JP7085324B2 - Package manufacturing method and package manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a package manufacturing method and a package manufacturing apparatus.

Menstrual napkins, as an example of absorbent articles, are offered on the market in the form of individually wrapped packages in so-called tri-folded states.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-95807

For example, a package in which a napkin is individually wrapped in a packaging sheet folded in three is generated as follows.

The wrapping sheet is generally a continuous sheet in which illustrations, product names, patterns, and other patterns are printed repeatedly and continuously, and the continuous sheet of the wrapping sheet is conveyed in the conveying direction by an appropriate conveying section such as a conveying roller. On the other hand, the napkin is conveyed toward the confluence position with the continuous sheet by an appropriate conveyor such as a conveyor, and is intermittently placed at a predetermined regular position of the symbol of the continuous sheet at the confluence position.
Then, after arranging the napkins on the continuous sheet, for example, by the method described in [Patent Document 1], both ends of the continuous sheet in the width direction are bent inward to form a continuous sheet in a tri-folded state, and then in a tri-folded state. A sealing portion is formed on the continuous sheet, and further, the continuous sheet is cut, whereby a package is produced.
Here, the print pitch of the pattern printed on the continuous sheet is not always constant and may vary due to various factors. If it fluctuates, it becomes difficult to place the menstrual pad on the regular position of the pattern on the continuous sheet. If the placement position of the napkin deviates from the normal position, the package will look unattractive as a whole.

Therefore, in order to manufacture a package having a good appearance, it is necessary to align the napkin in a regular position when the printing pitch fluctuates. Then, as a method of the alignment, a method of adjusting the stretched state of the continuous sheet can be considered. That is, it is a method of adjusting the elongation of the continuous sheet for each printing pitch of the continuous sheet and adjusting the position so that the napkin joins the normal position of the continuous sheet.

However, according to this method, since the elongation of the continuous sheet is adjusted for each printing pitch, the continuous sheet may flutter each time the elongation is released. If the continuous sheet flutters, it cannot be folded neatly in the folding process, and the package becomes unattractive as a whole.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to manufacture a package having a good appearance.

The main invention for achieving the above object is
It is a package manufacturing method for manufacturing a package in which absorbent articles are packaged by a packaging sheet.
A transfer step of transporting a continuous sheet which is a material of the packaging sheet and whose display elements are repeatedly formed in the continuous direction by the first transport section and the second transport section in the transport direction.
A merging step of sequentially merging the absorbent articles with the continuous sheet being transported at a merging position located between the first transporting section and the second transporting section.
A folding step of folding the continuous sheet so as to wrap the merged absorbent articles, and
It comprises a cutting step of cutting the folded continuous sheet between adjacent absorbent articles to produce the package.
In the transfer process,
Based on the deviation information of the display element, the first transport speed for the first transport unit to transport the continuous sheet and the second transport speed for the second transport unit to transport the continuous sheet are increased or decreased, respectively. The transport control of the continuous sheet is performed so that the absorbent article joins the normal position of the continuous sheet.
In the transfer control, when the first transfer speed is increased, the second transfer speed is increased, and when the first transfer speed is decreased, the second transfer speed is decreased.
The cutting step is a sealing cutting step of cutting and sealing the folded continuous sheet between the adjacent absorbent articles.
In the transport step, the continuous sheet is transported in the transport direction by the first transport section and the second transport section and the third transport section located on the downstream side of the transport section in the transport direction.
In the sealing and cutting step,
By controlling the third transport unit without interlocking with the first transport unit and the second transport unit, the position can be adjusted so that the sealing and cutting position on the continuous sheet becomes the normal position . It is a characteristic package manufacturing method.

In addition, it is a packaging body manufacturing device that manufactures a packaging body in which absorbent articles are packaged by a packaging sheet.
The first transport section and the second transport section that transport the continuous sheet, which is the material of the packaging sheet and whose display elements are repeatedly formed in the continuous direction, in the transport direction.
A coating device for applying an adhesive for joining the absorbent article to the continuous sheet, and a coating device.
A merging device that sequentially merges the absorbent articles with the continuous sheet being transported at a merging position located between the first transport section and the second transport section.
A folding portion that folds the continuous sheet so as to wrap the merged absorbent article, and a folding portion.
A cutting device that cuts the folded continuous sheet between adjacent absorbent articles to produce the package.
Based on the deviation information of the display element, the first transport speed for the first transport unit to transport the continuous sheet and the second transport speed for the second transport unit to transport the continuous sheet are increased or decreased, respectively. The transport control of the continuous sheet is performed so that the absorbent article joins the normal position of the continuous sheet.
In the transport control, when the first transport speed is increased, the second transport speed is increased, and when the first transport speed is decreased, the second transport speed is controlled to be decreased. Has a control unit ,
The cutting device cuts and seals the folded continuous sheet between adjacent absorbent articles.
The continuous sheet is transported in the transport direction by the first transport section and the second transport section and the third transport section located on the downstream side in the transport direction from these transport sections.
By controlling the third transport unit without interlocking with the first transport unit and the second transport unit, the position can be adjusted so that the sealing and cutting position on the continuous sheet becomes the normal position . It is a characteristic package manufacturing device.

Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description in the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention, it is possible to produce a package having a good appearance.

1A is a schematic plan view of a menstrual napkin 1 as an example of an absorbent article, and FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 1A. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the napkin 1 arranged on the packaging sheet 7, FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view of the packaging body 7p in which the napkin 1 is packaged by the packaging sheet 7, and FIG. 2C is a schematic plan view. It is a schematic plan view of the package 7p seen from the opposite side of FIG. 2B. It is a schematic plan view which shows the formation process of the package 7p of a napkin 1. It is a schematic side view of the production line LM of the package 7p of the napkin 1. It is a schematic plan view of the continuous sheet 7a of a packaging sheet. It is a schematic side view of the tape sticking apparatus 71. It is a schematic side view of the sealing cutting apparatus 91. It is a schematic side view of the production line LM of the 1st modification. It is a schematic side view of the production line LM of the 2nd modification.

The description of this specification and the accompanying drawings will clarify at least the following matters.

It is a package manufacturing method for manufacturing a package in which absorbent articles are packaged by a packaging sheet.
A transfer step of transporting a continuous sheet which is a material of the packaging sheet and whose display elements are repeatedly formed in the continuous direction by the first transport section and the second transport section in the transport direction.
A merging step of sequentially merging the absorbent articles with the continuous sheet being transported at a merging position located between the first transporting section and the second transporting section.
A folding step of folding the continuous sheet so as to wrap the merged absorbent articles, and
It comprises a cutting step of cutting the folded continuous sheet between adjacent absorbent articles to produce the package.
In the transfer process,
Based on the deviation information of the display element, the first transport speed for the first transport unit to transport the continuous sheet and the second transport speed for the second transport unit to transport the continuous sheet are increased or decreased, respectively. The transport control of the continuous sheet is performed so that the absorbent article joins the normal position of the continuous sheet.
In the transfer control, when the first transfer speed is increased, the second transfer speed is increased, and when the first transfer speed is decreased, the second transfer speed is decreased. It is a package manufacturing method characterized by.

According to such a package manufacturing method, it is possible to manufacture a package having a good appearance.

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
In the transfer control, it is desirable to perform control that keeps the ratio of the first transfer speed and the second transfer speed constant.

According to such a package manufacturing method, it is possible to manufacture a package having a better appearance.

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
The cutting step is a sealing cutting step of cutting and sealing the folded continuous sheet between the adjacent absorbent articles.
In the transport control, control is performed to match the magnitudes of the first transport speed and the second transport speed.
In the sealing and cutting step,
The rotating portion of the sealing and cutting device having the rotating portion and the sealing and cutting portion provided on the rotating portion rotates so that the sealing and cutting portion is intermittently brought into contact with the continuous sheet. Seal and cut the continuous sheet,
By controlling to change the phase of the rotating portion, the position is adjusted so that the sealing and cutting position on the continuous sheet becomes the normal position.
The deviation information of the display element is acquired by the image pickup device, and it is obtained.
Based on the acquired deviation information, the amount of deviation of the sealing cutting position from the normal position is estimated.
It is desirable to perform the position adjustment by executing the control according to the estimated deviation amount.

According to such a package manufacturing method, it is possible to manufacture a package having a better appearance. Further, the sealing and cutting can be performed at an appropriate position of the continuous sheet based on the accurate deviation information by the image pickup apparatus, and the defect rate can be reduced.

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
The cutting step is a sealing cutting step of cutting and sealing the folded continuous sheet between the adjacent absorbent articles.
The second transport unit is located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first transport unit.
In the sealing and cutting step,
By changing the transport path of the continuous sheet from the second transport section to the sealing and cutting device by the path change section, the path length of the transport path is changed.
It is desirable to adjust the position so that the sealing and cutting position on the continuous sheet becomes a normal position by controlling the path length to be changed.

According to such a package manufacturing method, the continuous sheet can be sealed and cut at an appropriate position, and the defect rate can be reduced.

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
It is desirable that the route changing portion is located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the folding portion that executes the folding step.

According to such a package manufacturing method, since the position adjusted by the route changing portion does not shift due to the folding of the continuous sheet, the proper position of the continuous sheet can be sealed and cut, and the defect rate can be reduced. ..

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
The cutting step is a sealing cutting step of cutting and sealing the folded continuous sheet between the adjacent absorbent articles.
The second transport unit is located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first transport unit.
The tape affixing device located upstream of the sealing and cutting device has a tape affixing step of affixing the tape member to the folded continuous sheet.
In the tape pasting process,
By changing the transport path of the continuous sheet from the second transport section to the tape pasting device by the route changing section, the path length of the transport path is changed.
It is desirable to adjust the position so that the tape sticking position on the continuous sheet becomes a normal position by controlling to change the path length.

According to such a package manufacturing method, the tape member can be attached to an appropriate position of the continuous sheet, and a package having a good appearance can be manufactured.

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
The cutting step is a sealing cutting step of cutting and sealing the folded continuous sheet between the adjacent absorbent articles.
In the sealing and cutting step,
The rotating portion of the sealing and cutting device having the rotating portion and the sealing and cutting portion provided on the rotating portion rotates so that the sealing and cutting portion is intermittently brought into contact with the continuous sheet. Seal and cut the continuous sheet,
It is desirable to adjust the position so that the sealing and cutting position on the continuous sheet becomes the normal position by controlling to change the phase of the rotating portion.

According to such a package manufacturing method, the continuous sheet can be sealed and cut at an appropriate position, and the defect rate can be reduced.

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
The cutting step is a sealing cutting step of cutting and sealing the folded continuous sheet between the adjacent absorbent articles.
A tape pasting device located upstream of the sealing and cutting device in the transport direction and having a rotating portion and a tape pasting portion provided on the rotating portion attaches a tape member to the folded continuous sheet. Has a tape pasting process to attach
In the tape pasting process,
When the rotating portion of the tape pasting device rotates, the tape pasting portion is intermittently brought into contact with the continuous sheet to attach the tape member.
It is desirable to adjust the position so that the tape sticking position on the continuous sheet becomes a normal position by controlling to change the phase of the rotating portion.

According to such a package manufacturing method, the tape member can be attached to an appropriate position of the continuous sheet, and a package having a good appearance can be manufactured.

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
The cutting step is a sealing cutting step of cutting and sealing the folded continuous sheet between the adjacent absorbent articles.
In the transport step, the continuous sheet is transported in the transport direction by the first transport section and the second transport section and the third transport section located on the downstream side of the transport section in the transport direction.
In the sealing and cutting step,
By controlling the third transport unit without interlocking with the first transport unit and the second transport unit, the position can be adjusted so that the sealing and cutting position on the continuous sheet becomes a normal position. desirable.

According to such a package manufacturing method, the continuous sheet can be sealed and cut at an appropriate position, and the defect rate can be reduced.

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
It is desirable that the third transport portion is located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the folded portion that executes the folding step.

According to such a package manufacturing method, since the position adjusted by the third transport unit does not shift due to the folding of the continuous sheet, the proper position of the continuous sheet can be sealed and cut, and the defect rate is reduced. can.

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
The cutting step is a sealing cutting step of cutting and sealing the folded continuous sheet between the adjacent absorbent articles.
In the transport step, the continuous sheet is transported in the transport direction by the first transport section and the second transport section and the third transport section located on the downstream side of the transport section in the transport direction.
The tape affixing device located upstream of the sealing and cutting device has a tape affixing step of affixing the tape member to the folded continuous sheet.
In the tape pasting process,
By controlling the third transport unit without interlocking with the first transport unit and the second transport unit, it is possible to adjust the position so that the tape sticking position on the continuous sheet becomes the normal position. desirable.

According to such a package manufacturing method, the tape member can be attached to an appropriate position of the continuous sheet, and a package having a good appearance can be manufactured.

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
In the sealing and cutting step,
The deviation information of the display element is acquired by the image pickup device, and it is obtained.
Based on the acquired deviation information, the amount of deviation of the sealing cutting position from the normal position is estimated.
It is desirable to perform the position adjustment by executing the control according to the estimated deviation amount.

According to such a package manufacturing method, it is possible to seal and cut the appropriate position of the continuous sheet from the accurate deviation information by the image pickup apparatus, and it is possible to reduce the defect rate.

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
In the sealing and cutting step,
Obtain the cumulative feed amount of the continuous sheet,
Based on the acquired cumulative feed amount, the amount of deviation of the sealing cutting position from the normal position is estimated.
It is desirable to perform the position adjustment by executing the control according to the estimated deviation amount.

According to such a package manufacturing method, it is possible to manufacture a package having a good appearance without the above-mentioned imaging device.

This is a packaging manufacturing method.
The cutting step is a sealing cutting step of cutting and sealing the folded continuous sheet between the adjacent absorbent articles.
It is desirable that the path length of the continuous sheet transport path from the folded portion to the sealing cut portion is shorter than the path length of the continuous sheet transport path from the confluence position to the folded portion.

According to such a package manufacturing method, the path length of the continuous sheet transport path from the folded portion to the sealed cut portion is shorter than the path length of the continuous sheet transport path from the confluence position to the folded portion. It is possible to manufacture a package having a good appearance on the line.

A package manufacturing device that manufactures a package in which absorbent articles are packaged by a packaging sheet.
The first transport section and the second transport section that transport the continuous sheet, which is the material of the packaging sheet and whose display elements are repeatedly formed in the continuous direction, in the transport direction.
A merging device that sequentially merges the absorbent articles with the continuous sheet being transported at a merging position located between the first transport section and the second transport section.
A folding portion that folds the continuous sheet so as to wrap the merged absorbent article, and a folding portion.
A cutting device that cuts the folded continuous sheet between adjacent absorbent articles to produce the package.
Based on the deviation information of the display element, the first transport speed for the first transport unit to transport the continuous sheet and the second transport speed for the second transport unit to transport the continuous sheet are increased or decreased, respectively. The transport control of the continuous sheet is performed so that the absorbent article joins the normal position of the continuous sheet.
In the transport control, when the first transport speed is increased, the second transport speed is increased, and when the first transport speed is decreased, the second transport speed is controlled to be decreased. It is a package manufacturing apparatus characterized by having a control unit.

According to such a package manufacturing apparatus, it is possible to manufacture a package having a good appearance.

=== This embodiment ===
The method for manufacturing a package of absorbent articles and the package manufacturing device 20 according to the present embodiment are used in the production line LM of the package 7p of the menstrual napkin 1. That is, in the present embodiment, the package 7p of the sanitary napkin 1 as an absorbent article is manufactured based on the manufacturing method. That is, in the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment (the package manufacturing apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment), the package 7p in which the menstrual napkin 1 is packaged is manufactured by the packaging sheet 7.

1A is a schematic plan view of the napkin 1, and FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 1A. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the napkin 1 arranged on the packaging sheet 7, FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view of the packaging body 7p in which the napkin 1 is packaged by the packaging sheet 7, and FIG. 2C is a schematic plan view. It is a schematic plan view of the package 7p seen from the opposite side of FIG. 2B.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the napkin 1 is excreted by being interposed between a liquid-permeable top sheet 2 such as a non-woven fabric and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 4 such as a film. It has an absorber 3 such as a pulp fiber that absorbs an object. Then, these sheets 2 and 4 are larger than the absorber 3 and are bonded to each other at a portion protruding from the absorber 3, whereby the absorber 3 is held between the sheets 2 and 4. There is.

The planar shape of the napkin 1 is a substantially rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction and a width direction (hereinafter, also referred to as a lateral direction), but in some cases, a position in a substantially center position in the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1 in the width direction. It may have a pair of wing portions 1w, 1w protruding outward from the above, and in this example, it is so.

When the napkin 1 is used, these wing portions 1w and 1w are folded back toward the backsheet 4 side in cooperation with the backsheet 4 to sandwich the underwear, and are adhesively fixed to the underwear. Therefore, the adhesives 5a and 5a are applied to the surfaces of the wing portions 1w and 1w that should come into contact with the underwear at the time of folding back. Further, the adhesives 5b and 5b for the same purpose are also applied to the surface of the back sheet 4 that should come into contact with the underwear when the napkin 1 is used.

For the purpose of protecting the adhesive strength of the adhesives 5a and 5b until the time when the napkin 1 is used, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 2A, the above-mentioned coated areas of the adhesives 5a and 5b are covered with these coated areas. Protective sheets 6a and 6b are provided. Specifically, at the time before this use, the pair of wing portions 1w and 1w are folded to the top sheet 2 side, respectively, and one protective sheet 6a is laid between the wing portions 1w and 1w. As a result, the adhesives 5a and 5a of the wing portions 1w and 1w are protected (FIG. 2A). On the other hand, a protective sheet 6b is also provided in the coated region of the adhesives 5b and 5b of the back sheet 4 so as to cover substantially the entire surface thereof, whereby the adhesives 5b and 5b are protected (FIG. 1B).

Further, before such use, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the napkin 1 is in the form of a package 7p individually packaged by the packaging sheet 7. That is, first, as shown in FIG. 2A, the wrapping sheet 7 is arranged on a substantially rectangular single-cut packaging sheet 7 having a plane size larger than that of the napkin 1 while aligning the longitudinal directions with each other. In the tri-folded state of FIG. 2B, the short side portion 7S of the packaging sheet 7 is fixed to the packaging sheet 7 with the adhesive of the tape member 8 and is also folded in three in the longitudinal direction. In the pair of long side portions 7Lg and 7Lg of the packaging sheet 7, the portions of the packaging sheets 7 facing each other are welded to each other to form the sealing portions 7j and 7j.

Further, in the above-mentioned mounting state, the protective sheet 6b of the napkin 1 may be adhesively fixed to the packaging sheet 7 at a plurality of positions. In the figure), the protective sheet 6b of the napkin 1 is adhered to the packaging sheet 7.

Examples of the packaging sheet 7 include a thermoplastic resin film such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and a non-woven fabric having thermoplastic resin fibers such as PE fiber and PP fiber.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, a flower design G is printed on the packaging sheet 7 as an example of the design for design purposes. Specifically, the symbol G has illustrations IL, IL ... Of a plurality of flowers, and the illustrations IL, IL ... Of these plurality of flowers are combined to form one symbol G. As a result, the flower pattern G is printed on substantially the entire surface of one side of the package 7p. Further, as a printing method of the pattern G, gravure printing, flexographic printing, inkjet printing and the like can be exemplified.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a process of forming the package 7p of the napkin 1.
As shown in FIG. 3, first, the packaging sheet 7 is conveyed in the transport direction in the form of a continuous sheet 7a along the transport direction (that is, the continuous sheet 7a is a material of the packaging sheet 7). Then, at the merging position Pj in the transport direction, the napkins 1 transported side by side at the napkin transport pitch in the transport direction merge. Then, at the merging position Pj in the transport direction, the napkins 1 transported side by side at the napkin transport pitch in the transport direction merge. At this point, the napkin 1 is in a completed state, that is, the wing portions 1w and 1w are folded as shown in FIG. 2A, and the above-mentioned protective sheets 6a and 6b are also in a completed state. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, each napkin 1 is transported in a so-called cross-flow posture in which the width direction (short direction) of the napkin 1 faces the transport direction.

Then, at this merging position Pj, a plurality of napkins 1 and 1 are sequentially placed on the upper surface of the continuous sheet 7a of the packaging sheet in the transport direction by the joining device 25 at the same position Pj, and each napkin 1 is the same. It is fixed to the continuous sheet 7a with an adhesive (not shown).

Then, the continuous sheet 7a on which the napkin 1 is placed passes through the position of the folding device 61 (corresponding to the folding portion) in the transport direction, and at the time of passing through the continuous sheet 7a, the continuous sheet 7a is moved by the device 61. Fold in three in the width direction. That is, one end 7ae1 and the other end 7ae2 of the continuous sheet 7a in the width direction are folded inward in the width direction, respectively. At this time, the napkin 1 is also folded in three together.

Then, the continuous sheet 7a in the tri-folded state passes through the position of the tape affixing device 71 in the transport direction, and at the time of passing through the continuous sheet 7a, the above-mentioned end portions that are vertically overlapped in the thickness direction by the device 71. The tape member 8 is attached to the continuous sheet 7a so as to straddle the 7ae1 and 7ae2. Then, the continuous sheet 7a is fixed in a tri-folded state by the tape member 8.

Then, the sealing portions 7j and 7j are formed on the continuous sheet 7a and cut to generate the package 7p of the napkin 1 from the continuous sheet 7a, but even if the sealing portions 7j and 7j are formed and cut at the same time. It may be done separately. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a sealing / cutting device 91 that simultaneously forms and cuts the sealing portions 7j and 7j is used. In the present embodiment, when passing through the position of the device 91 in the transport direction, the device 91 transports the napkins 1 and 1 adjacent to each other in the transport direction on a continuous sheet 7a as shown in FIG. It is a non-existent portion of the napkin 1 in which the napkin 1 does not exist in the direction, and heat welding treatment is performed on a predetermined sealing cutting position 7an on the continuous sheet 7a. As a result, the portions of the continuous sheets 7a that overlap vertically in the thickness direction are joined and integrated by welding, and a pair of sealing portions 7j and 7j are formed side by side in the transport direction. Further, at this time, the continuous sheet 7a is cut back and forth in the transport direction at a predetermined cutting position Pc between the pair of sealing portions 7j and 7j by the device 91, whereby the package 7p of the napkin 1 is cut. Is generated.

In the present embodiment, the path length of the transport path of the continuous sheet 7a from the folding device 61 to the sealing and cutting device 91 is larger than the path length of the transport path of the continuous sheet 7a from the merging position Pj to the folding device 61. Is shorter.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the production line LM of the package 7p of the napkin 1.

The production line LM appropriately processes the napkin supply system L1 for supplying the napkin 1, the packaging sheet supply system L7a for supplying the continuous sheet 7a of the packaging sheet, and the continuous sheet 7a of the packaging sheet to which the napkin 1 is joined. It has a processing processing system Lk for processing.

In addition, appropriate conveyors such as belt conveyors and conveyors are arranged in each of the systems L1, L7a, Lk. For example, the first transport device 41 (corresponding to the first transport section), the second transport device 42 (corresponding to the second transport section), and the third transport device 43 (corresponding to the third transport section), which will be described later, correspond to this. do. Then, by these transport devices, the transport target such as the continuous sheet 7a or the napkin 1 is transported in the transport direction. Incidentally, examples of the belt conveyor include a normal belt conveyor having an endless belt that circulates in a drive as a transport surface, a suction belt conveyor having a suction function on the outer peripheral surface of the endless belt, and the like.

Further, in the production line LM, the CD direction (in FIG. 4, the direction penetrating the paper surface) is set as the width direction of the line LM. And, in this example, the CD direction faces the horizontal direction, but it is not limited to this. Further, in this example, a vertical vertical direction and a horizontal front-rear direction are set as two directions orthogonal to the CD direction, whereby the transport directions of the continuous sheet 7a of the packaging sheet 7 are positioned in the transport direction, respectively. It faces the direction defined by both the vertical direction and the front-back direction. The width direction of the continuous sheet 7a is parallel to the CD direction. When the direction orthogonal to the CD direction and the transport direction is defined as the Z direction, the Z direction is parallel to the thickness direction of the continuous sheet 7a.

<<< Napkin supply system L1 >>>
The napkin supply system L1 (corresponding to the merging device) sequentially merges the napkins 1 with the continuous sheet 7a being transported at the merging position Pj located between the first transfer device 41 and the second transfer device 42, which will be described later. (Equivalent to the merging process). That is, the napkin supply system L1 (merging device) receives the completed napkin 1 conveyed from the upper process and conveys the napkin 1 while changing the state of the napkin 1 to a state suitable for packaging, and the napkin state changing device 21. It has a joining device 25, which is arranged at the above-mentioned merging position Pj and joins the napkin 1 to the continuous sheet 7a of the packaging sheet.

The napkin state changing device 21 changes the direction and pitch of the napkin 1. First, from the upstream process, the menstrual pad 1 is fed in a state where the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1 faces the transport direction. Therefore, the device 21 changes the transport mode of the napkin 1 from the vertical flow to the horizontal flow suitable for packaging. That is, by changing the direction of the napkin 1 by 90 °, the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1 is set to face the CD direction. Then, the transfer pitch of the napkin 1 is re-pitched and changed to the napkin transfer pitch.

The joining device 25 receives the napkin 1 from the napkin state changing device 21 on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 26 and holds it by intake air or the like. Then, by driving and rotating the rotary drum 26, each napkin 1 is conveyed at the napkin transfer pitch, and each napkin 1 is pressed against the upper surface of the continuous sheet 7a as one side at the merging position Pj, and the napkin 1 is pressed against the continuous sheet 7a. Is joined with an adhesive.

Here, the drive rotation operation of the rotary drum 26 is performed based on the synchronization signal. The synchronization signal is a signal obtained by repeatedly outputting a unit signal, and each unit signal is a rotation angle signal composed of rotation angle values of 0 ° to 360 °, respectively. Then, in this joining device 25, the transfer operation of the napkin transfer pitch is associated with the unit processing operation. That is, such a synchronization signal is transmitted to a servomotor (not shown) which is a drive source of the rotary drum 26, and is positioned so as to rotate by a rotation angle corresponding to the napkin transfer pitch for each unit signal of the synchronization signal. It is controlled. Therefore, each time a unit signal is output, the rotary drum 26 conveys the napkin 1 in the transfer direction by the napkin transfer pitch. Further, the tape pasting device 71 and the sealing / cutting device 91, which will be described later, also have a patterned unit processing operation that should be repeatedly performed for each napkin 1, but the unit processing operation and the unit signal are paired by position control. It is associated with one correspondence.

The synchronization signal is generated by an appropriate control unit (not shown) such as a sequencer or a computer. That is, the control unit has a processor and a memory, and a program for generating a synchronization signal is stored in the memory in advance. Then, the processor reads the program from the memory and executes it to repeatedly generate a unit signal of the synchronization signal. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the electric circuit may generate the synchronization signal, or further, the unit processing operation in which the synchronization signal is repeatedly performed for each napkin 1 by another core device is performed by an appropriate detector. It may be detected and generated by. For example, a rotary die cutter roll (not shown) that punches and generates a napkin 1 is provided with a rotary encoder (not shown) that detects its rotational movement, and this encoder interlocks with the rotational movement of the cutter roll to move the napkin. The above unit signal may be output each time one punch is generated.

<<< Packaging sheet supply system L7a >>>
As shown in FIG. 4, the packaging sheet supply system L7a is located on the feeding device 31, the first transport device 41 located on the downstream side in the transport direction from the feeding device 31, and on the downstream side in the transport direction from the first transport device 41. It has a second transport device 42, which is located.

As for the continuous sheet 7a, a pattern G printed in the continuous direction at a predetermined printing pitch in advance at another factory or the like is carried into the production line LM in the form of a material coil 7ac wound in the continuous direction. .. Here, the pattern G printed at a predetermined printing pitch has a deviation in the printing pitch when it is wound around the material coil 7ac, and the continuous sheet 7a unwound by the feeding device 31 is an outline of FIG. As shown in the plan view, the design G is printed at the print pitches P12, P23 ... In the continuous direction.

In the continuous sheet 7a fed out by the feeding device 31, the symbol G is not constant at the printing pitches P12, P23 ... Adjust so that it rests (merges) in the position. Then, at this merging position Pj, the napkin 1 is arranged on the continuous sheet 7a by the joining device 25 and joined.

Hereinafter, each device 31, 41, 42 related to the packaging sheet supply system L7a will be described.
(1) Feeding device 31
As shown in FIG. 4, the feeding device 31 is for feeding a continuous sheet 7a from the material coil 7ac, and serves as a driving source for driving and rotating the rotating shaft portion 31a along the CD direction and the rotating shaft portion 31a. It has a servomotor (not shown) and a tension controller 35 that adjusts the tension of the continuous sheet 7a that is fed out from the rotary shaft portion 31a and conveyed. Then, the rotating shaft portion 31a is inserted into the through hole in the center of the material coil 7ac, and the rotating shaft portion 31a is driven and rotated while the material coil 7ac is supported by the rotating shaft portion 31a. The continuous sheet 7a is unwound from the coil 7ac.

(2) First transport device 41, second transport device 42
The first transfer device 41 and the second transfer device 42 cooperate to transfer the continuous sheet 7a in the transfer direction (corresponding to the transfer step).

As shown in FIG. 4, the first transfer device 41 has a roll 41r that rotates around a rotation axis along the CD direction, and a servomotor (not shown) as a drive source that drives and rotates the roll 41r. ..

Regarding the second transfer device 42, the endless belt 42b is hung around a pair of rolls 42r, 42r arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction in the transfer direction. At least one of the pair of rolls 42r and 42r has a servomotor (not shown) as a drive source for drive rotation. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the endless belt 42b orbits a substantially oval orbit long in the transport direction. A plurality of intake holes (not shown) are formed on the belt surface 42s of the endless belt 42b. Then, suction force is generated on the belt surface 42s by the intake air from these intake holes. Therefore, the endless belt 42b moves while sucking and holding the lower surface of the continuous sheet 7a on the belt surface 42s, so that the continuous sheet 7a is transported from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction.

Further, the confluence position Pj of the napkin 1 is located between the first transfer device 41 and the second transfer device 42. In the present embodiment, the first transport device 41 corresponds to the nearest transport unit on the upstream side in the transport direction from the confluence position Pj. Further, the second transport device 42 corresponds to the nearest transport portion on the downstream side in the transport direction from the confluence position Pj, and is located between the confluence position Pj and the folding device 61.

The first transfer device 41 and the second transfer device 42 feed the continuous sheet 7a in conjunction with each other. At the time of delivery, the first transfer speed at which the first transfer device 41 conveys the continuous sheet 7a and the second transfer device 42 so that the napkin 1 is placed (merged) at the normal position of the symbol G on the continuous sheet 7a. Increases or decreases the second transfer speed at which the continuous sheet 7a is conveyed. That is, by increasing or decreasing the first transfer speed and the second transfer speed, respectively, based on the deviation information of the register mark M (the register mark M is repeatedly formed in the continuous direction in the continuous sheet 7a) described later. The transfer control of the continuous sheet 7a is performed so that the napkin 1 joins the normal position of the continuous sheet 7a. Then, by the above-mentioned synchronization signal, the transport feed speed of the continuous sheet 7a is adjusted so that the normal position of the symbol G on the continuous sheet 7a is located at the confluence position Pj at the timing when the napkin 1 is arranged at the confluence position Pj. Will be done. As a result, at the confluence position Pj, as shown in FIG. 5, each napkin 1 is placed and joined at a normal position corresponding to each symbol G of the continuous sheet 7a.

Conventionally, as a measure to join (place) the napkin in the normal position, a measure to actively extend the continuous sheet has been adopted. That is, as a method of aligning the napkin to be placed in the normal position when the printing pitch fluctuates, the elongation of the continuous sheet is adjusted for each printing pitch of the continuous sheet (the elongation is adjusted in the same manner as in the present embodiment). (Performed by two transport devices), the position was adjusted so that the napkin merged with the regular position of the continuous sheet. However, in such a case, the following problems may occur.

That is, when the transfer adjustment of the continuous sheet is performed for each print pitch, the degree of elongation of the portion of the continuous sheet corresponding to a certain print pitch (called the first print pitch) and the next print pitch (the second print pitch). The degree of elongation of the continuous sheet portion corresponding to (called) is different. For example, the elongation of the continuous sheet portion corresponding to the first printing pitch may be large, while the elongation of the continuous sheet portion corresponding to the adjacent second printing pitch may be small. Then, such an extended state is released when these portions pass through the two transport devices, but at that time, the large portion and the small portion interact with each other (that is, the large portion). Pulling on small parts) can cause fluttering of the continuous sheet at the boundaries of these parts. When the fluttering occurs, it cannot be folded neatly in the folding process, and the package becomes unattractive as a whole.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the first transport speed is increased, the second transport speed is increased, and when the first transport speed is decreased, the second transport speed is controlled to be decreased. .. That is, the control is performed so that the napkin 1 is merged (placed) in the normal position without causing the continuous sheet 7a to extend as much as possible between the first transport device 41 and the second transport device 42. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a package having a good appearance.

Further, in the present embodiment, control is performed to maintain a constant ratio between the first transport speed and the second transport speed. According to such transfer control, for the purpose of control, the continuous sheet 7a is not extended differently between the first transfer device 41 and the second transfer device 42 (elongation of the first print pitch and the second print pitch). The first transfer device 41 and the second transfer device 42 control to merge (place) the napkin 1 at the normal position (so that the degree is the same). Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a package having a better appearance.

In particular, in the present embodiment, control is performed to match the magnitudes of the first transport speed and the second transport speed. That is, for the purpose of control, control is performed to join the napkin 1 to the normal position so that the continuous sheet 7a does not extend between the first transfer device 41 and the second transfer device 42. Therefore, ideally, the above-mentioned description is performed. It is possible to prevent fluttering from occurring. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a package having a better appearance.

Then, the realization of such adjustment of the transport speed to the normal position is specifically achieved by using an image pickup device 47 such as a CCD camera shown in FIG. 4 and a control unit 48 (corresponding to a transport control unit) such as a computer. It is done as follows.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, a substantially rectangular register mark M (corresponding to a display element) is printed on the continuous sheet 7a in advance at another factory or the like in correspondence with each symbol G. Then, just as the design G is displaced at the print pitches P12, P23 ..., The register mark M is also displaced at the print pitches P12, P23 .... Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the image pickup apparatus 47 images the continuous sheet 7a at the upstream position P47 (hereinafter, also referred to as the image pickup position P47) in the transport direction of the first transport device 41 and continuously sheets. The image data of 7a is generated, and here, the image pickup apparatus 47 receives the above-mentioned synchronization signal. Therefore, the image pickup operation is performed every time the rotation angle value of the synchronization signal matches the predetermined rotation angle value recorded in advance in the memory of the image pickup apparatus 47.

Then, the control unit 48 acquires information on the amount of deviation between the position of the register mark M and the reference position on the continuous sheet 7a by analyzing the image data transmitted from the image pickup apparatus 47 by binarization processing or the like. do. Here, the reference position is based on a predetermined printing pitch in which the design G is printed in the continuous direction in advance on the above-mentioned continuous sheet 7a at another factory or the like, and a deviation occurs when the material coil 7ac is wound. It is the position where the above-mentioned register mark M should be originally located based on the napkin transfer pitch when the absence state is used as a reference. Then, in this example, the information of the reference position on the image data is recorded in advance in the memory of the control unit 48. Therefore, for example, the position of the register mark M on the image data is acquired by binarization processing or the like, and the amount of deviation between this position and the reference position on the image data is calculated, and this is used as the position. It is used as information on the amount of deviation.

Then, based on the information on the deviation amount, the first transfer device 41 and the second transfer device 42 set the first transfer speed and the second transfer speed of the continuous sheet 7a so that the deviation amount disappears at the confluence position Pj. Adjust (as described above, adjust with the first transport speed and the second transport speed matched). For example, when the above information on the amount of deviation indicates that "the register mark M is located downstream of the reference position in the transport direction", the control unit 48 may refer to the first transport device 41. The first transfer speed and the second transfer speed are reduced from the current values by the adjustment amount obtained by multiplying the deviation amount by a predetermined gain for each of the second transfer devices 42, while the "register mark M is the transfer direction from the reference position". When it is indicated that "it is located upstream of", the first transfer speed and the second transfer speed are increased from the current values by the adjustment amount obtained by multiplying the deviation amount by a predetermined gain.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the adhesive application device 51 applies an adhesive for joining the napkin 1 to the continuous sheet 7a toward the continuous sheet 7a. Then, the application of the adhesive is intermittently performed for each unit signal based on the above-mentioned synchronization signal, and the timing is adjusted by the deviation amount. Therefore, the adhesive can be accurately applied to each position on the continuous sheet 7a where each napkin 1 should be arranged.
<<< Processing system Lk >>>
As shown in FIG. 4, in the processing system Lk, the continuous sheet 7a of the packaging sheet to which the napkin 1 is joined is conveyed in the conveying direction, and the continuous sheet 7a is conveyed by the first conveying device 41 and the above-mentioned first conveying device 41. In addition to the second transfer device 42, it is also executed by the third transfer device 43 provided in the processing processing system Lk. In the present embodiment, the transport speed of the third transport device 43 is controlled so as to match the first transport speed and the second transport speed.

The processing system Lk has a folding device 61, a tape pasting device 71, and a sealing / cutting device 91 (corresponding to a cutting device), and is arranged side by side in this order in the transport direction.

The folding device 61 folds the continuous sheet 7a so as to wrap the merged napkin 1 (corresponding to the folding step). The tape sticking device 71 is located on the upstream side in the transport direction from the sealing and cutting device 91, and sticks the tape member 8 to the folded continuous sheet 7a (corresponding to the tape sticking step). The sealing / cutting device 91 cuts and seals the folded continuous sheet 7a between adjacent napkins 1 and 1 (corresponding to the cutting step and the sealing / cutting step). The tape sticking device 71 and the sealing / cutting device 91 are basically driven based on the synchronization signal.

Hereinafter, each device 61, 71, 91 will be described.

(1) Folding device 61
The folding device 61 has bending members (not shown) such as appropriate plate members and roller members on both sides in the CD direction. Then, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the continuous sheet 7a of the packaging sheet to which the napkin 1 is joined passes through the position of the bending member, the bending member comes into contact with the continuous sheet 7a, so that the napkin 1 Both ends 7ae1 and 7ae2 in the width direction of the continuous sheet 7a are bent inward in the width direction, respectively. As a result, the continuous sheet 7a is folded in three together with the napkin 1.

(2) Tape pasting device 71
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the tape pasting device 71.
The tape sticking device 71 includes a rotating drum 72 (corresponding to a rotating portion) that can rotate around a rotation axis along the CD direction while facing the outer peripheral surface 72s to the transport path of the continuous sheet 7a in a tri-folded state. It has a servomotor (not shown) as a drive source for driving and rotating 72. Then, an attractive force is generated on the outer peripheral surface 72s of the rotary drum 72 due to intake air or the like, whereby a plurality of tape members 8 and 8 are generated on the outer peripheral surface 72s in the rotation direction Dc72 at a tape member transfer pitch. ... Are held side by side (the holding portion where the tape member 8 is held corresponds to the tape pasting portion). Then, when each tape member 8 is sent to the facing position P7a (corresponding to the tape sticking position) facing the continuous sheet 7a in the tri-folded state by the rotation of the rotating drum 72 and passes through the same position P7a, each tape member Based on the adhesive of 8, each tape member 8 adheres to the continuous sheet 7a, whereby the tape member 8 is delivered from the outer peripheral surface 72s of the rotary drum 72 to the continuous sheet 7a. That is, as the rotating drum 72 rotates, the holding portion is intermittently brought into contact with the continuous sheet 7a to attach the tape member 8.

The rotation operation of the rotary drum 72 is basically performed based on the synchronization signal. That is, the servomotor of the rotating drum 72 is position-controlled so that the position where the tape member 8 is attracted and held on the outer peripheral surface 72s is the command position in the rotation direction Dc72 indicated by the synchronization signal. As a result, basically, each time the unit signal of the synchronization signal is output, the tape member 8 arranged on the outer peripheral surface 72s at the tape member transfer pitch is transferred to the rotation direction Dc72 by the rotation angle of the unit processing operation. do.

By the way, as described above, in the transport of the continuous sheet 7a, the first transport device 41 of the packaging sheet supply system L7a and the first transport device 41 so that the napkin 1 merges with the regular position of the continuous sheet 7a (under the control of merging into the regular position). It is made up of a second transfer device 42. Since the continuous sheet 7a is connected from the packaging sheet supply system L7a to the processing system Lk, the transfer of the continuous sheet 7a in the processing system Lk is also based on such control (the influence of such control). receive). Therefore, if the tape member 8 arranged on the outer peripheral surface 72s of the rotary drum 72 described above at the tape member transfer pitch is conveyed in the rotation direction Dc72 by the rotation angle of the tape member transfer pitch based on the synchronization signal, the continuous sheet 7a Even if an attempt is made to bond to the upper regular position, the tape member 8 may be displaced from the regular position.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the position is adjusted so that the tape sticking position on the continuous sheet 7a becomes a normal position by controlling the phase of the rotating drum 72 to be changed. By such position adjustment, the tape member 8 can be attached to an appropriate position of the continuous sheet 7a, and a package 7p having a good appearance can be manufactured.

The rotary drum 72 acquires information on the amount of deviation of the position in the transport direction from the reference position, which is the position where the register mark M of the folded continuous sheet 7a should be originally located, and based on the information on the amount of deviation of this position. The timing of sending the tape member 8 to the facing position P7a is shifted from the timing indicated by the synchronization signal. In addition, in order to realize such a timing shift process, as in the case of the above-mentioned packaging sheet supply system L7a, an image pickup device 81 such as a CCD camera and a control unit 82 (FIG. 4) such as a computer are used. It is done as follows.

As shown in FIG. 5, the register mark M is printed on the continuous sheet 7a at the above-mentioned printing pitches P12, P23 ..., And the image pickup device 81 includes the folding device 61 and the rotating drum 72 of the tape sticking device 71. The continuous sheet 7a is imaged in between to generate image data of the continuous sheet 7a, and here, the image pickup apparatus 81 receives the synchronization signal. Therefore, the image pickup operation is performed every time the rotation angle value of the synchronization signal matches the predetermined rotation angle value recorded in advance in the memory of the image pickup apparatus 81.

Then, the control unit 82 analyzes the image data transmitted from the image pickup apparatus 81 by binarization processing or the like to position the position of the register mark M from the reference position on the continuous sheet 7a based on the tape member transfer pitch. The information on the amount of deviation is acquired, and as described above, the information on the amount of deviation at the position is calculated.

Then, based on the information of the deviation amount of the position, the command position of the rotation direction Dc72 indicated by the synchronization signal is corrected. For example, when the above information on the amount of deviation indicates that "the register mark M is located downstream of the reference position in the transport direction", the control unit 82 multiplies the amount of deviation by a predetermined gain. While increasing the above command position by the adjusted amount, if it indicates that "the register mark M is located upstream of the reference position in the transport direction", the adjustment is made by multiplying the deviation amount by a predetermined gain. Decrease the above command position by the amount. That is, the deviation information of the display element is acquired by the image pickup apparatus 81, the deviation amount from the normal position is estimated based on the acquired deviation information, and the control is executed according to the estimated deviation amount. , The position adjustment is performed.

(3) Sealing and cutting device 91
FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the sealing and cutting device 91. A partially enlarged view of the device 91 is also shown in FIG. 7.
As described above, the sealing and cutting device 91 is a portion 7an between the napkins 1, 1 adjacent to each other in the transport direction in the continuous sheet 7a in the tri-folded state, that is, the napkin 1 in which the napkin 1 does not exist in the continuous sheet 7a. A pair of sealing portions 7j and 7j are formed by heat welding at a predetermined sealing cutting position 7an which is a non-existent portion of the above, and a continuous sheet 7a is cut at a position between the pair of sealing portions 7j and 7j. As a result, the package 7p of the napkin 1 is produced.

The device 91 includes a pair of upper and lower rolls 91u and 91d that can rotate around a rotation axis along the CD direction, and a servomotor (not shown) as a drive source that drives and rotates the pair of rolls 91u and 91d. Have.

On the outer peripheral surface of the upper roll 91u (corresponding to the rotating portion), a pair of convex portions 91up and 91up (corresponding to the sealing cutting portion) corresponding to the shapes of the pair of sealing portions 7j and 7j are arranged in the rotation direction Dc91. It is provided at predetermined angles such as 90 °, and a cutter blade 91 uc (corresponding to a sealing cut portion) is provided at a position between the pair of convex portions 91up and 91up. On the other hand, the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the lower roll 91d is such that the pair of convex portions 91up and 91up and the cutter blade 91up can be received. In this embodiment, the pair of convex portions 91up, The shape is such that a pair of convex portions 91dp and 91dp for receiving and a receiving blade 91dc are provided at positions where the 91up and the cutter blade 91uc face each other, respectively. And basically, the rotation operation of these rolls 91u and 91d is also performed based on the above-mentioned synchronization signal. That is, basically, the servomotor is position-controlled so that the positions of the pair of convex portions 91up and 91up and the cutter blade 91uc are the command positions in the rotation direction Dc91 indicated by the synchronization signal. As a result, each time the unit signal of the synchronization signal is output, the pair of convex portions 91up, 91up and the cutter blade 91uc face the sealing cutting position 7an, which is a non-existent portion of the napkin 1 in the continuous sheet 7a. As a result, the package 7p of the napkin 1 is produced. That is, as the upper roll 91u rotates, the convex portions 91up, 91up and the cutter blade 91uc are intermittently brought into contact with the continuous sheet 7a to seal and cut the continuous sheet 7a.

However, as in the case of the tape pasting device 71 described above, even if the sealing / cutting device 91 is controlled by the synchronization signal, the pair of sealing portions 7j and 7j are correctly formed at the regular position of the sealing / cutting position 7an. Therefore, it is difficult to cut at a position between the pair of sealing portions 7j and 7j. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as in the case of the tape pasting device 71, information on the amount of deviation from the reference position where the register mark M of the continuous sheet 7a should be originally located is acquired, and the deviation of this position is acquired. Based on the amount information, the timing of forming the sealing portions 7j and 7j and the timing of cutting the continuous sheet 7a are shifted from the timing indicated by the synchronization signal. The details are as follows.

In the present embodiment, the position is adjusted so that the sealing cutting position 7an on the continuous sheet 7a becomes a normal position by controlling the phase of the upper roll 91u (and the lower roll 91d) to be changed. Therefore, the continuous sheet 7a can be sealed and cut at an appropriate position, and the defect rate can be reduced. Then, as the information of the deviation amount of the above position, the same information as that used in the above-mentioned tape pasting device 71 is also used, and the control unit 82 (FIG. 4) has the upper roll 91u (and the lower roll 91d). The position of the rotation operation of the above is controlled based on the information of the deviation amount of the position. That is, the command position of the rotation direction Dc91 indicated by the synchronization signal is corrected based on the information of the deviation amount of the position. More specifically, when the above information on the amount of deviation indicates that "the register mark M is located downstream of the reference position in the transport direction", the control unit 82 determines the amount of deviation. While increasing the above command position by the adjustment amount multiplied by the gain, if it indicates that "the register mark M is located upstream in the transport direction from the reference position", the predetermined gain is added to the deviation amount. The above command position is reduced by the adjustment amount multiplied by. As a result, a pair of sealing portions 7j and 7j can be correctly formed at the normal position of the sealing cutting position 7an, and cutting can be performed at a position between the pair of sealing portions 7j and 7j. .. That is, the deviation information of the register mark M is acquired by the image pickup apparatus 81, the deviation amount of the sealing cutting position 7an from the normal position is estimated based on the acquired deviation information, and the deviation amount is estimated according to the deviation amount. The position adjustment is performed by executing the control.

=== First modification ===
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the production line LM of the first modification.

As shown in FIG. 8, the main difference from the present embodiment (FIG. 4) is that (1) the route changing unit 101 is arranged between the image pickup device 81 and the tape sticking device 71 described above. (2) The command of the control unit 82 of the computer or the like is not the tape pasting device 71 and the sealing / cutting device 91, but the route changing unit 101. The configuration other than this is substantially the same as that of the present embodiment described above. Therefore, in the following, this difference will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to similar configurations, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The route changing unit 101 has a pair of fixed rolls 102 and 102, a movable roll 103 located between them, a measuring instrument (not shown), and an actuator (not shown).

The pair of fixed rolls 102, 102 rotate about a rotation axis along the CD direction. The movable roll 103 moves in a predetermined direction (vertical direction in FIG. 8) and rotates around a rotation axis along the CD direction. The measuring instrument is an encoder or the like, and detects a position in the predetermined direction and outputs position information. The actuator moves the movable roll 103 in a predetermined direction.

Then, one side of the continuous sheet 7a in the tri-folded state in the thickness direction is hung so as to be in contact with the fixed rolls 102 and 102, and the other side in the thickness direction is hung so as to be in contact with the movable roll 103. A loop of the sheet 7a is formed. Then, by moving the movable roll 103 in a predetermined direction, the size of the loop is adjusted, and as a result, the transport path length is adjusted.

As described above, even if the tape sticking device 71 and the sealing / cutting device 91 are simply controlled by the synchronization signal, it is difficult to stick the tape member 8 to the regular position and to seal / cut the tape member 8. Therefore, in the first modification, as described above, information on the amount of deviation from the reference position where the register mark M of the continuous sheet 7a should be originally located is acquired, and based on the information on the amount of deviation at this position. By adjusting the length of the transport path, the continuous sheet 7a can be taped and sealed and cut at a regular position. The details are as follows.

In the first modification, the transfer path of the continuous sheet 7a from the second transfer device 42 to the sealing and cutting device 91 is changed by the route changing unit 101 to change the path length of the transfer path, and the path length is changed. By controlling the change, the position is adjusted so that the sealing / cutting position 7an on the continuous sheet 7a becomes a normal position. Then, the same information as that used above is also used as the information on the displacement amount of the above position, and the control unit 82 controls the position of the movable roll 103 based on the information on the displacement amount. The 103 is moved by an actuator (not shown) that moves the position in a predetermined direction, and the transport path length is adjusted so that the deviation amount is eliminated. More specifically, when the above information on the amount of deviation indicates that "the register mark M is located downstream of the reference position in the transport direction", the control unit 82 has a predetermined gain on the amount of deviation. When the movable roll 103 is moved by the adjustment amount multiplied by to make the transport path length larger than the current value, while indicating that "the register mark M is located upstream in the transport direction from the reference position". The movable roll 103 is moved by an adjustment amount obtained by multiplying the deviation amount by a predetermined gain to reduce the transport path length. As a result, the tape member 8 can be attached and sealed and cut at the normal position of the continuous sheet 7a.

That is, the tape member 8 can be attached to an appropriate position of the continuous sheet 7a, and a package 7p having a good appearance can be manufactured. In addition, the continuous sheet 7a can be sealed and cut at an appropriate position, and the defect rate can be reduced.

Further, the route changing unit 101 is located on the downstream side in the transport direction from the folding device 61 that executes the folding step so that the position adjusted by the route changing unit 101 does not shift due to the folding of the continuous sheet 7a. Is desirable.

=== Second modification ===
FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the production line LM of the second modification.

The main difference from the present embodiment (FIG. 4) is that (1) the third transfer device 43 is controlled so that the magnitude of the transfer speed is the same as that of the second transfer device 42, as shown in FIG. (2) The command of the control unit 82 of the computer or the like is not the tape sticking device 71 and the sealing / cutting device 91, but the third transport device 43. The third transfer device 43 includes an endless belt 43b, a belt surface 43s, a pair of rolls 43r, 43r arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction in the transfer direction, and at least one of the pair of rolls 43r, 43r. The roll 43r is provided with a servomotor (not shown) as a drive source for driving and rotating. Further, the third transfer device 43 conveys the continuous sheet 7a by the same method as the second transfer device 42. Therefore, in the following, this difference will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to similar configurations, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, even if the tape affixing device 71 and the sealing / cutting device 91 are simply controlled by a synchronization signal, it is difficult to affix the tape member 8 to a regular position or to seal / cut the tape member 8. Therefore, in the second modification, as described above, information on the amount of deviation from the reference position where the register mark M of the continuous sheet 7a should be originally located is acquired, and based on the information on the amount of deviation at this position. By adjusting the third transfer speed of the third transfer device 43, which is not interlocked with the second transfer device 42, the continuous sheet 7a can be taped and sealed and cut at a regular position. The details are as follows.

In the second modification, by controlling the third transfer device 43 without interlocking with the first transfer device 41 and the second transfer device 42, the sealing cut position 7an on the continuous sheet 7a becomes a normal position. Adjust the position as shown. Then, the same information as that used above is also used as the information of the deviation amount of the above position, and the control unit 82 is based on the information of the deviation amount, and the third transfer is performed so that the deviation amount is eliminated. Adjust the speed. More specifically, when the above information on the amount of deviation indicates that "the register mark M is located downstream of the reference position in the transport direction", the control unit 82 has a predetermined gain on the amount of deviation. While the third transfer speed is reduced by the adjustment amount multiplied by, if it indicates that "the register mark M is located upstream of the reference position in the transfer direction", the deviation amount is multiplied by the predetermined gain. The third transfer speed is increased by the adjusted amount. As a result, the tape member 8 can be attached and sealed and cut at the regular position of the continuous sheet 7a.

That is, the tape member 8 can be attached to an appropriate position of the continuous sheet 7a, and a package 7p having a good appearance can be manufactured. In addition, the continuous sheet 7a can be sealed and cut at an appropriate position, and the defect rate can be reduced.

Further, the third transfer device 43 is located downstream of the folding device 61 that executes the folding step so that the position adjusted by the third transfer device 43 does not shift due to the folding of the continuous sheet 7a. It is desirable to have it.

=== Third variant ===
The main difference from the present embodiment (FIG. 4) is that (1) the image pickup apparatus 81 is not provided. The configuration other than this is substantially the same as that of the present embodiment described above. Therefore, in the following, this difference will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to similar configurations, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, even if the tape affixing device 71 and the sealing / cutting device 91 are simply controlled by a synchronization signal, it is difficult to affix the tape member 8 to a regular position or to seal / cut the tape member 8. Therefore, in the third modification, the length of the continuous sheet 7a from the second transport device delivery position P42, which is the position where the second transport device 42 feeds the continuous sheet 7a downstream in the transport direction, to the sealing and cutting device 91. Information on the amount of deviation between the cumulative amount of shavings (corresponding to the cumulative feed amount) and the path length of the transport path on the production line from the second transport device delivery position P42 to the sealing and cutting device 91 is acquired, and this information is acquired. By controlling to change the phase of the rotating drum 72 and the upper roll 91u (and the lower roll 91d) based on the information of the amount of deviation in length, the position of tape sticking and sealing cutting on the continuous sheet 7a is the normal position. Adjust the position so that it becomes. That is, the cumulative feed amount of the continuous sheet 7a is acquired, the deviation amount of the sealing cutting position 7an from the normal position is estimated based on the acquired cumulative feed amount, and the control is performed according to the estimated deviation amount. The position is adjusted by executing. The details are as follows.

For the transfer of the continuous sheet 7a, the first transfer speed and the second transfer speed are increased or decreased so that the napkin 1 merges with the normal position of the continuous sheet 7a at a fixed timing when the napkin 1 is arranged at the merging position Pj. Is controlled by. That is, in the transportation of the continuous sheet 7a, the transportation speed is increased or decreased at a constant timing. In other words, in the transport of the continuous sheet 7a, the feed length of the first transport device 41 (integral value of the first transport speed) and the feed length of the second transport device 42 (integral value of the second transport speed) are increased or decreased. It can be said that it is controlled by. That is, the above-mentioned cumulative feed amount can be obtained by accumulating the feed length of the second transport device 42 for each control performed at the above-mentioned fixed timing. Specifically, the cumulative feed amount is the accumulation of the lengths delivered by the second transport device 42 from the second transport device delivery position P42 to the sealing / cutting position 7an on the continuous sheet 7a where the sealing / cutting process is performed. ..

Then, the control unit 82 determines the cumulative feed amount, the path length of the transport path on the production line from the second transport device delivery position P42 previously recorded in the memory of the control unit 82 to the sealing / cutting device 91, and the path length of the transport path. Calculate the amount of deviation.

Then, based on the information of the deviation amount, the position of the rotational operation of the rotary drum 72 and the upper roll 91u (and the lower roll 91d) is controlled. That is, the command positions of the rotation directions Dc72 and Dc91 indicated by the above-mentioned synchronization signal are corrected based on the information of the deviation amount of the positions. More specifically, when the above deviation amount information indicates that the cumulative feed amount is shorter than the transport path length on the production line, the control unit 82 multiplies the deviation amount by a predetermined gain. While increasing the above command position by the adjustment amount, if it indicates that "the cumulative feed amount is longer than the transport path length on the production line", the above adjustment amount is obtained by multiplying the deviation amount by a predetermined gain. The command position is made smaller. As a result, the tape member 8 can be attached and sealed and cut at the regular position of the continuous sheet 7a.

That is, the tape member 8 can be attached to an appropriate position of the continuous sheet 7a, and a package 7p having a good appearance can be manufactured. In addition, the continuous sheet 7a can be sealed and cut at an appropriate position, and the defect rate can be reduced.

Further, according to such a package manufacturing method, it is possible to manufacture a package 7p having a good appearance without the image pickup apparatus 81.

=== Other embodiments ===
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Further, the present invention can be changed or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes an equivalent thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a register mark M is also printed on the continuous sheet 7a in addition to the design symbol G. And this register mark M corresponded to the "display element". However, it is not limited to this. That is, the symbol G may be used instead of the register mark M.

In the above-described embodiment, the register mark M as the display element of FIG. 5 is formed by printing on the continuous sheet 7a, but the formation of the display element is not limited to printing. For example, the display element may be formed by pressing the continuous sheet 7a in the thickness direction to form a plurality of dot-shaped recesses or a plurality of linear recesses.

In the above-described embodiment, the sanitary napkin 1 of FIG. 1A is exemplified as an example of the absorbent article, but the present invention is not limited to this as long as it absorbs the wearer's excrement. For example, a disposable diaper or a urine absorbing pad may be used.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the first transfer device 41 has the roll 41r, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first transfer device 41 may be each composed of a belt conveyor. That is, for example, instead of the roll 41r, a configuration having a pair of rolls and an endless belt hung around the pair of rolls is used, and one side of the continuous sheet 7a is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the endless belt. The sheet 7a may be conveyed in contact with each other.

In the above-described embodiment, the image pickup device 47 and the control unit 48 in FIG. 4 are used to acquire information on the amount of deviation of the register mark M. However, as a specific example of the device capable of acquiring these information, An image sensor CV-5000 (manufactured by KEYENCE CORPORATION) can be mentioned. However, it is not limited to this.

In the above-described embodiment, the same control method is used for controlling the positions of the tape pasting device 71 and the sealing / cutting device 91, but the present invention is not limited to this. Each device may be controlled using a different method (for example, the tape sticking device 71 is controlled by the path changing unit 101, and the sealing / cutting device 91 is controlled by the phase of the rotating unit).

In the above-described embodiment, the sealing and cutting step is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sealing step and the cutting step may be two separate steps.

1 Menstrual napkin (absorbent article), 1w wing part,
2 top sheet, 3 absorber, 4 back sheet,
5a adhesive, 5b adhesive, 6a protective sheet, 6b protective sheet,
7 packaging sheet, 7Lg long side part, 7S short side part,
7a Continuous sheet of packaging sheet,
7ac material coil, 7ae1 end, 7ae2 end,
Sealing cut position on 7an continuous sheet, 7j sealing part,
7p package,
8 Tape member,
20 Package manufacturing equipment 21 Napkin condition changing equipment (direction changing equipment, pitch changing equipment),
25 joining device, 26 rotating drums,
31 feeding device, 31a rotating shaft, 35 tension controller,
41 1st transfer device 41r roll, 42 2nd transfer device, 42r roll,
42b endless belt, 42s belt surface 43 third transfer device, 43r roll, 43b endless belt, 43s belt surface 47 image pickup device, 48 control unit,
51 Adhesive application device,
61 Folding device, 62 Standing guide member, 63 Folding guide part 64 Movement restriction guide member 71 Tape sticking device, 72 Rotating drum, 72s outer peripheral surface 81 Imaging device, 82 Control unit 91 Sealing and cutting device, 91u upper roll, 91uc cutter Blade, 91up convex part,
91d lower roll, 91dp convex part, 91dc receiving blade,
101 route change part, 102 fixed roll, 103 movable roll,
LM production line,
L1 napkin supply system, L7a packaging sheet supply system, Lk processing system,
Lb fold line,
G design, IL illustration, M register mark (display element)
Pj confluence position, P7a tape attachment position, P42 second transfer device delivery position Pc cutting position, P47 imaging position,
P12 print pitch, P23 print pitch, P34 print pitch,
Dc72 rotation direction, DC91 rotation direction

Claims (8)

It is a package manufacturing method for manufacturing a package in which absorbent articles are packaged by a packaging sheet.
A transfer step of transporting a continuous sheet which is a material of the packaging sheet and whose display elements are repeatedly formed in the continuous direction by the first transport section and the second transport section in the transport direction.
A merging step of sequentially merging the absorbent articles with the continuous sheet being transported at a merging position located between the first transporting section and the second transporting section.
A folding step of folding the continuous sheet so as to wrap the merged absorbent articles, and
It comprises a cutting step of cutting the folded continuous sheet between adjacent absorbent articles to produce the package.
In the transfer process,
Based on the deviation information of the display element, the first transport speed for the first transport unit to transport the continuous sheet and the second transport speed for the second transport unit to transport the continuous sheet are increased or decreased, respectively. The transport control of the continuous sheet is performed so that the absorbent article joins the normal position of the continuous sheet.
In the transfer control, when the first transfer speed is increased, the second transfer speed is increased, and when the first transfer speed is decreased, the second transfer speed is decreased.
The cutting step is a sealing cutting step of cutting and sealing the folded continuous sheet between the adjacent absorbent articles.
In the transport step, the continuous sheet is transported in the transport direction by the first transport section and the second transport section and the third transport section located on the downstream side of the transport section in the transport direction.
In the sealing and cutting step,
By controlling the third transport unit without interlocking with the first transport unit and the second transport unit, the position can be adjusted so that the sealing and cutting position on the continuous sheet becomes the normal position. A characteristic packaging manufacturing method. The package manufacturing method according to claim 1 .
A method for manufacturing a package, wherein the third transport portion is located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the folded portion for executing the folding step. It is a package manufacturing method for manufacturing a package in which absorbent articles are packaged by a packaging sheet.
A transfer step of transporting a continuous sheet which is a material of the packaging sheet and whose display elements are repeatedly formed in the continuous direction by the first transport section and the second transport section in the transport direction.
A merging step of sequentially merging the absorbent articles with the continuous sheet being transported at a merging position located between the first transporting section and the second transporting section.
A folding step of folding the continuous sheet so as to wrap the merged absorbent articles, and
It comprises a cutting step of cutting the folded continuous sheet between adjacent absorbent articles to produce the package.
In the transfer process,
Based on the deviation information of the display element, the first transport speed for the first transport unit to transport the continuous sheet and the second transport speed for the second transport unit to transport the continuous sheet are increased or decreased, respectively. The transport control of the continuous sheet is performed so that the absorbent article joins the normal position of the continuous sheet.
In the transfer control, when the first transfer speed is increased, the second transfer speed is increased, and when the first transfer speed is decreased, the second transfer speed is decreased.
The cutting step is a sealing cutting step of cutting and sealing the folded continuous sheet between the adjacent absorbent articles.
In the transport step, the continuous sheet is transported in the transport direction by the first transport section and the second transport section and the third transport section located on the downstream side of the transport section in the transport direction.
The tape affixing device located upstream of the sealing and cutting device has a tape affixing step of affixing the tape member to the folded continuous sheet.
In the tape pasting process,
By controlling the third transport unit without interlocking with the first transport unit and the second transport unit, the position adjustment is performed so that the tape sticking position on the continuous sheet becomes the normal position. A characteristic packaging manufacturing method. The package manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .
In the sealing and cutting step,
The deviation information of the display element is acquired by the image pickup device, and it is obtained.
Based on the acquired deviation information, the amount of deviation of the sealing cutting position from the normal position is estimated.
A package manufacturing method, characterized in that the position adjustment is performed by executing the control according to the estimated deviation amount. The package manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .
In the sealing and cutting step,
Obtain the cumulative feed amount of the continuous sheet,
Based on the acquired cumulative feed amount, the amount of deviation of the sealing cut position from the normal position is estimated.
A package manufacturing method, characterized in that the position adjustment is performed by executing the control according to the estimated deviation amount. The package manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 .
The cutting step is a sealing cutting step of cutting and sealing the folded continuous sheet between the adjacent absorbent articles.
A method for manufacturing a package, characterized in that the path length of the continuous sheet transport path from the folded portion to the sealed and cut portion is shorter than the path length of the continuous sheet transport path from the confluence position to the folded portion. .. A package manufacturing device that manufactures a package in which absorbent articles are packaged by a packaging sheet.
The first transport section and the second transport section that transport the continuous sheet, which is the material of the packaging sheet and whose display elements are repeatedly formed in the continuous direction, in the transport direction.
A coating device for applying an adhesive for joining the absorbent article to the continuous sheet, and a coating device.
A merging device that sequentially merges the absorbent articles with the continuous sheet being transported at a merging position located between the first transport section and the second transport section.
A folding portion that folds the continuous sheet so as to wrap the merged absorbent article, and a folding portion.
A cutting device that cuts the folded continuous sheet between adjacent absorbent articles to produce the package.
Based on the deviation information of the display element, the first transport speed for the first transport unit to transport the continuous sheet and the second transport speed for the second transport unit to transport the continuous sheet are increased or decreased, respectively. The transport control of the continuous sheet is performed so that the absorbent article joins the normal position of the continuous sheet.
In the transport control, when the first transport speed is increased, the second transport speed is increased, and when the first transport speed is decreased, the second transport speed is controlled to be decreased. Has a control unit ,
The cutting device cuts and seals the folded continuous sheet between adjacent absorbent articles.
The continuous sheet is transported in the transport direction by the first transport section and the second transport section and the third transport section located on the downstream side in the transport direction from these transport sections.
By controlling the third transport unit without interlocking with the first transport unit and the second transport unit, the position can be adjusted so that the sealing and cutting position on the continuous sheet becomes the normal position . A featured package manufacturing device. A package manufacturing device that manufactures a package in which absorbent articles are packaged by a packaging sheet.
The first transport section and the second transport section that transport the continuous sheet, which is the material of the packaging sheet and whose display elements are repeatedly formed in the continuous direction, in the transport direction.
A coating device for applying an adhesive for joining the absorbent article to the continuous sheet, and a coating device.
A merging device that sequentially merges the absorbent articles with the continuous sheet being transported at a merging position located between the first transport section and the second transport section.
A folding portion that folds the continuous sheet so as to wrap the merged absorbent article, and a folding portion.
A cutting device that cuts the folded continuous sheet between adjacent absorbent articles to produce the package.
Based on the deviation information of the display element, the first transport speed for the first transport unit to transport the continuous sheet and the second transport speed for the second transport unit to transport the continuous sheet are increased or decreased, respectively. The transport control of the continuous sheet is performed so that the absorbent article joins the normal position of the continuous sheet.
In the transport control, when the first transport speed is increased, the second transport speed is increased, and when the first transport speed is decreased, the second transport speed is controlled to be decreased. Has a control unit,
The cutting device cuts and seals the folded continuous sheet between adjacent absorbent articles.
The continuous sheet is transported in the transport direction by the first transport section and the second transport section and the third transport section located on the downstream side in the transport direction from these transport sections.
The tape affixing device located on the upstream side in the transport direction from the sealing and cutting device affixes the tape member to the folded continuous sheet.
By controlling the third transport unit without interlocking with the first transport unit and the second transport unit, the position adjustment is performed so that the tape sticking position on the continuous sheet becomes the normal position. A featured package manufacturing device.

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