Sheet separation device and sheet separation method

Abstract

Provided is a sheet separation device capable of reliably separating sheets one by one at a high speed from sheets in a stacked state. A sheet separation device (1) is provided with: a first suction machine (10A) and a second suction machine (10B) that suck and lift an uppermost sheet of sheets in a stacked state stacked on a placement unit, and that turn up and separate the sucked uppermost sheet with respect to the sheets in the stacked state; a separation unit (A) that separates the sheets in the stacked state; and a transfer unit (B) that transfers the separated sheet to a post-processing device. The first suction machine (10A) and the second suction machine (10B) are separately arranged on the separation part side and the delivery part side and repeatedly move between the separation part and the delivery part through the conveying mechanism. In addition, the conveying mechanism is controlled in the following mode: when one of the first suction machine (10A) and the second suction machine (10B) separates the sheet at the separation part and moves to the delivery part, the other suction machine moves towards the separation part (A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet separating device and a sheet separating method for separating sheets to be loaded one by one. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a sheet separating device that separates sheets in a stacked state (for example, sheets formed in a bag shape) one by one and conveys them to another device. Such a sheet separating device conveys the separated single sheets to a post-processing device (for example, a label pasting device, etc.) provided on the downstream side thereof. However, if the sheets are made of plastic and are thin, they have the property of being electrostatically charged, and when separating the uppermost sheet from the stacked sheets, the bags are difficult to peel off because they are stuck together due to the static electricity.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet separating device that can reliably separate sheets from a stacked state one by one. Refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 to describe the schematic process of sheet separation of the sheet separating device disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0004] First, the front side of the uppermost sheet 200 of the stacked sheets placed on the placement portion is attracted and lifted by the suction machine 201. Next, the suction machine 201 conveys the lifted sheet 200 while rotating it approximately 180° ( Figure 11 (a) to (c) of ). At this time, the attracted and lifted sheet 200 is separated in a manner of being turned up with respect to the stacked sheets by the rotation of the suction machine 201. That is, only by moving the suction machine in the stacking direction (vertical direction), the first sheet and the second sheet are attracted to each other over the entire surface due to static electricity or the like, so it is difficult to separate only one sheet. However, by rotating the suction machine, there is a resistance in the line direction between the first and the second sheets, and single-sheet separation can be easily performed.

[0005] Then, the lifted sheet 200 is conveyed to a downstream position in a state where it has been reversed approximately 180° by the driven and rotating suction machine 201, and is delivered to a post-processing device (not shown) at this position ( Figure 11 (d) of ). Then, the suction machine 201 is driven in the opposite direction ( Figure 12 (a) to (c) of ), and returns to Figure 11 the initial position shown in (a) of to perform single-sheet separation of the next sheet ( Figure 12 (d) of ).

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7106737 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] In the above-described method for separating a sheet using a suction machine, the suction machine separates the sheet at the initial position, then rotates approximately 180° and transports it to the handover position on the downstream side, hands it over to the post-processing device, and then returns to the initial position. In this way, since the suction machine reciprocally drives between the initial position and the handover position, there is a limit to the high-speed separation process of the sheet.

[0011] The present invention has been completed based on the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a sheet separation device and a sheet separation method capable of reliably separating sheets one by one from sheets in a stacked state and performing high-speed processing.

[0012] Solutions for Solving the Problems

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the sheet separation device of the present invention is characterized in that the sheet separation device includes: a placement unit that places sheets in a stacked state; a first suction machine and a second suction machine that suck and lift the uppermost sheet of the sheets in a stacked state stacked on the placement unit, and turn up the sucked uppermost sheet with respect to the sheets in a stacked state to separate it; a separation unit that separates the sheets in a stacked state; and a handover unit that transports the separated sheets and hands them over to a post-processing device, wherein the first suction machine and the second suction machine are separately disposed on the separation unit side and the handover unit side, and are repeatedly moved between the separation unit and the handover unit by a transport mechanism, and the transport mechanism is controlled such that when one of the first suction machine and the second suction machine separates the sheet at the separation unit and moves to the handover unit, the other suction machine moves toward the separation unit.

[0014] In the above-described sheet separation device, the uppermost sheet of the sheets in a stacked state placed on the placement unit is sucked and lifted by a suction machine, and is separated in a manner of turning up with respect to the sheets in a stacked state. In addition, the separation of the sheets is continuously performed by the first suction machine and the second suction machine. When one of the first suction machine and the second suction machine separates the sheet at the separation unit and moves to the handover unit, the other suction machine moves toward the separation unit. Therefore, compared with reciprocally driving one suction machine, the separation process of the sheet becomes shorter, and the separation process of the sheet can be performed at high speed.

[0015] In addition, the sheet separation method of the present invention is characterized in that the sheet separation method includes: a separation step of attracting and lifting the uppermost sheet with respect to the stacked sheets at a separation portion and turning over the attracted uppermost sheet with respect to the stacked sheets for separation; a conveyance step of conveying the turned-over and separated sheet; and a handover step of handing over the sheet conveyed in the conveyance step to a handover portion of a post-processing device. In the separation step, the separation of the sheets is continuously performed by a first suction machine and a second suction machine disposed along an endless track. In the conveyance step, when one of the first suction machine and the second suction machine is conveyed toward the handover portion, the other suction machine is conveyed toward the separation portion.

[0016] According to this sheet separation method, the separation of the sheets and the handover of the separated sheets to the post-processing device can be continuously performed by the first suction machine and the second suction machine, so that the sheet separation process can be performed at high speed.

[0017] Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, a sheet separation device and a sheet separation method can be obtained that can reliably separate sheets one by one from stacked sheets and perform high-speed processing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the sheet separation device of the present invention as viewed from the front side.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the sheet separation device of the present invention as viewed from the rear side.

[0021] Figure 3 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 a side view of the sheet separation device shown.

[0022] Figure 4 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 a top view of the sheet separation device shown.

[0023] Figure 5 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 a front view of the sheet separation device shown.

[0024] Figure 6 Figures (a) to (d) are diagrams sequentially showing the operations of the suction machine (suction pad) in the sheet separation portion.

[0025] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a sheet separated into one sheet and turned over is conveyed to the handover portion.

[0026] Figure 8 (a) to (c) of FIG. are schematic diagrams showing the sheet separation process and the transfer process.

[0027] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the separated state of the sheet based on the suction pad.

[0028] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the handover state of the sheet based on the suction pad.

[0029] Figure 11 (a) to (d) of FIG. are schematic diagrams showing the conventional sheet separation process.

[0030] Figure 12 (a) to (d) of FIG. show Figure 11 schematic diagrams of the sheet separation process of the next sheet after the sheet separation process of FIG. is completed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, a specific embodiment of the sheet separation device of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figures 1 to 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the sheet separation device of the present invention, Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view observed from the front side, Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view observed from the rear side, Figure 3 is a side view, Figure 4 is a top view, and, Figure 5 is a front view. In the figure, the X direction is defined as the sheet transfer direction (front-rear direction), the Y direction is defined as the direction orthogonal to the sheet transfer direction (width direction), and the Z direction is defined as the sheet stacking direction (up-down direction).

[0033] The sheet separation device 1 of the present embodiment includes a base (frame) 2 and a placement portion 3 provided on the base 2. The placement portion 3 is configured to be movable in the up-down direction (Z direction) by a pressing drive device 5 provided on the base 2. A plurality of thin sheets (thin bags, films, papers, etc. formed of nylon, etc.) are stacked on the placement portion 3 (the sheets in the stacked state are represented by S), and a structure is formed that is suitable for separating one by one from the top in order. The uppermost sheet S1 to be separated here (refer to Figures 7 to 10 ) is transferred to a post-processing device (not shown) (for example, a labeling device, a fusing device, etc.).

[0034] The sheet separating device 1 includes a suction machine 10A that sucks and lifts the stacked sheets S placed on the placing portion 3, and a sheet separating mechanism 15 disposed to face the edge portion (one end portion) of the stacked sheets S. The sheet separating mechanism 15 can adopt various known structures. For example, it includes a circular flange 15A that closely adheres to and presses the uppermost sheet S1 of the stacked sheets S on the placing portion 3. That is, the uppermost sheet S1 of the stacked sheets S is pressed in the arc region of the flange 15A. When the uppermost sheet S1 rises while being sucked by the suction machines 10A and 10B, the sheet S1 is subjected to a separating action, and it is possible to prevent the sheets after the second sheet from rising together. It should be noted that the sheet separating mechanism 15 can also engage with both sides of the stacked sheets S to impart a separating action.

[0035] A plurality (six in this embodiment) of the suction machines 10A are arranged at a predetermined interval along the Y direction on one end side of the stacked sheets S, and are supported by a support shaft 12 described later.

[0036] The sheet separating device 1 of the present invention is provided with a pair of suction machines and support shafts having the above-described configurations.

[0037] In the following description, the state shown in the drawings is referred to as the initial position. The suction machine located above the placing portion 3 is called the first suction machine 10A, and the suction machine located below the placing portion 3 is called the second suction machine 10B.

[0038] These first suction machines 10A and second suction machines 10B are separately arranged at the initial position on the separation portion A side for separating the sheets and the transfer portion B side for transferring the sheets. Each suction machine repeatedly moves (only in one direction) between the separation portion and the transfer portion through a transfer mechanism. In addition, the transfer mechanism for moving the first suction machine 10A and the second suction machine 10B is controlled such that when one of the first suction machine 10A and the second suction machine 10B separates the sheets at the separation portion A and moves to the transfer portion B, the other suction machine moves toward the separation portion A. Moreover, the support shafts 12 of the first suction machine 10A and the second suction machine 10B are driven to rotate around the central axis in a manner for separating the sheets.

[0039] At the front ends of the respective suction machines 10A and 10B, suction pads 10a that closely adhere to and suck the surface of the uppermost sheet S1 are provided. In this embodiment, the position of the suction machine 10A shown in the drawings is the separation position (separation portion A) for separating the stacked sheets, and the portion where the suction machine 10A moves rearward and changes its direction from the X direction to the Z direction becomes the transfer position (transfer portion B) for transferring the separated sheets to the post-processing device.

[0040] The suction pad 10a is configured to suck the air inside the suction pad via a suction mechanism. Therefore, at the separation position (initial position) of the suction machine 10A, the placement part 3 is driven to rise, and the uppermost sheet S1 abuts against each suction pad 10a and is subjected to a suction effect. Furthermore, when the suction pad moves rearward while being subjected to a rotating effect, the uppermost sheet S1 is turned up with respect to the stacked sheets and is subjected to a separating effect.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the first suction machine 10A and the second suction machine 10B are arranged to be movable along the endless track 20. The endless track 20 has curved portions 20A bent at 180° at both ends in the conveying direction of the placement part 3 (both ends in the X direction) and a linear movement part 20B that linearly moves between both ends of the placement part 3, and the endless track 20 is configured in a substantially elliptical shape and is annular. On the surface of the endless track 20, there are provided an annular guide rail 21 and a belt 23 wound around pulleys 22 provided at four corner portions of the annular guide rail 21, and they constitute a conveying mechanism for the first suction machine 10A and the second suction machine 10B.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the endless track 20 is provided on both sides of the placement part 3 in such a manner that the sheet separation operation performed by the suction machines 10A and 10B and the conveying operations of the suction machines 10A and 10B are stabilized. In addition, the first suction machine 10A and the second suction machine 10B are supported by a support shaft 12, and the support shaft 12 is horizontally spanned between the endless tracks 20 provided on both sides.

[0043] Specifically, both ends of the support shaft 12 are held on a conveying box 25 fixed to the belt 23, and the support shaft 12 is conveyed and moved along the endless track 20 (the annular guide rail 21) by engaging a rotating body 25a rotatably supported by each conveying box 25 with an engagement groove 21a formed on the surface of the guide rail 21.

[0044] In addition, the conveying box 25 is provided with a rotation drive mechanism for driving the support shaft 12 to rotate with respect to the central axis. The support shaft 12 is controlled to rotate with respect to the central axis while the conveying mechanism is driven and controlled. That is, the suction machines 10A and 10B are controlled to rotate around the support shaft 12, and together with the suction operation of the suction pad 10a, the uppermost sheet is separated in a turned-up manner by controlling the movement of the support shaft 12.

[0045] Specifically, when the first suction machine 10A and the second suction machine 10B are located at the separation part A, the placing part 3 is driven upward to press the uppermost sheet S1 against the suction pad 10a, and the sheet S1 is sucked by the suction action of the suction pad. Then, while rotating the support shaft 12 in this state, the linear movement part 20B is moved backward, so that the uppermost sheet S1 is turned up and separated from the stacked sheets.

[0046] The air inside the suction pads 10a of the suction machines 10A and 10B is configured to be sucked via the suction mechanism 30. The suction mechanism 30 is provided on the base 2 and is supported at the central part of the above-mentioned infinite track 20 in the present embodiment. The suction mechanism 30 includes a cylindrical housing 31 that is supported so as to be rotatable. On the surface of the housing 31, a number of suction nozzles 32 corresponding to the suction machines (12 in the present embodiment) are provided along the circumferential direction.

[0047] Each of the above nozzles 32 is connected to the nozzles 10d of the respective suction machines 10A and 10B through pipes (not shown). When the suction machines 10A and 10B move along the infinite track 20, the housing 31 is driven to rotate synchronously with the movement. Therefore, the pipes connecting the two nozzles will not be entangled, and the suction operation of each suction machine can be reliably performed. In addition, the ON / OFF of the suction operation of each suction machine is controlled by a drive signal from a sensor at a specified position on the guide rail 21 for transporting the suction machines 10A and 10B.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the first suction machine 10A and the second suction machine 10B are configured to be located on both sides (upper side and lower side) with the placing part 3 therebetween. That is, the first suction machine 10A and the second suction machine 10B are distributed on both sides in the conveying direction and are disposed at positions facing each other in the vertical direction (diagonal positions of the infinite track 20)( Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 ).

[0049] The transfer part B is located on the downstream side in the same plane as the separation part A. When the first suction machine 10A moves to the transfer part B, the second suction machine 10B is driven toward the front end side of the placing part 3 and becomes a state of being located below the separation part A. That is, the conveying mechanism performs the following control: when the first suction machine 10A moves from the front end side to the rear end side above the placing part 3, the second suction machine 10B is moved from the rear end side to the front end side below the placing part 3.

[0050] The driving of the rotation of the belt 23 of the infinite track 20 described above, the sucking operation of each suction machine 10A and 10B, the driving of the rotation of the support shaft 12 that supports each suction machine, and the driving of the pressing drive device 5 that moves the placement unit 3 up and down are controlled by the control unit. For example, the control unit is housed in the control box 50 provided on the base 2, and when a detection signal from sensors provided at various positions is input to the control unit, the above-described respective components are driven and controlled.

[0051] The transfer section B of the present embodiment is configured as described above to be located on the downstream side in the same plane as the separation section A, and the separation section A can transfer the turned-up sheet to the post-processing device in its original state. As Figure 7 shown in the schematic diagram, the transfer section B includes a support plate 60 that supports the front end side of the sheet S1 transported in a state of being turned up and separated into a single sheet in the separation section A. On this support plate 60, a plurality of recesses 61 are formed corresponding to the plurality of suction pads 10a that have moved together with the support shaft 12 so that they can be respectively positioned.

[0052] When the support shaft 12 stops at a predetermined position in the transfer section B, the suction of each suction pad 10a is released, and the sheet S1 becomes a free state. Then, the sheet S1 located on the support plate 60 is further transported downstream by the transport roller 65 and fed into the post-processing device. It should be noted that the support plate 60 and the transport roller 65 may be components of the sheet separation device 1 or components of the post-processing device.

[0053] Next, while referring to Figures 6 to 10 simultaneously, the overall operation of the separation method for separating the sheets one by one by the above-described sheet separation device 1 will be described.

[0054] As described above, the sheet separation device 1 of the present embodiment includes a first suction machine 10A and a second suction machine 10B that move along the infinite track 20. As Figure 1 、 2 shown, these suction machines 10A and 10B are separately arranged at opposing positions on the infinite track 20, and in the initial position, the first suction machine 10A is located in the separation section A.

[0055] Hereinafter, a process of separating the uppermost sheet S1 from the stacked sheets S when the first suction machine 10A is in the initial position and then continuously separating the sheets will be described.

[0056] When the first suction machine 10A separates the sheets one by one in the separation section A, the second suction machine 10B is in a standby state at a lower position on the rear side of the placement unit 3 ( Figure 1 、 Figure 2)。At this time, the suction pad 10a of the suction machine 10A faces downward in a manner opposed to the sheet as shown in Figure 6 (a) thereof.

[0057] In this state, the placing portion 3 on which the sheets are stacked is moved upward by the pressing drive device 5, the uppermost sheet S1 is pressed against the suction pad 10a of the suction machine 10A, and the suction pad performs suction to suck the uppermost sheet S1.

[0058] Then, in the state where the uppermost sheet S1 has been sucked, as shown in Figure 6 (b) and (c) thereof, the support shaft 12 is rotated by approximately 180°. In this case, even if the second sheet of the sheets in the stacked state adheres closely, it is subjected to a separating action by the above-described sheet separating mechanism 15.

[0059] Next, while maintaining the state of sucking the uppermost sheet S1, the placing portion 3 is driven downward to separate the uppermost sheet S1 sucked by the suction machine 10A from the stacked sheets S. In this separating process, along with the downward movement of the placing portion 3, the above-described rotation drive of the support shaft 12 (suction machine 10A) is performed, so that the uppermost sheet S1 is pulled upward while being stretched toward the front side in the X direction. Therefore, the sucked uppermost sheet S1 is gradually separated from the stacked sheets S and moves forward, and is turned up and separated from the stacked sheets S ( Figure 8 (a) thereof).

[0060] In addition, in synchronization with the rotation process of the suction machine 10A, the suction machine 10A is moved toward the rear side in the X direction to peel the uppermost sheet S1 turned up along the surface of the stacked sheets S from the stacked sheets S ( Figure 8 (b) thereof; moving process). This movement is performed by driving the belt pulley 22 to rotate the belt 23 through the transfer mechanism described above, via the transfer box 25 fixed to the belt 23. In this rotation process and moving process, the front edge side of the uppermost sheet S1 rises while being reversed with respect to the stacked sheets S and moves rearward. In addition, the second and subsequent sheets are pressed by the sheet separating mechanism 15 and thus are not involved.

[0061] In such a rotation process and moving process, it is preferable to drive and control the suction machine 10A and the support shaft 12 such that the moving speed of the suction machine 10A toward the rear side is greater than the rotation speed of the suction machine 10A (rotation speed of the support shaft 12). That is, if the amount of sheet winding becomes equal to or greater than the moving amount, the peeling effect by the movement cannot be obtained sufficiently, and there is a possibility of winding up a plurality of sheets. However, by making the moving amount greater than the rotational amount, it is possible to wind up while imparting a sufficient peeling effect, and the separation effect of the sheets can be improved.

[0062] According to the above separation method, even if the surfaces of the uppermost sheet S1 and the second sheet are adhered to each other due to static electricity or the like, the resistance during peeling can be made linear, and the accuracy of single-sheet separation can be improved.

[0063] It should be noted that the rotation angle of the suction machine 10A is not particularly limited. However, in the present embodiment, as Figure 6 shown in (a) to (c) of, the suction pad 10a is driven to rotate approximately 180°. Thus, the separated sheet can be fed into the post-processing device provided on its downstream side in a planar shape, and the overall size of the device can be suppressed from increasing.

[0064] The uppermost sheet S1 separated as described above is directly transported rearward together with the suction machine 10A to the transfer portion B ( Figure 8 shown in (b) of). As described above, by rotating the drive pulley 22, the belt 23 wound around the pulley is driven, and it is completed via the transport box 25 fixed to the belt 23 and the support shaft 12. Since the transport box 25 is engaged with the engagement groove 21a of the guide rail 21 of the endless track 20, the suction machines 10A and 10B move stably together with the support shaft 12.

[0065] Synchronously with the movement of the suction machine 10A to the transfer portion B, the other suction machine 10B moves forward from the Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown positions ( Figure 8 shown in (b) of). In the present embodiment, when the suction machine 10A is located at the transfer portion B, the other suction machine 10B is in a state of being located below the front end side of the placement portion 3 (a state of waiting for separation at the separation portion A).

[0066] In addition, when the suction machine 10B moves forward, in order to obtain the same operation as the suction operation of the above-described suction machine 10A, the support shaft 12 is driven to rotate so that the suction pad 10a faces downward (driven to rotate from the state shown in (d) of Figure 6 to the state shown in (a) of Figure 6 ).

[0067] The suction machine 10A located at the transfer portion B transfers the separated sheet to the post-processing device in its original state. In the transfer portion B, when the front end side of the sheet S1 separated at the separation portion A is supported by the support plate 60 and the plurality of suction pads 10a are respectively located in the plurality of recesses 61 of the support plate 60, the driving and suction operations of the suction machine 10A are stopped. At this time, the sheet S1 becomes a free state on the support plate 60, and is further transported downstream by directly rotating the driving transport roller 65, and is fed into the post-processing device.

[0068] In addition, in synchronization with the operation of feeding the sheet S1 into the post-processing device, the suction machine 10A is controlled to move to become Figure 1 , 2 the initial position as shown. That is, the suction machine 10B is positioned at the above-mentioned separation part A to perform the same separation operation.

[0069] In this way, through the suction machine 10A and the suction machine 10B, the separation of the sheet and the handover process to the post-processing device can be continuously performed.

[0070] According to the above structure, the sheets can be reliably separated one by one from the sheets in a stacked state. In addition, unlike in the past where a single suction machine was reciprocally driven back and forth to separate the sheets, multiple suction machines are provided, and the separation process of the sheets is continuously performed by the rotational movement in the same direction, so high-speed processing can be performed.

[0071] The above describes the embodiments of the sheet separation device and its separation method of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be variously modified.

[0072] The feature of the present invention is that multiple suction machines for separating the sheets one by one are provided to form a configuration capable of continuous processing, and other constituent elements are not particularly limited. For example, the moving amount of the suction machines 10A and 10B in the X direction and the rotation radius of the suction pad 10a can be arbitrarily set. In this case, by shortening the moving amount in the X direction, higher-speed processing can be further performed, and by reducing the rotation radius of the suction pad 10a, the peeling area can be reduced, the reliability of single-sheet separation can be improved, and high-speed separation processing can be performed.

[0073] Regarding the separation of the sheets in the separation part, even if the suction machines 10A and 10B are only moved in the X direction without rotation, a peeling action can be imparted to the uppermost sheet, but in order to reliably perform peeling, it is preferable to rotate the suction machine (suction pad). In addition, the process of returning the suction machine 10 to the initial position can be driven to rotate at any timing as long as the handover process is completed at the handover part B.

[0074] In addition, the placement part 3 may not be driven up and down, but the suction machines 10A and 10B may be driven up and down, or both the placement part 3 and the suction machines 10A and 10B may be driven up and down. That is, as long as the suction machine 10 and the placement part 3 can be relatively driven in the stacking direction of the sheets. In addition, the number of suction machines 10A and 10B provided can be appropriately changed according to the size, material, etc. of the sheets to be separated. In addition, the structure of the conveying mechanism for conveying the sheets (support shafts) and the driving rotation of the support shafts can also be appropriately deformed. In addition, the arrangement position of the handover part B can be appropriately deformed according to the system.

[0075] Moreover, the sheet separating device of the present invention can be applied as a device for separating various laminated sheets such as plastic film sheets, paper, or metal film sheets.

[0076] Description of reference numerals:

[0077] 1 Sheet separating device

[0078] 2 Base

[0079] 3 Placement part

[0080] 10A, 10B Suction machines

[0081] 10a Suction pad

[0082] 12 Support shaft

[0083] 20 Infinite track

[0084] 20A Bending part 20A

[0085] 20B Linear movement part 20B

[0086] 21 Guide rail 21

[0087] 22 Pulley

[0088] 23 Belt

[0089] A Separation part

[0090] B Handover part.

Claims

1. A sheet separating device, characterized in that, the sheet separating device has: a placing part for placing sheets in a stacked state; a first suction machine and a second suction machine, which suck and lift the uppermost sheet of the sheets in a stacked state placed on the placing part, and turn over and separate the sucked uppermost sheet with respect to the sheets in a stacked state; a separating part for separating the sheets in a stacked state; and a handing-over part for conveying the separated sheets and handing them over to a post-processing device, the first suction machine and the second suction machine are separately arranged on the side of the separating part and the side of the handing-over part, and are repeatedly moved between the separating part and the handing-over part by a conveying mechanism, and the conveying mechanism is controlled in such a manner that when one of the first suction machine and the second suction machine separates the sheets at the separating part and moves to the handing-over part, the other suction machine moves toward the separating part.

2. The sheet separating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first suction machine and the second suction machine are arranged along an endless track, and the endless track has bending parts bent 180° respectively at both ends of the placing plate and a linear movement part for linearly moving between both ends of the placing plate.

3. The sheet separating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the endless track is arranged on both sides of the placing plate, the first suction machine and the second suction machine are supported by a support shaft spanning the endless track on both sides.

4. The sheet separating device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the support shaft is driven to rotate around a central axis and move along the endless track.

5. The sheet separating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, when the first suction machine and the second suction machine are located at the separating part, while driving the support shaft to rotate in a state of sucking the uppermost sheet, the linear movement part is moved.

6. The sheet separating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the first suction machine and the second suction machine are located on both sides with the placing part therebetween.

7. The sheet separating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first suction machine and the second suction machine respectively have a plurality of suction pads that closely adhere to and suck the surface of the sheet, the plurality of suction pads are arranged in a straight line at a predetermined interval in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the separated sheet.

8. The sheet separating device according to claim 7, characterized in that, the handing-over part has a support plate for supporting the front end side of the sheets separated into single sheets at the separating part, a plurality of recesses corresponding to the plurality of suction pads are formed on the support plate, and when the suction pads are located in the recesses, the suction force of the suction pads is released, and the front end side of the sheets separated into single sheets is supported on the support plate.

9. The sheet separating device according to claim 7, characterized in that, the sheet separating device has a pressing drive device for pressing the placing plate against the suction pads of the first suction machine and the second suction machine.

10. The sheet separating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The suction machine and the support shaft are driven and controlled such that the moving speed of the suction machine is greater than the rotational speed of the suction machine.

11. A sheet separation method, characterized in that the sheet separation method includes: a separation process in which the uppermost sheet is sucked and lifted with respect to the stacked sheets at a separation part, and the sucked uppermost sheet is turned up with respect to the stacked sheets to be separated; a transfer process for transferring the turned-up and separated sheet; and a handover process for handing over the sheet transferred in the transfer process to a handover part of a post-processing device, in the separation process, the separation of the sheet is continuously performed using a first suction machine and a second suction machine arranged along an endless track, in the transfer process, when one of the first suction machine and the second suction machine is transferred toward the handover part, the other suction machine is transferred toward the separation part.

12. The sheet separation method according to claim 11, characterized in that in the separation process, the sucked uppermost sheet is transferred in such a manner that it is turned up with respect to the stacked sheets while being handed over to the post-processing device.

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