JP4175642B2

JP4175642B2 - Paper folding device

Info

Publication number: JP4175642B2
Application number: JP2004041354A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 千沙加藤
Original assignee: Ricoh Elemex Corp
Current assignee: Ricoh Elemex Corp
Priority date: 2004-02-18
Filing date: 2004-02-18
Publication date: 2008-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2024-02-18
Also published as: JP2005231778A

Description

この発明は紙折り装置、特にＺ折り処理のための紙折り装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a paper folding device, and more particularly to a paper folding device for Z-folding processing.

従来より、複写機、印刷機等の画像形成装置で画像形成された紙葉類としてのシートを紙折り装置によりＺ字状に二段折りするＺ折り処理が、画像形成後のシート処理として実施されている。その際、Ｚ折り処理され折り重ねられた部分（Ｚ折り処理部）は他の部分よりも厚みや重量が増した形態でスタッカ部に集積されることになるので、集積されたシート群（シート束）が後続のシートの排出を妨げたり、湾曲して変形したりするおそれがある。さらに、後続のシートが集積されたシート群（シート束）のＺ折り処理部を押して乱したり、シートの斜行を引き起こしたりするおそれもある。そこで、紙折り装置でＺ折り処理した後に反転径路及びシート反転手段を設け、シート群（シート束）のＺ折り処理部をスタッカ部の基端側（機体の搬送出口側）に位置させることにより、これらの不具合を解消することが提案されている（特許文献１参照）。 Conventionally, Z-folding is performed as sheet processing after image formation, in which a sheet as a paper sheet image-formed by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printing machine is folded in two into a Z shape by a paper folding apparatus. Has been. At that time, the Z-folded and folded part (Z-folding part) is accumulated in the stacker part in a form in which the thickness and weight are increased as compared with the other parts. The bundle) may prevent the subsequent sheet from being discharged, or may be bent and deformed. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the Z folding processing unit of the sheet group (sheet bundle) in which subsequent sheets are stacked is pushed and disturbed, or the skew of the sheet is caused. Therefore, by providing a reversing path and sheet reversing means after the Z folding process by the paper folding device, the Z folding processing part of the sheet group (sheet bundle) is positioned at the base end side (the conveyance exit side of the machine body) of the stacker part. It has been proposed to eliminate these problems (see Patent Document 1).

特開昭６３−１１７８７２号公報JP 63-117872 A

ところで、シートへのＺ折り処理は、シート上に形成された画像の長手方向後半部に実施する必要があり、長手方向前半部にＺ折り処理が実施されていると閲覧等に不便を生じる。それゆえ、図１の（Ａ）で示すように、シートＳ上に形成された画像Ｉの形成方向の前後部がその後のシートＳの搬送方向の前後部と一致させてあれば、シートＳの搬送方向後半部をＺ折り処理すると、そのままＺ折り処理部Ｚは画像Ｉの長手方向後半部に実施されることになる。ところが、図１の（Ｂ）で示すように、画像Ｉの形成方向の前後部がシートＳの搬送方向の前後部と一致していない場合、シートＳの搬送方向後半部をＺ折り処理部Ｚとすることはできなくなる。その際、シートＳの搬送方向前半部をＺ折り処理するには、画像形成装置において画像読取データを前後反転させて画像形成する必要がある。具体的には、読み取った画像データを一旦メモリ上に展開し、そのメモリ上のデータを前後逆に変換（反転）し直してから画像形成を行わなければならないため、読み取った画像データ量よりも大容量のメモリ領域等を必要とする。 By the way, it is necessary to perform the Z-folding process on the sheet in the second half in the longitudinal direction of the image formed on the sheet. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1A, if the front and rear portions in the formation direction of the image I formed on the sheet S coincide with the front and rear portions in the subsequent conveyance direction of the sheet S, the sheet S When the second half of the conveyance direction is Z-folded, the Z-fold processing unit Z is performed on the second half in the longitudinal direction of the image I as it is. However, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the front and rear portions in the image I forming direction do not coincide with the front and rear portions in the transport direction of the sheet S, the second half in the transport direction of the sheet S is changed to the Z-fold processing portion Z. Can not be. At that time, in order to perform the Z-fold processing on the first half of the sheet S in the transport direction, it is necessary to form an image by inverting the image reading data in the image forming apparatus. More specifically, the read image data must be temporarily expanded on the memory, and the data on the memory must be converted back (inverted) back and forth before image formation is performed. A large-capacity memory area is required.

特許文献１に記載された技術（シート処理装置及び紙折り装置）は図１の（Ｂ）に示すタイプであり、画像形成装置側に画像読取データを反転するための大容量のメモリ領域等を必要とするので、画像形成装置等の小型化や処理速度の高速化を図る際の障害となっている。 The technique (sheet processing apparatus and paper folding apparatus) described in Patent Document 1 is the type shown in FIG. 1B, and has a large-capacity memory area for inverting image read data on the image forming apparatus side. This is an obstacle to downsizing the image forming apparatus and the like and increasing the processing speed.

本発明の課題は、複写機、印刷機等の画像形成装置側で画像読取データを反転しなくてもＺ折り処理が支障なく実施でき、画像形成装置等の小型化や処理速度の高速化を図ることができるとともに、一対の紙折りローラによるコンパクトな紙折り装置を提供することにある。 The problem of the present invention is that the Z-folding process can be carried out without any trouble without reversing the image reading data on the image forming apparatus side such as a copying machine or a printing machine, and the image forming apparatus or the like can be downsized and the processing speed can be increased. It is possible to provide a compact paper folding device that can be realized and includes a pair of paper folding rollers.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

上記課題を解決するために、本発明の紙折り装置は、
紙葉類としてのシートを折り曲げるために互いに接触して回転するとともに、それらの回転方向を正逆反転させた第一及び第二方向に切換可能な一対の紙折りローラと、
その一対の紙折りローラの接触位置を挟んで両側に形成される三角状のループ形成空間にそれぞれ臨んで配置され、各ループ形成空間から前記一対の紙折りローラに供給されるシートの供給方向又は前記一対の紙折りローラから各ループ形成空間へ排出されるシートの排出方向をガイドするための案内手段と、
Ｚ折り処理するためにそれぞれの案内手段により前記一対の紙折りローラにシートを供給する際に、供給シートとそれぞれの案内手段との相対位置を定めるための位置決め手段と、を備え、
第一方向への前記一対の紙折りローラの回転に伴って、第一の位置決め手段によって位置決めされ第一の案内手段によって第一のループ形成空間に供給されたシートは、第一の折曲位置で前記一対の紙折りローラにより折り曲げられた後、第二のループ形成空間から第二の案内手段に案内されて排出され、
その後、第二の位置決め手段によってシートが所定位置に保持されるとともに、前記一対の紙折りローラの回転が停止され、
第一方向とは逆の第二方向への前記一対の紙折りローラの回転に伴って、前記第二の案内手段によって前記第二のループ形成空間に供給されたシートは、第二の折曲位置で前記一対の紙折りローラにより折り曲げられた後、前記第一のループ形成空間から前記第一の案内手段に案内されて排出され、
その後、前記第一の位置決め手段によってシートが所定位置に保持されるとともに、前記一対の紙折りローラの回転が停止されることを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above problems, the paper folding apparatus of the present invention is
A pair of paper folding rollers that rotate in contact with each other to fold a sheet as a paper sheet and that can be switched between a first direction and a second direction in which the rotation direction is reversed in the forward and reverse directions;
Supply direction of a sheet supplied to each of the pair of paper folding rollers from each loop forming space, arranged facing the triangular loop forming spaces formed on both sides across the contact position of the pair of paper folding rollers, or Guiding means for guiding the discharge direction of the sheet discharged from the pair of paper folding rollers to each loop forming space;
Positioning means for determining a relative position between the supply sheet and the respective guide means when the sheet is supplied to the pair of paper folding rollers by the respective guide means for performing the Z-folding process,
With the rotation of the pair of paper folding rollers in the first direction, the sheet positioned by the first positioning means and supplied to the first loop forming space by the first guiding means is the first folding position. After being folded by the pair of paper folding rollers, it is guided and discharged from the second loop forming space to the second guide means,
Thereafter, the sheet is held at a predetermined position by the second positioning means, and the rotation of the pair of paper folding rollers is stopped,
Along with the rotation of the pair of paper folding rollers in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the sheet supplied to the second loop forming space by the second guide means After being folded by the pair of paper folding rollers at a position, it is guided and discharged from the first loop forming space to the first guiding means,
Thereafter, the sheet is held at a predetermined position by the first positioning means, and the rotation of the pair of paper folding rollers is stopped.

また、上記課題を解決するために、本発明の紙折り装置は、
紙葉類としてのシートを折り曲げるために互いに接触して回転するとともに、それらの回転方向を正逆反転させた第一及び第二方向に切換可能な一対の紙折りローラと、
その一対の紙折りローラの接触位置を挟んで両側に形成される三角状のループ形成空間にそれぞれ臨んで配置され、各ループ形成空間から前記一対の紙折りローラに供給されるシートの供給方向又は前記一対の紙折りローラから各ループ形成空間へ排出されるシートの排出方向をガイドするための案内手段と、
Ｚ折り処理するためにそれぞれの案内手段により前記一対の紙折りローラにシートを供給する際に、供給シート上に形成された画像とそれぞれの案内手段との相対位置を定めるための位置決め手段と、を備え、
第一方向への前記一対の紙折りローラの回転に伴って、第一の位置決め手段によって位置決めされ第一の案内手段によって第一のループ形成空間に供給されたシートは、供給シート上に形成された画像の形成方向後端部から長手方向四分の一に相当する第一の折曲位置で、前記一対の紙折りローラにより折り曲げられた後、第二のループ形成空間から第二の案内手段に案内されて排出され、
その後、第二の位置決め手段によってシートが所定位置に保持されるとともに、前記一対の紙折りローラの回転が停止され、
第一方向とは逆の第二方向への前記一対の紙折りローラの回転に伴って、前記第二の案内手段によって前記第二のループ形成空間に供給されたシートは、供給シート上に形成された画像の形成方向後端部から長手方向二分の一に相当する第二の折曲位置で、前記一対の紙折りローラにより折り曲げられた後、前記第一のループ形成空間から前記第一の案内手段に案内されて排出され、
その後、前記第一の位置決め手段によってシートが所定位置に保持されるとともに、前記一対の紙折りローラの回転が停止されることを特徴とする。 In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the paper folding device of the present invention includes:
A pair of paper folding rollers that rotate in contact with each other to fold a sheet as a paper sheet and that can be switched between a first direction and a second direction in which the rotation direction is reversed in the forward and reverse directions;
Supply direction of a sheet supplied to each of the pair of paper folding rollers from each loop forming space, arranged facing the triangular loop forming spaces formed on both sides across the contact position of the pair of paper folding rollers, or Guiding means for guiding the discharge direction of the sheet discharged from the pair of paper folding rollers to each loop forming space;
Positioning means for determining a relative position between the image formed on the supply sheet and each guiding means when the sheet is supplied to the pair of paper folding rollers by the respective guiding means for performing the Z-folding process; With
As the pair of paper folding rollers rotate in the first direction, the sheet positioned by the first positioning means and supplied to the first loop forming space by the first guiding means is formed on the supply sheet. After being folded by the pair of paper folding rollers at the first folding position corresponding to a quarter of the longitudinal direction from the rear end of the formed image in the second direction, the second guiding means is provided from the second loop forming space. To be discharged
Thereafter, the sheet is held at a predetermined position by the second positioning means, and the rotation of the pair of paper folding rollers is stopped,
As the pair of paper folding rollers rotate in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the sheet supplied to the second loop forming space by the second guide means is formed on the supply sheet. After being folded by the pair of paper folding rollers at a second folding position corresponding to one half of the longitudinal direction from the rear end portion in the image forming direction, the first loop forming space is used to Guided by the guide means and discharged,
Thereafter, the sheet is held at a predetermined position by the first positioning means, and the rotation of the pair of paper folding rollers is stopped.

画像形成装置によりシート上に形成された画像の形成方向の前後部が、スタッカ部等へのシートの搬送方向の前後部と一致させてあれば、これらの紙折り装置によりシートの搬送方向後半部をＺ折り処理すると、そのままＺ折り処理部は画像の長手方向後半部に実施されることになる（図１の（Ａ）参照）。したがって、画像形成装置側で画像読取データを反転しなくてもＺ折り処理が支障なく実施でき、画像形成装置等の小型化や処理速度の高速化を図ることができる。しかも、本発明の紙折り装置は正逆反転切換可能な一対の紙折りローラによって構成されるので、小型で簡素な構造を実現できる。また、Ｚ折り処理部が厚みや重量を増した形態となることに伴う当初からの不具合も解消される。すなわち、集積されたシート群（シート束）が後続のシートの排出を妨げたり、湾曲して変形したりすることを防止し、後続のシートが集積されたシート群（シート束）のＺ折り処理部を押して乱したり、シートの斜行を引き起こしたりすることも防止される。 If the front and rear parts of the image forming direction formed on the sheet by the image forming apparatus coincide with the front and rear parts of the sheet conveying direction to the stacker unit or the like, the latter half of the sheet conveying direction by these paper folding devices When the Z-folding process is performed, the Z-folding processing unit is implemented as it is in the latter half of the longitudinal direction of the image (see FIG. 1A). Therefore, the Z-folding process can be performed without any trouble without reversing the image reading data on the image forming apparatus side, and the image forming apparatus and the like can be downsized and the processing speed can be increased. In addition, the paper folding device of the present invention is constituted by a pair of paper folding rollers that can be switched between forward and reverse, so that a small and simple structure can be realized. Moreover, the trouble from the beginning accompanying the Z fold process part becoming the form which increased thickness and weight is also eliminated. That is, the stacked sheet group (sheet bundle) prevents the subsequent sheet from being ejected or is bent and deformed, and the sheet group (sheet bundle) in which the subsequent sheet is stacked is Z-folded. It is also possible to prevent the sheet from being disturbed and causing the sheet to skew.

さらに、紙折り処理の際に、位置決め手段によってシート上に形成された画像との相対位置関係を定める場合には、所定位置でのＺ折り処理が容易に行える。 Further, when the paper folding process determines the relative positional relationship with the image formed on the sheet by the positioning means, the Z folding process at a predetermined position can be easily performed.

これらの紙折り装置では、画像形成装置によりシート上に形成された画像の長手方向後半部が第一のループ形成空間に供給されることになり、Ｚ折り処理部はシート上に形成された画像の長手方向後半部に実施される。 In these paper folding apparatuses, the second half in the longitudinal direction of the image formed on the sheet by the image forming apparatus is supplied to the first loop forming space, and the Z-fold processing section is the image formed on the sheet. It is carried out in the second half in the longitudinal direction.

そして、シートの供給側では、ループ形成空間でループ形成された供給シートを背面側から一対の紙折りローラ側へ折曲位置にて押圧する一方、シートの排出側では、排出シートの排出方向を位置決め手段側にガイドするために、案内手段を方向変換可能なデフレクタ部材として構成することができる。デフレクタ部材に方向変換機能とシート押圧機能とを付与することによって、紙折り装置を簡素に構成することができる。 On the sheet supply side, the supply sheet looped in the loop forming space is pressed from the back side to the pair of paper folding rollers at the folding position, while on the sheet discharge side, the discharge direction of the discharge sheet is changed. In order to guide to the positioning means side, the guide means can be configured as a deflector member capable of changing the direction. By providing the deflector member with a direction changing function and a sheet pressing function, the paper folding device can be simply configured.

また、供給シートと案内手段との相対位置を定めるために、位置決め手段を供給シートの端部を受け止めて保持するストッパ部材として構成することができる。ストッパ部材でシート端部を受け止め保持することにより、シート（例えば、シート上に形成された画像）と案内手段との相対位置を安定して定めることができる。 Further, in order to determine the relative position between the supply sheet and the guide means, the positioning means can be configured as a stopper member that receives and holds the end portion of the supply sheet. By receiving and holding the edge of the sheet with the stopper member, the relative position between the sheet (for example, an image formed on the sheet) and the guide means can be determined stably.

さらに、第一の案内手段と第一の位置決め手段との間に、第一の折曲位置で折り曲げられるシートの位置規制を行うための第一の規制ゾーンを形成し、第二の案内手段と第二の位置決め手段との間に、第二の折曲位置で折り曲げられるシートの位置規制を行うための第二の規制ゾーンを形成することができる。両規制ゾーンの形成により、供給シートの位置決め及び位置保持を一層安定して行なうことができる。 Furthermore, a first regulation zone for regulating the position of the sheet folded at the first folding position is formed between the first guide means and the first positioning means, and the second guide means A second regulating zone for regulating the position of the sheet folded at the second folding position can be formed between the second positioning means. By forming both regulation zones, the supply sheet can be positioned and held more stably.

その際に、一対の紙折りローラの一方と接触して従動回転することにより、シートを第一の規制ゾーンに収容し、かつ第一の規制ゾーンに収容されたシートを搬出するための補助ローラを第一の規制ゾーンに配置することができる。補助ローラの配置により、紙折り処理前のシートの紙折り装置への導入及び紙折り処理後（Ｚ折り処理後）のシートの紙折り装置からの搬出のときに、紙詰まり等の発生を防止できる。 At that time, the auxiliary roller for accommodating the sheet in the first restriction zone and carrying out the sheet accommodated in the first restriction zone by rotating in contact with one of the pair of paper folding rollers. Can be placed in the first restriction zone. Auxiliary roller placement prevents paper jams from occurring when a sheet before paper folding processing is introduced into the paper folding device and when a sheet after paper folding processing (after Z folding processing) is unloaded from the paper folding device. it can.

（実施例）
以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面に示す実施例を参照しつつ説明する。図２は本発明に係る紙折り装置を備えたシート処理装置の一例を示す概略説明図、図３はその主要部の構成説明図である。図２に示すように、シート処理装置１００は、画像形成したシートＳを排出する複写機、印刷機等の画像形成装置１と、排出されたシートＳにＺ折り処理を行う紙折り装置２を含む紙折り機構部６０と、紙折り処理後のシートＳを集積する排出トレイ８（スタッカ部）を有するフィニッシャ装置３とを備えている。 (Example)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples shown in the drawings. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of a sheet processing apparatus provided with a paper folding apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a structural explanatory view of its main part. As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet processing apparatus 100 includes an image forming apparatus 1 such as a copying machine or a printing machine that discharges an image-formed sheet S, and a paper folding apparatus 2 that performs Z-folding processing on the discharged sheet S. A paper folding mechanism 60 including the paper folding mechanism 60 and a finisher device 3 having a discharge tray 8 (stacker unit) for stacking the sheets S after the paper folding process are provided.

図１の概念図において、本発明の紙折り装置を備えたシート処理装置１００では、画像形成装置１によりシートＳ上に形成された画像Ｉの形成方向の前後部が、（Ａ）のように排出トレイ８へのシートＳの搬送方向の前後部と一致させてある。そして、後述するシート導入手段によって紙折り処理前のシートＳを搬送方向後端側から紙折り装置２へ導入し、紙折り装置２によりシートＳの搬送方向後半部をＺ折り処理すると、そのままＺ折り処理部Ｚは画像Ｉの長手方向後半部に実施されることになる。 In the conceptual diagram of FIG. 1, in the sheet processing apparatus 100 provided with the paper folding apparatus of the present invention, the front and rear portions in the forming direction of the image I formed on the sheet S by the image forming apparatus 1 are as shown in FIG. The front and rear portions in the conveyance direction of the sheet S to the discharge tray 8 are matched. Then, when the sheet S before the paper folding process is introduced from the rear end side in the transport direction into the paper folding apparatus 2 by the sheet introducing means described later, and the second half of the sheet S in the transport direction is Z-folded by the paper folding apparatus 2, The folding processing unit Z is performed in the second half in the longitudinal direction of the image I.

図３に示すように、紙折り機構部６０の上部（シート処理装置１００）には、通過搬送路１０（シート搬送径路）と紙折り搬送路１１（シート導入径路）とが配設されている。通過搬送路１０は、画像形成装置１による画像形成の後シート搬出口６（図２参照）から排出されシート搬入口７から搬入されたシートＳを、紙折り機構部６０のシート排出口４、及びフィニッシャ装置３のシート搬入口５、搬入ローラ５１、搬出ローラ５２を介して排出トレイ８（図２参照）に集積するために、排出トレイ８側を搬送方向前方、画像形成装置１側を搬送方向後方としてシートＳを搬送する。紙折り搬送路１１は、通過搬送路１０の途中で分岐してシートＳをＺ折り処理する紙折り装置２へ導入する。 As shown in FIG. 3, a passing conveyance path 10 (sheet conveyance path) and a paper folding conveyance path 11 (sheet introduction path) are disposed in the upper part (sheet processing apparatus 100) of the paper folding mechanism unit 60. . The passing conveyance path 10 is configured such that the sheet S discharged from the sheet carry-out port 6 (see FIG. 2) after image formation by the image forming apparatus 1 and carried into the sheet carry-in port 7 is transferred to the sheet discharge port 4 of the paper folding mechanism unit 60. In addition, in order to accumulate on the discharge tray 8 (see FIG. 2) via the sheet carry-in port 5, the carry-in roller 51, and the carry-out roller 52 of the finisher device 3, the discharge tray 8 side is conveyed in the conveyance direction and the image forming apparatus 1 side is conveyed. The sheet S is conveyed in the rear direction. The paper folding conveyance path 11 is branched into the passage conveyance path 10 and introduced into the paper folding apparatus 2 that performs the Z-folding process on the sheet S.

そして、通過搬送路１０と紙折り搬送路１１との分岐部Ｔにシート導入手段１２，２１が配設されている。このシート導入手段１２，２１は、通過搬送路１０を搬送される紙折り処理前のシートＳを搬送方向後端側から紙折り搬送路１１へ導入する機能と、紙折り装置２によって搬送方向後半部にＺ折り処理を施されたシートＳを紙折り搬送路１１を介して搬送方向前端側から再び通過搬送路１０に戻す機能とを有している。 Sheet introducing means 12 and 21 are disposed at a branch portion T between the passing conveyance path 10 and the paper folding conveyance path 11. The sheet introducing means 12, 21 has a function of introducing the sheet S before the paper folding process, which is conveyed in the passing conveyance path 10, from the rear end side in the conveyance direction to the paper folding conveyance path 11, and the second half in the conveyance direction by the paper folding device 2. The sheet S that has been subjected to the Z-folding process is returned to the passing conveyance path 10 again from the front end side in the conveyance direction via the paper folding conveyance path 11.

具体的には、シート導入手段は、入口デフレクタ１２（径路切り替え部材；シート導入手段）と一対の戻しローラ２１（可逆搬送機構；シート導入手段）とから構成される。入口デフレクタ１２は、通過搬送路１０と紙折り搬送路１１とを連通又は非連通状態に切り替え、連通状態のとき通過搬送路１０を搬送される紙折り処理前のシートＳをその搬送方向後端側から紙折り搬送路１１へ導入する機能を有する。戻しローラ２１は、通過搬送路１０を搬送される紙折り処理前のシートＳを把持し、通過搬送路１０を所定区間にわたり逆方向に搬送して紙折り搬送路１１に導入する機能を有する。 Specifically, the sheet introducing means is composed of an inlet deflector 12 (path switching member; sheet introducing means) and a pair of return rollers 21 (reversible transport mechanism; sheet introducing means). The inlet deflector 12 switches the passage conveyance path 10 and the paper folding conveyance path 11 to a communication state or a non-communication state, and when in the communication state, the sheet S before the paper folding process is conveyed on the passage conveyance path 10 in the conveyance direction rear end. It has a function of being introduced into the paper folding conveyance path 11 from the side. The return roller 21 has a function of gripping the sheet S before the paper folding process conveyed through the passage conveyance path 10, conveying the passage conveyance path 10 in the reverse direction over a predetermined section, and introducing it into the paper folding conveyance path 11.

なお、通過搬送路１０には、シート搬入口７に臨む一対の搬入ローラ９と、シート排出口４に臨む一対の排出ローラ２０とが設けられている。このうち、搬入ローラ９はシートＳを排出トレイ８側に搬送する方向にのみ回転可能であるが、排出ローラ２０は戻しローラ２１と連動して逆回転可能である。ただし、排出ローラ２０は戻しローラ２１に従動して（連れ回りして）の逆回転、自らの駆動による逆回転のいずれであってもよい。また、６４は、紙折り搬送路１１の中途部に設けられ、紙折り処理前のシートＳを紙折り装置２に供給し、Ｚ折り処理後のシートＳを通過搬送路１０に戻すための一対の紙折り搬送ローラである。 The passing conveyance path 10 is provided with a pair of carry-in rollers 9 facing the sheet carry-in port 7 and a pair of discharge rollers 20 facing the sheet discharge port 4. Among these, the carry-in roller 9 can rotate only in the direction in which the sheet S is conveyed to the discharge tray 8, but the discharge roller 20 can rotate in reverse in conjunction with the return roller 21. However, the discharge roller 20 may be either reversely rotated by following the return roller 21 (revolving) or reversely rotated by its own drive. A pair 64 is provided in the middle of the paper folding conveyance path 11 for supplying the sheet S before the paper folding process to the paper folding apparatus 2 and returning the sheet S after the Z folding process to the passing conveyance path 10. This is a paper folding conveyance roller.

したがって、分岐部Ｔから紙折り搬送ローラ６４により紙折り搬送路１１を通り紙折り装置２の入口側に供給された紙折り処理前のシートＳは、後述する紙折り装置２の正逆回転に伴って搬送方向後半部にＺ折り処理が施される。紙折り処理後のシートＳは、再び紙折り装置２の入口側に排出され、紙折り搬送路１１，紙折り搬送ローラ６４及び入口デフレクタ１２，戻しローラ２１を介して搬送方向前端側から通過搬送路１０へ戻される。 Therefore, the sheet S before the paper folding process supplied from the branching section T to the inlet side of the paper folding apparatus 2 through the paper folding conveyance path 11 by the paper folding conveyance roller 64 is rotated forward and backward by the paper folding apparatus 2 described later. Along with this, a Z-folding process is performed on the latter half in the transport direction. The sheet S after the paper folding process is discharged again to the inlet side of the paper folding device 2 and is passed and conveyed from the front end side in the conveying direction via the paper folding conveying path 11, the paper folding conveying roller 64, the inlet deflector 12, and the return roller 21. Return to Road 10.

図３において、紙折り装置２は、シートＳを折り曲げるための一対の紙折りローラ６１，６２と、シートＳの搬送方向を案内するためのデフレクタ１９，１８（案内手段）と、シートＳの端部を受け止めて保持するストッパ１６，２２（位置決め手段）とを備えている。一対の紙折りローラ６１，６２（第一及び第二の紙折りローラ）は互いに接触して回転し、ローラ６１，６２の回転方向は正逆（第一方向及び第二方向）反転させて切換ができる。 In FIG. 3, the paper folding device 2 includes a pair of paper folding rollers 61 and 62 for folding the sheet S, deflectors 19 and 18 (guide means) for guiding the conveyance direction of the sheet S, and an end of the sheet S. Stoppers 16 and 22 (positioning means) for receiving and holding the portion. The pair of paper folding rollers 61 and 62 (first and second paper folding rollers) rotate in contact with each other, and the rotation directions of the rollers 61 and 62 are reversed and reversed (first direction and second direction). Can do.

デフレクタ１９，１８は、紙折りローラ６１，６２の接触位置を挟んで両側に形成される三角状のループ形成空間にそれぞれ臨んで配置されている。具体的には、紙折り搬送路１１側に位置する第一のデフレクタ１９は、紙折り搬送路１１側のループ形成空間から紙折りローラ６１，６２に供給されるシートＳの供給方向をガイドする。また、第一のデフレクタ１９は、紙折りローラ６１，６２から紙折り搬送路１１とは反対側のループ形成空間へ排出されるシートＳの排出方向をガイドする。他方、紙折り搬送路１１とは反対側に位置する第二のデフレクタ１８は、紙折り搬送路１１とは反対側のループ形成空間から紙折りローラ６１，６２に供給されるシートＳの供給方向をガイドする。また、第二のデフレクタ１８は、紙折りローラ６１，６２から紙折り搬送路１１側のループ形成空間へ排出されるシートＳの排出方向をガイドする。 The deflectors 19 and 18 are arranged facing the triangular loop forming spaces formed on both sides of the contact position of the paper folding rollers 61 and 62, respectively. Specifically, the first deflector 19 located on the paper folding conveyance path 11 side guides the supply direction of the sheet S supplied to the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 from the loop forming space on the paper folding conveyance path 11 side. . The first deflector 19 guides the discharge direction of the sheet S discharged from the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 to the loop forming space on the side opposite to the paper folding conveyance path 11. On the other hand, the second deflector 18 located on the side opposite to the paper folding conveyance path 11 is supplied in the direction in which the sheet S is supplied to the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 from the loop forming space on the side opposite to the paper folding conveyance path 11. To guide. The second deflector 18 guides the discharge direction of the sheet S discharged from the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 to the loop forming space on the paper folding conveyance path 11 side.

このように、デフレクタ１９，１８は、シートＳの供給側では、ループ形成空間でループ形成された供給シートＳを背面側から紙折りローラ６１，６２側へ押圧する。一方、シートＳの排出側では、デフレクタ１９，１８は、排出シートＳの排出方向をストッパ１６，２２側にガイドする方向に変換される。 In this way, on the sheet S supply side, the deflectors 19 and 18 press the supply sheet S loop-formed in the loop formation space from the back side to the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 side. On the other hand, on the discharge side of the sheet S, the deflectors 19 and 18 are converted into directions in which the discharge direction of the discharge sheet S is guided to the stoppers 16 and 22 side.

ストッパ１６，２２は、Ｚ折り処理するために各デフレクタ１９，１８により紙折りローラ６１，６２にシートＳを供給する際に、供給シートＳ上に形成された画像Ｉ（図１参照）と各デフレクタ１９，１８との相対位置を定める。そのために、ストッパ１６，２２には、シートＳの端部を検知するセンサ（図示せず）がそれぞれ設けられている。紙折り搬送路１１側において、第一のデフレクタ１９と第一のストッパ１６との間に、第一回目の折曲位置（１／４折り目）で折り曲げられるシートＳの位置規制を行うための第一の規制用搬送路１４（第一の規制ゾーン）が形成されている。一方、紙折り搬送路１１とは反対側において、第二のデフレクタ１８と第二のストッパ２２との間に、第二回目の折曲位置（１／２折り目）で折り曲げられるシートＳの位置規制を行うための第二の規制用搬送路１７（第二の規制ゾーン）が形成されている。なお、１／４折り目（１／２折り目）は、画像形成装置１によりシートＳ上に形成された画像Ｉ（図１参照）の長手方向終端（＝搬送方向終端＝画像形成方向終端）から全長の１／４（１／２）の位置に形成される。 When the sheets S are supplied to the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 by the deflectors 19 and 18 in order to perform the Z-folding process, the stoppers 16 and 22 and the images I (see FIG. 1) formed on the supply sheet S and the respective sheets. A relative position with respect to the deflectors 19 and 18 is determined. For this purpose, the stoppers 16 and 22 are respectively provided with sensors (not shown) for detecting the end of the sheet S. On the paper folding conveyance path 11 side, the position of the sheet S that is folded at the first folding position (1/4 fold) between the first deflector 19 and the first stopper 16 is regulated. One regulation transport path 14 (first regulation zone) is formed. On the other hand, on the side opposite to the paper folding conveyance path 11, the position regulation of the sheet S that is folded at the second folding position (1/2 fold) between the second deflector 18 and the second stopper 22. A second restricting conveyance path 17 (second restricting zone) is formed. The quarter fold (1/2 fold) is the entire length from the end in the longitudinal direction of the image I (see FIG. 1) formed on the sheet S by the image forming apparatus 1 (= the end in the transport direction = the end in the image forming direction). Is formed at a position of 1/4 (1/2).

第一の規制用搬送路１４には補助ローラ６３が配置されている。補助ローラ６３は、紙折りローラ６１，６２の一方のローラ（例えば第二の紙折りローラ６２）と接触して従動回転することにより、シートＳを第一の規制用搬送路１４に収容し、第一の規制用搬送路１４に収容されたシートＳを搬出する。 An auxiliary roller 63 is disposed in the first regulating conveyance path 14. The auxiliary roller 63 contacts and rotates with one of the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 (for example, the second paper folding roller 62), thereby accommodating the sheet S in the first regulating conveyance path 14, The sheet S accommodated in the first restriction transport path 14 is unloaded.

シート処理装置１００には、戻しローラ２１，入口デフレクタ１２、紙折り装置２等の作動を制御するための信号を送出する制御部（図示せず）が設けられている。また、通過搬送路１０には、搬送されるシートＳの存否を検出するセンサ（図示せず）を１又は複数箇所に設けるとよい。 The sheet processing apparatus 100 is provided with a control unit (not shown) that sends out signals for controlling operations of the return roller 21, the entrance deflector 12, the paper folding apparatus 2, and the like. In addition, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet S to be conveyed may be provided in the passing conveyance path 10 at one or a plurality of locations.

次に、以上で述べたシート処理装置１００の作動について図４〜図９に基づいて説明する。 Next, the operation of the sheet processing apparatus 100 described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

（１）紙折り処理前のシートＳの導入［図４（ａ）〜図５（ｂ）］
画像形成装置１のシート搬出口６（図２参照）から排出されたシートＳは、紙折り機構部６０のシート搬入口７から搬入ローラ９によって取り込まれ、フィニッシャ装置３の排出トレイ８（図２参照）側に向けて搬送される。このとき、入口デフレクタ１２は紙折り搬送路１１を閉塞する状態（通過搬送路１０と非連通状態）にあるので、シートＳは通過搬送路１０をシート排出口４の方向に搬送される（図４（ａ））。このとき存否センサ（図示せず）によって、シートＳが戻しローラ２１を超えて排出ローラ２０に達するまで搬送されたことが検出されると、分岐部Ｔの入口デフレクタ１２は通過搬送路１０を閉塞し、通過搬送路１０と紙折り搬送路１１とを連通状態に切り替える（図４（ｂ））。なお、このとき後続のシートＳが通過搬送路１０に搬送されないように、搬入ローラ９の回転を停止する。次に、戻しローラ２１と排出ローラ２０とは逆方向に回転し、通過搬送路１０中のシートＳは、分岐部Ｔの入口デフレクタ１２にガイドされて搬送方向後端側から紙折り搬送路１１に導入される（図４（ｃ））。 (1) Introduction of sheet S before paper folding process (FIGS. 4A to 5B)
The sheet S discharged from the sheet carry-out port 6 (see FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus 1 is taken in by the carry-in roller 9 from the sheet carry-in port 7 of the paper folding mechanism 60, and the discharge tray 8 (FIG. 2) of the finisher device 3. It is transported toward the reference side. At this time, since the inlet deflector 12 is in a state of closing the paper folding conveyance path 11 (not in communication with the passage conveyance path 10), the sheet S is conveyed along the passage conveyance path 10 in the direction of the sheet discharge port 4 (FIG. 4 (a)). At this time, if the presence sensor (not shown) detects that the sheet S has been conveyed until it reaches the discharge roller 20 beyond the return roller 21, the entrance deflector 12 of the branch portion T blocks the passage conveyance path 10. Then, the passage conveyance path 10 and the paper folding conveyance path 11 are switched to the communication state (FIG. 4B). At this time, the rotation of the carry-in roller 9 is stopped so that the subsequent sheet S is not conveyed to the passing conveyance path 10. Next, the return roller 21 and the discharge roller 20 rotate in opposite directions, and the sheet S in the passing conveyance path 10 is guided by the inlet deflector 12 of the branching section T and is fed from the rear end side in the conveyance direction to the paper folding conveyance path 11. (FIG. 4C).

さらに、紙折り搬送路１１中の紙折り搬送ローラ６４の回転によって、シートＳは紙折り装置２に向けて送られる（図５（ａ））。また、第二の紙折りローラ６２と補助ローラ６３との接触回転によって、シートＳは第一の規制用搬送路１４に収容される（図５（ｂ））。シートＳの端部が第一のストッパ１６に到達すると、ローラ６２，６３は回転を停止する。 Further, the sheet S is sent toward the paper folding device 2 by the rotation of the paper folding conveyance roller 64 in the paper folding conveyance path 11 (FIG. 5A). Further, the sheet S is accommodated in the first regulating conveyance path 14 by the contact rotation between the second paper folding roller 62 and the auxiliary roller 63 (FIG. 5B). When the end of the sheet S reaches the first stopper 16, the rollers 62 and 63 stop rotating.

（２）Ｚ折り処理［図６（ａ）〜図７（ｃ）］
（２−１）１／４折り目の形成［図６（ａ）〜図６（ｃ）］
第二の紙折りローラ６２と補助ローラ６３との接触回転及び紙折り搬送ローラ６４の回転によって、シートＳは両端側から押される。その結果、画像形成装置１によりシートＳ上に形成された画像Ｉ（図１参照）の長手方向後半部（＝搬送方向後半部＝画像形成方向後半部）にループが形成され、このループは第一のループ形成空間に供給される。このとき、第一のデフレクタ１９が、第一のループ形成空間へ突出してシートＳ（ループ）の背面側から、第一方向に接触回転する紙折りローラ６１，６２側へ押圧する。供給シートＳには、第一のデフレクタ１９と第一のストッパ１６とで位置規制された第一回目の折曲位置に１／４折り目が形成される（図６（ａ））。１／４折り目が形成されたシートＳは、第二のデフレクタ１８にガイドされて、第二のループ形成空間から第二の規制用搬送路１７に搬送される。第二のストッパ２２にシートＳの端部が到達すると、紙折りローラ６１，６２は回転を停止する（図６（ｂ））。第二のデフレクタ１８は第二のループ形成空間から離間し、第二のストッパ２２が第二の規制用搬送路１７に沿って上昇してシートＳを第二回目の折曲位置へ移動させて停止する（図６（ｃ））。 (2) Z-folding process [FIGS. 6A to 7C]
(2-1) Formation of quarter fold [FIGS. 6A to 6C]
The sheet S is pressed from both ends by the contact rotation between the second paper folding roller 62 and the auxiliary roller 63 and the rotation of the paper folding conveying roller 64. As a result, a loop is formed in the second half in the longitudinal direction (= second half in the conveyance direction = second half in the image forming direction) of the image I (see FIG. 1) formed on the sheet S by the image forming apparatus 1. One loop forming space is supplied. At this time, the first deflector 19 protrudes into the first loop forming space and presses from the back side of the sheet S (loop) toward the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 that rotate in contact with the first direction. On the supply sheet S, a quarter fold is formed at the first folding position, the position of which is regulated by the first deflector 19 and the first stopper 16 (FIG. 6A). The sheet S on which the quarter fold is formed is guided by the second deflector 18 and is conveyed from the second loop forming space to the second restriction conveying path 17. When the end of the sheet S reaches the second stopper 22, the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 stop rotating (FIG. 6B). The second deflector 18 is separated from the second loop forming space, and the second stopper 22 moves up along the second restricting conveyance path 17 to move the sheet S to the second folding position. Stop (FIG. 6 (c)).

（２−２）１／２折り目の形成［図７（ａ）〜図７（ｃ）］
紙折りローラ６１，６２が第二方向へ接触回転するとともに、第二のデフレクタ１８が第二のループ形成空間へ突出してシートＳを背面側から紙折りローラ６１，６２側へ押圧する。シートＳには、第二のデフレクタ１８と第二のストッパ２２とで位置規制された第二回目の折曲位置に１／２折り目が形成される（図７（ａ））。１／２折り目が形成されたシートＳは、第一のデフレクタ１９にガイドされて、第一のループ形成空間から第一の規制用搬送路１４に搬送される。下降移動した第一のストッパ１６にシートＳの端部が到達すると（図７（ｂ））、紙折りローラ６１，６２は回転を停止し、第一のデフレクタ１９は第一のループ形成空間から離間する（図７（ｃ））。 (2-2) Formation of 1/2 fold [FIGS. 7A to 7C]
The paper folding rollers 61 and 62 rotate in contact with each other in the second direction, and the second deflector 18 protrudes into the second loop forming space and presses the sheet S from the back side to the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 side. In the sheet S, a ½ fold is formed at the second folding position where the position is regulated by the second deflector 18 and the second stopper 22 (FIG. 7A). The sheet S on which the 1/2 fold is formed is guided by the first deflector 19 and is conveyed from the first loop forming space to the first regulating conveyance path 14. When the end of the sheet S reaches the first stopper 16 that has moved down (FIG. 7B), the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 stop rotating, and the first deflector 19 moves from the first loop forming space. They are separated (FIG. 7C).

（３）紙折り処理後のシートＳの導出［図８（ａ）・図８（ｂ）］
第一のストッパ１６の上昇移動（復帰動作）、第二の紙折りローラ６２と補助ローラ６３との接触回転及び紙折り搬送ローラ６４の回転によって、Ｚ折り処理後のシートＳは紙折り搬送路１１を上昇する（図８（ａ））。なお、このとき第二のストッパ２２は下降移動（復帰動作）する。さらに、戻しローラ２１（及び排出ローラ２０）の回転により、シートＳは、分岐部Ｔの入口デフレクタ１２にガイドされて搬送方向前端側から通過搬送路１０に戻される（図８（ｂ））。 (3) Derivation of sheet S after paper folding process [FIGS. 8A and 8B]
The sheet S after the Z-folding process is fed to the paper folding conveyance path by the upward movement (returning operation) of the first stopper 16, the contact rotation between the second paper folding roller 62 and the auxiliary roller 63, and the rotation of the paper folding conveyance roller 64. 11 is raised (FIG. 8A). At this time, the second stopper 22 moves downward (return operation). Further, the sheet S is guided by the entrance deflector 12 of the branch portion T and returned to the passing conveyance path 10 from the front end side in the conveyance direction by the rotation of the return roller 21 (and the discharge roller 20) (FIG. 8B).

（４）半折り処理［図９（ａ）〜図９（ｃ）］
半折り処理の場合、第一のストッパ１６は図６（ａ）に示す１／４折り目形成の場合よりも下方に位置設定され、第一のデフレクタ１９と第一のストッパ１６とで位置規制された折曲位置は１／２折り目となるが、それ以外は図６（ａ）と同様に作動する（図９（ａ））。１／２折り目が形成されたシートＳを第二のストッパ２２が受け止めたとき、紙折りローラ６１，６２が第一方向への接触回転を停止し、直ちに第二のストッパ２２が上昇するとともに紙折りローラ６１，６２が第二方向へ反転（接触回転）する（図９（ｂ））。下降移動した第一のストッパ１６がシートＳを受け止めたとき、紙折りローラ６１，６２が第二方向への接触回転を停止し、第一のデフレクタ１９は第一のループ形成空間から離間する（図９（ｃ））。 (4) Half-fold process [FIGS. 9A to 9C]
In the case of the half-folding process, the first stopper 16 is positioned below the case of the 1/4 fold formation shown in FIG. 6A, and the position is regulated by the first deflector 19 and the first stopper 16. The bent position is a ½ fold, but the other operation is the same as in FIG. 6A (FIG. 9A). When the second stopper 22 receives the sheet S on which the 1/2 fold has been formed, the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 stop rotating in the first direction, and the second stopper 22 is immediately raised and the paper is moved. The folding rollers 61 and 62 are reversed (contact rotation) in the second direction (FIG. 9B). When the first stopper 16 moved downward receives the sheet S, the paper folding rollers 61 and 62 stop rotating in the second direction, and the first deflector 19 is separated from the first loop formation space ( FIG. 9 (c)).

（変形例）
図１０に紙折り装置の変形例を示す。図１０の紙折り装置２’では、供給シートＳの搬送方向後端側を受け止める第一のストッパ１６の代わりに、供給シートＳの搬送方向前端側を保持するホルダ１６’（第一の位置決め手段）が設けられている。このホルダ１６’を第一の位置決め手段として用いても、シートＳの搬送方向後半部にＺ折り処理を実施することができる。 (Modification)
FIG. 10 shows a modification of the paper folding apparatus. In the paper folding apparatus 2 ′ shown in FIG. 10, instead of the first stopper 16 that receives the rear end side in the conveyance direction of the supply sheet S, a holder 16 ′ (first positioning means) that holds the front end side in the conveyance direction of the supply sheet S. ) Is provided. Even if this holder 16 'is used as the first positioning means, the Z-folding process can be performed in the latter half of the sheet S in the transport direction.

図１１にシート処理装置の変形例を示す。図１１のシート処理装置２００では、画像形成装置１のシート搬出口６に、通過搬送路１０（シート搬送径路）及び排出トレイ８（スタッカ部）を備えたフィニッシャ装置３が直接的に結合されている。そして、このフィニッシャ装置３の通過搬送路１０に、紙折り搬送路１１（シート導入径路）と紙折り装置２とが配設されている。これによってシート処理装置２００は一層コンパクトに構成される。 FIG. 11 shows a modification of the sheet processing apparatus. In the sheet processing apparatus 200 of FIG. 11, the finisher apparatus 3 including the passing conveyance path 10 (sheet conveyance path) and the discharge tray 8 (stacker unit) is directly coupled to the sheet carry-out port 6 of the image forming apparatus 1. Yes. A paper folding conveyance path 11 (sheet introduction path) and a paper folding apparatus 2 are arranged in the passing conveyance path 10 of the finisher device 3. Accordingly, the sheet processing apparatus 200 is configured to be more compact.

なお、図１０及び図１１に示す変形例において、実施例（図１〜図９）と共通する機能を有する部分には同一符号を付して説明を省略する。 In the modification shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, parts having the same functions as those in the embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 9) are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

本発明の概念を表わす説明図。Explanatory drawing showing the concept of this invention. 本発明に係る紙折り装置を備えたシート処理装置の一例を示す概略説明図。1 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of a sheet processing apparatus provided with a paper folding apparatus according to the present invention. 図２の主要部の構成説明図。FIG. 3 is a configuration explanatory diagram of a main part of FIG. 2. シート導入手段の作動を示す説明図。Explanatory drawing which shows the action | operation of a sheet | seat introduction means. Ｚ折り処理のための紙折り装置の作動を示す説明図。Explanatory drawing which shows the action | operation of the paper folding apparatus for Z folding process. 図５に続く紙折り装置の作動を示す説明図。Explanatory drawing which shows the action | operation of the paper folding apparatus following FIG. 図６に続く紙折り装置の作動を示す説明図。Explanatory drawing which shows the action | operation of the paper folding apparatus following FIG. 図７に続く紙折り装置の作動を示す説明図。Explanatory drawing which shows the action | operation of the paper folding apparatus following FIG. 半折り処理のための紙折り装置の作動を示す説明図。Explanatory drawing which shows the action | operation of the paper folding apparatus for a half-fold process. 紙折り装置の変形例を示す説明図。Explanatory drawing which shows the modification of a paper folding apparatus. シート処理装置の変形例を示す説明図。Explanatory drawing which shows the modification of a sheet processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

１画像形成装置
２紙折り装置
３フィニッシャ装置
６シート搬出口
８排出トレイ（スタッカ部）
１０通過搬送路（シート搬送径路）
１１紙折り搬送路（シート導入径路）
１２入口デフレクタ（径路切り替え部材；シート導入手段）
１４第一の規制用搬送路（第一の規制ゾーン）
１６第一のストッパ（第一の位置決め手段）
１７第二の規制用搬送路（第二の規制ゾーン）
１８第二のデフレクタ（第二の案内手段）
１９第一のデフレクタ（第一の案内手段）
２１戻しローラ（可逆搬送機構；シート導入手段）
２２第二のストッパ（第二の位置決め手段）
６１第一の紙折りローラ
６２第二の紙折りローラ
６３補助ローラ
１００シート処理装置
Ｉ画像
Ｓシート
Ｔ分岐部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Paper folding apparatus 3 Finisher apparatus 6 Sheet exit port 8 Ejection tray (stacker part)
10 Passing conveyance path (sheet conveyance path)
11 Paper folding conveyance path (sheet introduction path)
12 Inlet deflector (path switching member; sheet introducing means)
14 First regulation transport path (first regulation zone)
16 First stopper (first positioning means)
17 Second regulation transport path (second regulation zone)
18 Second deflector (second guide means)
19 First deflector (first guide means)
21 Return roller (reversible transport mechanism; sheet introducing means)
22 Second stopper (second positioning means)
61 First paper folding roller 62 Second paper folding roller 63 Auxiliary roller 100 Sheet processing apparatus I Image S Sheet T Branching section

Claims

A pair of paper folding rollers that rotate in contact with each other to fold a sheet as a paper sheet and that can be switched between a first direction and a second direction in which the rotation direction is reversed in the forward and reverse directions;
Supply direction of a sheet supplied to each of the pair of paper folding rollers from each loop forming space, arranged facing the triangular loop forming spaces formed on both sides across the contact position of the pair of paper folding rollers, or Guiding means for guiding the discharge direction of the sheet discharged from the pair of paper folding rollers to each loop forming space;
Positioning means for determining a relative position between the supply sheet and the respective guide means when the sheet is supplied to the pair of paper folding rollers by the respective guide means for performing the Z-folding process,
With the rotation of the pair of paper folding rollers in the first direction, the sheet positioned by the first positioning means and supplied to the first loop forming space by the first guiding means is the first folding position. After being folded by the pair of paper folding rollers, it is guided and discharged from the second loop forming space to the second guide means,
Thereafter, the sheet is held at a predetermined position by the second positioning means, and the rotation of the pair of paper folding rollers is stopped,
Along with the rotation of the pair of paper folding rollers in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the sheet supplied to the second loop forming space by the second guide means After being folded by the pair of paper folding rollers at a position, it is guided and discharged from the first loop forming space to the first guiding means,
Thereafter, the sheet is held at a predetermined position by the first positioning means, and the rotation of the pair of paper folding rollers is stopped.

A pair of paper folding rollers that rotate in contact with each other to fold a sheet as a paper sheet and that can be switched between a first direction and a second direction in which the rotation direction is reversed in the forward and reverse directions;
Supply direction of a sheet supplied to each of the pair of paper folding rollers from each loop forming space, arranged facing the triangular loop forming spaces formed on both sides across the contact position of the pair of paper folding rollers, or Guiding means for guiding the discharge direction of the sheet discharged from the pair of paper folding rollers to each loop forming space;
Positioning means for determining a relative position between the image formed on the supply sheet and each guiding means when the sheet is supplied to the pair of paper folding rollers by the respective guiding means for performing the Z-folding process; With
As the pair of paper folding rollers rotate in the first direction, the sheet positioned by the first positioning means and supplied to the first loop forming space by the first guiding means is formed on the supply sheet. After being folded by the pair of paper folding rollers at the first folding position corresponding to a quarter of the longitudinal direction from the rear end of the formed image in the second direction, the second guiding means is provided from the second loop forming space. To be discharged
Thereafter, the sheet is held at a predetermined position by the second positioning means, and the rotation of the pair of paper folding rollers is stopped,
As the pair of paper folding rollers rotate in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the sheet supplied to the second loop forming space by the second guide means is formed on the supply sheet. After being folded by the pair of paper folding rollers at a second folding position corresponding to one half of the longitudinal direction from the rear end portion in the image forming direction, the first loop forming space is used to Guided by the guide means and discharged,
Thereafter, the sheet is held at a predetermined position by the first positioning means, and the rotation of the pair of paper folding rollers is stopped.

The paper folding apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a second half in the longitudinal direction of an image formed on a sheet by the image forming apparatus is supplied to the first loop forming space.

On the sheet supply side, the guide means presses the supply sheet loop-formed in the loop formation space from the back side to the pair of paper folding rollers at the folding position, while on the sheet discharge side, The paper folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the paper folding device is configured as a deflector member capable of changing a direction in order to guide a discharge direction of the discharge sheet toward the positioning means.

5. The positioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the positioning unit is configured as a stopper member that receives and holds an end portion of the supply sheet in order to determine a relative position between the supply sheet and the guide unit. Paper folding device.

Between the first guide means and the first positioning means is formed a first restriction zone for regulating the position of the sheet folded at the first folding position,
2. The second restriction zone for restricting the position of the sheet folded at the second folding position is formed between the second guide means and the second positioning means. 6. The paper folding apparatus according to any one of 5 above.

In the first restriction zone, the sheet is accommodated in the first restriction zone and is accommodated in the first restriction zone by rotating in contact with one of the pair of paper folding rollers. The paper folding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an auxiliary roller for carrying out the sheet is disposed.