Dingheji

Abstract

To provide a collating machine that can improve work efficiency when it is necessary to handle multiple types of newspaper. [Solution] The collating machine has a setting unit and a control unit. The setting unit receives area data input that associates multiple types of newspapers to be delivered and the paper sheets to be inserted into each of multiple areas, and sets the newspaper feeding settings and the paper sheets to be loaded into the paper feed tray of the collating mechanism. The control unit controls the collating mechanism to sequentially acquire the newspapers associated with each area according to the settings made by the setting unit, acquire the paper sheets associated with the acquired newspapers from the paper feed tray, and perform a paper sorting operation to insert the acquired paper sheets into the acquired newspapers.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] This embodiment relates to a collating machine.

Background Art

[0002]

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, the case where one newspaper delivery store delivers multiple types of newspapers has been increasing. In this case, at the newspaper delivery store, a paper sorting operation is required to separate the bundles of newspapers with inserted folded flyers for each delivery destination area. Since this conventional paper sorting operation has been performed manually, the efficiency is low.

[0005] An object of this embodiment is to provide a collating machine that can improve the working efficiency when it is necessary to handle multiple types of newspapers. ​​​​​​​​​​​​One embodiment of a collating machine includes a setting unit and a control unit. The setting unit receives area data input, which associates multiple types of newspapers to be delivered and the paper sheets to be inserted into each of multiple areas, and sets the newspaper feed settings and the paper sheet settings to be loaded onto the paper feed rack of the collating mechanism. The control unit, according to the settings made by the setting unit, processes the newspapers associated with each area. From a newspaper feeding mechanism capable of feeding multiple types of newspapers separately from separate paper trays The collating mechanism is controlled to sequentially acquire newspapers, retrieve paper sheets associated with the acquired newspapers from the paper feed shelf, and perform a paper sorting operation by inserting the acquired paper sheets into the acquired newspapers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this embodiment, a collating machine is provided that can improve work efficiency when it is necessary to handle multiple types of newspapers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a collating machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a paper feed tray for a collating mechanism. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a paper feed shelf in a newspaper feeding mechanism. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the main operation of the collating machine. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the paper sorting process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of area data. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen for confirming the mapping results. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the shelf selection screen. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a screen for confirming the paper tray settings. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the paper sorting process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a collating machine 1 according to an embodiment. The collating machine 1 collates paper sheets. Paper sheets in this embodiment include, for example, folded flyers. Furthermore, paper sheets in this embodiment also include newspaper.

[0010] The collating machine 1 in Figure 1 includes a main control circuit 101, sub-control circuits 102, 103, 104, and 105, a display unit 106, operating switches 107, and a communication module 108. In addition to the collating mechanism 10, the collating machine 1 in Figure 1 is used in combination with a newspaper supply mechanism 30 and a folding and conveying mechanism 40. Furthermore, the collating machine 1 in Figure 1 may be used in combination with a lifting mechanism 50. Mechanisms other than the newspaper supply mechanism 30, folding and conveying mechanism 40, and lifting mechanism 50 may also be used in combination with the collating machine 1.

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the collating mechanism 10 has a plurality of paper feed shelves 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-12. The collating mechanism 10 is a mechanism that stacks sheets of paper fed one by one from the paper feed shelves 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-12 according to the settings and discharges them, for example, from an outlet provided at the bottom. In the embodiment, multiple stacked copies of newspapers may be fed as sheets of paper. The newspapers fed into the paper feed shelves 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-12 may be newspapers called general publications, which do not require the insertion of flyers. On the other hand, newspapers that require the insertion of flyers may be fed from the newspaper supply mechanism 30. Here, in Figure 2, the collating mechanism 10 has 12 paper feed shelves. However, the number of paper feed shelves is not limited to 12.

[0012] The main control circuit 101 is a circuit that controls the overall operation of the stitching machine 1, including the control of the sub-control circuits 102, 103, 104, and 105. 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 stitching machine 1 according to the control application program stored in the memory. The processor is, for example, a CPU, but it does not necessarily have to be configured as a CPU. Also, 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 composed of a single processor and may be composed of a plurality of processors.

[0013] The sub-control circuit 102 is connected to the stitching mechanism 10. The sub-control circuit 102 is a dedicated circuit that controls the operation of the stitching 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.

[0014] The sub-control circuit 103 is connected to the newspaper supply mechanism 30. The sub-control circuit 103 is a dedicated circuit that controls the operation of the newspaper supply mechanism 30 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.

[0015] The sub-control circuit 104 is connected to the folding and conveying mechanism 40. The sub-control circuit 104 is a dedicated circuit that controls the operation of the folding and conveying mechanism 40 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.

[0016] The sub-control circuit 105 is connected to the lifting mechanism 50. The sub-control circuit 105 is a dedicated circuit that controls the operation of the lifting mechanism 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.

[0017] Here, the collating machine 1 may have sub-control circuits other than the sub-control circuits 102, 103, 104, and 105.

[0018] The display 106 is a display for displaying various states of the collating machine 1, such as an LED and a liquid crystal display on an operation panel provided on the collating machine 1. For example, the display 106 has a display for indicating that the power of the collating machine 1 is on. Also, the display 106 has a display for displaying a counter for displaying various collating counts. The collating count includes information such as the total number of sheets of paper collated during the collating operation and the number of remaining sheets of paper. Further, the display 106 has a display for displaying various setting screens. The various settings include settings for each stack of sheets of paper, settings for regions and zones, etc. Also, the various settings include settings for the sorting operation. Additionally, the display 106 has a display for notifying various errors.

[0019] The operation switches 107 include various switches provided on the collating machine 1 and the aforementioned operation panel. For example, the switches of the operation switches 107 include a power switch of the collating machine 1. Also, for example, the operation switches 107 include various mode switches. The mode switch is a switch for setting the mode of the collating machine 1 to a specific mode. The specific mode includes, for example, a collating mode for only collating sheets of paper, and a folding mode such as a mode for folding the collated bundle of sheets into a newspaper. Further, in the embodiment, the specific mode includes a sorting mode for folding a bundle of collated sheets associated with each of a plurality of types of newspapers according to the settings for each delivery zone. The operation switches 107 may include switches other than these switches. Also, operations similar to the various switches of the operation switches 107 can be performed on the operation panel.

[0020] The communication module 108 is a module including a processing circuit for the collating machine 1 to communicate with external devices such as a server. The communication module 108 includes, for example, a wireless communication module necessary for wireless LAN communication.

[0021] The newspaper supply mechanism 30 is a mechanism that folds multiple stacked newspapers one by one and feeds them into the conveying mechanism 40. The newspapers fed into the newspaper supply mechanism 30 may be newspapers that require flyers to be folded into them.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the newspaper supply mechanism 30 has a plurality of paper feed shelves 32-1, 32-2, 32-3, and 32-4. The newspaper supply mechanism 30 feeds newspapers one by one from the paper feed shelves 32-1, 32-2, 32-3, and 32-4 according to the settings and puts them into the folding and conveying mechanism 40. In other words, the newspaper supply mechanism 30 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to feed multiple types of newspapers one by one into the folding and conveying mechanism 40. Here, in Figure 3, the newspaper supply mechanism 30 has four paper feed shelves. However, the number of paper feed shelves is not limited to four.

[0023] The folding and conveying mechanism 40 folds flyers collated in the collation mechanism 10 into newspapers fed from the newspaper supply mechanism 30, and conveys the newspapers with the folded flyers to the lifting mechanism 50. The folding and conveying mechanism 40 is also a mechanism that conveys newspapers collated in the collation mechanism 10 to the lifting mechanism 50 without newspapers being fed from the newspaper supply mechanism 30. The lifting mechanism 50 is a mechanism that raises and lowers the newspapers conveyed from the folding and conveying mechanism 40.

[0024] The operation of the collating machine 1 is described below. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the main operation of the collating machine 1. The process in Figure 4 is controlled by the main control circuit 101.

[0025] In step S1, the main control circuit 101 determines whether or not to turn on the power to the collating machine 1. For example, it is determined to turn on the power to the collating machine 1 when the power switch is turned on. Alternatively, the main control circuit 101 may monitor for the reception of external commands via the communication module 108 and determine to turn on the power to the collating machine 1 when the reception of a command is confirmed. In step S1, the main control circuit 101 waits for processing until it is determined to turn on the power to the collating machine 1. In step S1, when it is determined to turn on the power to the collating machine 1, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0026] In step S2, the main control circuit 101 starts the control application program for the collating machine 1 and, for example, displays a startup screen on the operation panel. While the startup screen is displayed, the main control circuit 101 performs various processes necessary for starting the collating machine 1.

[0027] In step S3, after the startup process is complete, the main control circuit 101 displays the main screen, for example, on the operation panel. On the main screen, the user can start the collating and paper sorting operations of the collating machine 1, and check various statuses during the collating operation. The user can also access various setting screens from the main screen.

[0028] In step S4, the main control circuit 101 determines whether or not to perform a collating operation. For example, if the setting or start of a collating operation is instructed by operating the operation panel on the main screen, it is determined that the collating operation will be performed. On the other hand, if the setting or start of a paper sorting operation is instructed on the main screen, it is determined that the paper sorting operation will be performed. If it is determined in step S4 that the collating operation will be performed, the process proceeds to step S5. If it is determined in step S4 that the collating operation will not be performed, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0029] In step S5, when it is determined that a collating operation should be performed, the main control circuit 101 determines whether or not to perform the settings related to the collating operation. For example, if the settings related to the collating operation are instructed by operating the operation panel, it is determined that the settings related to the collating operation should be performed. If it is determined in step S5 that the settings related to the collating operation have been instructed, the process proceeds to step S6. If it is determined in step S5 that the settings related to the collating operation have not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0030] In step S6, the main control circuit 101 sets the collating operation settings according to the instructions. For example, the main control circuit 101 sets the paper types for each row, sets the region and area, sets the operating mode, etc., according to the instructions. The main control circuit 101 also sets the sub-control circuits 102, 103, 104, and 105 as needed. In addition, when setting, the main control circuit 101 also changes the setting screen displayed on the operation panel as needed. After setting the collating operation settings, the process moves to step S7.

[0031] In step S7, the main control circuit 101 determines whether or not the start of the collating operation has been instructed. If it is determined in step S7 that the start of the collating operation has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S8. If it is determined in step S7 that the start of the collating operation has not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0032] In step S8, the main control circuit 101 executes the collating operation according to the current settings. For example, when the collating machine 1 is set to perform only collating, the main control circuit 101 controls the sub-control circuit 102 to perform the collating operation by the collating mechanism 10. On the other hand, when the collating machine 1 is set to perform both collating and folding, the main control circuit 101 controls the sub-control circuits 102, 103, and 104 to perform the collating operation while coordinating the collating mechanism 10, the newspaper supply mechanism 30, and the folding and conveying mechanism 40.

[0033] In step S9, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the collating operation is complete. For example, the collating operation is determined to be complete when the collating of a specified number of collated bundles is complete or when the folding of a specified number of collated bundles into newspaper is complete. If it is determined in step S9 that the collating operation is not complete, the process returns to step S8. If it is determined in step S9 that the collating operation is complete, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0034] In step S10, the main control circuit 101 determines whether or not to turn off the power to the collating machine 1. For example, if the power switch is turned off or a power off command is received, it is determined to turn off the power to the collating machine 1. If it is determined in step S10 not to turn off the power to the collating machine 1, the process returns to step S4. If it is determined in step S10 to turn off the power to the collating machine 1, the process in Figure 4 ends.

[0035] In step S11, when it is determined that a paper sorting operation should be performed, the main control circuit 101 performs the paper sorting process. After the paper sorting process, the process proceeds to step S10. The paper sorting process will be described below.

[0036] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the paper sorting process. In this embodiment, the paper sorting process is a series of operations for folding collated flyers into multiple different types of newspapers according to the delivery area.

[0037] In step S101, the main control circuit 101 determines whether or not to perform the paper sorting operation settings. For example, if the paper sorting operation settings are instructed by operating the control panel, it is determined that the paper sorting operation settings will be performed. If it is determined in step S101 that the paper sorting operation settings have been instructed, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is determined in step S101 that the paper sorting operation settings have not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0038] In step S102, the main control circuit 101 determines whether or not there is data input. In this embodiment, for example, settings for the paper sorting operation are made by importing pre-created area data. In step S102, it is determined whether or not data for import has been entered by the user. The data for import may be stored in the cloud. In this case, the data for import may be entered by downloading it from the cloud based on user operation. In step S102, the system waits until data for import has been entered. If it is determined in step S102 that data has been entered, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0039] Figure 6 shows an example of area data. Area data can be in various formats, such as CSV (Comma Separated Value). Area data may be managed at the newspaper delivery store where the collating machine 1 is installed, or it may be managed on a server that centrally manages data from newspaper delivery stores. Furthermore, area data may be managed on a cloud server built separately from the newspaper delivery stores. Area data is, for example, data that associates the name of the newspaper brand delivered in each area with the name of the flyers inserted into each newspaper and the number of copies delivered. In other words, area data includes the items "Delivery Area Name", "Newspaper Brand Name", "Flyer Name", and "Total". The "Number of Copies Delivered" is recorded in each cell of the area data. "Delivery Area Name" is the name of the area in which the newspaper delivery store where the collating machine 1 is installed delivers newspapers. "Newspaper Brand Name" is the name of the newspaper brand delivered by the newspaper delivery store where the collating machine 1 is installed. "Flyer Name" is the name of the flyer inserted into the corresponding newspaper. Note that if the name of a newspaper is registered in the "Brand Name" field, the "Flyer Name" field will be blank. This is because flyers are not included in those newspapers. "Delivery Count" is the number of copies of the corresponding brand name newspaper delivered in each area. "Total" is the delivery count for each area and the total for all areas. Area data may include other information besides this.

[0040] In step S103, the main control circuit 101 maps the items of the input area data to the items that are essential for setting the paper sorting operation, which are pre-configured in the collating machine 1. For example, the main control circuit 101 recognizes the items of the input area data and associates items that are similar to the recognized items. After such data mapping, the main control circuit 101 displays a confirmation screen of the mapping results, for example, on the operation panel. Note that if it is guaranteed that each item in the area data corresponds to each item set in the collating machine 1, the mapping process is unnecessary.

[0041] Figure 7 shows an example of a confirmation screen for the mapping results. As shown in Figure 7, the confirmation screen includes a brand name display field 201, a flyer name display field 202, and a delivery quantity display field 203. Furthermore, the confirmation screen includes an OK button 204. The main control circuit 101 retrieves the items corresponding to "brand name," "flyer name," "area name," and "delivery quantity," which are essential items for setting the paper sorting operation, from the loaded area data and displays the retrieval results.

[0042] The brand name display field 201 is the display field for the recognized brand name. For example, the brand name displayed in the brand name display field 201 may be changed by selecting from the drop-down list 201a. When the brand name is changed, the display in the flyer name display field 202 and the delivery quantity display field 203 will also be changed. The brand name displayed in the brand name display field 201 may be configured to be editable by user input.

[0043] The flyer name display field 202 is a field for displaying the recognized flyer name. The flyer name display field 202 may display the flyer name associated with the brand name displayed in the brand name display field 201. The flyer name displayed in the flyer name display field 202 may be configured to be editable by user input.

[0044] The delivery quantity display field 203 is a display field for the number of deliveries for each recognized area. The delivery quantity display field 203 may display the number of deliveries associated with the brand name displayed in the brand name display field 201 and the flyer name displayed in the flyer name display field 202. The number of deliveries displayed in the delivery quantity display field 203 may be configured to be editable by user input in each delivery quantity display field 203a.

[0045] In step S104, the main control circuit 101 determines whether or not there are any modifications to the items based on the user's operation of the collating machine 1's control panel. The user of the collating machine 1 checks the confirmation screen to see whether or not the items are correctly mapped. If the items are not correctly mapped, the user modifies the corresponding items. For example, the user edits each item by direct input. If it is determined in step S104 that there are modifications to the items, the process proceeds to step S105. If it is determined in step S104 that there are no modifications to the items, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0046] In step S105, the main control circuit 101 modifies the mapping result according to the user's modifications. Accordingly, the main control circuit 101 updates the mapping result confirmation screen. After that, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0047] In step S106, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the mapping process is complete based on the user's operation of the control panel, etc. The user checks the confirmation screen, confirms that the items are correctly mapped, and then selects the OK button 204. In this case, it is determined that the mapping process is complete. If it is determined in step S106 that the mapping process is complete, the process proceeds to step S107. If it is determined in step S106 that the mapping process is not complete, the process returns to step S104.

[0048] In step S107, the main control circuit 101 displays a shelf selection screen based on the results of the mapping process. Figure 8 shows an example of the shelf selection screen. The shelf selection screen is for selecting the paper feed shelf to be used for the paper sorting operation. The shelf selection screen includes a shelf selection display area 211. The shelf selection display area 211 includes a list display 212 showing the approximate arrangement of the paper feed shelves of the collating mechanism 10 shown in Figure 2, and a list display 214 showing the approximate arrangement of the paper feed shelves of the newspaper supply mechanism (inserter) 30 shown in Figure 3. The user can select the paper feed shelf to be used for the paper sorting operation from these list displays of paper feed shelves.

[0049] Here, the bottommost paper feed tray of the collating mechanism 10 is often assigned as the folding tray, which is the paper feed tray for inserting origami paper. In this case, the folding tray paper feed tray 2121 may be displayed in black, for example, so that the user cannot select it. The user selects the paper feed tray to be used for feeding folded flyers and other papers from the remaining trays displayed in the list display 212. Similarly, the user selects the paper feed tray to be used for feeding newspapers that require flyer folding from the trays displayed in the list display 214. The paper feed trays 2122 and 2141 selected by the user are displayed with a thick border, for example, to indicate to the user that they have been selected. The indication that they have been selected is not limited to a thick border; it may also be a change in color, etc.

[0050] The shelf selection screen also includes remaining shelf display areas 213 and 215. Remaining shelf display area 213 is a display area for showing the remaining number of shelves available for use among the paper feed shelves of the collation mechanism 10. Remaining shelf display area 215 is a display area for showing the remaining number of shelves available for use among the paper feed shelves of the newspaper supply mechanism 30. The initial values ​​of the remaining shelf display areas 213 and 215 may be determined, for example, according to the number of newspaper brands that need to be folded, the number of miscellaneous papers, and the types of flyers to be folded, obtained from the area data. For example, in the area data shown in Figure 6, the number of newspapers is "4", the number of miscellaneous papers is "2", and the number of types of flyers is "4". In this case, the initial value of the remaining shelf display area 213 may be set to 6 (2, the number of miscellaneous papers + 4, the number of types of flyers), and the initial value of the remaining shelf display area 215 may be set to 4 (4, the number of newspaper types). In Figure 8, three of the paper feed trays of the collating mechanism 10 and one of the paper feed trays of the newspaper supply mechanism 30 have already been selected, so "3" is displayed in the remaining number display areas 213 and 215, respectively.

[0051] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 4. In step S108, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the selection of the paper tray to be used has been completed. For example, the user selects the paper tray they want to use from the list displays 212 and 214, and then selects the OK button 216. At this point, it is determined that the selection has been completed. In step S110, if it is determined that the selection of the paper tray to be used has been completed, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S108, if it is determined that the selection of the paper tray to be used has not been completed, the process returns to step S107.

[0052] In step S109, the main control circuit 101 stores information about the shelves used in each area in memory, for example, based on the input.

[0053] In step S110, the main control circuit 101 sets the paper feed shelves based on the mapping results corrected on the mapping confirmation screen and the information of the shelves selected on the shelf area selection screen. For example, the main control circuit 101 assigns the brands stored in memory as brands to be fed into the newspaper supply mechanism (inserter). Furthermore, the main control circuit 101 assigns folded flyers and other papers to the paper feed shelves selected for use. If the required number of sheets or copies of paper cannot be fed into one paper feed shelf, the main control circuit 101 may allocate them to multiple paper feed shelves. After setting the paper feed shelves in this manner, the main control circuit 101 generates discharge order data. The discharge order data is data of the discharge order of newspapers for each area. The discharge order data may be in the same format as the area data in Figure 6. However, the "brand name" and "flyer name" in the discharge order data are associated with the paper feed shelves that feed them. After generating the discharge order data, the process moves to step S111.

[0054] In step S111, the main control circuit 101 displays a confirmation screen for the paper feed tray settings. Figure 9 shows an example of the confirmation screen for the paper feed tray settings. The confirmation screen for the paper feed tray settings includes a paper feed tray setting display area 221. The paper feed tray setting display area 221 includes a display of the assignment to the selected paper feed tray when in use.

[0055] In step S112, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the settings related to the paper sorting operation have been completed. The user places newspapers and flyers into the paper tray according to the settings of the paper tray displayed in the paper tray setting display area 221. After the user has finished placing newspapers and flyers according to the settings of the paper tray displayed in the paper tray setting display area 221, the user selects the OK button 222. At this point, the main control circuit 101 determines that the settings related to the paper sorting operation have been completed. In step S112, the main control circuit 101 waits for processing until it is determined that the settings related to the paper sorting operation have been completed. In step S112, when the settings related to the paper sorting operation have been completed, processing returns to step S101.

[0056] In step S113, the main control circuit 101 determines whether or not the start of the paper sorting operation has been instructed. If it is determined in step S113 that the start of the paper sorting operation has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S114. If it is determined in step S113 that the start of the paper sorting operation has not been instructed, the process shown in Figure 5 ends.

[0057] In step S114, the main control circuit 101 performs a paper sorting operation according to the current settings. After the paper sorting operation, the process shown in Figure 5 is completed. The paper sorting operation will be described below. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the paper sorting operation.

[0058] In step S201, the main control circuit 101 refers to the discharge order data and selects one area. For example, the main control circuit 101 selects areas in order from the beginning of the discharge order data.

[0059] In step S202, the main control circuit 101 refers to the discharge order data and selects one newspaper from among those associated with the selected area. For example, the main control circuit 101 selects the newspapers in order from the beginning.

[0060] In step S203, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the next discharged item is a newspaper that requires inserting into the pack. If it is determined in step S203 that the next discharged item is a newspaper that requires inserting into the pack, the process proceeds to step S204. If it is determined in step S203 that the next discharged item is not a newspaper that requires inserting into the pack, i.e., it is any other type of paper, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0061] In step S204, the main control circuit 101 controls the collating mechanism 10 via the sub-control circuit 102 so that folded flyers are fed from the paper feed racks that are loaded with the selected newspapers. Synchronously with this, the main control circuit 101 controls the newspaper supply mechanism 30 via the sub-control circuit 102 so that the selected newspapers are transported from the newspaper supply mechanism 30. The collating mechanism 10 discharges the folded flyers fed from the paper feed racks 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-12 from the discharge port. The folding and transport mechanism 40 folds the flyers collated by the collating mechanism 10 into the newspapers fed from the newspaper supply mechanism 30, and transports the newspapers with the folded flyers to the lifting mechanism 50. After that, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0062] In step S205, the main control circuit 101 controls the collating mechanism 10 via the sub-control circuit 102 so that newspapers are fed from the paper feed shelves to which the next batch of papers are assigned. The collating mechanism 10 discharges the newspapers fed from the paper feed shelves 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-12 through the discharge port. The folding and conveying mechanism 40 conveys the newspapers to the lifting mechanism 50. After that, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0063] In step S206, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the paper sorting operation for one area has been completed. For example, it is determined that the paper sorting operation for one area has been completed when processing has been completed for all newspapers associated with the selected area. If it is determined in step S206 that the paper sorting operation for one area has not been completed, the process returns to step S202. In this case, the main control circuit 101 selects the next newspaper in the selected area. If it is determined in step S206 that the paper sorting operation for one area has been completed, the process proceeds to step S207.

[0064] In step S207, the main control circuit 101 determines whether the paper sorting operation for all areas has been completed. If it is determined in step S207 that the paper sorting operation for all areas has not been completed, the process returns to step S201. In this case, the main control circuit 101 selects the next area. If it is determined in step S207 that the paper sorting operation for all areas has been completed, the process in Figure 10 ends.

[0065] As described above, according to this embodiment, multiple types of newspapers and their inserts are associated with each area. Then, newspapers and inserts are fed sequentially for each area, and the newspapers with the inserts are sequentially transported to the lifting mechanism 50. In this way, in this embodiment, the collation of the inserts for each area and the insertion of the collated inserts into the newspapers can be performed automatically. In other words, in this embodiment, manual paper sorting is unnecessary. It is expected that the burden on delivery personnel will be significantly reduced by automating the paper sorting process.

[0066] In typical newspaper delivery offices, areas are often divided into zones, each capable of being delivered by one person within a set time. Therefore, each delivery person cannot begin deliveries until all types of newspapers in their assigned zone have been sorted. In contrast, the paper sorting operation in this embodiment discharges newspapers with inserted flyers in order of zone, allowing each delivery person to immediately begin deliveries after completing their assigned sorting operation. In other words, this embodiment is expected to significantly reduce the waiting time for each delivery person.

[0067] In this embodiment, the workload and waiting time of delivery personnel are significantly reduced. As a result, it is expected that the time saved can be allocated to other tasks such as delivery work or to break time.

[0068] [Differentiation] The following describes variations of the embodiment. In this embodiment, the input of delivery order data for generating discharge order data is performed by importing pre-prepared area data. In contrast, the data input for generating discharge order data may be entirely manual. In this case, mapping processing is unnecessary.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the paper sorting operation for one area is immediately moved on to the next paper sorting operation after completion. In contrast, as mentioned above, the delivery personnel responsible for each area are often predetermined. For this reason, the collating machine 1 may be equipped with a timer function that, for example, moves on to the next paper sorting operation in accordance with the arrival time of each delivery person.

[0070] Furthermore, the screen related to the paper sorting operation described above is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate. In addition, in this embodiment, the screen related to the paper sorting operation is displayed, for example, on the operation panel. However, the setting screen related to the paper sorting operation may be displayed on a display device separate from the collating machine 1. For example, the setting screen related to the paper sorting operation may be displayed on a display device of a terminal such as a smartphone that can communicate with the collating machine 1.

[0071] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the paper items to be inserted into the newspaper as targets of the paper sorting operation are defined as folded flyers. However, the paper items to be inserted into the newspaper are not limited to folded flyer newspapers. For example, the paper items to be inserted into the newspaper may be booklets, catalogs, etc., as long as they are relatively thin.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the above embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, then the configuration with these constituent elements deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1 Collating machine, 10 Collating mechanism, 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-12 Paper feed rack, 30 Newspaper supply mechanism, 32-1, 32-2, 32-3, 32-4 Paper feed rack, 40 Folding and transport mechanism, 50 Lifting mechanism, 101 Main control circuit, 102 Sub-control circuit, 103 Sub-control circuit, 104 Sub-control circuit, 105 Sub-control circuit, 106 Display unit, 107 Operating switches, 108 Communication module.

Claims

1. A setting unit receives area data that associates multiple types of newspapers to be delivered and the paper sheets inserted into each of the newspapers for each of the multiple areas, and sets the newspaper feed settings and the paper sheets to be loaded onto the paper feed shelf of the collation mechanism. A control unit controls the collating mechanism to sequentially retrieve the newspapers associated with each area from a newspaper feeding mechanism capable of separately feeding multiple types of newspapers from separate paper feed shelves, according to the settings made by the setting unit, retrieve the paper sheets associated with the retrieved newspapers from the paper feed shelves, and perform a paper sorting operation in which the retrieved paper sheets are placed between the retrieved newspapers. A collating machine equipped with the following.

2. The setting unit performs the settings for the newspaper feed and the paper sheets to be placed on the paper feed tray of the collation mechanism based on user operation. The collating machine according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned area data is acquired through communication via a communication module. The collating machine according to claim 1.

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