JP2937226B2 - Signature sorting device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a signature sorting apparatus for separating a predetermined number of signatures from a signature bundle comprising a plurality of signatures. This signature sorting apparatus is used, for example, when supplying a predetermined number of signatures to a bookbinding machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a signature supplying apparatus for supplying a predetermined number of signatures to a signature storing section of a bookbinding machine, there is conventionally known, for example, the one shown in FIG. The signature supply device 3 shown here has a transport system including an upper belt conveyor 5, a lower belt conveyor 6, an inclined belt conveyor 7, and an auxiliary belt conveyor 8. The lower belt conveyor 6 is located at the height of the work position of the worker, and a large number of signatures 4 are placed on the belt conveyor 6 with the fold side end thereof facing downward and the facing side edge facing upward. It is posted.

[0003] The lower belt conveyor 6 is composed of those signatures 4
To the inclined belt conveyor 7. The inclined belt conveyor 7 conveys the signature 4 conveyed by the lower belt conveyor 6 in the plane direction, that is, diagonally upward. The auxiliary belt conveyor 8 cooperates with the inclined belt conveyor 7 to pinch the signature 4 and convey it onto the upper belt conveyor 5. The signatures 4 conveyed in this manner are arranged in an upright state at the height of the signature storage section 2 of the bookbinding machine 1. When the bookbinding machine 1 is operated, a predetermined number of signatures 4 are carried into the signature storage unit 2, and then the signatures 4 are moved by the lower belt conveyor 6, the inclined belt conveyor 7 and the auxiliary belt conveyor 8 to the upper belt conveyor 5. Replenished on top.

By the way, regarding recent books such as magazines,
The page is made by gravure printing or the like, and its thickness is thin, so that the signature is weak. For this reason, in the conventional signature sorting device, when the signature 4 is transported upward by the inclined belt conveyor 7, it is necessary to transport the signature 4 with the fold side end and the spread side end horizontal. The signature 4 during the ascending conveyance is tilted due to a difference between the left and right thicknesses of the signature 4 itself,
There are problems such as falling down on the upper belt conveyor 5 and clogging with the auxiliary belt conveyor 8. That is, it has been difficult to accurately separate a predetermined number of signatures from the bundle of signatures on the lower belt conveyor 6.

In order to solve such a problem and accurately separate signatures without damaging them, the present applicant has proposed the following signature sorting apparatus in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-86835. In this signature sorting apparatus, as shown in FIG. 9, the signature bundle 4a is placed on the first table 51 and the second table 52, and the second table 52 is inclined with respect to the table 51 as shown by an arrow A. Translate upward. At this time, the signature 4 on the portion placed on the second table 52 moves in parallel with the second table 52, and as a result, a wedge-shaped space R is formed at the lower end of the signature bundle 4a.

Below the first table 51 and the second table 52, a signature separation device 53 which can reciprocate linearly in the vertical direction in the figure is provided in advance. The bundle of signatures 4a is moved upwards across the spaces 51 and 52, enters the space R, and protrudes upwards, thereby separating the signature bundle 4a to the left and right in the figure.

However, in this signature sorting apparatus,
In order to make it easy to insert the signature separation device 53 into the signature bundle 4a, it is necessary to minimize the pressing force F applied from the front and back of the signature bundle 4a. As a result, the number of sorted signature bundles often varies. In addition, due to the necessity of reducing the pressing force F, a state occurs in which the spine-folded portion of each signature 4 remains inflated or a habitual signature cannot stand upright, As a result, the signature separating device 53 is moved to the space R.
As shown in FIG. 10, when inserted into the inside, a sorting error such as breaking the spine of the signature 4 may be induced.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the conventional signature sorting apparatus, and is capable of stably and accurately sorting signatures into a predetermined number of sheets. It is an object of the present invention to provide a signature sorting apparatus capable of performing the above.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A signature sorting apparatus according to the present invention is a signature sorting apparatus for separating a predetermined number of signatures from a signature bundle comprising a plurality of signatures. A main table to be placed in a folded state, a sorting table for forming a space below the bundle of signatures by obliquely moving in parallel to the main table, and entering the above space across the signature mounting surface of the main table. And a pair of signature pressing means for pressing the signature bundle placed on the main table from both the original bundle end face and the sorting bundle side end face, and moving the signature separation means. Control means for controlling the pressing operations of the pair of signature press means in synchronization with each other, wherein the pair of signature press means includes a sorting bundle side end surface at an end on the side away from the main table. Wherein the pressure.

Each signature pressing means can be constituted by, for example, an air cylinder and a presser provided at the tip of an output rod of the air cylinder. Regarding a pair of signature pressing means provided on both sides of the original bundle side end face and the sorting bundle side end face of the signature bundle, one side may be fixed and the other side may move, or both sides may move together. It can also be in the form.

[0011] In particular, the pressing means on the sorting bundle side includes a pressing plate formed on the signature mounting surface of the sorting table;
It can be constituted by two pressing elements with an end pressing device separate from the pressing plate. In this case, the bottom of the sorting bundle side end face of the signature is pressed by the pressing plate, and the upper part of the sorting bundle side end face is pressed by the end face pressing device.

As the control mode executed by the control means, for example, the following preferable modes can be considered. 1
First, before a space is formed below the bundle of signatures by the parallel movement of the sorting table, the pair of signature pressing means is controlled to perform a pressing operation to press the signatures from both sides. Thus, prior to the separating operation by the signature separating means, the swelling or inclination of the signature bundle can be corrected, and the signature bundle can be accurately set at a certain position in a vertically upright state.

Another method is a control method suitable for a case in which both the original bundle-side press means and the sorting bundle-side press means are moved, particularly for a pair of signature press means. More specifically, almost simultaneously with the signature separating means entering the space formed below the signature bundle, the original bundle side pressing means is moved in the direction in which the pressing force is weakened, and thereafter, the sorting bundle is delayed by a predetermined time. This is to control the side pressing means to move in the direction in which the pressing force is weakened. Thereby, the resistance force applied to the signature separating means by the signature bundle can be minimized.

[0014]

A pair of signature pressing means presses the signature bundle from the front and back, that is, from both sides of the original bundle side end surface and the sorting bundle side end surface, thereby squeezing the bulge of the spine folded portion of each signature. The signature is erected exactly vertically. Then, by parallel movement of the sorting table,
The bottom portion of the signature bundle is divided into two, the original bundle side and the sorting bundle side, to form a wedge-shaped space. The signature separating means enters the space and moves through the signature bundle, whereby the signature bundle is separated into the original bundle side and the sorting bundle side.

The movement of the signature separating means and the pressing operation of the signature pressing means are controlled so as to be synchronized with each other. For example, until immediately before the signature sorting operation by the signature separating means is started, the signature bundle is firmly sandwiched from front and rear by the pressing force of the signature pressing means, and the signature bundle is held vertically at a certain position. Further, when the signature separating means enters into the space formed at the lower part of the signature bundle and further moves into the signature bundle, the pressing force of the signature pressing means is reduced. I do. As a result, the signature separating means can be smoothly moved into the signature bundle, and the signature is not damaged.

[0016]

1 and 2 show an embodiment of a signature sorting apparatus according to the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1 shows its front view and FIG. 2 shows its plan view. This signature sorting apparatus includes a pair of main tables 11 fixedly arranged with a space therebetween as shown in FIG.
2 has a rectangular frame-shaped sorting table 12 in FIG. 2 and a fixedly arranged air cylinder 17 for driving the sorting table 12 in FIG.

The signature bundle 4a to be sorted is shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), by being placed on the main table 11 and further pressed from the front and back by a pair of left and right press members 14a and 14b, they are arranged in an upright state. Reference numeral 15 denotes an air cylinder for driving the sorting bundle side press member 14b, and reference numeral 40 denotes an original bundle side press member 1.
4A shows an air cylinder that drives 4a. Below the main table 11, a guide plate 16 is fixedly arranged in an inclined state, and a sorting table 12 is slidably mounted thereon. The sorting table 12 is fixed to the tip of a cylinder rod 17a of an air cylinder 17 disposed on the right side thereof, and is driven by the air cylinder 17 to reciprocate obliquely up and down as shown by arrows BB 'in FIG. Translate in parallel.

On the upper surface of the sorting table 12, a pressing plate 41 for pressing the end face of the signature bundle 4a is provided, and on the side plate portion of the table 12, as shown by reference numeral 18 in FIG. Is formed. Then, in the vicinity of the separating end 18, as shown in FIG.
A first link 20 is rotatably mounted via a pin 19. A first stopper 21 is formed at one end of the first link 20, and a right end of a second link 23 is rotatably attached to the other end via a pin 22.
The left end of the second link 23 is rotatably attached to a bracket 24 that is not moved.

A signature separation device 25 is provided between the pair of main tables 11 and below the main table 11 and the sorting table 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the signature separation device 25 includes a vertically long side plate 26, three rotatable rollers 27, 28, 29 provided at an upper end of the side plate 26, and a lower portion of the side plate 26. Provided 2
Rollers 30 and 31 and two upper and lower rollers 2 on the left side
A belt 32 is provided between the upper and lower rollers 28, 31 and the uppermost roller 28.

The side plate 26 is driven by an air cylinder indicated by reference numeral 42 in FIG. 1 and reciprocates in the vertical direction in FIG. 4, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the main table 11. The left and right belts 32 and 33 are fixed to machine frames 34a and 34b, which are not moved, by bolts 35, respectively. The belts 32 and 33 are in surface contact with each other between the upper left roller 27 and the uppermost roller 28 under pressure.

In FIG. 1, on the left side of the upper end of the signature separating device 25, a second rectangular plate member is formed.
A stopper 36 is provided. This second stopper 36
Is rotatably supported by a support shaft 37 provided with a spring, and the second stopper 36 is placed under pressure on the upper end of the signature separating device 25, that is, the upper end of the belt 33 (see FIG. 4) by the spring force of the spring. Contact. A pair of air cylinders 15 and 40 for pressing the signature bundle end face, and a sorting table 12
The operation of each of the air cylinders 17 and the air cylinder 42 that drives the signature separation device 25 is as follows.
The control is performed by the control device 43 so as to synchronize with each other.

The operation of the signature sorting apparatus having the above configuration will be described below.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper surface of the sorting table 12, that is, the signature placing surface, is
At the same position or slightly lower than the upper surface, ie, the signature placing surface. The figure shows a state in which the sorting table 12 is arranged slightly lower than the main table 11. In this state, the signature bundle 4a is placed on the main table 11, and the signature bundle 4a is moved from the left and right in the figure by the original bundle side pressing member 14a, the sorting bundle side pressing member 14b, and the pressing plate 41 on the sorting table. Press and hold. At this time, each signature 4 forming the signature bundle 4a is
The spine is facing down and the facing side is facing up. Due to the pressing of the bundle of signatures 4a by the press members 14a, 14b and the pressing plate 41, the swelling of the back-folded portion of each signature 4 is crushed, and each signature 4 is firmly held in a vertical state.

Thereafter, the sorting table 12 is driven by the air cylinder 17 while being guided by the guide plate 16, and moves parallel and obliquely upward as shown by the arrow B in FIG.
It is carried to the sorting position shown in. At the time of this parallel movement, the bottom of the signature bundle 4a is separated from the sorting end 4 (see FIG. 3) of the sorting table 12 as a boundary by the sorting bundle 4c that moves on the sorting table 12 and moves mainly. It is separated from the original bundle 4d remaining on the table 11, and a wedge-shaped space R is formed between the two. At this time, the pressing operation of the signature bundle 4a by the pressing plate 41 is released, but the pressing member 14
a and 14b continue the pressing operation to hold the signature bundle 4a firmly. Therefore, the number of signatures 4 in the sorting bundle 4c is always stabilized at a constant number.

Thereafter, the signature separating device 25 moves upward and crosses the main table 11 and the sorting table 12 and enters the wedge-shaped space R as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the sheet is cut into the bundle of signatures 4a and rises to penetrate the bundle of signatures 4a. Signature separation device 25
Due to this upward movement, the signature bundle 4a is separated into the original bundle 4d and the sorting bundle 4c composed of the predetermined number of signatures 4 determined. The separated sorting bundle 4c is held, for example, by a robot hand (not shown), and
For example, it is carried to a predetermined storage position of a bookbinding machine (not shown).

When the signature separating device 25 rises through the signature bundle 4a, as shown in FIG.
The reference numeral 31 translates upward together with the side plate 26. And
The left belt 32 gradually extends above the main table 11 while being stretched over the pair of left rollers 27 and 30. At the same time, the right belt 33 is connected to the right roller pair 29,
While being stretched over the uppermost roller 31 and the uppermost roller 28, it gradually projects above the main table 11. Each belt 3
2, 33, themselves are fixed to the machine frames 34a and 34b, so that the entirety of the signature separation device 25 rises through the space between the original bundle 4d and the sorting bundle 4c of the signature bundle 4a. Each of the belts 32 and 33 rotates around the side plate 26, but maintains surface contact with the side surfaces of the original bundle 4d and the sorting bundle 4c without having a relative speed. As a result, the alignment of the signatures 4 is not disturbed by the signature separation device 25 moving upward.

Further, the sorting table 12 is used for the signature bundle 4
In order to form a space R in the lower part of FIG. 1A, when it moves obliquely upward from the lower position shown in FIG. 1 to the sorting position shown in FIG. 5, it is connected to the other end of the second link 23 having one end fixed. The first link 20 is set in the sorting table 1
2 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. By this rotation, the first stopper 21 formed at the end of the first link 20 rotates around the pin 19,
As shown in FIG. 5, the sorting table 12 projects from a lower position to an upper position. By the function of the overhanging first stopper 21, the lower end of the rear end of the sorting bundle 4c, which moves on the sorting table 12, is prevented from coming off the sorting table 12 and returning into the space R. . Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the lower end corner of the signature bundle 4c from being bent or damaged by the upper end of the signature separating device 25 that moves upward.

Also, the signature separating device 25 is configured to use the signature bundle 4a.
5, the second stopper 36 provided at the lower position of the main table 11 is pushed up by the upper end of the signature separating device 25 to lift the sheet from the retracted state shown in FIG. 5 to the projected state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the anti-spring is rotated counterclockwise around the support shaft 37 against the spring force so that its tip protrudes above the main table 11, and the signature bundle 4d
Abut the lower right corner of the. As a result, the signature 4 on the original bundle 4d side is prevented from jumping into the space R, and the lower right corner of the original bundle 4d is bent or damaged by the upper end of the signature separating device 25 moving upward. It is surely prevented.

In FIG. 6, the signature separating device 25
Enters the space R, at the same time, the original bundle-side press member 14a is slightly returned backward as shown by the dashed line. As a result, the signature separating device 25 is formed by the original bundle 4d.
The pressure applied to the signature separator 2 is reduced.
5 is smoothly moved into the space R without any resistance, and the signature separating device 25 prevents the signature 4 from being damaged.

After a little more time has passed since the original bundle-side press member 14a is returned to the rear, as shown in FIG. 7, the sorting bundle-side press member 14b is slightly returned to the front. As a result, the pressure applied to the signature separation device 25 by the sorting bundle 4c is relieved, so that the signature separation device 25 can smoothly move through the signature bundle 4a without any resistance. The signature 4 is prevented from being damaged.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.
Various modifications can be made within the technical scope described in the claims.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, signature sorting having a function of preventing the signature 4 from jumping into the space R by using two stoppers, the first stopper 21 and the second stopper 36. Although the case where the present invention is applied to the apparatus has been described, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a signature sorting apparatus that does not use those stoppers.

In the present invention, a pair of signature pressing means is constituted by the original bundle pressing means and the sorting bundle pressing means. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the original bundle side pressing means is constituted by the press member 14 a which is driven and moved by the air cylinder 40, and the press member 14 b which is driven and moved by the air cylinder 15 and the press which is driven by the air cylinder 17. The sorting bundle side pressing means was constituted by the two elements of the plate 41.

However, the present invention includes a case where the sorting bundle side pressing means is constituted only by the pressing member 14b without using the pressing plate 41. The present invention also includes a case where both the original bundle side pressing means and the sorting bundle side pressing means are not movable, but one is fixedly arranged and the other is movable.

However, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the sorting bundle side pressing means includes a pressing member 14b for pressing the upper end surface of the signature bundle and a pressing plate 41 for pressing the lower end surface of the signature bundle.
The preferred embodiment is composed of two press elements. With this configuration, prior to the sorting operation, the signature bundle 4a is pressed from the front and back so that each signature 4 is erected vertically vertically, and the lower part of the signature bundle 4a is moved by the parallel movement of the sorting table 12. When the space R for inserting the separating device 25 into the space is formed, the two requirements of maintaining the signature bundle 4a firmly in the upright state can be satisfied at the same time.

[0036]

According to the signature sorting apparatus of the present invention, the swelling of the spine folding portion of the signature is corrected by strongly pressing the signature bundle from the front and back by the pair of signature pressing means. A folded signature can be straightened. Since such an operation is performed in synchronization with the operation of the signature separating means, a desired number of signatures can be sorted stably.

According to the signature sorting apparatus of the second aspect, since the movement of the pressing means on both sides is controlled, the holding position of the bundle of signatures, the clamping force, and the like can be freely adjusted. This allows
The resistance applied to the signature separating means can be adjusted to a minimum.

According to the signature sorting apparatus of the third aspect, since the entire upper and lower regions of the end face of the signature bundle can be pressed, the swelling or bending of the signature can be reliably corrected. In addition, since the pressing plate for pressing the lower part of the signature bundle side end surface is integral with the sorting table, when a space is formed in the lower part of the signature bundle by parallel movement of the sorting table, the pressing plate is The work of forming the space is not disturbed.

According to the signature sorting apparatus of the fourth aspect, the bundle of signatures to be subjected to the separating operation is accurately held at a fixed position in an upright state without swelling.
The bundle of signatures can always be accurately sorted into a certain number of sheets.

According to the signature sorting apparatus of the fifth aspect, the pressing force of both the pair of pressing means is reduced in synchronization with the insertion of the signature separating means into the space below the signature bundle. Therefore, the bundle of signatures can be securely held upright before the separation operation is started, and the resistance applied to the signature separating means by the bundle of signatures can be minimized.

[0041]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing an embodiment of a signature sorting apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the signature sorting apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a main part of FIG. 1, particularly a sorting table.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front sectional view showing a main part of FIG. 1, particularly, a signature separation device;

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a state in which the signature sorting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 separates a bottom portion of the bundle of signatures and forms a space therein;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which signature separating means is inserted into the space.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a state in which the signature bundle is sorted into two bundles by the signature separating means.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of a conventional signature sorting apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the principle of a signature sorting apparatus of a system that separates the signature bundle into two bundles by inserting a separating means into the signature bundle.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a problem that is likely to occur in the signature sorting apparatus shown in FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 Signature 4a Signature Bundle 4c Sorting Bundle 4d Original Bundle 11 Main Table 12 Sorting Table 14a Original Bundle Side Press Member 14b Sorting Bundle Side Press Member 15 Air Cylinder 17 Air Cylinder 18 Separating End of Sorting Table 20 First Link 21 First stopper 23 Second link 25 Signature separation device 27-31 Roller 32, 33 Belt 36 Second stopper 37 Support shaft 41 Press plate

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A signature sorting apparatus for separating a predetermined number of signatures from a signature bundle consisting of a plurality of signatures, comprising: a main table on which signature bundles are placed in an upright state; A sorting table that forms a space below the signature bundle by moving in parallel to the signature bundle; a signature separating means that moves across the signature mounting surface of the main table so as to enter the space described above; A pair of signature pressing means for pressing the loaded signature bundle from both the original bundle side end face and the sorting bundle side end face, and the movement of the signature separation means and the pressing operation of the pair of signature pressing means are synchronized with each other. Control means for controlling, the pair of signature press means, the sorting bundle side end face
A signature sorting apparatus, wherein pressing is performed at an end on a side away from the main table . 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said signature is a bundle of signatures.
In a signature sorting device that separates a number of signatures , a main table on which a bundle of signatures is placed in an upright state is placed , and folding is performed by obliquely translating the main table.
A sorting table that forms a space at the bottom of the bundle, and crosses the signature mounting surface of the main table and enters the above space
Means for separating signatures, and the bundle of signatures placed on the main table, and
A pair of signature press hands pressing from both sides of the split side end face
Moving the step and the signature separating means and pushing the pair of signature pressing means
Control means for controlling the pressing operations in synchronism with each other, wherein said pair of signature press means is capable of moving the sorting bundle side press.
Sorting means, and the sorting bundle side pressing means has a sorting
Press plate formed on the signature placement surface of the table
A signature sorting device comprising an end face pressing device separate from a pressing plate . 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein
The lower part of the signature bundle by the parallel movement of the sorting table
Press a pair of signature pressing means before forming a space in
A signature sorting apparatus characterized by being operated to press a signature bundle from both sides . 4. At least one of claims 1 to 3
In any one of the above, the pair of signature pressing means may be transferred.
The movable original bundle side pressing means and the movable sorting bundle side press
Signature sorting apparatus characterized by having
Place. 5. A predetermined signature from a bundle of signatures comprising a plurality of signatures.
In a signature sorting device that separates a number of signatures , a main table on which a bundle of signatures is placed in an upright state,
A sorting table that forms a space at the bottom of the bundle, and crosses the signature mounting surface of the main table and enters the above space
Means for separating signatures, and the bundle of signatures placed on the main table, and
A pair of signature press hands pressing from both sides of the split side end face
Moving the step and the signature separating means and pushing the pair of signature pressing means
Control means for controlling the pressing operations in synchronization with each other, wherein the pair of signature pressing means includes a movable original bundle side press.
And a movable sorting bundle side pressing means, wherein the sorting bundle side pressing means folds a sorting table.
The pressing plate formed on the stacking surface and the pressing plate are separate
An end face pressing device, wherein the control means is adapted to allow the signature separating means to enter the space.
Almost at the same time, the pressing force of the former bundle pressing means decreases.
To the bundle and then delay it for a predetermined time.
Moving the end face pressing device in the direction in which the pressing force is weakened
Signature sorting device, characterized in that that.