Sheet feeder

Abstract

To provide an art for accurately detecting the position of a loading rest while suppressing the size increase of a sheet feeder.SOLUTION: A sheet feeder in the present invention comprises a loading rest 40 that is movable in an up-down direction and allows a bundle of sheets to be placed thereon, a feed mechanism 42 that feeds a sheet placed on the loading rest 40, a drive mechanism that drives the loading rest 40 so as to move the loading rest 40 in a height direction, a wall portion 155A that extends in the up-down direction along part of a peripheral edge of the loading rest 40, an extension part 170 that extends toward the wall portion 155A from the loading rest 40, a drive control unit that controls the drive mechanism so as to raise the loading rest 40 according to feeding of the sheet, and a position-measuring unit that is provided above the extension part 170 and measures the position in the up-down direction of the extension part 170. The wall portion 155A extends in the up-down direction and has a receiving part to receive the extension part 170 and the position-measuring unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a collating device. The collating device of Patent Document 1 divides a paper feed table into a plurality of groups, and starts paper conveyance from a first group in which papers are stacked on all the paper feed tables. When the papers run out from any of the paper feed tables in the first group, the collating device of Patent Document 1 starts paper conveyance from another second group.

[0003] On the other hand, in an air suction type collating device, it takes time for the preparation work until the sheet can be fed after startup. The air suction type collating device described in Patent Document 2 starts the preparation work for paper feeding from a second group while continuing the paper feeding from the first group when the paper has been fed a predetermined number of times since the start of paper feeding, or when the near end where the number of papers in the paper stack on the paper feed shelf becomes a predetermined number or less is detected. Since the collating device of Patent Document 2 can start the paper feeding preparation of the other block during the collation in one group, it is possible to suppress the loss of time for the preparation work at the time of transition.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a conventional distance measuring sensor for detecting the near end. The distance measuring sensor described in Patent Document 3 is arranged so as to face a region where the medium is not placed on the mounting table, that is, a region outside the outermost side guide in the width direction A4.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the technology described in Patent Document 3, since the distance measuring sensor performs detection in a region outside the side guide, it is necessary to make the width of the mounting table larger than the width between the side guides when the opposing side guides are widened to the maximum. Therefore, there has been a problem that the apparatus becomes large-sized.

[0007] In view of the above, one of the exemplary objects of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables accurate detection of the position of the loading table while suppressing an increase in the size of the apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To solve the above problems, a collating apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is movable in the vertical direction, and includes a loading table on which a bundle of sheets is loaded, a feeding mechanism that feeds the sheets loaded on the loading table, a driving mechanism that drives the loading table so as to move the loading table in the height direction, a wall portion that extends in the vertical direction along a part of the periphery of the loading table, an extending portion that extends from the loading table toward the wall portion, a driving control portion that controls the driving mechanism so as to raise the loading table on which the fed sheets are loaded in accordance with the feeding of the sheets, and a positioning portion that is provided above the extending portion and measures the vertical position of the extending portion. The wall portion extends in the vertical direction and includes a housing portion that houses the extending portion.

[0009] Any combination of the above components, or those obtained by mutually replacing the components and expressions of the present invention among methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that enables accurate detection of the position of the loading table while suppressing an increase in the size of the sheet feeding apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting the invention, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0013] Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a booklet creation system 1 according to an embodiment. The booklet creation system 1 creates a booklet by performing post-processing such as collating, folding, binding, and trimming on sheets such as sheets printed with characters and images. The booklet creation system 1 according to the present embodiment is an example of a collating system.

[0014] The booklet creation system 1 includes a first supply line 10_1 and a second supply line 10_2 (hereinafter referred to as "supply line 10" when not particularly distinguished), a folding device 16, a binding device 18, a trimming device 20, a top-and-bottom trimming device 22, a belt stacker 24, and an integrated control device 26.

[0015] The first and second supply lines 10_1 and 10_2 each supply a sheet set element to the folding device 16. The sheet set element includes one or a plurality of stacked sheets. That is, the sheet set element includes at least one sheet. The first and second supply lines 10_1 and 10_2 are provided in parallel, but are not limited thereto. Note that the booklet creation system 1 may include three or more supply lines 10.

[0016] The first supply line 10_1 includes butting devices 12A_1 and 12B_1. The second supply line 10_2 includes butting devices 12A_2 and 12B_2. Hereinafter, when the butting devices 12A_1, 12B_1, 12A_2, and 12B_2 are not particularly distinguished, they are referred to as "butting device 12". Note that the number of butting devices 12 provided in the supply line 10 is not particularly limited. The number of butting devices 12 may be different for each supply line 10. The butting device 12 of the present embodiment is an example of a sheet feeding device.

[0017] The butting device 12 includes a plurality of feeding units 38 (see FIG. 2 described later). A stack of sheets is loaded on each of the plurality of feeding units 38. The butting device 12 creates a sheet bundle by stacking sheets while feeding the sheets from each of the plurality of feeding units 38. In this case, the sheet set element is composed of a plurality of sheets. Further, the butting device 12 may send out the sheet sent out from the feeding unit 38 as a sheet set element without stacking it, that is, as a single sheet. In this case, the sheet set element is composed of a single sheet. The butting device 12A and the butting device 12B are arranged in series, and it is possible to stack the sheet bundle created by the butting device 12A arranged on the upstream side and the sheet bundle created by the butting device 12B arranged on the downstream side. It is also possible to make them into separate sheet bundles without stacking them.

[0018] The sheet bundle butt-joined by the butting device 12, that is, the sheet set element, is conveyed in the x direction (the first direction) by a conveying mechanism (not shown) and carried out to the folding device 16. The x direction is, for example, a horizontal direction.

[0019] The folding device 16 changes the conveyance direction of the sheet set elements carried in from the first and second supply lines 10_1 and 10_2 from the x direction to the y direction (second direction) by a direction conversion mechanism (not shown) provided for each supply line 10. The y direction is, for example, a horizontal direction and, for example, a direction orthogonal to the x direction in a plan view.

[0020] The folding device 16 makes creases on the sheet set elements whose conveyance direction has been changed to the y direction, and folds the sheet set elements along the creases in a mountain fold shape (i.e., the cross-sectional shape is an inverted V shape). The folding device 16 conveys the sheet set elements folded in a mountain fold shape (hereinafter referred to as "mountain fold sheet set elements") in the y direction and discharges them to the binding device 18.

[0021] The binding device 18 includes a sheet set forming mechanism 30 and a binding mechanism 32. The sheet set forming mechanism 30 accumulates the mountain fold sheet set elements carried in from the folding device 16 until they become a set of sheet bundles (hereinafter referred to as "sheet sets") that constitute one booklet. That is, the sheet set forming mechanism 30 forms a sheet set in which a plurality of sheet set elements are overlapped. The binding mechanism 32 binds the accumulated set of sheet sets at the fold lines to create a booklet. The binding mechanism 32 discharges the created booklet to the trimming device 20.

[0022] The trimming device 20 trims the fore-edge of the booklet carried in from the binding device 18 and discharges it to the top-and-bottom trimming device 22. The top-and-bottom trimming device 22 trims the top and bottom of the booklet carried in from the trimming device 20 and discharges it to the belt stacker 24. The belt stacker 24 sequentially accumulates the carried-in booklets.

[0023] The integrated control device 26 integrally controls the booklet creation system 1. The integrated control device 26 is configured by, for example, a PC.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the supply line 10. The supply line 10 further includes a first relay conveyance device 34 and a second relay conveyance device 36.

[0025] The two butting devices 12 each include a plurality of feeding units 38, a vertical conveying mechanism 44, and a horizontal conveying mechanism 46. The plurality of feeding units 38 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Note that the parallel arrangement direction of the feeding units 38 is not limited to the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the case where each butting device 12 includes 10 feeding units 38 will be described, but the number of feeding units 38 is not particularly limited.

[0026] The plurality of feeding units 38 include a loading table 40 and a feeding mechanism 42. A plurality of sheets (bundles of sheets) are loaded on the loading table 40. The loading table 40 is movable in the vertical direction. The feeding mechanism 42 performs feeding to take out and send out sheets one by one from the corresponding loading table 40. In the illustrated example, the feeding mechanism 42 is an air suction type feeding mechanism, but it may be a friction type feeding mechanism or other feeding mechanisms. The sheets sent out by the feeding mechanism 42 can be overlapped while being conveyed vertically downward by the vertical conveying mechanism 44.

[0027] The horizontal conveying mechanism 46 conveys the sheet bundle conveyed from the upstream butting device 12 downstream via the first relay conveying device 34 described later. The downstream end of the horizontal conveying mechanism 46 merges with the downstream end of the vertical conveying mechanism 44. At this merging point, the sheet or sheet bundle conveyed from the upstream side can be overlapped with the sheet or sheet bundle created by that butting device 12.

[0028] A first relay conveying device 34 is arranged between the butting device 12A and the butting device 12B. The first relay conveying device 34 has a conveying mechanism 47. The conveying mechanism 47 conveys the sheet or sheet bundle created by the upstream butting device 12 to the downstream butting device 12. In the illustrated example, a belt conveying mechanism is adopted for the conveying mechanism 47, but for example, a roller conveying mechanism or the like may be adopted.

[0029] On the downstream side of the butting device 12A, a second relay conveyor 36 is provided. The second relay conveyor 36 has a conveying mechanism 48. The conveying mechanism 48 conveys the sheet or sheet bundle (i.e., the sheet set element) unloaded from the butting device 12A and unloads it to the folding device 16. In the illustrated example, a belt conveying mechanism is adopted for the conveying mechanism 48, but for example, a roller conveying mechanism or the like may be adopted.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a side view of the folding device 16 viewed in the y direction. FIG. 3 is a view taken along arrow A in FIG. 1. The folding device 16 includes a first folding mechanism 50_1 and a second folding mechanism 50_2 (hereinafter referred to as "folding mechanism 50" when not particularly distinguished), a conveying mechanism 52, and a sensor 54.

[0031] The first and second folding mechanisms 50_1 and 50_2 are provided above the conveying mechanism 52. The second folding mechanism 50_2 is provided on the downstream side of the first folding mechanism 50_1. The first folding mechanism 50_1 is a folding mechanism corresponding to the first supply line 10_1, and gives a crease to the sheet set element supplied from the first supply line 10_1. The second folding mechanism 50_2 is a folding mechanism corresponding to the second supply line 10_2, and gives a crease to the sheet set element supplied from the second supply line 10_2.

[0032] The folding mechanism 50 folds the sheet set element in a valley fold shape while moving the sheet set element downstream and downward.

[0033] The conveying mechanism 52 includes an upstream pulley 55, a downstream pulley 56 provided on the downstream side of the upstream pulley 55, an endless conveying belt 58 wound around the upstream pulley 55 and the downstream pulley 56, and a pair of saddle members 60.

[0034] The downstream pulley 56 rotates when driven by a motor (not shown), causing the conveyor belt 58 to rotate. For example, the conveyor belt 58 may be a toothed belt (cogged belt) as shown in the figure, and the pulleys 55, 56 may be toothed pulleys. The conveyor belt 58 preferably continues to run at a constant speed while continuously creating a predetermined number of booklets. The rotational speed of the downstream pulley 56 may be variable. In other words, the moving speed of the conveyor belt 58 may be variable.

[0035] The conveyor belt 58 is formed of a flexible material such as an elastomer. The conveyor belt 58 has an outer peripheral surface with an inverted V-shaped cross-section. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the conveyor belt 58 has a substantially isosceles triangular cross-sectional shape with the inner peripheral surface as the base and the outer peripheral surface as the equal sides.

[0036] On the outer periphery of the conveyor belt 58, pushers 62 that protrude outward are provided, for example, at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (extending direction). A plurality of conveying sections 64 arranged continuously along the y direction are defined by the plurality of pushers 62. Specifically, a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 58 facing upward between two adjacent pushers 62 in the y direction constitutes one conveying section 64. The sheet set elements are carried into these conveying sections 64 from the folding mechanism 50.

[0037] The saddle member 60 is a member that opens the mountain-folded sheet set element in an inverted V shape.

[0038] The sheet set element fed into the conveying section 64 is pushed at the rear end by the pusher 62 and conveyed downstream in the y direction while maintaining the mountain-folded state by the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 58 and the saddle member 60.

[0039] Note that the conveying mechanism 52 is not limited to the above-described configuration as long as it has a plurality of conveying sections 64 provided along the y direction and moves each mountain-folded sheet set element fed from the folding mechanism 50 into each of the plurality of conveying sections 64 in the y direction while maintaining its mountain-folded state.

[0040] The sheet set element conveyed by the conveying mechanism 52 to the downstream end of the folding device 16 is carried out to the binding device 18 by an auxiliary conveying mechanism (not shown). The auxiliary conveying mechanism separates the sheet set element from the conveying belt 58 that turns downward along the downstream pulley 56 and then continues to convey it horizontally. The conveying speed of the auxiliary conveying mechanism is set higher than the conveying speed of the conveying belt 58. The auxiliary conveying mechanism separates the sheet set element immediately before the conveying belt 58 turns downward. Thereby, it is possible to prevent interference between the rear end of the sheet set element and the pusher 62 that turns downward together with the conveying belt 58.

[0041] The sensor 54 is provided to detect the passage of the pusher 62. Therefore, an appropriate sensor capable of detecting the passage of the pusher 62 may be adopted for the sensor 54.

[0042] Each butting device 12 includes an operation panel unit 90. FIG. 4 shows an example of the operation panel unit 90. The operation panel unit 90 is provided for operating the butting device 12 in which the operation panel unit 90 is provided. The operation panel unit 90 includes a stop switch 91, a start switch 92, a raise switch 93, a lower switch 94, a forced discharge switch 95, a preset switch 96, and a touch panel unit 97. The stop switch 91 is a switch for stopping the operation of the butting device 12. The start switch 92 is a switch for starting the operation of the butting device 12. During the operation of the butting device 12, an operation lamp 98 lights up. The raise switch 93 is a switch for controlling the raising of the loading table 40 of the feeding unit 38. The lower switch 94 is a switch for controlling the lowering of the loading table 40 of the feeding unit 38. The forced discharge switch 95 is a switch for driving the motor of the feeding mechanism 42 and discharging the sheet stopped by the feeding mechanism 42 when it is operated during the stop of the feeding operation. The forced discharge switch 95 of the present embodiment functions as a switch for starting the preparatory operation of the feeding operation when it is operated during the feeding operation, as will be described later. The preset switch 96 is a switch for setting, for example, a threshold value for detecting double feeding in an optical double-feed detection sensor (not shown). By operating the preset switch 96, only one sheet is butted at the start of the first operation, and the amount of light received by a double-feed detection sensor (not shown) when one sheet passes through the feeding mechanism 42 on the loading table 40 to be used is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the butting device 12. Based on this amount of light received, a threshold value for detecting double feeding in the double-feed detection sensor is set and stored in the butting device 12. The touch panel unit 97 displays, for example, a setting screen for various settings of the butting device 12.

[0043] Each collating device 12 includes a sheet lamp 99A, a double-feed lamp 99B, an empty-feed lamp 99C, a stack jam lamp 99D, a feed mechanism jam lamp 99E, and a device error lamp 99F. The sheet lamp 99A lights up during sheet feeding and blinks when the sheet runs out. The double-feed lamp 99B lights up when double feeding of the sheet is detected by a double-feed detection sensor (not shown). The empty-feed lamp 99C lights up when the sheet is fed empty. The stack jam lamp 99D lights up when a sheet jam occurs on the stacking table 40 during sheet feeding. The feed mechanism jam lamp 99E lights up when a sheet jam occurs in the feed mechanism 42 during sheet feeding. When the sheet runs out, when the sheet is double-fed, when the sheet is fed empty, when a sheet jam occurs on the stacking table 40, or when a sheet jam occurs in the feed mechanism 42 during sheet feeding, the corresponding device error lamp 99F for the collating device 12 lights up.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the control system of the booklet creation system 1. The integrated control device 26 includes an acquisition unit 66 and a main control unit 68. Each block shown here can be realized hardware-wise by elements such as a computer's CPU (central processing unit) and mechanical devices, and software-wise by a computer program or the like. Here, however, functional blocks realized by their cooperation are depicted. Therefore, it is understood by those skilled in the art who have read this specification that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by combinations of hardware and software.

[0045] The acquisition unit 66 acquires input from the user via a predetermined input device such as the operation panel unit 90. For example, the acquisition unit 66 acquires a start instruction from the user via the start switch 92 of the operation panel unit 90. For example, the acquisition unit 66 acquires various job information about a job of creating a booklet from the user via a predetermined input device. The job information includes information regarding the number of booklets to be created, the assignment of a feeding group (described later) to which the plurality of feeding units 38 belong, the working order of the feeding group, the feeding unit 38 to be used, and the like. Also, for example, the acquisition unit 66 accepts a predetermined switch operation by the user.

[0046] When the main control unit 68 acquires a start instruction via the acquisition unit 66, it transmits a start signal and an operation signal for operating each device (mechanism) to each device. The main control unit 68 of the present embodiment is an example of a drive control unit.

[0047] The booklet creation system 1 further includes butting control units 70A_1, 70B_1, 70A_2, 70B_2 (hereinafter referred to as "butting control unit 70" when not particularly distinguished) that control the operations of the butting devices 12A_1, 12B_1, 12A_2, 12B_2 respectively, folding control units 72_1, 72_2 (hereinafter referred to as "folding control unit 72" when not particularly distinguished) that control the operations of the folding mechanisms 50_1, 50_2 respectively, a conveyance control unit 74 that controls the operation of the conveyance mechanism 52, a sheet set forming control unit 76 that controls the operation of the sheet set forming mechanism 30, a binding control unit 78 that controls the operation of the binding mechanism 32, a trimming control unit 80 that controls the operation of the trimming device 20, and a top and bottom cutting control unit 82 that controls the operation of the top and bottom cutting device 22.

[0048] Based on the detection result of the sensor 54, the conveyance control unit 74 transmits a trigger signal to each butting device 12 all at once. For example, the conveyance control unit 74 transmits a trigger signal each time it detects the pusher 62 a predetermined number of times.

[0049] The stitching control unit 70 controls the stitching by the corresponding stitching device 12. The stitching control unit 70 controls the operations of each mechanism such as the feeding mechanism 42, the vertical transfer mechanism 44, and the horizontal transfer mechanism 46 of the stitching device 12. Each time the stitching control unit 70 receives a trigger signal, it controls the stitching device 12 and feeds the sheet to be sent into one transport section 64.

[0050] The stitching control units 70A_1 and 70B_1 may control the stitching devices 12A_1 and 12B_1 so that the sheets supplied from the respective stitching devices 12A_1 and 12B_1 overlap in the first supply line 10_1 (that is, before being carried out to the folding device 16) to form one sheet set element according to an instruction from a user, for example.

[0051] Further, the stitching control units 70A_1 and 70B_1 may control the stitching devices 12A_1 and 12B_1 so that the sheets supplied from the stitching device 12A_1 and the sheets supplied from the stitching device 12B_1 form separate sheet set elements (that is, do not merge in the first supply line 10_1) according to an instruction from a user, for example. Note that the stitching control unit 70A_1 may control the stitching device 12A_1 so that the sheets supplied from the stitching device 12A_1 form a plurality of sheet set elements. Similarly, the stitching control unit 70B_1 may control the feeding unit 38 so that the sheets supplied from the feeding unit 38 of the stitching device 12B_1 form a plurality of sheet set elements. In any case, by dividing into a plurality of sheet set elements, the thickness per sheet set element can be suppressed, and it becomes possible to appropriately make creases in the folding mechanism 50.

[0052] Similarly, the stitching control units 70A_2 and 70B_2 may control the stitching devices 12A_2 and 12B_2 so as to form one sheet set element, or may control the stitching devices 12A_2 and 12B_2 so as to be divided into a plurality of sheet set elements.

[0053] Next, the feeding timing will be described in more detail. The butting control unit may store information indicating the position of the corresponding butting device 12 and start driving the feeding mechanism 42 of the corresponding butting device 12 at a timing delayed according to the position from the trigger signal.

[0054] Specifically, the distance to the folding device 16 may be different for each butting device 12. At least, the distance Xa1 from the butting device 12A_1 to the folding device 16 and the distance Xb1 from the butting device 12B_1 to the folding device 16 are different from each other, and the distance Xa2 from the butting device 12A_2 to the folding device 16 and the distance Xb2 from the butting device 12B_2 to the folding device 16 are different from each other (see FIG. 1).

[0055] Therefore, the butting control unit 70 stores the distance to the folding device 16 for the corresponding butting device 12. Note that information regarding the distance may be stored. The information regarding the distance may be information such as which butting device 12 is connected at what position in the supply line. When determining the feeding timing by each feeding mechanism 42, the butting control unit 70 considers the information regarding the distance to the folding device 16. For example, when overlapping the sheet bundle supplied by the butting device 12A and the sheet bundle supplied by the butting device 12B, the feeding timing of the butting device 12A with a shorter distance to the folding device 16 may be delayed according to the difference in distance compared to the feeding timing of the butting device 12B with a longer distance to the folding device 16.

[0056] Also, the confluence position with the transport mechanism 52 is different for each supply line. Therefore, if the supply lines are different, the distance to the seat set forming mechanism 30 is different. Thus, when determining the feeding timing by each feeding mechanism 42, the alignment control unit 70 takes into account the distance transported by the transport mechanism 52. For example, when overlapping the seat set element supplied by the alignment device 12 belonging to the first supply line 10_1 and the seat set element supplied by the alignment device 12 belonging to the second supply line 10_2 in the transport section 64, the distance that the seat set element supplied from the first supply line 10_1 is transported by the transport mechanism 52 and the distance that the seat set element supplied from the second supply line 10_2 is transported by the transport mechanism 52, the alignment device 12 of the first supply line 10_1 may be driven at a timing earlier than that of the alignment device 12 of the second supply line 10_2 by the time required for transporting the difference L (see Fig. 1).

[0057] When the moving speed of the conveyor belt 58 of the transport mechanism 52 is variable, the time required for transporting the difference L may be specified from the moving speed of the conveyor belt 58 of the transport mechanism 52.

[0058] Also, when the transport speeds are different for each supply line, the feeding timing from each feeding mechanism 42 of each supply line may be determined in consideration of the difference in transport speed. For example, if the transport distances of each supply line are the same, the seat set element supplied from the supply line with the higher transport speed will reach the transport mechanism 52 earlier by that much. Therefore, the alignment device 12 of the supply line with the higher transport speed may start driving the feeding mechanism 42 at a timing that is that much later.

[0059] However, since the direction conversion mechanism and the folding mechanism 50 are interposed, the conveyance time to the merging position is likely to vary. For example, the conveyance time varies depending on the size, number of sheets, material, etc. of the sheet. Therefore, it may be possible for the user to finely adjust the driving timing of each feeding mechanism 42 of the butting device 12. The user may perform the fine adjustment using a touch panel provided in any of the systems or a PC controller provided separately from the system. In the fine adjustment, it may be possible to adjust the driving timing in both the plus direction and the minus direction with respect to the default value calculated from the logical value of the conveyance time.

[0060] It may be possible to perform fine adjustment individually for each feeding mechanism 42. In this case, individual differences in the feeding mechanism 42 can be absorbed.

[0061] Also, for each butting device 12, it may be possible to perform the same fine adjustment collectively for a plurality of feeding mechanisms 42 included in the butting device 12. In this case, according to the tendency of the conveyance time specific to each butting device 12 to vary, the driving timing of a plurality of feeding mechanisms 42 included in each butting device 12 can be adjusted collectively, making the operation easier.

[0062] Also, for each supply line, it may be possible to perform the same fine adjustment collectively for a plurality of feeding mechanisms 42 included in the supply line. In this case, according to the tendency of the conveyance time specific to each supply line to vary, the driving timing of a plurality of feeding mechanisms 42 included in each supply line can be adjusted collectively, making the operation easier.

[0063] The above is the basic configuration of the booklet creation system 1.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of feeding a sheet set element into the conveyance section of the conveyance mechanism 52. Here, for clarity, the sheet set elements fed into the same conveyance section are drawn side by side vertically without overlapping. The same applies to FIG. 7 described later.

[0065] In this example, the multiple sheets supplied by each supply line 10 (the multiple sheets to be included in one sheet set) are supplied separately as multiple sheet set elements. That is, both the first supply line 10_1 and the second supply line 10_2 supply multiple sheets separately as multiple sheet set elements. The same applies to FIG. 7 described later.

[0066] In this specification, the multiple sheet set elements separately supplied by each supply line 10 and that should be included in one sheet set are also referred to as "subsets". That is, each of the multiple sheet set elements supplied by the first supply line 10_1 to be included in one sheet set is also referred to as a subset. Similarly, each of the multiple sheet set elements supplied by the second supply line 10_2 to be included in one sheet set is also referred to as a subset.

[0067] It is assumed that one sheet set and thus one booklet are created by two sheet set elements of subsets 1-1 and 1-2 supplied from the first supply line 10_1 and a total of four sheet set elements of subsets 2-1 and 2-2 supplied from the second supply line 10_2.

[0068] The first supply line 10_1 sequentially discharges a predetermined number of sheet set elements to the conveying mechanism 52 via the folding mechanism 50_1. In this example, the first supply line 10_1 discharges the multiple sheets to be included in one booklet separately as two sheet set elements of subset 1-1 and subset 1-2. Subset 1-1 and subset 1-2 are fed into the conveying section 64 that continues to move at a constant speed one by one (that is, at regular intervals).

[0069] The second supply line 10_2 sequentially discharges a predetermined number of sheet set elements to the conveying mechanism 52 via the folding mechanism 50_2. In this example, the second supply line 10_2 discharges a plurality of sheets included in one booklet by dividing them into two sheet set elements, namely subset 2-1 and subset 2-2. Subset 2-1 and subset 2-2 are fed into a plurality of conveying sections 64 that continue to move at a constant speed, skipping one (i.e., at regular intervals). Specifically, subset 2-1 is fed into the conveying section where subset 1-1 was fed and is superimposed on subset 1-1. Subset 2-2 is fed into the conveying section where subset 1-2 was fed and is superimposed on subset 1-2.

[0070] In addition, when the booklet creation system 1 includes three or more supply lines, the sheet set elements supplied from each of the three or more supply lines may be fed into the same conveying section as each other.

[0071] In a subsequent sheet set forming mechanism 30 (not shown in FIG. 6), subset 2-1 and subset 2-2 are superimposed on subset 1-1 and subset 1-2. That is, a sheet set in which four subsets are overlapped is formed.

[0072] As a modification, subset 1-1 and subset 1-2 may be continuously fed into the conveying section 64, or may be fed skipping two, three, ···, or n pieces.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of feeding a sheet set element into the conveying section of the conveying mechanism 52. The description will focus on the differences from FIG. 6.

[0074] The first supply line 10_1 and the second supply line 10_2 are each fed into every other one of a plurality of transport sections 64 that continue to move at a constant speed, similar to the first example. However, in this example, the subsets from the first supply line 10_1 (i.e., the sheet set elements) and the subsets from the second supply line 10_2 are fed into separate transport sections 64. Specifically, subset 1-1, subset 2-1, subset 1-2, and subset 2-2 are fed into separate transport sections 64 in this order continuously.

[0075] Note that even when the booklet creation system 1 includes three or more supply lines, the sheet set elements supplied from each of the three or more supply lines may be fed into separate transport sections.

[0076] The booklet creation system 1 may store and accumulate job processing information and be able to output it. The output destination may be an operation panel or a PC via the integrated control device 26, or an external terminal such as an external PC or a smartphone via a wired or wireless communication line such as the Internet. The job processing information associates and stores, based on the actual operating status of the booklet creation system 1 in the relevant job and the input information by the user, the start time of the work, the end time of the work, the time during which booklet creation was actually performed in between, the time required for work preparation, the type of error that occurred and the time required for its processing, the number of sheets fed, the number of booklets created, etc., with job identification information. Further, from these information, the actual time T0 required for the entire job and the time T1 during which the device was stopped may be calculated, and T2 = (T0 - T1) / T0 may be calculated as the work efficiency and managed for each job. The stopped time T1 may be divided into a planned stop time T 1A , such as a break time, the work stop time T required for sheet loading work or component replacement work, etc. 1B , the performance stop time T required for error stop and its processing 1C , etc., and the efficiency may be calculated separately for more precise analysis. Also, during the actual operating time, from the number of normally created booklets NB out of the number of sheets NA fed, N B / N AIt may be calculated as efficiency. A plurality of booklet creation systems 1 may be connected to a host computer, and the efficiencies of the plurality of systems may be collectively managed, or they may be managed together with a system different from the booklet creation system 1.

[0077] Next, the preparation operation of the feeding operation in the butting device 12 will be described. The "preparation operation of the feeding operation" is an operation that shifts from a standby state in which the sheet cannot be fed but the sheet loading operation is possible to a state in which the sheet can be fed. The preparation operation of the feeding operation is an operation of raising the loading table 40 (see FIG. 8) to a predetermined position and then capturing one sheet from the stack of sheets. The preparation operation of the feeding operation in the present embodiment is, for example, raising the loading table 40 (see FIG. 8) to a height at which the uppermost sheet can be fed, feeding ejection air to separate the sheets, stabilizing the height of the uppermost sheet at a height at which it can be fed, and then sucking the uppermost sheet to adsorb one sheet from the stack of sheets onto the belt 120 (see FIG. 12). FIGS. 8 to 12 are schematic diagrams showing the preparation operation of the feeding operation in the butting device 12.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 8, a stack of sheets S0 obtained by stacking the sheets to be processed in the butting device 12 is loaded onto the loading table 40. At this time, the front end surface of the stack of sheets S0 is abutted against the first wall portion 102 as a front reference, and the right end surface in the feeding direction of the stack of sheets S0 is abutted against the second wall portion 103 as a conveyance reference.

[0079] When the start switch 92 is pressed with the sheet bundle S0 loaded on the loading table 40, as shown in FIG. 9, the conveying roller 105, the conveying roller 106, and the vertical conveying drive roller 107 start to rotate in the arrow direction, and the vertical conveying belt 109 moves in a circular motion in the arrow direction, and the vertical conveying roller 110 starts to rotate in the arrow direction. Subsequently, when the motor 111 rotates in the arrow direction J shown in the figure, the rack 113 rises due to the meshing of the gear 112 and the rack 113, and the loading table 40 rises via the support arm 104 that supports the loading table 40. When the loading table 40 rises, the upper surface of the sheet bundle S0 contacts the shielding plate 114, and when the loading table 40 rises further, the shielding plate 114 is pushed up by the upper surface of the sheet bundle S0 and rotates, and the optical axis of the level sensor 115 is blocked by the shielding plate 114. Thereby, the level sensor 115 detects the sheet bundle S0. Note that the level sensor 115 may detect the sheet bundle S0 using other known methods.

[0080] When the level sensor 115 detects the sheet bundle S0, as shown in FIG. 10, the motor 111 rotates in the arrow direction K shown in the figure for a certain period of time, the loading table 40 descends, and the upper surface of the sheet bundle S0 stops near the lower end of the air discharge port 116. As shown in FIG. 11, simultaneously with the stop of the descent of the loading table 40, the air discharge source 118 starts the discharge operation, generates a discharge pressure inside the discharge air chamber 117, and the blowing of the discharge air Ar from the air discharge port 116 starts. At this time, the discharge air Ar is blown toward the upper part of the sheet bundle S0.

[0081] After that, the motor 111 intermittently rotates in the direction of arrow J, causing the loading table 40 to intermittently rise. As shown in FIG. 12, discharge air Ar is blown between the sheets in the upper layer of the sheet bundle S0, causing the upper layer of the sheet bundle S0 to lift and be sorted one by one. At this time, as the loading table 40 intermittently rises, the front end surface of the upper layer of the sheet bundle S0 operates so as to face the air discharge port 116 step by step little by little. By reliably blowing the discharge air Ar at each stage, the sheets in the upper layer can be reliably sorted. The uppermost lifted sheet S1 pushes up and rotates the shielding plate 114 again, and the optical axis of the level sensor 115 is blocked again. When the optical axis of the level sensor 115 is blocked again, the motor 111 stops, that is, the ascending operation of the loading table 40 stops, and the air suction part 119 starts the suction operation, and the upper surface of the sheet bundle S0 is sucked by the air suction part 119. As a result, only the uppermost sheet S1 is adsorbed on the lower surface of the belt 120.

[0082] Thus, the preparation operation of the feeding operation in the butting device 12 is completed. In the butting device 12 of the present embodiment, after the completion of the preparation operation of the feeding operation, the state of FIG. 12 is maintained until the sheet feeding operation in the feeding unit 38 is started.

[0083] Next, the sheet feeding operation in the feeding unit 38 will be described. FIGS. 13 to 15 are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the feeding operation in the butting device 12.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 13, first, the drive roller 121 starts to rotate. Due to this rotation, the belt 120 moves in a circular motion in the direction of arrow P in the figure while sucking the sheet S1, and therefore the sheet S1 moves and is conveyed in the direction of arrow P in the figure.

[0085] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, after the leading end of the taken-out sheet S1 is clamped between the conveying roller 105 and the conveying roller 106, the drive roller 121 stops rotating, and the air suction by the air suction part 119 stops.

[0086] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15, the sheet S1 is deflected downward by the guide plates 122 and 123, and is sandwiched between the vertical conveyance drive roller 124 and the vertical conveyance belt 125 and conveyed downward. At this time, when the passage of the sheet S1 is detected by the detection means 126, the air suction unit 119 sucks the next sheet S2, and subsequently, after a certain period of time elapses, the next sheet is conveyed. By repeating this operation, the feeding operation is continuously performed.

[0087] As the number of sheets in the sheet bundle S0 gradually decreases due to the continuous feeding operation, the height of the upper surface gradually decreases. As a result, when the level sensor 115 no longer detects the sheet bundle S0, the loading table 40 is raised, and when the level sensor 115 detects the sheet bundle S0 again, the raising of the loading table 40 stops. Therefore, the height of the upper surface of the sheet bundle S0 is always maintained at a height suitable for the feeding operation.

[0088] The above is the sheet feeding operation in the feeding unit 38.

[0089] The feeding groups will be described. In the present embodiment, the plurality of feeding units 38 are grouped into a plurality of feeding groups. The grouping of the feeding groups is set based on an input by a user via a predetermined input device. That is, the number of feeding units 38 belonging to a feeding group can be changed based on an input by a user via a predetermined input device.

[0090] In the present embodiment, since the first supply line 10_1 and the second supply line 10_1 each include two collating devices 12 each including 10 feeding units 38, the booklet creation system 1 includes 40 feeding units 38. By the operation of the operator, the 40 feeding units 38 can be divided into a plurality of feeding groups. Each feeding group includes the same number of feeding units 38. The number N1 of feeding units 38 in one feeding group satisfies 1 ≦ N1 ≦ (total number of feeding units 38 / 2). The number N2 of feeding groups satisfies 2 ≦ N2 ≦ (total number of feeding units 38 / 2). In the present embodiment, the number N1 of feeding units 38 in one feeding group is set to 10, and the number N2 of feeding groups is set to 4.

[0091] Note that N1 and N2 are not limited to the above examples. For example, N1 may be 2 and N2 may be 20. N1 may be 4 and N2 may be 10. N1 may be 5 and N2 may be 8. N1 may be 8 and N2 may be 5. N1 may be 20 and N2 may be 2. When N1 is 4 and N2 is 10 or N1 is 8 and N2 is 5, one feeding group will span multiple splicing devices 12.

[0092] Among the plurality of feeding units 38 provided in one splicing device 12, grouping may be performed by some of the feeding units 38. For example, among the 10 feeding units 38 provided in the splicing device 12, 6 feeding units 38 may be grouped into a feeding group with N1 = 3 and N2 = 2. In this case, the remaining 4 feeding units 38 may not be used, or they may perform feeding operations constantly independently of the process S100 described later with reference to FIG. 17.

[0093] FIG. 16 illustrates a group setting screen 130. The group setting screen 130 is displayed by a predetermined display device. In the arrangement layout column 131, the arrangement layouts of the plurality of feeding units 38 of each splicing device 12 of each supply line 10 are displayed. The arrangement layout column 131 is not particularly limited, but the supply line 10 located upstream is displayed more to the left. That is, the first supply line 10_1 (Line1) located upstream is displayed on the left side, and the second supply line 10_2 (Line2) located downstream is displayed on the right side. Also, without particular limitation, in each supply line 10, the splicing device 12 located upstream is displayed more to the right. That is, in the first supply line 10_1 (Line1), the feeding units on the right side (feeding units 11 to 20) are the feeding units of the splicing device 12B_1, and the feeding units on the left side (feeding units 1 to 10) are the feeding units of the splicing device 12A_1. Also, in the second supply line 10_2 (Line2), the feeding units on the right side (feeding units 11 to 20) are the feeding units of the splicing device 12B_2, and the feeding units on the left side (feeding units 1 to 10) are the feeding units of the splicing device 12A_2.

[0094] The grouping display 132 indicates the grouping that divides a plurality of feeding units into feeding groups. That is, the grouping display 132 indicates to which feeding group each of the plurality of feeding units belongs. The grouping display 132 in the example of FIG. 16 is a dashed-line frame that surrounds the feeding units in the arrangement layout column 131, and each feeding group is surrounded by a separate frame. Conversely, the feeding units in the same feeding group are surrounded by the same frame.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the 20 feeding units of the first supply line 10_1 (Line1) are divided into two feeding groups: a first feeding group G1 including 10 feeding units of feeding units 1 to 10 of the butting device 12A_1, and a second feeding group G2 including 10 feeding units of feeding units 11 to 20 of the butting device 12B_1. The 20 feeding units of the second supply line 10_2 (Line2) are divided into two feeding groups: a third feeding group G3 including 10 feeding units of feeding units 1 to 10 of the butting device 12A_2, and a fourth feeding group G4 including 10 feeding units of feeding units 11 to 20 of the butting device 12B_2. Usually, sheets with the same content are stacked in the first to fourth feeding groups G1 to G4. Thereby, the butting operation in a certain feeding group can be continued even during the sheet stacking in other feeding groups, improving the processing efficiency.

[0096] The group setting screen 130 is provided with first to fourth usage check boxes 133A to 133D. The first and second usage check boxes 133A and 133B are check boxes for selecting whether to use the feeding units 1 to 10 and 11 to 20 of the butting devices 12A_1 and 12B_1 of the first supply line 10_1 (Line1) in the grouping of the feeding groups, respectively. The third and fourth usage check boxes 133C and 133D are check boxes for selecting whether to use the feeding units 1 to 10 and 11 to 20 of the butting devices 12A_1 and 12B_1 of the second supply line 10_2 (Line2) in the grouping of the feeding groups, respectively. In the example of FIG. 16, since all of the first to fourth usage check boxes 133A to 133D are checked, all of the feeding units of the first supply line 10_1 (Line1) and the second supply line 10_2 (Line2) are used for grouping.

[0097] The group setting screen 130 is provided with a group setting column 134. In the group setting column 134, the number of feeding units included in each feeding group is set. The group setting column 134 is provided with a two-division setting item 135, a three-division setting item 136, a four-division setting item 137, and an eight-division setting item 138. When the two-division setting item 135 is selected, the total number N0 of feeding units used for grouping in the first supply line 10_1 (Line1) and the second supply line 10_2 (Line2) is divided into two, and each feeding group is set to include N0 / 2 feeding units. When the three-division setting item 136 is selected, the total number N0 of feeding units in the first supply line 10_1 (Line1) and the second supply line 10_2 (Line2) is divided into three, and each feeding group is set to include N0 / 3 feeding units. When the four-division setting item 137 is selected, the total number N0 of feeding units in the first supply line 10_1 (Line1) and the second supply line 10_2 (Line2) is divided into four, and the feeding group is set to include N0 / 4 feeding units. When the eight-division setting item 138 is selected, the total number N0 of feeding units in the first supply line 10_1 (Line1) and the second supply line 10_2 (Line2) is divided into eight, and the feeding group is set to include N0 / 8 feeding units. In the present embodiment, as shown by the thick frame surrounding the four-division setting item 137, the four-division setting item 137 is selected.

[0098] Note that in the present embodiment, the total number N0 of feeding units used for grouping in the first supply line 10_1 (Line1) and the second supply line 10_2 (Line2) is 40. Since the feeding units cannot be divided into three, as shown by the dotted frame surrounding the three-division setting item 136, the three-division setting item 136 cannot be selected. When any one of the above-mentioned first to fourth use check boxes 133A to 133D is unchecked, the total number N0 becomes 30 and it becomes possible to divide into three, and the three-division setting item 136 becomes selectable.

[0099] The method of setting the number of feeding units in each feeding group is not limited to the examples of 2 - division, 3 - division, 4 - division, and 8 - division as described above. The number of feeding units in each feeding group can be set as appropriate.

[0100] On the group setting screen 130, a feeding order setting column 139 is provided. In the feeding order setting column 139, the order of feeding operations in each feeding group is set. The feeding order setting column 139 is provided with an automatic setting item 140 and a manual setting item 141.

[0101] When the automatic setting item 140 is selected, the order of feeding operations in each feeding group is set in a predetermined order. For example, in the order of the feeding groups displayed on the left side of the group setting screen 130, such as the first feeding group G1, the second feeding group G2, the third feeding group G3, and the fourth feeding group G4, the order of feeding operations is set. When the manual setting item 141 is selected, the order of feeding operations in each feeding group is set in the order according to the input by the user. In the present embodiment, as shown by the thick frame surrounding the automatic setting item 140, the automatic setting item 140 is selected. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the feeding operations are shifted in the order of the first feeding group G1, the second feeding group G2, the third feeding group G3, and the fourth feeding group G4.

[0102] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the process S100 of the integrated control device 26 of the present embodiment. The process S100 is started in response to the operation of the start switch 92. It is assumed that sheets are loaded on the feeding units 38 of the first to fourth feeding groups G1 to G4.

[0103] In step S101, the main control unit 68 executes a preparation operation for the feeding operation in each feeding unit 38 of the first feeding group G1.

[0104] In step S102, the main control unit 68 determines whether the preparatory operation for the feeding operation in the first feeding group G1 has been completed. For example, when the level sensors 115 in all the feeding units 38 of the first feeding group G1 have continuously detected the sheet bundle S0 for a predetermined time or more, the main control unit 68 determines that the preparatory operation for the feeding operation in the first feeding group G1 has been completed. If the preparatory operation has been completed (Yes in step S102), the process S100 proceeds to step S103. If the preparatory operation has not been completed (No in step S102), the process S100 returns to step S101, and steps S101 and S102 are repeatedly executed until the preparatory operation is completed.

[0105] In step S103, the main control unit 68 executes the feeding operation in the first feeding group G1. Since the feeding operation and its preparatory operation are not executed in the second to fourth feeding groups G2 to G4, it is possible to load sheets onto the feeding unit 38.

[0106] In step S104, the main control unit 68 determines whether to end the feeding operation. For example, when a predetermined end condition such as reaching the number of booklets to be created is satisfied, the main control unit 68 determines to end the feeding operation. If the feeding operation is to be ended (Yes in step S104), the process S100 ends. If the feeding operation is not to be ended (No in step S104), the process S100 proceeds to step S105.

[0107] In step S105, the main control unit 68 determines whether or not a near end where the remaining amount of the sheet loaded on the loading table 40 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount is detected in any one of the feeding units 38 belonging to the feeding group in which the feeding operation is being performed. The main control unit 68 determines whether or not the near end is detected based on the detection result of a near end detection unit 150 (see FIG. 19 etc.) described later. The method for detecting the near end of the near end detection unit 150 of the present embodiment will be described later. If the near end is detected (Yes in step S105), the process S100 proceeds to step S106. If the near end is not detected (No in step S105), the process S100 proceeds to step S107.

[0108] In step S106, the main control unit 68 stops the feeding operations in all of the feeding units 38 belonging to the feeding group in which the feeding operation is being performed. Thereafter, the process S100 proceeds to step S108.

[0109] In step S107, the main control unit 68 determines whether or not a predetermined switch operation by the user has been performed. For example, when the acquisition unit 66 receives an operation input of a forced discharge key 95 provided on the operation panel unit 90 of the registration device 12 of the second feeding group during the feeding operation in the first feeding group G1, the main control unit 68 determines that a predetermined switch operation has been performed. If a predetermined switch operation has been performed (Yes in step S107), the process S100 proceeds to step S108. If a predetermined switch operation has not been performed (No in step S107), the process S100 returns to step S104, and steps S104, S105, and S107 are repeatedly executed until a predetermined end condition is satisfied in step S104, the near end is detected in step S105, or a predetermined switch operation is performed in step S107.

[0110] In step S108, the main control unit 68 executes a preparation operation for the feeding operation of the feeding group in the next order. For example, when the feeding operation of the first feeding group is being performed, the preparation operation for the feeding operation of the second feeding group G2 is executed.

[0111] In step S109, the main control unit 68 determines whether the preparation operation for the feeding operation in the feeding group in the following order has been completed. Regarding the method for determining the completion of the preparation operation here, the same method as in step S102 can be applied. If the preparation operation has not been completed (No in step S109), the process S100 proceeds to step S110.

[0112] In step S110, the main control unit 68 determines whether the near end has been detected in any of the feeding units 38 belonging to the feeding group in which the feeding operation is being performed. If the near end has been detected (Yes in step S110), the process S100 proceeds to step S111. If the near end has not been detected (No in step S110), the process S100 returns to step S109.

[0113] In step S111, the main control unit 68 stops the feeding operations in all of the feeding units 38 belonging to the feeding group in which the feeding operation is being performed. For example, when the preparation operation in the second feeding group G2 has not been completed and the feeding operation in the first feeding group G1 is being executed, the main control unit 68 stops the feeding operation in the first feeding group G1. If the feeding operation in the first feeding group G1 has already been stopped, that stopped state continues.

[0114] In step S112, the main control unit 68 determines whether the preparation operation for the feeding operation in the feeding group in the following order has been completed. If the preparation operation has been completed (Yes in step S112), the process S100 proceeds to step S116. If the preparation operation has not been completed (No in step S112), the process S100 returns to step S112, and step S112 is repeatedly executed until the preparation operation is completed.

[0115] When returning to step S109, if the preparation operation is completed (Yes in step S109), process S100 proceeds to step S113. In step S113, the main control unit 68 waits for the feeding group for which the preparation operation of the feeding work has been completed. Here, the state of FIG. 12 is maintained until the sheet feeding operation in the feeding unit 38 is started.

[0116] In step S114, the main control unit 68 determines whether the near end has been detected in any of the feeding units 38 belonging to the feeding group in which the feeding operation is being performed. If the near end is detected (Yes in step S114), process S100 proceeds to step S115. If the near end has not been detected (No in step S114), process S100 returns to step S113 and the standby state is maintained until the near end is detected.

[0117] In step S115, the main control unit 68 stops the feeding operations in all of the feeding units 38 belonging to the feeding group in which the feeding operation is being performed.

[0118] In step S116, the main control unit 68 executes the feeding operation in the feeding group for which the preparation has been completed. After step S116, process S100 returns to step S104. Thereafter, until a predetermined end condition is satisfied in step S104 (Yes in step S104) and process S100 ends, steps S104 to S116 are repeatedly executed.

[0119] FIG. 18 illustrates a case assumed when the feeding operation shifts from the source feeding group to the next destination feeding group in the integrated control device 26 of the present embodiment. In case (A), during the feeding operation of the source feeding group, a user performs a predetermined switch operation (SW operation), and in response to the SW operation, the destination feeding group starts the preparatory operation for the feeding operation. Further, in response to the completion of the preparatory operation for the feeding operation, the destination feeding group waits. When the near end is detected, the feeding operation is stopped in the source feeding group, and the feeding operation is started in the destination feeding group. Case (A) corresponds to the case where, for example, in the process S100 of FIG. 17, after steps S101 starts, and it is determined as No in step S104, No in step S105, Yes in step S107, Yes in step S109, and Yes in step S114, it is then determined as Yes in step S104. In case (A), since the SW operation is performed by the user at an appropriate timing, an improvement in the processing efficiency of the feeding operation is expected.

[0120] Case (B) is the same as case (A) in that during the feeding operation of the source feeding group, a user performs a predetermined SW operation, and in response to the SW operation, the destination feeding group starts the preparatory operation for the feeding operation, and after the preparation is completed, the destination feeding group starts the feeding operation. However, case (B) is different from case (A) in that before the preparation is completed, the feeding unit of the source feeding group reaches the near end state and the feeding operation stops. Case (B) corresponds to the case where, for example, in the process S100 of FIG. 17, after steps S101 starts, and it is determined as No in step S104, No in step S105, Yes in step S107, No in step S109, Yes in step S110, and Yes in step S112, it is then determined as Yes in step S104.

[0121] In case (C), during the feeding operation of the source feeding group, before a predetermined SW operation is performed by the user, the feeding unit of the source feeding group reaches the near-end state and the feeding operation stops. After the feeding operation of the source feeding group stops, the destination feeding group starts the preparatory operation for the feeding operation, and after the preparation is completed, the destination feeding group starts the feeding operation. Case (C) corresponds to the case where, for example, in the process S100 of FIG. 17, after step S101 starts, it is determined as No in step S104, Yes in step S105, Yes in step S109, and Yes in step S114, and then Yes is determined in step S104.

[0122] In this way, by stopping the feeding operation in response to the detection of the near-end, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the sheet in the feeding unit 38 during the feeding operation disappears during the preparatory operation for the feeding operation. When the sheet in the feeding unit 38 during the feeding operation disappears, there is a possibility that other sheets that should have formed a sheet set together with the sheet that could not be fed have already been fed, and those other sheets become waste paper. Therefore, the present embodiment can suppress the generation of waste paper.

[0123] Hereinafter, the near-end detection unit 150 of the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the feeding unit 38 of the present embodiment. FIG. 20 is a side view of the feeding unit 38 of the present embodiment. The housing 155 of the butting device 12 of the present embodiment has a wall portion 155A that surrounds a part of the periphery of a plurality of stacking tables 40 arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The wall portion 155A extends in the vertical direction along a part of the periphery of the stacking table 40. The wall surface of the wall portion 155A is orthogonal to the stacking surface of the stacking table 40. The wall portion 155A of the present embodiment includes a first wall portion 102, a second wall portion 103, and a third wall portion 156.

[0124] The wall surface of the first wall portion 102 functions as a guide surface for determining the position of the sheet as a front reference by abutting the front end surface of the sheet bundle S0 in a state where the sheet bundle S0 is housed in the housing space SP. Above each stacking table 40 in the first wall portion 102, a feeding mechanism 42 is provided.

[0125] The second wall portion 103 extends in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the wall surface of the first wall portion 102 from one end of the first wall portion 102 in the horizontal direction. The wall surface of the second wall portion 103 functions as a guide surface for determining the position of the sheet as a conveyance reference by abutting against the right end surface in the sheet bundle S0 feeding direction. The second wall portion 103 has a recess 160 extending in the vertical direction. The recess 160 is provided between both ends of the wall surface (guide surface) of the second wall portion 103. That is, in the present embodiment, the guide surface of the second wall portion 103 is provided on both the upstream side and the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction with respect to the extending portion 170. The first wall portion 102 and the second wall portion 103 of the present embodiment have guide surfaces (wall surfaces) for determining the position of the sheet by abutting against two sides out of the four sides of the sheet stacked on the stacking table 40. For example, the leading end surface of the sheet stacked on the stacking table 40 and the right end surface in the feeding direction are abutted against the wall surfaces of the first wall portion 102 and the second wall portion 103, respectively, for alignment. In this aligned state, a sheet guide (not shown) is placed in contact with the end surface of the sheet bundle, and the feeding operation is performed while maintaining the aligned state of the sheet bundle S0.

[0126] The third wall portion 156 extends in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the wall surface of the first wall portion 102 from the other end of the first wall portion 102 in the horizontal direction (the end opposite to the second wall portion 103 side).

[0127] The wall surfaces of the first wall portion 102, the second wall portion 103, and the third wall portion 156 extend in a vertical direction orthogonal to the loading surface of the loading table 40. A storage space SP for storing the sheet on the loading table 40 is formed by the space surrounded by the loading table 40, the first wall portion 102, the second wall portion 103, and the third wall portion 156.

[0128] The loading platform 40 is surrounded by the wall portion 155A and the open space OP without the wall portion 155A. In the present embodiment, since the entire first end portion 40A on the side opposite to the first wall portion 102 in the loading platform 40 faces the open space OP, the dimension LA1 of the portion facing the open space OP at the first end portion 40A is equal to the dimension LA of the first end portion 40A. Further, a part of the second end portion 40B on the side opposite to the second wall portion 103 in the loading platform 40 faces the open space OP, and the other part of the second end portion 40B faces the third wall portion 156. The dimension LB1 of the portion facing the open space OP at the second end portion 40B is equal to or greater than 1 / 2 of the dimension LB of the second end portion 40B.

[0129] The loading platform 40 is supported by the support portion 104A. The support portion 104A is fixedly provided on the support arm 104. When the support arm 104 moves in the vertical direction by the drive of the motor 111, the gear 112, and the rack 113 (see FIG. 9 etc.), the loading platform 40 moves in the vertical direction via the support portion 104A. The support arm 104, the support portion 104A, the motor 111, the gear 112, and the rack 113 of the present embodiment are an example of a drive mechanism that drives the loading platform 40 so as to move the loading platform 40 in the height direction.

[0130] The loading platform 40 is provided with an extension portion 170 that extends from the loading platform 40 toward the wall portion 155A. The extension portion 170 of the present embodiment is provided on the same plane (a horizontal plane in the present embodiment) as the loading surface of the loading platform 40. The extension portion 170 is arranged at the same height as the loading surface of the loading platform 40. The extension portion 170 is configured to be accommodatable in the recess 160. The extension portion 170 extends from the loading surface of the loading platform 40 to the recess 160. The end portions 170B to 170D other than the end portion 170A on the loading platform 40 side of the extension portion 170 face the recess 160. The recess 160 and the extension portion 170 of the present embodiment are each configured in a rectangular shape. The extension portion 170 may have any shape such as a triangle or a circle as long as it can be accommodated in the recess 160. One end of the extension portion 170 on the loading platform 40 side is connected to the loading platform 40. Above the extension portion 170, a near-end detection portion 150 is provided.

[0131] The recess 160 is configured to be able to accommodate the near-end detection unit 150 and the extension unit 170. The recess 160 has a first light-shielding surface 160B to a third light-shielding surface 160D that surround the end portions 170B to 170D of the extension unit 170 other than the end portion 170A on the loading table 40 side. The first light-shielding surface 160B faces the end portion 170B of the extension unit 170. The second light-shielding surface 160C faces the end portion 170C of the extension unit 170. The third light-shielding surface 160D faces the end portion 170D of the extension unit 170. The first light-shielding surface 160B to the third light-shielding surface 160D extend in the vertical direction. The first light-shielding surface 160B to the third light-shielding surface 160D block light from the end portions 170B to 170D side. The shape of the recess in the recess 160 may be any shape such as a triangle or a circle as long as it can accommodate the near-end detection unit 150 and the extension unit 170. The recess 160 of the present embodiment is an example of a housing portion that houses the extension unit 170.

[0132] A plurality of the loading tables 40 and the feeding mechanism 42 are provided side by side in the vertical direction. The wall portion 155A and the recess 160 extend in the vertical direction along a part of the periphery of the plurality of loading tables 40. The near-end detection unit 150 and the extension unit 170 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the recess 160 for each of the plurality of loading tables 40.

[0133] FIG. 21 illustrates the ranging mode in the near-end detection unit 150 of the present embodiment. The near-end detection unit 150 includes a ranging sensor that measures the distance from the near-end detection unit 150 to the extension unit 170. The ranging sensor of the near-end detection unit 150 in the present embodiment is an infrared sensor. When the ranging sensor of the near-end detection unit 150 irradiates infrared ray R, based on the position where the reflected light is received, the distance to the object irradiated with infrared ray R is measured by triangulation. The near-end detection unit 150 of the present embodiment irradiates infrared ray R toward the extension unit 170 directly below it and receives the reflected light. Since the extension unit 170 and the loading table 40 are connected to each other, by measuring the distance from the ranging sensor of the near-end detection unit 150 to the extension unit 170, it becomes possible to measure the distance to the loading table 40 provided with the extension unit 170. The near-end detection unit 150 is arranged at a position lower than the position of the extension unit 170 when it descends most, so that the extension unit 170 on the upper stage does not come into contact with the extension unit 170 on the upper stage when the extension unit 170 provided on the feeding unit 38 on the upper stage descends most together with the loading table 40. The near-end detection unit 150 of the present embodiment is an example of a positioning unit.

[0134] FIG. 22 illustrates the ranging mode in the near-end detection unit 150 of the present embodiment when the loading table 40 rises. As described above, the loading table 40 is controlled by the main control unit 68 so as to rise in accordance with the feeding of the sheet. As shown in FIG. 22, as the loading table 40 rises, the extension unit 170 provided on the loading table 40 also rises. As the feeding of the sheet progresses and the remaining amount of the sheet loaded on the loading table 40 decreases, the loading table 40 and the extension unit 170 are positioned at a higher position accordingly. When the loading table 40 and the extension unit 170 are positioned at a higher position, the distance from the near-end detection unit 150 to the extension unit 170 becomes smaller. The near-end detection unit 150 of the present embodiment detects the near-end when the measurement result of the distance from the near-end detection unit 150 to the extension unit 170 is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. This predetermined threshold value can be set by the operator. When the near-end is detected, the near-end detection unit 150 supplies the detection result of the near-end to the acquisition unit 66 of the integrated control device 26.

[0135] Here, consider a case where the near-end detection unit 150 is provided, for example, on the loading table 40 of the upper stage. In this case, when the loading table 40 of the upper stage rises as the sheet is fed by the feeding unit 38 of the upper stage, the near-end detection unit 150 provided on the loading table 40 of the upper stage also rises. As a result, regardless of the rise of the loading table 40 of the measurement target, the measurement result of the near-end detection unit 150 becomes large, and the measurement result of the near-end detection unit 150 fails to appropriately reflect the vertical position of the extending portion 170. In contrast, the near-end detection unit 150 of the present embodiment is fixed to the concave portion 160. The near-end detection unit 150 of the present embodiment is fixed to the concave portion 160. By fixing the near-end detection unit 150 to the concave portion 160, it becomes possible to appropriately measure the vertical position of the extending portion 170 that rises in response to the feeding of the sheet, with the vertical position of the near-end detection unit 150 as a reference.

[0136] Thus, the butting device 12 (sheet feeding device) of the present embodiment is movable in the vertical direction, and includes a loading table 40 on which a bundle of sheets is loaded, a feeding mechanism 42 for feeding the sheets loaded on the loading table 40, a drive mechanism (support arm 104, support portion 104A, motor 111, gear 112, rack 113) for driving the loading table 40 to move in the height direction, a wall portion 155A extending in the vertical direction along a part of the periphery of the loading table 40, an extending portion 170 extending from the loading table 40 toward the wall portion 155A, a drive control unit (main control unit 68) for controlling the drive mechanism so as to raise the loading table 40 on which the fed sheet is loaded in response to the feeding of the sheet, and a positioning unit (near-end detection unit 150) provided above the extending portion 170 for measuring the vertical position of the extending portion 170. The wall portion 155A extends in the vertical direction and includes a housing portion for housing the extending portion 170 and the positioning unit. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to accurately detect the position of the loading table 40 while suppressing the enlargement of the butting device 12.

[0137] In this embodiment, the accommodating portion extends in the vertical direction and includes a recess 160 that accommodates the extending portion 170 and the positioning portion. According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately accommodate the extending portion 170 and the positioning portion.

[0138] In this embodiment, the positioning portion includes a distance measuring sensor fixed to the accommodating portion. The distance measuring sensor measures the distance from the positioning portion to the extending portion 170 based on the reflected light of the light irradiated toward the extending portion 170 at the extending portion 170. According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately measure the vertical position of the extending portion 170 that moves in the vertical direction and the loading table provided with the extending portion 170.

[0139] In this embodiment, the accommodating portion extends in the vertical direction and includes a recess 160 that accommodates the extending portion 170 and the positioning portion. The recess 160 has first to third light shielding surfaces 160B to 160D that surround the end portions 170B to 170D of the extending portion 170 other than the end portion 170A on the loading table 40 side of the extending portion 170. According to this configuration, the recess 160 can suppress the incidence of external light on the extending portion 170 from the end portions 170B to 170D sides, so that the positioning accuracy of the near-end detection portion 150 can be improved.

[0140] In this embodiment, the wall portion 155A has a guide surface for abutting against two sides of the four sides of the sheet loaded on the loading table 40 to determine the position of the sheet. According to this configuration, since the sheet is aligned by the guide surface, it is possible to suppress the irradiation light of the near-end detection portion 150 from being blocked by the loaded sheet. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the positioning accuracy of the near-end detection portion 150. In this embodiment, both the first wall portion 102 and the second wall portion 103 have guide surfaces, but one of the first wall portion 102 and the second wall portion 103 may have a guide surface. That is, the wall portion 155A may have a guide surface for abutting against at least one side of the four sides of the sheet loaded on the loading table 40 to determine the position of the sheet.

[0141] In this embodiment, the accommodating portion is provided between both ends of the guide surface. According to this configuration, since guide surfaces are provided on both horizontal sides of the accommodating portion, even when feeding a large-sized sheet, it is possible to surely guide and align the sheet.

[0142] In this embodiment, the dimension LA1 of the portion facing the open space OP at the first end portion 40A is equal to or greater than 1 / 2 of the dimension LA of the first end portion 40A, and the dimension LB1 of the portion facing the open space OP at the second end portion 40B is equal to or greater than 1 / 2 of the dimension LB of the second end portion 40B. According to this configuration, it becomes easier to stack the sheet on the stacking table 40.

[0143] In this embodiment, a plurality of stacking tables 40 and a feeding mechanism 42 are provided side by side in the vertical direction, and the wall portion 155A and the accommodating portion extend in the vertical direction along a part of the periphery of the plurality of stacking tables 40. According to this configuration, since a common accommodating portion is used across the plurality of stacking tables 40, it is possible to use common components for the wall portion 155A across the plurality of stacking tables 40. Therefore, an increase in the cost of the wall portion 155A can be suppressed. Further, the positioning portion and the extending portion 170 may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the accommodating portion for each of the plurality of stacking tables 40 and at the same position in the horizontal direction. According to this configuration, it is possible to use a common positioning portion and extending portion 170 across the plurality of stacking tables 40. Therefore, an increase in the cost of the wall portion 155A can be suppressed.

[0144] As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each of these constituent elements and combinations of each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. Hereinafter, modifications will be described.

[0145] The present invention has been applied to the butting device 12, but is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may be applied to a sheet feeding device that sequentially feeds sheets from one stacking table 40, or a sheet feeding device provided in a printer, a paper folding machine, or the like.

[0146] In this embodiment, the recess 160 is provided in the second wall portion 103, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided in at least one of the first wall portion 102, the second wall portion 103, and the third wall portion 156. Further, a plurality of recesses 160 may be provided in each of the first wall portion 102, the second wall portion 103, and the third wall portion 156, and the near-end detection portion 150 may be provided in each of the plurality of recesses 160.

[0147] In this embodiment, the recess 160 is provided between both ends of the second wall portion 103, but may be provided at at least one end of the first wall portion 102, the second wall portion 103, and the third wall portion 156.

[0148] In this embodiment, the recess 160 is taken as an example of the accommodating portion, but is not limited thereto. For example, a hole formed so as to penetrate from the wall surface of the wall portion 155A to the wall surface on the back side thereof, and a hole extending in the vertical direction may be used as the accommodating portion.

[0149] In this embodiment, the extending portion 170 extends from the loading surface of the loading table 40, but is not limited thereto, and may be a separate member fixed to the loading table 40 so as to extend from the loading table 40. Further, the extending portion 170 is arranged at the same height as the loading surface of the loading table 40, but is not limited thereto, and may be arranged at a position having a height different from that of the loading surface of the loading table 40.

[0150] In this embodiment, the near-end detection unit 150 detects the near end, but is not limited thereto, and the height of the loading table 40 may be measured step by step. In this case, for example, the near-end detection unit 150 provided for one loading table 40 may include a plurality of distance measurement sensors, or one near-end detection unit 150 may be able to measure the height of the loading table 40 in real time so that the height of the loading table 40 can be measured step by step. By the near-end detection unit 150 detecting the height of the loading table 40 in multiple stages according to the remaining amount of the sheet within the range of the near end (where the remaining amount of the sheet is equal to or less than a predetermined amount), for example, the integrated control device 26 or an external terminal may perform a display according to the stage, and the remaining amount may be made recognizable to the operator. Specifically, the detection results at each stage may be supplied to the integrated control device 26 or the like, and the integrated control device 26 or the like may reduce the number or area of the light-emitting display regions or change the light-emitting color according to the stage.

[0151] In this embodiment, the near-end detection unit 150 detects the near end using a distance measurement sensor that utilizes triangulation by infrared rays, but is not limited thereto. For example, the near-end detection unit 150 may detect the near end using the time difference from when infrared rays are irradiated until the reflected light is received. Also, not limited to optical distance measurement sensors, distance measurement sensors that utilize electromagnetic waves or ultrasonic waves may be used.

[0152] In this embodiment, the near-end detection unit 150 detects the near end using a distance measurement sensor or an infrared sensor, but is not limited thereto. For example, the near-end detection unit 150 may be a mechanical switch provided in the recess 160. In this case, when the loading table 40 reaches the position corresponding to the near end, the near end may be detected in response to contact with this mechanical switch. Also, for example, the near-end detection unit 150 may include a shielding sensor that detects the near end in response to the light irradiated from the near-end detection unit 150 being blocked by the extending portion 170 due to the ascent of the loading table 40.

[0153] In this embodiment, a common recess 160 is used across a plurality of loading platforms 40, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the recesses 160 may be alternately provided for each loading platform 40.

[0154] The switch for starting the preparation operation of the feeding operation in the destination feeding group may be a switch other than the forced discharge switch 95 on the operation panel unit 90, or may be a switch provided specifically for starting the preparation operation of the feeding operation.

[0155] The above-mentioned switch for starting may be provided at other locations of the butting device 12, may be provided in a system component other than the butting device 12, or may be provided in a remote operation terminal (PC controller, tablet, etc.) via wired or wireless communication. The above-mentioned switch for starting may be displayed on a touch panel or the display of a PC controller. In that case, the above-mentioned switch for starting is displayed only when the group setting screen 130 is displayed, and in other cases, the switch for starting itself may disappear or be grayed out.

[0156] The above-mentioned switch for starting may be a switch provided corresponding to the feeding unit belonging to the feeding group that is the destination of the preparation operation of the feeding operation. In that case, the above-mentioned switch for starting is provided for each feeding unit 38, and the feeding group to which the feeding unit 38 to which the above-mentioned switch for starting is pressed belongs becomes the next feeding group, and the preparation operation of the feeding operation may be started.

[0157] The handling in the case where no sheet is loaded in any of the feeding units 38 (that is, in the state of no sheet) is not particularly limited, and appropriate processing may be performed.

[0158] For example, for a feeding group including a feeding unit with no sheet, it may not shift, and may shift to another feeding group where sheets are loaded. In this case, if there is no other feeding group or all feeding groups include a feeding unit with no sheet, the butting device 12 may be stopped.

[0159] For example, when some of the feeding units belonging to a certain feeding group are in a sheetless state, the main control unit 68 may skip only the feeding of the sheet from the some of the feeding units, or may skip the feeding of the sheet from all of the feeding units belonging to the feeding group, or may stop the feeding of the sheet from all of the feeding groups (that is, stop the job as an error).

[0160] Also for example, when all of the feeding units belonging to a certain feeding group are in a sheetless state, the main control unit 68 may skip the feeding of the sheet from the feeding group, or may stop the feeding of the sheet from all of the feeding groups (that is, stop the job as an error).

[0161] Also for example, in the group setting screen 130, the feeding units in the sheetless state may be made not to belong to or may be prevented from belonging to any feeding group as being out of use. For example, it is an advantageous configuration when a sheet bundle is first loaded onto the feeding unit and then grouped.

[0162] Also for example, it may be possible to set use / non-use for each feeding unit. In the group setting screen 130, the non-use feeding units may be made not to belong to or may be prevented from belonging to any feeding group. The use / non-use setting may be provided with a switch on the feeding unit and can be set by operating the switch, or may be set on a predetermined outer surface displayed on the display unit.

[0163] Also, for example, it may be possible to distinguish between a transferable feeding group (a feeding group with sheets loaded on all feeding units) and a non-transferable feeding group (a feeding group including a feeding unit without a sheet). A lamp (not shown) of the collating device belonging to the transferable feeding group may be turned on, and a lamp (not shown) of the collating device belonging to the non-transferable feeding group may be turned off. Also, for example, on the group setting screen 130, the transferable feeding group may be indicated by lighting or by the frame of the grouped display 132, and the non-transferable feeding group may be indicated by graying out or without a frame. When it is detected that sheets are loaded on all feeding units of the non-transferable feeding group, it may be changed to a display indicating that it is transferable. Also, for example, on the group setting screen 130, the feeding group during feeding operation may be indicated by a thick frame of the grouped display 132, and the transferable feeding group may be indicated by a thin frame of the grouped display 132.

[0164] Also, by selecting within the frame of the grouped display 132 on the group setting screen 130, the preparation operation of the feeding operation may be shifted to the feeding group indicated by the selected grouped display 132.

[0165] FIG. 23 shows an example of the group setting screen 130 when there are a transferable feeding group and a non-transferable feeding group. In the example of FIG. 23, a first feeding group G1 including five feeding units 1 to 5 of the feeding unit of the butting device 12A_1, a second feeding group G2 including five feeding units 6 to 10 of the feeding unit of the butting device 12A_1, a third feeding group G3 including five feeding units 1 to 5 of the feeding unit of the butting device 12A_2, and a fourth feeding group G4 including five feeding units 6 to 10 of the feeding unit of the butting device 12A_2 are shown by the frames of the group division display 132 so as to indicate that they are transferable to the preparation operation of the feeding work. On the other hand, the ten feeding units 11 to 20 of the feeding unit of the butting device 12B_1 and the ten feeding units 11 to 20 of the feeding unit of the butting device 12B_2 are not provided with the group division display 132 so as to indicate that they are not transferable to the preparation operation of the feeding work. Further, the first feeding group G1 and the third feeding group G3 are shown by thick frames of the group division display 132 so as to indicate that feeding work is being performed in the first feeding group G1 and the third feeding group G3. Furthermore, the second feeding group G2 and the fourth feeding group G4 are shown by thin frames of the group division display 132 so as to indicate that the second feeding group G2 and the fourth feeding group G4 are transferable to the preparation operation of the feeding work.

[0166] The group setting screen 130 of FIG. 23 may be configured to be able to execute the preparation operation of the feeding work of the feeding group indicated by the selected group division display 132 by selecting within the frame of the group division display 132. For example, when the frame of the group division display 132 of the second feeding group G2 is selected on the group setting screen 130 of FIG. 23, the preparation operation of the feeding work of the second feeding group G2 may be executed.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 23, the transfer of the feeding group may be performed simultaneously and in parallel on each of the first supply line 10_1 and the second supply line 10_2. For example, the first feeding group G1 may execute the feeding work on the first supply line 10_1, and the third feeding group G3 may execute the feeding work on the second supply line 10_2.

[0168] For example, five sheets fed from each of the first supply line 10_1 and the second supply line 10_2 may be bound as a set of five sheets each.

[0169] Also, for example, five-sheet set elements fed from the first supply line 10_1 and the second supply line 10_2 may be merged to form a set of ten sheets that is bound. In this case, the first to second feeding groups G1 to G2 each load sheets with the same content as each other, the third to fourth feeding groups G3 to G4 each load sheets with the same content as each other, and the first supply line 10_1 and the second supply line 10_2 may load sheets with different contents from each other.

[0170] Any combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present disclosure. The new embodiments resulting from the combination have the effects of the respective embodiments and modifications being combined. Also, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each constituent element described in the claims are realized by a single one of the constituent elements shown in the embodiments and modifications or by their cooperation. For example, the functions of the control unit described in the claims may be realized by a combination of the butting control unit 70, the folding control unit 72, the conveyance control unit 74, and the sheet set forming control unit 76 of the embodiment.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0171] 1 booklet creation system, 10 supply lines, 12 butting devices, 26 integrated control devices, 66 acquisition units, 68 main control units, 150 near-end detection units, 155A wall portions, 160 recesses, 170 extending portions.

Claims

1. A loading table that is movable in the vertical direction and on which a stack of sheets is loaded, A feeding mechanism for feeding the sheets loaded on the loading table, A drive mechanism for driving the loading table so as to move the loading table in the height direction, A wall portion extending in the vertical direction along a part of the periphery of the loading table, An extending portion extending from the loading table toward the wall portion, A drive control unit that controls the drive mechanism so as to raise the loading table on which the fed sheets are loaded in accordance with the feeding of the sheets, A positioning unit provided above the extending portion and measuring the vertical position of the extending portion, Comprising, The wall portion extends in the vertical direction and includes a housing portion that houses the extending portion and the positioning unit, a sheet feeding device.

2. The housing portion extends in the vertical direction and includes a recess that houses the extending portion and the positioning unit, the sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

3. The positioning unit includes a distance measuring sensor fixed to the housing portion, and the distance measuring sensor measures the distance from the positioning unit to the extending portion based on the reflected light of the light irradiated toward the extending portion at the extending portion, the sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

4. The housing portion extends in the vertical direction and includes a recess that houses the extending portion and the positioning unit, The recess has a light shielding surface that surrounds an end portion of the extending portion other than the end portion on the loading table side. The sheet feeding device according to claim 3.

5. The wall portion has a guide surface for determining the position of the sheet by abutting at least one of the four sides of the sheet loaded on the loading table, the sheet feeding device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The housing portion is provided between both ends of the guide surface, the sheet feeding device according to claim 5.

7. The wall portion has a first wall portion having a first guide surface for determining the position of the sheet by abutting one of the four sides of the sheet loaded on the loading table, and a second wall portion having a second guide surface for determining the position of the sheet by abutting the other one of the four sides, The dimension of the portion facing the open space where there is no wall portion at the first end portion on the side opposite to the first wall portion on the loading table is 1 / 2 or more of the dimension of the first end portion, The dimension of the portion facing the open space at the second end portion on the side opposite to the second wall portion on the loading table is 1 / 2 or more of the dimension of the second end portion, the sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

8. The loading table and the feeding mechanism are provided side by side in the vertical direction in a plurality. The wall portion and the accommodating portion extend in the vertical direction along a part of the periphery of the plurality of loading tables. The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7.

9. The extending portion and the positioning portion are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the accommodating portion for each of the plurality of loading tables and at the same horizontal position. The sheet feeding device according to claim 8.

Images