Processing machine and paper sheet processing device

In a processing machine including a processor having a processing blade and a receiver having a reception member and in which a blade edge of the processing blade and a reception portion, of the reception member, engage with each other to process a paper sheet therebetween, the processing blade is one processing blade selected from a blade group and is attached to the processor so as to be changeable to another processing blade of the blade group, reception portions of kinds corresponding to a plurality of kinds of the processing blades of the blade group are formed on the reception member, and the processing blade attached to the processor is positioned so as to be in a position where the blade edge is engageable with the reception portion of the corresponding kind.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a processing machine that processes paper sheets, and a paper sheet processing device having the processing machine.

2. Background Art

A paper sheet processing device that performs different kinds of processings on paper sheets while conveying the paper sheets is shown, for example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 4,298,544). In this device, a plurality of processing units are provided so as to be detachably attachable to the device body, and as the processing units, processing units each performing a different kind of processing are used. The different kinds of processings mean processings including both (a) a case where the forms are different and (b) a case where the sizes and/or configurations are different although the forms are the same. Examples of the case (a) include perforation processing and folding processing. Examples of the case (b) include, in the case of the folding processing, a case where the width of the formed folding pattern is different and/or a case where the configuration of the formed folding pattern is different.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

The device of Patent Document 1 where one processing unit performs one kind of processing has the following problems:

(1) To perform a multiplicity of kinds of processings, it is necessary to prepare a multiplicity of processing units. Therefore, a large storage space for the processing units is required, and this increases cost.

(2) When it is intended to change the kind of processing, it is necessary to change the processing unit itself. Therefore, the work is extensive and burdensome.

An object of the present invention is to provide a processing machine capable of solving the above-mentioned problems and a paper sheet processing device having the processing machines.

Means for Solving the Problems

A processing machine according to a first aspect of the present invention is a processing machine comprising a processor having a processing blade and a receiver having a reception member and in which a blade edge of the processing blade and a reception portion, of the reception member, of a kind corresponding to a kind of the processing blade engage with each other to thereby process a paper, sheet situated therebetween, and in the processing machine, the processing blade is one processing blade arbitrarily selected from a blade group consisting of at least two different kinds of processing blades and is attached to the processor so as to be changeable to another processing blade of the blade group, reception portions of kinds corresponding to all the kinds of the processing blades of the blade group are formed on the reception member, and the processing blade is positioned so as to be in a position where the blade edge is engageable with the reception portion of the corresponding kind only by being attached to the processor.

Preferably, the processing machine according to the first aspect of the present invention arbitrarily adopts the following structures:

(a) The processing blade is screwed to the processor.

(b) The processing blade is a rotary blade.

(c) In the above (b), the processing blade has a boss portion, and is positioned by a thickness of the boss portion that is set according to the kind of the processing blade.

(d) The processing blade is a guillotine blade.

(e) In the above (d), the processing blade and the reception member are interchangeable with each other.

(f) The blade group consists of at least two arbitrary ones of a cutting blade, a perforating blade, a creasing blade, a half-cutting blade and a micro-perforating blade.

(g) The number of kinds of the reception portion formed on the reception member is smaller than the number of kinds of the processing blades of the blade group.

A paper sheet processing device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a paper sheet processing device having the above-described processing machine and processing a paper sheet while conveying the paper sheet, a conveyance mechanism that conveys the paper sheet and a width direction movement mechanism that moves the processing machine in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the paper sheet are provided, the processing blade is a rotary blade that performs processing along the conveyance direction of the paper sheet, a setting portion for setting processing information of the paper sheet and inputting the kind of the processing blade attached to the processing machine and a controller that controls an operation of the processing machine based on the set processing information are provided, and the controller has a movement adjuster that adjusts, based on the inputted kind of the processing blade, the width direction movement mechanism so that a position of the blade edge of the processing blade coincides with a processing position of the paper sheet in the set processing information.

A paper sheet processing device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a paper sheet processing device having the above-described processing machine and processing a paper sheet while conveying the paper sheet, a conveyance mechanism that conveys the paper sheet is provided, the processing blade is a rotary blade or a guillotine blade that performs processing along a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the paper sheet, a setting portion for setting processing information of the paper sheet and inputting the kind of the processing blade attached to the processing machine and a controller that controls an operation of the processing machine based on the set processing information are provided, and the controller has a conveyance adjuster that adjusts, based on the inputted kind of the processing blade, the conveyance mechanism so that a processing position of the paper sheet in the set processing information coincides with a position of the blade edge of the processing blade.

A paper sheet processing device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a paper sheet processing device having the above-described processing machine and processing a paper sheet while conveying the paper sheet, a conveyance mechanism that conveys the paper sheet and a width direction movement mechanism that moves the processing machine in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the paper sheet are provided, the processing blade is a rotary blade that performs processing along the conveyance direction of the paper sheet, the processing blade each has identification information for indicating its kind, a setting portion for setting processing information of the paper sheet, controller that controls an operation of the processing machine based on the set processing information and a reader that reads the identification information of the processing blade attached to the processing machine are provided, and the controller has a kind detector that detects the kind of the processing blade based on the identification information read by the reader and a movement adjuster that adjusts, based on the detected kind of the processing blade, the width direction movement mechanism so that a position of the blade edge of the processing blade coincides with a processing position of the paper sheet in the set processing information.

A paper sheet processing device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a paper sheet processing device having the above-described processing machine and processing a paper sheet while conveying the paper sheet, a conveyance mechanism that conveys the paper sheet is provided, the processing blade is a rotary blade or a guillotine blade that performs processing along a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the paper sheet, the processing blade each has identification information for indicating its kind, a setting portion for setting processing information of the paper sheet, a controller that controls an operation of the processing machine based on the set processing information and a reader that reads the identification information of the processing blade attached to the processing machine are provided, and the controller has a kind detector that detects the kind of the processing blade based on the identification information read by the reader and a conveyance adjuster that adjusts, based on the detected kind of the processing blade, the conveyance mechanism so that a processing position of the paper sheet in the set processing information coincides with a position of the blade edge of the processing blade.

Preferably, the paper sheet processing device according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention arbitrarily adopts the following structures:

(h) The controller further has a stopper that compares the detected kind of the processing blade and the kind of the processing blade required for executing the set processing information with each other and when the kinds do not coincide with each other, stops initiation of operation of the processing machine.

(i) A display portion that displays the detected kind of the processing blade is further provided.

(j) The identification information of the processing blade is a disposition pattern of a plurality of through holes formed in the processing blade, and the reader has a sensor that detects the disposition pattern of the through holes.

(k) A guide member that guides the paper sheet to the processing machines is provided so as to be detachably attachable to the processing machines.

Effects of the Invention

With the processing machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, the kind of the processing at the processing machine can be easily changed.

With the paper sheet processing device according to the second, third, fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the kind of the processing can be easily changed and easily confirmed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

First Embodiment

A paper sheet processing device having a processing machine of a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1is a schematic cross-sectional view of the paper sheet processing device having the processing machine of the present embodiment. The paper sheet processing device1has, at both ends of a device body10, a paper feed portion11having a paper feed tray and a paper ejection portion12having a paper ejection tray. From the paper feed portion11to the paper ejection portion12, a conveyance path20is formed by a conveyance mechanism2including a number of pairs of rollers21. The conveyance mechanism2conveys paper sheets from the paper feed portion11toward the paper ejection portion12in the direction of the arrow S. In the conveyance direction indicated by the arrow S, the side of the paper feed portion11will be referred to as “upstream side” and the side of the paper ejection portion12will be referred to as “downstream side”. On the conveyance path20, from the side of the paper feed portion11, by way of a conveyance correction portion, an information reading portion, a rejection portion and the like (not shown), a first processing device unit3, a second processing device unit4, a third processing device unit5and the like are provided. These are all supported by the device body10.

The number of processing device units depends on the number of processings, and is not limited to three. Moreover, the processing device unit has one or more, preferably, two processing machines. The processing machine includes a processor having a processing blade and a receiver having a reception member, and the blade edge of the processing blade and the reception portion, of the reception member, of the kind corresponding to the kind of the processing blade engage with each other to thereby process the paper sheet situated therebetween.

Moreover, the paper sheet processing device1has, in the device body10, a controller6that controls the overall operation of the device. The controller6has a CPU connected to an operation panel60. Further, the paper sheet processing device1has, at the bottom in the device body10, a trash box101for accommodating paper chips caused by the paper sheet processing.

The conveyance mechanism2is coupled to a driver (not shown) of the conveyance mechanism.

The operation panel60has a setting portion601and a display portion602. The operator can set, with the setting portion601, processing information of the paper sheet, that is, the contents of the processing including the kind and position of the processing on the paper sheet. The display portion602is capable of displaying the kind of the processing blade attached to the processing machine.

The third processing device unit5will be described.FIG. 2shows the part of the third processing device unit5in the paper sheet processing device1. The third processing device unit5includes a processing unit51and an acceptance portion52to which the processing unit51is detachably attached. The acceptance portion52has a driver (described later) that drives the processing unit51and part of a unit detector. The acceptance portion52is formed on the device body10.

FIG. 3is a front view of the processing unit51viewed from the upstream side.

In the processing unit51, an outer frame member50is formed by a top plate511, a left side plate512and a right side plate513hanging down from the sides of the top plate511, and a bottom frame514coupling the lower end portions of the side plates512and513. On the upper face of the top plate511, two handles5111are provided that are grasped when the processing unit51is attached to and detached from the acceptance portion52.

The processing unit51includes two processing machines7A and7B in an internal space500of the outer frame member50. The processing unit51further includes a rotation mechanism for rotating the processing blades of the processing machines, a width direction movement mechanism for independently moving the processing machines in a width direction W which is a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction, an approaching and separating direction movement mechanism for moving the processing blades of the processing machines in an approaching and separating direction with respect to the reception member, part of the unit detector that detects the kind of the processing unit, and a reader that reads the identification information of the processing blades of the processing machines. In the third processing device unit5, the processing blades can assume a close condition and a separated condition with respect to the reception member by the approaching and separating direction movement mechanism. In the present embodiment, the approaching and separating direction is the vertical direction.

(a) Processing Machines

The processing machines7A and7B are the processing machines of the present embodiment.FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows IV-IV ofFIG. 3, and is a side view of the processing machine7B.FIG. 5is a view in the direction of an arrow V ofFIG. 4.FIG. 6is a perspective view of the processing machine7B. The structure of the processing machine7B and the structure of the processing machine7A are reverse to each other.

The processing machine7B includes a processor71having a processing blade23and a receiver75having a reception member751. In the present embodiment, the processing blade23is one kind of processing blade arbitrarily selected from a blade group consisting of a perforating blade, a creasing blade, a half-cutting blade and a micro-perforating blade, and is a perforating blade inFIGS. 4 to 6.

FIG. 7is an enlarged view of a relevant part ofFIG. 5, and shows a case where a perforating blade is attached as the processing blade23.FIG. 8is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the relevant part shown inFIG. 7. The processing blade23is rotatably fitted on a shaft7229supported by the processor71through bearings261and262, and is attached by a clamp25screwed into the shaft7229. Therefore, the processing blade23is detachably attachable to the shaft7229. A creasing blade, a half-cutting blade and a micro-perforating blade are also detachably attachable to the shaft7229like the perforating blade. Therefore, as the processing blade23, another processing blade of the blade group, that is, a creasing blade, a half-cutting blade or a micro-perforating blade is attachable to the shaft7229in exchange of the perforating blade. That is, the processing blade23can be changed among the blade group consisting of a perforating blade, a creasing blade, a half-cutting blade and a micro-perforating blade. In the processor71, since the side of the shaft7229to which the processing blade23is attached is open space, the processing blade23and the clamp25are easily attached to the shaft7229.FIG. 9is an enlarged view of the relevant part in a case where a creasing blade is attached as the processing blade23.FIG. 10is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the relevant part shown inFIG. 9.FIG. 11is an enlarged view of the relevant part in a case where a half-cutting blade is attached as the processing blade23.FIG. 12is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the relevant part shown inFIG. 11.FIG. 13is an enlarged view of the relevant part in a case where a micro-perforating blade is attached as the processing blade23.FIG. 14is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the relevant part shown inFIG. 13.

On the other hand, a first reception portion755provided for the perforating blade, a second reception portion756provided for the creasing blade and a third reception portion757provided for the half-cutting blade and the micro-perforating blade are formed on the reception member751. The first reception portion755is a groove into which the blade edge231of the processing blade23which is a perforating blade is inserted. The second reception portion756is a groove into which the blade edge231of the processing blade23which is the creasing blade is inserted. The groove of the second reception portion756is wider than the groove of the first reception portion755, and is a distance L away from the first reception portion755. The third reception portion757is a peripheral surface of the reception member751, and is an area of the distance L between the first reception portion755and the second reception portion756.FIGS. 15 to 18are schematic cross-sectional views showing the correspondence between the kind of the processing blade23and the reception member751.FIG. 15show a case of the perforating blade,FIG. 16shows a case of the creasing blade,FIG. 17shows a case of the half-cutting blade, andFIG. 18shows a case of the micro-perforating blade.

As shown inFIGS. 7 to 14, the processing blade23has a boss portion230. For example, in the case of the processing blade23which is a perforating blade, the thickness T1 of the boss portion230is set so that the blade edge231is situated in a position opposed to the first reception portion755, that is, in an engageable position when the processing blade23is attached to the processor71. In the case of the processing blade23which is a creasing blade, the thickness T2 of the boss portion230is set so that the blade edge231is situated in a position opposed to the second reception portion756, that is, in an engageable position when the processing blade23is attached to the processor71. The thickness T2 is larger than the thickness T1 substantially by L. In the case of the processing blade23which is a half-cutting blade, the thickness T3 of the boss portion230is set so that the blade edge231is situated in a position opposed to substantially the center of the third reception portion757, that is, in an engageable position when the processing blade23is attached to the processor71. In the case of the processing blade23which is a micro-perforating blade, the thickness T4 of the boss portion230is set so that the blade edge231is situated in a position opposed to substantially the center of the third reception portion757, that is, in an engageable position when the processing blade23is attached to the processor71. Consequently, only by being attached to the processor71, the processing blade23of each kind can be positioned in the position where the blade edge231thereof can be engaged with the reception portion of the corresponding kind.

The rotation mechanism has a drive shaft64. The drive shaft64is laid between the left side plate512and the right side plate513. The reception member751is provided so as to rotate together with the drive shaft64. The processing blade23is provided so as to rotate together with the reception member751along with the conveyed paper sheet in a close condition with respect to the reception member751.

(c) Width Direction Movement Mechanism

InFIG. 3, threaded shafts61A and61B are screwed into protrusions703on top of upper bodies71of the processing machines7A and7B, respectively. When the threaded shafts61A and61B rotate, the upper bodies71move in the width direction W along a guide shaft63below the threaded shafts61A and61B. Likewise, threaded shafts66A and66B are screwed into protrusions752on the bottom of lower bodies75of the processing machines7A and7B, and when the threaded shafts66A and66B rotate, the lower bodies75move in the width direction W along a guide shaft65. The width direction movement mechanism of the processing machines7A and7B is thus constituted by the upper threaded shafts61A and61B and the guide shaft63, and the lower threaded shafts66A and66B and the guide shaft65.

The threaded shafts66A and66B placed in a lower part are coupled to the threaded shafts61A and61B placed in an upper part by a power transmission mechanism (not shown), and rotate in synchronism by being driven by a horizontal direction driver (described later).

As shown inFIG. 3, the threaded shafts61A,61B,66A and66B and the guide shafts63and65are laid parallel to the drive shaft64between the left side plate512and the right side plate513. The threaded shaft61A hanging the processor71of the processing machine7A and the threaded shaft61B hanging the processor71of the processing machine7B are juxtaposed in positions at the same height in an upper part of the internal space500. On the other hand, the threaded shaft66A supporting the receiver75of the processing machine7A from below and the threaded shaft66B supporting the receiver75of the processing machine7B from below are juxtaposed in positions at the same height in a lower part of the internal space500.

(d) Approaching and Separating Mechanism

The approaching and separating mechanism moves the processing blade23between a close position and a separated position with respect to the reception member751. In the present embodiment, the approaching and separating direction is the vertical direction.

As shown inFIG. 4, the upper body71has a cam member721and a swinging lever722. The cam member721is provided so as to rotate together with a cam rotation shaft62. The cam rotation shaft62is laid between the left side plate512and the right side plate513at the same height as the guide shaft63on the downstream side of the guide shaft63. The cam rotation shaft62is used by both of the cam members721of the left and right processing machines7A and7B, and rotates the cam members721at the same time by the same amount.

The swinging lever722swings around a pivot7223in conjunction with the rotation of the cam member721situated near one end portion7221, and moves a swinging end portion7222on the side of the other end portion in the vertical direction, thereby swinging the processing blade23in the approaching and separating direction. On the rotation shaft7229provided on the swinging end portion7222, the processing blade23is supported so as to be rotatable and detachably attachable. That is, the swinging end portion7222supports the processing blade23so as to be detachably attachable. The processing blade23can be detached from the swinging end portion7222by detaching the clamp25shown inFIG. 5from the shaft7229of the swinging end portion7222.

The swinging end portion7222is pushed downward toward an abutment member7225by a pushing member.7224, whereby the one end portion7221of the swinging lever722is pushed toward the cam member721. That is, when the cam member721rotates, the swinging end portion7222of the swinging lever722swings in the vertical direction, this moves the processing blade23in the vertical direction, and consequently, the processing blade23approaches and separates from the reception member751.FIG. 19shows a condition where the processing blade23is in the close position with respect to the reception member751, andFIG. 20shows a condition where the processing blade23is in the separated position separated from the reception member751.

The rotation amount of the cam member721is detected by a cam rotation amount detector723(FIG. 3). The cam rotation amount detector723is provided outside the left side plate512. The cam rotation amount detector723detects the rotation amount of the cam rotation shaft62to thereby detect the rotation amount of the cam member721. Then, the cam rotation amount detector723detects the time when the smaller diameter part of the cam member721is opposed to the one end portion7221and the vertical position of the processing blade23is the lowermost position, that is, the close position as shown inFIG. 19and the time when the larger diameter part of the cam member721abuts on the one end portion7221and the vertical position of the processing blade23is the uppermost position, that is, the separated position as shown inFIG. 20.

The mechanism for adjusting the pushing amount of the processing blade23is as follows: Into an upper part711of the processor71, a rod725is screwed in the vertical direction. On the lowermost end of the rod725, the abutment member7225is provided. To the lower exposed part of the rod725, a flange7226is fixed at a distance from the abutment member7225, and the pushing member7224is disposed between the abutment member7225and the flange7226. Consequently, when the swinging lever7222abuts on the abutment member7225, that is, when the processing blade23is in the close position, the pushing member7224is held at the same length at all times, and therefore, pushes the swinging end portion7222, that is, the processing blade23with the same strength at all times. On the upper end of the rod725, a knob7227is provided. When the knob7227is rotated, the rod725moves vertically, thereby adjusting the vertical position of the abutment member7225. Consequently, the lowermost position of the processing blade23is adjusted, so that the pushing amount of the processing blade23is adjusted.

The reader has an optical sensor44that reads the identification information of the processing blade23attached to the processor71.

(e−1) Identification Information of the Processing Blade23

The identification information of the processing blade23is, for example, a disposition pattern of a plurality of through holes formed in the processing blade23. Specifically,FIG. 21is a side view of the processing blade23which is a perforating blade. In the perforating blade, four through holes421,422,423and424are formed at regular intervals in positions equidistant from the center of rotation. That is, the identification information of the perforating blade is a disposition pattern formed of the four continuous through holes421,422,423and424.FIG. 22is a side view of the processing blade23which is a creasing blade. The identification information of the creasing blade is a disposition pattern which is the disposition pattern formed of the four continuous through holes421,422,423and434from which the through hole422is eliminated.FIG. 23is a side view of the processing blade23which is a half-cutting blade. The identification information of the half-cutting blade is a disposition pattern which is the disposition pattern formed of the four continuous through holes421,422,423and434from which the through hole423is eliminated.FIG. 24is a side view of the processing blade23which is a micro-perforating blade. The identification information of the micro-perforating blade is a disposition pattern which is the disposition pattern formed of the four continuous through holes421,422,423and424from which the through hole421is eliminated. These through holes can be easily formed when the processing blade23is manufactured.

The sensor44that reads the identification information of the processing blade23of the processing machine7B is provided on the inner surface of the right side plate513so as to be opposed to the processing blade23. The sensor44that reads the identification information of the processing blade23of the processing machine7A is provided on the inner surface of the left side plate512so as to be opposed to the processing blade23. The sensor44has a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and reads the reflected light from the side surface of the processing blade23. For example, when the processing machine7B is situated in the home position near the right side plate513, the processing blade23is rotated along with the rotation of the reception member751, whereby the disposition pattern of the through holes formed in the processing blade23is read by the sensor44. That is, the identification information of the processing blade23, in this case, the kind of the processing blade23is detected.

(f) Part of the Unit Detector

Light intercepting plates716and717are provided in two positions of the bottom frame514. When the processing unit51is attached to the acceptance portion52, the light intercepting plates716and717function as unit detectors that detect the kind of the processing unit51in conjunction with sensors981and982of the acceptance portion52.

FIG. 25is a front view of the acceptance portion52viewed from the upstream side. The acceptance portion52includes a plurality of drivers and part of the unit detector on a frame member90constituted by a left side plate91, a right side plate92and a lower frame93.

The drivers are a first driver94, a second driver95, a third driver96and a fourth driver97.

The first driver94is provided on an upper part of the left side plate91, and includes a gear941situated on the inside of the left side plate91and a motor942situated on the outside of the left side plate91to rotate the gear941.

The second driver95is provided on an upper part of the right side plate92, and includes a gear951situated on the inside of the right side plate92and a motor952situated on the outside of the right side plate92to rotate the gear951.

The third driver96is provided on a lower part of the left side plate91, and includes a gear961situated on the inside of the left side plate91and above the lower frame93, a motor962situated on the inside of the left side plate91and below the lower frame93, and a power transmission portion963such as a gear or a pulley situated on the outside of the left side plate91to transmit the driving force of the motor962to the gear961.

The fourth driver97is provided on a lower part of the right side plate92, and includes a gear971situated on the inside of the right side plate92and above the lower frame93, a motor972situated on the inside of the right side plate92and below the lower frame93, and a power transmission portion973such as a gear or a pulley situated on the outside of the right side plate92to transmit the driving force of the motor972to the gear971.

When the processing unit51is attached to the acceptance portion52, the first driver94is coupled to the threaded shaft61A of the width direction movement mechanism of the processing machine7A, the second driver95is coupled to the threaded shaft61B of the width direction movement mechanism of the processing machine7B, the third driver96is coupled to the drive shaft64of the rotation mechanism of the processing machines7A and7B, and the fourth driver97is coupled to the cam rotation shaft62of the approaching and separating mechanism of the processing machines7A and7B. That is, the first driver94and the second driver95function as the drivers of the width direction movement mechanism, the third driver96functions as the driver of the rotation mechanism, and the fourth driver97functions as the driver of the approaching and separating mechanism.

(b) Part of the Unit Detector

Optical sensors981and982are provided in two positions of the lower frame93. The sensors981and982are provided in positions opposed to the light intercepting plates716and717of the processing unit51, and constitute unit detectors together with the light intercepting plates716and717. When the processing unit51is attached to the acceptance portion52, the light transmission to the sensors981and982are intercepted by the light intercepting plates716and717, whereby the attachment is detected. By making the pattern of presence or absence of the light intercepting plates716and717different according to the kind of the processing unit, the unit detectors can identify the kind of the processing unit.

As the first processing device unit3and the second processing device unit4, processing device units known in the field of this kind of paper sheet processing device may be used, or processing device units having a structure similar to that of the third processing device unit5may be used. In the latter case, the kinds and the number of processing blades constituting the blade group may be changed arbitrarily.

The controller6controls the driver of the conveyance portion and the first to fourth drivers94,95,96and97according to the set processing information.

Moreover, the controller6has a kind detector that detects the kind of the processing blade23based on the identification information of the processing blade23read by the reader (sensor44). When the sensor44detects, for example, the disposition pattern of four continuous through holes, the kind detector detects that the processing blade23is a perforating blade.

Moreover, the controller6has a movement adjuster that adjusts, based on the detected kind of the processing blade23, the width direction movement mechanism and the drivers thereof so that the position of the blade edge231of the processing blade23coincides with the processing position of the paper sheet in the set processing information. For example, in a case where the set processing information represents performing perforation processing in a position in a width direction Wa and a perforating blade is attached to the processor71as the processing blade23, when the processing blade23is changed to a creasing blade in order to perform folding processing in the same position in the width direction Wa instead of perforation processing, the movement adjuster operates as follows: When the perforating blade is changed to a creasing blade, as is apparent fromFIG. 8, the position of the blade edge231is shifted outward in the width direction by the distance L. Therefore, if the processing machine7B is operated under that condition, folding processing is performed in a position shifted outward by the distance L from the position in the width direction Wa. Therefore, the movement adjuster additionally moves the processing machine7B inward in the width direction by the distance L to thereby adjust the width direction movement mechanism and the driving portions thereof so that the blade edge231of the creasing blade is situated in the position in the width direction Wa.

Further, the controller6has a stopper that compares the detected kind of the processing blade23and the kind of the processing blade required for executing the set processing information with each other and when the kinds do not coincide with each other, stops the initiation of operation of the processing machine. For example, when the kind of the processing blade required for executing the set processing information is a creasing blade although the detected kind of the processing blade23is a perforating blade, since the kinds do not coincide with each other, the stopper stops the initiation of operation of at least the third driver96of the first to fourth drivers94,95,96and97.

The operation of the paper sheet processing device of the present embodiment will be described.

First, the processing information of the paper sheet is set with the setting portion601. Although this setting is normally made by the operator operating the operation panel60, it may be made by automatically reading, by an information reading portion (not shown), a bar code representative of the processing information printed on the paper sheet, together with the position mark.

Then, when it is intended to perform perforation processing on the paper sheet along the conveyance direction S, the operator attaches to the acceptance portion52the processing unit51to which the perforating blade is attachable as the processing blade23. When the processing unit51is attached to the acceptance portion52, the sensors981and982and the light intercepting plates716and717detect that the attached processing unit51is the processing unit to which a perforating blade is attachable. The detection result is displayed on the display portion602by the controller6. This enables the operator to know that the correct processing unit is attached.

Then, by being controlled by the controller6, the reception member751rotates under a condition where the processing machines7A and7B are in the home positions, and the processing blade23rotates several times along with this and then, stops. While the processing blade23is rotating, the disposition pattern of the through holes of the processing blade23is read by the sensor44. The reading result is transmitted to the controller6, and the kind of the processing blade23is detected from the disposition pattern of the through holes by the kind detector of the controller6. The detection result is displayed on the display portion602by the controller6. This enables the operator to easily confirm the kind of the processing blade23of the processing machines7A and7B on the operation panel60. Consequently, the operator can save the trouble of taking out the processing unit51from the acceptance portion52in order to confirm the kind of the processing blade23and visually confirming it.

On the other hand, at the controller6, the kind of the processing blade23detected by the kind detector and the kind of the processing blade required for executing the processing information set with the setting portion601are compared with each other, and when the kinds do not coincide with each other, the stopper operates to stop the initiation of operation of the processing machines7A and7B. At the same time, it is indicated that they do not coincide with each other on the display portion602. This enables the operator to easily know that an incorrect processing blade23is attached. Thereby, the paper sheet can be prevented from being erroneously processed, and the operator is prompted to change the processing blade23.

On the contrary, when the kind of the processing blade23detected by the kind detector and the kind of the processing blade required for executing the processing information set with the setting portion601coincide with each other, the operation is continued. That is, according to the control by the controller6, the paper sheet is supplied from the paper feed portion11, successively processed by the first processing device unit3and the second processing device unit4while conveyed on the conveyance path20, and are further processed by the third processing device unit5to be discharged to the paper ejection portion12.

The operation at the third processing device unit5is as follows:

First, by being controlled by the controller6, the first driver94and the second driver95are driven, so that the processing machines7A and7B are moved to the predetermined position Wa in the width direction W where perforations are to be formed. At this time, the processing blade23is situated in the close position with respect to the reception member751. Then, by being controlled by the controller6, the third driver96is driven, so that the drive shaft64is rotated to rotate the reception member751and the processing blade23. Thereby, the paper sheet is conveyed toward the downstream side while being sandwiched between the processing blade23and the reception member751. At this time, the processing blade23rotates as the paper sheet is conveyed while the blade edge231thereof passes through the paper sheet to be inserted into the groove of the first reception portion755. As a result, perforations of a predetermined length along the conveyance direction S are formed in an area where perforations are to be formed in the paper sheet.

On the other hand, in the area where no perforations are formed, by being controlled by the controller6, the fourth driver97is driven based on the detection result of the cam rotation amount detector723to rotate the cam rotation shaft62by a predetermined amount. Thereby, the cam member721rotates to move the swinging end portion7222of the swinging lever722upward with respect to the reception member751, so that the processing blade23situated in the close position is separated from the reception member751to move to the separated position. As a result, while the paper sheet is being conveyed, no perforations are formed in the paper sheet since the processing blade23is separated from the reception member751.

Then, when it is intended to perform folding processing instead of perforation processing at the third processing device unit5, the operator performs the following operation: First, the processing unit51is taken out from the acceptance portion52. Then, in the processing machines, the clamp25is detached, and the processing blade23which is a perforating blade is changed to a creasing blade. Then, the processing blade23which is a creasing blade is fixed to the shaft7229by the clamp25. Then, the processing unit51is attached to the acceptance portion52. The subsequent operation is the same as that in the case of the above-described perforation processing. However, the width direction movement mechanism and the drivers thereof are adjusted by the movement adjuster of the controller6. That is, in the case ofFIG. 5, the processing machine7B is additionally moved in the width direction by the distance L, and as a result thereof, the blade edge231of the creasing blade is situated in the position in the width direction Wa.

According to the processing machine of the present embodiment, the following effects are delivered:

(1) Since the processing blade23can be changed among different kinds of processing blades23, the kind of the processing blade of the processing machine can be easily changed.

(2) Since the processing blades23of the kinds are positioned in positions where the blade edges231thereof are engageable with the reception portions of the corresponding kinds only by being attached to the processor71, the kind of processing at the processing machine can be easily changed also in this regard.

(3) Further, the structure for the positioning is easily realized since it is necessary only to set the thickness of the boss portion230according to the kind of the processing blade23.

(4) Since the clamp25is a screw type, the detachment and attachment of the clamp25can be performed easily. Consequently, the processing blade23can be easily changed.

(5) Since the processing blades23of the blade group are four kinds of a perforating blade, a creasing blade, a half-cutting blade and a micro-perforating blade, four kinds of processings can be performed by one processing machine.

(6) Since the kinds of the reception portion of the reception member751are three of the first to third reception portions755,756and757although the number of kinds of the changeable processing blade23is four, the structure of the reception member751can be simplified.

According to the paper sheet processing device of the present embodiment, the following effects are delivered:

(a) Whether the processing unit attached to the acceptance portion is the correct one or not can be detected by the unit detector. Consequently, erroneous processing can be prevented.

(b) Since the kind of the processing blade23can be detected by the kind detector of the controller6, erroneous processing can be prevented.

(c) Since the kind of the processing blade23is displayed on the display portion602, the kind of the processing blade23can be easily confirmed.

(d) Since the initiation of operation of the processing machine is stopped by the stopper of the controller6when the kind of the processing blade23detected by the kind detector and the kind of the processing blade required for executing the processing information set with the setting portion601do not coincide with each other, erroneous processing can be prevented.

(e) Since the width direction movement mechanism of the processing machine and the drivers thereof are adjusted by the movement adjuster of the controller6when the processing blade is changed, processing can be performed in the same processing position as the processing position, in the width direction, of the processing blade23before the change, by the processing blade23after the change without the processing information being re-set. Consequently, the processing after the change can be easily executed.

(i) The kinds of the changeable processing blade23are not limited to the four kinds of the perforating blade, the creasing blade, the half-cutting blade and the micro-perforating blade, but may be two or three kinds of the four or may be five or more kinds. As an additional kind of the processing blade23, a cutting blade or the like may be adopted.

(ii) The number of processing machines that the processing unit has is not limited to two, but may be one, or three or more. When the number of processing machines is three or more, the identification information of all the processing machines can be read by providing the processing machines with the sensor44as required.

(iii) The clamp25is not limited to a screw type, but may be a key type or a magnet type.

(iv) The disposition pattern of the through holes representative of the identification information of the processing blade23is not limited to the cases shown inFIGS. 21 to 24, but may be a different pattern. For example, the through holes may be formed so as to be distributed on the entire area of the side surface of the processing blade23instead of forming them so as to be unevenly distributed on part of the side surface. In that case, reduction in the strength of the processing blade23can be suppressed. Moreover, the through holes are not limited to circular ones.

(v) The identification information of the processing blade23may be a color arrangement pattern formed of a plurality of colors applied to the surface of the processing blade23, may be magnetic materials having different pieces of data or reflecting materials having different reflectances which materials are pasted to the surface of the processing blade23, or may be a different identifiable structure.

(vi) The identification information of the processing blade23may include not only the kind but also other pieces of information. As the other pieces of information, for example, the material, the thickness, the edge size, the manufacturing date and the expiration date for use may be adopted.

(vii) The sensor44may be structured so as to read not the reflected light but the transmitted light. In that case, for example, light receiving portions are provided to the processing machines7A and7B, and light emitting portions are provided to the left and right side plates512and513.

(viii) The sensor44may be structured so as to operate only when the operator makes a request by operating the operation panel60.

(ix) The display portion602is not essential.

(x) When the processing information is set while a plurality of patterns of processing information are prestored, selection from among the patterns may be made with the operation panel60.

(xi) The unit detector may include three or more sensors and light intercepting plates to increase the number of patterns of presence or absence of light interception.

(xii) The kind of the processing blade23of the processing machine7A and the kind of the processing blade23of the processing machine7B may be different. In that case, two kinds of processings are performed by one processing device unit. The same applies when one processing device unit has three or more processing machines.

Second Embodiment

While the processing machines7A and7B of the processing unit51of the first embodiment performs processing along the conveyance direction S, or “longitudinal processing”, the processing machines of the processing unit of the present embodiment performs processing along the width direction W, or “lateral processing”.

FIG. 26is a perspective view of the processing unit51of the present embodiment viewed from the upstream side. This processing machine7X includes a processor71that moves in the width direction W and a linear receiver75extending in the width direction W.

The processor71is capable of moving in the width direction W by the same width direction movement mechanism as that of the first embodiment. The processing blade23of the processor71rotates along with the movement of the processor71in the width direction. The processing blade23of the processor71approaches and separates from the reception member751by swinging the swinging lever in conjunction with the rotation of the cam members following the rotation of the cam rotation shaft62.FIG. 27is a lateral partial cross-sectional view of the receiver75. To the top face of the receiver75, the reception member751extending in the width direction W is fixed. As in the first embodiment, the first to third reception portions755,756and757are formed on the reception member751.

The controller6has a conveyance adjuster that adjusts, based on the detected kind of the processing blade23, the conveyance mechanism and the driver thereof so that the position of the blade edge231of the processing blade23coincides with the processing position of the paper sheet in the set processing information. For example, in a case where the set processing information represents performing perforation processing in a position in a conveyance direction Sa and a perforating blade is attached to the processor71as the processing blade23, when the processing blade23is changed to a creasing blade in order to perform folding processing in the same position in the conveyance direction Sa instead of perforation processing, the conveyance adjuster operates as follows: When the perforating blade is changed to the creasing blade, as in the case ofFIG. 5and as shown inFIG. 27, the position of the blade edge231is shifted toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction by the distance L. Therefore, if the processing machine7X is operated under that condition, folding processing is performed in a position shifted by the distance L from the position in the conveyance direction Sa. Therefore, the conveyance adjuster additionally moves the paper sheet in the conveyance direction by the distance L to thereby adjust the conveyance mechanism and the driving portion thereof so that the blade edge231of the creasing blade is situated in the position in the conveyance direction Sa.

The remaining structures are the same as those of the first embodiment, or the structures of the first embodiment may be applied analogically. For example, the sensor44for reading the identification information of the processing blade23is provided on the processing machine itself so as to be opposed to the side surface of the processing blade23instead of being provided on the left and right side plates512and513.

In the present embodiment, the processing blade23is changeable in the processing machine7X as in the first embodiment.

According to the present embodiment, similar effects to those of the first embodiment are also delivered.

Third Embodiment

While the processing unit of the second embodiment performs “lateral processing” by the processing blade23which is a rotary blade, the processing unit of the present embodiment performs “lateral processing” by a processing blade which is a guillotine blade.

FIG. 28is a perspective view of the processing unit51of the present embodiment viewed from the upstream side. This processing unit7Y includes a linear processor71extending in the width direction W and a linear receiver75extending in the width direction W.

FIG. 29is a cross-sectional view taken along XXIX-XXIX ofFIG. 28. The processor71has a processing blade23extending in the width direction on the lower edge of an upper body710A. The processing blade23is detachably attached to the upper body710A by a screw715. The screw715includes a head portion7151and a rod7152, and the rod7152is screwed into the processing blade23to thereby fix the processing blade23. The receiver75has a reception member751extending in the width direction W on the upper edge of the lower body710B. As in the case of the processing blade23, the reception member751is detachably attached to the lower body710B by the screw715. Thus, the processing blade23is attachable to the lower body710B and the reception member751is attachable to the upper body710A. That is, the vertical position relation between the processing blade23and the reception member751can be reversely interchanged. As in the second embodiment, the first to third reception portions755,756and757are formed on the reception member751.

The processing unit7Y performs processing by the processor71moving downward so that the processing blade23engages with the corresponding kind of reception portion of the receiver75. The vertical movement of the processor71is executed by transmitting the rotation of the motor962to a cam rotation shaft through a power transmission mechanism (not shown) and vertically moving the upper body710A by the cam member rotating together with the cam rotation shaft.

The controller6has a conveyance adjuster similar to that of the second embodiment.

The remaining structures are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, or the structures of the first and second embodiments may be applied analogically. For example, the sensor44for reading the identification information of the processing blade23is provided on the processor71itself so as to be opposed to the side surface of the processing blade23instead of being provided on the left and right side plates512and513. For the identification information of the processing blade23, one of a similar mode to that of the first embodiment may be formed on the side surface of the processing blade23as in the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, in the processing unit7Y, the processing blade23is changeable as in the first embodiment. That is, while the processing blade23which is a creasing blade is attached inFIG. 29, this processing blade23can be changed to a perforating blade as shown inFIG. 30, to a half-cutting blade as shown inFIG. 31or to a micro-perforating blade as shown inFIG. 32.

According to the present embodiment, similar effects to those of the first embodiment are also delivered.

Fourth Embodiment

The processing unit of the present embodiment has, on the upstream side, a guide member that guides the conveyed paper sheet to the processing machine.FIG. 33is a perspective view of the processing unit51viewed from the upstream side.FIG. 34is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the processing unit51ofFIG. 33. In the longitudinal cross-sectional views of the processing unit51shown inFIGS. 34,36and38, illustration of the processing machine7A is omitted for convenience of explanation. The guide member8includes a guide portion81, a support portion82and an engagement portion83. The guide portion81has a lower piece811and an upper piece812extending in the width direction W, and a clearance810for passing the paper sheet is formed therebetween. The lower piece811extends from the upstream side toward the downstream side so as to slightly incline upward, and the upper piece812extends from the upstream side toward the downstream side so as to slightly incline downward. The clearance810therebetween gradually becomes narrower from the upstream side toward the downstream side.

The guide member8is structured so that it can be easily attached to and detached from the processing unit51, that is, to the processing machine by hand without the use of a tool. This is realized by the support portion82and the engagement portion83. The support portion82has, as shown inFIGS. 35 to 38, a pin822provided on the inner surfaces of the side plates512and513and a hook portion823structured so that it can be hooked on the pin822so as to be rotatable and detachably attachable from above. The engagement portion83has a sandwiching portion832provided on the inner surfaces of the side plates512and513and a convex portion833that can be inserted into and taken out from the sandwiching portion832.FIGS. 33 and 34show a condition where the guide member8is attached to the processing unit51by hooking the hook portion823on the pin822and inserting the convex portion833into the sandwiching portion832.

When the guide member8is detached from the processing unit51, as shown inFIG. 35andFIG. 36which is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the processing unit51ofFIG. 35, first, the convex portion833is taken out from the sandwiching portion832, and the guide member8is rotated on the pin822toward the upstream side. Then, as shown inFIG. 37andFIG. 38which is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the processing unit51ofFIG. 37, the hook portion823is detached from the pin822by moving it upward.

According to the present embodiment, since the paper sheet can be guided to the processing machine by the guide member8, the paper sheet processing at the processing machine can be executed with stability.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the guide member8is detachable from the processing unit51, space can be secured on the upstream side of the processing machine. Consequently, the processing blade of the processing machine can be smoothly changed.

Other Embodiments

(1) The different kinds of processing blades mean processing blades including both of (a) a case where the forms are different and (b) a case where the sizes and/or configurations are different although the forms are the same. Examples of the case (a) include a perforating blade, a creasing blade, a half-cutting blade and a micro-perforating blade. Examples of the case (b) include, in the case of the creasing blade, a creasing blade the thickness of the blade edge of which is different so that the width of the formed folding pattern is different and/or a creasing blade the blade edge of which is angular or circular so that the configuration of the formed folding pattern is different. Therefore, while in the above-described embodiments, processing blades of different processing forms such as a perforating blade, a creasing blade, a half-cutting blade and a micro-perforating blade are adopted as the different kinds of processing blades, the present invention may adopt processing blades having different sizes and/or configurations although having the same processing form.

(2) While a case where the processing unit51of the first embodiment has the guide member8is described in the fourth embodiment, the processing units of the second and third embodiments may have the guide member8, and in that case, similar effects to those of the fourth embodiment are also delivered.

(3) While the processing blade has the identification information in the above-described embodiments, the present invention may use a processing blade having no identification information. In that case, the operator can input the kind of the processing blade attached to the processing machine with the setting portion601of the operation panel60, and the movement adjuster of the controller6adjusts the width direction movement mechanism so that the position of the blade edge of the processing blade coincides with the processing position of the paper sheet in the set processing information based on the inputted kind of the processing blade or the conveyance adjuster adjusts the conveyance mechanism so that the processing position of the paper sheet in the set processing information coincides with the position of the blade edge of the processing blade based on the inputted kind of the processing blade.

(4) A structure may be adopted in which the processing information and the kind of the processing blade can be inputted from other than the setting portion601of the operation panel60. For example, a structure may be adopted in which they can be inputted from an external terminal connected by cable or wirelessly.

As described above, the present invention where the kind of the processing on the paper sheet can be easily and inexpensively changed to perform processing is extremely useful in industry.