Transportation device and transportation method

Abstract

To provide a transportation device capable of regulating positional deviation to a desired position when transporting sheets with various dimensions.SOLUTION: A transportation device includes: a first guide for transporting a transportation object to a second direction and movable in a first direction intersecting with the second direction; and a second guide for regulating positional deviation of the transportation object in the first direction when transporting the transportation object in the second direction, wherein the second guide moves in the first direction along with movements of the first guide to the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conveying device and a conveying method for conveying cardboard sheets and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] The logistics industry requires packaging with cardboard sheets of various sizes to accommodate a wide variety of products and quantities. During the cardboard packaging process, the cardboard sheets are folded to meet the desired specifications. Different types of cardboard sheets with different dimensions will require different folding positions. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the position of the cardboard sheets so that the folding position matches the desired position according to the cardboard sheets being transported.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet posture correcting device that corrects a sheet that is conveyed in an inclined state to a non-inclined state. Patent Document 1 proposes guides that guide both edges of the sheet as a means for correcting the inclined state to a non-inclined state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-105160 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to Patent Document 1, although it is possible to correct an inclined state to a non-inclined state, it does not suggest adjusting the folding positions of multiple types of cardboard sheets with different dimensions.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a conveying device that can regulate positional deviation from a desired position when conveying sheets of various sizes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The conveying device of the present disclosure comprises a first guide that conveys an object to be conveyed in a second direction and is movable in a first direction that intersects the second direction, and a second guide that regulates positional deviation of the object to be conveyed in the first direction when the object to be conveyed is conveyed in the second direction, and the second guide moves in the first direction as the first guide moves in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a conveying device is provided that can regulate positional deviation from a desired position when conveying sheets of various sizes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a folding process of a sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a sheet folding device and a conveyor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a conveying unit of the sheet folding device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating sheet conveyance in the sheet folding device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This relates to a first folding operation of the sheet folding device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This relates to a first folding operation of the sheet folding device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This relates to the second folding operation of the sheet folding device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This relates to the second folding operation of the sheet folding device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a sheet folding device 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The sheet folding device 1 can continuously perform a plurality of processes, such as folding cardboard sheets 100 of different sizes that are conveyed one after another. The cardboard sheets 100 as conveyed objects S have a rectangular shape in a plan view, and are conveyed to the sheet folding device 1 after undergoing preliminary processes such as identifying the folding positions.

[0011] [Overview of the seat folding device 1: see Figures 1 and 2] The sheet folding device 1 folds the cardboard sheets 100 of different sizes that are conveyed one after another, using the second score line 112 as a reference. When the folding process in the first folding processing section 40 is completed, the cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed to the second folding processing section 60. While the cardboard sheet 100 is being conveyed to the second folding processing section 60, an adhesive such as hot melt is applied to the adhesive strip 116. In the second folding processing section 60, the cardboard sheet 100 to which the adhesive has been applied is folded using the fourth score line 114 as a reference. The folding device 1 includes a conveying section 200 that conveys the cardboard sheet 100, a first folding processing section 40 that folds the cardboard sheet 100 based on the second score line 112, a second folding processing section 60 that folds the cardboard sheet 100 based on the fourth score line 114, and a control section 70 that controls the sheet folding device 1.

[0012] In the cardboard sheet 100, a longitudinal direction L and a width direction W are specified. In the sheet folding device 1, the upstream U and downstream D are identified by the direction in which the cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed. In Fig. 1, the direction in which the cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed is indicated by a hollow arrow, but the upstream U and downstream D have relative meanings; for example, the most downstream side of the first folding processing unit 40 is upstream of the second folding processing unit 60. 2, a first direction X and a second direction Y are specified in the sheet folding device 1. In the cardboard sheet 100, the first direction X and the longitudinal direction L are the same direction, and the second direction Y and the width direction W are the same direction. The cardboard sheet 100 is transported in the first direction X from the upstream U side until the folding process in the first folding processing unit 40 is completed, and is transported in the second direction Y from the first folding area 201 to the second folding area 202. In other words, in the sheet folding device 1, the cardboard sheet 100 is transported with its orientation changed by 90°.

[0013] A first positioning reference 203 is defined in the first folding region 201, and a second positioning reference 204 is defined in the second folding region 202. The first positioning reference 203 is a reference for positioning the cardboard sheet 100 in the first direction X, and the second positioning reference 204 is a reference for positioning the cardboard sheet 100 in the second direction Y. A second ruled line 112 corresponding to the first positioning reference 203 is specified on the cardboard sheet 100. The second ruled line 112 consists of a line segment parallel to the width direction W of the cardboard sheet 100.

[0014] In the direction of conveyance in the first direction X, the cardboard sheet 100 has creases in the following order from downstream D to upstream U: first crease 111, second crease 112, third crease 113, and fourth crease 114. The second crease 112, third crease 113, and fourth crease 114 have slit grooves formed on both sides in the width direction W. Second crease slit grooves 112A are formed on both sides in the width direction W of the second crease 112, third crease slit grooves 113A are formed on both sides in the width direction W of the third crease 113, and fourth crease slit grooves 114A are formed on both sides in the width direction W of the fourth crease 114. In other words, the fourth crease slit groove 114A is a slit groove formed in the width direction W of the fourth crease 114, which is the crease located at the end of the cardboard sheet 100 on the upstream U side in the first direction X. In addition, in the direction of transport in the second direction Y, the edge on the upstream U side is identified as edge 115U, and the edge on the downstream D side is identified as edge 115D.

[0015] In the first folding region 201, the conveyance of the cardboard sheet 100 is stopped so that the second crease 112 of the cardboard sheet 100 is aligned with the first positioning reference 203. With the second crease 112 aligned with the first positioning reference 203, the cardboard sheet 100 is subjected to a first folding process. In the first folding process, the first folding piece 117 is folded along the second crease 112.

[0016] 1, cardboard sheets 100 of the same dimensions are depicted in the first folding area 201 and the second folding area 202, but the sheet folding device 1 can process cardboard sheets 100 of different dimensions in each of the first folding area 201 and the second folding area 202. The dimensions of the cardboard sheet 100 transported to and processed in the first folding area 201 are known. Therefore, when performing the first folding process in the first folding area 201 and the second folding process in the second folding area 202, the cardboard sheet 100 is positioned, i.e., the position of the cardboard sheet 100 is determined, and the necessary operations are performed based on the known dimensions.

[0017] [Transport unit 200: see Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8] The conveying unit 200 conveys the cardboard sheet 100 to be folded by the sheet folding device 1. The conveying unit 200 includes an input device 210 that receives the cardboard sheet 100 from the upstream U and conveys it to the first folding processing unit 40, a conveying machine 220 that conveys the cardboard sheet 100 that has been folded in the first folding processing unit 40 based on the second score line 112 to the second folding processing unit 60, and an output device (not shown) that conveys the cardboard sheet 100 that has been folded in the second folding processing unit 60 based on the fourth score line 114 toward the downstream D.

[0018] The feeder 210 includes a clamp 21A that grips the adhesive strip 116 of the cardboard sheet 100, and a movable body 21B that holds the clamp 21A and moves in the first direction X. The movable body 21B is movable back and forth along a conveyance path along the first direction X (not shown) by, for example, a servo motor. When the feeder 210 feeds the cardboard sheet 100 into the first folding processing section 40, the moving body 21B travels toward the first folding processing section 40 with the clamp 21A gripping the adhesive strip 116. When the cardboard sheet 100 is fed up to the first positioning reference 203 of the first folding processing section 40, the feeder 210 releases the clamp 21A from gripping the adhesive strip 116, then retreats from the first folding processing section 40, grips the adhesive strip 116 of the cardboard sheet 100 to be processed next, and waits for the feed.

[0019] 2, conveyor 220 includes fixed conveyor 230 as a second conveyance drive unit provided between first folding processing unit 40 and second folding processing unit 60, and movable conveyor 240 as a first conveyance drive unit. Fixed conveyor 230 and movable conveyor 240 are provided with an interval between them. Movable conveyor 240 is movable in first direction X.

[0020] The fixed conveying device 230 includes a first fixed conveying device 230A on the upstream U side and a second fixed conveying device 230B on the downstream D side. The movable conveying device 240 includes a first movable conveying device 240A on the upstream U side and a second movable conveying device 240B on the downstream D side.

[0021] 3, the first fixed conveyor 230A uses a servo motor as a drive source and is equipped with a pair of timing pulleys 231A to at least one of which the rotational drive force of the servo motor is transmitted, and a timing belt 232A wound around the timing pulley 231A. A plurality of conveying lugs 233A are attached at a predetermined pitch to the timing belt 232A as third guides that push the upstream U edge 115U of the cardboard sheet 100 to convey it downstream D in the second direction Y.

[0022] The second fixed conveyor 230B uses a servo motor as a drive source and is equipped with a pair of timing pulleys 231B to at least one of which the rotational drive force of the servo motor is transmitted, and a timing belt 232B that is wound around the timing pulley 231B. The timing belt 232B is fitted with a plurality of stopper lugs 233B that stop the cardboard sheet 100, which is pushed by the conveying lugs 233A and conveyed, at the position of the second positioning reference 204. The plurality of stopper lugs 233B are attached to the timing belt 232B at a predetermined pitch.

[0023] The belt surfaces of timing belts 232A and 232B are positioned lower than conveying surface 46 on which cardboard sheet 100 rests. Therefore, rather than being conveyed by friction on the belt surface, cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed by being pushed by conveying lugs 233A and stopper lugs 233B. Upper portions 232AU and 232BU of timing belts 232A and 232B move in the direction of arrow RU. After turning around timing pulleys 231A and 231B on the downstream D side, lower portions 232AD and 232BD move in the direction of arrow RD. In other words, a counterclockwise rotational drive force is transmitted from the servo motor to timing pulleys 231A and 231B on the paper surface of FIG. 3.

[0024] 3, the first movable conveyor 240A uses a servo motor as a drive source and is equipped with a pair of timing pulleys 241A to at least one of which the rotational drive force of the servo motor is transmitted, and a timing belt 242A wound around the timing pulley 241A. The timing belt 242A is fitted with a plurality of guided conveyance lugs 243A at a predetermined pitch, which push the upstream U-side edge 115U of the cardboard sheet 100 to convey it in the second direction Y, and which can regulate positional deviation in the first direction X while conveying the cardboard sheet 100 in the second direction Y.

[0025] The guided conveying lug 243A is formed with a guide portion 244A as a second guide that can regulate positional deviation in the first direction X when conveying the cardboard sheet 100, and a pushing portion 245A as a first guide that pushes the edge 115U of the cardboard sheet 100. In other words, the guided conveying lug 243A is an integrated guide composed of the guide portion 244A and the pushing portion 245A. Furthermore, when the movable conveyor 240 moves in the first direction X, the guided conveying lug 243A, in which the guide portion 244A and the pushing portion 245A are formed, moves in the first direction X. In other words, the guide portion 244A moves in the first direction X in accordance with the movement in the first direction X of the pushing portion 245A, which is movable in the first direction X. Furthermore, the movable conveyor 240 is moved integrally in the first direction X by a moving portion (not shown), so that the movement of the guide portion 244A and the pushing portion 245A in the first direction X is synchronized.

[0026] In this embodiment, the guided conveying lug 243A can regulate positional deviation in the first direction X when conveying the cardboard sheet 100 in the second direction Y by maintaining the guide portion 244A inserted into the fourth score line slit groove 114A on the upstream U side of the fourth score line 114, and pressing the edge 115U of the cardboard sheet 100 with the pushing portion 245A.

[0027] The guide portion 244A is formed as a protrusion extending toward the downstream D in the second direction Y. The guide portion 244A formed on the protrusion has a shape that tapers from the upstream U to the downstream D in the second direction Y. The protrusion of the guide portion 244A, which is tapered toward its tip due to its tapered shape, has a dimension W1 in the first direction X. The dimension W1 in the first direction X of the protrusion of the guide portion 244A is smaller than the dimension W2 in the first direction X of the fourth ruled line slit groove 114A. Therefore, the protrusion of the guide portion 244A can be inserted into the fourth ruled line slit groove 114A. The tapered shape of the protrusion of the guide portion 244A makes it easier to insert the guide portion 244A into the fourth ruled line slit groove 114A.

[0028] Furthermore, the dimension t of the guide portion 244A formed on the protruding piece in the height direction perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y is greater than the thickness of the cardboard sheet 100. Because the speed at which the guided conveying lug 243A pushes and conveys the cardboard sheet 100 is high, air resistance during conveyance can cause vibrations with minute amplitudes in the thickness direction of the cardboard sheet 100. Even if such vibrations occur, by making the dimension t of the guide portion 244A formed on the protruding piece greater than the thickness of the cardboard sheet 100, it is possible to prevent the cardboard sheet 100 from protruding in the height direction from the guide portion 244A.

[0029] The control unit 70 that controls the sheet folding device 1 includes an acquisition unit (not shown) that acquires position information PI in the first direction X of the ruled line, and a position control unit (not shown) that controls the position in the first direction X of the movable conveyor 240 based on the position information PI in the first direction X of the ruled line to a position where the protrusion can be inserted into a slit groove formed in the width direction W of the ruled line.

[0030] The dimensional information SI of the cardboard sheets 100, which has different dimensions for each cardboard sheet 100 supplied to the sheet folding device 1, is input by an operator and acquired by the acquisition unit. Alternatively, the dimensional information SI of the cardboard sheets 100 is determined by the control unit 70 based on the three-dimensional dimensions of the cardboard box after assembly is completed, which is received by the control unit 70, and the acquisition unit acquires the dimensional information of the cardboard sheets 100.

[0031] The dimensional information SI of the cardboard sheet 100 acquired by the acquisition unit includes the dimension of the cardboard sheet 100 in the longitudinal direction L, the dimension in the width direction W, and position information PI of the ruled lines in the first direction X. In other words, the acquisition unit acquires the position information PI of the first ruled lines 111, the second ruled lines 112, the third ruled lines 113, and the fourth ruled lines 114 in the first direction X.

[0032] Based on the position information PI in the first direction X of the ruled line acquired by the acquisition unit, the position control unit controls the position of the movable conveyor 240 in the first direction X to a position where the protruding piece can be inserted into the slit groove formed in the width direction W of the ruled line. In this embodiment, the position control unit controls the position of the movable conveyor 240 in the first direction X to a position where the protruding piece of the guide part 244A can be inserted into the fourth ruled line slit groove 114A formed in the width direction W of the fourth ruled line 114.

[0033] In addition, in a cardboard sheet 100 for which the first folding process by the first folding unit 40 has completed, the guide portion 244A can be inserted into only the fourth score line slit groove 114A from the edge 115U side. Therefore, the cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed in the second direction Y while maintaining the guide portion 244A inserted into the fourth score line slit groove 114A. In addition, in a cardboard sheet 100 before the first folding process, the guide portion 244A can be inserted into the second score line slit groove 112A, the third score line slit groove 113A, and the fourth score line slit groove 114A. Therefore, when the cardboard sheet 100 before the first folding process is conveyed in the second direction Y, the guide portion 244A can be inserted into any of the second score line slit groove 112A, the third score line slit groove 113A, and the fourth score line slit groove 114A to restrict misalignment in the first direction X.

[0034] The second movable conveyor 240B uses a servo motor as its drive source and is equipped with a pair of timing pulleys 241B, at least one of which receives the rotational drive force of the servo motor, and a timing belt 242B wound around the timing pulley 241B. A plurality of stopper lugs 243B are attached to the timing belt 242B at predetermined intervals. The stopper lugs 243B stop the cardboard sheet 100, which is being pushed and conveyed by the guided conveyance lug 243A, at the position of the second positioning reference 204.

[0035] The belt surfaces of timing belts 242A and 242B are positioned lower than conveyance surface 46 on which cardboard sheet 100 is placed. Cardboard sheet 100 is primarily conveyed by guided conveyance lugs 243A and stopper lugs 243B. Upper portions 242AU and 242BU of timing belts 242A and 242B move in the direction of arrow RU. After turning around timing pulleys 241A and 241B on the downstream D side, lower portions 242AD and 242BD move in the direction of arrow RD. In other words, a counterclockwise rotational drive force is transmitted from the servo motor to timing pulleys 241A and 241B on the paper surface of FIG. 3.

[0036] When the cardboard sheet 100 is transported by the transport machine 210 up to the first positioning reference 203 of the first folding processing section 40 and the transport machine 210 retreats from the first folding processing section 40, the first fixed transport machine 230A and the first movable transport machine 240A move the transport lug 233A and the guided transport lug 243A to the standby position WP. During the operation of folding the cardboard sheet 100 by the first folding processing unit 40 based on the second score line 112, or after the folding processing operation is completed, the servo motor starts to rotate, and the guide portion 244A of the guided conveying lug 243A is inserted into the fourth score line slit groove 114A corresponding to the fourth score line 114, and moved to the conveying preparation position RP. The guided conveying lug 243A is moved to the conveying preparation position RP, and the conveying lug 233A is moved to the conveying preparation position RP. Thereafter, while maintaining the guide portion 244A inserted into the fourth score line slit groove 114A corresponding to the fourth score line 114, the pushing portion 245A of the guided conveying lug 243A and the conveying lug 233A push the edge 115U of the cardboard sheet 100 from both sides, thereby conveying it from the position where the first folding process is completed to the second positioning reference 204.

[0037] The pushing portion 245A of the guided conveying lug 243A and the conveying lug 233A are moved from upstream U to downstream D in the second direction Y, thereby conveying the cardboard sheet 100 to the second positioning reference 204. At this time, the pushing portion 245A and the conveying lug 233A are synchronized, and when the cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed, the pushing portion 245A and the conveying lug 233A move to the same position in the second direction Y.

[0038] Before the cardboard sheet 100 being conveyed by the first fixed conveyor 230A and the first movable conveyor 240A reaches the stopper lugs 233B and 243B waiting at the standby position SWP, the servo motors of the second fixed conveyor 230B and the second movable conveyor 240B are started to rotate. The stopper lugs 233B and 243B move in the second direction Y at a speed equal to the conveyance speed of the cardboard sheet 100 and then decelerate and stop at the stop position SP. The stopper lugs 233B and 243B stopped at the stop position SP catch the edge 115D of the cardboard sheet 100, and the cardboard sheet 100 stops at the second positioning reference 204. The guide portion 244A remains inserted in the fourth crease slit groove 114A until the cardboard sheet 100 stops at the second positioning reference 204. In other words, the guide portion 244A inserted into the fourth score line slit groove 114A can regulate the positional deviation of the fourth score line 114 in the first direction X when the cardboard sheet 100 is transported from the position where the first folding process is completed to the second positioning reference 204. When the cardboard sheet 100 is transported to the second positioning reference 204, the cardboard sheet 100 is prevented from shifting in position of the fourth ruled line 114 in the first direction X, and is then stably folded by the second folding processing unit 60 based on the fourth ruled line 114.

[0039] The conveying machine (not shown) fixes the cardboard sheet 100 in a fixed position in the second folding area 202 by means of, for example, vacuum suction, gripping, or the like, and conveys it further downstream toward a process D. Since the cardboard sheet 100 is in a fixed position, the conveying machine can perform the conveying operation by targeting, for example, the center line C of the cardboard sheet 100.

[0040] In Fig. 4, the movable conveyor 240 shown as area AA is movable in a first direction X. The cardboard sheet 100A conveyed first in Figs. 4(a) and (b) is larger in both dimensions in the first direction X and the second direction Y than the cardboard sheet 100B conveyed following in Figs. 4(c) and (d). The conveyor 220 conveys multiple cardboard sheets 100 with different dimensions in a plan view in the second direction Y in order (conveying method).

[0041] 4(a) and 4(b), in the conveyor 220 that conveys the preceding cardboard sheet 100A in the second direction Y, the distance in the first direction X between the fixed conveyor 230 and the movable conveyor 240 is a distance L1. For the preceding cardboard sheet 100A, the guided conveying lug 243A pushes the cardboard sheet 100A from the upstream U to the downstream D at a first position P1 in the first direction X, and conveys the cardboard sheet 100A while regulating positional deviation in the first direction X.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 4(c) and 4(d), in the conveyor 220 that conveys the following cardboard sheet 100B in the second direction Y, the distance in the first direction X between the fixed conveyor 230 and the movable conveyor 240 is a distance L2. The movable conveyor 240 changes its position in the first direction X so as to approach the fixed conveyor 230 in order to correspond to the position of the fourth crease slit groove 114A of the cardboard sheet 100B, which has a smaller dimension in the first direction X than the cardboard sheet 100A. The guided conveying lug 243A pushes the following cardboard sheet 100B from the upstream U toward the downstream D at a second position P2, which is different from the first position P1 in the first direction X. The guided conveying lug 243A pushes the cardboard sheet 100B from the upstream U toward the downstream D while conveying the cardboard sheet 100B while restricting misalignment in the first direction X.

[0043] [First folding unit 40: see FIGS. 2, 5, and 6] The first folding processing section 40 includes a first folding machine 41 that folds the cardboard sheet 100 along the second score line 112 to form a first folding piece 117, and a first sheet pressing machine 43 that presses the base piece 118 along the second score line 112 when the first folding machine 41 folds the first folding piece 117.

[0044] The first folding machine 41 includes a first folding plate 41A having a first reversing shaft 41C that contacts the first folding piece 117, and a first driving source 41D that reverses the first folding plate 41A around the first reversing shaft 41C. The first folding machine 41 includes a transmission mechanism 41E that transmits the rotational driving force of the first driving source 41D to the first folding plate 41A.

[0045] In the first folding area 201, the first folding machine 41 waits with the first pressing surface 41B of the first folding plate 41A facing upward, as shown in Figure 2, until the first folding process of the transported cardboard sheet 100 begins.

[0046] When the cardboard sheet 100 is transported to a predetermined position, that is, until the aforementioned second score line 112 is aligned with the first positioning reference 203, the first sheet presser 43, which had been waiting above as shown in Figure 2, moves to press the base piece 118 along the second score line 112 as shown in Figure 5. When the base piece 118 is pressed by the first sheet pressing device 43, the first driving source 41D starts to generate a rotational driving force. This rotational driving force is transmitted to the first folding plate 41A via the transmission mechanism 41E, and the transmission mechanism 41E rotates around the first reversing shaft 41C. When the first folding plate 41A rotates by 180°, the first folding piece 117 is folded as shown in FIG. 6.

[0047] In addition, after the base piece 118 is pressed by the first sheet pressing device 43, the conveying lug 233A and the guided conveying lug 243A may be moved to the conveying preparation position RP, or after the first folding piece 117 is folded, the conveying lug 233A and the guided conveying lug 243A may be moved to the conveying preparation position RP.

[0048] When the first folding process of the first folding piece 117 is completed, the first folder 41 returns to a standby state and waits for the next cardboard sheet 100 to be processed. In addition, the cardboard sheet 100 with the first folding piece 117 folded is transported to the second folding area 202 by the transporter 220.

[0049] [Second folding processing section 60: see FIGS. 2, 7, and 8] The second folding processing section 60 includes a second folding machine 61 that folds the cardboard sheet 100 at the fourth score line 114 to form second folding pieces 120, and a second sheet presser 63 that presses the base piece 119 along the fourth score line 114 when the second folding machine 61 folds the second folding pieces 120. The second folding machine 61 has the same configuration and operates in the same manner as the first folding machine 41 of the first folding processing section 40, and therefore the same reference numerals are used for the elements of the second folding machine 61 as for the first folding machine 41, and a description thereof will be omitted. The same applies to the second sheet presser 63.

[0050] The second folding processing section 60 includes an adhesive applicator 65 that applies adhesive to the adhesive strip 116 of the cardboard sheet 100. The adhesive applicator 65 is disposed between the first folding area 201 and the second folding area 202, and applies adhesive to the adhesive strip 116 while the cardboard sheet 100 with the first folding strip 117 folded is being transported from the first folding area 201 to the second folding area 202.

[0051] In the second folding processing section 60, the fourth ruled line 114 in the first direction X varies depending on the dimensions of the cardboard sheet 100, particularly the dimension in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the positions of the second folding machine 61 and the second sheet pressing machine 63 in the first direction X, together with the movable conveyor 240, can be moved according to the dimensions of the cardboard sheet 100 to be processed. Here, in order to guide the second folding piece 120 in accordance with the dimensions in the first direction X, which differ for each cardboard sheet 100, when guiding the edge of the cardboard sheet 100 on the upstream U side in the first direction X, in addition to the drive source that can move the second folding machine 61 and the second sheet pressing machine 63 in the first direction X, another drive source that can move the guide in the first direction X is required. However, by making the movable conveyor 240 movable in the first direction X together with the second folding machine 61 and the second sheet pressing machine 63, the guide portion 244A can be inserted into the fourth score slit groove 114A formed corresponding to the fourth score 114, which is the reference position for the second folding process, and there is no need to provide a separate drive source.

[0052] 8, the movable range is shown as an area AA surrounded by a dashed line. Since the position of the adhesive piece 116 on the cardboard sheet 100 changes depending on the dimensions, the position of the adhesive applicator 65 in the first direction X is also movable. In the first folding processing section 40, the first folding process can be performed with the first folder 41 and the like remaining in their fixed positions.

[0053] [Folding process procedure of the sheet folding device 1: see Figures 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8] [Wait: Figure 2] A cardboard sheet 100 that has been adjusted to predetermined specifications, including dimensions, is carried by a carry-in machine 210 toward the first folding area 201. At this time, the first folding processing unit 40 is in the standby state described above. In the second folding processing unit 60, components are on standby at positions according to the dimensions of the cardboard sheet 100 to be processed.

[0054] [First folding process: Figures 5 and 6] The first folding process begins when the cardboard sheet 100 is transported to a predetermined position in the first folding area 201. First, the first sheet presser 43 is operated to press the base piece 118 of the cardboard sheet 100 along the second score line 112 (FIG. 5). This completes preparations for folding, and next, the first folder 41 is operated to invert and fold the first folding piece 117 (FIG. 6). The folded cardboard sheet 100 is transported toward the second folding area 202. In the first folding area 201, the first folder 41 is in a standby state until the next cardboard sheet 100 is carried in.

[0055] [Transportation: Figure 4] The first fixed transport device 230A and the first movable transport device 240A move the transport lug 233A and the guided transport lug 243A to the waiting position WP. During the operation of folding the cardboard sheet 100 by the first folding processing section 40 based on the second score line 112, or after the folding processing operation is completed, the servo motor starts to rotate, and the guide section 244A of the guided transport lug 243A is inserted into the fourth score line slit groove 114A corresponding to the fourth score line 114, and moved to the transport preparation position RP. The guided transport lug 243A is moved to the transport preparation position RP, and the transport lug 233A is moved to the transport preparation position RP. Thereafter, while maintaining the guide portion 244A inserted into the fourth score line slit groove 114A corresponding to the fourth score line 114, the pushing portion 245A of the guided conveying lug 243A and the conveying lug 233A push the edge 115U of the cardboard sheet 100 from both sides, thereby conveying it from the position where the first folding process is completed to the second positioning reference 204.

[0056] [Second folding process: Figures 7 and 8] When the cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed to a predetermined position in the second folding area 202, the second folding process begins. The second sheet presser 63 is operated to press the base piece 119 of the cardboard sheet 100 along the fourth score line 114, and the second folding machine 61 is operated to invert and fold the second folding piece 120. In addition, in the process of conveying the cardboard sheet 100 from the first folding area 201 to the second folding area 202, the adhesive applicator 65 applies adhesive AD to the adhesive strip 116.

[0057] While the second folding process is being performed in the second folding area 202, the next cardboard sheet 100 to be processed is conveyed. When the next cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed to a predetermined position in the first folding area 201, the first folding process is performed (FIG. 8). The cardboard sheet 100 with the first folding piece 117 and the second folding piece 120 folded is conveyed out to the next process.

[0058] [Effects of the embodiment] [Effect 1] The sheet folding device 1 is provided with a guided conveying lug 243A that is formed with a pushing section 245A that conveys the cardboard sheet 100 in the second direction Y and is movable in the first direction X, and a guide section 244A that regulates positional deviation of the cardboard sheet 100 in the first direction X when the cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed in the second direction Y. As the pushing section 245A moves in the first direction X, the guide section 244A moves in the first direction X, thereby regulating positional deviation from the desired position when conveying sheets of various dimensions.

[0059] [Note] The conveying device according to the present disclosure can be understood as follows. [Appendix 1] The conveying device according to the present disclosure comprises: a first guide (245A) that conveys the object (S) in a second direction (Y) and is movable in a first direction (X) that intersects with the second direction (Y); a second guide (244A) that restricts positional deviation of the object (S) in the first direction (X) when the object (S) is conveyed in the second direction, As the first guide (245A) moves in the first direction (X), the second guide (244A) moves in the first direction (X).

[0060] [Appendix 2] In Appendix 1, preferably, A moving unit is provided that moves the first guide (245A) and the second guide (244A) in the first direction (X) in synchronization with each other.

[0061] [Appendix 3] In Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, preferably The first guide (245A) and the second guide (244A) constitute an integral guide (243A), The first guide (245A) pushes the object (S) from the upstream (U) to transport it toward the downstream (D) in the second direction (Y).

[0062] [Appendix 4] In any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, preferably, The second guide (244A) is formed on a protruding piece extending toward the downstream (D) in the second direction (Y).

[0063] [Appendix 5] In any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, preferably, The object to be conveyed (S) is a cardboard sheet (100), The protruding piece has a dimension in the first direction (X) that allows it to be inserted into a slit groove (114A) formed in the width direction (W) of the crease of the cardboard sheet (100).

[0064] [Appendix 6] In any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, preferably, The protruding piece is It has a shape that tapers from the upstream (U) toward the downstream (D).

[0065] [Appendix 7] In any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, preferably, The protruding piece is The dimension (t) in the height direction perpendicular to both the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) is greater than the thickness of the cardboard sheet.

[0066] [Appendix 8] In any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, preferably, The apparatus includes a first transport driving unit (240) and a second transport driving unit (230) spaced apart in the first direction (X), The first transport drive unit (240) moves the first guide (245A) in the second direction (Y), The second transport drive unit (230) includes a third guide (233A) that is synchronized with the first guide (245A) and moves in the same position in the second direction (Y) as the first guide (245A).

[0067] [Appendix 9] In any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, preferably, a first transport drive unit (240) that moves the integrated guide (243A) in the second direction (Y); an acquisition unit that acquires position information (PI) of the ruled line in the first direction (X); and a position control unit that controls the position of the first conveying drive unit (240) in the first direction (X) based on the position information (PI) to a position where the protrusion can be inserted into the slit groove (114A) formed in the width direction (W) of the ruled line.

[0068] [Appendix 10] In any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, preferably, The slit groove (114A) is The crease is formed in the width direction (W) of the cardboard sheet (100) at the upstream end in the first direction (X).

[0069] [Appendix 11] The transport method according to the present disclosure includes: A conveying method for conveying a plurality of sheets having different dimensions in a plan view in a second direction (Y) in order, With respect to the preceding sheet, the sheet is pushed from the upstream (U) to the downstream (D) at a first position in a first direction (X) intersecting with the second direction (Y), and the sheet is conveyed while regulating positional deviation of the sheet in the first direction (X); For the subsequent sheet, the sheet is pushed from the upstream (U) toward the downstream (D) at a second position in the first direction (X) that is different from the first position, and the sheet is transported while regulating positional deviation of the sheet in the first direction (X).

[0070] In addition to the above, it is possible to select and discard the configurations given in the above embodiments, or to change them to other configurations as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 Seat folding device 21A Clamp 21B Mobile object 40 First folding processing section 41 First folding machine 41A First folding plate 41B First pressing surface 41C 1st reversing axis 41D First driving source 41E Transmission Mechanism 43 First sheet press 60 Second folding processing section 61 Second folding machine 63 Second sheet press 65 Adhesive applicator 100 cardboard sheets 100A, 100B cardboard sheet 111 First ruled line 112 Second ruled line 112A Second crease slit groove 113 Third Ruled Line 113A 3rd crease slit groove 114 4th ruled line 114A 4th crease slit groove 115D downstream edge 115U Upstream edge 116 Adhesive piece 117 First folding piece 118 Base piece 119 Base piece 120 Second folding piece 200 Conveyor 201 First folding region 202 Second folding region 203 First positioning reference 204 Second positioning reference 210 Loading Machine 220 Conveyor 230 Fixed conveyor 231A, 231B Timing pulley 232A, 232B timing belt 233A Transport Lug 233B Stopper lug 240 Mobile conveyor 241A, 241B Timing pulley 242A, 242B timing belt 243A Guided Transport Lug 244A Guide part 245A Pushing part 243B Stopper lug C center line PI location information SI Dimensional Information t Height dimension of guide part

Claims

1. a first guide that conveys the object in a second direction and is movable in a first direction that intersects with the second direction; a second guide that restricts positional deviation of the object in the first direction when the object is transported in the second direction, As the first guide moves in the first direction, the second guide moves in the first direction. Conveying device.

2. a moving unit that moves the first guide and the second guide in the first direction in synchronization with each other; The conveying device according to claim 1 .

3. the first guide and the second guide constitute an integral guide, the first guide pushes the object to be conveyed from upstream to convey the object downstream in the second direction; The conveying device according to claim 1 .

4. The second guide is formed on a protruding piece extending toward the downstream side in the second direction. The conveying device according to claim 3 .

5. the object to be conveyed is a cardboard sheet, The protruding piece has a dimension in the first direction that allows it to be inserted into a slit groove formed in the width direction of the crease of the cardboard sheet. The conveying device according to claim 4.

6. The protruding piece is having a tapered shape from the upstream side to the downstream side, The conveying device according to claim 5 .

7. The protruding piece is The dimension in the height direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction is greater than the thickness of the cardboard sheet, The conveying device according to claim 5 .

8. a first transport drive unit and a second transport drive unit spaced apart in the first direction; the first transport drive unit moves the first guide in the second direction; the second transport drive unit includes a third guide that is synchronized with the first guide and moves in the same position as the first guide in the second direction; The conveying device according to claim 4.

9. a first transport drive unit that moves the integrated guide in the second direction; an acquisition unit that acquires position information of the ruled line in the first direction; a position control unit that controls a position of the first transport drive unit in the first direction to a position where the protruding piece can be inserted into the slit groove formed in the width direction of the ruled line based on the position information, The conveying device according to claim 5 .

10. The slit groove is The cardboard sheet is formed in the width direction of the crease located at the end of the upstream side in the first direction.

10. The conveying device according to claim 5 or 9.

11. A conveying method for conveying a plurality of sheets having different dimensions in a plan view in a second direction in sequence, a conveying unit configured to convey the preceding sheet while pushing the preceding sheet from upstream to downstream at a first position in a first direction intersecting with the second direction and restricting positional deviation of the preceding sheet in the first direction; the subsequent sheet is pushed from the upstream side toward the downstream side at a second position in the first direction that is different from the first position, and the sheet is conveyed while regulating positional deviation of the sheet in the first direction. Transportation method.

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