Paper supply device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a paper supply device, which includes: a lifting unit (10) that raises and flips a paper stack (50G) composed of a plurality of flatly stacked papers (50); and a conveying unit (20) that moves each paper (50) transferred from the lifting unit (10) in the conveying direction. The lifting unit (10) includes: brackets (11, 12); a fork portion (13); a flipping mechanism (14) that rotates the fork portion to raise and flip the paper stack (50G); and a fork moving mechanism (15) that moves the fork portion (13). There is a width direction moving mechanism (60) in the lifting unit (10) that moves the paper stack (50G) in the width direction. During the period from when the paper stack (50G) is loaded on the fork portion (13) until it is transferred to the conveying unit (20), the width direction moving mechanism (60) is controlled based on the detection information of a position sensor (70) to center the paper stack (50G) within a reference width range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper supply device suitable for supplying papers such as corrugated cardboard from a supply source device such as a corrugating machine to a supply destination device such as a box making machine or a printing machine. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as one of the paper supply devices for supplying papers such as corrugated cardboard from a supply source device such as a corrugating machine to a supply destination device such as a box making machine or a printing machine, a paper supply device having the following structure is known: a paper group composed of a plurality of flatly stacked papers is lifted, and the front and back sides are flipped and transferred onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt moves each paper of the paper group in sequence along the conveying direction. This paper supply device is also called a pre-feeder.

[0003] In the pre-feeder, in order to be able to appropriately process each paper on the downstream side, it is necessary to perform so-called centering in which the width direction position of the paper group is adjusted within an appropriate width direction range at the stage of being transferred onto the conveyor. Therefore, a device (centering conveyor) for laterally moving the paper group to be centered is provided upstream of the pre-feeder. For example, in Patent Document 1, a lateral movement device for laterally moving a paper group to be centered is disclosed.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-81131 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] As described above, by providing a centering device upstream of the pre-feeder, each paper can be appropriately processed on the downstream side, but a setting space for the centering device is required. For example, in the case of a centering conveyor, since a conveyor having a length longer than the maximum paper length is required in the paper transfer direction, the length direction dimension of the entire device becomes large, which restricts the factory layout.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of this situation, and one of its objects is to provide a paper supply device capable of suppressing the length direction dimension of the entire device and ensuring the freedom of factory layout. In addition, not limited to this object, another object of the present invention is to exhibit the effects brought about by each structure shown in the manner for implementing the invention described later and not achievable by the prior art.

[0010] Means for Solving the Technical Problem

[0011] (1) The paper supply device of the present invention includes: a lifting part that raises and flips a stack of papers composed of a plurality of flat papers; and a conveying part that moves each paper of the stack of papers transferred from the lifting part in the conveying direction. The paper supply device is characterized in that the lifting part is constituted by the following mechanism: a bracket extending in the flat stacking direction of the stack of papers; a fork part supported by the bracket so as to be movable in the flat stacking direction and carrying the stack of papers; a flipping mechanism that rotates the fork part to raise and flip the carried stack of papers; and a fork moving mechanism that moves the fork part in the flat stacking direction. The paper supply device is provided with the following mechanism: a width direction moving mechanism provided in the lifting part to move the carried stack of papers in the width direction; a position sensor that detects the width direction position of the stack of papers; and a centering control device that controls the width direction moving mechanism based on the detection information of the position sensor during the period from when the stack of papers is carried on the fork part to when the stack of papers is transferred to the conveying part, so that the width direction position of the stack of papers is centered within a reference width direction range.

[0012] (2) The width direction moving mechanism is preferably a roller conveying device having rollers, and the rollers are arranged below the fork part in the initial lowered position, and move upward to a position vertically above the fork part in the initial position to support the stack of papers and move the stack of papers in the width direction.

[0013] (3) Preferably, a feeding device that moves the lowermost paper in the stack of papers in the width direction and sends it out to the side of the device is applied in the roller conveying device.

[0014] (4) When the fork part is in the initial position, preferably, the centering control device controls the roller conveying device based on the detection information of the position sensor so that the width direction position of the stack of papers is centered within the reference width direction range.

[0015] (5) When the fork part rises from the initial position, preferably, the centering control device controls the roller conveying device based on the detection information of the position sensor so that the width direction position of the stack of papers is centered within the reference width direction range.

[0016] (6) Preferably, the fork part includes: a fork part main body that carries the stack of papers; a support body that movably supports the fork part main body in the width direction; and a fork part moving mechanism that moves the fork part main body relative to the support body in the width direction to move the carried stack of papers in the width direction, and the width direction moving mechanism is the fork part moving mechanism.

[0017] (7) During the ascent or flipping of the fork portion, preferably, based on the detection information of the position sensor, the centering control device controls the fork portion moving mechanism to center the widthwise position of the paper stack within the widthwise range of the reference.

[0018] (8) Preferably, the widthwise moving mechanism is a support moving mechanism that moves the support in the width direction to move the loaded paper stack in the width direction.

[0019] (9) Preferably, it includes: two tracks extending in the width direction; and a movable base support movably installed on the two tracks in the width direction and constituting a part of the support. The support moving mechanism moves the movable base support in the width direction to move the loaded paper stack in the width direction.

[0020] (10) Preferably, it includes: a gripping type moving mechanism that grips the paper stack and moves the paper stack in the width direction when the paper stack ascends to a flipped position, and the gripping type moving mechanism is applied in the widthwise moving mechanism.

[0021] (11) Preferably, it includes: a transfer paper support member that is arranged opposite to the fork portion when the paper stack ascends to a flipped position, and cooperates with the fork portion to grip the paper stack from both end sides in the flat stacking direction, thereby guiding the transfer of the paper stack to the conveying portion. The gripping type moving mechanism is composed of the fork portion and the transfer paper support member.

[0022] (12) Preferably, the lifting portion includes a transfer control device that controls the flipping mechanism and the fork moving mechanism. The widthwise moving mechanism includes a moving body that moves in the width direction to move the paper stack in the width direction. After completing the transfer of the paper stack to the conveying portion, the transfer control device performs an initial position restoration control to return the fork portion to the initial position. During the initial position restoration control, the centering control device performs a neutral position restoration control to return the moving body to the neutral position in the width direction.

[0023] (13) The widthwise range of the reference means that it is preferably within ±50 mm with respect to the reference position in the width direction.

[0024] Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, since the widthwise moving mechanism related to centering the paper stack is installed in the lifting portion of the paper supply device, the lengthwise dimension of the entire device can be suppressed and the degree of freedom of the factory layout can be ensured. Description of the Drawings

[0026] Figure 1 In Figure 1 A and Figure 1 B are diagrams showing the overall structure of the paper supply device involved in each embodiment, and Figure 1 A is a schematic side view thereof, Figure 1 B is a schematic top view thereof.

[0027] Figure 2 In Figure 2 A and Figure 2 B are perspective views showing an enlarged view of the lifting part involved in each embodiment, and Figure 2 A shows the non-actuated state of the feeding device, Figure 2 B shows the actuated state of the feeding device.

[0028] Figure 3 In Figure 3 A to Figure 3 E are diagrams showing the operation of the paper supply device involved in each embodiment, and are schematic side views of the main part of the paper supply device that operates in the order of Figure 3 A to Figure 3 E.

[0029] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the control structure of the actuating mechanism of the paper supply device involved in each embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the centering control device of the paper supply device involved in each embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 In Figure 6 A1, Figure 6 A2, Figure 6 B1, Figure 6 B2 are diagrams of the main part of the paper supply device showing the structure of the width direction movement mechanism of the paper supply device involved in the first embodiment, and Figure 6 A1 is a schematic side view showing the state before the start of centering control, Figure 6 A2 is a schematic top view showing the state before the start of centering control, Figure 6 B1 is a schematic side view showing the state during centering control, Figure 6 B2 is a schematic top view showing the state during centering control.

[0032] Figure 7 In Figure 7 A, Figure 7 B, Figure 7 C are perspective views of the main part of the paper supply device showing the structure of the width direction movement mechanism of the paper supply device involved in the first embodiment, andFigure 7 Figure A shows the state before the centering control starts. Figure 7 Figure B shows the state during the centering control. Figure 7 Figure C shows the state during the centering control.

[0033] Figure 8 Among them, Figure 8 Figure A, Figure 8 Figure B1, Figure 8 Figure B2 are diagrams showing the main part of the paper feeding device that illustrates the structure of the width direction moving mechanism of the paper feeding device according to the second embodiment, and Figure 8 Figure A is its schematic side view, Figure 8 Figure B1 is a schematic top view showing the state before the centering control starts, Figure 8 Figure B2 is a schematic top view showing the state after the centering control.

[0034] Figure 9 Among them, Figure 9 Figure A, Figure 9 Figure B are diagrams showing the overall structure of the paper feeding device according to the third embodiment, and Figure 9 Figure A is its schematic side view, Figure 9 Figure B is its schematic top view.

[0035] Figure 10 Among them, Figure 10 Figure A, Figure 10 Figure B are schematic top views showing the main part of the paper feeding device that illustrates the structure of the width direction moving mechanism of the paper feeding device according to the third embodiment, and Figure 10 Figure A shows the state before the centering control starts, Figure 10 Figure B shows the state after the centering control.

[0036] Figure 11 Among them, Figure 11 Figure A, Figure 11 Figure B are diagrams showing the overall structure of the paper feeding device according to the fourth embodiment, and Figure 11 Figure A is its schematic side view, Figure 11 Figure B is its schematic top view.

[0037] Figure 12 Among them, Figure 12 Figure A, Figure 12 Figure B are schematic top views showing the main part of the paper feeding device that illustrates the structure of the width direction moving mechanism of the paper feeding device according to the fourth embodiment, and Figure 12 Figure A shows the state before the centering control starts, Figure 12 Figure B shows the state after the centering control. Specific Embodiments

[0038] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a paper supply device as an embodiment will be described. The embodiments shown below are merely illustrative, and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques that are not explicitly shown in the following embodiments. Each structure of the embodiment can be implemented with various modifications within the scope not departing from its gist. Also, selection can be made as needed, or appropriate combinations can be made.

[0039] First, the structures common to the respective embodiments will be described.

[0040] [1. Device Structure]

[0041] Figure 1 A, Figure 1 B are a schematic side view and a schematic top view for explaining the overall structure of the paper supply device according to each embodiment. The directions in the figures (up, down, upstream, downstream) represent the directions based on the conveying direction of the paper supply device. Usually, the paper supply device is disposed on a horizontal plane, so the up and down directions of the paper supply device coincide with the vertical direction. Also, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the conveying direction is set as the device width direction (or simply referred to as the "width direction"). And the downstream side in the conveying direction is set as the front, and the upstream side is set as the rear.

[0042] The paper supply device 1 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the "supply device") is equipped between a supply source device and a supply destination device. For example, it is equipped between a corrugating machine (not shown) for manufacturing corrugated paper and a box-making machine (not shown) for processing corrugated paper into box-making sheets, and is used to supply multiple corrugated papers manufactured by the corrugating machine to the box-making machine. In each embodiment, each paper 50 constituting a plurality of papers (hereinafter, referred to as "paper group") 50G is a board paper such as corrugated paper having a thickness.

[0043] As Figure 1 A, Figure 1 B, Figure 2 A, Figure 2 As shown in A and B, the supply device 1 is configured as a paper flipping type supply device, and includes: a lifting unit 10 that carries a paper group 50G formed by stacking a plurality of papers 50 flat; and a conveying unit 20 provided downstream of the lifting unit 10. The lifting unit 10 raises and flips the carried paper group 50G and transfers it to the immediately upstream part of the conveying unit 20. The conveying unit 20 moves the paper group 50G in the conveying direction.

[0044] In addition, the direction of stacking a plurality of papers 50 flat is set as the flat stacking direction.

[0045] [2. Structure of the Lifting Unit]

[0046] As Figure 1 A, Figure 1 B, Figure 2 A,Figure 2 As shown in FIG. B, the lifting unit 10 includes: a fixed bracket 11; a movable bracket 12 having a bracket portion that is rotatably supported by the fixed bracket 11 via a rotation shaft 12a extending in the horizontal direction and extends in the flat stacking direction; and a fork portion 13 that is slidably supported by the movable bracket 12 in the flat stacking direction and mounts the paper stack 50G. Moreover, as Figure 4 shown, the lifting unit 10 is configured with the following mechanisms: a flipping mechanism 14 that rotates the fork portion 13 about a horizontal axis to lift and flip the mounted paper stack 50G; a fork moving mechanism 15 that slides the fork portion 13 in the flat stacking direction; and a transfer control device 31 that controls the flipping mechanism 14 and the fork moving mechanism 15.

[0047] In addition, the posture of the paper stack 50G mounted on the fork portion 13 changes according to the state of the lifting unit 10. As Figure 1 shown by the solid line in FIG. A, at the beginning of mounting the paper stack 50G (before the start of lifting and flipping), each sheet 50 is in a horizontal or almost horizontal state, that is, in a state where the flat stacking direction faces the vertical or almost vertical direction (vertical posture). As Figure 1 shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. A, when the lifting and flipping based on the flipping mechanism 14 is completed, each sheet 50 is in a state slightly inclined downward from the vertical, that is, in a state where the flat stacking direction is slightly inclined downward from the horizontal (forward inclination posture).

[0048] Among them, the state of the lifting unit 10 in which the paper stack 50G is in the vertical posture is set as the initial state, the state of the lifting unit 10 in which the paper stack 50G is in the forward inclination posture is set as the flipping completion state, and the process from the initial state to the flipping completion state is set as the transfer in-process state.

[0049] And, the position of the moving element (moving body) of the lifting unit 10 in the initial state is set as the initial position, and the position of the moving element (moving body) of the lifting unit 10 in the flipping completion state is set as the flipping completion position.

[0050] The movable bracket 12, as a bracket portion extending in the flat stacking direction, includes: column bodies 12A and 12B on both sides in the device width direction; and a plurality (here, four) of slender column bodies 12C to 12F disposed between the column bodies 12A and 12B. Any one of the column bodies 12A to 12F extends in the flat stacking direction and is disposed parallel to each other. And, between the column bodies 12A to 12F, a slender plate-like member 16 extending in the flat stacking direction is interposed.

[0051] The support surface 16F that supports the leading edge surface of the paper stack 50G is composed of the columns 12A to 12F and the plate-like member 16. The leading edge surface of the paper stack 50G refers to the surface formed by the paper edge that faces forward before flipping and faces downward after flipping and is perpendicular to the flat stacking direction. If the paper stack 50G is lifted and flipped by the flipping mechanism 14, the support surface 16F gradually receives the load of the paper stack 50G through the leading edge surface of the paper stack 50G and supports it.

[0052] A fork portion 13 is provided on the support surface 16F side (front side) of the movable bracket 12, an arc-shaped arched portion 12b is provided on the back side of the movable bracket 12, and a rotating shaft 12a that rotatably supports the movable bracket 12 is provided on a beam portion 12c installed within the arc of the arched portion 12b.

[0053] The fork portion 13 is supported by the movable bracket 12 in a cantilever shape so as to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the support surface 16F. Among them, the fork portion 13 is composed of four parallel rod-shaped arm portions 13a to 13d. The fork portion 13 (arm portions 13a to 13d) has a mounting surface 13A that faces vertically upward in the initial state, and the paper stack 50G is mounted on the mounting surface 13A. A plurality of suction portions 17 for sucking the lowermost paper 50 (assumed to be the lowermost paper 51) of the paper stack 50G are provided on the mounting surface 13A. As the suction portion 17, for example, a vacuum pad that sucks the lowermost paper 51 by the attraction based on vacuum can be applied.

[0054] A total of five lifting conveyors 18 are fixed to the movable bracket 12 in a cantilever shape between the arm portions 13a to 13d of the fork portion 13 and outside the arm portions 13a to 13d. Each lifting conveyor 18 has a support surface that faces vertically upward in the initial state, and a conveyor 18A for conveying the paper stack 50G to the mounting surface 13A of the fork portion 13 is provided on the support surface of each lifting conveyor 18. For example, a roller conveyor can be applied in the conveyor 18A. If the paper stack 50G is supplied from a corrugating machine (not shown), the paper stack 50G is conveyed by this conveyor 18A to the position where it abuts against the support surface 16F at the front end side in the conveying direction.

[0055] At Figure 1 A, Figure 1 B, Figure 2 A, Figure 2 Although not shown in A, B, the flipping mechanism 14 includes a motor and a speed reducer provided on the fixed bracket 11 side, and rotates the movable bracket 12 relative to the fixed bracket 11 around the horizontal rotating shaft 12a, and rotates the fork portion 13 supported by the movable bracket 12 around the horizontal axis, thereby lifting and flipping the paper stack 50G mounted on the fork portion 13.

[0056] At Figure 1A, Figure 1 B, Figure 2 A, Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, the fork moving mechanism 15 includes a part of a chain and chain rollers built into the movable bracket 12 and a motor for driving the chain rollers, and causes the fork portion 13 to slide relative to the movable bracket 12. This sliding causes the fork portion 13 to move upward on the side in the flat stacking direction relative to the movable bracket 12, which is carried out simultaneously with the upward flipping of the paper stack 50G based on the flipping mechanism 14.

[0057] The control of this flipping mechanism 14 and the fork moving mechanism 15 is carried out by the transfer control device 31.

[0058] Moreover, if all the other sheets 51 are supplied to the downstream side while leaving the lowermost sheet 51, the lifting unit 10 returns from the flipping completion position to the initial position in a state where the adsorption unit 17 of the fork portion 13 adsorbs the lowermost sheet 51, releases the adsorption, and discharges the lowermost sheet 51. Therefore, a discharge device 41 for discharging the lowermost sheet 51 is provided.

[0059] Regarding this discharge device 41, a roller conveyor device having a plurality of rollers 41a is applied, and the rollers are arranged between the arm portions 13a to 13d of the fork portion 13 and the lifting conveyor 18 in a plan view of the initial position.

[0060] The plurality of rollers 41a are all arranged in parallel with the arm portions 13a to 13d and the lifting conveyor 18 in the initial position, and are lifted and lowered in the vertical direction by a lifting mechanism (not shown). And at least a part of the rollers 41a (here, all the rollers 41a) are rotated by a motor (not shown). The plurality of rollers 41a are usually located at a retracted position vertically below the fork portion 13 so as not to interfere with the loading of the paper stack 50G, and when performing the discharge process, they rise to a use position vertically above the fork portion 13 to support the lowermost sheet 51, and send out the lowermost sheet 51 to the side of the device by rotation.

[0061] Moreover, when approaching the flipping completion state, the front-end side sheets of the paper stack 50G (in the initial posture, the sheets above vertically) may be inclined even before being supplied to the downstream side due to the forward inclination or inertial force of movement of the paper stack 50G. To prevent this, as Figure 1 A, Figure 2 A, Figure 2 B shows, a moving paper support member 42 that abuts against the front-end side of the paper stack 50G, cooperates with the moving fork portion 13, and supports the paper stack 50G in a manner of clamping it from both sides in the flat stacking direction.

[0062] The movable paper support 42 has a plurality of rollers 42a that abut against the paper on the front end side of the paper group 50G. The plurality of rollers 42a are made of a soft material such as resin and are formed with a circumferential surface without corners so as to be able to contact the paper 50 softly, and are respectively rotatably installed at the front ends of arms 42c that are swingably supported on a support body 42b.

[0063] Each arm 42c is between Figure 1 A, Figure 2 A, Figure 2 B, between the use position shown by a solid line and the retracted position shown by a two-dot chain line, by a driving device (not shown) such as a motor, as Figure 1 shown by arrow A1 in A, swings integrally. In the use position, the plurality of rollers 42a can abut against the paper on the front end side of the paper group 50G at the same time, and in the retracted position, the plurality of rollers 42a are retracted from the transfer path of the paper group 50G. Further, the support body 42b is lifted and lowered by a lifting and driving device (not shown) corresponding to the size of the paper group 50G, as Figure 1 shown by arrow A2 in A, and is lifted and lowered.

[0064] [Structure of the conveying section]

[0065] Moreover, as Figure 1 shown in A, Figure 1 B, the conveying section 20 includes a first conveyor 21, a second conveyor 22, and a third conveyor 23 in order from the upstream in the conveying direction to the downstream, and is arranged successively in a manner to continue with the hopper 24 of the box-making machine on the downstream side. The first conveyor 21, the second conveyor 22, the third conveyor 23, and the hopper 24 each have a plurality of pulleys and endless belts, and are driven by a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a motor, and convey the paper group 50G placed on the endless belt in order from the upstream in the conveying direction to the downstream.

[0066] [4. Function]

[0067] Next, the function of the supply device configured as described above will be described. The operations of the respective parts of the supply device 1 described below are controlled based on control signals from a control unit (not shown).

[0068] Figure 3 A to Figure 3 E are schematic side views showing the state of the lifting section 10 of the supply device from the vertical posture via the horizontal posture to the forward-tilted posture, and Figure 3 A shows the state where the lifting section 10 is in the vertical posture, Figure 3 B, Figure 3 C show the process of the lifting section 10 rotating from the vertical posture to the forward-tilted posture, Figure 3 D, Figure 3 E show the state where the lifting section 10 has rotated to the forward-tilted posture.

[0069] First, the paper stack 50G is placed on the fork portion 13 in the initial state shown in Figure 3 Figure A in a flat stack state.

[0070] Next, as shown in Figure 3 Figure B, Figure 3 Figure C, Figure 3 Figure D, Figure 3 Figure E, while moving the fork portion 13 upward from below in the flat stack direction, the lifting portion 10 is rotated toward the conveying direction from the hanging posture to the forward-leaning posture.

[0071] In the state shown in Figure 3 Figure C, the moving paper support 42 is utilized.

[0072] Then, in the forward-leaning posture state shown in Figure 3 Figure D, Figure 3 Figure E, except for the lowermost paper 51, the papers 50 are tilted and flipped forward in the conveying direction in sequence from the uppermost paper and are transferred onto the first conveyor 21. However, the lowermost paper 51 remains on the fork portion 13 due to the adsorption of the adsorption portion 17 and is not transferred onto the first conveyor 21.

[0073] [5. Structure related to centering]

[0074] In the paper supply device configured in this way, it is necessary to perform so-called centering to adjust the width direction position of the paper stack within the reference width direction range so that each paper 50 can be appropriately supplied to the downstream side (box making machine). In addition, in each embodiment, the reference width direction range is set within ±50 mm with respect to the width direction reference position (the width direction center CL of the device).

[0075] Therefore, as shown in Figure 5 the figure, in this device: a width direction moving mechanism 60 that moves the loaded paper stack 50G in the width direction; a position sensor 70 that detects the width direction position of the paper stack; and a centering control device 80 that controls the width direction moving mechanism 60 based on the detection information of the position sensor 70 to center the width direction position of the paper stack 50G within the reference width direction range.

[0076] The present invention is characterized in that centering is performed in the paper supply device, and the first to fourth embodiments with different specific structures of the width direction moving mechanism 60 will be described.

[0077] 〔First embodiment〕

[0078] As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 Figure A1, Figure 6A2 Figure 6 B1 Figure 6 As shown in B2, the device related to centering involved in this embodiment is composed of a roller conveyor device 61 as a width direction moving mechanism, an initial position sensor 71 as a position sensor, and a centering control device 80.

[0079] In this case, the roller conveyor device 61 involved in this embodiment uses the above-mentioned feeding device 41 having rollers 41a, and the rollers 41a are arranged below the fork portion 13 in the initial position, and move upward to a position more vertically above the fork portion 13 in the initial position to support the paper group 50G so as to move the paper group 50G in the width direction.

[0080] As described above, when viewed from above in the initial position, the feeding device 41 has a plurality of rollers 41a arranged between the arm portions 13a to 13d of the fork portion 13 and the lifting conveyor 18. The plurality of rollers 41a are all arranged in parallel with the arm portions 13a to 13d and the lifting conveyor 18 in the initial position, are lifted and lowered in the vertical direction by a lifting mechanism (not shown), and are rotated by a motor (not shown).

[0081] The plurality of rollers 41a are driven to be lifted and lowered between a retracted position more vertically below the fork portion 13 and a use position more vertically above the fork portion 13. As the feeding device 41, when the lifting portion 10 returns from the flipping completed position to the initial position and discharges the lowermost paper 51, it rises to the use position for use. As the roller conveyor device 61, when the lifting portion 10 is in the initial position and immediately after the paper group 50G is loaded on the fork portion 13, it rises to the use position for use.

[0082] That is, when the paper group 50G is loaded on the fork portion 13, the initial position sensor 71 detects the distance from the side edge portion of the paper group 50G. Data on the size in the width direction of the device when the paper group 50G is loaded is input to the centering control device 80. In the centering control device 80, the position deviation of the center in the width direction of the paper group 50G relative to the center CL in the width direction of the device can be calculated from the position of the side edge portion of the paper group 50G detected by the initial position sensor 71.

[0083] The centering control device 80 determines whether the magnitude of this position deviation is within a specified error range (the error range is, for example, ±50 mm). If the magnitude of the position deviation exceeds the specified error range, the roller conveyor device 61 is controlled to move the paper group 50G in the width direction so that the magnitude of the position deviation is within the specified error range.

[0084] For example, as Figure 6 A1 Figure 6As shown in A2, if the paper group 50G is offset beyond the error range to the left relative to the conveying direction (in the figure, from right to left), the control roller conveying device 61 (feeding device 41) will, as Figure 6 B1, Figure 6 As shown in B2, move the paper group 50G to the right.

[0085] Specifically, make multiple rollers 41a rise from a retracted position below the plumb line of the fork portion 13 as shown in, for example, Figure 7 A to a use position above the plumb line of the fork portion 13 as shown in, for example, Figure 7 B. As a state of supporting the paper group 50G with multiple rollers 41a, as Figure 7 Shown in C, by rotating multiple rollers 41a in a specified direction by a specified amount of rotation, the paper group 50G can be moved in a specified direction by a specified amount. After the movement, lower multiple rollers 41a to the retracted position. Additionally, in Figure 7 A, Figure 7 B, the description of the lifting conveyor 18 is omitted.

[0086] According to this embodiment, in the lifting portion 10, by using the existing feeding device 41, it is possible to suppress an increase in the longitudinal dimension of the entire device to ensure the freedom of the factory layout, and to center the paper group 50G while suppressing cost increase.

[0087] In addition, regarding effectively using the feeding device 41 to center the paper group 50G, it is not only during the period when the paper group 50G is mounted on the fork portion 13 and the lifting portion 10 is in the initial position, but also during the period from when the fork portion 13 starts to rotate and rise until the fork portion 13 moves above the multiple rollers 41a.

[0088] Therefore, the centering control device 80 can stop the lifting portion 10 at the initial position to reliably center the paper group 50G, or can also center the paper group 50G during the period from when the fork portion 13 starts to rotate and rise until the fork portion 13 moves above the multiple rollers 41a. In this case, it is possible to shorten the time from centering the paper group 50G to the completion of flipping.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, the feeding device 41 is used as the roller conveying device 61, but it is not limited thereto. A part of the rollers 41a of the feeding device 41 can be used as the roller conveying device 61, or a dedicated roller can be separately arranged without using the feeding device 41 to constitute the roller conveying device 61.

[0090] 〔Second Embodiment〕

[0091] In this embodiment, as Figure 8 A, Figure 8 B1, Figure 8As shown in B2, the fork portion 13 includes: a fork portion main body 131 on which a stack of sheets 50G is mounted; a support body 130 that movably supports the fork portion main body 131 in the width direction; and a fork portion moving mechanism 62 that moves the fork portion main body 131 relative to the support body 130 in the width direction and uses a driver (not shown) to move the mounted stack of sheets 50G in the width direction. The fork portion moving mechanism 62 is applied to the width direction moving mechanism 60. In addition, in Figure 8 B1, Figure 8 the description of the roller 41a of the feeding device 41 is omitted in B2.

[0092] Then, as Figure 5 shown, the centering-related device according to the present embodiment is composed of a fork portion moving mechanism 62 as a width direction moving mechanism, an initial position sensor 71 as a position sensor, and a centering control device 80. Similar to the first embodiment, the centering control device 80 controls the fork portion moving mechanism 62 based on the detection information of the initial position sensor 71 to center the width direction position of the stack of sheets 50G within a reference width direction range.

[0093] That is, the support body 130 is slidably supported on the movable bracket 12 in the flat stacking direction, and the fork portion main body 131 is movably supported on the support body 130 in the width direction. The fork portion moving mechanism 62 can utilize, for example, a motor and a ball screw mechanism that converts the rotation of the motor into a linear motion, and the motor and the ball screw shaft are fixed to the support body 130 with their axes along the width direction, and the nut screwed to the ball screw shaft via balls is fixed to the fork portion main body 131.

[0094] Moreover, in the fork portion moving mechanism 62 as the width direction moving mechanism 60, the fork portion main body 131 serves as a moving body that moves in the width direction to move the stack of sheets 50G in the width direction. The transfer control device 31 (refer to Figure 4 ) performs initial position restoration control to return the fork portion 10 to the initial position after the transfer of the stack of sheets 50G to the conveying portion 20 is completed. However, in this initial position restoration control, the centering control device 80 performs neutral position restoration control to return the fork portion main body 131 as the moving body to the neutral position in the width direction.

[0095] In this way, by providing the fork portion moving mechanism 62 in the lifting portion 10, it is possible to suppress an increase in the longitudinal dimension of the entire device to ensure the freedom of the factory layout, and at the same time, centering of the stack of sheets 50G can be performed.

[0096] Moreover, since centering can be performed during the upward flipping of the stack of sheets 50G, it is possible to shorten the time from centering of the stack of sheets 50G to the flipped complete state.

[0097] Further, after the transfer of the paper group 50G to the conveying unit 20 is completed, in the initial position restoration control for returning the fork unit 10 to the initial position, neutral position restoration control for returning the fork body 131 to the neutral position in the width direction is performed, so that the centering of the next paper group 50G can be performed without any obstacles.

[0098] 〔Third Embodiment〕

[0099] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9 A and Figure 9 B, a movable base bracket 11A, which is a part of the fixed bracket 11 of the lifting unit 10, is movably installed in the width direction on two tracks 63a, 63a extending in the device width direction. A bracket moving mechanism 63 for moving the paper group 50G carried thereon by moving the movable base bracket 11A in the width direction using a drive (not shown) is applied to the width direction moving mechanism 60. Further, in Figure 9 B and Figure 10 A, Figure 10 B, the description of the roller 41a of the feeding device 41 is omitted.

[0100] Then, as shown in Figure 5 , the centering-related device according to this embodiment is composed of a bracket moving mechanism 63 as a width direction moving mechanism, an initial position sensor 71, a flip completion position sensor 72, and a centering control device 80 as position sensors. Similar to the first and second embodiments, the centering control device 80 controls the bracket moving mechanism 63 based on the detection information of the initial position sensor 71 and the flip completion position sensor 72, and actuates the bracket moving mechanism 63 as shown in Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B, so that the width direction position of the paper group 50G is centered within the reference width direction range.

[0101] Here, the position of the paper group 50G at the initial position is detected by the initial position sensor 71, the required width direction movement amount of the paper group 50G is calculated, and during the subsequent upward flip movement, the bracket moving mechanism 63 is controlled to center the paper group 50G. The position of the paper group 50G at the flip completion position or at a stage close to the flip completion position is detected by the flip completion position sensor 72, thereby confirming the centering result.

[0102] However, it is also possible to install only either the initial position sensor 71 or the flip completion position sensor 72.

[0103] When the initial position sensor 71 is installed, since the position of the paper group 50G can be detected at an early stage, sufficient time for centering can be ensured.

[0104] In addition, when the inversion completion position sensor 72 is provided, since the position of the paper stack 50G in the final stage can be further detected, the centering accuracy can be improved even if the centering time is reduced.

[0105] In addition, in the support moving mechanism 63 which is the width direction moving mechanism 60, the movable base support 11A serves as a moving body that moves in the width direction to move the paper stack 50G in the width direction. In the present embodiment, after the transfer of the paper stack 50G to the conveying unit 20 is completed, when the transfer control device 31 performs the initial position restoration control to return the fork portion 10 to the initial position, the centering control device 80 performs the neutral position restoration control to return the movable base support 11A serving as the moving body to the neutral position in the width direction.

[0106] In this way, by providing the support moving mechanism 63 that can move the movable base support 11A, which is a part of the fixed support 11, in the width direction, it is possible to suppress an increase in the longitudinal dimension of the entire device to ensure the freedom of the factory layout, and at the same time, centering of the paper stack 50G can be performed.

[0107] In addition, since centering can be performed during the upward inversion of the paper stack 50G, the time from centering of the paper stack 50G to the inversion completion state can be shortened.

[0108] In addition, after the transfer of the paper stack 50G to the conveying unit 20 is completed, in the initial position restoration control to return the fork portion 10 to the initial position, the neutral position restoration control to return the movable base support 11A to the neutral position in the width direction is performed, so that centering of the next paper stack 50G can be performed without any obstacles.

[0109] 〔Fourth Embodiment〕

[0110] As Figure 11 A, Figure 11 B shows, the centering-related device according to the present embodiment includes a gripping type moving mechanism 64 that grips the paper stack 50G and moves the paper stack 50G in the width direction when the paper stack 50G is in an upward and inverted position (a state where the posture of the paper stack 50G is close to the forward inclination posture or the forward inclination posture), and the gripping type moving mechanism 64 is applied in the width direction moving mechanism 60.

[0111] In particular, in the present embodiment, the gripping type moving mechanism 64 is composed of an unillustrated driver that synchronously moves the arm portions 13a to 13d of the fork portion 13, the rollers 42a of the above-described transfer paper support member 42, the arm portions 13a to 13d of the fork portion 13, and the rollers 42a of the transfer paper support member 42 in the width direction. In addition, in Figure 11 B and Figure 12 A,Figure 12 In B, the description of the roller 41a of the delivery device 41 is omitted.

[0112] The gripping type moving mechanism 64 only needs to move the arm portions 13a to 13d of the fork portion 13 and the rollers 42a of the transfer paper support member 42 synchronously in the width direction by a driver (not shown). For example, in order to move the arm portions 13a to 13d, as shown in the second embodiment, it is preferable that the fork portion 13 is composed of a support body 130 and a fork portion main body 131 that can move in the width direction with respect to the support body 130, and the arm portions 13a to 13d provided on the fork portion main body 131 are integrally moved in the width direction. Similarly, in order to move the plurality of rollers 42a, it is preferable that the support member that supports the plurality of rollers 42a is capable of moving in the width direction, and by moving this support member in the width direction, the plurality of rollers 42a can be integrally moved in the width direction.

[0113] In such a gripping type moving mechanism 64, when the lifting portion 10 approaches the state where the flipping is completed, the moving paper support member 42 is brought into contact with the front end side of the paper stack 50G supported by the fork portion 13 on the rear end side, and the fork portion 13 cooperates with the moving paper support member 42, so as to grip the paper stack 50G in a manner of sandwiching it from both sides in the flat stacking direction. However, by increasing this gripping force, the paper stack 50G can be gripped from both sides in the flat stacking direction and moved in the width direction.

[0114] As Figure 5 shown, the device related to centering according to the present embodiment is composed of a gripping type moving mechanism 64 as a width direction moving mechanism, a gripping position sensor 73 as a position sensor, and a centering control device 80. The centering control device 80 controls the gripping type moving mechanism 64, that is, the fork portion 13 and the moving paper support member 42, based on the detection information of the gripping position sensor 73 in the same manner as in the first to third embodiments. That is, as Figure 12 A, Figure 12 B shows, the gripping type moving mechanism 64 is actuated, so that the width direction position of the paper stack 50G is centered within the reference width direction range.

[0115] Moreover, in the gripping type moving mechanism 64 as the width direction moving mechanism 60, the arm portions 13a to 13d of the fork portion 13 and the rollers 42a of the transfer paper support member 42 become moving bodies that move in the width direction to move the paper stack 50G in the width direction. In the present embodiment, after the transfer of the paper stack 50G to the conveying portion 20 is completed, when the transfer control device 31 performs the initial position restoration control to return the fork portion 10 to the initial position, the centering control device 80 performs the neutral position restoration control to return the arm portions 13a to 13d of the fork portion 13 and the rollers 42a of the transfer paper support member 42, which are moving bodies, to the neutral position in the width direction.

[0116] According to the present embodiment, in the lifting unit 10, by using the existing moving paper support 42, it is possible to suppress an increase in the longitudinal dimension of the entire apparatus to ensure the freedom of plant layout, and to center the paper group 50G while suppressing an increase in cost.

[0117] Moreover, after the transfer of the paper group 50G to the conveying unit 20 is completed, in the initial position restoration control for returning the fork unit 10 to the initial position, neutral position restoration control for returning the arm portions 13a to 13d of the fork 13 and the roller 42a of the transfer paper support 42 to the neutral position in the width direction is performed. Therefore, the centering of the next paper group 50G can be performed without any hindrance.

[0118] 〔Others〕

[0119] As described above, the embodiments have been explained, but the width direction moving mechanism is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, a width direction moving mechanism may be employed by pushing a rod on the lifting unit side.

[0120] The width direction moving mechanism according to the present invention only needs to be able to move the paper group 50G in the width direction. For example, in the case of a side push rod, although there is no requirement to align the end edges in the width direction of the paper 50, by applying a side push rod, it is possible to align the end edges in the width direction of each paper 50 while centering the paper group 50G, and it is easier to appropriately process each paper on the downstream side.

[0121] Moreover, in each embodiment, the reference width direction range is set within ±50 mm with respect to the width direction reference position (the center CL in the width direction of the apparatus), but the allowable width with respect to the width direction reference position is not limited to the range of ±50 mm and can be set appropriately.

[0122] Reference Signs

[0123] 1 - Paper supply device, 10 - Lifting part, 11 - Fixed bracket, 11A - Movable base bracket, 12 - Movable bracket, 12A to 12F - Columns, 12a - Rotating shaft, 12b - Arch part, 12c - Beam part, 13 - Fork part, 13a to 13d - Arms, 13A - Mounting surface, 14 - Inverting mechanism, 15 - Fork moving mechanism, 16F - Support surface, 17 - Adsorption part, 18 - Lifting conveyor, 18A - Conveyor, 20 - Conveying part, 21 - First conveyor, 22 - Second conveyor, 23 - Third conveyor, 24 - Hopper, 31 - Transfer control device, 41 - Sending device, 41a - Roll, 42 - Movable paper support, 42a - Roll, 42b - Support body, 42c - Arm, 50 - Paper, 50G - Multiple papers (paper group), 51 - Lowermost paper, 60 - Width direction moving mechanism, 61 - Roll conveying device as width direction moving mechanism, 62 - Fork part moving mechanism as width direction moving mechanism, 63 - Bracket moving mechanism as width direction moving mechanism, 64 - Grasping type moving mechanism as width direction moving mechanism, 70 - Position sensor, 71 - Initial position sensor as position sensor, 72 - Inversion completion position sensor as position sensor, 73 - Grasping position sensor as position sensor, 80 - Centering control device, 130 - Support body, 131 - Fork part main body, CL - Center in the width direction of the device.

Claims

1. A paper supply device, comprising: a lifting unit that raises and flips a stack of papers composed of a plurality of flatly stacked papers; and a conveying unit that moves each paper of the stack of papers transferred from the lifting unit in a conveying direction, wherein the paper supply device is characterized in that, the lifting unit is configured with the following mechanism: a bracket that extends in the flat stacking direction of the stack of papers; a fork portion that is supported by the bracket so as to be movable in the flat stacking direction and mounts the stack of papers; a flipping mechanism that rotates the fork portion to raise and flip the mounted stack of papers; and a fork moving mechanism that moves the fork portion in the flat stacking direction, the paper supply device is provided with the following mechanism: a width direction moving mechanism that is provided on the lifting unit and moves the mounted stack of papers in the width direction; a position sensor that detects the width direction position of the stack of papers; and a centering control device that, during the period from when the stack of papers is mounted on the fork portion to when the stack of papers is transferred to the conveying unit, controls the width direction moving mechanism based on the detection information of the position sensor so that the width direction position of the stack of papers is centered within a reference width direction range, the raising and flipping is an operation of the stack of papers that rises and flips from an initial state where the stack of papers is located at the initial position mounted on the fork portion to a flipped completion state that is slightly inclined downward from the vertical, the centering control device centers the width direction position of the stack of papers within the reference width direction range based on the detection information of the position sensor during the raising and flipping of the stack of papers.

2. The paper supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fork portion includes: a fork portion main body that mounts the stack of papers; a support body that movably supports the fork portion main body in the width direction; and a fork portion moving mechanism that moves the fork portion main body relative to the support body in the width direction to move the mounted stack of papers in the width direction, the width direction moving mechanism is the fork portion moving mechanism.

3. The paper supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that, during the raising or rotation of the fork portion, the centering control device controls the fork portion moving mechanism based on the detection information of the position sensor so that the width direction position of the stack of papers is centered within the reference width direction range.

4. The paper supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the width direction moving mechanism is a bracket moving mechanism that moves the bracket in the width direction to move the mounted stack of papers in the width direction.

5. The paper supply device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It includes: two tracks that extend in the width direction; and a movable base bracket that is movably installed on the two tracks in the width direction and forms a part of the bracket, the bracket moving mechanism moves the movable base bracket in the width direction to move the mounted stack of papers in the width direction.

6. The paper supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes: a gripping type moving mechanism that, when the stack of papers rises to a flipped position, grips the stack of papers and moves the stack of papers in the width direction, the gripping type moving mechanism is applied in the width direction moving mechanism.

7. The paper supply device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It includes: A transfer paper support member is provided opposite to the fork portion when the paper stack rises to a flipped position, and cooperates with the fork portion to grip the paper stack from both end sides in the flat stacking direction, thereby guiding the transfer of the paper stack to the conveying portion. The gripping and moving mechanism is composed of the fork portion and the transfer paper support member.

8. The paper supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lifting portion is provided with a transfer control device for controlling the flipping mechanism and the fork moving mechanism. The width direction moving mechanism includes a moving body that moves in the width direction to move the paper stack in the width direction. After the transfer of the paper stack to the conveying portion is completed, the transfer control device performs an initial position restoration control to return the fork portion to the lowered initial position. During the initial position restoration control, the centering control device performs a neutral position restoration control to return the moving body to the neutral position in the width direction.

9. The paper supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the range within the reference width direction means a range of ±50 mm with respect to the reference position in the width direction.

10. The paper supply device according to claim 8, characterized in that the range within the reference width direction means a range of ±50 mm with respect to the reference position in the width direction.

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