Sending method and sending device

Abstract

Provided are a sending method and a sending device which, when a sheet laminate formed by folding an elongated corrugated cardboard sheet in a bellows shape is sent toward a downstream process, are capable of inhibiting occurrence of unnecessary folding in the corrugated cardboard sheet.　The sending method includes: a disposing step for disposing the sheet laminate such that sheet segments of the sheet laminate formed through repetition of mountain folding and valley folding of a plurality of the sheet segments are positioned along the vertical direction; and a sending step for sending the sheet segments in order from the front which is one end in the horizontal direction of the sheet laminate.　In the sending step, it is preferable that the sheet laminate is inclined from the front toward the rear which is the other end in the horizontal direction, and is sent while maintaining this inclined posture.

Description

Transmission method and transmission device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for unfolding and delivering a length of accordion-folded corrugated cardboard sheet to a downstream process.

[0002] A cardboard box is manufactured by folding and assembling a box blank (hereinafter simply referred to as a blank) cut into a predetermined shape from a cardboard sheet. A blank is usually cut from a single cardboard sheet and then slit or scored where necessary.

[0003] In recent years, there has been a strong demand for producing corrugated cardboard boxes of different sizes to accommodate a wide variety of shapes and sizes of packaged items, leading to the realization of on-demand small-lot packaging of a wide variety of items. In response to this demand, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes preparing long corrugated cardboard sheets, feeding out only the required length when needed, and cutting out blanks of the desired dimensions.

[0004] The feeding device disclosed in Patent Document 1 pulls out a cardboard sheet from a sheet stack in which a long cardboard sheet is folded into an accordion-like shape, and feeds it toward a downstream process, such as a blank manufacturing device. This sheet stack is formed into an accordion-like shape by repeatedly folding multiple sheet segments in a mountain and valley pattern. The sheet stack used in the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has sheet segments stacked vertically, with the uppermost sheet segment being fed first. In Patent Document 1, a rotating body with a triangular cross section supported at a position higher than the height of the sheet stack rotates while abutting against the back surface of the cardboard sheet, thereby feeding the sheet segments from the uppermost layer of the sheet stack.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-169172

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the cardboard sheet is pulled from a high position where a rotating body is placed to a low position where it is fed. Because the sheet segments are engaged with the rotating body, applying the necessary tensile force to feed the sheet generates strong bending stress in the sheet segments. Therefore, there is a risk that the sheet segments may fold at points other than the original folds. Cardboard boxes made from blanks containing such unnecessary folds cannot be sold as products.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a delivery method and delivery device that can avoid unnecessary folding of sheet segments when delivering a sheet stack formed by folding long cardboard sheets accordion-shaped toward a downstream process.

[0008] The feeding method according to the present disclosure includes an arrangement step of arranging a sheet stack, which is formed by repeating mountain folds and valley folds of a plurality of sheet segments, so that the sheet segments of the sheet stack are aligned in the vertical direction, and a feeding step of feeding out the sheet segments in order from the front, which is one of the horizontal ends of the sheet stack.

[0009] The delivery device according to the present disclosure includes a conveying path along which a stack of sheets formed by repeated mountain folds and valley folds of a plurality of sheet segments is conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side, and a support member disposed downstream of the conveying path and supporting the stack of sheets so that the sheet segments are aligned in the vertical direction V.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, bending stress generated in the sheet segment when the sheet segment is fed in the vertical direction can be reduced, and therefore, bending of the sheet segment can be prevented unless the applied tensile force is greater than necessary.

[0011] 5 is a side view showing a feed-out device according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a feed-out device according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is a six-view diagram showing an inverting bucket constituting the feed-out device according to an embodiment; FIG. 8 is a front view (FV), a side view (SV) and a plan view (PV) showing a transport vehicle constituting the feed-out device according to an embodiment, and a front view (FV) and a plan view (PV) showing a transport vehicle with a pin removed; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the procedure of a feed-out method using the feed-out device according to an embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the procedure of the feed-out method according to an embodiment, following FIG. 5; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the procedure of the feed-out method according to an embodiment, following FIG. 12; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the connection between a preceding sheet stack and a succeeding sheet stack according to an embodiment; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a feed-out state according to an embodiment; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a feed-out state according to an embodiment, following FIG. 16;

[0012] Hereinafter, a delivery method and a delivery device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment, sheet segments SS are sequentially delivered from a sheet stack SL in which the sheet segments SS are arranged along a vertical direction V. Furthermore, in the embodiment, by connecting multiple sheet stacks SL, continuous sheet segments SS can be delivered. Note that in this disclosure, the sheet stack SL is formed by folding a long cardboard sheet into an accordion-like shape by repeatedly folds in the mountain and valley directions. In other words, the cardboard sheet is defined as an assembly of multiple sheet segments SS. Furthermore, the term "along" in this disclosure has a general meaning. For example, "along the vertical direction V" does not necessarily mean that the sheet is parallel to the vertical direction V, but also means that the sheet is inclined, for example, by approximately 15 degrees relative to the vertical direction V. Below, a delivery device 1 suitable for carrying out the delivery method of the present embodiment will be described, followed by a description of the delivery method.

[0013] [Overall Configuration of the Sending Device 1: See FIGS. 1 and 2] The sending device 1 includes an inverting bucket 10 that inverts the position of the sheet stack SL in the receiving area RA, and a first conveying unit 20 that conveys the sheet stack SL, whose position has been inverted by the inverting bucket 10, toward the sending area DA in the downstream DS. The sending device 1 also includes a second conveying unit 30 that conveys the sheet stack SL from the receiving area RA toward the downstream DS, and a conveying platform 40 on which the sheet stack SL is conveyed from the upstream US to the downstream DS. A conveying roller 61 for conveying the sheet stack SL is provided downstream of the conveying platform 40 in the DS, and the sheet segments SS of the sheet stack SL are sandwiched between the conveying roller 61 and sent toward the downstream DS. The sending device 1 also includes a control unit 50 that controls the operation of the inverting bucket 10, the first conveying unit 20, the second conveying unit 30, and the conveying roller 61.

[0014] In the delivery device 1, an upstream US and a downstream DS, and a conveying direction TD from the upstream US to the downstream DS are defined as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In addition, in the delivery device 1, a longitudinal direction X, a width direction Y, and a height direction Z are defined as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The longitudinal direction X is parallel to the horizontal direction H, and the height direction Z is parallel to the vertical direction V.

[0015] [Inverting bucket 10: see Figures 1, 2, 3, and 5] The inverting bucket 10 receives the sheet stack SL in the receiving area RA and rotates approximately 90° together with the received sheet stack SL to invert the position of the sheet stack SL. Note that when the sheet stack SL is received by the inverting bucket 10, the sheet segments SS in the sheet stack SL are aligned in the horizontal direction H, and after the inverting bucket 10 inverts the sheet stack SL, the sheet segments SS in the sheet stack SL are aligned in the vertical direction V. Note that Figures 1 and 2 show the inverting bucket 10 in a state after it has rotated approximately 90°.

[0016] The reversing bucket 10 includes a bucket assembly 11 that supports the sheet stack SL in a rotational direction, and a drive source 15 that rotates the bucket assembly 11. The drive source 15 selectively performs forward rotation, reverse rotation, and stops operation in accordance with instructions from a control unit 50.

[0017] [Bucket Assembly 11: See Figures 2, 3, and 5] The bucket assembly 11 includes a first support 11A, a second support 11B that is connected to the first support 11A at an obtuse angle, and a side body 11D that is located on one side of the bucket assembly 11 in the width direction Y and straddles the first support 11A and the second support 11B. The first support 11A and the second support 11B are generally L-shaped in side view. Both the first support 11A and the second support 11B are flat, but the second support 11B has a rectangular notch 11C formed in the center in the width direction Y. The notch 11C is provided to prevent interference between a portion of the transport platform 40 and the second support 11B. The side body 11D closes one side of the bucket assembly 11 in the width direction Y. The bucket assembly 11 has an open portion facing the side body 11D in the width direction Y. The sheet stack SL is placed on the first support body 11A through this open portion.

[0018] When receiving the sheet stack SL, the bucket assembly 11 is arranged so that the first support 11A is aligned in the longitudinal direction X and the second support 11B is aligned in the height direction Z (FIG. 5, S11). At this time, the sheet stack SL is placed on the first support 11A, but abuts against the second support 11B at the rear R. At this time, the sheet stack SL abuts against the side body 11D in the width direction Y. This positions the sheet stack SL in the longitudinal direction X and the width direction Y.

[0019] After receiving the sheet stack SL, the bucket assembly 11 is rotated so that the first support 11A is aligned in the vertical direction V and the second support 11B is aligned in the horizontal direction H (FIG. 5, S12, S13). As a result, the sheet stack SL is supported from below in the height direction Z by the second support 11B, and is supported rearward in the longitudinal direction X by the first support 11A. Because the first support 11A and the second support 11B form an obtuse angle, e.g., 95°, the inverted sheet stack SL is tilted toward the rear R on the first support 11A at an angle of 95° with respect to the horizontal direction H. This tilted position of the sheet stack SL is called a rearward tilted position, and the sheet segments SS are fed from the sheet stack SL while this rearward tilted position is maintained.

[0020] [Drive Source 15] The drive source 15 has a drive shaft 16 connected to the side body 11D, and the rotational drive force is transmitted to the side body 11D. The drive shaft 16 may be connected to the side body 11D at any position; for example, the drive shaft 16 may be provided at the intersection of the first support body 11A and the second support body 11B. However, because the portion facing the side body 11D must be open to allow the sheet stack SL to be loaded onto the bucket assembly 11, a cantilever structure is employed to connect the drive shaft 16 to the side body 11D. By providing the drive shaft 16 near the center of the side body 11D, the radius of rotation of the bucket assembly 11 can be reduced, thereby reducing the dimension of the delivery device 1 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0021] [First conveying unit 20: see Figures 1, 2, and 4] Next, the first conveying unit 20 will be described. The first conveying unit 20 is capable of reciprocating movement between the upstream US and the downstream DS along the longitudinal direction X of the conveying platform 40. The first conveying unit 20 conveys the sheet stack SL placed in the receiving area RA toward the downstream DS. Note that movement from the upstream US toward the downstream DS is referred to as "advancing," and conversely, movement from the downstream DS toward the upstream US is referred to as "retracting."

[0022] The first conveying section 20 includes a first conveying vehicle 21 that pushes and conveys the sheet stack SL from the upstream US toward the downstream DS, a rail 26A along which the first conveying vehicle 21 runs when moving back and forth, and a drive mechanism 27 that moves the first conveying vehicle 21 back and forth.

[0023] [First transport vehicle 21: see FIG. 4] The first transport vehicle 21 includes a frame 22, wheels 23 rotatably supported at the lower end of the frame 22, and a plurality of, for example, three pins 25A, 25B, and 25C detachably attached to the frame 22. The frame 22 includes a pair of vertical members 22A extending in the height direction Z and a horizontal member 22B connecting the pair of vertical members 22A at their lower ends. The frame 22 also includes a plurality of, for example, three support members 22C1, 22C2, and 22C3 connecting the pair of vertical members 22A above the horizontal member 22B. The support members 22C1, 22C2, and 22C3 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the support member 22C2.

[0024] Pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are detachably attached to the support members 22C1, 22C2, and 22C3, respectively. The pins 25A, 25B, and 25C support the sheet stack SL from the rear R when the first transport vehicle 21 transports the sheet stack SL. Because the sheet stack SL supported by the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C is tilted backward as described above, the line segment LN connecting the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C is tilted with respect to the height direction Z (vertical direction V). The tilt θ of the line segment LN with respect to the height direction Z is, for example, 5°. In this case, the angle of the rearward posture of the sheet stack SL is 95° with respect to the horizontal direction H. 95° is merely a preferred example, and the tilt θ is individually set according to the specifications, such as the dimensions, of the sheet stack SL. However, it is preferable to select the tilt θ from a range of more than 0° to 10°. In this case, the angle of the posture described below is greater than 90° and less than 110°. The positional relationship of the height direction Z and the like described for the first transport vehicle 21 applies when the first transport vehicle 21 is placed on the transport platform 40.

[0025] [Rail 26A: see FIGS. 1 and 2] The rail 26A of the first transport section 20 is provided on one side (LS) of the transport platform 40 in a plan view, spanning substantially the entire length from the upstream US to the downstream DS in the longitudinal direction X. The first transport vehicle 21 moves forward from the rear R to the front F on this rail 26A, or moves backward from the front F to the rear R.

[0026] [Drive Mechanism 27: See FIG. 1] The drive mechanism 27 applies a driving force to the first transport vehicle 21 to move it forward or backward. The specific structure of the drive mechanism 27 is arbitrary as long as it can perform this function. As an example, a belt 27A forming an endless track is fixed to the first transport vehicle 21. The belt 27A is looped around a pair of pulleys 27B (however, it is hidden and not visible in the upstream US). One of the pair of pulleys 27B is connected to a drive source (not shown), such as a rotating electric motor, and constitutes a driven pulley. The other is supported for free rotation and constitutes a driven pulley. The drive source is controlled to move forward, backward, and stop in response to instructions from the control unit 50. In addition to a belt drive, a drive mechanism using, for example, a ball screw can also be used. Note that the drive mechanism 27 is omitted from FIG. 2.

[0027] In the present embodiment, an example is described in which the drive mechanism 27 is provided separately from the first transport vehicle 21, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first transport vehicle 21 may be provided with a drive source to rotate the wheels 23 to move forward and backward. This first transport vehicle 21 can be said to be self-propelled.

[0028] [Second conveying unit 30: see FIGS. 1, 2, and 4] The second conveying unit 30 receives the sheet stack SL conveyed by the first conveying unit 20 and conveys it forward F. In other words, the second conveying unit 30 and the first conveying unit 20 operate in the same manner, and therefore the second conveying unit 30 can also have the same basic configuration as the first conveying unit 20. Therefore, the same components of the second conveying unit 30 as those of the first conveying unit 20 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first conveying unit 20.

[0029] In the second transport section 30, the rail 26B is provided on the other side (RS) when the transport platform 40 is viewed from above, and has a shorter dimension in the longitudinal direction X than the rail 26A in the first transport section 20. This difference in dimension in the longitudinal direction X is based on the fact that the travel distance of the first transport vehicle 21 in the second transport section 30 is shorter than that of the first transport section 20.

[0030] Furthermore, pins 25A, 25B, and 25C in first transport section 20 protrude from one Line Strip toward the other Line Strip, while pins 35A, 35B, and 35C in second transport section 30 protrude from the other Line Strip toward one Line Strip. Pins 25A, 25B, and 25C in first transport section 20 and pins 35A, 35B, and 35C in second transport section 30 are offset in position in the height direction Z so that first transport vehicle 21 and second transport vehicle 31 do not interfere with each other at the same position in the longitudinal direction X (FIG. 6, S21).

[0031] [Transport Platform 40: See FIGS. 1 and 2] Next, we will explain the transport platform 40. The transport platform 40 includes a receiving area RA that receives the sheet stack SL to be sent out, a sending area DA that sequentially sends out sheet segments SS from the sheet stack SL, and a transport area CA that is provided between the receiving area RA and the sending area DA and through which the sheet stack SL is transported.

[0032] The transport platform 40 also holds the inverting bucket 10, the first transport unit 20, and the second transport unit 30. When the inverting bucket 10 receives the sheet stack SL in the receiving area RA, it inverts its position, thereby preparing for transport of the sheet stack SL through the transport area CA. At this point, the first transport vehicle 21 is positioned so that the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C support the rear R side of the sheet stack SL, and the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are attached to the first transport vehicle 21. By advancing the positioned first transport vehicle 21, the sheet stack SL is transported forward F through the transport area CA. The multiple sheet segments SS that make up the sheet stack SL transported to the delivery area DA are sequentially sent out to the next process. In this way, a series of operations and tasks related to the delivery of the sheet segments SS from the sheet stack SL are performed on the transport platform 40.

[0033] [Controller 50: See FIG. 1 ] The controller 50 automatically executes a series of operations related to the feeding of sheet segments SS from the sheet stack SL by controlling the operation of the drive sources of the inverting bucket 10, the first conveying unit 20, and the second conveying unit 30. The controller 50 is configured with a computer device. However, in the present disclosure, it is not necessarily required to provide a controller 50 that automatically executes operations. In other words, the inverting bucket 10, the first conveying unit 20, and the second conveying unit 30 may each be operated according to instructions from an operator involved in the feeding of the sheet stack SL or from another operator.

[0034] [Feeding Operation: See Figures 5 to 7] Next, a series of steps involved in feeding sheet segments SS from the sheet stack SL will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. The described operation includes the following first step (S1) to third step (S3). In the following, to distinguish between the multiple sheet stacks SL that appear, numbers indicating the order in which they appear will be added after the sheet stack SL. Note that Figures 5 to 7 show only the minimum elements of the feeding device 1 necessary for describing the operation. For example, with respect to the first transport vehicle 21, there are cases where the first transport vehicle 21 is not shown, and only pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are shown (e.g., S13 in Figure 5). The same applies to the second transport vehicle 31 (e.g., S21 in Figure 6).

[0035] First step (FIG. 5): The sheet stack SL1 to be newly sent is received in the receiving area RA and then transported to the sending area DA. The sheet stack SL1 is an example of a preceding sheet stack in the present disclosure. Second step (FIG. 6): While sending out sheet segments SS from the sheet stack SL1, the sheet stack SL2 to be sent next after the sheet stack SL1 is received. The sheet stack SL2 is an example of a succeeding sheet stack for the sheet stack SL1 and an example of a preceding sheet stack for the sheet stack SL3. Third step (FIG. 7): The sheet stack SL3 to be sent next is received and transported toward the sending area DA. The sheet stack SL3 is an example of a succeeding sheet stack for the sheet stack SL2.

[0036] [First Step S1: See FIG. 5] <S11>: The bucket assembly 11 of the inverting bucket 10 is in a receiving position with the first support 11A aligned along the horizontal direction H, waiting for the sheet stack SL1. The first transport vehicle 21 of the first conveying unit 20 is waiting at point P1 in the receiving area RA, with the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C removed. The second transport vehicle 31 of the second conveying unit 30 is waiting at point P2 to receive the sheet stack SL1 transported by the first transport vehicle 21. The pins 35A, 35B, and 35C of the second transport vehicle 31 are also removed. <S12>: The sheet stack SL1 is placed on the first support 11A of the bucket assembly 11 in the receiving position. The sheet stack SL1 is stored on six blocks PL, for example made of cardboard, and is transported to the bucket assembly 11 together with the blocks PL by a forklift.

[0037] <S13>: After receiving the sheet stack SL1 along with the block PL, the inversion bucket 10 is inverted from the receiving position (S11, S12) to the sending position in which the second support 11B is aligned with the horizontal direction H. Because the first support 11A and the second support 11B form an obtuse angle, the inverted sheet stack SL1 assumes a backward tilted position corresponding to the inclination of the first support 11A with respect to the height direction Z. After inversion, pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are inserted into the gaps between the blocks PL and PL, and the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are attached to the first transport car 21. The sheet stack SL1 is now supported by the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C. After the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are attached, the block PL is removed. The block PL is positioned to avoid the attachment positions of the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C to the first transport car 21. <S14>: After the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are attached, the first transport vehicle 21 is moved forward to transport the sheet stack SL1 toward the front F. During this time, the bucket assembly 11 is inverted from the sending position to the receiving position.

[0038] [Second Step S2: See FIG. 6] <S21>: The first transport vehicle 21 (only pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are shown) transports the sheet stack SL1 to point P2. Then, pins 35A, 35B, and 35C are attached to the second transport vehicle 31. The pins 35A, 35B, and 35C are painted black to make them easily distinguishable from the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C. Furthermore, at the time of attachment, the pins 35A, 35B, and 35C do not necessarily have to be in contact with the rear end R1 of the sheet stack SL1. Meanwhile, the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C have transported the sheet stack SL1 up to this point, so they are in contact with the rear end R1. After this, the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are removed from the first transport vehicle 21.

[0039] <S22>: Sheet segments SS are sequentially fed out from the sheet stack SL supported by pins 35A, 35B, and 35C (second transport vehicle 31). As the sheet segments SS are fed out, the pins 35A, 35B, and 35C (second transport vehicle 31) move forward. The first transport vehicle 21, from which the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C have been removed, moves backward toward point P1. <S23>: While the sheet segments SS continue to be fed out from the sheet stack SL1, the sheet stack SL2 is placed in the inversion bucket 10 after the first transport vehicle 21 has moved backward to point P1. <S24>: While the sheet segments SS continue to be fed out from the sheet stack SL1, the sheet stack SL2 is inverted together with the inversion bucket 10. The pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are attached to the first transport vehicle 21, so that the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are inserted between the first support 11A and the rear end portion R1 of the sheet stack SL2.

[0040] [Third Step S3: See FIG. 7] <S31>: The pins 25A, 25B, and 25C (first transport vehicle 21) advance the sheet stack SL2 toward the sheet stack SL1. When the rear end R1 of the sheet stack SL1 and the front end F2 of the sheet stack SL2 are spaced a predetermined distance apart, the rear sheet segment SS of the sheet stack SL1 is connected to the front sheet segment SS of the sheet stack SL2. The specific steps of this connection are described below. <S32>: When the connection between the sheet stack SL1 and the sheet stack SL2 is complete, the pins 35A, 35B, and 35C are removed from the second transport vehicle 31, and the second transport vehicle 31 retreats to a position R behind the sheet stack SL2. The sheet stack SL3 to be sent out next after the sheet stack SL2 is placed in the reversing bucket 10, which is in the receiving position.

[0041] <S33>: When the second transport vehicle 31 retreats to a position R behind the sheet stack SL2, the pins 35A, 35B, and 35C are attached to the second transport vehicle 31. This allows the pins 35A, 35B, and 35C (transport vehicle 31) to transport the sheet stack SL2 forward F. The sheet stack SL3 is inverted together with the bucket assembly 11 to assume a delivery position. <S34>: As the second transport vehicle 31 advances, the pins 35A, 35B, and 35C advance the sheet stacks SL1 and SL2. During this time, the sheet segments SS continue to be delivered from the sheet stack SL1. The sheet stack SL3 is pushed forward F by the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C (first transport vehicle 21) and transported toward the sheet stack SL2. The sheet stack SL3 is transported forward F until it is a predetermined distance from the sheet stack SL2. Once transported to the predetermined distance, the rear sheet segment SS of the sheet stack SL2 is connected to the front sheet segment SS of the sheet stack SL3. Here, an example is shown in which the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C (first transport vehicle 21) retreat upstream US to accommodate the following sheet stack SL3, but they can also push the sheet stack SL2 toward the sheet stack SL1 together with the pins 35A, 35B, and 35C.

[0042] Thereafter, the feeding of sheet segments SS from the sheet stack SL1, sheet stack SL2, . . . and the replenishment of sheet stacks SL4, . . . , and sheet stack SLn to be newly fed are repeated in the same procedure as described above.

[0043] [Procedure for Connecting Sheet Stack SL1 and Sheet Stack SL2: See FIG. 8] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the procedure for connecting the preceding sheet stack SL1 and the succeeding sheet stack SL2 will be described. Note that, although reference will be made below to components of the delivery device 1, they are not shown in FIG. <S41, S42>: When the sheet stack SL1 and the sheet stack SL2 are spaced apart to a distance suitable for the connection operation, the trailing sheet segment SS1 of the sheet stack SL1 and the leading sheet segment SS2 of the sheet stack SL2 are fed into the conveying path 41 of the conveying platform 40, and the two are aligned at the same position in the height direction Z. At this time, the sheet segments SS1 and SS2 are close enough together that they can be bonded together with a joining member, such as adhesive tape.

[0044] When the sheet segment SS1 is to be unwound from the sheet stack SL1, the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are removed from the second transport vehicle 31 so that they do not get in the way. After the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C are removed, there is a risk that the sheet stack SL1 excluding the sheet segment SS1 may fall toward the rear R. Therefore, it is preferable to use a member that temporarily supports the rear R end of the sheet stack SL1 after removing the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C.

[0045] <S43, S44>: After sheet segments SS1 and SS2 are bonded together using, for example, adhesive tape TP, sheet segments SS1 and SS2 are lifted up to form a mountain shape. After sheet segments SS1 and SS2 have formed a mountain shape, first transport vehicle 21 is advanced to narrow the gap between sheet stacks SL2 and SL1. Pins 35A, 35B, and 35C are removed from second transport vehicle 31, and second transport vehicle 31 is retracted to the position of first transport vehicle 21. Once second transport vehicle 31 has retracted to the position of first transport vehicle 21, pins 35A, 35B, and 35C are attached to second transport vehicle 31, and then pins 25A, 25B, and 25C from first transport vehicle 21 are removed.

[0046] <S45>: The first transport vehicle 21 transports the sheet stack SL1 and the sheet stack SL2 together toward the front F. The second transport vehicle 31 prepares to receive the next sheet stack SL3.

[0047] [Feed-out operation of sheet segment SS: Figures 9 and 10] Next, the behavior of the sheet segments SS when feeding them from the sheet stack SL will be described with reference to Figure 9. Here, an example (S51) will be described in which the feeding starts from the point where the leading edge of the leading sheet segment SS01 contacts the transport path 41 of the transport platform 40. Note that in Figures 9 and 10, sheet segments SS02 to SS04, which will be described later, are continuous with the sheet segment SS01, and the sheet stack SL is integrally formed by the segments following sheet segment SS01.

[0048] <S52> When sheet segment SS01 is sent out toward the front F, sheet segment SS02 is also sent out due to being pulled by sheet segment SS01. The position in the height direction Z of connection point CP1 between sheet segments SS01 and SS02 gradually decreases. At this time, bending stress BF is generated around the center of gravity G of sheet segment SS01. Connection point CP2 between sheet segments SS02 and SS03 is in contact with conveying path 41, and frictional force FF is generated at connection point CP2.

[0049] Here, the bending stress BF around the center of gravity G of the seat segment SS01 is caused by the tensile force TS and the frictional force FF generated at the connection point CP2 in the opposite direction. However, since the frictional force FF is caused by the weight of the seat segments SS01 and SS02 and is therefore slight, the bending stress BF is also slight. Therefore, unless the tensile force TS is unnecessarily large, the bending stress BF will not cause the seat segment SS01 to fold.

[0050] <S53> As feeding continues, sheet segments SS01 and SS02 become parallel to the conveying path 41, i.e., nearly horizontal, and when the tensile force TS of sheet segments SS01 and SS02 in the horizontal direction H exceeds the friction force FF at the connection point CP2, the connection point CP2 of sheet segments SS02 and SS03 is pulled up.

[0051] <S54> When the sheet segments SS01 and SS02 become horizontally parallel, the tensile force TS reaches its maximum, and a rotational force CF is generated in the sheet segment SS03 in the counterclockwise direction in the figure, centered on the connection point CP3 between the sheet segments SS03 and SS04. As a result, the connection point CP2 between the sheet segments SS02 and SS03 may lift up.

[0052] <S55> As the sheet segment SS03 continues to be fed, the tensile force TS in the horizontal direction H becomes greater than the rotational force of the sheet segment SS03, and the sheet segment SS03 is fed toward the downstream DS. Thereafter, by repeating the above-described procedure, the sheet segments SS in the sheet stack SL are sequentially fed toward the downstream DS while the mountain folds and valley folds are unfolded.

[0053] [Effects of the embodiment] The sheet stack SL to be fed has the following effects according to the feed-out device 1 in which the sheet segments SS constituting the sheet stack SL are arranged along the vertical direction V, and the feed-out method performed by the feed-out device 1. [First effect: prevention of bending of sheet segments SS] According to the feed-out method of the present disclosure, when the sheet segments SS are fed along the vertical direction V, the bending stress BF generated in the sheet segments SS is small. Therefore, the sheet segments SS will not bend unless the tensile force TS is made larger than necessary.

[0054] [Second Effect: Ease of Connecting Front and Rear Sheet Segments SS] According to the feeding method of the present disclosure, the sheet segments SS are aligned in the vertical direction V. As a result, when the sheet segments SS1 and SS2 of both the leading sheet stack SL1 and the trailing sheet stack SL2 are unfolded, they can be aligned adjacent to the conveying path 41. Therefore, according to the feeding method of the present disclosure, the leading and rear sheet segments SS can be connected while the sheet stacks SL1 and SL2 remain on the conveying path 41. This means that the following effects are achieved. First, unlike Patent Document 1, there is no need to raise or lower one of the sheet stacks SL1 and SL2. Furthermore, the conveying path 41 can be set at a relatively low position for easy access. Furthermore, because the sheet segments SS1 and SS2 can be directly connected, there is no need to provide a portion equivalent to the splice portion of Patent Document 1.

[0055] [Third Effect: Rearward-Tilt Position (95°)] According to the feeding method of the present disclosure, the sheet segments SS are fed from the sheet stack SL in a rearward-tilted position. This allows the sheet segments SS to be fed one by one from the sheet stack SL. For example, if the sheet segments SS were parallel to the vertical direction V without adopting the rearward-tilted position, there is a risk of multiple feeding occurring, in which the following sheet segments SS also tip forward F as the leading sheet segment SS is fed. By adopting the rearward-tilted position, multiple feeding can be prevented simply by providing the second transport vehicle 31 in a tilted position. Note that in the present disclosure, adopting the rearward-tilted position of the sheet stack SL is a preferred embodiment. Even if the sheet segments SS are parallel to the vertical direction V, for example, multiple feeding of the sheet segments SS can be prevented by supporting the upper ends of the sheet segments SS facing backward R.

[0056] [Fourth Effect: Inverting Bucket 10] According to the feeding method of the present disclosure, by inverting the sheet stack SL received by the inverting bucket 10, the posture of the sheet stack SL can be changed so that the sheet segments SS are aligned in the vertical direction V. Here, in the sheet stack SL in the manufactured state, the sheet segments SS are oriented parallel to the horizontal direction H and are stored in this posture. Therefore, according to the feeding method of the present disclosure, even a sheet stack SL in a conventional storage posture can be used as the feeding method of the present disclosure.

[0057] [Fifth Effect: First Transport Vehicle 21, Second Transport Vehicle 31] According to the delivery method and delivery device of the present disclosure, by providing two transport vehicles, the first transport vehicle 21 and the second transport vehicle 31, it is possible to replenish the succeeding sheet stack SL while delivering the sheet segments SS from the preceding sheet stack SL, thereby realizing continuous delivery of the sheet segments SS.

[0058] In addition to the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C being insertable and removable in the first transport vehicle 21, the pins 35A, 35B, and 35C are insertable and removable in the second transport vehicle 31. This allows the sheet stack SL to be transported while avoiding interference between the first transport vehicle 21 and the second transport vehicle 31, simply by inserting and removing the pins 25A, 25B, and 25C.

[0059] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified. An example is shown below. [First Modification: FIG. 11] The above-described feeding device 1 sequentially performs the steps of inverting the orientation of the received sheet stack SL, transporting the sheet stack SL to a feeding position, and feeding out segments SS from the sheet stack SL. However, the feeding method of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the sheet stack SL can be received and transported with the sheet segments SS aligned in the vertical direction V, and then the sheet segments SS can be fed out. Furthermore, although not shown, the present disclosure can also feed out the sheet segments SS when the sheet stack SL is received with the sheet segments SS aligned in the vertical direction V. In this modification, the transport vehicle 31 serves as a support for the feeding device of the present disclosure, and the first effect described above can be achieved in these modifications.

[0060] [Second Modification] The delivery device 1 described above connects the preceding sheet stack SL and the succeeding sheet stack SL on the conveying path 41. However, according to the delivery method disclosed herein, as shown in Fig. 12, the sheet segment SS1 and the sheet segment SS2, both of which are aligned in the vertical direction V, can also be connected by, for example, adhesive tape.

[0061] [Notes] The above-disclosed delivery method and delivery device can be understood as follows: [Note 1] A delivery method comprising: an arrangement step of arranging a sheet stack (SL) formed by repeating mountain folds and valley folds of a plurality of sheet segments (SS) so that the sheet segments (SS) of the sheet stack (SL) are aligned in a vertical direction (V); and a delivery step of delivering the sheet segments (SS) in order from the front (F), which is one end of the sheet stack (SL) in the horizontal direction (H).

[0062] [Appendix 2] In the delivery step in Appendix 1, it is preferable that the sheet stack (SL) is tilted from the front (F) toward the rear (R), which is the other end in the horizontal direction (H), and the sheet segment (SS) is delivered while maintaining this tilted posture.

[0063] [Supplementary Note 3] The inclination in Supplementary Note 2 is preferably greater than 90° and equal to or less than 110° with respect to the horizontal direction (H).

[0064] [Supplementary Note 4] In the feeding step in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, it is preferable that the sheet segment (SS) is fed while the mountain folds and valley folds are released.

[0065] [Appendix 5] In any of Appendices 1 to 4, it is preferable that the method further comprises a conveying step of conveying the sheet stack (SL) arranged in the arrangement step to a sending-out area (DA) through a conveying path (41), wherein in the arrangement step, the sheet stack (SL) is arranged in a receiving area (RA), and in the conveying step, the sheet stack (SL) is conveyed from the receiving area (RA) to the sending-out area (DA), and in the sending-out step, the sheet segments (SS) are sequentially sent out from the sheet stack (SL) conveyed to the sending-out area (DA).

[0066] [Appendix 6] In Appendix 5, it is preferable that, while a sheet segment (SS) is being sent out from the preceding sheet stack (SL1) that is sent out first in the sending area (DA), the following sheet stack (SL2) that is to be sent out after the preceding sheet stack (SL1) is placed in the receiving area (RA), the following sheet stack (SL2) is transported to the rear (R) of the preceding sheet stack (SL1), and the trailing sheet segment (SS01) of the preceding sheet stack (SL1) and the leading sheet segment (SS02) of the following sheet stack (SL2) are connected in the transport path (41).

[0067] [Appendix 7] In Appendix 6, it is preferable that the connection between the trailing sheet segment (SS01) and the leading sheet segment (SS02) is performed in a state where the trailing sheet segment (SS01) and the leading sheet segment (SS02) are positioned along the conveying path (41) by undoing the mountain fold or valley fold.

[0068] [Appendix 8] The delivery device according to the present disclosure includes a conveying path (41) along which a sheet stack (SL) formed by repeated mountain folds and valley folds of a plurality of sheet segments (SS) is conveyed from an upstream side (US) to a downstream side (DS), and a support (30) disposed on the downstream side (DS) of the conveying path (41) and supporting the sheet stack (SL) so that the sheet segments (SS) are aligned in a vertical direction V.

[0069] [Supplementary Note 9] In the delivery device of Supplementary Note 8, it is preferable that the support (30) is configured to be capable of reciprocating between the upstream side (US) and the downstream side (DS).

[0070] [Appendix 10] The delivery device in Appendix 9 preferably includes a transport vehicle (21) that transports the sheet stack (SL) from the upstream side (US) to the downstream side (DS), and the transport vehicle (21) is capable of reciprocating between the upstream side (US) and the downstream side (DS).

[0071] The delivery device of any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 10 is preferably provided on the upstream side (US) with an inverting bucket (10) that inverts the position of the sheet stack (SL).

[0072] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Feed-out device 10 Reversing bucket 11 Bucket assembly 11A First support 11B Second support 11D Side body 15 Drive source 16 Drive shaft 20 First conveying section 21 First conveying vehicle 22 Frame 22A Vertical member 22B Horizontal member 22C1, 22C2, 22C3 Support member 23 Wheel 25A, 25B, 25C Pin 26A, 26B Rail 27 Drive mechanism 27A Belt 27B, 27B Pulley 30 Second conveying section 31 Second conveying vehicle 35A, 35B, 35C Pin 40 Conveying stand 41 Conveying path 50 Control unit 61 Feed-out roller SL, SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4 Sheet stack SS Sheet segment SP Vertex SS, SS01, SS02, SS03, SS04 sheet segments SS1, SS2 sheet segments PL block G center of gravity CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4 connection R1 rear end F2 front end RA receiving area CA conveying area DA sending area FF friction force TS pulling force LN line segment US upstream DS downstream F front R rear TD conveying direction X longitudinal direction Y width direction Z height direction V vertical direction H horizontal direction

Claims

1. A method of feeding, comprising: an arrangement step of arranging a sheet stack formed by repeating mountain folds and valley folds of a plurality of sheet segments so that the sheet segments of the sheet stack are aligned vertically; and a feeding step of feeding the sheet segments in order from the front, which is one of the horizontal ends of the sheet stack.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein in the feeding step, the sheet stack is tilted from the front toward the rear, which is the other end in the horizontal direction, and the sheet segments are fed while maintaining this tilted attitude.

3. The transmission method according to claim 2, wherein the tilt is greater than 90° and equal to or less than 110° with respect to the horizontal direction.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the feeding step, the sheet segment is fed while the mountain folds and the valley folds are released.

5. A method for sending out a sheet according to claim 1, further comprising a transport step of transporting the sheet stack arranged in the arrangement step through a transport path to a sending out area, wherein in the arrangement step, the sheet stack is arranged in a receiving area, in the transport step, the sheet stack is transported from the receiving area to the sending out area, and in the sending out step, the sheet segments are sequentially sent out from the sheet stack transported to the sending out area.

6. A sending method as described in claim 5, wherein, while the sheet segment is being sent out from the preceding sheet stack that is being sent out in advance in the sending area, a subsequent sheet stack to be sent after the preceding sheet stack is placed in the receiving area, the subsequent sheet stack is transported to the rear of the preceding sheet stack, and the trailing sheet segment of the preceding sheet stack and the leading sheet segment of the subsequent sheet stack are connected in the transport path.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the trailing sheet segment and the leading sheet segment are connected together when the mountain fold or the valley fold is released, so that the trailing sheet segment and the leading sheet segment are positioned along the conveying path.

8. A delivery device comprising: a conveying path along which a stack of sheets formed by repeated mountain folds and valley folds of a plurality of sheet segments is conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side; and a support body disposed on the downstream side of the conveying path and supporting the stack of sheets so that the sheet segments are aligned in the vertical direction.

9. The delivery device according to claim 8, wherein the support is configured to be able to reciprocate between the upstream side and the downstream side.

10. The delivery device according to claim 9, further comprising a transport vehicle that transports the sheet stack from the upstream side to the downstream side, the transport vehicle being capable of reciprocating between the upstream side and the downstream side.

11. The delivery device according to claim 10, further comprising an inverting bucket provided on the upstream side for inverting the position of the sheet stack.

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