Processing Apparatus for Processing Subject

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a processing apparatus with which an operation for retaining and switching a processing subject can be shortened in order to reduce an amount of time required for folding processing. A processing apparatus ( 1 C) for unfurling or folding a processing subject (T) includes a first retaining device (300A) and a second retaining device ( 300 B) that are capable of moving within a first area and retaining the processing subject (T), a carrying device ( 400 ) disposed within the first area so as to be capable of carrying the processing subject (T), and a third retaining device ( 300 C) that is capable of moving within a second area disposed below the first area so as to overlap the first area, and retaining the processing subject (T) below the carrying device ( 400 ).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A processing apparatus for unfurling or folding a processing subject, comprising:
 a first retaining device and a second retaining device that are capable of moving within a first area and retaining the processing subject;   a carrying device disposed within the first area so as to be capable of carrying the processing subject; and   a third retaining device that is capable of moving within a second area disposed below the first area so as to overlap the first area, and retaining the processing subject below the carrying device.   
     
     
         2 . The processing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the third retaining device retains the processing subject below the carrying device in a condition where the processing subject is retained by the first retaining device and/or the second retaining device and hangs down from the carrying device. 
     
     
         3 . The processing apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the third retaining device hands over the retained processing subject to the first retaining device or the second retaining device below the carrying device. 
     
     
         4 . The processing apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the first retaining device or the second retaining device lifts up the processing subject handed over thereto while causing the processing subject to slide against the carrying device. 
     
     
         5 . The processing apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the first retaining device includes a pair of first gripping portions disposed on a central axis thereof,
 the second retaining device includes a pair of second gripping portions disposed on a central axis thereof, and   the third retaining device includes a pair of third gripping portions and a pair of fourth gripping portions, the third gripping portions and the fourth gripping portions being disposed at equal distances from a central axis of the third retaining device.   
     
     
         6 . The processing apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the first retaining device and/or the second retaining device retaining the processing subject releases the processing subject at a stage where the third retaining device retains the processing subject below the carrying device. 
     
     
         7 . The processing apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein, when the first retaining device and/or the second retaining device releases the processing subject, the carrying device rotates so as to drop the processing subject hanging down therefrom.