Stretchable product conveying method, stretchable product manufacturing method, and stretchable product conveying device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of stably transporting a flexible product to a next process.SOLUTION: In each of a transfer start region A1, a transfer completion region A2, and a next process transportation region A3, a portion located in a center portion in a transportation orthogonal direction CD in at least a transportation belt 41 with respect to a holder 1 is sucked by a suction force generated from a suction port 55. Then, the holder 1 is transported by the transportation belt 41 while causing the holder 1 to contract toward the center portion in the transportation orthogonal direction CD in the transportation belt 41, on the transportation belt 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for conveying a stretchable product, a method for manufacturing a stretchable product, and an apparatus for conveying a stretchable product. [Background technology]

[0002] A separate-type absorbent article such as a disposable diaper is known, which includes an absorbent pad for absorbing and retaining body fluids such as urine, and a holder that is annularly attached around the waist of a wearer and holds the absorbent pad in the crotch area of the wearer, with the absorbent pad detachably attached to the holder. The holder in such a separate-type absorbent article is stretchable in the circumferential direction so that it can be worn stably around the wearer's waist when attached. Therefore, the holder is a stretchable product that is stretchable in one direction.

[0003] In a manufacturing line for stretchable products such as holders, a conveying device is used, and the stretchable products are conveyed by the conveying device. The conveying device includes a conveyor belt for conveying the stretchable products and a suction device having suction ports. The conveyor belt has a plurality of vents. The suction ports of the suction device open toward the conveyor belt. The suction ports generate suction force to suck the stretchable products through the vents to transfer the stretchable products onto the conveyor belt. In a manufacturing line for stretchable products, the stretchable products may be transferred onto the conveyor belt in a state where the stretchable products are transferred onto the conveyor belt so that the stretch direction of the stretchable products coincides with the orthogonal conveying direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the stretchable products on the conveyor belt. In the manufacturing line, the stretchable products are transferred one after another onto the conveyor belt at a predetermined pitch. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method for transferring a sheet onto a conveyor belt. Furthermore, Patent Documents 2 to 4 disclose examples of suction devices that attract sheets to the conveyor belt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-45317 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-111266 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-177251 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-234017 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In such a stretchable product production line, the stretchable product may shrink after being transferred onto the conveyor belt. In this case, if there is variation in the reference point for shrinkage of each stretchable product relative to the conveyor belt, the position of each stretchable product on the conveyor belt will be shifted in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction. As a result, each stretchable product will be conveyed by the conveyor belt in a shifted position, which may have a negative impact on the next process in the production line. Therefore, it is desirable to stably convey stretchable products to the next process.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for conveying a stretchable product, a method for manufacturing a stretchable product, and an apparatus for conveying a stretchable product, which are capable of stably conveying the stretchable product to the next process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a method for transporting stretchable products, which uses a transport device equipped with a conveyor belt that transports stretchable products that are stretchable in one direction and has a plurality of air vents, and a suction device that has suction ports that open toward the transport belt and generate suction force to suck the stretchable product through each of the air vents to transfer the stretchable product onto the transport belt, and transports the stretchable product using the transport belt in a state where the stretchable product has been transferred onto the transport belt so that the stretch direction of the stretchable product coincides with the transport orthogonal direction, which is a direction on the transport belt that is perpendicular to the transport direction of the stretchable product. In one embodiment of the method for conveying stretchable products of the present invention, the conveying device is divided into a transfer start area where transfer of the stretchable product onto the conveying belt begins, a transfer completion area located downstream of the transfer start area in the conveying direction where transfer of the stretchable product onto the conveying belt is completed, and a next process conveying area located downstream of the transfer completion area in the conveying direction where the stretchable product is conveyed to the next process. In one embodiment of the method for conveying stretchable products of the present invention, in each of the transfer start area, the transfer completion area, and the next process conveying area, at least a portion of the stretchable product located in the center of the conveying belt in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction is sucked by suction force generated from the suction port, and the stretchable product is conveyed by the conveying belt while shrinking on the conveying belt toward the center of the conveying belt in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0008] The present invention is a method for manufacturing stretchable products, which includes a manufacturing process in which a continuous product string in one direction of stretchable products is cut into product units to manufacture the stretchable products, and a transport process in which the stretchable products manufactured in the manufacturing process are transported to the next process. In one embodiment of the method for producing a stretchable product of the present invention, the conveying step is carried out by the method for conveying a stretchable product of the present invention described above.

[0009] The present invention is a stretchable product conveying device that comprises a conveying belt that conveys stretchable products that are stretchable in one direction and has a plurality of air vents, and a suction device that has suction ports that open toward the conveying belt and generate suction force to suck the stretchable product through each of the air vents in order to transfer the stretchable product onto the conveying belt, and conveys the stretchable product by the conveying belt in a state where the stretchable product has been transferred onto the conveying belt so that the stretch direction of the stretchable product coincides with the conveying orthogonal direction, which is a direction on the conveying belt that is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the stretchable product. One embodiment of the stretchable product conveying device of the present invention has a transfer start area where transfer of the stretchable product onto the conveying belt begins, a transfer completion area located downstream of the transfer start area in the conveying direction where transfer of the stretchable product onto the conveying belt is completed, and a next process conveying area located downstream of the transfer completion area in the conveying direction where the stretchable product is conveyed to the next process. In one embodiment of the stretchable product conveying device of the present invention, the suction port is positioned at least relative to the center of the conveying belt in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in each of the transfer start area, the transfer completion area, and the next process conveying area so that the stretchable product shrinks toward the center in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction while being conveyed by the conveying belt. Other features, advantages and embodiments of the present invention are described below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the stretchable product can be stably transported to the next process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a holder that is one embodiment of a stretchable product that is transported by the transport method and transport device of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the non-skin-facing surface (outer surface) on the ventral side of the holder shown in FIG. 1 in an extended state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along line II in FIG. 2 (a cross section along the longitudinal and thickness directions of the holder shown in FIG. 1). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a disposable diaper using the holder shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway plan view schematically illustrating the skin-facing side of the diaper shown in FIG. 4 in an unfolded and stretched state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a part of the manufacturing process of the holder shown in FIG. 1, and is also a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the conveying device of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the transport device shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a substrate constituting the transport device shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which the holder is positioned in the transfer initiation area relative to the transport device of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the holder is being transferred onto the conveyor belt in the transfer start area in the conveyor device of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which the holder is positioned in the transfer completion area relative to the transport device of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the holder is being transferred onto the conveyor belt in the transfer completion area in the conveyor device of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which the holder is positioned in the next-process transfer area with respect to the transfer device of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the substrate of the transport device of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the substrate of the transport device of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the substrate of the transport device of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the substrate of the transport device of the present invention. [Figure 18] 18(a) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along line II-II in FIG. 17, and FIG. 18(b) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the substrate of FIG. 17 with a part cut away. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the relationship between the substrate in FIG. 17 and the holder being transported by the transport belt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are basically schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from those of the actual ones.

[0013] 1 to 3 show a holder 1, which is one embodiment of a stretchable product transported by the transport method and transport device of the present invention. Also, FIGS. 4 and 5 show a disposable diaper 10, which is a type of wearing article (absorbent article), as an example of use of the holder 1, including the holder 1 and an absorbent pad 11 fastened to the holder 1. As shown in FIG. 4, by fastening the pad-side fastening structure 16 of the absorbent pad 11 to the holder-side fastening structure 6 of the annular holder 1, the diaper 10 is formed having a waist opening WH of the holder 1 and a pair of leg openings LH, LH defined by the lower end of the holder 1 in the longitudinal direction X and both side edges of the absorbent pad 11 along the longitudinal direction. Note that the absorbent pad 11 is not a constituent member of the holder 1.

[0014] The holder 1 is attached in a ring shape around the waist of the wearer and holds the absorbent pad 11 in a state where it is attached to the wearer, i.e., worn, and has a vertical direction X along the height direction of the wearer and a horizontal direction Y perpendicular to the vertical direction X. The horizontal direction Y of the holder 1 corresponds to the waist direction of the wearer. The holder 1 is provided with a holder-side fastening structure 6 to which the pad-side fastening structure 16 of the absorbent pad 11 can be detachably fastened.

[0015] Here, the absorbent pad 11 will be briefly described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The absorbent pad 11 includes a liquid-permeable top sheet 12 positioned relatively close to the wearer's skin, a liquid-impermeable, poorly liquid-permeable, or water-repellent back sheet 13 positioned relatively far from the wearer's skin, and an absorbent body 14 interposed between the two sheets 12, 13. These components constituting the absorbent pad 11 are joined together by a known joining means such as an adhesive. The absorbent pad 11 has a shape that is elongated in one direction in a plan view, and when the diaper 10 is worn, its longitudinal direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction X of the holder 1, as shown in Figure 4. Pad-side fastening structures 16 are arranged on the skin-facing surfaces of both longitudinal end portions of the absorbent pad 11, and the absorbent pad 11 can be detachably fastened to the holder 1 by fastening the pad-side fastening structures 16 to the holder-side fastening structures 6 of the holder 1.

[0016] In this specification, the term "skin-facing surface" refers to the surface of a worn article such as an absorbent article, holder, or absorbent pad, or a component thereof (for example, the holder-side fastening structure of a holder), which faces the wearer's skin when the worn article is being worn, and the term "non-skin-facing surface" refers to the surface of the worn article or a component thereof, which faces the opposite side from the skin when the worn article is being worn.

[0017] The holder 1 will be described below. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the holder 1 has a ventral portion F arranged on the ventral side (front side) of the wearer and a dorsal portion R arranged on the dorsal side (rear side) of the wearer, and is equipped with a holder main body 2 that forms the main body of the holder 1. The holder main body 2 forms the outer shape (outline) of the holder 1 in a plan view, and the upper end 1a and lower end 1b of the holder 1 in the vertical direction X are the upper and lower ends of the holder main body 2. A pad-side fastening structure 16 is fixed to the holder main body 2.

[0018] In this embodiment, the holder 1 (holder main body portion 2) is annular as shown in Fig. 1 and has a waist opening WH into which the wearer's torso is inserted when the diaper is worn. Specifically, in the holder 1 of this embodiment, the holder main bodies 2 of the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R are joined to each other at both longitudinal ends thereof by known joining means such as adhesive or fusion bonding to form a pair of joining portions S, S, and the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R are connected via this pair of joining portions S, S to form a ring shape. The joining portion S corresponds to the side seal portion in a typical non-separate pants-type disposable diaper.

[0019] The holder 1 need only be worn in a ring shape around the waist of the wearer, and need not be ring-shaped except when worn (in use). For example, the holder main body 2 may be a long, strip-like member that is elongated in one direction, with one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the holder main body 2 being detachably connectable, such that the holder main body 2 is in a strip-like shape when not in use and is ring-shaped when in use (when worn) by connecting the one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the holder main body 2. Alternatively, the holder main body 2 may be divided into a plurality of members in the lateral direction Y (for example, a member corresponding to the ventral side portion F and a member corresponding to the dorsal side portion R), and these multiple members may be detachably connectable in one direction, such that the multiple members are connected to form the ring-shaped holder main body 2 when in use (when worn).

[0020] In this embodiment, the holder 1 (holder main body 2) has a rectangular shape when viewed from above in an extended state as shown in FIG. 2, and the upper end 1a and lower end 1b in the vertical direction X are linear and parallel to a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction X. In addition, in this embodiment, the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R have the same shape and dimensions when viewed in a plane, and when the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R are overlapped while the joint portion S is maintained without being destroyed, their contours match.

[0021] In this embodiment, the holder main body 2 includes an outer layer sheet 3 that forms the non-skin-facing surface (outer surface) of the holder 1, and an inner layer sheet 4 that forms the skin-facing surface (inner surface) of the holder 1. The inner layer sheet 4 can come into contact with the wearer's skin when the holder 1 is worn. Nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, resin films, etc. manufactured by various methods can be used for both sheets 3 and 4. Specific examples of nonwoven fabrics that can be used for each of sheets 3 and 4 include spunbond nonwoven fabrics, air-through nonwoven fabrics, and needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, and they may have a single-layer structure or a laminate structure in which one or more types of nonwoven fabrics are laminated.

[0022] 1 etc., the holder-side fastening structure 6 is provided on the non-skin-facing surface (outer surface) of the holder main body 2, more specifically, fixed to the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer sheet 3. The holder-side fastening structure 6 may also be provided on the skin-facing surface (inner surface) of the holder main body 2, in which case the holder-side fastening structure 6 can be fixed to the skin-facing surface of the inner layer sheet 4, for example. The holder-side fastening structure 6 may be any known detachable fastening structure as long as it can detachably fasten the pad-side fastening structure 16 (see FIG. 5) of the absorbent pad 11. A mechanical hook-and-loop fastener is an example of a fastening structure including the holder-side fastening structure 6 and the pad-side fastening structure 16. For example, a female member of a mechanical hook-and-loop fastener may be used as the holder-side fastening structure 6, and a male member of a mechanical hook-and-loop fastener may be used as the corresponding pad-side fastening structure 16.

[0023] The holder 1 is a stretchable product that is stretchable in one direction. In this embodiment, this "one direction," i.e., the stretch direction, is the horizontal direction Y. In this embodiment, this "stretchability in the horizontal direction Y" is imparted to the holder 1 by a plurality of elastic members 5 arranged to be stretchable in the horizontal direction Y, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 . The plurality of elastic members 5 are arranged intermittently in the vertical direction X between the outer layer sheet 3 and the inner layer sheet 4. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the upper end side of the outer layer sheet 3 in the vertical direction X is folded back toward the skin-facing surface to form a two-layer structure. Elastic members 5 are also arranged between the two layers of this two-layer structure of the outer layer sheet 3 to be stretchable in the horizontal direction Y. Each elastic member 5 is fixed to other surrounding members with an adhesive. The number and location of the elastic members 5 are not particularly limited and can be determined appropriately taking into consideration the fit of the holder 1 to the wearer's body. When the holder 1 is worn, the contraction of the elastic member 5 causes the sheet-like members (outer layer sheet 3, inner layer sheet 4, etc.) that form the surfaces (skin-facing surface, non-skin-facing surface) of the holder main body 2 to form multiple pleats (gathers) that extend in a direction that intersects with the contraction direction of the elastic member 5, thereby forming waist-around gathers in which the pleats are substantially continuous around the entire circumference of the holder main body 2 in the horizontal direction Y.

[0024] One or both of the outer layer sheet 3 and the inner layer sheet 4 may be stretchable in the lateral direction Y. The "stretchable product stretchable in one direction" to which the present invention is applied includes a form that does not have an elastic member arranged to be stretchable in one direction, such as the aforementioned elastic member 5, and in such a stretchable product without elastic members, it is preferable that one or both of the sheets 3, 4 are stretchable in the lateral direction Y. This allows the stretchable product without elastic members to become a stretchable product that is stretchable in the lateral direction Y.

[0025] Next, the transport method and transport device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking the transport method and transport device for transporting the above-mentioned holder 1 as an example. FIG. 6 shows a conveying device 40 used to implement the method for conveying the holder 1. The conveying device 40 is one embodiment of the conveying device for a stretchable product of the present invention. The conveying device 40 is used in a manufacturing line for the holder 1. The manufacturing line includes a manufacturing process for manufacturing stretchable products by cutting a continuous product string in which stretchable products are connected in one direction into product units, and a conveying process for conveying the stretchable products manufactured in the manufacturing process to a next process. Specifically, the manufacturing process is a process for manufacturing the holder 1 by cutting a holder precursor 1A in which holders 1 stretchable in the lateral direction Y are connected in the lateral direction Y into product units. The next process is, for example, a packaging process for packaging the holder 1 in packaging material.

[0026] The conveying device 40 includes a conveying belt 41 that conveys the holder 1, and a plurality of belt drive rollers 42 around which the conveying belt 41 is wound. In addition to the conveying device 40, a cutting device 43 and an inverting machine 44 are used in the manufacturing line for the holder 1. The cutting device 43 and the inverting machine 44 are not components of the conveying device 40.

[0027] The holder 1 described above is manufactured by cutting a continuous belt-like holder precursor 1A (continuous product body) formed by a manufacturing device (not shown) into product units by a cutting device 43. That is, the holder precursor 1A is a belt-like object in which a plurality of product units of the holder 1 are lined up in a row in the horizontal direction Y, and precursor joints extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are formed at the boundaries between adjacent product units in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like object. The holder precursor 1A is conveyed in its longitudinal direction as a conveyance direction, and is cut at the precursor joints by the cutting device 43, thereby continuously manufacturing the holders 1.

[0028] Specifically, the cutting device 43 includes a support-side roll 43a and a cutting-side roll 43b. The rotation axes of the support-side roll 43a and the cutting-side roll 43b are aligned with each other. The support-side roll 43a and the cutting-side roll 43b rotate in opposite directions. The support-side roll 43a and the cutting-side roll 43b rotate in opposite directions, so that the holder precursor 1A is supplied between the outer circumferential surface of the support-side roll 43a and the outer circumferential surface of the cutting-side roll 43b.

[0029] The holder precursor 1A passes between the outer circumferential surface of the support-side roll 43a and the outer circumferential surface of the cutting-side roll 43b while extending along the outer circumferential surface of the support-side roll 43a. The support-side roll 43a supports the holder precursor 1A. A cutter blade 43c is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cutting-side roll 43b. As the cutting-side roll 43b rotates, the cutter blade 43c faces the outer circumferential surface of the support-side roll 43a, and the cutter blade 43c cuts the holder precursor 1A supplied between the outer circumferential surface of the support-side roll 43a and the outer circumferential surface of the cutting-side roll 43b. By repeating this process, the holder precursor 1A is intermittently cut in the longitudinal direction of the holder precursor 1A, and holders 1 are continuously produced. Each holder 1 produced in this manner is sent toward the inverting machine 44 while being supported by the outer circumferential surface of the support-side roll 43a.

[0030] The inverting machine 44 includes a rotating roller 45 and a plurality of holding pad members 46. The inverting machine 44 is disposed relative to the cutting device 43 so that the rotation axis direction of the rotating roller 45 coincides with the rotation axis directions of the support-side roll 43a and the cutting-side roll 43b of the cutting device 43. Each holding pad member 46 includes a rotating shaft portion 46a and a pad portion 46b.

[0031] Each of the rotation shafts 46a protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the rotation roller 45. The rotation shafts 46a are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the rotation roller 45 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotation roller 45. Each of the rotation shafts 46a extends radially from the rotation roller 45. Each of the rotation shafts 46a is supported rotatably relative to the rotation roller 45.

[0032] Each pad portion 46b is provided on an end portion of each rotary shaft portion 46a that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the rotary roller 45. Each pad portion 46b is rotatable integrally with each rotary shaft portion 46a. Each pad portion 46b has a holding surface 46c that holds the holder 1. The holding surface 46c is a curved surface that is convex in a direction away from the rotary shaft portion 46a. The holding surface 46c of each pad portion 46b extends around the rotation axis of the rotary roller 45. The holding surface 46c of each pad portion 46b extends concentrically.

[0033] As the rotating roller 45 rotates, each pad portion 46b passes on an imaginary circle C1 centered on the rotation axis of the rotating roller 45. The position on the imaginary circle C1 through which each pad portion 46b passes and closest to the support-side roll 43a of the cutting device 43 is a receiving position P1 where the holding surface 46c of the pad portion 46b can receive the holder 1 sent from the support-side roll 43a of the cutting device 43. When the pad portion 46b passes through the receiving position P1, the holding surface 46c of each pad portion 46b receives and holds each holder 1 sent from the support-side roll 43a of the cutting device 43. Each pad portion 46b is provided with a negative pressure generating unit (not shown) that generates a negative pressure on the holding surface 46c to hold the holder 1.

[0034] Each holder 1 is held in surface contact with the holding surface 46c of each pad portion 46b. Each holder 1 is held on the holding surface 46c in a state of being curved along the holding surface 46c. When the holder 1 is held on the holding surface 46c of the pad portion 46b at the receiving position P1, the lateral direction Y of the holder 1 coincides with the rotation direction of the rotating roller 45.

[0035] The position on the imaginary circle C1 through which each pad portion 46b passes and closest to the conveyor belt 41 of the conveying device 40 is a transfer position P2 where the holder 1 held on the holding surface 46c of the pad portion 46b is transferred onto the conveyor belt 41. The transfer position P2 is located approximately 180 degrees away from the receiving position P1 in the circumferential direction of the rotating roller 45. When the pad portion 46b is located at the receiving position P1, the transfer position P2, or between them, the negative pressure generating unit generates a negative pressure on the holding surface 46c to hold the holder 1. However, the negative pressure is not generated on the holding surface 46c until the pad portion 46b passes the transfer position P2 and reaches the receiving position P1. Then, as the rotating roller 45 rotates, each holder 1 held on the holding surface 46c of each pad portion 46b moves from the receiving position P1 toward the transfer position P2. When the holder 1 passes the transfer position P2, the generation of the negative pressure is stopped, and the holder 1 is transferred onto the conveyor belt 41.

[0036] The conveyor belt 41 of the conveying device 40 is an endless belt. A portion of the travel path of the conveyor belt 41 extends parallel to a tangent line L1 that passes through the transfer position P2. The conveyor belt 41 is driven along its travel path by the driving of each belt drive roller 42. Each holder 1 held on the holding surface 46c of each pad portion 46b is transferred at the transfer position P2 to a portion of the conveyor belt 41 that travels along its travel path that extends parallel to the tangent line L1 that passes through the transfer position P2. The holder 1 transferred onto the conveyor belt 41 is then conveyed by the conveyor belt 41 along its travel path that extends parallel to the tangent line L1 that passes through the transfer position P2. Therefore, the portion of the travel path of the conveyor belt 41 that extends parallel to the tangent line L1 that passes through the transfer position P2 is the conveyance travel path R1 along which the holder 1 is conveyed by the conveyor belt 41. Therefore, the conveying direction MD of the holder 1 on the conveyor belt 41 coincides with the direction in which the tangent line L1 passing through each transfer position P2 extends.

[0037] Furthermore, the inverter 44 is preset so that when the pad portion 46b is positioned immediately before the transfer position P2, the rotary shaft portion 46a rotates 90 degrees, and the pad portion 46b rotates 90 degrees integrally with the rotary shaft portion 46a. As a result, when the holder 1 held on the holding surface 46c of the pad portion 46b is transferred onto the conveyor belt 41 at the transfer position P2, the lateral direction Y of the holder 1 coincides with the conveyance orthogonal direction CD (see FIG. 7), which is a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction MD of the holder 1 on the conveyor belt 41. Therefore, the inverter 44 of this embodiment transfers the holder 1 onto the conveyor belt 41 so that the lateral direction Y of the holder 1 coincides with the conveyance orthogonal direction CD of the conveyor belt 41.

[0038] Therefore, in the conveying device 40, the holder 1 is transferred onto the conveying belt 41 so that the direction of expansion and contraction of the holder 1 coincides with the conveying orthogonal direction CD, which is a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction MD of the holder 1 on the conveying belt 41, and then the holder 1 is conveyed by the conveying belt 41. Therefore, in the conveying method of this embodiment, such a conveying device 40 is used, and the holder 1 is conveyed by the conveying belt 41 so that the direction of expansion and contraction of the holder 1 coincides with the conveying orthogonal direction CD, which is a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction MD of the holder 1 on the conveying belt 41.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 7, the conveyor belt 41 has a plurality of ventilation holes 41a. The ventilation holes 41a are arranged over the entire surface of the conveyor belt 41. The ventilation holes 41a are arranged, for example, in a lattice pattern. The ventilation holes 41a do not have to be arranged in a lattice pattern, and may be arranged, for example, in a staggered pattern. Each ventilation hole 41a is circular. The ventilation holes 41a have the same diameter. The shape of each ventilation hole 41a is not limited to a circular shape and may be, for example, a rectangular shape. In short, the shape of the ventilation holes 41a is not particularly limited as long as the conveyor belt 41 has ventilation holes 41a and is configured to be breathable.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, the transport device 40 includes a suction device 50. The suction device 50 includes an apparatus main body 51, a substrate 52, and a negative pressure generator 53. The apparatus main body 51 is disposed inside the transport belt 41. The apparatus main body 51 includes a substrate placement surface 51a on which the substrate 52 is placed. The substrate placement surface 51a extends along the transport travel path R1 of the transport belt 41. The negative pressure generator 53 is, for example, built into the apparatus main body 51.

[0041] The substrate 52 is flat. The substrate 52 is fixed to the apparatus main body 51 while being placed on the substrate placement surface 51a. The substrate 52 extends along the transport travel path R1 of the transport belt 41. The substrate 52 is placed on the substrate placement surface 51a with the thickness direction of the substrate 52 coinciding with the thickness direction of the portion of the transport belt 41 that travels on the transport travel path R1.

[0042] 7 and 8, the substrate 52 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The substrate 52 is disposed relative to the conveyor belt 41 so that the long side direction of the substrate 52 coincides with the conveying direction MD when viewed in a plan view. Therefore, the short side direction of the substrate 52 coincides with the conveying direction CD when viewed in a plan view. The length of the substrate 52 in the short side direction is longer than the length of the conveyor belt 41 in the conveying direction CD. The length of the substrate 52 in the short side direction can also be said to be the width of the substrate 52 in the conveying direction CD.

[0043] Here, a line extending from the center of the substrate 52 in the orthogonal transport direction CD to the transport direction MD is defined as a substrate center line L11. Also, a line extending from the center of the conveyor belt 41 in the orthogonal transport direction CD to the transport direction MD is defined as a belt center line L21. Then, in a plan view, the substrate 52 is disposed relative to the conveyor belt 41 with the substrate center line L11 coinciding with the belt center line L21. Therefore, the substrate 52 is disposed relative to the conveyor belt 41 so that the center of the substrate 52 in the orthogonal transport direction CD overlaps with the center of the conveyor belt 41 in the orthogonal transport direction CD.

[0044] The "central portion of the substrate 52 in the conveying orthogonal direction CD" refers to the portion located in the center when the substrate 52 is divided into thirds in the conveying orthogonal direction CD. The portion of the conveyor belt 41 that overlaps with the central portion of the substrate 52 in the conveying orthogonal direction CD is the central portion of the conveyor belt 41 in the conveying orthogonal direction CD. Furthermore, the portions on both sides of the central portion of the substrate 52 in the conveying orthogonal direction CD that are sandwiched between the central portion of the substrate 52 in the conveying orthogonal direction CD are both ends of the substrate 52 in the conveying orthogonal direction CD. The portions of the conveyor belt 41 that overlap with both ends of the substrate 52 in the conveying orthogonal direction CD are both ends of the conveyor belt 41 in the conveying orthogonal direction CD. The both ends of the conveyor belt 41 in the conveying orthogonal direction CD are the portions on both sides of the central portion of the conveyor belt 41 in the conveying orthogonal direction CD that are sandwiched between the central portion of the conveyor belt 41 in the conveying orthogonal direction CD.

[0045] The transport device 40 has a transfer start region A1, a transfer completion region A2, and a next-step transport region A3. Therefore, in the transport method of the present invention, the transport device 40 is divided into the transfer start region A1, the transfer completion region A2, and the next-step transport region A3. In Fig. 7, the holder 1 located in the transfer start region A1 is shown by a solid line, and the holders 1 located in the transfer completion region A2 and the next-step transport region A3 are shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0046] Here, the transfer start region A1 is a region in the holder 1 where transfer onto the conveyor belt 41 starts. "Transfer onto the conveyor belt 41 starts in the holder 1" means that "the holder 1, which has been held on the holding surface 46c of the pad portion 46b, separates from the holding surface 46c and starts to contact the conveyor belt 41." The transfer start region A1 faces at least the transfer position P2. The transfer start region A1 is a region located on the upstream side of the substrate 52 in the conveying direction MD.

[0047] The transfer completion region A2 is located downstream of the transfer start region A1 in the transport direction MD and is a region where transfer onto the conveyor belt 41 in the holder 1 is completed. "Transfer onto the conveyor belt 41 in the holder 1 is completed" means "a state where the entire holder 1 is in contact with the conveyor belt 41." The transfer completion region A2 is a region located downstream of the transfer position P2 on the substrate 52 in the transport direction MD. The upstream of the transfer completion region A2 in the transport direction MD and the downstream of the transfer start region A1 in the transport direction MD are continuous.

[0048] The next process transport area A3 is an area located downstream of the transfer completion area A2 in the transport direction MD and transports the holder 1 to the next process. The "next process" is, for example, a packaging process in which the holder 1 is packaged in packaging material. A specific example of the packaging process is a process in which a plurality of holders 1 transported by the transport belt 41 are stacked and the stacked holders 1 are packed. The next process transport area A3 is an area located downstream of the substrate 52 in the transport direction MD. The upstream side of the next process transport area A3 in the transport direction MD is continuous with the downstream side of the transfer completion area A2 in the transport direction MD.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of suction ports 55 are formed in the substrate 52. Each suction port 55 penetrates the substrate 52 in the thickness direction. Each suction port 55 opens toward the conveyor belt 41. Note that in FIG. 8, the conveyor belt 41 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Each suction port 55 has an elongated elliptical hole shape. Each suction port 55 is formed in the substrate 52 so that the longitudinal direction of each suction port 55 coincides with the conveying direction MD. Each suction port 55 has the same shape. Note that the shape of each suction port 55 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a circular hole shape or a rectangular hole shape. Furthermore, each suction port 55 may have a different shape.

[0050] In response to the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure generating unit 53, each suction port 55 generates a suction force that sucks the holder 1 through each air hole 41a to transfer the holder 1 onto the conveyor belt 41. Therefore, the suction device 50 has suction ports 55 that open toward the conveyor belt 41 and generate a suction force that sucks the holder 1 through each air hole 41a to transfer the holder 1 onto the conveyor belt 41.

[0051] A plurality of suction ports 55 are formed in the center of the substrate 52 in the orthogonal transport direction CD, extending from the transfer start region A1 to the transfer completion region A2 and the next-process transport region A3. A port group, in which four suction ports 55 are arranged side by side in the orthogonal transport direction CD of the substrate 52, is arranged at equal intervals in the transport direction MD in the center of the substrate 52 in the orthogonal transport direction CD. Therefore, the plurality of suction ports 55 formed in the center of the substrate 52 in the orthogonal transport direction CD are arranged in a lattice pattern.

[0052] If the width in the transport orthogonal direction CD including the four suction ports 55 forming the port group arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport orthogonal direction CD is defined as a first width H1, the first width H1 is constant across the transfer start region A1, the transfer completion region A2, and the next-process transfer region A3. The first width H1 can also be said to be the width in the transport orthogonal direction CD between the edges located at both ends in the transport orthogonal direction CD of the four suction ports 55 forming the port group arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport orthogonal direction CD.

[0053] In this embodiment, the plurality of suction ports 55 are arranged at least relative to the center of the conveyor belt 41 in the cross-conveyance direction CD so that the holder 1 contracts toward the center in the cross-conveyance direction CD while being conveyed by the conveyor belt 41 in each of the transfer start region A1, transfer completion region A2, and next-step conveying region A3. Therefore, in the conveying method of the present invention, at least a portion of the holder 1 located in the center of the conveyor belt 41 in the cross-conveyance direction CD is sucked by suction forces generated from the suction ports 55 in each of the transfer start region A1, transfer completion region A2, and next-step conveying region A3. The holder 1 is then conveyed by the conveyor belt 41 while contracting toward the center in the cross-conveyance direction CD on the conveyor belt 41. The suction device 50 has a substrate 52 on which suction ports 55 are formed, each of which is arranged at a position corresponding to the transfer start region A1, transfer completion region A2, and next-step conveying region A3. The substrate 52 extends along the conveyor belt 41 and faces the conveyor belt 41, and has an opposing surface 52a on which each of the suction ports 55 opens. Note that Fig. 8 is a plan view of the substrate 52 as seen from the opposing surface 52a side.

[0054] In the transfer start region A1, two port groups are arranged side by side in the transport direction MD, each of which is located at the center of the substrate 52 in the transport orthogonal direction CD. In the transfer completion region A2, three port groups are arranged side by side in the transport direction MD, each of which is located at the center of the substrate 52 in the transport orthogonal direction CD. In the next-process transfer region A3, three port groups are arranged side by side in the transport direction MD, each of which is located at the center of the substrate 52 in the transport orthogonal direction CD. The number of port groups arranged side by side in the transport direction MD in each of the transfer start region A1, transfer completion region A2, and next-process transfer region A3 is not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate.

[0055] In the transfer initiation region A1, one suction port 55 is formed at each end of the substrate 52 in the transport cross direction CD. Here, the suction ports 55 formed at each end of the substrate 52 in the transport cross direction CD in the transfer initiation region A1 are referred to as first suction ports 55a. Each first suction port 55a is located in a portion of the transfer initiation region A1 that is located downstream in the transport direction MD. In the transfer initiation region A1, each first suction port 55a is located between four suction ports 55 that form a port group located downstream in the transport direction MD, out of two port groups arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport cross direction CD. Each first suction port 55a is located at the end closest to the suction port 55 in the transport cross direction CD in the transfer initiation region A1. In the transfer initiation region A1, the width in the transport-orthogonal direction CD including the four suction ports 55 that form the port group located most downstream in the transport direction MD among the port groups arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport-orthogonal direction CD and each of the first suction ports 55a is defined as a second width H2. The second width H2 is greater than the first width H1. Note that the second width H2 is also the width in the transport-orthogonal direction CD between the edges located at both ends of each of the first suction ports 55a in the transport-orthogonal direction CD.

[0056] Furthermore, in the transfer initiation region A1, of the two port groups arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport-cross direction CD, the suction ports 55 are not formed in the portions of the substrate 52 on both sides in the transport-cross direction CD of the port group located upstream in the transport direction MD. Therefore, in this embodiment, the width in the transport-cross direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 in the transfer initiation region A1 in the transport-cross direction CD gradually increases from upstream to downstream in the transport direction MD, such that the first width H1 is smaller than the second width H2. The second width H2 is the portion where the width in the transport-cross direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 in the transfer initiation region A1 in the transport-cross direction CD is at its maximum.

[0057] 9, the second width H2 is smaller than the width H11 in the lateral direction Y of the holder 1 transported in the transcription initiation region A1. Therefore, the width (second width H2) in the transverse direction CD between the edges located at both ends in the transverse direction CD of the suction port 55 present in the transcription initiation region A1 is smaller than the width H11 in the expansion / contraction direction of the holder 1 transported in the transcription initiation region A1.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 8, in the transfer completion region A2, a port group is formed at each end of the substrate 52 in the transport cross direction CD, with two suction ports 55 arranged side by side in the transport cross direction CD of the substrate 52. Here, each port group formed at each end of the substrate 52 in the transport cross direction CD in the transfer completion region A2 is referred to as a first port group 55b. Each first port group 55b is located in a portion located upstream in the transport direction MD in the transfer completion region A2. In the transfer completion region A2, each first port group 55b is located between four suction ports 55 that form a port group located most upstream in the transport direction MD among three port groups arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport cross direction CD. Of the two suction ports 55 that form each first port group 55b, the suction ports 55 located at both ends in the transport cross direction CD are located at the both ends of the suction ports 55 in the transfer completion region A2, respectively, in the transport cross direction CD.

[0059] In addition to the suction ports 55 of each of the first port groups 55b, one more suction port 55 is formed at each end of the substrate 52 in the transport cross direction CD in the transfer completion region A2, and each of these suction ports 55 is referred to as a second suction port 55c. Each of the second suction ports 55c is disposed in the transfer completion region A2 at a position sandwiching four suction ports 55 that form the port group second most upstream in the transport direction MD out of the three port groups arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport cross direction CD.

[0060] In the transfer completion region A2, the width in the transport orthogonal direction CD that includes the four suction ports 55 that form the port group located most upstream in the transport direction MD, among the three port groups arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport orthogonal direction CD, and the two suction ports 55 that form each of the first port groups 55b, is defined as a third width H3. The third width H3 is greater than the second width H2. The third width H3 is also the width in the transport orthogonal direction CD between the edges located at both ends in the transport orthogonal direction CD of the suction ports 55 that form each of the first port groups 55b.

[0061] In the transfer completion region A2, the width in the transport orthogonal direction CD including the four suction ports 55 forming the port group located second from the upstream in the transport direction MD among the three port groups arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport orthogonal direction CD and each second suction port 55c is defined as a fourth width H4. The fourth width H4 is smaller than the third width H3. The fourth width H4 is also the width in the transport orthogonal direction CD between the edges located at both ends of each second suction port 55c in the transport orthogonal direction CD.

[0062] Furthermore, in the transfer completion region A2, of the three port groups arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport cross direction CD, the port group located most downstream in the transport cross direction MD has no suction ports 55 formed in portions of the substrate 52 located on both sides in the transport cross direction CD. Therefore, in this embodiment, the width in the transport cross direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 in the transfer completion region A2 in the transport cross direction CD gradually decreases from upstream to downstream in the transport cross direction MD, such that the third width H3 > the fourth width H4 > the first width H1.

[0063] In the transfer completion area A2, the width including the four suction ports 55 that form the port group located most downstream in the transport direction MD among the three port groups arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport perpendicular direction CD is the part where the width in the transport perpendicular direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 present in the transfer completion area A2 is the smallest.

[0064] On the other hand, the third width H3 is the maximum width in the transport-cross direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction port 55 present in the transfer completion region A2. In this embodiment, the third width H3 is greater than the second width H2. Therefore, the width (third width H3) of the maximum width in the transport-cross direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction port 55 present in the transfer completion region A2 is greater than the width (second width H2) of the suction port 55 present in the transfer start region A1 between the edges located at both ends of the suction port 55 in the transport-cross direction CD.

[0065] In the next-step transfer region A3, for each port group arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport cross direction CD, no suction ports 55 are formed in portions of the substrate 52 located on both sides in the transport cross direction CD. Therefore, in this embodiment, the width in the transport cross direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 present in the next-step transfer region A3 in the transport cross direction CD is constant in the transport direction MD. In this embodiment, the width in the transport cross direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 present in the next-step transfer region A3 is the same as the width of the portion of the suction ports 55 present in the transfer completion region A2 where the width in the transport cross direction CD between the edges located at both ends is smallest.

[0066] Although not shown, the width in the conveyance cross direction CD between the two edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 in the next-step transport region A3 may be smaller than the width of the portion of the suction ports 55 in the transfer completion region A2 where the width in the conveyance cross direction CD between the two edges located at both ends is smallest. In the illustrated embodiments, the first width H1 is the same for both the former and latter. In short, it is preferable that the width in the conveyance cross direction CD between the two edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 in the next-step transport region A3 be equal to or smaller than the width of the portion of the suction ports 55 in the transfer completion region A2 where the width in the conveyance cross direction CD between the two edges located at both ends is smallest.

[0067] The width in the conveyance orthogonal direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 present in the next process transfer area A3 in the conveyance orthogonal direction CD is smaller than the width H12 (see FIG. 13) in the lateral direction Y of the holder 1 transferred in the next process transfer area A3. Therefore, the width in the conveyance orthogonal direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 present in the next process transfer area A3 is set to be smaller than the width in the extension / contraction direction of the holder 1 transferred in the next process transfer area A3.

[0068] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described while explaining the transport method of the present invention. 9 and 10, in the transfer initiation region A1, a portion of the conveyor belt 41 located at the center in the cross-conveyance direction CD is sucked by a suction force generated from the suction port 55. This makes it difficult for the portion of the holder 1 located at the center in the cross-conveyance direction CD of the conveyor belt 41 to shrink in the transfer initiation region A1. As a result, the portion of the holder 1 located at the center in the cross-conveyance direction CD of the conveyor belt 41 becomes a reference point for shrinkage of the holder 1 in the transfer initiation region A1.

[0069] 10, each holder 1 is held on the holding surface 46c of the pad portion 46b in a curved state along the holding surface 46c. Therefore, when the holder 1 held on the holding surface 46c is transferred onto the conveyor belt 41 in the transfer start region A1, the center of the holder 1 in the lateral direction Y starts to contact the conveyor belt 41 before the both ends of the holder 1 in the lateral direction Y. Then, the holder 1 transferred onto the conveyor belt 41 in the transfer start region A1 is conveyed by the conveyor belt 41 toward the transfer completion region A2.

[0070] 11 and 12, in the transfer completion region A2, the portion of the conveyor belt 41 located at the center in the cross-conveyance direction CD is sucked against the holder 1 by suction force generated from the suction port 55. This makes it difficult for the portion of the conveyor belt 41 located at the center in the cross-conveyance direction CD to shrink in the transfer completion region A2, following the transfer start region A1. As a result, the portion of the holder 1 located at the center in the cross-conveyance direction CD of the conveyor belt 41 becomes the reference point for shrinkage of the holder 1 in the transfer completion region A2 as well.

[0071] In the transfer completion region A2, in addition to the portion of the conveyor belt 41 located at the center in the cross-conveyance direction CD, portions of the conveyor belt 41 located at both ends in the cross-conveyance direction CD are sucked by the suction force generated from the suction port 55. As a result, in the transfer completion region A2, in addition to the central portion of the holder 1 in the cross-conveyance direction Y, both ends of the holder 1 in the cross-conveyance direction Y are gradually transferred onto the conveyor belt 41. This makes it easier to transfer the entire holder 1 onto the conveyor belt 41.

[0072] 11, in the transfer completion region A2, the suction force generated by the suction port 55 gradually converges toward the center of the conveyor belt 41 in the cross-conveyance direction CD from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction MD, and the holder 1 is sucked by the suction force generated by the suction port 55. This facilitates the holder 1 to contract toward the center of the conveyor belt 41 in the cross-conveyance direction CD as the holder 1 is conveyed through the transfer completion region A2, and the reference point for the holder 1 contraction in the transfer completion region A2 can be stabilized. In this way, the transfer of the holder 1 onto the conveyor belt 41 is completed in the transfer completion region A2, and the holder 1 is then conveyed by the conveyor belt 41 toward the next process conveyance region A3.

[0073] 13, in the next process transfer area A3, the suction force generated from the suction port 55 is kept constant in the transfer direction MD, and the holder 1 is sucked by the suction force generated from the suction port 55. This makes it easier to keep the degree of contraction of the holder 1 constant as the holder 1 is transferred in the next process transfer area A3. Therefore, it becomes easier to transfer the holder 1 to the next process more stably.

[0074] 13, the width in the conveyance orthogonal direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 present in the next process conveying area A3 is smaller than the width in the expansion / contraction direction of the holder 1 conveyed in the next process conveying area A3. As a result, when the holder 1 is conveyed in the next process conveying area A3, the holder 1 can be conveyed by the conveying belt 41 while shrinking on the conveying belt 41 toward the center of the conveying belt 41 in the conveyance orthogonal direction CD.

[0075] As described above, according to the transport method of the present invention, in each of the transfer start region A1, the transfer completion region A2, and the next-process transport region A3, the suction force generated by the suction port 55 is used to suck at least a portion of the holder 1 located at the center of the conveyor belt 41 in the cross-conveyance direction CD, making it difficult for the portion of the holder 1 located at the center of the conveyor belt 41 in the cross-conveyance direction CD to shrink. As a result, the portion of the holder 1 located at the center of the conveyor belt 41 in the cross-conveyance direction CD becomes the reference point for the holder 1 to shrink. Therefore, the holder 1 can be transported by the conveyor belt 41 while shrinking toward the center of the conveyor belt 41 in the cross-conveyance direction CD on the conveyor belt 41. Therefore, in the manufacturing line for the holder 1, the positions of the holders 1 transported by the conveyor belt 41 are prevented from shifting in the cross-conveyance direction CD, and therefore the holders 1 transported by the conveyor belt 41 are prevented from being transported in a misaligned state. As a result, the holders 1 can be stably transported to the next process.

[0076] In this embodiment, the holder 1 is transported by the transport device 40. However, instead of the holder 1, the transport device 40 may transport an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper, in which an absorbent pad 11 having an absorbent body and a holder 1 without an absorbent body are pre-integrated, as a stretchable product. In other words, a non-separate type absorbent article may be transported by the transport device 40. A non-separate type absorbent article has an absorbent body that is more rigid and less likely to shrink than other components, so the absorbent body can serve as a reference point for contraction of the absorbent article. However, the holder 1 does not have a portion that can serve as a reference point for contraction like the absorbent body. Therefore, an article without an absorbent body, such as the holder 1, is suitable as a stretchable product to be transported by the transport method of the present invention.

[0077] 14 and subsequent figures show other embodiments of the conveying device 40 of the present invention. In the other embodiments described below, configurations that differ from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and similar configurations will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described again. For configurations that are not specifically described in the embodiments described below, the description of the above-described embodiment will be applied as appropriate.

[0078] 14, in the transfer initiation region A1, of the two port groups arranged in the center of the substrate 52 in the transport-orientation direction CD, suction ports 55, such as first suction ports 55a, may be formed in portions of the substrate 52 on both sides in the transport-orientation direction CD of the port group located upstream in the transport direction MD. Furthermore, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the width in the transport-orientation direction CD between the two edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 in the transfer initiation region A1 in the transport-orientation direction CD may always be the second width H2. Therefore, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the width in the transport-orientation direction CD between the two edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 in the transfer initiation region A1 in the transport-orientation direction CD may be constant rather than gradually increasing from upstream to downstream in the transport direction MD.

[0079] 15, the width in the transport-orientation direction CD between the edges located at both ends in the transport-orientation direction CD of the suction port 55 located in the transfer initiation region A1 may be the same as the third width H3. In other words, the width in the transport-orientation direction CD between the edges located at both ends in the transport-orientation direction CD of the suction port 55 located in the transfer initiation region A1 may be the same as the width of the portion where the width in the transport-orientation direction CD between the edges located at both ends in the transport-orientation direction CD of the suction port 55 located in the transfer completion region A2 is at its maximum.

[0080] As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 16, the plurality of suction ports 55 may be arranged in a staggered pattern. For example, as shown in Fig. 16, the plurality of suction ports 55 formed over the transfer start region A1, the transfer completion region A2, and the next-step transfer region A3 may be arranged in a staggered pattern in the central portion of the substrate 52 in the direction perpendicular to the transfer direction CD. This makes it possible to stabilize the reference points for contraction of the holder 1 in each of the transfer start region A1, the transfer completion region A2, and the next-step transfer region A3.

[0081] As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of communication grooves 56 may be formed on the opposing surface 52a. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18(a), each communication groove 56 extends in the transport direction MD and connects the suction ports 55 arranged at positions corresponding to the transfer start region A1, the transfer completion region A2, and the next-step transport region A3 in the transport direction MD. Specifically, each communication groove 56 connects the suction ports 55 formed in the central portion of the substrate 52 in the transport orthogonal direction CD, extending from the transfer start region A1 to the transfer completion region A2 and the next-step transport region A3 in the transport direction MD. Each communication groove 56 opens to both end edges of the substrate 52 in the long side direction. Therefore, each communication groove 56 opens to the edge portions of the substrate 52 located at both ends in the transport direction MD.

[0082] 18(a) and 19, the bottom surface 56a of each communicating groove 56 is flat. The bottom surface 56a of each communicating groove 56 is continuous with the edge of each suction port 55 on the opposing surface 52a side. As shown in FIG. 20, the bottom surface 56a of each communicating groove 56 is located at a position farther away from the conveyor belt 41 than the opposing surface 52a.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18(b), a communication groove 57 may be formed in the opposing surface 52a. The communication groove 57 connects the first suction ports 55a, the suction ports 55 located closer to the center in the cross-conveyance direction CD among the two suction ports 55 forming each first port group 55b, and the second suction ports 55c in the conveyance direction MD. The bottom surface 57a of each communication groove 57 is flat. The bottom surface 57a of each communication groove 57 is continuous with the edge of the first suction port 55a, the suction port 55 located closer to the center in the cross-conveyance direction CD among the two suction ports 55 forming each first port group 55b, and the second suction port 55c on the opposing surface 52a side. The bottom surface 57a of each communication groove 57 is located farther from the conveyor belt 41 than the opposing surface 52a.

[0084] 20 , for example, a portion of the holder 1 may be drawn in by the suction force generated from the suction port 55 and pass through the ventilation hole 41a of the conveyor belt 41 to protrude toward the suction port 55. Even in this case, when the holder 1 is being conveyed by the conveyor belt 41, the portion of the holder 1 that passes through the ventilation hole 41a of the conveyor belt 41 and protrudes toward the suction port 55 passes inside the communicating groove 56. Therefore, when the holder 1 is being conveyed by the conveyor belt 41, the portion of the holder 1 that passes through the ventilation hole 41a of the conveyor belt 41 and protrudes toward the suction port 55 is prevented from being pinched between the conveyor belt 41 and the opening edge of the suction port 55 on the opposing surface 52a side.

[0085] Furthermore, since the communication grooves 56, 57 are formed in the substrate 52, the air drawn in by the suction force generated from each suction port 55 is more easily diffused than in a case where the communication grooves 56, 57 are not formed in the substrate 52. Therefore, the holder 1 can be efficiently sucked by the suction force generated from each suction port 55.

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the width in the conveyance cross direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 present in the transfer completion area A2 gradually decreases from upstream to downstream in the conveyance direction MD, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the width in the conveyance cross direction CD between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports 55 present in the transfer completion area A2 in the conveyance cross direction CD may be constant in the conveyance direction MD.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the width in the conveyance orthogonal direction CD between the two edges located at both ends in the conveyance orthogonal direction CD of the suction ports 55 located in the next process transfer area A3 is constant in the conveyance direction MD, but this is not limited to this. For example, the width in the conveyance orthogonal direction CD between the two edges located at both ends in the conveyance orthogonal direction CD of the suction ports 55 located in the next process transfer area A3 may gradually decrease from upstream to downstream in the conveyance direction MD.

[0088] Also, for example, in the transfer start region A1, the first suction port 55a may not be formed at both ends of the substrate 52 in the transport cross direction CD. Furthermore, for example, in the transfer completion region A2, the first port group 55b and the second suction port 55c may not be formed at both ends of the substrate 52 in the transport cross direction CD. The point is that the suction port 55 should be open toward at least the center of the conveyor belt 41 in the transport cross direction CD in each of the transfer start region A1, the transfer completion region A2, and the next-process conveyor region A3.

[0089] Also, for example, only one suction port extending from the transfer start region A1, the transfer completion region A2, and the next-step transfer region A3 may be formed in the center of the substrate 52 in the cross-transport direction CD. In short, in the transfer start region A1, the transfer completion region A2, and the next-step transfer region A3, the transfer method of the present invention only requires that at least a portion of the transfer belt 41 located in the center of the cross-transport direction CD can be sucked against the holder 1 by suction force generated from the suction port. Therefore, the number of suction ports is not particularly limited. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Holder (elastic product) 40 Conveyor 41 Conveyor belt 41a Ventilation hole 50 Suction device 52 PCB 52a Opposite surface 55 Suction port A1 transcription initiation region A2 Transfer completed area A3 Next process transport area

Claims

1. A method for conveying a stretchable product, comprising: a conveying device including a conveying belt for conveying a stretchable product having stretchability in one direction and having a plurality of air holes; and a suction device having suction ports that open toward the conveying belt and generate suction force to suck the stretchable product through the air holes to transfer the stretchable product onto the conveying belt; and conveying the stretchable product by the conveying belt in a state in which the stretchable product is transferred onto the conveying belt so that the stretch direction of the stretchable product coincides with a conveying orthogonal direction, which is a direction on the conveying belt that is orthogonal to the conveying direction of the stretchable product, The conveying device is divided into a transfer start area where transfer of the stretchable product onto the conveying belt starts, a transfer completion area located downstream of the transfer start area in the conveying direction and where transfer of the stretchable product onto the conveying belt is completed, and a next-process conveying area located downstream of the transfer completion area in the conveying direction and where the stretchable product is conveyed to a next process, In each of the transfer start area, the transfer completion area, and the next process conveying area, a suction force is generated from the suction port to suck at least a portion of the stretchable product located at a center portion of the conveyor belt in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, and the stretchable product is conveyed by the conveyor belt while contracting the stretchable product on the conveyor belt toward the center portion of the conveyor belt in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction; A method for conveying stretchable products, in which, in the transfer completion area, the suction force generated from the suction port is gradually converged toward the center of the conveying belt in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction as it moves from the upstream side to the downstream side of the conveying direction, thereby sucking the stretchable product with the suction force generated from the suction port.

2. In the transfer initiation region, a portion of the stretchable product located at a center portion of the conveyor belt in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction is sucked by a suction force generated from the suction port, A method for conveying a stretchable product as described in claim 1, wherein in the transfer completion area, in addition to the area located in the center of the conveying belt in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, areas located at both ends of the conveying belt in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction are sucked in by suction force generated from the suction port.

3. 3. A method for conveying a stretchable product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the next process conveying area, the stretchable product is sucked by the suction force generated from the suction port while the suction force generated from the suction port is kept constant in the conveying direction.

4. a manufacturing process in which a continuous product formed by stretchable products being connected in one direction is cut into product units to manufacture the stretchable products; a conveying step of conveying the stretchable product manufactured in the manufacturing step to a next step, A method for producing a stretchable product, wherein the conveying step is carried out by the conveying method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a conveyor belt for conveying a stretchable product having stretchability in one direction and having a plurality of air holes; and a suction device having suction ports that open toward the conveyor belt and generate suction force to suck the stretchable product through the air holes to transfer the stretchable product onto the conveyor belt, wherein the stretchable product is transferred onto the conveyor belt so that the stretch direction of the stretchable product coincides with a conveyance orthogonal direction, which is a direction on the conveyor belt that is orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the stretchable product, and the stretchable product is conveyed by the conveyor belt; The apparatus has a transfer start area where transfer of the stretchable product onto the conveyor belt starts, a transfer completion area located downstream of the transfer start area in the conveying direction and where transfer of the stretchable product onto the conveyor belt is completed, and a next-process conveying area located downstream of the transfer completion area in the conveying direction and for conveying the stretchable product to a next process, The suction port is disposed at least relative to a central portion of the conveyor belt in the orthogonal direction to the conveyance direction so that the stretchable product shrinks toward the central portion of the orthogonal direction to the conveyance direction while being conveyed by the conveyor belt in each of the transfer start region, the transfer completion region, and the next process conveying region; A stretchable product conveying device in which the width in the conveying direction perpendicular to the conveying direction between the edges located at both ends of the suction port in the transfer completion area in the conveying direction perpendicular to the conveying direction gradually decreases from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction.

6. A stretchable product conveying device as described in claim 5, wherein the width of the portion of the suction port located in the transfer completion area where the width in the conveying perpendicular direction is greatest between the edges located at both ends in the conveying perpendicular direction is larger than the width in the conveying perpendicular direction between the edges located at both ends in the conveying perpendicular direction in the suction port located in the transfer start area.

7. A stretchable product conveying device as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein the width in the conveying direction perpendicular to the conveying direction between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports in the next process conveying area is constant in the conveying direction.

8. A stretchable product conveying device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the width in the conveying direction perpendicular to the conveying direction between the edges located at both ends of the suction ports present in the transfer start area in the conveying direction perpendicular to the conveying direction gradually increases from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction.

9. the suction device has a plurality of the suction ports, The stretchable product conveying device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the plurality of suction ports are arranged in a staggered pattern.

10. A stretchable product conveying device as described in any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the width in the conveying perpendicular direction between the edges located at both ends in the conveying perpendicular direction at the suction ports present in the next process conveying area is less than the width of the portion where the width in the conveying perpendicular direction between the edges located at both ends in the conveying perpendicular direction at the suction ports present in the transfer completion area is smallest.

11. A stretchable product conveying device as described in any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the width in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction between the edges located at both ends of the suction port present in the transfer start area in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction is smaller than the width in the stretch direction of the stretchable product conveyed in the transfer start area.

12. A stretchable product conveying device as described in any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the width in the conveying perpendicular direction between the edges located at both ends in the conveying perpendicular direction of the suction ports present in the next process conveying area is smaller than the width in the stretch direction of the stretchable product conveyed in the next process conveying area.

13. the suction device has a substrate on which the suction ports are formed, the substrate being disposed at positions corresponding to the transfer start area, the transfer completion area, and the next-process transport area, respectively; the substrate extends along the conveyor belt and has a facing surface facing the conveyor belt, and the suction ports are respectively opened on the facing surface; A stretchable product conveying device described in any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the opposing surface has a communicating groove formed thereon that extends in the conveying direction and connects the suction ports arranged at positions corresponding to the transfer start area, the transfer completion area, and the next process conveying area in the conveying direction.

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