JP2011162310A - Seasoning device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a seasoning device capable of aligning respective paper sheets when seasoning is finished. <P>SOLUTION: In a paper bundle S placed on a placing tray 10, the peripheral four sides are enclosed by side plates 30F, 30R, 30B and 30R, and an upper part is covered with a top plate 40. A blower 20 is arranged on the side plates 30R and 30L on both left-right sides, and environmental air is blown toward both left-right side surfaces of the paper bundle S from this blower 20. Registering plates 50F, 50R, 50B and 50R are arranged on the respective side plates 30F, 30R, 30B and 30R, and are arranged so as to freely protrude-retreat toward the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B and 30R opposed from an inner wall surface. The registering plates 50F, 50R, 50B and 50R register the edge of paper P by projecting from the inner wall surface of the respective side plates 30F, 30R, 30B and 30R when air-blowing of the blower 20 is finished. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a seasoning apparatus, and more particularly to a seasoning apparatus for seasoning a sheet bundle.

  In a system that prints on general-purpose printing paper using water-based ink, a change in the moisture content of the paper causes the paper to expand or contract, causing a front / back registration error or the like during double-sided printing. In order to prevent this, it is necessary to season the paper immediately after printing and to adapt the paper to the ambient temperature and humidity.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a sheet on which one side is printed is temporarily discharged to a discharge tray outside the apparatus, blown on the discharge tray and dried, and then printed on the back side. .

JP 2003-03019 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a drawback in that the processing efficiency is poor because the paper is processed one by one.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to stack and collect printed sheets and season them in a bundle of sheets. In this case, it is conceivable that the sheet bundle is stored in a stacker or the like and seasoned by blowing air from the side.

  However, when seasoning is performed in the state of a bundle of sheets in this way, there is a drawback that the sheets are separated after the seasoning is finished, and it takes time to collect.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a seasoning apparatus that can align sheets at the end of seasoning.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a seasoning apparatus for seasoning the sheet bundle by blowing air from a side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table. A side plate disposed opposite to each side surface of the sheet bundle placed on the mounting table and provided so as to be movable back and forth with respect to each side surface, a side plate driving unit for moving each side plate, and the side plate driving unit And side plate control means for controlling the movement of the side plates, and the side plate control means moves the side plates to a position where they abut against the side surfaces of the sheet bundle when the blowing by the blowing means is finished. And providing a seasoning device that aligns the sheet bundle.

  According to the present invention, each side plate arranged around the paper moves to a position where it abuts on each side surface of the paper bundle at the end of the air blowing by the air blowing means to align the paper. During seasoning, each sheet receives air from the blowing means and floats, and when the blowing ends, the paper falls by its own weight. In the process of dropping, the four surrounding sides are brought into contact with and aligned with the side plates. That is, they are stacked on the mounting table with the sides aligned. Thus, the sheet bundle that has been seasoned can be easily collected from the mounting table. Further, since the side plate is moved at the end of the air blowing, the side plate does not get in the way when the sheet bundle to be seasoned is placed on the placement table, and can be easily set. Further, if the side plate is brought into contact with the side surface of the sheet bundle from the beginning, the sheet is damaged during seasoning (folding due to contact with the side plate, etc.), but the side plate is moved at the end of blowing as in the present invention. With the configuration, seasoning can be performed without damaging the paper. Furthermore, various sizes of paper can be seasoned.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 is the seasoning device described above, wherein the sheet bundle is seasoned by blowing air from the side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table. A side plate disposed opposite to each side surface of the sheet bundle placed on the mounting table with a predetermined gap; an alignment plate provided so as to be able to protrude and retract from the side plate toward the side surface of the sheet bundle; An alignment plate driving means for causing the plate to protrude and retract from each side plate, and an alignment plate control means for controlling the alignment plate driving means to control the alignment plate drive means, and the alignment plate control means includes the alignment plate control means, There is provided a seasoning device characterized in that the sheet bundle is aligned by causing the alignment plates to protrude from the side plates at the end of blowing by the blowing means.

  According to the present invention, the alignment plates protrude from the side plates at the end of the blowing by the blowing means to align the sheets. During seasoning, each sheet receives air from the blowing means and floats, and when the blowing ends, the paper falls by its own weight. In the process of dropping, the four surrounding sides are brought into contact with each matching plate and aligned. Thus, the sheet bundle that has been seasoned can be easily collected from the mounting table. In addition, since only the alignment plate appears and disappears from the side plate, and the side plate itself is disposed at a position retracted from the sheet bundle, when the sheet bundle to be seasoned is placed on the placing table, the side plate does not get in the way, Can be set easily. This can also prevent the sheet from being damaged during seasoning. Furthermore, various sizes of paper can be seasoned.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, in the seasoning device for seasoning the sheet bundle by blowing air from the side toward the sheet bundle mounted on the mounting table from the side. A first fixed side plate disposed opposite to the first side surface of the sheet bundle placed on the placement table; and opposed to the first fixed side plate across the sheet bundle placed on the placement table. And a first movable side plate provided to be movable back and forth with respect to the first fixed side plate, and a second side surface of the sheet bundle placed on the mounting table. The second fixed side plate and the second fixed side plate are disposed so as to face the second fixed side plate with the sheet bundle placed on the mounting table interposed therebetween, and are provided so as to be movable back and forth with respect to the second fixed side plate. Moving the second movable side plate, the first movable side plate and the second movable side plate Movable side plate drive means, and movable side plate control means for controlling the movement of the first movable side plate and the second movable side plate by controlling the movable side plate drive means, the movable side plate control means comprising: The first side surface of the sheet bundle is brought into contact with the first fixed side plate by moving the first movable side plate toward the first fixed side plate at the end of the blowing by the blowing unit, And aligning the second movable side plate by moving the second movable side plate toward the second fixed side plate to bring the second side surface of the sheet bundle into contact with the second fixed side plate. A seasoning device is provided.

  According to the present invention, the first fixed side plate and the first movable side plate are disposed to face each other with the sheet bundle placed on the placement table interposed therebetween, and the second fixed side plate and the second movable side plate are disposed. Are arranged opposite to each other. Then, the first movable side plate and the second movable side plate move toward the sheet bundle at the end of the blowing by the blowing unit, and align the sheets. During seasoning, each sheet receives air from the blowing means and floats, and when the blowing ends, the paper falls by its own weight. One side (side facing the first movable side plate and the second movable side plate) of the two sides facing each other in the process of falling is pushed by the first movable side plate and the second movable side plate, The opposite side is pressed against the first fixed side plate and the second fixed side plate. As a result, the sides of the paper falling by its own weight after the end of blowing can be collected and collected, and the sheet bundle that has been seasoned can be easily collected from the mounting table. In addition, since the first movable side plate and the second movable side plate are moved at the end of the air blowing, each side plate does not get in the way when the sheet bundle to be seasoned is placed on the placing table. Can be set. In addition, seasoning can be performed without damaging the paper. Furthermore, various sizes of paper can be seasoned.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seasoning device for seasoning the sheet bundle by blowing air from a side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table in order to achieve the object. A side plate disposed opposite to each side surface of the sheet bundle placed on the table with a predetermined gap, and two side plates that are not opposed to each other among the four side plates are provided so as to be able to protrude and retract toward the side surface of the sheet bundle. An alignment plate, an alignment plate driving means for causing each alignment plate to protrude and retract from each side plate, and an alignment plate control means for controlling the alignment plate driving means to control the alignment plate to move in and out. The alignment plate control means causes the alignment plates to protrude from the side plates at the end of the blowing by the blowing means, so that the side surface of the sheet bundle contacts the side plate opposite to the side plate provided with the alignment plates. Contact Providing a seasoning apparatus, characterized in that to.

  According to the present invention, the alignment plate protrudes from one of the opposing side plates at the end of the blowing by the blowing means, and aligns the sheets. During seasoning, each sheet receives air from the blowing means and floats, and when the blowing ends, the paper falls by its own weight. One of the two sides facing each other in the process of falling (the side facing the side plate provided with the alignment plate) is pressed by the alignment plate protruding from the side plate, and the opposite side is pressed against the side plate. It is done. As a result, the sides of the paper falling by its own weight after the end of blowing can be collected and collected, and the sheet bundle that has been seasoned can be easily collected from the mounting table. In addition, since the alignment plate is protruded at the end of blowing, each side plate does not get in the way when the sheet bundle to be seasoned is placed on the placement table, and can be easily set. In addition, seasoning can be performed without damaging the paper. Furthermore, various sizes of paper can be seasoned.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is the seasoning apparatus described above, wherein the sheet bundle is seasoned by blowing air from the side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table. A side plate disposed opposite to each side surface of the sheet bundle placed on the table, and a side plate provided to be tiltable, a side plate driving means for tilting each side plate, and controlling the side plate driving means, A side plate control means for controlling the tilting of each side plate, wherein the side plate control means tilts each side plate at the end of blowing by the blowing means to align the sheet bundle. provide.

  According to the present invention, the side plates arranged around the paper are inclined at the end of the blowing by the blowing means to align the sheets. During seasoning, each sheet receives air from the blowing means and floats, and when the blowing ends, the paper falls by its own weight. In the process of falling, the surrounding four sides come into contact with the inclined side plates, and the side plates are dropped to a fixed position using the side plates as a guide to be aligned. Thus, the sheet bundle that has been seasoned can be easily collected from the mounting table. Further, since the side plate is inclined at the end of the air blowing, the side plate does not get in the way when the sheet bundle to be seasoned is placed on the placing table, and can be easily set. In addition, seasoning can be performed without damaging the paper. Furthermore, various sizes of paper can be seasoned.

  The invention according to claim 6 provides the seasoning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mounting table is provided to be inclined in order to achieve the object.

  According to the present invention, by utilizing the dead weight of the paper, the sides of each paper can be brought into contact with the side plate or the alignment plate, and the paper can be more effectively aligned.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 7 is configured such that the mounting table is tiltably provided, a mounting table driving unit that tilts the mounting table, and driving of the mounting table driving unit is controlled. The mounting table control means for controlling the tilting of the mounting table, wherein the mounting table control means tilts the mounting table at the end of the air blowing by the air blowing means. A seasoning device according to one item is provided.

  According to the present invention, by utilizing the dead weight of the paper, the sides of each paper can be brought into contact with the side plate or the alignment plate, and the paper can be more effectively aligned.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the alignment plate is formed such that a part or all of the surface contacting the side surface of the sheet bundle is inclined. The seasoning apparatus described in 1. is provided.

  According to the present invention, a part or all of the surface of the alignment plate that contacts the side surface (side of the sheet) of the sheet bundle is inclined. By inclining, each sheet can be easily collected, and the sheets can be aligned more efficiently.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 9 is a seasoning apparatus that airs air from a side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table and seasons the sheet bundle. There is provided a seasoning apparatus comprising: a mounting table provided on the front surface; and a side plate disposed to face each side surface of the sheet bundle placed on the mounting table with a predetermined gap.

  According to the present invention, when the air blowing is finished, each sheet falls by its own weight and is brought into contact with the side plate by its own weight and aligned. Thus, the sheet bundle that has been seasoned can be easily collected from the mounting table. Further, since each side plate is set apart from the sheet bundle, when placing the sheet bundle to be seasoned on the placing table, the side plate does not get in the way and can be easily set. In addition, various sizes of paper can be seasoned.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, in a seasoning device for seasoning the sheet bundle by blowing air from the side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table, the tilting is freely possible. A mounting table, a side plate disposed to face each side of the sheet bundle mounted on the mounting table with a predetermined gap, a mounting table driving means for tilting the mounting table, and Mounting table control means for controlling the tilting of the mounting table by controlling the driving of the mounting table driving means, wherein the mounting table control means tilts the mounting table at the end of blowing by the blower means, and A seasoning device characterized by aligning a bundle is provided.

  According to the present invention, the mounting table is provided so as to be tiltable and tilted at the end of blowing. The paper that has fallen by its own weight due to the end of blowing is brought into contact with the side plate by its own weight and aligned. Thus, the sheet bundle that has been seasoned can be easily collected from the mounting table. Further, since each side plate is set apart from the sheet bundle, when placing the sheet bundle to be seasoned on the placing table, the side plate does not get in the way and can be easily set. In addition, various sizes of paper can be seasoned.

  According to the present invention, the sheets can be aligned at the end of seasoning.

The top view which shows 1st Embodiment of the seasoning apparatus which concerns on this invention 2-2 sectional view of FIG. 3-3 sectional view of FIG. Explanatory drawing of an effect | action of the seasoning apparatus of 1st Embodiment Explanatory drawing of an effect | action of the seasoning apparatus of 1st Embodiment The figure which shows the modification of the seasoning apparatus of 1st Embodiment The figure which shows the modification of the seasoning apparatus of 1st Embodiment The top view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the seasoning apparatus which concerns on this invention 9-9 sectional view of FIG. 10-10 sectional view of FIG. Explanatory drawing of an effect | action of the seasoning apparatus of 2nd Embodiment The top view which shows 3rd Embodiment of the seasoning apparatus which concerns on this invention Explanatory drawing of an effect | action of the seasoning apparatus of 3rd Embodiment The figure which shows the modification of the seasoning apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of an effect | action of the seasoning apparatus shown in FIG. The top view which shows 4th Embodiment of the seasoning apparatus which concerns on this invention Explanatory drawing of an effect | action of the seasoning apparatus of 4th Embodiment The top view which shows 5th Embodiment of the seasoning apparatus which concerns on this invention 19-19 sectional view of FIG. The top view which shows 6th Embodiment of the seasoning apparatus which concerns on this invention 21-21 in FIG. The figure which shows the modification of the seasoning apparatus of 6th Embodiment

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a seasoning apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first embodiment of a seasoning apparatus according to the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG.

  The seasoning apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a device that collectively seasons a sheet bundle S formed by stacking a plurality of sheets P, and the placement table 10 on which the sheet bundle S is placed and the placement table 10. A blower 20 that blows ambient air toward the placed sheet bundle S from the side, a side plate 30 that surrounds the sheet bundle S placed on the placing table 10, and a sheet placed on the placing table 10. The top plate 40 that covers the top of the bundle S, the alignment plate 50 that protrudes from the side plate 30 and aligns the sheet bundle S, the alignment plate drive actuator 60 that drives the alignment plate 50, and the drive of the blower 20 and the alignment plate drive actuator 60 It comprises a control device (not shown) for controlling.

  The mounting table 10 is configured by a flat plate on which the sheet bundle S can be mounted, and is installed horizontally. A placement area for the sheet bundle S is set on the upper surface (placement surface) of the placement table 10, and the sheet bundle S is placed on the placement area.

  The placement area is set corresponding to the shape of the paper P to be processed, and is set larger than the size of the paper P to be processed. The reason why the size is set larger than the size of the paper P to be processed is to make it easier to set the paper bundle S. That is, as will be described later, since the periphery of the placement area is surrounded by the side plate 30, setting the sheet bundle S becomes difficult if the size is set to the same size as the paper P to be processed. For this reason, the placement area is set larger than the size of the paper P to be processed, and the setting workability is improved. Note that the placement area is set in consideration of the workability of setting the sheet bundle S in this way, and the range is preferably set to the minimum necessary range. In the present embodiment, since the rectangular paper P is a processing target, the placement area is set to a rectangular shape. Further, it is set to an area that is about 20 to 30 mm larger than the outer periphery of the paper P to be processed.

  The blower 20 blows ambient air from the side toward the sheet bundle S placed on the placing table 10. In the present embodiment, the environmental wind is blown from the left and right sides toward the sheet bundle S placed on the placing table 10 (the air is blown toward the long side surface (= left and right side surfaces) of the sheet bundle S). . For this reason, a plurality of blowers 20 are arranged in parallel on the left and right sides of the mounting area on the mounting table 10. In addition, the installation number of the blowers 20, an installation interval, etc. are suitably set according to the capability, size, etc. of the blower 20 to be used. In the present embodiment, the installation locations of the blowers 20 are set at equal intervals along the left and right sides of the placement area, and two blowers are stacked and installed at each installation location ( (See FIG. 3).

  When the sheet bundle S is disposed on the mounting table 10, the blower 20 disposed in this manner is disposed to face the left and right side surfaces (end surfaces) of the sheet bundle S. That is, the blower 20 disposed along the right side of the placement area is disposed to face the right side surface of the sheet bundle S, and the blower 20 disposed along the left side of the placement area is a sheet. It is arranged to face the left side surface of the bundle S. As a result, when the blower 20 is driven, the environmental wind is blown horizontally from both the left and right sides to the sheet bundle S placed on the placing table 10.

  In the present embodiment, air is blown from both the left and right sides. However, the layout of the blower 20 is not limited to this, and may be appropriately changed according to the size of the paper P to be seasoned. preferable. Therefore, the blower 20 may be installed facing the four surfaces around the sheet bundle S so as to blow air from four directions. Moreover, it can also be set as the structure which ventilates only from one direction.

  Moreover, the blower 20 to be used is not particularly limited, and various blowers such as an axial flow blower and a centrifugal blower can be used. In this embodiment, an axial blower is used.

  The side plate 30 includes a front side plate 30F arranged along the front side of the placement region, a right side plate 30R arranged along the right side of the placement region, and a rear side plate arranged along the rear side. 30 </ b> B and a left side plate 30 </ b> L arranged along the left side, and arranged so as to surround the four sides around the placement area.

  Each of the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L is formed of a flat plate and is installed perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting table 10, respectively. In the side plate 30 thus installed, the inner wall surface of the front plate 30F and the inner wall surface of the rear plate 30B are arranged to face each other, and the inner wall surface of the right plate 30R and the inner wall surface of the left plate 30L are mutually connected. Opposed to each other. Further, the front side plate 30F and the rear side plate 30B are arranged orthogonal to the right side plate 30R and the left side plate 30L.

  In the present embodiment, adjacent side plates are joined and integrated at each corner (formed in an L shape). In the side plate 30 arranged in this way, when the sheet bundle S is placed on the placing table 10, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L face the side surfaces of the sheet bundle S. That is, the front side plate 30F faces the front side surface of the sheet bundle S, and the right side plate 30R faces the right side surface of the sheet bundle S. Further, the rear side plate 30B faces the rear side surface of the sheet bundle, and the left side plate 30L faces the left side surface of the sheet bundle S.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front side plate 30F and the rear side plate 30B are respectively formed with vent holes 31F and 31B having a constant width at the center. The ambient air blown from each blower 20 passes between the sheets P of the sheet bundle S and is exhausted to the outside from the ventilation openings 31F and 31B.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the right side plate 30R and the left side plate 30L are provided with openings 32R and 32L at locations where the blower 20 is installed, so that the blower 20 does not interfere.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L are formed with slits 33F, 33R, 33B, and 33L having a predetermined width at a plurality of locations with a constant interval. An alignment plate 50, which will be described later, is protruded and retracted from the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L through the slits 33F, 33R, 33B, and 33L.

  The top plate 40 is formed of a rectangular flat plate, and is arranged so as to cover the upper portion of the sheet bundle S placed on the placement table 10. On the mounting table 10, a support column 41 for installing the top plate 40 is erected vertically. Two support columns 41 are arranged between the vent holes 31F and 31B formed in the front side plate 30F and the rear side plate 30B, and a mounting portion 41A of the top plate 40 is formed on the top. On the other hand, the top plate 40 is formed with a fixing portion 40A corresponding to the mounting portion 41A. The top plate 40 is attached to the support column 41 by screwing the fixing portion 40A to an attachment portion 41A formed on the top of the support column 41 with a screw. The top plate 40 attached to the support column 41 is arranged in parallel with the mounting table 10 and covers the upper portion of the sheet bundle S mounted on the mounting table 10.

  The alignment plate 50 protrudes from the inner wall surfaces of the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L when the blower 20 finishes blowing, and aligns the sheet bundle S. The alignment plate 50 includes a front alignment plate 50F protruding from the front plate 30F, a right alignment plate 50R protruding from the right plate 30R, a rear alignment plate 50B protruding from the rear plate 30B, and a left alignment protruding from the left plate 30L. It is comprised with the board 50L. At least two alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L are arranged with respect to the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L, and are arranged at symmetrical positions. In the present embodiment, two front alignment plates 50F are arranged at symmetrical positions on the front side plate 30F, and four right alignment plates 50R are arranged symmetrically on the right side plate 30R. The rear plate 30B has two rear alignment plates 50B arranged at symmetrical positions, and the left plate 30L has four left alignment plates 50L arranged symmetrically. Each alignment plate 50F, 50R, 50B, 50L is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and is formed with a height that can be inserted between the mounting table 10 and the top plate 40. Moreover, while being installed perpendicularly | vertically with respect to the upper surface of the mounting base 10, it arrange | positions so that it may orthogonally cross with respect to each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L. That is, the front alignment plate 50F is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the front side plate 30F, and the right alignment plate 50R is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the right side plate 30R. Further, the rear alignment plate 50B is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the rear side plate 30B, and the left alignment plate 50L is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the left side plate 30L.

  The slits 33F, 33R, 33B, 33L formed in the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L described above are formed corresponding to the installation positions of the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, 50L, and the alignment plates. It is formed corresponding to the thickness of 50F, 50R, 50B, 50L. In other words, the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L are formed with a width that allows them to be inserted.

  The alignment plate drive actuator 60 is individually provided for each alignment plate 50F, 50R, 50B, 50L, and drives each alignment plate 50F, 50R, 50B, 50L individually. That is, the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L are individually raised and lowered from the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L. The alignment plate drive actuator 60 is constituted by a cylinder (for example, an air cylinder), and is installed horizontally on the mounting table 10. And it is controlled by the control apparatus which is not shown in figure, and the rod is expanded-contracted horizontally. Each of the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L is attached to the rod tip of the corresponding cylinder and installed at a predetermined position. Each alignment plate 50F, 50R, 50B, 50L slides horizontally by driving this alignment plate drive actuator 60, and appears and disappears from each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L.

  Note that the protrusion amounts of the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L are set according to the size of the paper P to be processed. That is, when the paper P is placed on the placement table 10 with the center of the paper P aligned with the center of the placement area, the distance from each side of the paper P to each side plate 30 is set as the protrusion amount ( (See FIG. 5). For example, the protrusion amount of the front alignment plate 50F is set as a protrusion amount from the front side of the paper P to the front plate 30F, and the protrusion amount of the right alignment plate 50R is from the right side of the paper P to the right plate 30R. The distance to is set as the protrusion amount. Further, the protrusion amount of the rear alignment plate 50B is set such that the distance from the rear side of the paper P to the rear plate 30B is the protrusion amount, and the protrusion amount of the left alignment plate 50L is the left side plate of the paper P from the left side. The distance up to 30L is set as the protrusion amount.

  The control device includes an operation unit for operating the seasoning device 1 and a microcomputer that controls driving of the blower 20 and the alignment plate drive actuator 60 based on an input from the operation unit. The microcomputer executes a predetermined control program and controls driving of the blower 20 and the alignment plate driving actuator 60.

  Next, the operation of the seasoning device 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  In the initial state, the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, 50L are in a state of being retracted from the inner wall surfaces of the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L.

  First, a sheet bundle S to be seasoned (for example, a sheet bundle of general-purpose paper printed by an ink jet printer using aqueous ink) is set on the mounting table 10.

  The sheet bundle S is placed on a predetermined placement area set on the placement table 10. At this time, the sheet bundle S is placed so that each side surface is parallel to each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L. Accordingly, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L face the side surfaces of the sheet bundle S.

  The sheet bundle S is set manually by an operator. However, as described above, in the seasoning apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the placement area is set larger than the size of the sheet P. The sheet bundle S can be easily set on the mounting table 10. That is, when the operator manually sets the sheet bundle S on the mounting table 10, the both ends of the sheet bundle S are held with both hands, and the sheet bundle S is set on the mounting table 10. Since the placement board 10 is provided with the side plate 30, if the placement area is set with the same size as the paper P, the hand holding the paper bundle S hits the side plate 30, and the work becomes difficult. On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, by placing the placement area larger than the size of the paper P, the paper bundle S can be inserted into the space defined by the side plate 30 while the paper bundle S is held with both hands. The sheet bundle S can be easily set on the mounting table 10. The same applies when the sheet bundle S after the seasoning is taken out.

  After setting the sheet bundle S on the mounting table 10, the top board 40 is attached. That is, the fixing portion 40A of the top plate 40 is screwed to the attachment portion 41A of the support column 41. As a result, the upper part of the sheet bundle S placed on the placing table 10 is covered with the top plate 40.

  Thus, the setting of the sheet bundle S is completed. Thereafter, the operator instructs the start of operation from the operation unit to start the seasoning operation.

  When the operation start is instructed, the control device drives each blower 20 and starts blowing with a constant air volume.

  When the blower 20 is driven, the ambient air is blown from the left and right sides at a constant air volume toward the sheet bundle S placed on the placing table 10.

  FIG. 4A shows the state of the sheet bundle S being blown. As shown in the figure, when the environmental wind is blown from the side, the blown environmental wind enters between the paper P and the paper P, and seasoning is performed. The sheet bundle S receives air from the blower 20, so that each sheet P floats and the overall bulk increases. As described above, each sheet P floats by receiving air blow from the blower 20, but in the seasoning device 1 of the present embodiment, the placement area of the sheet bundle S is set larger than the sheet size. Therefore, even if the floated paper P contacts the side plate 30, it is difficult to be damaged and can be seasoned without damaging the paper P.

  The blowing is continuously performed for a certain time. This blowing time (seasoning time) is appropriately set according to the size and number of sheets S to be processed, the capacity of the blower 20, and the like.

  When the predetermined blowing time has elapsed, the control device stops driving the blower 20. At the same time, the control device drives the alignment plate drive actuator 60 to cause the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L to protrude from the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L.

  When the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L protrude from the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L, as shown in FIG. 4B, the alignment plates are arranged on the periphery of the sheets P that form the sheet bundle S. The tip portions of 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L abut. The orientation of each sheet P is corrected by the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L that are in contact with the periphery, and the edges are aligned as shown in FIG. At this time, since the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L are brought into contact with the respective peripheral edges in the process of dropping, the respective sheets P can be easily aligned. That is, even if the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L are brought into contact with each other when the sheets P are stacked, the sheets P cannot be moved due to friction between the sheets, but each sheet P is still floating. By bringing the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L into contact with the respective peripheral edges in a state in which the paper P is in contact, the paper P can be moved with a small force, and the paper P can be easily collected and collected.

  The alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L maintain the protruding state for a certain time. The control device retracts the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L to the inner sides of the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L after a predetermined time has elapsed. In addition, the time for causing the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L to protrude ensures at least the time until all the sheets P are dropped.

  The seasoning process is completed in a series of steps. Thereafter, the operator removes the top board 40 and collects the sheet bundle S. At this time, the sheet bundle S can be easily collected because the orientation of each sheet P is adjusted. Further, as described above, since the loading area of the sheet bundle S is large, it can be easily taken out manually.

  As described above, according to the seasoning device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to align the orientations of the sheets P after the seasoning is completed. Thereby, handling of the sheet bundle S after seasoning can be facilitated.

  Further, in the seasoning apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, since the placement area of the sheet bundle S is larger than the sheet size, the setting and removal of the sheet bundle S can be easily performed, and the seasoning operation can be performed efficiently. It can be carried out. Further, the seasoning process can be performed without damaging the paper P during the seasoning.

  Further, in the seasoning device 1 of the present embodiment, the placement area of the sheet bundle S is larger than the paper size, so if the placement area is set corresponding to the maximum paper size, one unit Thus, it becomes possible to process the sheet bundles S of various sizes.

  In the above-described embodiment, the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L are projected from the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L simultaneously with the stop of air blowing. However, each alignment is performed while the paper P is floating. It is only necessary that the plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L can be brought into contact with the respective edges of the paper P, and the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L are not necessarily required to protrude at the same time as the air blowing is stopped. Therefore, the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L may be protruded immediately before the air blow is stopped, or the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L may be protruded immediately after the air supply is stopped.

  In the above-described embodiment, the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L are formed of rectangular flat plates, and the tip portions (contact portions with the paper P) are formed perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting table 10. However, as shown in FIG. 6, it may be formed with the tip portion inclined. Thus, by inclining the contact portion with the paper P, the inclined portion can function as a guide, and the paper P can be aligned more smoothly.

  In the example shown in the figure, only a part (upper half) is inclined, but the whole may be inclined.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L configured by flat plates are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L, and the leading end surfaces thereof are the peripheral edges of the paper P. However, as shown in FIG. 7, alignment plates 50F, 50R, 50B, and 50L made of flat plates are arranged in parallel with the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L, and the end surfaces thereof are paper. It is good also as a structure contact | abutted to the periphery of P. As a result, it is possible to widen the surface to be brought into contact with the paper P, and it is possible to align the paper P more effectively.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the alignment plate drive actuator is comprised with the cylinder, the means to drive the alignment plate 50 is not limited to this. Any device that can move the alignment plate 50 linearly may be used.

<< Second Embodiment >>
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the seasoning apparatus according to the present invention. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG.

  In the seasoning device 2 of the present embodiment, the alignment plates 50R and 50B are disposed only on the right side plate 30R and the rear side plate 30B, and the alignment plates 50R and 50B protrude from only the right side plate 30R and the rear side plate 30B. This is different from the seasoning apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

  Since the alignment plate does not protrude from the front side plate 30F and the left side plate 30L, the front side plate 30F and the rear side plate 30B are not formed with slits for passing the alignment plate.

  In the seasoning device 2 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the front and left edges of the paper P are moved to the front side plate 30F and the left side by pushing the right and rear edges of the paper P with the alignment plates 50R and 50B, respectively. The paper P is aligned by contacting the inner wall surface of the plate 30L. Hereinafter, this operation will be described.

  First, the sheet bundle S to be seasoned is set on the mounting table 10. After setting, the top plate 40 is attached and the operation start is instructed from the operation unit.

  When the operation start is instructed, the control device drives each blower 20 and starts blowing with a constant air volume.

  When the blower 20 is driven, the ambient air is blown from the left and right sides at a constant air volume toward the sheet bundle S placed on the placing table 10. Thereby, each paper P is seasoned.

  The blowing is continuously performed for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the control device stops driving the blower 20. At the same time, the control device drives the alignment plate drive actuator 60 to cause the alignment plates 50R and 50B to protrude from the right side plate 30R and the rear side plate 30B.

  When the alignment plates 50R and 50B protrude from the right side plate 30R and the rear side plate 30B, as shown in FIG. 11, the front end portion of the right alignment plate 50R comes into contact with the right edge of each sheet P, and the rear alignment plate comes to the rear edge. The tip of 50B comes into contact. The sheet P is pushed and moved horizontally by the right alignment plate 50R and the rear alignment plate 50B, and its front edge comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the front side plate 30F. At the same time, the left edge contacts the inner wall surface of the left side plate 30L. Thereby, the direction is aligned. At this time, each sheet P can be easily moved because the alignment plates 50R and 50B come into contact with the right and rear edges in the process of dropping. That is, even if the alignment plates 50R and 50B are brought into contact with each other when the sheets P are stacked, the sheets P cannot be moved due to friction between the sheets, but the edges of the sheets P are still floating. By bringing the alignment plates 50R and 50B into contact with each other, the sheets P can be moved with a small force, and the sheets P can be easily aligned.

  The control device retracts the alignment plates 50R and 50B to the inside of the side plates 30R and 30B after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  The seasoning process is completed in a series of steps. Thereafter, the operator removes the top board 40 and collects the sheet bundle S. At this time, the sheet bundle S can be easily collected because the orientation of each sheet P is adjusted.

  As described above, also in the seasoning device 2 of the present embodiment, it is possible to collect the paper P after the seasoning is aligned. Thereby, handling of the sheet bundle S after seasoning can be facilitated.

  In addition, it is the same as that of the seasoning apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above that the alignment plate does not necessarily have to be projected at the same time as the blowing is stopped.

  Also in the seasoning device 2 of the present embodiment, the alignment plates 50R and 50B may be formed with the tip portions (contact portions with the paper P) inclined. The alignment plates 50R and 50B may be arranged in parallel with the side plates 30R and 30B.

<< Third Embodiment >>
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of the seasoning apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, in the seasoning device 3 of the present embodiment, each side plate 30 is provided so as to be movable back and forth.

  In addition, since the structure of the mounting base 10 and the blower 20 is the same as the seasoning apparatus 1 of 1st Embodiment mentioned above, only the structure of the side plate 30 is demonstrated here.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the side plate 30 includes a front side plate 30F disposed along the front side of the placement region, a right side plate 30R disposed along the right side of the placement region, and a rear side. The rear side plate 30B arranged along the left side and the left side plate 30L arranged along the left side are arranged so as to surround the four sides around the placement area.

  The front side plate 30F is composed of two flat plates, and is installed perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting table 10, respectively. The two flat plates constituting the front side plate 30F are arranged at a constant interval, and a ventilation port 31F is formed between them. The two flat plates constituting the front side plate 30F are respectively driven by the front side plate drive actuator 70F to move forward and backward with respect to the rear side plate 30B. The front side plate drive actuator 70F is constituted by a cylinder, and the two flat plates constituting the front side plate 30F are attached to the rod tip of this cylinder. The control device (not shown) controls the driving of the front plate driving actuator 70F to move the front plate 30F forward and backward relative to the rear plate 30B.

  The right side plate 30 </ b> R is composed of four flat plates and is installed perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting table 10. The three blowers 20 arranged along the right side of the placement area are arranged between the four flat plates constituting the right side plate 30R. The four flat plates constituting the right side plate 30R are respectively driven by the right side plate drive actuator 70R to move forward and backward with respect to the left side plate 30L. The right side plate drive actuator 70R is constituted by a cylinder, and the four flat plates constituting the right side plate 30R are attached to the rod tip of this cylinder. The control device (not shown) controls the drive of the right side plate drive actuator 70R to move the right side plate 30R forward and backward relative to the left side plate 30L.

  The rear side plate 30 </ b> B is composed of two flat plates and is installed perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting table 10. The two flat plates constituting the rear side plate 30B are arranged at a constant interval, and a ventilation port 31B is formed between them. The two flat plates constituting the rear side plate 30B are respectively driven by the rear side plate drive actuator 70B to move forward and backward with respect to the front side plate 30F. The rear side plate drive actuator 70B is constituted by a cylinder, and the two flat plates constituting the rear side plate 30B are attached to the rod tip of this cylinder. The control device (not shown) controls the driving of the rear plate drive actuator 70B to move the rear plate 30B forward and backward with respect to the front plate 30F.

  The left side plate 30 </ b> L is composed of four flat plates and is installed perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting table 10. The three blowers 20 arranged along the left side of the placement area are arranged between the four flat plates constituting the left side plate 30L. The four flat plates constituting the left side plate 30L are respectively driven by the left side plate drive actuator 70L to move forward and backward with respect to the right side plate 30R. The left side plate drive actuator 70L is constituted by a cylinder, and the four flat plates constituting the left side plate 30L are attached to the rod tip of this cylinder. The control device (not shown) controls the drive of the left side plate drive actuator 70L to move the left side plate 30L forward and backward relative to the right side plate 30R.

  In the side plate 30 thus installed, the inner wall surface of the front plate 30F and the inner wall surface of the rear plate 30B are arranged to face each other, and the inner wall surface of the right plate 30R and the inner wall surface of the left plate 30L are mutually connected. Opposed to each other. Further, the front side plate 30F and the rear side plate 30B are arranged orthogonal to the right side plate 30R and the left side plate 30L. When each side plate drive actuator 70 (70F, 70R, 70B, 70L) is driven, the interval between the front side plate 30F and the rear side plate 30B is expanded and reduced, and the interval between the right side plate 30R and the left side plate 30L is expanded and reduced.

  In addition, each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L is formed lower than the height of the top plate 40, and is formed so that it can enter under the top plate 40.

  Next, the operation of the seasoning device 3 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  In the initial state, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L are located at predetermined initial positions. This initial position is set to a position that is separated from each side surface of the sheet bundle S by a predetermined distance when the sheet bundle S to be processed is placed on the placing table 10.

  First, a sheet bundle S to be seasoned (for example, a sheet bundle of general-purpose paper printed by an ink jet printer using aqueous ink) is set on the mounting table 10.

  The sheet bundle S is placed on a predetermined placement area set on the placement table 10. At this time, the sheet bundle S is placed so that each side surface is parallel to each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L. Accordingly, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L face the side surfaces of the sheet bundle S. The sheet bundle S is set manually by the operator, but the space defined by the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L is larger than the sheet bundle S as described above. The sheet bundle S can be easily set on the mounting table 10.

  After setting the sheet bundle S on the mounting table 10, the top board 40 is attached. As a result, the upper part of the sheet bundle S placed on the placing table 10 is covered with the top plate 40.

  Thus, the setting of the sheet bundle S is completed. Thereafter, the operator instructs the start of operation from the operation unit to start the seasoning operation.

  When the operation start is instructed, the control device drives each blower 20 and starts blowing with a constant air volume. When the blower 20 is driven, the ambient air is blown from the left and right sides at a constant air volume toward the sheet bundle S placed on the placing table 10. Thereby, each paper P is seasoned.

  The blowing is continuously performed for a certain time, and when the certain time has elapsed, the control device stops driving the blower 20. At the same time, the control device drives the side plate drive actuators 70F, 70R, 70B, and 70L to advance the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L by a predetermined amount toward the opposing side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L. .

  When each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L advances toward the opposite side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L, as shown in FIG. 13, each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L abut. The direction of each sheet P is corrected by the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L that are in contact with the periphery, and the edges are aligned in a certain direction. At this time, since the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L come into contact with the respective peripheral edges in the process of dropping, the respective sheets P can be easily aligned. That is, even if the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L are brought into contact with each other in a state where the sheets P are stacked, the sheets P cannot be moved due to friction between the sheets, but the sheets P are still floating. By bringing the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L into contact with the peripheral edges in the state, the paper P can be moved with a small force, and the paper P can be easily aligned.

  The movement amount of each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L is set according to the size of the paper P to be processed. That is, the distance between the front plate 30F and the rear plate 30B after movement is the same as the vertical width of the paper P, and the distance between the right plate 30R and the left plate 30L after movement is the horizontal width of the paper P. Set to be the same as.

  Each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L returns to the initial position after a predetermined time has elapsed. The control device drives the side plate drive actuators 70F, 70R, 70B, and 70L after a certain period of time, moves the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L back to the initial position.

  The seasoning process is completed in a series of steps. Thereafter, the operator removes the top board 40 and collects the sheet bundle S. At this time, the sheet bundle S can be easily collected because the orientation of each sheet P is adjusted. Further, as described above, since the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L are retracted from the sheet bundle S, they can be easily taken out manually.

  As described above, according to the seasoning device 3 of the present embodiment, the orientation of the sheets P after the seasoning can be made uniform. Thereby, handling of the sheet bundle S after seasoning can be facilitated. Further, the setting and taking out of the sheet bundle S can be easily performed, and the seasoning operation can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, the seasoning process can be performed without damaging the paper P during seasoning. Further, in the seasoning device 3 of the present embodiment, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L are movably provided, so that one unit can process the sheet bundles S of various sizes.

  In the above-described embodiment, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L are moved at the same time as the air blowing is stopped. However, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L are moved to the paper while the paper P is floating. The side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L are not necessarily moved at the same time as the air blowing is stopped. Accordingly, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L may be moved immediately before stopping the blowing, or the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L may be moved immediately after stopping the blowing.

  In the above embodiment, each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L is individually moved. However, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, each corner portion 30C constituting the side plate 30 can be moved forward and backward. In this way, the sheet bundle S can be aligned in the same manner. In this case, the sheet bundle S can be similarly aligned by configuring at least one corner portion to be movable.

  In the above embodiment, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L are all moved. However, only a part of the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L may be moved. For example, with respect to the right side plate 30R and the left side plate 30L, only the central two may be movable, and the two at both ends may be fixed.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the side plate drive actuator 70 is comprised with the cylinder, the structure of a side plate drive actuator is not limited to this. What is necessary is just to be able to move the side plate 30 linearly.

<< Fourth Embodiment >>
FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a seasoning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The seasoning device 4 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment described above in that the front side plate 30F and the right side plate 30R are fixed, and only the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L can move. Different from the seasoning device 3.

  In the seasoning device 4 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the front and right edges of the paper P are respectively moved to the front side plate by pressing the rear and left edges of the paper P with the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L. The sheets P are aligned in contact with the inner wall surfaces of 30F and the right side plate 30R. Hereinafter, this operation will be described.

  In the initial state, the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L are located at a predetermined initial position.

  First, the operator sets the sheet bundle S to be seasoned on the mounting table 10. Next, the top plate 40 is attached to the support column 41.

  Thus, the setting of the sheet bundle S is completed. Thereafter, the operator instructs the start of operation from the operation unit to start the seasoning operation.

  When the operation start is instructed, the control device drives each blower 20 and starts blowing with a constant air volume. When the blower 20 is driven, the ambient air is blown from the left and right sides at a constant air volume toward the sheet bundle S placed on the placing table 10. Thereby, each paper P is seasoned.

  The blowing is continuously performed for a certain time, and when the certain time has elapsed, the control device stops driving the blower 20. At the same time, the control device drives the rear side plate drive actuator 70B and the left side plate drive actuator 70L to advance the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L by a predetermined amount toward the front side plate 30F and the right side plate 30R, respectively.

  When the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L move forward, the inner wall surfaces of the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L come into contact with the rear and left edges of each paper P constituting the paper bundle S, and each paper P is moved to the front side plate 30F and Move toward the right side plate 30R. Then, the front edge and the right edge of the paper P are brought into contact with the inner wall surfaces of the front side plate 30F and the right side plate 30R. Thereby, the direction of each paper P is aligned. At this time, since the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L are in contact with the rear edge and the left edge in the process of dropping, each paper P can be easily moved and can be easily aligned.

  The amount of movement of the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L is set according to the size of the paper P to be processed. That is, the rear plate 30B is set such that the distance between the rear plate 30B and the front plate 30F after movement is the same as the vertical width of the paper P, and the left plate 30L is spaced from the right plate 30R after movement. Set to be the same as the width of.

  The rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L return to the initial positions after a predetermined time has elapsed. The control device drives the rear side plate drive actuator 70B and the left side plate drive actuator 70L after a certain period of time, and moves the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L to the initial positions.

  The seasoning process is completed in a series of steps. Thereafter, the operator removes the top board 40 and collects the sheet bundle S. At this time, the sheet bundle S can be easily collected because the orientation of each sheet P is adjusted. Further, since the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L are retracted from the sheet bundle S, they can be easily taken out manually.

  As described above, according to the seasoning device 4 of the present embodiment, the orientations of the sheets P after the seasoning can be made uniform. Thereby, handling of the sheet bundle S after seasoning can be facilitated. Further, the setting and taking out of the sheet bundle S can be easily performed, and the seasoning operation can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, the seasoning process can be performed without damaging the paper P during seasoning. Further, in the seasoning device 4 of the present embodiment, the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L are movably provided, so that a single sheet bundle S of various sizes can be processed.

  In the above embodiment, the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L are moved simultaneously with the stop of the air blowing. However, the side plates 30B and 30L are moved against the paper P while the paper P is floating. If it is possible, it is not always necessary to move the side plates 30B and 30L simultaneously with the stop of air blowing. Therefore, the side plates 30B and 30L may be moved immediately before the air blow is stopped, or the side plates 30B and 30L may be moved immediately after the air blow is stopped.

  In the above embodiment, the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L are moved. However, since one of the opposing side plates may be moved, the combination can be changed as appropriate.

<< Fifth Embodiment >>
FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a seasoning device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, in the seasoning device 5 of the present embodiment, each side plate 30 is provided to be tiltable.

  In addition, since the structure of the mounting base 10 and the blower 20 is the same as the seasoning apparatus 1 of 1st Embodiment mentioned above, only the structure of the side plate 30 is demonstrated here.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the side plate 30 includes a front side plate 30F disposed along the front side of the placement region, a right side plate 30R disposed along the right side of the placement region, and a rear side. The rear side plate 30B arranged along the left side and the left side plate 30L arranged along the left side are arranged so as to surround the four sides around the placement area.

  The front side plate 30F is composed of two flat plates, and is installed perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting table 10, respectively. The two flat plates constituting the front side plate 30F are arranged at a constant interval, and a ventilation port 31F is formed between them. The two flat plates constituting the front side plate 30F are each driven by the front side plate drive actuator 70F and tilted. The front plate drive actuator 70F is constituted by a motor, and the two flat plates constituting the front plate 30F are attached to the output shaft of the motor via a bracket 30f. The control device (not shown) controls the driving of the front plate drive actuator 70F to tilt the front plate 30F.

  The right side plate 30 </ b> R is composed of four flat plates and is installed perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting table 10. The three blowers 20 arranged along the right side of the placement area are arranged between the four flat plates constituting the right side plate 30R. The four flat plates constituting the right side plate 30R are each driven by the right side plate drive actuator 70R and tilted. The right side plate drive actuator 70R is constituted by a motor, and the four flat plates constituting the right side plate 30R are attached to the output shaft of the motor via a bracket 30r. The control device (not shown) controls the drive of the right side plate drive actuator 70R to tilt the right side plate 30R.

  The rear side plate 30 </ b> B is composed of two flat plates and is installed perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting table 10. The two flat plates constituting the rear side plate 30B are arranged at a constant interval, and a ventilation port 31B is formed between them.

  The two flat plates constituting the rear side plate 30B are driven and tilted by the rear side plate drive actuator 70B. The rear plate drive actuator 70B is constituted by a motor, and the two flat plates constituting the rear plate 30B are attached at the time of output of the motor via the bracket 30b. The control device (not shown) controls the drive of the rear plate drive actuator 70B to tilt the rear plate 30B.

  The left side plate 30 </ b> L is composed of four flat plates and is installed perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting table 10. The three blowers 20 arranged along the left side of the placement area are arranged between the four flat plates constituting the left side plate 30L. The four flat plates constituting the left side plate 30L are driven by the left side plate drive actuator 70L and tilted. The left side plate drive actuator 70L is constituted by a motor, and the four flat plates constituting the left side plate 30L are attached at the time of output of the motor via a bracket 301. The control device (not shown) controls the drive of the left side plate drive actuator 70L to tilt the left side plate 30L.

  In the side plate 30 thus installed, the inner wall surface of the front plate 30F and the inner wall surface of the rear plate 30B are arranged to face each other, and the inner wall surface of the right plate 30R and the inner wall surface of the left plate 30L are mutually connected. Opposed to each other. Further, the front side plate 30F and the rear side plate 30B are arranged orthogonal to the right side plate 30R and the left side plate 30L. Then, when each side plate drive actuator 70 (70F, 70R, 70B, 70L) is driven, each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L tilts, and the whole is formed in a chute shape (a shape in which the lower part is narrowed) ( (Refer FIG.19 (b)).

  Next, the operation of the seasoning device 5 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, in the initial state, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L take a posture perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting table 10.

  First, a sheet bundle S to be seasoned (for example, a sheet bundle of general-purpose paper printed by an ink jet printer using aqueous ink) is set on the mounting table 10. After setting the sheet bundle S on the mounting table 10, the top board 40 is attached.

  Thus, the setting of the sheet bundle S is completed. Thereafter, the operator instructs the start of operation from the operation unit to start the seasoning operation.

  When the operation start is instructed, the control device drives each blower 20 and starts blowing with a constant air volume. When the blower 20 is driven, the ambient air is blown from the left and right sides at a constant air volume toward the sheet bundle S placed on the placing table 10. Thereby, each paper P is seasoned.

  The blowing is continuously performed for a certain time, and when the certain time has elapsed, the control device stops driving the blower 20. At the same time, the control device drives the side plate drive actuators 70F, 70R, 70B, and 70L to incline the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L. Thereby, as shown in FIG.19 (b), each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L is formed in a chute shape as a whole. In the process of dropping, each sheet P is guided by the side plate 30 formed in a chute shape so that the directions are aligned. That is, since each paper P falls by its own weight when the blowing is stopped, the paper P is guided by the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L in the fall process so that the directions are aligned.

  Each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L returns to the initial state after a predetermined time has elapsed (see FIG. 19A). The control device drives the side plate drive actuators 70F, 70R, 70B, and 70L after a predetermined time elapses, and returns the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L to a vertical posture.

  The seasoning process is completed in a series of steps. Thereafter, the operator removes the top board 40 and collects the sheet bundle S. At this time, the sheet bundle S can be easily collected because the orientation of each sheet P is adjusted. Further, since each side plate 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L is located at a position away from the sheet bundle S, it can be easily taken out manually.

  As described above, according to the seasoning device 5 of the present embodiment, the orientations of the sheets P after the seasoning can be made uniform. Thereby, handling of the sheet bundle S after seasoning can be facilitated. Further, the setting and taking out of the sheet bundle S can be easily performed, and the seasoning operation can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, the seasoning process can be performed without damaging the paper P during seasoning. Further, in the seasoning device 5 of the present embodiment, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L are provided so as to be tiltable, so that a single sheet bundle S of various sizes can be processed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L are inclined at the same time as the air blowing is stopped. However, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L are placed on the paper while the paper P is floating. The side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L do not necessarily have to be inclined at the same time as the air blowing is stopped. Therefore, the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L may be tilted immediately before stopping the blowing, or the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, and 30L may be tilted immediately after stopping the blowing.

  In the above embodiment, all the side plates 30F, 30R, 30B, 30L are inclined, but only a part may be inclined. For example, the right side plate 30R and the left side plate 30L may be configured to be tiltable only at the center two, and only the center two may be tilted.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the side plate drive actuator 70 is comprised with the motor, the structure of the side plate drive actuator 70 is not limited to this. Any structure that can tilt the side plate 30 may be used.

<< Sixth Embodiment >>
FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a sixth embodiment of the seasoning apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line 21-21 in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the seasoning device 6 of the present embodiment is provided with a mounting table 10 that can be tilted.

  In addition, since the structure of the blower 20 and the side plate 30 is as substantially the same as the seasoning apparatus 1 of 1st Embodiment mentioned above, only the structure of the mounting base 10 is demonstrated here.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the mounting table 10 is installed on the base plate 11 via the mounting table tilting mechanism 12.

  The mounting table tilting mechanism 12 includes a free camera platform 13 and four cylinders 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D.

  The free platform 13 is disposed at the center of the lower surface of the mounting table 10 and supports the mounting table 10 so as to be tiltable with respect to the base plate 11.

  The four cylinders 14 </ b> A, 14 </ b> B, 14 </ b> C, 14 </ b> D are arranged at the four corners of the mounting table 10. These four cylinders 14 </ b> A, 14 </ b> B, 14 </ b> C, 14 </ b> D are erected vertically on the upper surface of the base plate 11, and the tops of the rods are in contact with the lower corners of the mounting table 10. The mounting table 10 tilts by individually controlling the four cylinders 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D. That is, for example, if only the rods of the cylinders 14A and 14B are contracted, it tilts downward to the lower right, and if only the rods of the cylinders 14B and 14C are contracted, it tilts downward and downward. Moreover, if the extension amount of each rod is made equal, the mounting table 10 is held horizontally.

  The driving of each cylinder 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D is individually controlled by a control device (not shown). The control device controls the inclination of the mounting table 10 by individually controlling the driving of the cylinders 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D.

  Next, the operation of the seasoning device 6 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 21A, the mounting table 10 is held horizontally in the initial state.

  First, a sheet bundle S to be seasoned (for example, a sheet bundle of general-purpose paper printed by an ink jet printer using aqueous ink) is set on the mounting table 10. After setting the sheet bundle S on the mounting table 10, the top board 40 is attached.

  Thus, the setting of the sheet bundle S is completed. Thereafter, the operator instructs the start of operation from the operation unit to start the seasoning operation.

  When the operation start is instructed, the control device drives each blower 20 and starts blowing with a constant air volume. When the blower 20 is driven, the ambient air is blown from the left and right sides at a constant air volume toward the sheet bundle S placed on the placing table 10. Thereby, each paper P is seasoned.

  The blowing is continuously performed for a certain time, and when the certain time has elapsed, the control device stops driving the blower 20. At the same time, the control device controls the driving of the cylinders 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D, and tilts the mounting table 10. For example, it is inclined so that the right front part faces downward.

  Thus, when the mounting table 10 is tilted, each sheet P is tilted following the mounting table 10, and its front edge and right edge abut against the inner wall surface of the front plate 30 </ b> F and the right plate 30 </ b> R by its own weight. As a result, the orientations of the sheets P are aligned.

  At this time, since the mounting table 10 is inclined while each paper P is still floating, the paper P can be efficiently aligned. That is, by tilting the mounting table 10 in a state where each sheet P is floating, the influence of friction between the sheets can be reduced, and the sheets P can be efficiently aligned.

  The mounting table 10 is returned to a horizontal position after a predetermined time has elapsed. The control device drives the cylinders 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D after a certain period of time, and returns the mounting table 10 to a horizontal position.

  The seasoning process is completed in a series of steps. Thereafter, the operator removes the top board 40 and collects the sheet bundle S. At this time, the sheet bundle S can be easily collected because the orientation of each sheet P is adjusted. Further, since a sufficient space is secured between the rear side plate 30B and the left side plate 30L and the sheet bundle S, it can be easily taken out manually.

  As described above, according to the seasoning device 6 of the present embodiment, the orientations of the sheets P after the seasoning can be made uniform. Thereby, handling of the sheet bundle S after seasoning can be facilitated. Further, the setting and taking out of the sheet bundle S can be easily performed, and the seasoning operation can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, the seasoning process can be performed without damaging the paper P during seasoning.

  In the above-described embodiment, the mounting table 10 is inclined at the same time as the air blowing is stopped. However, it is only necessary to incline the paper P in a floating state, and it is not always necessary to incline the air when the air blowing is stopped. Therefore, it may be tilted immediately before the blower is stopped, or may be tilted immediately after the blower is stopped.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the mounting base 10 is hold | maintained for a fixed time with inclining, it is good also as a structure which gives a vibration with inclining.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it is set as the structure which inclines the mounting base 10 at the time of completion | finish of ventilation, it is good also as a structure inclined from the start of ventilation. In this case, the same effect can be obtained.

  Since the mounting table 10 may be tilted from the start of air blowing, the mounting table itself may be tilted. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the upper surface (mounting surface) of the mounting table 10 may be inclined.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the mounting base tilting mechanism 12 is comprised with the free pan head 13 and cylinder 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, the structure of the mounting base tilting mechanism 12 is not limited to this. Absent. Any configuration capable of tilting the mounting table 10 may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it is set as the structure which can be tilted in arbitrary directions, the mounting base 10 should just be the structure which can be tilted in at least one direction. Therefore, for example, a configuration that can tilt only to the right front side may be employed.

<< Other Embodiments >>
The structure which inclines the mounting base 10 demonstrated in 6th Embodiment is applicable also to the seasoning apparatus of other embodiment. In particular, when applied to the seasoning apparatuses 2 and 4 described in the second and fourth embodiments, the sheets P can be arranged more efficiently. In other words, the sheet P can be more efficiently aligned by inclining the mounting table 10 toward the side plate on the side where the edge of the sheet P abuts. For example, in the seasoning device 2 of the second embodiment, the sheets P can be aligned more efficiently by inclining the mounting table 10 so that the left front side faces downward. In the seasoning device 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the sheets P can be more efficiently aligned by inclining the mounting table 10 so that the right front side faces downward. In this case, the mounting table 10 may be provided so as to be tiltable by the mounting table tilting mechanism 12 (see FIG. 21), or may be provided with the mounting surface inclined in advance (see FIG. 22).

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1-6 ... Seasoning apparatus, P ... Paper, S ... Paper bundle, 10 ... Mounting table, 11 ... Base plate, 12 ... Mounting table tilting mechanism, 13 ... Free pan head, 14A-14D ... Cylinder, 20 ... Blower, 30 ... Side plate, 30F ... front side plate, 30R ... right side plate, 30B ... rear side plate, 30L ... left side plate, 30f, 30r, 30b, 30l ... bracket, 30C ... corner, 31B, 31F ... vent, 32R, 32L ... opening 33F, 33R, 33B, 33L ... slit, 40 ... top plate, 40A ... fixed part, 41 ... support, 41A ... mounting part, 50 ... alignment plate, 50F ... front alignment plate, 50R ... right alignment plate, 50B ... rear Alignment plate, 50L ... Left alignment plate, 60 ... Alignment plate drive actuator, 70 ... Side plate drive actuator, 70F ... Front side plate drive actuator, 70R ... Right side plate drive actuator, 7 B ... rear plate drive actuator, 70L ... left side plate drive actuator

Claims (10)

In the seasoning device for seasoning the sheet bundle by blowing air from the side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table,
A side plate disposed opposite to each side surface of the sheet bundle placed on the mounting table and provided so as to be movable forward and backward with respect to each side surface;
Side plate driving means for moving each side plate;
Side plate control means for controlling the side plate drive means to control the movement of the side plates;
The side plate control means moves the side plates to positions where they abut against the side surfaces of the paper bundle when the air blowing by the air blowing means is finished, and aligns the paper bundle. In the seasoning device for seasoning the sheet bundle by blowing air from the side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table,
A side plate disposed to face each side of the sheet bundle placed on the placing table with a predetermined gap;
An alignment plate provided so as to be able to protrude and retract from each side plate toward the side surface of the sheet bundle;
Alignment plate driving means for projecting and retracting each alignment plate from each side plate;
An alignment plate control means for controlling the alignment plate drive means to control the appearance and intrusion of each alignment plate;
And the aligning plate control means causes the aligning plates to protrude from the side plates at the end of blowing by the blowing means to align the sheet bundle. In the seasoning device for seasoning the sheet bundle by blowing air from the side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table,
A first fixed side plate disposed to face the first side surface of the sheet bundle placed on the placing table;
A first movable side plate disposed opposite to the first fixed side plate across a bundle of sheets placed on the mounting table, and movably moved relative to the first fixed side plate; ,
A second fixed side plate disposed opposite to the second side surface of the sheet bundle placed on the placing table;
A second movable side plate disposed opposite to the second fixed side plate across the bundle of sheets placed on the mounting table, and movably moved forward and backward with respect to the second fixed side plate; ,
Movable side plate driving means for moving the first movable side plate and the second movable side plate;
Movable side plate control means for controlling the movement of the first movable side plate and the second movable side plate by controlling the movable side plate drive means;
The movable side plate control means moves the first movable side plate toward the first fixed side plate at the end of blowing by the blowing means, thereby moving the first side surface of the sheet bundle to the first side. The second movable side plate is moved toward the second fixed side plate so that the second side surface of the sheet bundle is moved to the second fixed side plate. A seasoning device characterized by contacting and aligning. In the seasoning device for seasoning the sheet bundle by blowing air from the side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table,
A side plate disposed to face each side of the sheet bundle placed on the placing table with a predetermined gap;
An alignment plate provided so as to be able to protrude and retract toward the side surface of the sheet bundle from two side plates which are not opposed to each other among the four side plates;
Alignment plate driving means for projecting and retracting each alignment plate from each side plate;
An alignment plate control means for controlling the alignment plate drive means to control the appearance and intrusion of each alignment plate;
And the alignment plate control means projects the alignment plates from the respective side plates at the end of the air blowing by the air blowing means, whereby the side surface of the sheet bundle is opposed to the side plate provided with the alignment plates. A seasoning device that is brought into contact with and aligned. In the seasoning device for seasoning the sheet bundle by blowing air from the side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table,
A side plate disposed opposite to each side surface of the sheet bundle placed on the mounting table and provided to be tiltable,
Side plate driving means for tilting each side plate;
Side plate control means for controlling the side plate drive means to control the tilting of the side plates;
And the side plate control means inclines the side plates at the end of the air blowing by the air blowing means to align the sheet bundle.   The seasoning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mounting table is provided to be inclined.   The mounting table includes a mounting table driving unit that tilts the mounting table, and a mounting table control unit that controls the driving of the mounting table and controls the tilting of the mounting table. The seasoning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the placement table control means tilts the placement table when the blowing by the blowing means is finished.   The seasoning device according to claim 2, wherein the alignment plate is formed such that a part or all of the surface contacting the side surface of the sheet bundle is inclined. In the seasoning device for seasoning the sheet bundle by blowing air from the side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table,
The above-mentioned mounting table provided at an inclination;
A side plate disposed to face each side of the sheet bundle placed on the placing table with a predetermined gap;
A seasoning apparatus comprising: In the seasoning device for seasoning the sheet bundle by blowing air from the side toward the sheet bundle placed on the placing table,
A mounting table provided in a tiltable manner;
A side plate disposed to face each side of the sheet bundle placed on the placing table with a predetermined gap;
A mounting table driving means for tilting the mounting table;
Mounting table control means for controlling the tilting of the mounting table by controlling the driving of the mounting table driving means;
The above-mentioned placing table control means inclines the above-mentioned placing table at the end of blowing by the blowing means, and aligns the sheet bundle.

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