Dinghe device

Abstract

This invention provides a collating device that is relatively compact while increasing the maximum load capacity of the feeding section. [Solution] The collating device comprises first to nth feeding units (n≧2) arranged in the vertical direction, and a control unit 20 that controls the vertical movement of the loading platforms of each of the first to nth feeding units. The control unit 20 controls the loading platform of the ith feeding unit (1≦i≦n-1) and the loading platform of the (i+1)th feeding unit adjacent to the ith feeding unit above, to the extent that the distance between the loading platform of the ith feeding unit and the loading platform of the (i+1)th feeding unit adjacent to the ith feeding unit is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold based on the height of a guide placed on the loading platform of the ith feeding unit, which has a contact surface that contacts the end face of the sheet bundle loaded on the loading platform of the ith feeding unit. In this case, the control unit 20 does not raise the loading platform of the ith feeding unit any further, even if it has not reached the upper limit position in its movable range, and does not lower the loading platform of the (i+1)th feeding unit any further, even if it has not reached the lower limit position in its movable range.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0005] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a collating device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a collating device for creating a collated bundle. This collating device includes a plurality of feeding units arranged vertically, and creates a collated bundle by overlapping the sheets fed one by one from each of the plurality of feeding units. Each of the plurality of feeding units has a loading table that can move up and down, and feeds out the uppermost sheet among the loaded sheets. The loading table is moved up and down according to the remaining amount of the loaded sheets so that the uppermost sheet is kept at a certain height. That is, the loading table rises as the number of loaded sheets decreases. A guide for maintaining the alignment state of the sheet bundle is placed on the loading table. As the loading table moves up and down, the guide also moves up and down.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Therefore, to prevent the guides placed on the loading platform from colliding with and damaging the loading platform of the adjacent feeding unit above, it is conceivable to narrow the range of motion of the loading platform, based on the assumption that the distance between loading platforms gradually decreases as feeding progresses.

[0007] However, if the range of motion of the loading platform is narrowed, even if the maximum load capacity of the sheets is increased, the limit of the loading platform's range of motion will be reached before all the sheets can be used, making it impossible to use them all. In this case, although the maximum load capacity of the feeding unit can be formally increased, it cannot be said that the maximum load capacity of the feeding unit has been practically increased.

[0008] It is also conceivable to increase the distance between feeding sections so that the guides do not collide even when the distance between loading platforms is at its shortest; however, this would significantly increase the size of the device or drastically reduce the number of feeding sections.

[0009] This disclosure is made in the context of these circumstances, and one of the exemplary purposes of a certain aspect thereof is to provide a collating device that is relatively compact while increasing the maximum load capacity of the feeding section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, a collating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a collating device for collating sheets to create a collated bundle, comprising: first to n feeding units (n≧2) arranged in the vertical direction, each having a vertically movable loading platform and capable of feeding out sheets loaded on the loading platform one by one; and a control unit that controls the vertical movement of each loading platform of the first to n feeding units. If the distance between the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit (1≦i≦n-1) and the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit adjacent to the i-th feeding unit above is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold based on the height of the guide placed on the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit, which has a contact surface that contacts the end face of the sheet bundle loaded on the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit, the control unit will not raise the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit any further, even if the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit has not reached the upper limit position in its movable range, and will not lower the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit any further, even if the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit has not reached the lower limit position in its movable range.

[0011] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, or any substitution of the components or expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, etc., is also valid as a form of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a collating device that is relatively compact while increasing the maximum load capacity of the feeding section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a collating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the collating device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the control unit. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a feeding unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the feeding section in Figure 2. [Figure 6]This is a schematic diagram showing yet another example of the feeding section in Figure 2. [Figure 7] Figures 4-6 show another example of the guide. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative and not limiting, and not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the disclosure. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0015] Refer to Figures 1 and 2. The collating device 10 according to this embodiment comprises a housing 12, a first feeding unit 14_1 to the nth feeding unit 14_n (where n≧2, and in the illustrated example n=10), a transport mechanism 16, an operating unit 18, and a control unit 20.

[0016] The first feeding unit 14_1, the second feeding unit 14_2, ..., and the nth feeding unit 14_n are arranged in this order from bottom to top. When referring to the first feeding unit 14_1 to the nth feeding unit 14_n collectively or without distinction, they are simply called "feeding unit 14". Note that although there are 10 feeding units 14 here, the number is not limited to this; there can be 2 or more feeding units 14.

[0017] Each of the first to nth feeding units 14_1 to nth feeding units 14_n includes a loading platform 24, a level sensor 26, a drive mechanism 28, and a feeding mechanism 30. Sheets are loaded onto the loading platform 24. In Figure 2, a sheet bundle S is loaded onto the loading platform 24. The loading platform 24 is configured to be vertically movable. The drive mechanism 28 moves the loading platform 24 up and down under the control of the control unit 20.

[0018] The level sensor 26 detects the uppermost sheet of the sheet stack S loaded on the loading table 24 when the uppermost sheet is located at a predetermined height or higher. The drive mechanism 28 raises the loading table 24 when the sheets in the sheet stack S decrease and the level sensor 26 no longer detects the sheet stack S under the control of the control unit 20, and stops the raising of the loading table 24 when the level sensor 26 detects the sheet stack S. Thereby, the uppermost sheet of the sheet stack S is maintained at a constant height.

[0019] The feeding mechanism 30 feeds out the uppermost one sheet of the sheet stack S loaded on the loading table 24 to the conveying mechanism 16 under the control of the control unit 20. In the illustrated example, the feeding mechanism 30 is an air suction type feeding mechanism, and uses the suction force of air to separate and feed out the uppermost sheet from the sheets below it. Note that the feeding mechanism 30 may be a friction type feeding mechanism or other feeding mechanisms.

[0020] The conveying mechanism 16 includes a plurality of sub-conveying mechanisms 34 and a main conveying mechanism 36. The plurality of sub-conveying mechanisms 34 are provided corresponding to the respective feeding units 14, and convey the sheets sent out from the corresponding feeding units 14 to the main conveying mechanism 36. The main conveying mechanism 36 extends vertically within the housing 12. The main conveying mechanism 36 conveys the sheets conveyed from each sub-conveying mechanism 34 downward. The sheets sent out from each feeding unit 14 overlap in the main conveying mechanism 36 to form a collation bundle.

[0021] The operation unit 18 is provided on the housing 12. The operation unit 18 has a touch panel type display unit 51. An operation screen is displayed on the display unit 51. The user inputs information regarding the process of creating a collation bundle (hereinafter, also referred to as "collation process") via the operation screen.

[0022] The control unit 20 controls the feeding unit 14 and the conveying mechanism 16 according to, for example, the user input to the operation screen. In the illustrated example, the control unit 20 is built in the housing 12, but may be provided outside the housing 12. In this case, the control unit 20 may be a PC.

[0023] A guide 200 for aligning the sheets is placed on the loading platform 24. The guide 200 has a flat contact surface 200a. When viewing the sheet bundle S from the rear end in the direction of transport, the right end face abuts against the wall 12a of the housing 12, and the left and rear end faces abut against the contact surface 200a of the guide 200. The contact surface 200a has a height that allows it to contact even the topmost sheet when the loading platform 24 is fully loaded with sheets.

[0024] The above describes the overall configuration of the collating device 10.

[0025] Refer to Figures 1-4. Each block shown in Figure 3 can be realized in hardware terms by components such as a computer processor, CPU, and memory, as well as electronic circuits and mechanical devices, and in software terms by computer programs, etc. However, here we are depicting functional blocks realized through the coordination of these components. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combinations of hardware and software.

[0026] The control unit 20 includes a supply control unit 122, a transport control unit 124, a vertical movement control unit 126, and a notification control unit 130.

[0027] The feeding control unit 122 controls the feeding mechanism 30 and feeds the sheets loaded on the loading platform 24 one by one. In particular, the feeding control unit 122 feeds out sheets at the timing when the sheets sent out from multiple feeding units 14 overlap in the transport mechanism 16.

[0028] The transport control unit 124 controls the transport of the sheet by the transport mechanism 16.

[0029] The vertical movement control unit 126 controls the vertical movement of the loading platforms 24_1 to 24_n. Specifically, the vertical movement control unit 126 controls the drive mechanism 28_1 to move loading platform 24_1 up and down, controls the drive mechanism 28_2 to move loading platform 24_2 up and down, ..., controls the drive mechanism 28_n to move loading platform 24_n up and down.

[0030] However, if the distance D[i:i+1] between the loading platform 24 of the i-th feeding unit 14_i (1≦i≦n-1), which is one of the multiple feeding units 14, and the loading platform 24_(i+1) of the (i+1) feeding unit 14_(i+1) adjacent to the i-th feeding unit 14_i above, the vertical movement control unit 126 will not raise the loading platform 24_i of the i-th feeding unit 14_i any further, even if it has not reached the upper limit position in its movable range, and will not lower the loading platform 24 of the (i+1) feeding unit 14_(i+1) any further, even if it has not reached the lower limit position in its movable range. The method for determining whether the distance D[i:i+1] is any further than the predetermined threshold will be described later.

[0031] The threshold is a distance based on the height dimension of the guide 200, which is the distance at which the guide 200 placed on the loading platform 24_i does not come into contact with the loading platform 24_(i+1) or other components of the collating device 10 and damage them. The threshold may also be a distance at which the guide 200 placed on the loading platform 24_i does not come into contact with the loading platform 24_(i+1), although this is not the case. In this case, the threshold may be a distance that allows for a margin in the height dimension of the guide 200. Specifically, the threshold may be a distance obtained by multiplying the height dimension of the guide 200 by a margin rate (e.g., 1.2), or a distance obtained by adding a margin value (e.g., 1 cm) to the height dimension of the guide 200. Alternatively, the threshold may be a distance at which the guide 200 comes into contact with the loading platform 24_(i+1) to the extent that no damage occurs to the guide 200 placed on the loading platform 24_i or other components of the collating device 10. If the guide 200 comes into contact with the loading platform 24_(i+1), it may tilt in a way that does not cause damage to other components of the collating device 10, and return to its original position once it is no longer in contact with the loading platform 24_(i+1).

[0032] For example, during collating, the vertical movement control unit 126 raises the loading platform 24 in accordance with the decrease in the number of sheets. However, if the decrease in the number of sheets on loading platform 24_i is faster than the decrease in the number of sheets on loading platform 24_(i+1), the distance D[i:i+1] between loading platform 24_i and loading platform 24_i+1 will gradually decrease. If this continues, the distance D[i:i+1] will eventually fall below a predetermined threshold. In this case, the vertical movement control unit 126 will not raise the loading platform 24_i any further.

[0033] In this case, the top sheet of the sheet bundle S loaded on the loading platform 24_i cannot be positioned at a height that allows for feeding, and therefore the i-th feeding unit 14_i cannot feed the sheet.

[0034] Therefore, if the distance D[i:i+1] is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the feeding control unit 122 may stop the feeding mechanism 30 of the i-th feeding unit 14_i and stop feeding sheets from the i-th feeding unit 14_i.

[0035] In this case, the vertical movement control unit 126 may lower the loading platform 24_i of the i-th feeding unit 14_i, which has stopped feeding sheets, for example, to replenish the sheets. More specifically, the vertical movement control unit 126 may lower the loading platform 24_i within a range in which the distance D[i-1:i] does not fall below a predetermined threshold. Preferably, the vertical movement control unit 126 may lower the loading platform 24_i to the maximum extent within that range, and therefore, if possible, to the lower limit position in the movable range.

[0036] If the i-th feeding unit 14_i belongs to a continuous stage group, the feeding control unit 122 may start feeding sheets from other feeding units in the same continuous stage group. Here, a continuous stage group is a setting that allows the feeding units 14 belonging to the same group to be controlled as a single unit, on the premise that the same sheets are loaded into the feeding units 14 belonging to the same group. In other words, multiple feeding units included in a continuous stage group are treated as a single feeding unit. Specifically, when one of the multiple feeding units belonging to a continuous stage group feeds and feeding from that feeding unit stops, another feeding unit in the same continuous stage group will start feeding. This prevents the collating device 10 from being idle for extended periods.

[0037] As a variation, if the distance D[i:i+1] is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the feeding control unit 122 may stop feeding sheets from the other (n-1) feeding units 14 in addition to feeding sheets from the i-th feeding unit 14_i. That is, the feeding control unit 122 may stop feeding sheets from all n feeding units 14. This is effective when a collated bundle that does not include a sheet from the i-th feeding unit 14_i is treated as defective.

[0038] In this case, the vertical movement control unit 126 may lower the loading platform 24 of all n feeding units 14 to the lower limit position. The user may also replenish sheets in all n feeding units 14.

[0039] Furthermore, it may be possible to set for each feeding unit 14_i whether to stop feeding only from the feeding unit 14_i or to stop feeding from all n feeding units 14 when the distance D[i:i+1] is below a predetermined threshold.

[0040] The notification control unit 130 may notify the user if the distance D[i:i+1] is below a predetermined threshold.

[0041] For example, as shown in the figure, if the collating device 10 is equipped with first light sources 54_1 to nth light sources 54_n corresponding to each of the first feeding units 14_1 to nth feeding units 14_n, and the distance D[i:i+1] is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the notification control unit 130 may light up the ith light source 54_i corresponding to the ith feeding unit 14_i. The first light sources 54_1 to nth light sources 54_n may be fixed to the housing 12 as shown in the figure, or they may be fixed to the first feeding units 14_1 to nth feeding units 14_n.

[0042] For example, if the distance D[i:i+1] is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the notification control unit 130 may display the identification information of the i-th feeding unit 14_i on the display unit 51. Alternatively, the i-th light source 54_i may be illuminated, and the identification information of the i-th feeding unit 14_i may be displayed on the display unit 51.

[0043] In summary, if the distance D[i:i+1] is below a predetermined threshold during the collating process, the control unit 20 may not move the loading platforms 24_i, 24_i+1 to further reduce the distance D[i:i+1], and may also notify the user that the distance D[i:i+1] is below a predetermined threshold, or may stop feeding sheets from at least the i-th feeding unit 14_i, or may lower the loading platform 24 of the i-th feeding unit 14_i, for example, to replenish the sheets, or may stop the lowering when the distance D[i:i-1] reaches a predetermined threshold. If the control unit 20 is unable to lower the i-th feeding unit 14_i to a position sufficient for replenishing the sheets, it may lower the loading platform 24 of the (i-1) feeding unit 14_(i-1) to increase the distance D[i:i-1].

[0044] Next, we will explain how to determine whether the distance D[i:i+1] is below a predetermined threshold. Note that the determination method is not limited to (A) to (C) below, and other methods may be used.

[0045] (A) The vertical movement control unit 128 may identify the distance D[i:i+1] which is the difference between the height position of the loading platform 24_i and the height position of the loading platform 24_(i+1) relative to a predetermined reference position, and determine whether or not it is below a threshold.

[0046] Refer to Figure 4. The collating device 10 may be equipped with first sensors 56_1 to nth sensors 56_n, each of which has a fixed height position (for example, fixed to the housing 12), and each of which has a known height position relative to a reference position and is capable of detecting the height distance to the corresponding loading platform 24_i (i=1 to n). In this case, in (A), the height position of the loading platform 24_i relative to a predetermined reference position can be determined based on the output of the ith sensor 56_i. The first sensors 56_1 to nth sensors 56_n may be distance measuring sensors.

[0047] In addition, in (A), the height position of the loading platform 24_i with respect to a predetermined reference position may be determined based on the amount of drive used to move the loading platform 24 up and down. The amount of drive may be output by the drive mechanism 28. For example, the motor constituting the drive mechanism 28 may be an encoder-equipped motor, and the motor may output rotational force as the amount of drive. The amount of drive may also be determined by the vertical movement control unit 128. For example, the vertical movement control unit 128 may determine the amount of drive based on a drive command to the drive mechanism 28.

[0048] (B) Refer to Figure 5. The collating device 10 may be comprised of first sensors 58_1 to nth sensors 58_n, each capable of detecting a corresponding distance D[i:i+1] (i=1 to (n-1)). In this case, the vertical movement control unit 126 may obtain the distance D[i:i+1] from the ith sensor 58_i and determine whether it is below a threshold. The ith sensor 58_i is, for example, a distance sensor and may be fixed to, for example, the upper surface of the loading platform 24_i to detect the distance between the loading platform 24_i and the loading platform 24_(i+1), or it may be fixed to, for example, the lower surface of the loading platform 24_i+1 as shown in the figure.

[0049] (C) Refer to Figure 6. The collating device 10 may include first sensors 60_1 to nth sensors 60_n, each of which is arranged to output a predetermined signal when the corresponding distance D[i:i+1] (i=1 to (n-1)) is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. The first sensors 60_1 to nth sensors 60_n may be contact sensors or proximity sensors. In this case, the vertical movement control unit 126 determines whether the distance D[i:i+1] is less than or equal to a threshold based on whether or not a predetermined signal is output from the ith sensor 60_i.

[0050] According to this embodiment, if the distance D[i:i+1] between the loading platform 24_i and the loading platform 24_(i+1) is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the loading platforms 24_i and 24_i+1 are not moved to further reduce the distance D[i:i+1]. This prevents the guide 200 from contacting the loading platform 24_(i+1), and consequently prevents damage to the loading platform 24_(i+1). On the other hand, the range of motion of the loading platform 24_i is not so narrowly limited that the loaded sheet bundle cannot be used. For example, if the distance between the feeding unit 14_i and the feeding unit 14_(i+1) is increased to increase the maximum sheet load capacity of the feeding unit 14_i, it may be possible to use up the increased sheet capacity, depending on how it is used.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, if the feeding unit 14_i is used but the feeding unit 14_(i+1) is not, the loading platform 24_(i+1) can be raised to the upper limit of its movable range, allowing the loading platform 24_i to be used as a high-capacity feeding unit. In this case, even if a guide 200 with a larger height dimension is used, there is no need to change the threshold or perform other such tasks, making it user-friendly.

[0052] The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in combinations of their components and processing processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications will be described below.

[0053] (Variation 1) Unlike the embodiment, the guide 200 may be configured so that its height dimension can be shortened by a force applied from above. In this case, the guide 200 placed on the i-th feeding section 14_i is pressed against the lower surface of the loading platform 24_(i+1) of the (i+1)th feeding section 14_(i+1), thereby shortening its height dimension.

[0054] An example of a modified guide 200 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 corresponds to Figures 4 to 6. In the illustrated example, the guide 200 includes a base portion 202 and a rotating portion 204 connected to the upper side of the base portion 202. When the rotating portion 204 is pressed against the lower surface of the loading platform 24_(i+1), it rotates around the pivot axis 206. This shortens the height dimension of the guide 200. When the rotating portion 204 is no longer pressed against the lower surface of the loading platform 24_(i+1), it returns to its original position due to the action of a biasing member 208 such as a torsion spring. That is, the height dimension of the guide 200 returns to its original state.

[0055] As another example of a modified guide 200, the guide 200 may have an elastically deformable elastic portion in at least a portion (e.g., the upper portion) in the height direction. In this case, when the guide 200 placed on the i-th feeding section 14_i is pressed against the lower surface of the loading platform 24_(i+1) of the (i+1) feeding section 14_(i+1), the elastic portion compresses and bends, shortening the height dimension. When the guide 200 is no longer pressed against the lower surface of the loading platform 24_(i+1) of the (i+1) feeding section 14_(i+1), the elastic portion returns to its original height dimension due to the restoring force.

[0056] In these cases, the threshold is set to be less than or equal to the height dimension of the guide 200 when the guide 200 is fully extended, and greater than or equal to the height dimension of the guide 200 when the guide 200 is fully retracted.

[0057] Here, for example, if the distance between the feeding section 14_i and the feeding section 14_(i+1) is increased to increase the maximum load capacity of the sheet in the feeding section 14_i, the height dimension of the guide 200 will also be increased. If the height dimension of the guide 200 is large and the dimensions of the deformable part are also large, there is a risk of contact with and damaging other components of the collating device 10. Therefore, the guide 200 may be deformed only in the upper half or less, or only in the upper quarter or less. Specifically, in the example in Figure 7, the distance from the pivot shaft 206 to the upper end of the pivot section 204 may be 1 / 2 or 1 / 4 of the height dimension of the guide 200.

[0058] This modification allows for setting a smaller threshold.

[0059] Any combination of the embodiments and modifications described above is also useful as an embodiment of this disclosure. The new embodiments resulting from such combinations possess the effects of both the combined embodiments and modifications.

[0060] The embodiments and variations described above can be generalized to obtain the following configurations.

[0061] [Aspect 1] A collating device that collates sheets to create a collated bundle, A first to nth feeding unit (n≧2) arranged vertically, each having a vertically movable loading platform, and capable of feeding out sheets loaded on the loading platform one by one, A control unit that controls the vertical movement of each loading platform of the first to nth feeding units, Equipped with, If the distance between the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit (1≦i≦n-1) and the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit adjacent to the i-th feeding unit is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold based on the height of the guide placed on the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit, which has a contact surface that contacts the end face of the sheet bundle loaded on the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit, then the control unit will not raise the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit any further, even if the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit has not reached the upper limit position in its movable range, and will not lower the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit any further, even if the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit has not reached the lower limit position in its movable range. Collating device.

[0062] [Aspect 2] Each of the first to nth feeding units is configured to feed out the top sheet of the sheet bundle loaded on the loading platform. The control unit raises each of the loading platforms of the first to nth feeding units in accordance with the decrease in the number of sheets loaded on the loading platform, and stops the feeding mechanism of the i-th feeding unit when the distance is less than or equal to the threshold. Collating apparatus as described in Embodiment 1.

[0063] [Aspect 3] The collating device according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the control unit, when the distance is less than or equal to the threshold, feeds the sheet from another feeding unit instead of the i-th feeding unit which has stopped the feeding mechanism.

[0064] [Aspect 4] The collating device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the control unit stops the feeding mechanism of the first to nth feeding units when the distance is less than or equal to the threshold.

[0065] [Aspect 5] The control unit shall notify the user if the distance is less than or equal to the threshold. A collating device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4.

[0066] [Aspect 6] Each of the first to nth feeding sections is equipped with a light source corresponding to it, The control unit, when the distance is less than or equal to the threshold, lights up the light source corresponding to the i-supply unit. A collating device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5.

[0067] [Aspect 7] The control unit, when the distance is less than or equal to the threshold, displays the identification information of the i-feeding unit on a predetermined display unit. A collating device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6.

[0068] [Aspect 8] The control unit determines the distance based on the height positions of the loading platform of the i-feeding unit and the loading platform of the (i+1)-feeding unit relative to a predetermined height reference position. A collating device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7.

[0069] [Aspect 9] A sensor for detecting the aforementioned distance is provided. A collating device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8.

[0070] [Aspect 10] The system includes a sensor that outputs a signal when the distance is less than or equal to the threshold. A collating device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9.

[0071] [Aspect 11] The guide, which is placed on the loading platform of the i-feeding unit, can have its height dimension shortened by being pressed against the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit. The threshold is less than or equal to the height dimension of the guide when the guide is shortened to its maximum extent. A collating device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10 Collating device, 14 Feeding unit, 20 Control unit, 24 Loading platform, 51 Display unit, 54 Light source, 126 Vertical movement control unit, 130 Notification control unit.

Claims

1. A collating device that collates sheets to create a collated bundle, A first to nth feeding unit (n≧2) arranged vertically, each having a vertically movable loading platform, and capable of feeding out sheets loaded on the loading platform one by one, A control unit that controls the vertical movement of each loading platform of the first to nth feeding units, Equipped with, If the distance between the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit (1 ≤ i ≤ n-1) and the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit adjacent to the i-th feeding unit is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold based on the height of the guide placed on the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit, which has a contact surface that contacts the end face of the sheet bundle loaded on the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit, then the control unit will not raise the loading platform of the i-th feeding unit any further, even if the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit has not reached the upper limit position in its movable range, and will not lower the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit any further, even if the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit has not reached the lower limit position in its movable range. Collating device.

2. Each of the first to nth feeding units is configured to feed out the top sheet of the sheet bundle loaded on the loading platform. The control unit raises each of the loading platforms of the first to nth feeding units in accordance with the decrease in the number of sheets loaded on the loading platform, and stops the feeding mechanism of the i-th feeding unit when the distance is less than or equal to the threshold. The collating device according to claim 1.

3. The collating device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit, when the distance is less than or equal to the threshold, feeds the sheet from another feeding unit instead of the i-feeding unit that has stopped the feeding mechanism.

4. The collating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops the feeding mechanism of the first to nth feeding units when the distance is less than or equal to the threshold.

5. The control unit shall notify the user if the distance is less than or equal to the threshold. A collating device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The control unit determines the distance based on the height-direction positions of the loading platform of the i-feeding unit and the loading platform of the (i+1)-feeding unit relative to a predetermined height-direction reference position. The collating device according to claim 1.

7. A sensor for detecting the aforementioned distance is provided. The collating device according to claim 1.

8. The system includes a sensor that outputs a signal when the distance is less than or equal to the threshold. The collating device according to claim 1.

9. The guide, which is placed on the loading platform of the i-feeding unit, can have its height dimension shortened by being pressed against the loading platform of the (i+1) feeding unit. The threshold is less than or equal to the height dimension of the guide when the guide is shortened to its maximum extent. The collating device according to claim 1.

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