Sheet-like substrate positioning device, processing apparatus equipped therewith, and sheet-like substrate positioning method

Abstract

The present invention provides a sheet-like substrate positioning device that simplifies the adjustment operation of the positioning mechanism and improves work efficiency. [Solution] The sheet-like substrate positioning device comprises a two-hand switch console equipped with a right-hand switch corresponding to the operator's right hand and a left-hand switch corresponding to the operator's left hand, and a control unit that controls the adjustment operation of a positioning mechanism for positioning a sheet-like substrate at a predetermined position. The control unit permits the adjustment operation of the positioning mechanism in step S10, even if the cover that opens and closes over the positioning mechanism is in the open position, in the case of step S9 where both the right-hand switch and the left-hand switch are turned on simultaneously.

Description

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[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet - like substrate positioning device, a processing device provided with the same, and a sheet - like substrate positioning method. [Background Art]

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1, a paper folding machine (folder) is known which folds paper by advancing a knife against the paper (sheet - like substrate) and sandwiching the paper between folding rollers. The paper folding machine is provided with a positioning mechanism such as a guide for aligning the positions of the paper in the width direction conveyed by a conveyor belt and a stopper for stopping the conveyed paper. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 5522805 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]<00000​​​​​​​​​​​The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a sheet-like substrate positioning device, a processing device equipped therewith, and a sheet-like substrate positioning method that can simplify the adjustment operation of the positioning mechanism and improve workability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the sheet-like substrate positioning device, the processing apparatus equipped therewith, and the sheet-like substrate positioning method of the present invention employ the following means.

[0008] A sheet-like substrate positioning device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a two-hand switch console provided with a right-hand switch corresponding to the operator's right hand and a left-hand switch corresponding to the operator's left hand, and a control unit that controls the adjustment operation of a positioning mechanism for positioning a sheet-like substrate at a predetermined position, wherein the control unit permits the adjustment operation of the positioning mechanism even when a cover that opens and closes over the positioning mechanism is in the open state, provided that the right-hand switch and the left-hand switch are turned on simultaneously.

[0009] When both the right-hand and left-hand switches on the two-hand switch console are turned on simultaneously, the operator's hands are operating both switches, preventing them from accessing the positioning mechanism. Therefore, even when the cover over the positioning mechanism is open, adjustment of the positioning mechanism can be permitted. This eliminates the need to close the cover for safety before adjusting the positioning mechanism, allowing adjustment to be performed with the cover open. The operator can visually assess the positioning adjustment of the sheet-like substrate with the cover open, resulting in a simpler adjustment process and improved work efficiency. Positioning mechanisms include, for example, guides for positioning the sheet-like substrate in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet-like substrate) and stoppers for stopping the conveyed sheet-like substrate.

[0010] Furthermore, in a sheet-like substrate positioning device according to one aspect of the present invention, the two-handed switch console is equipped with an input unit for inputting the amount of movement of the positioning mechanism.

[0011] The position of the positioning mechanism is adjusted by inputting the amount of movement of the positioning mechanism into the input section of the two-handed switch console. This allows the operator to perform the adjustment work in front of the two-handed switch console, improving work efficiency.

[0012] Furthermore, in a sheet-like substrate positioning device according to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit includes a test mode in which only one sheet-like substrate is sent to the predetermined position.

[0013] A test mode, in which only one sheet-like substrate is fed to a predetermined position in the positioning mechanism, allows for adjustment of the positioning mechanism before continuous operation in which sheet-like substrates are fed continuously.

[0014] Furthermore, in a sheet-like substrate positioning device according to one aspect of the present invention, the two-hand switch console is equipped with a test mode start switch for starting the test mode.

[0015] By providing a test mode start switch on the two-handed switch console, the work efficiency can be improved.

[0016] Furthermore, an apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a positioning mechanism for positioning a sheet-like substrate at a predetermined position, and a sheet-like substrate positioning apparatus as described above.

[0017] The processing apparatus performs processing on a sheet-like substrate positioned by a sheet-like substrate positioning mechanism, for example, by forming folds or lamination.

[0018] Also, a method for positioning a sheet-like base material according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for performing an adjustment operation of a positioning mechanism for positioning a sheet-like base material at a predetermined position using a two-handed switch console provided with a right hand switch corresponding to the right hand of an operator and a left hand switch corresponding to the left hand, and the adjustment operation of the positioning mechanism is permitted when the right hand switch and the left hand switch are simultaneously turned on even when a cover that can open and close the positioning mechanism is in an open state.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] The adjustment operation of the positioning mechanism can be simplified and the workability can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a folding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the folding machine showing the state where the cover of FIG. 1 is closed. [Figure 3] It is a plan view schematically showing the positional relationship between the paper, the stopper, and the guide. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing the front surface of the operation unit. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing the back surface of the operation unit. [Figure 6A] It is a flowchart showing the adjustment operation of the positioning mechanism. [Figure 6B] It is a flowchart showing the adjustment operation of the positioning mechanism.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, a paper folding machine 1 (processing device) according to the present embodiment is schematically shown. The paper folding machine 1 includes a paper feeding unit 3, a conveying unit 5, and a folding unit 7.

[0022] The paper feeding unit 3 includes a stacking unit 3a for stacking and arranging multiple sheets of paper (sheet-like substrates), and a paper feeding mechanism such as paper feed rollers that operate according to commands from the control unit. One sheet of paper is taken out from the top of the stacked paper and transported toward the transport unit 5.

[0023] The transport unit 5 is equipped with an electric motor-driven transport belt and transports the paper guided from the paper feeding unit 3 toward the folding unit 7 in the transport direction A1.

[0024] The folding section 7 includes a parallel folding section and a knife folding section. The parallel folding section is equipped with multiple folding rollers, and each folding roller is operated by a control unit, causing the paper to be sandwiched between the folding rollers and folded. In the parallel folding section, the paper is folded in half by the folding rollers, creating fold lines in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction A1. The paper, folded in half in the transport direction A1, is then transported to the knife folding section.

[0025] The knife folding section comprises a long knife extending in the transport direction A1 and a pair of knife folding rollers located below the knife. The folded paper comes into contact with the stopper 20 (see Figure 3) and stops between the knife and the knife folding rollers. The knife then moves downward, pushing the paper towards the knife folding rollers and trapping it between the pair of knife folding rollers. This folds the folded paper in half again in the width direction (orthogonal direction), forming a quarter-folded sheet of paper.

[0026] Before the paper is folded by the knife, the paper is positioned in the desired location by a positioning mechanism. As shown in Figure 3, the positioning mechanism includes a stopper 20 that contacts and stops the leading edge of the paper S as it is transported in the transport direction A1, and a guide 21 that aligns the paper S in the width direction (orthogonal direction). The stopper 20 is plate-shaped with a flat contact surface with the paper S, and its position in the transport direction A1 can be adjusted by operating an electric motor such as a stepping motor by the control unit. The guides 21 are provided on both sides of the paper S, and their contact surfaces with the paper S are plate-shaped with flat surfaces, and their orthogonal positions can be adjusted by operating an electric motor such as a stepping motor by the control unit.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the folding portion 7 is provided with a cover 9 that covers at least the knife folding portion from above. The cover 9 is rotatable around a pivot axis 9a, thereby allowing it to be opened and closed. The opening and closing of the cover 9 is performed manually by an operator. However, the cover 9 may be opened and closed automatically. Figure 1 shows the cover 9 in the open position, and Figure 2 shows the cover 9 in the closed position.

[0028] An operating unit (two-hand switch console) 13 is provided on the side wall of the folding section 7 via a support arm 11. The operating unit 13 can be moved to any position by the support arm 11.

[0029] Figures 4 and 5 show the operating section 13. Figure 4 shows the front side of the operating section 13, and Figure 5 shows the back side of the operating section 13.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the operation unit 13 has a display unit 13a in the center of its front side. Information transmitted from the control unit is displayed on the display unit 13a. The display unit 13a is a touch panel and serves as an input unit that allows the operator to input various types of information. The input information entered into the display unit 13a is transmitted to the control unit.

[0031] Multiple push buttons 15 are arranged on both sides of the display unit 13a. In Figure 3, three push buttons (switches) 15 are arranged vertically on the right and three on the left, but the number is not limited to this. The push buttons 15 are assigned to operations such as motor start, test paper feed (test mode), knife operation, inching forward, and inching reverse. Input information from each push button 15 is transmitted to the control unit, which then controls each operation.

[0032] On either side of the operating section 13 are a right-hand handle 17a and a left-hand handle 17b. Both handles 17a and 17b are rod-shaped bodies extending in a substantially vertical direction, and are designed to be grasped by the operator's hand.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, a right-hand switch 18a is provided on the back of the right-hand handle 17a, and a left-hand switch 18b is provided on the back of the left-hand handle 17b. The operator can operate each switch 18a and 18b while gripping each handle 17a and 17b. Thus, the right-hand switch 18a and the left-hand switch 18b constitute a two-handed switch. Input information from each switch 18a and 18b is transmitted to the control unit.

[0034] The control unit consists of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium. A series of processes for realizing various functions are stored in the storage medium in the form of a program, for example. The CPU reads this program into the RAM and performs information processing and calculations to realize the various functions. The program may be pre-installed in ROM or other storage media, provided stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or distributed via wired or wireless communication. Computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory.

[0035] Next, the adjustment operation of the positioning mechanism provided in the folded portion 7 described above will be explained using Figures 6A and 6B.

[0036] Before performing continuous operation to continuously supply and process the paper S, the positions of the stopper 20 and guide 21 of the folding section 7 are adjusted as follows.

[0037] The worker opens the cover 9 so that the folded portion 7 can be seen (state in Figure 1: step S1).

[0038] Based on the detection of the open state of the cover 9, the control unit interlocks the motor that operates the positioning mechanism to prevent it from starting (step S2). Alternatively, an interlock may be applied to prevent the entire motor of the paper folding machine 1 from starting.

[0039] Then, the operator simultaneously turns on the right-hand switch 18a and the left-hand switch 18b (step S3). With both switches 18a and 18b turned on simultaneously, the control unit releases the interlock (step S4).

[0040] Next, when the operator presses the test paper feed push button 15 on the control panel 13, the test paper feed begins (step S5). This transports one sheet of paper S to the folding section 7, where it is stopped by the stopper 20 and positioned in the width direction by the guides 21 on both sides. When the test paper feed operation stops, the operator releases both switches 18a and 18b, re-engaging the interlock (step S6).

[0041] The operator visually checks the positional relationship between the stopped paper S, the stopper 20, and the guide 21, and determines whether the positions of the stopper 20 and the guide 21 are appropriate (Step S7).

[0042] If the stopper 20 and guide 21 are in the correct positions, the paper S is ejected from the folding section 7 and the adjustment operation of the positioning mechanism is completed.

[0043] If the stopper 20 position and the guide 21 position are not appropriate, the operator checks the adjustment amount for the stopper 20 position and the guide 21 position and inputs the adjustment amount into the display unit 13a of the operation unit 13 (step S8).

[0044] Subsequently, the operator simultaneously turns on the right-hand switch 18a and the left-hand switch 18b (step S9) to release the interlock (step S10). This allows the positioning mechanism to operate even when the cover 9 is in the open position. The release of the interlock may be maintained only while the right-hand switch 18a and the left-hand switch 18b are simultaneously turned on, and the interlock may be reactivated if either switch 18a or 18b is turned off, or if both switches 18a and 18b are turned off.

[0045] Then, when the operator presses the motor start button 15 on the control unit 13 (step S11), the stopper 20 and / or guide 21 of the positioning mechanism move according to the input adjustment amount (step S12). Alternatively, step S11 may be omitted, and step S12 may be started by pressing both switches 18a and 18b.

[0046] The paper S in the folded section 7 may be ejected after step S11, or after step S7, when the position of the paper S has been confirmed.

[0047] After step S12, return to step S5 and repeat the test paper feed to confirm the correct position of the paper S.

[0048] In addition to inputting an adjustment amount to the display unit 13a of the operating unit 13 and moving the stopper 20 and guide 21 as in step S8, the stopper 20 and / or guide 21 may also be moved by pressing the push button 15 for fine-tuning the guide provided on the operating unit 13. In this case, by operating the push button 15 while simultaneously pressing both switches 18a and 18b, the stopper 20 and guide 21 are moved in two directions, + / - (forward / reverse), thereby adjusting the position of the stopper 20 and guide 21 with the interlock released.

[0049] The effects and advantages of this embodiment, as described above, are as follows. When the right-hand switch 18a and the left-hand switch 18b of the control unit 13 are turned on simultaneously, the operator's hands are operating both switches 18a and 18b, preventing the operator's hands from accessing the positioning mechanism. Therefore, even when the cover 9 covering the positioning mechanism is open, adjustment of the positioning mechanism can be permitted. This eliminates the need to close the cover 9 for safety before adjusting the positioning mechanism, allowing the adjustment to be performed with the cover 9 open. The operator can visually check the positioning of the paper S with the cover 9 open, resulting in a simpler adjustment operation and improved work efficiency.

[0050] The position of the positioning means is adjusted by inputting the amount of movement of the positioning means into the display unit 13a of the operation unit 13. This allows the operator to perform the adjustment work in front of the operation unit 13, improving work efficiency.

[0051] By performing a test feed, which involves sending only one sheet of paper S to a predetermined position in the positioning mechanism, adjustment operations for the positioning mechanism can be performed before continuous operation in which paper S is continuously fed.

[0052] By providing a push button 15 for starting a test paper feed on the operation unit 13, work efficiency can be improved.

[0053] Furthermore, the sheet-like substrate is not limited to paper S, but also includes, for example, sheet-like bags.

[0054] Furthermore, although a paper folding machine 1 was described as an example of a processing device, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to any device equipped with a positioning mechanism for positioning a sheet-like substrate. For example, it can be used in a processing device (such as packaging equipment) that positions and stacks sheet-like bags at predetermined positions.

[0055] Furthermore, while the stopper 20 and guide 21 were described as an example of a positioning mechanism, they are not limited to these as long as they are related to the positioning of a sheet-like substrate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1. Paper folding machine (processing device) 3 Paper feed section 3a Laminated section 5. Conveying section 7 Oribe 9 Cover 11 Support Arm 13. Control Panel (Two-Hand Switch Console) 13a Display Unit (Input Unit) 15 Push buttons (switches) 17a Right-hand handle 17b Left-hand handle 18a Right-hand switch 18b Left-hand switch 20 Stoppers 21 Guide A1 Conveying direction S paper

Claims

1. A two-handed switch console equipped with a right-hand switch corresponding to the worker's right hand and a left-hand switch corresponding to the worker's left hand, A control unit that controls the adjustment operation of a positioning mechanism that positions a sheet-like substrate in a predetermined position, Equipped with, The control unit allows the adjustment operation of the positioning mechanism of a sheet-like substrate positioning device when the right-hand switch and the left-hand switch are simultaneously turned on, even when the cover that opens and closes over the positioning mechanism is in the open position.

2. The sheet-like substrate positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the two-handed switch console is provided with an input unit for inputting the amount of movement of the positioning mechanism.

3. The sheet-like substrate positioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is equipped with a test mode for feeding only one sheet-like substrate to the predetermined position.

4. The sheet-like substrate positioning device according to claim 3, wherein the two-handed switch console is equipped with a test mode start switch for starting the test mode.

5. A positioning mechanism for positioning a sheet-like substrate at a predetermined location, A sheet-like substrate positioning device according to claim 1 or 2, A processing unit equipped with the following features.

6. A method for positioning a sheet-like substrate, which involves adjusting a positioning mechanism for positioning a sheet-like substrate at a predetermined location using a two-hand switch console equipped with a right-hand switch corresponding to the operator's right hand and a left-hand switch corresponding to the operator's left hand, A sheet-like substrate positioning method that allows adjustment operation of the positioning mechanism even when the cover that opens and closes over the positioning mechanism is in the open position, provided that the right-hand switch and the left-hand switch are both turned on simultaneously.

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