Package product and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

To suppress occurrence of seal irregularity in manufacturing package products.SOLUTION: A manufacturing method of package products includes: a folding process for obtaining a continuous sheet bundle 3' in which plural layers of a first upper folding continuous sheet W'1 and a second lower folding continuous sheet W'2 are alternately laminated; a cutting process for obtaining a plurality of individual sheet bundles 3 by individually cutting the continuous sheet bundle 3'; and an individual packaging process for individually packaging the individual sheet bundle 3 by a packaging body 2. In the folding process, a fold of the first continuous sheet W'1 is aligned on a side of a first side surface S1, and a fold of the second continuous sheet W'2 is aligned on a side of a second side surface S2. In the individual packaging process, after wrapping the individual sheet bundle 3 by the packaging body 2, a seal part 2a is formed by joining overlapped parts of the packaging body 2. The seal part 2a is formed on the packaging body 2 in a site corresponding to the side of the first side surface S1 of the individual sheet bundle 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for obtaining a packaged product (individual package) in which individual sheet bundles are individually packaged. The present invention also relates to a manufacturing method for obtaining a packaged product (collective package) in which a plurality of individual packages are collectively packaged.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a product in which sanitary paper such as tissue paper is individually packaged with a resin film, so-called a soft pack product, is known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the production of tissue paper, generally, a method is used in which a continuous sheet fed from a large number of original roll is folded by a multi-station folder (also referred to as a multi-stand interfolder) and then cut into individual sizes by a cutting machine to obtain a bundle of sanitary paper (Patent Document 2). According to such a method, a bundle of sanitary paper can be obtained at high speed and continuously.

[0004] An individual packaging machine for automatically individually packaging a plurality of articles bundled together in a packaging bag such as a resin film is also known (Patent Document 3). Such an individual packaging machine is configured to push a plurality of articles into the packaging bag from the opening of the packaging bag while maintaining the state where the opening of the packaging bag is widened after widening the opening of the packaging bag.

[0005] Furthermore, a collective packaging machine for collectively packaging (packaging) a plurality of individual packages in which bundles of sanitary paper are individually packaged in a carton with a resin film or the like is also known (Patent Document 4). In the collective packaging machine of Patent Document 4, after aligning the postures of a plurality of cartons, these plurality of cartons are packaged with a resin film to obtain a packaged product in which, for example, 5 cartons are in one pack.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] By the way, in the production of soft pack products, it is considered to use the above-described multi-unit machine to create a bundle of toilet paper, and then push this bundle of toilet paper into a packaging bag such as a resin film for individual packaging. However, although the multi-unit machine can generate a bundle of toilet paper at high speed and continuously, there are disadvantages such as uneven folding and difficulty in aligning the sides of the bundle of toilet paper. For this reason, for example, when joining the overlapping portions of the film by heat sealing after wrapping the bundle of toilet paper with the film, problems such as seal unevenness where there are portions not joined to the overlapping portions of the film are likely to occur, and there is a problem of poor yield.

[0008] In addition, instead of the multi-unit machine (multi-stand type interfolder), it is also conceivable to fold the toilet paper using a rotary type interfolder as shown in Patent Document 5 (Fig. 6). However, in this case, the productivity is low and it is not suitable for mass production of soft pack products.

[0009] Therefore, the main problem of the present invention is to suppress the occurrence of seal unevenness when manufacturing soft pack products using a multi-unit machine. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a manufacturing method for obtaining a packaged product, particularly an individual package 4 of an individual sheet bundle 3. The manufacturing method according to the present invention includes a folding step, a cutting step, and an individual packaging step. In the folding step, a plurality of continuous sheets W' are folded to obtain a continuous sheet bundle 3' in which a plurality of first continuous sheets W'1 folded upward and a plurality of second continuous sheets W'2 folded downward are alternately laminated. In the cutting step, the continuous sheet bundle 3' is individually cut to obtain a plurality of individual sheet bundles 3. In the individual packaging step, the individual sheet bundles 3 are individually packaged by a packaging body 2. Here, in the above folding step, a continuous sheet bundle 3' is obtained in which the creases of the first continuous sheet W'1 are aligned on the first side S1 side, and the creases of the second continuous sheet W'2 are aligned on the second side S2 side. Further, the individual packaging step includes a covering step and a sealing step. In the covering step, the individual sheet bundle 3 is covered by the packaging body 2. Note that at this time, it is not necessary to completely cover (seal) the entire individual sheet bundle 3 with the packaging body 2, and it is also possible to simply cover the individual sheet bundle 3 in a state where it is partially open by the packaging body 2. In the sealing step, after the covering step, the overlapping portions of the packaging body 2 are joined to form a sealing portion 2a. And in this sealing step, the sealing portion 2a is formed on the packaging body 2 at a portion corresponding to the first side S1 side of the individual sheet bundle 3.

[0011] When forming a continuous sheet bundle 3' by laminating a large number of continuous sheets W', the first side S1 where the creases of the continuously folded-up continuous sheet W' are aligned generally has neater creases compared to the second side S2 where the creases of the continuously folded-down continuous sheet W' are aligned. This is because when folding the continuous sheet W' downward, it is necessary to fold it downward while involving a part of another continuous sheet W' located in the lower layer, so the creases of the downward fold are difficult to align, whereas there is no such limitation when folding the continuous sheet W' upward. Therefore, by forming the sealing portion 2a on the packaging body 2 at a portion corresponding to the first side S1 side where the creases are easily aligned, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of sealing unevenness in the overlapping portion of the packaging body 2.

[0012] In the method for manufacturing a packaging product according to the present invention, the folding step preferably includes an upper folding step and a lower folding step. In the upper folding step, with the first continuous sheet W'1 and the second continuous sheet W'2 partially overlapped, while bringing the inner guide 11a into contact with the inside of the fold of the first continuous sheet W'1, the first continuous sheet W'1 is folded upward so as to embrace the inner guide 11a and a part of the second continuous sheet W'2. On the other hand, in the lower folding step, with the first continuous sheet W'1 and the second continuous sheet W'2 partially overlapped, while bringing the outer guide 11b into contact with the outside of the fold of the second continuous sheet W'2, at least a part of the first continuous sheet W'1 is embraced, and the second continuous sheet W'2 is folded downward. In the lower folding step, usually, in addition to a part of a certain first continuous sheet W'1, a part of another first continuous sheet W'1 located below it is also embraced, and the second continuous sheet W'2 is folded downward. By repeating the above-described upper folding step and lower folding step, a continuous sheet bundle 3' is obtained in which the folds of the first continuous sheet W'1 are aligned on the first side surface S1 side and the folds of the second continuous sheet W'2 are aligned on the second side surface S2 side. Thereby, the continuous sheet bundle 3' can be obtained efficiently.

[0013] In the method for manufacturing a packaging product according to the present invention, in the coating step, it is preferable to press the pusher 42 against the portion corresponding to the first side surface S1 side of the individual sheet bundle 3 and push the individual sheet bundle 3 into the package 2. As described above, since the first side surface S1 of the individual sheet bundle 3 has relatively neatly aligned folds, by pressing the pusher 42 against this side, the individual sheet bundle 3 can be more reliably pushed into the package 2.

[0014] In the method for manufacturing a packaging product according to the present invention, the lowermost sheet of the finally obtained individual sheet bundle 3 b preferably has its side edge E bBy facing the first side S1, when pushing the individual sheet bundle 3 into the package 2, the lowermost sheet is less likely to curl. If the lowermost sheet is less likely to curl, when individually packaging and heat-sealing the individual sheet bundle 3, the occurrence of sealing defects can be suppressed. Also, if the lowermost sheet curls, there is a risk that the sheet will protrude from the individual sheet bundle 3 and get caught in the film joining part, inhibiting the film seal. Also, if the curling of the sheet is large, there is a risk of a defect where the sheet protrudes from the packaging film. The side edge E of the lowermost sheet b By facing the side edge E towards the first side S1, such problems can be suppressed from occurring.

[0015] In the method for manufacturing a packaged product according to the present invention, among the uppermost sheets of the finally obtained individual sheet bundle 3, the side edge E t is preferably folded one or more times, and at least one of the folds is towards the first side S1. By folding the uppermost sheet of the individual sheet bundle 3, the uppermost sheet is less likely to curl. Also, generally, the individual sheet bundle 3 has a greater thickness on both sides and a thinner central part, but the side edge E of the uppermost sheet of the individual sheet bundle 3 t is in the central part of the individual sheet bundle 3, and this side edge E t has the advantage of being less likely to receive resistance and less likely to be a cause of curling.

[0016] The method for manufacturing a packaged product according to the present invention preferably further includes a compression step of compressing the individual sheet bundle 3 in the thickness direction after the cutting step and before the individual packaging step. By compressing the individual sheet 3 in this way and then individually packaging it, the seal part 2a can be formed more stably.

[0017] The present invention may also be a method for manufacturing an assembled package 6 in which a plurality of individual packages 4 of the individual sheet bundle 3 are packaged together. The method for manufacturing the assembled package 6 according to the present invention further includes an assembled packaging step of packaging a plurality of individual packages 4 in one outer package 5.

[0018] The second aspect of the present invention relates to the packaging product itself. The packaging product (individual package 4) according to the present invention includes an individual sheet bundle 3 in which a plurality of first sheets W1 folded upward and a plurality of second sheets W2 folded downward are alternately laminated, and a package 2 that wraps the individual sheet bundle 3. Here, in the individual sheet 3, the folds of the first sheet W1 are aligned on the first side surface S1 side, and the folds of the second sheet W1 are aligned on the second side surface S2 side. Further, the package 2 has a seal portion 2a formed at a portion corresponding to the first side surface S1 side of the individual sheet bundle 3. In the present invention, it is preferable that the side edge of the lowermost layer sheet of the individual sheet bundle 3 faces the first side surface S1 side. Further, it is preferable that the side edge of the uppermost layer sheet of the individual sheet bundle 3 is folded one or more times, and at least one of the folds is made toward the first side surface S1 side.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, when manufacturing a soft pack product using a multi-unit machine, the occurrence of seal unevenness can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and includes those appropriately modified by those skilled in the art within the obvious scope from the following embodiments. In the present specification, unless otherwise specified, "A to B" means A or more and B or less.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows an example of the steps from the step of folding the continuous sheet W' to obtaining the individual sheet bundle 3 in the method for manufacturing a packaged product according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, as the continuous sheet W', a continuous body of general tissue paper (toilet paper) is assumed. Further, as the packaged product, an individual package 4 in which an individual sheet bundle 3 made of a laminate of tissue paper is individually packaged with a resin film, or an assembled package 6 in which a plurality of the individual packages 4 are assembled and collectively packaged is assumed (see FIGS. 1 and 5). Therefore, in the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 1, after laminating the continuous sheet W' fed out from a plurality of sheet rolls (not shown) in the thickness direction while folding it to obtain a continuous sheet bundle 3', the continuous sheet bundle 3' is cut at a predetermined interval to form the individual sheet bundle 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the steps until such an individual sheet bundle 3 is obtained are mainly performed by a folding mechanism 10, a cutting device 20, and a conveying device 30.

[0023] The folding mechanism 10 is for laminating in the thickness direction while folding by overlapping continuous sheets W' fed out from a plurality of sheet rolls (not shown). As such a folding mechanism 10, a basically known one can be adopted. Specifically, the folding mechanism 10 includes a number of folding plate type interfolders 11 and a conveyor 12. Each interfolder 11 overlaps two continuous sheets W' with each other and then sequentially stacks them on the conveying surface of the conveyor 12 while folding the continuous sheets W' using folding plates. For example, when manufacturing a sheet product in which 150 sets (a total of 300 sheets) of 2-ply tissue paper are laminated, 150 units of the interfolder 11 may be installed in the flow direction. The conveyor 12 of the folding mechanism 10 conveys the sheets folded by each interfolder 11 toward the downstream side of the apparatus at a constant speed. In this way, the state in which continuous sheets are laminated in a predetermined number by the folding mechanism 10 is referred to as a continuous sheet bundle 3' in this specification.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the interfolder 11. The configuration example of the interfolder 11 shown in Figure 2 is a known one. The interfolder 11, with such a folding plate structure, folds two consecutive sheets W´ while being conveyed by the conveyor 12 and sequentially stacks them by overlapping with another consecutive sheet W´ on the lower layer being conveyed. For the convenience of drawing, Figure 2 omits a part of the configuration of the interfolder 11 and depicts a state where two consecutive sheets W´ are not passed through this interfolder 11. As shown in Figure 2, the interfolder 11 mainly includes an inner guide 11a, an outer guide 11b, and an upper pressing bar 11c. The inner guide 11a is used to fold the first consecutive sheet W´1 upward out of the two consecutive sheets W´1, W´2. The outer guide 11b is used to fold the second consecutive sheet W´2 downward out of the two consecutive sheets W´1, W´2. Note that this outer guide 11b is divided into constituent elements of an upper part 11b(1) and a lower part 11b(2). Also, an upper pressing bar 11c is provided on the side of the inner guide 11a. By adjusting this upper pressing bar 11c, it is possible to prevent the first consecutive sheet W´1 from being folded at a position deviated from the inner guide 11a and stabilize the folding position. The function of the interfolder 11 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3.

[0025] Figure 3 schematically shows how the consecutive sheet W´ is folded by the interfolder 11. As shown in Figure 3(a), two consecutive sheets W´1, W´2 are introduced into the interfolder 11 in a state where they are partially overlapped. At this time, among the two overlapped consecutive sheets W´1, W´2, the one located on the lower layer side is defined as the first consecutive sheet W´1, and the one located on the upper layer side is defined as the second consecutive sheet W´2. In the figures of this application, for the sake of convenience, the first consecutive sheet W´1 and the second consecutive sheet W´2 are drawn with different hatching patterns, but basically both are the same kind of toilet paper.

[0026] Next, as shown in FIG. 3(b), of the two overlapping continuous sheets W'1 and W'2, the first continuous sheet W'1 on the lower layer side is folded upward, and the folded portion is overlapped further above the second continuous sheet W'2. As a result, a part of the second continuous sheet W'2 is sandwiched by the first continuous sheet W'1. When folding the first continuous sheet W'1 upward in this way, the inner guide 11a and the upper pressing bar 11c (see FIG. 2) of the interfolder 11 are used. That is, the inner guide 11a of the interfolder 11 is inserted into the inner surface side of the fold of the first continuous sheet W'1, and the first continuous sheet W'1 is folded upward along this inner guide 11a while being guided by the upper pressing bar 11c. At this time, the first continuous sheet W'1 holds the inner guide 11a and a part of the second continuous sheet W'2. By folding back the first continuous sheet W'1 using the inner guide 11a in this way, a fold along the inner guide 11a is formed in the first continuous sheet W'1.

[0027] Next, after folding up the first continuous sheet W'1 on the lower layer side, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the second continuous sheet W'2 on the upper layer side is folded back downward, and the folded-back portion is overlapped further below the first continuous sheet W'1. At this time, the second continuous sheet W'2 sandwiches not only the first continuous sheet W'1 that has both been introduced into the interfolder 11 but also a part of another first continuous sheet W'1 (shown by a dotted line) that has already been folded by another interfolder 11 upstream thereof. When folding down the second continuous sheet W'2 in this way, the outer guide 11b of the interfolder 11 is utilized. As shown in FIG. 2, this outer guide 11b is divided into an upper part 11b(1) and a lower part 11b(2) as components. Such an outer guide 11b of the interfolder 11 is provided on the outer surface side of the fold line of the second continuous sheet W'2. This outer guide 11b has a part that contacts the upper surface side and a part that contacts the folded-down lower surface side with the fold line of the second continuous sheet W'2 as a boundary, and the cross-sectional shape is a substantially U-shape lying on its side. The second continuous sheet W'2 is folded down by being drawn into the substantially U-shaped outer guide 11b. The upper part 11b(1) of the outer guide 11b guides the first continuous sheet W'1 and the second continuous sheet W'2 that have both been introduced into the interfolder 11 by pressing them from above, and the lower part 11b(2) of the outer guide 11b guides the lower side of the second continuous sheet W'2 and another first continuous sheet W'1 (dotted line) that has already been folded by another interfolder 11. In this way, the second continuous sheet W'2 is folded down along the outer guide 11b by being drawn into the outer guide 11b. By folding back the second continuous sheet W'2 using the outer guide 11b in this way, a fold line along the outer guide 11b is formed in the second continuous sheet W'2.

[0028] Figure 3(d) shows a cross-sectional view of a continuous sheet bundle 3' formed by repeating the procedure shown in FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c). In the continuous sheet bundle 3' formed by the above-described procedure, each of the continuous sheets W'1 and W'2 is folded approximately in half, and half pieces of two other continuous sheets that overlap above and below a certain continuous sheet are inserted respectively. For this reason, when a continuous sheet is lifted up in the continuous sheet bundle 3', the underlying continuous sheets are also lifted up together, and the continuous sheet bundle 3' is integrally formed in a pop-up type in a bundle shape. More specifically, as described above, by folding the continuous sheet using the interfolder 11, in the continuous sheet bundle 3', the folds of the first continuous sheet W'1 folded upward are aligned on the first side surface S1 side, and the folds of the second continuous sheet W'2 folded downward are aligned on the second side surface S2 side on the opposite side. Also, as described above, the folding methods of the two continuous sheets W'1 and W'2 introduced together into the interfolder 11 are different, with the upward fold by the inner guide 11a and the upper pressing bar 11c and the downward fold by the outer guide 11b. And although the first continuous sheet W'1 folded upward using the inner guide 11a and the upper pressing bar 11c has folds that are relatively likely to be aligned on the first side surface S1 side, on the other hand, it can be said that the second continuous sheet W'2 folded downward using the outer guide 11b has folds that are relatively difficult to be aligned on the second side surface S2 side. Also, since the folding position of the first continuous sheet W'1 is determined by the inner guide 11a, it is possible to align the folding positions of each set by adjusting the position of the inner guide 11a of each interfolder 11, and it is possible to reduce the variation in folding by the upper pressing bar 11c with respect to the inner guide 11a. That is, the first continuous sheet W'1 is more stable in folding position by being sandwiched between the inner guide 11a and the upper pressing bar 11c. On the other hand, since the outer guide 11b on the downward folding side can only be guided from the outside, although the position can be adjusted, it is difficult to suppress the variation, and it is difficult to align the folding positions. Such a difference is due to the structures of the inner guide 11a and the outer guide 11b and their folding methods described above.

[0029] Among the continuous sheet bundles 3', the one located at the topmost layer is the first continuous sheet W'1 folded upward by the inner guide 11a. Also, the side edge E t of this topmost first continuous sheet W'1 faces the second side surface S2 side, that is, the direction in which the folds of the second continuous sheet W'2 align. On the other hand, among the continuous sheet bundles 3', the one located at the lowermost layer is the second continuous sheet W'2 folded downward by the outer guide 11b. Also, the side edge E b of this lowermost second continuous sheet W'2 faces the first side surface S1 side, that is, the direction in which the folds of the first continuous sheet W'1 align.

[0030] Note that Fig. 4(a) shows a modified example of the cross-sectional structure of the continuous sheet bundle 3' shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4, for the first continuous sheet W'1 at the topmost layer of the continuous sheet bundle 3', its side edge E t may be folded back one or more times. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the side edge E t side of the topmost first continuous sheet W'1 is further folded downward, and this folded-back portion is inserted between the topmost first continuous sheet W'1 and the second continuous sheet W'2 located below it. This makes it difficult for the topmost first continuous sheet W'1 to curl. Although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to fold back the side edge E t side of the topmost first continuous sheet W'1 two or more times. For the topmost first continuous sheet W'1, it is also possible to fold back the side edge E t side upward. Also, Fig. 4(b) shows the cross-sectional structure of the individual package 4 obtained by individually packaging the individual sheet bundle 3 obtained by individually cutting the continuous sheet bundle 3' shown in Fig. 4(a) with the package 2. Details of the method of individually packaging the individual sheet bundle 3 will be described later.

[0031] Returning to the description with reference to FIG. 1 again, a cutting device 20 is provided on the downstream side of the folding mechanism 10 described above. The cutting device 20 obtains individual sheet bundles 3 of a predetermined size by cutting the continuous sheet bundle 3' formed by the folding mechanism 10 at predetermined intervals in the thickness direction. For example, when manufacturing tissue paper, the continuous sheet bundle 3' is cut at intervals of 240 to 260 mm. Thereby, individual sheet bundles 3 with their lengths adjusted to approximately the same size are obtained. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the cutting device 20 includes a cutter 21 and a conveyor 22. The cutter 21 cuts the continuous sheet bundle 3' in the thickness direction to form individual sheet bundles 3. For example, a plurality of circular blades are attached to the cutter 21, and the continuous sheet bundle 3' is cut at high speed and continuously using the plurality of blades. The conveyor 22 conveys the individual sheet bundles 3 obtained by the cutting by the cutter 21 toward the downstream side. Although not shown in the example of FIG. 1, in addition to the conveyor 22 that contacts the lower surface of the individual sheet bundle 3, another conveyor (not shown) that contacts the upper surface of the individual sheet bundle 3 may be provided, and the individual sheet bundle 3 may be conveyed while being sandwiched between the upper and lower conveyors.

[0032] Note that the individual sheet bundle 3 is formed by laminating a plurality of sheets W (toilet paper) in the thickness direction. Each sheet W in the individual sheet bundle 3 is approximately folded in half, and half pieces of two other sheets W that overlap above and below a certain sheet W are respectively inserted therebetween. For this reason, the individual sheet bundle 3 is integrated in a pop-up type in a bundled form such that when one sheet W is lifted up, the underlying sheet W is also lifted up together.

[0033] The loading device 30 is arranged on the downstream side of the cutting device 20 mainly for the purpose of adjusting the intervals between the individual sheet bundles 3. That is, as described above, when the continuous sheet bundle 3' is cut by the cutting device 20, individual sheet bundles 3 are obtained. However, on the conveyor 22 of the cutting device 20, these individual sheet bundles 3 are conveyed continuously with almost no gaps between them. If there is no gap between the individual sheet bundles 3, it becomes difficult to mechanically rotate the orientation of the individual sheet bundles 3 or individually package the individual sheet bundles 3 in subsequent processes. Therefore, the loading device 30 widens the intervals between the individual sheet bundles 3 and adjusts them so that the intervals between the individual sheet bundles 3 are equal. At that time, the loading device 30 basically starts conveying the individual sheet bundles 3 at a speed faster than that of the conveyor 22 of the cutting device 20. As a result, the intervals between the individual sheet bundles 3 widen on the loading device 30. For this reason, the loading device 30 is also called a speed-up conveyor.

[0034] The loading device 30 includes a lower conveyor 31 and an upper conveyor 32. The lower conveyor 31 contacts the lowermost sheet of the individual sheet bundle 3 and conveys the individual sheet bundle 3 to the downstream side. The upper conveyor 32 contacts the uppermost sheet of the individual sheet bundle 3 and conveys the individual sheet bundle 3 to the downstream side. In this way, the individual sheet bundle 3 is temporarily sent to the downstream side while being sandwiched from above and below by the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32. As shown in FIG. 1, the conveying surface of the lower conveyor 31 extends longer on the downstream side than the upper conveyor 32 with respect to the individual sheet bundle 3. For this reason, the section where the individual sheet bundle is conveyed while being sandwiched between the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32 is temporary. When the sandwiching by the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32 is released, the individual sheet bundle 3 is conveyed only by the lower conveyor 31. The conveying speed of the individual sheet bundle 3 by the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32 is faster than the conveying speed of the conveyor 22 of the cutting device 20 as described above. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, when the individual sheet bundle 3 is transferred from the conveyor 22 of the cutting device 20 to the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32, the space between the individual sheet bundles 3 expands. Further, since the conveying speeds of the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32 are constant, the intervals between the individual sheet bundles 3 are adjusted to be substantially uniform.

[0035] FIG. 5 shows the subsequent process of FIG. 1. Specifically, FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of a series of processes from loading the individual sheet bundle 3 to unloading the collective package 6, that is, the loading process, the individual packaging process, the conveying process, the collective packaging process, and the unloading process. Note that FIG. 5 conceptually and simply shows each of these series of processes for easy understanding, and does not reproduce the actual process.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, in the loading process, the above-described loading device 30 conveys a plurality of individual sheet bundles 3 at intervals and introduces them into the individual packaging machine 40. As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the individual sheet bundle 3 is assumed to be a toilet paper bundle. As shown in FIG. 5, in the individual packaging process, the individual packaging machine 40 individually packages the individual sheet bundles 3. At this time, the packaging web 1 is supplied to the individual packaging machine 40. The packaging web 1 is a continuous connection of a plurality of packages 2 and is usually wound in a roll shape. In the example shown in FIG. 5, this packaging web 1 is a continuous connection of packages 2 of a plurality of types of designs (color, hue, shape). For example, the packaging web 1 is configured by alternately connecting packages 2 of two different types of designs. Further, the packaging web 1 may be, for example, a continuous connection of packages 2 of three different types of designs in this order repeatedly.

[0037] Such a packaging web 1 can be obtained, for example, by printing colors and patterns on a plain or white film using a known printer. Further, the package 2 (packaging web 1) is preferably a flexible packaging bag formed of a resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyvinyl acetate, or the like. Among these, it is particularly preferable to employ polyethylene for the package 2. When the film forming the package 2 is a relatively hard material such as polypropylene, for example, the corner portions of the individual packages 4 come into contact with the outer package 5, making the outer package 5 more likely to tear and making it difficult to perform tight collective packaging. For this reason, it is advisable to use a relatively soft film material such as polyethylene for the package 2. Note that even if it is polypropylene, for example, if the film thickness is made thinner, it becomes softer. Thus, the relatively hard material or relatively soft material referred to herein means a relatively hard material or relatively soft material when compared at the same thickness. Also, the package 2 (packaging web 1) can utilize a paper material. As the paper material, for example, it may be a single sheet of paper or a composite material of paper / resin film. In the case of a single sheet of paper, it may be possible to use a material with a heat-sealing adhesive applied to the sealing portions (the body wrap sealing portion and the side folding portion), or it is also possible to apply a heat-sealing adhesive to the single sheet of paper during the packaging process and use it.

[0038] Also, as an index indicating the flexibility of the film forming the package 2, it is advisable to set the film stiffness within a specific range. When the machine direction of the film is designated as T and the cross direction is designated as Y, the value in the T direction is preferably 0.005 or less (0.0001 or more), the value in the Y direction is preferably 0.005 or less (0.0001 or more), and the value of √TY is preferably 0.0045 or less (0.0001 or more). Thus, by adopting a relatively soft film with low stiffness, particularly a polyethylene film, for the package 2, it becomes less likely to tear during collective packaging as described above. Note that the film stiffness is represented by the following formula. [Formula] Stiffness (mN·m) = (wL 4 / 8y) × 9.81 Here, w represents the basis weight (g / m 2 ), L represents the bending length (m), and y represents the degree of deflection (m). Also, the method for measuring the degree of deflection y is as follows. [Measurement method] Prepare a sample piece of a film with a width of 30 mm and a length of 150 mm. Place this sample piece with 30 mm (bending length L) of the film tip protruding from a right-angled base, hold it down on the base so that the sample piece does not float, and measure the vertical length (degree of deflection y) of the hanging tip. The measurement is the average of a total of 20 points measured 10 times each for the front and back of the film.

[0039] Also, the winding direction (the direction of the winding flow) of the packaging web 1 is preferably the short side direction of the package 2 (that is, the depth direction of the individual packages 4). By setting the short side direction of the package 2 as the flow direction of the packaging web 1, the length of one design can be reduced in the flow direction of the packaging web 1. Since the design is determined by the size of the plate roll of the printing equipment, a shorter length allows for more designs to be implemented. Also, since one pitch is short, more sheets can be obtained even with the same web diameter, so the frequency of web replacement can be reduced. Also, it is preferable that the packaging web 1 does not have the design printed on the heat-sealing part during packaging. The presence of this non-printed part widens the interval between the packages 2 and makes it easier to cut the film between the packages 2. Even when printing is done, the film cutting location should preferably have a non-patterned area of 4 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or more, or a design area that does not look out of place regardless of which design it is in. Also, when printing the design on this packaging web 1, a registration mark (not shown) may be printed. The registration mark is preferably placed on the side heat-sealing part (cut surface), and furthermore, it is preferably the same color as the product (for example, white for a normal product, the color mark for a colored product).

[0040] Note that since the packaging web 1 is formed by arranging a plurality of packages 2 of different designs in an alternating manner, the individual packaging machine 40 sequentially individually packages the individual sheet bundles 3 using the packages 2 separated from the packaging web 1 in order. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5, different designs of individual packages 4 covered with packages 2 of different designs are sequentially discharged from the individual packaging machine 40. In the example shown in FIG. 5, since the packaging web 1 with a pattern in which two types of packages 2 are arranged alternately is supplied to the individual packaging machine 40, two types of individual packages 4 with different designs are alternately discharged from the individual packaging machine 40 according to the pattern of this packaging web 1. Thus, the order of the individual packages 4 discharged from the individual packaging machine 40 corresponds to the pattern of the packages 2 that make up the packaging web 1 supplied to this individual packaging machine 40.

[0041] The individual packaging machine 40 cuts the packaging web 1 between the packages 2 to obtain individual packages 2, and individually packages each of the individual sheet bundles 3 carried in by the carrying-in device 30 with each of these individual packages 2. The individual packaging machine 40 sequentially individually packages the individual sheet bundles 3 using the individual packages 2 obtained as described above. As the individual packaging machine 40, for example, a known one as disclosed in Patent Document 3 can be adopted. Specifically, the individual packaging machine 40 may be configured to expand the opening of the package 2 and then, while maintaining the expanded state of the package 2, push the individual sheet bundle 3 into the package 2 through the opening, and then join the package 2 by heat sealing or the like. Thereby, an individual package 4 obtained by individually packaging the individual sheet bundle 3 (toilet paper bundle) with the package 2 is obtained.

[0042] Specifically, FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example of the process of individually packaging the individual sheet bundle 3. First, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the packaging body 2 is placed at the opening of the bucket 41 provided in the individual packaging machine 40. The individual sheet bundle 3 can be pushed into the bucket 41 together with the packaging body 2. The individual sheet bundle 3 is placed in front of the opening of the bucket 41 in a direction in which the side where the folds of the second sheet W2 folded downward by the second side surface S2, that is, the outer guide 11b of the interfolder 11, are aligned first comes into contact with the packaging body 2 and is introduced into the bucket 41. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the individual sheet bundle 3 is pushed by the pusher 42 provided in the individual packaging machine 40 and is pushed into the bucket 41 together with the packaging body 2. Specifically, the pusher 42 abuts on the side surface of the individual sheet bundle 3 where the folds of the first sheet W1 folded upward by the first side surface S1, that is, the inner guide 11a of the interfolder 11, are aligned. Then, the individual sheet bundle 3 is pressed from the first side surface S1 side by the pusher 42 that repeats a linear reciprocating motion, and is introduced into the bucket 41 while sliding on a plane (not shown). As described above, since the first side surface S1 of the individual sheet bundle 3 is a surface with relatively aligned folds, it can be said that it is a surface suitable for pressing with the pusher 42.

[0043] The coefficient of friction (JIS K7125) of the film forming the package 2 is preferably greater on the inner side than on the outer side (coefficient of friction: outer side < inner side). If the outer friction is large, when inserting the individual sheet bundle 3 into the bucket 41 together with the film after compressing the individual sheet bundle 3 in the vertical direction in the process of wrapping the film, the resistance between the film and the bucket 41 is greater, so the individual sheet bundle 3 is more likely to buckle. Especially in the case of a multi-unit machine, since it is cut at high speed while being sandwiched so as to hold down the top and bottom of the bundle during cutting, the individual sheet bundle 3 after cutting is in a compressed state. To wrap the compressed individual sheet bundle 3 with the film, it is necessary to further compress and package it. At this time, the pressure applied in the vertical direction becomes higher, so buckling is likely to occur. Therefore, by making the coefficient of friction of the film forming the package 2 larger on the inner side than on the outer side, the contact surface between the bucket 41 and the film becomes smoother than the contact surface between the film and the individual sheet bundle 3, so that the individual sheet bundle 3 can be easily wrapped, resulting in a product with good tightness. Methods for creating a difference in the coefficient of friction of the film between the front and back include, for example, forming multiple layers and performing surface treatment. However, it is also possible to increase the resistance value of the portion coated with ink by printing the design of the film on the inner surface side.

[0044] Figure 7(a) shows the state in which the upper surface, lower surface, and second side surface S2 of the individual sheet bundle 3 are covered by the packaging body 2 after the above-described process. In this state, the first side surface S1 of the individual sheet bundle 3 is not yet covered by the packaging body 2. In this state, there is still an excess portion on the packaging body 2 on the side of the first side surface S1 of the individual sheet bundle 3. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 7(b), the excess portion of the packaging body 2 on the side of the first side surface S1 is folded back, and the first side surface S1 of the individual sheet bundle 3 is further covered by this excess portion. At this time, the excess portions of the packaging body 2 are partially overlapped, and the film forming the packaging body 2 is doubled in part. Then, as shown in Figure 7(b), the sealer 43 provided in the individual packaging machine 40 is pressed against the portion where the film of the packaging body 2 is doubled and overlapped to join this overlapping portion. At this time, the overlapping portion of the packaging body 2 is sandwiched between the sealer 43 and the first side surface S1 of the individual sheet bundle 3. As described above, since the first side surface S1 of the individual sheet bundle 3 is a surface with relatively aligned creases, it can be said that it is a surface suitable for joining the overlapping portion of the packaging body 2 by pressing the sealer 43. That is, by sandwiching and joining the overlapping portion of the packaging body 2 between the sealer 43 and the first side surface S1 of the individual sheet bundle 3, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of seal wrinkles in this overlapping portion. As the sealer 43, a heat-sealing method that applies heat to the packaging body 2 to melt the film may be adopted, or an ultrasonic-sealing method that melts the film by frictional heat generated by applying ultrasonic vibration to the packaging body 2 may be adopted. In this way, the individual sheet bundle 3 is wound around the body by the packaging body 2. That is, the upper surface, lower surface, first side surface S1, and second side surface S2 of the individual sheet bundle 3 are covered by the packaging body 2.

[0045] Figure 8 shows an example of an individual sheet bundle 3 that is wound around the body by the package 2 after the above process. As a common point of the two examples shown in Figure 8, the direction parallel to the fold of each sheet of the individual sheet bundle 3 is defined as the "width direction", and the direction that is planar orthogonal to the width direction of the individual sheet bundle 3 (i.e., the direction in which the individual sheet bundle 3 is cut) is defined as the "depth direction", and the direction in which the sheets of the individual sheet bundle 3 are stacked is defined as the "thickness direction". Also, in Figure 8, the "MD direction" of the package 2 refers to the flow direction (extrusion direction) during the manufacture of the film, and the "CD direction" of the package 2 refers to the direction orthogonal to this flow direction. Since the MD direction of the film is parallel to the molecular orientation of the film, a general film has the property of being easily torn in the MD direction. On the other hand, since the CD direction of the film is orthogonal to the molecular orientation of the film, a general film has the property of being difficult to tear in the CD direction. Also, in the two examples shown in Figure 8, both have a seal portion 2a where the package 2 joined the film by the method described above, and a perforation 2b for opening is formed along the width direction of the individual sheet bundle 3 on the upper surface portion of this package 2.

[0046] First, in the first example shown in Figure 8(a), the width direction of the individual sheet bundle 3 coincides with the MD direction of the package 2 (film), and the depth direction of the individual sheet bundle 3 coincides with the CD direction of the package 2. Therefore, in this example, the tear strength (JIS K 7128-2:1998 Elmendorf tear method) of the package 2 is greater in the depth direction of the individual sheet bundle 3 than in the width direction of the individual sheet bundle 3. In other words, the package 2 is likely to tear along the width direction of the individual sheet bundle 3. Specifically, it is preferable that the tear strength in the depth direction is 5 times or more the tear strength in the width direction (tear strength: width direction × 5 ≤ depth direction). Therefore, as shown in Figure 8(a), by forming the perforation 2b for opening in the package 2 along the width direction of the individual sheet bundle 3, there is an advantage that this perforation 2b is easy to open.

[0047] On the other hand, in the second example shown in FIG. 8(b), the width direction of the individual sheet bundle 3 coincides with the CD direction of the package 2 (film), and the depth direction of the individual sheet bundle 3 coincides with the MD direction of the package 2. Therefore, in this example, the tensile strength (JIS Z 1702) of the package 2 is greater in the depth direction of the individual sheet bundle 3 than in the width direction of the individual sheet bundle 3. In other words, the package 2 is likely to stretch along the depth direction of the individual sheet bundle 3. The tensile strength indicates the degree of ease of stretching of the film, and is the elongation rate (%) until it breaks when the film is pulled at a speed of 300 mm / min. Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 6, when the individual sheet bundle 3 is wrapped by the package 2, since the package 2 is likely to stretch in the pushing direction of the individual sheet bundle 3, there is an advantage that the individual sheet bundle 3 is likely to fit into the package 2 during individual packaging.

[0048] As described above, since the first example shown in FIG. 8(a) and the second example shown in FIG. 8(b) each have different advantages, the preferable one may be appropriately adopted in consideration of the use and manufacturing conditions of the individually packaged product. However, considering the formation of the perforation 2b, when the width direction of the individual sheet bundle 3 coincides with the CD direction of the package 2 as shown in FIG. 8(b), since the perforation 2b is difficult to open, there is a need to adjust with the pattern of the perforation 2b. In particular, in the example of FIG. 8(b), the ratio of the cut portion of the perforation 2b needs to exceed 50%, and in some cases, 65% or more is required. In this way, when the ratio of the cut portion is increased, the position of the perforation portion may be opened during packaging or transportation, which is not preferable in this regard. Therefore, considering the formation of the perforation 2b, it is preferable that the width direction of the individual sheet bundle 3 coincides with the MD direction of the package 2 as shown in FIG. 8(a), and the ratio of the cut portion of the perforation 2b is 50% or less, and more preferably 40% or less. Also, the length of one cut portion is preferably 1 to 3 mm.

[0049] In this way, by individually packaging the individual sheet bundle 3 with the packaging body 2, an individual package 4 is obtained. As in the example shown in FIG. 8, the individual package 4 may be such that the individual sheet bundle 3 is wound around the body by the packaging body 2 and both or one of the end faces (the faces of the cut edges formed when cut) of the individual sheet bundle 3 are open. The individual package 4 obtained by simply winding the individual sheet bundle 3 around the body in this way is easy to use, for example, for the purpose of repacking the individual sheet bundle 3 in another storage case. In this case, it is useful for repacking purposes such as replacing only the contents in a case, etc., and since it is easy to open and requires less material, no unnecessary material is needed. On the other hand, it is also possible to cover both end faces of the individual sheet bundle 3 with the packaging body 2 from the state shown in FIG. 8 and form a side seal portion (not shown) by joining the covered portions of the end faces by heat sealing or the like. In this way, by forming the side seal portion on the packaging body 2, almost the entire individual sheet bundle 3 can be covered.

[0050] Note that it is preferable that the side seal portion of the packaging body 2 is heat-sealed intermittently (for example, in a stripe shape) without performing heat-sealing on the entire surface. In this case, the seal width is set to 1.5 to 5.0 mm and the non-seal width is set to 1.6 to 10.0 mm, and it is preferable that the seal width is smaller than the non-seal width (seal width < non-seal width). This is because if the total area of the seal width exceeds 50% of the side seal surface, the corners of the individual package become hard, and there is a risk of damaging the outer package 5 when inserting it into the outer package 5. In particular, the seal width is preferably narrower because the continuous seal width at the corners becomes smaller. For example, 3.5 mm or less is preferable, and 2.5 mm or less is more preferable. However, if the seal width is less than 1.5 mm, it is too narrow for heat to be transferred easily, and the seal becomes unstable, which is not preferable.

[0051] Further, it is preferable to further perform a step of compressing the individual sheet bundle 3 in the thickness direction before covering the individual sheet bundle 3 with the wrapper 2 as shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, the compression step is a step of pressing the individual sheet bundle 3 from the thickness direction to make the layers of the individual sheet bundle 3 adhere more closely and reduce the thickness of the individual sheet bundle 3. And it is preferable that the individual sheet bundle 3 is covered with the wrapper 2 in a state compressed in the thickness direction. The individual package compression rate is preferably 98% or more, and more preferably 99% or more. The individual package compression rate is obtained by the following formula. [Formula] Individual package compression rate = Individual package perimeter ÷ Theoretical perimeter calculated from the outer dimensions of the product bundle Here, the theoretical perimeter calculated from the outer dimensions of the product bundle is obtained by (thickness (set) × 2 × number of sets + depth of the bundle) × 2. Note that the thickness is the thickness of a set (2 sheets) under a load of 2 kPa (ISO 12625-3:2014). Also, the individual package perimeter is obtained by (product height + product depth) × 2. Also, the depth of the bundle is the average value obtained by measuring the maximum depth dimensions at three locations, namely the end and the center, when viewing the individual sheet bundle 3 from above, and measuring 10 individual sheet bundles 3.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 5 for further explanation, in the conveying process, the individual packages 4 are conveyed by a conveying device 50 using a known conveyor or the like. Specifically, this conveying process is a process of conveying a plurality of individual packages 4 toward the downstream side in the section between the above-described individual packaging process and the collective packaging process described below. On the conveying device 50, as described above, the individual packages 4 of a plurality of types of designs are arranged at intervals in a predetermined pattern. Further, during this conveying process, an inspection may be performed by a sensor (not shown) to check whether the arrangement order of the individual packages 4 on the conveying device 50 is appropriate. As the sensor, for example, a known sensor capable of identifying the design of the individual package 4 (package 2), such as an image sensor such as a CMOS and a CCD, or a color sensor that simply detects color, can be used. For example, an image sensor may be used when the design of the individual package 4 (package 2) is complex, and a color sensor may be used when the difference in the design of the individual package 4 is a simple color difference. The detection information by the sensor is transmitted to a control device (not shown) such as a computer, and analysis processing is performed by this control device. If the control device determines that the arrangement order of the individual packages 4 is inappropriate as a result of the analysis processing, a known elimination device (not shown) may be driven to eliminate the inappropriate individual packages 4 from above the conveying device 50. Thereby, it becomes possible to correct the arrangement order of the individual packages 4 to an appropriate one on the conveying device 50.

[0053] In the collective packaging process, the individual packages 4 that have undergone the above-described conveying process are introduced into the collective packaging machine 60. The collective packaging machine 60 obtains a collective package 6 (packaged product) by collectively packaging (packing) a plurality of individual packages 4 within one outer package 5. As the outer package 5, it is preferable to use a transparent or translucent resin film or the like so that the design of the individual packages 4 therein can be visually recognized from the outside. At this time, the collective packaging machine 60 mechanically arranges the individual packages 4 in the order in which they are introduced into this collective packaging machine 60, and then collectively packages these plurality of individual packages 4 with the outer package 5. In this collective packaging machine 60, basically, the order of arrangement of the individual packages 4 is not changed in this collective packaging machine 60. Therefore, it is advisable to set the order of arrangement of the individual packages 4 to an appropriate one before introducing them into this collective packaging machine 60. Note that the collective packaging machine 60 can perform collective packaging after changing the posture of the individual packages 4. Such a collective packaging machine 60 is known, and for example, the one disclosed in Patent Document 4 may be adopted. Also, the number of individual packages 4 to be packaged within one outer package 5 is 4 to 10, but it is not limited to this and can be any number.

[0054] Figure 9 shows an example of the outer package 5 used in the collective packaging process. As shown in Figure 9, as the outer package 5, one having gusset portions 6a on the left and right side portions can be adopted. The gusset portion 6a is a portion where a mountain having a top on the inner side of the outer package 5 is formed by folding the side portion of the outer package 5 inward. The folding line forming the gusset portion 6a extends along the vertical direction of the outer package 5. The outer package 5 having the gusset portion 6a can be made into a bag shape by folding a single planar film and forming a seal portion 6b by heat sealing or the like at the overlapping portion. At this time, it is preferable that the seal portion 6b of the outer package 5 is not formed at least at the corner portion (indicated by the dotted round mark) that becomes the fold of the gusset portion 6a. In particular, as shown in Figure 9, it is preferable that the seal portion 6b of the outer package 5 is formed at the portion forming the surface folded when forming the gusset portion 6a. Since the seal portion 6b becomes harder than other portions, if the seal portion 6b is formed at the corner portion of the outer package 5, when storing a plurality of individual packages 4 in the outer package 5, the seal portion 6b formed at this corner portion may damage the individual package 4, and there is a risk of breakage in the package 2 forming the individual package 4 or the like. On the other hand, as in the example shown in Figure 9, by forming the seal portion 6b at the folded portion of the gusset portion 6a, it becomes difficult for this seal portion 6b to contact the individual package 4, so that even in a tight collective packaging, it is difficult to damage the individual package 4. Further, it is good to insert a plurality of individual packages 4 downward from the upper opening shown in Figure 9 into the outer package 5. When inserting the individual package 4 downward from the upper opening of the outer package 5 in this way, since the corner surface portion (the portion hardened by sealing) of the individual package 4 is likely to come into contact at the time of insertion, it is preferable that the film material of this individual package 4 is soft. Also, when storing the individual package 4 in the outer package 5, it is preferable that the individual package 4 is not compressed.

[0055] In addition to the outer package 5 having the gusset portion 6a as described above, it is also possible to adopt a film member without a seal portion in the circumferential direction, such as a film member formed by inflation. Inflation is a method of forming a three-dimensional shape by expanding a film-like material with a gas such as air. When an inflation-molded film is adopted for the outer package 3, a seal portion such as the gusset portion 6a is not required. Further, in the manufacturing process of the inflation-molded film, the film itself is stretched in the CD direction, so the tear strength in the MD direction is improved.

[0056] When inserting a plurality of individual packages 4 in a state covered by the outer package 5, the outer package insertion rate is preferably 98 to 110%, and more preferably 98 to 106%. That is, it is good that the plurality of individual packages 4 are stored in the outer package 5 with a certain margin. The outer package insertion rate of the individual package 4 is the inner circumferential length of the outer package 5 in the depth direction with respect to the theoretical outer circumferential length (100%) in the depth direction of the plurality of individual packages 4 at the time of insertion. The theoretical outer circumferential length in the depth direction of the plurality of individual packages 4 is obtained by (theoretical outer circumferential length in the depth direction of the plurality of individual packages) = (width in the depth direction of the individual package) × 2 × number of rows + (height of the individual package) × 2 × number of rows.

[0057] As described above, in this specification, in order to express the content of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and includes obvious modification forms and improvement forms that those skilled in the art can make based on the matters described in this specification.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0058] 1... Packaging roll stock 2... Package 2a... Seal portion 2b... Perforation 3... Bundle of individual sheets 3'... Bundle of continuous sheets 4... Individual package 5... Outer package 6... Collective package 6a... Gusset portion 6b... Seal portion 10... Folding mechanism 11... Interfolder 11a... Inner guide 11b…Outer guide 12…Conveyor 20…Cutting device 21…Cutter 22…Conveyor 30…Loading device 31…Lower conveyor 32…Upper conveyor 40…Individual packaging machine 41…Bucket 42…Pusher 43…Sealer 50…Conveying device 60…Collective packaging machine 70…Unloading device W…Sheet W1…First sheet W2…Second sheet W´…Continuous sheet W´1…First continuous sheet W´2…Second continuous sheet S1…First side S2…Second side

Claims

1. A folding step of folding a plurality of continuous sheets to obtain a bundle of continuous sheets in which a plurality of first continuous sheets folded upward and a plurality of second continuous sheets folded downward are alternately stacked; A cutting step of individually cutting the bundle of continuous sheets to obtain a plurality of individual sheet bundles; An individual packaging step of individually packaging the individual sheet bundles with a packaging body, A method for manufacturing a packaged product, In the folding step, A bundle of continuous sheets is obtained in which the creases of the first continuous sheets are aligned on the first side surface side and the creases of the second continuous sheets are aligned on the second side surface side. The individual packaging step A covering step of wrapping the individual sheet bundle with the packaging body; After the covering step, it includes a sealing step of joining the overlapping portions of the packaging body to form a seal portion. In the sealing step, the seal portion is formed on the packaging body at a portion corresponding to the first side surface side of the individual sheet bundle. A method for manufacturing a packaged product.

2. The folding step An upward folding step of folding the first continuous sheet upward while abutting an inner guide against the inside of the crease of the first continuous sheet with the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet partially overlapped and embracing a part of the inner guide and the second continuous sheet; A downward folding step of folding the second continuous sheet downward while abutting an outer guide against the outside of the crease of the second continuous sheet with the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet partially overlapped and embracing at least a part of the first continuous sheet; By repeating the upward folding step and the downward folding step, a bundle of continuous sheets is obtained in which the creases of the first continuous sheets are aligned on the first side surface side and the creases of the second continuous sheets are aligned on the second side surface side. The method for manufacturing a packaged product according to Claim 1.

3. In the covering step, a pusher is pressed against a portion corresponding to the first side surface side of the individual sheet bundle to push the individual sheet bundle into the packaging body. The method for manufacturing a packaged product according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. For the lowermost sheet of the individual sheet bundle, its side edge faces the first side surface side. The method for manufacturing a packaged product according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

5. The topmost sheet among the individual sheet bundles has its side edges folded one or more times, and at least once it is folded toward the first side surface side. The method for manufacturing a packaging product according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. After the cutting step and before the individual packaging step, the method further includes a compression step of compressing the individual sheet bundles in the thickness direction. The method for manufacturing a packaging product according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The method further includes an assembly packaging step of packaging a plurality of the individual packages in one outer package. The method for manufacturing a packaging product according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. A packaging product including an individual sheet bundle in which a plurality of first sheets folded upward and second sheets folded downward are alternately laminated, and a packaging body wrapping the individual sheet bundle, wherein the side edges of the first sheets are aligned on the first side surface side and the side edges of the second sheets are aligned on the second side surface side, and a sealing portion is formed at a portion corresponding to the first side surface side of the packaging body. Packaging product.

9. The bottommost sheet among the individual sheet bundles has its side edges facing the first side surface side. The packaging product according to claim 8.

10. The topmost sheet among the individual sheet bundles has its side edges folded one or more times, and at least once it is folded toward the first side surface side. The packaging product according to claim 8 or claim 9.

Images