Processing device

Abstract

Provided is a processing device capable of efficiently processing sheets of various dimensions.　The processing device has: a first processing region having a predetermined first positioning reference and in which first processing for folding a sheet is performed; and a second processing region having a predetermined second positioning reference and in which second processing for folding the sheet that has been subjected to the first processing and conveyed from the first processing region is performed.　In the first processing region, the processing device performs the first processing in a state in which the predetermined first processing reference position of the sheet matches the first positioning reference.

Description

Processing equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device for folding sheets such as corrugated cardboard sheets.

[0002] The cardboard packaging used in the logistics industry involves preparing multiple standard cardboard sheets, packing them into boxes according to the products to be contained, and then shipping them. When packing a wide variety of products and quantities of products, packaging them with pre-prepared standard cardboard sheets can result in unnecessary air gaps around the products, reducing transportation efficiency and incurring costs for excess cushioning material.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for assembling boxes from box templates of various dimensions. The method includes the steps of adjusting the dimensions of a frame according to the dimensions of the box template to be assembled, wrapping the assembled box template around the frame, and separating the frame from the box template. The frame in Patent Document 1 includes an adjustable portion consisting of corner posts that define its dimensions. The method in Patent Document 1 is configured to control the position of the adjustable portion according to the dimensions of various cardboard boxes to be assembled.

[0004] Special Publication No. 2020-510554

[0005] According to the method of Patent Document 1, boxes of various sizes can be efficiently manufactured. However, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to separate the frame from the box template after wrapping the box template around the frame. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a specific means for controlling the position of the adjustable part according to the sizes of various cardboard boxes (boxes). Therefore, if automatic position control is to be performed, it is understood that not only will the configuration be complicated, but a considerable amount of time will be required for position control.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a processing device that can efficiently process sheets of various sizes.

[0007] The processing apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises: a first processing area (201) having a predetermined first positioning reference (203) and performing a first processing of folding a sheet (100); and a second processing area (202) having a predetermined second positioning reference (204) and performing a second processing of folding the sheet (100) that has been transported from the first processing area (201) and has been subjected to the first processing; and in the first processing area (201), the first processing is performed with the predetermined first processing reference position (103) of the sheet (100) aligned with the first positioning reference (203).

[0008] The present disclosure allows for efficient processing of sheets of various sizes.

[0009] 10 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a processing apparatus according to a first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a processing apparatus for processing sheets of the smallest size; FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a processing apparatus for processing sheets of the largest size; FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a sheet processing procedure (STEP 1) of the processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a sheet processing procedure (STEP 2) of the processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a sheet processing procedure (STEP 3) of the processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a sheet processing procedure (STEP 4) of the processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a sheet processing procedure (STEP 5) of the processing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a processing procedure according to a second embodiment; FIG. 19 is a side view showing a processing procedure according to the second embodiment; and FIG. 19 is a side view showing a processing procedure according to the second embodiment, following FIG.

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

[0011] [Overview of Processing Device 1: See FIG. 1] An overview of the processing device 1 for processing a cardboard sheet 100 will be described. The processing device 1 includes a first processing area 201 that receives the cardboard sheet 100 upstream U and performs a first processing, and a second processing area 202 that receives the cardboard sheet 100 that has been subjected to a predetermined processing in the first processing area 201 downstream D of the first processing area 201 and performs a second processing.

[0012] The cardboard sheet 100 has a longitudinal direction L and a width direction W. In the processing device 1, upstream U and downstream D are identified based on the direction in which the cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed. In FIG. 1, the direction in which the cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed is indicated by a hollow arrow, but the upstream U and downstream D have relative meanings. For example, the most downstream position in the first processing area 201 is upstream of the second processing area 202. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing device 1 has a first direction X and a second direction Y. The cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed in the first direction X from the upstream U side to the first processing area 201, and in the second direction Y from the first processing area 201 to the second processing area 202. In other words, in the processing device 1, the cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed while changing direction by 90°.

[0013] A first positioning reference 203 is defined in the first processing area 201, and a second positioning reference 204 is defined in the second processing area 202. The first positioning reference 203 is a reference for positioning the cardboard sheet 100 in the first direction X, and the second positioning reference 204 is a reference for positioning the cardboard sheet 100 in the second direction Y. A first processing reference position 103 corresponding to the first positioning reference 203 is specified on the cardboard sheet 100. The first processing reference position 103 is formed by a line segment parallel to the width direction W of the cardboard sheet 100. Furthermore, the cardboard sheet 100 is positioned by the second positioning reference 204 at the center line C in the width direction W. This center line C is an example of a second processing reference position of the present disclosure. Note that the second processing reference position of the present disclosure is not limited to the center line C; for example, either one of the two edge lines in the width direction W of the cardboard sheet 100 can also be the second processing reference position.

[0014] In the first processing area 201, the conveyance of the cardboard sheet 100 is stopped so that the first processing reference position 103 of the cardboard sheet 100 coincides with the first positioning reference 203. With the first processing reference position 103 coincident with the first positioning reference 203, the cardboard sheet 100 is subjected to a first processing. As the first processing, the end portion of the cardboard sheet 100 in the longitudinal direction L that is further from the first processing reference position 103 is folded at the first processing reference position 103. Note that the cardboard sheet 100 shown in the first processing area 201 in FIG. 1 is depicted in a state before the first processing reference position 103 reaches the first positioning reference 203, while the cardboard sheet 100 shown in the second processing area 202 is depicted in a state where the first processing reference position 103 coincides with the first positioning reference 203.

[0015] In the first processing area 201, the cardboard sheet 100 that has undergone the first processing is transported to the second processing area 202 with the first processing reference position 103 aligned with the first positioning reference 203. The cardboard sheet 100 transported to the second processing area 202 is stopped when the center line C in the width direction W of the cardboard sheet 100 is aligned with the second positioning reference 204. At this time, the first processing reference position 103 remains aligned with the first positioning reference 203. With the center line (second processing reference position) C aligned with the second positioning reference 204, the cardboard sheet 100 is subjected to the second processing. In the second processing area 202, the cardboard sheet 100 is positioned in both the first direction X and the second direction Y, so the second processing is performed on the cardboard sheet 100 whose positions in the first direction X and the second direction Y have been specified.

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

[0017] [Outline of processing of cardboard sheets: see Figures 2 and 3] Next, an outline of processing cardboard sheets will be described as cardboard sheets 100. Note that here, an example of processing small cardboard sheets 110 (110A, 110B, 110C) with the smallest dimensions and large cardboard sheets 120 (120A, 120B, 120C) with the largest dimensions using the same processing device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0018] <Processing of small corrugated cardboard sheets 110A-110C; Figure 2> Figure 2 assumes that small corrugated cardboard sheets 110A, 110B, and 110C are transported in this order. In other words, of small corrugated cardboard sheets 110A, 110B, and 110C, small corrugated cardboard sheet 110A is transported first to processing device 1, followed by small corrugated cardboard sheet 110B. Small corrugated cardboard sheet 110A is processed in second processing area 202, and small corrugated cardboard sheet 110B is processed in first processing area 201. Small corrugated cardboard sheet 110C is located upstream U of first processing area 201. After the second processing of small corrugated cardboard sheet 110A is completed in second processing area 202, small corrugated cardboard sheet 110A is transported downstream D of first processing area 201. Then, small cardboard sheet 110B that has completed the first processing in first processing area 201 is transported to second processing area 202 and subjected to second processing. Small cardboard sheet 110C that has been waiting is transported to first processing area 201 and subjected to first processing. In processing device 1, small cardboard sheets 110A to 110C... that are continuously transported as described above are subjected to predetermined processing in first processing area 201 and second processing area 202. This processing operation is the same even if the dimensions of the cardboard sheets are different.

[0019] Each of the small cardboard sheets 110A to 110C has a first folding position 113, a second folding position 115, and a bonding position 117. The first folding position 113, the second folding position 115, and the bonding position 117 are parallel to the width direction W and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L. The first folding position 113 and the second folding position 115 correspond to the first processing reference position 103 and the second processing reference position C, respectively.

[0020] Each of the small cardboard sheets 110A to 110C has a first folding piece 114, a second folding piece 116, and a base piece 118. An adhesive piece 119 is provided at the edge of the first folding position 113 in the longitudinal direction L. The first folding piece 114 and the base piece 118 are separated at the first folding position 113, and the second folding piece 116 and the base piece 118 are separated at the second folding position 115. An adhesive piece 117 is provided at approximately the center of the base piece 118 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0021] In the first processing area 201, the conveyance of the small cardboard sheet 110B is stopped when the first folding position 113 coincides with the first positioning reference 203. Then, the first folding piece 114 is folded using the first folding position 113 as a reference so that the first folding piece 114 overlaps the base piece 118. When the first folding piece 114 is folded, the adhesive piece 119 overlaps the adhesive position 117. This process of folding the first folding piece 114 corresponds to the first processing, and the small cardboard sheet 110B that has completed the first processing is conveyed toward the second processing area 202.

[0022] The small cardboard sheet 110A conveyed to the second processing area 202 has already been folded so that the first folding piece 114 overlaps the base piece 118, and the adhesive piece 119 is aligned with the adhesive position 117. The second processing is performed with the center line C of the small cardboard sheet 110A aligned with the second positioning reference 204. Specifically, after applying an adhesive such as hot melt to the adhesive piece 119, the second folding piece 116 is folded using the second folding position 115 as a reference so that the second folding piece 116 overlaps the base piece 118. This causes the tip of the second folding piece 116 to be adhered to the first folding piece 114 by the adhesive applied to the adhesive piece 119. This completes the second processing for the small cardboard sheet 110A. The small cardboard sheet 110A with the first folding piece 114 and the second folding piece 116 folded thereon is transported toward the next processing area provided downstream D.

[0023] <Processing of large corrugated cardboard sheets 120A-120C; Figure 3> The first and second processes for the large corrugated cardboard sheets 120A, 120B, and 120C are performed in the same manner as the first and second processes for the small corrugated cardboard sheets 110A, 110B, and 110C described with reference to Figure 2. Therefore, the same elements as in Figure 2 are designated by the same reference numerals in Figure 3, and repeated explanations will be omitted. Although the small corrugated cardboard sheet 110 and the large corrugated cardboard sheet 120 have different dimensions, they are processed by the same processing device 1, but the positioning of the first folding position 113 relative to the first positioning datum 203 and the positioning of the center line C relative to the second positioning datum 204 are the same.

[0024] [Summary of processing procedures in processing device 1] <First processing area 201> By performing the following STEP 1 and STEP 2, the first folding piece 114 can be folded at the same position even for cardboard sheets 100 of different dimensions. STEP 1: The first processing reference position 103 (first folding position 113) of the carried-in cardboard sheet 100 is positioned at the first positioning reference 203. STEP 2: A first process is performed to fold the first folding piece 114 at the first processing reference position 103 (first folding position 113).

[0025] <Second Processing Area 202> By performing the following steps 3 and 4, even if the cardboard sheets 100 have different dimensions, the position of the center line C is the same, making it easy to transport them to the downstream process D. STEP 3: In the second processing area 202, the center line C of the width direction W of the cardboard sheet 100 is positioned at the second positioning reference 204. STEP 4: A second processing is performed in which the second folding piece 116 is folded at the second folding position 115 and the adhesive piece 119 is adhered to the second folding piece 116.

[0026] [Processing Device 2: See Figures 4 to 8] A specific example of processing a cardboard sheet 100 using the processing device 2 will be described. First, the configuration of the processing device 2 will be described with reference to Figure 4 and other figures. The processing device 2 includes a conveying unit 20 that conveys the cardboard sheet 100, a first processing unit 40 that performs a first processing on the cardboard sheet 100 carried in by the conveying unit 20, and a second processing unit 60 that performs a second processing on the cardboard sheet 100 that has been subjected to the first processing by the first processing unit 40. The processing device 2 includes a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the conveying unit 20, the first processing unit 40, and the second processing unit 60. Below, the conveying unit 20, the first processing unit 40, and the second processing unit 60 will be described in that order.

[0027] [Conveying section 20: see Figure 4] The conveying section 20 includes an input machine 21 that receives the cardboard sheet 100 from the upstream U and conveys it to the first processing section 40, a conveying machine 23 that conveys the cardboard sheet 100 that has finished processing in the first processing section 40 to the second processing section 60, and an output machine (not shown) that conveys the cardboard sheet 100 that has finished processing in the second processing section 60 toward the downstream D.

[0028] The carry-in machine 21 includes a clamp 21A that grips the adhesive strip 119 of the cardboard sheet 100, and a movable body 21B that holds the clamp 21A and moves in a first direction X. The movable body 21B is reciprocally movable along a conveyance path along the first direction X (not shown), for example, by a servo motor. When the carry-in machine 21 carries the cardboard sheet 100 into the first processing unit 40, the movable body 21B travels toward the first processing unit 40 with the clamp 21A gripping the adhesive strip 119. After carrying the cardboard sheet 100 up to a first positioning reference of the first processing unit 40, the carry-in machine 21 releases the clamp 21A from gripping the adhesive strip 119, then retreats from the first processing unit 40, grips the adhesive strip 119 of the cardboard sheet 100 to be processed next, and waits for the carry-in.

[0029] The conveyor 23 includes a first conveyor 23A and a second conveyor 23B that are provided between the first processing section 40 and the second processing section 60. Each of the first conveyor 23A and the second conveyor 23B is, for example, a conveyor device. This conveyor device uses a servo motor as a drive source and includes a pair of timing pulleys 23C to at least one of which the rotational driving force of the servo motor is transmitted, and a timing belt 23D that is wound around the timing pulley 23C. The cardboard sheets 100 processed in the first processing section 40 are placed on the timing belts 23D, 23D of the first conveyor 23A and the second conveyor 23B while undergoing the first processing and while being transported to the second processing section 60.

[0030] The conveying machine (not shown) fixes the cardboard sheet 100 in a fixed position in the second processing area 202 by means of, for example, vacuum suction, gripping, or the like, and conveys it toward a process further downstream D. Since the cardboard sheet 100 is in a fixed position, the conveying machine can perform the conveying operation by targeting, for example, the center line C of the cardboard sheet 100.

[0031] [First processing section 40: Figures 4, 5, and 6] The first processing section 40 includes a first folding machine 41 that folds the first folding piece 114 of the cardboard sheet 100 at the first folding position 113, and a first sheet pressing machine 43 that presses the base piece 118 along the first folding position 113 when the first folding machine 41 folds the first folding piece 114.

[0032] The first folding machine 41 includes a first folding plate 41A having a first reversing shaft 41C that contacts the first folding piece 114, and a first driving source 41D that reverses the first folding plate 41A around the first reversing shaft 41C. The first folding machine 41 includes a transmission mechanism 41E that transmits the rotational driving force of the first driving source 41D to the first folding plate 41A.

[0033] In the first processing area 201, the first folding machine 41 waits with the first pressing surface 41B of the first folding plate 41A facing upward, as shown in Figure 4, until the first processing of the transported cardboard sheet 100 begins.

[0034] When the cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed to a predetermined position, i.e., until the first folding position 113 coincides with the first positioning reference 203, the first sheet presser 43, which had been waiting above as shown in FIG. 4 , moves to press the base piece 118 along the first folding position 113 as shown in FIG. 5 . When the base piece 118 is pressed by the first sheet presser 43, the first drive source 41D begins to rotate. This rotational drive force is transmitted to the first folding plate 41A via the transmission mechanism 41E, and the transmission mechanism 41E rotates around the first reversal shaft 41C. When the first folding plate 41A rotates 180°, the first folding piece 114 is folded as shown in FIG. 6 .

[0035] When the first process up to the folding of the first folding piece 114 is completed, the first folding machine 41 returns to a standby state and waits for the next cardboard sheet 100 to be processed. Then, the cardboard sheet 100 with the first folding piece 114 folded is transported to the second processing area 202 by the transport machine 23. Specifically, the cardboard sheet 100 is transported until the center line C of the width direction W of the cardboard sheet 100 coincides with the second positioning reference 204.

[0036] [Second Processing Section 60: Figures 4, 7, and 8] The second processing section 60 includes a second folding machine 61 that folds the second folding pieces 116 of the cardboard sheet 100 at the second folding position 115, and a second sheet presser 63 that presses the base piece 118 along the second folding position 115 when the second folding machine 61 folds the second folding pieces 116. The second folding machine 61 has a similar configuration and performs the same operation as the first folding machine 41 of the first processing section 40, so the elements of the second folding machine 61 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first folding machine 41, and a description thereof will be omitted. The same applies to the second sheet presser 63.

[0037] The second processing section 60 includes an adhesive applicator 65 that applies adhesive to the adhesive strip 119 of the cardboard sheet 100. The adhesive applicator 65 is disposed between the first processing area 201 and the second processing area 202, and applies adhesive to the adhesive strip 119 while the cardboard sheet 100 with the first folded strip 114 folded is being transported from the first processing area 201 to the second processing area 202.

[0038] The processing device 2 processes cardboard sheets 100 of different sizes. Therefore, the processing device 2 is configured such that the positions of some of its components can be changed in accordance with the size of the cardboard sheets 100 so that the first and second processes described above can be performed on cardboard sheets 100 of different sizes.

[0039] In the second processing unit 60, the second folding position 115 in the first direction X varies depending on the dimensions of the cardboard sheet 100, particularly the dimension in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the positions of the second folding machine 61 and the second sheet pressing machine 63 in the first direction X can be changed depending on the dimensions of the cardboard sheet 100 to be processed. The range in which the positions can be changed is shown as the area AA surrounded by dashed lines in FIG. 8 . Because the position of the adhesive strip 119 on the cardboard sheet 100 changes depending on the dimensions, the position of the adhesive applicator 65 in the first direction X can also be changed. To accommodate changes in the dimension of the cardboard sheet 100 in the longitudinal direction L, the position of the first conveyor 23A in the first direction X can also be changed. In the first processing unit 40, the first folding machine 41 and other components can be left in their fixed positions while the first processing is performed.

[0040] [Processing Procedure in Processing Device 2: See FIGS. 4 to 8] <Waiting: FIG. 4> A cardboard sheet 100, which has been adjusted to predetermined specifications including dimensions, is carried into the first processing area 201 by the carry-in device 21. At this time, the first processing device 40 is in the standby state described above. In the second processing device 60, components are on standby at positions according to the dimensions of the cardboard sheet 100 to be processed.

[0041] <First Process: Figures 5 and 6> The first process begins when the cardboard sheet 100 is transported to a predetermined position in the first processing area 201. First, the first sheet presser 43 is operated to press the base piece 118 of the cardboard sheet 100 along the first folding position 113 (Figure 5). This completes preparation for folding, and next, the first folding machine 41 is operated to invert and fold the first folding piece 114 (Figure 6). The folded cardboard sheet 100 is transported toward the second processing area 202. In the first processing area 201, the first folding machine 41 is in a standby state until the next cardboard sheet 100 is carried in.

[0042] <Second Processing: Figures 7 and 8> The second processing begins when the cardboard sheet 100 is transported to a predetermined position in the second processing area 202. The second sheet presser 63 is operated to press the base piece 118 of the cardboard sheet 100 along the second folding position 115, and the second folding machine 61 is operated to invert and fold the second folding piece 116 (Figure 7). Note that while the cardboard sheet 100 is being transported from the first processing area 201 to the second processing area 202, the adhesive applicator 65 applies adhesive AD to the adhesive piece 119.

[0043] While the second process is being performed in the second process area 202, the next cardboard sheet 100 to be processed is conveyed. When the next cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed to a predetermined position in the first process area 201, the first process is performed (FIG. 8). The cardboard sheet 100 with the first folding piece 114 and the second folding piece 116 folded is conveyed to the next process.

[0044] [Effects of First Embodiment (Processing Apparatus 2)] <First Effect> In the processing apparatus 2, in the first processing region 201, the first processing reference position 103 also serves as the first folding position 113, and these positions are aligned with the first positioning reference 203, and the processing apparatus 2 performs folding of the first folding pieces 114 as the first processing. Therefore, the processing apparatus 2 positions even cardboard sheets 100 of different dimensions using the same first positioning reference 203, and can therefore fold the first folding pieces 114 efficiently and with high precision.

[0045] <Second effect> In the processing device 2, the cardboard sheet 100 transported to the second processing area 202 maintains its position in the first direction X, and the second folding position 115 can be easily recognized, so the second folding piece 116 can be folded with high accuracy.

[0046] <Third Effect> In the processing device 2, the first processing area 201 and the second processing area 202 are aligned in the second direction Y, and the corrugated cardboard sheet 100 is transported from the first processing area 201 to the second processing area 202 in the width direction W of the corrugated cardboard sheet 100. Because the dimension in the width direction W is smaller than the longitudinal direction L, the transport distance from the first processing area 201 to the second processing area 202, i.e., the transport time, can be shortened. Therefore, according to the processing device 2, by shortening the transport time between the first processing and the second processing, the time required for one cycle of folding can be shortened, thereby improving the efficiency of making boxes from the corrugated cardboard sheet 100.

[0047] <Fourth Effect> The processing device 2 applies the adhesive AD to the adhesive pieces 119 during the process of transporting them from the first processing area 201 to the second processing area 202. Therefore, according to the processing device 2, it is not necessary to set aside time for applying the adhesive AD, and therefore the time required for one cycle of folding can be shortened, thereby improving the efficiency of making boxes from the cardboard sheet 100.

[0048] [Second Embodiment (Processing Apparatus 3): Figures 9, 10, and 11] Next, a processing apparatus 3 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In the processing apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment, the cardboard sheet 100 transported in the first direction X to the first processing area 201 is transported in the second direction Y toward the second processing area 202 after the first processing is completed. While this transport direction is a preferred embodiment in the present disclosure, the present disclosure also allows the cardboard sheet 100 transported in the first direction X to the first processing area 201, as in the processing apparatus 3, to be transported in the first direction X toward the second processing area 202 after the first processing is completed. This is the second embodiment. In other words, in the second embodiment, the first processing area 201 and the second processing area 202 are aligned in the first direction X.

[0049] [Transportation from First Processing Area 201 to Second Processing Area 202: See FIG. 9 ] In the processing device 3, the first processing area 201 and the second processing area 202 are arranged side by side in the first direction X. The first processing area 201 is arranged on the upstream U side, and the second processing area 202 is arranged on the downstream D side. In the first processing area 201, the first processing is performed with the first processing reference position 103 of the cardboard sheet 100 aligned with the first positioning reference 203. After the first processing, the cardboard sheet 100 is transported to the second processing area 202, where the second processing is performed. The second processing is performed with the center line C of the cardboard sheet 100 aligned with the second positioning reference 204. When the second processing is performed in the second processing area 202, the first processing reference position 103 of the cardboard sheet 100 is aligned with the first positioning reference 203.

[0050] [Configuration and Operation of Processing Device 3: See FIGS. 10 and 11] Processing device 3 has a first processing device 70 provided in a first processing area 201 and a second processing device 80 provided in a second processing area 202. First processing device 70 includes a third transport unit 71, for example, a conveyor device, and a third folding machine 73 that folds cardboard sheets 100 placed on third transport unit 71. Although not shown, first processing device 70 also includes a presser that presses cardboard sheets 100 when folding cardboard sheets 100 with third folding machine 73. The same applies to second processing device 80. Second processing device 80 includes a fourth transport unit 81, for example, a conveyor device, and a fourth folding machine 83 that folds cardboard sheets 100 placed on fourth transport unit 81. The first processing section 70 and the second processing section 80, and the third folding machine 73 and the fourth folding machine 83 are provided between the third conveying section 71 and the fourth conveying section 81. After the cardboard sheet 100 is folded by the third folding machine 73 in the first processing section 70, it is conveyed to the second processing section 80 and folded by the fourth folding machine 83. The procedure of the folding process in the processing device 3 will be described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0051] [Steps 11 and 12 in FIG. 10] The cardboard sheet 100 is conveyed by the third conveying section 71 until the first processing reference position 103 of the cardboard sheet 100 conveyed from an upstream process (not shown) coincides with the first positioning reference 203. Next, the third folding machine 73 is reversed to fold the first folding piece 114 of the cardboard sheet 100.

[0052] [FIG. 11, STEPs 13 and 14] After folding of the first folding piece 114 is completed, the third conveying unit 71 and the fourth conveying unit 81 are operated to convey the cardboard sheet 100 until the third processing reference position 105 coincides with the third positioning reference 205. After conveying of the cardboard sheet 100 is completed, the fourth folding device 83 is reversed clockwise in the drawing to fold the second folding piece 116 of the cardboard sheet 100.

[0053] [Effects of Processing Device 3] The processing device 3 can also achieve the first effect of the processing device 2.

[0054] [Supplementary Notes] The processing device according to the present disclosure can be understood as follows. [Supplementary Note 1] The processing device according to the present disclosure comprises a first processing area (201) having a predetermined first positioning reference (203) and performing a first processing of folding a sheet (100), and a second processing area (202) having a predetermined second positioning reference (204) and performing a second processing of folding the sheet (100) transported from the first processing area (201), where the sheet (100) is subjected to the first processing, and in the first processing area (201), the first processing is performed in a state where the predetermined first processing reference position (103) of the sheet (100) coincides with the first positioning reference (203). [Supplementary Note 2] In Supplementary Note 1, preferably, in the second processing area (202), the second processing is performed in a state where the predetermined second processing reference position (C) of the sheet (100) coincides with the predetermined second positioning reference (204). [Supplementary Note 3] In Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, preferably, sheets (100) of different sizes are processed. [Supplementary Note 4] In Supplements 1 to 3, preferably, a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) that are perpendicular to each other are specified, and the first processing area (201) and the second processing area (202) are aligned in the second direction (Y). [Supplementary Note 5] In Supplementary Note 4, preferably, the sheet (100) is transported in the first direction (X) toward the first processing area (201), and is transported in the second direction (Y) from the first processing area (201) toward the second processing area (202) while maintaining its position in the first direction (X). [Appendix 6] In any of Appendices 1 to 5, preferably, the sheet (100) is a cardboard sheet (100) for making a cardboard box, and in the first processing area (201), a part (114) of the cardboard sheet (100) is folded at a first processing reference position (103), and in the second processing area (202), another part (116) of the cardboard sheet (100) is folded at a third processing reference position (105) different from the first processing reference position (103).[Supplementary Note 7] In any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, preferably, an adhesive applicator (65) is provided between the first processing area (201) and the second processing area (202) for applying adhesive (AD) to a predetermined position on the folded portion (114) of the cardboard sheet (100) in the first processing area (201) to bond the folded portion (114) of the cardboard sheet (100) to another portion (116) of the cardboard sheet (100) to be folded. [Supplementary Note 8] In Supplementary Note 7, preferably, the apparatus includes a first folding machine (41) that folds a portion of the cardboard sheet (100) in a first processing area (201), and a second folding machine (61) that folds another portion of the cardboard sheet (100) in a second processing area (202), wherein the first folding machine (41) has a fixed position in the second direction (Y), and the second folding machine (61) has a fixed position in the second direction (Y). [Supplementary Note 9] In Supplementary Note 7, preferably, the position of the adhesive applicator (65) is variable in the first direction (X). [Supplementary Note 10] In Supplements 1 to 3, preferably, a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) that are perpendicular to each other are specified, and the first processing area (201) and the second processing area (202) are aligned in the first direction (X).

[0055] In addition to the above, it is possible to select and discard the configurations given in the above embodiments, or to change them to other configurations as appropriate.

[0056] 1, 2, 3 Processing device 20 Conveying section 21 Carry-in machine 21A Clamp 21B Moving body 23 Conveyor 23A First conveyor 23B Second conveyor 23C Timing pulley 23D Timing belt 40 First processing section 41 First folding machine 41A First folding plate 41B First pressing surface 41C First reversing shaft 41D First driving source 41E Transmission mechanism 43 First sheet presser 60 Second processing section 61 Second folding machine 63 Second sheet presser 65 Adhesive applicator 70 First processing section 71 Third conveyor section 73 Third folding machine 80 Second processing section 81 Fourth conveyor section 83 Fourth folding machine 100 Cardboard sheet 103 First processing reference position 105 Third processing reference position 110, 110A, 110B, 110C Small corrugated cardboard sheet 113 First folding position 114 First folding piece 115 Second folding position 116 Second folding piece 117 Adhesion position 118 Base piece 119 Adhesion piece 120 Large corrugated cardboard sheet 201 First processing area 202 Second processing area 203 First positioning reference 204 Second positioning reference 205 Third positioning reference C Second processing reference position

Claims

1. A processing device comprising: a first processing area having a predetermined first positioning criterion, and performing a first processing of folding a sheet; and a second processing area having a predetermined second positioning criterion, and performing a second processing of folding the sheet transported from the first processing area and having been subjected to the first processing, wherein in the first processing area, the first processing is performed while the predetermined first processing criterion position of the sheet coincides with the first positioning criterion.

2. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second processing is performed in the second processing region while a predetermined second processing reference position of the sheet coincides with a predetermined second positioning reference.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, which processes sheets of different sizes.

4. A processing apparatus as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other are specified, and the first processing area and the second processing area are aligned in the second direction.

5. The processing device according to claim 4, wherein the sheet is transported in the first direction toward the first processing area, and is transported in the second direction from the first processing area to the second processing area while maintaining its position in the first direction.

6. The processing device according to claim 4, wherein the sheet is a cardboard sheet for forming a cardboard box, and in the first processing area, a portion of the cardboard sheet is folded at the first processing reference position, and in the second processing area, another portion of the cardboard sheet is folded at a third processing reference position different from the first processing reference position.

7. The processing device according to claim 6, further comprising an adhesive applicator disposed between the first processing area and the second processing area for applying adhesive to a predetermined position of the folded portion of the cardboard sheet in the first processing area for bonding the folded portion of the cardboard sheet to the other portion of the cardboard sheet to be folded.

8. A processing device as described in claim 7, comprising: a first folding machine that folds the portion of the cardboard sheet in the first processing area; and a second folding machine that folds the other portion of the cardboard sheet in the second processing area, wherein the first folding machine has a fixed position in the second direction, and the second folding machine has a fixed position in the second direction.

9. The processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the position of the adhesive applicator in the first direction is variable.

10. A processing apparatus as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other are identified, and the first processing area and the second processing area are aligned in the first direction.

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