Sealing and sealing device

Abstract

In a letter insertion and sealing device, a simple structure is used to prevent stacking and collapse of envelopes. [Solution] The sealing device (1) comprises a sealing unit (30), a sealing unit (40), a stacking platform (53), and a control unit (61). The sealing unit (30) seals the contents C into an envelope E. The sealing unit (40) creates a sealed letter L by sealing the envelope E containing the contents C. Multiple sealed letters L are stacked on the stacking platform (53). The control unit (61) controls at least the sealing unit (30). The control unit (61) also adjusts the sealing position (first position IN1, second position IN2) of the contents C in the envelope E by the sealing unit (30) so that the position of the contents C within the sealed letters L is uneven in the multiple sealed letters L stacked on the stacking platform (53).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an encapsulating and sealing device for creating a sealed letter by enclosing and sealing contents in an envelope.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to neatly stack bulging sheet materials such as sealed letters, a discharging device has been proposed that includes a suction means for sucking air in a stacking portion where the bulging sheet material is stacked from a suction port formed near the bottom of the stacking portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in an encapsulating and sealing device, in particular, a sealed letter containing a folded content (printed matter) bulges in the central portion. After the sealed letter is discharged onto the stacking table, if the sealed letter falls and stacks in a tilted state, the stacking will be tilted due to the bulge in the central portion, and stacking collapse will occur. As a result, the order of the sealed letters will be switched.

[0005] In the discharging device provided with the suction means as described above, a separate mechanism for sucking air is required, so the structure becomes complicated.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an encapsulating and sealing device that can prevent stacking collapse of sealed letters with a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one embodiment, the sealing device comprises a sealing unit for sealing contents into an envelope, a sealing unit for creating a letter by sealing the envelope containing the contents, a stacking platform on which a plurality of letters are stacked, and a control unit for controlling at least the sealing unit, wherein the control unit adjusts the sealing position of the contents in the envelope by the sealing unit so that the positions of the contents within the letters are uneven in the plurality of letters stacked on the stacking platform. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent stacked envelopes from collapsing with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a sealing and packaging system in one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the main control configuration of a sealing and packaging device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a sealing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the adjustment of the sealing position in one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the stacking state of envelopes on a stacking platform in one embodiment and a comparative example. [Figure 6] This is a timing chart illustrating the sealing operation in one embodiment. [Figure 7] This table shows the experimental results of the tilt when an envelope falls onto a loading platform in one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention, a sealing and packaging device, will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the sealing and packaging system 100.

[0012] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main control configuration of the sealing and packaging device 1.

[0013] The sealing and inserting system 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises a printing device 101 and a sealing and inserting device 1. In Figure 1, the straight transport path R1 of the printing medium (contents C and envelope E) from the external supply unit 110 and the internal supply unit 120 in the printing device 101 is shown as a solid line, the circulating transport path R2 for double-sided printing and the discharge transport path R3 for contents C and envelope E that are not transported to the sealing and inserting device 1 are shown as dashed lines, and the reverse transport path R4 for double-sided printing is shown as a dotted line. Also in Figure 1, the envelope transport path R11 for envelope E in the sealing and inserting device 1 is shown as a solid line, the contents transport path R12 for contents C is shown as a dashed line, and the envelope transport path R13 for envelope L is shown as a dashed line. For example, the contents C and envelope E are sheet-like media made of paper, which are folded in the sealing device 1, and the contents C is then sealed into the envelope E. The contents C may also be called printed material, the envelope E may be called form, and the sealing process may be called wrapping. The sealing system 100 may include a plurality of printing devices 101 arranged in series along the transport path.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the printing apparatus 101 includes an external supply unit 110, an internal supply unit 120, a plurality of transport rollers 130, a printing unit 140, a printing transport unit 150, a discharge unit 160, and flippers F1 and F2.

[0015] The external supply unit 110 is positioned to be exposed to the outside of the printing device 101. The external supply unit 110 has a supply stacking table 111 on which envelopes E are loaded before printing, and a feed roller 112 that feeds out and transports the topmost envelope E from among the multiple envelopes E loaded on the supply stacking table 111. Note that the envelopes E, while loaded on the supply stacking table 111, have not been folded and can therefore be called envelope media, etc. In addition, although the external supply unit 110 is positioned integrally with the printing device 101, it may be positioned separately from the printing device 101.

[0016] The internal supply unit 120 includes a first supply unit 121, a second supply unit 122, and a third supply unit 123, which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom inside the printing apparatus 101. Each of the first supply unit 121, the second supply unit 122, and the third supply unit 123 has a supply tray 121a, 122a, 123a on which the content C before printing is loaded, and two feeding rollers 121b, 122b, 123b each for feeding and conveying the content C located at the topmost position among the plurality of contents C loaded on the supply trays 121a, 122a, 123a. Note that the content C can also be referred to as a medium for the content, etc. because it has not been subjected to folding processing while being loaded on the supply trays 121a, 122a, 123a.

[0017] A plurality of conveying rollers 130 are arranged in a plurality of pairs on each of a straight-through conveying path R1, a circulation conveying path R2, a discharge conveying path R3, and a reverse conveying path R4 inside the printing apparatus 101, and convey the envelope E and the content C while nipping them. The conveying roller 130 includes a driving roller that rotates by the power of a driving source (an actuator such as a motor) not shown and a driven roller.

[0018] The printing unit 140 has, for example, line head type inkjet heads for each color used for printing, not shown. Note that the printing method of the printing unit 140 may be a printing method other than the inkjet printing method.

[0019] The printing conveyance unit 150 is arranged to face the printing unit 140 and conveys the envelope E and the content C. The printing conveyance unit 150 has a plurality of pulleys 151, a belt 152 wound around the plurality of pulleys 151, and a suction fan 153 that sucks air through a plurality of holes provided in the belt 152 to adsorb the envelope E and the content C to the belt 152.

[0020] The discharge unit 160 is arranged to be exposed outside the printing apparatus 101. The discharge unit 160 has a discharge tray 161 on which the printed media (envelope E and content C) not conveyed to the encapsulation and sealing device 1 is loaded, and a pair of discharge rollers 162 that convey the media toward the discharge tray 161.

[0021] The flipper F1 switches the conveyance path of the envelope E and the content C printed by the printing unit 140 into a straight conveyance path R1 following the encapsulation and sealing device 1 and a circulation conveyance path R2. The flipper F2 switches the circulation conveyance path R2 into a discharge conveyance path R3 and a reverse conveyance path R4.

[0022] Note that the printing device 101 includes a control unit (not shown). This control unit may control each unit such as the printing unit 140 based on printing data and the like received from a printing control device (data transmission terminal) that executes a printer driver.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the encapsulation and sealing device 1 includes an alignment unit 10, a folding unit 20, an encapsulation unit 30, a sealing unit 40, a sealed letter discharge unit 50, a flipper F11, and first to fourth encapsulation sensors S1 to S4. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the encapsulation and sealing device 1 includes a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, a display unit 63, an input unit 64, and an interface unit 65. Note that the encapsulation and sealing device 1 conveys the envelope E, the content C, and the sealed letter L (created by sealing the envelope E containing the content C) by a plurality of roller pairs. Also, the straight conveyance path R1 following the printing device 101 branches into an envelope conveyance path R11 of the envelope E and a content conveyance path R12 of the content C by the flipper F11. However, the conveyance path after the envelope conveyance path R11 and the content conveyance path R12 merge is illustrated by a broken line as the sealed letter conveyance path R13 of the sealed letter L as described above even before sealing.

[0024] The alignment unit 10 is disposed in the content conveyance path R12 of the content C and accumulates and aligns a plurality of printed contents C enclosed in a single envelope E. The alignment unit 10 has an alignment gate 11. This alignment gate 11 is movable between a closed state shown by a broken line that enters the content conveyance path R12 and waits for a plurality of printed contents C and an open state shown by a solid line that retreats from the content conveyance path R12.

[0025] The folding section 20 is located downstream of the alignment section 10 in the content transport direction D1 in the content transport path R12. The folding section 20 folds a plurality of contents C a specified number of times (for example, twice). The folding section 20 has abutment members 21 and 22 that give slack to the folded portion of the contents C when the plurality of contents C abut against them, and a switching member 23 that can move between a blocked position shown by a dashed line that blocks the path following the abutment member 22 for adjusting the number of folds, and an open position shown by a solid line that opens the path following the abutment member 22. The plurality of contents C are folded when they are transported by a pair of rollers with slack given by the abutment members 21 and 22.

[0026] The sealing section 30 seals the envelope E into the envelope E while folding it as it is transported in the envelope transport direction D2 along the envelope transport path R11, and simultaneously seals the contents C into the envelope E while transporting it in the contents transport direction D1 along the contents transport path R12. The sealing section 30, as an example, includes a pair of contents transport rollers 31 for transporting the contents C, an envelope transport roller 32 for transporting the envelope E, an envelope folding roller 33 facing the envelope transport roller 32, an envelope folding roller 34 facing the envelope folding roller 33, and a stopper member 35 that, when the envelope E is abutted against it, creates slack in the folded portion of the envelope E. The contents C is transported and sealed into the envelope E as it is transported by the pair of contents transport rollers 31 as it is transported by the envelope transport rollers 32 and the envelope folding roller 33. The envelope folding rollers 33 and 34 then transport the envelope E while the contents C is being sealed inside. The sealing section 30 will be described in detail later. The contents transport roller pair 31 is an example of a contents transport member that transports the contents C in the contents transport direction D1 toward the envelope E.

[0027] The sealing section 40 creates a sealed letter L by sealing the envelope E containing the contents C. The sealing section 40, as an example, includes a water application section 41 that applies water to the re-moistened adhesive that has been pre-transferred to the envelope E, a butt member 42 that abuts against the envelope E, which has been folded once in the sealing section 30, thereby creating slack in the second folded portion of the envelope E (for example, the flap portion), and a pair of pressure rollers 43 that press down on the re-moistened adhesive portion to which water has been applied by the water application section 41.

[0028] The envelope discharge unit 50 discharges sealed envelopes L onto the loading platform 53. The envelope discharge unit 50 has discharge belts 51 and 52 for transporting the envelopes L, and a loading platform 53 on which multiple envelopes L are stacked.

[0029] The first sealing sensor S1 is positioned downstream of the folding section 20 in the contents transport direction D1 and detects the contents C. The second sealing sensor S2 is positioned downstream of the first sealing sensor S1 in the contents transport direction D1 and detects the contents C. The third sealing sensor S3 is positioned downstream of the envelope folding roller 33 in the envelope transport direction D2 and detects the envelope E. The fourth sealing sensor S4 is positioned downstream of the envelope folding roller 33 in the transport direction (contents transport direction D1) and detects the envelope E with the contents C sealed inside.

[0030] The control unit 61 shown in Figure 2 has one or more processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) that function as an arithmetic processing unit that controls the operation of the entire sealing device 1. This processor controls the operation of each part of the sealing device 1 by reading and executing a predetermined program, for example, from the storage unit 62 or from a storage medium (non-transient computer-readable recording medium) that can be attached to and removed from the sealing device 1. In this way, the control unit 61 (or the sealing device 1) functions as an example of a computer that executes a program. Note that a control unit of the printing device 101 (not shown) may function as the control unit 61 of the sealing device 1. Alternatively, a control device that controls both the sealing device 1 and the printing device 101 may be provided.

[0031] The memory unit 62 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a read-only semiconductor memory in which a predetermined control program is pre-recorded, and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a semiconductor memory that can be written to and read at any time and used as a working memory area as needed when the processor executes various control programs.

[0032] The display unit 63 includes a display, lamps, etc., that show various types of information.

[0033] The input unit 64 is an operation key, touch panel, or the like that accepts user input information. A single operation panel may function as both the display unit 63 and the input unit 64.

[0034] The interface unit 65 exchanges various types of information with external devices such as the print control device (data transmission terminal) and the printing device 101.

[0035] Next, the operation of the sealing device 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 3. Note that the process shown in Figure 3 is executed by the control unit 61, for example, when the control unit 61 shown in Figure 2 receives a mailing job.

[0036] First, the control unit 61 determines whether there are no items to be enclosed and sealed (printed) and whether the enclosing and sealing process is complete (step ST1). If it is determined that the enclosing and sealing process is complete (step ST1: YES), the process shown in Figure 3 ends.

[0037] If the sealing process is not complete (Step ST1: NO), the control unit 61 determines whether the envelope to be sealed is an even-numbered one (Step ST2). Here, "even-numbered one" refers to one sealed envelope L. This is a concept similar to "part" in the context of regular printed materials. Whether an envelope L is an even-numbered or odd-numbered one can be determined, for example, by the order in which they are stacked on the stacking platform 53 or by whether the sealing operation is performed in an even or odd order.

[0038] If the envelope to be sealed is an odd-numbered one (step ST2: NO), the control unit 61 slows down the transport speed of the contents transport roller pair 31 by n% (step ST3) and controls the sealing unit 30 to seal the contents C into the envelope E (step ST4). The maximum value of "n%" is the position where there is no gap G between the contents C inside the envelope L and the upstream end in the contents transport direction D1 (let's call this N). In order to shift the center of gravity on the loading platform 53 to the right as shown in Figure 4, n takes a value between N / 2 and N.

[0039] The details of the sealing operation of the sealing unit 30 will be described later, but for example, as shown in Figure 4, if the envelope to be sealed is an odd-numbered envelope, the control unit 61 controls the sealing unit 30 so that the rotation speed of the contents transport roller pair 31 is slower than the rotation speed of the envelope folding rollers 33 and 34 when the contents C, which is transported in the contents transport direction D1 by the contents transport roller pair 31, comes into contact with the envelope E (shown as a dashed line in Figure 4) that was waiting in the sealing unit 30. As a result, the contents C is transported slower than the contents C is transported, creating a gap G between the contents C and the downstream end of the envelope E in the contents transport direction D1, and the sealing position of the contents C in the envelope E becomes the first position IN1 on the upstream side (upstream of the center) in the contents transport direction D1. After the envelope L is transported while inverting, the center of gravity of the envelope L on the loading platform 53 shifts to the right.

[0040] Subsequently, the control unit 61 controls the sealing unit 30 to transport the envelope E containing the contents C using the envelope folding rollers 33, 34, etc. (step ST5), and determines whether the fourth sealing sensor S4 has detected the envelope E (step ST6). The transport of the envelope E (step ST5) continues until the fourth sealing sensor S4 detects the envelope E (step ST6: YES).

[0041] When the fourth sealing sensor S4 detects the envelope E (step ST6: YES), the control unit 61 controls the sealing unit 30 to return the transport speed of the contents transport roller pair 31 to its original speed (step ST7).

[0042] In the above-mentioned process of determining whether the item to be enclosed and sealed is an even-numbered item (step ST2), if the item to be enclosed and sealed is an even-numbered item (step ST2: YES), the control unit 61 controls the sealing unit 30 to enclose the contents C in the envelope E without slowing down the transport speed of the contents transport roller pair 31 (step ST8).

[0043] For example, as shown in Figure 4, if the envelope to be sealed is an even-numbered envelope, the control unit 61 controls the sealing unit 30 so that the rotation speed of the contents transport roller pair 31 does not decrease when the contents C, which is transported in the contents transport direction D1 by the contents transport roller pair 31, hits the envelope E that was waiting in the sealing unit 30, but instead maintains the same transport speed as the envelope folding rollers 33 and 34. As a result, the sealing position of the contents C in the envelope E is the second position IN2 on the downstream side (downstream from the center) in the contents transport direction D1, without any gap G being created between it and the downstream end of the envelope E in the contents transport direction D1. After the envelope L is transported while inverting, the center of gravity of the envelope L on the loading platform 53 shifts to the left.

[0044] In this way, by alternating the insertion position of the contents C in the envelope E between odd-numbered envelopes (Step ST2: NO) and even-numbered envelopes (Step ST2: YES), the envelopes L can be dropped on the stacking platform 53 at an alternating forward and backward angle, as shown in Figure 5, thus preventing the envelopes L from stacking up tilted to one side. On the other hand, as in the comparative example, if the insertion position is uniform, the envelopes L that fall at an angle to one side may stack up, creating a gap (on the right side) into which the envelopes L may fall. In this case, the stack collapses, and the order of the envelopes L is altered.

[0045] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 3, the control unit 61 controls the sealing unit 30 to transport the envelope E containing the contents C by the envelope folding rollers 33, 34, etc., in the same manner as the process in step ST5 described above (step ST9).

[0046] Then, when the envelope E containing the contents C is transported to the sealing section 40, the control unit 61 applies water to the envelope E using the water application section 41, the stopper member 42, and the crimping roller pair 43, as described above, folds the envelope E, and seals the envelope E (step ST10).

[0047] Subsequently, the control unit 61 controls the envelope discharge unit 50 so that the created envelope L is discharged and loaded onto the loading platform 53 (step ST11). After that, the process returns to step ST1 described above.

[0048] Figure 7 is a table showing the experimental results of the inclination when the envelope L, which has undergone the above-described sealing operation, falls onto the stacking platform 53.

[0049] The experimental results shown in Figure 7 involve placing 1 to 6 sheets of contents C, each weighing 3.975 grams and measuring 182mm x 257mm (182mm x 90mm after folding twice), into an envelope E measuring 7.1 grams and measuring 233mm x 296mm (233mm x 110mm after folding twice). The results were obtained by filming the envelope L being dropped on the stacking platform 53 under two conditions: when the contents C were placed towards the edge of the envelope E (20mm gap on one side, 0mm gap on the other) and when there was a gap from the edge (15mm gap on one side, 5mm gap on the other). The results were then visually confirmed.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, when the insertion position of the contents C was moved towards the front in the transport direction, all the way to the edge of the envelope E, the envelopes L could be dropped on the stacking platform 53 tilted towards the front when there were 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 contents C. Conversely, when the insertion position of the contents C was moved towards the back in the transport direction, the envelopes L could be dropped on the stacking platform 53 tilted towards the back when there were 1 to 6 contents C. Thus, by alternating the insertion position between the front and back in the transport direction as described above, it is possible to prevent the envelopes L from stacking tilted to one side, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 5.

[0051] Furthermore, when the content C was placed in front of the transport direction with a 5mm gap from the edge of the envelope E, the envelopes L could be dropped on the stacking platform 53 tilted towards the front when there were 1, 5, or 6 contents C. Also, when the content C was placed in back of the transport direction with a 5mm gap from the edge of the envelope E, the envelopes L could be dropped on the stacking platform 53 tilted towards the back when there were 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 contents C. Therefore, in this case as well, by alternating the placement of the contents C between the front and back of the transport direction as described above, it is possible to prevent the envelopes L from stacking tilted to one side, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 5.

[0052] Note that the size and weight of contents C and envelope E shown in Figure 7 are examples only. Depending on the size, weight, and folding method of contents C and envelope E, the weight balance of envelope L changes, and the way envelope L falls changes. Therefore, if at least one of contents C and envelope E is changed in terms of size, weight, or folding method, it is advisable to measure the way envelope L falls through experiments or other means and determine the amount of adjustment to the insertion position.

[0053] Next, an example of the sealing operation of the sealing section 30 (steps ST4 and ST8 in Figure 3) will be explained with reference to the timing chart in Figure 6.

[0054] First, when the first encapsulation sensor S1 shown in Figure 1 detects the leading edges of multiple contents C aligned by the alignment unit 10, the encapsulation drive motor (an example of an actuator that is the encapsulation drive source) that drives the contents transport roller pair 31 is excited for a fixed time T1 and then starts driving. Subsequently, when the second encapsulation sensor S2 detects the leading edges of multiple contents C, the encapsulation drive motor stops operating after a first pulse count P1.

[0055] Subsequently, after a time T2 has elapsed since the third sealing sensor S3 detected the leading edge of the envelope E, the sealing drive motor resumes operation. At this time, if the transport speed was slowed down in step ST3 of Figure 3 above, the transport speed will be slower than the normal transport speed V1, becoming transport speed V2 (shown by a dashed line). Then, after the second sealing sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the contents C and a second pulse count P2 has elapsed, the sealing drive motor stops operating. The sealing drive motor remains energized for a time T1 even after stopping. Note that the transport speed V2 may be returned to transport speed V1 after the envelope E is detected by the fourth sealing sensor S4, as shown in step ST7 of Figure 3 above.

[0056] The same process is then repeated for the contents C of the second and subsequent sets, and for the envelopes E from the second onward.

[0057] In the above explanation, an example was described in which the sealing position is adjusted by slowing down the transport speed of the contents transport roller pair 31 (contents C). However, the control unit 61 can adjust the sealing position by adjusting the relative speed between contents C and envelope E when contents C is sealed in the sealing unit 30. Therefore, for example, the sealing position can also be adjusted by making the transport speed of the envelope folding rollers 33,34 (envelope E) faster than the transport speed of the contents transport roller pair 31 (contents C).

[0058] Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the sealing position not only by adjusting the transport speed, but also by adjusting the sealing time (sealing timing or sealing period). For example, the sealing position can be adjusted by adjusting the sealing start position of the contents transport roller pair 31 (contents C) (e.g., the first pulse number P1), the sealing start timing of the contents transport roller pair 31 (contents C) (e.g., time T1), the sealing end timing of the contents transport roller pair 31 (contents C) (e.g., the second pulse number P2), and the transport start timing of the envelope folding rollers 33, 34 (envelope E). Moreover, the sealing position may be adjusted using both the transport speed and the sealing time.

[0059] Furthermore, the above explanation described an example in which the insertion position of the contents C in envelope E is adjusted so that it alternates between the first position IN1 (odd-numbered envelopes) on the upstream side and the second position IN2 (even-numbered envelopes) on the downstream side in the contents transport direction D1. However, the insertion position only needs to be adjusted so that the position of the contents C within the envelope L is uneven, so it is not limited to just the first position IN1 and the second position IN2, but can be adjusted at three or more positions. Also, the insertion positions can be adjusted one by one alternately, or multiple items at a time, or they can be determined randomly. For example, depending on the weight balance of the envelope L, the number of envelopes L at each position may not be uniform, and there may be a bias in the number, for example, with more envelopes at the first position IN1 than at the second position IN2.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above description, both the contents C and the envelope E are folded to create the envelope L, but the sealing device 1 may use at least one of the contents C and the envelope E that is already folded. Also, the sealing device 1 may print on only one of the contents C and the envelope E in the printing device 101, and use the other one that is pre-printed. Also, the sealing device 1 may not be connected to the printing device 101, and may instead enclose the printed contents C in the pre-printed envelope E.

[0061] Furthermore, the structure of the sealing device 1 described above is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the sealing unit 30 transports the contents C by the contents transport roller pair 31 and seals it in the envelope E, while transporting the envelope E by the envelope folding rollers 33 and 34. However, it is sufficient to transport at least one of the contents C and the envelope E while sealing the contents C into the envelope E. Even when sealing is performed while stopping one of the contents C or the envelope E, the sealing position can be adjusted by the sealing speed (transport speed), the length of the sealing period (sealing period), and the sealing start timing (sealing timing).

[0062] In the embodiment described above, the sealing device 1 comprises a sealing unit 30 for sealing contents C into an envelope E, a sealing unit 40 for creating a sealed letter L by sealing the envelope E containing the contents C, a stacking platform 53 on which a plurality of sealed letters L are stacked, and a control unit 61 that controls at least the sealing unit 30. The control unit 61 adjusts the sealing position of contents C in the envelope E by the sealing unit 30 (first position IN1 or second position IN2) so that the position of contents C within the sealed letters L is uneven in the plurality of sealed letters L stacked on the stacking platform 53.

[0063] In this way, by adjusting the insertion position of the contents C in the envelope E so that the position of the contents C within the envelope L is uneven, the position of the center of gravity of the entire envelope L can be changed in accordance with the change in the position of the contents C. However, since the center of the envelope L tends to bulge, if it falls tilted on the stacking platform 53, it will slide down in the downward direction and be stacked. Therefore, by making the position of the contents C uneven, such as by adjusting the insertion position so that the center of gravity of the envelope L varies between the upstream and downstream sides of the center of transport, it is possible to prevent the envelope L from being stacked tilted to only one side. Thus, it is possible to prevent the stack of envelope L from collapsing. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent stack collapse by adjusting the insertion position, the sealing device 1 can have a simpler structure compared to configurations in which suction means are arranged on the stacking platform 53 to neatly stack the envelope L on the stacking platform 53. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the stack of envelope L from collapsing with a simple structure.

[0064] In this embodiment, the control unit 61 adjusts the sealing position (first position IN1 or second position IN2) by adjusting the relative speed between the contents C and the envelope E when the contents C is sealed in the sealing unit 30.

[0065] This allows the sealing position to be adjusted by adjusting at least one of the transport speeds of the contents C (content transport roller pair 31) and the transport speed of the envelopes E (envelope folding rollers 33, 34). Therefore, the structure for adjusting the sealing position is simple and easy to control. Consequently, stacking collapse of envelopes L can be prevented without requiring additional structures or complex control.

[0066] In this embodiment, the control unit 61 adjusts the sealing position (first position IN1 or second position IN2) by adjusting the sealing timing or sealing period of the contents C in the sealing unit 30, such as the sealing start position of the contents C, the sealing start timing of the contents C, the sealing end timing of the contents C, and the transport start timing of the envelope E.

[0067] This allows the sealing position to be adjusted simply by adjusting the timing and duration of sealing of contents C. Therefore, the structure for adjusting the sealing position is simple and easy to control. Consequently, stacking collapse of envelopes L can be prevented without requiring additional structures or complex controls.

[0068] In this embodiment, the sealing unit 30 has a pair of content transport rollers 31, which is an example of a content transport member that transports the contents C in the content transport direction D1 toward the envelope E, and the control unit 61 adjusts the sealing position so that the sealing position alternates between a first position IN1 on the upstream side in the content transport direction D1 and a second position IN2 on the downstream side in the content transport direction D1.

[0069] As a result, the envelopes L fall from the loading platform 53 tilting alternately back and forth between the rear side (downstream side in the transport direction) and the front side (upstream side in the transport direction), making it more reliable to prevent the envelopes L from being loaded while tilted to only one side. Therefore, the collapse of the stacked envelopes L can be further prevented.

[0070] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the components can be modified and implemented in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments described above. For example, all the components shown in the embodiments may be combined as appropriate. It goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention described in the claims of the original application and some of the inventions described in the specification are listed below.

[0071] [Note 1] The sealing section for enclosing the contents in the envelope, A sealing unit that creates a letter by sealing the envelope containing the contents, A loading platform on which multiple envelopes are stacked, It comprises at least a control unit that controls the sealing portion, The control unit adjusts the sealing position of the contents in the envelopes by the sealing unit so that the positions of the contents within the envelopes are uneven in the multiple envelopes stacked on the stacking platform. A sealing and encapsulation device characterized by the following features.

[0072] [Note 2] The control unit adjusts the sealing position by adjusting the relative speed between the contents and the envelope when the contents are sealed in the sealing section. The sealing and enclosing device according to Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein.

[0073] [Note 3] The control unit adjusts the sealing position by adjusting the sealing timing or sealing period of the contents in the sealing section. A sealing device according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.

[0074] [Note 4] The sealing section has a content transport member that transports the contents toward the envelope in the content transport direction, The control unit adjusts the sealing position so that the sealing position alternates between a first position upstream in the content transport direction and a second position downstream in the content transport direction. A sealing device characterized by any one of the appendices 1 to 3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1. Sealing and sealing device 10 Matching section 11 Integrity Gates 20 Folding section 21,22 Buttock members 23 Switching component 30 Enclosed section 31 Contents conveying roller pair 32 Envelope transport rollers 33,34 Envelope folding roller 35 Butt piece 40 Sealing section 41 Water-coated section 42 Butt piece 43 Crimping roller pair 50 Envelope Dispensing Section 51, 52 Discharge belt 53 Loading platform 61 Control Unit 62 Memory section 63 Display section 64 Input section 65 Interface section 100 Envelope Insertion and Sealing System 101 Printing device C Contents D1 Contents transport direction D2 Envelope transport direction E Envelope F1, F2, F11 Flippers G Gap IN1 First position (insertion position) IN2 Second position (insertion position) L Envelope R1 Straight-line transport route R2 Circular transport route R3 Discharge and transport route R4 Reversal transport path R11 Envelope transport route R12 Contents transport route R13 Envelope Delivery Route S1 First sealed sensor S2 Second sealed sensor S3 Third sealed sensor S4 Fourth enclosed sensor

Claims

1. The sealing section for enclosing the contents in the envelope, A sealing unit that creates a letter by sealing the envelope containing the contents, A loading platform on which multiple envelopes are stacked, It comprises at least a control unit that controls the sealing portion, The control unit adjusts the sealing position of the contents in the envelopes by the sealing unit so that the positions of the contents within the envelopes are uneven in the multiple envelopes stacked on the stacking platform. A sealing and encapsulation device characterized by the following features.

2. The control unit adjusts the sealing position by adjusting the relative speed between the contents and the envelope when the contents are sealed in the sealing section. The sealing and packaging device according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

3. The control unit adjusts the sealing position by adjusting the sealing timing or sealing period of the contents in the sealing section. The sealing and packaging device according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

4. The sealing section has a content transport member that transports the contents toward the envelope in the content transport direction, The control unit adjusts the sealing position so that the sealing position alternates between a first position upstream in the content transport direction and a second position downstream in the content transport direction. The sealing and sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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