JP6057426B2 - Sheet cutting and collating equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention cuts a plurality of sheets, each of which has a plurality of page surfaces impositioned and printed in the vertical and horizontal directions in the order of the pages, and divides them into a plurality of sub-sheets each having one page surface, The present invention relates to a sheet cutting and collating apparatus that collects the sub-sheets in a collated state.

  Conventionally, a booklet is manufactured by, for example, forming a necessary number of sets of a full-sheet size sheet for one booklet in which a plurality of page surfaces are imprinted in the vertical and horizontal directions in the order of pages, and then each sheet is folded using a folding machine. Folded into the same type of signatures, set them on the corresponding paper feed shelves of the saddle stitching machine, and then supply the signatures one by one from each paper feed shelf to the collating mechanism. Each time the signatures are overlapped in page order, each time a bundle of sheets for one booklet is formed, the bundle of sheets is saddle-stitched and then the saddle-stitched sheet bundle is folded to a predetermined size by a three-way cutter. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  However, according to this booklet manufacturing method, the signature forming process using the folding machine and the saddle stitching process using the saddle stitching machine are divided, so that the production efficiency is not good.

  In addition, in the prior art, instead of the above method, a set of sheets of a full paper size for one booklet in which a plurality of pages are impositioned and printed in the vertical and horizontal directions in page order is formed, and the same type A sheet laminate is formed for each sheet, each sheet stack is cut into pages using a cutting machine, and divided into a plurality of sub-sheet stacks each having a different page surface. After loading the collating machine in the page order in the collating machine, the sub sheet is collated using the collating machine to sequentially form a sub sheet set for one book, and the sub sheet set is used as a subsequent bookbinding. There was a method of manufacturing a booklet by sending it to the process (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  However, according to this method, the cutting process of a laminate of sheets of full paper size is separated from the collating process by the collating machine and the subsequent bookbinding process. Was not good.

JP 2010-208857 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-21865

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of continuously and at high speed forming a sheet bundle in a booklet state collated from a set of imposition printed sheets.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, according to the present invention, from a sheet stack formed by stacking a plurality of sheets in which the page surface of one booklet or two or more identical booklets is printed in the vertical and horizontal directions in page order, A sheet feeding unit that sequentially supplies sheets one by one, and a sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit is cut along the first direction while being conveyed in the first direction along the arrangement of the page surfaces of the sheet. A first cutting section that divides the sheet into a plurality of strip-shaped sheet portions that are arranged in a line in the first direction in page order, and a sheet that is cut from the first cutting section. A first direction changing portion that feeds the sheet-like sheet portions one by one in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a strip-shaped sheet portion received from the first direction changing portion. Along the second direction while transporting in the direction of A second cutting section that is cut into a plurality of sub-sheets that are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the second direction and each has one page surface; and the second cutting section is divided into sub-sheets from the second cutting section. Each time a strip-shaped sheet portion is received, a second direction changing section that sequentially feeds the sub-sheets in a direction perpendicular to the second direction, and one sub sheet received from the second direction changing section. A stack unit that sequentially stacks to form a stack of sub-sheet sets for one collated booklet, and a control unit that controls at least the operation of the sheet feeding unit and the stack unit, the stack The portion includes a frame in which a sheet stacking space is formed and has an inlet at an upper portion on one end side and an outlet on the other end side, and the frame has the inlet at the second direction changing portion. Sub sheet Arranged adjacent to the second direction changing portion in an arrangement facing the mouth, the stack portion is further arranged in the sheet stacking space of the frame and can be moved up and down between the highest position and the lowest position. A sheet stacking shelf on which sub-sheets are stacked, a shelf driving mechanism provided on the frame for moving the sheet stacking shelf up and down, and provided on an upper portion of the frame. A conveyance mechanism that conveys the sheet from the sub sheet exit of the direction change unit 2 to the sheet stacking shelf through the entrance of the frame, and detects the height position of the uppermost sub sheet on the sheet stacking shelf that is attached to the frame A height detection unit for receiving the stack of sub-sheets from the sheet stacking shelf and discharging it from the outlet of the frame to the outside. An output mechanism, and the control unit, after starting the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding unit, based on a detection signal from the height detection unit, the sheet stacking shelf, the uppermost on the sheet stacking shelf The sub-sheet is moved downward by a certain distance from the highest position so that the sub-sheet is always at a position lower than the next sub-sheet to be conveyed, and the control unit starts feeding operation of the paper feeding unit. Sometimes, each time, sheet information about a sheet to be fed next is received from a preceding printing apparatus, and the sheet information relates to whether or not at least the final page surface of the booklet is included and the position of the final page surface on the sheet. The control unit receives information on the number of pages per sheet from the printing device before starting the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding unit, and after starting the paper feeding operation, The first sheet including the final page The total number of pages of one booklet is calculated from the number of times sheet information has been received up to that point, the number of pages per sheet, and the sheet information of the first sheet including the last page. In addition, each time sheet feeding including the final page surface of the booklet is started, the number of sub-sheets stacked on the sheet stacking shelf obtained from the number of sheet information receptions up to that point, From the height of the sub-sheet stack on the sheet stacking shelf obtained from the descending distance of the sheet stacking shelf, the stackable height of the sheet stacking shelf, and the total number of pages of the one booklet, the next booklet It is determined whether or not sub-sheets can be stacked on the sheet stacking shelf, and when it is determined that stacking is impossible, a sheet feeding operation interruption signal is transmitted to the sheet feeding unit, and the discharge mechanism of the stack unit is Let it work After the stack of sub-sheets on the sheet stacking shelf is discharged to the outside, the sheet stacking shelf is returned to the highest position, and then a sheet feeding operation restart signal is transmitted to the sheet feeding unit. A sheet cutting and collating apparatus is provided.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the height detection unit of the stack portion is attached to the frame and is freely swingable around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the sub sheet conveyance direction above the sheet stacking shelf. The lever includes first and second arms extending on both sides of the shaft in a plane orthogonal to the shaft, and the first arm has a leading end at the sheet stacking shelf. Alternatively, the sub-sheet is in contact with the uppermost sub-sheet on the sheet stacking shelf and forms an acute angle with respect to the sheet stacking shelf in the entrance direction of the frame, and the sub-sheet is the tip of the sheet stacking shelf and the first arm. The lever is configured to swing around the horizontal axis by being stacked on the sheet stacking shelf while being sequentially inserted between the height detection unit and the height detection unit. A sensor attached to the frame to detect passage of the second arm as the lever swings, and after starting the sheet feeding operation of the sheet feeding unit, the height of the stack of sub-sheets on the sheet stacking shelf Each time the height increases by a certain amount, a lever detection signal is transmitted from the height detection unit to the control unit, whereby the control unit operates the shelf driving mechanism to open the sheet stacking shelf. The distance is lowered by a distance corresponding to the predetermined amount.

  According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sheet stacking shelf of the stack portion includes a pair of parallel first straight portions and a parallel pair that connects ends of the pair of first straight portions to each other. A rectangular or square horizontal frame made up of the second straight portions and a pair of first straight portions of the frame, and spaced in the length direction of the first straight portions. A plurality of third linear portions arranged in parallel to each other, wherein the pair of first linear portions are respectively located on the inlet side and the outlet side of the frame, and the shelf driving mechanism of the stack portion Are arranged on the outside of the second linear portion of one of the sheet stacking shelves and in a plane perpendicular to the sheet stacking shelf, spaced vertically and parallel to the second linear portion. , Rotatable around the axis with respect to the frame First and second shafts attached, wherein the first shaft is in a position corresponding to the lowest position of the sheet stacking shelf, while the second shaft is in the highest position of the sheet stacking shelf. The shelf driving mechanism is further stretched between the sprockets attached to both ends of the first and second shafts and the corresponding sprockets of the first and second shafts. A pair of endless chains capable of swiveling in a plane perpendicular to the sheet stacking shelf, and a motor connected to one of the first and second shafts to rotate the shaft, A stacking shelf is attached to the pair of endless chains, and the sheet stacking shelf moves up and down by driving the motor of the shelf driving mechanism. The discharge mechanism of the stack portion is attached to the frame and is adjacent to a gap between the second straight portion and the third straight portion and / or adjacent to the sheet stacking shelf at the lowest position. A plurality of parallel first conveyor belts extending in a gap between the third linear portions, wherein a conveying surface of the first conveyor belt protrudes from an upper surface of the sheet stacking shelf at the lowest position; The discharge mechanism further passes through the exit of the frame from a position spaced from the discharge end of the first conveyor belt by a distance corresponding to the width of the first linear portion of the frame body of the sheet stacking shelf. A second conveyor belt extending outward, and when the sheet stacking shelf reaches the lowest position, a stack of sub-sheets on the sheet stacking shelf is provided on the first conveyor belt. It is transferred onto the conveying surface, conveyed on the first conveyor belt toward the second conveyor belt, and then discharged from the outlet of the frame to the outside by the second conveyor belt. ing.

According to the present invention, the sheet feeding unit sequentially supplies sheets one by one from a sheet stack formed by stacking a plurality of sheets on which page surfaces of one booklet or two or more identical booklets are imprinted. The first cutting unit cuts the sheet along the direction while being conveyed in the first direction along the arrangement of the page surfaces, and each of the page surfaces is arranged in a line in the first direction in the order of the pages. It is divided into strip-shaped sheet portions. Next, the first direction changing portion feeds the strip-shaped sheet portions one by one in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the second cutting portion causes the strip-shaped sheet portions to be second. The sheet is cut along the direction while being conveyed in the direction of, and is divided into a plurality of sub-sheets arranged in a direction perpendicular to the second direction and each having one page surface, and by the second direction changing unit In each strip-shaped sheet portion, the sub-sheets constituting it are sequentially sent out in a direction perpendicular to the second direction, that is, in the sub-sheet arrangement direction, and the sub-sheets are sequentially fed one by one in the stack portion. By being stacked, a laminated body of a set of sub-sheets corresponding to one collated booklet is formed.
Thus, in a single process that is processed continuously and at a high speed, a sheet bundle in the form of a booklet collated can be formed from a set of imposition printed sheets, and the production efficiency is greatly increased.

In addition, according to the present invention, the control unit can stack the next one sub-sheet based on the sheet information of the next sheet every time the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding unit is started. If it is determined that it is not possible, the sheet feeding operation is temporarily stopped, and the sub-sheet stack is discharged from the stack unit.
Thus, the cutting and collating operations are monitored for each booklet, and the cutting and collating operations are temporarily stopped and restarted. Therefore, the cutting and collating operations may be stopped during the formation of one booklet bundle. Therefore, production efficiency is improved.

It is a top view which shows the whole structure of the sheet | seat cutting and collation apparatus by one Example of this invention. It is a side view which shows the structure of the stack part of the sheet | seat cutting and collation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the specific example of the sheet | seat by which the imposition printing processed by the sheet | seat cutting and collation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 was carried out.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a sheet cutting and collating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, the sheet cutting and collating apparatus of the present invention is a stack of a plurality of sheets S ₀ on which the page surfaces of one booklet or two or more identical booklets are imprinted vertically and horizontally in the page order. A sheet feeding unit 1 that sequentially feeds sheets S ₀ one by one from a sheet stack P ₀ composed of

  In this case, in the manufacture of a booklet, the number of impositions is usually a multiple of 8 (8 imposition, 16 Imposition, 32 imposition, etc.). In addition, in the sheet having the final page surface of the booklet, when the number of page surfaces is less than the predetermined imposition number, one or more blank page surfaces are added after the final page surface, and the imposition including the blank page surface is performed. Printing is done so that it becomes a number.

Downstream of the paper feed unit 1 is arranged first cutting portion 2, the first cutting portion 2, a sheet S ₀ supplied from the paper supply unit 1, the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction of the sheet S ₀ While being transported in a first direction (see arrow X) that is parallel (along the page surface arrangement direction), each page surface is cut into a plurality of strips arranged in a line in the first direction in the page order.

The first direction changing unit 3 is arranged at the subsequent stage of the first cutting unit 2, and the first direction changing unit 3 receives the sheet S ₁ cut into a strip shape from the first cutting unit 2. , sends a second direction perpendicular to the strip-shaped sheet portion S ₂ in one by one the first direction (see arrow Y).

The second cutting unit 4 is arranged at the subsequent stage of the first direction changing unit 3, and the second cutting unit 4 converts the strip-shaped sheet portion S ₂ received from the first direction changing unit 3 to the second direction. by cutting along the second direction while transporting in two directions, the strip-shaped sheet portion S _2, have respective first pages face and perpendicular to the second direction (see arrow Z) into a plurality of sub-sheets S ₃ arranged in.

The subsequent stage of the second cutting portion 4, the second deflecting portion 5,5a are arranged, the second turning part 5,5a is divided from the second cutting portion 4 into a plurality of sub-sheets S ₃ are each time it receives a strip of sheet portion S ₂ were, a plurality of sub-sheets S ₃ perpendicular (direction parallel to the first direction; see arrow Z) in a second direction feeding sequentially one by one on.

The subsequent stage of the second deflecting portion 5,5a, the stack unit 6 is arranged, a stack unit 6, a stack of sub seat S ₃ received from the second turning portion 5,5a sequentially one by one, forming a set of stack P of the booklet 1 book worth of the sub seat S ₃ was collated.
At least the operations of the sheet feeding unit 1 and the stack unit 6 are controlled by the control unit 7.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the stack portion.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the stack unit 6 has a sheet stacking space 7 formed therein, and has a frame 10 having an inlet 8 at an upper portion on one end side and an outlet 9 on the other end side. The frame 10 is disposed adjacent to the second direction change portions 5 and 5a in such a manner that the inlet 8 faces the sub-sheet outlet 5b of the second direction change portions 5 and 5a.

Stack unit 6 also is arranged in the sheet stacking space 7 of the frame 10 is movable up and down movement between the highest position and the lowest position, the sheet stacking shelf 11 to the sub seat S ₃ are stacked thereon The rack 10 is provided with a shelf driving mechanism 12 that moves up and down the sheet stacking shelf 11.

In this embodiment, the sheet stacking shelf 11 includes a pair of parallel first linear portions 11a and a pair of parallel second linear portions 11b that connect ends of the pair of first linear portions 11a to each other. A rectangular or square horizontal frame and a plurality of first linear portions 11a extending between the pair of first linear portions 11a and arranged in parallel to each other at intervals in the length direction of the first linear portions 11a. 3 straight portions 11c.
Each of the pair of first straight portions 11 a of the sheet stacking shelf 11 is located on the inlet 8 side and the outlet 9 side of the frame 10.

  In this embodiment, the shelf drive mechanism 12 is spaced apart from the second linear portion 11b of the sheet stacking shelf 11 in a plane perpendicular to the sheet stacking shelf 11 with a vertical interval therebetween and the second. The first and second shafts are arranged in parallel to the straight line portion 11b and attached to the frame 10 so as to be rotatable about the axis. The first shaft 13 is at a position corresponding to the highest position of the sheet stacking shelf 11, and although not shown, the second shaft is at a position corresponding to the lowest position of the sheet stacking shelf 11.

Furthermore, sprockets 14a and 14b are attached to both ends of the first shaft 13, and although not shown, sprockets are also attached to both ends of the second shaft. A pair of endless chains 15 a and 15 b are stretched between the corresponding sprockets of the first and second shafts so that they can swivel in a plane perpendicular to the sheet stacking shelf 11. A drive shaft of a motor 16 attached to the frame 10 is connected to one of the first and second shafts, in this embodiment, the first shaft 13.
The sheet stacking shelf 11 is attached to the pair of endless chains 15a and 15b, and the sheet stacking shelf 11 is moved up and down by driving the motor 16 of the shelf driving mechanism 12.

The sheet cutting and collating apparatus of the present invention, also provided in an upper portion of the frame 10, via the sub seat S _3, the inlet 8 of the frame 10 from the sub-sheet outlet 5b of the second deflecting portion 5,5a sheet A transport mechanism 17 for transporting to the loading shelf 11 is provided.
In this embodiment, the conveyance mechanism 17 is attached to the inlet 8 of the frame 10, extends horizontally in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sub-sheet S ₃ , and is capable of rotating about the axis. A first guide roller 19a that extends parallel to the pair of sheet take-in rollers 18a and 18b above the edge on the inlet 8 side of the sheet stacking shelf 11 and is rotatably attached to the frame 10 about its axis. A second guide roller 19b that extends in parallel with the first guide roller 19a and is attached to the frame 10 so as to be rotatable about an axis is provided on the obliquely upper side of the downstream side of the first guide roller 19a.

The transport mechanism 17 is also mounted near the outlet 9 of the frame 10, is opposed to the second guide roller 19b, and is rotatable about a horizontal axis, and a third guide roller 19c. Is arranged above the guide roller group 19d rotatably attached to the frame 10 about the horizontal axis and the sheet take-in roller pair 18a, 18b, and is rotatable about the horizontal axis with respect to the frame 10. A fourth guide roller 19e attached to the endless belt 22, an endless belt 22 stretched between these rollers 18a, 18b, and 19a to 19e, and a motor 20 attached above the outlet 9 of the frame 10.
A pulley 21 is attached to the drive shaft of the motor 20, and the pulley 21 and a pulley attached to one end of the guide roller group 19d are connected by another endless belt.

  The endless belt 22 has a large number of through holes on the conveying surface, and faces the area between the sheet take-in roller pair 18a, 18b and the first guide roller 19a in the endless belt 22 and the sheet stacking shelf 11. A suction duct (not shown) is disposed above each of the regions, and the endless belt 22 functions as a suction belt in these regions.

Thus, by driving the motor 20, the endless belt 22 is rotated in the direction from the inlet 8 to the outlet 9 of the frame 10, and the sheet take-in roller pair 18a, 18b and the first and second guide rollers 19a, 19b At the same time, the suction duct is operated.
The sub sheet S3 discharged from the sub sheet outlet 5b of the second direction change section 5, 5a passes between the sheet take-in roller pair 18a, 18b at the inlet 8, and then the first and second guide rollers. The sheet passes between 19a and 19b and is sent onto the sheet stacking shelf 11.

In this case, a top of the sheet stacking shelf 11, at a position spaced by a distance corresponding to the inlet 8 side edge of the sheet stacking shelf 11 to the length of the conveying direction of the sub seat S _3, vertical alignment plate 28, and the sub-sheet S ₃ sent out onto the sheet stacking shelf 11 is stacked on the sheet stacking shelf 11 in an aligned state by bringing its leading edge into contact with the aligning plate 28. . Incidentally, alignment plate 28, depending on the size of the sub seat S _3, and is movable back and forth in the conveying direction of the sub seat S _3.

Sheet cutting and collating apparatus of the present invention is further mounted on the frame 10, the height detection unit 23 for detecting the height position of the sub seat S ₃ of the uppermost sheet stacking shelf 11, the bottom of the frame 10 And a discharge mechanism 27 for receiving the stacked body P ₁ of the sub-sheets S ₃ from the sheet stacking shelf 11 and discharging it from the outlet 9 of the frame 10 to the outside.

In this embodiment, the height detection unit 23 is attached to the frame 10 and includes a lever 24 that can be freely swung around a horizontal shaft 25 that is perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sub-sheet S ₃ above the sheet stacking shelf 11. I have.
The lever 24 has first and second arms 24 a and 24 b extending on both sides of the shaft 25 in a plane orthogonal to the shaft 25. The first arm 24a abuts against the sub seat S ₃ of the uppermost sheet stacking shelf 11 or the sheet stacking shelf 11 has its distal end, and at an acute angle to the inlet 8 direction of the frame 10 with respect to the sheet stacking shelf 11 extended by the sub seat S ₃ are stacked on the sheet stacking shelf 11 while being successively inserted between the sheet stacking shelf 11 and the first arm tip portion 24a, so that the lever 24 is swinging about the axis 25 It has become.

The height detection unit 23 further includes a sensor 26 that is attached to the frame 10 and detects the passage of the second arm 24 b accompanying the swing of the lever 24.
Then, after the start of the feeding operation the sheet feeding unit 1, the height a certain amount of stack P ₁ sub sheets on the sheet stacking rack 11 (in this example, about 5mm) Whenever an increasing increments, height detection unit 23, a lever detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 7, so that the control unit 7 operates the shelf driving mechanism 12 to lower the sheet stacking shelf 11 by a distance corresponding to the predetermined amount. Yes.
In this case, the drive shaft of the motor 16 of the shelf drive mechanism 12 is provided with a rotary encoder (not shown), and the control unit 7 counts the number of pulses generated from the rotary encoder, whereby the sheet stacking shelf 11 is counted. The descent distance is measured.

  The discharge mechanism 27 is attached to the frame 10 and has a gap between the second straight portion 11b and the third straight portion 11c and / or between the adjacent third straight portions 11c in the sheet stacking shelf 11 at the lowest position. A plurality of parallel first conveyor belts 27a extending in the gaps are provided. The conveying surface of the first conveyor belt 27a protrudes from the upper surface of the sheet stacking shelf 11 at the lowest position.

The discharge mechanism 27 further passes through the outlet 9 of the frame 10 from a position spaced from the discharge end of the first conveyor belt 27a by a distance corresponding to the width of the first straight portion 11a of the sheet stacking shelf 11. A second conveyor belt 27b that extends is provided.
Then, the sheet when stacking shelf 11 has reached the lowest position, the sheet stacking shelf stack P ₁ sub seat on 11 the first conveyor belt 27a of the conveying surface on the loaded instead be by the first conveyor belt 27a Are conveyed toward the second conveyor belt 27b, and then discharged to the outside from the outlet 9 by the second conveyor belt 27b.

After the sheet feeding operation of the sheet feeding unit 1 is started, the control unit 7 always sets the sheet stacking shelf 11 based on the detection signal from the height detection unit 23, and the uppermost sub-sheet S ₃ on the sheet stacking shelf 11. , then so it is in a position lower than the sub seat S ₃ conveyed, to downward movement from the highest position by a prescribed distance.
Control unit 7, also the paper feed operation start the paper feed unit 1, in each case, to receive the next sheet information on a sheet S ₀ to be fed from the preceding stage of the printing device (not shown).
Sheet information includes at least includes information sheet S ₀ whether a final page surface of the booklet, and to position on the sheet S ₀ of the last page surface.

In this embodiment, the sheet information is composed of a signal of the number of bits corresponding to the maximum number of impositions (maximum number of page surfaces per sheet) that can be processed by the apparatus, the bit corresponding to the final page surface is 1, and the others It is preset so that the bit corresponding to the page surface becomes zero.
More specifically, if the maximum number of impositions that can be processed by the apparatus is 32 (up to 32 divisions are possible), the sheet information is composed of 32-bit signals. For example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, when each sheet S ₀ is printed in eight pages and one booklet is composed of 16 pages (in this case, the sheet is first cut in the lateral direction by the first cutting unit 2). And then cut in the vertical direction by the second cutting unit 4),
Sheet information of the first sheet (ID = 1): 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
Sheet information of the second sheet (ID = 2): 00000001 00000000 00000000 00000000
Sheet information of the third sheet (ID = 3): 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
Sheet information of the fourth sheet (ID = 4): 00000001 00000000 00000000 00000000
...
It becomes.
Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), each sheet S ₀ to 8 imposition printing is performed, in the case where one volume booklet of 10 pages (again, sheet, firstly, the first After being cut in the horizontal direction by the cutting unit 2, it is cut in the vertical direction by the second cutting unit 4), and 6 blank page pages on the sheet (ID = 2, 4,...) Including the final page surface. Is added, and the sheet information is
Sheet information of the first sheet (ID = 1): 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
Sheet information of the second sheet (ID = 2): 01000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
Sheet information of the third sheet (ID = 3): 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
Sheet information of the fourth sheet (ID = 4): 01000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
...
It becomes.

Here, although not described in detail, in case of also processing of the sheet S ₀ a blank page surface is added as shown in FIG. 3 (B), the control unit 7, as the sheet information includes a blank page surface Whether or not and the position of the blank page on the sheet is also received from the preceding printing apparatus, and based on this information, the second sheet cutting unit 4 removes the sub-sheet having the blank page from the conveyance path in advance. It is configured.

Further, the control unit 7 receives information on the number of pages per sheet from the preceding printing apparatus before the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding unit 1 is started, and after the paper feeding operation is started, the final page of the booklet is displayed. in the first start of the feeding of the sheet S ₀ containing booklet 1 from the sheet information received count up to that point, and the page surface per one sheet, and the sheet information of the first sheet S ₀ containing the last page face Calculate the total number of pages in the book.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. 3. In the case shown in FIG. 3A, the control unit 7 sets the number of pages per sheet = 8 before the sheet feeding unit 1 starts the sheet feeding operation. Receive information. Thus, only the first 8 bits of the 32-bit signal received every time the sheet feeding operation is started are received as sheet information.

  When the first sheet (ID = 1) is fed, the sheet information of the second sheet (ID = 2) is received, and the 8th bit is “1”. 7 recognizes that the 8th page of the sheet (ID = 2) is the final page of the booklet, the number of sheet information receptions at that time = 1, the number of pages per sheet = 8, 2 From the position of the last page surface (8th page) on the first sheet (ID = 2), the total page number of one booklet = 16 is calculated as 8 × 1 + 8 = 16.

  In the case shown in FIG. 3B, the sheet information of the second sheet (ID = 2) is received during the feeding operation of the first sheet (ID = 1). Since the second bit is 1, the control unit 7 recognizes that the second page of the sheet (ID = 2) is the final page of the booklet, and the number of sheet information receptions at that time = 1. From the number of page surfaces per sheet = 8 and the position of the last page surface (second) on the second sheet (ID = 2), the total page number of one booklet = 8 × 1 + 2 = 10 = 10 is calculated.

Control unit 7 further each time the feeding of the sheet S ₀ including the last page surface of the booklet is started, the sheet information received number N up to that point,
M = N-1
Accordingly, the sub seat S ₃ stacked on the sheet stacking shelf 11 a determined number M, and, of the stack P ₁ sub sheets on the sheet stacking shelves obtained from the lowered distance of the sheet stacking shelf 11 at that time and a height h, and a number of sub-seat _{S 3} M,
d = h / M
Thus, the thickness d per sub sheet S ₃ is obtained.
Next, the control unit 7 determines the size of the thickness d plus the total page number N of one booklet and the stackable height H of the sheet stacking shelf 11,
(1) In the case of d + N <H, the control unit 7, sub seat S ₃ of one volume fraction following booklet is judged to be stacked on the sheet stacking shelf 11, the next feeding operation to the sheet feeding section 1 The start signal is transmitted.
(2) In the case of d + N> H, the control unit 7, sub seat S ₃ of one volume fraction following booklet determines impossible stacked on the sheet stacking shelf 11, the sheet feeding operation interruption instruction to the sheet feeding section 1 And the shelf driving mechanism 12 of the stack unit 6 is operated to move the sheet stacking shelf 11 to the lowest position, and then the discharge mechanism 27 is operated to stack the sub-sheet stack P ₁ on the sheet stacking shelf 11. After the sheet is discharged to the outside, the sheet stacking shelf 11 is returned to the highest position, and then a sheet feeding operation restart command is transmitted to the sheet feeding unit 1.

In this case, it is determined impossible stacking by the control unit 7, the laminated body P ₁ sub sheets on the sheet stacking rack 11 is discharged to the outside, even after the sheet stacking shelf 11 has returned to the highest position, the paper feed Before the sheet feeding operation restart command is transmitted to the unit 1, the sub-sheet stack is automatically discharged on the operation panel (not shown) provided in the control unit 7 due to the full sheet stacking space. And a display for inquiring the operator whether or not to resume the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding unit 1, and the operator inputs a paper feeding operation resuming command through the operation panel by the operator. The sheet feeding operation may be resumed.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. 3A. The control unit 7 starts the next booklet every time feeding of even-numbered sheets (ID = 2, 4, 6,...) Is started. It is determined whether or not one sub-sheet (= 16 sheets) can be stacked on the sheet stacking shelf 11. Then, for example, when the feeding of the 198th sheet (ID = 198) is started, the control unit 7 forms the sub-sheets for the next booklet (199 sheets and 200th sheet). When the sub-sheet is determined to be unstackable, the feeding operation of the 199th sheet (ID = 199) is temporarily stopped, and the 198th sheet (ID = 198) is cut and collated. Is completed, the stack of sub-sheets is discharged from the stack unit 6 to the outside.

  Thus, according to the present invention, sheets are sequentially supplied one by one from a sheet stack formed by stacking a plurality of sheets on which page surfaces of one booklet or two or more identical booklets are imprinted and printed. Are cut in the first direction along the arrangement of the page surface and cut along the direction, and each page surface is divided into a plurality of strip-shaped sheet portions arranged in a line in the first direction in the page order, Next, the strip-shaped sheet portions are fed one by one in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the strip-shaped sheet portions are cut along the direction while being transported in the second direction. The sheet is divided into a plurality of sub-sheets arranged in a direction perpendicular to the second direction and each having one page surface. Further, for each strip-shaped sheet portion, the sub-sheets constituting it are perpendicular to the second direction. Direction, In order to form a stack of subsheets corresponding to one booklet, the subsheets are sequentially fed out in the direction of the arrangement of the sheets and stacked one by one sequentially, so that they are processed continuously and at high speed. In a single process, a sheet bundle in the form of a booklet collated from a set of imposition printed sheets can be formed, and production efficiency is greatly increased.

  In addition, according to the present invention, each time a sheet feeding operation of the sheet feeding unit is started, it is determined whether or not the stack unit can stack the next one sub-sheet based on the sheet information of the next sheet. When it is determined that the sheet feeding operation is impossible, the sheet feeding operation is temporarily stopped, and the stack of sub-sheets is discharged from the stack portion.Therefore, the cutting and collating operations are not stopped in the course of forming one booklet bundle. Therefore, production efficiency is improved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper feed part 2 1st cutting part 3 1st direction change part 4 2nd cutting part 5, 5a 2nd direction change part 5b Sub sheet exit 6 Stack part 7 Control part 8 Inlet 9 Outlet 10 Frame 11 Sheet Loading shelf 11a First linear portion 11b Second linear portion 11c Third linear portion 12 Shelf drive mechanism 13 First shaft 14a, 14b Sprocket 15a, 15b Endless chain 16 Motor 17 Conveying mechanism 18a, 18b Sheet take-in roller Pair 19a First guide roller 19b Second guide roller 20 Motor 21 Pulley 22 Endless belt 23 Height detection unit 24 Lever 24a First arm 24b Second arm 25 Shaft 26 Sensor 27 Discharge mechanism 27a First conveyor belt 27b second conveyor belt _{P 0} sheet stack _{P 1} sub sheet stack _{S 0} sheet ₁ strip to cut sheet S ₂ rectangular sheet portion S ₃ sub sheet X first direction Y second direction Z perpendicular to the second direction

Claims (3)

A sheet feeding unit that sequentially feeds sheets one by one from a sheet stack formed by stacking a plurality of sheets in which page surfaces of one booklet or two or more identical booklets are imprinted vertically and horizontally in page order; and
The sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit is cut along the first direction while being conveyed in the first direction along the arrangement of the page surfaces of the sheets, and the page surfaces are arranged in the first direction in the order of pages. A first cutting section that divides into a plurality of strip-shaped sheet portions arranged in a line;
A first direction changing unit that receives sheets cut from the first cutting unit and feeds strip-shaped sheet portions one by one in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;
The strip-shaped sheet portion received from the first direction changing section is cut along the second direction while being conveyed in the second direction, and is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the second direction, And a second cutting section that divides the sheet into a plurality of sub-sheets each having one page surface,
A second direction changing section that sequentially sends out the sub-sheet in a direction perpendicular to the second direction each time a strip-shaped sheet portion divided into sub-sheets is received from the second cutting section;
A stack unit that sequentially stacks the sub-sheets received from the second direction changing unit one by one to form a stack of sub-sheets for one booklet collated;
A control unit that controls at least the operation of the sheet feeding unit and the stack unit,
The stack part is
A sheet stacking space is formed therein, and a frame having an inlet at an upper portion on one end side and an outlet on the other end side is provided, and the frame has the inlet at the sub-sheet outlet of the second direction changing portion. Arranged adjacent to the second direction changing portion in an arrangement opposite to
The stack portion further includes
A sheet stacking shelf arranged in the sheet stacking space of the frame and capable of moving up and down between the highest position and the lowest position, on which sub-sheets are stacked;
A shelf driving mechanism that is provided on the frame and moves up and down the sheet stacking shelf;
A transport mechanism provided at an upper part of the frame and configured to transport the sub-sheet from the sub-sheet exit of the second direction changing unit to the sheet stacking shelf through the entrance of the frame;
A height detection unit that is attached to the frame and detects the height position of the uppermost sub-sheet on the sheet stacking shelf;
A discharge mechanism that is provided at a lower portion of the frame, receives a stack of sub-sheets from the sheet stacking shelf, and discharges the stack from the outlet of the frame to the outside,
After the sheet feeding operation of the sheet feeding unit is started, the control unit always follows the sheet stacking shelf based on the detection signal from the height detection unit, and the uppermost sub-sheet on the sheet stacking shelf The lower sheet is moved downward by a predetermined distance from the highest position so that it is at a position lower than the sub-sheet conveyed to
The control unit receives sheet information related to a sheet to be fed next time from the preceding printing apparatus each time the sheet feeding unit starts a sheet feeding operation, and the sheet information includes at least the final page surface of the booklet. Information on whether or not to include and the position of the final page on the sheet, and
The control unit receives information on the number of pages per sheet from the printing apparatus before starting the paper feeding operation of the paper feeding unit, and after the paper feeding operation starts, the control unit includes the first page including the last page of the booklet. At the start of sheet feeding, the total number of pages in one booklet is calculated from the number of sheet information receptions up to that point, the number of pages per sheet, and the sheet information of the first sheet including the last page. In addition, every time feeding of a sheet including the last page of the booklet is started, the number of sub-sheets stacked on the sheet stacking shelf obtained from the number of sheet information receptions up to that point, and the current time From the height of the sub-sheet stack on the sheet stacking shelf obtained from the descending distance of the sheet stacking shelf, the stackable height of the sheet stacking shelf, and the total number of pages of the one booklet, the next booklet 1 The sub-sheet for the book is When it is determined whether or not stacking is possible, and when it is determined that stacking is impossible, a sheet feeding operation interruption signal is transmitted to the sheet feeding unit, and the sheet stacking unit is operated by operating the discharge mechanism of the stack unit. After the stack of sub-sheets on the shelf is discharged to the outside, the sheet stacking shelf is returned to the highest position, and then a sheet feeding operation restart signal is transmitted to the sheet feeding unit. Sheet cutting and collating equipment. The height detection unit of the stack portion is
A lever attached to the frame and capable of swinging around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the sub-sheet conveyance direction above the sheet stacking shelf;
The lever has first and second arms extending on both sides of the shaft in a plane orthogonal to the shaft, and the first arm has a tip portion on the sheet stacking shelf or the sheet stacking shelf. Abutting on the uppermost sub-sheet and forming an acute angle with respect to the sheet stacking shelf in the entrance direction of the frame, the sub-sheets are sequentially inserted between the sheet stacking shelf and the tip of the first arm. And being stacked on the sheet stacking shelf, the lever swings around the horizontal axis,
The height detection unit further includes:
A sensor attached to the frame for detecting passage of the second arm as the lever swings;
A lever detection signal is sent from the height detection unit to the control unit every time the height of the stack of sub-sheets on the sheet stacking shelf increases by a certain amount after the sheet feeding unit starts feeding operation. 2. The sheet cutting and collating according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the shelf driving mechanism to lower the sheet stacking shelf by a distance corresponding to the predetermined amount. apparatus. The sheet stacking shelf of the stack unit is
A rectangular or square horizontal frame comprising a pair of parallel first linear portions and a pair of parallel second linear portions connecting the ends of the pair of first linear portions to each other;
A plurality of third linear portions extending between the pair of first linear portions of the frame body and arranged in parallel to each other at intervals in the length direction of the first linear portions; The pair of first linear portions are respectively located on an inlet side and an outlet side of the frame;
The shelf driving mechanism of the stack unit is
In a plane that is outside the second linear portion of one of the sheet stacking shelves and is perpendicular to the sheet stacking shelf, the sheet stacking shelves are spaced apart vertically and parallel to the second linear portion, A first shaft and a second shaft rotatably mounted about an axis with respect to the frame; wherein the first shaft is at a position corresponding to the lowest position of the sheet stacking shelf, while the second shaft is In the position corresponding to the highest position of the sheet stacking shelf,
The shelf driving mechanism further includes:
Sprockets attached to both ends of each of the first and second shafts;
A pair of endless chains stretched between corresponding sprockets of the first and second shafts and capable of swiveling in a plane perpendicular to the sheet stacking shelf;
A motor connected to one of the first and second shafts to drive the shaft to rotate;
The sheet stacking shelf is attached to the pair of endless chains, and the sheet stacking shelf is moved up and down by driving the motor of the shelf driving mechanism,
The discharge mechanism of the stack part is:
In the gap between the second straight portion and the third straight portion and / or the gap between the adjacent third straight portions in the sheet stacking shelf attached to the frame and in the lowest position. A plurality of parallel first conveyor belts extending, and a conveying surface of the first conveyor belt protrudes from an upper surface of the sheet stacking shelf at the lowest position;
The discharge mechanism further includes:
A second extending from the discharge end of the first conveyor belt to the outside through the exit of the frame from a position spaced by a distance corresponding to the width of the first linear portion of the frame of the sheet stacking shelf. A conveyor belt is provided, and when the sheet stacking shelf reaches the lowest position, a stack of sub-sheets on the sheet stacking shelf is transferred onto the transport surface of the first conveyor belt and 3. The conveyor belt according to claim 2, wherein the conveyor belt is conveyed toward the second conveyor belt and then discharged to the outside from the outlet of the frame by the second conveyor belt. The sheet cutting and collating apparatus described.

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