A jig used in a signature feeder and the signature feeder.

Abstract

To provide a jig for use in a quire feeder, which reduces the impact of the load of the upper stage quires during loading without using a complicated mechanism or special parts, and that successfully feeds the bottommost stage quires sequentially to a bookbinder.SOLUTION: A jig 1 includes: a first unit 50 extending along a first side face facing in a direction of supplying quires; and a second unit 30 and a third unit 40 extending on second and third side faces adjacent to the first side face. The first unit 50 includes: a first fixing portion 520; a first rotating support portion 540; a first adjusting portion 530 capable of rotational movement; and a first regulating portion 570 capable of regulating rotation so that a portion thereof is pushed into a bundle by a first distance and capable of changing the first distance. The second unit 30 and the third unit 40 also have a similar configuration. A position in a loading direction of a part of the first adjusting portion 530 is different from a position in the loading direction of a part of the second adjusting portion 330 or the third adjusting portion 430.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a signature feeder that picks up stacked signatures one by one and supplies them to a bookbinding machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, binding machines have been used that include multiple signature feeders arranged in parallel along a conveyor chain. In these binding machines, signatures are picked up one by one from the bottom of each signature feeder, where signatures are stacked in multiple tiers in a vertical direction. The signatures are then opened and placed so that the folded portion straddles the conveyor chain. The signatures picked up from each feeder are sequentially stacked one on top of the other on the conveyor chain, and are then moved in one direction to produce multiple bundles in which the signatures are collated. The folded portions of the bundles are then saddle-stitched, and the top, bottom, and fore-edge are trimmed to complete the binding process.

[0003] Examples of such bookbinding machines and feeders for supplying signatures include those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. Patent Document 1 describes the following as a conventional bookbinding machine feeder device: That is, the bookbinding machine feeder device includes a signature supply table in a substantially horizontal direction, signature holding plates at the front and rear ends of the supply table, and holding claws at the lower ends of the signature holding plates for holding the front ends of the signatures from below. The bookbinding machine feeder device also includes a transfer drum with jaws below the front end of the supply table, and separating drums (separating rotors) at the front and rear of the underside of the transfer drum for separating the open ends of the signatures, and a gathering chain of collating means for endless feeding below the middle of the separating drum.

[0004] Signatures stacked horizontally (flat) on each supply table of the bookbinding machine feeder device are lowered by the feeder arms at the front end of the supply table, sucking the leading edge of the fold side of the lowest signature from below. The signatures are then transferred to the jaws of the transfer cylinder and rotated and transported by the cylinder, with the open ends of the folded signatures entering between the lower opening cylinders, which rotate in opposite directions at the same peripheral speed. At this time, the vacuum suction sections of the opening cylinders suck the rear end of each folded signature, releasing the rear end (fore-edge side) of the signature and immediately stopping the suction operation, thereby placing the signature on the gathering chain of the moving collating means and supplying it. When the signatures are placed on the moving chain, they temporarily move away parallel to the chain and are placed on a bracket facing the chain in the direction of movement.

[0005] Meanwhile, Patent Document 2 describes the following as a saddle stitching device. Specifically, the saddle stitching device includes a feeder that supplies stacked signatures one by one from below to an inserting machine, and an inserting machine that removes and opens the signatures from the feeder and drops them onto a conveying chain in a saddle-like manner. The saddle stitching device also includes a signature conveying chain that moves under the multiple feeders and inserting machines to sequentially stack multiple types of signatures in a saddle-like manner before conveying them, and a wire stitcher that moves back and forth along the chain to saddle stitch the center-folded portions of the stacked signatures. The saddle stitching device also includes a three-edge trimmer that trims three edges of a book that has been saddle-stitched by the wire stitcher, i.e., both top and bottom edges and the fore-edge.

[0006] The feeder in this saddle stitching machine supports the majority of the signatures, e.g., about 3 / 4, on a horizontal table, with the leading edge of the signature slightly hooked by a hook. The portion of the signature protruding from the table is then attracted by a suction member (also called a sucker) from below and pulled to the inserter. The inserter clamps the leading edge of the pressure claw between the drum and the pressure claw, and removes the signature from the feeder as the drum rotates. The inserter then opens the signature using a release roller and inserts it in a drop-and-saddle manner, timed to the insert positioning section of the conveyor chain moving directly below the inserter. Signatures stored in this stack are fed to the inserter by pulling them one by one from the bottom. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-276358 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-50458 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] As described above, it is preferable for a signature loading feeder used in a binding machine to be able to load as many signatures as possible at one time, because this reduces the frequency of signature replenishment work and improves workability. However, on the other hand, as the signature load increases, the weight of the signatures stacked above is cumulatively applied to the signatures in the bottom tier being picked up, which can cause them to rub against the signatures in the upper tiers during pickup, potentially resulting in soiling or damage to the picked-up signatures. Furthermore, using complex mechanisms or special parts to reduce the impact of the weight of the signatures in the upper tiers can lead to increased costs and reduced durability of the device.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above situation, and aims to provide a jig for use in a signature feeder and a signature feeder that can reduce the impact of the weight of the signatures in the upper tier when stacked without using complex mechanisms or special parts, and can efficiently supply the signatures in the bottom tier sequentially to a binding machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to this embodiment, a jig used in a signature feeder capable of loading a plurality of signatures and sequentially feeding the signatures in the lowest tier to a binding machine includes: a first unit extending along a loading direction of the signatures on a first side surface facing a feeding direction of the signatures among four sides formed by a stack of signatures when the plurality of signatures are loaded on the signature feeder; and a second unit and a third unit extending along the loading direction of the signatures on a second side surface and a third side surface adjacent to the first side surface and facing each other, the first unit including a first fixed portion, a first rotation support portion connected to the first fixed portion, a first adjustment portion connected to the first rotation support portion and capable of rotatably moving relative to the first fixed portion via the first rotation support portion, and a first restriction portion that restricts rotation of the first adjustment portion so that a portion of the first adjustment portion is held in a state where it is pushed a first distance into the stack and that is capable of changing the first distance; and the second unit including a second The third unit comprises a fixed portion, a second rotation support portion connected to the second fixed portion, a second adjustment portion connected to the second rotation support portion and capable of rotational movement relative to the second fixed portion via the second rotation support portion, and a second regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the second adjustment portion so that a portion of the second adjustment portion is held in a state pushed a second distance into the bundle and that is capable of changing the second distance; the third unit comprises a third fixed portion, a third rotation support portion connected to the third fixed portion, a third adjustment portion connected to the third rotation support portion and capable of rotational movement relative to the third fixed portion via the third rotation support portion, and a third regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the third adjustment portion so that a portion of the third adjustment portion is held in a state pushed a third distance into the bundle and that is capable of changing the third distance; and the position of the portion of the first adjustment portion in the loading direction is different from the position of the portion of the second adjustment portion or the third adjustment portion in the loading direction.

[0011] In another form of the jig of this embodiment, the first unit may include a plurality of first rotation support parts, a plurality of first adjustment parts connected to the first rotation support parts, and a plurality of first regulating parts, and the positions of the portions of the second adjustment parts and the third adjustment parts in the loading direction may be included in a range sandwiched between the positions of any two of the portions of the first adjustment part in the loading direction.

[0012] In another form of the present embodiment, in a delivery device of a bag making machine that transports and accumulates bag products that have been cut by the bag making machine to a predetermined position, the actuator may be provided with a plurality of the gripping portions, and multiple rows of bag products that have been cut at once in the cutting process may be gripped by the multiple gripping portions at the same time and transported to the first position and the second position at the same time.

[0013] In the jig according to another embodiment of the present invention, the second unit and the third unit may have the same configuration as each other, or may have a configuration that is plane-symmetrical to each other.

[0014] In another form of the jig of this embodiment, when the signature feeder is loaded with the maximum number of signatures that can be supplied to the binding machine, and the load that the lowest signature receives from above in a first state in which a portion of each of the first adjustment unit, the second adjustment unit, and the third adjustment unit is not pushed into the stack at all is defined as F1, and the load that the lowest signature receives from above in a second state in which a portion of each of the first adjustment unit, the second adjustment unit, and the third adjustment unit is pushed into the stack by the specified first distance, second distance, and third distance, respectively, is defined as F2, F2 may be between 0.2 and 0.8 times F1.

[0015] In another form of the jig of this embodiment, when the angle of inclination of the portion of the first adjustment unit with respect to the loading direction of the folded sheets on the first side is θ1, the angle of inclination of the portion of the second adjustment unit with respect to the loading direction of the folded sheets on the second side is θ2, and the angle of inclination of the portion of the third adjustment unit with respect to the loading direction of the folded sheets on the third side is θ3, the first regulating unit, the second regulating unit, and the third regulating unit may regulate the rotation of the first adjustment unit, the second adjustment unit, and the third adjustment unit within a range where θ1, θ2, and θ3 are each 60° or less.

[0016] In another form of the jig of this embodiment, the first regulating portion, the second regulating portion, and the third regulating portion may regulate the rotation of the first adjusting portion, the second adjusting portion, and the third adjusting portion within a range in which the first distance, the second distance, and the third distance are each 50 mm or less.

[0017] The signature feeder according to this embodiment includes the jig, can hold a plurality of signatures, and sequentially supplies the signatures in the bottom row to the bookbinding machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a jig for use in a signature feeder and a signature feeder that can reduce the effect of the weight of the signatures in the upper tier when stacked without using complex mechanisms or special parts, and can efficiently supply the signatures in the bottom tier sequentially to a binding machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a jig used in a signature feeder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are a front view and a side view illustrating the configuration of the jig in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the configuration of the edge side unit and the first top and bottom side unit of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are partially enlarged views corresponding to FIGS. 3C and 3D, illustrating the configuration of the second top and bottom unit. [Figure 5] 10 is a partially enlarged view of an edge-side unit and a first top-bottom-side unit corresponding to FIG. 3, illustrating an example of a jig used in a signature feeder according to a modified example of the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An example of a jig and a signature feeder used in the signature feeder of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, etc. However, the jig and signature feeder of the present disclosure are not limited to the apparatus and method according to the embodiment described below.

[0021] The figures shown below are schematic illustrations. Therefore, the size and shape of each part, the thickness of each layer in the cross-sectional view, etc., are appropriately exaggerated for ease of understanding. Hatching indicating the cross section of a component is also omitted where appropriate in each figure. The numerical values, such as dimensions, and material names of each component described in this specification are examples of embodiments and are not limited to these. They may be selected and used as appropriate. In this specification, terms specifying shape or geometric conditions, such as parallel, orthogonal, and vertical, are intended to include not only their strict meanings but also substantially the same state. For convenience of explanation, terms such as "upper" or "lower" relative to the paper may be used, but the up-down direction may be reversed, and the same applies to the left-right direction.

[0022] 1. Embodiments of the present disclosure A typical embodiment of a jig and a signature feeder used in the signature feeder of the present disclosure will be described. Here, for convenience of describing the jig and the signature feeder, an XYZ coordinate system is provided. In the load reduction jig 1 and the signature feeder 10, the X axis is set along the conveying direction of the conveyor chain 210 of the signatures 710 supplied to the binding machine 2, and the Z axis is set along the vertical direction. Furthermore, the Y axis is set perpendicular to the X axis and the Z axis. In the binding machine 2, the signatures 710 fed from the signature feeder 10 become signatures 710a straddling the conveyor chain 210 in a saddle-like manner and are conveyed from right to left on the page in FIG. 1 . At this time, the direction in which the signatures 710a are conveyed is defined as the -X direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the +X direction. Regarding the Y axis, the direction from the front side to the back side of the page is defined as the +Y direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the -Y direction. The vertical upward direction is defined as the +Z direction, and the vertical downward direction is defined as the -Z direction.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a signature feeder 10 and a load reduction jig 1 used therein. FIG. 2(a) is a front view of a portion of signature feeder 10 and load reduction jig 1 as viewed from the -Y direction, illustrating the configuration of load reduction jig 1 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2(b) is a side view of the same as viewed from the +X direction. FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) and FIGS. 3(c) and 3(d) are similar to FIGS. 2(b) and 2(a), respectively, and are enlarged views illustrating the detailed configuration of edge-side unit 50 and first top-bottom unit 30. FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are similar to FIGS. 3(c) and 3(d), respectively, and are enlarged views illustrating the detailed configuration of second top-bottom unit 40.

[0024] The signature feeder 10 can load a large number of signatures 710 in a vertical direction, i.e., along the Z axis, so that the main surfaces of the signatures 710 are aligned in the XY plane, i.e., horizontal direction. The signature feeder 10 sequentially supplies the lowest signatures 710 in a stack of signatures 720 thus loaded to the binding machine 2. Details of the supplying method may conform to, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 mentioned above, or may be based on other known methods. For example, according to the configuration of Patent Document 2, the binding machine 2 includes, for example, an inserter, a conveyor chain 210, a wire stitcher, a three-side trimmer, and other components not shown. The signature feeder 10 supports the majority of the signatures placed on a horizontal table and supports the leading edge of the signature protruding from the table by slightly hooking it with a hook portion.

[0025] The portion of the signature 710 that protrudes from the table is then sucked from below by a suction member and pulled to the insertion machine. In the insertion machine, the tip of the pressure claw is clamped between the drum and the pressure claw, and the signature 710 is removed from the feeder as the drum rotates. The insertion machine then opens the signature using a release roller, and then inserts it into a drop-shaped signature 710a by timing it with the insertion positioning portion of the conveyor chain 210 that moves directly below the insertion machine. The signatures 710, which are stored in a stack in this way, are sent to the insertion machine by pulling them out one by one from below.

[0026] The inserter takes signatures 710 from signature feeders 10, opens them, and drops them onto conveyor chain 210 as saddle-shaped signatures 710a. Conveyor chain 210 moves along its conveying direction under multiple signature feeders 10 and inserters, stacking multiple types of signatures 710 in order as saddle-shaped signatures 710a, and conveying them in a predetermined direction. The wire stitcher reciprocates along conveyor chain 210, saddle-stitching the folded portions of the stack of signatures 710a. The three-edge trimmer cuts three edges of the book, i.e., the top and bottom edges and the fore-edge, after the book has been saddle-stitched by the wire stitcher.

[0027] The signature feeder 10 according to the embodiment is equipped with a load reduction jig 1 having the following configuration, which reduces the effect of the load of the upper signatures when signatures 710 are stacked and enables the signatures in the bottom layer to be fed sequentially to the binding machine smoothly. The load reduction jig 1 is also simply referred to as a jig. When multiple signatures 710 are loaded on the signature feeder 10, the load reduction jig 1 includes a first unit extending along the loading direction of the signatures on a first side surface that faces the feed direction of the signatures 710, among four sides formed by a bundle 720 of the signatures 710.

[0028] The load reducing jig 1 also includes a second unit and a third unit extending along the signature stacking direction on a second side surface and a third side surface that are adjacent to and face each other with respect to the first side surface. The supply direction of signatures 710 refers to the direction in which an operator supplies a bundle 720 of signatures 710 to signature feeder 10. In FIG. 1 , the operator supplies bundle 720 of signatures 710 to signature feeder 10 from the -Y direction side toward the +Y direction side of signature feeder 10. Therefore, the supply direction is the +Y direction.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit are referred to as edge-side unit 50, first top-bottom side unit 30, and second top-bottom side unit 40, respectively. This is because the first unit is provided on a first side that will be the edge side of signatures 710 loaded on signature feeder 10 after cutting, and the second unit and the third unit are provided on the second and third sides that will be the top and bottom sides after cutting, respectively. However, the orientation of signatures 710 loaded on signature feeder 10 is not necessarily limited to this.

[0030] The fore-edge side unit 50, which is the first unit, includes a first fixed portion 520 and a first rotation support portion 540 connected to the first fixed portion 520. The fore-edge side unit 50 also includes a first adjustment portion 530 connected to the first rotation support portion 540 and capable of rotationally moving relative to the first fixed portion 520 via the first rotation support portion 540. The fore-edge side unit 50 also includes a first adjustment screw 570 as a first restriction portion that restricts the rotation of the first adjustment portion 530 so that a portion of the first adjustment portion 530 is held in a state where it is pressed a first distance into the stack of signatures 710, and that can change the first distance.

[0031] Here, first rotation support unit 540, first adjustment unit 530, and first adjustment screw 570 are each configured to be separated into two locations along the vertical direction, which is the stacking direction of signatures 710. That is, first fixed unit 520 is provided with rotation support unit 541 on its +Z direction side as first rotation support unit 540, and rotation support unit 542 on its −Z direction side. Furthermore, rotation support unit 541 is provided with adjustment unit 531 of first adjustment unit 530 that is capable of rotational movement relative to first fixed unit 520 via rotation support unit 541. Meanwhile, rotation support unit 542 is provided with adjustment unit 532 of first adjustment unit 530 that is capable of rotational movement relative to first fixed unit 520 via rotation support unit 542.

[0032] Furthermore, adjustment screw 571 of first adjustment screw 570 is provided as a first restriction unit that restricts rotation of adjustment unit 531 and is capable of changing L1 so that a portion of adjustment unit 531 is held in a state where it is pushed into bundle 720 of signatures 710 by a first distance L1. Typically, this portion of adjustment unit 531 is the tip portion of adjustment unit 531 that faces toward bundle 720 of signatures 710. The same applies to adjustment unit 531, second adjustment unit 330, and third adjustment unit 430.

[0033] In addition, an adjustment screw 572 of the first adjustment screw 570 is provided which restricts the rotation of the adjustment section 532 and is capable of changing L2 so that a portion of the adjustment section 532 is held pressed into the inside of the stack 720 of the signatures 710 by a first distance L2.

[0034] On the other hand, the first top-bottom unit 30, which is the second unit, includes a second fixed portion 320 and a second rotation support portion 340 connected to the second fixed portion 320. The first top-bottom unit 30 also includes a second adjustment portion 330 connected to the second rotation support portion 340 and capable of rotationally moving relative to the second fixed portion 320 via the second rotation support portion 340. The first top-bottom unit 30 further includes a second adjustment screw 350 as a second restriction portion that restricts the rotation of the second adjustment portion 330 so that a portion of the second adjustment portion 330 is held in a state where it is pushed a second distance into the bundle 720 of signatures 710, and that can change the second distance.

[0035] Further, second top-bottom side unit 40, which is a third unit disposed opposite to second unit 710, includes third fixed portion 420 and third rotation support portion 440 connected to third fixed portion 420. Second top-bottom side unit 40 includes third adjustment portion 430 connected to third rotation support portion 440 and capable of rotational movement relative to third fixed portion 420 via third rotation support portion 440. Second top-bottom side unit 40 further includes third adjustment screw 450 as a third restriction portion that restricts rotation of third adjustment portion 430 and is capable of changing the third distance so that a portion of third adjustment portion 430 is held in a state where it is pressed a third distance into bundle 720 of signatures 710.

[0036] In the load reducing jig 1 having the first unit, second unit, and third unit as described above, a portion of each of adjustment units 531 and 532 constituting first adjustment unit 530 is pushed a first distance L1 and L2, respectively, into bundle 720 of signatures 710. Also, a portion of second adjustment unit 330 is pushed a second distance into bundle 720 of signatures 710, and a portion of third adjustment unit 430 is pushed a third distance into bundle 720 of signatures 710.

[0037] Here, the position of the part of each of the adjustment sections 531 and 532 constituting the first adjustment section 530 in the loading direction, i.e., in the Z-axis direction, is different from the position of the part of the second adjustment section 330 in the loading direction or the position of the part of the third adjustment section 430 in the loading direction.

[0038] In this way, by including the load reducing jig 1 in the signature feeder 10 according to the embodiment, the stack 720 of signatures 710 can be partially supported from three different sides. That is, the load reducing jig 1 can be adjusted so that the first adjustment unit 530, the second adjustment unit 330, and the third adjustment unit 430 are partially pressed into the stack 720 of signatures 710 by a predetermined amount in three directions: the first side and the adjacent second and third side faces.

[0039] When the side opposite the first side of the bundle of signatures 710 is defined as the fourth side, back plates 610 and 620 extending in the vertical direction are arranged side by side on the left and right of the fourth side of signature feeder 10, as shown in Fig. 1. These act as a butting jig on the fourth side, i.e., the +Y direction side, when a bundle of signatures 710 is loaded onto signature feeder 10, and prevent signatures 710 from jumping out and shifting in the +Y direction. Such a butting jig may be provided on the second side or the third side.

[0040] As described above, the amount by which the first adjustment unit 530, the second adjustment unit 330, and the third adjustment unit 430 push some of the signatures 710 into the bundle 720 can be adjusted. As a result, the weight of the signatures stacked above is cumulatively applied to the lowest signature 710, one copy of which is picked up from signature feeder 10 as a signature to be collated, but this load is reduced by the load reduction jig 1. This is because by pushing the first adjustment unit 530, the second adjustment unit 330, and the third adjustment unit 430 by a predetermined amount, the weight of the part of the bundle of signatures 710 stacked above that part can be prevented from acting downward.

[0041] This reduces the possibility that a picked-up signature will be soiled or damaged due to friction with a signature above it when picked up, even if the number of signatures 710 that can be loaded on signature feeder 10 is increased. As a result, the number of times that an operator needs to supply bundles 720 of signatures 710 to signature feeder 10 can be reduced, improving workability and signature quality.

[0042] On the other hand, if the position of the portion of first adjustment unit 530 in the stacking direction is the same as the positions of the portion of second adjustment unit 330 and third adjustment unit 430 in the stacking direction, the load from above on the bundle of signatures 710 below that position is significantly reduced, causing the behavior of the signatures 710 below to become unstable. In other words, the signatures 710 are more likely to shift in the XY plane, which can lead to bending or damage to the signatures 710, and ultimately to pickup errors and the like.

[0043] In contrast, in this embodiment, the position of the portion of the first adjustment unit 530 pushed into the stack of signatures 710 in the stacking direction is different from the position of the portion of the second adjustment unit 330 in the stacking direction or the position of the portion of the third adjustment unit 430 in the stacking direction. Therefore, regardless of the position of the signatures 710 in the stacking direction, the load load received from the portion of the stack of signatures 710 above is maintained at an appropriate level, and a sudden decrease in this load is suppressed. This stabilizes the position of the signatures 710 in the XY plane, improving the quality of the signatures 710 and stabilizing pickup. The following describes in detail the configuration of the load reducing jig 1 used in the signature feeder 10.

[0044] [a] End unit 1, when multiple signatures 710 are loaded on signature feeder 10, edge-side unit 50 is provided so as to extend along the loading direction of signatures 710 on a first side surface of four sides formed by bundle 720 of signatures 710, the first side surface facing the supply direction of signatures 710, i.e., the +Y direction. Of the four sides formed by bundle 720 of signatures 710, the first side surface is a surface parallel to the XZ plane that is formed at the end on the -Y direction side.

[0045] The edge-side unit 50 includes a first fixed portion 520 that is fixed relatively to the housing of the signature feeder 10 or the binding machine 2, and two height-adjustment pieces 550 that are fixed at different positions in the stacking direction relative to the first fixed portion 520. The first fixed portion 520 is made of a metal or resin member, or a combination of both. The height-adjustment piece 550 is a metal or resin plate that is separated into a first height-adjustment piece 551 on the +Z direction side and a second height-adjustment piece 552 on the -Z direction side.

[0046] A through-hole is formed in the lower end of first fixing portion 520 along the X-axis direction, and support shaft 510 corresponding to the size of the through-hole passes through this through-hole. In addition, first fixing portion 520 can be fixed to support shaft 510 by pushing mounting screw 511 through another screw hole provided in first fixing portion 520 and pressing the tip of the screw against support shaft 510. Support shaft 510 is a member fixed relatively to the housing of signature feeder 10 or binding machine 2. With this configuration, first fixing portion 520 can slide along the X-axis direction relative to signature feeder 10 or binding machine 2, making it easy to change its position.

[0047] Furthermore, support shaft 510 may be configured to be further movable and adjustable along the Y-axis direction relative to signature feeder 10 or binding machine 2. In this case, the position of first fixing portion 520 can be easily changed along the two directions of the X-axis and Y-axis relative to signature feeder 10 or binding machine 2, and the size of load reducing jig 1 or signature feeder 10 can be easily adjusted even when the length and width dimensions of signatures 710 are changed.

[0048] The lower side of the first fixing portion 520 is formed from a single member, but it branches off to the left and right in the X-axis direction midway and extends upward while being separated into two rows. Furthermore, the portion of the first fixing portion 520 excluding its upper end is arranged in a direction generally along the first side surface, but the first frame 520a and the second frame 520b separated into two rows at the upper end both have a configuration in which they are bent in a direction away from the stack of signatures 710. In other words, the separated upper end of the first fixing portion 520 has a shape that widens toward the -Y direction.

[0049] Such a shape of the upper end of first fixing portion 520 improves the workability of an operator when supplying bundle 720 of signatures 710 to signature feeder 10. Furthermore, during the operation of supplying signatures 710, problems such as the end of signature 710 colliding with the upper end of first fixing portion 520 and being bent, or signature 710 tilting inside signature feeder 10 can be prevented.

[0050] A plurality of through holes 560 are formed in the first fixing portion 520 in the direction along the Z axis, and through holes are also formed in the first height adjustment piece 551 and the second height adjustment piece 552. As a result, the height of the arrangement of the first height adjustment piece 551 and the second height adjustment piece 552 can be adjusted by inserting a screw inserted into the through holes of the first height adjustment piece 551 and the second height adjustment piece 552 into the through holes 560 at predetermined positions in the first fixing portion 520. The through holes 560 in the first fixing portion 520 may be screw holes.

[0051] One ends of rotation support portions 541 and 542 serving as first rotation support portion 540, exemplified by a hinge, are fixed to first height adjustment piece 551 and second height adjustment piece 552. Adjustment portions 531 and 532 serving as first adjustment portion 530, exemplified by a metal plate or a resin plate, are fixed to the other ends of rotation support portions 541 and 542. As a result, adjustment portions 531 and 532 can rotate relative to first height adjustment piece 551 and second height adjustment piece 552, in other words, relative to first fixed portion 520, via rotation support portions 541 and 542.

[0052] First rotation support part 540 is not limited to a hinge, and may be configured to rotate height adjustment piece 550 and first adjustment part 530 relative to one another, for example, one of which may be a cylindrical rod and the other a hollow rod with an inner diameter corresponding to that of the cylindrical rod. However, by using a commercially available hinge made of metal, resin, or a combination of metal and resin as first rotation support part 540, the components of fore-opening side unit 50 can be standardized, making it easier to design and process fore-opening side unit 50.

[0053] Further, threaded holes (not shown) are formed in each of first height adjustment piece 551 and second height adjustment piece 552, and corresponding adjustment screws 571 and 572 are screwed into the threaded holes as first adjustment screw 570, which is a first restriction part. By adjusting the amount that adjustment screws 571 and 572 are screwed into first height adjustment piece 551 and second height adjustment piece 552, it is possible to adjust the limit value of the rotation angle of adjustment parts 531 and 532 that constitute first adjustment part 530, which will be described later.

[0054] 2(b), lower end spacers 583 and 584 for adjusting the distance between first height adjustment piece 551 and second height adjustment piece 552 and first fixed portion 520 are provided between them. The presence of lower end spacers 583 and 584 makes it possible to adjust the amount by which adjustment screws 571 and 572 protrude toward bundle 720 of signatures 710 and the amount by which first adjustment portion 530 pushes a portion of signatures 710 into bundle 720.

[0055] Furthermore, upper end spacers 581 and 582 for adjusting the distance between rotation support units 541 and 542, which are first rotation support unit 540, and adjustment units 531 and 532, which are first adjustment unit 530, are provided. The presence of upper end spacers 581 and 582 allows adjustment of the amount by which first adjustment unit 530 pushes some signatures 710 into bundle 720.

[0056] The adjustment units 531 and 532, which are first adjustment units 530 fixed to the other ends of the rotation support units 541 and 542, may have a flat main surface, or may have a main surface with one or more bends or curves. Furthermore, the shape of a portion of the adjustment units 531 and 532 on the side where the bundle of signatures 710 is pushed in may be such that both ends along the main surface are chamfered in a substantially arc shape. Alternatively, a portion of the adjustment units 531 and 532 made of a metal plate or the like on the side where the bundle of signatures 710 is pushed in may be coated with a resin or the like. This can prevent damage to the signatures 710 when a portion of the first adjustment unit 530 is pushed into the bundle of signatures 710.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first fixing portion 520 is provided with two first rotation support portions 540 fixed along the stacking direction of the signatures 710, and two first adjustment portions 530 are fixed to the two first rotation support portions 540. However, the number of first rotation support portions 540 and first adjustment portions 530 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. Reducing the number to one simplifies the configuration of the edge side unit 50 and reduces costs. Reducing the number to three or more effectively prevents the bundle 720 of signatures 710 from protruding outward from the first side surface, i.e., in the -Y direction, and enhances the effect of reducing the impact of the weight of the signatures in the upper tier during stacking.

[0058] [b] First top and bottom unit and second top and bottom unit 1, when multiple signatures 710 are loaded on signature feeder 10, first top and bottom unit 30 is provided so as to extend along the loading direction of signatures 710 on a second side surface adjacent to a first side surface facing the feeding direction of signatures 710, among the four sides formed by the bundle of signatures 710. The second side surface is a surface parallel to the YZ plane, which is formed, for example, at the end on the -X direction side, among the four sides formed by the bundle of signatures 710.

[0059] First top and bottom unit 30 includes second fixed portion 320, which is fixed relatively to signature feeder 10 or the housing of bookbinding machine 2, and second rotation support portion 340, exemplified as a hinge, having one end fixed to second fixed portion 320. Second adjustment portion 330, exemplified as a metal plate or a resin plate, is fixed to the other end of second rotation support portion 340. As a result, second adjustment portion 330 can rotate relative to second fixed portion 320 via second rotation support portion 340. Second fixed portion 320 is made of a metal member or a resin member, or a combination of both.

[0060] The second fixing portion 320 is adjustably fixed to the auxiliary shaft 310, which extends in the Y-axis direction along the second side surface, by a method such as screwing, so that the attachment position of the second fixing portion 320 can be changed along the Y-axis direction. The auxiliary shaft 310 is fixed at its end on the +Y direction side to the support shaft 300, which extends along the X-axis direction. As will be described later, the auxiliary shaft 410 for fixing the third fixing portion 420 is also fixed to the support shaft 300. The support shaft 300 is a member fixed relatively to the housing of the signature feeder 10 or the binding machine 2. This configuration makes it easy to change the position of the second fixing portion 320 along the Y-axis direction relative to the signature feeder 10 or the binding machine 2.

[0061] Furthermore, auxiliary shaft 310 may be configured to be further movable and adjustable along the X-axis direction relative to signature feeder 10 or binding machine 2. In this case, the position of second fixing portion 320 can be easily changed along the two directions of the X-axis and Y-axis relative to signature feeder 10 or binding machine 2, and the size of load reducing jig 1 or signature feeder 10 can be easily adjusted even when the length and width dimensions of signatures 710 are changed.

[0062] One end of a second rotation support part 340, exemplified as a hinge, is fixed near the lower side of the second fixed part 320. A second adjustment part 330, exemplified as a metal plate or a resin plate, is fixed to the other end of the second rotation support part 340. As a result, the second adjustment part 330 can rotate relative to the second fixed part 320 via the second rotation support part 340. Note that, like the first rotation support part 540, the second rotation support part 340 can also have a configuration that is not limited to a hinge.

[0063] A threaded hole (not shown) is formed above second adjustment part 330, and second adjustment screw 350, which is a second restriction part, is screwed into the threaded hole. By adjusting the amount that second adjustment screw 350 is screwed into second adjustment part 330, the limit value of the rotation angle of second adjustment screw 350 can be adjusted.

[0064] 2(a) and other figures, the first top-bottom side unit 30 may also have spacers for adjusting the gap between the second fixing portion 320 and the second rotation support portion 340 or between the second rotation support portion 340 and the second adjustment portion 330, similar to the fore-edge side unit 50. This makes it possible to adjust the amount by which the second adjustment screw 350 protrudes toward the bundle 720 of signatures 710, and to adjust the amount by which the second adjustment portion 330 pushes some of the signatures 710 into the bundle 720.

[0065] The second adjustment unit 330 fixed to the other end of the second rotation support unit 340 may have a flat main surface, or may have a shape in which the main surface is bent or curved at one or more locations. Furthermore, the shape of a portion of the second adjustment unit 330 on the side where the bundle 720 of signatures 710 is pushed may be such that both ends along the main surface are chamfered in a generally arc shape. Alternatively, a portion of the second adjustment unit 330 made of a metal plate or the like on the side where the bundle 710 of signatures 710 is pushed may be coated with a resin or the like. This can reduce damage to the signatures 710 when a portion of the second adjustment unit 330 is pushed into the bundle 720 of signatures 710.

[0066] The second top-bottom unit 40 has a similar configuration to the first top-bottom unit 30 described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. As shown in Fig. 1, the second top-bottom unit 40 is provided so as to extend along the stacking direction of the signatures 710 on a third side surface, which is adjacent to the first side surface and faces the second side surface, of the four sides formed by a bundle 720 of the signatures 710 when the multiple signatures 710 are loaded on the signature feeder 10. The third side surface is a surface parallel to the YZ plane and formed, for example, at the end on the +X direction side of the four sides formed by the bundle of signatures 710.

[0067] The second top-bottom unit 40 has the same configuration as the first top-bottom unit 30, except that the second fixing portion 320, the second rotation support portion 340, the second adjustment portion 330, and the second adjusting screw 350 (the second restricting portion) are replaced with the following: a third fixing portion 420, a third rotation support portion 440, a third adjustment portion 430, and a third adjusting screw 450 (the third restricting portion). As described above, the third fixing portion 420 is fixed to the auxiliary shaft 410, which extends in the Y-axis direction along the third side surface, by a method such as screwing, so that its position can be adjusted. The auxiliary shaft 410 has its end on the +Y direction side fixed to the support shaft 300, which extends in the X-axis direction.

[0068] [c] How to adjust the load reduction jig Next, a method for adjusting the load reducing jig 1 of this embodiment will be described mainly with reference to Figures 3 and 4. First, assume that the edge-side unit 50 and the first top-bottom-side unit 30 are in the positions shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(c). Also assume that the second top-bottom-side unit 40 is arranged in a position substantially symmetrical to the first top-bottom-side unit 30 with respect to the YZ plane, as shown in Figure 4(a). In this case, the entire area of ​​the adjustment sections 531 and 532 that make up the first adjustment section 530 of the edge-side unit 50 is positioned outside the end face of the first fixed section 520 on the +Y direction side, i.e., on the -Y direction side.

[0069] Furthermore, the entire second adjustment section 330 of the first top-bottom unit 30 is disposed outside the +X-direction end face of the second fixing section 320, i.e., on the -X-direction side. Similarly, the entire third adjustment section 430 of the second top-bottom unit 40 is disposed outside the -X-direction end face of the third fixing section 420, i.e., on the +X-direction side. In this case, the bundle 720 of signatures 710 loaded on signature feeder 10 is not pushed by the adjustment sections from any of the first side, second side, and third side, and therefore the weight of the signatures loaded above is cumulatively applied to the lowest signature to be picked up. In other words, the effect of providing load reducing jig 1 is not achieved.

[0070] In response to this, the fore-edge-side unit 50, the first top-bottom-side unit 30, and the second top-bottom-side unit 40 are adjusted to the states shown in Figures 3(b), 3(d), and 4(b), respectively. Specifically, the adjustment screws 571 and 572 of the fore-edge-side unit 50 are turned a predetermined amount to screw their tips into the +Y direction of the first height adjustment piece 551 and the second height adjustment piece 552. This restricts rotation of the adjustment parts 531 and 532 about the X axis via the rotation support parts 541 and 542.

[0071] Furthermore, the second adjustment screw 350 of the first top-bottom side unit 30 is turned a predetermined amount, and its tip is screwed into the +X direction relative to the second adjustment part 330. This restricts rotation of the second adjustment part 330 about the axis along the Y axis via the second rotation support part 340. Furthermore, for the second top-bottom side unit 40, the third adjustment screw 450 is turned a predetermined amount, and its tip is screwed into the -X direction relative to the third adjustment part 330. This restricts rotation of the third adjustment part 430 about the axis along the Y axis via the third rotation support part 440.

[0072] 3(b), lines m1 and m2 are defined as lines along the Z axis that pass through the tips of the adjustment units 531 and 532 on the +Y direction side. The end of the first fixing unit 520 on the +Y direction side of the fore-edge unit 50 substantially overlaps with line n1 along the Z axis. Furthermore, lines m3 and m4 are defined as lines that pass through the centers in the thickness direction near the tips of the adjustment units 531 and 532 on the +Y direction side, respectively.

[0073] In this case, the angle formed by the lines n1 and m1 and the line m3 that opens counterclockwise relative to the -Z direction is θ1, and the angle formed by the lines n1 and m2 and the line m4 that opens counterclockwise relative to the -Z direction is θ2. Furthermore, the distance between the lines n1 and m1 along the Y axis is L1, and the distance between the lines n1 and m2 along the Y axis is L2. Furthermore, the heights along the Z axis from the reference line GL with respect to a line that runs along the Y axis and passes through the tips of the adjustment units 531 and 532 on the +Y direction side are H1 and H2. The reference line GL is included in a reference plane that substantially coincides with the bottom surface of the bottommost tier of the bundle 720 of signatures 710 loaded on the signature feeder 10. The reference line GL also substantially overlaps with the bottommost surface of the first fixing unit 520 of the edge side unit 50.

[0074] A portion of the tip of each of the adjustment units 531 and 532 on the +Y direction side is held in a state where it is pushed into the bundle of signatures 710 by distances L1 and L2, and its rotation is restricted. That is, as described above, the adjustment units 531 and 532 cannot rotate clockwise around the X axis by angles smaller than angles θ1 and θ2, respectively, because they abut against the adjustment screws 571 and 572. Therefore, even if an external force is applied from the signatures 710, the portion of each of the adjustment units 531 and 532 can be maintained in a state where it is pushed into the bundle of signatures 710 by distances L1 and L2. Here, distances L1 and L2 are also referred to as first distances.

[0075] 3(d), a line passing through the tip of the second adjustment unit 330 on the +X direction side and along the Z axis is designated as line m5. The end of the second fixing unit 320 of the first top-bottom unit 30 on the +X direction side substantially overlaps with line n2 along the Z axis. A line passing through the center of the thickness direction near the tip of the second adjustment unit 330 on the +X direction side is designated as line m6. The second adjustment unit 330 has a bent configuration, with a portion near the tip on the +X direction side and a portion further away from the tip in the -X direction. That is, if a line passing through the center of the thickness direction near the tip of the second adjustment unit 330 on the +X direction side is designated as line m6, and a line passing through the center of the thickness direction of the portion of the second adjustment unit 330 further away from the tip on the +X direction side is designated as line m7, then lines m6 and m7 are not parallel to each other.

[0076] In this case, the angle formed by lines n2 and m5 with line m6, which opens counterclockwise with respect to the -Z direction, is θ3, and the angle formed by lines m5 with line m7 is θ4. In this embodiment, θ4 is smaller than θ3. The distance along the X axis between lines n2 and m5 is L3. Furthermore, the height along the Z axis from reference line GL with respect to a line along the X axis that passes through the tip of second adjustment unit 330 on the +X direction side is H3.

[0077] A portion of the second adjustment unit 330 constituting the leading end on the +X direction side is held in a state where it is pushed a distance L3 into the interior of the bundle 720 of signatures 710, and its rotation is restricted. That is, as described above, the portion of the second adjustment unit 330 near the leading end abuts against the second adjustment screw 350, preventing it from rotating clockwise around the Y axis to an angle smaller than θ3. Therefore, even if an external force is applied from the signatures 710, the portion of the second adjustment unit 330 can be maintained in a state where it is pushed a distance L3 into the interior of the bundle 720 of signatures 710. Here, the distance L3 is also referred to as the second distance.

[0078] The same applies to the second top-bottom unit 40 as to the first top-bottom unit 30. As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the second top-bottom unit 40 and the first top-bottom unit 30 can have substantially the same configuration, or can have substantially plane-symmetrical configurations. In Figure 4(b), a line passing through the tip of the third adjustment part 430 on the -X direction side and along the Z axis is designated as line m8. Furthermore, the end of the third fixing part 420 of the second top-bottom unit 40 on the -X direction side substantially overlaps with line n3 along the Z axis.

[0079] Furthermore, a line passing through the center in the thickness direction near the tip of third adjustment unit 430 on the -X direction side is defined as line m9. Third adjustment unit 430 is configured such that a portion near the tip on the -X direction side and a portion further away from that tip in the +X direction are bent. That is, if a line passing through the center in the thickness direction near the tip of third adjustment unit 430 on the -X direction side is defined as line m9, and a line passing through the center in the thickness direction of a portion further away from the tip of third adjustment unit 430 on the -X direction side in the +X direction is defined as line m10, lines m9 and m10 are not parallel to each other.

[0080] In this case, the angle formed by the lines n3 and m8 and the line m9 that opens clockwise with respect to the -Z direction is θ5, and the angle formed by the lines m8 and the line m10 is θ6. In this embodiment, θ6 is smaller than θ5. The distance along the X axis between the lines n3 and m8 is L4. Furthermore, the height along the Z axis from the line along the X axis that passes through the tip of the third adjustment unit 430 on the -X direction side and the reference line GL is H4.

[0081] A portion of the third adjustment unit 430 constituting the leading end on the -X direction side is held in a state where it is pushed a distance L4 into the interior of the bundle 720 of signatures 710, and its rotation is restricted. That is, as described above, the portion of the third adjustment unit 430 near the leading end abuts against the third adjustment screw 450, preventing it from rotating counterclockwise around the Y axis to an angle smaller than θ5. Therefore, even if an external force is applied from the signatures 710, the portion of the third adjustment unit 430 can be maintained in a state where it is pushed a distance L4 into the interior of the bundle 720 of signatures 710. Here, the distance L4 is also referred to as the third distance.

[0082] Here, the position of the portion of the first adjustment unit 530 pushed into the bundle 720 of signatures 710 in the stacking direction can be, for example, H1 and H2, which are heights along the Z axis from a reference line GL with respect to a line along the Y axis that passes through the tips of the adjustment units 531 and 532 on the +Y direction side. Furthermore, the position of the portion of the second adjustment unit 330 pushed into the bundle of signatures 710 in the stacking direction can be, for example, H3, which is height along the Z axis from a reference line GL with respect to a line along the X axis that passes through the tips of the second adjustment unit 330 on the +X direction side. Furthermore, the position of the portion of the third adjustment unit 430 pushed into the bundle of signatures 710 in the stacking direction can be, for example, H4, which is height along the Z axis from a reference line GL with respect to a line along the X axis that passes through the tips of the third adjustment unit 430 on the −X direction side.

[0083] In this case, H1 is greater than H2, and H1 and H2 are both different from H3 or H4. Conversely, H1, H2, H3, and H4 are set so that H1, H3, and H4 are never the same value, and H2, H3, and H4 are never the same value. This ensures that the load applied by a portion of the stack of signatures 710 above is maintained at an appropriate level for any position of signature 710 in the stacking direction, and prevents a sudden decrease in this load. This stabilizes the position of signature 710 in the XY plane, improving the quality of signature 710 and stabilizing pickup.

[0084] Furthermore, the first distances L1 and L2, the second distance L3, and the third distance L4 can be easily changed simply by adjusting the first adjustment screw 570, the second adjustment screw 350, and the third adjustment screw 450, which are general-purpose screw components. By pushing a portion of the first adjustment unit 530, the second adjustment unit 330, and the third adjustment unit 430 by a predetermined amount, the weight of a portion of the stack of signatures 710 loaded above that portion can be prevented from acting downward. This reduces the possibility of the picked-up signatures 710 rubbing against the signatures above them during pickup, even if the number of signatures 710 that can be loaded on the signature feeder 10 is increased. As a result, the number of times an operator needs to supply a stack of signatures 710 to the signature feeder 10 can be reduced, improving workability and signature quality.

[0085] An experiment was conducted in which 16-page signatures, each weighing 63.5 kg when 1,000 sheets were stacked, were loaded on signature feeder 10 using load reducing jig 1 of this embodiment, and the following was found. That is, without load reducing jig 1, or without any pushing by first adjustment unit 530, second adjustment unit 330, or third adjustment unit 430 as shown in Figures 3(a), 3(c), and 4(a), signatures 710 could only be loaded up to a height of 240 mm. When signatures 710 were loaded beyond this height, signature feeder 10 could no longer properly pick up signatures from the bottom row.

[0086] On the other hand, when the first distances L1 and L2, the second distance L3, and the third distance L4 were set within the range of 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less, the signatures 710 could be loaded up to a height of 650 mm regardless of the magnitude of these values. In other words, it was confirmed that signatures could be normally picked up from the bottom row of signature feeder 10 even when loaded up to this height. In this experiment, it was found that when load reduction jig 1 was set to be effective, approximately 2.7 times as many signatures 710 could be loaded as compared to when it was not used.

[0087] In another experiment, signature feeder 10 was loaded with 16-page signatures, each weighing 31.5 kg when 1,000 sheets were stacked, and the following was found: That is, without load reducing jig 1, signatures 710 could only be loaded up to a height of 270 mm. When signatures 710 were loaded beyond this height, signature feeder 10 was unable to properly pick up signatures from the bottom row.

[0088] On the other hand, when the first distances L1 and L2, the second distance L3, and the third distance L4 were set within the range of 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less, the signatures 710 could be loaded up to a height of 530 mm regardless of the magnitude of these values. In other words, it was confirmed that signatures could be normally picked up from the bottom row of signature feeder 10 even in this case. In this experiment, it was found that when load reduction jig 1 was set to be effective, approximately 1.9 times as many signatures 710 could be loaded as compared to when it was not used.

[0089] In these experiments, H1 was set to 80 mm, H2 to 150 mm, and H3 and H4 to 100 mm. That is, each adjustment unit was arranged so that the position in the stacking direction of the leading edge of a part of second adjustment unit 330 and third adjustment unit 430, which faces the stack of signatures 710, was included in the range sandwiched between the positions of the part of adjustment units 531 and 532 of first adjustment unit 530 in the stacking direction. With this arrangement, adjustment unit 531 of first adjustment unit 530, which is located at the highest position in the stacking direction, can effectively prevent bundle of signatures 710 abutting against back plates 610 and 620 on the fourth side surface from protruding forward, i.e., in the -Y direction, due to vibration or the like.

[0090] Then, the second adjustment unit 330 and the third adjustment unit 430, which are located at the second and third positions in the stacking direction, can reduce the load of the upper bundle of signatures 710 that is applied to the signatures 710 that are located below the pushing position. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 532 of the first adjustment unit 530, which is located at the lowest position in the stacking direction, can reduce the load of the upper bundle of signatures 710 that is applied to the signatures 710 that are located below the pushing position.

[0091] Furthermore, because the pushing position of the adjustment unit 532 is lower than the pushing positions of the second adjustment unit 330 and the third adjustment unit 430, a sudden decrease in the load received from a portion of the stack of signatures 710 above is suppressed. This also stabilizes the position of the signatures 710 in the XY plane, improving the quality of the signatures 710 and stabilizing pickup.

[0092] Meanwhile, the first distances L1 and L2, the second distance L3, and the third distance L4 are all adjustable between 0 mm and 50 mm. Furthermore, the angles θ1 and θ2 of the tip of the first adjustment unit 530, the angle θ3 of the tip of the second adjustment unit, and the angle θ5 of the tip of the third adjustment unit are each set to be 60° or less, so that the rotation of the first adjustment unit 530, the second adjustment unit 330, and the third adjustment unit 430 can be restricted.

[0093] Because the first distance, second distance, and third distance are adjustable within these ranges, it is possible to set an optimal pushing amount even if the specifications of the signature 710 change significantly. In addition, the screwing amount can be easily adjusted, allowing for a more compact configuration of the load reducing jig 1. Meanwhile, because the angles of the tips of the first adjustment unit 530, the second adjustment unit, and the third adjustment unit are adjustable within these ranges, the adjustment units can enter at a sufficient angle relative to the signature 710, making it possible to set an angle that will hold the signature 710 well while minimizing damage to the signature.

[0094] Furthermore, the positions along the Y-axis direction of the portions of the second adjustment unit 330 and the third adjustment unit 430 that are the leading ends of the signatures 710 pushed into the bundle 720 are all approximately the center of the width of the bundle 720 in the Y-axis direction. However, when the width of the bundle 720 in the Y-axis direction is W, the positions along the Y-axis direction of the portions of the second adjustment unit 330 and the third adjustment unit 430 are preferably within a range of 0.3W along the Y-axis direction from approximately the center of the width of the bundle 720 in the Y-axis direction. By positioning the portions of the second adjustment unit 330 and the third adjustment unit 430 along the Y-axis in this range, it is possible to prevent a portion of the bundle of signatures 710 above the pushing positions of the second adjustment unit 330 and the third adjustment unit 430 from tilting in a direction rotating around the X-axis, and the arrangement of the stacked signatures 710 is stabilized.

[0095] Note that, among the positions along the Y-axis direction of the tip of the second adjustment unit 330 and the third adjustment unit 430 that is pushed into the bundle 720 of the signatures 710, the one position and the other position may be as follows. That is, the one position is closer to the first side surface than the approximate center of the width of the bundle 720 in the Y-axis direction, and the other position is farther from the first side surface than the approximate center of the width of the bundle 720 in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the pushing positions along the Y-axis of the second adjustment unit 330 and the third adjustment unit 430 are offset from each other across the center, thereby enabling balanced support of the upper part of the bundle of signatures 710 from multiple directions. In particular, when the one position and the other position are approximately equidistant from the approximate center of the width of the bundle 720 in the Y-axis direction, that is, when both positions are symmetrical with respect to the approximate center of the width of the bundle 720 in the Y-axis direction, the above effect can be further enhanced.

[0096] In this way, by appropriately changing the settings of the load reducing jig 1 according to the specifications of the signatures, it is possible to load a larger number of signatures. For example, consider a case where the maximum number of signatures 710 that can be supplied to the bookbinding machine 2 is loaded on the signature feeder 10. Here, F1 represents the load that the bottommost signature 710 receives from above in a first state in which a portion of each of the first adjustment unit 530, the second adjustment unit 330, and the third adjustment unit 430 is not pushed into the bundle 720 of signatures 710 at all.

[0097] Furthermore, in a second state in which a portion of each of the first adjustment unit 530, the second adjustment unit 330, and the third adjustment unit 430 is pushed into the stack by a predetermined first distance, a predetermined second distance, and a predetermined third distance, respectively, the load that the bottommost signature receives from above is defined as F2. In this case, F2 is preferably between 0.2 and 0.8 times F1, and more preferably between 0.3 and 0.6 times F1.

[0098] According to the above-mentioned experimental results, when 16-page signatures with a basis weight of 63.5 kg are loaded, the number of copies in the second state is approximately 2.7 times the number of copies in the first state, so F2 is estimated to be approximately 0.37 times F1. Also, when 16-page signatures with a basis weight of 31.5 kg are loaded, the number of copies in the second state is approximately 1.9 times the number of copies in the first state, so F2 is estimated to be approximately 0.52 times F1.

[0099] As described above, the load reducing jig 1 used in signature feeder 10 of this embodiment can adjust the pushing amount of a portion of first adjustment unit 530, second adjustment unit 330, and third adjustment unit 430. This reduces the load of the upper stack of signatures that acts on the bottommost signature 710, one copy of which is picked up from signature feeder 10 as a signature to be collated. This reduces the possibility of the picked-up signature 710 rubbing against the signatures in the upper stack during pickup, even if the number of signatures 710 that can be loaded on signature feeder 10 is increased, and reduces the number of times a bundle of signatures 710 needs to be fed. This improves workability and the quality of the signatures.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the position in the stacking direction of the portion of the first adjustment unit 530 pushed into the stack of signatures 710 is different from the position in the stacking direction of the portion of the second adjustment unit 330 or the position in the stacking direction of the portion of the third adjustment unit 430. Therefore, for signatures 710 at any position in the stacking direction, a sudden decrease in the load received from a portion of the stack of signatures 710 above is suppressed. Therefore, the position of the signatures 710 in the XY plane is stabilized, improving the quality of the signatures 710 and stabilizing pickup.

[0101] 2. Modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure Next, modified examples of the embodiment of the jig used in the signature feeder and the signature feeder of the present disclosure will be described. Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are enlarged views similar to Figure 3(b) that illustrate the details of the configuration of edge-side unit 50a. Figures 5(c) and 5(d) are enlarged views similar to Figure 3(d) that illustrate the details of the configuration of first top-bottom-side unit 30a. The load reduction jig 1a according to the modified example differs from the above-described embodiment in that it further includes gauges that allow easy confirmation of the state of inclination, first distance, and second distance when first adjustment unit 530 and second adjustment unit 330 are viewed in plan from the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0102] When the load reducing jig 1a is viewed in a plane along the X-axis, angle confirmation gauges 810 and 820 and push-in amount confirmation gauges 830 and 840 are provided so as to partially overlap with adjustment sections 531 and 532 of edge-side unit 50a. Angle confirmation gauge 810 displays, for example, a first mark 811 and a second mark 812, and angle confirmation gauge 820 displays, for example, a first mark 821 and a second mark 822. Meanwhile, push-in amount confirmation gauge 830 displays, for example, a first mark 831 and a second mark 832, and push-in amount confirmation gauge 840 displays, for example, a first mark 841 and a second mark 842.

[0103] Meanwhile, adjustment unit marks 813 and 823 are provided on the leading ends of adjustment units 531 and 532 on the sides facing away from the stack of signatures 710, respectively. When it is desired to set adjustment units 531 and 532 to a predetermined first condition, adjustment unit marks 813 and 823 are aligned to positions that coincide with first mark 811 of angle check gauge 810 and first mark 821 of angle check gauge 820, respectively, as shown in FIG. 5( a). When it is desired to set adjustment units 531 and 532 to a predetermined second condition, adjustment unit marks 813 and 823 are aligned to positions that coincide with second mark 812 of angle check gauge 810 and second mark 822 of angle check gauge 820, respectively, as shown in FIG. 5( b).

[0104] This eliminates the need to adjust adjustment units 531 and 532 by trial and error while actually feeding bundle 720 of signatures 710 to bookbinding machine 2. In other words, it is sufficient to align the mark on the angle confirmation gauge with the mark on the adjustment unit so as to match the predetermined conditions uniquely determined from the type of signature 710. As a result, it becomes easier to set load reducing jig 1a when switching signatures 710, and poor condition setting can be reduced.

[0105] Further, together with or instead of the angle confirmation gauges 810 and 820, the pushing amount confirmation gauges 830 and 840 can also be used. That is, when it is desired to set the adjustment units 531 and 532 to a predetermined first condition, as shown in FIG. 5( a), the leading ends of the adjustment units 531 and 532 on the signature 710 side are aligned to positions that coincide with the first mark 831 of the pushing amount confirmation gauge 830 and the first mark 841 of the pushing amount confirmation gauge 840, respectively. Furthermore, when it is desired to set the adjustment units 531 and 532 to a predetermined second condition, as shown in FIG. 5( b), the leading ends of the adjustment units 531 and 532 on the signature 710 side are aligned to positions that coincide with the second mark 832 of the pushing amount confirmation gauge 830 and the second mark 842 of the pushing amount confirmation gauge 840, respectively. In this case as well, the above-described effects can be obtained.

[0106] The same applies to the first top-end-side unit 30a as to the fore-edge-side unit 50a described above. When it is desired to set the second adjustment unit 330 to a predetermined third condition, the following is done. That is, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the leading edge of the second adjustment unit 330 on the side facing the stack of signatures 710 is aligned to a position that coincides with the first mark 851 on the push-in amount confirmation gauge 850. When it is desired to set the second adjustment unit 330 to a predetermined fourth condition, the following is done. That is, as shown in FIG. 5(d), the leading edge of the second adjustment unit 330 on the side facing the stack of signatures 710 is aligned to a position that coincides with the second mark 852 on the push-in amount confirmation gauge 850.

[0107] This eliminates the need to adjust the second adjustment unit 330 by trial and error while actually supplying the signatures 710 to the binding machine 2. In other words, it is sufficient to align the mark on the push-in amount confirmation gauge 850 with the tip of the adjustment unit so as to meet the predetermined conditions uniquely determined based on the type of signature 710. As a result, the same effects as those of the fore-edge unit 50a can be achieved.

[0108] The first top-bottom unit 30a may be provided with an angle check gauge in addition to or instead of the push-in amount check gauge, as in the edge-side unit 50a. It goes without saying that the second top-bottom unit may also be provided with a push-in amount check gauge and an angle check gauge similar to those in the first top-bottom unit 30a. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1, 1a Load reduction jig 2. Bookbinding machine 10 Signature Feeder 20 Bookbinding System 30, 30a 1st top and bottom unit 40 2nd top and bottom unit 50, 50a Small end unit 210 Conveyor chain 300 Support shaft 310 Auxiliary shaft 320 Second fixed part 330 2nd adjustment section 340 Second rotation support part 350 Second adjusting screw 410 Auxiliary shaft 420 3rd fixed part 430 3rd adjustment section 440 Third Rotation Support 450 Third adjustment screw 510 Support shaft 511 Mounting screw 520 1st fixed part 520a 1st frame 520b 2nd frame 530 1st adjustment section 531, 532 Adjustment section 540 First rotation support part 541 Rotation support part 542 Rotation support part 550 Height adjustment piece 551 First height adjustment piece 552 Second height adjustment piece 560 through hole 570 First adjusting screw 571, 572 Adjustment screws 581, 582 Upper spacer 583, 584 Lower end spacer 610, 620 back plate 710, 710a signature 720 bundles 810, 820 Angle Check Gauge 811, 821 1st Mark 812, 822 2nd Mark 813, 823 Adjustment mark 830, 840 Push-in amount confirmation gauge 831, 841 1st Mark 832, 842 2nd Mark 850 Push-in amount confirmation gauge 851 1st Mark 852 2nd Mark

Claims

1. A jig used in a signature feeder that can load a plurality of signatures and sequentially supplies the signatures in the lowest level to a binding machine, a first unit extending along a loading direction of the signatures on a first side surface facing a feed direction of the signatures, among four side surfaces formed by the bundle of signatures when the plurality of signatures are loaded on the signature feeder; a second unit and a third unit extending along the signature stacking direction on a second side surface and a third side surface adjacent to the first side surface and facing each other, The first unit includes a first fixing portion and a first rotation support portion connected to the first fixed portion; a first adjustment unit connected to the first rotation support unit and capable of rotationally moving relative to the first fixed unit via the first rotation support unit; a first restriction unit that restricts rotation of the first adjustment unit so that a portion of the first adjustment unit is held in a state where it is pushed into the bundle by a first distance and that is capable of changing the first distance; The second unit includes a second fixing portion and a second rotation support portion connected to the second fixed portion; a second adjustment unit connected to the second rotation support unit and capable of rotationally moving relative to the second fixed unit via the second rotation support unit; a second restriction unit that restricts rotation of the second adjustment unit so that a portion of the second adjustment unit is held in a state where it is pushed into the bundle by a second distance and that is capable of changing the second distance; The third unit includes a third fixing portion and a third rotation support portion connected to the third fixed portion; a third adjustment unit connected to the third rotation support unit and capable of rotationally moving relative to the third fixed unit via the third rotation support unit; a third restriction unit that restricts rotation of the third adjustment unit so that a portion of the third adjustment unit is held in a state where it is pressed into the interior of the bundle by a third distance, and that is capable of changing the third distance; A jig in which the position of the part of the first adjustment unit in the loading direction is different from the position of the part of the second adjustment unit or the part of the third adjustment unit in the loading direction.

2. the first unit includes a plurality of first rotation support portions, a plurality of first adjustment portions connected to the first rotation support portions, and a plurality of first restriction portions; A jig as described in claim 1, wherein the positions of the portions of the second adjustment unit and the third adjustment unit in the loading direction are included in a range sandwiched between the positions of any two of the multiple portions of the first adjustment unit in the loading direction.

3. The jig according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second unit and the third unit have the same configuration or are plane-symmetrical to each other.

4. When the signature feeder is loaded with a maximum number of signatures that can be supplied to the binding machine, a load F1 that the lowermost signature receives from above in a first state in which the portions of the first adjustment unit, the second adjustment unit, and the third adjustment unit are not pushed into the bundle at all; When a load that the lowermost signature receives from above in a second state in which the portions of the first adjustment unit, the second adjustment unit, and the third adjustment unit are respectively pushed into the bundle by the predetermined first distance, the second distance, and the third distance is F2, 4. The jig according to claim 1, wherein F2 is between 0.2 and 0.8 times F1.

5. An angle of inclination of the part of the first adjustment portion with respect to the stacking direction of the signature of the first side surface is defined as θ1, an inclination angle of the part of the second adjustment portion with respect to the signature stacking direction of the second side surface is defined as θ2; When the angle of inclination of the part of the third adjustment portion with respect to the stacking direction of the signatures of the third side surface is θ3, 5. The jig according to claim 1, wherein the first regulating portion, the second regulating portion, and the third regulating portion regulate rotation of the first adjusting portion, the second adjusting portion, and the third adjusting portion within a range in which θ1, θ2, and θ3 are each 60° or less.

6. 6. A jig as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first regulating portion, the second regulating portion, and the third regulating portion regulate the rotation of the first adjusting portion, the second adjusting portion, and the third adjusting portion within a range in which the first distance, the second distance, and the third distance are each 50 mm or less.

7. A signature feeder comprising the jig according to any one of claims 1 to 6, capable of stacking a plurality of signatures, and sequentially feeding the signatures in the lowest row to a bookbinding machine.

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