News delivery mechanism

Abstract

To provide a newspaper conveyance mechanism that can change the direction of a newspaper and convey it without causing conveyance jams. 【Solution means】The newspaper conveyance mechanism includes a butting surface, a bottom surface, a conveyance roller, a moving mechanism, and a first pressing member. The butting surface butts against and stops the second fold of a newspaper fed in a first direction with the second fold as the leading edge. The bottom surface places the newspaper that has stopped with the second fold butted against the butting surface in a horizontal posture. The conveyance roller contacts the upper surface of the newspaper placed on the bottom surface after being butted against the butting surface, rotates in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and applies a conveyance force in the second direction to the newspaper. The moving mechanism moves the conveyance roller between a contact position where it contacts the upper surface of the newspaper and a retracted position spaced upward from the upper surface of the newspaper. The first pressing member is disposed on the upstream side of the conveyance roller in the first direction and on the side opposite to the bottom surface of the newspaper fed in the first direction, and presses down the lifting of the bottom surface of the newspaper fed in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a newspaper conveying mechanism that conveys a newspaper taken out from a feeding unit after changing its direction to a collating mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, newspaper processing devices that insert a bundle of folded leaflets (collated bundle) collated by a collating mechanism into a newspaper and stack them in the order of delivery are becoming popular. This type of newspaper processing device includes a newspaper conveying mechanism that conveys a newspaper taken out from a feeding unit to a collating mechanism.

[0003] When taking out a newspaper from the feeding unit, in order to prevent jamming, the newspaper is taken out with the fold at the front. After that, in order to open the newspaper, the newspaper is conveyed in a direction perpendicular to the fold and fed into the insertion position. That is, the newspaper conveying mechanism temporarily stops the taken-out newspaper and changes the conveying direction of the newspaper in a direction perpendicular to the taking-out direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Since the newspaper conveying mechanism needs to change the direction of a four-folded newspaper by 90° as described above, the conveying posture of the newspaper is likely to collapse and conveyance jams are likely to occur.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a newspaper conveying mechanism that can change the direction of a newspaper and convey it without causing a conveyance jam.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The newspaper conveying mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention conveys a newspaper in a four-fold state in which a plurality of stacked newspapers are folded in half at a first fold line and then folded in half again at a second fold line. The newspaper conveying mechanism includes an abutting surface, a bottom surface, a conveying roller, a moving mechanism, and a first pressing member. The abutting surface abuts and stops the second fold line of the newspaper fed in a first direction along the first fold line with the second fold line at the head. The bottom surface places the newspaper that has stopped with its second fold line abutted against the abutting surface in a horizontal posture. The conveying roller contacts the upper surface of the newspaper placed on the bottom surface after being abutted against the abutting surface, rotates in a second direction along the second fold line orthogonal to the first direction, and applies a conveying force in the second direction to the newspaper. The moving mechanism moves the conveying roller between a contact position where it contacts the upper surface of the newspaper and a retracted position where it is spaced upward from the upper surface of the newspaper. The first pressing member is disposed on the upstream side of the conveying roller in the first direction and on the side opposite to the bottom surface of the newspaper fed in the first direction, and presses down the lift of the bottom surface of the newspaper fed in the first direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a newspaper conveying mechanism that can convey a newspaper without causing a conveyance jam by changing the direction of the newspaper.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the newspaper processing apparatus 100 includes a newspaper feeding mechanism 1, a butting mechanism 10, an incorporating mechanism 30, and a lifter 50. The newspaper feeding mechanism 1 is arranged side by side on the left side of the housing 11 of the butting mechanism 10. The incorporating mechanism 30 is arranged side by side in front of the butting mechanism 10 and on the right side of the newspaper feeding mechanism 1. The lifter 50 is arranged side by side on the right side of the incorporating mechanism 30. The newspaper feeding mechanism 1, the butting mechanism 10, the incorporating mechanism 30, and the lifter 50 may be incorporated into a common single housing. The newspaper processing apparatus 100 is installed on a horizontal floor F.

[0011] In the following description, the discharge direction of the butted bundle in the butting mechanism 10 is defined as the front, and the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions of the newspaper processing apparatus 100 are defined when viewed from the front. In the figure, the arrow X direction is the direction from left to right, the arrow Y direction is the direction from back to front, and the arrow Z direction is the direction from bottom to top. In each figure, the arrows in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are appropriately illustrated.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the butting mechanism 10 has a housing 11 in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the Z direction. On the front side (left side in the drawing) and the back side (right side in the drawing) of the housing 11 along the Y direction, there are a plurality of paper feed trays 12 arranged in the Z direction. The paper feed trays 12 are attached to the housing 11 so as to be inclined downward toward the inside of the housing 11. Each paper feed tray 12 is detachable from the housing 11. A plurality of folding flyers can be stacked and inserted into each paper feed tray 12. Different types of folding flyers may be inserted into all the paper feed trays 12, or the same type of folding flyers may be inserted into a plurality of paper feed trays 12. Further, a plurality of stacks of butted folding flyers obtained by butting a plurality of types of folding flyers may be stacked and inserted into the paper feed tray 12. The paper feed tray 12a at the lowermost stage on the front side of the housing 11 is assigned as a paper feed tray for inserting a plurality of sheets of origami paper.

[0013] Inside the housing 11, there is a conveyance path 13 extending in the Z direction through the center of the housing 11. The conveyance path 13 is provided along the XZ plane between the paper feed trays 12 on the front side and the paper feed trays 12 on the back side. The folding flyers taken out from each paper feed tray 12 at a predetermined timing are sent into the conveyance path 13 and overlapped with each other. A plurality of folding flyers are conveyed downward while being overlapped via the conveyance path 13. A plurality of sets of conveyance roller pairs 14 are provided in the conveyance path 13. The conveyance roller pairs 14 rotate while sandwiching a plurality of overlapping folding flyers.

[0014] At the lower end side in the inclined direction of each paper feed tray 12, that is, at the end closer to the center near the conveyance path 13, a first paper feed roller 15 and a second paper feed roller 16 are respectively provided. The first paper feed roller 15 is arranged so as to contact the uppermost folding flyer among the plurality of folding flyers stacked in the paper feed tray 12. The second paper feed roller 16 is provided on the downstream side in the paper feed direction of the folding flyer from the first paper feed roller 15. Further, a feed roller pair 18 is provided on the downstream side in the paper feed direction of the folding flyer from the second paper feed roller 16.

[0015] The first paper feed roller 15 rotates in contact with the topmost one of the multiple folded leaflets inserted into the paper feed tray 12, and feeds the topmost folded leaflet toward the pair of feed rollers 18. The second paper feed roller 16 prevents the second and subsequent folded leaflets from being fed (i.e., double-fed) to the pair of feed rollers 18 by pressing the tips of the second and subsequent folded leaflets against the deflector plate 17. That is, the multiple folded leaflets inserted into the paper feed tray 12 are separated one by one by the first paper feed roller 15, the second paper feed roller 16, and the deflector plate 17, and are fed into the pair of feed rollers 18. The pair of feed rollers 18 feeds the folded leaflets into the conveyance path 13.

[0016] At the lower end of the conveyance path 13, a pair of folding rollers 19 is arranged. The pair of folding rollers 19 is attached in a posture in which its nip is located on the extension line of the conveyance path 13. That is, the rotation axis of the pair of folding rollers 19 extends in the X direction. The multiple folded leaflets conveyed downward in an overlapping state through the conveyance path 13 are fed into the nip of the pair of folding rollers 19.

[0017] A pair of feed rollers 18a is provided on the downstream side (right side in the figure) in the paper feed direction of the paper feed tray 12a for feeding the origami paper. The first and second paper feed rollers 15 and 16 of the paper feed tray 12a feed the origami paper inserted into the paper feed tray 12a to the pair of feed rollers 18a. The pair of feed rollers 18a feeds the origami paper taken out from the paper feed tray 12a by the first and second paper feed rollers 15 and 16 above the pair of folding rollers 19. Further, a stop portion 20 is provided on the tip side in the paper feed direction of the origami paper fed from the paper feed tray 12a. The stop portion 20 stops the origami paper at a position where the central position in the paper feed direction of the origami paper faces the nip of the pair of folding rollers 19. Above the pair of folding rollers 19 obliquely, a folding knife 21 is arranged. The folding knife 21 pushes the central portion of the origami paper toward the nip of the pair of folding rollers 19.

[0018] The folded leaflets inserted through the respective paper feed trays 12 are stacked in the order of their extraction in the conveyance path 13 and fed into the nip of the folding roller pair 19. At this point, the center of the pre-fed folding paper is being folded by the folding knife 21. Then, the multiple folded leaflets conveyed through the conveyance path 13 in a stacked state are pushed into the center of the folding paper and sandwiched between the folding papers by the rotation of the folding roller pair 19. The bundle of folded leaflets, that is, the butted bundle, in which multiple folded leaflets are sandwiched between two-folded folding papers after passing through the folding roller pair 19, is transferred to the conveyance belt 22 and discharged from the discharge port 24 provided on the front side of the housing 11 via the discharge roller pair 23.

[0019] The conveyance path 13, the multiple sets of conveyance roller pairs 14, the paper feed tray 12a, the first and second paper feed rollers 15, 16 of the paper feed tray 12a, the feed roller pair 18a, the folding roller pair 19, and the folding knife 21 function as a butting unit that butts the folded leaflets selectively taken out from the multiple-stage paper feed trays 12 in the order of their extraction. It is also possible to discharge the multiple butted folded leaflets as they are without sandwiching them between the folding papers. The multiple folded leaflets simply stacked in this way can also be referred to as a butted bundle.

[0020] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the butting mechanism 10 includes an operation panel 11a as an interface device. The operation panel 11a is attached above the right side surface of the housing 11. The operation panel 11a is provided so as to be rotatable between the illustrated open position and a closed position (not shown) folded substantially parallel to the right side surface of the housing 11. The operation panel 11a is, for example, a touch panel equipped with a display element. The operator operates the operation panel 11a to input various settings regarding the newspaper processing apparatus 100.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the newspaper supply mechanism 1 has a housing 1a in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The newspaper supply mechanism 1 has a first input section 2 and a second input section 3 for stacking multiple copies of newspapers P (FIG. 4) in the same orientation and inserting them. The first input section 2 is at the upper part of the housing 1a, and the second input section 3 is on the back side (right side in the drawing) of the housing 1a.

[0022] The first input unit 2 feeds stacked newspapers P in the same orientation in a standing position. The first input unit 2 includes at least one support plate 2a. The support plate 2a can be detachably attached to the first input unit 2 in the inclined posture shown in the figure. The support plate 2a functions as a pressing plate that presses a plurality of stacked newspapers P in the stacking direction (the right direction in the figure). The stacking direction of the newspapers P in the first input unit 2, that is, the direction in which the newspapers P are supplied toward the take-out position, is the direction from front to back, and the support plate 2a is attached to the first input unit 2 so as to face the newspaper P at the front end of the stack of a plurality of stacked newspapers P.

[0023] The second input unit 3 includes a paper feed tray 3a projecting rearward from the back surface of the housing 1a. The paper feed tray 3a is inclined downward toward the front. The stack of a plurality of newspapers P to be input into the second input unit 3 is placed on the paper feed tray 3a in a posture where the stacking direction of the newspapers P is in the vertical direction. That is, the stacking direction of the newspapers P in the second input unit 3 is the direction of gravity.

[0024] Newspapers P of different brands may be input into the first input unit 2 and the second input unit 3, respectively, or newspapers P of the same brand may be input. It is not possible to mix and input newspapers P of multiple brands into one input unit. For example, when bundling and stacking inserts assigned to two different newspaper brands (the inserts may be of different or the same types that match each other), stack a plurality of newspapers P of one brand and input them into the first input unit 2, and stack a plurality of newspapers P of the other brand and input them into the second input unit 3.

[0025] The newspaper P is, for example, as shown in Fig. 4(a), folded in half twice as shown by the arrow along the central broken line (the first fold line) from a state where a plurality of sheets of A1-size newsprint are stacked, and further folded in half twice as shown by the arrow along the central broken line (the second fold line) as shown in Fig. 4(b) for a plurality of sheets of the A2-size folded-in-half newsprint (a state of being folded in half four times) (newspaper P folded into approximately A3 size) (Fig. 4c), and is input into each of the input units 2 and 3 as a stack of a plurality of parts in the same orientation.

[0026] When inserting the newspaper P into the first insertion part 2 at the upper part of the housing 1a, the operator stacks a plurality of newspapers P in the same orientation, one behind the other, in a standing position, with the second fold P-2 positioned downward and the first fold P-1 positioned to the right. When inserting the stack of newspapers P into the first insertion part 2, a plurality of newspapers P are collectively inserted behind the support plate 2a shown on the right side in FIG. 3 (the right side in the drawing), and the upper ends of the plurality of newspapers P are tilted in the direction of the support plate 2a, and the front sides of the plurality of newspapers P are supported by the support plate 2a. In this way, by inserting a plurality of newspapers P in a standing position, the pressing force between the newspapers P is weakened, and the occurrence of double feeding, in which the newspapers P are taken out stacked together, can be suppressed.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the first insertion part 2 is provided at its bottom with two endless floor belts 2b-1, 2b-2 (only one is shown in FIG. 3). The two floor belts 2b-1, 2b-2 move along the bottom of the first insertion part 2 from the front to the rear in the stacking direction of the newspapers P. The first insertion part 2 is provided on both the left and right sides near the upper end of the housing 1a with two endless feed belts 2c-1, 2c-2 (only one is shown in FIG. 3) having a plurality of protrusions 2d. The pair of left and right feed belts 2c-1, 2c-2 move in synchronization with the floor belts 2b-1, 2b-2 from the front to the rear in the stacking direction of the newspapers P.

[0028] The lower end of the support plate 2a is moved rearward by the floor belts 2b-1, 2b-2, and the left and right ends of the support plate 2a are pushed rearward by the protrusions 2d of the feed belts 2c-1, 2c-2. A plurality of newspapers P have their lower ends moved rearward by the floor belts 2b-1, 2b-2 and are pushed rearward by the support plate 2a, and move toward the take-out position at the rear end of the first insertion part 2. The floor belts 2b-1, 2b-2 and the feed belts 2c-1, 2c-2 function as a moving mechanism that moves a plurality of newspapers P in the stacking direction together with the support plate 2a.

[0029] When newspapers P are taken out from the first feeding section 2 and the remaining amount becomes small, the operator can put in a plurality of newspapers P together. In this case, the operator attaches another support plate 2a (on the left side of FIG. 3) at a position further forward and separated from the support plate 2a (on the right side of FIG. 3) arranged in front of the plurality of newspapers P placed in the first feeding section 2, and puts in a plurality of newspapers P behind this other support plate 2a (between the two support plates 2a). Then, the operator removes the rear support plate 2a from the first feeding section 2 and stacks the plurality of newspapers P put in front of the newspapers P with less remaining. Further, the operator moves the support plate 2a in front of the newspapers P put in backward to support the front end side of the plurality of newspapers P being fed into the first feeding section 2.

[0030] On the other hand, when putting newspapers P into the second feeding section 3 on the back side of the housing 1a, the operator places the plurality of newspapers P stacked one above the other on the paper feed tray 3a with the second fold P-2 facing forward and the first fold P-1 facing rightward. The plurality of newspapers P fed into the second feeding section 3 are taken out in order from the topmost newspaper P in the stacking direction. For this reason, in the second feeding section 3, the pressing force acting between the topmost newspaper P at the taking-out position and the second newspaper P below it is very small, and it is difficult to cause the problem of double feeding where the second newspaper is taken out when the topmost newspaper P is taken out.

[0031] When newspapers P are taken out from the second feeding section 3 and the remaining amount becomes small, the operator can put in a plurality of newspapers P together. In this case, the operator can put in a plurality of newspapers P between the lowermost newspaper P in the Z direction of the newspapers P fed into the second feeding section 3 and the paper feed tray 3a. The newspapers P taken out from the second feeding section 3 merge into the same conveyance path T described later in the same posture as the newspapers P taken out from the first feeding section 2.

[0032] Near the rear end of the bottom of the first input section 2, there are a separating roller 4a for preventing double feeding, an auxiliary roller 4b, and a take-out roller 5a. The separating roller 4a and the auxiliary roller 4b are coaxially provided and are located at a position facing near the lower end of the rear surface of the newspaper P moved to the take-out position at the rear end of the first input section 2. The separating roller 4a is arranged at a position offset to the right near the first fold P-1 of the newspaper P at the take-out position, and the auxiliary roller 4b is arranged at a position offset to the left far from the first fold P-1 of the newspaper P at the take-out position.

[0033] There is a rubber sheet 4c at a position facing the separating roller 4a with the conveyance path T1 of the newspaper P extending downward from the take-out position in between. The rubber sheet 4c is attached to the housing 1a of the newspaper supply mechanism 1 in front of the separating roller 4a. The separating roller 4a is provided to press the newspaper P passing through the conveyance path T1 against the rubber sheet 4c to separate the second and subsequent newspapers P that overlap in front of the newspaper P at the take-out position and prevent the second and subsequent newspapers P from being carried out together with the first newspaper P due to double feeding.

[0034] The take-out roller 5a is arranged on the downstream side of the separating roller 4a along the take-out direction of the newspaper P. The take-out roller 5a is arranged behind the conveyance path T1 (on the side opposite to the accumulation) like the separating roller 4a. The take-out roller 5a is between the separating roller 4a and the auxiliary roller 4b in the left-right direction. The take-out roller 5a applies a conveyance force to the newspaper P passing through the conveyance path T1 and sends out the first newspaper P separated by the separating roller 4a and the rubber sheet 4c toward the pair of conveyance rollers 6a. Since the conveyance path T1 slopes downward toward the rear, the take-out of the newspaper P is assisted by the self-weight of the newspaper P.

[0035] The auxiliary roller 4b assists the take-out operation of the newspaper P by the take-out roller 5a. Another rubber sheet may be attached to the housing 1a at a position facing the auxiliary roller 4b with the conveyance path T1 in between. In this case, a separating force can be applied to the second and subsequent newspapers P from the rubber sheet facing the auxiliary roller 4b, and the separating operation by the separating roller 4a can also be assisted.

[0036] Near the front end of the paper feed tray 3a of the second input unit 3, there is a take-out roller 5b. The take-out roller 5b contacts the upper surface of the uppermost newspaper P among the plurality of newspapers P loaded on the paper feed tray 3a and rotates to send out this newspaper P toward the conveying roller pair 6b. The newspaper P taken out from the second input unit 3 via the conveying roller pair 6b is fed into the feed roller pair 7a via the conveying path T2. On the other hand, the newspaper P conveyed from the first input unit 2 via the conveying roller pair 6a is also fed into the feed roller pair 7a via the conveying path T1.

[0037] Upstream of the feed roller pair 7a, there is a V-shaped conveying guide 6c arranged along the conveying paths T1 and T2. The conveying guide 6c guides the leading end in the conveying direction of the newspaper P conveyed from the first input unit 2 via the conveying path T1 toward the nip of the feed roller pair 7a, and also guides the leading end in the conveying direction of the newspaper P conveyed from the second input unit 3 via the conveying path T2 toward the nip of the feed roller pair 7a. The conveying guide 6c and the feed roller pair 7a function as a merging part that merges the newspaper P sent out from the first input unit 2 and the newspaper P sent out from the second input unit 3 into one conveying path T.

[0038] The conveying path T gently curves forward from the feed roller pair 7a. In the conveying path T, there are two sets of feed roller pairs 7b, 7c and a plurality of conveying guides 7d. The newspaper P merged into one conveying path T via the feed roller pair 7a is conveyed through the conveying path T via the two sets of feed roller pairs 7b, 7c and the plurality of conveying guides 7d and is fed into the direction changing unit 8. Since the conveying path T is curved, the newspaper P fed into the direction changing unit 8 changes from a vertically extended posture to a horizontal posture.

[0039] By setting the newspapers P fed into the first input section 2 and the newspapers P fed into the second input section 3 in the above-described postures, all the newspapers P fed into the direction conversion section 8 will have the same posture (the direction in which the second fold P-2 is arranged in the front and the first fold P-1 is arranged on the right side). Since the conveyance paths T1 and T2 are substantially the same length, the newspapers P taken out from the first input section 2 and the newspapers P taken out from the second input section 3 will be fed into the direction conversion section 8 in the order of their taking-out.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, the direction conversion section 8 has an abutting surface S1 that abuts against and stops the second fold P-2 of the newspaper P fed through the conveyance path T, and a bottom surface S2 that places the newspaper P that has stopped with the second fold P-2 abutted against the abutting surface S1 in a horizontal posture. The direction conversion section 8 also has a pressing surface S3 arranged in parallel with the abutting surface S1 on the rear end side of the bottom surface S2. The pressing surface S3 is located behind the abutting surface S1, slightly exceeding the width of the newspaper P in the front-rear direction, that is, the length of the first fold P-1.

[0041] The abutting surface S1 is the flat rear surface of the front wall 1b that is a part of the housing 1a, and is a plane parallel to the XZ plane. The bottom surface S2 is a flat horizontal plane extending rearward from the lower end of the abutting surface S1, and is a plane parallel to the XY plane. The pressing surface S3 is a surface for suppressing the backward rebound of the newspaper P with the second fold P-2 abutted against the abutting surface S1, and is a plane parallel to the XZ plane. The abutting surface S1 and the bottom surface S2 are provided over substantially the entire lateral width of the housing 1a of the newspaper supply mechanism 1.

[0042] In FIG. 6, the contour of the ideal stop position of the newspaper P fed into the direction conversion section 8 and placed on the bottom surface S2 is shown by a broken line. The newspaper P fed into the stop position is placed on the bottom surface S2 in a posture where the second fold P-2 is located in the front, the first fold P-1 is located on the right side, and one upper portion P1 (FIG. 4c) divided by the second fold P-2 faces upward.

[0043] The direction conversion unit 8 has a delivery roller 81 disposed to face each other above the bottom surface S2 with a space therebetween. The delivery roller 81 functions as a conveyance roller that conveys the newspaper P that has been conveyed in the direction of arrow Y (the first direction), fed into the direction conversion unit 8, and once stopped, toward the incorporation mechanism 30 in the direction of arrow X (the second direction). The newspaper P conveyed to the direction conversion unit 8 via the conveyance path T is fed between the bottom surface S2 and the delivery roller 81. The direction conversion unit 8 functions as a newspaper conveyance mechanism that converts the conveyance direction of the newspaper P conveyed in the first direction and sends it out in the second direction.

[0044] The delivery roller 81 includes a shaft extending in the Y direction and two roller portions spaced apart along the shaft. The delivery roller 81 is disposed at a position offset to the left from the center in the left-right direction of the newspaper P (the stopped position indicated by the broken line) fed into the direction conversion unit 8 and at a position offset forward from the center in the front-rear direction of the newspaper P and facing the upper surface of the newspaper P. The arrangement positions of the delivery roller 81 in the X direction and the Y direction are not necessarily limited to this position as long as it faces the bottom surface S2.

[0045] The direction conversion unit 8 has a movement mechanism that moves the delivery roller 81 between a contact position where the delivery roller 81 contacts the upper surface of the newspaper P that has been fed onto the bottom surface S2 and stopped, and a retracted position spaced above from the bottom surface S2. When the delivery roller 81 is rotated in the direction of arrow X with the delivery roller 81 disposed at the contact position, a conveyance force in the direction of arrow X is applied to the newspaper P due to the friction between the two roller portions and the upper surface of the upper portion P1 of the newspaper P. The retracted position is a position where the newspaper P fed into the direction conversion unit 8 through the conveyance path T does not interfere with the delivery roller 81 that has moved to the retracted position.

[0046] The feeding roller 81's moving mechanism includes an arm 82 that supports the front end of the axis of the feeding roller 81 in a cantilever state, and an actuator (not shown) that rotates the arm 82 around a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction. The front end of the axis of the feeding roller 81 is attached to the tip of the rotation of the arm 82. The rotation axis of the arm 82 is at the base end. The moving mechanism retracts the feeding roller 81 from the contact position to the retracted position at the timing when the newspaper P is fed into the direction conversion unit 8. That is, the feeding roller 81 moves up and down each time the newspaper P is fed into the direction conversion unit 8.

[0047] The newspaper P fed into the direction conversion unit 8 through between the bottom surface S2 and the feeding roller 81 abuts the second fold P-2 against the abutting surface S1 and stops moving in the direction of arrow Y. At this time, before the newspaper P is fed into the direction conversion unit 8, the newspaper supply mechanism 1 rotates the arm 82 of the moving mechanism counterclockwise as viewed from the front, and retracts the feeding roller 81 to the retracted position. Then, after the newspaper P stops at the stop position, the newspaper supply mechanism 1 rotates the arm 82 clockwise, moves the feeding roller 81 to the contact position, and presses the outer peripheral surfaces of the two roller parts against the upper surface of the upper part P1 of the newspaper P. At this time, the feeding roller 81 is rotating in the direction of arrow X, and a conveying force is applied from the feeding roller 81 to the newspaper P at the stop position, and the newspaper P is sent out in the direction of arrow X toward the incorporating mechanism 30.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, the incorporating mechanism 30 is arranged side by side on the right side of the newspaper supply mechanism 1 and opposite to the front of a butting mechanism 10 (not shown here). The incorporating mechanism 30 inserts the butted bundle discharged from the discharge port 24 of the butting mechanism 10 into the newspaper P supplied from the newspaper supply mechanism 1. The incorporating mechanism 30 has an accumulating part 31 (FIG. 1) that accumulates the incorporated newspapers with the butted bundles inserted into the newspapers P stacked in the vertical direction. As described above, since the newspapers P taken out from the first loading part 2 and the second loading part 3 of the newspaper supply mechanism 1 are fed into the direction conversion unit 8 in the order of their taking-out, the stacking order of the incorporated newspapers fed from the direction conversion unit 8 to the accumulating part 31 via the incorporating mechanism 30 is also the order of taking out the newspapers P.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 8, the incorporation mechanism 30 includes a suction nozzle 32 that sucks the upper portion P1 of the newspaper P, a solenoid 33 that moves the suction nozzle 32 up and down, a suction chamber 34 disposed below the conveyance path of the newspaper P, and an air inlet 35 that communicates with the suction chamber 34. The air inlet 35 is located at a position vertically opposite to the air inlet 32a of the suction nozzle 32.

[0050] The newspaper P sent out in the X direction from the direction conversion unit 8 of the newspaper supply mechanism 1 is temporarily stopped at the timing when the tip in the X direction (the first fold P-1) approaches between the air inlet 32a of the suction nozzle 32 and the air inlet 35. The air inlet 32a above the conveyance path of the newspaper P faces near the corner between the rear edge parallel to the fold P-2 of the upper portion P1 of the stopped newspaper P and the fold P-1. The air inlet 35 below the conveyance path faces near the corner between the rear edge parallel to the fold P-2 of the lower portion P2 of the stopped newspaper P and the fold P-1.

[0051] With the newspaper P temporarily stopped, the incorporation mechanism 30 operates the solenoid 33 to move the suction nozzle 32 downward and bring the air inlet 32a into contact with the upper surface of the corner of the upper portion P1 of the newspaper P. At this time, the incorporation mechanism 30 operates a blower (not shown) to evacuate the suction nozzle 32 and the suction chamber 34, adsorb the corner of the upper portion P1 of the newspaper P to the air inlet 32a, and adsorb the corner of the lower portion P2 of the newspaper P to the air inlet 35.

[0052] In this state, the incorporation mechanism 30 operates the solenoid 33 to move the suction nozzle 32 upward and open the corner of the upper portion P1 of the newspaper P adsorbed to the air inlet 32a upward. At this time, since the corner of the lower portion P2 of the newspaper P is adsorbed to the air inlet 35, the upper portion P1 is opened with respect to the lower portion P2. With the newspaper P opened, the incorporation mechanism 30 resumes the conveyance of the newspaper P in the X direction and feeds the newspaper P into the insertion position facing the discharge port 24 of the butting mechanism 10. The incorporation mechanism 30 includes a guide member (not shown) for supporting the upper portion P1 of the newspaper P from below after it is opened and keeping the newspaper P in the opened state.

[0053] The incorporation mechanism 30 is laid out such that the insertion position is arranged at a position facing the discharge port 24 of the butting mechanism 10. Therefore, the butted bundle discharged from the discharge port 24 by the butting mechanism 10 is fed between the lower part P2 and the upper part P1 of the newspaper P opened by the incorporation mechanism 30 and sent to the insertion position.

[0054] The incorporated newspaper with the butted bundle inserted in this way is discharged to the stacking part 31 in front by the discharge roller 36 shown in FIG. 1. The axis of the discharge roller 36 extends horizontally. The discharge roller 36 retracts upward when feeding the opened newspaper P to the insertion position, and moves to a position where it contacts the upper part P1 of the incorporated newspaper when discharging the incorporated newspaper with the butted bundle to the stacking part 31.

[0055] A plurality of incorporated newspapers stacked vertically in the stacking part 31 are carried out rightward at the timing when a predetermined number of incorporated newspapers are stacked and delivered to the lifter 50. The lifter 50 raises a predetermined number of stacked incorporated newspapers to a predetermined height and arranges a plurality of incorporated newspapers at a height that is easy for the operator to take out.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 9, the above-described newspaper processing apparatus 100 includes a main control circuit 101, sub-control circuits 102, 103, 104, 105, a display 106, operation switches 107, and a communication module 108. The main control circuit 101 is a circuit that controls the overall operation of the newspaper processing apparatus 100, including the control of the sub-control circuits 102, 103, 104, 105.

[0057] The main control circuit 101 is composed of, for example, a processor and a memory. The processor of the main control circuit 101 controls the operation of the newspaper processing apparatus 100 according to a control application program stored in the memory.

[0058] For example, the main control circuit 101 functions as a control unit (first control unit) that receives input of data (first data) regarding the delivery order of newspapers P and controls the order in which newspapers P are taken out from the first and second input units 2 and 3 of the newspaper supply mechanism 1. Further, the main control circuit 101 functions as a control unit (second control unit) that receives input of data (second data) regarding the types of inserts to be inserted for each brand of newspaper P and controls the presence or absence of supply of inserts supplied from the plurality of paper feed trays 12 of the collating mechanism 10.

[0059] The processor is, for example, a CPU, but does not necessarily have to be configured as a CPU. Further, the main control circuit 101 may be configured as a hardware logic circuit such as an ASIC. Also, the processor does not necessarily have to be configured with a single processor and may be configured with a plurality of processors.

[0060] The sub-control circuit 102 is connected to the collating mechanism 10. The sub-control circuit 102 is a dedicated circuit that controls the operation of the collating mechanism 10 under the main control circuit 101. The sub-control circuit 102 may or may not have a processor and a memory separately from the main control circuit 101.

[0061] The sub-control circuit 103 is connected to the newspaper supply mechanism 1. The sub-control circuit 103 is a dedicated circuit that controls the operation of the newspaper supply mechanism 1 under the main control circuit 101. The sub-control circuit 103 may or may not have a processor and a memory separately from the main control circuit 101.

[0062] The sub-control circuit 104 is connected to the incorporating mechanism 30. The sub-control circuit 104 is a dedicated circuit that controls the operation of the incorporating mechanism 30 under the main control circuit 101. The sub-control circuit 104 may or may not have a processor and a memory separately from the main control circuit 101.

[0063] The sub-control circuit 105 is connected to the lifter 50. The sub-control circuit 105 is a dedicated circuit that controls the operation of the lifter 50 under the main control circuit 101. The sub-control circuit 105 may or may not have a processor and a memory separately from the main control circuit 101.

[0064] Note that the newspaper processing apparatus 100 may have sub-control circuits other than the sub-control circuits 102, 103, 104, and 105.

[0065] The display 106 is a display for displaying various states of the newspaper processing apparatus 100, such as an LED and a liquid crystal display of the operation panel 11a. For example, the display 106 has a display for indicating that the power of the newspaper processing apparatus 100 is on. Further, the display 106 has a display for displaying a counter for displaying various folding times. The folding times include information such as the total number of folded inserts folded during the folding operation and the number of remaining folded inserts. Further, the display 106 has a display for displaying various setting screens. The various settings include settings for folded inserts for each stage, settings for regions and areas, etc. The various settings include settings for the incorporation operation. Further, the display 106 has a display for notifying various errors.

[0066] The operation switches 107 include various switches provided in the newspaper processing apparatus 100 and the operation panel 11a described above. For example, the switch of the operation switches 107 includes the power switch of the newspaper processing apparatus 100. Further, for example, the operation switches 107 include various mode switches. The mode switch is a switch for setting the operation mode of the newspaper processing apparatus 100. The operation mode includes, for example, a folding mode for only folding the folded inserts, an insertion mode for inserting a pre-folded bundle of folded inserts into the newspaper P, a folding·insertion mode for folding the folded inserts and inserting the folded bundle into the newspaper P, and the like. The operation switches 107 may include switches other than these switches. Further, operations similar to the various switches of the operation switches 107 can also be performed on the operation panel 11a.

[0067] The communication module 108 includes a processing circuit for the newspaper processing apparatus 100 to communicate with external devices such as a server. The communication module 108 is provided with, for example, a wireless communication module necessary for wireless LAN communication.

[0068] Here, an example of the operation of the newspaper processing apparatus 100 described above will be explained. As shown in FIG. 10, the main control circuit 101 of the newspaper processing apparatus 100 determines in step S1 whether to turn on the power of the newspaper processing apparatus 100. For example, when the power switch is turned on, it is determined that the power of the newspaper processing apparatus 100 is turned on. Also, the main control circuit 101 monitors whether a command is received from the outside via the communication module 108, and may determine to turn on the power of the newspaper processing apparatus 100 when the reception of the command is confirmed. Until it is determined in step S1 to turn on the power of the newspaper processing apparatus 100, the main control circuit 101 waits for processing. When it is determined in step S1 to turn on the power of the newspaper processing apparatus 100, the processing proceeds to step S2.

[0069] In step S2, the main control circuit 101 turns on the power of the newspaper processing apparatus 100, starts the control application program of the newspaper processing apparatus 100, and displays a startup screen on the operation panel 11a, for example. While the startup screen is being displayed, the main control circuit 101 performs various processes necessary for starting up the newspaper processing apparatus 100.

[0070] In step S3 after the completion of the startup process, the main control circuit 101 displays a main screen on the operation panel 11a, for example. On the main screen, the operator can start the collation operation or the incorporation operation of the newspaper processing apparatus 100, or check various states during the collation operation or the incorporation operation. Also, from the main screen, the operator can display various setting screens and perform various settings.

[0071] In step S4, the main control circuit 101 determines whether to perform the collation operation. For example, when the collation mode is selected by operating the operation panel 11a on the main screen and the setting or start of the collation operation is instructed, it is determined that the collation operation is to be performed. On the other hand, when the insertion mode or the collation / insertion mode is selected on the main screen and the setting or start of the incorporation operation is instructed, it is determined that the incorporation operation is to be performed.

[0072] In step S4, when it is determined that the collation operation is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S4, when it is determined that the collation operation is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0073] In step S5 when it is determined that the collation operation is to be performed, the main control circuit 101 determines whether to perform the settings related to the collation operation. For example, when the settings related to the collation operation are instructed by operating the operation panel 11a or the like, it is determined that the settings related to the collation operation are to be performed. In step S5, when it is determined that the settings related to the collation operation are instructed, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S5, when it is determined that the settings related to the collation operation are not instructed, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0074] In step S6, the main control circuit 101 makes the settings related to the collation operation according to the instructions. For example, the main control circuit 101 makes the settings for the folded leaflets for each step, the settings for the regions and areas, the operation mode settings, etc. according to the instructions. Also, the main control circuit 101 makes the settings for the sub-control circuit 105 as necessary. Also, when making the settings, the main control circuit 101 also changes the setting screen displayed on the operation panel 11a as necessary. After the settings related to the collation operation, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0075] In step S7, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the start of the collating operation has been instructed. When it is determined in step S7 that the start of the collating operation has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S8. When it is determined in step S7 that the start of the collating operation has not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0076] In step S8, the main control circuit 101 controls the sub-control circuit 102 according to the current settings to execute the collating operation by the collating mechanism 10. In step S8, the main control circuit 101 may control the sub-control circuit 105 to operate the lifter 50.

[0077] In step S9, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the collating operation has been completed. For example, when the collation of a specified number of collated bundles is completed, it is determined that the collating operation has been completed. When it is determined in step S9 that the collating operation has not been completed, the process returns to step S8. When it is determined in step S9 that the collating operation has been completed, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0078] In step S10, the main control circuit 101 determines whether to turn off the power of the newspaper processing apparatus 100. For example, when the power switch is turned off or a power-off command is received, it is determined to turn off the power of the newspaper processing apparatus 100. When it is determined in step S10 not to turn off the power of the newspaper processing apparatus 100, the process returns to step S4. When it is determined in step S10 to turn off the power of the newspaper processing apparatus 100, the process of FIG. 10 ends.

[0079] In step S11 when it is determined to perform the incorporation operation, the main control circuit 101 performs the incorporation process shown in FIG. 11. After the incorporation process, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0080] In step S101 of FIG. 11, the main control circuit 101 determines whether to perform settings related to the incorporation process. For example, when settings related to the incorporation process are instructed by an operation on the operation panel 11a or the like, it is determined that the settings related to the incorporation process are to be performed. In step S101, when it is determined that settings related to the incorporation process have been instructed, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S101, when it is determined that settings related to the incorporation process have not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0081] In step S102, the main control circuit 101 determines whether there is input of data. In the embodiment, for example, settings for the incorporation operation are performed by taking in delivery order data created in advance and folding data related to the inserts assigned to each brand of newspaper P. In step S102, it is determined whether data for intake has been input by the operator. In step S102, the process waits until data for intake is input. In step S102, when it is determined that there is input of data, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0082] The delivery order data may be data in various formats such as CSV (Comma Separated Value). The delivery order data may be managed at the newspaper delivery store where the newspaper processing apparatus 100 is installed, or may be managed by a server or the like that centrally manages the data of the newspaper delivery store. Furthermore, the delivery order data may be managed in a cloud server constructed separately from the newspaper delivery store or the like.

[0083] The inserted data is data that contains one or more, or all, of the information on the area, the leaflet name, the number of processed parts, the storage shelf used, and the attributes. The inserted data may be data in various formats such as CSV (Comma Separated Value). The inserted data may be managed at the newspaper delivery store where the newspaper processing apparatus 100 is installed, or may be managed by a server that centrally manages the data of the newspaper delivery store. Furthermore, the inserted data may be managed in a cloud server constructed separately from the newspaper delivery store or the like.

[0084] In step S103, the main control circuit 101 maps the items of the input delivery order data and the inserted data to the items essential for the built-in processing preset in the newspaper processing apparatus 100. For example, the main control circuit 101 recognizes the items of the input delivery order data and associates the recognized items with similar items. After such data mapping, the main control circuit 101 displays a confirmation screen of the mapping result on, for example, the operation panel 11a. Note that when it is guaranteed that each item in the delivery order data corresponds to each item set in the newspaper processing apparatus 100, the mapping process is unnecessary.

[0085] In step S104, the main control circuit 101 determines whether there is a correction of items based on the operation of the operation panel 11a by the operator of the newspaper processing apparatus 100 or the like. The operator of the newspaper processing apparatus 100 checks whether the items are correctly mapped. If the items are not correctly mapped, the operator corrects the corresponding items. When there is an operation regarding the correction, the main control circuit 101 determines that there is a correction of the items. In step S104, when it is determined that there is a correction of the items, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S104, when it is determined that there is no correction of the items, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0086] In step S105, the main control circuit 101 corrects the mapping result according to the content of the operator's correction. Accordingly, the main control circuit 101 updates the confirmation screen of the mapping result. Then, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0087] In step S106, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the mapping process is completed by operating the operator's operation panel 11a or the like. After the operator confirms that the items are correctly mapped, the operator selects the displayed OK button. In this case, it is determined that the mapping process is completed. In step S106, when it is determined that the mapping process is completed, the process proceeds to step S107. In step S106, when it is determined that the mapping process is not completed, the process returns to step S104.

[0088] In step S107, the main control circuit 101 displays the built-in setting screen based on the result of the mapping process.

[0089] In step S108, the main control circuit 101 determines whether there is an input of setting data within the built-in setting screen. In step S108, when it is determined that there is an input of setting data within the built-in setting screen, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S108, when it is determined that there is no input of setting data within the built-in setting screen, the process returns to step S107.

[0090] In step S109, the main control circuit 101 stores the input setting data in, for example, a memory.

[0091] In step S110, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the input of all the setting data on the corresponding built-in setting screen is completed. In step S110, when it is determined that the input of all the setting data on the built-in setting screen is not completed, the process returns to step S107. In this case, the main control circuit 101 displays the next built-in setting screen. In step S110, when it is determined that the input of all the setting data on the built-in setting screen is completed, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0092] In step S111, the main control circuit 101 makes settings for the paper feed tray 12 based on the setting data. For example, the main control circuit 101 assigns the folded leaflets to the selected paper feed tray 12 to be used. The folded leaflets to be folded into the newspaper P may be those set in the alignment operation or newly set ones.

[0093] In step S112, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the settings related to the embedding process are completed. The operator inserts the folded leaflets into the paper feed tray 12 according to the displayed settings of the paper feed tray 12. Also, the operator inserts newspapers P of a predetermined brand into each of the input parts 2 and 3 of the newspaper supply mechanism 1. Then, after finishing inserting the newspaper P and the folded leaflets as set, the displayed OK button is selected. At this time, the main control circuit 101 determines that the settings related to the embedding process are completed. In step S112, until it is determined that the settings related to the embedding process are completed, the main control circuit 101 waits for the process. In step S112, when the settings related to the embedding process are completed, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0094] In step S113, the main control circuit 101 sets the order of taking out the newspapers P from the newspaper supply mechanism 1. Then, the process returns to step S101. The order of taking out is usually determined, for example, in the reverse order of the delivery order. Also, the delivery order is specified by the "route".

[0095] In step S114, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the start of the embedding operation has been instructed. When it is determined in step S114 that the start of the embedding operation has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S115. When it is determined in step S114 that the start of the embedding operation has not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0096] In step S115, the main control circuit 101 executes the embedding operation according to the current settings.

[0097] Hereinafter, the embedding operation will be described with reference to FIG. 12. As the embedding operation, for example, there are an operation of collating the inserted leaflets set for newspaper P of brand A and inserting the collated bundle Ta for this brand A into the newspaper of brand A, and an operation of collating the collated bundle Ta and inserting it into the newspaper P of brand A, collating the inserted leaflets set for newspaper P of brand B, and inserting the collated bundle Tb for this brand B into the newspaper of brand B. Here, the latter relatively complex operation of processing newspapers P of two brands will be described. In addition to this, there is an embedding operation in the insertion mode of feeding a pre-collated collated bundle (a plurality of collated bundles may be prepared according to the brand of the newspaper) from the paper feed tray 12 of the collating mechanism 10 and inserting it into the newspaper P (which may be a newspaper of multiple brands), but since it is only different in that there is no collating operation, the description of the operation related to the insertion mode will be omitted here.

[0098] In step S201, the main control circuit 101 takes out the newspaper P from the first input unit 2 or the second input unit 3 of the newspaper supply mechanism 1 according to the set delivery order. In step S202, the main control circuit 101 opens the newspaper P taken out in the delivery order with the embedding mechanism 30 and conveys it to the insertion position.

[0099] In step S203, which is carried out in parallel with steps S1 and S2, the main control circuit 101 collates the inserts assigned to the newspaper P of each brand. At this time, the main control circuit 101 feeds the inserts assigned to the brand of the newspaper P taken out in step P1 from the paper feed tray 12 to create a collated bundle that matches each brand.

[0100] In step S204, the main control circuit 101 inserts the collated bundle that has been collated according to each brand into the newspaper P conveyed to the insertion position to create an incorporated newspaper. In step S205, the main control circuit 101 discharges and accumulates the incorporated newspaper created in step S204 to the accumulation unit 31. As a result, a plurality of incorporated newspapers are stacked in the delivery order.

[0101] After that, in step P206, the main control circuit 101 determines whether a predetermined number of incorporated newspapers have been accumulated in the accumulation unit 31. When it is determined in step P206 that a predetermined number of incorporated newspapers have been accumulated, the main control circuit 101 proceeds to the process of step S207 and moves the predetermined number of incorporated newspapers accumulated in the accumulation unit 31 to the lifter 50.

[0102] Then, after that, based on the determination in step S208, when the number of incorporated newspapers reaches the preset number, the main control circuit 101 ends the process of FIG. 12.

[0103] As described above, according to the newspaper processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, newspapers P of two different brands can be taken out in the delivery order, the bundles of the inserts assigned to the newspapers of each brand can be inserted, and the incorporated newspapers can be stacked in the delivery order. For this reason, in a newspaper delivery store, newspapers P of a plurality of brands can be handled, there is no need to match the inserts according to the newspapers of each brand, and there is no need to stack the incorporated newspapers of two brands with the inserts inserted in them in the delivery order, so that the work burden on the staff can be reduced and the work efficiency can be improved. In addition, the delivery person who delivers the incorporated newspapers can deliver them by simply taking out the incorporated newspapers in order from the bundle of the incorporated newspapers stacked in the delivery order, and the delivery of the incorporated newspapers of two brands can be made easy and reliable. In addition, in order to handle newspapers P of three or more brands, the newspaper supply mechanism 1 may be provided with three or more input units.

[0104] Hereinafter, a configuration for controlling the posture of the newspaper P in the direction conversion unit 8 of the newspaper supply mechanism 1 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6.

[0105] The newspaper supply mechanism 1 takes out the newspapers P in the four-fold state with a plurality of parts stacked one by one from the first input unit 2 and / or the second input unit 3 and conveys them to the direction conversion unit 8. At this time, in order to prevent conveyance jams, the newspaper P is taken out from the first input unit 2 and / or the second input unit 3 with the second fold P-2 at the head. In addition, since it is necessary to open the upper part P1 of the newspaper P in the incorporating mechanism 30 for inserting the insert bundle, the newspaper P is conveyed from the direction conversion unit 8 to the incorporating mechanism 30 with the first fold P-1 at the head. That is, in order to continuously feed the newspapers P in the four-fold state with a plurality of parts into the insert position of the insert bundle, it is necessary to change the conveyance direction of the newspaper P by 90° in the direction conversion unit 8.

[0106] When the newspaper P in the four-fold state is compared with a flat and uniformly thick sheet-like medium, the rigidity of the portions with the first fold P-1 and the second fold P-2 is higher and the thickness is also greater than that of the other portions. Therefore, when converting the conveyance direction of the newspaper P in the four-fold state by 90° as in this embodiment, it is more difficult to control the conveyance posture, the conveyance posture is more likely to be disturbed, and conveyance jams are more likely to occur compared to the case of changing the direction of a flat sheet-like medium. Thus, the newspaper supply mechanism 1 of this embodiment is provided with a configuration for converting the direction of the newspaper P in the four-fold state by 90° without causing a conveyance jam.

[0107] The newspaper supply mechanism 1 includes a first pressing plate 83 and a second pressing plate 84 in front of the pair of feed rollers 7c at the end of the conveyance path T connected from the first input unit 2 and the second input unit 3. The two pressing plates 83 and 84 are rotatably and fixably attached to a shaft 83a extending in the left-right direction parallel to the rotation axis of the pair of feed rollers 7c. That is, the two pressing plates 83 and 84 are provided spaced apart left and right. The left first pressing plate 83 functions as a first pressing member, and the right second pressing plate 84 functions as a second pressing member.

[0108] The first pressing plate 83 can be formed of, for example, a flexible substantially rectangular plate-shaped resin, and extends forward from the base end attached to the shaft 83a so as to overlap above the bottom surface S2. The first pressing plate 83 is slightly curved so as to bulge in the direction of the bottom surface S2 from its base end toward the longitudinal tip (lower end). The base end of the first pressing plate 83 can be fixed to the shaft 83a at a predetermined angle. That is, the first pressing plate 83 can be fixedly arranged at least in a pressing position where the tip of rotation contacts the bottom surface S2 and a flipping-up position where the tip is flipped up above the bottom surface S2. The first pressing plate 83 arranged in the pressing position assumes a posture inclined forward toward the bottom surface S2.

[0109] The first pressing plate 83 is disposed at a position offset to the left from the center in the left - right direction of the bottom surface S2. More specifically, the first pressing plate 83 is disposed at a position closely opposed to the rear of the feeding roller 81 in the direction of arrow Y, and at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps the feeding roller 81 in the left - right direction. The first pressing plate 83 with its base end attached to the shaft 83a has a length such that its tip does not interfere with the feeding roller 81 at all rotational positions.

[0110] When the newspaper P conveyed through the conveyance path T is fed into the direction - changing section 8, the second fold P - 2 enters between the shaft 83a to which the base end of the first pressing plate 83 is attached and the bottom surface S2, and the newspaper P slides forward on the bottom surface S2 toward the abutting surface S1. At this time, the first pressing plate 83 presses the newspaper P against the bottom surface S2 and functions to prevent the newspaper P from rising upward from the bottom surface S2 on the upstream side of the feeding roller 81 with respect to the moving direction of the newspaper P. In this way, by suppressing the lifting of the newspaper P on the upstream side of the feeding roller 81 in the first direction, it is possible to prevent the problem that the second fold P - 2 of the newspaper P contacts the feeding roller 81, and it is possible to prevent the problem that the newspaper P collides with the feeding roller 81 and tilts.

[0111] Also, by disposing the first pressing plate 83 on the upstream side of the feeding roller 81 with respect to the direction in which the newspaper P is fed and preventing the lifting of the newspaper P at this position, it is possible to lower the retracted position at which the feeding roller 81 is retracted above the bottom surface S2 in order to avoid the collision of the newspaper P. Thereby, compared with the case where the first pressing plate 83 is not provided, the moving time of the feeding roller 81 can be shortened, and the processing ability of the newspaper P in the direction - changing section 8 can be enhanced.

[0112] Note that, due to differences in the thickness of newspaper P processed by newspaper supply mechanism 1, etc., the first pressing plate 83 can also be fixed in the flipped-up position for use. For example, when processing a relatively thick morning newspaper, the first pressing plate 83 can be fixed in the pressing position, and when processing a relatively thin evening newspaper, it can be fixed in the flipped-up position. For example, when the thickness of the newspaper P to be processed is thin and the newspaper P undesirably tilts due to the pressing force of the first pressing plate 83, the first pressing plate 83 can be fixed in the flipped-up position according to the operator's judgment.

[0113] The second pressing plate 84 can be formed of, for example, a resin of a substantially rectangular plate having flexibility, and extends forward from the base end attached to the shaft 83a so as to overlap above the bottom surface S2. The second pressing plate 84 is slightly curved so as to bulge in the direction of the bottom surface S2 from its base end toward the longitudinal tip (lower end). The base end of the second pressing plate 84 can be fixed to the shaft 83a at a predetermined angle. That is, the second pressing plate 84 can be fixedly arranged at least in a pressing position where the tip of the rotation contacts the bottom surface S2 and a flipped-up position where the tip is flipped up above the bottom surface S2. The second pressing plate 84 arranged in the pressing position assumes a posture inclined forward toward the bottom surface S2.

[0114] The second pressing plate 84 is arranged at a position offset to the right from the center in the left-right direction of the bottom surface S2. More specifically, the second pressing plate 84 is arranged at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps the first fold P-1 of the newspaper P in a state where the newspaper P fed through the conveyance path T has stopped at the stop position shown by the broken line in FIG. 6. The second pressing plate 84 with the base end attached to the shaft 83a has a length such that the tip extends forward from the center in the front-rear direction of the newspaper P at the stop position in a state of being arranged in the pressing position.

[0115] When the newspaper P that has passed through the conveyance path T is fed into the direction changing unit 8, the second fold P-2 enters between the shaft 83a to which the proximal end of the second pressing plate 84 is attached and the bottom surface S2, and the newspaper P slides forward on the bottom surface S2 toward the abutting surface S1. At this time, the second pressing plate 84 presses the first fold P-1 of the upper portion P1 of the newspaper P toward the bottom surface S2, suppressing the problem that the upper portion P1 of the newspaper P opens upward from the lower portion P2. By suppressing the problem of the upper portion P1 opening, when the newspaper P is once stopped and then conveyed in the direction of arrow X toward the incorporation mechanism 30, it is difficult to cause a conveyance jam. Further, the second pressing plate 84 suppresses the problem that the newspaper P tilts by pressing the first fold P-1 of the newspaper P.

[0116] In addition, depending on the difference in the thickness of the newspaper P processed by the newspaper supply mechanism 1, etc., the second pressing plate 84 can also be fixed in the flipped-up position for use. For example, when processing a relatively thick morning newspaper, the second pressing plate 84 may be fixed in the pressed position, and when processing a relatively thin evening newspaper, it may be fixed in the flipped-up position. For example, when the thickness of the newspaper P to be processed is thin and the newspaper P undesirably tilts due to the pressing force of the second pressing plate 84, the second pressing plate 84 may be fixed in the flipped-up position according to the operator's judgment.

[0117] The newspaper supply mechanism 1 includes a third pressing plate 85 that functions as a third pressing member at a position close to the rear of the abutting surface S1 on the left side of the delivery roller 81. The third pressing plate 85 can be formed of, for example, a flexible resin in a substantially rectangular plate shape. The third pressing plate 85 extends in the front-rear direction, has its rear end fixed to the housing 1a, and its front end (lower end) in contact with the bottom surface S2. The third pressing plate 85 is inclined downward from its rear end toward its front end. The front end of the third pressing plate 85 is in contact with the bottom surface S2 near the corner where the abutting surface S1 and the bottom surface S2 intersect.

[0118] However, when the newspaper P conveyed through the conveyance path T is fed into the direction conversion unit 8, the second fold P-2 enters between the third pressing plate 85 and the bottom surface S2, and while the second fold P-2 is pressed toward the bottom surface S2 by the third pressing plate 85, it is abutted against the abutting surface S1. At this time, the second fold P-2 moves in a direction approaching the bottom surface S2 while slidingly contacting the lower surface of the third pressing plate 85, and abuts against the abutting surface S1 near the corner between the abutting surface S1 and the bottom surface S2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the problem that the second fold P-2 of the newspaper P curls upward when it abuts against the abutting surface S1, and the newspaper P can be normally stopped at the stop position.

[0119] The newspaper supply mechanism 1 includes a plurality of sliding members 86 inclined with respect to the X direction and the Y direction on the bottom surface S2 of the direction conversion unit 8. The plurality of sliding members 86 are inclined in the Y direction toward the X direction, and are extended at an angle of about 45° with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction. The plurality of sliding members 86 are spaced apart from each other and extend in parallel.

[0120] The sliding member 86 is attached to the bottom surface S2, and both ends in its longitudinal direction are inserted into and fixed to holes provided in the bottom surface S2. The sliding member 86 is, for example, formed of a resin such as polyethylene in a strip shape, and is a so-called "threshold slide" having a plurality of linear convex portions extending in the longitudinal direction on its surface.

[0121] The plurality of sliding members 86 function to slide the newspaper P fed into the direction conversion unit 8 through the conveyance path T in the Y direction, and to slide the newspaper P conveyed from the direction conversion unit 8 to the incorporation mechanism 30 in the X direction. That is, the plurality of sliding members 86 reduce the friction between the newspaper P passing through the direction conversion unit 8 and the bottom surface S2. Each sliding member 86 reduces the friction with the newspaper P by reducing the contact area with the newspaper P by a plurality of convex portions provided on its surface, and makes the newspaper P easy to slide with respect to the bottom surface S2.

[0122] It is effective to arrange the plurality of sliding members 86 at an angle of 45° with respect to the X direction and the Y direction as in the present embodiment. For example, when the plurality of sliding members 86 are extended in parallel with the Y direction, when the newspaper P is conveyed from the direction conversion unit 8 to the incorporation mechanism 30, the first fold P-1 of the newspaper P is likely to be caught by the convex portions on the surfaces of the sliding members 86. Further, when the plurality of sliding members 86 are extended in parallel with the X direction, when the newspaper P is fed into the direction conversion unit 8 through the conveyance path T, the second fold P-2 of the newspaper P is likely to be caught by the convex portions on the surfaces of the sliding members 86.

[0123] The plurality of sliding members 86 have a function of suppressing static electricity charged on the bottom surface S2. Therefore, by providing the plurality of sliding members 86 on the bottom surface S2, it is possible to suppress the static electricity generated in the direction conversion unit 8 and prevent the newspaper P from being adhered due to the static electricity to the bottom surface S2. Thus, by providing the plurality of sliding members 86, it is possible to suppress the problems that the newspaper P is inclined or conveyance delay occurs in the direction conversion unit 8, and the newspaper P can be conveyed well in a normal posture.

[0124] The newspaper supply mechanism 1 includes a guide roller 87 at a position spaced apart on the downstream side in the X direction of the stop position of the newspaper P fed into the direction conversion unit 8. The guide roller 87 is freely rotatably attached to a shaft 89 extending in the front-rear direction. The guide roller 87 is disposed on the downstream side in the X direction of the second pressing plate 84 and behind the center in the front-rear direction of the newspaper P at the stop position. The outer peripheral surface of the guide roller 87 is disposed at a position slightly spaced above the bottom surface S2.

[0125] A conveying roller 88 is coaxially attached to a shaft 89 of a guide roller 87. The conveying roller 88 is disposed forward of the center in the longitudinal direction of a newspaper P at a stop position. The conveying roller 88 is pressed against a bottom surface S2 by a spring (not shown) that biases both ends of the shaft 89 downward. There may be a feed roller (not shown) facing the conveying roller 88 on the bottom surface S2 side. The conveying roller 88 is rotated in the X direction by a motor (not shown), and applies a conveying force in the X direction to the newspaper P taken out in the X direction from the stop position by the rotation of a delivery roller 81, and feeds it into an incorporation mechanism 30.

[0126] By providing the guide roller 87 on the downstream side in the X direction of the stop position of the newspaper P in the direction conversion unit 8, it is possible to prevent the upper portion P1 of the newspaper P conveyed from the direction conversion unit 8 to the incorporation mechanism 30 from rising, and it is possible to suppress conveyance jams of the newspaper P.

[0127] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the posture of the newspaper P fed into the direction conversion unit 8 via the conveyance path T can be stopped in a straight posture without inclination with respect to the X direction and the Y direction, and the newspaper P can be normally direction-converted and conveyed from the direction conversion unit 8 toward the incorporation mechanism 30, and it is possible to suppress a problem of causing a conveyance jam in the newspaper P conveyed toward the incorporation mechanism 30.

[0128] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof at the implementation stage. Also, the above-described embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, if the problem can be solved and the effect can be obtained, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0129] 1…News supply agency, 1a…Housing, 2…First input unit, 2a…Support plate, 2b-1, 2b-2…Floor belt, 2c-1, 2c-2…Feeding belt, 2d…Projection, 3…Second input unit, 3a…Paper feed tray, 4a…Separation roller, 4b…Auxiliary roller, 4c…Rubber sheet, 5a, 5b…Taking-out roller, 6a, 6b…Conveyor roller pair, 7a, 7b, 7c…Feeding roller pair, 7d…Conveyor guide, 8…Direction conversion unit, 81…Delivery roller, 10…Stitching mechanism, 12, 12a…Paper feed tray, 13…Conveyor path, 14…Conveyor roller pair, 15…First paper feed roller, 16…Second paper feed roller, 17…Sorting plate, 18, 18a…Feeding roller pair, 19…Folding roller pair, 20…Stop unit, 21…Folding knife, 22…Conveyor belt, 23…Discharge roller pair, 24…Discharge port, 30…Incorporation mechanism, 31…Accumulation unit, 32…Suction nozzle, 32a, 35…Air inlet, 33…Solenoid, 36…Discharge roller, 50…Lifter, 83…First pressing plate, 83a…Axis, 84…Second pressing plate, 85…Third pressing plate, 86…Sliding member, 87…Guide roller, 100…Newspaper processing device, 101…Main control circuit, 102, 103, 104, 105…Sub-control circuits, 106…Display, 107…Operation switches, 108…Communication module, P…Newspaper, P1…Upper part, P2…Lower part, P-1…First fold line, P-2…Second fold line, S1…Butting surface, S2…Bottom surface, S3…Pressing surface, T…Conveyor path.

Claims

1. A newspaper transport mechanism that transports a newspaper folded in four by folding a plurality of stacked newspapers in half along a first fold and then in half along a second fold, abutting surface that abuts against and stops the second fold of the newspaper fed in a first direction along the first fold with the second fold at the leading edge; a bottom surface on which the newspaper is placed in a horizontal position after the newspaper has stopped by abutting the second fold against the abutment surface; a conveying roller that is abutted against the abutting surface and contacts an upper surface of the newspaper placed on the bottom surface, rotates in a second direction along the second fold perpendicular to the first direction, and applies a conveying force in the second direction to the newspaper; a moving mechanism for moving the conveying roller between a contact position where the conveying roller contacts the top surface of the newspaper and a retracted position spaced above the top surface of the newspaper; a first pressing member disposed upstream of the conveying roller in the first direction and on the opposite side of the bottom surface of the newspaper fed in the first direction, the first pressing member pressing the bottom surface of the newspaper fed in the first direction against the bottom surface of the newspaper; A newspaper transport mechanism having the above structure.

2. the first pressing member is a flexible plate-like member and is inclined toward the bottom surface in the first direction, The lower end of the first pressing member in the inclined direction is in contact with the bottom surface before the newspaper is fed.

2. The newspaper transport mechanism of claim 1.

3. The first pressing member can be fixed at a flip-up position in which the lower end is spaced upward from the bottom surface.

3. The newspaper transport mechanism of claim 2.

4. a second pressing member that is disposed on the opposite side of the bottom surface of the newspaper at a position overlapping the first fold of the newspaper that is abutted against the abutting surface and placed on the bottom surface, and that prevents the newspaper from lifting up from the bottom surface as it is conveyed in the second direction by a conveying force applied by the conveying roller; 2. The newspaper transport mechanism of claim 1.

5. the second pressing member is a flexible plate-like member and is inclined toward the bottom surface in the first direction, The lower end of the second pressing member in the inclined direction is in contact with the bottom surface before the newspaper is fed.

5. A newspaper transport mechanism as claimed in claim 4.

6. The second pressing member can be fixed at a flip-up position in which the lower end is spaced upward from the bottom surface.

6. A newspaper transport mechanism as claimed in claim 5.

7. a third pressing member disposed on the opposite side of the bottom surface of the newspaper in close proximity to the abutting surface at a position overlapping the edge of the newspaper opposite the first fold that is abutted against the abutting surface and placed on the bottom surface, the third pressing member pressing against the newspaper when the newspaper is fed in the first direction and the second fold is abutted against the abutting surface; 2. The newspaper transport mechanism of claim 1.

8. the third pressing member is a flexible plate-like member disposed on the upstream side of the conveying roller in the second direction, and is inclined toward the bottom surface in the first direction, The lower end of the third pressing member in the inclined direction is in contact with the bottom surface before the newspaper is fed.

8. A newspaper transport mechanism as claimed in claim 7.

9. a plurality of sliding members provided on the bottom surface inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction, 2. The newspaper transport mechanism of claim 1.

Images