JP4144496B2 - Post-processing apparatus, image forming apparatus to which subsequent processing apparatus is connected, and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus that performs a paper folding process on recording paper output from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus to which the post-processing apparatus is connected, and an image forming system to which the post-processing apparatus is connected.

  In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, for example, a copier, a laser printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine called MFP having these functions, an electrostatic latent image of an image formed on a photoreceptor is developed with toner. After this is transferred to the recording paper, the image is fixed by fixing the image with a fixing device, and the image is recorded.

  In such an image forming apparatus, a post-processing device that performs post-processing such as sorting, paper folding, and stapling is connected to the recording paper on which the image discharged from the image forming apparatus is recorded for each predetermined number of copies. May be used.

  Various types of post-processing devices having a paper folding function have been proposed, such as a saddle-stitched book such as a weekly magazine (see Patent Documents 1 and 2), a crease (see Patent Document 1), There are those that are folded in two (see Patent Document 1), those that are folded in Z (see Patent Document 1), and those that are folded in three (see Patent Document 3).

In a post-processing apparatus equipped with these paper folding functions, it is necessary to accurately determine the paper folding position. For this purpose, the front end of the recording paper conveyed is brought into contact with a stopper to set the paper folding position. Some have been proposed (refer to Patent Document 1), and the folding position is determined by detecting the leading edge of the conveyed recording paper with a sensor (see Patent Document 4).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-12111. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-130825. JP 2002-308521 A. JP 2000-0441115 A.

  However, with the conventional means as described above, even if the folding position of the recording paper is determined based on the detection result of the leading edge of the recording paper, if the recording paper is actually folded, the curling or undulation of the recording paper occurs. In addition, the distance from the leading edge of the recording paper to the folding position varies due to differences in the strength of the recording paper due to the thickness of the recording paper and the material, etc. I could not. The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

The present invention is intended to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1, a post-processing apparatus having one or more operation modes of folding recording sheet discharged from the sheet discharge unit of the image forming apparatus, wherein The first and second folding rollers disposed in contact with each other along the transport path for transporting the recording paper ejected from the paper ejection section, and a position facing the nip portion of the first and second folding rollers. and placed chopper, a sensor for detecting the position indicator line folding of the recording paper disposed on the upstream side of the chopper of the transport path, so that fold the position indicated by the folding position indication line, the sensor A post-processing device comprising: the first and second folding rollers and a control means for controlling the chopper based on a detection signal .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the operation mode provided in the post-processing apparatus according to the first aspect is designated by the first operation mode in which a crease is formed at a position designated by the folding position instruction line, and the folding position instruction line. A second operation mode for folding in half at a position, a third operation mode for folding in a Z-shape at a position designated by the folding position instruction line (Z-fold mode), and a position designated by the folding position instruction line in sequence The post-processing apparatus is one or a plurality of operation modes selected from a fourth operation mode (three-fold mode) for folding in three.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the post-processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the binding material driven into the recording paper is used as the folding position instruction line as the folding position instruction line. .

The invention of claim 4 includes at least an image forming unit for forming an image on the recording paper and an operation unit for setting various modes, and a folding position indicating line that is a target position for folding the recording paper is provided on the recording paper. The image forming apparatus to which the post-processing apparatus can be recorded at the position of the folding position instruction according to an operation mode input from the operation unit. An image forming apparatus is characterized in that a line is recorded at a predetermined position on a recording sheet.

The invention of claim 5 includes a imaging unit for imaging the recording paper at least images, and an image forming apparatus and an operation section for setting various modes, and a post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 is connected An image forming system configured as described above, wherein the post-processing device performs folding of a recording sheet in accordance with an operation mode selected by an operation unit of the image forming device. is there.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the post-processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the control means operates the folding means a predetermined time after the detection means detects the folding position indicating line. It is.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the post-processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the control means causes the chopper to protrude toward the recording paper at a timing when the folding position instruction line comes to a position facing the chopper. This is a post-processing device.

The invention according to claim 8 is the post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the post-processing apparatus includes a third folding roller disposed in contact with the first folding roller in a direction intersecting the conveyance path, A second sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed on the upstream side of the nip portion of the first and third folding rollers, and a position facing the second sensor across the conveyance path. A third sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the arranged recording paper, and a second chopper arranged at a position facing the nip portion of the first and third folding rollers, and the control The means controls the first and second folding rollers and the chopper based on the detection signals of the first to third sensors so as to fold the position designated by the folding position designation line. It is a feature.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention , there is provided a post-processing apparatus having one or a plurality of operation modes for folding the recording paper discharged from the paper discharge unit of the image forming apparatus, wherein the recording paper discharged from the paper discharge unit is conveyed. A folding means arranged along the conveying path, a detecting means for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper arranged on the upstream side of the folding means on the conveying path, and the folding position indicating line Control means for controlling the folding means based on the detection result of the detection means so as to fold the position, and the folding means are arranged in contact with each other along the conveyance path. And a third folding roller disposed in contact with the first folding roller in a direction intersecting the conveyance path, wherein the detection means is upstream of the first folding roller on the conveyance path. Folding position on the recording paper placed on the side A first sensor for detecting an indication line, a second sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed upstream of the nip portion of the first and third folding rollers, and a second sensor; And a third sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed at a position opposed to each other with the conveyance path therebetween.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the fifth aspect, the operation mode for folding the recording paper executed by the post-processing device is a first method for forming a crease at a position designated by the folding position instruction line. An operation mode, a second operation mode for folding in half at a position specified by the folding position instruction line, a third operation mode for folding in a Z shape at a position specified by the folding position instruction line (Z-fold mode), A fourth operation mode (three-fold mode) is provided in which the sheet is sequentially folded in three at the position designated by the folding position instruction line.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a plurality of operation modes are arranged on a conveyance path for conveying the recording paper discharged from the paper discharge unit of the image forming apparatus, and the recording paper is folded based on a folding position instruction line recorded on the recording paper. The post-processing apparatus includes a first and a second folding roller disposed in contact with each other along the recording paper conveyance path, and a direction crossing the recording paper conveyance path. A third folding roller disposed in contact with the first folding roller; a first chopper disposed at a position facing the nip portion of the first and second folding rollers; and the first and third A second chopper disposed at a position facing the nip portion of the folding roller, and a first sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed on the upstream side of the first folding roller on the conveyance path. Nips of the first and third folding rollers A second sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed upstream of the first sheet, and a second sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed at a position facing the second sensor across the conveyance path. 3, and control means for controlling the first to third folding rollers and the first and second choppers based on detection signals of the first to third sensors, the control means In response to an operation mode selected from a plurality of operation modes, the first to third folding rollers and the first and second choppers are operated based on detection signals of the first to third sensors. A post-processing apparatus that performs folding of a recording sheet corresponding to an operation mode selected by control.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the post-processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the plurality of operation modes for folding the recording paper include a first operation mode for folding a position specified by the folding position instruction line, the folding. A second operation mode for folding in half at a position designated by a position indication line; a third operation mode for folding in a Z shape at a position designated by the folding position indication line (Z-fold mode); and the folding position indication line This is a fourth operation mode (tri-fold mode) in which the sheet is sequentially folded in three at the position designated by.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the post-processing apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, when the first operation mode is selected, the detection result of the folding position indicating line corresponding to the first operation mode by the first sensor is displayed. Based on this, the first and second folding rollers and the first chopper are operated to control to crease the folding position indicating line on the recording paper.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the post-processing apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, when the second operation mode is selected, the control means is a folding position indicating line corresponding to the second operation mode by the first sensor. On the basis of the detection result, the first and second folding rollers and the first chopper are operated, and the recording sheet is controlled to be folded in two at the position of the folding position instruction line on the recording sheet. is there.

The invention of claim 15, in the post-processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, when the third operation mode is selected, that corresponds to the third mode of operation according to the first sensor serial Based on the detection result of the second folding position instruction line on the recording paper, the first and second folding rollers and the first chopper are operated, and the recording paper is placed at the position of the second folding position instruction line on the recording paper. folding, and based on a second of the first folding position indicator line on the recording paper by the sensor detection result, it actuates the first and third folding rollers of the second chopper folding first the recording sheet The recording paper is controlled to be folded and Z-folded at the position of the position instruction line.

The invention of claim 16, in the post-processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, when the fourth operating mode is selected, that corresponds to the fourth operation mode according to the first sensor serial Based on the detection result of the first folding position instruction line on the recording paper, the first and second folding rollers and the first chopper are operated to fold the recording paper at the position of the first folding position instruction line on the recording paper. further first and second folding position indication of the third folding roller and the recording paper by actuating the second chopper based on the third detection result of the second folding position indicator line on the recording paper by the sensor The recording paper is controlled to be folded in three at the position of the line.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the post-processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the first and second choppers abut on the folding position indicating line on the recording paper or in the vicinity thereof when operated, and are formed in a V shape. The projecting portion is engaged with the nip portion of the folding roller to crease the recording paper, or to fold the recording paper.

  As described above, the post-processing device according to claim 1 of the present invention detects the paper folding position instruction line recorded on the recording paper on which the image is recorded, and indicates the paper folding position instruction on the recording paper based on the detection result. Since it is folded in a line, the strength of the waist of the recording paper due to the occurrence of curling and undulation of the recording paper, the thickness of the recording paper, and the material, like the paper folding device of the conventional post-processing device There is no risk of inconveniences such as the distance from the leading edge of the recording paper to the folding position being affected by the difference, and the paper folding can be executed with high folding position accuracy.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the folding position instruction line is recorded at a predetermined position on the recording paper corresponding to the operation mode input from the operation unit. Thus, the recording paper folding operation by the post-processing device can be executed with high folding position accuracy.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system comprising the post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, and the post-processing apparatus corresponding to the operation mode selected by the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. Since the image forming system executes the folding of the recording sheet, the recording sheet on which the folding position instruction line corresponding to the operation mode input by the image forming apparatus is recorded is folded in the post-processing apparatus with high folding position accuracy. Can be executed.

  In the image forming system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, as the operation mode for folding the recording paper executed by the post-processing apparatus, the first operation mode for folding a position specified by the folding position instruction line, the folding position instruction line The second operation mode for folding in half at the position specified by, the third operation mode for folding in a Z shape at the position specified by the fold position indicating line (Z fold mode), the position specified by the fold position indicating line Since the fourth operation mode (tri-fold mode) for sequentially folding in three is provided, various paper folding can be performed.

  A post-processing apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is configured to respond to an operation mode selected from a plurality of operation modes, based on detection signals of the first to third sensors, the first to third folding rollers, Since the operations of the first and second choppers are controlled and the recording sheet is folded corresponding to the selected operation mode, various sheet foldings corresponding to the selected operation mode can be performed. it can.

  The post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[Copying system]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a first embodiment of a copying system including a post-processing apparatus 40 according to the present invention. The post-processing apparatus 40 is connected to a copying machine 10. The copying machine 10 is a known electrophotographic copying machine, forms an image on recording paper, and discharges the recording paper on which the image is recorded from the paper discharge unit 11 one by one.

  An automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) 20 is mounted on a platen glass (not shown) which is a document placement surface of the copying machine 10. The ADF 20 conveys documents one by one from a group of documents set on the tray 21 to a predetermined position on the platen glass, and discharges the documents that have been read to the tray 22.

  A document placed on the platen glass automatically by the ADF 20 or manually by the operator is read by an image reader (not shown) installed in the copying machine 10 and converted into digital image data for control. Stored in the memory of the copy.

  When the copy operation is started, the image data is read from the memory, and necessary image editing, for example, changing the page order of the document, changing the top / bottom of the image, 2 sheets or 4 sheets of one document Image editing such as processing for recording on recording paper and processing for recording on both sides of one recording paper is performed, and the edited image is recorded on the recording paper. And, the recording paper with the image recorded on one side is in a state where the surface on which the image is recorded is directed upward, and the recording paper on which the image is recorded on both sides is with the surface on which the image has been recorded first facing up Thus, the paper is discharged from the discharge unit 11 to the outside of the copying machine 10.

[Schematic configuration of post-processing apparatus]
As shown in FIG. 1, the post-processing device 40 includes a non-sort tray 401 for stacking / accommodating recording sheets discharged from the paper discharge unit 11 of the copying machine 10, and stacking recording sheets, and then stapling (binding). A staple processing unit 41 for processing, a recording paper storage unit 46 for storing a bundle of recording papers after the staple processing, and the non-sort tray 401, the staple processing unit 41 or the recording paper discharged from the paper discharge unit 11 of the copying machine 10 The recording paper transporting unit 47 selectively transports to the recording paper storage unit 46, and the paper folding device 30 provided in the recording paper transporting unit 47. The paper folding device 30 which is one of the post-processing devices 40 is a characteristic part of the present invention and will be described in detail later.

[Schematic configuration of recording paper transport unit]
With reference to FIG. 1, an outline of the configuration of the recording paper transport unit 47 will be described. The recording paper transport unit 47 receives the recording paper discharged from the paper discharge unit 11 of the copier 10 and transports it downward, a switchback transport path 49 that reverses the front and back / front and back of the recording paper, and non-sorting the recording paper A transport path 50 that transports the recording paper to the tray 401, a transport path 51 that branches from the transport path 50 and transports the recording paper to the staple processing unit 41, and a transport that branches from the transport path 50 and transports the recording paper to the recording paper storage unit 46. Path 52.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the conveyance path 48. The conveyance path 48 includes conveyance roller pairs 481 and 482 that rotate in the conveyance direction (direction of arrow c), guide plates 483 and 484, and a sensor SE1 for recording paper detection. The switchback conveyance path 49 includes a conveyance roller 491 that can rotate forward / reversely, a driven roller 492 that rotates in contact with the conveyance roller 491, and a conveyance roller pair 493 that conveys the switched-back recording paper in the direction of arrow d. , A guide plate 494 and a recording paper detection sensor SE2. A flexible resin sheet 497 is attached to the branch portion of the guide plate 494.

  Further, the tip of the switchback conveyance path 49 in the conveyance direction is connected to a conveyance path WY1 (see FIG. 5) on the carry-in side of the paper folding apparatus 30 described later, and a conveyance path WY2 on the carry-out side of the paper folding apparatus 30 (see FIG. 5). Is connected to a conveyance path (see FIG. 2) for conveying the recording paper in the direction of arrow d, and is further connected to a conveyance path 50 (see FIG. 3).

  The recording paper that has been conveyed in the direction of arrow c through the conveyance path 48 passes through the resin sheet 497 and is guided to the switchback conveyance path 49. When the trailing edge of the recording sheet is detected by the sensor SE2 and a predetermined time has elapsed, that is, when the trailing edge of the recording sheet passes through the resin sheet 497, the conveyance roller 491 is reversed and the recording sheet is conveyed in the direction of arrow d. At this time, the resin sheet 497 functions so that the recording paper does not return to the conveyance path side constituted by the guide plates 483 and 484.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the transport path 50 (including the transport paths 51 and 52). The conveyance path 50 includes conveyance roller pairs 501, 502, 503, and 504 and conveyance roller pairs 505, guide plates 506 and 507, and recording sheet detection sensors SE3 and SE4 that convey the recording paper in the direction of arrow e. Yes. The conveyance path 50 is provided with a punch mechanism 90 that forms punch holes at the leading end or the trailing end of the recording paper, which is a kind of post-processing apparatus, during the conveyance of the recording paper. Since this is not directly related to the present invention, its description is omitted.

  The conveyance path 51 includes a switching claw 511 for switching the conveyance destination of the recording paper, a conveyance roller pair 512 and a discharge roller pair 513 for conveying the recording paper in the direction of arrow f, a guide plate 514 and 515, and a sensor SE5 for detecting the recording paper. It is composed of

  The conveyance path 52 includes a switching claw 521 for switching the conveyance destination of the recording paper, a conveyance roller pair 522, 523 and a discharge roller pair 524 for conveying the recording paper in the direction of the arrow g, a guide plate 525, 526, 527, and a recording paper detection. It comprises sensor SE6.

  The switching claws 511 and 521 can be rotated by solenoids (not shown) with the supporting shafts 511a and 521a as fulcrums, respectively, and the recording paper conveyed from the switchback conveying path 49 can be switched between the conveying paths 50 and 52 by the switching claw 521. To be guided. The recording paper that has been transported along the transport path 50 is transported as it is along the transport path 50 by the switching claw 511 or is guided to the transport path 51.

  The recording paper is fed from each discharge roller pair 505 to the non-sort tray 401, from the discharge roller pair 513 to the staple processing unit 41, and from the discharge roller pair 524 to the recording paper storage unit 46. Each of the discharge roller pairs 505, 513, and 524 has a rotational speed reduced immediately after the trailing edge of the recording paper is detected by the sensors SE4, SE5, and SE6, and the recording paper is discharged so as not to disturb the recording paper stacking state. .

[Recording paper storage section]
As shown in FIG. 1, the recording paper storage unit 46 includes a tray 475, a drive mechanism 476 that raises and lowers the tray 475, a sensor SE 7 that detects the storage amount of recording paper, and a sensor SE 8 that detects the lower limit position of the tray 475. It is configured. During mass copying, recording sheets are fed one by one from the conveyance path 52 and stacked on the tray 475. The recording paper bundle stapled by the staple processing unit 41 is also sent to the conveyance path 52 via the conveyance roller pair 474 (see FIG. 3) and the conveyance path 526 (see FIG. 3), and is stacked on the tray 475.

  Each time the recording paper or the recording paper bundle stored in the tray 475 is detected by the sensor SE7, the tray 475 is lowered by a predetermined amount by the driving mechanism 476. When the sensor SE8 detects that the tray 475 has reached the lower limit position, the tray 475 is full and the copying operation is stopped.

[Paper folding device]
The paper folding device 30 is a kind of post-processing device provided under the recording paper conveyance unit 47, and is a folding position indicating a desired folding position provided in a direction crossing the conveyance direction of the recording paper on which an image is recorded. An operation mode is provided in which an instruction line is detected, a crease is formed at a position designated by the folding position instruction line, and a recording sheet is folded in half, Z-folded, or tri-folded at a position designated by the folding position instruction line. .

  That is, the first operation mode is an operation mode in which a crease is made at a position designated by the folding position instruction line on the recording paper, and the second operation mode is a folding operation of the recording paper in two at the position designated by the folding position instruction line. The third operation mode is an operation mode in which the recording paper is bent in a Z shape at a position designated by the folding position instruction lines (two) (hereinafter referred to as Z-folding mode). The function is an operation mode (hereinafter, referred to as a tri-fold mode) in which the recording paper is bent twice at a position designated by the folding position instruction line (two) and folded in three.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the basic operation of the paper folding apparatus 30 that detects a folding position instruction line and performs paper folding. The folding position instruction lines are as shown in FIGS. In the image forming operation stage of the image forming apparatus, the image is recorded at a desired paper folding position on the recording paper.

  FIG. 4A shows a state in which the folding position instruction line F1 is recorded at the paper folding position in the image forming operation stage when the recording paper is folded in half. FIG. 4B shows a state where the folding position instruction lines F2 and F3 are recorded at the paper folding position in the image forming operation stage when the recording paper is Z-folded. FIG. 4C shows a state where the folding position indicating lines F4 and F5 are recorded at the paper folding position in the image forming operation stage when the recording paper is folded in three.

  FIG. 4D relates to a second embodiment which will be described later, and shows a state in which the staple position after staple processing is set to the folding position instruction line F6.

  FIGS. 4E and 4F are diagrams for explaining detection of the folding position instruction line and the formation of the folds by the paper folding device. FIG. 4E shows the recording paper conveyed from the left side to the right side of the drawing. FIG. 4F shows the case where the recording paper is conveyed from the right side to the left side of the drawing.

  In any case, the folding position indicating lines F1 to F6 on the recording paper are detected by the sensor BSE constituted by photoelectric means, and the detected folding position indicating lines F1 to F6 are the chopper CH which is a paper folding member of the paper folding apparatus. The time delay in the transport direction reaching the top is corrected, and the chopper CH is projected toward the recording paper at the timing when the folding position instruction lines F1 to F6 are directly above the chopper CH, and the substantially V-shaped formed It is shown that the protrusion V is engaged with a pair of paper folding rollers R to crease or fold the recording paper.

  According to this method, it is possible to accurately execute the fold and the paper folding of the recording paper at the position specified by the folding position instruction line regardless of the thickness of the recording paper and the strength of the waist.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the paper folding device 30. The paper folding device 30 includes two paper folding rollers R1 and R2 arranged in contact with each other along a conveyance path WY1 on the recording paper carry-in side, and a paper folding roller R1 along a direction orthogonal to the conveyance path WY1. A paper folding roller R3 arranged adjacent to and in contact is provided. A nip portion N1 is formed at a contact portion between the paper folding rollers R1 and R2, and a nip portion N2 is formed at a contact portion between the paper folding rollers R1 and R3. Is done. A carrying path WY2 on the carry-out side is arranged above the contact portion between the paper folding rollers R1 and R3 arranged in contact (upward in FIG. 5).

  A chopper CH1 that is a paper folding member is disposed at a position facing the nip portion N1 of the paper folding rollers R1 and R2, and a chopper CH2 that is a paper folding member is disposed at a position facing the nip portion N2 of the paper folding rollers R1 and R3. Has been.

  Further, a sensor BSE1 for detecting a folding position instruction line on the recording paper is disposed upstream of the paper folding roller R1 in the conveyance path WY1 on the recording paper carry-in side, and the chopper CH2 of the conveyance path WY2 on the recording paper carry-out side. A sensor BSE2 and a sensor BSE3 for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper are arranged on the upstream side. The sensor BSE2 and the sensor BSE3 are arranged at the same position facing each other across the conveyance path of the recording paper fed from the paper folding rollers R1 and R2. This is because when the recording paper is folded in three, when the recording paper is fed from the paper folding rollers R1 and R2, the folding position indicating line is not on the sensor BSE2 side and cannot be detected.

  The choppers CH1 and CH2 are made of thin and high-toughness elastic members. The choppers CH1 and CH2 come into contact with the recording paper at a substantially right angle by the operation of a drive mechanism such as a solenoid (not shown) to form a substantially V-shaped protrusion at the contact portion. The projecting portion formed on the recording paper is engaged with the nip portion N1 of the paper folding rollers R1 and R2 or the nip portion N2 of the paper folding rollers R1 and R3 to fold the paper.

  The chopper CH1 or CH2 is controlled so as to quickly retract and return to the initial position after the substantially V-shaped protruding portion of the recording paper is caught in the nip portion N1 or N2.

  Sensors BSE1 to BSE3 detect folding position instruction lines F1 to F5 printed on the recording paper, and are constituted by known photoelectric means.

[Creasing mode]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a crease mode by the paper folding device 30. A folding position instruction line F1 (see FIG. 4A) is printed on the recording paper P in advance, and the following operations are controlled by a control circuit described later. In FIG. 6, the conveyance path WY <b> 1 is displayed as a conveyance line for the recording paper P.

  When the folding position instruction line F1 on the recording paper P conveyed in the direction of the arrow c along the conveyance path WY1 by a conveyance roller (not shown) is detected by the sensor BSE1, the folding position instruction line F1 reaches the chopper CH1. A predetermined time (preset from the structure of the transport mechanism) required for this is started by a timer (not shown). When the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the folding position instruction line F1 has reached the chopper CH1, and the conveyance of the recording paper P in the direction of arrow c is stopped.

  The chopper CH1 comes into contact with the recording paper P substantially at right angles by the operation of a solenoid (not shown), and a substantially V-shaped protrusion is formed on the contact portion, that is, the position indicating line F1. Simultaneously with the operation of the solenoid, the paper folding rollers R1 and R2 start to rotate in the direction of the arrow S, and the substantially V-shaped protruding portion of the recording paper is caught in the nip portion N1 of the paper folding rollers R1 and R2, thereby forming a crease. It is done. Thereafter, the paper folding rollers R1 and R2 start to rotate in the direction opposite to the arrow S. The recording paper P is released from the nip portion N1, returned to the first transport path WY1, transported in the direction of the arrow cc (the direction opposite to the arrow c), and further transported in the direction of the arrow d along the switchback transport path 49. The paper is discharged into the paper container 46.

[Folding mode]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the two-fold mode by the paper folding device 30. A folding position instruction line F1 (see FIG. 4A) is printed on the recording paper P in advance, and the following operations are controlled by a control circuit described later.

  Hereinafter, the two-fold mode by the folding position instruction line F1 will be described. In FIG. 7, the transport paths WY1 and WY2 are displayed as the transport lines of the recording paper P.

  When the folding position indicating line F1 on the recording paper P conveyed in the direction of the arrow c along the conveying path WY1 by the unillustrated conveying roller is detected by the sensor BSE1, the position indicating line F1 reaches the chopper CH1. The required predetermined time (preset from the structure of the transport mechanism) is started by a timer (not shown). When the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the folding position instruction line F1 has reached the chopper CH1, and the conveyance of the recording paper P in the direction of arrow c is stopped.

  The chopper CH1 comes into contact with the recording paper P substantially at right angles by the operation of a solenoid (not shown), and a substantially V-shaped protrusion is formed on the contact portion, that is, the position indicating line F1. Simultaneously with the operation of the solenoid, the paper folding rollers R1, R2, and R3 start to rotate in the direction of arrow S, and the substantially V-shaped protruding portion of the recording paper P is caught in the nip portion N1 of the paper folding rollers R1 and R2. The recording paper P is folded in half. Further, the fold portion at the leading end of the folded recording paper P is caught in the nip portion N2 of the paper folding rollers R1 and R3, and the crease is conveyed as it is in the conveyance direction WY2 in the direction of the arrow d as the head in the conveyance direction, and recording is performed. The paper is discharged into the paper container 46.

[Z-fold mode]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the Z-folding mode by the paper folding device 30. As shown in FIG. 8A, folding position instruction lines F2 and F3 (see FIG. 4B) are printed on the recording paper P to be Z-folded. Here, for convenience of explanation, assuming that the length of the recording paper P in the transport direction is 4, the folding position instruction line F2 is a position 2 from the beginning in the transport direction, and the folding position instruction line F3 is 3 from the top in the transport direction. However, the positions of the folding position indicating lines F2 and F3 are not limited to the above example. The following operations are controlled by a control circuit described later. In FIG. 8, the transport paths WY1 and WY2 are displayed as transport lines for the recording paper P.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, when the folding position indicating line F3 on the recording paper P conveyed in the direction of arrow c along the conveyance path WY1 by a conveyance roller (not shown) is detected by the sensor BSE1, the folding position is detected. A predetermined time (preset from the structure of the transport mechanism) required for the instruction line F3 to reach the chopper CH1 is started by a timer (not shown). When the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the position instruction line F3 has reached the chopper CH1, and the conveyance of the recording paper P in the direction of arrow c is stopped.

  The chopper CH1 comes into contact with the recording paper P substantially at right angles by the operation of a solenoid (not shown), and a substantially V-shaped protrusion is formed on the contact portion, that is, the position indicating line F3. Simultaneously with the operation of the solenoid, the paper folding rollers R1 and R2 start to rotate in the direction of the arrow S, and the substantially V-shaped protruding portion of the recording paper P is caught in the nip portion N1 of the paper folding rollers R1 and R2. A first fold is formed on the P position indicating line F3.

  At this time, the portion beyond the first fold in the conveyance direction of the recording paper P is located on the paper folding roller R2 side. FIG. 8B shows a state in which the first crease is formed on the recording paper.

  The recording paper P on which the first fold is formed is further conveyed by the rotation of the paper folding rollers R1 and R2 in the direction of arrow S. When the folding position instruction line F2 on the recording paper P is detected by the sensor BSE2. A predetermined time (preset from the structure of the transport mechanism) required for the position indicating line F2 to reach the chopper CH2 is started by a timer (not shown). When the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the position indicating line F2 has reached the chopper CH2, the rotation of the paper folding rollers R1 and R2 is stopped, and the conveyance of the recording paper P is stopped.

  The chopper CH2 comes into contact with the recording paper P substantially perpendicularly by the operation of a solenoid (not shown) to form a substantially V-shaped protrusion on the contact portion, that is, the position indicating line F2, and the nip between the paper folding rollers R1 and R3. A second crease is formed on the position indicating line F2 of the recording paper P by being bitten by the portion N2. Simultaneously with the operation of the solenoid, the paper folding rollers R1 and R3 start to rotate in the direction of arrow S, and the substantially V-shaped protruding portion of the recording paper P is caught in the nip portion N2 of the paper folding rollers R1 and R3. A second fold is formed on the P position indicating line F2, and the Z-folding of the recording paper is completed. FIG. 8C shows a state in which the second fold is formed and the recording paper P is Z-folded.

  The recording paper P on which the first and second folds are formed is transported on the transport path WY2 in the direction of arrow d with the Z-fold portion as the head in the transport direction by the rotation of the paper folding rollers R1 and R3 in the direction of arrow S. It is discharged to the recording paper storage unit 46.

[Tri-Fold Mode]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a tri-fold mode by the paper folding device 30. Folding position instruction lines F4 and F5 (see FIG. 4C) are printed on the recording paper P in advance. Here, for convenience of explanation, if the length of the recording sheet P in the transport direction is 3, the folding position instruction line F4 is 1 position from the beginning in the transport direction, and the folding position instruction line F5 is 2 from the start in the transport direction. However, the positions of the folding position indicating lines F4 and F5 are not limited to the above example. The following operations are controlled by a control circuit described later. In FIG. 9, the transport paths WY1 and WY2 are displayed as the transport lines of the recording paper P.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when the folding position indicating line F4 on the recording paper P conveyed in the direction of arrow c along the conveying path by a conveying roller (not shown) is detected by the sensor BSE1, the position indicating line A predetermined time (preset from the structure of the transport mechanism) required for F4 to reach the top of the chopper CH1 is started by a timer (not shown). When the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the position instruction line F4 has reached the chopper CH1, and the conveyance of the recording paper P in the direction of the arrow c is stopped.

  The chopper CH1 comes into contact with the recording paper P substantially at right angles by the operation of a solenoid (not shown), and a substantially V-shaped protrusion is formed on the contact portion, that is, the position indicating line F4. Simultaneously with the operation of the solenoid, the paper folding rollers R1 and R2 start to rotate in the direction of the arrow S, and the substantially V-shaped protruding portion of the recording paper P is caught in the nip portion N1 of the paper folding rollers R1 and R2. A first fold is formed on the P position indicating line F4.

  At this time, the portion after the first fold in the conveyance direction of the recording paper P is located on the paper folding roller R1 side. FIG. 9B shows a state in which a first fold is formed on the recording paper P.

  The recording paper P on which the first fold is formed is further conveyed by the rotation of the paper folding rollers R1 and R2 in the direction of the arrow S. When the folding position instruction line F5 on the recording paper P is detected by the sensor BSE3. A predetermined time required for the position indicating line F5 to reach the chopper CH2 (preset from the structure of the transport mechanism) is started by a timer (not shown), and when the predetermined time elapses, the position indicating line F5 is changed to the chopper CH2. , The rotation of the paper folding rollers R1 and R2 is stopped, and the conveyance of the recording paper P is stopped.

  The chopper CH2 comes into contact with the recording paper P substantially at right angles by the operation of a solenoid (not shown) to form a substantially V-shaped protrusion on the contact portion, that is, the position indicating line F5, and the nip between the paper folding rollers R1 and R3. A second crease is formed on the position indicating line F5 of the recording paper P by being bitten by the portion N2. Simultaneously with the operation of the solenoid, the paper folding rollers R1 and R3 start to rotate in the direction of arrow S, and the substantially V-shaped protruding portion of the recording paper P is caught in the nip portion N2 of the paper folding rollers R1 and R3. A second fold is formed on the P position indicating line F5, and the trifolding of the recording paper P is completed. FIG. 9C shows a state in which the second fold is formed and the recording paper P is folded in three.

  The recording sheet P formed with the first and second folds and folded in three is transported in the transport path WY2 in the direction of arrow d by the rotation of the sheet folding rollers R1 and R3 in the direction of arrow S, and is moved to the recording sheet storage unit 46. Discharged.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the control circuit of the copying system including the copying machine and the post-processing apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. It is shown.

  The control circuit is a combination of the control unit 501 of the copier 10 and the control unit 801 of the paper folding device 30. The control unit 501 of the copier 10 has various keys necessary for setting a normal image forming operation, An operation unit 502 for selecting an operation mode of the paper folding device 30, that is, a crease mode, a bi-fold mode, a Z-fold mode, and a tri-fold mode, is connected to the control unit 501 of the copier 10 for image formation. An image forming unit 503 including various image forming mechanisms is connected.

  The image forming unit 503 corresponds to the operation mode selected by the operation unit 502, that is, the crease mode, the bi-fold mode, the Z-fold mode, and the tri-fold mode, so as to prevent the image recording on the recording paper from being hindered. A function of recording the paper folding position instruction lines F1 to F5 (see FIG. 4) outside the area is also provided.

  The control unit 801 of the paper folding device 30 includes a paper folding roller control unit 802 and a chopper control unit 803. The paper folding roller control unit 802 includes a roller R1 driving unit 8021, a roller R2 driving unit 8022, and a roller R3 driving unit 8023. Is connected. Further, the chopper controller 803 is connected to a solenoid 8031 of the chopper CH1 and a solenoid 8032 of the chopper CH2. In addition, sensors BSE1 to BSE3 are connected to the control unit 801 of the paper folding apparatus.

  The operation modes executed by the control unit 801 of the paper folding device 30, that is, the crease mode, the bi-fold mode, the Z-fold mode, and the tri-fold mode are as described above with reference to FIGS. .

[Second Embodiment]
Next explained is the second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the copying system including the post-processing apparatus 40A of the second embodiment of the present invention. The post-processing apparatus 40A is connected to the copying machine 10A. . In the post-processing device 40A of the second embodiment, the paper folding device 30 is removed from the post-processing device 40 of the first embodiment, and instead, the paper folding device 30A is arranged on the downstream side of the staple processing unit. .

  Further, in the copying machine 10A according to the second embodiment, the recording paper on which an image is recorded on one side is in a state where the surface on which the image is recorded is directed downward, and the recording paper on which the image is recorded on both sides is first. A configuration is provided in which the image recording surface is directed downward and discharged from the discharge unit 11 to the outside of the copying machine 10A.

  Since the other points are the same as those of the copying machine 10 of the first embodiment, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and differences will be described.

  In the post-processing apparatus 40A, the recording paper transport unit 47 receives the recording paper discharged from the discharge unit 11 of the copying machine 10A, transports it downward through the transport path 48, and sends it to the switchback transport path 49. The recording paper switched back by the switchback conveyance path 49 is conveyed to the non-sort tray 401 via the conveyance path 50, conveyed to the staple processing unit 41 via the conveyance path 51, or via the conveyance path 52. It is conveyed to the recording paper storage unit 46.

  As a result, recording sheets on which images are recorded on one side are carried into the staple processing unit 41 one by one with the side on which the images are recorded facing upward. The recording paper bundle that is stacked and stapled by the staple processing unit 41 is conveyed to the paper folding device 30A. The recording paper conveyed to the paper folding device 30A is creased by the paper folding device 30A and then discharged to the recording paper storage unit 46.

  FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of a paper folding device 30A that detects a staple needle on a bundle of recording papers and applies a crease. Staple needles are driven into the recording paper bundle BP, and this functions as a folding position instruction line F6 (see FIG. 4D). The following operations are controlled by a control circuit described later.

  The bi-folding mechanism is basically the same as the configuration described above with reference to FIG. 7, and the two paper folding mechanisms arranged in contact with each other along the conveyance path WYS1 on the carry-in side of the recording paper bundle BP. Rollers R4 and R5 (corresponding to the paper folding rollers R1 and R2 in FIG. 7) are provided, and a nip portion NS (corresponding to the nip portion N1 in FIG. 7) is formed at the contact portion between the paper folding rollers R4 and R5. The A chopper CH3 (corresponding to the chopper CH1 in FIG. 7), which is a paper folding member, is disposed at a position facing the nip NS of the paper folding rollers R4 and R5.

  Further, on the upstream side of the paper folding roller R4 of the conveyance path WYS1 on the carry-in side of the recording paper bundle BP, a sensor BSE4 that detects a folding position instruction line F6 that is a staple on the recording paper bundle BP is disposed. The sensor BSE4 is constituted by a known photoelectric means, but may be constituted by a constitution other than the photoelectric means such as utilizing the electrical conductivity of the staple needle.

  The chopper CH3 is made of an elastic member that is thin and tough and has a substantially V-shaped projecting portion at the abutting portion that abuts the recording paper bundle BP substantially at right angles by the operation of a drive mechanism such as a solenoid (not shown). The substantially V-shaped projecting portion is formed into a nip NS of the paper folding rollers R4 and R5 and folded in half.

  The chopper CH3 is controlled so as to quickly retract and return to the initial position after the substantially V-shaped protrusion formed on the recording paper bundle BP is bitten into the nip NS.

  The recording paper bundle BP on which the staples are driven by the staple processing unit 41 is conveyed in the direction of arrow j along the conveyance path WYS1. When the staple B on the recording paper bundle BP, that is, the folding position instruction line F6 is detected by the sensor BSE4, a predetermined time required for the position instruction line F6 to reach the chopper CH3 (set in advance from the structure of the transport mechanism). Is started by a timer (not shown). When the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the folding position instruction line F6 has reached the chopper CH3, and the conveyance of the recording paper bundle BP is stopped.

  The chopper CH3 comes into contact with the recording paper bundle BP substantially at right angles by the operation of a solenoid (not shown), and a substantially V-shaped protrusion is formed on the contact portion, that is, the position indicating line F6. Simultaneously with the operation of the solenoid, the paper folding rollers R4 and R5 start to rotate in the direction of arrow S, and the substantially V-shaped protruding portion of the recording paper bundle BP is conveyed in the K direction along the conveying path WYS2, and the paper folding roller R4 And the nip NS of R5 and the recording paper bundle BP is creased. Thereafter, by rotating the paper folding rollers R4 and R5 in the reverse direction, the recording paper bundle BP is released from the nip part NS, returned to the first transport path WYS1, and discharged to the recording paper storage part 46.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the control circuit of the second embodiment of the copying system comprising the copying machine 10A shown in FIG. 11 and the post-processing apparatus 40A of the second embodiment. Only the control circuit of the paper folding apparatus 30A described with reference to FIG. 12 in the apparatus 40A is shown.

  The control circuit is a combination of the control unit 501 of the copier 10A and the control unit 811 of the paper folding apparatus 30A. The control unit 501 of the copier 10A includes various keys necessary for setting a normal image forming operation, An operation unit 502 for selecting a crease mode for crease the recording paper bundle is connected. In addition, an image forming unit 503 including various image forming mechanisms for image formation is connected to the control unit 501 of the copying machine 10A.

  The image forming unit 503 also has a function of instructing an operation of a staple processing mechanism (not shown) corresponding to a mode in which the recording paper bundle selected by the operation unit 502 is stapled.

  The control unit 811 of the paper folding apparatus 30A includes a paper folding roller control unit 812 and a chopper control unit 813. The paper folding roller control unit 812 includes rollers R4 and R5 driving units 8121 for driving the paper folding rollers R4 and R5. The chopper controller 813 is connected to the solenoid 8131 of the chopper CH3. In addition, a sensor BSE4 is connected to the controller 811.

  The crease mode executed by the control unit 811 of the paper folding device 30A is as described above with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the paper folding device 30A of the second embodiment can be creased, but it can be folded in two by deforming the paper folding device 30A as shown in FIG.

  In the case of the paper folding device 30A shown in FIG. 14, a conveyance roller pair R6 is provided along the carry-out conveyance path WYS2, which is a direction orthogonal to the conveyance path WYS1. The recording sheet bundle BP conveyed in the direction of arrow j along the conveyance path WYS1 is necessary for the position instruction line F6 to reach the chopper CH3 when the folding position instruction line F6 is detected by the sensor BSE4. A predetermined time (preset from the structure of the transport mechanism) is started by a timer (not shown).

  When the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the folding position instruction line F6 has reached the chopper CH3, and the conveyance of the recording paper bundle BP is stopped. After the chopper CH3 is operated and the recording paper bundle BP is engaged with the nip NS of the paper folding rollers R4 and R5 and folded in two, the paper folding rollers R4 and R5 are continuously rotated in the same direction, and the pair of conveying rollers By R6, the fold of the recording paper bundle BP is transported in the direction of arrow k along the transport path WYS2 with the fold of the recording paper bundle BP as the head in the transport direction, and discharged to the recording paper container 46.

  In the above embodiment, the recording paper is folded using a chopper. However, the present invention can also be applied to a form in which the recording paper is folded without using a chopper.

  While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described below are also included in the embodiments.

(1) In the post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, when the first operation mode is selected, the control means uses the detection result of the paper folding position indicating line corresponding to the first operation mode by the first sensor. The post-processing apparatus is characterized in that the first and second paper folding rollers and the first chopper are operated to control the crease on the paper folding position instruction line on the recording paper.

(2) In the post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, when the second operation mode is selected, the control means uses the detection result of the paper folding position indicating line corresponding to the second operation mode by the first sensor. And a first paper folding roller and a first chopper for controlling the folding of the recording paper in two at the paper folding position instruction line.

(3) In the post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, when the third operation mode is selected, the control means is behind the center in the conveyance direction of the recording paper corresponding to the third operation mode by the first sensor. The first and second paper folding rollers and the first chopper are operated on the basis of the detection result of the second paper folding position instruction line in FIG. The first and third paper folding rollers and the second chopper are operated based on the detection result of the first paper folding position instruction line ahead of the center in the paper transport direction, and the recording paper is fed by the first paper folding position instruction line. A post-processing device that controls to fold the recording paper in a Z-fold manner.

(4) In the post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, when the fourth operation mode is selected, the control means is ahead of the center in the conveyance direction of the recording paper corresponding to the fourth operation mode by the first sensor. The first and second paper folding rollers and the first chopper are operated on the basis of the detection result of the first paper folding position instruction line in FIG. The first and third paper folding rollers and the second chopper are operated based on the detection result of the second paper folding position instruction line located behind the center in the paper transport direction, and the recording paper is fed by the second paper folding position instruction line. A post-processing device that is controlled to be folded in three.

(5) In the post-processing apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (4), when the chopper is operated, it hits the paper folding position indicating line of the recording paper or the vicinity thereof and is formed in a V-shape. A post-processing apparatus characterized in that a protruding portion is engaged with a nip portion of a paper folding roller to crease the recording paper or fold the recording paper.

  The present invention is a post-processing device that folds recording paper discharged from an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus to which the processing device is connected, and an image forming system. As a paper folding mode of the recording paper provided in the post-processing device, there are provided a first mode for folding, a second mode for folding in half, a third mode for folding Z, and a fourth mode for folding in half. The post-processing apparatus uses the folding position instruction line printed on the recording paper by the image forming apparatus or the position of the staple needle binding the recording paper by the post-processing apparatus as the position instruction line, and detects the folding position instruction line to detect the paper. Since folding is performed, there is no variation in the paper folding position, and paper folding can be executed with high folding position accuracy.

1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a configuration of a first embodiment of a copying system including a post-processing apparatus of a first embodiment. FIG. The figure explaining the structure and operation | movement of a conveyance path (the 1). The figure explaining the structure and operation | movement of a conveyance path (the 2). The figure explaining the basic operation which detects a folding position instruction line and performs paper folding. The figure explaining the structure of a paper folding apparatus. The figure explaining the crease operation | movement by a paper folding apparatus. The figure explaining the bi-folding operation | movement by a paper folding apparatus. The figure explaining Z folding operation by a paper folding device. The figure explaining the trifold operation | movement by a paper folding apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit according to the first embodiment of the copying system. The figure explaining the outline of a structure of 2nd Embodiment of the copying system containing the post-processing apparatus of 2nd Example. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of a paper folding device that detects a staple needle on a bundle of recording paper and creases the paper. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a control circuit according to a second embodiment of the copying system. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of a paper folding device that detects a staple needle on a recording paper bundle and folds the staple needle in half.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10A copier 11 paper discharge unit 20 automatic document feeder (ADF)
30, 30A Paper folding device 40, 40A Post-processing device 401 Non-sort tray 41 Staple processing unit 46 Recording paper storage unit 47 Recording paper transport unit 48, 50, 51, 52 Transport path 49 Switchback transport path 497 Resin sheet F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 Folding position indicating line BSE, BSE1, BSE2, BSE3, BSE4 Sensor CH, CH1, CH2, CH3 Chopper N1, N2, NS Nip part R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 Paper folding roller WY1, WYS1 Conveying path WY2, WYS2 Conveying path P Recording paper BP Recording paper bundle

Claims (17)

A post-processing device having one or a plurality of operation modes for folding recording paper discharged from a paper discharge unit of an image forming apparatus,
First and second folding rollers disposed in contact with each other along a transport path for transporting the recording paper discharged from the paper discharge unit;
A chopper disposed at a position facing the nip portion of the first and second folding rollers;
A sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed on the upstream side of the chopper on the conveyance path;
As fold the position indicated by the folding position indication line, after which is characterized in that a control means for controlling said chopper and said first and second folding rollers based on the detection signal of the sensor Processing equipment. The operation mode included in the post-processing device includes a first operation mode in which a crease is formed at a position designated by the folding position instruction line, a second operation mode in which folding is performed in two at a position designated by the folding position instruction line, A third operation mode (Z-fold mode) for folding in a Z-shape at a position designated by the folding position instruction line, and a fourth operation mode (three-folding) for sequentially folding at a position designated by the folding position instruction line The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing apparatus is one or a plurality of operation modes selected from (mode).   2. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a binding material driven into a recording sheet is used as the folding position instruction line as the folding position instruction line. An image forming unit that forms at least an image on a recording sheet and an operation unit that sets various modes are provided, and a folding position instruction line that is a target position for folding the recording sheet can be recorded at a predetermined position on the recording sheet. An image forming apparatus to which the post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 is connected,
The image forming apparatus records the folding position instruction line at a predetermined position on a recording sheet in accordance with an operation mode input from the operation unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus including at least an image forming section that forms an image on a recording sheet; and an operation section that sets various modes; and the post-processing apparatus according to claim 1. A system,
An image forming system, wherein the post-processing device performs folding of a recording sheet corresponding to an operation mode selected by an operation unit of the image forming device.   The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the folding unit a predetermined time after the detection unit detects the folding position instruction line. The control means causes the chopper to protrude toward the recording paper when the folding position instruction line comes to a position facing the chopper.
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1. The post-processing device includes a third folding roller disposed in contact with the first folding roller in a direction intersecting the conveyance path;
A second sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed on the upstream side of the nip portion of the first and third folding rollers;
A third sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed at a position facing the second sensor across the conveyance path;
A second chopper disposed at a position facing the nip portion of the first and third folding rollers,
The control means controls the first and second folding rollers and the chopper based on detection signals of the first to third sensors so as to fold the position designated by the folding position designation line. thing
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1. A post-processing device having one or a plurality of operation modes for folding recording paper discharged from a paper discharge unit of an image forming apparatus,
Folding means disposed along a conveyance path for conveying the recording paper discharged from the paper discharge unit;
Detecting means for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed on the upstream side of the folding means on the conveyance path;
Control means for controlling the folding means based on the detection result of the detection means so as to fold the position indicated by the folding position instruction line,
The folding means includes first and second folding rollers arranged in contact with each other along the conveyance path, and a third folding roller arranged in contact with the first folding roller in a direction intersecting the conveyance path. With rollers,
The detection means includes a first sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed on the upstream side of the first folding roller on the conveyance path, and a nip portion of the first and third folding rollers. A second sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed on the upstream side, and a second sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed at a position facing the second sensor across the conveyance path. And a post-processing apparatus. The operation mode for folding the recording paper executed by the post-processing device is a first operation mode in which a fold is made at a position designated by the folding position instruction line, and a second folding operation is performed at a position designated by the folding position instruction line. Second operation mode, a third operation mode (Z-fold mode) for folding in a Z-shape at a position designated by the folding position instruction line, and a fourth folding for sequentially folding at a position designated by the folding position instruction line The image forming system according to claim 5, further comprising an operation mode (tri-fold mode). A post-processing device that is arranged on a conveyance path for conveying recording paper discharged from a paper discharge unit of the image forming apparatus and has a plurality of operation modes for folding the recording paper based on a folding position instruction line recorded on the recording paper. There,
The post-processing device is disposed in contact with the first folding roller in a direction intersecting the recording paper conveyance path, and first and second folding rollers arranged in contact with each other along the recording paper conveyance path. A third folding roller,
A first chopper disposed at a position facing the nip portion of the first and second folding rollers, and a second chopper disposed at a position facing the nip portion of the first and third folding rollers When,
A first sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed on the upstream side of the first folding roller on the conveyance path, and disposed on the upstream side of the nip portion of the first and third folding rollers. A second sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper, and a third sensor for detecting a folding position indicating line on the recording paper disposed at a position facing the second sensor with a conveyance path therebetween. ,
Control means for controlling the first to third folding rollers and the first and second choppers based on detection signals of the first to third sensors;
The control means responds to an operation mode selected from a plurality of operation modes based on detection signals of the first to third sensors and the first to third folding rollers and the first and second sensors. A post-processing apparatus for controlling the operation of a chopper to fold a recording sheet corresponding to a selected operation mode. The plurality of operation modes for folding the recording paper include a first operation mode for folding a crease at a position designated by the folding position instruction line, and a second operation mode for folding in half at a position designated by the folding position instruction line. , A third operation mode (Z-fold mode) for folding in a Z-shape at a position specified by the folding position instruction line, and a fourth operation mode (three) for sequentially folding three at the position specified by the folding position instruction line. 12. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the post-processing apparatus is in a folding mode. When the first operation mode is selected, the control means includes first and second folding rollers based on the detection result of the folding position instruction line corresponding to the first operation mode by the first sensor. 13. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first chopper is operated so as to make a crease on the folding position instruction line on the recording paper.   When the second operation mode is selected, the control means includes the first and second folding rollers based on the detection result of the folding position instruction line corresponding to the second operation mode by the first sensor. 13. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first chopper is operated to control the recording paper to be folded in two at the position of the folding position indicating line on the recording paper. Wherein, when the third operating mode is selected based on the second folding position of the indicator line detection result of the record paper that corresponds to the third mode of operation of the first sensor, the second actuating the first and second folding rollers of the first chopper folding the recording sheet at the position of the second folding position indicator line on the recording paper, further the first folding position indicated on the recording paper by the second sensor Based on the detection result of the line, the first and third folding rollers and the second chopper are operated to control the recording sheet to be folded and Z-folded at the position of the first folding position instruction line on the recording sheet. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 12. Wherein, when the fourth operating mode is selected, the first based on the first folding position of the indicator line detection result of the record paper that corresponds to the fourth operation mode according to the first sensor and first folding folding the recording sheet at the position of the position indicator line, further the second folding position indicator line on the recording sheet by the third sensor of the second folding roller and the recording paper by actuating the first chopper Based on the detection result, the first and third folding rollers and the second chopper are operated to control the recording sheet to be folded in three at the position of the second folding position instruction line on the recording sheet. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 12. When the first and second choppers are operated, the first and second choppers hit against the folding position indicating line on the recording paper or the vicinity thereof, and the formed V-shaped protruding portion is engaged with the nip portion of the folding roller to fold the recording paper. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the post-processing apparatus is attached or the recording paper is folded.

Images