JP3173095B2 - Paper folding device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a paper folding device for folding paper, and more particularly to a paper folding device used in connection with a copying machine to fold paper after copying.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a copying machine, a copy sheet is conveyed from a paper feeding section to an image forming section, where the image is transferred, and then the transferred image is fixed.
It is discharged to the storage tray as it is and then stored.

[0003] In particular, in a copying machine for copying a large original such as a drawing original, there are many cases where copying is performed on a large-sized copy sheet such as A0 or A1. If these large-format copy papers are stored as they are or handled in large format, the storage space becomes large or the handling is inconvenient, so that they are usually folded and stored. However, when the copying paper is folded manually, it generally takes a considerable amount of time, and the time required for folding the paper may be several times longer than the time required for copying.

[0004] For this reason, an automatic paper folding apparatus used in connection with a copying machine has been conventionally proposed. Such a paper folding apparatus is disclosed in JP-A-46-5909, JP-A-49-8319, and JP-A-61-8319.
No. 2,226,461.

Conventionally, in this type of paper folding apparatus, fold data (standard fold data) such as a fold size and a fold method is stored in a control unit (printed board) inside a main body.
It is stored in OM (read only memory). Therefore, if you want to change the folding data,
This problem has been solved by resetting the position of the sensor for detecting the leading edge of the sheet related to the correction or folding of the sheet.

[0006]

However, with recent improvements in the performance and operability of the folding apparatus, various requests have been issued from the user side, and a folding apparatus capable of easily changing the folding data has been developed. Requested.

In addition, since the folding data differs for each type of paper, if a different type of paper is fed, there is a problem that the paper cannot be folded to a standard finish size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a paper folding apparatus capable of realizing various different folds with respect to a reference fold by inputting desired fold data. It is in.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a paper folding apparatus capable of automatically correcting the folding method according to the type of paper or the like and folding the paper to a standard finish size.

[0010]

As shown by a functional block in FIG. 2, a folding apparatus according to the present invention includes a folding data storage means 1 for storing folding data and a folding data storage means 1 for storing the folding data. Folding means 2 for performing a sheet folding operation based on the stored folding data , and folding data storage means
And a folding data changing unit 3 for changing the folding data stored in the storage unit 1 .

In this paper folding apparatus, the folding means performs a sheet folding operation based on the folding data stored in the folding data storage means, and when the data is changed by the folding data changing means, it is based on the changed data. Folding work is performed.

[0012] The folding data change means 3, folding specifically
Paper running state detection for detecting the paper running state in the means 2
Output means and the detection result of the paper traveling state detection means.
Paper correction data calculating means for obtaining correction data
Calculated by the paper traveling correction data calculating means.
Folding data storage means 1 based on the corrected paper traveling data
Means for correcting the folding data during paper running
I have.

With such a configuration, in the paper folding device according to the first aspect, the paper traveling state detecting means is used as the folding means.
Paper running state is detected, and this paper running state detection
Correction data is calculated based on the detection result of the means. this
The contents of the folding data storage means are corrected based on the correction data.
It is.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the folding data is changed.
Means 3 is folding data input means for inputting folding data
And standard data setting means for setting standard data,
Fold data and standard data input from data input means
Compensation data calculation for comparison
Means and the comparison-time correction data calculating means.
Of the folding data storage means 1 based on the comparison-time correction data
Data comparison means for compensating the contents.
You.

That is, in the second aspect of the present invention,
Data input means by data (control panel)
When folding data is input from the
The means compares the folded data with the standard data,
The comparison-time correction data is calculated based on the difference. At the time of comparison
The folding data correction means folds according to the comparison-time correction data.
The data stored in the data storage means 1 is changed.

[0016]

[0017]

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the folding data change inhibiting means for inhibiting the operation of the folding data changing means, the mode and the folding data change by the folding data change inhibiting means are provided.
Further comprising a mode selection means for selecting one of the modes of a mode by means.

That is, when the mode is selected by the folding data change prohibiting means by the mode selecting means, the automatic change of the folding data is prohibited.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, folding data storage means for storing folding data, a pair of feed rollers for feeding a sheet, a first pair of folding rollers, and a pair of first folding rollers are provided opposite to each other. folding and a second folding roller pairs
And folding means carry out the folding operation on the basis of the data Ri, fees
A first sheet detecting unit that detects a state of the sheet entering the pair of rollers, a second sheet detecting unit that detects a nip state of the sheet at the first pair of folding rollers, and a sheet detecting unit that detects the state of the sheet at the second pair of folding rollers. a third sheet detection unit for detecting a nip state, and the standard time setting means for setting a standard time from the paper the first sheet detecting portion up to the second sheet detection portion or the third sheet detection unit, The paper is sent from the first paper detection unit to the second paper
A real-time measuring means for measuring a real time until reaching the paper detecting section or the third paper detecting section; a correction time calculating means for comparing the standard time and the real time to calculate a correction time; there may be provided a folding data changing unit to change the folding data based on the calculation result of the means. Here, the standard time setting means sets different times according to the folding size and the folding method of the sheet.

In the paper folding apparatus according to the fourth aspect , the sheet is fed from the first sheet detecting section to the second sheet detecting section or the third sheet detecting section.
The real time and the standard time until reaching the paper detection unit are compared,
Correction data is calculated based on the comparison result, and the folding data is changed.

In the invention according to claim 6, the folding data storage means includes, for example, an editing area in which the folding data can be edited by the folding data changing means, and an operation area in which the folding data changed in the editing area is stored. RAM with
(Random access memory).

Preferably, the paper folding apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a memory card, wherein the folded data after the change stored in the operation area is written to the memory card and the folded data is stored.

[0024] In the paper folding device according to the eighth aspect , further folding is performed.
Display means for displaying the fold data stored in the data storage means, and the display content of the display means is changed each time change data is input from the fold data input means .

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 shows the overall configuration of the paper folding apparatus 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The paper 21 is fed into the paper folding device 20 from a paper receiving unit 22 through an outlet at the rear of the copying machine 30. The paper 21 sent into the main body is in the registration section 2
3, the sheet is folded in the first folding section 24 in the feed direction. Thereafter, the sheet 21 is turned by 90 ° in the sheet direction changing unit 25, and then guided to the second folding unit 26 having the same configuration as the first folding unit 24, where it is directed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. A second fold is made. Thereafter, the sheet is discharged to the storage tray 28 via the sheet transport section 27, and is sequentially stacked.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the first folding section 24 of the paper folding apparatus 20.

At the entrance of the first folding section 24, the driving roller 1
A feed roller pair 11 composed of 1a and a pinch roller 11b is provided. Below the feed roller pair 11, a first folding roller pair 12 and a second folding roller pair 13 are disposed to face left and right. The first folding roller pair 12 includes a driving roller 12 a and a pinch roller 12.
b. Second folding roller pair 13
Is composed of a driving roller 13a and a pinch roller 13b. A paper guide member 15 is disposed between the first folding roller pair 12 and the second folding roller pair 13, and a paper 21 supplied from the feed roller pair 11 is provided.
Is guided selectively to the first folding roller pair 12 or the second folding roller pair 13 along the paper guide plate 16. The paper guide member 15 can swing right and left around the shaft 14 by a drive mechanism (not shown).

A paper detection sensor (photo sensor) 19a is provided near the upstream side of the feed roller pair 11, and detects the entry of the paper 21 into the first folded portion 24. Further, sheet detection sensors (photo sensors) 19b and 19c are disposed near the outside of the first folding roller pair 12 and the second folding roller pair 13, respectively, and the sheet 21 is nipped by the roller pair. State is detected.

In the first folding section 24, a sheet 21 is conveyed between the rollers of the pair of feed rollers 11 through the sheet conveying path 17 by a pair of registration rollers 18 including a driving roller 18a and a pinch roller 18b. The paper 21 is fed into the paper guide member 15 by the feed roller pair 11, and for example, the paper guide member 15
Is guided to the first folding roller pair 12 by swinging to the right. At this time, the first folding roller pair 12 rotates together with the second folding roller pair 13 in the same direction (forward rotation),
The paper 21 is nipped and sent out to the left in the figure. At this time, the leading end of the paper 21 covers the paper detection sensor 19b,
The paper detection sensor 19b detects this. In this state,
Further, the driving of the first folding roller pair 12 is continued, and the paper guide member 15 swings to the right when a predetermined time (roller driving continuation time) has elapsed since the paper detection sensor 19b detected the leading end of the paper 21. At the same time, the rotation directions of the first folding roller pair 12 and the second folding roller pair 13 are reversed. At this point, the fold size is determined. Hereinafter, similarly, the normal and reverse rotation operations are repeated, so that the paper 21
Are folded the desired number of times.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration of a control unit in the paper folding apparatus 20.

This control unit is a CPU (central processing unit) 40
It has. The CPU 40 is connected online with the CPU 31 of the copying machine 30 as shown in FIG.
The CPU 31 sends folding data (change data) specified by a control panel 60 described later to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 receives the folding data and controls the operation of each unit of the paper folding device 20. .

The CPU 40 is connected to each section of the paper folding device 20 via a bus line 41. ROM
(Read only memory) 42 stores various programs for controlling the folding operation of this device.
In a RAM (random access memory) 43, correction data of the folding data supplied from the copying machine 30 is temporarily stored, and various calculations are performed.

The input port 44 is connected to the sheet detection sensors 19a to 19a.
The detection signal of 19c and the folding data supplied from the memory cards 45a and 45b are transferred to the CP via the bus line 41.
This is an interface for sending to U40. The output port 46 is an interface for sending a control signal output from the CPU 40 to the guide driving unit 47 and the roller driving unit 48 via the bus line 41. The guide member driving section 47 receives the control signal sent from the CPU 40 and drives the paper guide member 15 shown in FIG. 1 to swing. The roller driving section 48 is a CPU 40
Receiving the control signal sent from the
Drive rollers 11a, 12a, 13a in 2 and 13
Are driven to rotate for a predetermined time according to the folding operation.

FIG. 6 shows the internal configuration of the memory cards 45a and 45b and the internal configuration of the RAM 43 of the paper folding device 20.

Each area of the ROM 50 and the RAM 51 is provided inside the memory cards 45a and 45b. The ROM 50 stores a program for controlling the operation of the card. The RAM 51 stores the memory card 45 according to the type of paper such as the folding method and the folding size.
A different fold data is stored for each of a and 45b.

On the other hand, the RAM 43 of the main body of the paper folding apparatus
The memory card is divided into two areas corresponding to the memory cards 45a and 45b.
It is 3. The operation area 52 receives all data stored in the memory card 45a or the memory card 45b when the power is turned on. The CPU 40 controls the operation of each unit based on the data stored in the operation area 52. It has become. On the other hand, when a key operation of a control panel 60 described later is performed in the editing area 53, the operation area 52 is controlled by the CPU 40.
Is stored, and each fold data is changed here. The data changed in the editing area 53 is transferred to the operation area 52 under the control of the CPU 40 when a key operation on the control panel 60 is performed.

The RAM 51 and the RAM 43 are each backed up by a lithium battery to protect internal data.

Next, the folding operation for the standard finish by the paper folding apparatus will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 9 shows the case of so-called sensor folding.

The sensor folding is a method in which the CPU 40 folds the sheet while monitoring the ON timing of the sheet detection sensors 19b and 19c. First, the CPU 40 converts a time variable of the folding length of the sheet 21 into a time variable after the sheet detection sensor 19b or the sheet detection sensor 19c is turned on. Then, the sheet detection sensor 19b or the sheet detection sensor 19c
Changes from the off state to the on state (step S
100; Y), the built-in timer starts counting (step S101), and when a certain amount of time has passed since the paper detection sensor 19b or 19c was turned on (step S102; Y), the next folding is performed. If there is (step S103; Y), the first folding roller pair 1
The second or second folding roller pair 13 is reversed (step S104). By repeating this operation, it can be folded to the standard finish size.

FIG. 10 shows a case of so-called timer folding. When the timer is folded, the CPU 40 sets the paper detection sensor 1
This is a method in which the folding is performed only by the time variable of the folding length of the paper 21 without monitoring 9b and 19c. That is, the CPU 40 starts counting of a built-in timer from the time when the paper detection sensor 19a is turned on and detects the entry of the paper 21 (step S200), and after a time variable corresponding to the folding length has elapsed (step S201; Y)), if there is a next folding (step S202; Y), the first folding roller pair 12 or the second folding roller pair 13 is reversed (step S203). Folding is performed by repeating this operation.

FIG. 9 shows the structure of the control panel 60 provided on the copying machine 30 side.

The control panel 60 includes keys a
To n, switches, and display units A to D. Table 1 shows the function of each part of the control panel 60.

[0045]

[Table 1]

Here, the set key a is a key for instructing unidirectional folding, the set key b is a key for instructing manual paper folding, and the set key c is a folding type (fan folding, cross folding or any other folding method). ), A set key d indicates a folding size such as A0, A1, etc., a set key e indicates a vertical and horizontal folding direction, and a set key f sets an approximate size of the folding data. Key, set key g is a key for adjusting individual data of each fold, set key h is a key for switching an adjustment screen, set key i is a cursor for switching a change area, and set keys j and k are data. Increase / decrease key, set key l
Is a key for instructing the change area from the edit area 53 to the operation area 52 in the RAM 43, and the set key m is the memory card 45a or the memory card 4
A set key n is a key for instructing the writing of folding data into 5b, a key for adjusting the contrast of the display unit (LCD), and a set key o is an automatic correction cancel key for instructing cancellation of the automatic correction function.

Inject the memory card 45
a, 45b. A is the jam display panel, B is
Denotes a folding data display panel, and C and D denote display units (LEDs) for a set key f (dimension setting key) and a set key g (adjustment key), respectively. FIG. 11 shows a display example of the folding data display panel B.

Next, the correcting operation of the paper folding apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a folding method. In this example, paper 21 having a paper length of 1189 mm is
It was folded to A4 size with 0 mm.

When performing such folding, the operator obtains each folding data from a data map (not shown). According to this, the length of each folded portion is 21 from the bottom.
0, 190, 190, 190, 109.5, 109.
5, 190. To change the fold data by correcting each fold in the range of ± 5 mm for such a fold, the operator operates the various keys (f, g) on the control panel 60 with the correction data. Then, the displayed data is changed as shown in FIG. When the correction data is input, the CPU 31 of the copying machine 30
Transmits this to the CPU 40 of the paper folding device 20.

FIG. 12 shows the CP receiving this correction data.
It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of U40.

When receiving the correction data (step S300; Y), the CPU 40 converts the correction data of each folding length into a variable of time (driving time of the folding roller or the like) (step S301), and first converts this into the RAM 43. Is written into the editing area 53 (step S302). Conversion of the correction data is performed by obtaining a time variable from the paper transport speed. For example, when the sheet conveying speed is 200 mm / sec and the folding length is 210 mm, the time is set to 1.05 sec.
And

When writing into the editing area 53 is completed (step S303; Y), the operator turns on the set key 1 of the control panel 60 (step S30).
4; Y), the CPU 40
3 (step S305). Operating area 53
When the data transfer to the server is completed (step S306;
Y), based on the change data stored in the operation area 53, the CPU 40 changes the drive continuation time of each roller described above to perform a folding operation (step S307).

The changed data is written and stored in the memory card 45a or 45b when the operator turns on the set key m on the control panel 60.

The operation performed when the folding data is changed by the operator has been described above. However, in this paper folding apparatus, when data different from the standard length is carried in, the folding data is automatically changed, and Can be folded to finish size. In this case, the CPU 40 shown in FIG.
After the paper detection sensor 19a shown in FIG. 1 is turned on,
The real time until the paper detection sensor 19b or the paper detection sensor 19c is turned on is measured, and the actual time is compared with a standard time corresponding to each fold to obtain correction data. Thereafter, the CPU 40 performs the same control as in the case of the correction operation by the operator shown in FIG. 12, thereby changing the drive continuation time of each roller and folding the roller to the standard finish size. If you do not want such an automatic correction mode,
What is necessary is just to turn on the automatic correction release key o of the control panel 60 shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the paper folding apparatus of the present embodiment, folding is performed based on the folding data stored in the memory card 45a or the memory card 45b, and the folding data can be easily exchanged. Not only can the support system on the user side be simplified, but various folding can be easily realized by exchanging the memory card on the user side.

The operator operates the control panel 6.
By inputting the folding data from 0, the folding data can be easily changed, the folding accuracy can be improved, and a desired folding can be realized.
Also, the folded data after the change is stored in the memory cards 45a, 45a.
b can be individually written and stored, so that the user can arbitrarily change the folding data of the memory cards 45a and 45b.

Further, the change in the fold size due to the type of the paper 21 and the change in the fold size due to the curl of the paper 21 can be unified to the standard finish by automatic correction folding. Further, even if there is a variation in the mounting positions of the paper detection sensors 19a to 19c, the automatic folding correction function can automatically correct the variation, so that machine differences can be eliminated. Further, changes due to the environment can be corrected.

[0059]

As described above, according to the paper folding apparatus of the first to eighth aspects, the folding data changing means for changing the folding data stored in the folding data storage means is provided. Can be easily changed, and various different folds can be realized with respect to the standard fold.

In particular, according to the paper folding apparatus of the first to fifth aspects, the paper traveling state of the folding means is detected by the paper traveling state detecting means, and correction data is calculated based on the detection result of the paper traveling state detecting means. Therefore, there is an effect that the folding method is corrected according to the difference in the type of paper and the like, and the paper can be automatically folded to the standard finish size.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a first folding unit of a paper folding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of the paper folding device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the entire structure of the paper folding apparatus, partially cut away.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the paper folding device of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a connection state between the paper folding apparatus and a control unit of the copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data transfer state from the memory card to the folding apparatus main body.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of sensor folding.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer folding.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a control panel of the paper folding device in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating an example of a method of folding a sheet for describing a correction operation.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a data change state of a folding data display unit.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a folding data correction operation;

[Explanation of symbols]

12: first folding roller pair, 13: second folding roller pair, 14: paper guide member, 19a to 19c: paper detection sensor, 20: paper folding device, 21: paper, 40: CPU
(Central processing unit), 42: ROM (read only memory), 43: RAM (random access memory), 45a, 45b: memory card, 60: control panel

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tadashi Takei 3-7-1, Funai, Iwatsuki-shi, Saitama Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office (56) References JP-A-61-30225 (JP, A) 60-56653 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B65H 45/107 B65H 45/105

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A folding data storage unit for storing folding data, a folding unit for performing a sheet folding operation based on the folding data stored in the folding data storage unit, and detecting a sheet running state in the folding unit. Paper running
State detection means and detection results of the paper traveling state detection means
Calculates correction data during paper running to obtain correction data based on
Means and the paper traveling correction data calculating means.
The folding data based on the corrected paper travel data
Paper running fold data correction means for correcting the contents of storage means
DOO wherein the folding the folding device characterized by comprising a folding data changing unit to change the folding data stored in the data storage means. 2. The folding data changing means includes: folding data input means for inputting folding data; standard data setting means for setting standard data; and folding data and standard data inputted from the folding data input means. comparison time correction data calculating means for determining a correction data comparison, when compared to correct the contents of the folding data storage means based on the comparison time <br/> correction data calculated by the comparison when the correction data calculating means 2. The paper folding apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising folding data correction means. 3. The operation of the folding data changing means is inhibited.
Fold data change prohibition means, a mode by the fold data change prohibition means, and the fold data
Select one of the modes by data change means
And a mode selecting means for performing
The paper folding device according to claim 2. 4. A folding data storage device for storing folding data.
A step, a pair of feed rollers for feeding paper, and a first folding roller
Pair and a first folding roller pair disposed opposite to the first folding roller pair.
And two folding roller pairs, based on the folding data.
Folding means for performing a folding operation, and a second means for detecting a state of entry of the sheet into the feed roller pair.
No. 1 sheet detecting unit and the nip state of the sheet between the first folding roller pair are detected.
A second paper detecting unit to detect the nip state of the paper in the second folding roller pair.
A third sheet detecting unit for detecting the position of the sheet and a second sheet detecting unit for detecting a sheet from the first sheet detecting unit.
Or set a standard time to reach the third paper detection unit.
Standard time setting means, wherein the sheet is moved from the first sheet detecting section to the second sheet detecting section.
Or measure the real time until reaching the third paper detection unit
Real time measuring means, comparing the standard time and the real time, and calculating a correction time
A correction time calculation unit configured to, the folding data based on the calculation result of the correction time calculation means
Data changing means for changing data.
Paper folding device. 5. The standard time setting means according to claim 1, wherein:
Different times depending on the size and folding
5. The paper folding device according to claim 4, wherein: 6. The folding data storage means comprises :
Editing area for editing fold data by data change means
And the fold data changed in this editing area is stored.
Random access memory having an operating area
The paper folding device according to claim 1, wherein the paper folding device is provided. 7. The memory according to claim 7 , further comprising a memory card.
Folded data after change stored in the operation area on the card
7. The paper folding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein data is written.
Place. 8. The folding data stored in the folding data storage means.
Display means for displaying the folded data;
Each time the change data is input from the data input means,
3. The display content of the indicating means is changed.
The paper folding device as described in the above.