Loading device and processing machine equipped with the same

Abstract

To prevent a first product and a second product from interfering with a guide member when the positions of the first product and the second product in the intersecting direction are different.SOLUTION: The loading device according to the present invention comprises: a loading section; a pair of guide members that align the products placed on the loading section by performing an alignment operation on both side edges in the cross direction of the products; and a loading processor that controls the positions of the pair of guide members in the cross direction, wherein the products include a first product that is supplied along a first side edge position and a second product that is supplied along a second side edge position following the first product, and the loading processor controls the pair of guide members so that, when the first side edge position and the second side edge position in the cross direction are different, the pair of guide members move to an interference avoidance position where at least one of the pair of guide members does not interfere with the first product and the second product in the cross direction based on the first side edge position and the second side edge position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a loading device and a processing machine equipped with the loading device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of stacking sheets in which a guide member for aligning the side edges of sheets is positioned in accordance with the positions of multiple rows of sheets supplied to a table of a stacking device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2987135 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The method of Patent Document 1 relates to a case where the positioning of the guide member in the cross direction intersecting the conveying direction of the deliverables does not change substantially while the sheets (hereinafter referred to as deliverables) supplied to the table are stacked. If the positions of a first deliverable and a second deliverable following the first deliverable differ in the cross direction, the deliverables may interfere with the guide member, but the method of Patent Document 1 does not disclose or suggest what the guide member should be like to prevent such interference.

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a loading device that prevents the first and second products from interfering with the guide member when the positions of the first and second products in the cross direction are different. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following loading device.

[0007] That is, the loading device according to the present invention is A loading device that aligns and loads products transported along a transport direction of a transport path in a direction intersecting the transport direction, a placement unit on which the product transported from the transport path is placed; a pair of guide members that align the product by performing an alignment operation on both side ends in the cross direction of the product placed on the placement section; a loading processor for controlling the positions of the pair of guide members in the cross direction; The deliverables include a first deliverable, both ends of which in the intersecting direction of the placement section are at first side end positions and which is transported to the placement section along the transport direction, and a second deliverable, which follows the first deliverable and has both ends of which in the intersecting direction of the placement section are at second side end positions and which is transported to the placement section along the transport direction, The loading processor is characterized in that, when the first side end position and the second side end position in the intersecting direction are different, it controls the pair of guide members based on the first side end position and the second side end position so that at least one of the pair of guide members moves to an interference avoidance position that does not interfere with the first deliverable and the second deliverable in the intersecting direction.

[0008] According to the above configuration, when the positions of the first and second products in the intersecting direction are different, at least one of the pair of guide members moves to an interference avoidance position where the pair of guide members do not interfere with the first and second products in the intersecting direction based on the first side end position and the second side end position. This makes it possible to prevent at least one of the pair of guide members from interfering with the first and second products even when the positions of the first and second products in the intersecting direction are different. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a processing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram of a processing device and a loading device in the processing machine shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of a loading device of the processing machine shown in FIG. 1, in which a front end regulating portion is in a regulating position. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of a loading device of the processing machine shown in FIG. 1, with a front end regulating portion of the loading device being in a retracted position. [Figure 5] 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating a processing pattern of a sheet by a processing device included in the processing machine shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6A] A diagram illustrating the interference avoidance positions of a pair of guide members when the cross-sectional sizes of the first and second products are the same, but the cross-sectional positions of the first side end position of the first product and the second side end position of the second product are different. [Figure 6B] A diagram illustrating the interference avoidance positions of a pair of guide members when the cross-sectional sizes of the first and second products are the same, but the cross-sectional positions of the first side end position of the first product and the second side end position of the second product are different. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the interference avoidance positions of a pair of guide members when the cross-directional sizes of the first and second products are different and the cross-directional positions of the first side end position of the first product and the second side end position of the second product are different. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating control in the processing device and the loading device. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart illustrating the control following FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the control following FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart illustrating the control following FIG. 10. [Figure 12] 12 is a flowchart illustrating the control following FIG. 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An example of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., terms including "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "front," and "rear") may be used as necessary. However, the use of these terms is intended to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings, and the meanings of these terms do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions and the like do not necessarily correspond to reality.

[0011] (processing machine) The processing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the processing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The processing machine 1 includes a processing device 2, a supplying device 3, and a stacking device 6. The processing machine 1 performs processing on a sheet S while transporting the sheet S along a transport direction F on a transport path 10. The transport path 10 extends in the transport direction F and a cross direction W (shown in FIG. 2) that intersects with the transport direction F. The supplying device 3 is located upstream of the processing device 2 in the transport direction F, and the stacking device 6 is located downstream of the processing device 2 in the transport direction F.

[0012] (Feeding device) 1, the supply device 3 includes a supply table 30 and a suction conveying section 35. The suction conveying section 35 adsorbs the sheets S one by one from a large number of sheets S (stacked sheets T) stacked on the supply table 30, and sends the sheets S to the processing device 2.

[0013] (Processing equipment) 1, the processing device 2 has a conveying unit 4, a processing control unit (processing processor) 16, and multiple processing units 20, 21, and 22. The conveying unit 4 is made up of multiple pairs of spaced apart conveying rollers configured to sandwich a conveying path 10 in the vertical direction. Each of the conveying rollers is driven by a power transmission mechanism and a conveying drive unit (not shown), and each of the conveying drive units is controlled by the processing control unit 16.

[0014] The multiple processing units 20, 21, and 22 perform various processing operations on the sheet S transported along the transport path 10. The multiple processing units 20, 21, and 22 include, for example, a slit processing unit 20, a crease processing unit 21, and a cutter processing unit 22. The slit processing unit 20 performs cutting processing along the transport direction F. The crease processing unit 21 performs crease processing in a cross direction W that intersects the transport direction F. The cutter processing unit 22 performs cutting processing along the cross direction W. The slit processing unit 20, the crease processing unit 21, and the cutter processing unit 22 are each configured as a detachable unit and are configured to be arranged at a desired position in the processing device 2 using a cassette system.

[0015] A reading sensor 26 is disposed upstream of the slit processing unit 20. The reading sensor 26 reads an image (shown in FIG. 5) of a position information providing portion (position mark) M1 printed on the leading edge corner of the sheet S to obtain reference position information for processing in the conveyance direction F and the cross direction W of the sheet S. The position information providing portion (position mark) M1 is a mark that indicates a reference position in the print image printed on the sheet S, and printing misalignment on the sheet S is detected based on this position mark M1 and the edge position of the sheet S. In addition, the position information providing portion (position mark) M1 can include registration marks (position marks) of various shapes.

[0016] The reading sensor 26 also reads an image (shown in FIG. 5) of a processing information providing section M2 (a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or alphanumeric characters to be subjected to character recognition processing) printed on the leading edge of the sheet S to obtain various processing information to be applied to the sheet S. The reading sensor 26 is configured with a CCD sensor, a CIS sensor, or the like. The reading sensor 26 may also obtain reference position information for processing and various processing information by performing image recognition processing on the sheet image obtained by the camera.

[0017] A debris dropping mechanism 27 is disposed downstream of the slit processing unit 20. A trash can 11 is disposed at the bottom of the processing device 2. Unwanted cutting debris J generated by the slit processing unit 20 and the cutter processing unit 22 is guided downward by the debris dropping mechanism 27 and the debris dropping gap and collected in the trash can 11. A discharge detection sensor 38 is disposed downstream of the cutter processing unit 22. The discharge detection sensor 38 detects whether the processed product Q has been discharged to the loading device 6.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the supply device 3, the conveying unit 4, the processing communication unit 18, the processing units 20, 21, 22, the reading sensor 26, the discharge speed sensor 37, the discharge detection sensor 38, and the operation panel (not shown) are electrically connected to the processing control unit 16.

[0019] The processing control unit 16 has a CPU calculation unit (processor) and memory units such as RAM and ROM, and is electrically connected to the reading sensor 26 and an operation panel. The processing control unit 16 controls the overall operation of the processing device 2. The operation panel serves both as a setting unit for setting various processing information (job data itself or a storage location for job data) including information related to cutting processing of the sheet S, and as a display unit for displaying various information.

[0020] The processing control unit 16 acquires various information through the reading sensor 26 or the operation panel. The processing control unit 16 processes the sheet S based on the processing information (i.e., job data) of the sheet S acquired through the reading sensor 26 or the operation panel, and controls the driving of the supply device 3, the conveying unit 4, and the processing units 20, 21, and 22 so as to produce a plurality of products Q from one sheet S (as shown in FIG. 2).

[0021] The discharge speed sensor 37, which functions as a discharge speed detection unit, detects the discharge speed of the product Q. The discharge speed sensor 37 can be configured to detect the speed from the rotation speed of the discharge conveying roller, to calculate the speed from the time it takes for the product Q to pass two sensors spaced apart along the conveying direction F, or to calculate the speed from the time difference between the time it takes for the front and rear ends of the discharged product Q to pass the sensors when the size in the conveying direction F is known.

[0022] The discharge detection sensor 38, which functions as a discharge detection unit, is disposed at the most downstream side of the transport path 10 and detects the completion of discharge of the product Q onto the placement unit 61. The discharge detection sensor 38 is, for example, a reflective optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that detects the end (front end or rear end) of the discharged product Q. The optical sensor may be of a type other than a reflective type, in which the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are positioned opposite each other.

[0023] (Sheet processing) 5, multiple products Q are produced from one sheet S based on the processing pattern of the sheet S. As cutting positions constituting the processing pattern of the sheet S, multiple cutting positions L extending in the conveying direction F and multiple transverse cutting positions K extending in a cross direction W intersecting the conveying direction F are set.

[0024] For example, in FIG. 5, the cutting positions L located from the outside to the inside in the cross direction W are used by the unit 20 located most upstream in the conveying direction F, the unit 20 located in the center in the conveying direction F, and the unit 20 located most downstream in the conveying direction F, among the slit processing units 20. In addition, the multiple transverse cutting positions K extending in the cross direction W are used by the cutter processing unit 22.

[0025] (loading device) The loading device 6 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The loading device 6 is disposed downstream of the processing device 2 in the conveying direction F. Products Q processed by the processing device 2 are supplied from the downstream side of the processing device 2, and the products Q supplied from the processing device 2 are loaded in an aligned state by the loading device 6.

[0026] The loading device 6 includes a placing section 61, at least one pair of guide members 62, 62, a front end regulating section 65, and a loading control section (loading processor) 66.

[0027] The placing unit 61 is configured, for example, by a plurality of placing rollers extending in the intersecting direction W and spaced apart in the conveying direction F. A flat placing surface is formed by the plurality of placing rollers so that the product Q supplied from the processing device 2 is supported by the plurality of placing rollers.

[0028] The plurality of placement rollers are driven by a conveyance drive unit 71. The conveyance drive unit 71 includes, for example, a drive motor functioning as a drive means, a pulley attached to the rotation shaft of the drive motor, a pulley attached to the rotation shaft of the placement roller, and a timing belt stretched between the pulley on the drive motor side and the pulley on the placement roller side. The placement unit 61 may also be configured as a belt conveyor. Therefore, the placement unit 61 has a support function for supporting the product Q supplied from the processing device 2, as well as a transport function for transporting the product Q downstream in the transport direction F.

[0029] The pair of guide members 62, 62 are plate-like bodies extending in the conveying direction F and the height direction Z. The product Q to be aligned is configured to be positioned between the pair of guide members 62, 62. The guide member 62 has a plurality of insertion portions in its side wall portion through which each of the plurality of loading rollers can be inserted. This allows the guide member 62 to move in the transverse direction W through the plurality of insertion portions, thereby adjusting its position in the transverse direction W. Therefore, the pair of guide members 62, 62 repeatedly perform contact and separation operations against one side end and the other side end in the transverse direction W of the product Q, i.e., against both side ends in the transverse direction W, thereby performing an alignment operation (also referred to as a jogger operation) to align the side ends in the transverse direction W of the product Q.

[0030] When the first products Q11 to Q13 are supplied in three rows aligned in the cross direction W (as shown in FIG. 6A) and when the second products Q21 to Q23 are supplied in three rows aligned in the cross direction W (as shown in FIG. 6B), four guide members 62 are used, for example, a first guide member 62a, a second guide member 62b, a third guide member 62c, and a fourth guide member 62d, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the side on which the fourth guide member 62d is located corresponds to one side in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, and the side on which the first guide member 62a is located corresponds to the other side in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B.

[0031] The fourth guide member 62d located on one side of the cross direction W is used to align one side end of the first product Q11 on one side with one side end of the second product Q21 on one side. The first guide member 62a located on the other side of the cross direction W is used to align the other side end of the first product Q13 on the other side with the other side end of the second product Q23 on the other side. The third guide member 62c located inside the cross direction W is used to align the other side end of the first product Q11 on one side with the other side end of the second product Q21 on one side with one side end of the central first product Q12 with one side end of the central second product Q22. The second guide member 62b located on the inner side in the cross direction W is used to align one side end of the other first product Q13 and one side end of the other second product Q23 with the other side end of the central first product Q12 and the other side end of the central second product Q22, respectively. This reduces the number of guide members 62. Note that a configuration may also be adopted in which a pair of guide members 62, 62 dedicated to each individual product Q is used.

[0032] The guide member driving unit 72 includes, for example, a driving motor that functions as a driving means, a lead screw that is fixed integrally to the rotary shaft of the driving motor, and a lead nut that is threaded onto the lead screw and fixed integrally to the guide member 62. When the lead screw is driven to rotate by the driving motor, the guide member 62, which has the lead nut that is threaded onto the lead screw, moves along the transverse direction W.

[0033] A front end regulating unit 65 is disposed above the downstream side of the mounting unit 61 in the conveying direction F. The front end regulating unit 65 regulates the front ends of the processed products Q discharged from the processing device 2 in the conveying direction F. This allows the products Q to be loaded on the mounting unit 61 with their front ends aligned. The front end regulating unit 65 is composed of multiple hanging bodies suspended from the support frame 63 and arranged in the transverse direction W. The support frame 63 is configured to move along the height direction Z by a vertical actuator 74 functioning as a front end regulating unit drive unit, and to move along the conveying direction F by a front-to-rear actuator 75 functioning as a front end regulating unit drive unit.

[0034] The vertical actuator 74 includes, for example, a drive motor functioning as a drive means, a lead screw fixed integrally to the rotary shaft of the drive motor, and a lead nut threaded onto the lead screw and fixed integrally to the support frame 63. When the drive motor drives and rotates the lead screw, the support frame 63, which has the lead nut threaded onto the lead screw, moves along the height direction Z, and the front end restriction unit 65 supported by the support frame 63 moves along the height direction Z. Therefore, the front end restriction unit 65 can move up and down between a lower restriction position as shown in FIG. 3 and an upper retracted position as shown in FIG. 4.

[0035] The regulating position of the front end regulating unit 65 shown in Fig. 3 is used when stacking the delivered products Q while regulating the front ends of the delivered products Q. The retracted position shown in Fig. 4 is used when transporting the stacked delivered products Q downstream in the transport direction F. The retracted position shown in Fig. 4 is also used when the guide member 62 moves along the transverse direction W depending on the size of the delivered products Q.

[0036] The front-rear direction actuator 75 includes, for example, a drive motor that functions as a drive means, a lead screw that is fixed integrally to the rotation shaft of the drive motor, and a lead nut that is threaded onto the lead screw and fixed integrally to the support frame 63. When the drive motor drives and rotates the lead screw, the support frame 63, which has the lead nut that is threaded onto the lead screw, moves along the conveying direction F, and the front end regulating unit 65 supported by the support frame 63 moves along the conveying direction F. The front-rear direction actuator 75 is used when sliding the front end regulating unit 65 in the front-rear direction of the conveying direction F depending on the size of the product Q to be loaded.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 2, the loading control unit 66 is electrically connected to a conveyance drive unit 71, a guide member drive unit 72, front end restriction unit drive units 74 and 75, a guide member position sensor 76, a product detection sensor 77, and a loading communication unit 78. The loading control unit 66 has a CPU calculation unit (i.e., a processor) and storage units such as RAM and ROM. The loading control unit 66 controls various operations in the loading device 6. The processing communication unit 18 of the processing device 2 and the loading communication unit 78 of the loading device 6 are linked together, and exchange various types of information via wired or wireless communication.

[0038] The guide member position sensor 76 detects the position of the guide member 62 in the cross direction W. The guide member position sensor 76 is provided at the end of the guide member drive unit 72, and is a sensor or switch that indicates the origin of the guide member 62. The guide member 62 moves to the origin position at the start of a job, and then moves to a position corresponding to the product Q to be supplied. At this time, the movement distance of the guide member 62 from the origin position is stored as history information, and the position of the guide member 62 is detected based on that history information.

[0039] The product detection sensor 77, which functions as a product detection unit, detects whether the discharged product Q has been placed on the placement surface of the placement unit 61. The product detection sensor 77 can be, for example, a physical detection sensor in which multiple optical sensors are arranged in the cross direction W, but it can also be configured to detect the product Q using software based on the control history of the loading control unit 66. In the case of software detection, it is not possible to determine whether the product Q is present on the placement unit 61 immediately after the loading device 6 is powered on. Therefore, the loading control unit 66 performs an initialization operation to transport the product Q downstream, and controls the job to start from a state in which the product Q is not present on the placement unit 61.

[0040] The drive motors of the conveyance drive unit 71, the guide member drive unit 72, the up-down actuator 74 and the front-back actuator 75, which function as the front-end regulating unit drive unit, are electrically connected to the loading control unit 66. These drive motors are, for example, stepping motors. The loading control unit 66 controls the drive amount of the drive motor of the conveyance drive unit 71, thereby adjusting the movement amount of the deliverable Q in the conveyance direction F.

[0041] The loading control unit 66 controls the drive amount of the stepping motor of the guide member drive unit 72 to adjust the position of the guide member 62 in the cross direction W.

[0042] The loading control unit 66 adjusts the position of the leading end regulating unit 65 in the height direction Z by controlling the drive amount of the drive motor of the vertical direction actuator 74. When the guide member 62 is moved left and right in the intersecting direction W in accordance with changes in the supply position or size of the deliverable Q, the leading end regulating unit 65 is moved to a retracted position (shown in FIG. 4) where it is retracted upward relative to the conveying path 10. The loading control unit 66 adjusts the position of the leading end regulating unit 65 in the conveying direction F by controlling the drive amount of the drive motor of the front-rear direction actuator 75.

[0043] (Operation in loading device) The operation of the loading device 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7. FIG.

[0044] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the interference avoidance position H of a pair of guide members 62, 62 when the first deliverables Q11-Q13 and the second deliverables Q21-Q23 have the same size in the cross direction W, but the positions in the cross direction W of the first side end position L1 of the first deliverables Q11-Q13 and the second side end position L2 of the second deliverables Q21-Q23 are different. Note that in this specification, "one side" refers to the side marked with the letter F indicating the conveying direction in FIGS. 6A and 6B, and "the other side" refers to the side marked with the letter S indicating a sheet in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0045] 6A and 6B , an example will be described in which the first and second deliveries are each supplied in three rows in the cross direction W. For example, two adjacent first deliveries Q11 and Q12 include a first deliverable Q11 and another first deliverable Q12 located next to the first deliverable Q11. For example, two adjacent second deliveries Q21 and Q22 include a second deliverable Q21 that is transported to a position that overlaps the first deliverable Q11 but does not overlap the other first deliverable Q12 in the cross direction W, and another second deliverable Q22 that is located next to the second deliverable Q21 in the cross direction W and that overlaps the other first deliverable Q12 in the cross direction W but does not overlap the first deliverable Q11. A first product Q11 and another second product Q22 form one set that are diagonally spaced apart, and another first product Q12 and another second product Q21 form another set that are diagonally spaced apart. Similarly, between adjacent first products Q12 and another first product Q13 and adjacent second products Q22 and another second product Q23, one set that are diagonally spaced apart, and another set that are diagonally spaced apart, and another set that are diagonally spaced apart, are formed. An interference avoidance position H, which will be described later, is located in interference avoidance regions D1 and D2 that are formed between the closest first side end position L1 and second side end position L2 in the set that is the closest to the other set and the set that is the closest to the other set.

[0046] When the first deliveries Q11 to Q13 and the second deliveries Q21 to Q23 are supplied in the same number of three rows in the cross direction W, they have the following relationship: As the first deliveries, a first deliverable Q11 on one side, a first deliverable Q12 in the middle, and a first deliverable Q13 on the other side are supplied, and the first deliverable Q11 on one side and the first deliverable Q12 in the middle have a relationship of one first deliverable and another first deliverable, and the first deliverable Q12 in the middle and the first deliverable Q13 on the other side have a relationship of one first deliverable and another first deliverable. As second deliverables, a second deliverable Q21 on one side, a second deliverable Q22 in the center, and a second deliverable Q23 on the other side are provided, and the second deliverable Q21 on one side and the second deliverable Q22 in the center have a relationship of a certain second deliverable and another second deliverable, and the second deliverable Q22 in the center and the second deliverable Q23 on the other side have a relationship of a certain second deliverable and another second deliverable.

[0047] When the second products Q21 to Q23 are shifted to the other side in the cross direction W relative to the first products Q11 to Q13, the interference avoidance areas include an interference avoidance area D1 on one side where one guide member 62c of the pair of guide members 62b, 62c that align the central second product Q22 is located between the second product Q21 on one side and the central first product Q12, and an interference avoidance area D2 on the other side where the other guide member 62b of the pair of guide members 62b, 62c that align the central second product Q22 is located between the first product Q13 on the other side and the central second product Q22. Furthermore, when the second products Q21 to Q23 are shifted to one side in the cross direction W relative to the first products Q11 to Q13, the interference avoidance areas include an interference avoidance area D1 on one side where one guide member 62c of the pair of guide members 62b, 62c that align the central second product Q22 is located between the first product Q11 on one side and the central second product Q22, and an interference avoidance area D2 on the other side where the guide member 62b of the pair of guide members 62b, 62c that align the central second product Q22 is located between the second product Q23 on the other side and the central first product Q12.

[0048] 6A illustrates an example in which three rows of first deliverables Q11 to Q13, consisting of a first deliverable Q11 on one side, a first deliverable Q12 in the center, and a first deliverable Q13 on the other side, are arranged side by side in the transverse direction W on the sheet S. FIG. 6B illustrates an example in which three rows of second deliverables Q21 to Q23, consisting of a second deliverable Q21 on one side, a second deliverable Q22 in the center, and a second deliverable Q23 on the other side, are arranged side by side in the transverse direction W on the sheet S. The second deliverable Q21 on one side is discharged to a position where at least a portion overlaps with the first deliverable Q11 on one side, the second deliverable Q22 in the center is discharged to a position where at least a portion overlaps with the first deliverable Q12 in the center, and the second deliverable Q23 on the other side is discharged to a position where at least a portion overlaps with the first deliverable Q13 on the other side.

[0049] 6A, three rows of first products Q11 to Q13 are cut at a first cutting position L1 by the slit processing unit 20 of the processing device 2. The first cutting position L1 corresponds to the first side end position L1 of each of the cut three rows of first products Q11 to Q13 in the cross direction W.

[0050] 6A, a pair of guide members 62, 62 (not shown) are positioned at a standby position G1 that provides a separation distance in the cross direction W that prevents interference with the three rows of first deliveries Q11 to Q13. The standby position G1 is, for example, an intermediate position between one side edge of the sheet S and the side edge of the first deliverable Q11 on one side that is closer to the one side edge of the sheet S. The standby position G1 is, for example, an intermediate position between the side edge of the first deliverable Q11 on one side that is closer to the central first deliverable Q12 and the side edge of the central first deliverable Q12 on one side that is closer to the first first deliverable Q11. The standby position G1 is, for example, an intermediate position between the side edge of the central first deliverable Q12 on the side that is closer to the other first deliverable Q13 and the side edge of the other first deliverable Q13 on the side that is closer to the central first deliverable Q12. Furthermore, the standby position G1 is, for example, an intermediate position between the side edge of the other first product Q13 that is closer to the other side edge of the sheet S and the other side edge of the sheet S. In other words, the standby position G1 located between the first products Q11 to Q13 is, for example, located at the intermediate position of the cutting chips J in the sheet S shown in FIG.

[0051] 6B, the three rows of the second products Q21 to Q23 are cut at the second cutting position L2 by the slit processing unit 20 of the processing device 2. The second cutting position L2 corresponds to the second side end position L2 of each of the cut three rows of the second products Q21 to Q23 in the cross direction W.

[0052] 6B, the pair of guide members 62, 62 are considered to be positioned at a virtual waiting position G2 that provides a distance in the cross direction W that prevents interference with the three rows of second deliveries Q21 to Q23. The virtual waiting position G2 is, for example, (1) a position closer to the second deliverable Q21 on one side than the midpoint between the side edge of one side of the sheet S and the second deliverable Q21 on one side, (2) a midpoint between the second deliverable Q21 on one side and the central second deliverable Q22, (3) a midpoint between the central second deliverable Q22 and the second deliverable Q23 on the other side, and (4) a position that extends outward from the side edge on the other side of the sheet S.

[0053] However, at the virtual standby positions G2 of (1) to (3), the pair of guide members 62, 62 interfere with the first deliveries Q11 to Q13. That is, in (1), the pair of guide members 62c, 62d on one side for aligning the second deliveries Q21 on one side interferes with the central first deliveries Q12 when the third guide member 62c located on the side of the central second deliveries Q22 is positioned at the virtual standby position G2. In (2), the pair of central guide members 62b, 62c for aligning the central second deliveries Q22 interferes with both the central first deliveries Q12 and the other first deliveries Q13 when the third guide member 62c located on the side of the central second deliveries Q22 and the second guide member 62b located on the side of the other second deliveries Q23 are positioned at the virtual standby position G2. In (3), in the other pair of guide members 62a, 62b for aligning the other side second product Q23, when the second guide member 62b located on the side of the central second product Q22 is positioned at the virtual waiting position G2, it interferes with the central first product Q12.

[0054] It is also possible to move the positions of the pair of guide members 62, 62 to the virtual waiting position G2 in advance before the second products Q21 to Q23 are supplied to the mounting section 61 so that one and the other of the pair of guide members 62, 62 do not interfere with the second products Q21 to Q23, but this carries the following risks: In order to move the stacked product R, which is made up of a large number of first products Q11 to Q13 stacked on top of each other, a large driving force must be applied to the pair of guide members 62, 62, and there is a risk that the stacked state of the stacked products R will collapse when being moved.

[0055] To avoid such a risk, the pair of guide members 62c, 62d on one side, the pair of guide members 62b, 62c in the middle, and the pair of guide members 62a, 62b on the other side are controlled to move to interference avoidance positions H in the cross direction W so as not to interfere with the corresponding first deliverables Q11-Q13 and the corresponding second deliverables Q21-Q23. As will be described later, the interference avoidance positions H are located, for example, at a position a predetermined distance in one direction from one side end of the first deliverable Q11 on one side, between one side end of the central first deliverable Q12 and the other side end of the second deliverable Q21 on one side, between one side end of the first deliverable Q13 on the other side and the other side end of the central second deliverable Q22, and at a position a predetermined distance in the other direction from the other side end of the first deliverable Q13 on the other side (i.e., virtual standby position G2).

[0056] Of the pair of guide members 62c, 62d on one side for aligning the second product Q21 on one side, the third guide member 62c located on the side of the central second product Q22 is located in the interference avoidance area D1 on one side.

[0057] The one-side interference avoidance region D1 is formed in the cross direction W between a first side edge position L1 (first cutting position L1 on one side) of the central first product Q12 and a second side edge position L2 (cutting position L2 on the other side) of the one-side second product Q21. Here, the one-side interference avoidance region D1 does not include the second side edge position L2 (cutting position L2 on the other side) of the one-side second product Q21, but does include the first side edge position L1 (first cutting position L1 on one side) of the central first product Q12. This prevents the third guide member 62c located on the side of the central second product Q22 from interfering with the one-side second product Q21, which is supplied following the first products Q11 to Q13.

[0058] For example, the third guide member 62c located on the side of the central second product Q22 is located at an interference avoidance position H, which is close to the virtual waiting position G2 in the interference avoidance area D1 on one side and is the same position as the first cutting position L1 located on one side of the central first product Q12. This ensures an appropriate distance between the third guide member 62c located on the side of the central second product Q22 of the pair of guide members 62c, 62d on one side and the other side edge of the second product Q21 on one side.

[0059] Of the pair of guide members 62c, 62d on one side for aligning the second product Q21 on one side, the fourth guide member 62d located on the side of one side edge of the sheet S is, for example, located on the side of one side edge of the sheet S of the first product Q11 on one side, at an interference avoidance position H, which is the same position as the standby position G1, which is a predetermined distance away from the second cutting position L2 and also a predetermined distance away from the first cutting position L1. As a result, the second product Q21 on one side is supplied based on the first cutting position L1 on the side of one side edge of the sheet S of the first product Q11 on one side, so the stacked state of the first product Q11 on one side can be maintained.

[0060] Of the pair of central guide members 62b, 62c for aligning the central second product Q22, the third guide member 62c located on the side of the second product Q21 on one side is located in one interference avoidance area D1, and the second guide member 62b located on the side of the second product Q23 on the other side is located in the other interference avoidance area D2. The one-side interference avoidance area D1 has been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] The other-side interference avoidance region D2 is formed in the cross direction W between the first side edge position L1 (first cutting position L1 on one side) of the other-side first product Q13 and the second side edge position L2 (cutting position L2 on the other side) of the central second product Q22. Here, the other-side interference avoidance region D2 does not include the second side edge position L2 (cutting position L2 on the other side) of the central second product Q22, but does include the first side edge position L1 (first cutting position L1 on one side) of the other-side first product Q13. This prevents the second guide member 62b located on the side of the other-side second product Q23 from interfering with the other side edge of the central second product Q22, which is supplied following the first products Q11 to Q13.

[0062] For example, the second guide member 62b located on the other side of the second product Q23 is located at the interference avoidance position H, which is the position in the other side interference avoidance area D2 that is closest to the virtual waiting position G2 and is the same position as the first cutting position L1 located on one side of the other side of the first product Q13. This ensures an appropriate distance between the second guide member 62b located on the other side of the second product Q23 of the pair of central guide members 62b, 62c and the other side edge of the central second product Q22.

[0063] Therefore, in the pair of central guide members 62b, 62c for aligning the central second product Q22, the third guide member 62c on one side is located in one-side interference avoidance area D1, and the second guide member 62b on the other side is located in the other-side interference avoidance area D2. As a result, the central second product Q22, which is supplied following the central first product Q12, is placed on the placement section 61 of the loading device 6 without interfering with the pair of central guide members 62b, 62c.

[0064] Of the pair of guide members 62a, 62b on the other side for aligning the second product Q23 on the other side, the second guide member 62b located on the side of the central second product Q22 is located in the interference avoidance area D2 on the other side. Since the interference avoidance area D2 on the other side has been described above, its description will be omitted.

[0065] In the other pair of guide members 62a, 62b for aligning the other second product Q23, the first guide member 62a located on the side of the other side edge of the sheet S is located, for example, on the side of the other side edge of the sheet S of the other first product Q13, at an interference avoidance position H, which is the same position as the virtual standby position G2, which is a predetermined distance away from the second cutting position L2 and also a predetermined distance away from the first cutting position L1. This ensures an appropriate distance between the first guide member 62a located on the side of the other side edge of the sheet S in the other pair of guide members 62a, 62b and the other side edge of the other second product Q23.

[0066] Therefore, the second products Q21 to Q23, which are supplied following the first products Q11 to Q13, are placed on the placement section 61 of the loading device 6 without interfering with the pair of guide members 62,62.

[0067] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the interference avoidance position H of a pair of guide members 62, 62 when the sizes of the first products Q11 to Q13 and the second products Q21 to Q23 in the cross direction W are different and the positions of the first side end position L1 of the first products Q11 to Q13 and the second side end position L2 of the second products Q21 to Q23 in the cross direction W are different.

[0068] 7, the size in the cross direction W of the first deliveries Q11-Q13 and the second deliveries Q21-Q23 are different, similar to the case where the size in the cross direction W of the first deliveries Q11-Q13 and the second deliveries Q21-Q23 are the same as that shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. That is, based on the first side end position L1 and the second side end position L2, the pair of guide members 62, 62 are positioned at an interference avoidance position H where at least one of the pair of guide members 62, 62 does not interfere with the first deliveries Q11-Q13 and the second deliveries Q21-Q23 in the cross direction W. As a result, the second deliveries Q21-Q23, which are supplied following the first deliveries Q11-Q13, are placed on the placement section 61 of the loading device 6 without interfering with the pair of guide members 62, 62.

[0069] Because the size of the second deliveries Q21 to Q23 in the cross direction W is larger than the size of the first deliveries Q11 to Q13 in the cross direction W, the central second deliveries Q22 are aligned so that the amount of protrusion in the cross direction W from the central first deliveries Q12 is the same. The second deliveries Q21 on one side are aligned so that they protrude to one side from the first deliveries Q11 on the other side. The second deliveries Q23 on the other side are aligned so that they protrude to the other side from the first deliveries Q13 on the other side. This ensures a large separation distance between the aligned deliveries Q, which reduces the number of guide members 62 and allows the deliveries to be sorted more clearly.

[0070] (Operation in processing machine) The operations of the processing device 2 and the loading device 6 in the processing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0071] When the product Q processed by the processing device 2 is supplied to the stacking device 6, the processing control unit 16 controls the processing device 2 to start operating (step S1). The processing control unit 16 determines a jogger mode (e.g., jogger mode A or jogger mode B) based on various processing information (job data) input via the reading sensor 26 or the operation panel (step S3). This allows the guide member 62 to wait at a position corresponding to the changed processing content of the sheet S when the processing content of the sheet S is changed. The processing control unit 16 sends the input information, such as the number of sheets to be processed and the number of sorted sheets of the product Q after processing, to the stacking device 6 as information on the side edge position of the product Q (e.g., first side edge position L1 or second side edge position L2) and the jogger mode (e.g., jogger mode A or jogger mode B) (step S5).

[0072] The operation of the processing device 2 is started, and the operation of the loading device 6 is also started (step S51). The loading control unit 66 of the loading device 6 receives information about the cutting position (e.g., the first cutting position L1 or the second cutting position L2) of the product Q and the jogger mode (e.g., the jogger mode A or the jogger mode B) sent from the processing communication unit 18 of the processing device 2 via the loading communication unit 78 (step S53). The loading control unit 66 calculates information about the side end position of the product Q (e.g., the first side end position L1 of the first product Q or the second side end position L2 of the second product Q) from the information about the cutting position of the product Q (e.g., the first cutting position L1 or the second cutting position L2).

[0073] The loading control unit 66 determines whether or not the product Q is placed on the placement unit 61 of the loading device 6 (step S55).

[0074] When the product Q is not placed on the placement section 61, the loading control section 66 determines the standby position G1 of the guide member 62 based on information on the first side end position L1 of the first product Q (step S57: IA), and notifies the processing control section 16 of information regarding the determination of the standby position G1. When the product Q is placed on the placement section 61, the loading control section 66 determines the interference avoidance position H of the guide member 62 based on information on the first side end position L1 of the first product Q and the second side end position L2 of the second product Q (step S57: IB), and notifies the processing control section 16 of information regarding the determination of the interference avoidance position H of the guide member 62.

[0075] When the processing control unit 16 receives information regarding the determination of the standby position G1 or the interference avoidance position H of the guide member 62 from the loading control unit 66, it issues an instruction to start the execution of the processing process (job) (step S7).

[0076] The processing control unit 16 controls the conveying unit 4 to convey the sheet S along the conveying path 10. The position information providing unit (position mark) M1 formed on the sheet S being conveyed is read by the reading sensor 26. The processing control unit 16 determines whether or not position correction is necessary due to the occurrence of positional deviation in the sheet S being conveyed (step S9). If position correction is not necessary (NO in step S9), proceed to A2.

[0077] If position correction is necessary (YES in step S9), the processing control unit 16 calculates a new cutting position based on the position correction, and transmits information about the calculated new cutting position to the stacking device 6 (step S11). This allows the guide member 62 to wait at the waiting position G1 that corresponds to the positional deviation that occurs when the sheet S is conveyed.

[0078] The loading control unit 66 receives information about the new cutting position from the processing device 2 via the loading communication unit 78. The loading control unit 66 calculates information about the new side end position of the product Q (e.g., the new first side end position L1 of the first product Q and the new second side end position L2 of the second product Q) from the information about the new cutting position of the product Q (e.g., the new first cutting position L1 and the second cutting position L2).

[0079] The loading control unit 66 determines whether or not the product Q is placed on the placement unit 61 of the loading device 6 (step S61).

[0080] If the delivered product Q is not placed on the placement unit 61, the loading control unit 66 determines a new standby position G1 for the guide member 62 based on information about the new first side end position L1 of the delivered product Q (IIA in step S63), and notifies the processing control unit 16 of information about the determination of the new standby position G1. If the delivered product Q is placed on the placement unit 61, the loading control unit 66 determines a new interference avoidance position H for the guide member 62 based on information about the new first side end position L1 of the first delivered product Q and the new second side end position L2 of the second delivered product Q (IIB in step S63), and notifies the processing control unit 16 of information about the determination of the new interference avoidance position H for the guide member 62.

[0081] When the processing control unit 16 receives information regarding the determination of the standby position G1 or the interference avoidance position H of the guide member 62 from the loading control unit 66, it issues an instruction to start discharging (transporting to the placement unit 61 of the loading device 6) the product Q processed by the processing units 20, 21, 22 (step S13). At this time, the processing control unit 16 notifies the processing control unit 16 of the conditions (discharge speed / discharge timing) for discharging (transporting to the placement unit 61 of the loading device 6) the product Q.

[0082] The loading control unit 66 receives information on the discharge conditions of the product Q (conditions for transporting the product Q to the placement unit 61 of the loading device 6) from the processing device 2 via the loading communication unit 78.

[0083] After receiving the information about the discharge conditions of the product Q, the loading control unit 66 determines whether or not a notification about the start of the jogger operation (i.e., the aligning operation) has been given (step S67). If the information about the start of the jogger operation has not been given (NO in step S67), the process proceeds to B1.

[0084] If the information regarding the start of the jogger operation is notified (YES in step S67), the loading control unit 66 sends the information regarding the start of the jogger operation to the processing device 2 (step S69). The processing control unit 16 receives the information regarding the start of the jogger operation from the loading device 6 (step S15).

[0085] In the loading device 6, the loading control unit 66 determines whether or not to perform jogger operation in jogger mode A according to the discharge speed (step S71). If jogger operation in jogger mode A is to be performed (YES in step S71), the loading control unit 66 controls the guide member 62 to perform jogger operation in jogger mode A according to the discharge speed (step S73). Since the jogger operation of the deliverable Q is started based on the discharge speed of the deliverable Q, the jogger operation is started after the deliverable Q has been securely loaded, thereby improving the alignment of the deliverable Q.

[0086] If jogger operation in jogger mode A is not performed (NO in step S71), the loading control unit 66 controls the guide members 62 to perform jogger operation in jogger mode B according to the timing of discharge (step S75). In jogger mode B, the product detection sensor 77 detects the completion of discharge of the product Q onto the mounting unit 61, and the loading control unit 66 controls the pair of guide members 62, 62 to start jogger operation of the product Q when a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of discharge of the product Q detected by the product detection sensor 77. This starts the jogger operation based on a preset schedule, so that the jogger operation can be completed within a set time. The timing of the start of the jogger operation can be controlled by setting the time; the discharge interval can be shortened by shortening the set time, and the product Q can be aligned after being securely loaded by lengthening the set time.

[0087] After performing the jogger operation in jogger mode A or jogger mode B, the loading control unit 66 controls the guide member 62 to return the guide member 62 to the standby position G1 determined in IA or IB of step S57 or IIA or IIB of step S63 (step S77).

[0088] The loading control unit 66 determines whether or not information regarding the completion of the jogger operation has been notified (step S79). If information regarding the completion of the jogger operation has not been notified (NO in step S79), the process proceeds from H3 to H1, and then proceeds to the step before step S7. If information regarding the completion of the jogger operation has been notified (YES in step S79), the loading control unit 66 sends information regarding the completion of the jogger operation to the processing device 2 (step S81). Upon receiving the information regarding the completion of the jogger operation, the processing device 2 discharges the next product Q (step S22). This prevents the discharged product Q from colliding with the guide member 62.

[0089] On the other hand, in the processing device 2, after receiving information regarding the start of the jogger operation from the loading device 6 in step S15, the processing control unit 16 determines whether the discharge of the product Q has temporarily stopped during the jogger operation (step S17). If the discharge of the product Q has not temporarily stopped during the jogger operation (NO in step S17), proceed to E1. If the discharge of the product Q has temporarily stopped during the jogger operation (YES in step S17), the processing control unit 16 controls the execution of the processing process (job) to be temporarily stopped (step S19). If the jogger operation is being performed, the discharge of the next product Q is temporarily stopped. Furthermore, even if the jogger operation is being performed, if the guide member 62 has moved to a position where it will not collide with the next delivered product Q, notification of information regarding the completion of the jogger operation is canceled even if the jogger operation has not been completed.

[0090] Then, the processing control unit 16 determines whether or not information regarding the completion of the jogger operation has been received from the loading device 6 (step S21). If information regarding the completion of the jogger operation has not been received from the loading device 6 (NO in step S21), the processing control unit 16 proceeds to F1, and then controls the execution of the processing process (job) to be temporarily stopped (step S19). If information regarding the completion of the jogger operation has been received from the loading device 6 (YES in step S21), the processing control unit 16 determines whether or not the processing process (job) has been completed (step S23).

[0091] If the processing (job) is not completed (NO in step S23), the process proceeds from D3 to D1, and then to step S7. If the processing (job) is completed (YES in step S23), the processing control unit 16 determines whether or not there is a next processing (job) (step S25).

[0092] If there is a next processing process (job) (YES in step S25), the process proceeds from C4 to C1, and then to step S3. If there is no next processing process (job) (NO in step S25), the processing control unit 16 controls the processing device 2 to complete its operation (step S27).

[0093] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the present invention. For example, an appropriate combination of the contents described in the above embodiments may be considered as one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific numbers shown in the above embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention.

[0094] The processing device 2 can discharge the product Q to the stacking device 6 without relying on information regarding the completion of the jogger operation. Not relying on information regarding the completion of the jogger operation means, for example, that the loading device 6 does not send information regarding the completion of the jogger operation, or that even if the loading device 6 sends information regarding the completion of the jogger operation, the processing device 2 ignores the information and discharges the product Q at predetermined time intervals. In the former case, there is no need to wait for information regarding the completion of the jogger operation, so the processing of the sheet S can be completed quickly. In the latter case, discharging the product Q at predetermined time intervals prevents the discharge interval of the product Q from becoming long, so the processing of the sheet S can be completed quickly.

[0095] When controlling the pair of guide members 62, 62 so that the jogger operation of the product Q starts when a predetermined time has elapsed after the completion of discharge of the product Q, the predetermined time can be set as follows. For example, the predetermined time can be set in advance according to the discharge speed, and can be changed according to the discharge speed. For example, in a processing job, if the discharge speed is set to 50 cm / sec, the time can be set to 0.3 seconds, and if the discharge speed is set to 25 cm / sec, the time can be set to 0.5 seconds.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the case where first deliveries Q11 to Q13 and second deliveries Q21 to Q23 are supplied as deliveries Q in three rows in the cross direction W has been described. However, the present invention is applicable to cases where one first deliverable Q11 and one second deliverable Q21 are supplied in one row in the cross direction W, where two first deliverables Q11, Q12 and two second deliverables Q21, Q22 are supplied in two rows in the cross direction W, and where four or more first deliverables and four or more second deliverables are supplied in equal numbers in the cross direction W. Furthermore, if an interference avoidance area can be set between each deliverable (or if a guide member 62 can be arranged), the present invention is also applicable even when the numbers of deliverables are not the same, such as four first deliverables and three second deliverables.

[0097] In this invention, a certain first product and another first product are adjacent to each other but spaced apart in the cross direction W, and a certain second product and another second product are adjacent to each other but spaced apart in the cross direction W. The former separation distance and the latter separation distance are applicable when a guide member 62 can be arranged. This invention is also applicable to a case where a certain first product and a certain second product overlap with each other in the cross direction W, and a certain first product and another second product do not overlap with each other in the cross direction W, and the certain first product and another second product do not overlap with each other in the cross direction W, and the combination of a first side end position L1 of a certain first product and a second side end position L2 of the other second product has the shortest separation distance.

[0098] 6A illustrates an example in which the second deliveries Q21-Q23 are supplied shifted to the other side of the cross direction W relative to the first deliveries Q11-Q13. However, the second deliveries Q21-Q23 may be supplied shifted to one side of the cross direction W relative to the first deliveries Q11-Q13. In this case, the interference avoidance region D1 on one side is formed, for example, in the cross direction W, between a first side end position L1 on the other side of the first deliverable Q11 (first cutting position L1 on the other side) and a second side end position L2 on one side of the central second deliverable Q22 (cutting position L2 on one side). The interference avoidance region D2 on the other side is formed, for example, in the cross direction W, between a first side end position L1 on the other side of the central first deliverable Q12 (first cutting position L1 on the other side) and a second side end position L2 on one side of the second deliverable Q23 (cutting position L2 on one side).

[0099] In this way, the interference avoidance position H can be determined, for example, based on the first side edge position L1 on one side of the central first product Q12 and the second side edge position L2 on the other side of the second product Q21 on one side, or based on the first side edge position L1 on the other side of the first product Q11 on one side and the second side edge position L2 on one side of the central second product Q22. However, there are cases where the separation distance in the cross direction W between a certain first product and another first product is different from the separation distance in the cross direction W between a certain second product and another second product, or where the size in the cross direction W of the first product is different from the size in the cross direction W of the second product. In this case, the interference avoidance position H may be determined based on four side end positions, for example, the first side end position L1 on one side of the central first product Q12, the second side end position L2 on the other side of the second product Q21 on one side, the first side end position L1 on the other side of the first product Q11 on one side, and the second side end position L2 on one side of the central second product Q22.

[0100] The present invention and its embodiments can be summarized as follows.

[0101] According to one aspect of the present invention, the loading device 6 for the product Q includes: A loading device 6 that aligns and loads deliverables Q transported along a transport direction F of a transport path 10 in a cross direction W that intersects the transport direction F, a placement unit 61 on which the product Q transported from the transport path 10 is placed; a pair of guide members 62, 62 that align the product Q by performing an alignment operation on both side ends in the cross direction W of the product Q placed on the placement unit 61; a loading processor 66 for controlling the positions of the pair of guide members 62, 62 in the cross direction W, The products Q include first products Q11 to Q13, both ends of which in the cross direction W of the placement section 61 are at a first side end position L1 and which are transported to the placement section 61 along the conveying direction F, and second products Q21 to Q23, which follow the first products Q11 to Q13 and both ends of which in the cross direction W of the placement section 61 are at a second side end position L2 and which are transported to the placement section 61 along the conveying direction F, The loading processor 66 is characterized in that, when the first side end position L1 and the second side end position L2 in the cross direction W are different, it controls the pair of guide members 62, 62 based on the first side end position L1 and the second side end position L2 so that at least one of the pair of guide members 62, 62 moves to an interference avoidance position H in the cross direction W so as not to interfere with the first deliverables Q11 to Q13 and the second deliverables Q21 to Q23.

[0102] According to the above configuration, when the positions of the first deliverables Q11-Q13 and the second deliverables Q21-Q23 in the intersecting direction W are different, at least one of the pair of guide members 62, 62 moves, based on the first side end position L1 and the second side end position L2, to an interference avoidance position H where the pair of guide members 62, 62 does not interfere with the first deliverables Q11-Q13 and the second deliverables Q21-Q23 in the intersecting direction W. This makes it possible to prevent at least one of the pair of guide members 62, 62 from interfering with the first deliverables Q11-Q13 and the second deliverables Q21-Q23, even when the positions of the first deliverables Q11-Q13 and the second deliverables Q21-Q23 in the intersecting direction W are different.

[0103] In addition, in the loading device 6 according to one embodiment, The first products Q11 to Q13 include a certain first product and another first product located adjacent to the certain first product in the cross direction W, The second deliverables Q21 to Q23 include a second deliverable that is transported to a position that overlaps with the certain first deliverable in the cross direction W but does not overlap with the other first deliverable, and another second deliverable that is located adjacent to the certain second deliverable in the cross direction W and is transported to a position that overlaps with the other first deliverable in the cross direction W but does not overlap with the certain first deliverable; the certain first product and the other second product form a certain set that are diagonally spaced apart, and the other first product and the certain second product form another set that are diagonally spaced apart, The interference avoidance position H is located in an interference avoidance area D1, D2 formed between the first side end position and the second side end position that are closest to each other in the pair having the shorter separation distance between the one pair and the other pair.

[0104] According to the above configuration, the guide member 62 is positioned in the interference avoidance areas D1 and D2, and thus can be prevented from interfering with the first deliveries Q11 to Q13 and the second deliveries Q21 to Q23.

[0105] In addition, in the loading device 6 according to one embodiment, When the first products Q11 to Q13 and the second products Q21 to Q23 are each supplied in three rows in the cross direction W, The first deliverables Q11 to Q13 include a first deliverable Q11 on one side, a first deliverable Q12 in the center, and a first deliverable Q13 on the other side, the first deliverable Q11 on one side and the first deliverable Q12 in the center having a relationship of the certain first deliverable and the other first deliverable, and the first deliverable Q12 in the center and the first deliverable Q13 on the other side having a relationship of the certain first deliverable and the other first deliverable; The second deliverables Q21 to Q23 include a second deliverable Q21 on one side, a second deliverable Q22 in the middle, and a second deliverable Q23 on the other side, the second deliverable Q21 on one side and the second deliverable Q22 in the middle having a relationship of the certain second deliverable and the other second deliverable, and the second deliverable Q22 in the middle and the second deliverable Q23 on the other side having a relationship of the certain second deliverable and the other second deliverable; When the second deliveries Q21 to Q23 are shifted to the other side in the cross direction W relative to the first deliveries Q11 to Q13, the interference avoidance areas include one-side interference avoidance area D1 where one guide member 62c of the pair of guide members 62b, 62c that align the central second deliveries Q22 is located between the one-side second deliveries Q21 and the central first deliveries Q12, and another-side interference avoidance area D2 where the other guide member 62b of the pair of guide members 62b, 62c that align the central second deliveries is located between the other-side first deliveries Q13 and the central second deliveries Q22, When the second products Q21 to Q23 are shifted to one side in the cross direction W relative to the first products Q11 to Q13, the interference avoidance areas include an interference avoidance area D1 on one side where one guide member 62c of a pair of guide members 62b, 62c that align the central second product Q22 is located between the first product Q11 on one side and the central second product Q22, and an interference avoidance area D2 on the other side where the guide member 62b of the pair of guide members 62b, 62c that align the central second product Q22 is located between the second product Q23 on the other side and the central first product Q12.

[0106] According to the above configuration, one side guide member 62c is positioned in one side interference avoidance area D1 and the other side guide member 62b is positioned in the other side interference avoidance area D2, thereby preventing interference with the first deliverables Q11 to Q13 and the second deliverables Q21 to Q23.

[0107] In addition, in the loading device 6 according to one embodiment, When the second deliveries Q21 to Q23 are shifted to the other side in the cross direction W relative to the first deliveries Q11 to Q13, the one-side guide member 62c is located at the first side end position L1 on the side closer to the one-side first deliverable Q11 of the central first deliverable Q12 in the one-side interference avoidance area D1, and the other-side guide member 62b is located at the first side end position L1 on the side closer to the central first deliverable Q12 of the other-side first deliverable Q13 in the other-side interference avoidance area D2, When the second products Q21 to Q23 are shifted to one side in the cross direction W relative to the first products Q11 to Q13, the guide member 62c on the one side is located at the first side end position L1 on the side closer to the central first product Q12 of the first product Q11 on the one side in the interference avoidance area D1 on the one side, and the guide member 62b on the other side is located at the first side end position L1 on the side closer to the first product Q13 of the central first product Q12 in the interference avoidance area D2 on the other side.

[0108] According to the above configuration, an appropriate distance can be secured between the guide member 62c on one side and the other side end of the second product Q21 on one side, and an appropriate distance can be secured between the guide member 62b on the other side and the other side end of the central second product Q22.

[0109] In addition, in the loading device 6 according to one embodiment, The loading processor 66 controls the pair of guide members 62, 62 so that the second products Q21 to Q23 are aligned based on the positions at which the first products Q11 to Q13 are aligned in the cross direction W.

[0110] According to the above configuration, the stacked state of the first products Q11 to Q13 can be maintained.

[0111] In addition, in the loading device 6 according to one embodiment, If the size of the second products Q21 to Q23 in the cross direction W is larger than that of the first products Q11 to Q13, the loading processor 66 controls the pair of guide members 62, 62 so that the second products Q21 to Q23 are aligned so that they protrude outward in the cross direction W beyond the aligned first products Q11 to Q13.

[0112] According to the above configuration, a large separation distance can be ensured between the aligned products Q, so that the number of guide members 62 can be reduced and the products Q can be sorted more clearly.

[0113] In addition, in the loading device 6 according to one embodiment, The apparatus further includes a front end regulating unit 65 that regulates the front end of the product Q in the transport direction F supplied to the placement unit 61, The front end regulating portion 65 is disposed on the downstream side of the placement portion 61 in the conveying direction F.

[0114] According to the above configuration, the products Q can be loaded onto the placement section 61 with the front ends of the products Q aligned.

[0115] In addition, in the loading device 6 according to one embodiment, The loading processor 66 controls the pair of guide members 62, 62 so that the alignment operation of the pair of guide members 62, 62, which align the product Q, is performed in an area up to a position that is more than a predetermined distance away from the second side end position L2.

[0116] According to the above configuration, the product Q being transported can be reliably prevented from colliding with the pair of guide members 62, 62.

[0117] In a processing machine 1 according to another aspect of the present invention, A loading device 6 that stacks products Q supplied along a conveying direction F of a conveying path 10 in an aligned manner in a cross direction W that intersects the conveying direction F, a placement unit 61 on which the product Q discharged from the transport path 10 is placed; a pair of guide members 62, 62 that align the product Q by performing an alignment operation on both side ends in the cross direction W of the product Q placed on the placement unit 61; a loading processor 66 for controlling the positions of the pair of guide members 62, 62 in the cross direction W, The products Q include first products Q11 to Q13, both ends of which in the cross direction W of the placement section 61 are at a first side end position L1 and which are discharged to the placement section 61 along the conveying direction F, and second products Q21 to Q23, both ends of which in the cross direction W of the placement section 61 are at a second side end position L2 and which are discharged to the placement section 61 along the conveying direction F, following the first products Q11 to Q13. The loading control unit 66 controls the pair of guide members 62, 62 so that, when the first side end position L1 and the second side end position L2 in the cross direction W are different, at least one of the pair of guide members 62, 62 moves to an interference avoidance position H in the cross direction W where it does not interfere with the first deliverables Q11 to Q13 and the second deliverables Q21 to Q23; and a processing device (2) disposed upstream of the loading device (6) in the conveying direction (F), The processing device 2 is characterized in that it forms the side edges of the first products Q11 to Q13 by cutting and processing the sheet S according to a first cutting position L1 corresponding to the first side edge position L1, and forms the side edges of the second products Q21 to Q23 by cutting and processing the sheet S according to a second cutting position L2 corresponding to the second side edge position L2.

[0118] According to the above configuration, when the positions of the first deliverables Q11-Q13 and the second deliverables Q21-Q23 in the intersecting direction W are different, at least one of the pair of guide members 62, 62 moves, based on the first side end position L1 and the second side end position L2, to an interference avoidance position H where the pair of guide members 62, 62 does not interfere with the first deliverables Q11-Q13 and the second deliverables Q21-Q23 in the intersecting direction W. This makes it possible to prevent at least one of the pair of guide members 62, 62 from interfering with the first deliverables Q11-Q13 and the second deliverables Q21-Q23, even when the positions of the first deliverables Q11-Q13 and the second deliverables Q21-Q23 in the intersecting direction W are different.

[0119] In addition, in the processing machine 1 according to one embodiment, The processing device 2 further includes a processing information acquisition unit 26 that acquires processing information from a processing information provision unit M2 provided on the sheet S, The processing device 2 cuts the sheet S based on the processing information acquired through the processing information acquisition unit 26.

[0120] According to the above configuration, when the content of the processing of the sheet S is changed, the guide member 62 can be made to wait at a position corresponding to the content of the processing of the changed sheet S.

[0121] In addition, in the processing machine 1 according to one embodiment, The processing device 2 further includes a position information acquisition unit 26 that acquires reference position information from a position information providing unit M1 provided on the sheet S, The processing device 2 corrects the cutting position of the sheet S based on the reference position information acquired through the position information acquisition unit 26.

[0122] According to the above configuration, the guide member 62 can be made to wait at the waiting position G1 that corresponds to the positional deviation that occurs when the sheet S is conveyed.

[0123] In addition, in the processing machine 1 according to one embodiment, The processing device 2 is a conveying unit 4 that conveys the product Q along the conveying path 10 and discharges the product Q onto the placement unit 61 of the loading device 6; a processing processor 16 that controls the transportation of the product Q in cooperation with the loading processor 66; The loading processor 66 transmits alignment completion information to the processing processor 16, which indicates that alignment of the products Q placed on the placement unit 61 by the pair of guide members 62, 62 has been completed, After receiving the alignment completion information from the loading processor 66, the processing processor 16 controls the transport unit 4 to discharge the product Q from the processing device 2 onto the placement unit 61 of the loading device 6.

[0124] According to the above configuration, the discharged product Q can be prevented from colliding with the guide member 62.

[0125] In addition, in the processing machine 1 according to one embodiment, The processing device 2 is a conveying unit 4 that conveys the product Q along the conveying path 10 and discharges the product Q onto the placement unit 61 of the loading device 6; a processing processor 16 that controls the transportation of the product Q in cooperation with the loading processor 66; The loading processor 66 does not send information indicating that the pair of guide members 62, 62 have completed aligning the product Q to the processing control unit 16, The processing processor 16 controls the transport unit 4 so as to discharge the product Q from the processing device 2 onto the loading unit 61 of the loading device 6 at predetermined time intervals.

[0126] According to the above configuration, by discharging the products Q at predetermined time intervals, it is possible to prevent the intervals between discharges of the products Q from becoming long, and therefore the processing of the sheets S can be completed quickly.

[0127] In addition, in the processing machine 1 according to one embodiment, The processing device 2 is a conveying unit 4 that conveys the product Q along the conveying path 10 and discharges the product Q onto the placement unit 61 of the loading device 6; a processing processor 16 that controls the transportation of the product Q in cooperation with the loading processor 66; The loading processor 66 sends information indicating that the pair of guide members 62, 62 have completed aligning the product Q to the processing control unit 16, The processing control unit 16 controls the transport unit 4 so as to discharge the product Q from the processing device 2 to the loading device 6 at predetermined time intervals, regardless of the alignment completion information.

[0128] According to the above configuration, there is no need to wait for receiving the alignment operation completion information, so that the processing of the sheet S can be completed quickly.

[0129] In addition, in the processing machine 1 according to one embodiment, The processing device 2 is a conveying unit 4 that conveys the product Q along the conveying path 10 and discharges the product Q onto the placement unit 61 of the loading device 6; a discharge speed detection unit (37) for detecting a discharge speed of the product (Q) from the processing device (2) to the placement unit (61) of the loading device (6), The loading processor 66 controls the pair of guide members 62, 62 to start the alignment operation for aligning the product Q based on the discharge speed of the product Q detected by the discharge speed detection unit 37.

[0130] According to the above configuration, the alignment operation is started after the products Q are securely loaded, so that the alignment of the products Q is improved.

[0131] In addition, in the processing machine 1 according to one embodiment, The processing device 2 is a conveying unit 4 that conveys the product Q along the conveying path 10 and discharges the product Q onto the placement unit 61 of the loading device 6; The loading device 6 further includes a discharge detection unit 38 that detects the completion of discharge of the product Q onto the placement unit 61, and a product detection unit (77) that detects the passage of at least one of the leading end and the trailing end of the product (Q) discharged from the processing device (2) to the placement unit (61) of the loading device (6), The loading processor 66 controls the pair of guide members 62, 62 to start the alignment operation to align the product Q when a predetermined time has elapsed after the product detection unit 77 detects the passage of the leading or trailing end of the product Q.

[0132] According to the above configuration, the lining up operation is started based on a preset schedule, so that the lining up operation can be completed within a set time.

[0133] In addition, in the processing machine 1 according to one embodiment, The loading processor 66 controls the pair of guide members 62, 62 so that the alignment operation of the pair of guide members 62, 62, which align the product Q, is performed in an area up to a position that is more than a predetermined distance away from the second side end position L2.

[0134] According to the above configuration, the product Q being transported can be reliably prevented from colliding with the pair of guide members 62, 62. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1: Processing machine 2: Processing equipment 3: Feeding device 4: Conveyor section 6: Loading device 10: Transport path 11: Trash can 16: Machining control unit (machining processor) 18: Processing and Communication Department 20: Slit processing unit (processing section) 21: Crease processing unit (processing part) 22: Cutter processing unit (processing part) 26: Reading sensor (processing information acquisition unit, position information acquisition unit) 27:Dust removal mechanism 30: Supply stand 35: Suction transport unit 37: Discharge speed sensor (discharge speed detection unit) 38: Discharge detection sensor (discharge detection part) 61: Placement section 62: Guide member 62a: First guide member 62b: second guide member 62c: Third guide member 62d: Fourth guide member 63: Support frame 65: Front end regulation part 66: Load control unit (load processor) 71: Transport drive unit 72: Guide member drive unit 74: Vertical actuator (front end regulation unit drive unit) 75: Front-rear direction actuator (front end regulation unit drive unit) 76: Guide member position sensor 77: Product detection sensor (product detection unit) 78: Loading and Communication Department D1: One-side interference avoidance area D2: Interference avoidance area on the other side F: Transport direction G1: Standby position G2: Virtual waiting position H: Interference avoidance position J: Cutting waste K: Transverse cutting position L: Cutting position L1: 1st cutting position (1st side end position) L2: 2nd cutting position (2nd side end position) M1: Location information provision department M2: Processing information provision department Q, Q1, Q2, Q3: Deliverables Q11~Q13: 1st deliverable Q21~Q23: 2nd deliverable R: Accumulation results S: Seat T: Stacked sheets W: Cross direction Z: Height

Claims

1. A loading device that aligns and loads products transported along a transport direction of a transport path in a direction intersecting the transport direction, a placement unit on which the product transported from the transport path is placed; a pair of guide members that align the product by performing an alignment operation on both side ends in the cross direction of the product placed on the placement section; a loading processor for controlling the positions of the pair of guide members in the cross direction; The products include a first product, both ends of which in the intersecting direction of the placement section are at first side end positions and which is transported to the placement section along the transport direction, and a second product, which follows the first product and both ends of which in the intersecting direction of the placement section are at second side end positions and which is transported to the placement section along the transport direction, The loading processor controls the pair of guide members so that, when the first side end position and the second side end position in the intersecting direction are different, at least one of the pair of guide members moves to an interference avoidance position in the intersecting direction that does not interfere with the first deliverable and the second deliverable, based on the first side end position and the second side end position.

2. The first products include a certain first product and another first product located adjacent to the certain first product in the intersecting direction, The second deliverables include a second deliverable that is transported to a position that overlaps with the certain first deliverable in the cross direction but does not overlap with the other first deliverable, and another second deliverable that is located adjacent to the certain second deliverable in the cross direction and is transported to a position that overlaps with the other first deliverable in the cross direction but does not overlap with the certain first deliverable, the certain first product and the other second product form a certain set that are diagonally spaced apart, and the other first product and the certain second product form another set that are diagonally spaced apart, 2. The loading device according to claim 1, wherein the interference avoidance position is located in an interference avoidance area formed between the first side end position and the second side end position that are closest to each other in the pair that is closer to the one pair than the other pair.

3. When the first deliverables and the second deliverables are transported to the placement unit in three rows in the crossing direction, The first products include a first product on one side, a first product in the center, and a first product on the other side, the first deliverable on one side and the first deliverable in the center have a relationship of the one first deliverable and the other first deliverable; the central first deliverable and the other first deliverable have a relationship of the one first deliverable and the other first deliverable; The second products include a second product on one side, a second product in the middle, and a second product on the other side, the second deliverable on one side and the second deliverable in the middle have a relationship of the one second deliverable and the other second deliverable; the central second deliverable and the other second deliverable have a relationship of the one second deliverable and the other second deliverable; When the second product is shifted to the other side in the intersecting direction relative to the first product, the interference avoidance area includes a one-side interference avoidance area where one guide member of a pair of guide members for aligning the central second product is located between the one-side second product and the central first product, and a other-side interference avoidance area where the other guide member of the pair of guide members for aligning the central second product is located between the other-side first product and the central second product, 3. The loading device of claim 2, wherein when the second deliverable is shifted to one side in the transverse direction relative to the first deliverable, the interference avoidance area includes a one-side interference avoidance area in which one guide member of a pair of guide members that aligns the central second deliverable is located between the one-side first deliverable and the central second deliverable, and a other-side interference avoidance area in which the other guide member of the pair of guide members that aligns the central second deliverable is located between the other-side second deliverable and the central first deliverable.

4. When the second product is shifted to the other side in the intersecting direction relative to the first product, the guide member on the one side is located at the first side end position of the central first product in the one-side interference avoidance area, and the guide member on the other side is located at the first side end position of the other-side first product in the other-side interference avoidance area, and 4. The loading device of claim 3, wherein when the second deliverable is shifted to one side in the intersecting direction relative to the first deliverable, the guide member on one side is positioned at the first side end position on the side closer to the central first deliverable of the first deliverable on the one side in the interference avoidance area on the one side, and the guide member on the other side is positioned at the first side end position on the side closer to the central first deliverable of the first deliverable on the other side in the interference avoidance area on the other side.

5. The loading device according to claim 1 , wherein the loading processor controls the pair of guide members so that the second product is aligned with respect to a position where the first product is aligned in the cross direction.

6. 2. The loading device of claim 1, wherein when the size of the second product in the cross direction is larger than that of the first product, the loading processor controls the pair of guide members so that the second product is aligned so as to extend outward in the cross direction beyond the aligned first product.

7. a front end regulating unit that regulates a front end of the product transported to the placement unit in the transport direction, The loading device according to claim 1 , wherein the front end regulating section is disposed downstream of the placing section in the conveying direction.

8. 2. The loading device according to claim 1, wherein the loading processor controls the pair of guide members so that the alignment operation of the pair of guide members, which align the deliverables, is performed in an area up to a position that is a predetermined distance or more away from the second side end position.

9. A loading device that aligns and loads products transported along a transport direction of a transport path in a direction intersecting the transport direction, a placement unit on which the product discharged from the transport path is placed; a pair of guide members that align the product by performing an alignment operation on both side ends in the cross direction of the product placed on the placement section; a loading processor for controlling the positions of the pair of guide members in the cross direction; The products include a first product, both ends of which in the intersecting direction of the placement section are at first side end positions and which is discharged to the placement section along the conveying direction, and a second product, which follows the first product and both ends of which in the intersecting direction of the placement section are at second side end positions and which is discharged to the placement section along the conveying direction, the loading processor controls the pair of guide members so that, when the first side end position and the second side end position in the crossing direction are different, at least one of the pair of guide members moves to an interference avoidance position in the crossing direction that does not interfere with the first deliverable and the second deliverable, based on the first side end position and the second side end position; and a processing device disposed upstream of the loading device in the conveying direction, The processing device forms the side edge of the first product by cutting and processing the sheet according to a first cutting position corresponding to the first side edge position, and forms the side edge of the second product by cutting and processing the sheet according to a second cutting position corresponding to the second side edge position.

10. the processing device further includes a processing information acquisition unit that acquires processing information from a processing information provision unit provided on the sheet, The processing machine according to claim 9 , wherein the processing device cuts the sheet based on the processing information acquired through the processing information acquisition unit.

11. the processing device further includes a position information acquisition unit that acquires reference position information from a position information provision unit provided on the sheet, The processing machine according to claim 9 , wherein the processing device corrects the cutting position of the sheet based on the reference position information acquired through the position information acquisition unit.

12. The processing device is a conveying unit that conveys the product along the conveying path and discharges the product to the receiving unit of the loading device; a processing processor that controls the transport unit in cooperation with the loading processor, the loading processor transmits alignment completion information indicating that alignment of the products placed on the placement section by the pair of guide members has been completed to the processing processor; The processing machine according to claim 9 , wherein the processing processor controls the transport unit to discharge the product from the processing device to the placement unit of the loading device after receiving the alignment completion information from the loading processor.

13. The processing device is a conveying unit that conveys the product along the conveying path and discharges the product to the receiving unit of the loading device; a processing processor that controls the transport unit in cooperation with the loading processor, The loading processor does not send to the processing processor information indicating that the pair of guide members have completed alignment of the products placed on the placement unit, The processing machine according to claim 9 , wherein the processing processor controls the transport unit to discharge the product from the processing device onto the loading unit of the loading device at predetermined time intervals.

14. The processing device is a conveying unit that conveys the product along the conveying path and discharges the product to the receiving unit of the loading device; a processing processor that controls the transport unit in cooperation with the loading processor, The loading processor sends information indicating that the pair of guide members have completed aligning the products placed on the placement unit to the processing processor, The processing machine according to claim 9 , wherein the processing processor controls the transport unit to discharge the product from the processing device to the placement unit of the loading device at predetermined time intervals, regardless of the alignment completion information.

15. The processing device is a conveying unit that conveys the product along the conveying path and discharges the product to the receiving unit of the loading device; a discharge speed detection unit that detects a discharge speed of the product from the processing device to the placement unit of the loading device, The processing machine according to claim 9 , wherein the loading processor controls the pair of guide members to start the alignment operation for aligning the products based on the discharge speed of the products detected by the discharge speed detection unit.

16. The processing device is a conveying unit that conveys the product along the conveying path and discharges the product to the receiving unit of the loading device; a product detection unit that detects the passage of at least one of the leading end and the trailing end of the product discharged from the processing device to the placement unit of the loading device, The processing machine according to claim 9, wherein the loading processor controls the pair of guide members to start the alignment operation for aligning the products when a predetermined time has elapsed after the product detection unit detects the passage of the leading or trailing end of the product.

17. 10. The processing machine according to claim 9, wherein the loading processor controls the pair of guide members so that the alignment operation of the pair of guide members, which align the deliverables, is performed in an area up to a position that is a predetermined distance or more away from the second side end position.

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