Elastic member guide device and elastic member guide method

Abstract

Provided are an elastic member guide device and an elastic member guide method having a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of elastic members with respect to a continuous sheet. An elastic member guide device (1), which guides a plurality of elastic members (E) to a continuous sheet being conveyed such that the elastic members are arranged in a first direction (D1) intersecting a conveyance direction (MD) of the continuous sheet, is provided with a plurality of guide units (40a to 40c), a plurality of drive units (10a to 10c), and a control unit (80). Each of the plurality of guide units guides an elastic member to the continuous sheet being conveyed. Each of the plurality of drive units is provided corresponding to one of the plurality of guide units, and moves the corresponding guide unit along the first direction. The control unit controls the operation of the plurality of drive units and changes the supply position in the first direction of the elastic member with respect to the continuous sheet by each guide unit. The control unit controls the operation of each drive unit individually so as to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members with respect to the continuous sheet, in accordance with a received instruction.

Description

Elastic member guiding device and elastic member guiding method

[0001] The present invention relates to an elastic member guiding device and an elastic member guiding method for guiding an elastic member with respect to a continuous sheet being conveyed.

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2009 / 147957), a device and method are known that guide a plurality of elastic members to a conveyed continuous sheet so that the elastic members extending along the conveying direction of the continuous sheet are aligned in a first direction that intersects with the conveying direction of the continuous sheet.

[0003] In the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2009 / 147957), while the continuous sheet is being transported, a guide that guides the elastic member is guided in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the continuous sheet, thereby making it possible to arrange the elastic member in a predetermined pattern on the continuous sheet.

[0004] International Publication No. 2009 / 147957

[0005] However, the device and method disclosed in Patent Document 1 (WO 2009 / 147957) have a low degree of freedom in the arrangement of the elastic member relative to the continuous sheet, and there is a demand for an improved degree of freedom in the arrangement.

[0006] The elastic member guiding device of the present invention guides multiple elastic members with respect to a conveyed continuous sheet so that the multiple elastic members extending along the conveying direction of the continuous sheet are arranged side by side in a first direction intersecting the conveying direction of the continuous sheet. The elastic member guiding device includes multiple first guide units, multiple first drive units, and a control unit. The multiple first guide units are arranged side by side along the first direction. Each of the multiple first guide units guides an elastic member with respect to the conveyed continuous sheet. Each of the multiple first drive units is provided corresponding to one of the multiple first guide units. Each of the multiple first drive units moves the corresponding first guide unit along the first direction. The control unit controls the operation of the multiple first drive units to change the supply position of the elastic member with respect to the continuous sheet by each of the multiple first guide units in the first direction. The control unit individually controls the operation of each of the multiple first drive units in response to a received instruction to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members with respect to the continuous sheet.

[0007] The elastic member guiding method of the present invention is a method for guiding a plurality of elastic members to a conveyed continuous sheet so that the plurality of elastic members extending along the conveying direction of the continuous sheet are arranged side by side in a first direction intersecting the conveying direction of the continuous sheet. The elastic member guiding method includes a conveying step and a guiding step. In the conveying step, the continuous sheet is conveyed. In the guiding step, a control unit controls the movement of a plurality of first guide units arranged side by side along the first direction, each of which guides an elastic member to the conveyed continuous sheet, and individually controls the operation of each of the first guide units in response to a received instruction to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members relative to the continuous sheet, thereby guiding the elastic members to the conveyed continuous sheet.

[0008] The elastic member guiding device and elastic member guiding method of the present invention can improve the degree of freedom in arranging the elastic members relative to the continuous sheet.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an elastic member guiding device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a guide of the elastic member guiding device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the elastic member guiding device taken along the arrows III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the elastic member guiding device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the elastic member guiding device of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the elastic member guiding device of FIG. 1 during maintenance. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement pattern of elastic members using the elastic member guiding device of FIG. 1. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating another example of an arrangement pattern of elastic members using the elastic member guiding device of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of an elastic member guiding method according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stretchable sheet manufactured using a continuous sheet having elastic members arranged thereon. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing process for a disposable diaper, an example of a wearing article manufactured using the stretchable sheet of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a disposable diaper, an example of a wearing article manufactured using the stretchable sheet of FIG. 9, in an unfolded state.

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An elastic member guiding device and an elastic member guiding method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] (1) Overall Overview An elastic member guiding device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device that guides a continuous sheet S1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a first continuous sheet S1) so that continuously extending elastic members E are arranged along the continuous direction of the continuous sheet S1. In particular, the elastic member guiding device 1 is a device that guides a plurality of elastic members E relative to the continuous sheet S1 so that the plurality of elastic members E extending along the continuous direction of the continuous sheet S1 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the continuous direction (longitudinal direction) of the continuous sheet S1. Note that the expression that the elastic members E extend along the continuous direction of the continuous sheet S1 refers not only to a state in which the elastic members E extend parallel to the continuous direction of the continuous sheet S1, but also to a state in which the elastic members E extend in a direction intersecting (but not perpendicular to) the continuous direction of the continuous sheet S1.

[0012] Before describing the elastic member guiding device 1 and the elastic member guiding method, the following describes the continuous sheet S1 and the elastic member E. Specific examples of further processing and use of the continuous sheet S1 on which the elastic member E is arranged using the elastic member guiding device 1 (in other words, the product manufactured using the elastic member guiding device 1) will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0013] The first continuous sheet S1, on which a plurality of elastic members E have been arranged using the elastic member guiding device 1, is laminated with another continuous sheet (also referred to as a second continuous sheet) to form a stretchable sheet S used in manufacturing worn articles (see Fig. 9). Specifically, the stretchable sheet S is formed by laminating the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet such that the elastic members E are arranged between the first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet.

[0014] The continuous sheets (first continuous sheet S1 and second continuous sheet) used in the stretchable sheet S are continuously extending sheet-like members. While there are no limitations on the material, the continuous sheet may be, for example, a single-layer nonwoven fabric sheet, a pulp sheet, or a plastic film. The continuous sheet may also be a laminated sheet in which multiple sheet-like members of the same or different types are stacked. The first continuous sheet S1 and the second continuous sheet may be sheets of the same material and laminate structure, or may be sheets of different materials and / or laminate structures.

[0015] The elastic member E is a continuously stretching, elastic string-like or band-like member, such as, but not limited to, rubber thread.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 9, for example, the elastic members E are arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern on the stretchable sheet S (the elastic members E are drawn with dashed lines in Fig. 9). In other words, the elastic member guiding device 1 guides the continuous sheet S1 so that the elastic members E are arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, the elastic members E are arranged on the stretchable sheet S so that a predetermined pattern is repeated (periodically) in the longitudinal direction (the direction in which the stretchable sheet S continues). Note that the arrangement pattern of the elastic members E on the stretchable sheet S drawn in Fig. 9 is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the actual arrangement pattern of the elastic members E.

[0017] The arrangement pattern of the elastic members E in the stretchable sheet S is changed according to the specifications. In other words, the elastic member guiding device 1 changes the arrangement pattern of the elastic members E relative to the continuous sheet S1 according to the specifications (specifically, according to settings input into an operation unit 82, which will be described later, by an operator operating the elastic member guiding device 1). The arrangement pattern of the elastic members E relative to the continuous sheet S1 is determined, for example, according to the size of the worn article to be manufactured using the stretchable sheet S and the type of stretchability desired for the portion of the worn article manufactured using the stretchable sheet S.

[0018] Although the process is not limited to this, the stretchable sheet S is ultimately used as a sheet-like stretchable member that forms part of a worn article (here, a disposable diaper 100 as an example of a worn article) after undergoing a process such as that depicted in FIG. 10 .

[0019] The stretchable sheet S is conveyed in a conveying direction A along the continuous direction (longitudinal direction), and is divided into a dorsal sheet 102S and a ventral sheet 104S through a process of partially cutting the elastic members E and a process of cutting the stretchable sheet S into a predetermined shape. In the process of cutting the stretchable sheet S into a predetermined shape, the stretchable sheet S is cut along the conveying direction A at a middle portion in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A, and further, portions of the stretchable sheet S are cut to form edges of leg holes LH (holes through which a wearer of the disposable diaper 100 passes their legs). By cutting the stretchable sheet S along the conveying direction A at a middle portion in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A, one side in the width direction of the stretchable sheet S becomes the dorsal sheet 102S, and the other side in the width direction becomes the ventral sheet 104S.

[0020] The formed back-side sheet 102S and ventral-side sheet 104S are spaced apart from each other in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A while being conveyed in the conveying direction A. A crotch member 106 is disposed between the back-side sheet 102S and ventral-side sheet 104S so as to straddle the back-side sheet 102S and ventral-side sheet 104S, and the back-side sheet 102S and ventral-side sheet 104S are fixed to the crotch member 106 (see the upper part of FIG. 10 ). The crotch member 106 is a member that is placed between the crotch of a wearer when the disposable diaper 100 is completed as a worn article, and an absorbent that absorbs the wearer's bodily fluids is disposed in the crotch member 106.

[0021] The back-side sheet 102S and the ventral-side sheet 104S, to which the crotch member 106 is attached, are conveyed in the conveying direction A, and are folded in half at the center of the crotch member 106 downstream so that the back-side sheet 102S and the ventral-side sheet 104S overlap (see the lower part of Figure 10 ). The back-side sheet 102S and the ventral-side sheet 104S, conveyed in an overlapped state, are then joined in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A at a predetermined position (a position that will become the end of the back-side member 102 and the ventral-side member 104, described below, when the disposable diaper 100 is completed) in order to separate the disposable diapers 100. The back-side sheet 102S and the ventral-side sheet 104S are then cut in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A near the joint between the back-side sheet 102S and the ventral-side sheet 104S so that the disposable diapers 100 can be individually separated. In this way, a disposable diaper 100 is formed, which is composed of a back side member 102 (a member formed from the back side sheet 102S) as an example of an elastic member, a ventral side member 104 (a member formed from the ventral side sheet 104S) as an example of an elastic member, and a crotch member 106 (see also Figure 11, which illustrates the disposable diaper 100 in an unfolded state).

[0022] By arranging the elastic member E at appropriate positions on the back side member 102 and the ventral side member 104, the edges of the leg holes LH can be fitted to the legs of the wearer of the disposable diaper 100 and the disposable diaper 100 can be prevented from slipping down from the wearer's torso.

[0023] (2) Elastic Member Guide Device The elastic member guide device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG.

[0024] In the following description, for the sake of convenience, terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", and "rear" may be used, but unless otherwise specified, these terms do not limit the present invention. In the description, terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", and "rear" follow the directions of the arrows shown in the drawings.

[0025] The elastic member guiding device 1 guides a plurality of elastic members E to the continuous sheet S1 being conveyed by a conveying device (not shown) so that the plurality of elastic members E extending along the conveying direction MD of the continuous sheet S1 are arranged side by side in a first direction D1. The first direction D1 is a direction intersecting the conveying direction MD of the continuous sheet S1.

[0026] For example, in this embodiment, the continuous sheet S1 is conveyed from the rear (e.g., the lower rear side) to the front (e.g., the upper rear side). The elastic member guiding device 1 guides the plurality of elastic members E to the conveyed continuous sheet S1 along the sheet surface (here, the lower surface) of the continuous sheet S1, on which adhesive is partially applied, so that the elastic members E are arranged side by side in a first direction D1 (here, the left-right direction) perpendicular to the conveyance direction MD.

[0027] The elastic member guiding device 1 mainly has frames 90a, 90b, guide units 40 (40a to 40c), 42 (42a to 42b), 44, 46 (46a to 46c), 48 (48a to 48c), drive units 10 (10a to 10c), 12 (12a to 12b), 14, 16 (16a to 16c), 18 (18a to 18c), transmission mechanisms 20 (20a to 20c), 22 (22a to 22b), 24, 26 (26a to 26c), 28 (28a to 28c), a control unit 80, and an operation unit 82.

[0028] (2-1) Frames The frame 90a is an example of a first frame / second frame, and the frame 90b is an example of a second frame / first frame.

[0029] The frames 90a and 90b are members that support various components of the elastic member guiding device 1. When the elastic member guiding device 1 is in operation, the frames 90a and 90b are disposed below the conveyed continuous sheet S1. Furthermore, when the elastic member guiding device 1 is in operation, the frame 90b is disposed in front of the frame 90a (downstream in the forward direction, which is the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet S1) and side-by-side with the frame 90a, as shown in FIG. 1 . In other words, the frame 90a is disposed behind the frame 90b (upstream in the forward direction, which is the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet S1) and side-by-side with the frame 90b, as shown in FIG. 1 . Furthermore, the frame 90b is disposed relative to the frame 90a such that the plurality of guide portions 46a to 46c, 48a to 48c, which will be described later, face the plurality of guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, and 44 attached to the frame 90a. In other words, the frame 90b is disposed relative to the frame 90a such that the side of the frame 90a on which the guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, and 44 are disposed (the front side in FIG. 1) faces the side of the frame 90b on which the guide portions 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c are disposed (the rear side in FIG. 1). In other words, the frame 90b is disposed relative to the frame 90a such that the elastic member E is guided between the frames 90a and 90b relative to the continuous sheet S1.

[0030] In the elastic member guiding device 1, the elastic member E is unwound from the roll R around which the elastic member E is wound, passes from below the frames 90a and 90b through the space between the frames 90a and 90b, and is guided by guides 50 (50a to 50c), 52 (52a to 52b), 54, 56 (56a to 56c), and 58 (58a to 58c) of the guide units 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c (described later) to the continuous sheet S1 being conveyed above the elastic member guiding device 1 (see FIG. 4). Note that the position of the roll R depicted in FIG. 4 does not limit the actual location of the roll R.

[0031] Attached to frame 90a, which is an example of a first frame / second frame, are guide portions 40a-40c, 42a-42b, which are an example of a first guide portion / second guide portion, guide portion 44, drive portions 10a-10c, 12a-12b, which are an example of a first drive portion / second drive portion, drive portion 14, and transmission mechanisms 20a-20c, 22a-22b, 24. Frame 90a supports guide portions 40a-40c, 42a-42b, 44, drive portions 10a-10c, 12a-12b, 14, and transmission mechanisms 20a-20c, 22a-22b, 24.

[0032] The attachment of the guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, and 44 to the frame 90a will be specifically described. The frame 90a has support rails 92a and 92b extending in the first direction D1 (left-right direction) (see FIG. 3). The support rail 92b is disposed below the support rail 92a. A first group of guide portions (guide portions 40a to 40c) is attached to the support rail 92a. The guide portions 40a to 40c are movable along the support rail 92a. A second group of guide portions (guide portions 42a to 42b, 44) is attached to the support rail 92b. The guide portions 42a to 42b, 44 are movable along the support rail 92b. As the guide portions 40a to 40c move along the support rail 92a and the guide portions 42a to 42b, 44 move along the support rail 92b, the positions at which the guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44 guide the elastic member E relative to the continuous sheet S1 change in the first direction D1.

[0033] The frame 90b, which is an example of a second frame / first frame, has attached thereto the guide portions 46a-46c, 48a-48c, which are an example of a second guide portion / first guide portion, the drive portions 16a-16c, 18a-18c, which are an example of a second drive portion / first drive portion, and the transmission mechanisms 26a-26c, 28a-28c. The frame 90b supports the guide portions 46a-46c, 48a-48c, the drive portions 16a-16c, 18a-18c, and the transmission mechanisms 26a-26c, 28a-28c.

[0034] The attachment of the guide portions 46a to 46c and 48a to 48c to the frame 90b will now be described in detail. Similar to the support rails 92a and 92b of the frame 90a, the frame 90b has support rails 94a and 94b extending in the first direction D1 (left-right direction) (see FIG. 1). Although not shown, similar to the support rails 92a and 92b of the frame 90a, the support rail 94b is disposed below the support rail 94a. A third guide portion group (guide portions 46a to 46c) is attached to the support rail 94a. The guide portions 46a to 46c are movable along the support rail 94a. A fourth guide portion group (guide portions 48a to 48c) is attached to the support rail 94b. The guide portions 48a to 48c are movable along the support rail 94b. As the guide portions 46a to 46c move along the support rail 94a and the guide portions 48a to 48c move along the support rail 94b, the positions at which the guide portions 46a to 46c, 48a to 48c guide the elastic member E relative to the continuous sheet S1 change in the first direction D1.

[0035] Preferably, the frame 90a is movable relative to the frame 90b in the first direction D1 (the left-right direction in this embodiment). Here, the expression "the frame 90a is movable relative to the frame 90b" includes both the embodiment in which the frame 90a is movable in the first direction D1 and the embodiment in which the frame 90b is movable in the first direction D1. More preferably, both the frame 90a and the frame 90b are movable in the first direction D1 independently of each other.

[0036] To enable the frame 90a to move in the first direction D1, for example, the frame 90a is placed on rails 96a along which the frame 90a can slide, as shown in Fig. 6. To enable the frame 90b to move in the first direction D1, for example, the frame 90b is placed on rails 96b along which the frame 90b can slide, as shown in Fig. 6. However, the means for enabling the frames 90a and 90b to move is not limited to rails.

[0037] The frame 90a is movable on the rails 96a between an operating position (see FIG. 1) when the elastic member guiding device 1 guides the elastic member E relative to the continuous sheet S1 and a maintenance position (see FIG. 6) located to the left of the operating position and used for maintenance of the equipment attached to the frame 90a. The frame 90b is movable on the rails 96b between an operating position (see FIGS. 1 and 6) when the elastic member guiding device 1 guides the elastic member E relative to the continuous sheet S1 and a maintenance position (not shown) located to the left of the operating position and used for maintenance of the equipment attached to the frame 90b.

[0038] The effects of configuring the elastic member guiding device 1 in this manner will be described.

[0039] In the elastic member guiding device 1, the elastic members E pass from below the frames 90a and 90b through the space between the frames 90a and 90b, pass through guide holes H (see FIG. 2 ) in the guides 50a-50c, 52a-52b, 54, 56a-56c, and 58a-58c of the guide units 40a-40c, 42a-42b, 44, 46a-46c, and 48a-48c, and are guided to the continuous sheet S1 being conveyed above the elastic member guiding device 1 (see FIG. 4 ). Therefore, when using the elastic member guiding device 1, it is necessary to pass the elastic members E through the guide holes H in the guides 50a-50c, 52a-52b, 54, 56a-56c, and 58a-58c. This operation is generally performed manually by the operator of the elastic member guiding device 1. During this operation, when the frame 90a and the frame 90b are adjacent to each other as shown in FIG. 1, if the operator tries to guide the elastic member E from below the frames 90a and 90b and pass it through the guide holes H of the guides 50a to 50c, 52a to 52b, 54, 56a to 56c, and 58a to 58c, the operation may be difficult and take a long time.

[0040] In contrast, in the elastic member guiding device 1 of the present invention, the frame 90a is movable relative to the frame 90b, so the operator can perform this operation in the manner shown in Fig. 6. Therefore, in the elastic member guiding device 1 of the present invention, the operator can easily pass the elastic member E from below the frames 90a and 90b through the guide holes H of the guides 50a to 50c, 52a to 52b, 54, 56a to 56c, and 58a to 58c.

[0041] (2-2) Guide Section The guide sections 40a to 40c of the first guide section group are an example of a plurality of first guide sections / second guide sections. The guide sections 42a to 42b of the second guide section group are an example of a plurality of first guide sections / second guide sections. The guide section 44 of the second guide section group is an example of a stationary guide section. The guide sections 46a to 46c of the third guide section group are an example of a plurality of second guide sections / first guide sections. The guide sections 48a to 48c of the fourth guide section group are an example of a plurality of second guide sections / first guide sections.

[0042] The multiple guide portions 40a-40c of the first guide portion group are attached to a single support rail 92a that supports the multiple guide portions 40a-40c slidably in the first direction D1. The multiple guide portions 42a-42b, 44 of the second guide portion group are attached to a single support rail 92b that supports the multiple guide portions 42a-42b, 44 slidably in the first direction D1. The multiple guide portions 46a-46c of the third guide portion group are attached to a single support rail 94a that supports the multiple guide portions 46a-46c slidably in the first direction D1. The multiple guide portions 48a-48c of the fourth guide portion group are attached to a single support rail 94b that supports the multiple guide portions 48a-48c slidably in the first direction D1.

[0043] The guide portions 40a to 40c attached to the support rail 92a extending along the first direction D1 are aligned along the first direction D1 (here, the left-right direction). Specifically, from left to right, the guide portions 40a, 40b, and 40c are attached to the support rail 92a. The guide portions 42a to 42b, 44 attached to the support rail 92b extending along the first direction D1 are aligned along the first direction D1. Specifically, from left to right, the guide portions 44, 42a, and 42b are attached to the support rail 92b. The guide portions 46a to 46c attached to the support rail 94a extending along the first direction D1 are aligned along the first direction D1. Specifically, from left to right, the guide portions 46c, 46a, and 46b are attached to the support rail 94a. The guide portions 48a to 48c attached to the support rail 94b extending along the first direction D1 are arranged side by side along the first direction D1. Specifically, the guide portion 48c, the guide portion 48a, and the guide portion 48b are attached to the support rail 94b in this order from the left.

[0044] The guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c are mechanisms that guide the elastic members E to the conveyed continuous sheet S1. Here, the guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c each guide a single elastic member E to the conveyed continuous sheet S1. The guide portion 44 guides multiple elastic members E to the conveyed continuous sheet S1. Note that one or more of the guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c may guide multiple elastic members E to the conveyed continuous sheet S1, like the guide portion 44. Furthermore, the guide portion 44 does not have to guide multiple elastic members E to the conveyed continuous sheet S1, and may instead guide a single elastic member E to the conveyed continuous sheet S1.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5 , each of the guide portions 40a, 40b, and 40c has a single guide (guide 50a, 50b, or 50c) that guides a single elastic member E relative to the conveyed continuous sheet S1. As shown in FIG. 5 , each of the guide portions 42a and 42b has a single guide (guide 52a or 52b) that guides a single elastic member E relative to the conveyed continuous sheet S1. As shown in FIG. 5 , the guide portion 44 has multiple guides 54 that guide a single elastic member E relative to the conveyed continuous sheet S1. Note that the number of guides 54 (seven) depicted in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the number may be other than seven. For example, if the guide portion 44 guides a single elastic member E, the number of guides 54 may be one. As shown in FIG. 5 , each of the guide portions 46a, 46b, and 46c has a single guide (guide 56a, 56b, or 56c) that guides a single elastic member E relative to the conveyed continuous sheet S1. 5, each of the guide portions 48a, 48b, and 48c has a single guide (guide 58a, 58b, or 58c) that guides a single elastic member E relative to the conveyed continuous sheet S1. Note that, if any or all of the guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c guide a plurality of elastic members E, the guide portions may have the same number of guides as the number of elastic members E that they guide.

[0046] Each of the guides 50a to 50c, 52a to 52b, 54, 56a to 56c, and 58a to 58c is formed with a guide hole H. Each elastic member E is set in the guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c so as to pass through the guide hole H of the corresponding guide 50a to 50c, 52a to 52b, 54, 56a to 56c, or 58a to 58c. The elastic member guiding device 1 changes the position of the elastic member E guided by each guide portion 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, 48a to 48c (guides 50a to 50c, 52a to 52b, 54, 56a to 56c, 58a to 58c) relative to the continuous sheet S1 in the first direction D1 by moving the guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, 48a to 48c (guides 50a to 50c, 52a to 52b, 54, 56a to 56c, 58a to 58c) in the first direction D1.

[0047] 2, the guide holes H of guides 50a to 50c, 52a to 52b, and 54 are aligned in the left-right direction (first direction D1) so as to be positioned at the same position in the front-rear direction, and the guide holes H of guides 56a to 56c and 58a to 58c are aligned in the left-right direction (first direction D1) so as to be positioned at the same position in the front-rear direction. However, the positions of the guide holes H of guides 50a to 50c, 52a to 52b, and 54 may be offset from one another in the front-rear direction, and the positions of the guide holes H of guides 56a to 56c and 58a to 58c may be offset from one another in the front-rear direction.

[0048] (2-3) Drive Units and Transmission Mechanism Drive units 10a to 10c are an example of a plurality of first drive units / second drive units. Drive units 12a to 12b are an example of a plurality of first drive units / second drive units. Drive units 16a to 16c are an example of a plurality of second drive units / first drive units. Drive units 18a to 18c are an example of a plurality of second drive units / first drive units.

[0049] Each of the drive units 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 14, 16a to 16c, and 18a to 18c is a servo motor capable of precise rotation control. The drive units 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 14, 16a to 16c, and 18a to 18c are not limited to servo motors, but in order to move the guide units 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c to desired positions with high precision, it is preferable that the drive units 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 14, 16a to 16c, and 18a to 18c are servo motors.

[0050] Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, the drive units 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 14, 16a to 16c, and 18a to 18c are installed in positions such that their rotation axes extend vertically. The drive units 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 14, 16a to 16c, and 18a to 18c are disposed below the belt transmission mechanisms 20a to 20c, 22a to 22b, 24, 26a to 26c, and 28a to 28c.

[0051] 5, the driving units 10a, 10b, and 10c, which are examples of a first driving unit and a second driving unit, are provided corresponding to one of the guide units 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are examples of a plurality of first guide units and a plurality of second guide units. The driving units 10a, 10b, and 10c move the corresponding guide units 40a, 40b, and 40c along the first direction D1.

[0052] Specifically, the drive units 10a, 10b, and 10c are connected to drive pulleys 202a, 202b, and 202c of the corresponding transmission mechanisms 20a, 20b, and 20c, respectively (see FIG. 3). Guide units 40a, 40b, and 40c corresponding to the transmission mechanisms 20a, 20b, and 20c are attached to portions of the belts 204a, 204b, and 204c of the transmission mechanisms 20a, 20b, and 20c that extend parallel to the first direction D1. When the drive units 10a, 10b, 10c rotate the drive pulleys 202a, 202b, 202c, the portions of the belts 204a, 204b, 204c wound around the drive pulleys 202a, 202b, 202c and the driven pulleys 206a, 206b, 206c to which the corresponding guide units 40a, 40b, 40c are attached move in the first direction D1, and as a result, the guide units 40a, 40b, 40c move in the first direction D1 along the support rail 92a (see Figure 3).

[0053] 5, the driving units 12a and 12b, which are examples of a first driving unit and a second driving unit, are provided corresponding to one of the guide units 42a and 42b, which are examples of a plurality of first guide units and a plurality of second guide units, respectively. The driving units 12a and 12b move the corresponding guide units 42a and 42b along the first direction D1.

[0054] Specifically, the drive units 12a and 12b are coupled to drive pulleys 222a and 222b of the corresponding transmission mechanisms 22a and 22b, respectively (see FIG. 3). Guide units 42a and 42b corresponding to the transmission mechanisms 22a and 22b are attached to portions of the belts 224a and 224b of the transmission mechanisms 22a and 22b that extend parallel to the first direction D1. When the drive units 12a and 12b rotate the drive pulleys 222a and 222b, portions of the belts 224a and 224b wound around the drive pulleys 222a and 222b and the driven pulleys 226a and 226b, to which the corresponding guide units 42a and 42b are attached, move in the first direction D1. As a result, the guide units 42a and 42b move in the first direction D1 along the support rail 92b (see FIG. 3).

[0055] 5, the driving units 14 are provided corresponding to the guide units 44. The driving units 14 move the corresponding guide units 44 along the first direction D1.

[0056] Specifically, each drive unit 14 is coupled to a drive pulley 242 of a corresponding transmission mechanism 24 (see FIG. 3). A guide unit 44 corresponding to the transmission mechanism 24 is attached to a portion of the belt 244 of the transmission mechanism 24 that extends parallel to the first direction D1. When the drive unit 14 rotates the drive pulley 242, the portion of the belt 244 wound around the drive pulley 242 and the driven pulley 246 to which the corresponding guide unit 44 is attached moves in the first direction D1, and as a result, the guide unit 44 moves in the first direction D1 along the support rail 92b (see FIG. 3).

[0057] 5, the driving units 16a, 16b, and 16c, which are examples of second driving units and first driving units, are provided corresponding to one of the guide units 46a, 46b, and 46c, which are examples of a plurality of second guide units and first guide units, respectively. The driving units 16a, 16b, and 16c move the corresponding guide units 46a, 46b, and 46c along the first direction D1.

[0058] Specifically, the drive units 16a, 16b, and 16c are connected to drive pulleys 262a, 262b, and 262c of the corresponding transmission mechanisms 26a, 26b, and 26c, respectively (see FIG. 1). Guide units 46a, 46b, and 46c corresponding to the transmission mechanisms 26a, 26b, and 26c are attached to portions of the belts 264a, 264b, and 264c of the transmission mechanisms 26a, 26b, and 26c that extend parallel to the first direction D1. When the drive units 16a, 16b, 16c rotate the drive pulleys 262a, 262b, 262c, the portions of the belts 264a, 264b, 264c wound around the drive pulleys 262a, 262b, 262c and the driven pulleys 266a, 266b, 266c to which the corresponding guide units 46a, 46b, 46c are attached move in the first direction D1, and as a result, the guide units 46a, 46b, 46c move in the first direction D1 along the support rail 92a (see Figure 1).

[0059] 5, the drive units 18a, 18b, and 18c of the second drive unit / first drive unit are provided corresponding to one of the guide units 46a, 46b, and 46c serving as the plurality of second guide units / first guide units, respectively. The drive units 18a, 18b, and 18c move the corresponding guide units 48a, 48b, and 48c along the first direction D1.

[0060] Specifically, the drive units 18a, 18b, and 18c are connected to drive pulleys 282a, 282b, and 282c of the corresponding transmission mechanisms 28a, 28b, and 28c, respectively (see FIG. 1). Guide units 48a, 48b, and 48c corresponding to the transmission mechanisms 28a, 28b, and 28c are attached to portions of the belts 284a, 284b, and 284c of the transmission mechanisms 28a, 28b, and 28c that extend parallel to the first direction D1. When the drive units 18a, 18b, 18c rotate the drive pulleys 282a, 282b, 282c, the portions of the belts 284a, 284b, 284c wound around the drive pulleys 282a, 282b, 282c and the driven pulleys 286a, 286b, 286c to which the corresponding guide units 48a, 48b, 48c are attached move in the first direction D1, and as a result, the guide units 48a, 48b, 48c move in the first direction D1 along the support rail 92a (see Figure 1).

[0061] Here, the driven pulleys 206a to 206c of the transmission mechanisms 20a to 20c have the same diameter, and the driven pulleys 206a to 206c are mounted on the frame 90a so that their rotation axes are aligned on the same line. This configuration simplifies the structure of the elastic member guiding device 1. However, this configuration is not limited to this; the diameters of the driven pulleys 206a to 206c may be different, and the rotation axes of the driven pulleys 206a to 206c do not have to be aligned on the same line. Although detailed description will be omitted, the same applies to the driven pulleys 226a to 226b and 246 of the transmission mechanisms 22a to 22b and 24, the driven pulleys 266a to 266c of the transmission mechanisms 26a to 26c, and the driven pulleys 286a to 286c of the transmission mechanisms 28a to 28c.

[0062] Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, the drive units 10a, 12a, 16a, and 18a use motors with higher output than the other drive units. The guide unit 40a associated with the drive unit 10a is a guide unit that may have a larger amount of movement than the guide units 40b and 40c when the elastic member guiding device 1 is in operation. The guide unit 42a associated with the drive unit 12a is a guide unit that may have a larger amount of movement than the guide unit 42b when the elastic member guiding device 1 is in operation. The guide unit 46a associated with the drive unit 16a is a guide unit that may have a larger amount of movement than the guide units 46b and 46c when the elastic member guiding device 1 is in operation. The guide unit 48a associated with the drive unit 18a is a guide unit that may have a larger amount of movement than the guide units 48b and 48c when the elastic member guiding device 1 is in operation. As in this embodiment, by associating guide sections that may have a large amount of movement with drive sections that have a large output within the same guide section group, it is possible to move all guide sections at a relatively high speed when operating the elastic member guiding device 1, and therefore it is possible to accommodate cases where the continuous sheet S1 is transported at a relatively high speed.

[0063] Since the drive units 10a, 12a, 16a, and 18a with high output are larger than the other drive units, they are arranged at both ends of the frames 90a and 90b in the first direction D1 (left-right direction) (see FIGS. 1 and 3). This configuration makes it possible to ensure a working space below the centers of the frames 90a and 90b in the first direction D1.

[0064] (2-4) Control Unit and Operation Unit The control unit 80 is a control device having a CPU, memories such as ROM and RAM, auxiliary storage devices, and various electric and electronic components, all of which are not shown.

[0065] The control unit 80 does not have to be a single device, and multiple devices may work together to function as the control unit 80. The control unit 80 may be realized by software, by hardware, or by software and hardware working together to realize the functions of the control unit 80.

[0066] The operation unit 82 is a device through which an operator inputs commands and settings for causing each part of the elastic member guiding device 1 to perform a desired operation. The operation unit 82 is, for example, various switches or a touch panel. The operation unit 82 is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and the control unit 80 controls the operation of the elastic member guiding device 1 based on the commands and settings input from the operation unit 82.

[0067] The control unit 80 performs, for example, rotation speed control, rotation angle control, forward / reverse rotation switching control, and rotation start / stop control using well-known motor control techniques.

[0068] Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the operation of the drive units 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 14, 16a to 16c, and 18a to 18c, and changes the supply position of the elastic members E with respect to the continuous sheet S1 by each of the guide units 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c in the first direction D1. In particular, in the present invention, the control unit 80 individually controls the operation of each of the plurality of drive units 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 14, 16a to 16c, and 18a to 18c in response to an instruction received by the operation unit 82, so as to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members E with respect to the continuous sheet S1.

[0069] Specifically, the size of the stretchable sheet S to be manufactured (the size of the continuous sheet S1), the size of the disposable diaper 100 to be finally manufactured, or the product number of the disposable diaper 100 to be finally manufactured (hereinafter, for simplicity's sake, referred to as product information) are input to the operation unit 82. The memory of the control unit 80 stores the product information and the operation patterns of the guide units 40a-40c, 42a-42b, 44, 46a-46c, and 48a-48c (in other words, the operation patterns of the drive units 10a-10c, 12a-12b, 14, 16a-16c, and 18a-18c) in association with each other. In other words, the memory of the control unit 80 stores the product information and the arrangement patterns of the elastic members E relative to the continuous sheet S1 in association with each other. When product information is input to the operation unit 82 (when the control unit 80 receives the product information), it reads out the operation pattern of the corresponding guide units 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c (in other words, the arrangement pattern of the elastic member E relative to the continuous sheet S1), and individually controls the operation of the drive units 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 14, 16a to 16c, and 18a to 18c to realize this. However, this is not limited to this, and the operation pattern of guide sections 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, 48a to 48c (in other words, the arrangement pattern of the elastic member E relative to the continuous sheet S1) itself is input to the operation section 82, and the control section 80 may individually control the operation of drive sections 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 14, 16a to 16c, 18a to 18c so as to realize the input operation pattern of guide sections 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, 48a to 48c.

[0070] Furthermore, the above-described product information and the initial positions of the guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c may be stored in association with each other in the memory or the like of the control portion 80. When product information is input to the operation portion 82, the control portion 80 reads out the initial positions of the corresponding guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c, and individually controls the operations of the drive portions 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 14, 16a to 16c, and 18a to 18c so that the guide portions 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c are positioned in their initial positions when the elastic member guiding device 1 starts operating. However, this is not limited to this, and the initial positions of guide sections 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c are directly input to operation section 82, and control section 80 individually controls the operation of drive sections 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 14, 16a to 16c, and 18a to 18c so that guide sections 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c are positioned at their initial positions when operation of elastic member guiding device 1 begins.

[0071] A method for guiding the elastic member E using the elastic member guiding device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that the method and procedure described below are merely examples and may be changed as appropriate within a consistent range.

[0072] First, when operating the elastic member guiding device 1, the operator passes the elastic member E through the guide holes H of the guides 50a to 50c, 52a to 52b, 54, 56a to 56c, and 58a to 58c of the guide sections 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 44, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c, and prepares for operation by guiding the elastic member E to the continuous sheet S1 and partially joining it.

[0073] Next, the operator inputs product information to operation unit 82, and control unit 80 accepts the product information as an instruction (step P1). When the product information is input to operation unit 82, control unit 80 moves guide units 40a-40c, 42a-42b, 44, 46a-46c, and 48a-48c to initial positions corresponding to the input product information (step P2).

[0074] Thereafter, conveyance of the continuous sheet S1 begins (step P3). When conveyance of the continuous sheet S1 begins in step P3, the elastic member E joined to the continuous sheet S1 is also unwound from the roll R and fed to the continuous sheet S1.

[0075] In this state, the control unit 80 controls the operation of the multiple drive units 10a-10c, 12a-12b, 14, 16a-16c, 18a-18c so as to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic member E relative to the continuous sheet S1 (so as to realize the operation pattern of the guide units 40a-40c, 42a-42b, 44, 46a-46c, 48a-48c according to the product information) in accordance with the product information input to the operation unit 82 (step P4).

[0076] For example, when product information A is input to operation unit 82, control unit 80 controls the operations of multiple drive units 10a-10c, 12a-12b, 14, 16a-16c, and 18a-18c so that elastic member E is arranged on continuous sheet S1 in the manner shown in Fig. 7A. Furthermore, when product information B is input to operation unit 82, control unit 80 controls the operations of multiple drive units 10a-10c, 12a-12b, 14, 16a-16c, and 18a-18c so that elastic member E is arranged on continuous sheet S1 in the manner shown in Fig. 7A.

[0077] Specifically, in the state shown in Figure 7A, the control unit 80 does not move the guide portion 44 (guide 54 of the guide portion 44) and the guide portion 46c (guide 56c of the guide portion 46c) in the first direction D1 (does not operate the drive units 14, 16c). On the other hand, the control unit 80 controls the operation of the drive units 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 16a to 16b, 18a to 18c to move the guide units 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 46a to 46b, 48a to 48c (guides 50a to 50c of guide units 40a to 40c, guides 52a to 52b of guide units 42a to 42b, guides 56a to 56b of guide units 46a to 46b, and guides 58a to 58c of guide units 48a to 48c) other than the guide units 44 and 46c in a predetermined pattern in the first direction D1 so that the elastic member E is arranged in a trajectory as shown in FIG. 7A.

[0078] 7B , the control unit 80 does not move the guide unit 44 (the guide 54 of the guide unit 44) in the first direction D1 (does not operate the drive unit 14). In this way, the guide unit 44 may be immobile in the first direction D1 when guiding the elastic member E to guide the conveyed continuous sheet S1 (in other words, when the elastic member guiding device 1 is operating). In other words, the guide unit 44 is an example of a stationary guide unit.

[0079] On the other hand, the control unit 80 controls the operation of the drive units 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 16a to 16b, 18a to 18c to move the guide units 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 46a to 46c, 48a to 48c (guides 50a to 50c of guide units 40a to 40c, guides 52a to 52b of guide units 42a to 42b, guides 56a to 56c of guide units 46a to 46c, and guides 58a to 58c of guide units 48a to 48c) other than the guide unit 44 in a predetermined pattern in the first direction D1 so that the elastic member E is arranged in a trajectory as shown in FIG. 7B. Comparing Figures 7A and 7B, in the state of Figure 7B, the control unit 80 moves the guides 50b, 50c, 52a, 52b, 56a, 56b, 58a, 58b (guide sections 40b, 40c, 42a, 42b, 46a, 46b, 48a, 48b) more in the first direction D1 than in the state of Figure 7A.

[0080] Note that Figures 7A and 7B merely show examples of arrangement patterns of the elastic members E relative to the continuous sheet S1, and the arrangement pattern of the elastic members E relative to the continuous sheet S1 may be designed as appropriate according to the required specifications.

[0081] The effects obtained by the configuration of the present invention compared to the conventional elastic member guiding device disclosed in Patent Document 1 (WO 2009 / 147957) will be described.

[0082] If the configuration of a conventional elastic member guiding device were applied to the present invention, for example, although individual transmission mechanisms would be provided for the components corresponding to guide portions 46 a to 46 c of the present invention, the three transmission mechanisms provided corresponding to the components corresponding to guide portions 46 a to 46 c would be operated by a single drive unit. In such a configuration, it is not possible to move guide portions 46 a and 46 b in the first direction D1 while keeping guide portion 46 c stationary, as in the embodiment of FIG. 7A .

[0083] Furthermore, if the configuration of a conventional elastic member guiding device were applied to the present invention, for example, although individual transmission mechanisms would be provided for the components corresponding to guide portions 40a-40c of the present invention, the three transmission mechanisms provided corresponding to the components corresponding to guide portions 40a-40c would be operated by a single drive unit. In such a configuration, the ratio of the amount of movement of guide portion 40a, the amount of movement of guide portion 40b, and the amount of movement of guide portion 40c would always be constant. To give a specific example, in the configuration of the conventional elastic member guiding device, if moving guide portion 40a by a distance "X" in first direction D1 causes guide portion 40b to move by a distance "Y," then moving guide portion 40a by a distance "2X" in first direction D1 would cause guide portion 40b to move by a distance "2Y." In such a configuration, for example, it is not possible to move guide portion 40a a distance "2X" in the first direction D1 while moving guide portion 40b only "1.5Y" without making a physical configuration change, such as replacing the transmission mechanism.

[0084] In contrast to this, in the present invention, in particular, individual drive units 10a to 10c, 12a to 12b, 16a to 16c, and 18a to 18c are provided for guide units 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c, respectively, so that guide units 40a to 40c, 42a to 42b, 46a to 46c, and 48a to 48c have a high degree of freedom of movement, and it is easy to arrange the elastic member E in a desired shape relative to the continuous sheet S1.

[0085] As a restriction, for example, because the guide portions 40a to 40c are attached to the same support rail 92a, the guide portions 40b and 40c cannot be moved to the left of the guide portion 40a (see FIG. 2). In other words, in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 2, the guide portions 40b and 40c cannot guide the elastic member E on the continuous sheet S1 to the left of the position where the guide portion 40a guides the elastic member E. However, for example, if the elastic member guiding device 1 is provided with different support rails (support rails that support each of the guide portions 40a to 40c so that they can slide in the first direction D1) for each of the guide portions 40a to 40c and is configured so that the guide portion 40b and the guide portion 40c can move to the left of the guide portion 40a, the guide portion 40b or the guide portion 40c can guide the elastic member E to the left of the position where the guide portion 40a guides the elastic member E. In this case, the elastic member E can be arranged so that the elastic member E guided by the guide portion 40b or the guide portion 40c intersects with the elastic member E guided by the guide portion 40a on the sheet surface of the continuous sheet S1.

[0086] Furthermore, even in the configuration of the above embodiment, for example, by using a guide portion 40a attached to the support rail 92a and a guide portion 46a attached to the support rail 94a, it is possible to arrange the elastic member E guided by the guide portion 40a so that it intersects with the elastic member E guided by the guide portion 46a on the sheet surface of the continuous sheet S1.

[0087] (3) Features (3-1) The elastic member guiding device 1 guides a plurality of elastic members E to the conveyed continuous sheet S1 such that the plurality of elastic members E extending along the conveyance direction MD of the continuous sheet S1 are aligned in a first direction D1 intersecting the conveyance direction MD of the continuous sheet S1. The elastic member guiding device 1 includes guide units 40a to 40c as an example of a plurality of first guide units, drive units 10a to 10c as an example of a plurality of first drive units, and a control unit 80.

[0088] To avoid redundancy, repeated descriptions will be omitted here. However, in the descriptions of (3-1) to (3-4) and (3-8), guide portions 40a to 40c may be read as guide portions 42a to 42b, and drive portions 10a to 10c may be read as drive portions 12a to 12b. Guide portions 40a to 40c may be read as guide portions 46a to 46c, and drive portions 10a to 10c may be read as drive portions 16a to 16c. Guide portions 40a to 40c may be read as guide portions 48a to 48c, and drive portions 10a to 10c may be read as drive portions 18a to 18c.

[0089] The multiple guide sections 40a to 40c are arranged side by side along the first direction D1. Each of the multiple guide sections 40a to 40c guides the elastic member E relative to the conveyed continuous sheet S1. Each of the multiple drive sections 10a to 10c is provided corresponding to one of the multiple guide sections 40a to 40c. Each of the multiple drive sections 10a to 10c moves the corresponding guide section 40a to 40c along the first direction D1. The control section 80 controls the operation of the multiple drive sections 10a to 10c and changes the supply position of the elastic member E relative to the continuous sheet S1 by each of the multiple guide sections 40a to 40c in the first direction D1. The control section 80 individually controls the operation of each of the multiple drive sections 10a to 10c in response to the received instruction so as to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic member E relative to the continuous sheet S1.

[0090] The elastic member guiding device 1 has multiple drive units 10a-10c, each associated with one of multiple guide units 40a-40c arranged along the first direction D1. The control unit 80 individually controls the operation of each of the multiple drive units 10a-10c in response to a received instruction to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members E on the continuous sheet S1. Therefore, the elastic member guiding device 1 offers a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of the elastic members E on the continuous sheet S1, allowing the elastic members E to be arranged in a desired pattern on the continuous sheet S1 without any physical modifications to the device. As a result, a worn article manufactured using the continuous sheet S1 on which the elastic members E are arranged can have desired stretchability at desired positions.

[0091] (3-2) In the elastic member guiding device 1, each of the multiple guide sections 40a to 40c has a guide 50a to 50c for guiding the elastic member E relative to the conveyed continuous sheet S1. Each of the guides 50a to 50c guides a single elastic member E. At least one of the multiple guide sections 40a to 40c has only one of the guides 50a to 50c.

[0092] At least one of the guide sections 40a to 40c guides a single elastic member E, and one drive section is provided corresponding to this guide section, and the control section 80 controls the operation of this drive section individually, thereby realizing a high degree of freedom in the positioning of the elastic member E relative to the continuous sheet S1 in the elastic member guiding device 1.

[0093] In particular, in the elastic member guiding device 1 of the above embodiment, each of the plurality of guide portions 40 a to 40 c has only one guide 50 a to 50 c. In this elastic member guiding device 1, the degree of freedom in arranging the elastic member E relative to the continuous sheet S1 can be particularly increased.

[0094] However, the elastic member guiding device of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and all or some of the plurality of guide portions 40a to 40c may have a plurality of guides.

[0095] (3-3) The elastic member guiding device 1 includes a support rail 92a that supports the guide portions 40a to 40c so that they can slide in the first direction D1. In the elastic member guiding device 1, a plurality of the guide portions 40a to 40c are attached to one support rail 92a.

[0096] In the above description, when the guide portions 40a to 40c are read as the guide portions 42a to 42b, the guide portions 46a to 46c, or the guide portions 48a to 48c, the reference numerals of the support rails may also be read as appropriate.

[0097] In this way, by using a common support rail for the plurality of guide portions 40a to 40c, the device can be simplified.

[0098] (3-4) In the elastic member guiding device 1, the control unit 80 individually controls the operation of each of the multiple drive units 10a to 10c in accordance with the received instruction before starting to convey the continuous sheet S1, so that each of the multiple guide units 40a to 40c is positioned at a predetermined initial position.

[0099] By configuring the device in this manner, it is possible to position each of the multiple guide sections 40a to 40c in the desired initial position according to instructions without making any physical changes to the device, and the elastic member guiding device can be set efficiently even when the product to be manufactured using the elastic member guiding device is changed.

[0100] (3-5) The elastic member guiding device 1 includes a guide unit 44 as an example of a stationary guide unit. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , the guide unit 44 is stationary in the first direction D1 (does not move in the first direction D1) when guiding the elastic member E relative to the conveyed continuous sheet S1 (in other words, when the elastic member guiding device 1 is operating).

[0101] In the above embodiment, the drive unit 14 is provided corresponding to the guide unit 44, and the control unit 80 automatically moves the guide unit 44 to its initial position in response to, for example, an instruction input to the operation unit 82. However, if such a function is not required, the drive unit 14 corresponding to the guide unit 44 may be omitted. Furthermore, if it is not necessary to change the position of the guide unit 44, the guide unit 44 may be fixed to the support rail 92b so as not to move in the first direction D1.

[0102] Note that, here, the guide portion 44 is described as a stationary guide portion that is immobile in the first direction D1 when the elastic member guiding device 1 is in operation, but is not limited to this. The guide portion 44 may also be a guide portion (first guide portion) that moves in the first direction D1 when the elastic member guiding device 1 is in operation.

[0103] (3-6) To avoid redundancy, repeated descriptions will be omitted. In the descriptions of (3-6) to (3-7), frame 90a may be read as frame 90b, and frame 90b may be read as frame 90a. Furthermore, guide portions 40a to 40c, which are an example of a first guide portion, may be read as guide portions 46a to 46b, and drive portions 10a to 10c, which are an example of a first drive portion, may be read as drive portions 16a to 16b. Furthermore, guide portions 46a to 46c, which are an example of a second guide portion, may be read as guide portions 40a to 40b, and drive portions 16a to 16c, which are an example of a second drive portion, may be read as drive portions 10a to 10b. Furthermore, to avoid complication, detailed descriptions will be omitted. The terms "guide portion" and "drive portion" may be appropriately interpreted in accordance with the descriptions of the above embodiments.

[0104] The elastic member guiding device 1 includes a frame 90a as an example of a first frame, guide portions 46a-46c as an example of a plurality of second guide portions, drive portions 16a-16c as an example of a plurality of second drive portions, and a frame 90b as an example of a second frame. The frame 90a is provided with the plurality of guide portions 40a-40c and the plurality of drive portions 10a-10c. The guide portions 46a-46c are arranged side by side along the first direction D1. Each of the plurality of guide portions 46a-46c guides the elastic member E relative to the conveyed continuous sheet S1. Each of the plurality of drive portions 16a-16c is provided corresponding to one of the plurality of guide portions 46a-46c. Each of the plurality of drive portions 16a-16c moves the corresponding 46a-46c along the first direction D1. A plurality of guide portions 46a to 46c and a plurality of drive units 16a to 16c are attached to the frame 90b. The frame 90b is disposed relative to the frame 90a such that the plurality of guide portions 46a to 46c face the plurality of guide portions 40a to 40c attached to the frame 90a. In other words, the frame 90b is disposed relative to the frame 90a such that the side of the frame 90a on which the guide portions 40a to 40c are disposed (the front side in FIG. 1) faces the side of the frame 90a on which the guide portions 46a to 46c are disposed (the rear side in FIG. 1). The control unit 80 controls the operation of the plurality of drive units 16a to 16c to change the supply position of the elastic member E with respect to the continuous sheet S1 by each of the plurality of guide portions 46a to 46c in the first direction D1. The control unit 80 individually controls the operations of the plurality of drive units 10a to 10c and the plurality of drive units 16a to 16c so as to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members E with respect to the continuous sheet S1 in accordance with the received instruction.

[0105] In the elastic member guiding device 1, by providing the guide portions 40a to 40c and the guide portions 46a to 46c on separate frames, it is possible to prevent the guide portions (guide portions 40a to 40c and guide portions 46a to 46c) from interfering with each other even when the elastic members E are placed close to each other in the first direction D1 on the continuous sheet S1.

[0106] (3-7) In the elastic member guiding device 1, the frame 90a is movable relative to the frame 90b in the first direction D1.

[0107] When the frames 90a and 90b are arranged adjacent to each other, it may be difficult to secure a working space during maintenance of the elastic member guiding device 1. In contrast, by making the frame 90a movable relative to the frame 90b in the first direction D1, it is possible to prevent the frame 90b from getting in the way of maintenance work on the equipment on the frame 90a side, or conversely, the frame 90a from getting in the way of maintenance work on the equipment on the frame 90b side.

[0108] (3-8) The elastic member guiding method is a method for guiding a plurality of elastic members E to a conveyed continuous sheet S1 such that the plurality of elastic members E extending along the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet S1 are arranged side by side in a first direction D1 intersecting the conveyance direction MD of the continuous sheet S1. The elastic member guiding method includes a conveying step (step P3) and a guiding step (step P4). In the conveying step, the continuous sheet S1 is conveyed. In the guiding step, a control unit 80 controls the movement of a plurality of guide units 40a-40b arranged side by side along the first direction D1, each of which guides the elastic members E to the conveyed continuous sheet S1, and individually controls the operation of each of the guide units 40a-40b in response to a received instruction to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members E relative to the continuous sheet S1, thereby guiding the elastic members E to the conveyed continuous sheet S1.

[0109] By using this method, when a wearing article is manufactured using the continuous sheet on which the elastic members are arranged, the desired stretchability can be imparted to the wearing article at a desired position.

[0110] (4) Modifications (4-1) Modification A In the above embodiment, a belt transmission mechanism is used as the transmission mechanism, but the type of transmission mechanism is not limited to the belt transmission mechanism. For example, a chain transmission mechanism, a ball screw, or the like may be used as the transmission mechanism.

[0111] (4-2) Modification B In the above embodiment, the control unit 80 receives instructions (product information) from the operation unit 82, but the control unit 80 may also receive instructions from a device other than the operation unit 82. For example, the control unit 80 may receive instructions transmitted from a tablet terminal or the like operated by an operator.

[0112] <Additional Notes> Finally, the following additional notes will be added regarding the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiments.

[0113] An elastic member guiding device according to a first aspect of the present invention guides a plurality of elastic members relative to a conveyed continuous sheet such that the plurality of elastic members extending along the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet are arranged side by side in a first direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet. The elastic member guiding device includes a plurality of first guide units, a plurality of first drive units, and a control unit. The plurality of first guide units are arranged side by side along the first direction. Each of the plurality of first guide units guides an elastic member relative to the conveyed continuous sheet. Each of the plurality of first drive units is provided corresponding to one of the plurality of first guide units. Each of the plurality of first drive units moves the corresponding first guide unit along the first direction. The control unit controls the operation of the plurality of first drive units to change the supply position of the elastic member relative to the continuous sheet by each of the plurality of first guide units in the first direction. The control unit individually controls the operation of each of the plurality of first drive units in response to a received instruction to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members relative to the continuous sheet.

[0114] In the elastic member guiding device of the first aspect, a plurality of first drive units are provided, each of which corresponds to one of a plurality of first guide units. The control unit then individually controls the operation of each of the plurality of first drive units in response to a received instruction to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members on the continuous sheet. Therefore, this elastic member guiding device has a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of the elastic members on the continuous sheet, and the elastic members can be arranged on the continuous sheet in a desired pattern without making any physical modifications to the device. As a result, a wearing article manufactured using the continuous sheet on which the elastic members are arranged can have desired stretchability at desired positions.

[0115] The elastic member guiding device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the elastic member guiding device according to the first aspect, wherein each of the plurality of first guide sections has a guide for guiding the elastic member with respect to the conveyed continuous sheet, and the guide guides a single elastic member, and at least one of the plurality of first guide sections has only one guide.

[0116] In the elastic member guiding device of the second aspect, at least one first guide portion guides a single elastic member. In this elastic member guiding device, one first drive portion is provided corresponding to such a first guide portion, and the control portion controls the operation of each of the first drive portions individually, thereby realizing a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of the elastic member relative to the continuous sheet.

[0117] An elastic member guiding device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the elastic member guiding device according to the second aspect, wherein all of the plurality of first guide portions have only one guide.

[0118] In the elastic member guiding device according to the third aspect, the degree of freedom in arranging the elastic members relative to the continuous sheet can be particularly increased.

[0119] An elastic member guiding device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the elastic member guiding device according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a support rail that supports the first guide portion so that the first guide portion is slidable in the first direction. A plurality of first guide portions are attached to one support rail.

[0120] In the elastic member guide device of the fourth aspect, the support rails of the plurality of first guide portions are made common, thereby making it possible to simplify the device.

[0121] An elastic member guiding device of a fifth aspect of the present invention is an elastic member guiding device of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit individually controls the operation of each of the multiple first drive units in accordance with a received instruction before conveying of the continuous sheet begins, so that each of the multiple first guide units is positioned at a predetermined initial position.

[0122] In the elastic member guiding device of the fifth aspect, it is possible to position each of the multiple first guide sections in the desired initial position according to instructions without making any physical changes to the device, and the elastic member guiding device can be set efficiently even when the product manufactured using the elastic member guiding device is changed.

[0123] An elastic member guiding device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the elastic member guiding device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a stationary guide portion, which guides the elastic member relative to the conveyed continuous sheet and is immovable in the first direction when guiding the elastic member.

[0124] An elastic member guiding device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the elastic member guiding device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising: a first frame, a plurality of second guide sections, a plurality of second drive sections, and a second frame. The first frame is provided with the plurality of first guide sections and the plurality of first drive sections attached thereto. The plurality of second guide sections are arranged in a line along a first direction. Each of the plurality of second guide sections guides the elastic member relative to the conveyed continuous sheet. The plurality of second drive sections are each provided corresponding to one of the plurality of second guide sections. Each of the plurality of second drive sections moves the corresponding second guide section along the first direction. The second frame is provided with the plurality of second guide sections and the plurality of second drive sections attached thereto. The second frame is arranged relative to the first frame such that the plurality of second guide sections face the plurality of first guide sections attached to the first frame. The control section controls the operation of the plurality of second drive sections to change the supply position of the elastic member relative to the continuous sheet by each of the plurality of second guide sections in the first direction. The control unit individually controls the operations of the plurality of first drive units and the plurality of second drive units in accordance with the received instruction so as to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members relative to the continuous sheet.

[0125] In the elastic member guide device of the seventh aspect, by providing the first guide portion and the second guide portion on separate frames, it is possible to prevent the guide portions (the first guide portion and the second guide portion) from interfering with each other even in cases where the elastic members are placed close to each other in the first direction on the continuous sheet.

[0126] An elastic member guiding device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the elastic member guiding device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the first frame is movable relative to the second frame in the first direction.

[0127] When the first frame and the second frame are arranged adjacent to each other, it may be difficult to secure a working space during maintenance of the elastic member guiding device, etc. In contrast, by making the first frame movable relative to the second frame in the first direction, it is possible to prevent the second frame from getting in the way of maintenance work on the equipment on the first frame side, or conversely, the first frame from getting in the way of maintenance work on the equipment on the second frame side.

[0128] A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a method for guiding a plurality of elastic members relative to a conveyed continuous sheet such that the plurality of elastic members, extending along the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet, are arranged side by side in a first direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet. The elastic member guiding method includes a conveying step and a guiding step. In the conveying step, the continuous sheet is conveyed. In the guiding step, a control unit controls the movement of a plurality of first guide units, which are arranged side by side along the first direction and each guide an elastic member relative to the conveyed continuous sheet, in response to a received instruction, and individually controls the operation of each of the first guide units to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members relative to the continuous sheet, thereby guiding the elastic members relative to the conveyed continuous sheet.

[0129] In the elastic member guiding method of the ninth aspect, when a wearing article is manufactured using a continuous sheet having elastic members arranged thereon, which is manufactured using this method, it is possible to impart desired stretchability to a desired position of the wearing article.

[0130] 1 Elastic member guide device 10a to 10c Drive unit (first drive unit / second drive unit) 12a to 12b Drive unit (first drive unit / second drive unit) 14 Drive unit (first drive unit / second drive unit) 16a to 16c Drive unit (second drive unit / first drive unit) 18a to 18c Drive unit (second drive unit / first drive unit) 40a to 40c Guide unit (first guide unit / second guide unit) 42a to 42b Guide unit (first guide unit / second guide unit) 44 Guide unit (stationary guide unit, first guide unit / second guide unit) 46a to 46c Guide unit (second guide unit / first guide unit) 48a to 48c Guide unit (second guide unit / first guide unit) 50a to 50c Guide 52a to 52b Guide 54 Guide 56a to 56c Guides 58a to 58c Guides 80 Control section 90a Frame (first frame / second frame) 90b Frame (second frame / first frame) D1 First direction E Elastic member MD Conveying direction S1 Continuous sheet

Claims

1. An elastic member guiding device that guides a plurality of elastic members to a conveyed continuous sheet so that the elastic members, which extend along the conveying direction of the continuous sheet, are arranged side by side in a first direction that intersects with the conveying direction of the continuous sheet, the elastic member guiding device comprising: a plurality of first guide sections that are arranged side by side along the first direction, each guiding the elastic member to the conveyed continuous sheet; a plurality of first drive sections, each of which is provided corresponding to one of the plurality of first guide sections, and moves the corresponding first guide section along the first direction; and a control section that controls the operation of the plurality of first drive sections and changes the supply position of the elastic members to the continuous sheet by each of the plurality of first guide sections in the first direction, wherein the control section individually controls the operation of each of the plurality of first drive sections so as to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members with respect to the continuous sheet in accordance with a received instruction.

2. An elastic member guiding device as described in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first guide sections has a guide for guiding a single elastic member in order to guide the elastic member relative to the continuous sheet being transported, and at least one of the plurality of first guide sections has only one guide.

3. The elastic member guide device according to claim 2, wherein all of the plurality of first guide portions have only one of the guides.

4. An elastic member guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a support rail that supports the first guide portion so that the first guide portion can slide in a first direction, and wherein a plurality of the first guide portions are attached to one support rail.

5. An elastic member guide device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit individually controls the operation of each of the plurality of first drive units in accordance with a received instruction before conveyance of the continuous sheet begins, so that each of the plurality of first guide units is positioned at a predetermined initial position.

6. An elastic member guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a stationary guide portion that guides the elastic member relative to the conveyed continuous sheet and that is immovable in the first direction when guiding the elastic member.

7. The feeding device further comprises: a first frame to which the plurality of first guide sections and the plurality of first drive sections are attached; a plurality of second guide sections arranged in line along the first direction, each of which guides the elastic member relative to the conveyed continuous sheet; a plurality of second drive sections, each of which is provided corresponding to one of the plurality of second guide sections and moves the corresponding second guide section along the first direction; and a second frame to which the plurality of second guide sections and the plurality of second drive sections are attached, and which is arranged relative to the first frame so that the plurality of second guide sections face the plurality of first guide sections attached to the first frame; wherein the control section controls the operation of the plurality of second drive sections and further changes, in the first direction, the supply positions of the elastic members relative to the continuous sheet by each of the plurality of second guide sections; and the control section individually controls the operation of each of the plurality of first drive sections and the plurality of second drive sections so as to change the arrangement pattern of the elastic members relative to the continuous sheet in accordance with the received instruction. The elastic member guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An elastic member guiding device according to claim 7, wherein the first frame is movable relative to the second frame in the first direction.

9. A method for guiding a plurality of elastic members to a conveyed continuous sheet so that the plurality of elastic members extending along the conveying direction of the continuous sheet are arranged side by side in a first direction intersecting the conveying direction of the continuous sheet, the method comprising: a conveying step of conveying the continuous sheet; and a guiding step of guiding the elastic members to the conveyed continuous sheet by a control unit that controls the movement of a plurality of first guide units that are arranged side by side along the first direction and each guides the elastic member to the conveyed continuous sheet, by individually controlling the operation of each of the first guide units so that the arrangement pattern of the elastic members with respect to the continuous sheet is changed in accordance with a received instruction.

Images