Foldable structural body and manufacturing method for the same

Abstract

To provide a foldable structural body of a flexible member capable of significantly reducing volume when stored and advantageous for handling large quantities, and a manufacturing method for the same.SOLUTION: A foldable structure X is for a flexible member X0 including a frame part 0 that can be deformed from a stored state to an expanded state. The frame part 0 has a protruding part 1, a recessed part 2 opposite the protruding part 1, and a connecting part 3 that connects the protruding part 1 and the recessed part 2 so that they can rotate relative to each other via a thin-walled hinge (connection hinge H0). In the stored state, the protruding part 1 and the recessed part 2 are in close proximity, and in the expanded state, the protruding part 1 and the recessed part 2 are separated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding structure of a flexible member that can reduce its volume by folding when not in use. This folding structure can be applied to, for example, a cushioning material.

Background Art

[0002] A cushioning material is a material used to fix and cushion an article during transportation. Due to its large volume and space occupation characteristics, it is difficult to store in warehouses or orchards where it is used in large quantities.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In view of such problems, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a reusable packaging body that can be stored in a small size by folding a frame body. However, in order to achieve the folding structure of the packaging body described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of types of parts are required, which is not suitable for mass production or mass use.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a folding structure of a flexible member that can achieve a large reduction in volume when in a stored state and is excellent in handling during mass use, and a method for manufacturing such a folding structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention for solving the above problems is a folding structure of a flexible member including a frame portion deformable from a storage state to a deployed state, wherein the frame portion has a convex portion, a concave portion opposite to the convex portion, and a connection portion connecting the convex portion and the concave portion so as to be relatively rotatable by a thin hinge, and in the storage state, the convex portion and the concave portion are close to each other, and in the deployed state, the convex portion and the concave portion are separated from each other. By controlling the separation and proximity between the convex portion and the concave portion by the relative rotation of the connection portion, a large volume reduction is possible when in the folded state. Also, by performing the relatively rotatable connection with a thin hinge, the number of parts is reduced and the deployment operation is facilitated, and a folding structure suitable for handling in mass storage and mass use can be provided.

[0007] In another form, the convex portion has a convex portion opposing surface opposite to the concave portion, the concave portion has a concave portion opposing surface opposite to the convex portion, the connection portion has a connection portion main body, a convex portion hinge connecting the connection portion main body and the convex portion, and a concave portion hinge connecting the connection portion main body and the concave portion, and the sum of the width of the convex portion opposing surface and the distance between the convex portion hinge and the concave portion hinge in the two connection portions connecting to the convex portion is longer than the width of the concave portion opposing surface. Also, in another form, the convex portion hinge is connected to the corner of the convex portion at one end of the connection portion main body, and the concave portion hinge is connected to the corner on the inner peripheral surface side of the concave portion at the other end of the connection portion main body. Also, the connection portion has a contact surface along the concave portion in the storage state, and the concave portion opposing surface has a concave portion directly opposing surface close to the convex portion and a directly opposing surface close to the contact surface in the storage state. Also, the concave portion has a concave portion protruding portion protruding parallel to the convex portion, the connection portion has a concave portion proximity surface adjacent to the concave portion hinge, and in the storage state, the concave portion proximity surface is close to the concave portion protruding portion. Thereby, a larger volume reduction is possible when in the storage state, and a folding structure of a flexible member that is more excellent in handling in mass use can be provided.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a folding structure of a flexible member that can be deformed from a stored state to a deployed state, comprising a plurality of uneven bodies and a connecting portion that connects the plurality of uneven bodies. The uneven body has a base portion having a plurality of surfaces, a plurality of protruding portions protruding from the base portion at a predetermined interval, and an intermediate portion formed between the protruding portions. The protruding portion provided on one uneven body faces the intermediate portion provided on another uneven body. The connecting portion connects the protruding portion provided on one uneven body and the protruding portion provided on another uneven body so as to be relatively rotatable by a thin hinge. In the stored state, the protruding portion provided on one uneven body and the intermediate portion provided on another uneven body are close to each other, and in the deployed state, the protruding portion provided on one uneven body and the intermediate portion provided on another uneven body are separated from each other. Similar to the aforementioned invention, it is possible to provide a folding structure of a flexible member that can be greatly reduced in volume when in the stored state and is excellent in handling during mass use. At this time, the protruding portion includes a plurality of first protruding portions protruding at a predetermined interval on one surface of the base portion, and a plurality of second protruding portions protruding at a predetermined interval on the surface of the base portion facing the surface on which the first protruding portions are provided. Thereby, the arrangement efficiency of the protruding portions is improved, and the volume reduction performance in the stored state can be further enhanced.

[0009] Also, the manufacturing process of this folding structure includes a cutting process of cutting at a position away from the edge of the flexible member. This facilitates mass production.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] The present invention that solves the above problems can provide a folding structure of a flexible member that can be greatly reduced in volume when in the stored state and is suitable for mass use, and a manufacturing method of this folding structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a folding structure X of a flexible member X0 according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the following embodiments are examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, "substantially" in the application documents means that chamfering or rounding is performed on the subsequent shape, and that the elements constituting the shape are deformed or the length is changed within a range that does not impede the purpose of the configuration. In this specification, the direction in which the convex portion opposing surface 11 faces is defined as the closing direction, and the direction opposite to the closing direction is defined as the opening direction.

[0013] The present invention is a folding structure X of a flexible member X0 including a frame portion 0 that can be deformed from a stored state to a deployed state. The frame portion 0 has a convex portion 1, a concave portion 2 opposite to the convex portion 1, and a connecting portion 3 that rotatably connects the convex portion 1 and the concave portion 2 to each other by a connecting hinge H0 that is a thin-walled hinge. In the stored state, the convex portion 1 and the concave portion 2 are close to each other, and in the deployed state, the convex portion 1 and the concave portion 2 are separated from each other.

[0014] Also, there is a folding structure X of a flexible member X0 that can be deformed from a stored state to a deployed state, including a plurality of uneven bodies 4 and a connecting portion 3 that connects the plurality of uneven bodies 4. The uneven body 4 has a base portion 41 having a plurality of surfaces, a plurality of protruding portions 42 protruding from the base portion 41 at a predetermined interval, and an intermediate portion 43 formed between the protruding portions 42. The protruding portion 42 provided on one uneven body 4 faces the intermediate portion 43 provided on another uneven body 4. The connecting portion 3 rotatably connects the protruding portion 42 provided on one uneven body 4 and the protruding portion 42 provided on another uneven body 4 by a connecting hinge H0 which is a thin-walled hinge. In the stored state, the protruding portion 42 provided on one uneven body 4 and the intermediate portion 43 provided on another uneven body 4 are close to each other, and in the use state, the protruding portion 42 provided on one uneven body 4 and the intermediate portion 43 provided on another uneven body 4 are separated from each other. This is the folding structure X.

[0015] 《First Embodiment》 FIG. 1 shows the structure of the frame portion 0 and the folding structure X including the same according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 1(a) is a plan view of the frame portion 0 in the stored state, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view of the frame portion 0 in the deployed state, both showing the top surface of the frame portion 0. All the components of the frame portion 0 are integrally provided, and it includes a convex portion 1 which is a protruding type member, a concave portion 2 opposite to the convex portion 1, and a connecting portion 3 that connects the convex portion 1 and the concave portion 2 by a connecting hinge H0 which is a thin-walled hinge. Also, the broken lines in the figure represent the boundaries of the components.

[0016] <Structure of the frame portion 0> The frame portion 0 is a structure included in the folding structure X. Its material is assumed to be various members such as resin materials like polyethylene sheets and styrofoam, rubber plates, paper, and bubble cushioning materials, but any flexible member may be used.

[0017] The convex portion 1 has a convex portion main body 10 which is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member, a convex portion opposing surface 11 on the convex portion main body 10 that opposes the concave portion 2, and a protruding surface 12 provided perpendicular to the convex portion opposing surface 11 and close to the connecting portion 3 in the stored state.

[0018] The recessed portion 2 is provided in a utensil shape in plan view, and has a recessed body 20 that can penetrate a part of the convex portion 1 and the connecting portion 3. In the recessed body 20, there are a recessed opposing surface 21 that faces the convex portion 1 and a storage surface 22 that is close to the connecting portion 3 in the stored state.

[0019] The connecting portion 3 has a connecting portion main body 30 having a polyhedral shape, a connecting surface 31 that is close to the recessed body 20 in the stored state, a convex portion proximity surface 32 that is adjacent to the connecting surface 31 and is close to the convex portion main body 10 in the stored state, and a recessed portion proximity surface 33 that is close to the recessed portion protrusion 202 in the stored state. Also, the connecting hinge H0 has a convex portion hinge H1 that connects to the convex portion 1 at one end of the connecting portion main body 30 and a recessed portion hinge H2 that connects to the recessed portion 2 at the other end.

[0020] The convex portion main body 10 is a convex member in plan view, and has a convex portion base 101 and a convex portion protrusion 102 that protrudes from the convex portion base 101. The convex portion protrusion 102 is respectively connected to the connecting portion 3, and in the stored state, the convex portion protrusion 102 is provided so as to be inserted between the recessed bodies 20.

[0021] The convex portion opposing surface 11 is an end surface of the convex portion protrusion 102 that is connected to the convex portion hinge H1 at both side edges, and faces the recessed portion opposing surface 21. In the unfolded state, the two opposing surfaces are parallel to each other, and in the stored state, they approach while maintaining a parallel state.

[0022] The protruding surface 12 is a surface including the convex portion hinge H1 at one side edge of the convex portion protrusion 102, and is provided perpendicular to the convex portion opposing surface 11. The width of the protruding surface 12 is at least longer than the width of the convex portion proximity surface 32, so that the connecting portion 3 can be stored by folding.

[0023] The recessed body 20 is a concave member in plan view, and has a recessed portion base 201 and recessed portion protrusions 202 that protrude in the same direction from both ends of the recessed portion base 201. The protruding height of the recessed portion protrusions 202 is at least longer than the protruding height of the convex portion protrusions 102, and preferably substantially the same, so that the convex portion protrusions 102 can be fitted in the stored state.

[0024] The concave portion opposing surface 21 is the surface sandwiched between the concave portion protruding portions 202 at the concave portion base 201. The width of the concave portion opposing surface 21 is at least larger than the width of the convex portion opposing surface 11, enabling the convex portion 1 to be fitted into the concave portion 2. Also, the sum of the widths of the two contact surfaces 31 and the convex portion opposing surface 11 is shorter than the width of the concave portion opposing surface 21. This allows the connection portion main body 30 to be accommodated between the concave portion protruding portions 202 even in the stored state. And preferably, the sum of the width of the convex portion opposing surface 11, the two convex portion hinges H1 connected to the convex portion opposing surface 11, and the distance of the concave portion hinge (the length of the diagonal line of the connection portion main body 30) is longer than the width of the concave portion opposing surface 21. This makes the deformation of the flexible member X0 a necessary condition for the transition between the deployed state and the stored state, preventing unintentional transitions.

[0025] The storage surface 22 is the surface provided on the inner peripheral side of the concave portion protruding portion 202, is provided perpendicular to the concave portion opposing surface 21, and its end is connected to the concave portion hinge H2. Also, by the width of the storage surface 22 being at least longer than the width of the concave portion proximity surface 33, the connection portion 3 can be stored in a folded manner.

[0026] The connection portion main body 30 is provided in a polygonal shape (a rectangular shape in the embodiment) in plan view. At the corner portions corresponding to the diagonal lines in the connection portion main body 30, convex portion hinges H1 and concave portion hinges H2, which are thin-walled hinges connected to the convex portion protruding portion 102 and the concave portion protruding portion 202 respectively, are provided, and these hinges connect the two members so as to be relatively rotatable.

[0027] <Structure of the folding structure X> FIG. 1(c) shows a folding structure X of a flexible member X0 including a plurality of frame portions 0 in its structure. The folding structure X includes six frame portions 0 of 2×3, includes a plurality of concavo-convex bodies 4, and a plurality of protruding portions 42 are provided at predetermined intervals from a base portion 41 on the concavo-convex bodies 4. The concavo-convex bodies 4 are connected via a connection portion 3, with a convex body 4A located at the end in the opening direction, a concave body 4B located at the end in the closing direction, and both bodies 4C provided therebetween.

[0028] The base 41 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member, and a protruding portion 42 from which a protruding portion 42 protrudes is provided on a surface including the longitudinal direction. The protruding portion 42 is divided into a first protruding portion 421 and a second protruding portion 422 according to its protruding direction.

[0029] In the convex body 4A, first protruding portions 421 protruding in the closing direction are provided at predetermined intervals from the base 41, and an intermediate portion 43 is formed between the first protruding portions 421. The corners of the first protruding portions 421 are connected to the connection portion main body 30 via connection hinges H0 which are thin-walled hinges.

[0030] In the concave body 4B, second protruding portions 422 protruding in the opening direction are provided at the same intervals as the first protruding portions 421 from the base 41, and an intermediate portion 43 is formed between the second protruding portions 422. Also, the corners of the second protruding portions 422 are connected to the connection portion main body 30 via connection hinges H0.

[0031] In the both-body 4C, first protruding portions 421 and second protruding portions 422 are provided, and intermediate portions 43 are formed between them. Here, the first protruding portions 421 are provided at the same height and intervals as those of the convex body 4A, and the second protruding portions 422 are provided at the same height and intervals as those of the concave body 4B.

[0032] Note that the protruding portion 42 is a member that protrudes so as to have the same shape and function as the convex protruding portion 102 and the concave protruding portion 202, and is disposed together with the connection portion main body 30 in the intermediate portion 43 in the stored state. Also, the intermediate portion 43 is a surface facing the protruding portion 42 in the same manner as the concave opposing surface 21.

[0033] Also, the connection portion 3 is connected to the protruding portion 42 via the connection hinge H0. Similar to the frame portion 0, it has a contact surface 31 that is close to the intermediate portion 43 in the stored state, a convex portion proximity surface 32 that is adjacent to the contact surface 31 and is close to the first protruding portion 421 in the stored state, and a concave portion proximity surface 33 that is close to the second protruding portion 422 in the stored state.

[0034] Here, in the stored state, the first protrusion 421 and the second protrusion 422 are arranged alternately and at equal intervals, leaving a space for the connection part main body 30 to enter. As a result, by pulling in the direction of separating the convex body 4A and the concave body 4B, the frame part 0 to be constituted becomes the deployed state and the volume increases. Further, even if the connection hinge H0 is partially cut, the overall shape can be maintained.

[0035] 《Second Embodiment》 Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, the frame part 0 and the folding structure X according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. For the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, the description will be omitted by using the same reference numerals. Note that FIG. 2(a) is a plan view of the frame part 0 in the stored state, FIG. 2(b) is a plan view of the frame part 0 transitioning from the stored state to the deployed state, and FIG. 2(c) is a plan view of the frame part 0 in the deployed state, showing the top surface of the frame part 0.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the frame part 0 includes a convex part 1, a concave part 2, and symmetric connection parts 3 on the left and right that connect these with a connection hinge H0.

[0037] The convex part 1 is a member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and includes a convex part main body 10, a convex part opposing surface 11, and a protruding surface 12. The convex part main body 10 is a member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a smaller width than the concave part 2 and the connection part 3 so that the volume increases when in the deployed state.

[0038] The concave part 2 is a member having a vessel shape, and has a concave part main body 20, a concave part opposing surface 21, and a storage surface 22. The concave part main body 20 has an L-shaped concave part base 201 bent at the central part, and a concave part protrusion 202 extending parallel to the convex part main body 10 from the end of the concave part base 201.

[0039] The concave part opposing surface 21 has, in the stored state, a concave part direct opposing surface 211 opposing the convex part opposing surface 11, and a connection opposing surface 212 opposing the connection part main body 30. The concave part direct opposing surface 211 is parallel to the convex part opposing surface 11, and the connection opposing surface 212 is provided with an inclination with respect to the concave part direct opposing surface 211 and is connected to the storage surface 22.

[0040] The connecting part 3 includes a connecting part main body 30, a contact surface 31, a convex part proximity surface 32, and a concave part proximity surface 33. In the embodiment, the connecting part main body 30 is provided so as to be substantially quadrilateral (preferably, a parallelogram) in plan view. The length of the contact surface 31 is provided to be sufficiently long (preferably, three times or more) compared to the lengths of the convex part proximity surface 32 and the concave part proximity surface 33, increasing the volume in the unfolded state. Also, the connecting part main body 30 is connected to the corner of the convex part main body 10 by the convex part hinge H1 and is connected to the corner of the concave part protruding part 202 by the concave part hinge H2.

[0041] In the embodiment, the length of the convex part opposing surface 11, the length of the concave part directly facing surface 211, the length of the contact surface 31 and the contact opposing surface 212, the length of the protruding surface 12 and the convex part proximity surface 32, and the length of the storage surface 22 and the concave part proximity surface 33 are each substantially the same. Thereby, when in the stored state, it becomes difficult for a gap to occur between the convex part 1 and the concave part 2, and the reduction in volume in the stored state can be increased. In particular, if the angle formed by the contact opposing surface 212 and the storage surface 22 and the angle formed by the contact surface 31 and the concave part proximity surface 33 are made substantially the same, the corner on the concave part side of the connecting part 3 and the corner of the concave part 2 fit together without a gap. Also, if the angle formed by the protruding surface 12 and the convex part proximity surface 32 and the angle formed by the concave part directly facing surface 211 and the contact opposing surface 212 are made substantially the same, the corner on the convex part side of the connecting part 3 and the corner of the convex part 1 fit together without a gap. Thereby, the reduction in volume in the stored state can be further increased.

[0042] In the embodiment, the convex part hinge H1 is provided at the end of the protruding surface 12, and the convex part opposing surface 11 is continuously connected to the contact surface 31 without a step. Thereby, it becomes difficult for a gap to occur between the convex part opposing surface 11 and the concave part opposing surface 21 in the stored state. Similarly, the concave part hinge H1 is provided at the end of the storage surface 22.

[0043] <Structure of the folding structure X> Figures 3 to 5 show a folding structure X of a flexible member X0 that includes a plurality of frame portions 0 in its structure. In the embodiment, the folding structure X includes four frame portions 0 and is provided with a plurality of uneven bodies 4. Note that Fig. 3(a) is a plan view of the stored state, Fig. 3(b) is a plan view of the unfolded state, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the stored state, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the unfolded state.

[0044] In the embodiment, the uneven body 4 includes a concave body 4B at the end in the closing direction and both bodies 4C connected thereto via a connecting portion 3 thereunder. However, when further extended, a convex body 4A may be provided at the end in the opening direction. The uneven body 4 is provided by being bent at a predetermined interval so as to have a zigzag shape and has a protruding portion 42 in the convex direction of its apex. Also, an intermediate portion 43 is provided between two protruding portions 42.

[0045] The protruding portion 42 includes a substantially rectangular first protruding portion 421 protruding in the closing direction and a second protruding portion 422 protruding in the opening direction, and is connected to the end of the connecting portion 3 via a connection hinge H0 near each corner.

[0046] The intermediate portion 43 has an intermediate opposing surface 431 that is the surface opposing the protruding portion 42 in the stored state and an intermediate contacting surface 432 that is adjacent to the intermediate opposing surface 431 and opposes the contacting surface 31.

[0047] In the embodiment, the connecting portion 3, similar to the frame portion 0, has a contacting surface 31 that is close to the intermediate contacting surface 432 in the stored state, a convex portion adjacent surface 32 that is adjacent to the contacting surface 31 and is close to the first protruding portion 421 in the stored state, and a concave portion adjacent surface 33 that is close to the second protruding portion 422 in the stored state.

[0048] Also, the thickness of the folding structure X is at least 5 cm or more, and a space for storing an article M is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the frame portion 0. It is more preferable if this thickness is made substantially the same as the longitudinal length of the connecting portion 3 because the space can be deformed into a cube.

[0049] 《Third Embodiment》 Hereinafter, the folding structure X according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. For the same configurations as those in the first and second embodiments, the description will be omitted by using the same reference numerals. Note that FIG. 6(a) is a plan view of the frame portion 0 in the stored state, FIG. 6(b) is a plan view of the frame portion 0 transitioning from the stored state to the deployed state, and FIG. 6(c) is a plan view of the frame portion 0 in the deployed state, showing the top surface of the frame portion 0. Further, FIG. 7 shows a folding structure X in which a plurality of frame portions 0 are integrally formed.

[0050] <Structure of the frame portion 0> As shown in FIG. 6, the frame portion 0 includes a convex portion 1, a concave portion 2, and a symmetric connecting portion 3 that connects these with a connecting hinge H0.

[0051] The convex portion 1 is a member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The convex portion main body 10 includes a convex portion base portion 101 having substantially the same width as the concave portion 2, a convex portion protruding portion 102 protruding from the center of the convex portion base portion 101 toward the concave portion 2, and a convex portion inclined portion 103 that connects the convex portion base portion 101 and the convex portion protruding portion 102 with an inclination. Further, the convex portion protruding portion 102 has a convex portion opposing surface 11 and a protruding surface 12.

[0052] The concave portion 2 is a vessel-shaped member, and has a concave portion main body 20, a concave portion opposing surface 21, and a storage surface 22. The concave portion main body 20 has a concave portion base portion 201 having a shape in which a portion where the concave portion opposing surface 21 is provided is hollowed out in a boat shape from a rectangular parallelepiped having substantially the same width as the convex portion base portion 101, and a concave portion protruding portion 202 extending parallel to the convex portion main body 10 from an end of the concave portion base portion 201.

[0053] The concave portion opposing surface 21 has a concave portion direct opposing surface 211 that opposes the convex portion opposing surface 11 in the stored state, and a connection opposing surface 212 that opposes the connection portion main body 30. The concave portion direct opposing surface 211 is parallel to the convex portion opposing surface 11, and the connection opposing surface 212 is provided with an inclination with respect to the concave portion direct opposing surface 211 and is connected to the storage surface 22. Here, the connection opposing surface 212 and the storage surface 22 have substantially the same length.

[0054] The connecting portion 3 includes a connecting portion main body 30, a contact surface 31, a convex portion proximity surface 32, and a concave portion proximity surface 33, and further has an inclined proximity surface 34 that is close to the convex portion inclined portion 103 in the stored state. The connecting portion main body 30 is provided in a substantially parallelogram shape in plan view, and is provided such that the lengths of the contact surface 31 and the inclined proximity surface 34, and the lengths of the convex portion proximity surface 32 and the concave portion proximity surface 33 are substantially the same. The connecting portion main body 30 is rotatably connected to the corner of the convex portion protruding portion 102 via a convex portion hinge H1 provided at the corner between the contact surface 31 and the convex portion proximity surface 32, and is also provided at the corner between the concave portion proximity surface 33 and the inclined proximity surface 34. It is rotatably connected to the corner of the concave portion protruding portion 202 via a concave portion hinge H2.

[0055] Regarding the length relationship, the convex portion opposing surface 11 and the concave portion directly facing surface 211, the contact surface 31 and the directly facing surface 212, the concave portion proximity surface 33 and the storage surface 22, the convex portion proximity surface 32 and the protruding surface 12, and the inclined portion of the inclined proximity surface 34 and the convex portion inclined portion 103 are each of substantially the same length, and are in contact without excess or deficiency in the stored state.

[0056] Regarding the angular relationship, the angle formed by the convex portion proximity surface 32 and the inclined proximity surface 34 is equal to the angle formed by the protruding surface 12 and the convex portion inclined portion 103, and the angle formed by the contact surface 31 and the concave portion proximity surface 33 is substantially the same as the angle formed by the directly facing surface 212 and the storage surface 22, so that the angles are in close contact when in the stored state. Thus, with such a configuration, a highly shock-absorbing folding structure X can be formed by utilizing the flexible member X0 of the block without any remainder. More preferably, the directly facing surface 212 and the inclined surface of the convex portion inclined portion 103 are parallel, making it easier to form a pattern.

[0057] <Structure of the folding structure X> FIG. 7 shows a folding structure X of a flexible member X0 including a plurality of frame portions 0 in its structure. In the embodiment, the folding structure X includes four frame portions 0 and includes a plurality of concave-convex bodies 4. Note that FIG. 7(a) is a plan view in the stored state, and FIG. 7(b) is a plan view in the unfolded state.

[0058] In the embodiment, the uneven body 4 includes a convex body 4A at the end in the opening direction, a concave body 4B at the end in the closing direction, and both bodies 4C connected via a connecting portion 3 thereunder. The uneven body 4 is provided by being bent at a predetermined interval so as to have a zigzag shape, and has a protruding portion 42 in the convex direction of the vertex thereof. Further, an intermediate portion 43 is provided between the two protruding portions 42.

[0059] The protruding portion 42 includes a substantially rectangular first protruding portion 421 protruding in the closing direction and a second protruding portion 422 protruding in the opening direction, and is connected to the end of the connecting portion 3 via a connection hinge H0 near each corner.

[0060] The intermediate portion 43 has an intermediate opposing surface 431 which is a surface opposing the protruding portion 42 in the stored state, and an intermediate contacting surface 432 which is adjacent to the intermediate opposing surface 431 and opposes the contacting surface 31 or the inclined adjacent surface 34. In the embodiment, the connecting portion 3, similar to the frame portion 0, has a contacting surface 31 and an inclined adjacent surface 34 that are close to the intermediate contacting surface 432 in the stored state, a convex portion adjacent surface 32 that is adjacent to the contacting surface 31 and is close to the first protruding portion 421 in the stored state, and a concave portion adjacent surface 33 that is close to the second protruding portion 422 in the stored state. In the embodiment, by providing the connecting portion main body 30 in a parallelogram and a rhombus shape, it becomes possible to pattern the outer edges of the convex portion 1 and the concave portion 2 and continuously arrange the frame portions 0.

[0061] <<Manufacturing Method>> Hereinafter, the manufacturing method of the present invention will be described in detail. The present invention is implemented by a manufacturer who manufactures the folding structure X from the flexible member X0. Further, the following implementation method is an example, and the implementation method is not limited to this, and the order may be reversed. The flexible member X0 is a flexible member in a plate shape, a sheet shape, or a block shape. The manufacturing process includes a cutting process of cutting a position away from the edge of the flexible member X0, and the cutting process includes a first cutting process and a continuous cutting process.

[0062] First, the manufacturer installs the flexible member X0 in the processing device. As the processing device, a cutting processing device including a laser cutter, a saw, a hot knife, a cutting device such as a machining center is assumed, but it may be fixed and performed with a hand tool.

[0063] Next, as a first cutting step, the manufacturer cuts the flexible member X0 along the boat-shaped cutting line C in a plan view to form a notch. In this boat-shaped cutting line C, a concave portion opposing surface 21, a convex portion opposing surface 11 or a contact surface 31 is formed at a portion corresponding to the bottom surface, and a storage surface 22 or a concave portion proximity surface 33 is formed at a portion corresponding to the edge. Note that cutting may be performed in the cutting step.

[0064] Next, as a continuous cutting step, the manufacturer cuts the flexible member X0 along a new cutting line C that is symmetric with respect to the opening / closing direction with respect to the previously cut boat-shaped notch. This cutting line C is arranged so as to be slightly shifted in the opening / closing direction so as not to overlap with the boat-shaped notch, and is further shifted by a predetermined length in a direction perpendicular to the opening / closing direction in a plan view with respect to the boat-shaped notch. By doing so, a thin connection hinge H0 can be formed between the edge portion and the bottom surface portion in the adjacent boat-shaped notches obtained by cutting. The manufacturer can form a plurality of frame portions 0 by repeating this continuous cutting step. Further, by performing the cutting step and the hinge forming step at different positions in the opening / closing direction, a folding structure X that spreads wider in the unfolded state can be formed. At least a part of the cutting line C in the continuous cutting step is provided at a position away from the edge of the entire flexible member X0, so that the frame portion 0 that transitions between the unfolded state and the stored state can be formed.

[0065] Finally, the user forms the folding structure X by cutting the edge of the flexible member X0 having the frame portion 0 formed thereon so as to have a required size. When the cutting line C overlaps with the edge, the cutting line C does not need to be boat-shaped and may be interrupted in the middle.

[0066] 《Usage method》 Hereinafter, the method for implementing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is implemented by a user who sets the folding structure X in the unfolded state when used as a cushioning material and in the stored state when not in use. Further, the method for implementation shown below is an example, and the method for implementation is not limited to this, and the order may be reversed.

[0067] When in use, the user holds the end of the uneven body 4 of the folding structure X in the stored state and pulls it in the opening and closing direction to deploy the thick folding structure X. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, an article M is placed in the gap portion of the folding structure X according to the second embodiment after deployment, and it is directly put into the box body B to be used as a cushioning material. At this time, the cushioning performance may be further enhanced by covering the sheet-like folding structure X according to the third embodiment from above and below.

[0068] Also, when not in use, the user holds the end of the uneven body 4 of the folding structure X in the deployed state and pushes it in the opening and closing direction to store the folding structure X. Since this transition requires deformation of the members constituting the folding structure X, it is difficult to transition to the stored state without applying a force in the opening and closing direction, and the handling performance can be improved.

[0069] As a modification example, the connection part main body 30 may be cylindrical or other polygonal shapes, and may be connected as a convex part hinge H1 and a concave part hinge H2 at both ends in the diagonal direction or the diameter direction, respectively. Further, the shape of the convex part opposing surface 11 is not limited to a flat surface, and may be any shape as long as it faces the concave part direct opposing surface 211 in the stored state, but it is preferably capable of being fitted in the stored state. In the embodiment, the description that members are close to each other can be read as "abut" or "adhere", thereby enhancing the efficiency of volume reduction. Furthermore, the concave part opposing surface 21 may further have a surface in addition to the concave part direct opposing surface 211 and the connection opposing surface 212, and the connection part main body 30 may further have a corresponding surface. The number of frame parts 0 included in the folding structure X can be arbitrarily changed.

[0070] Further, the convex portion 1 has a convex portion opposing surface 11 that faces the concave portion 2, the concave portion 2 has a concave portion opposing surface 21 that faces the convex portion 1, and the connecting portion 3 has a connecting portion main body 30, a convex portion hinge H1 that connects the connecting portion main body 30 and the convex portion 1, and a concave portion hinge H2 that connects the connecting portion main body 30 and the concave portion 2. The sum of the width of the convex portion opposing surface 11 and the distance between the convex portion hinge H1 and the concave portion hinge H2 in the two connecting portions 3 that connect to the convex portion 1 is longer than the width of the concave portion opposing surface 21. Thereby, deformation of the flexible member X0 is required for the transition between the storage state and the deployment state, and unintended transitions can be suppressed.

[0071] Further, the convex portion hinge H1 is connected to the corner of the convex portion 1 at one end of the connecting portion main body, and the concave portion hinge H2 is connected to the corner on the inner peripheral surface side of the concave portion 2 at the other end of the connecting portion main body 30. Thereby, relative rotation of the connecting portion 3 is facilitated, and the design of the folded structure X in which the convex portion 1 and the concave portion 2 are in close contact is facilitated.

[0072] Further, the concave portion 2 has a concave portion opposing surface 21 that faces the convex portion 1, the connecting portion 3 has a contact surface 31 that is along the concave portion 2 in the storage state, and the concave portion opposing surface 21 has a concave portion directly opposing surface 211 that is close to the convex portion 1 in the storage state and a contact opposing surface 212 that is close to the contact surface 31. Thereby, it is easy to bring the convex portion 1 and the concave portion 2 into close contact, and a folded structure X with a large reduction in volume in the storage state can be provided.

[0073] Further, the concave portion 2 has a concave portion protruding portion 202 that protrudes parallel to the convex portion 1, the connecting portion 3 has a connecting portion main body 30, a concave portion hinge H2 that is rotatably connected to the concave portion 2 at one end of the connecting portion main body 30, and a concave portion proximity surface 33 adjacent to the concave portion hinge. In the storage state, the concave portion proximity surface 33 is close to the concave portion protruding portion 202. Thereby, in the storage state, the connecting portion 3 can be brought closer to the concave portion 2, and the reduction in volume can be increased.

[0074] Further, the protruding portion 42 includes a plurality of first protruding portions 421 protruding at a predetermined interval on one surface of the base portion 41, and a plurality of second protruding portions 422 protruding at a predetermined interval on the surface of the base portion 41 facing the surface on which the first protruding portions 421 are provided. Thereby, in the uneven body 4, the function of the concave portion 2 can be duplicated in the convex portion 1, so that the efficiency of arranging the frame portion 0 can be improved, and the volume reduction performance in the stored state can be further enhanced.

Explanation of Signs

[0075] X0 Flexible member X Folding structure 0 Frame portion 1 Convex portion 10 Convex portion main body 101 Convex portion base 102 Convex portion protruding portion 103 Convex portion inclined portion 11 Convex portion opposing surface 12 Protruding surface 2 Concave portion 20 Concave portion main body 201 Concave portion base 202 Concave portion protruding portion 21 Concave portion opposing surface 211 Concave portion directly facing surface 212 Adjacent facing surface 22 Storage surface 3 Connection portion 30 Connection portion main body 31 Contact surface 32 Convex portion adjacent surface 33 Concave portion adjacent surface 34 Inclined adjacent surface 4 Uneven body 41 Base 42 Protruding portion 421 First protruding portion 422 Second protruding portion 43 Intermediate portion 431 Intermediate directly facing surface 432 Intermediate contact surface B Box body H0 Connection hinge H1 Convex portion hinge H2 Concave portion hinge M Article C Cutting line

Claims

1. A folding structure of a flexible member including a frame portion deformable from a stored state to a deployed state, wherein the frame portion has a convex portion, a concave portion opposite to the convex portion, and a connecting portion connecting the convex portion and the concave portion so as to be relatively rotatable by a thin hinge, and in the stored state, the convex portion and the concave portion are close to each other, and in the deployed state, the convex portion and the concave portion are separated from each other.

2. The convex portion has a convex portion opposing surface opposite to the concave portion, the concave portion has a concave portion opposing surface opposite to the convex portion, the connecting portion has a connecting portion main body, a convex portion hinge connecting the connecting portion main body and the convex portion, and a concave portion hinge connecting the connecting portion main body and the concave portion, and the sum of the width of the convex portion opposing surface and the distance between the convex portion hinge and the concave portion hinge in the two connecting portions connecting to the convex portion is longer than the width of the concave portion opposing surface. The folding structure according to Claim 1.

3. The convex portion hinge is connected to the corner of the convex portion at one end of the connecting portion main body, and the concave portion hinge is connected to the corner on the inner peripheral surface side of the concave portion at the other end of the connecting portion main body. The folding structure according to Claim 2.

4. The concave portion has a concave portion opposing surface opposite to the convex portion, the connecting portion has a contact surface along the concave portion in the stored state, and the concave portion opposing surface has a concave portion directly facing surface close to the convex portion and a connection facing surface close to the contact surface in the stored state. The folding structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The concave portion has a concave portion protruding portion protruding in parallel with the convex portion, the connecting portion has a connecting portion main body, a concave portion hinge rotatably connected to the concave portion at one end of the connecting portion main body, and a concave portion adjacent surface adjacent to the concave portion hinge, and in the stored state, the concave portion adjacent surface is close to the concave portion protruding portion. The folding structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

6. A folding structure of a flexible member deformable from a stored state to a deployed state, comprising a plurality of concavo-convex bodies and a connecting portion connecting the plurality of concavo-convex bodies, wherein each of the concavo-convex bodies has a base portion having a plurality of surfaces, a plurality of protruding portions protruding from the base portion at a predetermined interval, and an intermediate portion formed between the protruding portions, the protruding portion provided on one of the concavo-convex bodies faces the intermediate portion provided on another one of the concavo-convex bodies, and the connecting portion rotatably connects the protruding portion provided on one of the concavo-convex bodies and the protruding portion provided on another one of the concavo-convex bodies by a thin hinge. In the stored state, the protrusion provided on one of the uneven bodies is close to the intermediate part provided on the other uneven body, and in the deployed state, the protrusion provided on one of the uneven bodies and the intermediate part provided on the other uneven body are separated from each other, which is a folding structure.

7. The protrusion includes a plurality of first protrusions protruding at a predetermined interval on one surface of the base portion, and a plurality of second protrusions protruding at a predetermined interval on the surface of the base portion facing the surface on which the first protrusions are provided. The folding structure according to claim 6.

8. Including a frame portion deformable from a stored state to a deployed state, The frame portion has a convex portion, a concave portion opposing the convex portion, and a connecting portion connecting the convex portion and the concave portion so as to be relatively rotatable by a thin hinge. A method of forming a folding structure in which the convex portion and the concave portion are close to each other in the stored state and the convex portion and the concave portion are separated from each other in the deployed state in a flexible member, A method for manufacturing a folding structure, including a cutting step of cutting a position away from the edge of the flexible member.

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