Sheet conveying device and control method of sheet conveying device

Abstract

A sheet conveying device and a control method of the sheet conveying device are provided. A conveying force of a conveying section (22) is changed between a state in which the number of loaded sheets (S) is small and a state in which the number of loaded sheets (S) is large. Therefore, sheet conveying failure sometimes occurs. A sheet conveying device (1) includes a loading section (7) to which a conveyed sheet (S) is loaded, a conveying section (22) to impart a conveying force (P2) to the sheet (S) on a sheet loading surface (21) of the loading section (7) toward a unifying section (9), and an adjusting section (23) to adjust the conveying force (P2). The adjusting section (23) includes a movable loading section (24) formed so that at least a part of the sheet loading surface (21) can protrude toward the conveying section (22), and a driving section (25) to displace the movable loading section (24) toward a protruding direction and a retreating direction.

Description

Sheet conveying device and control method of sheet conveying device Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sheet conveying device and a control method for the sheet conveying device. Background Technology

[0002] As an example of such sheet conveying devices, the device described in Patent Document 1 can be cited. Patent Document 1 describes a sheet conveying device that has blades in a post-processing unit. These blades are mechanisms that impart a conveying force to the sheet material discharged to the sheet loading surface of the loading section, conveying it in a predetermined direction. This sheet conveying device conveys the sheet to a predetermined position by rotating the blades.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-154413

[0004] With the blade fixed, as the number of sheets loaded in the loading section increases, the distance between the uppermost sheet and the blade gradually decreases. Therefore, the conveying force of the blade changes between a low and high number of sheets loaded. Consequently, poor sheet conveying sometimes occurs. No consideration of this aspect was found in Patent Document 1. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention relates to a sheet conveying device, characterized in that it comprises: a loading section on which a conveyed sheet is loaded; a conveying section on which a conveying force is applied to the sheet loaded on the loading surface of the loading section to convey it toward an integrating section; and an adjusting section for adjusting the conveying force, the adjusting section comprising: a movable loading section configured to allow at least a portion of the loading surface of the sheet to protrude toward the conveying section; and a driving section for displacing the movable loading section in a protruding direction and a retracting direction.

[0006] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a control method for a sheet conveying device, characterized in that the sheet conveying device comprises: a loading section on which incoming sheets are loaded; a conveying section on which a conveying force is applied to the sheet loaded on the loading surface of the loading section to convey it toward an integrating section; an adjusting section on which the conveying force is adjusted; a control section on which the adjusting section is controlled; and either or both of a loading sheet counting section and a counting section, wherein the loading sheet counting section counts the number of sheets loaded on the loading section, and the counting section counts the cumulative number of sheets conveyed by the conveying section; the adjusting section comprises a movable loading section and a driving section, wherein the movable loading section is configured such that at least a portion of the loading surface of the sheet can protrude toward the conveying section, and the driving section displaces the movable loading section in a protruding direction and a retracting direction; and the control method comprises the step of adjusting the displacement of the movable loading section based on either or both of the loading sheet number and the cumulative sheet number. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 is a simplified structural diagram of the main parts of the sheet conveying device according to Embodiment 1.

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the loading section with a movable loading section according to Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of the movable loading part of Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the loading section having a movable loading section and a side vernier according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 5 is an example of a flowchart used in the control of the drive unit in Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 6 is an example of a flowchart used in the control of the drive unit in Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 7 is an example of a table used in the control of the drive unit, corresponding to Figures 5 and 6.

[0014] Figure 8 is a front view of the printing system according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0016] 1…Sheet conveying device, 2…Conveyor roller pair, 3…Post-processing unit, 4…Shaft, 5…Discharged sheet receiving unit, 6…First blade, 7…Loading unit, 8…Shaft, 9…Integration unit, 10…Second blade, 11…First conveying unit, 12…Conveying trajectory, 13…Second conveying unit, 15…Control unit, 17…Counting unit, 20…Post-processing device, 21…Sheet loading surface, 22…Conveying unit, 23…Adjustment unit, 24…Modible loading unit, 2 5…Drive unit, 26…Pivot shaft, 27…Free end, 28…Swing unit, 30…Cam, 31, 32…Side vernier, 33, 34…Side vernier moving unit, 36…Pivot, 37…Loading sheet counting unit, 100…Printing system, 101…Printing device, 102…Print head, 103…Impression plate, 104…Sheet stacker, 105…Connecting part, F…Conveying direction, P1…Conveying force, P2…Conveying force, S…Sheet. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be briefly described.

[0018] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the sheet conveying device according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a loading section on which a conveyed sheet is loaded; a conveying section on which a conveying force is applied to the sheet loaded on the loading surface of the loading section to convey it toward an integrating section; and an adjusting section on which the conveying force is adjusted, the adjusting section comprising: a movable loading section configured to allow at least a portion of the loading surface of the sheet to protrude toward the conveying section; and a driving section for displacing the movable loading section in a protruding direction and a retracting direction.

[0019] According to this aspect, an adjustment unit is provided to adjust the conveying force. This adjustment unit further includes a movable loading section and a drive section for displacing the movable loading section. The movable loading section is configured such that at least a portion of the sheet loading surface can protrude toward the conveying section. Therefore, by adjusting the displacement of the movable loading section through the adjustment unit, the conveying force is prevented from decreasing, thus suppressing sheet conveying defects.

[0020] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a sheet conveying device, which, in the first aspect, is characterized in that the movable loading portion is a part of the sheet loading surface in the width direction intersecting the direction of the conveying force, and is a portion opposite to the conveying portion.

[0021] According to this aspect, the movable loading section is a part of the sheet loading surface and is located opposite the conveying section. Therefore, it is effective because the conveying force is adjusted at the location where the conveying force acts.

[0022] The sheet conveying device according to the third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the movable loading part is a swinging part that is axially supported in a direction intersecting the direction of the conveying force and swings at its free end, and the driving part is provided with a cam that displaces the swinging part.

[0023] According to this aspect, the movable loading part is a swinging part with one end supported by a shaft and the other end swinging freely, and the driving part that displaces the swinging part is a cam. Therefore, the protrusion or retraction of the movable loading part can be achieved with fewer components.

[0024] In any one of the first to third aspects of the sheet conveying device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the driving unit is disposed on the rear side of the loading unit.

[0025] According to this aspect, since the drive unit is disposed on the rear side of the loading unit, a sheet conveying device can be constructed without increasing the size of the surface side of the loading unit.

[0026] The sheet conveying device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the loading section has a pair of side verniers for integrating the two ends of the sheet loaded on the sheet loading surface in the width direction, and a pair of side vernier moving parts are arranged on the back side of the loading section, the pair of side vernier moving parts moving the position of the pair of side verniers in the width direction, and the driving section is arranged between the pair of side vernier moving parts.

[0027] According to this aspect, the pair of side vernier moving parts are disposed on the rear side of the loading part, and the drive part is disposed between the pair of side vernier moving parts. Therefore, since the drive part is disposed in the empty space on the rear side of the loading part, a sheet conveying device can be constructed without making the rear side of the loading part large.

[0028] The sheet conveying apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, is characterized by comprising: a control unit for controlling the adjustment unit; and a sheet loading counter for counting the number of sheets loaded on the loading unit, wherein the control unit performs displacement by means of the drive unit based on the number of sheets loaded as counted by the sheet loading counter.

[0029] The conveying force of the conveying unit on the sheet changes between the initial state at the start of sheet conveying and the state where the number of sheets loaded increases.

[0030] According to this aspect, the control unit performs displacement using the drive unit based on the number of loaded sheets counted by the loaded sheet count unit, thus enabling it to respond to the changes. That is, the conveying force can be reduced accordingly to an increase in the number of loaded sheets, thereby ensuring that the conveying force on the sheet remains approximately constant.

[0031] The sheet conveying apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, is characterized in that it includes a counting unit for counting the cumulative number of sheets conveyed by the conveying unit, and the control unit performs displacement by means of the driving unit based on the cumulative number of sheets.

[0032] As wear on the conveyor unit increases with continuous use, its conveying force gradually decreases. The cumulative number of sheets counted by the counting unit corresponds to the degree of wear caused by the continuous use.

[0033] According to this aspect, the control unit performs displacement using the drive unit based on the cumulative number of sheets. Therefore, the displacement performed by the movable loading unit can compensate for the reduction in the conveying force of the conveying unit itself caused by wear, thereby making the conveying force approximately constant.

[0034] The sheet conveying device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth or seventh aspect, is characterized in that the control unit performs the displacement by the drive unit based on one or both of the number of loaded sheets and the cumulative number of sheets, as well as at least one or more of the following (1) to (4) additional factors.

[0035] (1) The basis weight of the sheet is greater than the specified weight.

[0036] (2) The size of the sheet is larger than the specified size.

[0037] (3) Humidity is higher than the specified value or temperature is lower than the specified value

[0038] (4) The printing density when printing on the sheet is higher than the specified value.

[0039] Here, "basis weight" refers to the weight (g) of a 1m × 1m sheet. "Printing density" refers to the amount of ink ejected per unit area, also known as duty cycle.

[0040] (1) When the basis weight of the sheet is greater than a specified amount, the sheet becomes heavy and difficult to transport. Therefore, the movable loading part is brought closer to the conveying part to increase the conveying force. The "specified amount" is set in a way that data is obtained in advance regarding the relationship between the basis weight, the displacement of the movable loading part, and the conveying force to obtain an appropriate conveying force.

[0041] (2) When the size of the sheet is larger than the specified size, the contact area between the sheets is large, making it difficult to transport. Therefore, the movable loading part is moved closer to the conveying part to increase the conveying force. The "specified size" is set in a way that data is obtained in advance regarding the relationship between the size of the sheet, the displacement of the movable loading part, and the conveying force to obtain an appropriate conveying force.

[0042] (3) When the humidity is higher than the specified value, the friction between the sheets increases, making them difficult to transport. Therefore, the movable loading part is brought closer to the conveying part to increase the conveying force. The "specified value" is set in a way that data on the relationship between humidity, the displacement of the movable loading part, and the conveying force are obtained in advance to obtain an appropriate conveying force.

[0043] Furthermore, when the temperature is below a predetermined value, the material of the conveying part, which is usually rubber, will harden, reducing the conveying force and making conveying difficult. Therefore, the movable loading part is moved closer to the conveying part to increase the conveying force. The "predetermined value" is set in advance by acquiring data on the relationship between temperature, the displacement of the movable loading part, and the conveying force to obtain an appropriate conveying force.

[0044] (4) When the printing density on the sheet is higher than the specified value, the friction between the sheets is large, making it difficult to transport. Therefore, the movable loading part is moved closer to the conveying part to increase the conveying force. The "specified value" is set in a way that data is obtained in advance regarding the relationship between the printing density, the displacement of the movable loading part, and the conveying force to obtain an appropriate conveying force.

[0045] According to this aspect, if at least one of (1) to (4) above is met, the movable loading part can be brought closer to the conveying part to increase the conveying force. Therefore, sheet conveying defects can be suppressed.

[0046] The sheet conveying device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, is characterized in that the sheet loaded on the loading section and integrated by the integrating section can be in any one of a co-directional stacking state, a displaced stacking state, or a pre-binding stacking state, and the control section does not activate the adjustment section when the sheet is in the co-directional stacking state or the displaced stacking state, but activates the adjustment section when binding is being performed.

[0047] Here, "unidirectional stacking state" means that the sheets are stacked sequentially on the sheet loading surface in the same manner.

[0048] In addition, "displaced stacking state" refers to the state in which a stack of sheets, obtained by stacking a specified number of sheets on the sheet loading surface, is displaced in the width direction and positioned so that each stack of sheets is staggered.

[0049] In addition, "the stacking state before binding" refers to the state of the stack of sheets obtained by stacking a specified number of sheets on the sheet loading surface and before entering the binding process with staples. It is a process in which the integration standard of the sheets in the integration section is more stringent than the same-direction stacking state and the shifted stacking state.

[0050] The integration criteria for the same-direction stacking state and the shifted stacking state are not strict. On the other hand, the integration criteria for the pre-binding stacking state are strict.

[0051] According to this aspect, in cases where the requirements for integration quality are low, i.e., the integration standards are not strict, such as the co-directional stacking state or the displaced stacking state, by prioritizing the suppression of wear over ensuring the conveying force, the wear of the conveying unit can be reduced.

[0052] The tenth aspect of the present invention relates to a control method for a sheet conveying device, characterized in that the sheet conveying device comprises: a loading section on which a conveyed sheet is loaded; a conveying section on which a conveying force is applied to the sheet loaded on the loading surface of the loading section to convey it toward an integrating section; an adjusting section for adjusting the conveying force; a control section for controlling the adjusting section; and either or both of a loading sheet counting section and a counting section, wherein the loading sheet counting section counts the number of sheets loaded on the loading section, and the counting section counts the cumulative number of sheets conveyed by the conveying section; the adjusting section comprises a movable loading section and a driving section, wherein the movable loading section is configured such that at least a portion of the loading surface of the sheet can protrude toward the conveying section, and the driving section displaces the movable loading section in a protruding direction and a retracting direction; and the control method comprises the step of adjusting the displacement of the movable loading section based on either or both of the loading sheet number and the cumulative sheet number.

[0053] According to this aspect, the same effect as that of one or both of the sixth and seventh aspects can be obtained.

[0054] Based on FIG8, the overall configuration of the printing system 100 having the sheet conveying device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0055] The printing system 100 includes a printing device 101 and a post-processing device 20. The sheet S printed by the printing device 101 is conveyed to the post-processing device 20 through a connecting part 105. The post-processing device 20 includes a sheet conveying device 1. In FIG8, reference numeral 102 indicates a print head that performs printing on the sheet S, reference numeral 103 indicates an impression plate that supports the lower surface of the sheet S to be printed, and reference numeral 104 indicates a sheet stacker that holds the sheet S to be printed in a manner that allows it to be fed out.

[0056] The post-processing apparatus 20 includes a post-processing unit 3 for performing post-processing as described later and a sheet discharge receiving unit 5. The sheet S passing through the post-processing unit 3 is discharged to the sheet discharge receiving unit 5 by a discharge section (not shown). The sheet discharge receiving unit 5 receives the sheet S discharged by the post-processing unit 3 of the post-processing apparatus 1, but is configured to receive any sheet S regardless of whether post-processing is performed in the post-processing unit 3 or not.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1, the post-processing apparatus 20 includes: a loading section 7 for loading the conveyed sheet S; a first conveying section 11 for applying a conveying force P1 to the sheet S loaded on the loading section 7 toward the integrating section 9; a second conveying section 13 located between the first conveying section 11 and the integrating section 9 for applying a conveying force P2 to the sheet S toward the integrating section 9; a post-processing section 3 for post-processing the sheet S conveyed to the integrating section 9; and a control section 15 for controlling the rotational movements of the first conveying section 11 and the second conveying section 13, as well as the post-processing operation of the post-processing section 3. The sheet S conveyed from the printing apparatus 101 is conveyed in the conveying direction F (+Y direction) via the conveying roller pair 2 and placed on the loading section 7.

[0058] The post-processing unit 3 is capable of performing various post-processing operations, which will be described later. In Figure 1, reference numeral 12 indicates the transport trajectory of the rear end of the sheet S.

[0059] The first conveying section 11 applies a conveying force P1 to each sheet S loaded in the loading section 7 in a direction opposite to the conveying direction F (-Y direction) towards the integrating section 9. The first conveying section 11 includes a shaft 4 and a first blade 6 mounted on and rotating together with the shaft 4. The first blade 6 is formed of rubber material.

[0060] The first conveying section 11 rotates the first blade 6 toward the integration section 9, that is, in the -Y direction, it applies a conveying force P1 to the sheet S, and the rear ends of each sheet S come into contact with the integration section 9 and are integrated.

[0061] The second conveying section 13 is located between the first conveying section 11 and the integrating section 9, and applies a conveying force P2 to each sheet S loaded in the loading section 7 toward the integrating section 9. The second conveying section 13 includes a shaft 8 and a second blade 10 mounted on and rotating together with the shaft 8. The second blade 10 is also formed of rubber material.

[0062] The second conveying section 13, by rotating the second blade 10, cooperates with the first conveying section 11 to apply a conveying force P2 to the sheet S toward the integration section 9, and the rear ends of each sheet S abut against the integration section 9 and are integrated.

[0063] The sheet conveying device 1 according to this embodiment includes a loading section 7, a second conveying section 13 as a conveying section 22, and an adjusting section 23 for adjusting the conveying force P2. The conveying section 22 applies a conveying force P2 to the sheet S loaded on the sheet loading surface 21 of the loading section 7, which is conveyed toward the integration section 9.

[0064] The adjustment unit 23 includes a movable loading unit 24 and a drive unit 25. The movable loading unit 24 is configured such that at least a portion of the sheet loading surface 21 can protrude toward the conveying unit 22. The drive unit 25 displaces the movable loading unit 24 in a protruding direction and a retracting direction. The "protruding direction" of the movable loading unit 24 refers to the direction closer to the opposite conveying unit 22, and the "retracting direction" refers to the direction away from the conveying unit 22.

[0065] Movable loading section

[0066] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG2, the movable loading part 24, which is a component of the adjustment part 23, is a portion of the sheet loading surface 21 in the width direction (X-axis direction) that intersects the direction of the conveying force P2, and is a portion opposite to the conveying part 22. That is, in this embodiment, not the entire sheet loading surface 21 is the movable loading part 24, but a portion of the center of the sheet loading surface 21 in the width direction (X-axis direction) is the movable loading part 24.

[0067] It should be noted that the entire width of the sheet loading surface 21 can also be configured as a movable loading part 24. Alternatively, multiple movable loading parts 24 can be provided in the width direction.

[0068] In Figure 2, the conveying section 22, which is located opposite the movable loading section 24, is omitted from the illustration.

[0069] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG3, the movable loading part 24 is composed of a swinging part 28, which is supported by a pivot shaft 26 in a direction intersecting the direction of the conveying force P2 and swings at its free end 27.

[0070] Drive unit

[0071] As shown in Figure 3, the drive unit 25 in this embodiment includes a cam 30. The drive unit 25 is configured such that the cam 30 is rotated around the fulcrum 36 by power, thereby displacing the swing unit 28 in the "protruding direction" and the "retreating direction".

[0072] In Figure 3, the cam 30, depicted by a solid line, represents the state after the swinging part 28 has been displaced in the aforementioned "protruding direction". The cam 30, depicted by a double-dotted line, represents the state after the swinging part 28 has been displaced in the aforementioned "retracting direction". The movable loading part 24 is configured to be located below the sheet loading surface 21 in the retracted position.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4, the drive unit 25 is disposed on the rear side of the loading unit 7. The cam 30 is located in a hidden position in Figure 4 and cannot be seen.

[0074] In this embodiment, the loading unit 7 includes a pair of side cursors 31 and 32, which are used to integrate the two ends of the sheet S loaded on the sheet loading surface 21 in the width direction (X-axis direction). The pair of side cursors 31 and 32 are moved in the width direction by a pair of side cursor moving parts 33 and 34. As shown in FIG4, the pair of side cursor moving parts 33 and 34 are disposed on the back side of the loading unit 7.

[0075] A pair of side cursors 31 and 32 can widen or narrow the guide edge spacing between one side cursor 31 and the other side cursor 32, and integrate the sheet S in the width direction by contacting the two ends of the sheet S loaded on the loading part 7. The rear end and side ends of the sheet S are aligned by contact between the integrating part 9 and the pair of side cursors 31 and 32. As a result, the sheet S is integrated. The pair of side cursors 31 and 32 are also used for displacement processing.

[0076] Therefore, the drive unit 25 is positioned here to utilize the space between a pair of side vernier moving units 33 and 34.

[0077] In this embodiment, the sheet loading device 1 includes a control unit 15 of the control adjustment unit 23 and a sheet counting unit 37 (see Figure 1) that counts the number of sheets S loaded onto the loading unit 7. Therefore, the control unit 15 is configured to perform displacement by the drive unit 25 based on the number of sheets counted by the sheet counting unit 37. In this embodiment, the sheet counting unit 37 is an optical sensor.

[0078] The conveying force P2 of the conveying unit 22 on the sheet S changes between the initial state at the start of sheet conveying and the state where the number of sheets S loaded increases. As the number of sheets S loaded increases, the distance to the conveying unit 25 decreases, and therefore the conveying force P2 gradually increases.

[0079] The control unit 15 is configured to perform displacement using the drive unit based on the number of sheets loaded, counted by the sheet count unit 37. That is, as the number of sheets S loaded increases, the movable loading unit 24 is displaced in the "retreating direction," specifically, in the direction that suppresses the increase of the conveying force P2. This displacement can be a gradual retreat as the number of sheets S loaded increases, or it can be a staged retreat.

[0080] Displacement of the drive unit based on the number of sheets loaded

[0081] Referring to Figure 5, an example of the flow of the control unit 15 controlling the displacement of the drive unit 25 based on the number of loaded sheets will be described. In step S1, the number of loaded sheets counted by the loaded sheet count unit 37 is obtained. Next, in step S2, the movable loading unit 24 is displaced by the drive unit 25 according to the obtained number of loaded sheets.

[0082] The displacement of the movable loading section 24 is performed by the drive unit 25 using setting B in the table shown in FIG. 7. Setting B is an example in the description, which is the case of forming a stack of 50 sheets. It is shown that the displacement of the movable loading section 24 is reduced in stages to 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm, and 0.0 mm for every 10 sheets. Of course, it is not limited to this example. Here, the displacement amount is the distance between the sheet loading surface 21 and the upper surface of the movable loading section 24 after displacement.

[0083] Next, in step S3, it is determined whether the last sheet S of the fiftieth sheet has been fed. If the determination is "yes", proceed to step S4 until the end. If the determination is "no", return to step S1.

[0084] In this embodiment, the sheet loading device 1 includes a counting unit 17 (see Figure 1) that counts the cumulative number of sheets S transported by the conveying unit 22. In this embodiment, the counting unit 17 is composed of an optical sensor, but it could also be configured such that the counting is performed software-based in the control unit 15 using the sensing of other sensors that detect the passage of sheet S from the first sheet used. In this embodiment, the counting unit 17 and the sheet count unit 37 are provided separately, but it could also be configured such that one counting unit performs the functions of both counting units 17 and 37.

[0085] The wear of the second blade 10 of the conveying section 22 intensifies due to continuous use, and the conveying force P2 gradually decreases. The cumulative number of sheets S counted by the counting section 17 is information corresponding to the degree of wear of the conveying section 22 caused by the continuous use.

[0086] The control unit 15 is configured to perform displacement using the drive unit 25 based on the cumulative number of sheets. That is, the displacement of the drive unit 25 is performed in a manner that compensates for the reduction in conveying force P2 caused by the wear.

[0087] Displacement of the drive unit based on the cumulative number of sheets

[0088] Referring to Figure 6, an example of the process by which the control unit 15 controls the displacement of the drive unit 25 based on the cumulative number of sheets will be described. In step S10, the cumulative number of sheets S counted by the counting unit 17 is determined. When the cumulative number of sheets in step S10 is N1 sheets or less, step S11 is performed. In step S11, the displacement of the movable loading unit 24 is performed by the drive unit 25 using setting A shown in the table in Figure 7. Setting A is an example described above, and it is the case where a stack of 50 sheets is formed. Specifically, setting A keeps the movable loading unit 24 in a position lower than the sheet loading surface 21 without displacement, so that all 50 sheets are 0.0 mm. This is because if the cumulative number of sheets is N1 sheets or less, the decrease in conveying force P2 caused by wear of the conveying unit 22 is small.

[0089] When the cumulative number of sheets in step S10 exceeds N1 sheets but is less than N2 sheets, proceed to step S12. Step S12 uses setting B of the table shown in FIG7. Setting B is an example in the description, which is the case of forming a stack of 50 sheets. Specifically, setting B is as described above, where the displacement of the movable loading part 24 is reduced in stages to 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm, and 0.0 mm for every 10 sheets. This is based on the following consideration: when the cumulative number of sheets exceeds N1 sheets but is less than N2 sheets, it is difficult to ignore the reduction in conveying force P2 caused by wear of the conveying part 22.

[0090] When the cumulative number of sheets in step S10 exceeds N2 but falls below N3, the process proceeds to step S13. Step S13 uses setting C from the table shown in Figure 7. This setting C is an example from the description, assuming a stack of 50 sheets. Specifically, setting C reduces the displacement of the movable loading section 24 in stages to 4.0mm, 3.5mm, 3.0mm, 2.5mm, and 2.0mm for every 10 sheets. This is based on the consideration that when the cumulative number of sheets exceeds N2 but falls below N3, the decrease in conveying force P2 due to wear of the conveying section 22 becomes even more significant and cannot be ignored. Here, N1, N2, and N3 are confirmed and set in advance through durability tests.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 15 is configured to perform the displacement performed by the drive unit 25 based on one or both of the number of loaded sheets and the cumulative number of sheets, as well as at least one of the following (1) to (4) additional factors.

[0092] (1) The basis weight of the sheet is greater than the specified weight.

[0093] (2) The size of the sheet is larger than the specified size.

[0094] (3) Humidity is higher than the specified value or temperature is lower than the specified value

[0095] (4) The printing density when printing on the sheet is higher than the specified value.

[0096] Here, "basis weight" refers to the weight (g) of a 1m × 1m sheet. "Printing density" refers to the amount of ink ejected per unit area, also known as duty cycle.

[0097] (1) When the basis weight of sheet S exceeds a predetermined amount, sheet S becomes heavy and difficult to transport. Therefore, the movable loading part 24 is brought closer to the conveying part 22 to increase the conveying force P2. The "predetermined amount" is set in a manner that obtains data in advance regarding the relationship between the basis weight, the displacement of the movable loading part 24, and the conveying force P2 to obtain an appropriate conveying force. The "predetermined amount" is preferably set in multiple stages.

[0098] (2) When the size of sheet S is larger than the specified size, the contact area between sheets S is large, making it difficult to transport sheet S. Therefore, the movable loading part 24 is moved closer to the conveying part 22 to increase the conveying force P2. The "specified size" is set in a way that data is obtained in advance regarding the relationship between the size of sheet S, the displacement of movable loading part 24 and conveying force P2 to obtain an appropriate conveying force.

[0099] (3) When the humidity is higher than the specified value, the friction between the sheets S increases, making them difficult to transport. Therefore, the movable loading part 24 is brought closer to the conveying part 22 to increase the conveying force P2. The "specified value" is set in a way that data on the relationship between humidity, displacement of the movable loading part 24 and conveying force P2 are obtained in advance to obtain an appropriate conveying force.

[0100] Furthermore, when the temperature is below a predetermined value, the material of the conveying section 22, which is usually rubber, will harden, reducing the conveying force P2 and making conveying difficult. Therefore, the movable loading section 24 is moved closer to the conveying section 22 to increase the conveying force P2. The "predetermined value" is set in advance by obtaining data on the relationship between temperature, displacement of the movable loading section 24, and conveying force P2 to obtain an appropriate conveying force.

[0101] (4) When the printing density on the sheet S is higher than the specified value, the friction between the sheets S is large, making it difficult to transport. Therefore, the movable loading part 24 is moved closer to the conveying part 22 to increase the conveying force P2. The "specified value" is set in a way that data is obtained in advance regarding the relationship between the printing density, the displacement of the movable loading part 24, and the conveying force P2 to obtain an appropriate conveying force.

[0102] If at least one of (1) to (4) above is met, the table used by the control unit 15 adopts a table with the same image as the table in FIG7.

[0103] Specifically, the values ​​of each distance in settings A, B, and C of the table in Figure 7 are created by taking into account the above (1) to (4).

[0104] Post-processing

[0105] In this embodiment, the post-processing unit 3 performs post-processing on the sheet S conveyed to the integration unit 9. In this embodiment, the post-processing performed by the post-processing unit 3 is co-directional stacking, shifting, or binding. The type of post-processing unit 3 is not limited to the above three.

[0106] Here, "unidirectional stacking processing" refers to the process of integrating the conveyed sheets S through the integration unit 9 and stacking them sequentially in the loading unit 7. "Shifting processing" refers to the process of shifting a specified number of stacks of integrated sheets S in the width direction (X-axis direction) to stagger the positioning of each stack. "Binding processing" refers to the process of binding a specified number of stacks of integrated sheets S using staples; this is a process with stricter integration standards compared to the aforementioned unidirectional stacking and shifting processes.

[0107] In post-processing, the sheet S loaded in the loading section 7 is conveyed toward the integration section 9 by the first blade 6 and the second blade 10, and brought into contact with the integration section 9. This aligns the edge of the sheet S that contacts the integration section 9 with other sheets S, i.e., integrates them. Integration of the sheet S in the width direction (X-axis direction) is performed by moving a pair of side verniers 31 and 32 until they contact both ends of the sheet S.

[0108] In the displacement process, a pair of side verniers 31 and 32 are used to shift the stack of the integrated sheet S in the width direction, thereby staggering the positioning of each stack of sheets. The binding process involves binding the stack of the integrated sheet S using a binding device.

[0109] The integration standard is a standard regarding the offset of the sheet integration position relative to a reference, at least in the sheet transport direction. A smaller offset corresponds to a stricter integration standard. This integration standard may also include offset in the sheet width direction. It is a standard for meeting post-processing quality by ensuring the offset is below a specified amount.

[0110] In this embodiment, the sheet S loaded in the loading section 7 and integrated by the integration section 9 can be in any of the following states: unidirectional stacking, displaced stacking, or pre-binding stacking.

[0111] Here, "unidirectional stacking state" refers to the state in which sheet S has undergone the unidirectional stacking process. "Displaced stacking state" refers to the state in which sheet S has undergone the displacement process. "Laminated state before binding" refers to the state in which sheet S has undergone the binding process.

[0112] As for the post-processing, the integration criteria for co-directional stacking and shifting are not strict, but the integration criteria for binding are strict.

[0113] Therefore, the control unit 15 is configured to prevent the adjustment unit 23 from operating when the stacking state is in the same direction or the shifted stacking state, but to operate the adjustment unit 23 when the stacking state is in the pre-binding stacking state.

[0114] Explanation of the effects of the implementation method

[0115] (1) According to this embodiment, an adjustment section 23 is provided to adjust the conveying force P2. The adjustment section 23 further includes a movable loading section 24 and a drive section 25 for displacing the movable loading section 24. The movable loading section 24 is configured such that a portion of the sheet loading surface 21 protrudes toward the conveying section 22. Therefore, by adjusting the displacement of the movable loading section 24 through the adjustment section 23, the conveying force P2 is not reduced, and sheet conveying defects can be suppressed.

[0116] (2) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the movable loading section 24 is a part of the sheet loading surface 21 and is a part opposite to the conveying section 22. Therefore, since the conveying force P2 is adjusted at the position where the conveying force P2 is applied, it is effective.

[0117] (3) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the movable loading part 24 is a swinging part 28 with one end supported by the fulcrum shaft 26 and the free end 27 swinging, and the driving part 25 that displaces the swinging part 28 is a cam 30. Thus, the protrusion or retraction of the movable loading part 24 can be performed with fewer components.

[0118] (4) In addition, according to this embodiment, since the drive unit 25 is disposed on the back side of the loading unit 7, the sheet conveying device 1 can be constructed without making the surface side of the loading unit 7 large.

[0119] (5) In addition, according to this embodiment, a pair of side vernier moving parts 33 and 34 are disposed on the back side of the loading part 7, and the drive part 25 is disposed between the pair of side vernier moving parts 33 and 34. As a result, since the drive part 25 is disposed in the empty space on the back side of the loading part 7, the sheet conveying device 1 can be constructed without making the back side of the loading part 7 large.

[0120] (6) In addition, the conveying force P2 of the conveying unit 22 on the sheet S changes between the initial state when the conveying of the sheet S begins and the state when the number of sheets loaded on the sheet S increases.

[0121] According to this embodiment, the control unit 15 performs displacement using the drive unit 25 based on the number of loaded sheets counted by the loaded sheet count unit 37, thus enabling it to respond to the changes. That is, the conveying force P2 can be reduced in response to the increase in the number of loaded sheets, thereby ensuring that the conveying force P2 on the sheet S remains approximately constant.

[0122] (7) Furthermore, as wear on the conveying section 22 intensifies with continuous use, the conveying force of the conveying section 22 itself gradually decreases. The cumulative number of sheets S counted by the counting section 17 is information corresponding to the degree of wear caused by the continuous use.

[0123] According to this embodiment, the control unit 15 performs the displacement by the drive unit 25 based on the cumulative number of sheets. Therefore, the displacement performed by the movable loading unit 24 can compensate for the reduction in the conveying force of the conveying unit 22 itself caused by the wear, so that the conveying force P2 is approximately constant.

[0124] (8) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if at least one of (1) to (4) below is met, the movable loading section 24 can be brought closer to the conveying section 22 to increase the conveying force P2. As a result, sheet conveying defects can be suppressed.

[0125] (1) The basis weight of the sheet is greater than the specified weight.

[0126] (2) The size of the sheet is larger than the specified size.

[0127] (3) Humidity is higher than the specified value or temperature is lower than the specified value

[0128] (4) The printing density when printing on the sheet is higher than the specified value.

[0129] (9) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sheet S loaded in the loading section 7 and integrated by the integration section 9 can be in any of the following states: the same-direction stacking state, the shifted stacking state, and the pre-binding stacking state. The integration criteria for the same-direction stacking state and the shifted stacking state are not strict. On the other hand, the integration criteria for the pre-binding stacking state are strict.

[0130] According to this embodiment, in cases where the requirements for integration quality are low, i.e., the integration standards are not strict, such as the same-direction stacking state or the shifted stacking state, by prioritizing the suppression of wear over ensuring the conveying force P2, i.e., by not controlling the adjustment unit 23 to operate, the wear of the conveying unit 22 can be reduced.

[0131] Other implementation methods

[0132] The sheet conveying device and the control method for the sheet conveying device involved in this invention are based on the configuration of the above-described embodiments, but of course, some configuration changes or omissions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0133] In the above embodiments, the post-processing methods described are co-directional stacking, shifting, and binding, but the methods are not limited to these. Other post-processing methods include, for example, punching. Punching can be controlled with the same positioning as binding.

[0134] Alternatively, other methods such as rack and pinion, synchronous belt and pulley, can be used instead of cam 30 to displace the swing part 28.

Claims

1. A sheet conveying device, characterized in that, It includes: a loading section, on which a conveyed sheet is loaded; and a conveying section, which applies a conveying force to the sheet loaded on the loading surface of the loading section, conveying it toward an integrating section. And an adjustment section for adjusting the conveying force, the adjustment section having: a movable loading section configured to allow at least a portion of the sheet loading surface to protrude toward the conveying section; The movable loading part is provided with a drive unit that displaces the movable loading part in a protruding direction and a retracting direction. The loading part has a pair of side verniers for integrating the two ends of the sheet loaded on the sheet loading surface in the width direction. A pair of side vernier moving parts are arranged on the back side of the loading part, and the pair of side vernier moving parts move the position of the pair of side verniers in the width direction. The drive unit is arranged between the pair of side vernier moving parts.

2. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable loading section is a portion of the sheet loading surface in the width direction that intersects with the direction of the conveying force, and is the part opposite to the conveying section.

3. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The movable loading part is a swinging part that is axially supported in a direction intersecting the direction of the conveying force and swings freely, and the driving part has a cam that displaces the swinging part.

4. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit is disposed on the rear side of the loading unit.

5. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sheet conveying device includes: a control unit for controlling the adjustment unit; and a sheet count unit for counting the number of sheets loaded on the loading unit, wherein the control unit performs displacement using the drive unit based on the number of sheets loaded as counted by the sheet count unit.

6. The sheet conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit performs the displacement using the drive unit based on the number of sheets loaded and at least one of the following additional factors (1) to (4): (1) the basis weight of the sheet is greater than a specified amount; (2) the size of the sheet is greater than a specified size; (3) the humidity is higher than a specified value or the temperature is lower than a specified value; (4) the printing density when printing on the sheet is higher than a specified value.

7. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sheet conveying device includes: a control unit for controlling the adjustment unit; and a counting unit for counting the cumulative number of sheets conveyed by the conveying unit, wherein the control unit performs displacement using the drive unit based on the cumulative number of sheets.

8. The sheet conveying device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit performs the displacement using the drive unit based on the cumulative number of sheets and at least one of the following additional factors (1) to (4): (1) the basis weight of the sheet is greater than a specified amount; (2) the size of the sheet is greater than a specified size; (3) the humidity is higher than a specified value or the temperature is lower than a specified value; (4) the printing density when printing on the sheet is higher than a specified value.

9. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sheet conveying device includes: a control unit that controls the adjustment unit; a load count unit that counts the number of sheets loaded on the loading unit; and a counting unit that counts the cumulative number of sheets conveyed by the conveying unit. The control unit performs displacement by the drive unit based on the load count, the cumulative number of sheets, and at least one of the following additional factors (1) to (4): (1) the basis weight of the sheet is greater than a specified amount; (2) the size of the sheet is greater than a specified size; (3) the humidity is higher than a specified value or the temperature is lower than a specified value; (4) the printing density when printing on the sheet is higher than a specified value.

10. The sheet conveying device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sheet loaded into the loading section and integrated by the integration section can be in any of the following states: unidirectional stacking, displaced stacking, or pre-binding stacking. When it is in the unidirectional stacking or displaced stacking state, the control section does not activate the adjustment section. When it is in the pre-binding stacking state, the control section activates the adjustment section.

11. A control method for a sheet conveying device, characterized in that, The sheet conveying device includes: a loading section for loading incoming sheets; a conveying section for applying a conveying force to the sheet loaded on the loading surface of the loading section, which conveys the sheet toward an integrating section; an adjusting section for adjusting the conveying force; and a sheet count section for counting the number of sheets loaded on the loading section. The adjusting section includes: a movable loading section configured to allow at least a portion of the sheet loading surface to protrude toward the conveying section. The control method includes a drive unit that displaces the movable loading unit in a protruding direction and a retracting direction. The control method includes a step of adjusting the displacement of the movable loading unit based on the number of sheets loaded. The loading unit has a pair of side verniers for integrating the two ends of the sheet loaded on the sheet loading surface in the width direction. A pair of side vernier moving parts are arranged on the back side of the loading unit, and the pair of side vernier moving parts move the position of the pair of side verniers in the width direction. The drive unit is arranged between the pair of side vernier moving parts.

12. The control method for the sheet conveying device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The sheet conveying device further includes a counting unit that counts the cumulative number of sheets conveyed by the conveying unit, and the control method includes the step of adjusting the displacement of the movable loading unit based on the number of loaded sheets and the cumulative number of sheets.

13. A control method for a sheet conveying device, characterized in that, The sheet conveying device includes: a loading section, on which a conveyed sheet is loaded; and a conveying section, which applies a conveying force to the sheet loaded on the loading surface of the loading section, conveying it toward the integrating section. The adjustment unit adjusts the conveying force; and the counting unit counts the cumulative number of sheets conveyed by the conveying unit. The adjustment unit includes a movable loading unit configured to allow at least a portion of the sheet loading surface to protrude toward the conveying unit. The control method includes a drive unit that displaces the movable loading unit in a protruding direction and a retracting direction. The control method includes a step of adjusting the displacement of the movable loading unit based on the cumulative number of sheets. The loading unit has a pair of side verniers for integrating the two ends of the sheet loaded on the sheet loading surface in the width direction. A pair of side vernier moving parts are arranged on the back side of the loading unit, and the pair of side vernier moving parts move the position of the pair of side verniers in the width direction. The drive unit is arranged between the pair of side vernier moving parts.

Images