Continuous sheet connecting device and interfolder having continuous sheet connecting device

Abstract

To save labor when switching raw fabric rolls.SOLUTION: A continuous sheet connection device includes: a rail part that is provided facing and bridging over the paper path of one or multiple connection sheets; a crimping roller that is provided on the rail part in a movable manner; moving means that moves the crimping roller along the rail part; a concave strip part that is provided on the rail part in the direction that bridges over the paper path; and a convex strip part that is provided on the peripheral surface of the crimping roller in the circumferential direction. With the convex strip part of the crimping roller being engaged with the concave strip part of the rail part, the moving means moves the crimping roller on the rail part so as to bridge over the paper path from outside of the paper path, and laminated parts of the continuous sheets positioned on the paper path are pressed between the rail part and the crimping roller sequentially along the width direction, causing the continuous sheets to be crimped with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a continuous sheet connecting device and an interfolder having the continuous sheet connecting device, and more particularly, to an end portion of an old continuous sheet after cutting a continuous sheet fed from a mother roll around which a base paper of household thin paper such as tissue paper is wound, and a new continuous sheet fed from a new mother roll. The present invention relates to a continuous sheet connecting device for connecting the end portions of the continuous sheets and an interfolder having the continuous sheet connecting device.

Background Art

[0002] Products in which a bundle formed by folding and stacking a plurality of sheets of household thin paper such as tissue paper are stored in a storage container such as a storage box called a carton or a packaging bag made of film are well known. When a single sheet of sanitary tissue paper is taken out from the outlet provided in the storage container, the next sheet is continuously pulled out from the outlet.

[0003] And, for the production of the bundle used in such products, a folding facility called an interfolder is used. There are several types of interfolders, one of which is an interfolder called a multi-stand type, a stand type, a folding plate type, or a multi-connected type.

[0004] This type of interfolder has a folding mechanism portion having folding plates arranged in a large number (for example, 50 to 200 units) in the line flow direction, and continuously supplies a continuous sheet having the same width as the product width of the sanitary tissue paper to each folding mechanism portion from the mother roll, usually in a set of two sheets, and folding of the continuous sheet is performed in each folding mechanism portion.

[0005] And, along with the folding, the continuous sheet folded by the folding mechanism on the upstream side of the line is configured to be sequentially laminated with the continuous sheet folded by the folding mechanism portion on the downstream side of the line, and a continuous laminated sheet bundle in which the required number of sheets is laminated is formed at the most downstream of the line.

[0006] In this type of interfolder, when switching product types or when the remaining length of the continuous sheet wound around the raw material roll decreases, it is necessary to switch the raw material roll for each of the many raw material rolls leading to the respective folding mechanism parts of 50 to 200 machines.

[0007] Conventionally, for switching this raw material roll, after manually cutting the continuous sheet from the old raw material roll, further, the cut end of the old continuous sheet and the end of the new continuous sheet from the next raw material roll after switching are overlapped, and further, the overlapped portion is manually crimped and connected one by one using a pneumatic tool such as an air cutter, an air needle cutter, a jet cutter, etc.

[0008] Also, the work of overlapping the cut end of the old continuous sheet and the end of the new continuous sheet is done by manually hanging the end of the old continuous sheet passing between complex guide rolls on a roll also called a splice roll, and further, manually hanging the end of the new continuous sheet from the new raw material roll on an appropriate roll or machine frame, etc., so that the overlapping portion between the ends of the old and new continuous sheets is formed. Therefore, only the ends of the old and new continuous sheets are simply positioned to overlap, and both ends are not firmly pressed, which hinders the improvement of the workability of paper joining for connecting the ends of the continuous sheets.

[0009] Also, in conventional interfolders, such a complicated operation of overlapping the ends of continuous sheets may be performed only manually for all of the many continuous sheets leading to each folding mechanism part when switching the raw material roll, which requires a great deal of time and labor and hinders the operation efficiency, safety, and labor saving in the interfolder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0011] Therefore, the main problems of the present invention are to improve safety, labor saving, and operating efficiency when switching the original roll in the interfolder. In particular, when switching the original roll, a continuous sheet connecting device that can easily and efficiently connect the overlapped ends of the continuous sheets, and an interfolder having this continuous sheet connecting device are provided. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0012] The means for solving the above problems are as follows. The first means is a continuous sheet connecting device that connects an old continuous sheet leading to the folding mechanism part of the interfolder and a new continuous sheet from a new original roll, a rail part that faces and straddles the paper passing path of one or more continuous sheets, a pressure roller movably provided on the rail part, a moving means for moving the pressure roller along the rail part, a concave strip part provided along the direction straddling the paper passing path on the rail part, It has a rib portion provided along the circumferential direction on the circumferential surface of the pressure roller, With the rib portion of the pressure roller fitted into the groove portion of the rail portion, the pressure roller is moved on the rail portion by the moving means so as to straddle the paper passage from outside the paper passage, and the laminated portion of the continuous sheet located in the paper passage is sequentially pressed between the rail portion and the pressure roller along the width direction, and the continuous sheets are pressure-bonded to each other. It is a continuous sheet connecting device characterized by this.

[0013] The second means is It is the continuous sheet connecting device according to the first means, which has a biasing means for biasing the pressure roller against the rail portion.

[0014] The third means is It is the continuous sheet connecting device according to the first or second means, which has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the contact pressure between the pressure roller and the rail portion.

[0015] The fourth means is The rail portion has a cross-sectional corrugated shape in which a plurality of groove portions are arranged with a ridge line portion in between, and the pressure roller has a cross-sectional corrugated shape in which a plurality of rib portions are arranged with a valley line portion in between. The pressure roller and the rail portion are formed such that their respective cross-sectional corrugated shapes fit together. It is the continuous sheet connecting device according to the first to third means.

[0016] The fifth means is In the groove portion of the rail portion and the rib portion of the pressure roller, a part of the inclined portion of each cross-sectional corrugation has a shape that becomes a straight line, and the straight line portions are arranged so as to face each other. It is the continuous sheet connecting device according to the first to fourth means.

[0017] The sixth means is It is characterized by including a plurality of the continuous sheet connecting devices according to the first to fifth means. Having a continuous sheet connecting device It is an interfolder.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, there is provided a continuous sheet connecting device capable of easily and operably connecting the overlapped ends of a continuous sheet when switching the original roll, and an interfolder having this continuous sheet connecting device, and safety, labor saving, and further improvement in operation efficiency are achieved when switching the original roll in the interfolder.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, the continuous sheet connecting device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19. This continuous sheet connecting device 40 is mainly provided in an interfolder 10 for manufacturing a bundle 1 used for sanitary tissue products.

[0021] The sanitary tissue product according to the present invention is one in which a bundle 1 of sanitary tissue is stored in a storage container such as a storage box called a carton or a film packaging bag. For example, when a set of sanitary tissue is taken out from the outlet provided in the storage container, the next set is continuously pulled out from the outlet.

[0022] This bundle 1 of sanitary tissue 2 is also called a pop-up type bundle. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, square sanitary tissue 2 is folded in half, and the folded pieces 2B of other sanitary tissue 2 located above and below are positioned on the folded inner side 2A, so that a plurality of sanitary tissue 2 are folded and laminated. It has a pair of longitudinal side faces 3B where the folded edges 2C of each sanitary tissue 2 are aligned, a pair of short side faces 3A where the folded edges 2C are not aligned, and a pair of planes (upper and lower faces) 3C connecting the short side faces 3A and the longitudinal side faces 3B, forming a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an interfolder 10 provided with a continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention for manufacturing a bundle 1 of the sanitary tissue paper 2. This interfolder 10 has a structure in which a plurality of, for example, 80 to 150 folding mechanism parts 10A each having a pair of folding plates 11, 11 are arranged side by side in the line flow direction, and is also referred to as a multi-stand type, stand type, folding plate type, multi-connected type interfolder, etc. In the present invention and this specification, it is simply referred to as the interfolder 10.

[0024] In this interfolder 10, the continuous sheets S1, S1 are sent to each folding plate 11, 11 of the folding mechanism part 10A via appropriate rolls 12 such as guide rolls, expander rolls, dancer rolls, etc., and the ends of the continuous sheets S1, S1 are folded back while being overlapped by each folding plate 11, 11. Further, below the folding mechanism part 10A, it is configured such that a continuous bundle 1A stacked while being folded by the folding mechanism part 10A on the more upstream side in the line is positioned, and the continuous sheets S1, S1 folded by the folding mechanism part 10A are associated with and stacked on this continuous bundle 1A. In such an interfolder 10, as it goes from the folding mechanism part located on the upstream side of the line to the folding mechanism part located on the downstream side of the line, the number of stacked layers of the continuous bundle 1A increases, and it is sent to the downstream side of the line by a conveyor. Then, the continuous bundle 1A is cut (severed) at a predetermined interval in the flow direction by a cutter or the like 14 after the folding mechanism part 10A at the most downstream of the line, and becomes individual bundles 1.

[0025] Therefore, in the folding mechanism part 10A, since the continuous sheets S1, S1 supplied to each folding plate 11, 11 become one sheet of sanitary tissue paper 2 after the cutting of the continuous bundle 1A, the width of one continuous sheet S1 to be folded is the same as the width of one sheet of sanitary tissue paper 2 constituting the bundle 1 of the sanitary tissue paper 2. The continuous sheet S1 supplied to this folding mechanism part 10A is made of the base paper of the sanitary tissue paper 2 in the form at the time of use such as tissue paper, and is supplied from the mother roll 5 to the folding mechanism part 10A.

[0026] The original roll 5 is a roll around which a continuous sheet having a width equal to or more than a multiple of the product width of the sanitary tissue paper 2 is wound, and is rotatably attached to the original roll support portion 13 of the interfolder 10. For example, when the continuous sheet fed out from the original roll 5 has the same width as the product width of the sanitary tissue paper 2, it is fed as it is, and when it is more than the product width such as a multiple of the product width of the sanitary tissue paper, it is appropriately slit to the width of the sanitary tissue paper and supplied to the folding plate 11. The product width of the sanitary tissue paper varies depending on product types such as tissue paper and paper towels, and specifications such as large size and small size, but is generally about 170 to 230 mm.

[0027] The interfolder 10 in the illustrated example has the number of original roll support portions 13 corresponding to the number of folding mechanism portions 10A, and the original rolls 5, 5 are attached to the original roll support portions 13 in the form of an original roll unit 5A in which two original rolls 5, 5 sharing one shaft 6 are taken as a set. This original roll 5 is a roll around which a continuous sheet S1 having the same width as the product width of the sanitary tissue paper is wound, and continuous sheets S1, S1 of the product width are fed out from each of the original rolls 5, 5.

[0028] However, the interfolder 10 according to the present invention is not limited to this form. As described above, an original roll 5 around which a continuous sheet having a width equal to or more than the product width of the sanitary tissue paper is wound may be attached to the original roll support portion 13, and the continuous sheet having a width equal to or more than the product width of the sanitary tissue paper fed out from this original roll 5 may be slit into a continuous sheet S1 of the product width and then supplied to the folding plate. Also, the folding operation of the continuous sheet S1 in the folding mechanism portion 10A is not limited either.

[0029] Here, the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention is a device for connecting the overlapping portion of the old continuous sheet reaching the folding mechanism portion 10A of the interfolder 10 and the new continuous sheet from the new master roll, which is performed when switching the master roll 5 in the interfolder 10 having such a large number of folding mechanism portions 10A. Therefore, this continuous sheet connecting device 40 is preferably installed in a plurality in the interfolder 10, and particularly preferably in the same number as the folding mechanism portions 10A.

[0030] As particularly shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, this continuous sheet connecting device 40 has a rail portion 41 disposed facing the paper passage path L1 and straddling the paper passage path L1, a pressure roller 42 movably provided on this rail portion, and a moving means 43 for moving the pressure roller 42 along the rail portion 41.

[0031] The rail portion 41 in the illustrated example faces the paper passage paths L1, L1 of the two continuous sheets S1, S1 reaching one folding mechanism portion 10A and is arranged to straddle the paper passage paths L1, L1. The rail portion 41 can be configured, for example, to be attached to the device frame or an appropriate housing constituting the interfolder 10 or the folding mechanism portion 10A so as to face the paper passage path L1 of the continuous sheet S1. Also, a rail may be formed on the device frame itself to form an integral structure with the device frame. Of course, it may be provided on a frame or the like separate from the frame or housing of the interfolder 10 or the folding mechanism portion 11. The material constituting the rail portion 41 is not limited, but can be appropriately selected from among steel, hardened steel, stainless steel, brass metal materials, engineering plastics, etc. in consideration of mechanical rigidity and the contact pressure with the pressure roller 42.

[0032] Further, as particularly shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, one or a plurality of concave strip portions 41A are formed in a portion of the rail portion 41 facing the paper passage paths L1, L1 along a direction straddling the paper passage paths L1, L1. Note that FIG. 6 is illustrated with a space between the pressure roller 42 and the rail portion 41 for the sake of explanation. The illustrated rail portion 41 is a particularly preferred form, in which a plurality of concave strip portions 41A, 41A... are formed, and in particular, these concave strip portions 41A, 41A... are arranged so as to be arranged with ridge line portions 41B, 41B... interposed therebetween, and a cross section orthogonal to the extending direction has a waveform shape. However, the shape of the concave strip portion 41 is not necessarily limited to this shape.

[0033] Note that the continuous sheet connecting device 40 in the illustrated example is configured such that the rail portion 41 straddles the paper passage paths L1, L1 through which two continuous sheets S1, S1 of the product width of the sanitary tissue paper pass. However, the width and number of the continuous sheets S1 straddled by the rail portion 41 are not necessarily limited. For example, it may be configured to straddle a continuous sheet having a width equal to or greater than the product width of the sanitary tissue paper, or it may be configured to straddle two or more continuous sheets regardless of the width. However, since the interfolder 10 feeds out the continuous sheet S1 from a number of parent roll reels 5, it is not preferable for it to straddle the continuous sheets S1... from all the parent roll reels 5, 5... at once. If the continuous sheet is of approximately the same width as the product width of the sanitary tissue paper, it is preferably configured to straddle 10 or less, preferably 6 or less, more preferably 4 or less, and particularly 2 paper passage paths L1. Also, preferably, it is configured to straddle the paper passage path L1 of the continuous sheet S1 leading to one folding mechanism section 10A, or the paper passage path L1 of the continuous sheet S1 leading to one folding plate 11. In the interfolder 10, maintenance may be required in units of the folding mechanism section 10A or the folding plate 11. Therefore, it is preferable in terms of safety, labor saving, and improvement of operation efficiency when switching the parent roll reels, to be able to hold the continuous sheet S1 in units leading to such folding mechanism section 10A or folding plate 11. Also, since many interfolders are configured such that the continuous sheet S1 reaches the folding mechanism section 10A from one parent roll reel 5 or parent roll unit 5A, it is particularly desirable to configure the rail portion 41 so that the connection of one or a plurality of continuous sheets S1 can be performed in units of the folding mechanism section 10A.

[0034] On the other hand, the crimping roller 42 is arranged such that its circumferential surface portion faces the rail portion 41, and is configured to travel while rotating on the rail portion. Further, the crimping roller 42 has a ridge portion 42A formed along the circumferential direction on its circumferential surface, and this ridge portion 42A is arranged to fit into the groove portion 41A of the rail portion 41. The illustrated crimping roller 42 is in a preferred form, and a plurality of ridge portions 42A, 42A... are formed corresponding to the shape of the rail portion 41. In particular, these ridge portions 42A, 42A... are arranged with valley line portions 42B, 42B... interposed therebetween and have a cross-sectional corrugated shape. Therefore, in the illustrated form, in particular, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the crimping roller 42 and the rail portion 41 are formed such that their respective cross-sectional corrugated shapes fit together. However, in FIG. 6, for the purpose of explanation as described above, a space is provided between the crimping roller 42 and the rail portion 41 for illustration. Here, the material constituting the crimping roller 42 is not limited. It can be appropriately selected from steel, hardened steel, stainless steel, brass metal material, engineering plastic, etc. in consideration of mechanical rigidity and contact pressure with the rail portion 41.

[0035] The moving means 43 for moving the crimping roller 42 along the rail portion 41 is a mechanism for moving the crimping roller 42 along the rail portion 41. In the illustrated form, a guide rail 44 is arranged in parallel with the rail portion 41 across the paper passage path L1, a slider body 45 capable of reciprocating along this guide rail 44 is provided, a support body 46 for rotatably supporting the crimping roller 42 is connected to this slider body 45, and the slider body 45 is moved along the guide rail 44 by a drive source (not shown), so that the crimping roller 42 is configured to move along the rail portion 41. In this device, through control such as synchronizing the movement of the slider body 45 on the guide rail 44 and the rotation of the crimping roller 42, the crimping roller 42 runs while rotating on the rail portion 41. Note that the slider body 45 may be configured to be able to run on the guide rail 44 by a belt drive, a chain drive, or a rack & pinion mechanism, and the rotation of the crimping roller 42 can be configured to be rotated via a rotating shaft 42X, for example, through a bearing mechanism, a gear mechanism, etc. Note that the drive source is not limited, and known drive sources such as air pressure, an electric motor, and a magnetic motor can be used. Note that the drive source for moving the slider body 45 and the drive source for rotating the crimping roller 42 may be the same or different. Further, the crimping roller 42 may be configured not to be provided with a drive source, and the crimping roller 42 may be configured to rotate due to friction with the rail portion 41, etc. caused by the movement of the slider body 45.

[0036] The structure of the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention and the connection of the continuous sheet S1 will be further described in combination with the method of switching the original roll 5 in the interfolder 10. First, the interfolder 10 during operation is stopped, and the conveyance of the continuous sheet S1 conveyed to the folding mechanism unit 10A is stopped. In this stopped state, the continuous sheet S1 is cut at least upstream of the position where the continuous sheet connecting device 40 is provided.

[0037] Next, attach a new raw sheet roll to the raw sheet roll support section. As shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 8(A), feed out a new continuous sheet S2 from the new raw sheet roll, and position the leading end thereof downstream of at least the position where the continuous sheet connecting device 40 is provided. On the paper passing paths L1, L1 facing the rail section 41 of the continuous sheet connecting device 40, stack the old continuous sheet S1 and the new continuous sheet S2.

[0038] When the old continuous sheet S1 and the new continuous sheet S2 are thus overlapped on the paper passing paths L1, L1 facing the rail section 41 of the continuous sheet connecting device 40, as shown in FIGS. 7(B) and 8(B), move the pressure roller 42 along the rail section 41 by the moving means 43. At this time, the pressure roller 42 is sequentially moved from outside the paper passing path across the paper passing path to outside the paper passing path. Further, at this time, the laminated portion of the continuous sheets S1, S2 is sandwiched between the rail section 41 and the pressure roller 42. Therefore, the separation distance between the rail section 41 and the paper passing path L1 is not limited, but the rail section 41 is preferably provided at a position close to the paper passing path L1 within a range that does not affect the conveyance of the continuous sheet S1 when the folding is performed by the interfolder 10. Also, the diameter of the pressure roller 42 is not necessarily limited, but is set to a diameter such that the edge of the laminated portion is guided between the rail section 41 and the pressure roller 42 by the rotational travel of the pressure roller 42.

[0039] In the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention, by the movement of the pressure roller 42, as shown in FIGS. 7(B) and 8(B), the laminated portions of the continuous sheets S1, S2 are sequentially sandwiched between and strongly pressed against the rail section 41 from the edges, and the continuous sheets are crimped by the anchor effect due to the deformation of the laminated portion and the hydrogen bond between the fibers (the crimped portion in the figure is indicated by the reference sign Sa). When the pressure roller 42 finishes moving across the entire width of the laminated portion of the continuous sheet, as shown in FIGS. 7(C) and 8(C), the laminated portions of the continuous sheets S1, S2 are crimped from end to end, and the continuous sheets are connected to each other. Note that the degree of crimping is appropriately adjusted in consideration of the thickness and basis weight of the continuous sheets S1, S2.

[0040] Here, in the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention, it is desirable to provide a biasing means 47 that biases the pressure roller 42 against the rail portion 41. During the travel of the pressure roller 42, the pressure roller 42 is pressed against the rail portion 41 side, and even if distortion, deformation, etc. occur in the rail portion 41, the pressure roller 42 can stably travel on the rail portion 41, and can stably contact the entire width direction of the laminated portion of the continuous sheets S1 and S2. Here, the biasing means 47 is not limited, but in the device of the illustrated form, a spring spring, which is an elastic body 47, is interposed between the slider body 45 and the pivot support body 46 so that the pressure roller 42 pivotally supported by the pivot support body 46 is pressed against the rail portion 41. However, the elastic body 47 is not limited to a spring spring, and may be a leaf spring, rubber, etc. Further, the biasing means 47 is not limited to an elastic body, and air - cylinder - , a cylinder mechanism such as a hydraulic cylinder may be interposed. Furthermore, the position where the elastic body or the cylinder mechanism is provided is not between the slider body 45 and the pivot support body 46 i as a position. These can be arranged at appropriate positions according to the device structure.

[0041] Also, in the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention, it is desirable to provide an adjustment mechanism 48 for adjusting the pressure between the pressure roller 42 and the rail portion 41. This adjustment mechanism is a mechanism for finely adjusting the distance between the pressure roller 42 and the rail portion 41. The paper thicknesses of the continuous sheets S1 and S2, which are sanitary thin papers, are about 50 to 300 μm depending on the variety such as paper towels, tissue papers, toilet papers, etc., and there are differences. Also, the basis weights are different. By providing this adjustment mechanism 48, the distance and contact pressure between the pressure roller 42 and the rail portion 41 can be adjusted, and it becomes easier to handle continuous sheets with different paper thicknesses and basis weights. Here, the adjustment mechanism 48 is not limited, but for example, a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the axial position of the pressure roller 42 with respect to the shaft support 46, an interval adjustment mechanism for adjusting the interval between the shaft support 46 and the slider body 45 and the interval between the slider body 45 and the guide rail 44, etc. can be mentioned. More specifically, as the position adjustment mechanism, a plurality of insertion ports through which the rotation shaft of the pressure roller 41 passes through the shaft support 46 are provided at intervals from the rail portion 41 side so that the rotation shaft position can be adjusted. More specifically, as the interval adjustment mechanism, the shaft support 46 and the slider body 45 are connected by screwing a male screw and a female screw, or a bolt and a nut, and the interval between the shaft support 46 and the slider body 45 can be adjusted by adjusting the screwing condition. In the illustrated form, the slider body is composed of two members, and the width of the gap V between the two members of the slider body 45 can be adjusted by the screwing condition of the bolt 48A and the nut 48B. By changing the width of the slider body 45, the pressure between the pressure roller 42 and the rail portion 41 is adjusted.

[0042] Furthermore, the preferred shapes and the like of the pressure roller 42 and the rail portion 41 in the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention will be described. As described above, the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention particularly has a rail portion 41 having a cross-sectional corrugated shape in which a plurality of concave ridges 41A, 41A... are arranged with ridge lines 41B, 41B... interposed therebetween, and a pressure roller 42 having a cross-sectional corrugated shape in which a plurality of convex ridges 41A, 41A... are arranged with valley lines 41A, 41A... interposed therebetween, and it is desirable that the respective cross-sectional corrugated shapes are formed so as to fit. In this case, the number of the concave ridges 41A and the convex ridges 42A is not limited, but is preferably 2 to 7. Within this range, connection by pressure bonding of the laminated portion is likely to be reliably performed. Furthermore, the intervals between the tips of the convex ridges 41A and between the bottoms of the concave ridges may be different, but are preferably the same, and the interval L3 is preferably 1.5 to 2.5 mm, more preferably 1.8 to 2.2 mm. Within this range, connection by pressure bonding of the laminated portion is likely to be reliably performed. Also, when the rail portion 41 having a cross-sectional corrugated shape in which a plurality of concave ridges 41A, 41A... are arranged with ridge lines 41B, 41B... interposed therebetween and the pressure roller 42 having a cross-sectional corrugated shape in which a plurality of convex ridges 41A, 41A... are arranged with valley lines 41A, 41A... interposed therebetween are formed so that the respective cross-sectional corrugated shapes fit, particularly, the inclination angle ∠α of the slope in the corrugation is preferably 20 to 30°, more preferably 22 to 26°. The laminated portion of the continuous sheet is likely to be drawn into the inclined surface, and the concavo-convex shape is likely to be firmly formed on the continuous sheet, and the anchor effect due to the deformation of adjacent continuous sheets is likely to be effectively exhibited. Furthermore, the tips of the concave ridges 41A and the convex ridges 42A are preferably curved surfaces, and in this case, particularly, the curvature R3 is preferably 0.4 to 0.6 mm. Since it contacts the laminated portion with a curved surface, the risk of the continuous sheet breaking at each stage is reduced when pressure-bonding the laminated portion of the continuous sheet. Then, particularly when a rail portion 41 having a cross-sectional corrugated shape in which a plurality of concave ridges 41A, 41A... are arranged with ridge lines 41B, 41B... interposed therebetween and a crimping roller 42 having a cross-sectional corrugated shape in which a plurality of convex ridges 41A, 41A... are arranged with valley lines 41A, 41A... interposed therebetween are formed such that their respective cross-sectional corrugated shapes fit together, it is desirable that they have a shape having straight portions T1, T2 where a part of the inclined portion of each cross-sectional corrugation becomes a straight line, and the straight portions T1, T2 face each other. By the running of the crimping roller 42, the laminated portions of the continuous sheets S1, S2 are drawn into the space between these surfaces. At this time, the continuous sheets S1, S2 are stretched and the fibers are crushed while being twisted, so that the anchor effect due to the deformation of adjacent continuous sheets and the hydrogen bonding of the fibers between the continuous sheets are extremely effectively exhibited, and good crimping is performed. The distance L2 between the straight portions T1, T2 of the inclined portions of the cross-sectional corrugations in the convex ridge portion 42A and the concave ridge portion 41A is not necessarily limited, but is preferably in the range of 0.15 to 0.30 mm.

[0043] In the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention described above, when switching the original roll, with the ends of the continuous sheets overlapped, on the rail portion 41 、 By simply driving the crimping roller 42 automatically by the driving means, the continuous sheets can be easily and efficiently crimped. Then, the safety, labor saving, and further improvement in operation efficiency when switching the original roll 5 in the interfolder 10 can be achieved. Incidentally, an interfolder 10 provided with a plurality of the continuous sheet connecting devices 40 according to the present invention described above, preferably, a continuous sheet connecting device 40 is provided for each folding mechanism portion 10A, and an interfolder capable of separately connecting the continuous sheets S1 is also a related invention. And in this interfolder, it is desirable to configure it such that a plurality of each connecting device is operated simultaneously or sequentially by one operation.

[0044] Next, the continuous sheet cutting device 20 and the continuous sheet pressing device 30 that are particularly suitable for being provided in the interfolder together with the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention will be described. By providing the continuous sheet cutting device 20 and the continuous sheet pressing device 30 in combination with the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention in the interfolder, it becomes easier to continuously and automatically perform the cutting of the old continuous sheet, the pressing of the continuous sheet, and further the connection, and the safety, labor saving, and operation efficiency during the switching of the original roll 5 in the interfolder 10 are further improved. Therefore, at least one of the continuous sheet cutting device 20 and the continuous sheet pressing device 30 is also a related invention together with the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention. Further, the interfolder 10 in which at least one of the continuous sheet cutting device 20 and the continuous sheet pressing device 30 is provided in plurality, preferably provided for each folding mechanism part 10A, and the interfolder that enables the pressing, cutting, and connection of the continuous sheet S1 in series separately are also related inventions.

[0045] First, a suitable continuous sheet pressing device 30 will be described. This continuous sheet pressing device 30 is particularly shown in FIGS. 9 to 16. This continuous sheet pressing device 30 is provided on the downstream side of the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention.

[0046] This continuous sheet pressing device 30 is a device that presses the old continuous sheet reaching the folding mechanism part 10A of the interfolder 10 and the new continuous sheet from the new original roll in a superposed state. Therefore, this continuous sheet pressing device 30 is also preferably installed in plurality in the interfolder 10, particularly preferably the same number as the folding mechanism part 10A.

[0047] As particularly shown in FIGS. 9 to 16, this continuous sheet pressing device 30 includes support parts 31, 32 arranged across the paper passing path L1, a first pressing part 33 and a second pressing part 34 attached to the support parts 31, 32, a pressing area 35 that can be pressure-bonded to the first pressing part 33 and the second pressing part 34, a driving means 36 for moving the support parts 31, 32, and a locking part 37 for locking the end of the continuous sheet S1.

[0048] The support parts 31 and 32, for example, have an elongated shape such as plate-like or rod-like, face the paper passing paths L1 and L1 of two continuous sheets S1 and S1 leading to one folding mechanism part 10A, and are arranged so as to straddle these paper passing paths L1 and L1. Further, the support parts 31 and 32 are particularly bridged between a pair of arms 38 and 38 that protrude from the paper passing path side and are arranged to stand upright at the side of each paper passing path L1, and the support parts 31 and 32 are in a form suspended from the paper passing paths L1 and L1. Furthermore, each of the support parts 31 and 32 is composed of an elongated first support member 31 and a second support member 32, and in particular, the second support member 32 is provided so as to be located on the more distal end side of the arms 38 and 38. However, the shape and structure of the support parts 31 and 32 are not limited to this. Not limited to the arms protruding from the paper passing path side, as long as they are arranged to face and cross the paper passing path by a known bridging structure or suspension structure, their specific shape, structure, and arrangement form can be designed appropriately. The materials constituting the arms 38 and the support parts 31 and 32 are not limited. They can be appropriately selected from among steel, stainless steel, brass metal materials, engineering plastics, etc. in consideration of mechanical rigidity.

[0049] Incidentally, the illustrated continuous sheet pressing device 30 is configured such that the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 straddle the paper passage paths L1, L1 through which two continuous sheets S1, S1 of the product width of the sanitary tissue paper pass. However, the width and number of the continuous sheets S1 straddled by the support portions 31, 32 are not necessarily limited. For example, it may be configured to straddle a continuous sheet having a width equal to or greater than the product width of the sanitary tissue paper, or may be configured to straddle two or more continuous sheets regardless of the width. However, since the interfolder 10 feeds out the continuous sheet S1 from a large number of original roll reels 5 as described above, it is not preferable that the continuous sheet S1... from all the original roll reels 5, 5... straddle at once. If the continuous sheet is of the same degree as the product width of the sanitary tissue paper, it is desirable to configure it to straddle the paper passage paths L1 of 10 sheets or less, preferably 6 sheets or less, more preferably 4 sheets or less, and particularly 2 sheets, in the same manner as the connecting device 40. Further, preferably, it is desirable to configure it to straddle the paper passage path L1 of the continuous sheet S1 leading to one folding mechanism portion 10A or the paper passage path L1 of the continuous sheet S1 leading to one folding plate 11. In the interfolder 10, since maintenance may be required in units of the folding mechanism portion 10A or the folding plate 11 as described above, it is preferable in terms of safety, labor saving at the time of switching the original roll reel, and improvement of operation efficiency to be pressed in units of the continuous sheet S1 leading to such a folding mechanism portion 10A or folding plate 11. Further, since many interfolders are configured such that the continuous sheet S1 reaches the folding mechanism portion 10A from one original roll reel 5 or the original roll unit 5A, it is particularly desirable to configure the support portions 31, 32 so that one or a plurality of continuous sheets S1 can be pressed in units of the folding mechanism portion 10A.

[0050] Here, the number of the continuous sheet pressing devices 30 installed in the interfolder and the number of the continuous sheet connecting devices 40 do not necessarily have to match, but it is desirable that they match, and particularly it is desirable that the operations of both can be synchronized. Therefore, it is desirable that the paper passage paths L1, L1 straddled by the support portions 31, 32 of the continuous sheet pressing device 30 match the location and number of the paper passage paths L1, L1 straddled by the rail portions 41 of the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention.

[0051] A pair of arms 38, 38 of this continuous sheet pressing device 30 are attached to a frame or the like via a rotating shaft 39 on the base end side, and are configured to be reciprocally rotatable around this rotating shaft by drive means 36. Therefore, as particularly shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, when the drive means 36 rotates the arms 38, 38, the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 bridged between the arms 38, 38 reciprocally move in an arc orbit in a direction toward and away from the paper passing paths L1, L1. Further, in this continuous sheet pressing device 30, the tip ends of the arms 38, 38 are configured to fall toward the upstream side of the paper passing paths L1, L1, and when the arms 38, 38 are rotated and the support portions 31, 32 approach the paper passing path, the second support member 32 is configured to be positioned on the more upstream side.

[0052] Note that as the drive means 36, a known mechanism can be used as long as it is a mechanism that enables the support portions 31, 32 to move. In the illustrated example, it is a cylinder mechanism that is connected to the arms 38, 38 and can expand and contract, and is driven by a drive source such as a motor (not shown). The arms 38, 38 and the cylinders 36, 36 can be connected directly or via a link mechanism or the like. Further, examples of the cylinder mechanism 36, 36 include a hydraulic cylinder and an air cylinder. An air cylinder is particularly desirable from the viewpoint of contamination of sanitary tissue paper. By extending or contracting the cylinders 36, 36, the arms 38, 38 rotate around the rotating shaft, and the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 move in an arc orbit in a direction approaching or away from the paper passing paths L1, L1 according to the movement of the arms 38, 38. However, the drive means 36 is not limited to a cylinder mechanism. For example, by combining a known pulley, guide such as a rail, and a link mechanism, the arms 38, 38 may be driven by a belt drive, a chain drive, or the like. A mechanism that directly rotates the rotating shaft by a gear or the like may also be used. Note that the drive source of the drive means 36 is not limited, and a known drive source such as air pressure, an electric motor, or a magnetic motor can be used.

[0053] Further, in this continuous sheet pressing device 30, a first pressing portion 33 and a second pressing portion 34 are attached to the support portions 31 and 32. In the illustrated device, the first pressing portion 33 is attached to the first support member 31, and the second pressing portion 34 is attached to the second support member 32, but this form is not limited thereto. The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion may be attached to one support portion.

[0054] The first pressing portion 33 has a contact surface 33S for pressing the sheet surfaces of the continuous sheets S1 and S1 located in the paper passing paths L1 and L1. As the driving means 36 moves the arm 38 and moves the support portions 31 and 32 closer to the paper passing paths L1 and L1, it approaches the pressing region 35 arranged at the opposite position across the paper passing paths L1 and L1 and is finally moved to the position of contact. In other words, the driving means 36 in this continuous sheet pressing device 30 is configured to move at least the support portions 31 and 32 until the first pressing portion 33 contacts the pressing region 35. The first pressing portion 33 has a substantially flat plate shape elongated in the direction straddling the paper passing paths L1 and L1, and its contact surface 33S is preferably in a substantially planar shape. However, the shape of the first pressing portion 33 is not limited thereto. Further, the contact surface 33S is preferably made of an elastic body such as rubber or sponge so as not to break the continuous sheet S1 which is a sanitary thin paper that is easily torn. Furthermore, since the first pressing portion 33 is a portion for pressing the continuous sheet S1 located in the paper passing path L1, it is preferably formed to contact in the range of 50% or more, preferably 80% or more, and particularly preferably 100% of the width of the continuous sheet S1. In the illustrated example, an example in which one first pressing portion 33 is provided is shown, but this is not limited to this form, and two or more first pressing portions 33 may be provided.

[0055] The holding area 35 may be an appropriate plate-like portion, housing, etc. arranged to face the paper passage L1 of the continuous sheet S1. As long as it is a mechanism or structure capable of sandwiching the continuous sheet S1 in the paper passage L1 together with the first holding portion 33 when the first holding portion 33 comes into contact. In the illustrated example, a part of the apparatus frame is formed flat to form the holding area 35 so as to face the paper passage L1. However, the holding area 35 does not necessarily have to be flat, nor does it have to be an integral structure with the apparatus frame. The first holding portion 33 moved from the paper passage side can be configured by a support that is contacted at a position beyond the paper passage L1 and can limit further movement of the first holding portion 33. Incidentally, the apparatus frame provided with this holding area 35 can be the same as the structure in which the rail portion 41 of the connecting device 40 is arranged.

[0056] Also, this continuous sheet pressing device 30 is configured such that the first holding portion 33 is crimped against the holding area 35 by the first crimping means 33A. In the illustrated example, the first crimping means 33A for crimping the first holding portion 33 against the holding area 35 employs a leaf spring 33A. The first holding portion 33 is attached to the first support portion 31 via the leaf spring 33A. After the first holding portion 33 comes into contact with the holding area 35 and is further appropriately moved toward the holding area side, the first holding portion 33 is pressed against the holding area 35 by the spring force. However, the first crimping means 33A is not limited to a leaf spring and may be a coil spring. Also, an elastic body such as rubber may be used. If the first holding portion 33 is attached to the support portions 31, 32 via a coil spring, elastic body, etc., the first holding portion 33 will be pressed against the holding area 35. Also, the first crimping means 33A is not limited to the mode of being provided between the first holding portion 33 and the support portions 31, 32. As a part of the first holding portion 33, the contact surface of the first holding portion 33 with the holding area 35 may be formed of a leaf spring, coil spring, rubber, porous elastic body, etc., so that the first holding portion 33 is pressed against the holding area 35.

[0057] Similar to the first holding part 33, the second holding part 34 has a contact surface 34S for pressing the sheet surfaces of the continuous sheets S1, S1 located in the paper passing paths L1, L1. In the illustrated form, the second holding part 34 has a substantially flat plate shape elongated in the direction straddling the paper passing path L1, and its contact surface 34S has a substantially planar shape. However, the shape of the second holding part 34 is not limited to this. Similar to the first holding part 33, the contact surface 34S can be made of an elastic body such as rubber or sponge so as not to break the continuous sheet, which is a thin and easily torn sanitary paper. Further, since the second holding part 34 is also a part for pressing the continuous sheet located in the paper passing path L1, it is preferably formed so as to contact in the range of 50% or more, preferably 80% or more, and particularly preferably 100% of the width of the continuous sheet. In the illustrated form, an example is shown where two second holding parts 34 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this form, and one or more second holding parts 34 may be provided.

[0058] Here, when the driving means 36 moves the arm 38 and moves the support parts 31, 32 closer to the paper passing path L1, the second holding part 34 is configured to approach a holding area 35 disposed at a position on the opposite side across the paper passing path L1, similar to the first holding part 33. However, different from the first holding part 33, when the first holding part 33 is moved to a position where it contacts the holding area 35, the second holding part 34 only needs to be at a position where it can contact the holding area 35 and does not necessarily have to be in contact. When the first holding part 33 is moved to a position where it contacts the holding area 35, it may be configured to contact the holding area 35, but it is preferably at a position where it does not contact. Also, when the first holding part 33 is moved to a position where it contacts the holding area 35 by the driving means 36, it is positioned at a position where it can contact the holding area 35 on the upstream side of the paper passing path L1 with respect to the first holding part 33.

[0059] In this continuous sheet pressing device 30, it is provided in the paper passage L1 through which the continuous sheet S1 is conveyed from below upward. Since the arm 38 is arranged to protrude in the lateral direction, the tip side of the arm 38 is tilted downward toward a position lower than the upstream side of the paper passage L1 by the driving means 36. When the arm 38 is rotated and the support portions 31 and 32 approach the paper passage L1, the second support member 32 is configured to be positioned below the upstream side. In the illustrated example, the second pressing portion 34 is freely connected to the second support member 32 by an appropriate flexible string body 34R such as a wire. When the arm 38 is rotated by the driving means 36 and the first pressing portion 33 moves to a position in contact with the pressing region 35, the second pressing portion 34 is suspended from the second support member 32 by its own weight and is configured to be positioned on the upstream side of the paper passage L1 below the first pressing portion 33.

[0060] Furthermore, this continuous sheet pressing device 30 is provided with a handle portion 34H at a position opposite to the contact surface 34S with the pressing region 35 of the second pressing portion 34. In a state of being suspended from the second support member 32 by the string body 34R, the handle portion 34H can be used to approach the pressing region side, and it is possible to manually crimp the pressing region 35 while maintaining the connection with the second support member 32. However, the positioning of the second pressing portion 34 is not limited to the form performed by suspension by the string body 34R. The second pressing portion 34 may be connected to the second support portion 32 by an arm combined with a link mechanism or an extendable cylinder mechanism, and the second pressing portion 34 may be configured to be arranged at a predetermined position by the movement of the arm. Also, the string body 34R can be appropriately composed of resin, fiber, a single metallic string, a mesh string, and other materials.

[0061] On the other hand, the holding device 30 for the continuous sheet has second crimping means for crimping the second holding part 34 to the holding area 35. The second crimping means in the illustrated example is magnetic force. A magnet (not shown) is embedded in the second holding part 34, and the holding area 35 is made of a material such as iron to which a magnet can be magnetically attached. By bringing the two closer, the second holding part 34 is configured to be crimped to the holding area 35. However, the second crimping means 35 is not limited to magnetic force, and an elastic body such as a spring or rubber, a cylinder mechanism, etc. can be adopted. In this case, these second crimping means may be interposed between the second holding part 34 and the second support member 32, the second holding part 34 may be attached to the second support member 32, and the second holding part 34 may be configured to be biased toward the holding area 35 side.

[0062] On the other hand, the holding device 30 for the continuous sheet has a locking part 37 for the continuous sheet S1 on the downstream side of the paper passage L1 from the position where the second holding part 34 and the holding area 35 are in contact. The locking part 37 for the continuous sheet S1 is a part that can temporarily hold the end of the continuous sheet S1 of the wide strip-shaped sanitary tissue paper. In the illustrated example, the second support member 32 functions as the locking part 37 for the continuous sheet S1. Further, the second support member 32 has an elongated rod shape bridged between the arms 38, is provided at a portion where the paper passage L1 is in the vertical direction, and the second holding part 34 is configured to be suspended from the second support member 32. Therefore, by hanging the end of the continuous sheet S1 on the second support member 32, it is possible to temporarily lock the continuous sheet S1 on the downstream side of the second holding part 34. However, the locking part 37 is not limited to a structure that hangs the continuous sheet like the second support member 32, and it may be stopped by a magnet or the like. Also, a rod-shaped body may be bridged between the arms 38 between the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 to serve as the locking part 37. In the illustrated device, the locking part 37 is the second support member 32 and is provided on the support part side. However, the locking part 37 for the continuous sheet S may be on the holding area 35 side. Furthermore, it may be on both sides with the paper passage L1 interposed therebetween.

[0063] Next, a method for pressing the continuous sheet S1 by the continuous sheet pressing device 30, which is preferably provided together with the connecting device 40 of the present invention, will be described. First, the operating interfolder 10 is stopped to stop the conveyance of the continuous sheet S1 conveyed to the folding mechanism unit 10A. In this stopped state, the continuous sheet S1 is cut upstream of at least the position where the continuous sheet pressing device 30 is provided.

[0064] Before or after the cutting of the continuous sheet S1, the continuous sheet pressing device 30 drives the driving means 36 to move the support portions 31, 32 until the first pressing portion 33 contacts the pressing region 35 as shown in FIG. 10. By this operation, the old continuous sheet S1 before switching located in the paper passage L1 is clamped between the first pressing portion 33 and the pressing region 35. As in the illustrated example, even when the paper passage L1 passes in the vertical direction, the continuous sheet S1 is pressed and does not fall downward.

[0065] Here, in this continuous sheet pressing device 30, characteristically, the driving means is driven before the continuous sheet is cut, the support portions 31, 32 are moved until the first pressing portion 33 contacts the pressing region 35, and the continuous sheet S1 located in the paper passage L1 can be pressed. In the interfolder, the sheet is continuous from the raw paper roll 5 through the folding mechanism unit 10A to the cutter downstream of the line, and is further folded and associated with the continuous sheets from other folding mechanism units. For this reason, if an unintended load is applied to the continuous sheet S1 in a certain folding mechanism unit 10A, there is a risk of affecting other continuous sheets, such as being pulled. By pressing the continuous sheet S1 before cutting the continuous sheet S1 by the continuous sheet pressing device 30 according to the present invention, the influence on other continuous sheets can be reduced when a certain continuous sheet is cut. In addition, by pressing the continuous sheet S1 by the first pressing portion 33, the continuous sheet S1 can be easily maintained in a tightly stretched state, and the workability of the cutting operation of the continuous sheet performed in the vicinity can also be improved. Note that it is desirable to cut the continuous sheet S1 at a position close to the continuous sheet pressing device 30 in terms of maintenance and workability.

[0066] After the continuous sheet S1 is cut, the old continuous sheet S1 heading toward the folding mechanism unit 10A is held by the first holding part 33 and the holding area 35, and is severed from the raw roll side at the cutting position upstream of the continuous sheet holding device 30. If this state is reached, remove the raw roll 5 from the raw roll support part 13 and attach a new raw roll (not shown).

[0067] If a new raw roll is attached, as shown in FIG. 13, feed out a new continuous sheet S2 from the new raw roll and lock the leading end portion thereof to the locking part 37. In the illustrated example, since the second support part 32 bridged between the arms 38 serves as the locking part 37, the leading end portion of the new continuous sheet S2 is locked by hanging the leading end portion of the new continuous sheet S2 on this second support part 32. At this time, since the old continuous sheet S1 is cut upstream of the continuous sheet holding device 30, the cut end portion is located upstream of the continuous sheet holding device 30. Therefore, by locking the leading end portion of the new continuous sheet S2 to the locking part 37, a state is reached in which the rear end portion of the old continuous sheet S1 having an end upstream of the continuous sheet holding device 30 and the leading end portion of the new continuous sheet S2 overlap each other.

[0068] If the state is reached in which the rear end portion of the old continuous sheet S1 and the leading end portion of the new continuous sheet S2 are overlapped in this way, as shown in FIG. 14, press the second holding part 34 against the holding area 35. In the illustrated device, since the second holding part 34 in which magnets are embedded is configured to be suspended at a lower position upstream of the second support member 32 which is the locking part 37 by the string body 34R, the second holding part 34 may be manually moved toward the holding area side and magnetically attached to the holding area 35. Since the crimping position between the second holding part 34 and the holding area 35 is the position where the rear end portion of the old continuous sheet S1 and the leading end portion of the new continuous sheet S2 are overlapped, by crimping the second holding part 34 to the holding area 35, the rear end portion of the old continuous sheet S1 and the leading end portion of the new continuous sheet S2 are held in an overlapped state.

[0069] Thus, if the rear end portion of the old continuous sheet S1 and the front end portion of the new continuous sheet S2 are pressed in a superimposed state, as shown in FIG. 15, the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention is operated at a position upstream of the continuous sheet pressing device 30 or overlapping the pressing device 30 to bond the rear end portion of the old continuous sheet S1 and the front end portion of the new continuous sheet S2 (the bonded portion in the figure is indicated by reference numeral P).

[0070] When connecting with the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention, since the rear end portion of the old continuous sheet S1 and the front end portion of the new continuous sheet S2 are mechanically pressed by the continuous sheet pressing device 30, this crimping operation can be easily performed. Also, most of the series of operations of pressing and connecting the continuous sheets can be mechanically and automatically performed continuously.

[0071] After the rear end portion of the old continuous sheet S1 and the front end portion of the new continuous sheet S2 are joined together, as shown in FIG. 16, by driving the driving means 36 in the continuous sheet pressing device 30 to return the support portions 31, 32 to the retracted position, the first pressing portion 33 and the second pressing portion 34 are disengaged from the pressing region 35 from the paper passage path L1, and the new continuous sheet S2 located in the paper passage path L1 can move toward the folding mechanism portion 10A. In the illustrated example, as a particularly suitable example, since the second support member 32 also serves as the locking portion 37, as the second support member 32 moves away from the paper passage path L1, the leading end portion of the new continuous sheet S2 hung on the second support member 32 is automatically disengaged and configured to be in a free state with respect to the continuous sheet pressing device 30.

[0072] As described above, in this continuous sheet pressing device 30, when performing the connection by the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention, the end portions of the continuous sheets can be easily and operably pressed in a superimposed state. Therefore, safety, labor saving, and improvement in operation efficiency can be achieved when switching the original roll 5 in the interfolder 10.

[0073] Next, a continuous sheet cutting device 20 that is preferably provided in the interfolder will be described together with the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention. This continuous sheet cutting device is particularly shown in FIGS. 9, 17 to 19. This continuous sheet cutting device 20 is provided upstream of the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention.

[0074] This preferred continuous sheet cutting device 20 includes a liquid-impregnated or liquid-adherable string-like body 21, a moving path 21R of the string-like body 21, driving means 22 for reciprocally moving the string-like body 21 within the moving path 21R, and a porous elastic body 23 having a liquid-containing property that is disposed in the moving path 21R of the string-like body 21 and imparts liquid to the string-like body 21.

[0075] The string-like body 21 faces the paper passing path L1 of one or a plurality of continuous sheets S1 and is disposed across the paper passing path L1. The string-like body 21 has an elongated string shape with flexibility, and its material and structure are not particularly limited as long as it can be sufficiently impregnated or adhered with liquid. Examples include a plurality of thin strings, short thin strings, a net string woven with fibers, a net rope, a twisted string, a twisted rope, and a cloth such as a towel fabric cut into a string shape, and a synthetic resin material formed into a string shape with a large number of fine holes and grooves provided on the surface to impart impregnation properties. Preferably, it is a synthetic resin material formed into a string shape with a large number of fine holes and grooves provided on the surface to impart impregnation properties, or a net string woven with a plurality of thin strings or fibers. The material constituting the string-like body is not limited. Examples include synthetic resins such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate, and natural fiber materials such as cotton fiber and coconut fiber. Particularly preferably, it is a synthetic resin material. It has less elongation due to liquid impregnation and is excellent in terms of corrosion resistance and the like. The thickness is also not particularly limited. If it is too thick, the cutting width will be wide and there will be a lot of waste on the paper surface, so preferably it is 2 to 4 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the string-like body 21 is not limited either. It may have an appropriate shape such as round, oval, square, or triangular.

[0076] The string-shaped body 21 of the apparatus 20 in the figure example is configured such that the string-shaped body 21 straddles the paper passing paths L1, L1 through which two continuous sheets S1, S1 of the product width of the sanitary tissue paper pass. However, the width and number of the continuous sheets S1 straddled by the string-shaped body 21 are not necessarily limited. For example, it may be configured to straddle a continuous sheet having a width equal to or greater than the product width of the sanitary tissue paper, or it may be configured to straddle two or more continuous sheets regardless of the width. However, as described above, since the interfolder 10 feeds out the continuous sheet S1 from a large number of original reel rolls 5, it is not preferable for the string-shaped body 21 to straddle the continuous sheets S1... from all the original reel rolls 5, 5... at once. If the continuous sheet is of the same degree as the product width of the sanitary tissue paper, it is desirable to be configured to straddle 10 or less, preferably 6 or less, more preferably 4 or less, and particularly 2 paper passing paths L1. Further, preferably, it is configured to straddle the paper passing path L1 of the continuous sheet S1 leading to one folding mechanism portion 10A or the paper passing path L1 of the continuous sheet S1 leading to one folding plate 11. In the interfolder, since maintenance may be required in units of the folding mechanism portion 10A or the folding plate 11 as described above, cutting the continuous sheet S1 leading to such a folding mechanism portion 10A or folding plate 11 is preferable in terms of safety, labor saving, and improvement of operation efficiency when switching the original reel roll. Further, since many interfolders are configured such that the continuous sheet S1 reaches the folding mechanism portion 10A from one original reel roll 5 or original reel roll unit 5A, it is particularly desirable to configure the string-shaped body 21 so that one or a plurality of continuous sheets S1 can be cut simultaneously in units of the folding mechanism portion 10A.

[0077] Here, the number of the continuous sheet connecting devices 40 and the continuous sheet pressing devices 30 installed in the interfolder does not necessarily have to match the number of the continuous sheet cutting devices 20, but it is desirable that they match, and particularly it is desirable to enable the operations of all the devices to be synchronized. Therefore, it is desirable that the paper passing paths L1, L1 straddled by the string-shaped body 21 of the continuous sheet cutting device 20 match the paper passing paths L1, L1 straddled by the rail portion 41 of the continuous sheet connecting device 40 according to the present invention and the support portions 31, 32 of the continuous sheet pressing device 30 in terms of location and number.

[0078] The movement path 21R of the string-like body 21 in this continuous sheet cutting device 20 is a path along which the string-like body 21 moves while maintaining a predetermined tension, and this movement path 21R is arranged so as to intersect the paper passing paths L1, L1 of the continuous sheets S1, S1. Therefore, by moving along the movement path 21R, the string-like body 21 comes into contact with the string-like body 21 bridging between both side edges of the continuous sheet S1 located in the paper passing path L1. Note that the tension of the string-like body 21 is not necessarily limited. It suffices that it does not loosen excessively. It suffices that the string-like body 21 is maintained substantially linearly.

[0079] As the driving means for moving the string-like body 21, a known mechanism can be used as long as it is a mechanism that enables the string-like body 21 to move. As a preferable example, as in the illustrated device, a pair of cylinder mechanisms 22, 22 that can be expanded and contracted by a driving source such as a motor (not shown) provided so as to protrude at positions outside both side edges of the paper passing path L1. Examples of the cylinder mechanisms 22, 22 include hydraulic cylinders and air cylinders. An air cylinder is particularly desirable from the viewpoint of contamination of sanitary tissue paper. The string-like body 21 is bridged at the ends of these cylinders 22, 22, and by synchronously extending or contracting each cylinder 22, 22 by the driving source, the string-like body 21 reciprocates along the movement path 21R while maintaining a predetermined tension. However, the driving means is not limited to the above-described cylinder mechanism. For example, a pair of guides such as rails are provided so as to protrude at positions outside both side edges of the paper passing path L1, and a moving body such as a pulley or a locking tool is provided so as to be movable along this guide, and a mechanism configured to be able to move this moving body by belt drive, chain drive, or cylinder drive can also be exemplified. Note that the driving source of the driving means is not limited, and known driving sources such as air pressure, electric motors, and magnetic motors can be used.

[0080] Also, in this continuous sheet cutting device 20, it is desirable that the string-like body 21 be replaceable. Therefore, it is desirable that the string-like body be detachably attached to the driving means and a predetermined attachment portion. Known techniques can be used for the replaceable method. For example, a clamping portion that can be narrowed and widened by a screw or the like may be provided on a cylinder or a moving body so that clamping and releasing of the string-like body can be selected. Also, it may be made detachable by locking it to a cylinder or a moving body with an appropriate fixing jig such as a carabiner or a clip. Further, a portion for connecting the string-like body may be formed on the cylinder or the moving body and directly connected. By making the string-like body replaceable, the maintainability is improved, and the thickness, material, and water content of the string-like body can be appropriately changed according to the thickness and quality of the continuous sheet S1 to be cut.

[0081] The porous elastic body 23 is disposed in the movement path 21R of the string-like body 21 separated from the paper passage path L1. Therefore, in this device 20, the string-like body 21 and the porous elastic body 23 come into contact with each other due to the movement of the string-like body 21 by the driving means 22. In the illustrated continuous sheet cutting device 20, the movement path 21R is configured to be movable by a pair of cylinder mechanisms 22, 22 to a position where the string-like body 21 comes into contact with the porous elastic body 23 and to a predetermined position passing through the paper passage path L1.

[0082] The contact between the string-like body 21 and the porous elastic body 23 may be such that the string-like body 21 presses the porous elastic body 23 to such an extent that the porous elastic body 23 is elastically deformed. The separation distance between the paper passage path L1 and the porous elastic body 23 is not limited, but it is preferably a separation distance such that the continuous sheet S1 passing through the paper passage path L1 does not come into contact. The separation distance may be 30 mm or more, and is preferably 50 to 90 mm.

[0083] In addition, the porous elastic body 23 has liquid retention properties and can apply liquid to the string-like body 21 by contacting the string-like body. Specific materials for the porous elastic body 23 include, for example, sponge materials such as sponge bodies made of natural or synthetic resins. It may also be a material in which a fabric or fiber material is elastically fixed with an adhesive. Preferably, it is a sponge material made of synthetic resin in terms of easy adjustment of liquid retention properties and difficulty of corrosion.

[0084] Furthermore, the porous elastic body 23 preferably has, for example, an elongated shape and can contact the string-like body 21 in a range of 80% or more, preferably 100% or more of the length of the string-like body 21. In the illustrated apparatus 20, it is formed in an elongated shape that faces the paper passage paths L1, L1 in a range of 100% or more between a pair of cylinders 22, 22 which are driving means for the string-like body 21.

[0085] On the other hand, it is particularly desirable that the contact side surface 23A of the porous elastic body 23 with the string-like body 21 is a curved convex surface that is convex toward the paper passage path L1 side and from each end side of the string-like body 21 toward the central portion side. When the string-like body 21 is moved and contacted with the porous elastic body 23 by driving means 22 such as a cylinder mechanism, even if the tension of the string-like body 21 loosens or there is a slight difference in the moving distance at each end of the string-like body 21, the entire string-like body 21 can easily contact the porous elastic body 23, and the certainty of liquid application from the porous elastic body 23 to the string-like body 21 is improved.

[0086] Furthermore, it is desirable that the curved convex surface 23A of the porous elastic body 23 is composed of two or more types, preferably two types of curvatures as shown in FIG. 12. By configuring the curvature of the curved convex surface 23A with two or more types, more reliable wide contact between the string-like body 21 and the porous elastic body 23 is achieved. Note that the curvature of the curved convex surface 23A is not limited. It can be appropriately designed according to the width (width of the continuous sheet) and number of the paper passage path L1 straddled by the string-like body 21. In the case of the porous elastic body 23 with a two-way width for the paper passage path L1 of the continuous sheet S1 with a product width of 170 to 230 mm of sanitary tissue paper Straddle in the case of the porous elastic body 23 with a two-way width, it is desirable that the curvature R1 is 1 to 3 m and the curvature R2 is about 2 to 6 m.

[0087] On the other hand, it is desirable that the continuous sheet cutting device 20 has liquid supply means 24 for supplying liquid to the porous elastic body 23. The liquid supply means 24 can be constituted by, for example, a nozzle or a supply port for applying liquid to the porous elastic body 23 by dropping, spraying, injecting, etc., a supply path 24A such as a flexible material or a metal tube capable of transporting the liquid, a pump 24B for transporting the liquid, and the like. The liquid supply means 24 only needs to be able to supply liquid appropriately so that the porous elastic body 23 does not dry out excessively.

[0088] The cutting of the continuous sheet by the continuous sheet cutting device 20 described above is performed as follows. That is, first, as shown in FIGS. 18(A) and 19(A) from the positions shown in FIGS. 9 and 17, the string-like body 21 is moved and brought into contact with the porous elastic body 23 in a liquid-impregnated state by driving means 22 such as a cylinder mechanism, whereby sufficient liquid is impregnated or adhered to the string-like body 21. The porous elastic body 23 is made of a material such as a sponge and can hold a large amount of liquid, and the string-like body 21 is a net string or the like and can be impregnated and adhered with an appropriate amount of liquid.

[0089] Next, as shown in FIGS. 18(B) and 19(B), the driving means 22 such as a cylinder mechanism moves the string-like body 21 to which liquid has been applied along the movement path 21R and presses it against the continuous sheet S1 present in the paper passage path L1. In this apparatus 20, since the movement path 21R of the string-like body 21 is arranged so as to intersect the paper passage path L1 of the continuous sheet S1, by moving the string-like body 21 across the paper passage path L1, the string-like body 21 to which liquid has been applied is pressed against the continuous sheet S1 located in the paper passage path L1. Since the continuous sheet S1 is a sanitary tissue paper, moisture is imparted by contact with the string-like body 21, and the paper strength is significantly reduced. In this state, when the string-like body 21 is further pressed, as shown in FIGS. 18(C) and 19(C), it is easily cut. After cutting the continuous sheet S1, in preparation for the next switching of the original roll 5, the cylinder mechanism 22 returns the string-like body 21 to a position between the porous elastic body 23 shown in FIGS. 9 and 17 and the paper passage path L1. At the time of this cutting, in order for the string-like body 21 to be suitably pressed against the continuous sheet S1, before the operation of the continuous sheet cutting apparatus 20, the driving means 36 of the above-described preferable continuous sheet pressing apparatus 30 is driven to move the first pressing portion 33 so as to be crimped to the pressing region 35, and the continuous sheet S1 can be pressed. Thus, when the continuous sheet pressing apparatus 30 and the continuous sheet cutting apparatus 20 are coordinated before the operation of the continuous sheet connecting apparatus 40 according to the present invention, the original roll can be switched more suitably.

[0090] Here, the liquid used in this apparatus 20 for impregnating the porous elastic body 23 and the string-like body 21 in order to reduce the paper strength of the continuous sheet S1 is not limited. Ordinary tap water, distilled water, and further, appropriate auxiliaries such as alcohol for sterilization and preservatives may be included. However, it is naturally preferable that it does not contaminate the folding mechanism portion 10A or the sanitary tissue paper 2, and it is desirable to use distilled water or a mixture of distilled water and appropriate non-contaminating auxiliaries.

[0091] Also, in the interfolder 10, in the paper feed path L1 from the original roll 5 to the folding mechanism unit 10A, appropriate rolls 12 such as an expander roll for appropriately stretching wrinkles, a dancer roll for tension control, and a guide roll are arranged so that the continuous sheet S1 can be changed in the vertical direction, horizontal direction, etc., and there are various types depending on the installation position of the interfolder. The position where the continuous sheet cutting device 20 exists in the paper feed path L1 of the interfolder 10 is not necessarily limited. It can be provided at an appropriate position in the paper feed path L1 of the continuous sheet S1 from the original roll 5 to the folding mechanism unit 10A. However, preferably, it is desirable to be configured such that the movement path 21R of the string-like body 21 is ±20° in the horizontal direction at the position where the continuous sheet S1 is conveyed at ±20° in the vertical direction. In the interfolder 10 of the illustrated form, the continuous sheet S1 fed out from the original roll support portion 13 reaches upward through the guide roll 12A, then the continuous sheet S1 is moved horizontally, and the continuous sheet S1 is supplied from above the folding mechanism unit 10A. The continuous sheet cutting device 20 is provided at a position where the continuous sheet S1 is conveyed substantially vertically upward through the guide roll 12A. At such a position, even if the liquid that could not be completely held by the porous elastic body 23 or the string-like body 21 drips unintentionally, the possibility of contacting the continuous sheet S1 is reduced for each stage. Also, it becomes easier to combine with a form in which the second pressing portion 34, which is a particularly preferred form of the continuous sheet pressing device according to the present invention, is positioned at a predetermined position by being suspended from the second support member 32 by the string body 34R.

[0092] Further, in this continuous sheet cutting device 20, a tray 25 for receiving the liquid dripping at a position below the porous elastic body 23 and the movement path 21R, and a return means and a return path for returning the liquid received in the tray to the porous elastic body or the liquid supply means can be provided.

[0093] In addition, in the continuous sheet cutting device 20, as shown in the illustrated example, it is desirable to provide a receiving portion 26 for receiving the continuous sheet S1 at a position facing the porous elastic body 23 with the paper passage path L1 interposed therebetween. This receiving portion 26 can be constituted by, for example, a pair or one guide roll provided in the immediate vicinity of the movement path 21R of the string-like body 21. The string-like body 21 is moved along the movement path 21R from the side of the porous elastic body 23. After contacting the continuous sheet S1 and further moving the string-like body 21 so as to cross the paper passage path L1, the continuous sheet S1 is supported by the receiving portion 26, the pressure applied to the continuous sheet S1 by the string-like body 21 is increased, and the cutting by the string-like body 21 is assisted.

[0094] By providing such a continuous sheet cutting device 20 together with a continuous sheet pressing device and the continuous sheet connecting device 40 of the present invention in the interfolder 10, the cutting, pressing, and connecting of the continuous sheet are coordinated, and a series of operations, particularly most of them, can be performed mechanically and automatically, thereby improving the safety, labor saving, and operating efficiency when switching the mother roll in the interfolder.

Explanation of Signs

[0095] 1... Bundle of sanitary tissue papers, 1A... Continuous bundle, 2... Sanitary tissue paper, 2A... Folded inner side, 2B... Folded piece, 2C... Folded edge, 2R... Root portion of the sanitary tissue paper exposed from the outlet, 3A... Short side surface, 3B... Long side surface, 3C... Upper and lower surfaces of the bundle, 5... Mother roll, 5A... Mother roll unit, 6... Shaft, 10... Interfolder, 10A... Folding mechanism portion, 11... Folding plate, 12... Roll, S1... Continuous sheet, old continuous sheet, S2... New continuous sheet, 13... Mother roll support portion, L1... Paper passage path, 14... Cutter, 20... Continuous sheet cutting device, 21... String-like body, 21R... Movement path, 22... Driving means (cylinder mechanism), 23... Porous elastic body, 23A... Curved convex surface, 24... Liquid supply means, 24A... Supply path, 24B... Pump, 25... Tray, 26... Receiving portion, R1, R2... Curvature of the curved convex surface. 30... Continuous sheet pressing device, 31... Support part (first support part), 32... Support part (second support part), 33... First pressing part, 33A... First crimping means, 33S... Contact surface of the first pressing part, 34... Second pressing part, 34S... Contact surface of the second pressing part, 34R... String body, 34H... Handle part, 35... Pressing area, 36... Driving means, 37... Locking part, 38... Arm, 39... Rotation axis, P... Adhesive part. 40... Continuous sheet connecting device, 41... Rail part, 42... Crimping roller, 43... Moving means, 41A... Groove part, 41B... Ridge line part, 42A... Ridge part, 42B... Valley line part, 44... Guide rail, 45... Slider body, 46... Shaft support body, 47... Biasing means (spring), 48... Adjusting mechanism, 48A... Bolt, 48B... Nut, 42X... Rotation axis, T1, T2... Straight parts, L2... Distance of the straight parts.

Claims

1. A continuous sheet connecting device that connects an old continuous sheet leading to a folding mechanism of an interfolder and a new continuous sheet from a new original roll, a rail portion disposed to face and span a paper passage path for one or more continuous sheets; a pressure roller movably provided on the rail portion; a moving means for moving the pressure roller along the rail portion; A groove portion is provided on the rail portion along a direction spanning the paper feed path; a protruding portion provided along a circumferential direction on a circumferential surface of the pressure roller; With the convex portion of the pressure roller engaged with the concave portion of the rail portion, the pressure roller is moved on the rail portion by the moving means so as to straddle the paper path from outside the paper path, and the stacked portions of the continuous sheets located on the paper path are sequentially pressed between the rail portion and the pressure roller along the width direction, so that the continuous sheets are pressed together. A continuous sheet connecting device.

2. 2. The continuous sheet connecting device according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing means for biasing the pressure roller so as to press the pressure roller against the rail portion.

3. 3. The continuous sheet connecting device according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the contact pressure between the pressure roller and the rail portion.

4. the rail portion has a corrugated cross section in which a plurality of recesses are arranged with a ridge portion sandwiched therebetween, and the pressure roller has a corrugated cross section in which a plurality of protrusions are arranged with a valley portion sandwiched therebetween, The pressure roller and the rail portion are formed so that their cross-sectional corrugated shapes fit together. The continuous sheet connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A continuous sheet connecting device as described in claim 4, wherein the concave rib portion of the rail portion and the convex rib portion of the pressure roller have a shape in which a portion of the inclined portion of each of the cross-sectional corrugations is straight, and the straight portions are arranged so as to face each other.

6. An interfolder having a continuous sheet connecting device, comprising a plurality of the continuous sheet connecting devices according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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