JP2001171907A - Paper folding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a paper folding device of a simple configuration, compared with a conventional mechanism including a four-roller set, capable of folding a sheet of paper in various form. SOLUTION: A retreat area 11 is provided upstream of a paper folding roller couple 7, while a paper folding member 2 is installed in a narrow portion between a first transporting path 12 and the retreat area 11. The roller couple 7 is stopped and the leading edge of each copying sheet is butted to a nip, and the too long portion of the copying sheet is made to retreat in loop form into the retreat area 11, and the position to be folded in pressed to the nip by the paper folding member 2, and a Z-fold is made by rotating the roller couple 7 in the regular rotation. The copying sheet is received while the roller couple 7 is rotated reversely, and the leading edge is made to retreat straight into the retreat area 11, and the position to be folded is pressed by the folding member 2 to the nip of the roller couple 7, and a two-fold is generated when the roller couple 7 is rotated normally. If then the roller couple 7 is rotated reversely and a return is made to the upstream, an open fold is creased.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a paper folding apparatus for forming various folds on a sheet of paper discharged from a copying machine, a printer, or the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a folding apparatus which has a simple configuration and can cope with various folding modes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in copiers and printers,
2. Description of the Related Art A finisher for performing sheet folding, binding, or the like on a printed sheet has been provided. Folding is one of the main functions of the finisher.
Various modes such as folding, folding, and open creases can be handled.

[0003]

However, in the conventional finisher, the structure of the paper folding device is complicated. In order to cope with the above-described various paper folding modes, especially Z-fold, as many as three rollers (for receiving drive,
This is because a four-roller set in which the first folding and the second folding are arranged is provided. For this reason, the number of parts and the resulting high cost have been problems.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the above-described conventional paper folding apparatus. That is, it is an object of the present invention to provide a paper folding apparatus which does not have a complicated mechanism such as a four-roller set and can cope with various forms of creasing with a simple configuration.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve this problem, a paper folding apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a pair of paper folding rollers and a paper folding roller positioned upstream of the pair of paper folding rollers and directed toward the pair of paper folding rollers. An evacuation path capable of accommodating a portion from the leading edge of the conveyed paper to the folding position, and pressing the folding position of the paper into the nip of the folding roller pair, which is located upstream of the folding roller pair. And a paper foldable member. The paper folding device of the present invention can have a Z-fold mode for Z-folding the paper, a two-fold mode for folding the paper in two, and an open crease mode for opening and folding the paper.

In the Z-folding mode of this paper folding apparatus, the paper folding roller pair is stopped when the leading edge of the paper comes into contact with the nip of the pair of paper folding rollers, and the portion from the leading edge of the paper to the crease position is formed in a loop. The paper folding position is retracted to the evacuation path, and the paper crease position is pushed into the nip of the paper folding roller pair by the paper folding member, and the paper folding roller pair is rotated forward to make the leading end and the crease position engage with the nip of the paper folding roller pair. To make a first fold and further rotate the pair of paper folding rollers forward to make a second fold between the leading end of the paper and the first fold to make the paper into a Z-folded state, downstream of the pair of paper folding rollers. Discharge to

That is, when the leading edge of the paper to be Z-folded reaches the pair of folding rollers, the pair of folding rollers is stopped at that time. Therefore, the leading end of the paper comes into contact with the nip of the paper folding roller pair and stops. Then, when the paper itself is further fed from the rear, an extra portion is retreated to the retreat path in a loop shape. Then, when the folding position of the paper is pushed into the nip of the pair of folding rollers by the folding member and the pair of folding rollers is rotated forward, the leading end and the folding position are engaged with the nip of the pair of folding rollers. As a result, the first fold is formed at the fold position.
When the paper folding roller pair further rotates forward, the leading edge of the paper and the first
A second fold is formed between the first fold and the second fold, resulting in a Z-fold state. When the paper folding roller pair further rotates forward, the Z-folded paper is discharged downstream of the paper folding roller pair. Thus, the paper is Z-folded.

In the two-fold mode, when the leading edge of the paper comes into contact with the pair of folding rollers, the pair of folding rollers is reversely rotated to guide the leading edge of the paper to the retreat path, and the folding position of the paper is set by the folding member. Push the paper folding roller pair into the nip and rotate the paper folding roller pair forward to engage the fold at the nip of the paper folding roller pair to make a fold, and further rotate the paper folding roller pair forward to fold the paper into two. It is discharged to the downstream side of the sheet folding roller pair.

That is, when the leading end of the paper to be folded into two reaches the pair of folding rollers, the pair of folding rollers is rotating in the reverse direction. For this reason, the leading end of the paper is repelled by the pair of folding rollers and guided to the retreat path. Then, when the folding position of the paper is pushed into the nip of the pair of folding rollers by the folding member and the pair of folding rollers is rotated forward, the folding position is engaged with the nip of the pair of folding rollers. Thereby, a fold is formed at the fold position. When the paper folding roller pair further rotates forward, the folded paper is discharged downstream of the paper folding roller pair. Thus, two sheets of paper
It is folded.

In the open crease mode, when the leading edge of the paper comes into contact with the pair of folding rollers, the pair of folding rollers is reversely rotated to guide the leading edge of the paper to the retreat path, and the folding position of the paper is determined by the folding member. Push the paper folding roller pair into the nip and rotate the paper folding roller pair forward to engage the fold position in the nip of the paper folding roller pair and make a fold.
The paper folding member is returned to the original state, and the paper folding roller pair is rotated in the reverse direction to discharge the paper to the upstream side of the paper folding roller pair with the fold open.

That is, when the leading edge of the paper to be subjected to the open crease reaches the pair of paper folding rollers, the pair of paper folding rollers is rotating in the reverse direction. For this reason, the leading end of the paper is repelled by the pair of folding rollers and guided to the retreat path. Then, when the folding position of the paper is pushed into the nip of the pair of folding rollers by the folding member and the pair of folding rollers is rotated forward, the folding position is engaged with the nip of the pair of folding rollers. Thereby, a fold is formed at the fold position. Up to this point, the operation is the same as in the case of the half-fold mode. However, after this, the paper folding roller pair rotates in the reverse direction, and the paper is discharged upstream of the paper folding roller pair. Of course, at this time, the paper folding member is returned to the original position. Thus, the paper is in a state where the creases are opened.

The paper folding apparatus of the present invention further includes a bypass path that bypasses the pair of paper folding rollers and connects the upstream side and the downstream side thereof, and guides the paper positioned at the entrance of the bypass path and flowing backward to the bypass path. It is more preferable to have a path switching member capable of performing the operation. With such a configuration, in the open crease mode, the trailing end of the creased paper can be guided to the bypass path by the path switching member to discharge the paper downstream.

The paper folding device according to the present invention includes a transport roller positioned upstream of the pair of paper folding rollers and capable of transporting the paper toward the pair of paper folding rollers, and a further upstream side of the transport roller. And a sensor for detecting the presence / absence of paper.

With the above arrangement, in the Z-folding mode, the transport roller is stopped when the sensor detects from the trailing edge of the paper that the crease position of the paper has reached the front of the nip of the pair of paper folding rollers, In this state, the first fold can be formed at the fold position of the paper by the paper folding member and the pair of paper folding rollers. Similarly, in the two-fold mode and the open crease mode, when the sensor detects from the trailing edge of the paper that the crease position of the paper has reached the front of the nip of the pair of paper folding rollers, the transport roller pair is stopped.
In this state, the paper can be creased at the crease position of the paper by the paper folding member and the paper folding roller pair.

Here, the detection by the sensor that the crease position of the paper has reached the front of the nip of the paper folding roller pair may be any of the following methods. The first method is a method in which the position of the sensor is made variable according to the size of the paper or the crease position, and the transport roller is stopped immediately when the sensor detects the trailing edge of the paper. In this method, the sensor is moved in advance so that the distance from the detection position of the sensor to the nip of the paper folding roller pair is equal to the distance from the crease position of the paper to the rear end.

In the second method, the position of the sensor is fixed,
This is a method in which the conveyance roller is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed since the sensor detects the trailing edge of the paper. In this method, the distance from the detection position of the sensor to the nip of the folding roller pair is
The sensor is fixed and provided so as to be equal to the maximum distance from the crease position of the paper to the rear end. Then, according to the actual distance from the crease position of the paper to the rear end and the conveyance speed of the conveyance roller, the sensor detects the rear end of the paper, and then the crease position is in front of the nip of the paper folding roller pair. Determine the time it takes to reach. Then, when the sensor detects the trailing edge of the paper, time measurement is started, and after the determined time has elapsed, the transport roller is stopped.

In a third method, a plurality of sensors are fixedly provided in accordance with the size and crease position of the paper, and the transport roller is stopped immediately when a certain sensor detects the rear end of the paper. It is. In this method, which sensor to use is determined in advance according to the distance from the crease position of the paper to the rear end. The sensor to be determined is, of course, one in which the distance from the nip of the paper folding roller pair is equal to the distance from the crease position of the paper to the rear end.

Further, it is convenient to provide a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of paper on the downstream side of the pair of paper folding rollers. Thus, in the open crease mode, the paper folding roller pair can be reversely rotated when the sensor detects a fold of the paper.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The paper folding device according to the present embodiment embodies the present invention as a finisher to be attached to a copier, a printer, or the like. The finisher 1 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is used by attaching to the copy machine 16 to perform post-processing such as paper folding on the image-formed copy paper discharged from the copy machine 16. is there. Copy machine 16
Has a built-in document reading device, image forming device, paper feeding / discharging device, etc., and has a function of reversing a sheet after image formation and a function of duplex copying.

The finisher 1 is configured as shown in FIG. That is, the finisher 1 has a receiving port IN for receiving the copy paper discharged from the copying machine 16 and a discharge port O for discharging the post-processed copy paper.
A UT and a paper discharge tray 15 on which the copy paper discharged from the discharge port OUT is placed are provided. In the finisher 1, a first transport path 1 from the receiving port IN to the discharge port OUT is provided as a transport path for passing copy paper.
2 and a second transport path 13 that bypasses a part of the first transport path 12. Hereinafter, the first transport path 12
, Near the inlet IN is referred to as upstream, and near the outlet OUT is referred to as downstream. In the various roller pairs described below, rotation in the direction in which copy paper is sent from upstream to downstream is called forward rotation, and rotation in the opposite direction is called reverse rotation.

In the vicinity of the receiving port IN in the first transport path 12, a carry-in roller pair 4 is provided together with a carry-in motor M4. The carry-in motor M4 can only rotate the carry-in roller pair 4 forward. Immediately downstream of the carry-in roller pair 4, a carry-in sensor SE1 for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper
Is arranged. This is the first transport path 1
It is located upstream of a branch point where the second transport path 13 branches from 2.

At a branch point where the second transport path 13 branches from the first transport path 12, a path switching claw 14 is provided with a solenoid S.
It is provided with L1. The path switching claw 14 can switch between the state shown in FIG. 2 and the state shown in FIG. 14 by driving the solenoid SL1. The state in FIG.
When the path switching claw 14 is in the home state and the copy sheet conveyed by the carry-in roller pair 4 is folded by the paper folding roller pair 7 described later.
It is a state leading to. The path switching claw 14 is in this state when the solenoid SL1 is off. The state shown in FIG. 14 is a state in which the copy sheet sent backward from the sheet folding roller pair 7 is guided toward the second transport path 13. The path switching claw 14 is in this state when the solenoid SL1 is on.

Route switching claw 14 on first transport route 12
A first transport roller pair 5 is disposed further downstream, and a second transport roller pair 6 is disposed further downstream. A first transport motor M2 is provided to drive these. The first transport motor M2 can rotate the first transport roller pair 5 and the second transport roller pair 6 forward or backward. Between the first pair of conveying rollers 5 and the second pair of conveying rollers 6, there is a first detecting unit for detecting the presence or absence of a copy sheet.
The path sensor SE3 is arranged together with the sensor motor M7. The sensor motor M7 is connected to the first path sensor SE3.
Is moved along the first transport path 12 (arrow X).

A sheet folding roller pair 7 is provided downstream of the second conveying roller pair 6 in the first conveying path 12 together with the sheet folding motor M1. The paper folding motor M1 can rotate the paper folding roller pair 7 forward or backward. The distance between the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7 and the first transport roller pair 5 is ensured to be equal to or greater than the maximum distance from the crease position of the copy sheet to the rear end. On the other hand, the distance between the nip of the paper folding roller pair 7 and the second transport roller pair 6 is within the minimum distance from the crease position to the rear end. Then, the moving range of the first path sensor SE3 covers the minimum distance to the maximum distance from the crease position to the rear end when viewed from the nip of the folding roller pair 7.

An evacuation area 11 is provided on the upstream side of the sheet folding roller pair 7 and above the first transport path 12 in FIG. The retreat area 11 is a space for retreating a range from the leading edge to the crease position of the copy sheet. An area sensor SE7 for detecting the presence or absence of a copy sheet is provided at the innermost position of the retreat area 11.

A Z-fold stopper 3 which can move up and down (arrow Z) is provided in the middle of the evacuation area 11 by a stopper motor M.
6 are provided. The Z-fold stopper 3 can be switched between the raised position shown in FIG. 2 and the lowered position shown in FIG. 6 by driving the stopper motor M6. The position shown in FIG. 2 is a position for linearly retracting the range from the leading edge of the paper to the crease position in the evacuation area 11 for the two-fold mode or the open crease mode. This position is the home position of the Z-fold stopper 3.
The position in FIG. 6 is a position for retracting the range from the leading edge of the paper to the crease position in the retraction area 11 in a loop for the Z-fold mode.

In the vicinity of the Z-fold stopper 3, a stopper home sensor SE6 for detecting whether or not the Z-fold stopper 3 is at the home position, and whether or not the Z-fold stopper 3 has been lowered to the position shown in FIG. Is provided with a stopper lowering position sensor SE9 for detecting the pressure. The output of the stopper home sensor SE6 is on when the Z-fold stopper 3 is at the home position, and is off when the Z-fold stopper 3 is off the home position. The output of the stopper lowering position sensor SE9 is off when the Z-fold stopper 3 is fully lowered to the position shown in FIG. 6, and is on when it is not completely lowered. As for the rotation of the stopper motor M6, the direction in which the Z-fold stopper 3 is lowered from the home position is forward rotation, and the reverse direction is reverse rotation.

In a narrow portion between the first transport path 12 and the retreat area 11, a paper folding member 2 movable in the direction of arrow W in FIG. 2 is provided together with a paper folding motor M5.
The paper folding member 2 is driven by a paper folding motor M5, as shown in FIG.
And the position shown in FIG. 7 can be switched. The position shown in FIG. 7 is a position where the paper folding member 2 approaches the nip of the paper folding roller pair 7. This position is
This is used to make the crease position of the copy paper bite into the nip of the paper folding roller pair 7. Hereinafter, it is referred to as a folding position.

Near the paper folding member 2, a paper folding member home sensor SE5 for detecting whether the paper folding member 2 is at the home position, and whether the paper folding member 2 is at the folding position in FIG. And a folding position sensor SE8 for detecting the The output of the paper folding member home sensor SE5 is on when the paper folding member 2 is at the home position, and is off when the paper folding member 2 is off the home position. The output of the folding position sensor SE8 is off when the paper folding member 2 has reached the position shown in FIG. 7, and is on when it has not reached it. Regarding the rotation of the paper folding motor M5, the direction in which the paper folding member 2 projects from the home position is forward rotation, and the opposite direction is reverse rotation.

Immediately downstream of the pair of folding rollers 7 in the first transport path 12, there is provided a post-folding roller sensor SE10 for detecting the presence or absence of a copy sheet. The post-folding roller sensor SE10 is used in the open crease mode. At a position downstream of the post-folding roller sensor SE10 on the first transport path 12, the first transport path 1
2 and the second transport path 13 merge.

A discharge roller pair 10 is provided together with a second transport motor M3 downstream of the junction of the first transport path 12 and the second transport path 13. Second transport motor M3
Can only rotate the discharge roller pair 10 forward. Immediately downstream of the discharge roller pair 10, a discharge sensor SE2 for detecting the presence or absence of a copy sheet is disposed.

The second transport path 13 is provided with a second path sensor SE4 for detecting the presence or absence of a copy sheet. Further, a third transport roller pair 8 and a fourth transport roller pair 9 are arranged. The third transport roller pair 8 and the fourth transport roller pair 9 are driven by the second transport motor M3, similarly to the discharge roller pair 10. Therefore, they can only rotate forward.

Next, the finisher 1 and the copying machine 16
Will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The control circuit of the finisher 1 has a ROM 20 and an R
It is mainly configured with a CPU 19 having an AM 21. The CPU 19 has a role of controlling each of the motors M1 to M7 and the solenoid SL1. A program necessary for that is stored in the ROM 20. Also,
Various kinds of information required for that purpose are stored in the sensors SE1 to SE1.
I get it from 0. The RAM 21 includes a flag area for selectively using each operation mode of the finisher 1.

The CPU 19 is a CPU of the copying machine 16.
18 to exchange necessary data. The CPU 18 has a role of controlling each part of the copy machine 16 as a matter of course. An operation panel 22 (see FIG. 4) is connected to the CPU 18. Operation panel 22
Is for the operator to input various commands to the copy machine 16 and the finisher 1 and includes a touch panel 23. As shown in FIG. 5, a screen including a Z-fold button 24, a bag binding button 25, and a weekly magazine binding button 26 can be displayed on the touch panel 23.

Next, the operation of the finisher 1 will be described. The operation of the finisher 1 includes four modes: a Z-fold mode, a two-fold mode, an open-folding mode, and a no-fold mode.

The Z-fold mode is performed by lowering the Z-fold stopper 3 from the home position (FIG. 2) to the position shown in FIG. In this state, when the pair of folding rollers 7 is stopped and the copy sheet S is received in the first transport path 12, the leading end of the copy sheet S hits the nip of the pair of folding rollers 7 and stops. However, since the rear portion of the copy sheet S is further transported by the first transport roller pair 5 and the second transport roller pair 6, the redundant portion is pushed into the retreat area 11 in a loop. FIG. 6 shows this state.

When the crease position of the copy sheet S reaches the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7, the first conveying roller pair 5 and the second conveying roller pair 6 are stopped. Then, the paper folding member 2 is moved from the home position (FIG. 2) to the position shown in FIG. As a result, the crease position of the copy sheet S is pressed against the nip of the pair of sheet folding rollers 7. In other words, at this time, the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7 abuts on two points, the leading end of the copy sheet S and the crease position.

When the paper folding roller pair 7 is rotated forward, as shown in FIG. 8, the leading edge of the copy paper S and the crease position are aligned and approach the downstream side from the nip of the paper folding roller pair 7. Thereby, the first fold is formed at the fold position. When the folding roller pair 7 is further rotated forward, the remaining portion of the copy sheet S is also discharged from the upstream side to the downstream side of the folding roller pair 7. Of course, from the tip
The loop portion up to the fold also passes through the nip of the pair of paper folding rollers 7 and moves downstream. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, a second fold is formed at a position intermediate between the leading end and the first fold. The second fold is opposite to the first fold. Thus, the copy sheet S is Z-folded. Thereafter, the paper folding member 2 is returned to the home position.

The two-fold mode is performed with the Z-fold stopper 3 at the home position (FIG. 2). This mode is generally used to create a booklet in the form of a stapled file. Therefore, when performing this mode, usually, the copy machine 16
Accept copy paper with only one side printed, face down. In this mode, when the leading edge of the copy sheet S reaches the folding roller pair 7, the folding roller pair 7 is rotated in the reverse direction. Then, the leading end of the copy sheet S is repelled by the pair of folding rollers 7 and heads toward the retreat area 11. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the leading end of the copy sheet S retreats to the retreat area 11 not in a loop but in a straight line. Here, the term “straight” means only that the shape is not a loop, and does not mean a geometric straight line.

When the crease position of the copy sheet S reaches the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7, the first conveying roller pair 5 and the second conveying roller pair 6 are stopped as in the case of the Z-fold mode. The folding roller pair 7 is also stopped. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the folding position of the copy sheet S is pressed against the nip of the pair of sheet folding rollers 7 by the sheet folding member 2. At this time, the nip of the folding roller pair 7 is
Only the crease position of the copy sheet S abuts. When the paper folding roller pair 7 is rotated forward, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the crease position of the copy sheet S approaches the downstream side from the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7. As a result, a fold is formed at the fold position. Paper folding member 2
Returns to the home position. When the folding roller pair 7 is further rotated forward, the remaining portion of the copy sheet S is also discharged from the upstream side to the downstream side of the folding roller pair 7. Thus, the copy sheet S is folded in two.

The open crease mode is generally used to create a weekly booklet. Therefore, when this mode is performed, normally, copy paper having both sides printed is received from the copier 16. The operation in this mode is the same as the operation in the folding mode up to the state shown in FIG. But the point is different. As shown in FIG. 12, when the copy paper S is creased, the paper folding member 2 is returned to the home position, and the paper folding roller pair 7 is rotated in the reverse direction.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the vicinity of the fold of the copy sheet S returns to the upstream side of the sheet folding roller pair 7.

Then, the path switching claw 14 is switched from the home state (FIG. 2) to the state shown in FIG. 14, and the first conveying roller pair 5 and the second conveying roller pair 6 are rotated in reverse.
Then, the copy sheet S is transported in the reverse direction. Then, the rear end of the copy sheet S is guided to the second transport path 13 by the path switching claw 14. At this time, the copy paper S is in a state where the fold is opened. Then, the copy sheet S is ejected from the second transport path 13 with the leading and trailing ends being reversed.

The unfolded mode is performed by receiving the copy sheet while rotating the sheet folding roller pair 7 forward. That is, thereby, the leading edge of the copy sheet is sent downstream by the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7. Therefore, the copy sheet is discharged as it is without being creased.

Next, the routine of the CPU 19 for executing the above-described modes will be described with reference to flowcharts. First, the main routine (FIG. 15) will be described.
When the power is turned on, first, an initial operation is performed (#
1). The details will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, an operation mode is set (# 2). The details will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, a folding operation is performed (# 3). The details will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, it is determined whether the output of the copy sheet is completed (# 4). If not completed, return to # 3 (# 4: No); if completed, # 1
(# 4: Yes).

The initial operation # 1 in FIG. 15 is performed as shown in FIG. First, the paper folding member home sensor SE5
Is checked (# 11). When the output of the sheet folding member home sensor SE5 is off (# 11:
Yes), the paper folding motor M5 is rotated reversely (# 1)
2). That is, the paper folding member 2 is returned to the home position (see FIG. 2). This is because if the paper folding member 2 is not retracted to the home position, there is a problem in receiving a new copy sheet. When the output of the sheet folding member home sensor SE5 is ON (# 11: No), it is considered that the sheet folding member 2 is at the home position. Therefore, the paper folding motor M5 is kept stopped (# 13).

Next, the output of the stopper home sensor SE6 is checked (# 14). Stopper home sensor S
If the output of E6 is off (# 14: Ye
s), the stopper motor M6 is rotated in the reverse direction (# 1)
5). That is, the Z-fold stopper 3 is moved to the home position (FIG. 2).
(See reference). This is because if the Z-fold stopper 3 is not raised to the home position, there is a problem in receiving a new copy sheet when the copy sheet is folded in two or opened. If the output of the stopper home sensor SE6 is ON in # 14 (# 14: N
o), it is considered that the Z-fold stopper 3 is at the home position. Therefore, the stopper motor M6 is kept stopped (# 16). Then, the operation mode flags (described later with reference to FIG. 17) are all reset to “0” (# 17), and the process returns to the main routine (FIG. 15).

The mode setting of # 2 in FIG. 15 is performed as shown in FIG. That is, first, it is determined whether or not the Z-fold button 24 on the screen of FIG. 5 of the touch panel 23 is turned on (# 21). When the Z-fold button 24 is on (# 21: Yes), the flag F1 is set to "1", and the other flags F2 to F4 are set to "0"(# 2).
2). This is for performing paper folding in the Z-fold mode. If the Z-folding button 24 has not been turned on (# 21: No), it is determined whether or not the bag binding button 25 has been turned on (# 23). If the binding button 25 is ON (# 23: Yes), the flag F2
Is set to "1", and the other flags F1, 3, and 4 are set to "0"(# 24). This is for executing paper folding in the two-fold mode.

If the bag binding button 25 has not been turned on (# 23: No), it is determined whether or not the weekly magazine binding button 26 has been turned on (# 25). If the weekly magazine binding button 26 is turned on (# 25: Ye
s), the flag F3 is set to “1”, and the other flags F1, F2,
4 is set to "0"(# 26). This is for performing paper folding in the open crease mode. Weekly magazine binding button 2
If No. 6 has not been turned on (# 25: No),
The flag F4 is set to "1", and the other flags F1 to F3 are set to "0".
(# 27). This is for executing the unfolded mode. When the flag is set in any of # 22, # 24, # 26, and # 27, the process returns to the main routine (FIG. 15). In the screen of FIG. 5, two or more buttons are not simultaneously turned on.

The folding operation of # 3 in FIG.
This is performed as shown in FIG. That is, first, the flag F1 is checked (# 31). If the flag F1 is "1"(# 31: Yes), the paper folding in the Z-fold mode is performed as shown in FIG. 19 (# 32). If the flag F1 is "0"(# 31: No),
The flag F2 is checked (# 33). If the flag F2 is "1"(# 33: Yes), the sheet is folded in the two-fold mode as shown in FIG. 20 (# 34).

When the flag F2 is "0"(#
33: No), the flag F3 is checked (# 3)
5). If the flag F3 is "1"(# 35:
Yes), paper folding in the open crease mode is performed as shown in FIG.
(# 36). If the flag F3 is "0"(# 35: No), the flag F4
Is checked (# 37). If the flag F4 is "1"(# 37: Yes), the process in the no-fold mode is performed as shown in FIG. 22 (# 38). #
When the processing in any one of modes # 32, # 34, # 36, and # 38 is executed, the process returns to the main routine (FIG. 15).
If the flag F4 is "0" in # 37 (# 3
7: No), the process returns to the main routine without performing any processing.

The paper folding operation in the Z-fold mode is shown in FIG.
Is performed as shown in FIG. First, the solenoid SL1 is kept off, the carry-in motor M4 is rotated, and the first transport motor M2 and the stopper motor M6 are further rotated forward (# 321). That is, the copy sheet fed from the copy machine 16 to the receiving port IN is pulled in by the carry-in roller pair 4. Then, since the path switching claw 14 is in the home state,
The copy sheet does not enter the second transport path 13, but advances on the first transport path 12 toward the paper folding roller pair 7 by the forward rotation of the first transport roller pair 5 and the second transport roller pair 6.
In the retreat area 11, the Z-fold stopper 3 moves downward from the home position (see FIG. 2).

Then, the stopper lowering position sensor SE9
Is checked (# 322). When the sensor output changes from on to off (# 322: Yes), the stopper motor M6 is stopped (# 323). This is because the Z-fold stopper 3 has been completely lowered to the position shown in FIG.

In this state, the first transport roller pair 5 and the second
When the copy paper is continuously transported by the transport roller pair 6, the leading end of the copy paper hits the nip of the stopped paper folding roller pair 7 and stops. When the rear portion of the copy sheet is further conveyed, the redundant portion becomes the retreat area 11.
Into a loop. This results in the state as shown in FIG.

Then, the output of the first path sensor SE3 is checked (# 324). The first path sensor SE
No. 3 has previously been moved to a position corresponding to the size and crease position of the copy sheet (the same applies to the two-fold mode and the open crease mode). For this reason, the distance from the detection position of the first path sensor SE3 to the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7 is equal to the length from the crease position of the copy sheet to the rear end. When the trailing edge of the copy sheet is detected by the first path sensor SE3 (# 32)
4: Yes), proceed to # 325. At this time, the crease position of the copy sheet faces the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7. In # 325, the first transport motor M2 is stopped, and the paper folding motor M5 is rotated forward. That is, the conveyance of the copy sheet is temporarily stopped, and the sheet folding member 2 moves from the home position (see FIG. 2) toward the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7. For this reason, the folding position of the copy sheet is pressed against the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7 by the sheet folding member 2.

Then, the output of the folding position sensor SE8 is checked (# 326). When the sensor output changes from on to off (# 326: Yes), the flow proceeds to # 327.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7 abuts on two points, the leading end of the copy sheet S and the crease position. In # 327, the paper folding motor M5 is stopped, the paper folding motor M1 and the first transport motor M2 are rotated forward, and the second transport motor M3 is rotated. That is, the sheet folding member 2 stops at the position shown in FIG. 7, and the sheet folding roller pair 7, the second transport roller pair 6, and the discharge roller pair 10 start rotating. Then
The conveyance of the copy sheet S is restarted. For this reason, the leading edge of the copy sheet S and the crease position are aligned and approach the downstream side of the sheet folding roller pair 7 (FIG. 8). At this time, a first fold is provided at the fold position of the copy sheet S.
When the copy sheet S further advances, the loop from the leading end to the first fold also passes through the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7. Therefore, a second fold is formed at a position intermediate between the leading end and the first fold (FIG. 9).

Then, the output of the discharge sensor SE2 is checked (# 328). If the trailing edge of the copy sheet is detected by the ejection sensor SE2 (# 328: Yes), the process proceeds to # 3
Go to 29. The Z-folded copy sheet is then discharged to the discharge tray 15 from the discharge port OUT. In # 329, the paper folding motor M1, the first transport motor M2, the second transport motor M3, and the carry-in motor M4 are stopped. This is because it is no longer necessary to transport the copy sheet. Further, the paper folding motor M5 is rotated in the reverse direction. This is for returning the paper folding member 2 to the home position. Further, the flag F1 is reset to “0”.

Then, the output of the sheet folding member home sensor SE5 is checked (# 330). When the sensor output changes from off to on (# 330: Yes), the paper folding motor M5 is stopped (# 331). Paper folding member 2
Has returned to the home position. Further, the stopper motor M6 is rotated in the reverse direction. This is for returning the Z-fold stopper 3 to the home position. Then, the output of the stopper home sensor SE6 is checked (# 332). When the sensor output changes from off to on (# 332: Yes),
The stopper motor M6 is stopped (# 333). Z
This is because the folding stopper 3 has returned to the home position. The above is the control routine of the paper folding operation in the Z-fold mode.

The paper folding operation in the two-fold mode is shown in FIG.
0 is performed. First, the solenoid SL1 is kept off, the carry-in motor M4 is rotated, the first transport motor M2 is further rotated forward, and the paper folding motor M is rotated.
1 is reversely rotated (# 341). That is, the copy sheet fed from the copier 16 into the receiving port IN is directed to the sheet folding roller pair 7 by the carry-in roller pair 4, the path switching claw 14, the first transport roller pair 5, and the second transport roller pair 6. It is transported. The transport itself is the same as in the Z-fold mode. However, at this time, since the sheet folding roller pair 7 is rotating in the reverse direction, the leading edge of the copy sheet is flipped and guided to the retreat area 11. Note that the Z-fold stopper 3 remains at the home position unlike the case of the Z-fold mode. FIG.
Indicates this state.

Then, similarly to # 324 in the case of the Z-fold mode, the output of the first path sensor SE3 is checked (# 342). When the trailing edge of the copy sheet is detected by the first path sensor SE3 (# 342: Yes), # 343
Proceed to. At this time, the crease position of the copy sheet faces the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7. In # 343,
The paper folding motor M1 and the first transport motor M2 are stopped, and the paper folding motor M5 is rotated forward. That is,
As in the case of the Z-folding mode, the conveyance of the copy sheet is temporarily stopped, and the sheet folding member 2 moves from the home position toward the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7. Therefore, the folding position of the copy sheet is pressed against the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7. The folding roller pair 7 is also stopped.

Then, the output of the folding position sensor SE8 is checked (# 344). When the sensor output changes from on to off (# 344: Yes), the flow proceeds to # 345.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, only the crease position of the copy sheet S abuts on the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7. In # 345, the paper folding motor M5 is stopped, and the paper folding motor M1 and the first transport motor M2 are rotated forward. Further, the second transport motor M3 is rotated (# 346). That is, similarly to # 327 in the case of the Z-fold mode, the sheet folding member 2 stops at the position shown in FIG.
And the discharge roller pair 10 start rotating, and the conveyance of the copy sheet S is restarted. Therefore, the crease position of the copy sheet S approaches the downstream side of the sheet folding roller pair 7 (FIG. 1).
2). At this time, the crease position of the copy sheet S is
Has folds.

The subsequent processing (# 347 to # 350)
Except for the part related to the Z-folding stopper 3, it is almost the same as # 328 to # 331 in the case of the Z-folding mode. As a result, the folded copy sheet is discharged from the discharge port OUT to the discharge tray 15.
The above is the control routine of the sheet folding operation in the folding mode.

The paper folding operation in the open crease mode is performed as shown in FIG. # 3 in FIG.
The operations from # 61 to # 365 are the same as the operations from # 341 to # 345 in the half-fold mode in FIG. In open crease mode #
At the time of 365 (the state of FIG. 12),
Unlike 46, the second transport motor M3 does not rotate yet.

Then, the output of the post-folding roller sensor SE10 is checked (# 366). When the fold of the copy sheet is detected by the post-folding roller sensor SE10 (# 366: Yes), the paper folding member home sensor SE5
Is checked (# 367). If the sensor output is off (# 367: No), the folding motor M1 and the first transport motor M2 are stopped and the folding motor M5 is rotated in the reverse direction (# 368). That is, the conveyance of the copy sheet is temporarily stopped, and the sheet folding member 2 is returned to the home position. Paper folding member home sensor SE5
When the sensor output changes from off to on (# 367:
Yes), proceed to # 369.

At step # 369, the paper folding motor M5 is stopped. This is because the paper folding member 2 has returned to the home position. Further, the solenoid SL1 is turned on, the paper folding motor M1 and the first transport motor M2 are rotated in reverse, and the second transport motor M3 is rotated. As a result, the copy sheet S is transported in the reverse direction, and the vicinity of the fold returns to the upstream side of the sheet folding roller pair 7 (FIG. 13). Therefore, the fold is opened. At this time, the path switching claw 14
4 has been switched. Therefore, copy paper S
Is transported in the reverse direction on the first transport path 12 by the first transport roller pair 5 and the second transport roller pair 6 and enters the second transport path 13 to enter the third transport roller pair 8 and the fourth transport roller The sheet is conveyed to a discharge port OUT by a pair 9 and a discharge roller pair 10.

Then, the output of the discharge sensor SE2 is checked (# 370). When the sensor output changes from off to on (# 370: Yes), the flow proceeds to # 371. The copy paper with the fold open is then ejected by OU
The paper is discharged from T to the paper discharge tray 15. In # 371, the paper folding motor M1, the first transport motor M2, the second transport motor M3, and the carry-in motor M4 are stopped. This is because it is no longer necessary to transport the copy sheet. Further, the solenoid SL1 is turned off. This is for returning the path switching claw 14 to the original state. Further, the flag F3 is reset to “0”. The above is the control routine of the sheet folding operation in the open crease mode.

The operation in the unfolded mode is performed as shown in FIG. First, the output of the folding position sensor SE8 is checked (# 381). If the sensor output is on (# 381: No), the paper folding motor M5
Is rotated forward (# 382). That is, the sheet folding member 2 moves from the home position toward the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7. When the sensor output changes from on to off (# 381: Yes), the flow proceeds to # 383. In # 383, the paper folding motor M5 is stopped. Further, the second transport motor M3 and the carry-in motor M4 are rotated, and the paper folding motor M1 and the first transport motor M2 are rotated forward. As a result, the copy sheet is transported as it is through the first transport path 12 and heads toward the discharge port OUT.

Then, the output of the discharge sensor SE2 is checked (# 384). When the trailing edge of the copy sheet is detected by the ejection sensor SE2 (# 384: Yes), the sheet folding motor M1, the first transport motor M2, and the second transport motor M
3, the carry-in motor M4 is stopped (# 385) because it is no longer necessary to convey the copy sheet. Then, the output of the sheet folding member home sensor SE5 is checked (# 386). If the sensor output is off (# 3
86: No), the paper folding motor M5 is rotated in the reverse direction (# 387). This is for returning the paper folding member 2 to the home position. When the sensor output changes from off to on (# 38
6: Yes), the paper folding motor M5 is stopped (#
388). This is because the paper folding member 2 has returned to the home position. Further, the flag F4 is reset to “0”. The above is the control routine of the operation in the no-fold mode.

As described above in detail, in the finisher 1 according to the present embodiment, the retreat area 11 is provided on the upstream side of the sheet folding roller pair 7 and the narrow area between the first transport path 12 and the retreat area 11 is provided. A paper folding member 2 is provided. Further, a second transport path 13 that bypasses the sheet folding roller pair 7 is provided. For this reason, the copy sheet is received in a state where the folding roller pair 7 is stopped, and the leading edge thereof is stopped by abutting the leading edge against the nip of the folding roller pair 7, and the range from the leading edge of the copy sheet to the crease position is formed in a loop. The paper folding member 2 presses the fold position of the copy paper against the nip of the pair of paper folding rollers 7, and the paper folding roller pair 7 is normally rotated to Z-fold the copy paper. it can.

Further, the copy paper is received while rotating the paper folding roller pair 7 in the reverse direction, and the leading end thereof is retracted linearly into the retreat area 11, and the folding position of the copy paper by the paper folding member 2 is set to the paper folding roller pair 7. By pressing the paper folding roller pair 7 forward, the copy paper can be folded in two. Further, the copy paper is received while rotating the paper folding roller pair 7 in the reverse direction, and the leading end thereof is retracted linearly to the retreat area 11, and the folding position of the copy paper is set to the nip of the paper folding roller pair 7 by the paper folding member 2. By pressing the paper folding roller pair 7 forward to make a fold by rotating the paper folding roller pair 7 forward, rotating the paper folding roller pair 7 backward to return to the upstream side, and discharging the copy paper through the second transport path 13 Open folds can be added. In this way, a paper folding device that can cope with various forms of creases with a simple configuration without a complicated mechanism such as a four-roller set has been realized.

The present embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, naturally, the present invention can be variously modified and modified without departing from the gist thereof.

For example, in the present embodiment, the fact that the crease position of the copy sheet faces the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7 is detected by the trailing edge of the copy sheet (# 324, # 342, # 362). ). For this purpose, the first path sensor SE3 is moved in advance according to the length from the crease position of the copy sheet to the rear end, and the copy is performed immediately when the first path sensor SE3 detects the rear end of the copy sheet. The conveyance of the sheet is stopped (# 325, # 343, # 363).

However, in addition to this, the following method may be used. That is, the position of the first path sensor SE3 is fixed, and the conveyance of the copy sheet is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first path sensor SE3 detects the rear end of the copy sheet. In this case, the first path sensor SE3
The distance between the nip of the paper folding roller pair 7 and the nip of the copy paper is set to be equal to or longer than the longest length from the crease position of the copy paper to the rear end. Then, the waiting time T from when the first path sensor SE3 detects the rear end of the copy sheet to when the conveyance of the copy sheet is stopped may be determined as in the following equation. T = (LP) / V L: distance between the first path sensor SE3 and the nip of the sheet folding roller pair 7 P: length from the creasing position to the rear end of the copy sheet V: copy sheet Transfer speed

Alternatively, a plurality of first path sensors SE3 may be fixedly provided, and the conveyance of the copy sheet may be stopped as soon as any one of the first path sensors SE3 detects the rear end of the copy sheet. In that case, which first path sensor SE3 should be used is determined in advance according to the length of the copy sheet from the crease position to the rear end. Alternatively, as far as the two-fold mode and the open-folding mode are concerned, the same operation as described above can be performed by detecting the leading end of the retreat area 11 using the area sensor SE7.

Further, the finisher 1 may be provided with a known staple binding function or punching function. In the present embodiment, the Z-fold mode is performed with the Z-fold stopper 3 lowered (# 32).
1 to # 323), even if the Z-fold stopper 3 is raised, the Z
Execution of the folding mode is possible.

[0075]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a paper folding machine capable of coping with various forms of creases has a simple structure having no complicated mechanism such as a four-roller set. An apparatus is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall external view of a finisher and a copying machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of a finisher according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a finisher and a copying machine according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation panel of the copier according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a touch panel of an operation panel.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the movement of a Z-fold stopper, showing an initial stage of the Z-fold mode.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the movement of the paper folding member, and shows a middle stage of the Z folding mode.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state where a first fold is formed in the Z-fold mode.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a final stage of the Z-fold mode (a state in which a second fold is formed).

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an initial stage of a two-fold mode and an open crease mode.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which a fold is formed in a two-fold mode and an open fold mode.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state where a fold is formed in the two-fold mode and the open fold mode.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state where a fold is opened in an open crease mode.

FIG. 14 is a view showing the movement of the path switching claw, showing the final stage of the open crease mode.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of control of the finisher according to the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an initial operation.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a mode setting subroutine.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a folding operation.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a Z-fold mode.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a folding mode.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of an open crease mode.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a no-fold mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Finisher 2 Folding member 6 2nd conveyance roller pair 7 Folding roller pair 11 Evacuation area 13 2nd conveyance path 14 Path switching claw SE3 1st path sensor SE10 Post-folding roller sensor

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshikazu Naito 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City Inside Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Katsuhide Sakai 2-chome Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi No. 3-13 Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Akinori Kimata 2-3-1 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City Inside Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shigeo Ogino Chuo-ku, Osaka City 2-13-13 Azuchicho Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 3F108 AA01 AB01 AC02 AC03 BA03 CD07 GA02 GA04 GB03

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A paper folding roller pair and a portion positioned upstream of the paper folding roller pair and conveyed toward the paper folding roller pair from a leading end to a creasing position can be accommodated. And a paper folding member positioned upstream of the paper folding roller pair and capable of pushing a crease position of paper into a nip of the paper folding roller pair. . 2. The paper folding device according to claim 1, further comprising a Z-folding mode for folding the paper in a Z-folding mode, wherein the Z-folding mode is used when the leading edge of the paper comes into contact with the nip of the paper folding roller pair. The paper folding roller pair is stopped, the portion from the leading end of the paper to the crease position is retracted in a loop shape into the evacuation path, and the paper crease position is pushed into the nip of the paper folding roller pair by the paper folding member. At the same time, the paper folding roller pair is rotated forward to make the leading end and the crease position bite into the nip of the paper folding roller pair to form a first fold. A second fold is formed between the first fold and the first fold, and the sheet is Z-folded and discharged to the downstream side of the pair of folding rollers. 3. The paper folding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a folding mode in which the paper is folded in two, wherein in the folding mode, when the leading edge of the paper comes into contact with the pair of paper folding rollers, the paper is folded. By rotating the pair of folding rollers in reverse, the leading end of the paper is guided to the evacuation path, the folding position of the paper is pushed into the nip of the pair of folding rollers by the folding member, and the pair of folding rollers is rotated forward to rotate the pair of folding rollers. The folding position is engaged with the nip of the paper folding roller pair to form a fold, and the paper folding roller pair is further rotated forward to remove the paper.
A sheet folding device, wherein the sheet is folded and discharged to the downstream side of the sheet folding roller pair. 4. The paper folding device according to claim 1, further comprising an open crease mode in which the paper is creased in the open crease mode, wherein in the open crease mode, the leading edge of the paper abuts on the paper folding roller pair. The paper folding roller pair is rotated in the reverse direction to guide the leading end of the paper to the evacuation path, the crease position of the paper is pushed into the nip of the paper folding roller pair by the paper folding member, and the paper folding roller pair is rotated forward. Then, the crease position is engaged with the nip of the pair of paper folding rollers to form a fold, and the paper folding member is returned to the original position, and the pair of paper folding rollers is rotated in reverse to move the paper upstream of the pair of paper folding rollers. A paper folding device which discharges paper with a fold open to the side. 5. The paper folding apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the bypass is located at an entrance of the bypass and bypasses the paper folding roller pair and connects an upstream side and a downstream side thereof. A path switching member capable of guiding the paper to the bypass path; and in the open crease mode, the path switching member guides the trailing end of the creased paper to the bypass path to move the paper downstream. A paper folding device characterized by discharging to a paper folding device.