Separation device, sealing machine, separation method and sealing method

Abstract

To provide a separation device capable of appropriately separating a sticking object stuck on an adhesive part of a medium from the medium.SOLUTION: A separation device comprises: a conveyance part for conveying a medium; a separation member for separating a sticking object stuck on an adhesive part of the medium conveyed by the conveyance part from the adhesive part; an inserting and moving part for relatively moving the separation member with respect to the medium in a crossing direction crossing the longitudinal direction of an adhesive part formation area of the medium so that an insertion part of the separation member whose tip end is formed at a predetermined angle is inserted between the sticking object and the adhesive part; and a separating and moving part for relatively moving the separation member in the longitudinal direction with respect to the medium while engaging the sticking object with the separation member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a separating device, a sealing machine, a separating method, and a sealing method. [Background technology]

[0002] A separation device for separating a sticker attached to an adhesive portion of a medium from the adhesive portion is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a device in which a suction member is disposed above an envelope as a medium to which a sticker is attached, and the peeled sticker is sucked and collected by the suction member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-195220 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a peeling roller, which is a cylindrical body with an adhesive layer laminated on the peripheral surface, is pressed against the adhesive material and rotated around its axis, causing the adhesive material to adhere to the peeling roller and peel off from the adherend. However, it is difficult to separate the adhesive material from the envelope using the adhesive force of the rotating peeling roller.

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a separating device that can properly separate a sticker attached to an adhesive portion of an envelope from the envelope. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, according to this invention, the separation device of the present invention comprises a transport section that transports a medium, a separation member that separates an adhesive material affixed to an adhesive portion of the medium transported by the transport section from the adhesive portion, an insertion movement section that moves the separation member relative to the medium in a direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion forming area of ​​the medium so that an insertion section of the separation member, the tip of which is formed at a predetermined angle, is inserted between the adhesive material and the adhesive portion, and a separation movement section that moves the separation member relative to the medium in the longitudinal direction while engaging the adhesive material with the separation member.

[0007] In addition, in the above configuration, the separating member includes an insertion portion that is inserted between the patch and the adhesive portion, and an end separating portion that is provided near the insertion portion and separates the end of the patch from the adhesive portion.

[0008] The above-mentioned configuration further includes a clamping portion disposed opposite the separating member and configured to clamp the adhesive material between the separating member and the clamping portion.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above configuration, a contacting / separating portion for moving the separating member toward and away from the medium is provided.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above configuration, a clamping section is provided that is arranged opposite the separating member and clamps the adhesive material between itself and the separating member, and the contact / separation section moves the separating member between a contact position where the separating member contacts the medium and a clamping position where the separating member clamps the adhesive material between itself and the clamping section.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the separating member is disposed at an angle relative to the medium transport surface.

[0012] Furthermore, the sealing machine of the present invention comprises the separating device having the above-mentioned configuration and a folding device for folding the flaps to seal the envelopes.

[0013] In the separation method according to the present invention, a medium is transported by a transport unit, a separation member is inserted between an adhesive material affixed to an adhesive portion of the medium transported by the transport unit and the adhesive portion to separate the adhesive material from the adhesive portion, the separation member is moved relative to the medium in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion forming area of ​​the medium, and the separation member is moved relative to the medium in the longitudinal direction while engaging the adhesive material with the separation member, thereby separating the adhesive material from the adhesive portion.

[0014] In the sealing method according to the present invention, a medium is transported by a transport unit, a separation member is inserted between the adhesive portion and a sticker attached to the adhesive portion of the medium being transported by the transport unit, the separation member is moved relative to the medium in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion forming area of ​​the medium, the separation member is moved relative to the medium in the longitudinal direction while engaging the sticker with the separation member, the sticker is separated from the adhesive portion, and the flap is folded to seal the medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The adhesive attached to the adhesive portion of the medium can be appropriately separated from the medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a sealing machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a position adjustment unit of the sealing machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a view of the separating member of the sealing machine as seen from the downstream side. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a view of the separating member as seen from the downstream side in the second direction. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the separating member and the clamping unit as viewed from the downstream side. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit of the sealing machine. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a sealing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a separating member of the sealing machine. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] (First embodiment) An example of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sealing machine 1, which is an example of a machine equipped with a separation device, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. The sealing machine 1 functions to seal an item N in an envelope E as a medium, separate an attachment T affixed to an adhesive portion S of the envelope E from the adhesive portion S, and seal the medium by folding back a flap J as a folding portion. The following describes an example of the medium, using an envelope E. The medium is not limited to an envelope E, and examples include sheets, adhesive stickers, labels, adhesive labels, adhesive paper, bags, plastic products, artificial objects, natural objects, and three-dimensional objects. The medium may be made of various materials, such as film, synthetic resin, natural resin, paper, nonwoven fabric, and cloth. Examples of the attachment T include tape, film tape, release tape, release paper, sheets, and cover sheets. The sealing machine 1 includes a conveying section 2, a supplying section 6, a content supplying section 7, an inserting section 8, a separating section 3, a collecting section 5, a folding section 9, a receiving section 10, and a control section 70.

[0018] The conveying unit 2 conveys envelopes E as a medium in a first direction F1. The conveying unit 2 includes a first conveying unit 21 and a second conveying unit 22. The first conveying unit 21 includes a first belt 211, a plurality of rollers 212, a first driving unit 213, a support plate 218, and a position adjusting unit 23. A plurality of first belts 211 are installed at predetermined intervals in the second direction F2 in a plan view. The first belt 211 is formed endlessly, and has protrusions 215 provided at predetermined intervals.

[0019] First drive unit 213 is connected by connection mechanism 216 to roller 212a, among rollers 212 around which first belt 211 is wound, that is installed downstream in the first direction F1 of insertion unit 8. First drive unit 213 may be connected to roller 212 at the most upstream position in the first direction F1, instead of roller 212a on the downstream side of insertion unit 8. First belt 211 is driven by rotation of roller 212a, which is connected to first drive unit 213 via connection mechanism 216. First conveying unit 21 conveys envelope E in the first direction F1 by first belt 211 running while bringing the upstream edge Es of envelope E in the first direction F1 into contact with protrusion 215. Support plate 218 supports envelope E from below on the conveying surface of envelope E.

[0020] Position adjustment unit 23 adjusts the position of envelope E in the second direction F2 on the conveying path when envelope E is conveyed in the first direction F1. Figure 3 is an enlarged plan view of position adjustment unit 23, and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 3. Position adjustment unit 23 includes position adjustment rollers 231, a position adjustment drive unit 232, and a guide 234. Roller 231 is installed upstream of first conveying unit 21 in the first direction F1, and downstream of supply unit 6 in the second direction F2.

[0021] A plurality of rollers 231 are installed between the two first belts 211 and spaced apart in the second direction F2. Each of the rollers 231 extends along the first direction F1 and rotates around a rotation shaft 235 that extends along the first direction F1. The rollers 231 are connected to a position adjustment drive unit 232 via a connecting mechanism (not shown). The upper portions of the rollers 231 protrude a predetermined amount from an opening 219 formed in the support plate 218. The upper portions of the rollers 231 that protrude from the opening 219 transport the envelope E in the second direction F2. The protruding height of the rollers 231 from the upper surface of the support plate 218 is set so that the upper portions of the rollers 231 can contact the envelope E and so that the envelope E can be properly transported downstream in the second direction F2 toward the guide 234.

[0022] Roller 231 is made of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, natural or synthetic rubber, natural or synthetic resin, etc. This allows the envelope E to come into contact with the roller and be transported downstream in the second direction F2 toward guide 234 while maintaining a horizontal position without damaging the envelope E.

[0023] Guide 234 extends in the first direction F1. Guide 234 protrudes from support plate 218. Guide 234 is installed downstream in the second direction F2 from the installation position of first belt 211, and is set to have approximately the same length as the length of first belt 211. When envelope E is transported downstream in the second direction F2 by the rotation of roller 231, guide 234 comes into contact with bottom edge Eb of envelope E, and adjusts the position of envelope E in the second direction F2.

[0024] The second conveying section 22 includes a plurality of conveying rollers 221, driven rollers 222, and a second driving section 223. The conveying rollers 221 sandwich and convey the envelopes E between themselves and the opposed driven rollers 222. The conveying rollers 221 are connected to the second driving section 223 via a connecting mechanism 226.

[0025] The supply unit 6 supplies the medium to the conveying unit 2. The supply unit 6 includes a placement unit 61 and an envelope conveying unit 62. An envelope E is placed on the placement unit 61. The envelope conveying unit 62 is driven by an envelope supply drive unit 63 to convey the envelope E placed on the placement unit 61 downstream in the second direction F2 toward the position adjustment unit 23.

[0026] The content supply unit 7 supplies the content N to the insertion unit 8. The content N is inserted into the envelope E and includes contents such as sheets, paper, flyers, pamphlets, documents, letters, CDs, DVDs, cards, samples, cosmetics, supplements, lucky charms, postcards, reply postcards, foods such as chocolate and candy, powdered foods, powdered foods for beverages, and individually packaged items. The content supply unit 7 includes a first placement unit 71, a second placement unit 72, a content conveying unit 73, and a standby unit 75. The content conveying unit 73 conveys the content N placed on at least one of the first placement unit 71 and the second placement unit 72 downstream in the second direction F2 toward the insertion unit 8. The standby unit 75 allows the content N to be temporarily standby before being conveyed to the insertion unit 8.

[0027] The insertion unit 8 includes a first suction unit 81, a second suction unit 82, a lifting mechanism 83, a blowing mechanism 84, and an insertion member 86. The first suction unit 81 is installed above the envelope E conveyance surface and uses negative pressure to suck upward the vicinity of the insertion slot U on the top of the envelope E. The second suction unit 82 is installed below the conveyance surface and uses negative pressure to suck downward the back of the envelope E. The lifting mechanism 83 raises and lowers the first suction unit 81. The blowing mechanism 84 blows air into the envelope E from the insertion slot U after the insertion slot U of the envelope E has been opened vertically.

[0028] The separating section 3 separates from the adhesive portion S an adhesive material T affixed to the adhesive portion S of the envelope E being conveyed by the conveying section 2. The separating section 3 constitutes a separating device. Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the arrow CC in Fig. 1. The separating section 3 includes a separating member 31, a clamping section 32, a contact / separation section 33, an insertion / movement section 34, a support body 36, a separation / movement section, a support plate 35, and an adsorption section 40. Note that the adsorption section 40 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0029] The separating member 31 is for separating, from the adhesive portion S, the adhesive material T affixed to the adhesive portion S of the envelope E being conveyed by the conveying unit 2. The longitudinal direction of the separating member 31 extends along the second direction F2. The separating member 31 is positioned so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle α with respect to the envelope E conveying surface H, with its upstream side in the second direction F2 being lower and its downstream side in the second direction F2 being higher.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a view of the separating member 31 as viewed from the downstream side in the first direction F1. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the separating member 31. FIG. 8 is a view of the separating member 31 as viewed from the downstream side in the second direction F2. As shown in FIG. 6, the predetermined angle α between the direction D along the longitudinal direction of the separating member 31 and the conveying surface H of the envelope E can be set to, for example, 3° to 45°, and more preferably 5° to 15°. Because the separating member 31 is inclined at the predetermined angle α with respect to the conveying surface of the envelope E, the contact area between the separating member 31 and the envelope E can be reduced, and frictional resistance can be reduced when the separating member 31 is moved relative to the envelope E by the inserting / moving unit 34 to insert the separating member 31 between the adhesive T and the adhesive portion S. As a result, the separating member 31 can be smoothly inserted between the adhesive T and the adhesive portion S.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 7, the separation member 31 has a predetermined width W in the first direction F1. The separation member 31 has a shape formed by connecting a thin plate material that is approximately pentagonal in plan view and a rectangular thin plate material together. The separation member 31 is bent in a mountain shape along the longitudinal direction D, and as shown in FIG. 8, the central portion M in the first direction F1 is high and the left and right end portions G in the first direction F1 are low. The angle β between the first member 311 on the downstream side in the first direction F1 and the second member 312 on the upstream side can be set to 60° to 175°, more preferably 90° to 170°. Because the separation member 31 is bent in a mountain shape along the longitudinal direction D, the contact area with the medium can be reduced, thereby suppressing damage to the medium.

[0032] The separating member 31 includes a rectangular portion 37, an insertion portion 38, and an end separating portion 39. The rectangular portion 37 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The rectangular portion 37 is provided downstream in the second direction F2 from the insertion portion 38. The rectangular portion 38 is provided with two holes 381 at a central portion M in the first direction F1 for fixing the separating member 31 to the vertical portion 46 of the contact / separation portion 33 with screws 461.

[0033] The insertion section 38 is formed in a triangular shape in a plan view. The insertion section 38 is provided at the upstream end in the second direction F2. The insertion section 38 is provided at the lower end of the separating member 31, which is inclined at a predetermined angle α with respect to the conveying surface H of the envelope E. The insertion section 38 is inserted between the sticky note T and the adhesive portion S.

[0034] The angle γ of the tip 381 of the insertion portion 38 can be formed as an acute angle of 15° to 120°, preferably 30° to 85° in a plan view. By forming the insertion portion 38 at an acute angle, the tip 381 of the insertion portion 38 can be easily inserted between the adhesive portion S of the envelope E and the attached object T.

[0035] The end separation portion 39 is provided near the insertion portion 38. The end separation portion 39 is provided to separate the end K (see Figure 12) of the adhesive T from the adhesive portion S. The end separation portion 39 is provided to protrude downstream from the downstream edge 371 of the rectangular portion 37 in the first direction F1 by a predetermined length L1. The length in the first direction F1 from the downstream edge 391 of the end separation portion 39 in the first direction F1 to the tip 381 of the insertion portion 38 is L2. The end separation portion 39 is provided downstream of the insertion portion 38 in the second direction F2. The length from the tip 381 of the insertion portion 38 to the upstream edge 392 in the second direction F2 is L3.

[0036] The clamping unit 32 is disposed opposite the separating member 31. Figure 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the separating member 31 and the clamping unit 32 as viewed from the downstream side. In Figure 9, the separating member 31 is shown in a solid line when positioned at the release position, and in a two-dot chain line when positioned at the contact position and the clamping position. Note that the clamping unit 32 may move the separating member 31 between the contact position and the clamping position without positioning it at the release position.

[0037] The clamping member 32 shown in Fig. 9 is disposed opposite the separating member 31. More specifically, the clamping member 32 is disposed opposite a part of the upstream side in the second direction F2 of the insertion portion 38 and the rectangular portion 37 above. The clamping portion 32 clamps the adhesive material T between itself and the separating member 31. The clamping portion 32 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0038] The clamping part 32 can be made of an elastic body such as sponge, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, etc. By making the clamping part 32 of an elastic body, the adhesive matter T can be firmly clamped when it is clamped between the clamping part 32 and the separating member 31. The clamping part 32 is fixed to the lower surface of the clamping support part 41 of the support body 36.

[0039] The contact / separation unit 33 contacts and separates the separating member 31 with respect to the envelope E. The contact / separation unit 33 moves the separating member 31 between a contact position, a clamping position, and a release position. The contact position is a position where the separating member 31 contacts the envelope E. FIG. 9 shows the separating member 31 in its lowest position, positioned on the conveying path H. The clamping position is a position where the separating member 31 clamps the adhesive material T between the clamping unit 32 and the separating member 31. FIG. 9 shows the separating member 31 in its highest position, with the upper surface of the separating member 31 contacting the lower surface of the clamping unit 32. If the clamping unit 32 is made of a flexible material and is elastically deformable, the clamping unit 32 may deform and clamp the adhesive material T at the clamping position. The release position is a position where the adhesive material T is released from the clamped state between the clamping unit 32 and the separating member 31. The release position is set between the contact position and the clamping position.

[0040] In this embodiment, the contact / separation unit 33 is configured with a lifting mechanism that moves the separating member 31 up and down to move the separating member 31 toward and away from the envelope E. The lifting mechanism includes a hanging portion 46 and a contact / separation drive unit 47. The hanging portion 46 supports the separating member 31 from above. The contact / separation drive unit 47 moves the hanging portion 46 in the vertical direction to move the separating member 31 toward and away from the envelope E. The contact / separation drive unit 47 can be configured with, for example, a solenoid or an air cylinder. The contact / separation drive unit 47 is fixed to the support body 36.

[0041] The insertion movement unit 34 shown in FIG. 5 moves relative to the envelope E in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion forming area of ​​the envelope E so that the insertion portion 38 of the separating member 31, whose leading edge 381 is formed at a predetermined angle, is inserted between the adhesive material T and the adhesive portion S. In this embodiment, the insertion movement unit 34 moves the separating member 31 along the second direction F2. The insertion movement unit 34 includes an endless belt 49, a pulley 50, and a movement drive unit 53. The belt 49 is stretched between the pulley 50 and the movement drive unit 53, which are installed at a distance in the second direction F2. The support body 36 is fixed to the belt 49, which travels below. The movement drive unit 53 drives the belt 49, rotates the pulley 50, and moves the separating member 31 and the clamping unit 32, which are supported vertically on the support body 36, in the second direction F2.

[0042] The separation and movement section moves the separation member 31 relative to the envelope E in the longitudinal direction while engaging the adhesive T with the separation member 31. In this embodiment, the separation and movement section is also configured as the conveying section 2. The support plate 35 is placed on the conveying surface H of the envelope E and supports the envelope E from below.

[0043] The suction unit 40 suctions the envelope E onto the conveyance surface H. The suction unit 40 includes a suction box 48 and a negative pressure source 51. The suction box 48 is connected to the negative pressure source 51. The negative pressure source 51 also serves as the negative pressure source 51 of the recovery unit 5.

[0044] The recovery unit 5 sucks and recovers the adhesive T separated from the envelope E. The recovery unit 5 has a negative pressure source 51, a cyclone 52, a pipe 54, a suction head 55, and a suction port 57. The negative pressure source 51 generates a negative pressure for suction. The negative pressure source 51 is connected to the cyclone 52 via the pipe 54. The suction head 55 has a suction port 57. The suction port 57 uses the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure source 51 to suck the adhesive T. The suction head 55 and the cyclone 52 are connected via the pipe 54.

[0045] The folding unit 9 folds and seals the folding portion. The folding portion can be, for example, the flap J of the envelope E. The folding unit 9 constitutes a folding device. The folding unit 9 includes a folding plate 91 and a folding drive unit (not shown). Driven by the folding drive unit, the folding plate 91 folds back the flap J. The receiving unit 10 receives the sealed envelope E.

[0046] 10, the control unit 70 has a CPU calculation unit 93 and a memory unit 94 such as RAM and ROM. The control unit 70 is electrically connected to the transport unit 2, supply unit 6, content supply unit 7, insertion unit 8, separation unit 3, recovery unit 5, folding unit 9, and receiving unit 10.

[0047] Based on information obtained from detection units 95 such as various sensors installed in the conveying unit 2, supply unit 6, contents supply unit 7, insertion unit 8, separation unit 3, recovery unit 5, folding unit 9, and receiving unit 10, input units 96 such as operation panels, and operation units 97, the control unit 70 drives the first drive unit 213, position adjustment drive unit 232, second drive unit 223, envelope supply drive unit 63, contents conveying unit 73, insertion unit 8, approach and separation drive unit 47, movement drive unit 53, negative pressure source 51, and folding drive unit at a predetermined timing, and controls each operation.

[0048] With the conveyance of the envelope E by the conveyance rollers 28 of the conveyance unit 2 stopped, the envelope E is sealed by folding back the flap J so that the body V and the flap J are adhered together via the adhesive portion S. The receiving unit 10 receives the sealed envelope E from the conveyance path 20 and places it on the receiving unit 10.

[0049] (operation) The operation of the sealing machine 1 will now be described. The control unit 70 controls the envelope conveying unit 62 to convey the envelope E placed on the placing unit 61 downstream in the second direction F2 from the placing unit 61. The envelope E reaches the position adjustment unit 23. The control unit 70 also controls the contents conveying unit 73 to convey the contents N contained inside the envelope E from at least one of the first placing unit 71 and the second placing unit 72. The control unit 70 causes the contents N to wait in the waiting unit 75.

[0050] The control unit 70 drives the position adjustment drive unit 232. The driving of the position adjustment drive unit 232 rotates the roller 231. The envelope E supplied from the supply unit 6 to the position adjustment unit 23 by the envelope conveying unit 62 is conveyed downstream in the second direction F2 by the roller 231 protruding from the opening 219 of the support plate 218. The bottom edge Eb of the envelope E comes into contact with the guide 234.

[0051] The control unit 70 continues to drive the position adjustment drive unit 232 even after the bottom edge of the envelope E contacts the guide 234, so that the roller 231 continues to rotate. There is no driven roller above the roller 231 that rotates while clamping the envelope E between the roller 231 and the roller 231. Therefore, even if the roller 231 continues to rotate, the back of the envelope E merely rubs against the roller 231 with a weak frictional force, and is not transported downstream in the second direction F2. This allows the envelope E to maintain a substantially horizontal posture without bending or folding. The position of the envelope E in the second direction F2 is adjusted to a position where the bottom edge Eb contacts the guide 234. The position in the second direction F2 can be adjusted appropriately with a simple structure.

[0052] After bottom edge Eb contacts guide 234, control unit 70 drives first drive unit 213. Roller 212a connected to first drive unit 213 is rotated, and first belt 211 runs. Protrusion 215 comes into contact with the upstream edge Es of envelope E in the first direction F1, and transports envelope E downstream in the first direction F1 as first belt 211 runs.

[0053] When the envelope E reaches the insertion section 8, the control section 70 drives the first suction section 81 and the second suction section 82. The first suction section 81 sucks the portion of the top of the envelope E near the flap J. With the top of the envelope E being sucked by the first suction section 81 and the back of the envelope E being sucked by the second suction section 82, the control section 70 drives the lifting mechanism 83. The top of the envelope E near the insertion opening is lifted while still being sucked by the first suction section 81, and the insertion opening U of the envelope E opens. After the insertion opening U of the envelope E is opened up and down, the control section 70 drives the blowing mechanism 84. The blowing mechanism 84 blows air into the envelope E from the insertion opening U. This inflates the storage space in the body V of the envelope E.

[0054] The control unit 70 controls the contents supply unit 7 to insert the contents N into the body V of the envelope E through the insertion opening U. The control unit 70 drives the first drive unit 213 to transport the envelope E with the contents N inserted to the downstream end in the first direction F1.

[0055] Then, the control unit 70 transfers the envelope E from the first conveying unit 21 to the second conveying unit 22. The control unit 70 drives the second driving unit 223. By driving the second driving unit 223, the envelope E is sandwiched between the conveying roller 221 and the driven roller 222 and conveyed downstream in the first direction F1. The control unit 70 drives the negative pressure source 51. The control unit 70 may control the negative pressure source 51 to constantly generate negative pressure while the sealing machine 1 is operating.

[0056] When the envelope E reaches the separation unit 3, the control unit 70 stops the second drive unit 223. The position at which the envelope E is stopped in the separation unit 3 is a position where the insertion point I of the separation member 31 set on the envelope E faces the installation position of the tip 381 of the insertion unit 38 in the first direction F1. The insertion point I can be set, for example, at the downstream edge Ed of the envelope E in the first direction F1.

[0057] The control unit 70 drives the contact / separation drive unit 47. The separation member 31 descends from a standby position above the conveying surface H of the envelope E. When the separation member 31 reaches the contact position and the tip 381 of the insertion unit 38 located at the lowest end of the separation member 31 contacts the upper surface of the envelope E, the control unit 70 stops the contact / separation drive unit 47.

[0058] In this embodiment, the contacting / separating section 33 is configured by a lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the separating member 31, so that the time required for contacting and separating the separating member 31 can be shortened.

[0059] The control unit 70 drives the movement drive unit 53. As the movement drive unit 53 is driven, the envelope E is attracted downward by the suction unit 40, and the leading end 381 of the insertion unit 38 moves upstream in the second direction F2 while keeping the leading end 381 in contact with the upper surface of the envelope E. The insertion unit 38 is inserted between the adhesive portion S on the upper surface of the envelope E and the attached matter T.

[0060] 11 is an enlarged view showing the state in which the insertion part 38 is inserted between the patch T and the adhesive part S. As the insertion movement part 34 of the separating member 31 moves upstream in the second direction F2, the insertion part 38 is inserted between the patch T and the adhesive part S. The downstream end K of the patch T separates from the adhesive part S and is separated.

[0061] 12 shows a case where insertion point I is set at a position a predetermined length L4 upstream from the downstream edge Ed of envelope E in the first direction F1, instead of at the downstream edge Ed of envelope E shown in FIG. 11. The predetermined length L4 is shorter than the length L2 in the first direction F1 from the downstream edge 391 of the end separator 39 on the first direction F1 to the tip 381 of the insertion section 38. As shown in FIG. 12, when insertion point I is set at a position a predetermined length L4 upstream from the downstream edge Ed of envelope E in the first direction F1, the insertion section 38 can be inserted with the end K of the adhesive T remaining attached to the adhesive portion S when the insertion section 38 is moved. The separating member 31 is arranged at an angle, and the separating member 31 is formed so that the central portion M in the first direction F1 is higher and the left and right end portions G in the first direction F1 are lower, so that the adhesive material T around the insertion point I is separated from the adhesive portion S sequentially from the insertion point I toward both the upstream and downstream sides in the first direction F1 as the insertion section 28 moves upstream in the second direction F2.

[0062] In this case, the insertion part 38 can be inserted with the end K of the adhesive material T still attached to the adhesive portion S, and therefore the adhesive material T at the insertion part I can be more reliably separated from the adhesive portion S than when the insertion part I shown in Fig. 11 is set at a position corresponding to the downstream edge Ed of the envelope E and the end K of the adhesive material T. This can avoid a situation in which the end K of the adhesive material T avoids the tip 381 of the insertion part 38, preventing the insertion part 38 from being properly inserted between the adhesive material T and the adhesive portion S, making it difficult to separate the adhesive material T and the adhesive portion S with the separating member 31.

[0063] As the control unit 70 continues to drive the movement drive unit 53, the separation member 31 advances further upstream in the second direction F2, and the tip 381 of the insertion unit 38 penetrates upstream from the upstream edge of the adhesive material T in the second direction F2, and the adhesive portion S and the adhesive material T are separated at the insertion point I.

[0064] Then, with a delay after the tip 381 of the insertion portion 38 is inserted between the patch T and the adhesive portion S at the insertion position I, the end separating portion 39 enters between the end K of the patch T and the adhesive portion S. FIG. 13 shows a state in which the end separating portion 39 has entered between the end K of the patch T and the adhesive portion S. The end separating portion 39 separates the end K of the patch T from the adhesive portion S. After the tip 381 of the insertion portion 38 is inserted between the patch T and the adhesive portion S in this way, the separating member 31 is further moved upstream in the second direction F2 by the insertion movement portion 34, thereby allowing the end separating portion 39 to separate the end K of the patch T from the adhesive portion S.

[0065] The longitudinal ends K and U of the adhesive T may adhere to the envelope E with a stronger force than other parts of the adhesive T. For example, if the envelope E is made of a synthetic resin film or the like and the left and right side edges Es of the envelope E are melted and cut by heat, the end K of the adhesive T and the side edges Es of the envelope E will both be melted and cut by the heat. As a result, the end K of the adhesive T and the side edges Es or adhesive portion S of the envelope E may adhere with a stronger force than other parts, resulting in a tight contact.

[0066] Even when the adhesive material T is in close contact with the envelope E or the adhesive portion S, the end separation portion 39 can enter between the end K of the adhesive material T and the adhesive portion S of the envelope E and separate the end K of the adhesive material T from the envelope E and the adhesive portion S.

[0067] After the tip 381 of the insertion section 38 reaches the upstream side of the adhesive material T in the second direction F2 and the end separating section 39 separates the end K of the adhesive material T from the envelope E and the adhesive portion S, the control section 70 stops the movement driving section 53. Then, the control section 70 drives the approach / separation driving section 47 to raise the separating member 31 to the clamping position. The insertion portion I of the adhesive material T remains on the upper surface of the separating member 31 and is raised together with the separating member 31. Then, the insertion portion I of the adhesive material T is clamped between the separating member 31 and the clamping section 32.

[0068] The separating member 31 is provided with a contacting / separating portion 33 for contacting and separating the separating member 31 with respect to the envelope E, so that the separating member 31 can be easily moved relative to the adhesive portion S. The clamping portion 32 is disposed opposite the separating member 31 and clamps the adhesive T between the separating member 31 and the clamping portion 32, so that the adhesive T can be easily clamped by the clamping portion 32.

[0069] The contact / separation section 33 moves the separating member 31 between a contact position where the separating member 31 contacts the envelope E and a clamping position where the separating member 31 clamps the adhesive T between itself and the clamping section 32, which is positioned opposite the insertion section 38 and clamps the adhesive T between itself and the insertion section 38, so that the adhesive T can be easily clamped using the separating member.

[0070] After the adhesive material T is clamped between the clamping unit 32 and the separating member 31, the control unit 70 drives the second driving unit 223. By driving the second driving unit 223, the control unit 70 engages the insertion portion I of the adhesive material T with the separating member 31 and moves the separating member 31 relative to the envelope E in the longitudinal direction, thereby separating the adhesive material T from the adhesive portion S.

[0071] In this way, by the conveying section 2 conveying the envelope E in the first direction F1, as shown in Figure 14, the envelope E moves downstream in the first direction F1 while the vicinity of the downstream end K of the adhesive T in the first direction F1 is clamped by the clamping section 32 and the separating member 31, and the adhesive T can be separated from the adhesive portion S.

[0072] In Figure 13, an upstream end U of the sticker T is attached to the adhesive portion S of the envelope E. The other portion of the sticker T has been peeled off from the adhesive portion S of the envelope E and separated.

[0073] All of the adhesive material T is separated from the adhesive portion S. At this time, the downstream end K of the adhesive material T remains clamped between the clamping portion 32 and the separating member 31. The control unit 70 drives the contact / separation drive unit 47 to move the separating member 31 to the release position. The adhesive material T is released from the state where it was clamped between the clamping portion 32 and the separating member 31. The control unit 70 may also drive the contact / separation drive unit 47 to change the separating member 31 to the release position and move it to the contact position. At this time, as with the release position, the adhesive material T is released from the state where it was clamped between the clamping portion 32 and the separating member 31. The control unit 70 may move the separating member 31 from the clamping position to the contact position, after the adhesive material T has been released, by continuing to drive the contact / separation drive unit 47.

[0074] The adhesive tape T is sucked into the suction head 55. The cyclone 52 separates and collects the adhesive tape T sucked from the suction port 57 by centrifugal force.

[0075] When the envelope E reaches the folding unit 9 due to the drive of the second drive unit 223, the control unit 70 drives the folding drive unit. The flap J is folded and sealed by the rotation of the folding plate 91. The sealed envelope E is discharged to the receiving unit 10 by the second conveying unit 22.

[0076] (Second embodiment) FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a sealing machine 100 according to a second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the second conveying unit 22 includes a conveying roller 221 and a driven roller 222. In the second embodiment, instead of these, a second conveying unit 250 includes a second belt 251, a plurality of conveying rollers 252, a suction device 253, and a second driving unit 254. The second belt 251 is formed endless. The second driving unit 254 is connected to the roller 252a, which is located at the most upstream position in the first direction F1, among the rollers 252 around which the second belt 251 is wound. The second belt 252 is driven by the rotation of the roller 252a connected to the second driving unit 254. The second driving unit 254 may be connected to any of the rollers 252 other than the roller 252a, which is located at the most upstream position in the first direction F1 around which the second belt 251 is wound.

[0077] Furthermore, the separating member 65 of the second embodiment is formed in a hook shape in plan view. Fig. 16 is an enlarged plan view of the separating member 65 according to the second embodiment. The separating member 65 has an insertion portion 66 on the right side in the drawing and a circular portion 67 on the left side. The insertion portion 66 is formed to be curved in a crescent shape. When the separating member 65 rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 16, the curved portion on the downstream side in the rotation direction forms an end separating portion 80.

[0078] Before the separating member 65 is inserted between the adhesive material T and the adhesive portion S, the insertion portion 66 is located downstream in the second direction F2 from the circular portion 67. The insertion portion 66 is provided at the lower end of the separating member 65, which is inclined at a predetermined angle δ with respect to the conveying surface H of the envelope E. The insertion portion 66 is inserted between the adhesive material T and the adhesive portion S.

[0079] The angle ε of the tip 661 of the insertion portion 66 can be formed to be an acute angle of 15° to 90° in a plan view, preferably 30° to 85°. By forming the insertion portion 38 at an acute angle, it becomes easier to insert the tip 661 of the insertion portion 66 between the adhesive portion S of the envelope E and the attached object T.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 17, the circular portion 67 is fixed to the lower end of the shaft 69. The shaft 69 is configured to serve both as the contacting and separating portion 77 and the inserting and moving portion 68. When the shaft 69 rotates, the separating member 65 rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 16, and the inserting portion 66 moves from the downstream side to the upstream side in the second direction F2, as shown by the two-dot chain line, and is inserted between the patch T and the adhesive portion S.

[0081] As the shaft 69 moves up and down, the separating member 65 approaches and moves away from the envelope E. The separating member 65 is inclined at a predetermined angle so that the tip 661 of the insertion portion 66 approaches the envelope E and the circular portion 67 moves away from the envelope E. The approaching and separating portion 77 moves the separating member 65 up and down between a contact position where the tip 661 of the insertion portion 66 contacts the envelope E, a clamping position where the adhesive T is clamped between the separating member 65 and a clamping portion 78 arranged oppositely above, and a release position where the adhesive T is released.

[0082] When the envelope E with the contents N inserted therein is transferred from the first conveying section 1 to the second conveying section 250, the control section 701 drives the suction device 253 and the second driving section 254. The envelope E is conveyed downstream in the first direction F1 by the traveling second belt 251 while being sucked downward on the conveying surface H by the suction device 253.

[0083] When the insertion point I of the envelope E reaches a position facing the tip 661 of the insertion section 66 of the separating member 65, the control unit 701 stops the second drive unit 254. Figure 18 is a plan view of the state when the insertion point I of the envelope E reaches a position facing the tip 661 of the insertion section 66 of the separating member 65 in the first direction F1. The control unit 701 causes the contact / separation unit 77 to lower the separating member 65 to the contact position.

[0084] The control unit 701 drives the insertion movement unit 68. The shaft 69 is rotated, causing the separating member 66 to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 18, and the insertion unit 66 is inserted between the sticker T, the adhesive portion S, and the envelope E at the insertion position I of the envelope E. FIG. 19 shows the state in which the tip 661 of the insertion unit 66 is inserted into the insertion position I and penetrates through to the upstream side of the sticker T in the second direction F2. The end separating unit 80 separates the end K of the sticker T from the adhesive S. From the state in FIG. 19, the control unit 701 further rotates the shaft 69, causing the separating member 65 to rotate, thereby separating the end K of the sticker T from the envelope E and the adhesive portion S.

[0085] The control unit 701 controls the contact / separation unit 77 to move the separating member 65, for example, upward so as to separate from the envelope E. The separating member 65 rises to the clamping position as shown in FIG. 20 . The periphery of the end K separated from the envelope E is clamped between the upper surface of the insertion unit 66 of the separating member 65 and the clamping unit 79. With the periphery of the end K of the adhesive T clamped, the envelope E moves relatively along the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion S, whereby the adhesive T is peeled off from the adhesive portion S of the envelope E.

[0086] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above-described 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-described embodiments may be an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the separating member 31, 65 is provided with an end separating portion 39, 80 for separating the end K of the adhesive material T from the adhesive portion S, but an end separating portion may not be provided. The separating member 31, 65 is provided with a clamping portion 32, 79 disposed opposite the separating member 31, 65 and clamping the adhesive material T between the separating member 31, 65. However, the clamping portion may not be provided, and instead of the clamping portion, for example, a holding portion with an adhesive surface that holds the adhesive material, or an engaging portion formed in a hook shape that engages the adhesive material, may be provided. The engaging portion or holding portion may be provided integrally with the separating member, or may be a separate portion. It is also possible to use a clamping portion 32, 79 or a clamping portion that sprays air onto the adhesive material T.

[0088] Although the separation device is installed in the sealing machine 1, it is not limited to this and may be installed in a device that peels off release paper attached to labels or sheets, or in a device that separates tape, film, paper, etc. attached to three-dimensional objects such as plastic products or objects with low flexibility.

[0089] In the above embodiment, an example has been given of a mode in which the adhesive T is peeled off from the adhesive portion S by utilizing the fact that the envelope E as the medium is transported along the first direction F1 in the transport path. However, it is also possible to adopt a mode in which the separating member moves in a cross direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion-forming region of the medium while the medium is stationary. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the medium and the separating member moves relatively along the cross direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion-forming region.

[0090] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the transport direction of the envelope E as a medium and the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion-forming region generally coincide. However, the transport direction of the medium and the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion-forming region may differ. For example, the adhesive portion may extend in a cross direction that intersects with the transport direction of the medium. If the adhesive portion extends in the cross direction, the transport unit may transport the medium with the flap as the leading or trailing end. If the adhesive portion and the adhesive material extend in the width direction of the medium as the cross direction, the separation unit may peel the adhesive material by, for example, hooking multiple claws spaced at predetermined intervals in the cross direction onto the adhesive material. In this case, the holding unit is unnecessary. Alternatively, after peeling the end K using the separation members 31, 65, the end K of the adhesive material T may be clamped by the clamping units 32, 79, and the clamping units 32, 79 may move along the cross direction to peel the adhesive material. The separation members 31 and 65 are arranged at an angle relative to the media transport surface, but they may also be parallel to the media transport surface. The lower part of the insertion section has a horizontal portion that is approximately parallel to the media, but the entire separation member including the insertion section may be arranged at an angle relative to the media so that only the tip of the insertion section contacts the media. If the lower part of the insertion section is arranged approximately parallel to the media, damage to the media may be reduced.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example has been given in which the end K of the adhesive patch T is clamped by the clamping sections 32, 79. The clamping range of the adhesive patch T by the clamping sections 32, 79 can also be set to a range from the end K of the adhesive patch T to the center of the adhesive patch T in the longitudinal direction.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the release of the end K of the adhesive T by the clamping units 32, 79 is illustrated as occurring after the adhesive T has been completely peeled off. The release by the clamping units 32, 79 can also occur simultaneously with the complete peeling off of the adhesive T or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the complete peeling off of the adhesive T. The timing of the release by the clamping units 32, 79 can also be determined by time management using a timer, or based on detection of the position of the medium by a sensor.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the contents supply unit 7 and the insertion unit 8 cooperate to insert the contents into the storage space in the body V of the envelope E. However, it is also possible to have an operator form a storage space in the body V of the envelope E and insert the contents into the storage space in the body V.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the folding of the flap J by the folding unit 9 is performed while the transport of the envelope E by the transport unit 2 is temporarily stopped. The folding of the flap J can also be performed while the envelope E is being transported. When peeling off the adhesive T, the medium may be sucked from below the transport path 20. The tips 381, 661 of the insertion units 31, 65 are formed in a triangular or curved shape in a plan view, but may instead be formed in a rectangular or polygonal shape, or may be circular, diamond-shaped, sawtooth, wavy, etc.

[0095] Although the clamping unit 32 is disposed opposite the separating member 31, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be disposed along a direction intersecting the installation direction of the separating member 31. The clamping unit may cover a part of the separating member, or conversely, the separating member may cover a part or all of the clamping unit, thereby clamping the adhesive material between the clamping unit and the separating member. Although the present invention has been described with reference to a case where the clamping unit 32 is disposed above the insertion unit 38 of the separating member, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be disposed opposite the entire separating member by being the same size as or larger than the separating member, such as the center of the separating member in the longitudinal direction or a part downstream in the second direction.

[0096] Although the separating member 31 is provided with a contact / separation section 33 for contacting and separating the separating member 31 from the envelope E serving as a medium, the contact / separation section may not be provided. For example, without providing a contact / separation section, the separating member may be inserted between the label and the adhesive portion, and then positioned at the contact position, and moved relative to the medium in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion-forming area while keeping the label in contact with the medium without separating it, while engaging the label with the separating member. In this case, the separating member is sandwiched between the label and the adhesive portion and moves relative to the medium in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion-forming area while engaged with both. This creates an air layer between the label and the adhesive portion, allowing the two to be separated.

[0097] The contact / separation unit 33 moves the separating member 31, 65 between a contact position where the separating member 31 contacts the medium and a clamping position where the separating member 31 clamps the adhesive material between the clamping unit 32. However, instead of the contact / separation unit, a mechanism may be provided that moves the separating member to the side of the medium transport path carried by the transport unit. This allows the separating member to wait in a standby position to the side of the medium transport path before the adhesive material is separated. In this case, the separating member is less likely to collide with the medium, preventing the separating member from contacting the medium and causing transport problems. The contact position also includes the case where the separating member comes into contact with the adhesive portion of the medium.

[0098] Instead of the contact position, the separation member may be moved to a medium-proximate position. The medium-proximate position is a position where the separation member does not contact the medium but is close to the medium, for example, a position above the adhesive portion by a predetermined amount. Furthermore, if a clamping unit is not provided, a mechanism may be provided to move the separation member from the medium contact position or medium-proximate position to a separated position that is separated from the medium by at least a predetermined amount.

[0099] Although the insertion movement section 34 moves the separating member 31 along the second direction F2, the medium may move relative to the separating member.

[0100] Although the end separation portion 39 has been shown to be rectangular, it may also be trapezoidal or triangular in shape, with the upstream side in the second direction being shorter in the first direction and the downstream side being longer in the second direction, or conversely, it may be trapezoidal or triangular in shape, with the upstream side in the second direction being longer in the first direction than the downstream side, or may include other polygonal shapes such as a pentagon or an elliptical isocurve portion. When the end separation portion 39 is rectangular in plan view, it can be designed more easily than other shapes.

[0101] The clamping portion 32 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, but may be any shape such as an oval, a circle, a polygon, etc., and may include a curved surface as long as it can clamp the adhesive T between the clamping portion 32 and the separating member 31. Instead of the clamping portion 32, a mechanism for locking or engaging the adhesive such as a needle, a hook, or a hook-shaped object may be provided on or near the separating member 31. The separating member 31 is disposed at an angle with respect to the conveying surface of the medium.

[0102] Although the contact / separation unit 33 is configured with an elevation mechanism that raises and lowers the separation member 31, it may instead be a mechanism that moves the separation member along the second direction to the side of the medium transport path until the separation member does not contact the medium. When an elevation mechanism is used as the contact / separation unit, the movement distance of the separation member is shorter than when a mechanism that moves the separation member along the second direction to a position on the side of the transport path where it does not contact the medium is used, and the time required for movement can be shortened.

[0103] The separation device of the above embodiment comprises a conveying section 2 that conveys envelope E as a medium, a separating member 31, 65 for separating from the adhesive portion S an adhesive material T affixed to the adhesive portion S of the envelope E conveyed by the conveying section 2, an insertion movement section 34, 68 that moves relative to the envelope E in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion forming area of ​​the envelope E so that the insertion section 38, 66 of the separating member 31, 65, whose tip end 381, 661 is formed at a predetermined angle γ, ε, is inserted between the adhesive material T and the adhesive portion S, and a separation movement section that moves the separating member 31, 65 relative to the envelope E in the longitudinal direction while engaging the adhesive material T with the separating member 31, 65, thereby making it possible to properly separate the adhesive material T affixed to the adhesive portion of the envelope E from the envelope E.

[0104] Furthermore, when the separating members 31, 65 are provided with end separating portions 39, 80 for separating the end K of the adhesive matter T from the adhesive portion S, the end K of the adhesive matter T can be separated appropriately by the end separating portions 39, 80.

[0105] Furthermore, when a clamping section 32,79 is provided that is arranged opposite the separating member 31,65 and clamps the adhesive T between the separating member 31,65, the adhesive can be properly clamped between the clamping section 32,79 and the separating member 31,65, and the adhesive T can be separated from the envelope E.

[0106] Furthermore, when the separation members 31, 65 are provided with contacting and separating sections 33, 77 for contacting and separating the separation members 31, 65 with respect to the envelope E, the separation members 31, 65 can be easily contacted and separated from the envelope E by the contacting and separating sections 33, 77.

[0107] Furthermore, the contact / separation sections 31, 77 move the separating members 31, 65 between a contact position where the separating members 31, 65 contact the envelope E and a clamping position where the separating members 31, 65 clamp the adhesive T between themselves and the clamping sections 32, 79, which are arranged opposite the insertion sections 38, 66 and clamp the adhesive T between themselves and the insertion sections 38, 66, so that the separating members 31, 65 can be moved appropriately to separate the adhesive T from the envelope E.

[0108] Furthermore, when the separating members 31, 65 are disposed at an angle to the conveying surface of the envelope E, the insertion portions 38, 66 can be easily inserted between the adhesive matter T and the adhesive portion S.

[0109] The sealing machine 1,100 of the above embodiment is equipped with the separating device of the above embodiment and a folding device that folds the flap J for sealing, so that the adhesive T can be properly separated from the envelope E and sealed.

[0110] In the separation method of the above embodiment, the envelope E is transported by the transport unit 2, and a separation member 31, 65 is inserted between the adhesive portion S and the sticker T attached to the adhesive portion S of the envelope E transported by the transport unit 2, and the separation member 31, 65 is moved relative to the envelope E in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion forming area of ​​the envelope E, and the separation member 31, 65 is moved relative to the envelope E in the longitudinal direction while engaging the sticker T with the separation member 31, 65, thereby separating the sticker T from the adhesive portion S, so that the sticker T attached to the adhesive portion S of the envelope E can be properly separated from the envelope E.

[0111] In the sealing method of the above embodiment, the envelope E is transported by the transport unit 2, and a separation member 31, 65 is inserted between the adhesive portion S and the sticker T affixed to the adhesive portion S of the envelope E transported by the transport unit 2, and the separation member 31, 65 is moved relative to the envelope E in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion forming area of ​​the envelope E, and the separation member 31, 65 is moved relative to the envelope E in the longitudinal direction while engaging the sticker T with the separation member 31, 65, separating the sticker T from the adhesive portion S and folding the flap J to seal the envelope, so that the sticker T can be properly separated from the envelope E and sealed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] E envelope, S adhesive part, T adhesive material, 1,100 sealing machine, 2 conveying part, 3 separating part, 9 folding part, 31,65 separating member, 32,79 clamping part, 33,77 contact and separation part, 38,66 insertion part, 39,80 end separating part, 381,661 tip.

Claims

1. a transport unit that transports the medium; a separating member for separating a label attached to an adhesive portion of the medium transported by the transport unit from the adhesive portion; an insertion movement unit that moves relative to the medium in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion-forming region of the medium so as to insert an insertion portion of the separating member, the tip of which is formed at a predetermined angle, between the adhesive portion and the patch; a separation moving section that moves the separating member relative to the medium in the longitudinal direction while engaging the adhesive material with the separating member.

2. The separating device according to claim 1 , wherein the separating member includes an end separating portion for separating the end of the adhesive object from the adhesive portion.

3. The separating device according to claim 2, further comprising a clamping portion disposed opposite the separating member and configured to clamp the adhesive material between the separating member and the clamping portion.

4. The separating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a contacting / separating portion for contacting and separating the separating member with respect to the medium.

5. a clamping section is provided that is disposed opposite the separating member and clamps the adhesive material between the separating member and the clamping section; The separating device according to claim 4 , wherein the contacting / separating unit moves the separating member between a contact position where the separating member contacts the medium and a clamping position where the separating member clamps the adhesive material between the clamping unit and the separating member.

6. The separating device according to claim 1 , wherein the separating member is disposed at an angle relative to a conveying surface of the medium.

7. A sealing machine comprising the separating device according to claim 1 and a folding device for folding and sealing the folding portion of the medium.

8. The medium is transported by a transport unit; a separating member for separating the adhesive material from the adhesive portion is inserted between the adhesive portion and a sticker attached to the adhesive portion of the medium transported by the transport unit; The separating member is moved relative to the medium in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion forming region of the medium; a separating method for separating the adhesive material from the adhesive portion by moving the separating member relative to the medium in the longitudinal direction while engaging the adhesive material with the separating member;

9. The medium is transported by a transport unit; a separating member for separating the adhesive material from the adhesive portion is inserted between the adhesive portion and a sticker attached to the adhesive portion of the medium transported by the transport unit; The separating member is moved relative to the medium in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion forming region of the medium; the separating member is moved relative to the medium in the longitudinal direction while engaging the adhesive with the separating member, and the adhesive is separated from the adhesive portion; A sealing method in which the non-foldable portion is folded to seal the package.

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