Sheet guide device of stacker device

Abstract

To provide a sheet guide device of a stacker device capable of preventing a corrugated cardboard sheet from being loaded on a table in a state largely disturbed in a travelling direction and a lateral width direction.SOLUTION: A sheet guide device 26 of a stacker device 1 includes: a sheet guide mechanism 28 which guides a corrugated cardboard sheet when the corrugated cardboard sheet S discharged from a most downstream conveyor 2 falls onto a support table 6 of the stacker device 1; and a pressurizing plate mechanism 30 which is provided on an upper position of the sheet guide mechanism 28, and guides the corrugated cardboard sheet by pressurizing a sheet guide 32 when the corrugated cardboard sheet falls onto the support table 6 of the stacker device 1. The sheet guide mechanism 28 includes a shaft 34 for sheet guide and the sheet guide 32. The pressurizing plate mechanism 30 includes a square shaft 62 and a pressurizing plate 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet guide device of a stacker device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a sheet guide device for stacking corrugated sheets overlapped in a roof tile shape conveyed by a conveyor on a table of a stacker device in an aligned state. For example, in Patent Document 1, a horizontal axis is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of a conveyor at an upper front portion of the discharge end of the conveyor, and a large number of strip-shaped guide plates are suspended from this horizontal axis and held so as to be swingable about the horizontal axis. A sheet guide device is described. According to this sheet guide device, the lower end of the strip-shaped guide plate presses the upper surface of the conveyed sheet in an inclined state, and as a result, the sheet decelerates so that it is stacked at an appropriate position on the pallet.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 also describes a sheet guide device in which a plurality of spring plates are installed in parallel above the entrance of the sheet stacking portion, and a guide rod is fixed to the tip of the spring plate via a connecting block. According to this sheet guide device, the guide rod corresponding to the sheet width is pushed out in the sheet traveling direction by the conveyed sheet, and the conveyed sheet is pressed against the lower stacked sheet side by the elasticity of the spring plate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sheet from being stacked in a state of being greatly disturbed from a predetermined position by the spring plate and the guide rod.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the sheet guiding device of Patent Document 1, when the belt-shaped guide plate presses the sheet, the sheet decelerates. However, the pressing force required to sufficiently decelerate the sheet varies depending on the conditions of the sheet, such as the basis weight and dimensions of the sheet. However, since the belt-shaped guide plate has a structure in which it presses the sheet by its own weight, its pressing force is always constant. Therefore, for example, when a sheet with a large basis weight passes through, depending on the conditions of the sheet, the pressing force required for the sheet to decelerate sufficiently may become insufficient. In this case, since the sheet does not decelerate sufficiently and abuts against the front stopper, there is a risk that the sheet will be stacked on the table in a state where it is greatly disturbed in the traveling direction (front-rear direction).

[0006] Also in the sheet guiding device of Patent Document 2, since the spring plate and the guide rod have a structure in which they press the sheet by the elasticity of the spring plate, their pressing force is always constant. Therefore, there is a risk that the same problem as that of the device of Patent Document 1 described above will occur.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and by applying a sufficient pressing force to the corrugated sheet discharged from the conveying conveyor, it is possible to prevent the corrugated sheet from being stacked on the table in a state where it is greatly disturbed in the traveling direction and the lateral width direction. An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet guiding device for a stacker device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a sheet guide device for a stacker device, which includes a sheet guide mechanism for guiding a corrugated sheet when the corrugated sheet discharged from the most downstream conveyor falls onto the support table of the stacker device, and a pressing plate mechanism provided above the sheet guide mechanism. The sheet guide mechanism includes a sheet guide shaft extending in the lateral width direction and a sheet guide suspended from the sheet guide shaft. The pressing plate mechanism includes a pressing plate shaft extending in the lateral width direction and a pressing plate suspended from the pressing plate shaft. The sheet guide is pushed upward in the sheet traveling direction by the passage of the corrugated sheet and becomes inclined, and the pressing plate contacts the inclined sheet guide and presses the sheet guide to press the corrugated sheet. In the present invention configured as described above, in addition to the sheet guide mechanism, a pressing plate mechanism for pressing the sheet guide is provided. Therefore, when the corrugated sheet discharged from the most downstream conveyor falls onto the support table of the stacker device, not only the sheet guide mechanism but also the sheet guide mechanism and the pressing plate mechanism cooperate to press and guide the corrugated sheet, so that the pressing force required for the sheet to decelerate sufficiently can be applied, and it is possible to prevent the corrugated sheet from being loaded on the support table in a state where it is greatly disturbed in the traveling direction (front-rear direction).

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, a plurality of rows of sheet guides and pressing plates are provided respectively, and the lateral width of the range suspended from the sheet guide shaft and the pressing plate shaft is provided wider than the lateral width of the corrugated sheet. In the present invention configured as described above, since the lateral width of the range in which the sheet guide and the pressing plate are respectively suspended from the sheet guide shaft and the pressing plate shaft is provided wider than the lateral width of the corrugated sheet, the sheet guides and the pressing plates existing on both sides of the corrugated sheet are held in a hanging state, so that they function as side guides and can prevent the corrugated sheet from being loaded on the support table in a state where it is greatly disturbed in the lateral width direction (left-right direction).

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the pressing plate mechanism includes a pressing plate angle adjustment mechanism that swings the pressing plate around a pressing plate shaft, and the pressing plate presses the corrugated sheet by operating the pressing plate angle adjustment mechanism to press the sheet guide. According to the present invention configured as described above, since the pressing plate presses the corrugated sheet by operating the pressing plate angle adjustment mechanism to press the sheet guide, the mechanism for pressing the corrugated sheet can be simplified.

[0011] In the present invention, preferably, the pressing plate does not press the sheet guide when the dimension of the corrugated sheet in the advancing direction is larger than a predetermined length, and presses the sheet guide when the dimension of the corrugated sheet in the advancing direction is smaller than the predetermined length. In the present invention configured as described above, when the dimension of the corrugated sheet in the advancing direction is larger than the predetermined length, since the distance that the corrugated sheet receives friction when passing through is long, only the self-weight of the sheet guide can apply a sufficient pressing force to the corrugated sheet, so the pressing plate does not press the sheet guide. When the dimension of the corrugated sheet in the advancing direction is smaller than the predetermined length, since the distance that the corrugated sheet receives friction when passing through is short, the pressing plate presses the sheet guide in order to apply a sufficient pressing force.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, the pressing plate angle adjustment mechanism can adjust the pressing force by the supplied air pressure. In the present invention configured as described above, since the pressing plate angle adjustment mechanism can adjust the pressing force by the supplied air pressure, an appropriate value of pressing force can be applied to the corrugated sheet with a simple structure.

[0013] The present invention preferably further has a pressing force adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pressing force when the pressing plate presses the sheet guide. In the present invention configured as described above, further, when pressing the sheet guide with the pressing plate, since there is a pressing force adjusting mechanism for adjusting the pressing force, an appropriate value of pressing force can be applied to the corrugated sheet.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, the pressing force by the pressing plate is larger as the speed of the most downstream conveyor is higher, the lateral dimension of the corrugated sheet in the width direction is longer, or the basis weight of the corrugated sheet is larger. In the present invention configured as described above, the pressing force by the pressing plate is set to increase as the speed of the most downstream conveyor is higher, the lateral dimension of the corrugated sheet in the width direction is longer, or the basis weight of the corrugated sheet is larger, so that an appropriate value of pressing force can be applied to the corrugated sheet.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the sheet guide device of the stacker device of the present invention, by applying a sufficient pressing force to the corrugated sheet discharged from the conveying conveyor, it is possible to prevent the corrugated sheet from being stacked on the table in a state where it is greatly disturbed in the traveling direction and the width direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 10C

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the sheet guide device of the stacker device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as an example of the stacker device, an up-stackers device in which a wrap conveyor rises with respect to a support table will be described. Note that the present embodiment is also applicable to other types of down-stackers devices and up-down-stackers devices.

[0018] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the basic structure of an upstacker device (hereinafter referred to as the "stacker device") to which the sheet guide device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is an overall side view showing the stacker device to which the sheet guide device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0019] A cutter (not shown) for cutting a corrugated sheet into a predetermined length is provided upstream of the stacker device 1, and a plurality of conveyors for conveying the corrugated sheet are provided downstream of this cutter. As shown in FIG. 1, a frame 4 is provided on the outlet side of the most downstream conveyor 2, and a support table 6 for supporting a sheet laminate and a pallet 8 on which a sheet S is placed and supplied are provided at a lower position within this frame 4.

[0020] Also, a lifting frame 10 is provided at an upper position within the frame 4, and a part of this lifting frame 10 and the most downstream conveyor 2 are connected to each other by a connecting member 12, so that the lifting frame 10 and the most downstream conveyor 2 can be lifted and lowered integrally. Thus, in the stacker device 1 of the present embodiment, the height level of the support table 6 is fixed, and the most downstream conveyor 2 can be lifted and lowered. Furthermore, a motor 14 for lifting and lowering the lifting frame is provided at the upper part of the frame 4, and the lifting frame 10 can be easily driven to lift and lower by this motor 14.

[0021] Next, a front stopper 16 is attached to the downstream side portion of the lifting frame 10 via a slide member 18. Also, a motor 20 for moving the stopper is attached to this slide member 18, and a pinion 21 is attached to the drive shaft of this motor 20. Furthermore, a rack 22 is provided in the downstream half region of the lifting frame 10, and when the motor 20 is driven by these rack 22 and pinion 21, the front stopper 16 can move in the region between the central position and the downstream end of the lifting frame 10.

[0022] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the basic structure of the sheet guide device of the stacker device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the sheet guide device of the stacker device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the sheet guide device of the stacker device according to the present embodiment as viewed from the downstream direction in which the corrugated sheet is conveyed.

[0023] First, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a non-crush roll 24 for discharging the sheet S is provided above the sheet discharge end of the most downstream conveyor 2, and further, a roller 25 is provided at the discharge end of the most downstream conveyor 2. This non-crush roll 24 is attached to the connecting member 12.

[0024] Here, the corrugated sheet S cut to a predetermined length by the cutter is conveyed by the most downstream conveyor 2 in a state of being stacked in a roof tile shape, and is sandwiched between the non-crush roll 24 and the roller 25 at the position of the discharge end of the most downstream conveyor 2. In this state, when the non-crush roll 24 rotates in the sheet traveling direction (rotates counterclockwise in the figure), the sheet S is discharged toward the support table 6. The discharged sheet S abuts against the front stopper 16 at its leading end and falls onto the support table 6.

[0025] Furthermore, a sheet guide device 26 is provided on the downstream side of the non-crush roll 24 to guide the progress of the corrugated sheet S. The sheet guide device 26 includes a sheet guide mechanism 28 and a pressing plate mechanism 30 provided on the downstream side of the sheet guide mechanism 28 to apply pressure to the sheet guide.

[0026] Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7A and 7B, the detailed structure of the sheet guide mechanism will be described. FIG. 4 is a front view of the sheet guide mechanism according to the present embodiment as viewed from the downstream side, FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view showing one end side (left side) of the sheet guide mechanism of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a side view showing the sheet guide mechanism according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7A is a side view showing the state when the air cylinder of the sheet guide angle adjustment mechanism of the sheet guide mechanism according to the present embodiment is contracted, and FIG. 7B is a side view showing the state when the air cylinder is extended.

[0027] First, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the sheet guide mechanism 28 includes a sheet guide 32, a sheet guide shaft 34 to which the sheet guide 32 is attached, a plate 36 to which the sheet guide shaft 34 is attached, a sheet guide lifting mechanism 38 for lifting and lowering the sheet guide 32, and a sheet guide angle adjustment mechanism 40 for adjusting the angle at which the sheet guide 32 rotates. Here, the plate 36, the sheet guide lifting mechanism 38, and the sheet guide angle adjustment mechanism 40 are provided on both sides in the lateral width direction of the apparatus.

[0028] The sheet guide shaft 34 is disposed so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the corrugated sheet (i.e., the lateral width direction) at a position above the discharge end of the most downstream conveyor 2 and downstream of the non-crush roll 24 and the roller 25. Further, the sheet guide shaft 34 is attached to the plate 36. The sheet guide 32 is rotatably suspended from the sheet guide shaft 34. The sheet guide 32 is made of a plurality of resinous elongated members and is arranged in parallel such that the lateral width of the range suspended from the sheet guide shaft 34 is wider than the lateral width of the sheet S.

[0029] As will be described later, the sheet guide 32 can swing in the sheet traveling direction or the direction opposite to the sheet traveling direction about the axis of the sheet guide shaft 34 by the sheet guide angle adjustment mechanism 40. Further, when the sheet is discharged from the non-crash roll 24 and the roller 25, the sheet guide 32 is always pushed upward in the sheet traveling direction regardless of the condition of the sheet so as to be in an inclined state, and has a lightweight structure that is easy to move in the sheet traveling direction.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6, the sheet guide elevating mechanism 38 includes an air cylinder 42 for elevating the sheet guide and a linear guide 44 for guiding the elevation of the sheet guide 32. The air cylinder 42 for elevating the sheet guide has its main body 42a fixed to the connecting member 12 and its rod 42b fixed to the plate 36.

[0031] The linear guide 44 is provided on both sides in the width direction of the apparatus. Its rail 44a (see FIG. 5) is fixed to the connecting member 12, and its block 44b (see FIG. 5) is fixed to the plate 36. By the expansion and contraction of the air cylinder 42 for elevating the sheet guide, the block 44b fixed to the plate 36 moves up and down along the rail 44a, so that the sheet guide 32 is elevated and lowered.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the sheet guide angle adjusting mechanism 40 includes an air cylinder 46 for adjusting the sheet guide angle, a shaft 48 for adjusting the sheet guide angle, and a plate 50 for adjusting the sheet guide angle. The shaft 48 for adjusting the sheet guide angle is positioned above the shaft 34 for the sheet guide and in contact with the upper part of the sheet guide 32, and is fixed to the plate 50 for adjusting the sheet guide angle.

[0033] The air cylinder 46 for adjusting the sheet guide angle has its main body 46a rotatably attached to the plate 36, and its rod 46b connected to the plate 50 for adjusting the sheet guide angle. By the expansion and contraction of the air cylinder 46 for adjusting the sheet guide angle, the plate 50 for adjusting the sheet guide angle swings in the sheet traveling direction or the direction opposite to the sheet traveling direction. As a result, the sheet guide 32, the upper part of which contacts the shaft 48 for adjusting the sheet guide angle, also swings in the same manner, and the angle of the sheet guide 32 is adjusted. Here, Fig. 7A shows the state "when the air cylinder 46 contracts", and Fig. 7B shows the state "when the air cylinder 46 extends".

[0034] Next, the pressing plate mechanism according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. Fig. 8 is a front view of the pressing plate mechanism according to the present embodiment as viewed from the downstream side, and Fig. 9 is a side view showing the pressing plate mechanism according to the present embodiment.

[0035] As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the pressing plate mechanism 30 includes a resin pressing plate 60, an angle shaft 62 extending in the lateral width direction of the apparatus, a pin 64, and an air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressing plate angle. Note that, as the material of the pressing plate 60, a resin which is difficult to break even when deformed and is a soft material is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a leaf spring or a thin metal plate may also be used.

[0036] The angle shaft 62 is located above the shaft 34 for the sheet guide. A large number of pressing plates 60 are suspended in a direction (lateral width direction) orthogonal to the corrugated cardboard sheet traveling direction at a position above the sheet guide 32 on the angle shaft 62. The pressing plates 60 are arranged in a row so as to be stacked one on top of the other without creating a gap. Note that a plurality of rows of pressing plates may be arranged so as to be stacked without creating a gap. In that case, if the plurality of rows of pressing plates are made of the above material, different materials may be used. Further, the pressing plates 60 are arranged in parallel such that the lateral width of the range suspended by the shaft for the pressing plate is wider than the lateral width of the sheet and is the same width as the sheet guide 32.

[0037] Further, the pressing plate 60 is arranged at a position where it does not contact the sheet guide 32 in a vertically hanging state and contacts only the sheet guide 32 that is pushed up in the sheet traveling direction and is in an inclined state. The pin 64 is fixed to the plate 36, and the square shaft 62 is rotatably supported by the plate 36 by fitting the pin 64 and the square shaft 62 together.

[0038] The pressing plate mechanism 30 is connected to the sheet guide mechanism 28 via the plate 36 described above. Therefore, due to the expansion and contraction of the air cylinder 42 for raising and lowering the sheet guide described above, the block 44b fixed to the plate 36 moves up and down along the rail 44a, so that the pressing plate 60 is raised and lowered together with the sheet guide 32.

[0039] Next, for the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the angle of the pressing plate, its main body 66a is rotatably attached to the plate 36, and its rod 66b is connected to the square shaft 62. Due to the expansion and contraction of the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the angle of the pressing plate, the square shaft 62 rotates about the pin 64, so that the pressing plate 60 swings in the sheet traveling direction or the direction opposite to the sheet traveling direction, and the angle of the pressing plate 60 is adjusted.

[0040] Next, with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10C, the operation of the sheet guide mechanism of the sheet guide device of the stacker device according to the above-described embodiment will be described. FIG. 10A is a side view for explaining the operation (retracting operation) of the sheet guide mechanism according to the present embodiment, FIG. 10B is a side view for explaining the operation (waiting operation) of the sheet guide mechanism, and FIG. 10C is a side view for explaining the operation (lowering operation) of the sheet guide mechanism.

[0041] The sheet guide mechanism 28 according to the present embodiment mainly executes three types of operations, namely, a retracting operation, a waiting operation, and a lowering operation, as described below. First, the retracting operation will be described with reference to FIG. 10A. When the sheet guide mechanism 28 is not used, the sheet guide 32 is set to the retracted position. Specifically, the air cylinder 42 for raising and lowering the sheet guide is contracted to raise the sheet guide 32 so that the tip of the sheet guide 32 does not contact the sheet S discharged from the non-crash roll 24 and the roller 25.

[0042] Also, by contracting the air cylinder 46 for adjusting the angle of the sheet guide, the angle of the sheet guide 32 is maintained in a state of hanging vertically. At this time, it is only necessary that the tip of the sheet guide 32 does not contact the sheet S discharged from the non-crash roll 24 and the roller 25, and the sheet guide 32 may be in an inclined state rather than vertical.

[0043] Next, the standby operation will be described with reference to FIG. 10B. Immediately after the start of sheet loading, the sheet guide 32 is set to the standby position in order to prevent the sheet from being folded or damaged by the pressing of the sheet guide 32. Specifically, the air cylinder 42 for raising and lowering the sheet guide is extended to lower the sheet guide 32 slightly. At this time, the air cylinder 46 for adjusting the angle of the sheet guide is extended to incline the angle of the sheet guide 32 so that its lower end faces the downstream side, thereby preventing the sheet discharged from the non-crash roll 24 and the roller 25 from contacting the sheet guide 32.

[0044] Next, the lowering operation will be described with reference to FIG. 10C. After a predetermined amount of the sheet is loaded, the sheet guide 32 is set to the lowered position. Specifically, the air cylinder 42 for raising and lowering the sheet guide is further extended to lower the sheet guide 32 to a position where it contacts the sheet discharged from the non-crash roll 24 and the roller 25. At this time, the air cylinder 46 for adjusting the angle of the sheet guide is contracted to maintain the angle of the sheet guide 32 in a state of hanging vertically.

[0045] With the sheet guide 32 in the lowered position, when the sheet is discharged from the non-crash roll 24 and the roller 25, the sheet guide 32 located at the position where the sheet passes has its lower end pushed upward in the sheet traveling direction and becomes inclined, so as to press the upper surface of the sheet. Note that since the sheet guide 32 presses the sheet by its own weight, the pressing force is always constant regardless of the condition of the sheet.

[0046] At this time, the discharged sheet moves while sliding on the upper surface of the sheet at the uppermost stage of the stacked sheets due to the pressing of the sheet guide 32. Therefore, friction is generated between the upper surface of the sheet at the uppermost stage and the lower surface of the discharged sheet, and due to this friction, the sheet decelerates and abuts against the front stopper 16 and is stacked at an appropriate position.

[0047] On the other hand, the sheet guide 32 located at the position where the sheet does not pass among the sheet guides 32 maintains a state of hanging vertically, so it serves as side guides for both ends of the passing sheet.

[0048] Next, the operation of the pressing plate mechanism 30 according to the present embodiment will be described. The pressing plate mechanism 30 mainly executes two types of operations, that is, the operations of "when not using the pressing plate" and "when using the pressing plate".

[0049] First, the case of "when not using the pressing plate" will be described. The pressing plate 60 is not used when the sheet guide 32 is in the retracted position (see FIG. 10A) or the standby position (see FIG. 10B), and further, when the sheet guide 32 is in the lowered position (see FIG. 10C) and the cutting length of the sheet is greater than a predetermined length.

[0050] Here, when the pressing plate 60 is not used, regardless of whether the seed guide 32 is in a vertically hanging state or an inclined state, the pressing plate 60 is not in contact with the sheet guide 32. Specifically, when the sheet guide 32 is in a vertically hanging state at the retracted position (see FIG. 10A), the pressing plate 60 maintains a vertically hanging state due to the contraction of the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressing plate angle.

[0051] Also, when the sheet guide 32 is at the standby position (see FIG. 10B), or when the cutting length of the sheet is greater than a predetermined length at the lowered position of the sheet guide 32 (see FIG. 10C), that is, even when the sheet guide 32 is in an inclined state, due to the extension of the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressing plate angle, the pressing plate 60 swings in the sheet traveling direction and becomes inclined without contacting the seed guide 32.

[0052] Next, the case of "using the pressing plate" will be described. The pressing plate 60 is used when the sheet guide 32 is at the lowered position (see FIG. 10C) and the cutting length of the sheet is less than or equal to a predetermined length.

[0053] When the pressing plate 60 is used, as shown in FIG. 9, the tip of the pressing plate 60 is in contact with the inclined sheet guide 32 pushed up in the sheet traveling direction. Specifically, the pressing plate 60 swings in the direction opposite to the sheet traveling direction due to the contraction of the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressing plate angle and contacts the sheet guide 32. At this time, by pressing the upper surface of the inclined sheet guide 32 pushed up in the sheet traveling direction with the tip of the pressing plate 60, the pressing plate 60 indirectly applies a pressing force to the sheet via the sheet guide 32.

[0054] Note that, as will be described in detail later, the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressing plate angle can adjust the magnitude of the pressing force applied by the pressing plate 60 to the sheet guide 32 by means of the pneumatic regulator 68.

[0055] Therefore, the combination of the sheet guide 32 and the pressing plate 60 enables sufficient pressing force to be applied to the cardboard sheet loaded on the support table 6. Due to this pressing force, the sheet can be sufficiently decelerated, and it is possible to prevent the sheet from being loaded in a state where it is greatly disturbed in the traveling direction and the lateral width direction from a predetermined position.

[0056] Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, a method for adjusting the pressing force of the pressing plate will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the air flow in the adjustment of the pressing force by the pressing plate mechanism according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the flow of control signals in the pressing plate mechanism according to the present embodiment.

[0057] By applying a pressing force to the sheet by the sheet guide 32 or the combination of the sheet guide 32 and the pressing plate 60, friction is generated between the upper surface of the sheet at the uppermost stage of the stacked sheets and the lower surface of the discharged sheet, and the sheet decelerates. However, the pressing force required to sufficiently decelerate the sheet varies depending on conditions such as the condition of the sheet.

[0058] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stacker control device 70 controls the pressing force applied by the pressing plate 60 to the sheet guide 32 based on the condition of the sheet discharged from the non-crashing roll 24 and the roller 25 and the speed condition of the most downstream conveyor 2, so as to apply an appropriate pressing force based on conditions such as the condition of the sheet to the sheet.

[0059] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, air is supplied from the air supply source 72 to the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressing plate angle via the solenoid valve 74 or the solenoid valve 74 and the pneumatic regulator 68.

[0060] At this time, based on the sheet conditions and the speed conditions of the most downstream conveyor 2 received from the management device 76, the stacker control device 70 varies the air pressure supplied to the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressure plate angle by means of the pneumatic regulator 68. Thus, in the present embodiment, by adjusting the air pressure supplied to the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressure plate angle, the strength of the pressing force applied by the pressure plate 60 to the sheet guide 32 can be adjusted.

[0061] Although the air pressure supplied to the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressure plate angle is adjusted by the pneumatic regulator 68, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the regulator may be manually adjusted to adjust the air pressure and the strength of the pressing force. Furthermore, a pulley, a timing belt, and a servo motor may be used to adjust the strength of the pressing force of the pressure plate 60.

[0062] Next, a specific example regarding the adjustment of the pressing force applied by the pressure plate will be described. (1) In the case of a sheet with a long cutting length Example) When the cutting length of the sheet is greater than 1000 mm As described above, in the case of a sheet with a long cutting length, the pressure plate 60 is not used, and only the sheet guide 32 is used to apply a pressing force to the sheet discharged from the non-crush roll 24 and the roller 25.

[0063] The reason is as follows. That is, in the case of a sheet with a long cutting length, the discharged sheet is in an inclined state with the front end tilted due to its weight. Then, while sliding in contact with the upper surface of the sheet at the uppermost stage of the stacked sheets, friction occurs between the upper surface of the sheet at the uppermost stage and the lower surface of the discharged sheet, and the sheet decelerates. Thus, compared with a sheet with a short cutting length, a sheet with a long cutting length has a longer distance of receiving friction when passing through the sheet. Therefore, by only applying a pressing force to the sheet by the self-weight of the sheet guide 32, the sheet can be sufficiently decelerated.

[0064] In addition, the value of the cutting length of the sheet serving as the criterion for the presence or absence of use of the pressure plate 60 varies according to the thickness (flute) of the sheet. This is because, in the case of a thin sheet, the weight of the sheet is smaller compared to a thick sheet, so the sheet can be sufficiently decelerated only by applying a pressing force to the sheet by the self-weight of the sheet guide 32. Therefore, in the case of a thin sheet, the value of the cutting length of the sheet serving as the criterion for the presence or absence of use of the pressure plate 60 is set smaller compared to a thick sheet.

[0065] Here, 1000 mm, which is the value of the cutting length of the sheet serving as the criterion for the presence or absence of use of the pressure plate 60 in the case of an AB flute sheet, will be described as an example. (1) In this case, based on the information about the sheet received from the management device 76, the stacker control device 70 sends a command (control signal) to the solenoid valve 74. The solenoid valve 74 that has received the command supplies air pressure from the air supply source 72 to the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressure plate angle, so that the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressure plate angle extends and the pressure plate 60 is in an inclined state.

[0066] (2) In the case of a sheet with a short cutting length Example) When the cutting length of the sheet is 1000 mm or less In the case of a sheet with a short cutting length, a pressing force is applied to the sheet discharged from the non-crash roll 24 and the roller 25 by the combination of the pressure plate 60 and the sheet guide 32. In this case, based on the information about the sheet received from the management device 76, the stacker control device 70 sends a command (control signal) to the solenoid valve 74. The solenoid valve 74 that has received the command first supplies air pressure from the air supply source 72 to the pneumatic regulator 68. The pneumatic regulator 68 adjusts the air pressure based on the command from the stacker control device 70 and supplies it to the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressure plate angle, so that the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the pressure plate angle contracts.

[0067] Specifically, in the stacker control device 70, parameters of the air pressure corresponding to the speed of the most downstream conveyor 2, the lateral dimension of the sheet, and the basis weight of the sheet are determined according to the thickness (flute) of the sheet. Note that, instead of the basis weight of the sheet, parameters of the air pressure corresponding to the weight of the sheet may be determined. The parameters of the air pressure are displayed in units of (%) and determine what percentage of the pressure to adjust to when the maximum output of the pneumatic regulator 68 is set to 100%. Also, the larger the parameter, the greater the pressing force.

[0068] The stacker control device 70 sends a command to the pneumatic regulator 68 to adjust the air pressure to the value of the sum of the respective air pressure parameters based on the speed of the most downstream conveyor 2 received from the management device 76, the lateral dimension of the sheet, and the information on the basis weight of the sheet. For example, calculate the air pressure in the following cases. Example) Sheet thickness (flute): AB flute Speed of the most downstream conveyor 2: 50 m / min Lateral dimension of the sheet: 1500 mm Basis weight of the sheet: 700 g / m 2

[0069] The parameters of the air pressure in this case are as follows. Speed of the most downstream conveyor 2: 50 m / min → Air pressure parameter: 5% Lateral dimension of the sheet: 1500 mm → Air pressure parameter: 20% Basis weight of the sheet: 700 g / m 2 → Air pressure parameter: 15% The sum of the air pressure is 5% + 20% + 15% = 40% Therefore, the pneumatic regulator 68 adjusts the output of the air pressure to 40% of that pressure and supplies it to the air cylinder 66 for adjusting the angle of the pressing plate.

[0070] In addition, the relationships between the speed of the lowermost conveyor 2, the widthwise dimension of the sheet, the basis weight of the sheet, and the parameters of the air pressure are as shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0071] 〈Speed of the lowermost conveyor 2〉 When the speed of the lowermost conveyor 2 is high, the sheet is discharged vigorously and abuts against the front stopper 16 as compared with the case where the speed of the lowermost conveyor 2 is low. At this time, due to the impact of abutting against the front stopper 16, the sheet may move backward and shift. Therefore, in order for the sheet to decelerate sufficiently, it is necessary to press the sheet with a greater force as compared with the case where the speed of the lowermost conveyor 2 is low. Therefore, the air pressure parameter is set to a larger value as compared with the case where the speed of the lowermost conveyor 2 is low.

[0072] 〈Widthwise dimension of the sheet〉 Since a sheet with a small widthwise dimension has a smaller area as compared with a sheet with a large widthwise dimension, if the sheet is pressed with a large force, a load is applied to the sheet and it may bend. Therefore, it is necessary to press the sheet with a smaller force as compared with a sheet with a large widthwise dimension. Therefore, the air pressure parameter is set to a smaller value as compared with a sheet with a large widthwise dimension.

[0073] 〈Basis weight of the sheet〉 In the case of a sheet with a large basis weight, since the weight of the sheet is large, in order for the sheet to decelerate sufficiently, it is necessary to press the sheet with a greater force as compared with a sheet with a small basis weight. Therefore, the air pressure parameter is set to a larger value as compared with a sheet with a small basis weight.

Explanation of symbols

[0074] 1 Stacker device 2 Lowermost conveyor 6 Support Table 12 Connecting Member 16 Front Stopper 24 Non-Crash Roll 25 Roller 26 Sheet Guide Device 28 Sheet Guide Mechanism 30 Pressing Plate Mechanism 32 Sheet Guide 34 Shaft for Sheet Guide 36 Plate 38 Sheet Guide Lifting Mechanism 40 Sheet Guide Angle Adjustment Mechanism 42 Air Cylinder for Sheet Guide Lifting 44 Linear Guide 44a Rail 44b Block 46 Air Cylinder for Sheet Guide Angle Adjustment 48 Shaft for Seed Guide Angle Adjustment 50 Plate for Sheet Guide Angle Adjustment 60 Pressing Plate 62 Angular Shaft 64 Pin 66 Air Cylinder for Pressing Plate Angle Adjustment 68 Pneumatic Regulator 70 Stacker Control Device 72 Air Supply Source 74 Solenoid Valve 76 Management Device S Corrugated Sheet (Sheet)

Claims

1. A sheet guide device for a stacker device, comprising a sheet guide mechanism for guiding a cardboard sheet when the cardboard sheet discharged from the most downstream conveyor falls onto the support table of the stacker device; and a pressing plate mechanism provided at an upper position of this sheet guide mechanism. The sheet guide mechanism includes a sheet guide shaft extending in the lateral width direction and a sheet guide suspended from the sheet guide shaft. The pressing plate mechanism includes a pressing plate shaft extending in the lateral width direction and a pressing plate suspended from the pressing plate shaft. The sheet guide is pushed up in the sheet traveling direction by the passage of the cardboard sheet and becomes inclined, and the pressing plate contacts the inclined sheet guide and presses the sheet guide, thereby pressing the cardboard sheet. A sheet guide device for a stacker device.

2. The sheet guide and the pressing plate are each provided in a plurality of rows, and the lateral width of the range suspended from the sheet guide shaft and the pressing plate shaft is provided wider than the lateral width of the cardboard sheet. The sheet guide device for a stacker device according to Claim 1.

3. The pressing plate mechanism includes a pressing plate angle adjustment mechanism for swinging the pressing plate around the pressing plate shaft, and the pressing plate operates the pressing plate angle adjustment mechanism to press the sheet guide, thereby pressing the cardboard sheet. The sheet guide device for a stacker device according to Claim 1.

4. The pressing plate does not press the sheet guide when the dimension of the cardboard sheet in the traveling direction is larger than a predetermined length, and presses the sheet guide when the dimension of the cardboard sheet in the traveling direction is smaller than the predetermined length. The sheet guide device for a stacker device according to Claim 3.

5. The sheet guide device of the stacker device according to claim 3, wherein the pressing plate angle adjustment mechanism can adjust the pressing force by the supplied air pressure.

6. Furthermore, the sheet guide device of the stacker device according to claim 1, which has a pressing force adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pressing force when pressing the sheet guide with the pressing plate.

7. The pressing force by the pressing plate is greater as the speed of the most downstream conveyor is higher, as the lateral dimension of the corrugated sheet is longer, or as the basis weight of the corrugated sheet is greater, for the sheet guide device of the stacker device according to claim 5 or 6.

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