US20080122157A1 - Sheet carrying path switching mechanism and sheet folding device - Google Patents
Sheet carrying path switching mechanism and sheet folding device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080122157A1 US20080122157A1 US11/937,033 US93703307A US2008122157A1 US 20080122157 A1 US20080122157 A1 US 20080122157A1 US 93703307 A US93703307 A US 93703307A US 2008122157 A1 US2008122157 A1 US 2008122157A1
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- pile
- sheet
- path
- folded
- cam
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- Abandoned
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 title claims description 23
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 description 32
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 14
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
- B65H29/58—Article switches or diverters
- B65H29/60—Article switches or diverters diverting the stream into alternative paths
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H45/00—Folding thin material
- B65H45/12—Folding articles or webs with application of pressure to define or form crease lines
- B65H45/16—Rotary folders
- B65H45/162—Rotary folders with folding jaw cylinders
- B65H45/168—Rotary folders with folding jaw cylinders having changeable mode of operation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
- B65H2403/50—Driving mechanisms
- B65H2403/51—Cam mechanisms
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a technology for folding sheets.
- a printing machine such as a rotary printing machine
- an image is printed on a paper web and the paper web is cut into sheets of predetermined size.
- a folding device then folds the sheets at a predetermined position.
- a sheet carrying device having a plurality of paths for carrying the sheets and a path switching device that switches between the paths is used for that purpose in the printing machines.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-60128 [Paragraph: 0012, FIG. 1] discloses a conventional carrying path switching device.
- a folding roller folds a sheet, and the folded sheet is delivered to a holding roller.
- the holding roller includes holding units, and receives the folded sheet from the folding roller.
- the holding roller holds the sheet by the holding unit to deliver the sheet to a first carrying roller (decelerating roller) or a second carrying roller (decelerating roller).
- a switching unit controls some of the holding units to hold the sheet, and some other of the holding units not to hold the sheet at a receiving position to receive the sheet from the folding unit.
- each of the first and the second carrying rollers is a decelerating roller, serving as the last roller where the sheet is delivered to before the sheet reaches a carrying path.
- the folded sheet can be delivered to the first carrying roller or the second carrying roller, and then discharged to a first carrying path or a second carrying path.
- the folded sheet can be alternately discharged to the first carrying path and the second carrying path.
- the folded sheets are delivered exclusively to the first carrying path.
- the folded sheet is often delivered in an unsteady manner to the decelerating roller from the holding roller.
- a sheet delivery needs to be performed with high accuracy, and the decelerating roller needs to be arranged with respect to the holding roller with high precision.
- the decelerating roller and the holding roller need to be arranged with high precision, making their configuration complicated.
- the decelerating roller is expensive, costs of the folding device increase as the number of decelerating rollers increases.
- a folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism that carries a pile of folded sheets, the folded sheets being in a predetermined shape and size.
- the folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism includes a delivering unit that receives the pile and delivers the pile to one of a first path and a second path, the delivering unit including a rotatable member; a first holding unit that is mounted on the rotatable member, and configured to receive the pile in a first position while the rotatable member is rotating and deliver the pile to the first path; and a second holding unit that is mounted on the rotatable member, and configured to receive the pile in a second position while the rotatable member is rotating and deliver the pile to one of the first path and the second path; and a switching unit that includes a releasing unit that causes the first holding unit to release the pile into the first path and causes the second holding unit to release the pile into any one of the first path and the second path; and a control unit that controls the releasing unit to cause the second holding unit
- a folding device including a folding roller that configured to fold a sheet in a predetermined shape and size, and produce a pile of folded sheets; and a folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism.
- the folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism includes a delivering unit that receives the pile and delivers the pile to one of a first path and a second path, the delivering unit including a rotatable member; a first holding unit that is mounted on the rotatable member, and configured to receive the pile in a first position while the rotatable member is rotating and deliver the pile to the first path; and a second holding unit that is mounted on the rotatable member, and configured to receive the pile in a second position while the rotatable member is rotating and deliver the pile to one of the first path and the second path; and a switching unit that includes a releasing unit that causes the first holding unit to release the pile into the first path and causes the second holding unit to release the pile into any one of the first path and the second path; and a control
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a folding device according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a pile of one folded sheet and FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a pile of two folded sheets;
- FIG. 3 is a side view of a decelerating roller shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 4 to 6 are views of the decelerating roller
- FIGS. 7A to 7C are schematic diagrams for explaining operation performed by a sheet-delivery switching mechanism shown in FIG. 6 ;
- FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams for explaining operation performed by a folded-sheet delivery guide shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cam follower shown in FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 11 is a diagram of a modification example of the folded-sheet delivery guide shown in FIG. 8 .
- a folding device includes a first sheet holding unit and a second sheet holding unit.
- the first and the second sheet holding units are arranged on a decelerating roller that is a sheet delivering unit.
- the folding device further includes a first sheet releasing unit and a second sheet releasing unit.
- the first sheet releasing unit causes the first sheet holding unit and the second sheet holding unit to release a folded sheet into a first sheet discharge path.
- the second sheet releasing unit causes at least the second sheet holding unit from among the first sheet holding unit and the second sheet holding unit to release a folded sheet into a second sheet discharge path.
- the folding device controls the first sheet releasing unit to cause the second sheet holding unit not to release the folded sheet depending on the number of folded sheets in a pile, i.e., the number of sheets held by each of the sheet holding units.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a folding device 1 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a pile containing one folded sheet
- FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a pile containing two folded sheets laid one on top of another.
- a pile can contain one or more folded sheets.
- the folding device 1 is configured to cut out a paper web W, on which a predetermined image has been printed by a printing machine 40 , thereby producing sheets of predetermined size, and then fold those sheets at a predetermined position.
- the paper web W is first delivered between a folding roller 2 and a cutting roller 3 .
- a guide pin 2 N arranged on the outer circumference of the folding roller 2 holds the paper web W.
- the cutting roller 3 cuts the paper web W, which is held by the guide pin 2 N, into a sheet S 1 of a predetermined size.
- the sheet S 1 is then passed between the folding roller 2 and a holding roller 4 .
- the sheet S 1 is folded at a predetermined position when it passes between the folding roller 2 and the holding roller 4 .
- the folded sheet is referred to below as a folded sheet S.
- the folded sheet S is held by a holding claw 4 N attached on the holding roller 4 , and conveyed to a decelerating roller 5 that is a sheet delivering unit.
- the guide pin 2 N on the folding roller 2 can hold one or more sheets at a time.
- the sheet is folded between the folding roller 2 and the holding roller 4 , resulting in a pile of one folded sheet S shown in FIG. 2A .
- a plurality of sheets say two sheets
- all those sheets are folded resulting in a pile of plurality of folded sheets shown in FIG. 2B .
- the cutting roller 3 cuts out the paper web W in a predetermined size to produce the first sheet S 1 , and then the first sheet S 1 passes between the folding roller 2 and the holding roller 4 without being folded by the folding roller 2 .
- a new portion of the paper web W is then laid over the first sheet S 1 on the folding roller 2 , and the cutting roller 3 cuts out the paper web W thereby producing the second sheet S 1 of a predetermined size.
- the second sheet S 1 is laid on top of the first sheet S 1 .
- the first and the second sheets S 1 are folded together between the folding roller 2 and the holding roller 4 to produce the pile of two folded sheets S as shown in FIG. 2B .
- the cutting the paper web into sheets, making a pile of the sheets, and folding the pile of sheets is repeated for a required number of times.
- the (pile of) folded sheet S is then delivered to the decelerating roller 5 .
- the decelerating roller 5 is rotated at a lower circumferential velocity than that of the holding roller 4 .
- the decelerating roller 5 includes a plurality of holding claws 5 N, as sheet holding units, on its circumference. One of those holding claws 5 N receives the folded sheet S from the holding roller 4 .
- the decelerating roller 5 delivers the folded sheet S to a first sheet discharge path 7 J or a second sheet discharge path 7 K. How the decelerating roller 5 delivers the folded sheet S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J is explained below.
- a folded-sheet delivery guide 11 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow G 2 shown in FIG. 1 (the delivery guide 11 moves towards the decelerating roller 5 ). Because the decelerating roller 5 is rotating and because the delivery guide 11 has moved to the decelerating roller 5 , the folded sheet S is delivered to a first carrier 12 J included in the first sheet discharge path 7 J.
- the holding claws 5 N releases the folded sheet S upon reaching the first carrier 12 J, the folded sheet S is delivered to the first carrier 12 J.
- the delivery guide 11 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow G 1 shown in FIG. 1 (the delivery guide 11 moves away from the decelerating roller 5 ). Because the decelerating roller 5 is rotating and because the delivery guide 11 has moved away from the decelerating roller 5 , the folded sheet S passes between the delivery guide 11 and the decelerating roller 5 , and it is delivered toward a guide roller 6 . The folded sheet S is held by a holding claw 6 N arranged on the guide roller 6 , and then delivered from the decelerating roller 5 to the guide roller 6 .
- the holding claw 6 N releases the folded sheet S upon reaching a second carrier 12 K included in the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- the folded sheet S is then delivered to the second carrier 12 K. In this manner, the folded sheet S can be delivered to a desired one of the first sheet discharge path 7 J and the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- the first carrier 12 J conveys the folded sheet S to a first impeller 9 J, and the folded sheet S is temporarily stored in the first impeller 9 J.
- the folded sheet S is then conveyed to a first stacker 10 J, which is a storage device corresponding to the first impeller 9 J, and stored in the first stacker 10 J.
- the second carrier 12 K conveys the folded sheet S to a second impeller 9 K, and the folded sheet S is temporarily stored in the second impeller 9 K.
- the folded sheet S is then conveyed to a second stacker 10 K, which is a storage device corresponding to the second impeller 9 K, and stored in the second stacker 10 K.
- the first sheet discharge path 7 J and the second sheet discharge path 7 K includes a first chopper folding device 8 J and a second chopper folding device 8 K, respectively, to fold the folded sheet S tightly.
- the first chopper folding device 8 J and the second chopper folding device 8 K can be omitted if there is no need to fold the folded sheet S tightly.
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the decelerating roller 5
- FIG. 4 is a front view of the decelerating roller 5
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the decelerating roller 5
- the decelerating roller 5 includes four folded-sheet holding units, first to fourth folded-sheet clamping devices 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, and 20 D, on its outer circumference.
- the four clamping devices 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, 20 D are separated from one another by 90 degrees with respect to a rotation axis Z of the decelerating roller 5 .
- the four clamping devices 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, and 20 D are collectively referred to as a clamping device in the following description. Only the first and the second clamping devices 20 A, 20 B are shown in FIG. 4 ; moreover, the decelerating roller 5 is assumed to be transparent. In other words, if the decelerating roller 5 is not transparent, because the first and the second clamping devices 20 A, 20 B are on opposite sides of the axis Z, they can not be seen in the manner shown in FIG. 4 . All the first to the fourth clamping devices 20 A, 20 B, 20 C, 20 D have the same or similar configuration, therefore the first and the second clamping devices 20 A and 20 B are only explained in detail below.
- the first clamping device 20 A has a plurality of the holding claws 5 N attached on a shaft 21 , and the holding claws 5 N are arranged in the axial direction of the shaft 21 .
- a crank 22 is attached on one end of the shaft 21 , and when the crank 22 swings around the shaft 21 , the holding claws 5 N move toward or away from the decelerating roller 5 .
- the holding claws 5 N move toward the decelerating roller 5
- the folded sheet S is sandwiched between the holding claws 5 N and the decelerating roller 5 .
- the holding claws 5 N move away from the decelerating roller 5
- the folded sheet S is released from the holding claws 5 N.
- a cam follower (a first cam follower 23 X as an example) is attached on one end of the crank 22 while the other end of the crank 22 is connected to the shaft 21 , and the first cam follower 23 X is moved by a cam (a first cam 24 X as an example).
- the rotation of the decelerating roller 5 causes the first to the fourth clamping devices 20 A to 20 D mounted on the decelerating roller 5 to rotate. While the decelerating roller 5 rotates, the first cam follower 23 X moves while in contact with the outer circumference of the first cam 24 X. Accordingly, the first cam follower 23 X moves along a form of the outer circumference of the first cam 24 X.
- a cam moving portion 24 XR which is a concave portion like a recess, is formed on the outer circumference of the first cam 24 X. Because the first cam 24 X is substantially circular, the first cam follower 23 X does not swing around the shaft 21 along the outer circumference of the first cam 24 X, although the first cam follower 23 X swings while moving along the cam moving portion 24 XR. When the first cam follower 23 X does not swing around the shaft 21 , i.e., the holding claws 5 N have moved toward the decelerating roller 5 , the folded sheet S is sandwiched between the holding claws 5 N and the decelerating roller 5 .
- the second clamping device 20 B functions in substantially the same manner as the first clamping device 20 A. However, there is a difference in that the second clamping device 20 B is configured to discharge the folded sheet S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J or the second sheet discharge path 7 K depending on the number of folded sheets S in the pile.
- the second clamping device 20 B includes a cam (a second cam 24 Y) to switch the paths between the first sheet discharge path 7 J and the second sheet discharge path 7 K, and a second cam follower 23 Y in contact with the second cam 24 Y.
- the second cam follower 23 Y is concentrically arranged with respect to the first cam follower 23 X.
- the first clamping device 20 A and the second clamping device 20 B are arranged in opposite positions, i.e., they are spaced from each other by an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the axis Z.
- the third clamping device 20 C and the fourth clamping device 20 D are arranged in opposite positions, i.e., they are spaced from each other by an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the axis Z.
- the first clamping device 20 A is configured to discharge the folded sheet S only to the first sheet discharge path 7 J
- the second clamping device 20 B is configured to discharge the folded sheet S to one of the first sheet discharge path 7 J and the second sheet discharge path 7 K depending on the number of folded sheets in the pile
- the third and the fourth clamping devices 20 C and 20 D are configured to discharge the folded sheet S only to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- the second clamping device 20 B discharges the folded sheet S to one of the first sheet discharge path 7 J and the second sheet discharge path 7 K depending on the number of folded sheets S in the pile.
- the second clamping device 20 B discharges the pile to the first sheet discharge path 7 J.
- the second clamping device 20 B discharges the pile to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- FIG. 6 is a view of the decelerating roller from a different direction.
- FIGS. 7A to 7C are schematic diagrams for explaining operation performed by a sheet-delivery switching mechanism 24 included in the folding device 1 .
- the sheet-delivery switching mechanism 24 (sheet-delivery switching unit) includes the first cam 24 X and the second cam 24 Y.
- the first cam 24 X and the second cam 24 Y are arranged on one side of the decelerating roller 5 in the manner that the first and the second cams 24 X, 24 Y move together with the decelerating roller 5 .
- the second cam 24 Y is rotated by an actuator 28 that is a unit for driving the sheet-delivery switching mechanism 24 around the axis Z.
- the use of the actuator 28 makes it possible to control the sheet-delivery switching mechanism 24 remotely or automatically.
- each of the first cam followers 23 X of the first clamping device 20 A and the second clamping device 20 B are in contact with the outer circumference of the first cam 24 X.
- the first cam 24 X includes a plurality of concave portions (three concave portions are shown in the diagrams) on and along the circumference of the first cam 24 X.
- the three concave portions are: a first moving portion 24 XA, a second moving portion 24 XB, and a third moving portion 24 XC.
- the moving portions 24 XA, 24 XB, 24 XC move each of the first cam followers 23 X of the first clamping device 20 A and the second clamping device 20 B.
- the first cam 24 X is substantially circular, and a circular portion of the first cam 24 X, excluding the moving portions 24 XA, 24 XB, 24 XC, has a radius r 1 .
- the first moving portion 24 XA is configured to cause the clamping device (the first and the second clamping devices 20 A, 20 B) to receive the folded sheet S from the holding roller 4 (see FIG. 1 ).
- the holding claws 5 N of the clamping device move away from the decelerating roller 5 in the manner described in connection with FIG. 5 .
- the holding claws 5 N then hold the folded sheet S between the deceleration roller 5 .
- the second moving portion 24 XB (a first sheet releasing unit) and the third moving portion 24 XC (a second sheet releasing unit) are configured to cause the clamping device to release the folded sheet S held between the holding claws 5 N and the deceleration roller 5 .
- the second moving portion 24 XB is configured to cause the first and the second clamping devices 20 A, 20 B to release the folded sheet S and discharge the released folded sheet S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J.
- the first cam follower 23 X moves along the second moving portion 24 XB, the holding claws 5 N of each of the first and the second clamping device 20 A, 20 B move away from the decelerating roller 5 . Accordingly, the folded sheet S is released, and the released folded sheet S is discharged to the first sheet discharge path 7 J.
- the third moving portion 24 XC is configured to cause the second clamping device 20 B to release the folded sheet S and discharge the released folded sheet S to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- the first cam follower 23 X of the second clamping device 20 B moves along the third moving portion 24 XC, the holding claws 5 N of the second clamping device 20 B move away from the decelerating roller 5 . Accordingly, the folded sheet S is released, and the released folded sheet S is discharged to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- the outer circumference of the second cam 24 Y is in contact with the second cam follower 23 Y of the second clamping device 20 B.
- the second cam 24 Y has a substantially fan shape, and a circular portion of the second cam 24 Y has a radius r 2 .
- the radius r 2 of the second cam 24 Y is equal to the radius r 1 of the first cam 24 X.
- the holding claws 5 N of the second clamping device 20 B does not move away from the decelerating roller 5 , and the holding claws 5 N of the second clamping device 20 B keep holding the folded sheet S.
- the second cam 24 Y causes the second clamping device 20 B to keep holding the folded sheet S while passing the first sheet discharge path 7 J.
- the second clamping device 20 B When the pile contains one folded sheet S, i.e., when one folded sheet S is held by the second clamping device 20 B, the second clamping device 20 B discharges the folded sheet S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J.
- the second clamping device 20 B is moved by the first cam 24 X. More specifically, the actuator 28 moves the second cam 24 Y to be positioned on the circular portion of the first cam 24 X, so that the first cam 24 X causes the moving portions 24 XA, 24 XB, and 24 XC to move the second clamping device 20 B.
- the first clamping device 20 A discharges the folded sheet S only to the first sheet discharge path 7 J
- the first clamping device 20 A is moved by the movement of the first cam follower 23 X along the first cam 24 X.
- the first cam 24 X causes the moving portions 24 XA, 24 XB, and 24 XC to move the first clamping device 20 A. More specifically, when one folded sheet S is held by each of the first and the second clamping devices 20 A, 20 B, each of the first and the second clamping devices 20 A, 20 B is moved by the first moving portion 24 XA to hold the folded sheet S, and is moved by the second moving portion 24 XB to release the folded sheet S, thereby discharging the folded sheet S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J.
- each of the first and the second clamping devices 20 A, 20 B is moved by the third moving portion 24 XC to cause the holding claws 5 N to move away from the decelerating roller 5 , the first and the second clamping devices 20 A, 20 B do not perform any operation because the first and the second clamping devices 20 A, 20 B have discharged the folded sheet S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J.
- the first clamping device 20 A discharges the folded sheets S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J while the second clamping device 20 B discharges the folded sheets S to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- the decelerating roller 5 reaches the first sheet discharge path 7 J before reaching the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- the first cam 24 X causes the moving portions 24 XA, 24 XB, and 24 XC to move the second clamping device 20 B.
- the second clamping device 20 B is moved by the second moving portion 24 XB to release the folded sheet S into the first sheet discharge path 7 J before the second clamping device 20 B is moved by the third moving portion 24 XC to release the folded sheet S into the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- the second clamping device 20 B can not discharge the folded sheet S to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- the actuator 28 moves the second cam 24 Y toward the second moving portion 24 XB (in the direction indicated by an arrow E shown in FIG. 7B ), so that the second cam 24 Y is positioned over the second moving portion 24 XB. It is not necessary to use the actuator 28 for moving the second cam 24 Y.
- the second cam 24 Y can be permanently attached over the first moving portion 24 XA when necessary, i.e., when a plurality of folded sheets is discharged to the sheet discharge paths. Thus, it is possible to save costs and spaces for providing the actuator 28 .
- the first cam 24 X causes the first moving portion 24 XA and the third moving portion 24 XC to move the second clamping device 20 B
- the second cam 24 Y causes the second moving portion 24 XB not to move the second clamping device 20 B.
- the second cam 24 Y is positioned over the second moving portion 24 XB, and the second cam follower 23 Y is in contact with the second cam 24 Y (the second cam follower 23 Y is arranged concentrically with respect to the first cam follower 23 X), so that the second cam 24 Y prevents the second cam follower 23 Y of the second clamping device 20 B from moving toward the center of the first cam 24 X.
- the holding claws 5 N of the second clamping device 20 B does not move away from the decelerating roller 5 .
- the second clamping device 20 B keeps holding the folded sheet S while passing the first sheet discharge path 7 J.
- the first cam 24 X causes the third moving portion 24 XC to move the second clamping device 20 B; because, the second cam 24 Y is not positioned over the third moving portion 24 XC.
- the first and the second cam followers 23 X, 23 Y of the second clamping device 20 B then move toward the center of the first cam 24 X and swing around the shaft 21 . Accordingly, the holding claws 5 N of the second clamping device 20 B move away from the decelerating roller 5 to release the folded sheets S, and the folded sheet S is discharged to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- first clamping device 20 A and the second clamping device 20 B usually receive the folded sheet S from the holding roller 4 at the one position, in practice the positions at which each of the first and the second clamping devices 20 A and 20 B receive the folded sheet S from the holding roller 4 can be different.
- the second cam 24 Y causes part of the first cam 24 X not to move the second clamping device 20 B, so that the second clamping device 20 B discharges the folded sheet S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J or second sheet discharge path 7 K depending on the number of folded sheets S held by each of the clamping devices.
- the first clamping device 20 A discharges the folded sheets S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J
- the second clamping devices 20 B discharges the folded sheets S to the second sheet discharge path 7 K. Therefore, it is possible to use the carriers 12 J, 12 K (see FIG. 1 ) in the first and the second sheet discharge paths 7 J, 7 K at the same frequency. Thus, the carriers 12 J, 12 K will be worn down in similar extent.
- the two sheet discharge paths 7 J, 7 K are used according to the embodiment, the two storage devices (the first and the second stackers 10 J, 10 K shown in FIG. 1 ) arranged in the first and the second sheet discharge paths 7 J, 7 K, respectively can be used. As a result, it is possible to reduce the frequency of collecting the folded sheets S from the storage device. Furthermore, compared to the case where one sheet discharge path is used, because the two sheet discharge paths 7 J, 7 K are used according to the embodiment, each of the folded sheets S can be delivered at longer intervals to the chopper folding device (the first and the second chopper folding devices 8 J, 8 K shown in FIG. 1 ). As a result, the chopper folding device can fold the folded sheet S with longer folding time.
- each of the folded sheets S can be delivered at longer intervals to the impeller (the first and the second impellers 9 J, 9 K shown in FIG. 1 ), the impeller can receive the folded sheet S with longer receiving time.
- the two sheet discharge paths 7 J, 7 K are used according to the embodiment, it is possible to take more time for a process performed after the folded sheet S is delivered to the sheet discharge path. Therefore, the devices to be used in a subsequent process can be operated with less load, and reduction of durability of the devices can be suppressed.
- Each of the third and the fourth clamping devices 20 C, 20 D discharges the folded sheet S only to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- a third cam 25 X shown in FIG. 7C is used to move the third and the fourth clamping devices 20 C, 20 D.
- the third cam 25 X has a plurality of concave portions (two concave portions according to the embodiment) on its outer circumference.
- One of the two concave portions is referred to as a first moving portion 25 XA, and the other as a second moving portion 25 XB.
- the first and the second moving portions 25 XA, 25 XB move each of the third and the fourth clamping devices 20 C, 20 D.
- the first moving portion 25 XA is configured to cause the third and the fourth clamping devices 20 C, 20 D to receive the folded sheet S from the holding roller 4 (see FIG. 1 ).
- each of the third and the fourth clamping devices 20 C, 20 D moves along the first moving portion 25 XA
- the holding claws 5 N of each of the third and the fourth clamping devices move away from the decelerating roller 5 in the manner described in connection with FIG. 5 . Accordingly, the holding claws 5 N of the third and the fourth clamping devices 20 C, 20 D hold the folded sheet S, and each of the third and the fourth clamping devices receives the folded sheet S from the holding roller 4 .
- the second moving portion 25 XB is configured to cause the third and the fourth clamping devices 20 C, 20 D to release the folded sheet S from the holding claws 5 N, thereby discharging the folded sheet S to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- a cam follower (not shown) of each of the third and the fourth clamping devices 20 C, 20 D moves along the second moving portion 25 XB, the holding claws 5 N of each of the third and the fourth clamping devices move away from the decelerating roller 5 . Accordingly, the folded sheet S is released from the holding claws 5 N and discharged to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- FIGS. 8 to 10 are schematic diagrams for explaining operation performed by the folded-sheet delivery guide 11 included in the folding device 1 .
- the delivery guide 11 is configured to swing around a supporting shaft 11 S, and delivers the folded sheet S to a first side EX 1 leading to the first sheet discharge path 7 J or a second side EX 2 leading to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- the delivery guide 11 includes an arm 14 to swing the delivery guide 11 .
- the delivery guide 11 is attached to one end of the arm 14 , and a cam follower 13 is attached to the other end of the arm 14 .
- the cam follower 13 includes a first cam follower 13 X and a second cam follower 13 Y, and the cam followers 13 X, 13 Y are rotatable around the axis Zc.
- the first cam follower 13 X is in contact with a first rotating cam 30
- the second cam follower 13 Y is in contact with a second rotating cam 31 .
- the first and the second rotating cams 30 , 31 are rotatable around one axis Zc, and each of the first and the second rotating cams 30 , 31 rotates in synchronization with (at the same rotating speed as) the decelerating roller 5 .
- the delivery guide 11 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow G 2 shown in FIG. 1 (in the direction such that the delivery guide 11 moves toward the decelerating roller 5 ). As a result, the folded sheet S passes through a side of the delivery guide 11 to which the decelerating roller 5 is not opposed and is delivered through the first side EX 1 .
- the delivery guide 11 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow G 1 shown in FIG. 1 (in the direction such that the delivery guide 11 moves away from the decelerating roller 5 ). As a result, the folded sheet S passes between the delivery guide 11 and the decelerating roller 5 , and is delivered through the second side EX 2 .
- first and the second discharge modes There are two discharge modes (the first and the second discharge modes) according to the embodiment.
- first discharge mode the folded sheet S is released from the first clamping device 20 A (a first sheet holding unit) and the second clamping device 20 B (a second sheet holding unit), and is then discharged to the first sheet discharge path 7 J.
- first discharge mode one folded sheet S is held by each of the clamping devices.
- second discharge mode the folded sheet S released from the first clamping device 20 A is discharged to the first sheet discharge path 7 J, and the folded sheet S released from the second clamping device 20 B is discharged to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- second discharge mode a plurality of the folded sheets S (two sheets according to the embodiment) is held by each of the clamping devices.
- the delivery guide 11 is used to switch between the first discharge mode and the second discharge mode.
- the delivery guide 11 is moved by the first rotating cam 30 and the second rotating cam 31 through the cam follower 13 and the arm 14 .
- the first rotating cam 30 includes a plurality of concave portions on the outer circumferential portion, and the plurality of concave portions is arranged in the circumferential direction.
- the concave portions are referred to as a first moving portion 30 A and a third moving portion 30 C.
- the first moving portion 30 A and the third moving portion 30 C are arranged in opposite positions, i.e., spaced from each other by 180 degrees around a central axis Zc of the first rotating cam 30 .
- a second moving portion 30 B and a fourth moving portion 30 D are arranged between the first moving portion 30 A and the third moving portion 30 C.
- the second moving portion 30 B and the fourth moving portion 30 D are convex portions with respect to the first and third moving portions 30 A, 30 C.
- the second and the fourth moving portions 30 B, 30 D are arranged in opposite positions, i.e., spaced from each other by 180 degrees around the central axis Zc of the first rotating cam 30 .
- each of the first and the second clamping devices 20 A, 20 B discharges the folded sheet S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J (the first discharge mode).
- the delivery guide 11 moves toward the decelerating roller 5 when each of the first and the second clamping devices 20 A, 20 B releases the folded sheet S.
- the delivery guide 11 moves away from the decelerating roller 5 when each of the third and the fourth clamping devices 20 C, 20 D releases the folded sheet S.
- the first clamping device 20 A and the second clamping device 20 B are spaced from each other by the central angle of 180 degrees. Therefore, the delivery guide 11 moves toward the decelerating roller 5 each time the decelerating roller 5 rotates 180 degrees.
- the first rotating cam 30 rotates in synchronization with (at the same rotating speed as) the decelerating roller 5 . Therefore, the cam follower 13 is caused to move along the first moving portion 30 A and the third moving portion 30 C at a timing for releasing the folded sheet S from each of the first and the second clamping devices 20 A, 20 B.
- the first clamping devices 20 A discharges the folded sheets S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J
- the second clamping device 20 B discharges the folded sheets S to the second sheet discharge path 7 K (the second discharge mode). If the delivery guide 11 moves in the same manner as when one folded sheet S is delivered, the delivery guide 11 moves toward the decelerating roller 5 (in the direction indicated by the arrow G 2 shown in FIG. 8 ) to discharge the folded sheets S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J. Thus, the second clamping device 20 B cannot discharge the folded sheet S to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- a circular portion of the second rotating cam 31 has a radius r 2 , and the radius r 2 equals to a radius r 1 of each of the second and the fourth moving portions 30 B, 30 D of the first rotating cam 30 .
- the second rotating cam 31 is placed over the third moving portion 30 C of the first rotating cam 30 , so that the second rotating cam 31 causes the third moving portion 30 C not to move the cam follower 13 (see FIG. 9 ).
- the second rotating cam 31 can be automatically placed over the third moving portion 30 C by using a driving unit such as an actuator.
- the first and the second sheet discharge paths 7 J, 7 K can be automatically switched over by an actuator that drives the second rotating cam 31 in cooperation with the actuator 28 (see FIG.
- the second rotating cam 31 can be attached over the third moving portion 30 C when needed, so that it is possible to save costs and spaces for mounting a driving unit that drives the second rotating cam 31 .
- the second rotating cam 31 is in contact with the second cam follower 13 Y that is concentrically arranged with the first cam follower 13 X.
- the second cam follower 13 Y prevents the cam follower 13 from moving toward the central axis Zc of the first rotating cam 30 .
- the delivery guide 11 switches between the first side EX 1 and the second side EX 2 every time the decelerating roller 5 rotates 360 degrees.
- the folded sheets S pass between the delivery guide 11 and the decelerating roller 5 , and are delivered through the second side EX 2 .
- the first clamping device 20 A discharges the folded sheets S to the first sheet discharge path 7 J
- the second clamping device 20 B discharges the folded sheets S to the second sheet discharge path 7 K.
- FIG. 11 is a diagram of a different configuration example of the delivery guide 11 .
- the delivery guide 11 swings around the supporting shaft 11 S by a rotating cam 32 .
- the rotating cam 32 is driven by a motor 35 that is a unit that drives the delivery guide 11 .
- the rotating cam 32 includes a first moving portion 32 A and a second moving portion 32 B.
- the first moving portion 32 A has a radius r 3
- the second moving portion 32 B has a radius r 1
- the radius r 3 is smaller than the radius r 2 .
- the first moving portion 32 A and the second moving portion 32 B are arranged in opposite positions, i.e., spaced from each other by 180 degrees around a rotation axis Zc of the rotating cam 32 .
- the rotating cam 32 includes a driven pulley 34 that is concentrically arranged with respect to the central axis Zc of the rotating cam 32 .
- the motor 35 includes a driving pulley 36 that is arranged on a drive axis of the motor 35 .
- a belt 33 is looped around the driven pulley 34 and the driving pulley 36 , and the motor 35 rotates the rotating cam 32 through the driven pulley 34 , the belt 33 , and the driving pulley 36 .
- the rotating cam 32 rotates at twice the rotating speed of the decelerating roller 5 .
- the first sheet discharge path 7 J and the second sheet discharge path 7 K are switched over every time the decelerating roller 5 rotates 180 degrees.
- the rotating cam 32 rotates at the same rotating speed as that of the decelerating roller 5 .
- the rotating speed of the rotating cam 32 can be changed by adjusting the rotating speed of the motor 35 .
- a mechanism to vary a change gear ratio can be arranged between the motor 35 and the rotating cam 32 , so that the rotating speed of the rotating cam 32 can be changed.
- the first sheet releasing unit causes the first sheet holding unit and the second sheet holding unit to release the folded sheet into the first sheet discharge path.
- the second sheet releasing unit causes at least the second sheet holding unit to release the folded sheet into the second sheet discharge path.
- the sheet-delivery switching unit causes the first sheet releasing unit not to move the second sheet holding unit depending on the number of folded sheets in a pile, i.e., the number of folded sheets held by each of the sheet holding units.
- the folded sheets are discharged to the two sheet discharge paths by controlling the movement of the first and the second sheet holding units arranged on the sheet delivering unit (decelerating roller). Because the one decelerating roller is used to discharge the folded sheet to the two sheet discharge paths, it is possible to reduce points where the folded sheet needs to be delivered from the holding roller to the decelerating roller with high precision, and the adjustment between the decelerating roller and the holding roller can be reduced. Because the decelerating roller is expensive, the decrease in the number of decelerating rollers can reduce costs of the folding device.
- the folded sheet may be delivered in an unsteady manner from the holding roller to the decelerating rollers.
- the folded sheet is delivered to the one decelerating roller from the holding roller, so that the folded sheet can be delivered to the sheet discharge paths in a steady manner.
- the mechanism is configured to delivery the folded sheet to the sheet discharge paths, the accuracy of the discharging can be improved. As a result, the accuracy of operation, such as operation by the chopper folding device, performed in the sheet discharge path can be improved.
- the folding device including a plurality of sheet carrying paths.
- the folded sheets can be discharged to a plurality of sheet discharge paths. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce contact points where the folded sheet is delivered from the holding roller to the decelerating roller with high precision.
Abstract
A folding device includes a first folded-sheet clamping device and a second folded-sheet clamping device that are arranged on a decelerating roller. A first cam causes the first clamping device and the second clamping device to release a folded sheet into any one of a first sheet discharge path and a second sheet discharge path. When two folded sheets are held by each of the clamping devices, a second cam controls part of the first cam to cause the second clamping device not to release a sheet into the first sheet discharge path and to release a sheet into the second sheet discharge path.
Description
- The present application is based on, and claims priority from, Japan Application Number 2006-30411, filed Nov. 9, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a technology for folding sheets.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- In a printing machine, such as a rotary printing machine, an image is printed on a paper web and the paper web is cut into sheets of predetermined size. A folding device then folds the sheets at a predetermined position. A sheet carrying device having a plurality of paths for carrying the sheets and a path switching device that switches between the paths is used for that purpose in the printing machines. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-60128 [Paragraph: 0012, FIG. 1] discloses a conventional carrying path switching device.
- In the conventional carrying path switching device, a folding roller folds a sheet, and the folded sheet is delivered to a holding roller. The holding roller includes holding units, and receives the folded sheet from the folding roller. Upon receiving the folded sheet, the holding roller holds the sheet by the holding unit to deliver the sheet to a first carrying roller (decelerating roller) or a second carrying roller (decelerating roller). When a plurality of folded sheets are carried by each of the holding units, a switching unit controls some of the holding units to hold the sheet, and some other of the holding units not to hold the sheet at a receiving position to receive the sheet from the folding unit. In the carrying path switching device, each of the first and the second carrying rollers is a decelerating roller, serving as the last roller where the sheet is delivered to before the sheet reaches a carrying path.
- The folded sheet can be delivered to the first carrying roller or the second carrying roller, and then discharged to a first carrying path or a second carrying path. The folded sheet can be alternately discharged to the first carrying path and the second carrying path. However, when a plurality of folded sheets is carried by each of the holding unit, the folded sheets are delivered exclusively to the first carrying path.
- Because the two decelerating rollers rotate at a lower circumferential velocity than the holding roller, the folded sheet is often delivered in an unsteady manner to the decelerating roller from the holding roller. To assuredly deliver the folded sheet to the decelerating roller from the holding roller, such a sheet delivery needs to be performed with high accuracy, and the decelerating roller needs to be arranged with respect to the holding roller with high precision. In other words, it is necessary to provide the same number of decelerating rollers as the carrying path. Therefore, the decelerating roller and the holding roller need to be arranged with high precision, making their configuration complicated. Furthermore, because the decelerating roller is expensive, costs of the folding device increase as the number of decelerating rollers increases.
- It is an object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems in the conventional technology.
- According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism that carries a pile of folded sheets, the folded sheets being in a predetermined shape and size. The folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism includes a delivering unit that receives the pile and delivers the pile to one of a first path and a second path, the delivering unit including a rotatable member; a first holding unit that is mounted on the rotatable member, and configured to receive the pile in a first position while the rotatable member is rotating and deliver the pile to the first path; and a second holding unit that is mounted on the rotatable member, and configured to receive the pile in a second position while the rotatable member is rotating and deliver the pile to one of the first path and the second path; and a switching unit that includes a releasing unit that causes the first holding unit to release the pile into the first path and causes the second holding unit to release the pile into any one of the first path and the second path; and a control unit that controls the releasing unit to cause the second holding unit to release the pile in any one of the first path and the second path depending on number of folded sheets in the pile.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a folding device including a folding roller that configured to fold a sheet in a predetermined shape and size, and produce a pile of folded sheets; and a folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism. The folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism includes a delivering unit that receives the pile and delivers the pile to one of a first path and a second path, the delivering unit including a rotatable member; a first holding unit that is mounted on the rotatable member, and configured to receive the pile in a first position while the rotatable member is rotating and deliver the pile to the first path; and a second holding unit that is mounted on the rotatable member, and configured to receive the pile in a second position while the rotatable member is rotating and deliver the pile to one of the first path and the second path; and a switching unit that includes a releasing unit that causes the first holding unit to release the pile into the first path and causes the second holding unit to release the pile into any one of the first path and the second path; and a control unit that controls the releasing unit to cause the second holding unit to release the pile in any one of the first path and the second path depending on number of folded sheets in the pile.
- The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a folding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a pile of one folded sheet andFIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a pile of two folded sheets; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of a decelerating roller shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 4 to 6 are views of the decelerating roller; -
FIGS. 7A to 7C are schematic diagrams for explaining operation performed by a sheet-delivery switching mechanism shown inFIG. 6 ; -
FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams for explaining operation performed by a folded-sheet delivery guide shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cam follower shown inFIG. 8 ; and -
FIG. 11 is a diagram of a modification example of the folded-sheet delivery guide shown inFIG. 8 . - Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, a folding device includes a first sheet holding unit and a second sheet holding unit. The first and the second sheet holding units are arranged on a decelerating roller that is a sheet delivering unit. The folding device further includes a first sheet releasing unit and a second sheet releasing unit. The first sheet releasing unit causes the first sheet holding unit and the second sheet holding unit to release a folded sheet into a first sheet discharge path. The second sheet releasing unit causes at least the second sheet holding unit from among the first sheet holding unit and the second sheet holding unit to release a folded sheet into a second sheet discharge path. The folding device controls the first sheet releasing unit to cause the second sheet holding unit not to release the folded sheet depending on the number of folded sheets in a pile, i.e., the number of sheets held by each of the sheet holding units.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a folding device 1 according to the embodiment.FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a pile containing one folded sheet andFIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a pile containing two folded sheets laid one on top of another. Thus, a pile can contain one or more folded sheets. The folding device 1 is configured to cut out a paper web W, on which a predetermined image has been printed by aprinting machine 40, thereby producing sheets of predetermined size, and then fold those sheets at a predetermined position. - The paper web W is first delivered between a folding
roller 2 and a cutting roller 3. Aguide pin 2N arranged on the outer circumference of thefolding roller 2 holds the paper web W. The cutting roller 3 cuts the paper web W, which is held by theguide pin 2N, into a sheet S1 of a predetermined size. The sheet S1 is then passed between thefolding roller 2 and aholding roller 4. The sheet S1 is folded at a predetermined position when it passes between thefolding roller 2 and theholding roller 4. The folded sheet is referred to below as a folded sheet S. The folded sheet S is held by aholding claw 4N attached on theholding roller 4, and conveyed to a deceleratingroller 5 that is a sheet delivering unit. - The
guide pin 2N on thefolding roller 2 can hold one or more sheets at a time. When one sheet is held by theguide pin 2N, the sheet is folded between thefolding roller 2 and the holdingroller 4, resulting in a pile of one folded sheet S shown inFIG. 2A . When a plurality of sheets (say two sheets) are held by theguide pin 2N, all those sheets are folded resulting in a pile of plurality of folded sheets shown inFIG. 2B . To produce a plurality of the folded sheets S (e.g., two sheets) in piles, the cutting roller 3 cuts out the paper web W in a predetermined size to produce the first sheet S1, and then the first sheet S1 passes between thefolding roller 2 and the holdingroller 4 without being folded by thefolding roller 2. A new portion of the paper web W is then laid over the first sheet S1 on thefolding roller 2, and the cutting roller 3 cuts out the paper web W thereby producing the second sheet S1 of a predetermined size. As a result, the second sheet S1 is laid on top of the first sheet S1. The first and the second sheets S1 are folded together between thefolding roller 2 and the holdingroller 4 to produce the pile of two folded sheets S as shown inFIG. 2B . The cutting the paper web into sheets, making a pile of the sheets, and folding the pile of sheets is repeated for a required number of times. - The (pile of) folded sheet S is then delivered to the decelerating
roller 5. The deceleratingroller 5 is rotated at a lower circumferential velocity than that of the holdingroller 4. The deceleratingroller 5 includes a plurality of holdingclaws 5N, as sheet holding units, on its circumference. One of those holdingclaws 5N receives the folded sheet S from the holdingroller 4. - The decelerating
roller 5 delivers the folded sheet S to a firstsheet discharge path 7J or a secondsheet discharge path 7K. How the deceleratingroller 5 delivers the folded sheet S to the firstsheet discharge path 7J is explained below. When the deceleratingroller 5 is to deliver the folded sheet S to the firstsheet discharge path 7J, a folded-sheet delivery guide 11 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow G2 shown inFIG. 1 (thedelivery guide 11 moves towards the decelerating roller 5). Because the deceleratingroller 5 is rotating and because thedelivery guide 11 has moved to the deceleratingroller 5, the folded sheet S is delivered to afirst carrier 12J included in the firstsheet discharge path 7J. When the holdingclaws 5N releases the folded sheet S upon reaching thefirst carrier 12J, the folded sheet S is delivered to thefirst carrier 12J. - How the decelerating
roller 5 delivers the folded sheet S to the secondsheet discharge path 7K is explained below. When the deceleratingroller 5 is to deliver the folded sheet S to the secondsheet discharge path 7K, thedelivery guide 11 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow G1 shown inFIG. 1 (thedelivery guide 11 moves away from the decelerating roller 5). Because the deceleratingroller 5 is rotating and because thedelivery guide 11 has moved away from the deceleratingroller 5, the folded sheet S passes between thedelivery guide 11 and the deceleratingroller 5, and it is delivered toward aguide roller 6. The folded sheet S is held by a holdingclaw 6N arranged on theguide roller 6, and then delivered from the deceleratingroller 5 to theguide roller 6. The holdingclaw 6N releases the folded sheet S upon reaching asecond carrier 12K included in the secondsheet discharge path 7K. The folded sheet S is then delivered to thesecond carrier 12K. In this manner, the folded sheet S can be delivered to a desired one of the firstsheet discharge path 7J and the secondsheet discharge path 7K. - In the first
sheet discharge path 7J, thefirst carrier 12J conveys the folded sheet S to afirst impeller 9J, and the folded sheet S is temporarily stored in thefirst impeller 9J. The folded sheet S is then conveyed to afirst stacker 10J, which is a storage device corresponding to thefirst impeller 9J, and stored in thefirst stacker 10J. - On the other hand, in the second
sheet discharge path 7K, thesecond carrier 12K conveys the folded sheet S to asecond impeller 9K, and the folded sheet S is temporarily stored in thesecond impeller 9K. The folded sheet S is then conveyed to asecond stacker 10K, which is a storage device corresponding to thesecond impeller 9K, and stored in thesecond stacker 10K. - The first
sheet discharge path 7J and the secondsheet discharge path 7K includes a firstchopper folding device 8J and a secondchopper folding device 8K, respectively, to fold the folded sheet S tightly. The firstchopper folding device 8J and the secondchopper folding device 8K can be omitted if there is no need to fold the folded sheet S tightly. -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the deceleratingroller 5,FIG. 4 is a front view of the deceleratingroller 5, andFIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the deceleratingroller 5. As shown inFIG. 3 , the deceleratingroller 5 includes four folded-sheet holding units, first to fourth folded-sheet clamping devices clamping devices roller 5. - The four
clamping devices second clamping devices FIG. 4 ; moreover, the deceleratingroller 5 is assumed to be transparent. In other words, if the deceleratingroller 5 is not transparent, because the first and thesecond clamping devices FIG. 4 . All the first to thefourth clamping devices second clamping devices - The
first clamping device 20A has a plurality of the holdingclaws 5N attached on ashaft 21, and the holdingclaws 5N are arranged in the axial direction of theshaft 21. Acrank 22 is attached on one end of theshaft 21, and when thecrank 22 swings around theshaft 21, the holdingclaws 5N move toward or away from the deceleratingroller 5. When the holdingclaws 5N move toward the deceleratingroller 5, the folded sheet S is sandwiched between the holdingclaws 5N and the deceleratingroller 5. In contrast, when the holdingclaws 5N move away from the deceleratingroller 5, the folded sheet S is released from the holdingclaws 5N. - A cam follower (a
first cam follower 23X as an example) is attached on one end of thecrank 22 while the other end of thecrank 22 is connected to theshaft 21, and thefirst cam follower 23X is moved by a cam (afirst cam 24X as an example). The rotation of the deceleratingroller 5 causes the first to thefourth clamping devices 20A to 20D mounted on the deceleratingroller 5 to rotate. While the deceleratingroller 5 rotates, thefirst cam follower 23X moves while in contact with the outer circumference of thefirst cam 24X. Accordingly, thefirst cam follower 23X moves along a form of the outer circumference of thefirst cam 24X. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , a cam moving portion 24XR, which is a concave portion like a recess, is formed on the outer circumference of thefirst cam 24X. Because thefirst cam 24X is substantially circular, thefirst cam follower 23X does not swing around theshaft 21 along the outer circumference of thefirst cam 24X, although thefirst cam follower 23X swings while moving along the cam moving portion 24XR. When thefirst cam follower 23X does not swing around theshaft 21, i.e., the holdingclaws 5N have moved toward the deceleratingroller 5, the folded sheet S is sandwiched between the holdingclaws 5N and the deceleratingroller 5. When thefirst cam follower 23X moves along the cam moving portion 24XR, thefirst cam follower 23X moves toward the center of thefirst cam 24X. Accordingly, thecrank 22 moves toward the center of thefirst cam 24X and swings around theshaft 21, i.e., thecrank 22 moves toward the axis Z of the deceleratingroller 5. As a result, the holdingclaws 5N move away from the deceleratingroller 5 so that the folded sheet S is released from the holdingclaws 5N. - The
second clamping device 20B functions in substantially the same manner as thefirst clamping device 20A. However, there is a difference in that thesecond clamping device 20B is configured to discharge the folded sheet S to the firstsheet discharge path 7J or the secondsheet discharge path 7K depending on the number of folded sheets S in the pile. Thesecond clamping device 20B includes a cam (asecond cam 24Y) to switch the paths between the firstsheet discharge path 7J and the secondsheet discharge path 7K, and asecond cam follower 23Y in contact with thesecond cam 24Y. Thesecond cam follower 23Y is concentrically arranged with respect to thefirst cam follower 23X. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thefirst clamping device 20A and thesecond clamping device 20B are arranged in opposite positions, i.e., they are spaced from each other by an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the axis Z. Similarly, thethird clamping device 20C and thefourth clamping device 20D are arranged in opposite positions, i.e., they are spaced from each other by an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the axis Z. - The
first clamping device 20A is configured to discharge the folded sheet S only to the firstsheet discharge path 7J, thesecond clamping device 20B is configured to discharge the folded sheet S to one of the firstsheet discharge path 7J and the secondsheet discharge path 7K depending on the number of folded sheets in the pile, and the third and thefourth clamping devices sheet discharge path 7K. Thesecond clamping device 20B discharges the folded sheet S to one of the firstsheet discharge path 7J and the secondsheet discharge path 7K depending on the number of folded sheets S in the pile. - Concretely, when the pile contains one folded sheet S, the
second clamping device 20B discharges the pile to the firstsheet discharge path 7J. On the other hand, when the pile contains two folded sheets S, thesecond clamping device 20B discharges the pile to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. -
FIG. 6 is a view of the decelerating roller from a different direction.FIGS. 7A to 7C are schematic diagrams for explaining operation performed by a sheet-delivery switching mechanism 24 included in the folding device 1. The sheet-delivery switching mechanism 24 (sheet-delivery switching unit) includes thefirst cam 24X and thesecond cam 24Y. Thefirst cam 24X and thesecond cam 24Y are arranged on one side of the deceleratingroller 5 in the manner that the first and thesecond cams roller 5. Thesecond cam 24Y is rotated by anactuator 28 that is a unit for driving the sheet-delivery switching mechanism 24 around the axis Z. The use of theactuator 28 makes it possible to control the sheet-delivery switching mechanism 24 remotely or automatically. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , each of thefirst cam followers 23X of thefirst clamping device 20A and thesecond clamping device 20B are in contact with the outer circumference of thefirst cam 24X. As shown inFIG. 7A , thefirst cam 24X includes a plurality of concave portions (three concave portions are shown in the diagrams) on and along the circumference of thefirst cam 24X. The three concave portions are: a first moving portion 24XA, a second moving portion 24XB, and a third moving portion 24XC. The moving portions 24XA, 24XB, 24XC move each of thefirst cam followers 23X of thefirst clamping device 20A and thesecond clamping device 20B. Thefirst cam 24X is substantially circular, and a circular portion of thefirst cam 24X, excluding the moving portions 24XA, 24XB, 24XC, has a radius r1. - The first moving portion 24XA is configured to cause the clamping device (the first and the
second clamping devices FIG. 1 ). When thefirst cam follower 23X moves along the first moving portion 24XA, the holdingclaws 5N of the clamping device move away from the deceleratingroller 5 in the manner described in connection withFIG. 5 . The holdingclaws 5N then hold the folded sheet S between thedeceleration roller 5. - The second moving portion 24XB (a first sheet releasing unit) and the third moving portion 24XC (a second sheet releasing unit) are configured to cause the clamping device to release the folded sheet S held between the holding
claws 5N and thedeceleration roller 5. The second moving portion 24XB is configured to cause the first and thesecond clamping devices sheet discharge path 7J. When thefirst cam follower 23X moves along the second moving portion 24XB, the holdingclaws 5N of each of the first and thesecond clamping device roller 5. Accordingly, the folded sheet S is released, and the released folded sheet S is discharged to the firstsheet discharge path 7J. - The third moving portion 24XC is configured to cause the
second clamping device 20B to release the folded sheet S and discharge the released folded sheet S to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. When thefirst cam follower 23X of thesecond clamping device 20B moves along the third moving portion 24XC, the holdingclaws 5N of thesecond clamping device 20B move away from the deceleratingroller 5. Accordingly, the folded sheet S is released, and the released folded sheet S is discharged to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , the outer circumference of thesecond cam 24Y is in contact with thesecond cam follower 23Y of thesecond clamping device 20B. As shown inFIG. 7A , thesecond cam 24Y has a substantially fan shape, and a circular portion of thesecond cam 24Y has a radius r2. The radius r2 of thesecond cam 24Y is equal to the radius r1 of thefirst cam 24X. When thesecond cam follower 23Y moves along the outer circumference of thesecond cam 24Y, thesecond cam follower 23Y does not swing around theshaft 21. As a result, the holdingclaws 5N of thesecond clamping device 20B does not move away from the deceleratingroller 5, and the holdingclaws 5N of thesecond clamping device 20B keep holding the folded sheet S. Thus, thesecond cam 24Y causes thesecond clamping device 20B to keep holding the folded sheet S while passing the firstsheet discharge path 7J. - When the pile contains one folded sheet S, i.e., when one folded sheet S is held by the
second clamping device 20B, thesecond clamping device 20B discharges the folded sheet S to the firstsheet discharge path 7J. To discharge the pile that contains one folded sheet S to the firstsheet discharge path 7J, thesecond clamping device 20B is moved by thefirst cam 24X. More specifically, theactuator 28 moves thesecond cam 24Y to be positioned on the circular portion of thefirst cam 24X, so that thefirst cam 24X causes the moving portions 24XA, 24XB, and 24XC to move thesecond clamping device 20B. - Because the
first clamping device 20A discharges the folded sheet S only to the firstsheet discharge path 7J, thefirst clamping device 20A is moved by the movement of thefirst cam follower 23X along thefirst cam 24X. As a result, thefirst cam 24X causes the moving portions 24XA, 24XB, and 24XC to move thefirst clamping device 20A. More specifically, when one folded sheet S is held by each of the first and thesecond clamping devices second clamping devices sheet discharge path 7J. Although each of the first and thesecond clamping devices claws 5N to move away from the deceleratingroller 5, the first and thesecond clamping devices second clamping devices sheet discharge path 7J. - When the pile contains two folded sheets S, i.e., two folded sheets S are held by each of the first and the
second clamping devices first clamping device 20A discharges the folded sheets S to the firstsheet discharge path 7J while thesecond clamping device 20B discharges the folded sheets S to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. As described above, after receiving the folded sheets S from the holdingroller 4, the deceleratingroller 5 reaches the firstsheet discharge path 7J before reaching the secondsheet discharge path 7K. When thesecond clamping device 20B is moved by thefirst cam 24X, thefirst cam 24X causes the moving portions 24XA, 24XB, and 24XC to move thesecond clamping device 20B. As a result, thesecond clamping device 20B is moved by the second moving portion 24XB to release the folded sheet S into the firstsheet discharge path 7J before thesecond clamping device 20B is moved by the third moving portion 24XC to release the folded sheet S into the secondsheet discharge path 7K. Thus, thesecond clamping device 20B can not discharge the folded sheet S to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. - To prevent the
second clamping device 20B from releasing the folded sheet S into the firstsheet discharge path 7J, theactuator 28 moves thesecond cam 24Y toward the second moving portion 24XB (in the direction indicated by an arrow E shown inFIG. 7B ), so that thesecond cam 24Y is positioned over the second moving portion 24XB. It is not necessary to use theactuator 28 for moving thesecond cam 24Y. For example, thesecond cam 24Y can be permanently attached over the first moving portion 24XA when necessary, i.e., when a plurality of folded sheets is discharged to the sheet discharge paths. Thus, it is possible to save costs and spaces for providing theactuator 28. - As described above, the
first cam 24X causes the first moving portion 24XA and the third moving portion 24XC to move thesecond clamping device 20B, and thesecond cam 24Y causes the second moving portion 24XB not to move thesecond clamping device 20B. More specifically, thesecond cam 24Y is positioned over the second moving portion 24XB, and thesecond cam follower 23Y is in contact with thesecond cam 24Y (thesecond cam follower 23Y is arranged concentrically with respect to thefirst cam follower 23X), so that thesecond cam 24Y prevents thesecond cam follower 23Y of thesecond clamping device 20B from moving toward the center of thefirst cam 24X. Thus, when thefirst cam follower 23X moves along the second moving portion 24XB, the holdingclaws 5N of thesecond clamping device 20B does not move away from the deceleratingroller 5. When two folded sheets S are held by thesecond clamping device 20B, thesecond clamping device 20B keeps holding the folded sheet S while passing the firstsheet discharge path 7J. - When the
second clamping device 20B holding the two folded sheets S reaches the secondsheet discharge path 7K by the rotation of the deceleratingroller 5, thefirst cam 24X causes the third moving portion 24XC to move thesecond clamping device 20B; because, thesecond cam 24Y is not positioned over the third moving portion 24XC. The first and thesecond cam followers second clamping device 20B then move toward the center of thefirst cam 24X and swing around theshaft 21. Accordingly, the holdingclaws 5N of thesecond clamping device 20B move away from the deceleratingroller 5 to release the folded sheets S, and the folded sheet S is discharged to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. - Although theoretically the
first clamping device 20A and thesecond clamping device 20B usually receive the folded sheet S from the holdingroller 4 at the one position, in practice the positions at which each of the first and thesecond clamping devices roller 4 can be different. - As described above, the
second cam 24Y causes part of thefirst cam 24X not to move thesecond clamping device 20B, so that thesecond clamping device 20B discharges the folded sheet S to the firstsheet discharge path 7J or secondsheet discharge path 7K depending on the number of folded sheets S held by each of the clamping devices. As a result, when a plurality of the folded sheets S (two sheets according to the embodiment) are held by each of the first and thesecond clamping devices first clamping device 20A discharges the folded sheets S to the firstsheet discharge path 7J, while thesecond clamping devices 20B discharges the folded sheets S to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. Therefore, it is possible to use thecarriers FIG. 1 ) in the first and the secondsheet discharge paths carriers - Because the two
sheet discharge paths second stackers FIG. 1 ) arranged in the first and the secondsheet discharge paths sheet discharge paths chopper folding devices FIG. 1 ). As a result, the chopper folding device can fold the folded sheet S with longer folding time. Furthermore, because each of the folded sheets S can be delivered at longer intervals to the impeller (the first and thesecond impellers FIG. 1 ), the impeller can receive the folded sheet S with longer receiving time. As described above, the twosheet discharge paths - Each of the third and the
fourth clamping devices FIG. 3 ) discharges the folded sheet S only to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. Athird cam 25X shown inFIG. 7C is used to move the third and thefourth clamping devices - As shown in
FIG. 7C , thethird cam 25X has a plurality of concave portions (two concave portions according to the embodiment) on its outer circumference. One of the two concave portions is referred to as a first moving portion 25XA, and the other as a second moving portion 25XB. The first and the second moving portions 25XA, 25XB move each of the third and thefourth clamping devices fourth clamping devices FIG. 1 ). When a cam follower (not shown) of each of the third and thefourth clamping devices claws 5N of each of the third and the fourth clamping devices move away from the deceleratingroller 5 in the manner described in connection withFIG. 5 . Accordingly, the holdingclaws 5N of the third and thefourth clamping devices roller 4. - The second moving portion 25XB is configured to cause the third and the
fourth clamping devices claws 5N, thereby discharging the folded sheet S to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. When a cam follower (not shown) of each of the third and thefourth clamping devices claws 5N of each of the third and the fourth clamping devices move away from the deceleratingroller 5. Accordingly, the folded sheet S is released from the holdingclaws 5N and discharged to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. -
FIGS. 8 to 10 are schematic diagrams for explaining operation performed by the folded-sheet delivery guide 11 included in the folding device 1. Thedelivery guide 11 is configured to swing around a supportingshaft 11S, and delivers the folded sheet S to a first side EX1 leading to the firstsheet discharge path 7J or a second side EX2 leading to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. Thedelivery guide 11 includes anarm 14 to swing thedelivery guide 11. Thedelivery guide 11 is attached to one end of thearm 14, and acam follower 13 is attached to the other end of thearm 14. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , thecam follower 13 includes afirst cam follower 13X and asecond cam follower 13Y, and thecam followers first cam follower 13X is in contact with a firstrotating cam 30, and thesecond cam follower 13Y is in contact with a secondrotating cam 31. The first and the secondrotating cams rotating cams roller 5. - When the folded sheet S is to be discharged to the first
sheet discharge path 7J, thedelivery guide 11 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow G2 shown inFIG. 1 (in the direction such that thedelivery guide 11 moves toward the decelerating roller 5). As a result, the folded sheet S passes through a side of thedelivery guide 11 to which the deceleratingroller 5 is not opposed and is delivered through the first side EX1. On the other hand, when the folded sheet S is to be discharged to the secondsheet discharge path 7K, thedelivery guide 11 moves in the direction indicated by an arrow G1 shown inFIG. 1 (in the direction such that thedelivery guide 11 moves away from the decelerating roller 5). As a result, the folded sheet S passes between thedelivery guide 11 and the deceleratingroller 5, and is delivered through the second side EX2. - There are two discharge modes (the first and the second discharge modes) according to the embodiment. In the first discharge mode, the folded sheet S is released from the
first clamping device 20A (a first sheet holding unit) and thesecond clamping device 20B (a second sheet holding unit), and is then discharged to the firstsheet discharge path 7J. In the first discharge mode, one folded sheet S is held by each of the clamping devices. On the other hand, in the second discharge mode, the folded sheet S released from thefirst clamping device 20A is discharged to the firstsheet discharge path 7J, and the folded sheet S released from thesecond clamping device 20B is discharged to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. In the second discharge mode, a plurality of the folded sheets S (two sheets according to the embodiment) is held by each of the clamping devices. Thedelivery guide 11 is used to switch between the first discharge mode and the second discharge mode. - The
delivery guide 11 is moved by the firstrotating cam 30 and the secondrotating cam 31 through thecam follower 13 and thearm 14. The firstrotating cam 30 includes a plurality of concave portions on the outer circumferential portion, and the plurality of concave portions is arranged in the circumferential direction. The concave portions are referred to as a first movingportion 30A and a third movingportion 30C. The first movingportion 30A and the third movingportion 30C are arranged in opposite positions, i.e., spaced from each other by 180 degrees around a central axis Zc of the firstrotating cam 30. - A second moving
portion 30B and a fourth movingportion 30D are arranged between the first movingportion 30A and the third movingportion 30C. The second movingportion 30B and the fourth movingportion 30D are convex portions with respect to the first and third movingportions portions portions rotating cam 30. - When the
cam follower 13 moves along the first movingportion 30A and the third movingportion 30C, thecam follower 13 moves toward the central axis Zc of the first rotating cam 30 (in the direction indicated by an arrow F2 inFIG. 8 ). Thedelivery guide 11 then moves toward the decelerating roller 5 (in the direction indicated by the arrow G2 inFIG. 8 ), so that the folded sheet S is delivered through the first side EX1. - When the
cam follower 13 moves along the second movingportion 30B and the fourth movingportion 30D, thecam follower 13 moves away from the central axis Zc (in the direction indicated by an arrow F1 shown inFIG. 8 ). Thedelivery guide 11 then moves away from the decelerating roller 5 (in the direction indicated by the arrow G1 inFIG. 8 ), so that the folded sheet S is delivered through the second side EX2. - When one folded sheet S is held by each of the clamping devices, each of the first and the
second clamping devices sheet discharge path 7J (the first discharge mode). To discharge the folded sheet S to the firstsheet discharge path 7J, thedelivery guide 11 moves toward the deceleratingroller 5 when each of the first and thesecond clamping devices fourth clamping devices sheet discharge path 7K, thedelivery guide 11 moves away from the deceleratingroller 5 when each of the third and thefourth clamping devices - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thefirst clamping device 20A and thesecond clamping device 20B are spaced from each other by the central angle of 180 degrees. Therefore, thedelivery guide 11 moves toward the deceleratingroller 5 each time the deceleratingroller 5 rotates 180 degrees. As described above, the firstrotating cam 30 rotates in synchronization with (at the same rotating speed as) the deceleratingroller 5. Therefore, thecam follower 13 is caused to move along the first movingportion 30A and the third movingportion 30C at a timing for releasing the folded sheet S from each of the first and thesecond clamping devices - When two folded sheets S are held by each of the clamping devices, the
first clamping devices 20A discharges the folded sheets S to the firstsheet discharge path 7J, and thesecond clamping device 20B discharges the folded sheets S to the secondsheet discharge path 7K (the second discharge mode). If thedelivery guide 11 moves in the same manner as when one folded sheet S is delivered, thedelivery guide 11 moves toward the decelerating roller 5 (in the direction indicated by the arrow G2 shown inFIG. 8 ) to discharge the folded sheets S to the firstsheet discharge path 7J. Thus, thesecond clamping device 20B cannot discharge the folded sheet S to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. - According to the embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 8 , a circular portion of the secondrotating cam 31 has a radius r2, and the radius r2 equals to a radius r1 of each of the second and the fourth movingportions rotating cam 30. The secondrotating cam 31 is placed over the third movingportion 30C of the firstrotating cam 30, so that the secondrotating cam 31 causes the third movingportion 30C not to move the cam follower 13 (seeFIG. 9 ). The secondrotating cam 31 can be automatically placed over the third movingportion 30C by using a driving unit such as an actuator. Thus, the first and the secondsheet discharge paths rotating cam 31 in cooperation with the actuator 28 (seeFIG. 6 ) that drives thesecond cam 24Y in the sheet-delivery switching mechanism 24. The secondrotating cam 31 can be attached over the third movingportion 30C when needed, so that it is possible to save costs and spaces for mounting a driving unit that drives the secondrotating cam 31. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , the secondrotating cam 31 is in contact with thesecond cam follower 13Y that is concentrically arranged with thefirst cam follower 13X. When thecam follower 13 reaches the third movingportion 30C, thesecond cam follower 13Y prevents thecam follower 13 from moving toward the central axis Zc of the firstrotating cam 30. - With the above-described configuration, the
delivery guide 11 switches between the first side EX1 and the second side EX2 every time the deceleratingroller 5 rotates 360 degrees. When two folded sheets S are held by thesecond clamping device 20B, the folded sheets S pass between thedelivery guide 11 and the deceleratingroller 5, and are delivered through the second side EX2. As a result, when two folded sheets S are held by each of the clamping devices, thefirst clamping device 20A discharges the folded sheets S to the firstsheet discharge path 7J, and thesecond clamping device 20B discharges the folded sheets S to the secondsheet discharge path 7K. -
FIG. 11 is a diagram of a different configuration example of thedelivery guide 11. In this configuration, thedelivery guide 11 swings around the supportingshaft 11S by a rotatingcam 32. The rotatingcam 32 is driven by amotor 35 that is a unit that drives thedelivery guide 11. The rotatingcam 32 includes a first movingportion 32A and a second movingportion 32B. The first movingportion 32A has a radius r3, the second movingportion 32B has a radius r1, and the radius r3 is smaller than the radius r2. The first movingportion 32A and the second movingportion 32B are arranged in opposite positions, i.e., spaced from each other by 180 degrees around a rotation axis Zc of the rotatingcam 32. - When the
cam follower 13 moves along the first movingportion 32A, thedelivery guide 11 moves toward the decelerating roller 5 (in the direction indicated by an arrow G2 inFIG. 11 ), so that the folded sheet S is delivered through the first side EX1. When thecam follower 13 moves along the second movingportion 32B, thedelivery guide 11 moves away from the decelerating roller 5 (in the direction indicated by an arrow G1 shown inFIG. 11 ), so that the folded sheet S is delivered through the second side EX2. The rotatingcam 32 includes a drivenpulley 34 that is concentrically arranged with respect to the central axis Zc of the rotatingcam 32. Themotor 35 includes a drivingpulley 36 that is arranged on a drive axis of themotor 35. Abelt 33 is looped around the drivenpulley 34 and the drivingpulley 36, and themotor 35 rotates the rotatingcam 32 through the drivenpulley 34, thebelt 33, and the drivingpulley 36. - As described above, when one folded sheet S is held by each of the clamping devices, the first
sheet discharge path 7J and the secondsheet discharge path 7K are switched over every time the deceleratingroller 5 rotates 90 degrees. In such a case, the rotatingcam 32 rotates at twice the rotating speed of the deceleratingroller 5. On the other hand, when two folded sheets S are held by each of the clamping devices, the firstsheet discharge path 7J and the secondsheet discharge path 7K are switched over every time the deceleratingroller 5 rotates 180 degrees. In such a case, the rotatingcam 32 rotates at the same rotating speed as that of the deceleratingroller 5. The rotating speed of the rotatingcam 32 can be changed by adjusting the rotating speed of themotor 35. Alternatively, a mechanism to vary a change gear ratio can be arranged between themotor 35 and the rotatingcam 32, so that the rotating speed of the rotatingcam 32 can be changed. - According to the embodiment, the first sheet releasing unit causes the first sheet holding unit and the second sheet holding unit to release the folded sheet into the first sheet discharge path. The second sheet releasing unit causes at least the second sheet holding unit to release the folded sheet into the second sheet discharge path. The sheet-delivery switching unit causes the first sheet releasing unit not to move the second sheet holding unit depending on the number of folded sheets in a pile, i.e., the number of folded sheets held by each of the sheet holding units. With the above-described configuration, when a plurality of folded sheets is delivered by each of the sheet holding units, the folded sheets can be discharged to the two sheet discharge paths. Therefore, it is possible to provide more allowance for a process performed after the folded sheet is delivered to the sheet discharge path. As a result, the devices to be used in a subsequent process can be operated with less load, and reduction of durability of the devices can be suppressed.
- When a plurality of folded sheets is held by each of the sheet holding units, the folded sheets are discharged to the two sheet discharge paths by controlling the movement of the first and the second sheet holding units arranged on the sheet delivering unit (decelerating roller). Because the one decelerating roller is used to discharge the folded sheet to the two sheet discharge paths, it is possible to reduce points where the folded sheet needs to be delivered from the holding roller to the decelerating roller with high precision, and the adjustment between the decelerating roller and the holding roller can be reduced. Because the decelerating roller is expensive, the decrease in the number of decelerating rollers can reduce costs of the folding device.
- The folded sheet may be delivered in an unsteady manner from the holding roller to the decelerating rollers. However, according to the embodiment, the folded sheet is delivered to the one decelerating roller from the holding roller, so that the folded sheet can be delivered to the sheet discharge paths in a steady manner. Furthermore, because the mechanism is configured to delivery the folded sheet to the sheet discharge paths, the accuracy of the discharging can be improved. As a result, the accuracy of operation, such as operation by the chopper folding device, performed in the sheet discharge path can be improved.
- According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided the folding device including a plurality of sheet carrying paths. When a plurality of folded sheets is delivered by each of the sheet holding units, the folded sheets can be discharged to a plurality of sheet discharge paths. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce contact points where the folded sheet is delivered from the holding roller to the decelerating roller with high precision.
- Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art that fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.
Claims (10)
1. A folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism that carries a pile of folded sheets, the folded sheets being in a predetermined shape and size, the folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism comprising:
a delivering unit that receives the pile and delivers the pile to one of a first path and a second path, the delivering unit including
a rotatable member;
a first holding unit that is mounted on the rotatable member, and configured to receive the pile in a first position while the rotatable member is rotating and deliver the pile to the first path; and
a second holding unit that is mounted on the rotatable member, and configured to receive the pile in a second position while the rotatable member is rotating and deliver the pile to one of the first path and the second path; and
a switching unit that includes
a releasing unit that causes the first holding unit to release the pile into the first path and causes the second holding unit to release the pile into any one of the first path and the second path; and
a control unit that controls the releasing unit to cause the second holding unit to release the pile in any one of the first path and the second path depending on number of folded sheets in the pile.
2. The folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein
the releasing unit includes a first cam having a plurality of concave portions to cause the first holding unit to release the pile into the first path and cause the second holding unit to release the pile into any one of the first path and the second path, wherein the first cam is configured to rotate around a rotation axis of the rotatable member, and
the control unit includes a second cam configured to cause the second holding unit not to release the pile into the first path depending on number of folded sheets in the pile, wherein the second cam is configured to rotate around a rotation axis of the rotatable member.
3. The folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the releasing unit to cause the second holding unit to release the pile into the first path when the number of folded sheets in the pile is one, and controls the releasing unit to cause the second holding unit to release the pile into the second path when the number of folded sheets in the pile is more than one.
4. The folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism according to claim 1 , further comprising a sheet delivery guide that switches between a first discharge mode and a second discharge mode depending on the number of folded sheets in the pile, wherein
the first discharge mode causes the first holding unit and the second holding unit to discharge the pile into the first path, and
the second discharge mode causes the first holding unit to discharge the pile into the first path, and causes the second holding unit to discharge the pile into the second path.
5. The folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism according to claim 4 , further comprising:
a first cam including a plurality of concave portions to move the sheet delivery guide to cause the first holding unit and the second holding unit to discharge the pile into the first path, wherein the first cam is configured to rotate around a rotation axis of the rotatable member; and
a second rotating cam to move the sheet delivery guide to cause the second holding unit not to discharge the pile into the first path but to discharge the pile into the second path, wherein the second cam is configured to rotate around a rotation axis of the rotatable member.
6. The folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism according to claim 4 , further comprising
a rotating cam including
a first concave portion that moves the sheet delivery guide to discharge the pile into the first path; and
a second concave portion that moves the sheet delivery guide to discharge the pile into the second path; and
a speed controlling unit that changes rotating speed of the rotating cam depending on the number of folded sheets in the pile.
7. The folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism according to claim 4 , further comprising a mode setting unit that sets the first discharge mode when the number of folded sheets in the pile is one, and sets the second discharge mode when the number of folded sheets in the pile is more than one.
8. The folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the folded sheet is produced by printing a predetermined image on the folded sheet and being cut out to a predetermined size.
9. A folding device comprising:
a folding roller that is configured to fold a sheet in a predetermined shape and size, and produce a pile of folded sheets; and
a folded-sheet carrying path switching mechanism including
a delivering unit that receives the pile and delivers the pile to one of a first path and a second path, the delivering unit including
a rotatable member;
a first holding unit that is mounted on the rotatable member, and configured to receive the pile in a first position while the rotatable member is rotating and deliver the pile to the first path; and
a second holding unit that is mounted on the rotatable member, and configured to receive the pile in a second position while the rotatable member is rotating and deliver the pile to one of the first path and the second path; and
a switching unit that includes
a releasing unit that causes the first holding unit to release the pile into the first path and causes the second holding unit to release the pile into any one of the first path and the second path; and
a control unit that controls the releasing unit to cause the second holding unit to release the pile in any one of the first path and the second path depending on number of folded sheets in the pile.
10. The folding device according to claim 9 , wherein the folded sheet is produced by printing a predetermined image on the folded sheet and being cut out to a predetermined size.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2006304111A JP2008120489A (en) | 2006-11-09 | 2006-11-09 | Signature conveyance path switching structure and folding machine |
JP2006-304111 | 2006-11-09 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080122157A1 true US20080122157A1 (en) | 2008-05-29 |
Family
ID=39277905
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/937,033 Abandoned US20080122157A1 (en) | 2006-11-09 | 2007-11-08 | Sheet carrying path switching mechanism and sheet folding device |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080122157A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008120489A (en) |
DE (1) | DE102007053250A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130101331A1 (en) * | 2010-06-24 | 2013-04-25 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Web press and a method of initiating printing |
CN113851606A (en) * | 2021-09-03 | 2021-12-28 | 无锡奥特维智能装备有限公司 | Negative plate and battery cell laminating equipment and method |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5494270A (en) * | 1993-05-13 | 1996-02-27 | Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft | Cross folder and method of cross folding |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2815675B2 (en) * | 1989-05-31 | 1998-10-27 | 東芝機械株式会社 | Combined folding machine |
JPH05306054A (en) * | 1992-05-01 | 1993-11-19 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Assorting device for folding machine |
-
2006
- 2006-11-09 JP JP2006304111A patent/JP2008120489A/en active Pending
-
2007
- 2007-11-08 US US11/937,033 patent/US20080122157A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-11-08 DE DE102007053250A patent/DE102007053250A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5494270A (en) * | 1993-05-13 | 1996-02-27 | Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft | Cross folder and method of cross folding |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130101331A1 (en) * | 2010-06-24 | 2013-04-25 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Web press and a method of initiating printing |
CN113851606A (en) * | 2021-09-03 | 2021-12-28 | 无锡奥特维智能装备有限公司 | Negative plate and battery cell laminating equipment and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE102007053250A1 (en) | 2008-05-15 |
JP2008120489A (en) | 2008-05-29 |
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Owner name: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MOTOOKA, MIKIO;MITAMURA, ISAMI;REEL/FRAME:020498/0108 Effective date: 20071226 |
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