention provides, among sheets, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, and between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion. When the intermediate sheet portion and the wavy fold are defined to include both a fold position before the fold is provided to the sheet and a fold line provided to the sheet, the intermediate sheet is defined by the wavy fold. A sheet folding device that folds a portion, wherein the wavy folds are formed by connecting a plurality of line segments in a zigzag shape, extend so as to intersect the transport direction, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction. A one-side bending unit that bends the wavy fold of the intermediate sheet portion to one side, and a folding unit that folds the curved wavy fold, and the one-side bending unit includes: An upstream clamp member capable of gripping the first sheet portion, a downstream clamp member capable of gripping the second sheet portion, the upstream clamp member on the other side with respect to the conveyance path, and A regulating plate arranged between the downstream clamp members, and a control device for controlling each unit, the regulating plate comprising a ridge line projecting toward the conveyance path, and the control device comprising the wavy shape Movement of at least one of the upstream clamp member and the downstream clamp member so that the relative distance between the upstream clamp member and the downstream clamp member is reduced so that the intermediate sheet portion including the fold is curved. And the ridge line restricts the bending of the intermediate sheet portion to the other side and promotes the bending of the intermediate sheet portion to the one side.

  The present invention provides a sheet, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, and an intermediate sheet between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion. And the wavy crease are defined to include both a crease position before the crease is provided on the sheet and a fold line provided on the sheet, and the intermediate sheet portion is defined by the wavy crease. The folding sheet folding device, wherein the wavy folds are a plurality of line segments connected in a zigzag shape, extend so as to intersect the transport direction, and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the transport direction, A one-side bending unit that bends the wavy fold of the intermediate sheet portion to one side, and a folding unit that folds the curved wavy fold, and the folding unit is curved A press unit that performs press processing on the crease fold, and the press unit forms the undulation fold with a first press pair disposed on both sides so as to sandwich the first line segment forming the undulation fold. A second press pair disposed on both sides so as to sandwich the second line segment, and the second press pair is adjacent to the first press pair with respect to the longitudinal direction of the wavy fold. The first press pair and the second press pair are arranged apart from each other so as to escape the bent portion of the wavy fold.

The present invention provides a sheet, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, and an intermediate sheet between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion. And a wavy fold is a sheet folding device that folds the intermediate sheet portion with the wavy fold when defined as a fold line provided on the sheet, wherein the wavy fold has a plurality of line segments. A one-side bending unit that is continuous in a zigzag shape, extends so as to intersect the conveyance direction, and is arranged at a predetermined interval in the conveyance direction, and curves the wavy fold of the intermediate sheet portion to one side. And a folding unit that folds at the curved wavy fold, and the one-side bending unit includes an upstream roller pair capable of gripping and feeding the first sheet portion, and the second sheet. And provided a regulating plate between the between the gripping and feed capable downstream rollers, the upstream roller pair a second side with respect to the transport path and a downstream roller pair, control for controlling the respective units The control device is capable of individually rotating the upstream drive roller forming the upstream roller pair and the downstream drive roller forming the downstream roller pair in forward and reverse directions, The restriction plate includes a ridge line protruding toward the conveyance path, and the control device conveys the first sheet portion by the upstream roller pair so that the intermediate sheet portion including the wavy fold is curved. The second sheet portion is fed to the upstream side in the conveying direction by the downstream roller pair, and the ridge line regulates the bending of the intermediate sheet portion to the other side. And said one side And the folding unit has a first curve in which the wavy fold is curved through the control of the upstream roller pair and the downstream roller pair by the control device. The state is alternately switched between a state and a second curved state in which the wavy fold is curved larger than the first curved state. Further, the present invention provides, among sheets, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, and between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion. The intermediate sheet portion and the wavy fold are a fold line provided on the sheet, and a sheet folding device that folds the intermediate sheet portion at the wavy fold when defined, wherein the wavy fold is a plurality of lines. One side where the minutes extend in a zigzag shape, extend so as to intersect the conveyance direction and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the conveyance direction, and bend the wavy fold of the intermediate sheet portion to one side A bending unit, and a folding unit that folds at the curved wavy fold. The one-side bending unit includes an upstream clamp member capable of gripping the first sheet portion, and the second sheet. Gripping the downstream clamp member capable of parts, a regulating plate disposed between a second side with respect to the transport path the upstream clamp member and the downstream-side clamp member, the control device that controls each unit The control plate includes a ridge line projecting toward the conveyance path, and the control device includes the upstream clamp member and the downstream side so that the intermediate sheet portion including the wavy fold is curved. At least one of the upstream clamp member and the downstream clamp member is moved so that the relative distance to the side clamp member is small, and the ridge line regulates the curvature of the intermediate sheet portion to the other side. And urging the intermediate sheet portion to the one side, and the folding unit includes the upstream clamp member and the downstream clamp member by the control device. The control is alternately switched between a first curved state in which the wavy fold is curved and a second curved state in which the wavy fold is curved larger than the first curved state. To do.

The present invention provides a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveyance direction, and a first sheet portion between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion. When the intermediate sheet portion and the wavy fold are defined to include both a fold position before the fold is provided to the sheet and a fold line provided to the sheet, respectively, the sheet is applied to the wavy fold. A method of manufacturing a folded body that is folded, wherein the wavy folds are formed by a plurality of line segments connected in a zigzag shape, extend so as to intersect the transport direction, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction. A one-side bending step for bending the first intermediate sheet portion to one side, and a one-side folding step for folding at the wavy fold curved to the one side, the one-side bay In the step, the first intermediate sheet portion is opposed to the other side regulating plate arranged on the other side with respect to the sheet conveyance path, and the second sheet portion is conveyed upstream and the first sheet is conveyed. The sheet portion is conveyed to the downstream side, and the other side regulation plate includes the other side ridge line that protrudes toward the conveyance path, and the other side ridge line of the first intermediate sheet portion to the other side. While curving, the first intermediate sheet portion is urged to bend toward the one side. In the one-side folding step, a press unit disposed on one side with respect to the sheet conveyance path is And pressing the wavy crease of the first intermediate sheet portion curved to one side. Further, the present invention provides, among sheets, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, and between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion. The first intermediate sheet portion and the wavy fold are a fold line provided in the sheet, and a method of manufacturing a folded body in which the sheet is folded by the wavy fold when defined, wherein the wavy fold is The plurality of line segments are arranged in a zigzag shape, extend so as to intersect the transport direction, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and bend the first intermediate sheet portion to one side. A one-side bending step and a one-side folding step that folds at the wavy fold curved to the one side, and the one-side bending step is arranged on the other side with reference to the sheet conveyance path. In the state where the first intermediate sheet portion is opposed to the other side regulation plate, the second sheet portion is conveyed upstream and the first sheet portion is conveyed downstream, and the other side regulation plate is comprises other side ridge protruding toward the conveyance path, the other side edge line, as well as to regulate the bending of the first intermediate sheet portion to the other side, the first intermediate sheet portion to the one side In the one-side folding step, the first curved state of the first intermediate sheet portion is curved, and the wavy fold is curved more than the first curved state. Switching between the second bending state and the second bending state is performed.

  According to the present invention, the folded body can be mass-produced efficiently.

(A) is a top view which shows the outline | summary of a folding structure, (B) is a top view which shows the outline | summary of a folding body. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the manufacturing method of a folding body. (A) is a plan view showing an outline of a flat sheet, and (B) is a sectional view taken along the line IIIa-IIIa ′ showing an outline of the flat sheet. It is a perspective view which shows the outline | summary of a wave folding sheet | seat. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the manufacturing equipment of folding structure. (A) is a side view which shows a bending unit and a press unit, (B) is a top view which shows a bending unit and a press unit. (A) is a side view which shows a bending unit and a press unit, (B) is a top view which shows a bending unit and a press unit. (C) is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the flat sheet in which the press trace was formed by the press process. (A)-(I) are side views which show a bending unit and a press unit. (A)-(D) are side views which show a bending unit. (A)-(B) are side views which show a folding unit. (A)-(B) are side views which show a folding unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of a bending process. (A)-(D) are side views which show another embodiment of a bending unit. (A)-(C) are sectional drawings which show another embodiment of a temporary accommodation unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a folding structure 2 called Miura folding (registered trademark) includes a sheet S, a wavy fold BL1 formed on the sheet S, a parallel fold BL2 formed on the sheet S, Is provided. The wavy fold BL1 extends in the vertical direction, and the parallel fold BL2 extends in the horizontal direction. The wavy crease BL1 and the parallel crease BL2 intersect each other. When the sheet S is alternately folded and folded at the wavy fold BL1, and then alternately folded and folded at the parallel fold BL2, the sheet S can be folded compactly (see FIG. 1B). A foldable body 4 shown in FIG. 1B is a foldable structure 2 that is folded at a wavy fold BL1 or a parallel fold BL2. Since such a foldable body 4 has a special fold structure 2 such as Miura fold (registered trademark), it exhibits excellent characteristics in unfolding / storing property, strength, fold memory, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the folded body manufacturing method 10 includes at least a feeding step 12 for feeding the flat sheet S1, a wave folding step 14 for folding the flat sheet S1 at the wavy fold BL1, and a wave folding step 14. A parallel folding step 16 of folding the wave folded sheet S2 obtained by the above process at the parallel fold BL2.

  The flat sheet S1 may be any of paper, plastic and metal.

  The wave folding step 14 includes a bending step 14A for bending a predetermined portion of the flat sheet S1, and a pressing step 14B for pressing the curved portion of the flat sheet S1. By the wave folding step 14, the wave folded sheet S2 (see FIG. 4) can be obtained from the flat sheet S1 (see FIG. 3). The flat sheet S1 shown in FIG. 3 has a flat sheet body S11, a plurality of wavy folds BL1 formed in the sheet body S11, and a plurality of parallel folds BL2. The wavy folds BL1 and the parallel folds BL2 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the sheet body S11. The wavy fold BL1 here has a zigzag shape, but the bending angle and the interval between the bending positions are predetermined. The wavy folds BL1 and the parallel folds BL2 can be formed on the flat sheet S1 by a predetermined pressing process.

  The corrugated sheet S2 shown in FIG. 4 is formed by alternately folding valley folds and mountain folds at a plurality of corrugated folds BL1 in the flat sheet S1.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the parallel folding step 16 includes a bending step 16A for bending the corrugated sheet S2 at the setting position of the parallel fold BL2, and a folding step 16B for folding the corrugated sheet S2 in a bent state. The setting position of the parallel fold BL2 is set to be a predetermined pitch. By the parallel folding step 16, the folded body 4 (see FIG. 1) can be obtained from the wave folded sheet S2 (see FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the folding structure manufacturing equipment 20 includes a delivery unit 30 in which a delivery process 12 is performed, a bending unit 40 in which a bending process 14A is performed, a press unit 50 in which a pressing process 14B is performed, and a bending process. The bending unit 60 in which 16A is performed, the folding unit 70 in which the folding process 16B is performed, the housing unit 80 that houses the folding structure 2 obtained by the folding unit 70, and the individual parts of the units 30 to 80 are individually controlled. And a control unit 90.

  The delivery unit 30 includes a case 31 in which the flat sheet S1 is accommodated in a stacked state, a suction cup 32 movable in each of three directions of the feed direction X, the width direction Y, and the height direction Z, and an exhaust connected to the suction cup 32. A pump (not shown) and a conveyance roller 35 for feeding the flat sheet S1 to the bending unit 40 are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the bending unit 40 includes a driving roller 41, a driven roller 42, a motor (not shown) that drives the driving roller 41, and a temporary storage unit 44 that temporarily stores the corrugated sheet S <b> 2. Prepare. The control unit 90 controls the drive roller 41 through motor control. The drive rollers 41 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the feed direction X. The driven roller 42 is disposed so as to face the driving roller 41. The pair of driving roller 41 and driven roller 42 can be conveyed in a predetermined direction while gripping the flat sheet S1. In the manufacturing apparatus 20 having a folding structure shown in the figure, three pairs of roller pairs including a driving roller 41 and a driven roller 42 are arranged at a predetermined pitch. Thus, the conveyance path R1 for the flat sheet S1 is formed in the bending unit 40 by the two pairs of rollers. The conveyance path R <b> 1 extends to the temporary storage unit 44.

  Here, when it is desired to feed the flat sheet S1 in the feeding direction X, the three driving rollers 41 may be rotated (normally rotated) in the same direction (see FIGS. 8A and 8I). Here, when the rotation direction of the drive roller 41 on the most downstream side among the three drive rollers 41 is rotated (reversed) in the reverse direction, the flat sheet S1 is moved to the drive roller 41 in the middle and the drive roller 41 on the most downstream side. In the clearance CL2 (see FIGS. 6 and 8B). On the other hand, when the flat sheet S1 is to be sent to the opposite side of the feeding direction X (when it is desired to return), the three driving rollers 41 may be reversed. Here, when the rotation direction of the drive roller 41 on the most upstream side among the three drive rollers 41 is rotated in the normal direction, the flat sheet S1 is in the gap CL1 between the drive roller 41 on the most upstream side and the drive roller 41 in the middle. And curved upward (see FIG. 8F).

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the press unit 50 is disposed between the roller pair including the driving roller 41 and the driven roller 42 in the feeding direction X. When three pairs of rollers are provided, the press unit 50 is disposed at a position higher than the transport path R1 in the upstream gap CL1, and the lower gap CL2 is positioned at a position lower than the transport path R1. A press unit 50 is arranged. Thus, a gap K1 is formed from each roller pair to the press unit 50 to such an extent that the flat sheet S1 can be bent (see FIG. 6). The press unit 50 may be disposed at a position lower than the transport path R1 in the gap CL1, and the press unit 50 may be disposed at a position higher than the transport path R1 in the gap CL2.

  The press unit 50 has a press pair 51 that can be freely opened and closed. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, the press pair 51 includes a pair of pressing tools arranged in the feed direction X, and is arranged at a predetermined pitch in the width direction Y of the transport path R1. The pitch is preferably set such that the press surface 51F of the press pair 51 escapes from the bent portion T1 (see FIG. 1) of the wavy fold BL1. Moreover, it is preferable that the press surface 51F respond | corresponds to the center part of line segment L1 (refer FIG. 1) of wavy fold BL1. For this reason, the press marks PK1 forming the wavy fold line BL1 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the width direction Y as shown in FIG.

  The press surface 51F is inclined with respect to the width direction Y. Furthermore, regarding the press pair 51 adjacent in the width direction Y, each press surface 51F has faced the alternate direction. Thus, the wavy fold BL1 can be formed using the press pair 51. Further, since the press surface 51F of the press pair 51 escapes from the bent portion T1 (see FIG. 1) of the wavy fold BL1, the flat sheet S1 can be prevented from being creased, wrinkled or torn during the operation of the press pair 51. Therefore, it is preferable to prepare the number of press pairs 51 in the width direction Y by the number of line segments L1 (see FIG. 1) forming the wavy crease BL1.

  It is preferable that the bending unit 40 further includes a restriction plate 47. The regulating plate 47 regulates the direction in which the flat sheet S1 is bent, and is arranged in each of the gap CL1 and the gap CL2. The restriction plate 47 is formed in a plate shape and extends in the width direction Y. The restriction plate 47 preferably has a protruding ridge line 47T in the middle of the feed direction X. The protruding ridge line 47T protrudes toward the transport path R1 and extends in the width direction Y.

  The restriction plate 47 disposed in the gap CL1 is disposed so as to face the press unit 50 via the transport path R1. Similarly, the regulating plate 47 disposed in the gap CL2 is disposed so as to face the press unit 50 via the transport path R1. The restriction plate 47 suppresses the flat sheet S1 from being bent toward the restriction plate 47 with reference to the conveyance path R1. According to the restriction plate 47, when the flat sheet S1 is to be bent, it is possible to promote the bending toward the press unit 50 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the bending unit 60 conveys the wave folded sheet S2 to the folding unit 70 and performs the bending step 16A, and is a main support bar that touches one surface of the wave folded sheet S2. 61, a main drive unit 62 that drives the main support bar 61, a slave support 63 that touches the other surface of the corrugated sheet S2, and a slave drive unit 64 that drives the slave support 63.

  The main support bar 61 touches the valley fold line of the parallel fold line BL2. The sub support tool 63 includes a left support bar and a right support bar. In the width direction Y, the left support bar is arranged so as to escape to the left as viewed from the valley fold line. The right support bar is arranged so as to escape to the right side in the width direction Y when viewed from the valley fold line. By means of the main drive unit 62 and the slave drive unit 64, the main support bar 61 is movable between the left support bar and the right support bar of the slave support 63. The main support bar 61, the left side support bar, and the right side support bar are all formed in a cylindrical shape. The shapes of the main support bar 61, the left support bar, and the right support bar do not have to be cylindrical, but the portion that touches the corrugated sheet S2 is preferably a convex curved surface. A pair of the main support bar 61 and the sub support tool 63 is preferably provided for each valley fold line of the parallel fold line BL2.

  The main drive unit 62 makes the main support rod 61 movable in three axis directions (for example, the feed direction X, the width direction Y, and the height direction Z). Similarly, the slave drive unit 64 allows the slave support 63 to move in three axis directions (for example, the feed direction X, the width direction Y, and the height direction Z). With the main drive unit 62 and the slave drive unit 64, the pair of the main support bar 61 and the slave support 63 sandwiches the folded sheet S2 (see FIGS. 9A to 9C) and the sandwiched state. While maintaining, the conveyance state which conveys to the mounting stage 71 (refer FIG. 5) of the folding unit 70, and the bending state bent by the valley fold line of the parallel fold line BL2 in the mounting stage 71 (FIG. 9D). Switching) and a retracted state away from the wave folded sheet S2.

  It is preferable that the portion of the main support bar 61 that touches the corrugated sheet S2 intersects the portion of the sub-support 63 that touches the corrugated sheet S2. In particular, the distance CLx between the main support bar 61 and the sub support tool 63 (see FIG. 5) from the side closer to the mounting stage 71 (ie, the lower side) of the folding unit 70 toward the far side (ie, the upper side). ) Is preferably large. As a result, when the corrugated sheet S2 is folded using the main support bar 61 and the sub-supporting tool 63, the tension caused by the folding can be released upward, so that curling, wrinkling and tearing of the corrugated sheet S2 are suppressed. The folding step 16B can be performed smoothly. In FIG. 5, the portion of the main support bar 61 that touches the wavy sheet S <b> 2 is oblique to the height direction Z, and the portion of the sub-support 63 that touches the wavy sheet S <b> 2 is in the height direction. Parallel to Z. Note that the portion of the secondary support 63 that touches the corrugated sheet S2 may be oblique to the height direction Z.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the folding unit 70 has both a work stage for the placing stage 71 having a work area for placing the wave folding sheet S2 and the wave folding sheet S2 placed in the work. A press block 72 sandwiched from the outside and a bending structure 75 for bending the wave folded sheet S2 placed in the work are provided.

  The press blocks 72 are arranged in pairs on the mounting stage 71. The pair of press blocks 72 can be moved to predetermined positions in the width direction Y by the control unit 90.

  The bending structure 75 is arranged on the upper portion of the press block 72 and extends in the XY plane, a support arm 75B extending downward from the tip of the rotation arm 75A, and a pressing plate disposed in the X direction. 75D. The pivot arm 75A is pivotable about a pivot axis AX1 extending in the height direction Z. The pressing plate 75D is movable in the feed direction X and the width direction Y. By the control unit 90, the support rod 75B is rotated about the rotation axis AX1, and the pressing plate 75D is movable to a predetermined position in the feed direction X and the width direction Y.

  The accommodation unit 80 accommodates the folding body 4 obtained by the folding unit 70, and is an opening / closing door 81 formed in the opening of the work area of the placement stage 71 and an internal space of the placement stage 71. And a storage space 82 communicating with the external space via the opening / closing door 81. The open / close door 81 may be omitted.

  Next, the manufacturing method 10 of the folding body in the manufacturing equipment 20 of folding structure is demonstrated.

(Sending process)
As shown in FIG. 5, the delivery unit 30 places the suction cup 32 on the flat sheet S1 at the uppermost position among the flat sheets S1 in the laminated state. When the exhaust pump is driven in this state, the suction cup 32 sucks the uppermost flat sheet S1 and conveys it to the conveying roller 35. Thereafter, the suction by the suction cup 32 is released by setting the pressure of the suction cup 32 to atmospheric pressure, and the flat sheet S <b> 1 is placed on the conveyance roller 35. The conveying roller 35 sends the flat sheet S1 to the bending unit 40.

(Curving process and pressing process)
When the three drive rollers 41 are rotated in the same direction (forward rotation) in the bending unit 40, the flat sheet S1 is fed in the feeding direction X (see FIG. 8A). When the valley fold position of the wavy fold BL1 is located in the gap CL2, the two upstream drive rollers 41 are rotated in the forward direction and the most downstream drive roller 41 is rotated in the reverse direction (see FIG. 8B). As a result, the portion of the flat sheet S1 that is located in the gap CL2 is curved downward by the regulating plate 47 from the transport path R1. When the curved portion of the flat sheet S1 reaches the press area of the press unit 50, the press pair 51 is closed (see FIG. 8C). Thereby, the flat sheet S1 is folded at the valley fold line of the wavy fold BL1. Thereafter, when the press pair 51 is opened and the rotation direction method of the three drive rollers 41 is changed, the flat sheet S1 is stretched back and forth in the feed direction X, and the curved state is released (FIGS. 8D to 8D). E)).

  Next, the three driving rollers 41 are rotated in a predetermined direction so that the mountain fold position of the wavy fold line BL1 reaches the gap CL1. One drive roller 41 on the most upstream side is rotated forward and two drive rollers 41 on the downstream side are rotated reversely (see FIG. 8F). As a result, the portion of the flat sheet S1 positioned in the gap CL1 is curved upward by the regulating plate 47 above the transport path R1. When the curved portion of the flat sheet S1 reaches the press area of the press unit 50, the press pair 51 is closed (see FIG. 8G). In the pressing step, it is preferable that the wavy fold BL1 is located at the curved portion. Thereby, the flat sheet S1 is folded at the mountain fold line of the wavy fold BL1. Thereafter, when the press pair 51 is opened and the rotation direction of the three drive rollers 41 is changed, the flat sheet S1 is stretched back and forth in the feed direction X, and the curved state is released (FIGS. 8H to 8I). reference).

  In this way, the wave folding sheet S2 can be obtained by alternately performing the valley folding operation and the mountain folding operation in the bending unit 40. Here, the mountain folding operation is performed after the valley folding operation, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the valley folding operation may be performed after the mountain folding operation.

  Here, when the flat sheet S1 is folded using the press unit 50, both ends of the curved portion are gripped by the driving roller 41 and the driven roller 42, and the intermediate portion thereof is not restricted by other members. Curved in a free state. That is, the curved portion can be deformed in the feed direction X. Since the press processing is performed on the curved portion in such a state, the flat sheet S1 is less likely to be creased, wrinkled or torn. Similarly, since the press units 50 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the width direction Y, the curved portion is deformable in the width direction Y. Since the press processing is performed on the curved portion in such a state, the flat sheet S1 is less likely to be creased, wrinkled or torn.

(Bending process)
In the bending unit 60, the pair of the main support bar 61 and the sub support tool 63 sandwich the corrugated sheet S 2 by the main drive unit 62 and the sub drive unit 64 (see FIG. 9). Here, since the press surface 51F of the press pair 51 escapes from the intersection T1 (see FIG. 1) of the wavy fold BL1, an unpressed portion remains in the set portion of the wavy fold BL1. At this time, it is preferable that the main support bar 61 touches the unpressed portion. Thereby, the bending process 16A can be smoothly performed while suppressing curling, wrinkling, and tearing of the folded sheet S2.

  In addition, it is preferable that the corrugated sheet S2 sandwiched between the pair of the main support bar 61 and the sub support tool 63 is in a bent zigzag state at the set position of the parallel fold BL2. Thereby, the folding process 16B by the pinching structure 72 can be smoothly performed while suppressing curling, wrinkling, and tearing of the wave folded sheet S2.

(Folding process)
Next, the main drive unit 62 and the sub drive unit 64 convey the pair of the main support bar 61 and the sub support tool 63 to the mounting stage 71. The pressing plate 75D is pressed from both sides in the feed direction X toward the valley fold line of the parallel fold BL2. Thus, the wave folded sheet S2 is bent in a zigzag shape. Thereafter, bending of the valley fold line proceeds in the wave folding sheet S2 by the rotation of the rotating arm 75A and the pressing by the pressing plate 75D to the wave folding sheet S2 (see FIG. 10B). When the folding at the valley fold line of the wave folding sheet S2 is sufficiently performed (see FIG. 11A), the pressing by the block 72A is performed. Then, after the sandwiching of the corrugated sheet S2 by the press block 72A starts, the pressing plate 75D is separated from the corrugated sheet S2 and the pressing is released (see FIG. 11B). Thereafter, the fold-fold sheet S2 is alternately subjected to the mountain fold and the valley fold in the parallel fold BL2 by pressing by the press block 72A (see FIG. 11C). Thus, the folded body 4 (see FIG. 1) can be obtained.

  Thus, according to this invention, the folding body 4 can be mass-produced efficiently. Further, in the manufacturing process, the flat sheet S1 and the corrugated sheet S2 are less likely to be slipped, wrinkled or torn.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the pressing plate 75D, the pressing side 75H pressed against the wave folded sheet S2 is preferably inclined with respect to the height direction Z. That is, it is preferable that the angle θ2 of the pressing side 75H with respect to the XY plane is an acute angle. As a result, the wave folding sheet S2 can be pressed gradually from below to above, that is, the wave folding sheet S2 can be gradually bent from below to above. In addition, a guide protrusion 75G is preferably provided above the pressing portion 75H. The guide projection 75G makes it difficult for the corrugated sheet S2 to float upward due to the pressing operation by the pressing plate 75D.

  In the said embodiment, although the folding body 4 was manufactured using the flat sheet S1 with the wavy fold BL1 and the parallel fold BL2, this invention is not limited to this, You may make from the flat sheet S1 without the wavy fold BL1. In this case, alignment in the feed direction X and press work may be performed with respect to the set position of the wavy fold BL1 instead of the wavy fold BL1.

  In the above-described embodiment, the regulation plate 47 continuous in the width direction Y is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. A regulating plate 47 arranged at a predetermined pitch in the width direction Y may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the flat sheet S1 is bent using the bending unit 40 including the driving roller 41 and the driven roller 42. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined position in the flat sheet S1 is set. The flat sheet S1 may be curved using a clamp member that clamps and an LM guide that can move the clamp member in the feed direction X.

  In the said embodiment, although the press process 14B was performed using the press unit 50 which has the press pair 51 which can be opened and closed freely, this invention is not limited to this. A vibration process may be performed instead of the pressing process 14B. In the vibration process, as shown in FIG. 12, between the state where the bending at the bending portion W1 is weak (see FIG. 12A) and the state where the bending at the bending portion W1 is strong (see FIG. 12B). The flat sheet S1 is alternately switched. By performing this switching a predetermined number of times, the curved portion W1 can be stiff and bend easily. The curved portion W1 is preferably a wavy fold BL1.

  In the above embodiment, the bending unit 60 including the main support bar 61, the sub support tool 63, and the sub drive unit 64 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sub support tool 63, the sub side, The drive unit 64 may be omitted. In this case, with respect to an arbitrary main support bar 61, the main support bar 61 located next to the main support bar 61 also functions as a secondary support tool 63 (FIG. 13).

  By the way, the corrugated sheet S2 obtained by alternately performing the mountain fold and the valley fold at the corrugated fold BL1 is provisionally accommodated by the provisional accommodation unit 44. However, in the temporary storage unit 44, the folded state BL1 on the upstream side of the corrugated sheet S2 cannot be maintained and may be opened (see FIG. 14A). In the folded sheet S2 in this state, the conveyance by the bending unit 60 becomes difficult. Therefore, in order to create a state where the upstream wavy fold BL1 is folded (see FIG. 14C), the temporary storage unit 44 includes a downstream end protruding portion 44T protruding from the downstream end portion of the mounting surface 44S, and a downstream end. It is preferable to include a recess 44K formed on the placement surface 44S upstream of the end projecting portion 44T, an arm 44A disposed in the recess 44K, and a rotation shaft 44X of the arm 44A. The rotation angle θA of the arm 44A may be less than 90 °, or 90 ° or more (for example, 120 °). The control unit 90 is driven between the accommodation state (FIGS. 14A and 14C) accommodated in the recess 44K and the projection state protruding from the recess 44K (FIG. 14B) by driving the rotation shaft 44X. The arm 44A can be switched between. When the arm 44A is switched from the housed state to the projecting state, the corrugated sheet S2 tends to move downstream while the upstream corrugated fold BL1 is in the valley folded state. As a result of the movement of the downstream side of the wave folding sheet S2 being restricted by the downstream end protruding portion 44T, the wave folding sheet S2 is sandwiched between the downstream end protruding portion 44T and the arm 44A in the accommodated state. In this way, it is possible to create a valley folded state of the upstream wavy fold BL1. The protruding state of the arm 44 </ b> A may be maintained until the bending unit 60 performs conveyance. Of course, if the arm 44 is once in the protruding state (FIG. 14B) and the upstream wavy crease BL1 can be maintained in the folded state (FIG. 14C), the conveyance by the bending unit 60 is performed. Prior to being performed, the arm 44A may be returned from the protruding state to the stowed state.

  The present invention is a pre-folding device that pre-folds the sheet at a cross fold intersecting the mountain fold or the valley fold with respect to a sheet in which a mountain fold and a valley fold are alternately arranged. And a second support member that supports the sheet from a second side opposite to the first side from the first side with respect to the first side. And a support member moving unit that performs relative movement between the first support member and the second support member, and the second support member is on the left side of the first support member in the seat. And a right support member that supports the right side of the seat from the first support member, and the support member moving unit is supported by the left support member and the right support member. The With respect to the sheet, characterized in that pressing the said first support member. In addition, it is preferable that the first support member is pressed against the sheet at the intersection of the mountain fold or the valley fold among the setting positions of the intersection fold. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first support member is inclined with respect to the placement surface on which the sheet is placed.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

2 Folding structure 4 Folding body 10 Folding body manufacturing method 12 Sending process 14 Wave folding process 14A Bending process 14B Pressing process 16 Parallel folding process 16A Bending process 16B Folding process 20 Folding structure manufacturing equipment 30 Sending unit 31 Case 32 Suction cup 35 Transport Roller 40 Bending unit 41 Drive roller 42 Driven roller 44 Temporary storage unit 47 Guide plate 47T Projecting ridge line 50 Press unit 51 Press pair 51F Press surface 60 Bending unit 61 Main support rod 62 Main drive unit 63 Sub support 64 Sub drive unit 70 folding unit 71 mounting stage 72 sandwiching structure 80 storage unit 81 opening / closing door 82 storage space 90 control unit

Claims (13)

Of the sheets, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, an intermediate sheet portion between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion, and a wavy shape A sheet folding device that folds the intermediate sheet portion at the wavy fold when each fold is defined as including both a fold position before the fold is provided on the sheet and a fold line provided on the sheet Because
The wavy fold line is formed by connecting a plurality of line segments in a zigzag shape, extends so as to intersect the transport direction, and is arranged at a predetermined interval in the transport direction,
A one-side bending unit that curves the wavy fold of the intermediate sheet portion to one side;
A folding unit that folds at the curved wavy fold,
The one-side bending unit is
An upstream roller pair capable of gripping and feeding the first sheet portion;
A downstream roller pair capable of gripping and feeding the second sheet portion;
A regulating plate disposed on the other side with respect to the conveying path and disposed between the upstream roller pair and the downstream roller pair;
A control device for controlling each unit,
The control device is capable of individually rotating the upstream drive roller forming the upstream roller pair and the downstream drive roller forming the downstream roller pair in forward and reverse directions,
The restriction plate includes a ridge line protruding toward the conveyance path,
The control device feeds the first sheet portion to the downstream side in the conveyance direction by the upstream roller pair and the first roller pair by the downstream roller pair so that the intermediate sheet portion including the wavy fold is curved. And feeding the two sheet part to the upstream side in the conveying direction,
The sheet folding device according to claim 1, wherein the ridge line restricts the bending of the intermediate sheet portion toward the other side and promotes the bending of the intermediate sheet portion toward the one side. Of the sheets, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, an intermediate sheet portion between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion, and a wavy shape A sheet folding device that folds the intermediate sheet portion at the wavy fold when each fold is defined as including both a fold position before the fold is provided on the sheet and a fold line provided on the sheet Because
The wavy fold line is formed by connecting a plurality of line segments in a zigzag shape, extends so as to intersect the transport direction, and is arranged at a predetermined interval in the transport direction,
A one-side bending unit that curves the wavy fold of the intermediate sheet portion to one side;
A folding unit that folds at the curved wavy fold,
The one-side bending unit is
An upstream clamp member capable of gripping the first sheet portion;
A downstream clamp member capable of gripping the second sheet portion;
A restricting plate disposed on the other side with respect to the conveyance path and between the upstream clamp member and the downstream clamp member;
A control device for controlling each unit,
The restriction plate includes a ridge line protruding toward the conveyance path,
The control device includes the upstream clamp member and the downstream side so that a relative distance between the upstream clamp member and the downstream clamp member is reduced so that the intermediate sheet portion including the wavy fold is curved. Move at least one of the clamp members,
The sheet folding device according to claim 1, wherein the ridge line restricts the bending of the intermediate sheet portion toward the other side and promotes the bending of the intermediate sheet portion toward the one side. The folding unit includes a press unit that performs press processing on the curved wavy crease,
The press unit is
A first press pair disposed on both sides so as to sandwich the first line segment forming the wavy fold;
A second press pair disposed on both sides so as to sandwich the second line segment forming the wavy fold,
The second press pair is arranged next to the first press pair with respect to the longitudinal direction of the wavy fold,
3. The sheet folding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first press pair and the second press pair are arranged apart from each other so as to escape the bent portion of the wavy fold. Of the sheets, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, an intermediate sheet portion between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion, and a wavy shape A sheet folding device that folds the intermediate sheet portion at the wavy fold when each fold is defined as including both a fold position before the fold is provided on the sheet and a fold line provided on the sheet Because
The wavy fold line is formed by connecting a plurality of line segments in a zigzag shape, extends so as to intersect the transport direction, and is arranged at a predetermined interval in the transport direction,
A one-side bending unit that curves the wavy fold of the intermediate sheet portion to one side;
A folding unit that folds at the curved wavy fold,
The folding unit includes a press unit that performs press processing on the curved wavy crease,
The press unit is
A first press pair disposed on both sides so as to sandwich the first line segment forming the wavy fold;
A second press pair disposed on both sides so as to sandwich the second line segment forming the wavy fold,
The second press pair is arranged next to the first press pair with respect to the longitudinal direction of the wavy fold,
The sheet folding apparatus, wherein the first press pair and the second press pair are arranged apart from each other so as to escape the bent portion of the wavy fold. When the parallel crease is defined as including both the crease position before the crease is provided on the sheet and the fold line provided on the sheet,
The parallel folds are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the wavy folds and pass through the bent portions of the wavy folds ,
A main support member that touches the valley fold line of the parallel fold;
A secondary support member disposed on both sides of the main support member in the longitudinal direction of the wavy fold and touching the sheet from the opposite side of the main support member,
5. The sheet folding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the main support member and the secondary support member are relatively movable so as to sandwich the valley fold line portion of the sheet. Of the sheets, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, an intermediate sheet portion between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion, and a wavy shape The fold line is a sheet folding device that folds the intermediate sheet portion at the wavy fold line when defined as a fold line provided on the sheet,
The wavy fold line is formed by connecting a plurality of line segments in a zigzag shape, extends so as to intersect the transport direction, and is arranged at a predetermined interval in the transport direction,
A one-side bending unit that curves the wavy fold of the intermediate sheet portion to one side;
A folding unit that folds at the curved wavy fold,
The one-side bending unit is
An upstream roller pair capable of gripping and feeding the first sheet portion;
A downstream roller pair capable of gripping and feeding the second sheet portion;
A regulating plate disposed on the other side with respect to the conveying path and disposed between the upstream roller pair and the downstream roller pair;
A control device for controlling each unit,
The control device is capable of individually rotating the upstream drive roller forming the upstream roller pair and the downstream drive roller forming the downstream roller pair in forward and reverse directions,
The restriction plate includes a ridge line protruding toward the conveyance path,
The control device feeds the first sheet portion to the downstream side in the conveyance direction by the upstream roller pair and the first roller pair by the downstream roller pair so that the intermediate sheet portion including the wavy fold is curved. And feeding the two sheet part to the upstream side in the conveying direction,
The ridge line regulates the bending of the intermediate sheet portion to the other side and promotes the bending of the intermediate sheet portion to the one side,
The folding unit includes a first curved state in which the wavy fold is curved and a wavy fold in the first curved state through control of the upstream roller pair and the downstream roller pair by the control device. A sheet folding apparatus, wherein the sheet folding apparatus is alternately switched between a second curved state that is also greatly curved. Of the sheets, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, an intermediate sheet portion between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion, and a wavy shape The fold line is a sheet folding device that folds the intermediate sheet portion at the wavy fold line when defined as a fold line provided on the sheet,
The wavy fold line is formed by connecting a plurality of line segments in a zigzag shape, extends so as to intersect the transport direction, and is arranged at a predetermined interval in the transport direction,
A one-side bending unit that curves the wavy fold of the intermediate sheet portion to one side;
A folding unit that folds at the curved wavy fold,
The one-side bending unit is
An upstream clamp member capable of gripping the first sheet portion;
A downstream clamp member capable of gripping the second sheet portion;
A restricting plate disposed on the other side with respect to the conveyance path and between the upstream clamp member and the downstream clamp member;
A control device for controlling each unit,
The restriction plate includes a ridge line protruding toward the conveyance path,
The control device includes the upstream clamp member and the downstream side so that a relative distance between the upstream clamp member and the downstream clamp member is reduced so that the intermediate sheet portion including the wavy fold is curved. Move at least one of the clamp members,
The ridge line regulates the bending of the intermediate sheet portion to the other side and promotes the bending of the intermediate sheet portion to the one side,
The folding unit includes a first curved state in which the wavy fold is curved and the wavy fold in the first curved state through control of the upstream clamp member and the downstream clamp member by the control device. A sheet folding apparatus, wherein the sheet folding apparatus is alternately switched between a second curved state that is also greatly curved. Of the sheets, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, a first intermediate sheet portion between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion, The wavy fold is a fold formed by folding the sheet at the wavy fold when defined as including both a fold position before the fold is provided on the sheet and a fold line provided on the sheet. A method for manufacturing a body,
The wavy fold line is formed by connecting a plurality of line segments in a zigzag shape, extends so as to intersect the transport direction, and is arranged at a predetermined interval in the transport direction,
A one-side bending step for bending the first intermediate sheet portion to one side;
A one-side folding step of folding at the wavy crease curved to the one side,
In the one-side bending step, the first intermediate sheet portion is opposed to the other-side regulating plate disposed on the other side with respect to the sheet conveyance path, and the second sheet portion is conveyed upstream. And conveying the first sheet portion to the downstream side,
The other side regulating plate includes the other side ridge line protruding toward the transport path,
The other side edge line, as well as to regulate the bending of the first intermediate sheet portion to the other side, is intended to encourage the curvature of the first intermediate sheet portion to the one side,
In the one-side folding step, pressing is performed on the wavy fold of the first intermediate sheet portion curved to one side using a press unit arranged on one side with respect to the sheet conveyance path. The manufacturing method of the folding body characterized by this. Among the sheets, when defining the third sheet portion away from the second sheet portion in the transport direction, and the second intermediate sheet portion between the second sheet portion and the third sheet portion, respectively,
The other side bending step of bending the second intermediate sheet portion to the other side;
The other side folding step of folding at the wavy crease curved to the other side,
In the second side bending step, the second intermediate sheet portion faces the upstream side of the third sheet portion in a state where the second intermediate sheet portion faces the one side regulating plate arranged on one side with respect to the sheet conveyance path. And conveying the second sheet portion to the downstream side,
The one-side regulating plate includes a one-side ridge line that protrudes toward the conveyance path,
The one side edge line, as well as to regulate the bending of the second intermediate sheet portion to the one side, which encourages the curvature of the second intermediate sheet portion to the other side,
In the other side folding step, pressing is performed on the wavy crease of the second intermediate sheet portion curved to the other side using a press unit arranged on the other side with respect to the sheet conveyance path. The manufacturing method of the folding body of Claim 8 characterized by these.   The conveyance of each sheet portion performed for bending each intermediate sheet portion is performed by rotation of a roller that grips the sheet portion or movement of a clamp member that grips the sheet portion. The manufacturing method of the folding body of 8 or 9.   The method for manufacturing a folded body according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the press unit is provided with a linear press mark so as to escape from a bent portion of the wavy fold. Of the sheets, a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion separated from the first sheet portion in the sheet conveying direction, a first intermediate sheet portion between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion, The wavy crease is a method of manufacturing a folded body formed by folding the sheet with the wavy crease when defined as a fold line provided on the sheet, respectively.
The wavy fold line is formed by connecting a plurality of line segments in a zigzag shape, extends so as to intersect the transport direction, and is arranged at a predetermined interval in the transport direction,
A one-side bending step for bending the first intermediate sheet portion to one side;
A one-side folding step of folding at the wavy crease curved to the one side,
In the one-side bending step, the first intermediate sheet portion is opposed to the other-side regulating plate disposed on the other side with respect to the sheet conveyance path, and the second sheet portion is conveyed upstream. And conveying the first sheet portion to the downstream side,
The other side regulating plate includes the other side ridge line protruding toward the transport path,
The other side edge line, as well as to regulate the bending of the first intermediate sheet portion to the other side, is intended to encourage the curvature of the first intermediate sheet portion to the one side,
In the one-side folding step, a first curved state in which the wavy fold of the first intermediate sheet portion is curved, and a second curved state in which the wavy fold is curved larger than the first curved state. A method for manufacturing a folded body, characterized in that the switching is performed alternately between the two. Among the sheets, when defining the third sheet portion away from the second sheet portion in the transport direction, and the second intermediate sheet portion between the second sheet portion and the third sheet portion, respectively,
The other side bending step of bending the second intermediate sheet portion to the other side;
The other side folding step of folding at the wavy crease curved to the other side,
In the second side bending step, the second intermediate sheet portion faces the upstream side of the third sheet portion in a state where the second intermediate sheet portion faces the one side regulating plate arranged on one side with respect to the sheet conveyance path. And conveying the second sheet portion to the downstream side,
The one-side regulating plate includes a one-side ridge line that protrudes toward the conveyance path,
The one side edge line, as well as to regulate the bending of the second intermediate sheet portion to the one side, which encourages the curvature of the second intermediate sheet portion to the other side,
In the other side folding step, a first curved state in which the wavy crease of the second intermediate sheet portion is curved, and a second curved state in which the wavy fold is curved more greatly than the first curved state. The method for producing a folded body according to claim 12, wherein the switching is performed alternately.

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