JP2006347658A - Sheet processing device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it difficult for a third person to see the contents of a sheet bundle, while minimizing damage to the sheet bundle. <P>SOLUTION: A sheet processing device has: an end part butting means 2009 abutted with a sheet bundle of sheets S2 with images and large sheets S1 larger in size than the sheets S2; and a stapler part 2008 for stapling end parts of the sheet bundle abutted with the end part butting means 2009. The sheet processing device further has: center folding means 2006, 2007, 2010 for putting a crease S1c in approximately the center of each large sheet S1; and processing means 2011, 2003 for folding the large sheet S1 into two at the cease S1c to sandwich the sheets S2 with images therebetween. End parts S1a, S1b opposite to the crease S1c of the large sheet S1 sandwiching the sheets S2 therebetween are stapled together with the end parts S2c with images by the stapler part 2008. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus capable of performing processing such as binding and folding on a bundle of sheets on which an image is formed by a copying machine, a printer, or the like, and an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus.

  Various sheet processing apparatuses that perform predetermined processing on sheets formed with an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer have been proposed. The sheet processing apparatus performs processing on the sheet by, for example, temporarily storing and aligning the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus, and combining the saddle stitching process and the two-fold process for the bundle of sheets. Processing to be performed (hereinafter referred to as saddle stitch bookbinding processing) is known.

  In the saddle stitch binding process, the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus is sent to the abutting portion, and the sheet is temporarily stored in the abutting portion by repeating this operation. The sheet stored in the abutting portion is abutted against the abutting portion and aligned. The aligned sheet bundle is bound at a substantially central portion using a staple. Further, the staple-bound sheet bundle is folded in half so that the binding position of the sheet bundle is the folding position. In this way, a saddle-stitched and folded sheet bundle is obtained as an output.

  Also known is a process of temporarily storing and aligning sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus in an intermediate processing tray and performing an end binding process on the bundle of sheets (hereinafter referred to as a flat binding bookbinding process). Yes. In this flat stitch binding process, the sheet sent from the image forming apparatus is discharged onto the intermediate processing tray and temporarily stored. The ends of the sheets discharged onto the intermediate processing tray are abutted and aligned. The aligned sheet bundle is bound at the end using a staple. In this way, a sheet bundle bound at the end is obtained as an output product.

  Recently, an image forming apparatus including the above-described sheet processing apparatus is connected to a network and shared by a plurality of people. In this case, each operator performs an output operation from a position distant from the image forming apparatus, and picks up an output from the image forming apparatus when the output is completed. In the case of an image forming apparatus connected to a network in this way, since the image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of people and each operator is away from the image forming apparatus, The operator can easily see it. For this reason, when important information is output, the information shielding becomes a problem and is attracting attention. In order to prevent the contents of the output from being viewed by a third party, the binding process using the staple is also performed on the opening side of the output bundle that has been stapled using the staple. The technique to apply is proposed (refer Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2001-58758).

JP 2001-58758 A

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the opening portion side of the sheet bundle obtained as an output product is also stapled, in order to make the content of the sheet bundle viewable, the sheet bundle It is necessary to remove the staple on the opening side. However, since the sheet bundle is also stapled on the opening portion side, it is necessary to carefully remove the staples on the opening portion side of the sheet bundle so as not to damage the sheet bundle. Furthermore, even if the staples on the opening side of the sheet bundle are removed without damaging the sheet bundle, the mark of the stitched holes remains on all the sheets on the opening side of the sheet bundle. Even if it can be shielded, it cannot be said that the sheet bundle finally obtained is preferable.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent a third party from easily viewing the contents of the sheet bundle while minimizing the damage to the sheet bundle.

  In order to achieve the above object, a typical configuration of the present invention includes an abutting unit that abuts an end of a sheet bundle formed of an image-formed sheet and a large sheet having a size larger than the sheet, and the abutting unit. A sheet binding device that binds an end portion of the sheet bundle abutted against the medium, a middle folding means for making a crease at a substantially center of the large sheet, and the large sheet at the fold line. Processing means for sandwiching the image-formed sheet by folding it in half, and an end of the large sheet sandwiching the image-formed sheet opposite to the fold line of the image-formed sheet. It is characterized by binding together with the end portion by the bundle binding means.

  According to the present invention, by binding the end of the large sheet opposite to the fold of the large sheet sandwiching the image formed sheet together with the end of the image formed sheet, on the fold side of the large sheet Since the end of the sheet bundle is sealed, it is possible to prevent a third party from easily seeing the contents of the sheet bundle. Further, since the sheet bundle is sealed on the fold side of the large sheet, it is possible to minimize damage to the sheet bundle even if the sheet bundle is opened.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the component parts described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified.

[First Embodiment]
A sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment and an image forming apparatus including the same will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a schematic configuration of the entire sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing in detail the main part (configuration of the part surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 2) of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 4 and 5 are principal part cross-sectional views showing the flow of the operation of sealing the sheet.

  In this embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus that is detachable from an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet is illustrated. First, the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus will be briefly described, and then the sheet processing apparatus will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus main body 10, a folding apparatus 400, and a sheet processing apparatus 500. The image forming apparatus main body 10 reads an original image. And a printer 300.

  The image reader 200 is equipped with the document feeder 100. The document feeder 100 feeds documents set upward on the document tray one by one in order from the first page to the left in FIG. 1, and passes over the platen glass 102 through the curved path in FIG. It flows from the left, passes through the reading position, is conveyed to the right in FIG. 1, and is then discharged toward the external paper discharge tray 112. When the document passes through the sink reading position on the platen glass 102 from the left to the right, the document image is read by the scanner unit 104 held at a position corresponding to the sink reading position.

  This reading method is generally an original reading method called original flow reading. Specifically, when the original passes through the reading position, the read image surface of the original is irradiated with light from the lamp 103 of the scanner unit 104, and the reflected light from the read image surface of the original is mirrors 105, 106, 107. Through the lens 108. The light that has passed through the lens 108 forms an image on the imaging surface of the image sensor 109.

  In this way, the document is transported so as to pass through the flow reading position from the left to the right in FIG. 1, so that the direction perpendicular to the document transport direction is the main scanning direction and the document transport direction is the sub-scanning direction. A document reading scan is performed. That is, when the original passes the reading position, the original image is read by conveying the original in the sub-scanning direction while reading the original image by the image sensor 109 line by line in the main scanning direction. The optically read image is converted into image data by the image sensor 109 and output. The image data output from the image sensor 109 is input to the exposure control unit 110 of the printer 300 as a video signal after being subjected to predetermined processing in an image signal control unit 202 described later.

  It is also possible to read the document by transporting the document onto the platen glass 102 by the document feeder 100, stopping the document at a predetermined position, and scanning the scanner unit 104 from left to right in the stopped state. This reading method is a so-called fixed document reading method.

  Since the original is a book-like thick original (book original), the operator may directly place the book original on the platen glass 102 and read it without using the original feeder 100. When reading a document without using the document feeder 100, the user first lifts the document feeder 100 and places the document on the platen glass 102, and then the document feeder 100 scans the document on the platen glass 102. The document is read by setting it to be pressed and scanning the scanner unit 104 from left to right. That is, the original fixed reading is performed even when the original is read without using the original feeding device 100.

  The exposure control unit 110 of the printer 300 modulates and outputs the laser beam based on the input video signal. The laser beam is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 111 while being scanned by the polygon mirror 110a. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the scanned laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 111.

  The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 111 is visualized as a developer image by the developer supplied from the developing device 113. In addition, a recording sheet (hereinafter referred to as a sheet) is fed from each of the cassettes 114 and 115, the manual sheet feeding unit 125, or the double-sided conveyance path 124 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation. It is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 111 and the transfer unit 116. The developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 111 is transferred onto the fed sheet in the transfer unit 116.

  The sheet on which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 117, and the developer image is fixed on the sheet by heat-pressing the sheet in the fixing unit 117. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is discharged from the printer 300 to the outside (folding device 400) through the flapper 121 and the discharge roller 118.

  Here, when the sheet is discharged with its image forming surface facing down (face down), the sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is once guided into the reversing path 122 by the switching operation of the flapper 121, and the trailing edge of the sheet is After passing through the flapper 121, the sheet is switched back and discharged from the printer 300 by the discharge roller 118. Hereinafter, this form of paper discharge is referred to as face-down paper discharge. Face-down paper discharge forms images sequentially from the first page, such as when an image read from a document conveyed to a reading position by the document feeder 100 is formed, or when an image output from a computer is formed. The sheet order after face-down discharge is the correct page order.

  Further, when a hard sheet such as an OHP sheet is fed from the manual sheet feeding unit 125 and an image is formed on this sheet, the image forming surface is faced up without leading the sheet to the reverse path 122 (face-up). ) By the discharge roller 118.

  Further, when double-sided recording for forming an image on both sides of the sheet is set, the sheet is guided to the reverse path 122 by the switching operation of the flapper 121 and then conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 124 and then to the double-sided conveyance path 124. Control is performed to feed the sheet again between the photosensitive drum 111 and the transfer unit 116 at the timing described above.

  The sheet discharged from the printer 300 is sent to the folding device 400. The folding device 400 performs a process of folding a sheet into a Z shape. For example, when an A3 size sheet or a B4 size sheet is specified and the folding process is specified, the folding apparatus 400 performs the folding process. In other cases, the sheet discharged from the printer 300 passes through the folding apparatus 400. It is sent to the sheet processing apparatus 500. The sheet processing apparatus 500 is provided with an inserter 900 for feeding a cover sheet for binding a sheet on which an image is formed or a special sheet such as a slip sheet inserted into a sheet bundle as a partition. The sheet processing apparatus 500 performs bookbinding processing, binding processing, and punching processing.

  Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of the sheet processing apparatus will be described in accordance with known processing operations for sheet bundles with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and then the sheet processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of the apparatus and the processing operation for sealing the sheet bundle made by the configuration will be described in detail.

  First, a schematic configuration of the sheet processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 along a known processing operation of a sheet bundle.

  The sheet processing apparatus 500 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 can perform a known process as a process to be performed on the sheet bundle, in addition to a process for sealing the sheet bundle to be described later. For example, saddle-stitched binding, flat-stitched binding, or the like that does not perform the process of sealing the sheet bundle is possible.

  First, in the process of saddle stitching the sheet bundle, the sheet sent from the image forming apparatus goes straight to the roller pair 502, and the direction is changed to the direction of the sheet conveyance path 553 by the flapper 551, and passes through the roller pair 813. And stay at 823. When all the sheets to be saddle-stitched are brought into contact with the abutment 823 and aligned, the stapler units 818 and 819 staple the substantially center of the sheet bundle. Thereafter, the abutment 823 moves downward and the staple-bound sheet bundle also moves downward, and a folding rod 825 for folding the sheet bundle in half projects toward the sheet bundle, thereby the sheet bundle. Is led to a pair of folding rollers 826 to fold the sheet, and the sheet bundle is folded in two. Thereafter, the toner is guided to the roller pair 827 and discharged to the discharge tray 832.

  On the other hand, in the process of side-stitching a bundle of sheets, the sheet sent from the image forming apparatus passes through the roller pair 502 and is switched to the direction of the sheet conveyance path 552 by the flapper 551, and the rollers 503 and 505. , 512, 513, 514, 506, 2002 are sequentially discharged onto the processing tray 2001. The sheet discharged onto the processing tray 2001 is abutted and aligned with the end abutment 2009 on the stapler section 2008 side by a return member 2003 that rotates counterclockwise. After all the sheets to be bound are aligned, one end of the sheet bundle on the processing tray 2001 is stapled by the stapler unit 2008. Thereafter, the end portion abutting 2009 is retracted from the sheet conveyance path, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 700 by the roller pairs 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.

  Next, the configuration of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment and the processing operation for sealing the sheet bundle made by the configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In the present embodiment, the processing operation for sealing the above-described sheet binding to be bound is described as an example.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the sheet processing apparatus includes the processing tray 2001, the stapler unit 2008, and the end abutment 2009. The end abutting 2009 is an abutting means that abuts the end of the sheet on the processing tray 2001. The stapler section 2008 is a bundle binding means for binding a sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets, and is a bundle binding means for binding the end portion of the sheet bundle that is abutted against the end abutment 2009.

  When performing the process of sealing the sheet bundle, the sheet processing apparatus inserts a large sheet having a size larger than that of other sheets into the sheet bundle. The large sheet to be inserted into the sheet bundle for performing the sealing process may be a sheet for forming an image in the image forming apparatus, or a sheet dedicated to processing for sealing may be conveyed from the inserter 900, for example. 4 and 5, among the sheet bundles to be bound in a flat stitch, the large sheet that seals the sheet bundle is denoted by S1, and the other sheets that are smaller in size than the large sheet S1 are denoted by S2. In the drawing, the large sheet S1 is indicated by a black solid line, and the other sheets S2 are indicated by white frame lines. These sheets S1 and S2 are schematically illustrated and have a thickness of the sheet. It does not specify the number of sheets. In the present embodiment, the size of the large sheet S1 folded in half is larger than the size of the other sheets S2 as they are.

  The sheet processing apparatus includes middle folding means 2006, 2007, and 2010 for attaching a crease S1c at the approximate center of the large sheet S1. The center folding unit according to the present embodiment pushes a roller pair 2010 that can rotate forward and reverse, which conveys the large sheet S1 on the processing tray 2001, and an end S1a of the large sheet S1 that is conveyed by the forward rotation of the roller pair 2010. The abutting abutment 2006 and a roller pair 2007 that sandwiches and conveys the large sheet S1 that is bent by the abutting end S1a and attaches a crease S1c in the approximate center.

  The sheet processing apparatus further includes processing means 2003 and 2011 for folding the large sheet S1 in half at the substantially central fold S1c and sandwiching the other sheet S2. The processing means according to the present embodiment has a flapper 2011 that raises the large sheet S1 in order to fold the large sheet S1 with the crease S1c at substantially the center. Further, a return member 2003 that abuts the end of the sheet against the end abutment 2009 folds the raised large sheet S1 as the processing means, and the end S1a of the folded large sheet S1 is also the end. Also serves as a part hitting part hitting 2009.

  In order to seal the sheet bundle, the sheet processing apparatus uses the open side end portions S1a and S1b opposite to the fold S1c side of the large sheet S1 sandwiching the other sheet S2 as the other sheet S2. The stapler portion 2008 is bound together with the end portion S2c. As a result, the end opposite to the binding side, which finally becomes the opening side end of the sheet bundle, is sealed on the fold S1c side of the large sheet S1.

  Here, a process of sealing the opening side end portion of the sheet bundle using the above-described large sheet will be described.

  First, the image forming apparatus sends a sheet on which an image is formed to the sheet processing apparatus. At that time, as the sheet to be sealed in the bundle of sheets to be bound by side binding, a large sheet having a size larger than the other sheets is selected by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. At that time, the large sheet for sealing the sheet bundle may be selected from either the image forming apparatus or the inserter 900. The sheet sent to the sheet processing apparatus is conveyed from the direction of the arrow in the upper right part of FIG. 4A through the sheet conveyance path in the apparatus. This sheet is sent onto the processing tray 2001 by a roller pair 2002. Depending on whether the sheet sent on the processing tray 2001 is a large sheet S1 for sealing the sheet bundle or another sheet S2 having a smaller size than the large sheet S1 forming the sheet bundle body, the subsequent operation is performed. Different. In the case of the side binding bookbinding process in which the sealing process is performed, the large sheet S1 is first sent on the processing tray 2001, and then another sheet S2 is sent. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order.

  First, the movement of the large sheet S1 will be described. The large sheet S1 sent onto the processing tray 2001 by the roller pair 2002 is conveyed by the forward roller pair 2010, and the large sheet end S1a is abutted against the abutment 2006. The large sheet S1 is restricted in its upward deformation by an unillustrated upper guide member, and is further conveyed by the forward rotation of the roller pair 2010 from the state where the end S1a abuts against the abutment 2006 and bends downward. . The downward deflection of the large sheet S1 is drawn by the roller pair 2007, and a crease S1c is made at the approximate center of the large sheet S1 (FIG. 4A).

  The position of the abutment 2006 can be moved along the sheet conveyance direction by a movable mechanism (not shown), and the position thereof is controlled so that a crease can be made at the approximate center of the large sheet S1 with respect to the sheet conveyance direction. .

  As described above, the large sheet S1 having the crease S1c at the substantially center is then conveyed in the reverse direction by the reverse rotation of the roller pair 2010, and the large sheet end S1b is brought into contact with the end portion 2009 by the rotation of the return member 2003. It is hit.

  Next, other movements of the sheet S2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4B, the sheet S2 guided onto the processing tray 2001 by the roller pair 2002 moves on the large sheet S1 by the rotation of the return member 2003, and the sheet end S2c abuts against the end. It is bumped into 2009. Accordingly, the end S1b of the large sheet S1 and the end S2c of the other sheet S2 are abutted against the end abutment 2009 and are aligned.

  As described above, when the large sheet S1 and the other sheet S2 are abutted against the end portion abutment 2009, a process of sandwiching the other sheet S2 between the large sheets S1 is performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 5B, the flapper 2011 that raises the large sheet S1 rotates, and the return member 2003 further rotates, whereby the large sheet S1 is folded back at the crease S1c. The end S1a is abutted against the end abutment 2009. Thus, the other sheet S2 is sandwiched between the large sheets S1, and the end portions S1a and S1b of the large sheet S1 and the end portion S2c of the other sheet S2 are aligned.

  Then, in order to seal the sheet bundle, the open side ends S1a and S1b opposite to the fold S1c side of the large sheet S1 sandwiching the other sheet S2 together with the end S2c of the other sheet S2 Binding is performed by the stapler unit 2008. As a result, the end opposite to the binding side, which finally becomes the opening side end of the sheet bundle, is sealed on the fold S1c side of the large sheet S1.

  When the sheet bundle binding process is completed, the end abutment 2009 is retracted from the sheet conveyance path by a mechanism (not shown). The sheet bundle subjected to the binding process is discharged onto the discharge tray 700 by the roller pairs 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 (FIG. 5B).

  By doing so, it is possible to prevent a third party from easily opening the sheet bundle (output bundle) discharged onto the discharge tray, and it is possible to shield internal information.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the open side ends S1a and S1b opposite to the fold S1c side of the large sheet S1 sandwiching the other sheet S2 are used as the end S2c of the other sheet S2. At the same time, the end of the sheet bundle is sealed on the fold S1c side of the large sheet S1. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a third party from easily viewing the contents of the sheet bundle. The sheet bundle is sealed on the fold S1c side of the large sheet S1, and the sheet bundle is opened by opening the fold S1c side of the large sheet S1. Even if the sheet is opened, it is possible to minimize damage to the sheet bundle.

[Second Embodiment]
A sheet processing apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing in detail the main part of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Since the schematic configuration of the sheet processing apparatus is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment further includes a cutter for cutting the sheet bundle at the approximate center of the large sheet S1. 2020.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, it has the middle folding means 2005 and 2007 for attaching the crease | fold S1c in the approximate center of the said large sheet S1. The center folding means according to the present embodiment is configured by a folding rod 2005 and a folding roller pair 2007 for attaching a fold S1c to the approximate center of the large sheet S1. The roller pairs 2004 and 2010 are a pair of rollers capable of rotating in the forward and reverse directions for conveying the large sheet S1 on the processing tray 2001.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the large sheet S1 sent onto the processing tray 2001 by the roller pair 2002 is first positioned approximately at the center of the cutter 2020 by the roller pair 2010 that rotates forward. The large sheet S1 is conveyed so as to come to the center. The cutter 2020 makes a cut at the approximate center of the large sheet S1. Thereafter, the large sheet S1 is conveyed so that the substantially center of the large sheet S1 comes to the position of the folding bar 2005 by the roller pair 2010 that rotates forward. Then, the folding rod 2005 moves toward the large sheet S1 so as to protrude into the conveyance path, so that the substantial center of the large sheet S1 is projected in the direction of the folding roller pair 2007. The substantial center of the large sheet S1 is bent by being sandwiched between rotating folding roller pairs 2007. As a result, a crease is formed in the approximate center of the large sheet S1. Note that the crease and the cut formed at the approximate center of the large sheet may be at the same position, or may be at different positions as long as it is the approximate center. In addition, since the operations other than the operation of making a cut and a crease in the large sheet are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the cut for opening the sheet bundle is made at the approximate center of the large sheet S1 that seals the sheet bundle, in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment, the sealing is further performed. The bundle of sheets can be opened easily. In addition, damage to the sheet bundle at the time of opening the sheet bundle can be further suppressed.

[Third Embodiment]
A sheet processing apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described. Since the schematic configuration of the sheet processing apparatus is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  In addition to the configuration of the embodiment described above, the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment may further change the sheet size of a large sheet inserted into the sheet bundle according to the thickness of the sheet bundle to be sealed. It has a possible configuration.

  Usually, when an image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet, the number of output bundles and the type of sheet are known. For this reason, it is possible to predict to what extent the thickness of the sheet bundle as the output bundle will be. Therefore, in this embodiment, the size of a large sheet for processing a sheet bundle is changed according to the prediction. As a result, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained, and it is possible to prevent the processing of sealing the sheet bundle from being disabled. Further, it is possible to keep the sheet bundle in an appropriate state without being too loose and not too tight.

[Fourth Embodiment]
A sheet processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a sheet bundle to be processed by the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Since the schematic configuration of the sheet processing apparatus is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The purpose of processing the sheet bundle is to shield the information inside the sheet bundle from being easily seen by a third party. For this reason, when a large sheet for processing a sheet bundle is a sheet on which an image is not formed at all or a thin sheet through which an encapsulated sheet is transparent, (1) when a large number of sheet bundles are output May be indistinguishable from the sheet bundle of others, and (2) a white sheet may cause the contents to be seen through.

  Therefore, the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment copes with the problems (1) and (2) as follows.

  First, for the problem (1), as shown in FIG. 7, an identifier (user name or the like) Sp for each user for identifying the sheet bundle is recorded on the large sheet of the sheet bundle. I have to. As a result, when a large number of sheet bundles are output, the sheet bundle can be easily identified from the large number of sheet bundles even if the sheet bundle is processed to be sealed.

  On the other hand, with respect to the problem (2), a shielding image that shields the contents of the contained sheet is recorded on the large sheet of the sheet bundle. Specifically, the inside of the large sheet for processing the sheet bundle is painted with a color that does not allow the contents of the sheet to be contained to be transparent. Note that the recording of the above-described shielding image is not limited to painting with a non-transparent color, and other shielding images such as, for example, recording a pattern in which the content of the included sheet cannot be identified. Also good. Thereby, when sealing with the large sheet which processes a sheet | seat bundle, it can prevent that the content of the sheet | seat bundle is seen through.

Other Embodiment
In the above-described embodiment, the control unit of the image forming apparatus is exemplified as the control unit that controls to selectively insert a large sheet having a size larger than the other sheets into the sheet bundle. However, the control unit is not limited to this. Absent. For example, a configuration using the control means of the sheet processing apparatus may be used, or a configuration using both control means may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus that is detachable from the image forming apparatus has been illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, is a sheet processing apparatus that the image forming apparatus integrally includes. The same effect can be obtained by applying the present invention to the sheet processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus may be an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, or a facsimile machine, or an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine combining these functions, and sheet processing used in the image forming apparatus. The same effect can be obtained by applying the present invention to the apparatus.

Sectional drawing explaining the image forming apparatus of embodiment of this invention Sectional drawing which shows typically schematic structure of the whole sheet processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention Sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the sheet processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention in detail Cross-sectional view of the principal part showing the flow of the operation of sealing the sheet bundle in the sheet processing apparatus. Cross-sectional view of the principal part showing the flow of the operation of sealing the sheet bundle in the sheet processing apparatus. Sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the sheet processing apparatus according to the second embodiment in detail. The perspective view which represents typically the sheet | seat bundle in which a process is performed in the sheet processing apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

S1 ... large sheets S1a, S1b ... end S1c ... crease S2 ... sheet S2c ... end Sp ... identifier 20 ... control means 500 ... sheet processing device 700 ... discharge tray 2001 ... processing tray 2003 ... return member 2005 ... folding rod (medium Folding means)
2006 ... Butting (center folding)
2007 ... Roller pair (center folding means)
2008 Stapler part (bundle binding means)
2009 ... Abutting end (butting means)
2010: Folding roller pair (center folding means)
2011 Flapper (processing means)
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 ... Roller pair 2020 ... Cutter

Claims (7)

An abutting means for abutting an end portion of a sheet bundle composed of an image-formed sheet and a large sheet having a size larger than the sheet; a bundle binding means for binding the end portion of the sheet bundle abutted on the abutting means; A sheet processing apparatus having
Middle folding means for making a crease in the approximate center of the large sheet;
Processing means for folding the large sheet in half at the fold and sandwiching the image-formed sheet,
The sheet processing apparatus, wherein an end portion of the large sheet sandwiching the image-formed sheet opposite to the fold is bound together with an end portion of the image-formed sheet by the bundle binding means.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cutter for making a cut for opening the sheet bundle at a substantially center of the large sheet.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a size of the large sheet is changed according to a thickness of the sheet bundle.   The center folding means includes an abutting member that abuts an end of the large sheet and a conveying member that conveys the large sheet toward the abutting member, and the large sheet abuts against the abutting member. 4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a crease is formed at a substantially center of the large sheet by continuing the conveyance by the conveyance member after the conveyance. 5.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the large sheet included in the sheet bundle includes an identifier for identifying the sheet bundle.   5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a shielding image that shields a content of the contained sheet is recorded on a large sheet included in the sheet bundle. 6.   An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet and a sheet processing apparatus that performs processing on the sheet, and the sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 as the sheet processing apparatus. An image forming apparatus.

Images