US20090026697A1 - Position adjusting method and apparatus for adjustment target portion in sheet processing machine - Google Patents

Position adjusting method and apparatus for adjustment target portion in sheet processing machine Download PDF

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Publication number
US20090026697A1
US20090026697A1 US12/220,551 US22055108A US2009026697A1 US 20090026697 A1 US20090026697 A1 US 20090026697A1 US 22055108 A US22055108 A US 22055108A US 2009026697 A1 US2009026697 A1 US 2009026697A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
sheet
cpu
pile board
target portion
pile
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/220,551
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English (en)
Inventor
Nobuaki Saito
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Komori Corp
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Komori Corp
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Assigned to KOMORI CORPORATION reassignment KOMORI CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SAITO, NOBUAKI
Publication of US20090026697A1 publication Critical patent/US20090026697A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B65H1/00—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated
    • B65H1/08—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated with means for advancing the articles to present the articles to the separating device
    • B65H1/14—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated with means for advancing the articles to present the articles to the separating device comprising positively-acting mechanical devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/08—Separating articles from piles using pneumatic force
    • B65H3/0808—Suction grippers
    • B65H3/0816—Suction grippers separating from the top of pile
    • B65H3/0825—Suction grippers separating from the top of pile and acting on the rear part of the articles relatively to the final separating direction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H9/00—Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/30—Orientation, displacement, position of the handled material
    • B65H2301/36—Positioning; Changing position
    • B65H2301/363—Positioning; Changing position of material in pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2407/00—Means not provided for in groups B65H2220/00 – B65H2406/00 specially adapted for particular purposes
    • B65H2407/50—Means for protecting parts of handling machine
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
    • B65H2511/10—Size; Dimensions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2513/00—Dynamic entities; Timing aspects
    • B65H2513/40—Movement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2601/00—Problem to be solved or advantage achieved
    • B65H2601/20—Avoiding or preventing undesirable effects
    • B65H2601/26—Damages to handling machine
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2801/00—Application field
    • B65H2801/03—Image reproduction devices
    • B65H2801/21—Industrial-size printers, e.g. rotary printing press

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a position adjusting method and apparatus for an adjustment target portion in a sheet processing machine comprising the adjustment target portion, e.g., a sucker and side separator in a feed unit, a suction wheel and side jogger in a delivery unit, or the like, the position of which is adjusted in accordance with the size of a sheet stacked on a pile board.
  • the adjustment target portion e.g., a sucker and side separator in a feed unit, a suction wheel and side jogger in a delivery unit, or the like, the position of which is adjusted in accordance with the size of a sheet stacked on a pile board.
  • a sheet-fed offset printing press comprises a feed unit (feeder) which feeds sheets stacked on a pile board.
  • the sheets stacked on the pile board of the feed unit are gripped one by one by the suction port of a sucker located above the pile board.
  • a feed roller captures the gripped sheet and feeds it onto a feeder board.
  • a feed unit in a conventional sheet-fed offset printing press shown in FIG. 11 comprises a pile board 301 on which sheets 302 are stacked, and a sucker box 303 having a first suction port 304 , second suction port 305 , and leveling foot 306 , as described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-161238.
  • An adjusting screw 308 fixes the sucker box 303 onto a support shaft 307 at a predetermined position in a feed direction (sheet convey direction).
  • the first suction port 304 grips the sheets 302 stacked on the pile board 301 one by one from the upper layer.
  • the sheet gripped by the first suction port 304 is then gripped by the second suction port 305 and conveyed in the feed direction.
  • air from the leveling foot 306 separates the first sheet 302 from the second and subsequent sheets 302 .
  • the pile board 301 is lifted automatically.
  • the operator lowers the pile board 301 by manual operation and stacks new sheets 302 on the pile board 301 .
  • the pile board 301 is lifted by manual operation, and feed operation resumes.
  • the operator manually adjusts the position of the sucker box 303 in accordance with the sheet size of the sheets 302 on the pile board 301 (the whole arrangement of the sucker box 303 including the suction ports 304 and 305 and leveling foot 306 will be referred to as a sucker hereinafter). More specifically, the operator adjusts the sucker to a position (a position corresponding to the sheet size) where the air outlet port of the leveling foot 306 opposes the side edge face of the uppermost sheet 302 on the pile board 301 .
  • the sucker box 303 is moved along the support shaft 307 to a position corresponding to the sheet size, and is fixed by the adjusting screw 308 .
  • the operator manually adjusts the position of the sucker in accordance with the sheet size of the sheets 302 on the pile board 301 .
  • the sucker position is automatically adjusted by a computer process.
  • the preset position of the sucker is automatically set by the computer in accordance with the sheet size (the sheet size of the sheet to be fed) of the sheet on the pile board which is input by the operator.
  • the sucker moves to the preset position and stops there.
  • the preset position of the sucker can be finely adjusted by manual switch operation. This method will be referred to as an automatic positioning method hereinafter.
  • the position of the sucker may fall inside the sheet size of the sheets stacked on the pile board due to a sheet cutting error, sheet misalignment during stacking, or the like.
  • the air outlet port of the leveling foot 306 is positioned to oppose the side edge face of the uppermost sheet 302 on the pile board 301 .
  • the pile board 301 is lifted and sheets are fed from it.
  • the pile board 301 is lowered upon push button operation of the operator, and new sheets 302 are stacked on the pile board 301 .
  • the distal end of the leveling foot 306 may fall inside the sheet size of the sheet 302 stacked on the pile board 301 , as shown in FIG. 12B , due to a cutting error of the sheets 302 , misalignment of the sheets 302 during stacking, or the like (the sheet 302 and leveling foot 306 may overlap in the sheet stacking direction). If the pile board 301 is lifted in this state, the sheets 302 stacked on the pile board 301 may knock up the leveling foot 306 to break it, as shown in FIG. 12C .
  • the feed unit of the sheet-fed offset printing press comprises side separators which align the left and right side edges of the sheets stacked on the pile board, as described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-52839.
  • the side separators are also adjusted at positions corresponding to the size of the sheets stacked on the pile board.
  • the delivery unit (delivery) of the sheet-fed offset printing press comprises a suction wheel which brakes the sheet to be delivered from traveling forward due to the inertia of the conveyance so that the sheet drops onto the pile board and is stacked there correctly, as described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Nos. 60-96345 and 6-33860. Furthermore, the delivery unit also comprises side joggers which abut against the two side edges of a dropping sheet and reciprocally vibrate in directions to approach and further separate from the sheet to align the sheet to be dropped and stacked in the left-and-right direction, as described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Nos. 6-33860 and 2-135565. The suction wheel and side joggers described above are also adjusted at positions corresponding to the size of the sheets stacked on the pile board.
  • the respective sides of the sheet to be delivered may curl due to the ink thickness and paper characteristics so that the delivered sheet size becomes smaller than it really is.
  • the operator performs fine adjustment to move the suction wheel and side joggers slightly inward. In this state, if the pile board is manually lowered once and then lifted again due to any trouble or the like, the sheets on the pile board may knock up the suction wheel or side joggers to break them.
  • a position adjusting method for an adjustment target portion in a sheet processing machine comprising a pile board which is lifted and lowered with a sheet stacked thereon, and the adjustment target portion ( 61 - 66 ) a position of which is adjusted in accordance with a size of the sheet on the pile board, comprising the steps of lifting the pile board with the sheet stacked thereon, and moving the adjustment target portion in a direction to further separate from a center of the sheet on the pile board as the pile board is lifted.
  • a position adjusting apparatus comprising a pile board which is lifted and lowered with a sheet stacked thereon, an adjustment target portion a position of which is adjusted in accordance with a size of the sheet on the pile board, and moving means for moving the adjustment target portion in a direction to further separate from a center of the sheet on the pile board as the pile board is lifted.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a position adjusting apparatus for an adjustment target portion in a sheet processing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in detail a memory unit shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIGS. 3A to 3D are views for explaining the operation of the adjustment target portion when lifting the feeder pile of a feed unit by manual operation
  • FIGS. 4A to 4D are views for explaining the operation of the adjustment target portion when lifting the delivery pile of a delivery unit by manual operation
  • FIGS. 5A to 5Z are flowcharts for explaining the processing operation of a CPU shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a position adjusting apparatus for an adjustment target portion in a sheet processing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram for lifting a feeder pile using a feeder pile lifting relay (by manual operation) shown in FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a circuit to lift a delivery pile using a delivery pile lifting relay shown in FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a view showing in detail a memory unit shown in FIG. 6 ;
  • FIGS. 10A to 10J are flowcharts for explaining the processing operation of a CPU shown in FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 11 is a view schematically showing a feed unit in a conventional sheet-fed offset printing press.
  • FIGS. 12A to 12C are views for explaining conventional problems that arise when lifting the feeder pile of a feed unit by manual operation.
  • a position adjusting apparatus for an adjustment target portion in a sheet processing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5Z .
  • the adjustment target portion the position of which is adjusted in accordance with the size of sheets stacked on a pile board, will be exemplified by the sucker and side separators of a feed unit and the suction wheel and side joggers of a delivery unit in a sheet-fed offset printing press.
  • a left side separator 61 and right side separator 62 are provided as the side separators.
  • a left side jogger 65 and right side jogger 66 are provided as the side joggers.
  • Reference numeral 63 denotes a sucker; and 64 , a suction wheel.
  • a position adjusting apparatus 100 for the adjustment target portion comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 2 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3 , a start switch 4 , selection switches 5 to 10 , a switch 11 , an UP button 12 , a DOWN button 13 , selection switches 14 and 15 , a lifting button 16 , a lowering button 17 , a switch 18 , an input device 19 such as a keyboard, a display 20 , an output device 21 , setters 22 and 23 , an internal clock counter 24 , air valves 25 and 26 , a memory unit 27 , and interfaces (I/O) 28 - 1 to 28 - 9 .
  • a CPU Central Processing Unit
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • the start switch 4 designates presetting of the sheet size.
  • the selection switch 5 designates left side separator position adjustment.
  • the selection switch 6 designates right side separator position adjustment.
  • the selection switch 7 designates sucker position adjustment.
  • the selection switch 8 designates suction wheel position adjustment.
  • the selection switch 9 designates left side jogger position adjustment.
  • the selection switch 10 designates right side jogger position adjustment.
  • the switch 11 designates position adjustment completion.
  • the UP button 12 designates movement inward the sheet size.
  • the DOWN button 13 designates movement outward the sheet size.
  • the selection switch 14 designates lifting and lowering of a feeder pile.
  • the selection switch 15 designates lifting and lowering of a delivery pile.
  • the lifting button 16 designates lifting of the feeder pile.
  • the lowering button 17 designates lowering of the feeder pile.
  • the switch 18 designates feed start.
  • the output device 21 comprises various types of disk drives and a printer.
  • the setter 22 sets the length of a printing sheet in the sheet convey direction.
  • the setter 23 sets the length of the printing sheet in the widthwise direction.
  • the air valve 25 turns on/off air supply to the sucker.
  • the air valve 26 turns on/off air supply to the side separators.
  • the position adjusting apparatus 100 further comprises a motor driver 29 , motor 30 , counter 31 , and rotary encoder 32 for left side separator position adjustment to correspond to the left side separator 61 .
  • the position adjusting apparatus 100 also further comprises a motor driver 33 , motor 34 , counter 35 , and rotary encoder 36 for right side separator position adjustment to correspond to the right side separator 62 .
  • the position adjusting apparatus 100 further comprises a motor driver 37 , motor 38 , counter 39 , and rotary encoder 40 for sucker position adjustment to correspond to the sucker 63 .
  • the position adjusting apparatus 100 also further comprises a motor driver 41 , motor 42 , counter 43 , and rotary encoder 44 to correspond to the suction wheel 64 .
  • the position adjusting apparatus 100 further comprises a motor driver 45 , motor 46 , counter 47 , and rotary encoder 48 for left side jogger position adjustment to correspond to the left side jogger 65 .
  • the position adjusting apparatus 100 also further comprises a motor driver 49 , motor 50 , counter 51 , and rotary encoder 52 for right side jogger position adjustment to correspond to the right side jogger 66 .
  • the CPU 1 Upon reception of various types of input information supplied through the input/output interfaces 28 - 1 to 28 - 9 , the CPU 1 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 3 while accessing the RAM 2 and memory unit 27 .
  • the ROM 3 stores a position adjustment program for the adjustment target portion as a program unique to this embodiment.
  • the CPU 1 outputs a clockwise rotation signal and counterclockwise rotation signal to the motor drivers 29 , 33 , 37 , 41 , 45 , and 49 via the input/output interfaces 28 - 2 to 28 - 7 .
  • the memory unit 27 comprises memories M 1 to M 16 .
  • the memory M 1 stores the length of the printing sheet in the convey direction.
  • the memory M 2 stores the length of the printing sheet in the widthwise direction.
  • the memory M 3 stores a conversion table for converting the length of the printing sheet in the widthwise direction into the side separator position.
  • the memory M 4 stores the side separator preset position.
  • the memory M 5 stores the target count of the left side separator position counter 31 .
  • the memory M 6 stores the target count of the right side separator position counter 35 .
  • the memory M 7 stores a conversion table for converting the length of the printing sheet in the convey direction into the sucker position.
  • the memory M 8 stores the sucker preset position.
  • the memory M 9 stores the target count of the sucker position counter 39 .
  • the memory M 10 stores a conversion table for converting the length of the printing sheet in the convey direction into the suction wheel position.
  • the memory M 11 stores the suction wheel preset position.
  • the memory M 12 stores the target count of the suction wheel position counter 43 .
  • the memory M 13 stores a conversion table for converting the length of the printing sheet in the widthwise direction into the side jogger position.
  • the memory M 14 stores a side jogger preset position.
  • the memory M 15 stores the target count of the left side jogger position counter 47 .
  • the memory M 16 stores the target position of the right side jogger position counter 51 .
  • the memory unit 27 further comprises memories M 17 to M 29 .
  • the memory M 17 stores the current count of the left side separator position counter 31 .
  • the memory M 18 stores the current count of the right side separator position counter 35 .
  • the memory M 19 stores the current count of the sucker position counter 39 .
  • the memory M 20 stores the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 .
  • the memory M 21 stores the current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 .
  • the memory M 22 stores the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 .
  • the memory M 23 stores a left side separator home position.
  • the memory M 24 stores a left side separator current position.
  • the memory M 25 stores a predetermined left side separator clearance amount.
  • the memory M 26 stores a left side separator retreat position.
  • the memory M 27 stores a right side separator home position.
  • the memory M 28 stores a right side separator current position.
  • the memory M 29 stores a right side separator retreat position.
  • the memory unit 27 further comprises memories M 30 to M 48 .
  • the memory M 30 stores a sucker home position.
  • the memory M 31 stores a sucker current position.
  • the memory M 32 stores a predetermined sucker clearance amount.
  • the memory M 33 stores a sucker retreat position.
  • the memory M 34 stores the count of the internal clock counter 24 .
  • the memory M 35 stores a lapse time.
  • the memory M 36 stores a predetermined feeder pile standby time.
  • the memory M 37 stores a suction wheel home position.
  • the memory M 38 stores a suction wheel current position.
  • the memory M 39 stores a predetermined suction wheel clearance amount.
  • the memory M 40 stores a suction wheel retreat position.
  • the memory M 41 stores a left side jogger home position.
  • the memory M 42 stores a left side jogger current position.
  • the memory M 43 stores a predetermined side jogger clearance amount.
  • the memory M 44 stores a left side jogger retreat position.
  • the memory M 45 stores a right side jogger home position.
  • the memory M 46 stores a right side jogger current position.
  • the memory M 47 stores a right side jogger retreat position.
  • the memory M 48 stores a predetermined delivery pile standby time.
  • the operator inputs the sheet size of the printing sheet (the sheet size of sheet to be fed).
  • the sheet size of the printing sheet (the lengths of the printing sheet in the convey direction and widthwise direction) is input via the setters 22 and 23 (YES in steps S 2 and S 3 ).
  • the length of the printing sheet in the convey direction input from the setter 22 is stored in the memory M 1 (step S 4 ).
  • the length of the printing sheet in the widthwise direction input from the setter 23 is stored in the memory M 2 (step S 5 ).
  • the operator turns on the start switch 4 (YES in step S 1 ).
  • the CPU 1 reads out the conversion table for converting the length of the printing sheet in the widthwise direction into the side separator position from the memory M 3 (step S 6 ) and the length of the printing sheet in the widthwise direction from the memory M 2 (step S 7 ). Then, the CPU 1 obtains the side separator preset position from the length of the printing sheet in the widthwise direction using the conversion table read out in step S 6 , and stores it in the memory M 4 (step S 8 ).
  • the CPU 1 then calculates the target counts of the side separator position counters on the basis of the side separator preset positions obtained in step S 8 , and stores them in the memories M 5 and M 6 (step S 9 ).
  • the memory M 5 stores the target count of the left side separator position counter 31
  • the memory M 6 stores the target count of the right side separator position counter 35 .
  • the CPU 1 then reads out the conversion table for converting the length of the printing sheet in the convey direction into the sucker position from the memory M 7 (step S 10 ) and the length of the printing sheet in the convey direction from the memory M 1 (step S 11 ). Then, the CPU 1 obtains the sucker preset position from the length of the printing sheet in the convey direction using the readout conversion table, and stores it in the memory M 8 (step S 12 ). Then, the CPU 1 calculates the target count of the sucker position counter 39 on the obtained sucker preset position, and stores it in the memory M 9 (step S 13 ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads out the conversion table for converting the length of the printing sheet in the convey direction into the suction wheel position from the memory M 10 (step S 14 ) and the length of the printing sheet in the convey direction from the memory M 1 (step S 15 ).
  • the CPU 1 then obtains the suction wheel preset position from the length of the printing sheet in the convey direction using the readout conversion table, and stores it in the memory M 11 (step S 16 ).
  • the CPU 1 then calculates the target count of the suction wheel position counter 43 on the basis of the obtained suction wheel preset position, and stores it in the memory M 12 (step S 17 ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads out the conversion table for converting the length of the printing sheet in the widthwise direction into the side jogger position from the memory M 13 (step S 18 ) and the length of the printing sheet in the widthwise direction from the memory M 2 (step S 19 ).
  • the CPU 1 then obtains the side jogger preset position from the length of the printing sheet in the widthwise direction, and stores it in the memory M 14 (step S 20 ).
  • the CPU 1 then calculates the target counts of the side jogger position counter on the basis of the obtained side jogger preset position, and stores them in the memories M 15 and M 16 (step S 21 ).
  • the memory M 15 stores the target count of the left side jogger position counter 47
  • the memory M 16 stores the target count of the right side jogger position counter 51 .
  • the CPU 1 then reads the current count of the left side separator position counter 31 (step S 22 ), and reads out the target count of the left side separator position counter 31 from the memory M 5 (step S 23 ). The CPU 1 then checks whether or not the current count of the left side separator position counter 31 coincides with the target count (step S 24 ).
  • step S 25 If the current count does not coincide with the target count (NO in step S 24 ) and is smaller than it (YES in step S 25 ), the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 29 (step S 26 ).
  • the motor 30 rotates clockwise, and the left side separator 61 moves inward (in a direction to approach the center of the sheets stacked on the pile board).
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the left side separator position counter 31 (step S 27 ), and reads out the target count of the left side separator position counter 31 from the memory M 5 (step S 28 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the left side separator position counter 31 coincides with the target count (step S 29 ).
  • step S 29 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 29 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 29 (step S 30 ), so that the motor 30 stops rotation. Hence, the left side separator 61 automatically moves to the preset position obtained in accordance with the sheets size of the printing sheet, and stops there.
  • step S 25 If the current count is larger than the target count (NO in step S 25 ), the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 29 (step S 31 ). Hence, the motor 30 rotates counterclockwise, and the left side separator 61 moves outward (in a direction to further separate from the center of the sheets stacked on the pile board).
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the left side separator position counter 31 (step S 32 ), and reads out the target count of the left side separator position counter 31 from the memory M 5 (step S 33 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the left side separator position counter 31 coincides with the target count (step S 34 ).
  • step S 34 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 34 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 29 (step S 35 ), so that the motor 30 stops rotation. Hence, the left side separator 61 automatically moves to the preset position obtained in accordance with the sheet size of the printing sheets, and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 then reads the current count of the right side separator position counter 35 (step S 36 ), and reads out the target count of the right side separator position counter 35 from the memory M 6 (step S 37 ). The CPU 1 then checks whether or not the current count coincides with the target count (step S 38 ).
  • step S 39 If the current count of the right side separator position counter 35 does not coincide with the target count (NO in step S 38 ) and is smaller than it (YES in step S 39 ), the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 33 (step S 40 ). Thus, the motor 34 rotates clockwise, and the right side separator 62 moves inward (in a direction to approach the center of the sheets stacked on the pile board).
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the right side separator position counter 35 (step S 41 ), and reads out the target count of the right side separator position counter 35 from the memory M 6 (step S 42 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the right side separator position counter 35 coincides with the target count (step S 43 ).
  • step S 43 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 43 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 33 (step S 44 ), so that the motor 34 stops rotation. Hence, the right side separator 62 automatically moves to the preset position obtained in accordance with the sheets size of the printing sheet, and stops there.
  • step S 39 If the current count is larger than the target count (NO in step S 39 ), the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 33 (step S 45 ). Hence, the motor 34 rotates counterclockwise, and the right side separator 62 moves outward (in a direction to further separate from the center of the sheets stacked on the pile board).
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the right side separator position counter 35 (step S 46 ), and reads out the target count of the right side separator position counter 35 from the memory M 6 (step S 47 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the right side separator position counter 35 coincides with the target count (step S 48 ).
  • step S 48 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 48 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 33 (step S 49 ), so that the motor 34 stops rotation. Hence, the right side separator 62 automatically moves to the preset position obtained in accordance with the sheet size of the printing sheets, and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 then reads the current count of the sucker position counter 39 (step S 50 ), and reads out the target count of the sucker position counter 39 from the memory M 9 (step S 51 ). The CPU 1 then checks whether or not the current count of the sucker position counter 39 coincides with the target count (step S 52 ).
  • step S 52 If the current count does not coincide with the target count (NO in step S 52 ) and is smaller than it (YES in step S 53 ), the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 37 (step S 54 ).
  • the motor 38 rotates clockwise, and the sucker 63 moves inward (in a direction to approach the center of the sheets stacked on the pile board).
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the sucker position counter 39 (step S 55 ), and reads out the target count of the sucker position counter 39 from the memory M 9 (step S 56 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the sucker position counter 39 coincides with the target count (step S 57 ).
  • step S 57 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 57 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 37 (step S 58 ), so that the motor 38 stops rotation. Hence, the sucker 63 automatically moves to the preset position obtained in accordance with the sheets size of the printing sheet, and stops there.
  • step S 53 If the current count is larger than the target count (NO in step S 53 ), the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 37 (step S 59 ). Hence, the motor 38 rotates counterclockwise, and the sucker 63 moves outward (in a direction to further separate from the center of the sheets stacked on the pile board).
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the sucker position counter 39 (step S 60 ), and reads out the target count of the sucker position counter 39 from the memory M 9 (step S 61 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the sucker position counter 39 coincides with the target count (step S 62 ).
  • step S 62 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 62 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 37 (step S 63 ), so that the motor 38 stops rotation. Hence, the sucker 63 automatically moves to the preset position obtained in accordance with the sheet size of the printing sheets, and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 then reads the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 (step S 64 ), and reads out the target count of the suction wheel position counter 43 from the memory M 12 (step S 65 ). The CPU 1 then checks whether or not the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 coincides with the target count (step S 66 ).
  • step S 67 If the current count does not coincide with the target count (NO in step S 66 ) and is smaller than it (YES in step S 67 ), the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 41 (step S 68 ).
  • the motor 42 rotates clockwise, and the suction wheel 64 moves inward (in a direction to approach the center of the sheets stacked on the pile board).
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 (step S 69 ), and reads out the target count of the suction wheel position counter 43 from the memory M 12 (step S 70 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 coincides with the target count (step S 71 ).
  • step S 71 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 71 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 41 (step S 72 ), so that the motor 42 stops rotation. Hence, the suction wheel 64 automatically moves to the preset position obtained in accordance with the sheets size of the printing sheet, and stops there.
  • step S 67 If the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 is larger than the target count (NO in step S 67 ), the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 41 (step S 73 ). Hence, the motor 42 rotates counterclockwise, and the suction wheel 64 moves outward (in a direction to further separate from the center of the sheets stacked on the pile board).
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 (step S 74 ), and reads out the target count of the suction wheel position counter 43 from the memory M 12 (step S 75 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 coincides with the target count (step S 76 ).
  • step S 76 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 76 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 41 (step S 77 ), so that the motor 42 stops rotation. Hence, the suction wheel 64 automatically moves to the preset position obtained in accordance with the sheet size of the printing sheets, and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 then reads the current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 (step S 78 ), and reads out the target count of the left side jogger position counter 47 from the memory M 15 (step S 79 ). The CPU 1 then checks whether or not the current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 coincides with the target count (step S 80 ).
  • step S 80 If the current count does not coincide with the target count (NO in step S 80 ) and is smaller than it (YES in step S 81 ), the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 45 (step S 82 ).
  • the motor 46 rotates clockwise, and the left side jogger 65 moves inward (in a direction to approach the center of the sheets stacked on the pile board).
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 (step S 83 ), and reads out the target count of the left side jogger position counter 47 from the memory M 15 (step S 84 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 coincides with the target count (step S 85 ).
  • step S 85 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 85 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 45 (step S 86 ), so that the motor 46 stops rotation. Hence, the left side jogger 65 automatically moves to the preset position obtained in accordance with the sheets size of the printing sheet, and stops there.
  • step S 87 the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 45 (step S 87 ). Hence, the motor 46 rotates counterclockwise, and the left side jogger 65 moves outward (in a direction to further separate from the center of the sheets stacked on the pile board).
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 (step S 88 ), and reads out the target count of the left side jogger position counter 47 from the memory M 15 (step S 89 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 coincides with the target count (step S 90 ).
  • step S 90 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 90 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 45 (step S 91 ), so that the motor 46 stops rotation. Hence, the left side jogger 65 automatically moves to the preset position obtained in accordance with the sheet size of the printing sheets, and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 then reads the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 (step S 92 in FIG. 5H ), and reads out the target count of the right side jogger position counter 51 from the memory M 16 (step S 93 ). The CPU 1 then checks whether or not the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 coincides with the target count (step S 94 ).
  • step S 95 If the current count does not coincide with the target count (NO in step S 94 ) and is smaller than it (YES in step S 95 ), the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 49 (step S 96 ).
  • the motor 50 rotates clockwise, and the right side jogger 66 moves inward (in a direction to approach the center of the sheets stacked on the pile board).
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 (step S 97 ), and reads out the target count of the right side jogger position counter 51 from the memory M 16 (step S 98 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 coincides with the target count (step S 99 ).
  • step S 99 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 99 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 49 (step S 100 ), so that the motor 50 stops rotation. Hence, the right side jogger 66 automatically moves to the preset position obtained in accordance with the sheets size of the printing sheet, and stops there.
  • step S 95 If the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 is larger than the target count (NO in step S 95 ), the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 49 (step S 101 ). Hence, the motor 50 rotates counterclockwise, and the right side jogger 66 moves outward (in a direction to further separate from the center of the sheets stacked on the pile board).
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 (step S 102 ), and reads out the target count of the right side jogger position counter 51 from the memory M 16 (step S 103 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 coincides with the target count (step S 104 ).
  • step S 104 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 104 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 49 (step S 105 ), so that the motor 50 stops rotation. Hence, the right side jogger 66 automatically moves to the preset position obtained in accordance with the sheet size of the printing sheets, and stops there.
  • step S 106 If the operator wants to adjust the position of the left side separator 61 , he/she turns on the selection switch 5 (YES in step S 106 ). If the operator wants to adjust the left side separator 61 inward, he/she turns on the UP button 12 (YES in step S 108 ). If the operator wants to adjust the left side separator 61 outward, he/she turns on the DOWN button 13 (YES in step 112 ). If the position adjustment of the left side separator 61 is completed, the operator turns on the position adjustment completion switch 11 (YES in step S 107 ). Hence, the selected left side separator position adjustment state ends.
  • step S 108 If the UP button 12 is turned on (YES in step S 108 ), the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 29 (step S 109 ). If the UP button 12 is turned off (YES in step S 110 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 29 (step S 111 ). Hence, while the UP button 12 is ON, the motor 30 rotates clockwise, and the left side separator 61 moves inward.
  • step S 112 If the DOWN button 13 is turned on (YES in step S 112 ), the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 29 (step S 113 ). If the DOWN button 13 is turned off (YES in step S 114 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 29 (step S 115 ). Hence, while the DOWN button 13 is ON, the motor 30 rotates counterclockwise, and the left side separator 61 moves outward.
  • step S 116 If the operator wants to adjust the position of the right side separator 62 , he/she turns on the selection switch 6 (YES in step S 116 ). If the operator wants to adjust the right side separator 62 inward, he/she turns on the UP button 12 (YES in step S 118 .). If the operator wants to adjust the right side separator 62 outward, he/she turns on the DOWN button 13 (YES in step 122 ). If the position adjustment of the right side separator 62 is completed, the operator turns on the position adjustment completion switch 11 (YES in step S 117 ). Hence, the selected right side separator position adjustment state ends.
  • step S 118 If the UP button 12 is turned on (YES in step S 118 ), the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 33 (step S 119 ). If the UP button 12 is turned off (YES in step S 120 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 33 (step S 121 ). Hence, while the UP button 12 is ON, the motor 34 rotates clockwise, and the right side separator 62 moves inward.
  • step S 112 If the DOWN button 13 is turned on (YES in step S 112 ), the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 33 (step S 123 ). If the DOWN button 13 is turned off (YES in step S 124 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 33 (step S 125 ). Hence, while the DOWN button 13 is ON, the motor 34 rotates counterclockwise, and the right side separator 62 moves outward.
  • step S 126 If the operator wants to adjust the position of the sucker 63 , he/she turns on the sucker position adjustment selection switch 7 (YES in step S 126 ). If the operator wants to adjust the sucker 63 inward, he/she turns on the UP button 12 (YES in step S 128 ). If the operator wants to adjust the sucker 63 outward, he/she turns on the DOWN button 13 (YES in step 132 ). If the position adjustment of the sucker 63 is completed, the operator turns on the position adjustment completion switch 11 (YES in step S 127 ). Hence, the selected sucker position adjustment state ends.
  • step S 128 the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 37 (step S 129 ). If the UP button 12 is turned off (YES in step S 130 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 37 (step S 131 ). Hence, while the UP button 12 is ON, the motor 38 rotates clockwise, and the sucker 63 moves inward.
  • step S 132 If the DOWN button 13 is turned on (YES in step S 132 ), the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 37 (step S 133 ). If the DOWN button 13 is turned off (YES in step S 134 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 37 (step S 135 ). Hence, while the DOWN button 13 is ON, the motor 38 rotates counterclockwise, and the sucker 63 moves outward.
  • step S 136 If the operator wants to adjust the position of the suction wheel 64 , he/she turns on the selection switch 8 (YES in step S 136 ). If the operator wants to adjust the suction wheel 64 inward, he/she turns on the UP button 12 (YES in step S 138 ). If the operator wants to adjust the suction wheel 64 outward, he/she turns on the DOWN button 13 (YES in step 142 ). If the position adjustment of the suction wheel 64 is completed, the operator turns on the position adjustment completion switch 11 (YES in step S 137 ). Hence, the selected suction wheel position adjustment state ends.
  • step S 138 If the UP button 12 is turned on (YES in step S 138 ), the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 41 (step S 139 ). If the UP button 12 is turned off (YES in step S 140 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 41 (step S 141 ). Hence, while the UP button 12 is ON, the motor 42 rotates clockwise, and the suction wheel 64 moves inward.
  • step S 142 If the DOWN button 13 is turned on (YES in step S 142 ), the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 41 (step S 143 ). If the DOWN button 13 is turned off (YES in step S 144 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 41 (step S 145 ). Hence, while the DOWN button 13 is ON, the motor 42 rotates counterclockwise, and the suction wheel 64 moves outward.
  • step S 146 If the operator wants to adjust the position of the left side jogger 65 , he/she turns on the selection switch 9 (YES in step S 146 ). If the operator wants to adjust the left side jogger 65 inward, he/she turns on the UP button 12 (YES in step S 148 ). If the operator wants to adjust the left side jogger 65 outward, he/she turns on the DOWN button 13 (YES in step 152 ). If the position adjustment of the left side jogger 65 is completed, the operator turns on the position adjustment completion switch 11 (YES in step S 147 ). Hence, the selected left side jogger position adjustment state ends.
  • step S 148 If the UP button 12 is turned on (YES in step S 148 ), the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 45 (step S 149 ). If the UP button 12 is turned off (YES in step S 150 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 45 (step S 151 ). Hence, while the UP button 12 is ON, the motor 46 rotates clockwise, and the left side jogger 65 moves inward.
  • step S 152 If the DOWN button 13 is turned on (YES in step S 152 ), the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 45 (step S 153 ). If the DOWN button 13 is turned off (YES in step S 154 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 45 (step S 155 ). Hence, while the DOWN button 13 is ON, the motor 46 rotates counterclockwise, and the left side jogger 65 moves outward.
  • step S 156 If the operator wants to adjust the position of the right side jogger 66 , he/she turns on the selection switch 10 (YES in step S 156 ). If the operator wants to adjust the right side jogger 66 inward, he/she turns on the UP button 12 (YES in step S 158 ). If the operator wants to adjust the right side jogger 66 outward, he/she turns on the DOWN button 13 (YES in step 162 ). If the position adjustment of the right side jogger 66 is completed, the operator turns on the position adjustment completion switch 11 (YES in step S 157 ). Hence, the selected right side jogger position adjustment state ends.
  • step S 158 If the UP button 12 is turned on (YES in step S 158 ), the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 49 (step S 159 ). If the UP button 12 is turned off (YES in step S 160 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 49 (step S 161 ). Hence, while the UP button 12 is ON, the motor 50 rotates clockwise, and the right side jogger 66 moves inward.
  • step S 162 If the DOWN button 13 is turned on (YES in step S 162 ), the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 49 (step S 163 ). If the DOWN button 13 is turned off (YES in step S 164 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 49 (step S 165 ). Hence, while the DOWN button 13 is ON, the motor 50 rotates counterclockwise, and the right side jogger 66 moves outward.
  • FIG. 3B shows a case in which the distal end of the leveling foot 306 falls inside the sheet size of the printing sheets 302 on the feeder pile 301 .
  • the feeder pile 301 is lifted by push button operation.
  • the printing sheets 302 in the uppermost portion on the feeder pile 301 knock up the leveling foot 306 to break it.
  • the left side separator 61 and right side separator 62 are also broken as they are knocked up in the same manner.
  • control takes place so that the left side separator 61 , right side separator 62 , and sucker 63 automatically move in a direction (outward) to further separate from the center of the printing sheets 302 on the feeder pile 301 , as will be described later.
  • step S 166 When lifting the feeder pile 301 manually, the operator turns on the selection switch 14 (YES in step S 166 ). Subsequently, the operator turns on the lifting button 16 (YES in step S 168 ). To stop the selected feeder pile lifting or lowering state after the selection switch 14 is turned on, the operator turns on the position adjustment completion switch 11 (YES in step S 167 ).
  • step S 168 the CPU 1 reads the current count of the left side separator position counter 31 , and stores the readout count in the memory M 23 as the left side separator home position (step S 169 ). Then, the CPU 1 calculates the current position of the left side separator on the basis of the readout current count of the left side separator position counter 31 , and stores it in the memory M 24 (step S 170 ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads out a predetermined side separator clearance amount ⁇ 1 from the memory M 25 (step S 171 ).
  • the CPU 1 then obtains the left side separator retreat position by subtracting the side separator clearance amount ⁇ 1 from the left side separator current position, and stores it in the memory M 26 (step S 172 ).
  • the CPU 1 then calculates the target count of the left side separator position counter 31 on the basis of the obtained left side separator retreat position, and stores it in the memory M 5 (step S 173 ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads the current count of the right side separator position counter 35 , and stores the readout count in the memory M 27 as the right side separator home position (step S 174 ). Then, the CPU 1 calculates the current position of the right side separator on the basis of the readout current count of the right side separator position counter 35 , and stores it in the memory M 28 (step S 175 ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads out the predetermined side separator clearance amount ⁇ 1 from the memory M 25 (step S 176 ).
  • the CPU 1 then obtains the right side separator retreat position by subtracting the side separator clearance amount ⁇ 1 from the right side separator current position, and stores it in the memory M 29 (step S 177 ).
  • the CPU 1 then calculates the target count of the right side separator position counter 35 on the basis of the obtained right side separator retreat position, and stores it in the memory M 6 (step S 178 ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads the current count of the sucker position counter 39 , and stores the readout count in the memory M 30 as the sucker home position (step S 179 ). Then, the CPU 1 calculates the current position of the sucker on the basis of the readout current count of the sucker position counter 39 , and stores it in the memory M 31 (step S 180 ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads out a predetermined sucker clearance amount ⁇ 2 from the memory M 32 (step S 181 ).
  • the CPU 1 then obtains the sucker retreat position by subtracting the sucker clearance amount ⁇ 2 from the sucker current position, and stores it in the memory M 33 (step S 182 ).
  • the CPU 1 then calculates the target count of the sucker position counter 39 on the basis of the obtained sucker retreat position, and stores it in the memory M 9 (step S 183 ).
  • the CPU 1 turns off the air valves 25 and 26 (step S 184 ) to disconnect air supply to the left side separator 61 , right side separator 62 , and sucker 63 .
  • the CPU 1 then sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 29 (step S 185 ).
  • the motor 30 rotates counterclockwise, and the left side separator 61 moves outward.
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the left side separator position counter 31 (step S 186 ), and reads out the target count of the left side separator position counter 31 from the memory M 5 (step S 187 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the left side separator position counter 31 coincides with the target count (step S 188 ).
  • step S 188 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 188 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 29 (step S 189 ), so that the motor 30 stops rotation. Hence, the left side separator 61 automatically moves outward to the left side separator retreat position obtained from the side separator clearance amount ⁇ 1 , that is, by the side separator clearance amount ⁇ 1 from the current position (preset position), and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 33 (step S 109 ). Hence, the motor 34 rotates counterclockwise, and the right side separator 62 moves outward.
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the right side separator position counter 35 (step S 191 ), and reads out the target count of the right side separator position counter 35 from the memory M 6 (step S 192 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the right side separator position counter 35 coincides with the target count (step S 193 ).
  • step S 193 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 193 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 33 (step S 194 ), so that the motor 34 stops rotation.
  • the right side separator 62 automatically moves outward to the right side separator retreat position obtained from the side separator clearance amount ⁇ 1 , that is, by the side separator clearance amount ⁇ 1 from the current position (preset position), and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 37 (step S 195 ). Hence, the motor 38 rotates counterclockwise, and the sucker 63 moves outward.
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the sucker position counter 39 (step S 196 ), and reads out the target count of the sucker position counter 39 from the memory M 9 (step S 197 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the sucker position counter 39 coincides with the target count (step S 198 ).
  • step S 198 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 198 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 37 (step S 199 ), so that the motor 38 stops rotation. Hence, the sucker 63 automatically moves outward to the sucker retreat position obtained from the sucker clearance amount ⁇ 2 , that is, by the sucker clearance amount ⁇ 2 from the current position (preset position), and stops there.
  • the left side separator 61 , right side separator 62 , and sucker 63 automatically clear outside the sheet size of the printing sheets 302 on the feeder pile 301 , as shown in FIG. 3C .
  • the printing sheets 302 on the feeder pile 301 do not knock up the leveling foot 306 , left side separator 61 , and right side separator 62 , so that they are prevented from being broken.
  • the side separator clearance amount ⁇ 1 and the sucker clearance amount ⁇ 2 are set to fall within a range of several mm to ten-odd mm.
  • the clearance amounts ⁇ 1 and ⁇ 2 are preferably as small as possible when considering the cutting error of the sheets 302 , misalignment of the sheets 302 during stacking, or the like.
  • the operator turns off the lifting button 16 .
  • the CPU 1 outputs a reset signal and enable signal to the internal clock counter 24 (step S 201 ), and stops outputting the reset signal to the internal clock counter 24 (step S 202 ).
  • the internal clock counter 24 starts counting from “0”.
  • the CPU 1 While the lifting button 16 is OFF (NO in step S 203 ), the CPU 1 reads the count of the internal clock counter 24 (step S 204 ). The CPU 1 calculates the time that has elapsed since the lifting button 16 is turned off from the readout count (step S 205 ). The CPU 1 then reads out a predetermined feeder pile standby time twA from the memory M 36 (step S 206 ). The CPU 1 then checks whether or not the time that has elapsed since the lifting button 16 is turned off reaches the feeder pile standby time twA (step S 207 ).
  • step S 203 If the lifting button 16 is turned on before the lapse time reaches the standby time twA (YES in step S 203 ), the process returns to step S 200 , and it waits for the lifting button 16 to be turned off again. More specifically, the lifting button 16 may be turned on before the standby time twA is reached so that fine adjustment of the height position of the feeder pile 301 and the like can be performed. In this case, the time elapsed since the lifting button 16 is turned off is counted again.
  • step S 207 the CPU 1 determines that lifting of the feeder pile 301 is completed (YES in step S 207 ).
  • step S 207 If lifting of the feeder pile 301 is completed (YES in step S 207 ), the CPU 1 reads out the left side separator home position from the memory M 23 (step S 208 ), and overwrites it in the memory M 5 as the target count of the left side separator position counter 31 (step S 209 ). The CPU 1 then reads out the right side separator home position from the memory M 27 (step S 210 ), and overwrites it in the memory M 6 as the target count of the right side separator position counter 35 (step S 211 ). The CPU 1 then reads out the sucker home position from the memory M 30 (step S 212 ), and overwrites it in the memory M 9 as the target count of the sucker position counter 39 (step S 213 ).
  • the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 29 (step S 214 ).
  • the motor 30 rotates clockwise, and the left side separator 61 moves inward.
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the left side separator position counter 31 (step S 215 ), and reads out the target count of the left side separator position counter 31 from the memory M 5 (step S 216 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the left side separator position counter 31 coincides with the target count (step S 217 ).
  • step S 217 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 217 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 29 (step S 218 ), so that the motor 30 stops rotation. Hence, the left side separator 61 automatically moves to the initial position (preset position) where it has been before the feeder pile 301 is lifted, and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 33 (step S 219 ).
  • the motor 34 rotates clockwise, and the right side separator 62 moves inward.
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the right side separator position counter 35 (step S 220 ), and reads out the target count of the right side separator position counter 35 from the memory M 6 (step S 221 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the right side separator position counter 35 coincides with the target count (step S 222 ).
  • step S 222 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 222 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 33 (step S 223 ), so that the motor 34 stops rotation. Hence, the right side separator 62 automatically moves to the initial position (preset position) where it has been before the feeder pile 301 is lifted, and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 37 (step S 224 ).
  • the motor 38 rotates clockwise, and the sucker 63 moves inward.
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the sucker position counter 39 (step S 225 ), and reads out the target count of the sucker position counter 39 from the memory M 9 (step S 226 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the sucker position counter 39 coincides with the target count (step S 227 ).
  • step S 227 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 227 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 37 (step S 228 ), so that the motor 38 stops rotation. Hence, the sucker 63 automatically moves to the initial position (preset position) where it has been before the feeder pile 301 is lifted, and stops there.
  • the left side separator 61 , right side separator 62 , and sucker 63 automatically return to the initial positions (preset positions) where they have been before the feeder pile 301 is lifted.
  • the clearance amounts ⁇ 1 and ⁇ 2 are minimized as much as possible, the time taken until the left side separator 61 , right side separator 62 , and sucker 63 return to the initial positions (preset positions) can be shortened.
  • the leveling foot 306 may fall inside the sheet size of the printing sheets 302 on the feeder pile 301 , as shown in FIG. 3D .
  • the leveling foot 306 returns to the initial position from the side of the printing sheets 302 and abuts against the side wall of the printing sheets 302 .
  • the printing sheets 302 are shifted in the widthwise direction to absorb the impact force of the leveling foot 306 .
  • the leveling foot 306 will not be broken.
  • the CPU 1 checks whether or not the feed start switch 18 is ON (step S 229 ). If the feed start switch 18 is ON, the CPU 1 turns on the air valves 25 and 26 (step S 230 ) to start air supply to the left side separator 61 , right side separator 62 , and sucker 63 . Hence, the feed operation is resumed.
  • steps S 1 to S 165 The operation of the delivery unit will be described hereinafter.
  • steps S 1 to S 165 The processing operation of steps S 1 to S 165 described above, as shown in FIG. 4A , printing sheets 402 stacked on a pile board (delivery pile) 401 of the delivery unit are printed while the suction wheel 64 , left side jogger 65 , and right side jogger 66 are adjusted at positions corresponding to the sheet size of the printing sheets 402 .
  • the delivery pile 401 is lowered automatically.
  • step S 231 When lifting the delivery pile 401 manually, the operator turns on the selection switch 15 (YES in step S 231 ). Subsequently, the operator turns on the lifting button 16 (YES in step S 233 ). To stop the selected delivery pile lifting or lowering state after the selection switch 15 is turned on, the operator turns on the position adjustment completion switch 11 (YES in step S 232 ).
  • step S 233 the CPU 1 reads the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 , and stores the readout count in the memory M 37 as the suction wheel home position (step S 234 ). Then, the CPU 1 calculates the current position of the suction wheel on the basis of the readout current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 , and stores it in the memory M 38 (step S 235 ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads out a predetermined suction wheel clearance amount ⁇ 1 from the memory M 39 (step S 236 ).
  • the CPU 1 then obtains the suction wheel retreat position by subtracting the suction wheel clearance amount ⁇ 1 from the suction wheel current position, and stores it in the memory M 40 (step S 237 ).
  • the CPU 1 then calculates the target count of the suction wheel position counter 43 on the basis of the obtained suction wheel retreat position, and stores it in the memory M 12 (step S 238 ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads the current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 , and stores the readout count in the memory M 41 as the left side jogger home position (step S 239 ). Then, the CPU 1 calculates the current position of the left side jogger on the basis of the readout current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 , and stores it in the memory M 42 (step S 240 in FIG. 5V ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads out a predetermined side jogger clearance amount ⁇ 2 from the memory M 43 (step S 241 ).
  • the CPU 1 then obtains the left side jogger retreat position by subtracting the side jogger clearance amount ⁇ 2 from the left side jogger current position, and stores it in the memory M 44 (step S 242 ).
  • the CPU 1 then calculates the target count of the left side jogger position counter 47 on the basis of the obtained left side jogger retreat position, and stores it in the memory M 15 (step S 243 ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 , and stores the readout count in the memory M 45 as the right side jogger home position (step S 244 ). Then, the CPU 1 calculates the current position of the right side jogger on the basis of the readout current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 , and stores it in the memory M 46 (step S 245 ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads out the predetermined side jogger clearance amount ⁇ 2 from the memory M 43 (step S 246 ).
  • the CPU 1 then obtains the right side jogger retreat position by subtracting the right side jogger clearance amount ⁇ 2 from the right side jogger current position, and stores it in the memory M 47 (step S 247 ).
  • the CPU 1 then calculates the target count of the right side jogger position counter 51 on the basis of the obtained right side jogger retreat position, and stores it in the memory M 16 (step S 248 ).
  • the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 41 (step S 249 ). Hence, the motor 42 rotates counterclockwise, and the suction wheel 64 moves outward.
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 (step S 250 ), and reads out the target count of the suction wheel position counter 43 from the memory M 12 (step S 251 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 coincides with the target count (step S 252 ).
  • step S 252 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 252 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 41 (step S 253 ), so that the suction wheel position adjustment motor 42 stops rotation. Hence, the suction wheel 64 automatically moves outward to the suction wheel retreat position obtained from the suction wheel clearance amount ⁇ 1 , that is, by the suction wheel clearance amount ⁇ 1 from the current position (preset position), and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 45 (step S 254 ).
  • the motor 46 rotates counterclockwise, and the left side jogger 65 moves outward.
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 (step S 255 ), and reads out the target count of the left side jogger position counter 47 from the memory M 15 (step S 256 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 coincides with the target count (step S 257 ).
  • step S 257 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 257 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 45 (step S 258 ), so that the motor 46 stops rotation.
  • the left side jogger 65 automatically moves outward to the left side jogger retreat position obtained from the side jogger clearance amount ⁇ 2 , that is, by the side jogger clearance amount ⁇ 2 from the current position (preset position), and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 sends a counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 49 (step S 259 ).
  • the motor 50 rotates counterclockwise, and the right side jogger 66 moves outward.
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 (step S 260 ), and reads out the target count of the right side jogger position counter 51 from the memory M 16 (step S 261 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 coincides with the target count (step S 262 ).
  • step S 262 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 262 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the counterclockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 49 (step S 263 ), so that the motor 50 stops rotation. Hence, the right side jogger 66 automatically moves outward to the right side jogger retreat position obtained from the side jogger clearance amount ⁇ 2 , that is, by the side jogger clearance amount ⁇ 2 from the current position (preset position), and stops there.
  • the suction wheel 64 , left side jogger 65 , and right side jogger 66 automatically clear outside the sheet size of the printing sheets 402 on the delivery pile 401 , as shown in FIG. 4C .
  • the printing sheets 402 on the delivery pile 401 do not knock up the suction wheel 64 , left side jogger 65 , and right side jogger 66 , so that they are prevented from being broken.
  • the suction wheel clearance amount ⁇ 1 and the side jogger clearance amount ⁇ 2 are set to fall within a range of several mm to ten-odd mm.
  • the clearance amounts ⁇ 1 and ⁇ 2 are preferably as small as possible when considering the curl of the respective sides of the printing sheet 402 due to the ink thickness and paper characteristics, or the like.
  • the operator turns off the lifting button 16 .
  • the CPU 1 outputs a reset signal and enable signal to the internal clock counter 24 (step S 265 ), and stops outputting the reset signal to the internal clock counter 24 (step S 266 ).
  • the internal clock counter 24 starts counting from “0”.
  • step S 267 the CPU 1 reads the count of the internal clock counter 24 (step S 268 ).
  • the CPU 1 calculates the time that has elapsed since the lifting button 16 is turned off from the readout count (step S 269 ).
  • the CPU 1 then reads out a predetermined delivery pile standby time twB from the memory M 48 (step S 270 ).
  • the CPU 1 checks whether or not the time that has elapsed since the lifting button 16 is turned off reaches the delivery pile standby time twB (step S 271 ).
  • step S 267 If the lifting button 16 is turned on before the lapse time reaches the standby time twB (YES in step S 267 ), the process returns to step S 264 , and it waits for the lifting button 16 to be turned off again. More specifically, the lifting button 16 may be turned on before the standby time twB is reached so that fine adjustment of the height position of the delivery pile 401 and the like can be performed. In this case, the time elapsed since the lifting button 16 is turned off is counted again.
  • step S 271 the CPU 1 determines that lifting of the delivery pile 401 is completed (YES in step S 271 ).
  • step S 271 If lifting of the delivery pile 401 is completed (YES in step S 271 ), the CPU 1 reads out the suction wheel home position from the memory M 37 (step S 272 ), and overwrites it in the memory M 12 as the target count of the suction wheel position counter 43 (step S 273 ). The CPU 1 then reads out the left side jogger home position from the memory M 41 (step S 274 ), and overwrites it in the memory M 15 as the target count of the left side jogger position counter 31 (step S 275 ). The CPU 1 then reads out the right side jogger home position from the memory M 45 (step S 276 ), and overwrites it in the memory M 16 as the target count of the right side jogger position counter 35 (step S 277 ).
  • the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 41 (step S 278 ). Hence, the motor 42 rotates clockwise, and the suction wheel 64 moves inward.
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 (step S 279 ), and reads out the target count of the suction wheel position counter 43 from the memory M 12 (step S 280 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the suction wheel position counter 43 coincides with the target count (step S 281 ).
  • step S 281 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 281 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 41 (step S 282 ), so that the motor 42 stops rotation. Hence, the suction wheel 64 automatically moves to the initial position (preset position) where it has been before the delivery pile 401 is lifted, and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 45 (step S 283 ).
  • the motor 46 rotates clockwise, and the left side jogger 65 moves inward.
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 (step S 284 in FIG. 5Z ), and reads out the target count of the left side jogger position counter 47 from the memory M 15 (step S 285 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the left side jogger position counter 47 coincides with the target count (step S 286 ).
  • step S 286 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 286 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 45 (step S 287 ), so that the motor 46 stops rotation. Hence, the left side jogger 65 automatically moves to the initial position (preset position) where it has been before the delivery pile 401 is lifted, and stops there.
  • the CPU 1 sends a clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 49 (step S 288 ).
  • the motor 50 rotates clockwise, and the right side jogger 66 moves inward.
  • the CPU 1 reads the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 (step S 289 ), and reads out the target count of the right side jogger position counter 51 from the memory M 16 (step S 290 ). The CPU 1 then repeatedly checks whether or not the current count of the right side jogger position counter 51 coincides with the target count (step S 291 ).
  • step S 291 If the current count coincides with the target count (YES in step S 291 ), the CPU 1 stops outputting the clockwise rotation instruction to the motor driver 49 (step S 292 ), so that the motor 50 stops rotation. Hence, the right side jogger 66 automatically moves to the initial position (preset position) where it has been before the delivery pile 401 is lifted, and stops there.
  • the suction wheel 64 , left side jogger 65 , and right side jogger 66 automatically return to the initial positions (preset positions) where they have been before the delivery pile 401 is lifted.
  • the clearance amounts ⁇ 1 and ⁇ 2 are minimized as much as possible, the time taken until the suction wheel 64 , left side jogger 65 , and right side jogger 66 return to the initial positions (preset positions) can be shortened.
  • the suction wheel 64 may fall inside the sheet size of the printing sheets 402 on the delivery pile 401 , as shown in FIG. 4D .
  • the suction wheel 64 returns to the initial position from the side of the printing sheets 402 on the delivery pile 401 and abuts against the printing sheets 402 .
  • the printing sheets 402 are shifted backward to absorb the impact force of the suction wheel 64 .
  • the suction wheel 64 will not be broken.
  • FIG. 6 shows a position adjusting apparatus for an adjustment target portion in a sheet processing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • a position adjusting apparatus 200 according to this embodiment comprises, in addition to the apparatus of the first embodiment, a feeder pile lifting relay 53 for manual operation and a delivery pile lifting relay 54 .
  • the relays 53 and 54 are connected to a CPU 101 via an interface 28 - 10 .
  • the selection switches 14 and 15 , lifting button 16 , and lowering button 17 of the apparatus of the first embodiment are omitted.
  • the feeder pile lifting relay 53 is turned on/off in synchronism with the manual operation of a lifting button 55 .
  • a coil FU of the feeder pile lifting relay 53 is energized. This turns on relay contacts FS 1 and FS 2 , and a motor FM rotates clockwise to lift a feeder pile 301 .
  • the CPU 101 fetches the ON states of the relay contacts. FS 1 and FS 2 , which are effected by energizing the coil FU of the feeder pile lifting relay 53 , as an ON output from the feeder pile lifting relay 53 through the interface 28 - 10 .
  • the feeder pile lifting relay 53 serves as a detector that detects lifting of the feeder pile 301 effected when the lifting button 55 is turned on.
  • the delivery pile lifting relay 54 is turned on/off in synchronism with the manual operation of a lifting button 56 .
  • a coil DU of the delivery pile lifting relay 54 is energized. This turns on relay contacts DS 1 and DS 2 , and a motor DM rotates clockwise to lift a delivery pile 401 .
  • the CPU 101 fetches the ON states of the relay contacts DS 1 and DS 2 , which are effected by energizing the coil DU of the feeder pile lifting relay 54 , as an ON output from the lifting relay 54 via the interface 28 - 10 .
  • the delivery pile lifting relay 54 serves as a detector that detects lifting of the delivery pile 401 effected when the lifting button 56 is turned on.
  • relay contacts LS 1 and LS 2 to automatically lift the feeder pile 301 are connected to the current supply path to the motor FM.
  • the feeder pile 301 is automatically lifted by the ON/OFF operation of the relay contacts LS 1 and LS 2 . If the sucker or side separators are erroneously moved during automatic lifting of the feeder pile 301 , sheets cannot be fed. In the feed unit, the sucker or side separators move outward only when the feeder pile 301 is lifted by manual operation.
  • the delivery pile 401 is not automatically lifted during printing.
  • the delivery pile 401 is automatically lifted, only after printing sheets 402 are removed from the delivery pile 401 , when the empty delivery pile 401 is to be automatically lifted.
  • the suction wheel or side joggers may always be moved outside the sheet size not only when the lifting button 56 is turned on but whenever the delivery pile 401 is to be lifted regardless of whether the operation is manual or automatic.
  • the CPU 101 is connected to a memory unit 127 .
  • the memory unit 127 further comprises a memory M 49 which stores a side separator retreat position, and a memory M 50 which stores a side jogger retreat position.
  • the memories M 24 , M 26 , M 28 , M 29 , M 31 , M 38 , M 42 , M 44 , M 46 , and M 47 of the memory unit 27 shown in FIG. 2 are omitted.
  • step S 466 in FIG. 10A is the same as the processing operation of steps S 1 ( FIG. 5A ) to S 165 ( FIG. 5N ) described in the first embodiment, and accordingly it will not be shown or described repeatedly.
  • the processing operation following step S 559 in FIG. 10J is the same as the processing operation of steps S 272 ( FIG. 5Y ) to S 292 ( FIG. 5Z ) described in the first embodiment, and accordingly it will not be shown or described repeatedly.
  • the operator When lifting the feeder pile 301 by manual operation, the operator turns on the lifting button 55 . This energizes the coil FU of the feeder pile lifting relay 53 to turn on the relay contacts FS 1 and FS 2 . Hence, the motor FM rotates clockwise, and the feeder pile 301 starts to be lifted.
  • step S 466 If an output from the feeder pile lifting relay 53 is turned on (YES in step S 466 ), the CPU 101 reads the current count of a left side separator position counter 31 , and stores the readout count in a memory M 23 as a left side separator home position (step S 467 ). The CPU 101 then reads the current count of a right side separator position counter 35 , and stores it in a memory M 27 as a right side separator home position (step S 468 ).
  • the CPU 101 reads out the side separator preset position from a memory M 4 (step S 469 ) and a predetermined side separator clearance amount ⁇ 1 from a memory M 25 (step S 470 ). The CPU 101 then obtains a side separator retreat position by subtracting the side separator clearance amount ⁇ 1 from the side separator preset position, and stores it in the memory M 49 (step S 471 ).
  • the CPU 101 calculates the target counts of the side separator position counters from the side separator retreat position, and stores them in memories MS and M 6 (step S 472 ).
  • the memory MS stores the target count of the left side separator position counter 31
  • the memory M 6 stores the target count of the right side separator position counter 35 .
  • the CPU 101 reads the current count of a sucker position counter 39 , and stores the readout count in a memory M 30 as a sucker home position (step S 473 ). The CPU 101 then reads out a sucker preset position from a memory M 8 (step S 474 ).
  • the CPU 101 performs the processes of steps S 475 to S 493 corresponding to steps S 181 to S 199 .
  • step S 494 If the output from the feeder pile lifting relay 53 is turned off (YES in step S 494 ), the CPU 101 outputs a reset signal and enable signal to an internal clock counter 24 (step S 495 ), and stops outputting the reset signal to the internal clock counter 24 (step S 496 ). Hence, the internal clock counter 24 starts counting from “0”.
  • step S 497 If an output from the feeder pile lifting relay 53 is OFF (NO in step S 497 ), the CPU 101 performs steps S 498 to S 524 corresponding to steps S 204 to S 230 .
  • step S 525 If an output from the delivery pile lifting relay 54 is ON (YES in step S 525 ), the CPU 101 reads the current count of a suction wheel position counter 43 , and stores the readout count in a memory M 37 as a suction wheel home position (step S 526 ).
  • the CPU 101 reads out a suction wheel preset position from a memory M 11 (step S 527 ) and a predetermined suction wheel clearance amount ⁇ 1 from a memory M 39 (step S 528 ).
  • the CPU 101 then obtains a suction wheel retreat position by subtracting the suction wheel clearance amount ⁇ 1 from the suction wheel preset position, and stores it in a memory M 40 (step S 529 ).
  • the CPU 101 then calculates the target count of the suction wheel position counter 43 from the suction wheel retreat position, and stores it in a memory M 12 (step S 530 ).
  • the CPU 101 reads the current count of a left side jogger position counter 47 and stores the readout count in a memory M 41 as a left side jogger home position (step S 531 ).
  • the CPU 101 then reads the current count of a right side jogger position counter 51 and stores the readout count in a memory M 45 as a right side jogger home position (step S 532 ).
  • the CPU 101 reads out a side jogger preset position from a memory M 14 (step S 533 ) and a predetermined side jogger clearance amount ⁇ 2 from a memory M 43 (step S 534 ). The CPU 101 then obtains a side jogger retreat position by subtracting the side jogger clearance amount ⁇ 2 from the side jogger preset position, and stores it in the memory M 50 (step S 535 ).
  • the CPU 101 calculates the target counts of the side jogger position counters from the obtained side jogger retreat position, and stores them in memories M 15 and M 16 (step S 536 ).
  • the memory M 15 stores the target count of the left side jogger position counter 47
  • the memory M 16 stores the target count of the right side jogger position counter 51 .
  • the CPU 101 performs the processes of steps S 537 to S 551 corresponding to steps S 249 to S 263 .
  • step S 552 If the output from the delivery pile lifting relay 54 is turned off (YES in step S 552 ), the CPU 101 outputs a reset signal and enable signal to the internal clock counter 24 (step S 553 ), and stops outputting the reset signal to the internal clock counter 24 (step S 554 ). Hence, the internal clock counter 24 starts counting from “0”.
  • step S 555 the CPU 101 reads the count of the internal clock counter 24 (step S 556 ). The CPU 101 then calculates the lapse time since the output from the delivery pile lifting relay 54 is turned off from the readout count (step S 557 ). The CPU 101 then reads out a predetermined delivery pile standby time twB from the memory M 48 (step S 558 ), and checks whether or not the lapse time reaches the delivery pile standby time twB (step S 559 ).
  • step S 555 If the output from the delivery pile lifting relay 54 is turned on before the lapse time reaches the delivery pile standby time twB (YES in step S 555 ), the process returns to step S 552 , and it waits for the output from the delivery pile lifting relay 54 to be turned off again.
  • step S 559 the CPU 101 determines that lifting of the delivery pile 401 is completed (YES in step S 559 ).
  • step S 559 If lifting of the delivery pile 401 is completed (YES in step S 559 ), the CPU 101 shifts to the processing operation of steps S 272 to S 292 ( FIGS. 5Z and 5Y ) according to the first embodiment.
  • the adjustment target portion is moved to be located outside the sheet size of the sheets on the pile board. This can prevent the sheets on the pile board from knocking up the adjustment target portion, thus preventing the adjustment target portion from being broken.
  • the sucker and side separators of the feed unit are defined as the adjustment target portion.
  • the adjustment target portion is not moved when the pile board is lifted automatically, and is moved only when the pile board is lifted manually. More specifically, the sucker and side separators are moved outward only when the manual operation unit designates lifting of the pile board. Alternatively, the sucker and side separators may be moved outward not when the manual operation unit designates lifting of the pile board, but when lifting of the pile board in response to the designation from the manual operation unit is detected.
  • the suction wheel and side joggers of the delivery unit are defined as the adjustment target portion.
  • the pile board is lowered automatically.
  • the pile board can be lowered manually and lifted manually.
  • the suction wheel and side joggers are moved outward in response to the lifting designation for the pile board from the manual operation unit, in the same manner as in the feed unit.
  • the suction wheel and side joggers may be moved outward not when the manual operation unit designates lifting of the pile board, but when lifting of the pile board in response to the designation from the manual operation unit is detected.
  • the pile board is not automatically lifted during printing.
  • the suction wheel and side joggers may always be moved outward in accordance with lifting of the pile board regardless of whether the operation is manual/automatic.
  • the position of the adjustment target portion is moved outward in response to lifting of the pile board.
  • the adjustment target portion is returned to the initial position where it has been before the pile board is lifted.
  • the adjustment target portion may fall within the sheet size of the sheets stacked on the pile board.
  • the adjustment target portion is returned to the initial position from the side of the sheets stacked on the pile board. Even if the adjustment target portion abuts against the sheets, the abutting force is absorbed as the sheets stacked on the pile board are shifted in the horizontal direction. Thus, the adjustment target portion will not be broken.
  • the adjustment target portion when moving the position of the adjustment target portion outward in response to lifting of the pile board, the adjustment target portion may be moved outward from the current position (preset position) by a predetermined distance.
  • the preset position determined in accordance with the sheet size of the sheets may be determined as the reference, and the adjustment target portion may be moved to a position outwardly spaced apart from the preset position by a predetermined distance.
  • the “predetermined distance” is minimized as much as possible, the moving distance of the adjustment target portion can be decreased, so that the time taken for returning the adjustment target portion to the initial position (preset value) can be shortened.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)
  • Pile Receivers (AREA)
US12/220,551 2007-07-27 2008-07-25 Position adjusting method and apparatus for adjustment target portion in sheet processing machine Abandoned US20090026697A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP195585/2007 2007-07-27
JP2007195585A JP2009029577A (ja) 2007-07-27 2007-07-27 枚葉紙処理機における被調整部の位置調整方法および装置

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Publication Number Publication Date
US20090026697A1 true US20090026697A1 (en) 2009-01-29

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US12/220,551 Abandoned US20090026697A1 (en) 2007-07-27 2008-07-25 Position adjusting method and apparatus for adjustment target portion in sheet processing machine

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US (1) US20090026697A1 (de)
EP (1) EP2019058A3 (de)
JP (1) JP2009029577A (de)
CN (1) CN101353119A (de)

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6096345U (ja) 1983-12-08 1985-07-01 小森印刷機械株式会社 枚葉輪転印刷機の排紙装置
JPH0338187Y2 (de) 1987-04-08 1991-08-13
JP2502316B2 (ja) * 1987-07-15 1996-05-29 株式会社リコー 給紙装置
JPH0729065Y2 (ja) 1988-10-11 1995-07-05 株式会社小森コーポレーション 枚葉印刷機の給紙装置
JPH02135565U (de) 1989-04-18 1990-11-09
JP3254608B2 (ja) * 1992-06-22 2002-02-12 株式会社小森コーポレーション 給紙装置の紙上面位置調整装置
JPH0633860U (ja) 1992-10-06 1994-05-06 株式会社小森コーポレーション 枚葉印刷機の排紙横寄せ装置
JP2000016599A (ja) * 1998-07-07 2000-01-18 Hamada Printing Press Co Ltd 印刷機の給紙装置
JP3739608B2 (ja) * 1999-08-31 2006-01-25 京セラミタ株式会社 給紙装置
DE10161891B4 (de) * 2001-01-19 2017-09-14 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag Verfahren zur Regelung bogenförmiges Material führender Elemente
JP4091789B2 (ja) * 2002-04-25 2008-05-28 グラドコ株式会社 スタッカーのシート揃え機構
JP4040966B2 (ja) * 2002-12-20 2008-01-30 デュプロ精工株式会社 給紙装置及び該装置を含む画像記録機器

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JP2009029577A (ja) 2009-02-12
CN101353119A (zh) 2009-01-28
EP2019058A2 (de) 2009-01-28
EP2019058A3 (de) 2011-03-23

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