Sheet feeding device, control method for sheet feeding device, and program

Abstract

Even when the system enters an operator-operation standby state, where the duration of the repetitive feeding operation can be extended by the operator's prescribed actions, the repetitive feeding operation continues, making it difficult for the operator to notice. [Solution] The sheet feeding device includes a sheet feeding unit 2 that performs a feeding operation to separate and feed out the first sheet from among multiple sheets stacked on top of each other, and performs a repetitive feeding operation that continuously repeats the feeding operation from the sheet feeding unit. During the continuation of the repetitive feeding operation, when it is possible to extend the duration of the repetitive feeding operation by a predetermined operation by the operator, the device has a control unit that determines that it is in an operator operation standby state and notifies the operator. Furthermore, it has a display unit that displays a message that the operator can recognize that this notification has been made.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet feeding apparatus, a control method for the sheet feeding apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a sheet feeding apparatus that includes a sheet feeding unit that performs a feeding operation of separating and feeding out the leading one sheet, performs a repeated feeding operation that continuously repeats the feeding operation from the sheet feeding unit, and performs predetermined processing on the fed-out sheet. Examples of the sheet feeding apparatus include a collating apparatus that includes a plurality of sheet feeding units and stacks the fed-out sheets into a collated product.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a sheet feeding apparatus that has a near-empty sensor for detecting a near-empty state where the number of stacked sheets is low, and is capable of replenishing the stacked sheets while continuing the feeding operation. Further, Patent Document 1 describes a control (hereinafter also referred to as "continuous-stage control") for starting the feeding operation in another one of the sheet feeding units when it is detected that the sheets stacked in one of the plurality of sheet feeding units are exhausted. Further, Patent Document 2 describes a storage unit (storage unit 23) for sequentially stacking and storing sheets that have undergone predetermined processing, a take-out unit (elevator plate 11) on which a stack of sheets stored in the storage unit is placed so that an operator can take it out, and a transfer unit (moving conveyor 8) for transferring the stack of sheets from the storage unit to the take-out unit. When the stack of sheets stored in the storage unit reaches full capacity, the storage of sheets is interrupted, and the stored stack of sheets is transferred to the take-out unit by the transfer unit. After the transfer, the storage unit is emptied, so the interrupted storage can be resumed. Further, Patent Document 3 describes a collating apparatus that is provided with a reject storage unit for storing collated products in which a feeding error has occurred, stores collated products including sheets that could not be normally fed due to double feeding or idle feeding in the reject storage unit, continues the repeated feeding operation, and stops the repeated feeding operation when the number of stored collated products reaches a preset value.

Prior Art Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-150179 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-130556 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-126659 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] If a near-empty state is detected and the operator does not replenish the sheets, the sheets will eventually run out from the sheet feeding unit that detected the near-empty state, and the repetitive feeding operation of the sheet feeding device will stop. If the operator replenishes the sheets, the repetitive feeding operation can continue for a longer period. In other words, when a near-empty state is detected, the system enters a first operator operation standby state in which the duration of the repetitive feeding operation can be extended by the operator performing a predetermined operation, namely replenishing the sheets to the sheet feeding unit that detected the near-empty state.

[0006] Furthermore, if the sheets loaded in one of the sheet feeding units, which is subject to continuous stage control, run out, and the feeding operation shifts to the other sheet feeding unit, and then the other sheet feeding unit also runs out of sheets without any sheets being loaded into the first sheet feeding unit, the repetitive feeding operation stops. If the operator loads sheets into one of the sheet feeding units, the feeding operation will shift to the first sheet feeding unit after the other sheet feeding unit runs out of sheets, allowing the repetitive feeding operation to continue for a longer period. In other words, when the sheets loaded in one of the sheet feeding units, which is subject to continuous stage control, run out, the system enters a second operator operation standby state where the duration of the repetitive feeding operation can be extended by a predetermined operation by the operator, namely loading sheets into the sheet feeding unit that has run out of sheets.

[0007] Furthermore, if the operator does not remove the stack of sheets stored in the storage unit after it has been transferred to the retrieval unit, the repetitive feeding operation will stop because it will no longer be possible to transfer the next stack of sheets stored in the storage unit to the retrieval unit even when the storage unit is full. If the operator removes the stack of sheets from the retrieval unit, the next time the stack of sheets stored in the storage unit is full, that stack of sheets can be transferred to the retrieval unit, allowing the repetitive feeding operation to continue for a longer period. In other words, once the stack of sheets stored in the storage unit is transferred to the retrieval unit, a third operator operation standby state is entered in which the duration of the repetitive feeding operation can be extended by a predetermined operation by the operator, namely, removing a sheet from the retrieval unit.

[0008] Furthermore, even if collated materials are placed in the reject storage section, if the operator does not remove them and leaves them there, the repetitive feeding operation will stop when the number of collated materials placed in the section reaches a preset value. If the operator removes the collated materials from the reject storage section, the count of collated materials placed in the reject storage section is reset, allowing the repetitive feeding operation to continue for a longer period. In other words, when collated materials are placed in the reject storage section, the system enters a fourth operator operation standby state, where the duration of the repetitive feeding operation can be extended by a predetermined operation by the operator, namely, removing the sheets from the reject storage section.

[0009] Even when the machine enters the first, second, third, or fourth operator standby states described above (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "operator standby states"), the repetitive feeding operation continues, making it difficult for the operator to notice that the machine has entered an operator standby state. This is even more difficult if the operator has temporarily left the machine. As a result, the repetitive feeding operation may stop if the operator does not take timely action, which can reduce processing efficiency and make the machine difficult to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 of the present application is a sheet feeding device that includes a sheet feeding unit that performs a feeding operation to separate and feed out the first sheet from among a stack of multiple sheets, and performs a repetitive feeding operation that continuously repeats the feeding operation from the sheet feeding unit, wherein the sheet feeding device has a control unit that determines that it is in an operator standby state and notifies the operator when the timing to end the repetitive feeding operation is approaching if there is no predetermined operation from the operator during the continuation of the repetitive feeding operation, and when it is possible to extend the continuation period of the repetitive feeding operation by having the operator perform the predetermined operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the user experience for the operator can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] External perspective view of a collating device 500 as a sheet feeding device to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of the collating device 500. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of the sheet feeding unit 2. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the control system of the collating device 500. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the operation flow of the collating device 500. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing the details of the first decision. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing the details of the second decision. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing the details of the third decision. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the details of the fourth determination. [Figure 10] A diagram showing terminal 600 and an example of its display. [Figure 11] A diagram showing another example of the display on terminal 600. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a collating apparatus 500 as an example of a sheet feeding apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described. The same or equivalent constituent elements, members, and processes shown in the respective drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the dimensions of the members in the respective drawings are shown by being appropriately enlarged or reduced for easy understanding. Further, in each drawing, some of the members that are not important for describing the embodiment are omitted from display.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the collating apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the collating apparatus 500 includes a collating mechanism 1, a collated product accumulation and conveyance mechanism 10, and a stack elevating mechanism 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the collating mechanism 1 includes an operation panel 3 which is an operation input unit on one side surface of a housing.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the collating apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front side where the operation panel 3 is disposed. In FIG. 2, the operation panel 3, the outer layer cover disposed on the operation panel 3 side, and the stack elevating mechanism 13 are omitted.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the collating mechanism 1 includes a total of twenty sheet feeding sections 2a, with ten stages on each of the left and right sides. A plurality of stacked sheets are placed on each of the sheet feeding sections 2a, and the uppermost one sheet is separated and fed out. The sheets stacked on the sheet feeding section 2a can take various forms such as a single loose sheet, a folded sheet obtained by folding one sheet in two, four, or more, a booklet, and the like. Separating sheets one by one means separating each individual sheet in the case of loose sheets, each folded sheet constituted by one sheet in the case of folded sheets, and each individual booklet in the case of booklets. The sheets fed out from the respective sheet feeding sections 2a merge in a common vertical conveyance path 14, are conveyed downward while being stacked (while being collated) and nipped by a constantly rotationally driven vertical conveyance roller 24.

[0018] In Figure 2, a folded sheet feeding unit 2b is provided below the sheet feeding unit 2a at the bottom left. Multiple folded sheets are stacked in the folded sheet feeding unit 2b. The folded sheet feeding unit 2b has the same configuration as the other sheet feeding units 2a, and separates and feeds out the topmost folded sheet from the stacked folded sheets. The fed-out folded sheet passes through the folding transport path 16 and enters the folding plate 19, where its leading edge abuts against the stopper 18, stopping the folded sheet in a state where it blocks the lower end of the vertical transport path 14. Hereinafter, the sheet feeding unit 2a and the folded sheet feeding unit 2b will be collectively referred to simply as the sheet feeding unit 2.

[0019] Then, the sheet fed from the sheet feeding section 2a descends the vertical transport path 14, and just before reaching the folded sheet, the folding knife 17 descends (from the position shown by the solid line to the position shown by the dashed line). The stationary folded sheet is folded in half by the folding roller pair 20, with the sheet descending from above sandwiched inside it. In this way, a collated product S (combined product) is created in the form of one folded sheet sandwiching another sheet. The collated product S is sent to the discharge transport path 21.

[0020] A reject transport path 60 branches upward from the discharge transport path 21. An outlet 22 is provided downstream of the discharge transport path 21, and a reject storage section 61 (second discharge section) is provided downstream of the reject transport path 60. At the branching point, a switching gate 62 is provided to switch whether the collated material S transported along the discharge transport path 21 is sent to the outlet 22 or to the reject transport path 60. The switching gate 62 is driven by an electromagnetic solenoid or the like (not shown) between the position of the solid line and the position of the dashed line in Figure 2.

[0021] Collated materials S sent to the reject transport path 60 are stored in the reject storage section 61. The reject storage section 61 is equipped with a reject sensor 63 (second discharge sensor). The reject sensor 63 is a reflective sensor that detects whether or not collated materials S are stored in the reject storage section 61. The reject storage section 61 stores collated materials S that have resulted in excess or shortage due to feeding errors in the feeding operation of the sheet feeding unit 2. In other words, in this invention, "collated materials S" also includes those that have resulted in excess or shortage due to feeding errors.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of one sheet feeding unit 2. Figure 3(a) shows a state where a large quantity of sheets are loaded, and Figure 3(b) shows a state where only a small amount of sheets remain.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, in the sheet feeding unit 2, a sheet bundle 36, consisting of many sheets stacked together, is placed on the mounting plate 37 at an angle, offset so that its leading edge is held between the feeding roller 26 and the sorting plate 32. As shown in Figure 3(b), when the sheet bundle 36 is running low, the upstream end of the sheet bundle 36 in the feeding direction is lifted to create a space between it and the mounting plate 37, allowing a new sheet bundle 36 to be added (overstacked) in this space. The sheet presence sensor 31 is a reflective sensor that detects whether or not sheets are placed in the sheet feeding unit 2 in a state where they can be fed out. An auxiliary feeding roller 27, which has the same shape as the feeding roller 26, is provided on the upstream side of the feeding roller 26 in the feeding direction. Toothed pulleys (drive output pulley 28, drive input pulley 29) are provided on the shafts of both the auxiliary feeding roller 27 and the feeding roller 26. As a result, the rotational drive input to the feed roller 26 is transmitted to the auxiliary feed roller 27 via the toothed belt 30.

[0024] The feed roller 26 is rotationally driven by a feed motor 201 (see Figure 4) provided individually for each sheet feed section 2. When the feed motor 201 rotates, the feed roller 26 and the auxiliary feed roller 27 rotate. As a result, the top sheet of the sheet bundle 36 on the mounting plate 37 is fed between the feed roller 26 and the sorting plate 32 by the auxiliary feed roller 27. At this time, even if two sheets try to pass through at the same time, the frictional force between the sorting plate 32 and the sheet prevents the second and subsequent sheets from moving forward, so only the top sheet is sent downstream in the feeding direction.

[0025] The dispensed sheet is held between the rollers of the lateral conveying roller pair 33 and dispensed to the left in Figure 3. The lateral conveying roller pair 33 is driven by a main motor 102 (see Figure 4), which is a common drive source provided in the collating mechanism 1, in order to drive the area outside the drive range of the feed motor 201. The lateral conveying roller pair 33 is constantly rotated when the main motor 102 is driven.

[0026] The shafts of the auxiliary feed roller 27 and the feed roller 26 are both supported by a support member 39. A detection portion 39a protrudes upward from the upper surface of the downstream end of the support member 39 in the feeding direction. A near-empty sensor 40 is provided above the detection portion 39a. The near-empty sensor 40 is a reflective sensor. As shown in Figure 3(a), when a large amount of sheets are stacked, the support member 39 is lifted, so the detection portion 39a is detected by the near-empty sensor 40. As shown in Figure 3(b), when the number of sheets remaining decreases, the inclination of the support member 39 becomes gentler, so the detection portion 39a moves out of the detection range of the near-empty sensor 40, and the detection portion 39a is no longer detected. After that, when more sheets are added by stacking, the detection portion 39a is detected again.

[0027] A double-feed detection sensor 41 is provided between the feed roller 26 and the pair of lateral conveying rollers 33. The double-feed detection sensor 41 is composed of a pair of rollers. The axis position of the lower roller is fixed, while the axis position of the upper roller is movable away from the lower roller and is biased to press against the lower roller by a biasing mechanism (not shown). A displacement sensor (not shown) is provided to measure the amount of displacement of the upper roller when a sheet passes between the upper and lower rollers.

[0028] A lateral transport sensor 42 is provided near the pair of lateral transport rollers 33. The lateral transport sensor 42 is a reflective sensor that detects sheets passing above it.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a collated material storage and transport mechanism 10 is provided below the folded sheet feeding section 2b. The collated material storage and transport mechanism 10 includes a storage section 23 that receives the collated material S discharged from the discharge port 22. The storage section 23 is a space above the moving conveyor 8, surrounded by a back jogger 9, a front guide 6, a side jogger 5, and an opening / closing guide 7 (not shown in Figure 2) in a closed state (position shown by the dashed line in Figure 2). The back jogger 9 is capable of reciprocating in a direction parallel to the discharge direction of the collated material S. The side jogger 5 is capable of reciprocating in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the collated material S. The opening / closing guide 7 is capable of pivoting around the guide rotation axis 7b and can be positioned in a closed position shown by the dashed line and a retracted position shown by the solid line in Figure 1.

[0030] The storage section 23 is equipped with a pressing member 50 that presses down on the upper surface of the stack St of the stored collated materials S. One end of the pressing member 50 is fixed to a pressing pivot shaft 50a and is supported by the housing of the collation mechanism 1 so as to be rotatable around the pressing pivot shaft 50a. The other end of the pressing member 50 is fixed to a pressing plate lifting mechanism (not shown) located inside the tip guide 6. As shown in Figure 2, the pressing member 50 is curved in an arc shape downward toward the pressing pivot shaft 50a and extends horizontally toward the other end from a position close to the upper surface of the moving conveyor 8. By driving the pressing member drive motor 117 (see Figure 4), which is the drive source for the pressing plate lifting mechanism, the other end of the pressing member 50 rises and the pressing member 50 rotates clockwise in Figure 2 around the pressing pivot shaft 50a. In addition, the other end of the pressing member 50 also rises and rotates clockwise in Figure 2 when the horizontally extending portion is pushed up by the stack St.

[0031] The collated material storage and transport mechanism 10 stores the collated materials S received in the storage section 23 while aligning their periphery with alignment means (back jogger 9, side jogger 5). When the stack is full or partially filled and a stack of sheets of material (hereinafter referred to as "stack St") is formed, the stack St is discharged from the storage section 23.

[0032] The collated material S discharged from the discharge port 22 is guided by the retaining member 50, its tip contacts the tip guide 6, and it falls onto the moving conveyor 8. While the collated material S is being discharged repeatedly, the back jogger 9 and the side jogger 5 move back and forth, aligning the position of the collated material S by sandwiching the stack St between the back jogger 9 and the tip guide 6, and between the side jogger 5 and the open / closed guide 7 in the closed position. As the discharge of collated material S from the discharge port 22 is repeated, the collated material S discharged later is sequentially stacked on top of the collated material S discharged earlier, forming a stack St. The retaining member 50 is in contact with the upper surface of the stack St, and the collated material S discharged later is guided by the retaining member 50, pushing up the retaining member 50 and stacking on top of the already formed stack St.

[0033] When the stack St reaches a predetermined height, the fullness detection sensor 116 (see Figure 4) detects that the holding member 50 has risen to a predetermined height, and the sheet feeding operation of the sheet feeding unit 2 and the discharge of the collated materials S from the collation mechanism 1 are temporarily suspended, as the stack St of collated materials S is considered full. Furthermore, the main control unit 100 (discharge control unit 106 (described later)) drives the opening / closing guide drive motor 114 to move the opening / closing guide 7 from the closed position to the retracted position. At the same time, the holding member drive motor 117 is driven to further raise the holding member 50 that is in contact with the upper surface of the stack St, separating it from the upper surface of the stack St. After that, the mobile conveyor drive motor 115 is driven to drive the mobile conveyor 8 in a circular motion to transport the stack St in the direction of arrow "A". During transport, the side jogger 5 stops, and the back jogger 9 performs a back-and-forth motion. When the stack St is discharged from the storage unit 23, the holding member 50 lowers to its lowest position, and the feeding operation of the sheet feeding unit 2 and the discharge of the collated material S from the collation mechanism 1 resume.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, a movable elevator plate 11 and a stack lifting mechanism 13 for raising and lowering the elevator plate 11 are provided at the exit side of the mobile conveyor 8. The elevator plate 11 waits at a position slightly lower than the upper surface of the belt 83 of the mobile conveyor 8. The stack St that has been unloaded by the mobile conveyor 8 is transported onto the elevator plate 11. When the load sensor 12 on the elevator plate 11 detects the arrival of the stack St, the stack lifting mechanism 13 operates to raise the elevator plate 11 and stops with the stack St lifted. When the operator lifts and removes the stack St from the elevator plate 11, the load sensor 12 no longer detects the stack St. In response, the elevator plate 11 lowers and waits for the next stack St.

[0035] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the control system of the collating device 500. As shown in Figure 4, the collating mechanism 1 main body has a main control unit 100, and each sheet feeding unit 2 has an individual feeding control unit 200. There are as many feeding control units 2 as there are sheet feeding units 2.

[0036] These control units are realized through the coordination of hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs various arithmetic operations, ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various control programs, and RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area for data storage and program execution, as well as software. Therefore, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms through combinations of hardware and software.

[0037] The feed control unit 200 controls the rotational drive of the feed motor 201. The main control unit 100 selects the sheet feed unit 2 to be rotated and sends a drive control signal to the feed control unit 200 based on its drive timing, etc. Based on the received drive control signal, the feed control unit 200 sends a drive signal to the feed motor 201.

[0038] Furthermore, the feeding control unit 200 receives detection signals from the sheet presence sensor 31, the near-empty sensor 40, the double-feed detection sensor 41, and the lateral transport sensor 42. When the feeding control unit 200 does not receive a sheet detection signal from the sheet presence sensor 31, it outputs a "no sheet" signal to the main control unit 100, indicating that there are no sheets placed on the sheet feeding unit 2. When the near-empty sensor 40 stops receiving a signal indicating that it is detecting the detected unit 39a, the feeding control unit 2 outputs a near-empty signal to the main control unit 100 (near-empty control unit 104), indicating that there are only a few sheets left. When the displacement amount of the upper roller input from the double-feed detection sensor 41 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the feeding control unit 200 outputs a double-feed error signal to the main control unit 100, indicating that two or more sheets fed from the sheet feeding unit 2 are overlapping. If the feeding control unit 200 does not detect a sheet by the lateral transport sensor 42 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the feeding roller 26 was driven, it outputs an empty feed error signal to the main control unit 100 indicating that a sheet that should have been fed from the sheet feeding unit 2 was not fed. If the length of the sheet detection signal input to the lateral transport sensor 42 when the fed sheet passes the lateral transport sensor 42 is too long compared to the actual sheet length in the transport direction that was input in advance, the feeding control unit 200 outputs a chain error signal to the main control unit 100 indicating that two or more sheets fed from the sheet feeding unit 2 are overlapping and shifted in the transport direction.

[0039] The main control unit 100 controls the rotational drive of each of the following: the elevator lifting motor 111, the back jogger drive motor 112, the side jogger drive motor 113, the opening / closing guide drive motor 114, the moving conveyor drive motor 115, and the retaining member drive motor 117.

[0040] The main control unit 100 has a setting memory unit 103 that stores various settings for the entire collating device 500. Based on these settings, it controls the drive of the collating mechanism 1, including the rotational drive control of the main motor 102, and also works in conjunction with the feed control unit 200 to control the entire collating device 500. Detection signals from the load sensor 12, the full detection sensor 116, and the reject sensor 63 are input to the main control unit 100. The main control unit 100 includes a near-empty control unit 104, a continuous stage control unit 105, an discharge control unit 106, and a reject control unit 107, which each perform control related to specific functions included in the overall control of the collating device 500. The near-empty control unit 104 includes a first determination unit 104a, the continuous stage control unit 105 includes a second determination unit 105a, the discharge control unit 106 includes a third determination unit 106a, and the reject control unit 107 includes a fourth determination unit 107a.

[0041] The main control unit 100 is connected to an operation panel 3 and a start / stop switch 101. The operation panel 3 outputs and displays information about the collating device 500 received from the main control unit 100, and also accepts various inputs related to the collating device 500 to the main control unit 100. The operation panel 3 has, for example, an indicator or display panel as an information output device, and an input switch or key panel as an information input device. It may be configured as a touch panel that serves both display and input, or a touch panel and keyboard may be combined as appropriate. The operator checks the output information from the main control unit 100 and inputs information through the operation panel 3. Alternatively, instead of the operation panel 3, an information terminal such as a PC, tablet, or smartphone connected to the collating device 500 by wire or wireless may be used. These information terminals may be connected remotely via a network.

[0042] The start / stop switch 101 can transmit a signal to the main control unit 100 to start or stop the operation of the collating device 500, via operator input. The start / stop switch 101 may be provided as part of the operation panel 3.

[0043] The setting memory unit 103 stores various settings related to the collating device 500. The operator can input various settings related to the collating device 500 through the operation panel 3, and the input settings are stored in the setting memory unit 103. The stored settings can also be confirmed by the operator through the display on the operation panel 3.

[0044] The near-empty control unit 104 works in conjunction with the feed control unit 200 to control the near-empty state of each sheet feed unit 2. When the near-empty sensor 40 detects that any of the sheet feed units 2 is near-empty, the detection information is received from the feed control unit 200. The first determination unit 104a determines whether or not the first operator is in standby mode.

[0045] When the continuous stage control unit 105 receives detection information from the feed control unit 200 that the absence of a sheet has been detected by the sheet presence sensor 31 in one of the multiple sheet feeding units 2a of a set of sheets that are the target of continuous stage control (hereinafter also referred to as the "continuous stage target set"), it stops the feeding motor 201 of the sheet feeding unit 2a and communicates with the feed control unit 200 to drive the feeding motor 201 of the other sheet feeding units 2a included in the same continuous stage target set that the sheet presence sensor 31 has detected the presence of a sheet. The sheet feeding unit 2a of the continuous stage target set is stored in the setting storage unit 103 based on the setting input by the operator on the operation panel 3. The continuous stage control unit 105 refers to the setting stored in the setting storage unit 103. The second determination unit 105a determines whether or not the second operator is in standby mode.

[0046] The discharge control unit 106 controls the start and stop of discharge of collated material S from the discharge port 22. When discharge is started, the feed motor 201 and the main motor 102 are started to drive, and when discharge is stopped, the feed motor 201 and the main motor 102 are stopped to drive. Discharge is stopped by stopping the feed motor 201, but the main motor 102 can remain in an idling state while rotating. The third determination unit 106a determines whether or not the system is in a standby state for third operator operation.

[0047] The reject control unit 107 works in conjunction with the feed control unit 200 to switch the switching gate 62 so that collated materials S that have experienced a feed error are sent to the reject storage unit 61. If any of the following signals are input from the feed control unit 200 of each sheet feed unit 2—a double feed error signal, a blank feed error signal, or a chain error signal—the reject control unit 107 determines that a feed error has occurred. Therefore, collated materials S that have an excess or shortage of sheets due to a feed error are sent to the reject storage unit 61 instead of the storage unit 23.

[0048] The reject control unit 107 counts the number of times collated objects S are sent to the reject storage unit 61, and determines whether the reject storage unit 61 is full based on whether the number of sent objects exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the reject control unit 107 does not receive a detection signal for collated objects S from the reject sensor 63, it resets the number of sent objects count to zero. Therefore, the number of collated objects S stored in the reject storage unit 61 is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined number.

[0049] Terminal 600 is a communication terminal provided separately from the collating device 500 and is connected to the main control unit 100 by wire or wireless. Terminal 600 receives information related to the determinations made by the first determination unit 104a, the second determination unit 105a, the third determination unit 106a, and the fourth determination unit 107a, and outputs it in a way that can be recognized by the operator by means of characters, images, light, sound, vibration, or a combination thereof.

[0050] The operation flow of the collating device 500 configured as described above will be explained below. In this invention, "repetitive feeding operation" refers to the continuous repetition of feeding operations from at least one of the multiple sheet feeding units 2, and the operation ends when this repetition stops and cannot be resumed without special operation from the operator. The "repetitive feeding operation" is considered to be continuing as long as the feeding operation automatically resumes even if it is temporarily stopped, without any special operation from the operator.

[0051] Before use, the operator sets whether or not to use each sheet feeding unit 2a for the current operation on the control panel 3, and also sets whether or not to include the sheet feeding units 2a to be used in the continuous stage control. Continuous stage control sets multiple sheet feeding units 2a as a set of continuous stage target units. The sheet feeding units 2a that make up the continuous stage target unit are not limited to two, but may be three or more. Also, the sheet feeding units 2a that make up the continuous stage target unit are not necessarily adjacent, but may be far apart from each other.

[0052] The main control unit 100 stores these settings made by the operator in the setting storage unit 103. At this time, the main control unit 100 designates the sheet feeding unit 2a to be used as the effective feeding unit. However, for sheet feeding units 2a in a series of target sets, only one sheet feeding unit 2a (the one on which the sheet is placed) per series of target sets is designated as the effective feeding unit. Each feeding control unit 200 receives information regarding the effective feeding unit from the main control unit 100 and stores whether the sheet feeding unit 2a it controls is an effective feeding unit or not. In addition, since the folded sheet feeding unit 2b is always used as long as the collated product S is in a form where one sheet is sandwiched between two folded sheets, the main control unit 100 designates the folded sheet feeding unit 2b as the effective feeding unit.

[0053] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the collating device 500. A program for executing this flowchart is stored in the memory of the main control unit 100. This flowchart is realized by reading this program into RAM and executing it. When the operator operates the start / stop switch 101, the main control unit 100 determines whether the reject sensor 63 is in a detection state or not (step S1). If the reject sensor 63 is in a detection state (Y in step S1), the process returns to step S1. If the reject sensor 63 is not in a detection state (N in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2. When the reject sensor 63 is in a detection state, it means that something, such as the collated material S from the previous job, remains in the reject storage unit 61, so the process waits until the operator removes it, and then proceeds to the next step.

[0054] Next, the main control unit 100 resets the number of times R is sent to the reject collection unit 61 and the first operator operation standby flag F1, the second operator operation standby flag F2, the third operator operation standby flag F3, and the fourth operator operation standby flag F4 to zero as an initial setting (step S2). Furthermore, the main control unit 100 starts the rotation of the main motor 102 (step S3). The main control unit 100 (discharge control unit 106) also starts driving the back jogger drive motor 112 and the side jogger drive motor 113, and the back jogger 9 and the side jogger 5 start reciprocating motion (step S4).

[0055] Next, the main control unit 100 transmits a feed trigger signal to each feed control unit 200 of the sheet feeding unit 2. Each feed control unit 200 drives the feed motor 201 to perform a feed operation if the sheet feeding unit 2 it controls is an active feed unit (step S5). The feed motor 201 is driven at a timing delayed from the feed trigger by a time corresponding to the height position of each sheet feeding unit 2a, so that when the fed sheets meet each other in the vertical transport path 14, their leading edges are aligned. The timing is measured by an encoder (not shown) provided in the drive system directly connected to the rotational drive of the main motor 102. The folded sheet feeding unit 2b performs a feed operation so that the sheets fed from each sheet feeding unit 2a are ready to wait below it.

[0056] Next, a first determination (step S100) is made to determine whether or not the first operator is in a standby state; a second determination (step S200) is made to determine whether or not the second operator is in a standby state; a third determination (step S300) is made to determine whether or not the third operator is in a standby state; and a fourth determination (step S400) is made to determine whether or not the fourth operator is in a standby state. Details of the first, second, third, and fourth determinations will be described later.

[0057] If no stop operation is performed by the operator (N in step S7), the process returns to step S5. If a stop operation is performed by the operator (Y in step S7), the main control unit 100 (discharge control unit 106) stops the reciprocating motion of the back jogger 9 and the side jogger 4 (step S9), and further stops the main motor 102 (step S11). The stop operation is performed by pressing the start / stop switch 101.

[0058] Figure 6 is a flowchart detailing the first determination (step S100) in Figure 5. The near-empty control unit 104 determines whether or not the state of not receiving a near-empty signal in any of the active feeding units has changed to a state of receiving a near-empty signal during the repetitive feeding operation (i.e., whether or not it has entered a near-empty state) (step S101). If it determines that the unit has entered a state of receiving a near-empty signal (Y in step S101), the first determination unit 104a determines that it has entered the first operator operation standby state, sets the first operator operation standby state flag F1 to 1 (step S103), and notifies the terminal 600 that the active feeding unit has entered the first operator operation standby state, including information that identifies the active feeding unit (step S105). If the unit remains in a state of not receiving a near-empty signal (N in S101), steps S103 and S105 are skipped.

[0059] Next, the near-empty control unit 104 determines whether the state has changed from receiving a near-empty signal to not receiving one (i.e., whether the near-empty state has been resolved). If it determines that the state has changed to not receiving a near-empty signal (Y in step S107), the first determination unit 104a determines that the state is no longer in the first operator operation standby state and sets the first operator operation standby state flag F1 to 0 (step S109). If the near-empty signal is still being received (N in S107), step S109 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S200.

[0060] In other words, in the first determination, if any of the active feeding units enter a near-empty state during the repetitive feeding operation, it is determined that the system has entered a first operator operation standby state (Y in step S101), and a notification is sent to the terminal 600 (step S103). The operator can then learn from this notification that any of the active feeding units has entered a near-empty state and which sheet feeding unit 2 this occurred in. If the operator responds to this notification by continuing the repetitive feeding operation and replenishing the sheets by loading additional sheets at the sheet feeding unit 2, the near-empty state is resolved, and in the subsequent first determination, it is determined that the system is no longer in a first operator operation standby state (Y in step S107). If the operator does not load additional sheets, the loaded sheets will run out, and the collating device 500 will terminate the repetitive feeding operation and stop (Y in step S201 → N in S203 → S217 → S9 → S11, described later). To resume the repetitive feeding operation, the operator must place a sheet on the sheet feeding unit 2, which has run out of sheets.

[0061] Therefore, this first operator standby state is a state in which there are few sheets remaining on the loading plate 37, that is, a state in which the timing is approaching when the repetitive feeding operation will stop if the operator does not perform the additional loading operation, and the operator can delay the timing at which the collating device 500 stops due to lack of sheets by performing the additional loading operation, that is, the duration of the repetitive feeding operation can be extended.

[0062] Furthermore, when the operator attempts to add more sheets to the sheet feeding unit 2, which is in a near-empty state, lifting the support member 39 causes the near-empty sensor 40 to change from a state where it does not detect the detected unit 39a to a state where it does detect it. As a result, the near-empty signal is not received before the additional stacking is completed, and the determination in step S107 is incorrectly made (Y). Therefore, in step S107, the first determination unit 104a may be configured to determine Y if the state of not receiving a near-empty signal is maintained for a predetermined time or for a predetermined number of feeding cycles.

[0063] Figure 7 is a flowchart detailing the second determination (step S200) in Figure 5. The continuous stage control unit 105 determines whether or not it has received a sheet-less signal from any of the active feeding units during the repetitive feeding operation (i.e., whether or not the sheet bundle 36 placed on the mounting plate 37 has disappeared, resulting in a sheet-less state) (step S201). If it has not received a sheet-less signal (N in step S201), it skips steps S203-S211 and proceeds to step S213. If it determines that a sheet-less signal has been received (Y in step S201), it determines whether or not the sheet feeding unit 2 outputting the sheet-less signal is part of the continuous stage target group (step S203). If it is not part of the continuous stage target group (N in step S203), it displays "sheet-less" on the operation panel 3 (step S217), and the collating device 500 terminates the repetitive feeding operation and stops (steps S9, S11). If it is a set of consecutive stages (Y in step S203), it is determined whether there is a sheet feeding unit 2a in the set of consecutive stages that does not output a sheet-less signal (a sheet feeding unit 2a on which a sheet can be fed) (step S205). If there is no sheet feeding unit 2a in the set of consecutive stages that does not output a sheet-less signal (N in step S205), the operation panel 3 displays "sheet-less" (step S217), and the collating device 500 terminates its repetitive feeding operation and stops (steps S9, S11). If there is a sheet feeding unit 2a in the set of consecutive stages that does not output a sheet-less signal (Y in step S205), the sheet feeding unit 2a that is outputting a sheet-less signal is changed from an effective feeding unit to an ineffective feeding unit, and one of the sheet feeding units 2a that is not outputting a sheet-less signal is changed from an ineffective feeding unit to an effective feeding unit (switching of effective feeding units) (step S207). Furthermore, the second determination unit 105a determines that the system has entered the second operator operation standby state and sets the second operator operation standby state flag F2 to 1 (step S209), and notifies the terminal 600 that the system has entered the second operator operation standby state, including information that identifies the system (step S211).

[0064] Subsequently, in step S207, it is determined whether or not a sheet-less signal is being received in the sheet feeding unit 2a, which was changed from an active feeding unit to an inactive feeding unit (step S213). If it is determined that the sheet feeding unit 2a, which has been changed to an inactive feeding unit, has stopped outputting a sheet-less signal (i.e., a sheet bundle 36 has been loaded) (N in step S213), the second determination unit 105a determines that it is no longer in the second operator operation standby state and sets the second operator operation standby state flag F2 to 0 (step S215). If the sheet-less signal is still being received in the sheet feeding unit 2a, which has been changed to an inactive feeding unit (N in S213), step S215 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S300.

[0065] In other words, in the second determination, when a switchover of the effective feeding unit occurs during the repetitive feeding operation (i.e., when the sheet feeding unit 2a performing the feeding operation in the staggered target group switches) (step S207), it is determined that the staggered target group has entered a second operator operation standby state, and a notification is sent to the terminal 600 (step S211). The operator can then know from this notification that the sheet feeding unit 2a performing the feeding operation in any of the staggered target groups has switched, and which staggered target group this occurred in. If the operator responds to this notification by continuing the repetitive feeding operation and placing a new sheet in the sheet feeding unit 2a that has run out of sheets and been changed to an ineffective feeding unit, it is determined in the subsequent second determination that the staggered target group is no longer in a second operator operation standby state (step S213, N). If the operator does not place a sheet, the sheet will run out in the effective feeding section of the target sequence, and the collating device 500 will terminate its repetitive feeding operation and stop (step S201 Y → S203 Y → S205 N → S217 → S9 → S11). In order to restart the repetitive feeding operation, the operator must place a sheet in the sheet feeding section 2a of the target sequence that has run out of sheets.

[0066] Therefore, this second operator standby state is a state in which, if the operator does not place a new sheet in one sheet feeding unit 2a of the sequence target group, the timing is approaching when all sheet feeding units 2a included in the sequence target group will be depleted of sheets and the repetitive feeding operation will stop. Furthermore, by placing a new sheet in an ineffective feeding unit in the sequence target group where the sheet has been depleted, the operator can switch the effective feeding unit within the sequence target group when there are no sheets in the effective feeding unit thereafter, thereby delaying the timing at which the collating device 500 stops due to the lack of sheets, that is, extending the duration of the repetitive feeding operation.

[0067] Furthermore, when an operator places a new sheet in the sheet feeding unit 2a that has run out of sheets, it is possible that the sheet to be placed may be retracted for rearrangement after being detected by the sheet presence sensor 31. Therefore, in step S213, the determination may be made as Y if the state in which no sheet signal is received (the state in which the sheet presence sensor 31 detects a sheet) is maintained for a predetermined time or for a predetermined number of feedings.

[0068] If the sequence target group consists of three or more sheet feeding units 2a, and one of the sheet feeding units 2a in the sequence target group runs out of sheets and outputs a sheet-less signal, that sheet feeding unit 2a changes from an active feeding unit to an inactive feeding unit in step S207. Since the remaining sheet feeding units 2a in the sequence target group do not output a sheet-less signal (they have sheets), one of them changes from an inactive feeding unit to an active feeding unit (the sheet feeding unit 2a performing the feeding operation switches), and in step S209 it enters a second operator operation standby state. When a sheet is loaded into the sheet feeding unit 2a that ran out of sheets, it is determined in step S215 that it is no longer in a second operator operation standby state.

[0069] In this case, if the operator does not load sheets after entering the second operator operation standby state, the switching of the effective feeding unit will be repeated, and each time the number of sheet feeding units 2a with sheets in the same sequence will decrease (when switching, the flag in S209 remains 1, meaning the second operator operation standby state continues). At this point, it may be determined that the second operator operation standby state has ended when sheets have been loaded into all of the two or more sheet feeding units 2a without sheets.

[0070] On the other hand, the system may be put into a second operator operation standby state when only one sheet-loading sheet feeding unit 2a remains in the same sequence of target units. In this case, the system may be judged to be out of the second operator operation standby state when sheets are loaded into all two or more sheet-loading sheet feeding units 2a that do not currently have sheets, or it may be judged to be out of the second operator operation standby state when a sheet is loaded into even one of the sheet-loading sheet feeding units 2a that does not currently have sheets.

[0071] Figure 8 is a flowchart detailing the third determination (step S300) in Figure 5. The discharge control unit 106 determines whether or not the full capacity has been detected by the full capacity detection sensor 116 (step S301). If full capacity is not detected (N in step S301), steps S303-S333 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S335. When a stack St of collated materials S accumulates in the storage unit 23 and the full capacity detection sensor 116 detects full capacity (Y in step S301), the main control unit 100 receives the full capacity signal, stops sending the feed trigger, and temporarily suspends the feed operation (step S303). At that point, the collating of all sheets that have started to be collated is completed and discharged as collated materials S (step S305). In response to the cessation of the feed trigger, the feed motor 201 stops, while the main motor 201 remains in an idling state, continuing to rotate.

[0072] Subsequently, the discharge control unit 106 stops driving the back jogger drive motor 112 and the side jogger drive motor 113, and stops the operation of the back jogger 9 and the side jogger 5 (step S307). Next, it determines whether the loading sensor 12 is in a detection state (i.e., whether the previous stack St is still loaded on the elevator plate 11) (step S309). If the loading sensor 12 is in a detection state (Y in step S309), the current stack St cannot be transported, so the collating device 500 terminates the repetitive feeding operation (steps S9, S11).

[0073] If the load sensor 12 is not in a detection state (N in step S309), the opening / closing guide drive motor 114 is driven to retract the opening / closing guide 7 (step S311). Furthermore, the retaining member drive motor 117 is driven to raise the other end of the retaining member 50 to a position where the retaining member 50 does not come into contact with the upper surface of the stack St (step S313). Next, the back jogger drive motor 112 is driven to restart the reciprocating movement of the back jogger 9 (step S315), and the moving conveyor drive motor 115 is driven to rotate the belt 83 (step S317), and the stack St is moved out toward the elevator plate 11.

[0074] While the loading sensor 12 does not detect the arrival of stack St onto the elevator plate 11 (N in step S319), it waits for its arrival. When the loading sensor 12 detects the arrival of stack St (Y in step S319), that is, when the discharge control unit 106 receives a signal that the loading sensor 12 has detected something, the third determination unit 106a determines that it has entered the third operator operation standby state, sets the third operator operation standby state flag F3 to 1 (step S321), and notifies the terminal 600 that it has entered the third operator operation standby state (step S323). The discharge control unit 106 further drives the elevator lifting motor 111 to lift the stack St (step S325) and drives the opening / closing guide drive motor 114 to close the opening / closing guide 7 (step S327). Furthermore, the side jogger drive motor 113 is started to resume the reciprocating motion of the side jogger 5 (step S329), and the retaining member drive motor 117 is driven to lower the retaining member 50 (step S331). After that, the main control unit 100 resumes sending the feed trigger (timing reference signal), the rotational drive of the feed motor 201 is resumed, and the sheet feed unit 2 resumes the sheet feed operation that had been temporarily paused (step S333).

[0075] Next, the discharge control unit 106 determines whether the loading sensor 12 is in a detection state or not (step S335). If the loading sensor 12 is not in a detection state (N in step S335), the third determination unit 106a determines that the third operator operation standby state is no longer in effect and sets the third operator operation standby state flag F3 to 0 (step S337). When the loading sensor 12 is no longer in a detection state (when the user removes the stack St on the elevator plate 11), the elevator plate 11 descends and waits until the next stack St is fed in. If the loading sensor 12 remains in a detection state (Y in step S335), step S337 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S7.

[0076] In other words, in the third determination, when the storage unit 23 of the collated material storage and transport mechanism 10 becomes full during the repetitive feeding operation, the feeding operation temporarily stops while the main motor 102 continues to rotate, and the stack St stored in the storage unit 23 is transferred onto the elevator plate 11, it is determined that the system has entered the third operator operation standby state (Y in step S319), and a notification is sent to the terminal 600 (step S323). The operator can then know from this notification that the storage unit 23 has become full and the materials have been transferred to the elevator plate 11. Once the collated device 500 has transferred the stack St and emptied the storage unit 23, it resumes the feeding operation (step S333). During this time, the feeding operation is temporarily suspended, but after the stack St is transferred onto the elevator plate 11, the feeding operation automatically resumes, so the repetitive feeding operation continues. When the operator, in response to the notification, removes the stack St from the elevator plate 11 while continuing the repetitive feeding operation, it is determined in the subsequent third determination that the state is no longer in the third operator operation standby state (N in step S335). If the operator does not remove the stack St, when the storage unit 23 becomes full, the next stack St cannot be transported, so the collating device 500 terminates the repetitive feeding operation and stops. In order to restart the repetitive feeding operation, the operator must remove the previous stack St that is still loaded on the elevator plate 11.

[0077] Therefore, this third operator standby state is a state in which, if the operator does not remove the stack St from the elevator plate 11, the timing is approaching when the next stack St will not be able to be transferred to the elevator plate 11 and the repetitive feeding operation will stop. At the same time, by removing the stack St from the elevator plate 11 and making it possible to transfer the next stack St to the elevator plate 11, the timing at which the collating device 500 stops due to the storage unit 23 being full can be delayed, that is, the duration of the repetitive feeding operation can be extended.

[0078] Furthermore, since it is possible that the stack St on the elevator plate 11 may be placed back on it after being removed by the operator for operational reasons, in step S309, the third determination unit 106a may determine Y if the state in which the loading sensor 12 does not detect the stack St is maintained for a predetermined time or for a predetermined number of feedings.

[0079] Figure 9 is a flowchart detailing the fourth determination (step S400) in Figure 5. The reject control unit 107 determines whether or not a feeding error has been received (step S401). Receiving a feeding error means that one of the following signals has been input from any of the feeding control units 200: a double-feed error signal, an empty-feed error signal, or a chain error signal. If no feeding error has been received (N in step S401), steps S403-S417 are skipped and the process proceeds to S419. If a feeding error has been received (Y in step S401), the switching gate 62 is switched so that the collated material S heads towards the reject transport path 60 (step S403). This switching sends the collated material S formed by the feeding operation in the cycle in which the feeding error occurred to the reject transport path 60. This switching occurs after the collated material S from the cycle immediately preceding the one in which the feeding error occurred has passed, but before the collated material S from the cycle in which the feeding error occurred arrives at the branching point from the discharge transport path 21 to the reject transport path 60. The timing of the switchover may be determined based on the transport time required from the start of the feeding operation until the material reaches the branching point, or it may be determined based on the detection signal from a sensor installed at the branching point that can detect the passage of the collated material S.

[0080] Next, the reject control unit 107 increments the number of passes R by 1 (step S405) and determines whether R = Rn (step S407). If R = Rn (Y in step S407), and if the feeding operation for the next collation S has already started at that point, the next collation S is formed and sent to the reject transport path 60, and then the switching gate 62 is switched again to return the collation S to the direction toward the discharge port 22 (step S409). After that, the collation device 500 ends the repetitive feeding operation and stops (S9 → S11). If R = Rn (N in step S407), before the next collation S passes, the switching gate 62 is switched again to return the collation S to the direction toward the discharge port 22 (step S411). Next, it is determined whether the transmission count R=1 (step S413). If R=1 (Y in step S413), the fourth determination unit 107a determines that the fourth operator has entered the standby state, sets the fourth operator standby state flag F4 to 1 (step S415), and notifies the terminal 600 that the fourth operator has entered the standby state (step S417).

[0081] Subsequently, the reject sensor 63 determines whether or not it has detected the collated object S stored in the reject storage unit 61 (step S419). If it has detected it (Y in step S419), steps S421-S425 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S7. If it has not detected it (N in step S419), the transmission count R is reset to zero (step S421). At this point, if the fourth operator is in standby mode (Y in step S423), the fourth determination unit 107a determines that the fourth operator is no longer in standby mode, sets the fourth operator standby mode flag F4 to 0 (step S425), and proceeds to step S7.

[0082] In other words, in the fourth determination, if a feeding error occurs during the repetitive feeding operation, the switching gate 62 is switched (step S407), and the collated object S formed by the feeding operation in which the feeding error occurred is sent to the reject storage unit 61, and the repetitive feeding operation continues. Each time an object is sent to the reject storage unit 61, the number of sending operations R is increased by 1, and when R becomes 1, it is determined that the system has entered the fourth operator operation standby state, and a notification is sent to the terminal 600 (Y in S413 → S415 → S417).

[0083] When R=1, it means that one collated object S has been placed in the reject storage section 61. Since there is a limit to the number of collated objects S that can be placed in the reject storage section 61, the repetitive feeding operation stops when the number of subsequent feeding cycles R to the reject storage section 61 reaches Rn (Y in S407 → S409 → S9 → S11). Rn is a value that is set appropriately according to the number of collated objects that can be placed in the reject storage section 61; for example, Rn=3. Rn may be a fixed value or it may be variable depending on the thickness of the collated object S. When the number of feeding cycles R reaches Rn, it means that the number of collated objects S that have been placed in the reject storage section 61 has reached the upper limit of the storage capacity of the reject storage section 61. In order to restart the repetitive feeding operation, the operator must remove the collated objects S that are still loaded in the reject storage section 61. On the other hand, if the operator removes the collated material S from the reject storage unit 61 while the repetitive feeding operation is in progress and the fourth operator is in standby mode, the number of feeds R is reset to zero (step S421), and it is determined that the fourth operator is no longer in standby mode (step S425).

[0084] Therefore, this fourth operator operation standby state is a state in which collated material S is present in the reject storage section 61, that is, if the operator does not remove the collated material S from the reject storage section 61, the timing is approaching when R=Rn will be reached due to the occurrence of further feeding errors and the repetitive feeding operation will stop. Furthermore, when the operator removes the collated material S from the reject storage section 61, the reject storage section 61 becomes empty and R=0 returns, so the timing at which the collating device 500 stops due to exceeding the storage capacity of the reject storage section 61 can be delayed, that is, the duration of the repetitive feeding operation can be extended.

[0085] Figures 10(a)-(e) show a terminal 600 and an example of its display. The terminal 600 functions as a display unit that shows a message that the operator can recognize when it determines that the terminal is in an operator standby state and a notification is sent. Although a smartphone is used as an example here, various communication terminals such as PCs and tablets can be used.

[0086] Figure 10(a) is an example of a screen that displays the received information when the first determination unit 104a receives a notification in step S105 of Figure 6 indicating that the active feed unit has entered the first operator operation standby state. The display area 601 displays information identifying the sheet feed unit 2 (the fifth row in this example), along with the fact that the sheet feed unit 2 has entered the first operator operation standby state (i.e., near empty has been detected), including information identifying the active feed unit. This display area 601 is displayed when the terminal 600 receives information that the unit has entered the first operator operation standby state. The display area 601 disappears after an operation by the operator on the terminal 600 or after being displayed for a predetermined time. Alternatively, when the first operator operation standby state is resolved (step S109 of Figure 6), the first determination unit 104a may send a signal to the terminal 600 again, and the display area may disappear upon receipt of this signal. In other words, it may be displayed continuously while the operator operation standby state is in effect. By visualizing this display area 601, the operator can determine the timing at which they can extend the duration of the repetitive feeding operation by replenishing the sheets by stacking them in the sheet feeding unit 2.

[0087] Figure 10(b) is an example of a screen displaying the received information when the second determination unit 105a receives a notification in step S211 of Figure 7 indicating that the staging target set has entered the second operator operation standby state. The display area 602 displays information identifying the staging target set (in this example, the 9th and 10th stages), along with information identifying the active sheet feeding unit, indicating that the staging target set has entered the second operator operation standby state (i.e., the sheets have run out in one sheet feeding unit (9th stage) and feeding has moved to the other sheet feeding unit (10th stage)). This display area 602 is displayed when the terminal 600 receives information that the staging target set has entered the second operator operation standby state. The display area 602 disappears after an operation on the operator's terminal 600 or after being displayed for a predetermined time. Alternatively, when the second operator operation standby state is resolved (step S215 of Figure 7), the second determination unit 105a may send a signal to the terminal 600 again, and the display area may disappear upon receipt of this signal. In other words, the display may be kept on at all times while the operator is in standby mode. By viewing this display area 602, the operator can determine the timing at which they can extend the duration of the repetitive feeding operation by placing a new sheet in the sheet feeding unit 2a, which has become an ineffective feeding unit when the sheet runs out.

[0088] Figure 10(c) is an example of a screen displaying the received information when the third determination unit 106a receives a notification in step S323 of Figure 8 indicating that the system has entered the third operator operation standby state. The display area 603 shows that the system has entered the third operator operation standby state (i.e., the stack St has been moved onto the elevator plate 11, the elevator plate 11 has risen and the stack St has been lifted up). This display area 603 is displayed when the terminal 600 receives information that the system has entered the third operator operation standby state. The display area 603 disappears after an operation by the operator on the terminal 600 or after being displayed for a predetermined time. Alternatively, when the third operator operation standby state is resolved (step S337 of Figure 8), the third determination unit 106a may send a signal to the terminal 600 again, and the display area may disappear upon receipt of this signal. In other words, the display may remain on continuously while the system is in the operator operation standby state. By viewing this display area 603, the operator can determine the timing at which they can extend the duration of the repetitive feeding operation by removing the stack St from the elevator plate 11.

[0089] Figure 10(d) is an example of a screen displaying the received information when the fourth determination unit 107a receives a notification in step S417 of Figure 9 indicating that the system has entered the fourth operator operation standby state. The display area 604 shows that the system has entered the fourth operator operation standby state (i.e., that the collated material S has been sent to the reject storage unit 61). This display area 604 is displayed when the terminal 600 receives information that the system has entered the fourth operator operation standby state. The display area 604 disappears after an operation by the operator on the terminal 600 or after being displayed for a predetermined time. Alternatively, when the fourth operator operation standby state is resolved (step S425 of Figure 9), the fourth determination unit 107a may send a signal to the terminal 600 again, and the display area may disappear upon receipt of this signal. In other words, it may be displayed continuously while the system is in the operator operation standby state. By viewing this display area 604, the operator can know the timing at which they can extend the duration of the repetitive feeding operation by removing the collated material S from the reject storage unit 61.

[0090] Display areas 601, 602, 603, and 604 clearly indicate when the system has entered the first, second, third, and fourth operator operation standby states, respectively. Therefore, the operator can distinguish between the first, second, third, and fourth operator operation standby states, each of which requires a different predetermined operation to terminate the operator operation standby state.

[0091] Figure 10(e) shows a screen where display areas 601, 602, 603, and 604 of different types are displayed simultaneously. As shown in Figure 10(e), multiple display areas of different types, or even if they are the same type of display area 601, if they specify different sheet feeding units 2, or even if they are the same type of display area 602, if they specify different sequential target sets, can be displayed simultaneously. If it becomes necessary to display another display area while one display area is being displayed, the previously displayed display area will remain displayed, and the other display area will be added and displayed. If the screen can no longer accommodate all of them, scrolling may be used to display them all.

[0092] Instead of, or in addition to, the displays in display areas 601, 602, 603, and 604 may be replaced with sound and vibration notifications. In this case, the sound and vibration patterns may differ depending on whether the system is in the first, second, third, or fourth operator standby state. This allows the operator to more reliably know when they can extend the duration of the repetitive feeding operation through their actions.

[0093] Figure 11 shows another example of the display on terminal 600. In this example, terminal 600 has a sheet feeding unit specific information display area 611, a first operator operation standby status display area 612, a second operator operation standby status display area 613, a third operator operation standby status display area 614, and a fourth operator operation standby status display area 615. As shown in Figure 11, information that identifies each sheet feeding unit 2 (the number of each sheet feeding unit 2a, and the "folded" indication that the folded sheet feeding unit 2b) is displayed in the sheet feeding unit specific information display area 611. This display mimics the actual arrangement of the sheet feeding unit 2, elevator plate 11, and reject discharge unit 61 (when the elevator plate 11 is lower than the other sheet feeding units 2).

[0094] The first operator operation standby state display area 612 displays which sheet feeding unit 2 is in the first operator operation standby state. In step S105 of Figure 6, when the first determination unit 104a receives notification that an active feeding unit has entered the first operator operation standby state, the color of the part corresponding to the location of that active feeding unit changes. The operator can then perform the reloading at the sheet feeding unit 2 whose color has changed. The part whose color has changed returns to its original state due to the operator's operation or when it is no longer in the first operator operation standby state. Figure 11 shows sheet feeding units 2 number 7 and number 16 in the first operator operation standby state, with their colors changed.

[0095] The second operator operation standby status display area 613 displays which of the multiple sheet feeding units 2a constitutes a continuous-stage target set, and which of the continuous-stage target sets is in the second operator operation standby state. That is, a frame is displayed across the multiple sheet feeding units 2a that constitute the continuous-stage target set, and a display portion corresponding to the sheet feeding unit 2a is provided within that frame. In step S211 of Figure 7, when the second determination unit 105a receives notification that the active feeding unit has entered the second operator operation standby state, the color of the portion of the continuous-stage target set corresponding to the position of the sheet feeding unit 2a that has run out of sheets changes. The operator can then place a sheet on the sheet feeding unit 2a whose color has changed. The portion whose color has changed returns to its original state through an operation on the operator's terminal 600, or when the second operator operation standby state is no longer in effect. In Figure 11, three sets of sheet feeding units 2a, numbered 2-3, 9-10, and 17-18, are each set as a continuous stage target group. Of these, sheet feeding units 9 and 17 have run out of sheets (i.e., the two sets of continuous stage target groups, numbered 9-10 and 17-18, have entered a second operator operation standby state), and the resulting change in color indicates that they have run out of sheets.

[0096] The third operator operation standby status display area 614 indicates whether or not the system is in the third operator operation standby state. In step S323 of Figure 8, when the system receives notification from the third determination unit 106a indicating that it has entered the third operator operation standby state, the color of the display portion of the third operator operation standby status display area 614 changes. When the color changes, the operator should remove the stack St from the elevator board 11. The portion whose color has changed will return to its original state through an operation on the operator's terminal 600 or when the system is no longer in the third operator operation standby state. Figure 11 shows the state when the system has entered the third operator operation standby state and the color has changed.

[0097] The fourth operator operation standby state display area 615 indicates whether or not the system is in the fourth operator operation standby state. In step S417 of Figure 9, when the system receives a notification from the fourth determination unit 107a indicating that it has entered the fourth operator operation standby state, the color of the display portion of the fourth operator operation standby state display area 615 changes. When the color changes, the operator should take out the collated object S stored in the reject storage unit 61. The portion whose color has changed will return to its original state through an operation on the operator's terminal 600 or when the system is no longer in the fourth operator operation standby state. Figure 11 shows the state when the system has entered the fourth operator operation standby state and the color has changed.

[0098] As shown in the example in Figure 11, the indicators showing that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th operators have entered standby states are displayed in separate locations and mimic the actual arrangement. This allows operators to easily distinguish between the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th operator standby states, as well as easily identify the locations of the sheet feeding unit 2, the continuous stage assembly, the elevator board 11, and the reject storage unit 61 that have entered the operator standby state. If the colors indicating that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th operators have entered standby states are each different colors, the distinction will be even easier. Of course, the example in Figure 11 may also include notifications by sound or vibration.

[0099] The terminal 600 has a program implemented that enables communication with the main control unit 100 and display and input as illustrated in Figure 10 or Figure 11. This program may be implemented as application software.

[0100] When the system enters the first, second, third, or fourth operator standby state, it is desirable for the operator to extend the duration of the repetitive feeding operation through their actions, in order to improve productivity. However, even when the system enters the first, second, or fourth operator standby state, the feeding operation of the collating device 500 continues; in other words, the repetitive feeding operation continues. When the system enters the third operator standby state, although there is a short pause in the feeding operation, the feeding operation automatically resumes without any special action from the operator, so the repetitive feeding operation continues. Therefore, it is difficult for the operator to notice that the system has entered the first, second, third, or fourth operator standby state. However, according to this embodiment, the operator is notified when the system enters the first, second, third, or fourth operator standby state, so the operator can perform the necessary operations to extend the duration of the repetitive feeding operation at the appropriate time.

[0101] Furthermore, it is even more difficult to notice if the operator is away from the collating device 500 during the operation, but according to this embodiment, the operator is notified via a portable terminal they carry, so the operator can be sure to notice.

[0102] The present invention 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 these components and processing processes, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. Such modifications will be described below.

[0103] [Example 1] In the above embodiment, all of the first, second, third, and fourth determinations are performed, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Only one, two, or three of the first, second, third, and fourth determinations may be performed.

[0104] [Differentiation 2] The near-empty sensor 40 is not necessarily provided in all sheet feeding units 2, but may be provided in only some of them. In that case, the first determination only needs to be performed in the sheet feeding units 2 where the near-empty sensor 40 is provided.

[0105] [Difference 3] In the above embodiment, the first determination is performed in all sheet feeding units 2, but this is not limited to this example, and the first determination may not be performed for continuous stack target sets. For continuous stack target sets, if sheet feeding can continue from other sheet feeding units 2 in the same continuous stack target set even if the sheets run out, the need to replenish sheets in response to near empty is relatively low. However, in that case, if near empty is detected in the sheet feeding unit of a continuous stack target set, and there are no sheets placed in other sheet feeding units 2 in the same continuous stack target set, the first determination may be performed even for continuous stack target sets.

[0106] [Differentiation Example 4] In the above embodiment, notifications are given when the collating device 500 enters the operator operation standby state in the first, second, third, and fourth determinations, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and notifications may be given when the operator performs an operation to request a notification. That is, the operator sends a signal to the main control unit 100 (first determination unit 104a, second determination unit 105a, third determination unit 106a, fourth determination unit 107a) requesting information on whether the collating device 500 is in the operator operation standby state, for example by performing a predetermined key operation on the terminal 600. The main control unit 100 (first determination unit 104a, second determination unit 105a, third determination unit 106a, fourth determination unit 107a) responds to this request signal and returns information on whether the device is in the first, second, third, or fourth operator operation standby state at that time, and displays it on the terminal 600. According to this modified example, the operator can obtain information at any time.

[0107] [Difference 5] In the above embodiment, the communication terminal 600, which is provided separately from the collating device 500 and connected to the main control unit 100 by wire or wireless, is configured to allow the operator to recognize when the terminal has entered the first, second, third, or fourth operator operation standby state. However, the terminal is not limited to being provided separately from the collating device 500. For example, it may be a display unit provided integrally with the collating device 500. For example, the operation panel 3 may display the same information as the terminal 600. Also, for example, when the terminal enters the second operator operation standby state, a sheet feeding unit 2a that has run out of sheets may be displayed in the same way as a sheet-less display for a sheet feeding unit 2 that is not part of a continuous-stage target group. When a sheet-less display occurs in a sheet feeding unit 2 that is not part of a continuous-stage target group, the repetitive feeding operation stops, but if it is a sheet feeding unit 2a of a continuous-stage target group, the repetitive feeding operation continues. The operator can recognize that the terminal has entered the second operator operation standby state because the repetitive feeding operation continues despite the sheet-less display. Furthermore, for example, when the first, second, third, and fourth operators enter a standby state, the collating device 500, which extends the duration of the repetitive feeding operation, may illuminate the operator's operating points, or the light-emitting elements (such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)) located at or illuminating those operating points.

[0108] [Modification 6] In the above embodiment, various settings for the collating device 500 are made on the operation panel 3, but this may also be done on the terminal 600. In other words, the terminal 600 may have the functions of the operation panel 3. The functions of the operation panel 3 include, for example, the setting of the effective feeding unit and the setting of the continuous stage target group as described in the above embodiment, as well as various error displays for the collating device 500 including the sheet feeding unit 2 (no sheet, jam, double feed, empty feed, etc.), the setting of the number of repetitive feeding operations (number of processing units), the setting that a sheet placed on a specific sheet feeding unit 2 should only be included in a portion of the total number of processing units, and the setting of information for identifying the sheets placed on each sheet feeding unit 2 (sheet name, etc.).

[0109] [Difference 7] In the above embodiment, in the third determination, the discharge control unit 106 temporarily stops the feeding operation when the fullness detection sensor 116 detects that the container is full (steps S301, S303). However, instead of checking for fullness, the number of collated items S may be counted, and it may be determined whether the number has reached a predetermined number. If the predetermined number is reached, the feeding operation may be temporarily stopped, the stack St formed at that time may be transferred onto the elevator plate 11, and it may be determined that the system has entered a state of waiting for the third operator to operate. In this way, each stack St formed will be a predetermined number, making quantity management easier.

[0110] [Differentiation 8] In the above embodiment, the main control unit 100 (discharge control unit 106) controls the collated material storage and transport mechanism 10, but the collated material storage and transport mechanism 10 may be provided with a separate control unit that can communicate with the main control unit 100, and may receive signals from the loading sensor 12 and the full-capacity detection sensor 116, and transmit signals to the drive motors of each part of the collated material storage and transport mechanism 10. In other words, the discharge control unit 106 may be provided separately on the collated material storage and transport mechanism 10 side, rather than within the main control unit 100. In short, the present invention can be realized by various control configurations that control the entire collated device 500. Furthermore, each sheet feeding unit 2 is not limited to being driven by the feeding motor 201, but may be configured to be driven intermittently by the main motor 102 via a drive-disconnecting means such as an electromagnetic clutch.

[0111] [Modification 9] In the above embodiment, when the sensor detects that the operator has performed a predetermined task, it is determined that the system is no longer in the operator operation standby state. However, the system is not limited to this, and the operator may also perform a release operation after performing a predetermined task to end the operator operation standby state. Specifically, the release operation may include switch operations such as key operations by the operator on terminal 600. This modified version has the advantage that the determination that the system is no longer in the operator operation standby state is made only when the operator's operation is reliably completed.

[0112] [Example 10] In the above embodiment, the number of transmissions R when entering the fourth operator operation standby state is set to 1 in the collating device 500, but it is not limited to this and can be appropriately determined to a value smaller than Rn. For example, in the example in Figure 9, if Rn=3, the device may determine that it has entered the fourth operator operation standby state when R=2 and notify the terminal 600.

[0113] [Example 11] In the above embodiment, when the transmission count R reaches a predetermined number (R=1), it is determined that the system is in a standby state for the fourth operator operation and a notification is sent to the terminal 600. In addition, each time the transmission count R increases thereafter, the terminal 600 may be notified again. In this case, the number of transmissions may be displayed, such as "〇 units have been sent to the rejection section," depending on the transmission count R. In the screen of Figure 10(e), all subsequent notifications that have been sent multiple times each time the transmission count R increases may be displayed. In Figure 11, the display color of the standby state display area 615 for the fourth operator operation may be changed according to the transmission count R. According to this modified example, it is possible to grasp in stages the state as the timing of the repetitive feeding operation gradually approaches the point at which it will stop.

[0114] [Example 12] In the above embodiment, the sheet presence sensor 31, near-empty sensor 40, lateral transport sensor 42, and reject sensor 63 are all reflective sensors. However, any known sensor, such as a transmissive or mechanical sensor, can be used as long as it can detect the sheet or the part to be detected. Similarly, the double-feed detection sensor 41 can also be a known optical or ultrasonic type. In the above embodiment, the number of times R is sent to the reject storage unit 61 is counted, and when R = Rn, it is determined that the reject storage unit 61 is full and the collating device 500 is stopped. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and fullness can be detected by any known appropriate method. For example, the reject storage unit 61 may be provided with a sensor that displaces in accordance with the accumulation of collated material S and detects the amount of displacement.

[0115] [Modified example 13] In the above embodiment, near-empty status is detected by detecting the detected portion 39a whose position changes according to the inclination of the support member 39. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and any known near-empty detection method can be used. For example, a sensor that detects the sheet bundle 36 from the side perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction may be installed a predetermined height above the mounting plate 37, and when the sheet bundle 36 is no longer detected by the sensor, it may be determined that the upper surface of the sheet bundle 36 has fallen below a predetermined height and is near-empty. Alternatively, a distance measuring sensor may be installed above the mounting plate 37 to detect when the distance to the upper surface of the sheet bundle 36 remaining on the mounting plate 37 falls below a predetermined value. Furthermore, instead of detecting the proximity of the non-detectable portion 39a, the displacement of the support member 39 may be detected by a displacement sensor, and it may be determined that the unit is near-empty when the remaining amount becomes small. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the mounting plate 37 of the sheet feeding unit 2 is fixed, but the mounting plate may be made vertically movable and configured to rise as the sheet feeding progresses and the sheet bundle 36 decreases, and near-empty detection may be performed when the position of the mounting plate is measured and it rises above a predetermined position.

[0116] [Example 14] The sheet feeding unit 2 can be configured to detect near empty in multiple stages as it gradually approaches empty. In the first of these stages, or at an appropriate stage, it may be determined that the unit has entered a standby state for the first operator and a notification is sent to the terminal 600. Subsequently, each time a further decrease in the remaining amount is detected, the terminal 600 may be re-notified. In this case, the remaining amount may be displayed in a way that allows the remaining amount to be estimated, such as "There are approximately ○ sheets remaining in the ○th layer." In the screen of Figure 10(e), all re-notifications sent in stages may be displayed. In Figure 11, the display color of the standby state display area 612 may be changed according to the remaining amount. As for the detection method in multiple stages, in addition to providing multiple sensors over the movement range of the non-detection unit 39a and providing multiple sensors along the height direction of the sheet bundle 36, the method of detecting and monitoring the tilt amount of the support member 39 with a displacement sensor, as described in Modification 13, may also be used. According to this modified version, it is possible to gradually grasp the state as the timing of the repetitive feeding operation gradually approaches the point at which it will stop.

[0117] [Differentiation Example 15] In a continuous stage set consisting of two sheet feeding units 2a, if the system enters a second operator operation standby state in response to a switchover of the sheet feeding unit 2a performing the feeding operation, and the operator still does not load sheets onto the sheet feeding unit 2a before the switchover, and the near-empty sensor 40 detects that the sheet feeding unit 2a after the switchover is near-empty, the terminal 600 may be notified again to that effect. The screen in Figure 10(e) may be configured to display this re-notification. In Figure 11, the color of the display corresponding to the sheet feeding unit 2a after the switchover (the sheet feeding unit performing the feeding operation) may be changed in the second operator operation standby state display area 613. According to this modified example, it is possible to gradually grasp the state as the timing of the repetitive feeding operation stopping approaches.

[0118] [Example 16] In a series of stages consisting of three or more sheet feeding units 2a, if the operator does not perform sheet loading work after entering a second operator operation standby state in response to a switchover of a sheet feeding unit 2a performing feeding operations, and another switchover of an active sheet feeding unit performing feeding operations occurs, the terminal 600 may be notified again. If the series of stages consists of four or more sheet feeding units 2a, the terminal 600 may be notified again each time an active sheet feeding unit switches. In this case, depending on the number of switches, a message such as "There are ○ stages remaining with sheets loaded" may be displayed to indicate the number of remaining sheet feeding units 2a with sheets in the series of stages. In the screen of Figure 10(e), all re-notifications sent multiple times each time a switchover occurs may be displayed. In Figure 11, in the second operator operation standby state display area 613, the color of the display corresponding to the sheet feeding unit 2a that has become sheetless may be changed as the switchover progresses. In the sequence of target units, if all sheet feeding units 2a other than the active feeding unit performing the feeding operation are empty, and if near empty is detected in the active feeding unit, a further notification may be issued. According to this modified example, it is possible to gradually grasp the state as the timing of stopping the repetitive feeding operation approaches.

[0119] [Example 17] Instead of the full-capacity detection sensor 116, the rise of the other end of the retaining member 50, which rises gradually as the collated material S accumulates in the storage unit 23, may be acquired in stages or in real time using a displacement sensor, multiple sensors, a distance measuring sensor, etc. In this case, after the stack St is transferred onto the elevator plate 11 and the system enters the third operator operation standby state, the progress of the accumulation of the next stack St in the storage unit 23 may be grasped and the terminal 600 may be notified again in stages. In this case, depending on the amount of the next stack St accumulated, a message such as "Approximately ○ units remaining until full" may be displayed so that the progress of the accumulation of the next stack St can be estimated. In the screen of Figure 10(e), all the re-notifications that have been sent in stages may be displayed. In Figure 11, in the third operator operation standby state display area 614, the color of the display may be changed according to the progress of the accumulation of the next stack St. According to this modified example, it is possible to grasp in stages the state as the timing of the repetitive feeding operation gradually approaches the time when it will stop.

[0120] The embodiments and modifications described above are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized in various forms within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can imagine. These embodiments of the present invention can be described as follows.

[0121] [Aspect 1] A sheet feeding device is provided with a sheet feeding unit that performs a feeding operation to separate and feed out the first sheet from among multiple sheets stacked on top of each other, and which performs a repetitive feeding operation that continuously repeats the feeding operation from the sheet feeding unit, The control unit has a mechanism that, during the continuation of the repetitive feeding operation, determines that the system is in an operator standby state when the end of the repetitive feeding operation is approaching and the operator can extend the duration of the repetitive feeding operation by performing a predetermined operation, and notifies the operator accordingly. Sheet feeding device.

[0122] [Aspect 2] The control unit makes the notification when it enters the operator operation standby state. A sheet feeding device according to Embodiment 1.

[0123] [Aspect 3] The control unit, after entering the operator operation standby state, notifies the operator again when the end of the repetitive feeding operation is approaching without any predetermined operation by the operator. A sheet feeding device according to embodiment 2.

[0124] [Aspect 4] The control unit makes the re-notification multiple times depending on the stage in which the repetitive feeding operation is nearing completion. A sheet feeding device according to embodiment 3.

[0125] [Aspect 5] The control unit will perform the notification when the operator performs an operation to request the notification. A sheet feeding device according to Embodiment 1.

[0126] [Aspect 6] The control unit notifies of multiple types of operator operation standby states in which the predetermined operation for ending the operator operation standby state is different from each other. A sheet feeding device according to Embodiment 1.

[0127] [Aspect 7] The aforementioned notification may be a display on the screen, a sound, or a vibration. A sheet feeding device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6.

[0128] [Aspect 8] The control unit determines that the operator operation standby state has ended when a predetermined operation is performed by the operator while the operator operation standby state is in operation. A sheet feeding device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7.

[0129] [Aspect 9] The system has a display unit that provides an indication to the operator that the aforementioned notification has been made. A sheet feeding device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8.

[0130] [Aspect 10] The display unit will continuously display the information while the operator is in standby mode. A sheet feeding device according to embodiment 9.

[0131] [Aspect 11] The display unit displays, in a manner that distinguishes between multiple types of operator operation standby states, each of which requires a predetermined operation to terminate the operator operation standby state. Sheet feeding device according to embodiment 9 or 10,

[0132] [Aspect 12] After the control unit enters the operator operation standby state, if the end of the repetitive feeding operation approaches without any predetermined operation by the operator, it will notify the operator again, The display unit displays the fact that the re-notification has been made in a way that the operator can recognize. Perform A sheet feeding device according to any one of embodiments 9 to 11.

[0133] [Aspect 13] The control unit issues the re-notification multiple times depending on the stage in which the repetitive feeding operation is nearing completion, and the display unit displays the multiple re-notifications in a way that allows the operator to distinguish which stage in which the repetitive feeding operation is nearing completion. A sheet feeding device according to embodiment 12.

[0134] [Aspect 14] The display unit is provided separately from the main body of the device on which the sheet feeding unit is located, and is located in a terminal that can communicate with the control unit located on the main body side. A sheet feeding device according to any one of embodiments 9 to 13.

[0135] [Aspect 15] The terminal is capable of wireless communication with the control unit. A sheet feeding device according to embodiment 14.

[0136] [Aspect 16] The sheet feeding unit has multiple such units, and the repetitive feeding operation is performed by at least one of the multiple sheet feeding units repeating the feeding operation. A sheet feeding device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15.

[0137] [Aspect 17] The sheet feeding unit has a sheet presence sensor that detects whether or not a sheet is loaded, When the control unit detects that the loaded sheets have run out due to one of the pre-grouped sheet feeding units performing the feeding operation, it controls the other sheet feeding units in the same group to start the feeding operation in order to continue the repetitive feeding operation, and also determines that the operator has entered the standby state. A sheet feeding device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16.

[0138] [Aspect 18] When the control unit detects, via the sheet presence sensor, that a sheet has been loaded into the sheet feeding unit that has run out of sheets, it terminates the operator operation standby state. A sheet feeding device as described in embodiment 17.

[0139] [Aspect 19] The sheet feeding unit has a near-empty sensor that detects when the number of loaded sheets is nearly empty, and is configured to replenish the loaded sheets while continuing the feeding operation. When the control unit detects that the unit is nearly empty using the near-empty sensor, it determines that the unit has entered the operator standby state. A sheet feeding device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18.

[0140] [Aspect 20] The control unit, when the sheet feeding unit detected near empty, terminates the operator operation standby state when the sheet is replenished and the near empty state is resolved. A sheet feeding device as described in embodiment 19.

[0141] [Aspect 21] The sheet feeding device includes a storage unit that sequentially loads and stores sheets that have been sequentially fed by the repetitive feeding operation and undergone predetermined processing, a removal unit that places the stack of sheets stored in the storage unit in a manner that allows an operator to remove it, and a transfer unit that transfers the stack of sheets from the storage unit to the removal unit. The control unit controls the transfer unit to transfer the stack of sheets from the storage unit to the retrieval unit when the stack of sheets stored in the storage unit reaches a predetermined amount, and determines that the operator has entered a standby state. A sheet feeding device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20.

[0142] [Aspect 22] The system includes a sheet loading sensor capable of detecting when the sheet stack has been removed from the aforementioned removal unit. When the control unit detects that the stack of sheets has been removed from the removal unit, it terminates the operator operation standby state. A sheet feeding device as described in embodiment 21.

[0143] [Aspect 23] The system has multiple sheet feeding units, and the sheets fed by the feeding operations of the multiple sheet feeding units are combined to create a combined product, which is then discharged to the discharge unit. A feeding error detection unit detects when a feeding error occurs during the feeding operation and transmits a detection signal to the control unit, A second discharge section, which is different from the aforementioned discharge section, The system includes a switching gate that switches the destination of the combined material between the discharge unit and the second discharge unit. The control unit controls the switching gate to send the combination produced by the feeding operation that caused the feeding error to a second discharge unit different from the discharge unit, and determines that the operator has entered the operator operation standby state when the number of combinations sent to the second discharge unit reaches a predetermined number. A sheet feeding device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 22.

[0144] [Aspect 24] The control unit determines that it has entered the operator operation standby state when the number of times the second discharge unit has been sent out reaches a predetermined number. Sheet feeding device according to embodiment 23

[0145] [Pattern 25] The system includes a second discharge sensor capable of detecting when the combination has been removed from the second discharge section, When the control unit detects that the combined product has been removed from the second discharge unit, it terminates the operator operation standby state. A sheet feeding device according to embodiment 23 or 24.

[0146] [Aspect 26] The control unit terminates the operator operation standby state when the operator performs a predetermined switch operation. A sheet feeding device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25.

[0147] [Aspect 27] The sheet feeding unit, which performs a feeding operation to separate and feed out the first sheet from among multiple sheets stacked on top of each other, is made to perform a repetitive feeding operation that continuously repeats the said feeding operation, During the continuation of the aforementioned repetitive feeding operation, when the end of the repetitive feeding operation is approaching and the duration of the repetitive feeding operation can be extended by the operator performing a predetermined operation, the system determines that it is in an operator operation standby state and notifies the operator. A method for controlling a sheet feeding device.

[0148] [Aspect 28] A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the sheet feeding device described in embodiment 26. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0149] 1 Collation mechanism 2 Sheet feeding section 10. Collated material storage and transport mechanism 12 Load sensors 31. Sheet presence / absence sensor 40 Near-empty sensor 41. Double feed detection sensor 42 Lateral transport sensor 61 Reject discharge section (second discharge section) 63 Reject Sensor (Second Eject Sensor) 100 Main Control Unit 104 Near Empty Control Unit 105 Stage Control Unit 106 Discharge Control Unit 107 Reject Control Unit 116 Fullness detection sensor 500 Collating device 600 devices S Collated items (combined items)

Claims

1. A sheet feeding device that includes a sheet feeding unit that performs a feeding operation to separate and feed out the first sheet from among multiple sheets stacked on top of each other, and performs a repetitive feeding operation that continuously repeats the feeding operation from the sheet feeding unit, The control unit has a mechanism that, during the continuation of the repetitive feeding operation, determines that the system is in an operator standby state when the end of the repetitive feeding operation is approaching and the operator can extend the duration of the repetitive feeding operation by performing a predetermined operation, and notifies the operator accordingly. Sheet feeding device.

2. The control unit makes the notification when it enters the operator operation standby state. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, after entering the operator operation standby state, notifies the operator again when the end of the repetitive feeding operation is approaching without any predetermined operation by the operator. The sheet feeding device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit makes the re-notification multiple times depending on the stage in which the repetitive feeding operation is nearing completion. The sheet feeding device according to claim 3.

5. The control unit notifies of multiple types of operator operation standby states in which the predetermined operation for ending the operator operation standby state is different from each other. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned notification may be a display on the screen, a sound, or a vibration. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

7. The control unit determines that the operator operation standby state has ended when a predetermined operation is performed by the operator while the operator operation standby state is in operation. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

8. The system has a display unit that provides an indication to the operator that the aforementioned notification has been made. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

9. The display unit will continuously display the information while the operator is in standby mode. The sheet feeding device according to claim 7.

10. The display unit displays operator operation standby states in a way that distinguishes between them, where the predetermined operation for ending the operator operation standby state is different from the operator operation standby state. Sheet feeding device according to claim 7,

11. The display unit is provided separately from the main body of the device on which the sheet feeding unit is located, and is located in a terminal that can communicate with the control unit located on the main body side. The sheet feeding device according to claim 7.

12. The sheet feeding unit has multiple such units, and the repetitive feeding operation is performed by at least one of the multiple sheet feeding units repeating the feeding operation. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

13. The sheet feeding unit has a sheet presence sensor that detects whether or not a sheet is loaded, When the control unit detects that the loaded sheets have run out due to one of the pre-grouped sheet feeding units performing the feeding operation, it controls the other sheet feeding units in the same group to start the feeding operation in order to continue the repetitive feeding operation, and also determines that the operator has entered the standby state. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

14. The sheet feeding unit has a near-empty sensor that detects when the number of loaded sheets is nearly empty, and is configured to replenish the loaded sheets while continuing the feeding operation. When the control unit detects that the system is nearly empty using the near-empty sensor, it determines that the system has entered the operator standby state. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

15. The sheet feeding device includes a storage unit that sequentially loads and stores sheets that have been sequentially fed by the repetitive feeding operation and undergone predetermined processing, a removal unit that places the stack of sheets stored in the storage unit in a manner that allows an operator to remove it, and a transfer unit that transfers the stack of sheets from the storage unit to the removal unit. The control unit controls the transfer unit to transfer the stack of sheets from the storage unit to the retrieval unit when the stack of sheets stored in the storage unit reaches a predetermined amount, and determines that the operator has entered a standby state. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

16. The system has multiple sheet feeding units, and the sheets fed by the feeding operations of the multiple sheet feeding units are combined to create a combined product, which is then discharged to the discharge unit. A feeding error detection unit detects when a feeding error occurs during the feeding operation and transmits a detection signal to the control unit, A second discharge section, which is different from the aforementioned discharge section, The system includes a switching gate that switches the destination of the combined material between the discharge unit and the second discharge unit. The control unit controls the switching gate to send the combination produced by the feeding operation that caused the feeding error to a second discharge unit different from the discharge unit, and determines that the operator has entered the operator operation standby state when the number of combinations sent to the second discharge unit reaches a predetermined number. A sheet feeding device according to embodiment 1.

17. The control unit terminates the operator operation standby state when the operator performs a predetermined switch operation. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

18. The sheet feeding unit, which performs a feeding operation to separate and feed out the first sheet from among multiple sheets stacked on top of each other, is made to perform a repetitive feeding operation that continuously repeats the feeding operation, During the continuation of the aforementioned repetitive feeding operation, when the end of the repetitive feeding operation is approaching and the duration of the repetitive feeding operation can be extended by the operator performing a predetermined operation, the system determines that it is in an operator operation standby state and notifies the operator. A method for controlling a sheet feeding device.

19. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for the sheet feeding device described in claim 18.

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