JP6116887B2 - Paper processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention generally relates to a sheet processing apparatus, and particularly relates to a sheet processing apparatus including a paper folding unit that folds a sheet.

  Conventionally, paper is transported at a predetermined paper transport speed, the transport paper abuts against a stopper in the folding tray, the transport paper that has lost its destination is curved, and the curved portion of the transport paper is bent by a pair of folding rollers. A buckle folding technique for folding a sheet by pinching is used in a sheet processing apparatus. In the buckle folding technology, a collision noise is generated when the conveyance sheet abuts against the stopper vigorously. For example, in order to reduce such a collision noise, the sheet conveyance speed of the conveyance sheet is temporarily reduced. It is disclosed that the conveyed paper is brought into contact with a stopper in the state of being made (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-302383 A

  In a paper folding section such as Patent Document 1, folding per unit time is performed regardless of the form (size, folding method, and thickness) of the transport paper in order to make the transportability and folding processing accuracy of the transport paper uniform. The number of sheets to be processed (processing capacity) is constant, and the sheet conveying speed is uniformly set based on the form of the conveying sheet that takes the longest folding process in order to match the processing capacity of the sheet processing apparatus. As a result, the paper transport speed is unnecessarily high even for forms of transport paper that do not require time for folding processing, and the paper feed time interval when feeding the transport paper sequentially is also uniform. ing.

  In such a paper processing method, depending on the form of the transport paper, the paper feed time interval, that is, the paper feed waiting time becomes unnecessarily long, and the transport paper folding process is never efficient. Further, since the high-speed conveyance is suddenly decelerated to the low-speed conveyance in order to reduce the collision noise, a slip may occur between the conveyance sheet and the conveyance roller and a folding shift may occur.

  Therefore, a technical problem to be solved by the present invention is a sheet processing apparatus that performs efficient sheet processing while maintaining a predetermined processing capability, and can suppress occurrence of folding misalignment and reduce collision sound. Is to provide.

  In order to solve the above technical problem, according to the present invention, the following paper processing apparatus is provided.

That is, the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is
A first paper transport unit for transporting paper at a first paper transport speed;
A paper folding unit that performs folding processing on the transported paper transported from the paper feeding unit by the first paper transporting unit;
A transport paper information acquisition unit that acquires transport paper information related to the transport paper provided to the paper folding unit;
A target paper conveyance speed setting unit that sets the target first paper conveyance speed based on the conveyance paper information acquired by the conveyance paper information acquisition unit;
A paper trailing edge detection unit for detecting a trailing edge of the paper conveyed in the paper conveyance direction from the paper feeding unit to the paper folding unit;
Based on the trailing edge in the sheet conveyance direction of the preceding sheet detected by the sheet trailing edge detection unit, the sheet feeding timing for feeding the subsequent sheet is controlled, and the target first sheet is used by using the first sheet conveying unit. A control unit that controls to convey the sheet at a conveyance speed,
The target first sheet conveyance speed is set based on the conveyance sheet information acquired by the conveyance sheet information acquisition unit and a predetermined number of sheets processed per unit time determined in advance by the control unit. It is characterized by that.

In the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention,
The paper trailing edge detection unit is disposed upstream of the paper folding unit in the paper conveyance direction.

In the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention,
A paper conveyance interval detection unit for detecting a paper conveyance direction interval between the preceding paper and the subsequent paper;
The control unit detects a sheet conveyance interval detected by the sheet conveyance interval detection unit and calculated by the control unit so as to coincide with the number of sheets processed per predetermined unit time, and a current first sheet conveyance speed. And changing the target first sheet conveyance speed.

In the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention,
The paper conveyance interval detection unit is disposed downstream of the paper folding unit in the paper conveyance direction.

In the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention,
A second paper transport unit connected to a downstream side of the paper folding direction of the paper folding unit and configured to transport paper in a second paper transport direction substantially orthogonal to the first paper transport direction of the paper folding unit;
In the case of including a paper folding process that does not take time such as two-folding or three-folding specified in the transporting paper information, the first paper transporting unit corresponds to the second paper transporting speed in the second paper transporting unit. The first paper transport speed is relatively slow.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the feeding timing for feeding the succeeding sheet based on the trailing end of the preceding sheet detected by the trailing end detecting unit is controlled by the control unit, and the conveying sheet information acquiring unit The paper is transported at the target first paper transport speed set based on the transport paper information acquired by the above. As a result, the number of processed sheets per unit time (processing capacity) is maintained, efficient sheet processing can be performed without waste, and the first sheet conveyance speed is rapidly reduced from high speed to low speed. There is an effect that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the bent displacement. In addition, since the target first paper transport speed is set to a low speed based on transport paper information that does not require high-speed paper transport, it is possible to reduce the impact noise of the paper at the paper folding portion.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is easy to install the sheet trailing edge detection unit, and it is possible to determine the sheet feeding timing accurately and stably.

  In the invention according to claim 3, there is an effect that the control unit can appropriately change the target first sheet conveyance speed to achieve a predetermined number of processed sheets (processing capacity) per unit time.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to install the sheet conveyance interval detection unit, and there is an effect that the interval in the sheet conveyance direction can be determined accurately and stably.

  In the invention according to claim 5, it is difficult for the sheets to overlap on the second sheet transport section, and the sheet transport interval can be reduced, so that efficient sheet processing without waste can be performed. The effect of becoming.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a sheet processing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a main part of a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a schematic diagram expressed on the same plane along a sheet conveyance direction. 1 is a block diagram of a sheet processing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of the sheet processing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for determining a paper feed timing. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for changing a first paper conveyance speed. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state of detection of a rear end of a sheet to be V-folded in the sheet conveyance direction in the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state of detection of a front end of a sheet folded in a sheet conveyance direction in the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a state of detection of a rear end in a sheet conveyance direction of a sheet to be C-folded in the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state of detection of a front end of a C-folded sheet in the sheet conveyance direction in the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state of detection of a trailing end of a sheet to be Z-folded in the sheet conveyance direction in the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining how the front end of the Z-folded sheet in the sheet conveyance direction is detected in the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a paper jam that may occur when a transport sheet is delivered from a paper folding unit to a second sheet transport unit. (A) shows a state where a paper jam has occurred, (B) shows a conventional method for preventing paper jam, and (C) shows that the paper jam is eliminated by this invention.

  First, an overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The sheet processing apparatus 1 is, for example, a mailing machine, and has a first unit 2 and a second unit 3 coupled in an L shape in plan view. The first unit 2 includes a paper feeding unit 8, a paper folding unit 30, and a first paper conveyance unit 20, and the second unit 3 includes a cross conveyor unit (second paper conveyance unit) 40 and a paper conveyance seal unit (not shown). Including. The second unit 3 includes an operation key 5, a display panel 7, and a control unit 6, and is electrically connected to the first unit 2.

  The paper P (for example, A4 size cut paper) fed by the paper feed unit 8 is conveyed to the paper folding unit 30 one by one by the first paper conveyance unit 20, and two or three by the paper folding unit 30. And is conveyed to a paper conveyance seal unit (not shown) by a cross conveyor unit (second paper conveyance unit) 40, pressed by the paper conveyance seal unit, and then discharged onto the paper discharge tray 9.

  Next, the configuration of the paper folding unit 30 will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

  A paper feed unit 8 is disposed upstream of the paper folding unit 30 in the first paper transport direction D1, and the paper feed unit 8 includes a paper feed roller 26, a separating plate 27, a paper feed sensor 51, including. The paper feed roller 26 contacts the paper P placed on the paper cradle and feeds the paper P one by one in order from the top. The separating plate 27 prevents the sheets P fed by the sheet feeding roller 26 from being overlapped and sent out. A paper feed sensor 51 disposed downstream of the paper feed roller 26 in the first paper transport direction D1 detects whether or not the paper P has passed.

  The paper folding unit 30 includes a first folding tray 18, a second folding tray 19, and a first paper transporting unit 20, and transports two sheets of paper P while transporting the paper P along the first paper transporting path 11. Fold it in three. Folding rollers 32 to 37 are alternately arranged above and below the first paper transport path 11. A first folding tray 18 and a second folding tray 19 are arranged below the folding rollers 32 to 37. Folding stoppers 18a and 19a configured to be movable along the upper and lower longitudinal directions of the first folding tray 18 and the second folding tray 19 are disposed on the first folding tray 18 and the second folding tray 19, respectively. Work as a paper abutting plate.

  The first drive motor 22 (for example, a DC motor) drives the drive transmission gear 31, the folding rollers 32 to 37, and the paper discharge rollers 38 and 39 through the belt 24 so as to rotate integrally. . The first sheet conveyance speed by the first drive motor 22 is detected by, for example, an encoder (not shown) that detects the number of rotations of the first drive motor 22 per unit time, and is calculated by a CPU 6a described later based on the detected value. A paper feed clutch 29 is interposed between the drive transmission gear 31 and a gear provided on the shaft of the paper feed roller 26. By switching ON or OFF of the paper feed clutch 29, the rotational driving force of the first drive motor 22 is switched to the transmission state to the paper feed roller 26 or to the non-transmission state. The paper feed roller 26 to which the rotational driving force of the first drive motor 22 has been transmitted rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the folding rollers 32 to 37.

  A paper feed timing detection sensor is provided in the first paper transport path 11 upstream of the first paper transport direction D1 of the folding roller 32 of the paper folding unit 30 and downstream of the first paper transport direction D1 of the paper feed sensor 51. 52 is arranged. The paper feed timing detection sensor 52 functions as a paper trailing edge detection unit that detects the trailing edge Pb in the paper conveyance direction of the paper P conveyed from the paper feeding unit 8 to the paper folding unit 30. A sheet conveyance interval detection sensor 53 is disposed in the first sheet conveyance path 11 on the downstream side of the folding roller 37 of the sheet folding unit 30 in the first sheet conveyance direction D1. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 which will be described later, the sheet conveyance interval detection sensor 53 detects the first sheet between the preceding sheet P1 folded by the sheet folding unit 30 and the subsequent sheet P2 fed from the sheet feeding unit 8. It functions as a sheet conveyance interval detection unit that detects an interval in the one sheet conveyance direction D1.

  The first folding tray 18 and the second folding tray 19 of the paper folding unit 30 will be further described. As shown in FIG. 2, the first folding tray 18 is disposed between the second folding roller 33 and the fourth folding roller 35, and between the fourth folding roller 35 and the sixth folding roller 37, A second folding tray 19 is arranged. Paper storage spaces 18b and 19b are formed in the first folding tray 18 and the second folding tray 19, respectively, so that the paper P can be fed into the paper storage spaces 18b and 19b. The first folding stopper 18a and the second folding stopper 19a disposed along the first folding tray 18 and the second folding tray 19, respectively, are a bottom portion of the first paper storage space 18b and a bottom portion of the second paper storage space 19b, respectively. Are formed so as to come into contact with the paper P fed into the first paper storage space 18b and the second paper storage space 19b, respectively. The first folding stopper 18a and the second folding stopper 19a are respectively fixed to elevating members that move up and down by rotation of a screw rod (not shown), for example, and the longitudinal directions of the first paper storage space 18b and the second paper storage space 19b. (That is, it can be moved up and down in FIG. 2).

  Next, the structure of the cross conveyor part 40 of the 2nd unit 3 is demonstrated, referring the schematic diagram of FIG.

  The cross conveyor unit 40 conveys the paper P discharged from the pair of paper discharge rollers 38 and 39 of the paper folding unit 30 in a second paper conveyance direction substantially orthogonal to the first paper conveyance direction D1 of the paper folding unit 30. A second paper transport path 12 for transporting to D2 is formed. The cross conveyor unit 40 includes a conveyor belt 47 that transmits the rotational driving force of the second drive motor 42 via a timing belt 44, and a rigid ball 49 held by a holder 48. The transport belt 47 is an endless belt that circulates between the driving roller 45 and the driven roller 46 that are rotationally driven by the timing belt 44, and can transport the paper P in the second paper transport direction D2. A rigid sphere 49 for pressing the paper P is arranged so that the orientation of the paper P is not disturbed when the paper P is delivered. The rigid sphere 49 is rotatably held by a holder 48. Accordingly, the second paper transport path 12 is formed by the lower portion of the rigid sphere 49 and the upper surface of the transport belt 47. And the paper P discharged | emitted from the cross conveyor part 40 is conveyed by the paper conveyance seal | sticker part which is not shown in figure, for example.

  Next, the configuration of the control unit 6 of the sheet processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  A control unit 6 that controls the overall control of the sheet processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 6a, a ROM 6b that stores basic programs, operation programs, and the like, a first drive motor 22, a second drive motor 42, and a folding unit. It includes a RAM 6c that temporarily stores the number of drive pulses of a stopper drive motor (not shown), an EEPROM 6d that stores parameters, and the like. The control unit 6 includes a display panel 7, an operation key 5, a first drive motor 22 that drives the folding rollers 32 to 37, a second drive motor 42 that drives the timing belt 44, the conveyance belt 47, and the like. A paper feed clutch 29, a paper feed sensor 51, a paper feed timing detection sensor 52, a paper transport interval detection sensor 53, and the like are connected to each other.

  The CPU 6 a controls the operation of each device constituting the sheet processing apparatus 1 based on the operation instruction from the operation key 5. For example, when conveyance paper information such as the size, thickness, folding line position, and folding method of the paper P is input from the operation keys 5, the CPU 6a sets the first folding stopper 18a and the second folding stopper 19a to predetermined heights. Set automatically. Note that the conveyance paper information regarding the size and thickness of the paper P can also be acquired by installing a paper size detection sensor and a paper thickness detection sensor (not shown). Further, the operation key 5 can be used to execute a paper folding operation for the paper P or a crimping operation for the paper P folded. Further, the CPU 6a monitors each detection output signal from the various sensors 51, 52, 53 described above, and acquires information for performing a predetermined operation.

  Note that the operation key 5, the CPU 6a, a size detection sensor, a thickness detection sensor, and the like (not shown) convey paper information about the paper P provided to the paper folding unit 30 (for example, the size and thickness of the paper P, the folding line position, the folding line). It functions as a transport paper information acquisition unit that acquires the

  Next, a paper folding operation for so-called V-folding, C-folding, or Z-folding of the paper P will be described. In any of the folding methods, the paper P is moved to the first paper transport path 11 by the first paper transport unit 20. The paper P that is transported first is the preceding paper P1, the paper P that is transported following the preceding paper P1 is the succeeding paper P2, and the succeeding paper P2 is followed. Further, the sheet P to be conveyed is set as the next succeeding sheet P3.

  First, an example of a V-folding operation for folding the paper P transported along the first paper transport path 11 in two will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The preceding paper P1 fed from the paper feeding unit 8 passes through the paper feed sensor 51 and is detected to be fed, and the preceding paper P1 is conveyed toward the paper folding unit 30. The front end Pa of the preceding paper P1 conveyed to the paper folding unit 30 passes between the first folding roller 32 and the second folding roller 33, and further includes the second folding roller 33 and the third folding roller 34. Between the first folding tray 18 and the paper storage space 18b. Then, after the front end Pa of the preceding sheet P1 in the sheet conveyance direction comes into contact with the first folding stopper 18a, a curved portion is formed, and this curved portion is sandwiched between the third folding roller 34 and the fourth folding roller 35. As a result, a broken line Pc is formed. The preceding paper P1 on which the folding line Pc is formed is sandwiched between the fourth folding roller 35 and the fifth folding roller 36. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the trailing edge Pb of the preceding sheet P1 in the sheet conveyance direction passes through the sheet feeding timing detection sensor 52, so that whether or not the succeeding sheet P2 is fed is OK. A paper feed timing signal used for determination is output. If the CPU 6a determines that it is OK even if paper is fed based on the output paper feed timing signal, the CPU 6a turns on the connection of the paper feed clutch 29. The drive transmission gear 31 is connected to the paper feed roller 26 via the paper feed clutch 29, whereby the paper feed operation for the succeeding paper P2 is performed, and the succeeding paper P2 is conveyed toward the paper folding unit 30. The

  Simultaneously with the feeding operation of the succeeding sheet P2, the preceding sheet P1 tends to be sent into the sheet storage space 19b of the second folding tray 19 with the folding line Pc of the preceding sheet P1 at the head. However, since the folding line Pc of the preceding sheet P1 contacts the second folding stopper 19a disposed at the shallowest upper position and the feeding into the sheet storage space 19b is blocked, the folding line Pc of the preceding sheet P1 is the second folding line Pc. The sheet passes between the fifth folding roller 36 and the sixth folding roller 37 without being fed into the paper storage space 19 b of the folding tray 19. Then, when the preceding sheet P1 is further conveyed, the folding line Pc of the preceding sheet P1 passes through the sheet conveying interval detection sensor 53 as shown in FIG. A signal regarding the sheet conveyance interval is output, and the CPU 6a calculates the sheet conveyance interval based on the signal (that is, detection of the sheet conveyance interval). The CPU 6a determines whether or not the calculated paper conveyance interval is an appropriate paper conveyance interval. If the paper conveyance interval is inappropriate, the CPU 6a determines the first paper as the currently set target. The setting is changed from the transport speed (hereinafter referred to as a target first paper transport speed) to a new target first paper transport speed. Therefore, the CPU 6a functions as a target paper conveyance speed setting unit. The preceding paper P1 folded in a V shape that has passed through the paper transport interval detection sensor 53 is transported toward the cross conveyor section 40 via the paper discharge rollers 38 and 39.

  Next, an example of a C-folding operation for folding the paper P conveyed along the first paper conveyance path 11 into three will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

  The preceding paper P1 fed from the paper feeding unit 8 passes through the paper feed sensor 51 and is detected to be fed, and the preceding paper P1 is conveyed toward the paper folding unit 30. The front end Pa of the preceding paper P1 conveyed to the paper folding unit 30 passes between the first folding roller 32 and the second folding roller 33, and further includes the second folding roller 33 and the third folding roller 34. Between the first folding tray 18 and the paper storage space 18b. Then, after the front end Pa of the preceding paper P1 in the sheet conveyance direction comes into contact with the first folding stopper 18a disposed at a medium depth, a curved portion is formed, and this curved portion is formed with the third folding roller 34 and the second folding roller 34. A fold line Pd is formed by being sandwiched between the four folding rollers 35. The preceding sheet P1 on which the folding line Pd is formed is further conveyed and is sandwiched between the fourth folding roller 35 and the fifth folding roller 36, while the leading portion of the preceding sheet P1 including the folding line Pd is the second folding tray. It is fed into 19 sheet storage spaces 19b. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the trailing edge Pb of the preceding sheet P1 in the sheet conveyance direction passes through the sheet feeding timing detection sensor 52, so that whether or not the succeeding sheet P2 is fed is OK. A paper feed timing signal used for determination is output. If the CPU 6a determines that it is OK even if paper is fed based on the output paper feed timing signal, the CPU 6a turns on the connection of the paper feed clutch 29. The drive transmission gear 31 is connected to the paper feed roller 26 via the paper feed clutch 29, whereby the paper feed operation for the succeeding paper P2 is performed, and the succeeding paper P2 is conveyed toward the paper folding unit 30. The

  Simultaneously with the feeding operation of the succeeding sheet P2, the leading portion of the preceding sheet P1 including the folding line Pd is further fed into the sheet storage space 19b of the second folding tray 19. Similarly, when the fold line Pd of the preceding paper P1 comes into contact with the second folding stopper 19a, the rear portion of the preceding paper P1 is similarly folded in the fifth fold roller 36 and the sixth folding roller 37 in the fifth fold. A fold line Pe is formed by curving between the roller 36 and the sixth fold roller 37 and sandwiching the curved portion between the fifth fold roller 36 and the sixth fold roller 37. When the preceding paper P1 is further transported with the folding line Pe as the head, the folding paper Pe of the preceding paper P1 passes through the paper transport interval detection sensor 53 as shown in FIG. The sheet conveyance interval between the two is detected. The CPU 6a determines whether or not the detected paper conveyance interval is an appropriate paper conveyance interval. If the paper conveyance interval is inappropriate, the CPU 6a sets the currently set target first paper conveyance speed. To a new target first paper transport speed. The preceding paper P1 folded in a C shape that has passed through the paper transport interval detection sensor 53 is transported toward the cross conveyor section 40 via the paper discharge rollers 38 and 39.

  Further, an example of a Z-folding operation for folding the paper P transported along the first paper transport path 11 into three will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

  The preceding paper P1 fed from the paper feeding unit 8 passes through the paper feed sensor 51 and is detected to be fed, and the preceding paper P1 is conveyed toward the paper folding unit 30. The front end Pa of the preceding paper P1 conveyed to the paper folding unit 30 passes between the first folding roller 32 and the second folding roller 33, and further includes the second folding roller 33 and the third folding roller 34. Between the first folding tray 18 and the paper storage space 18b. Then, after the front end Pa of the preceding paper P1 in the sheet conveyance direction comes into contact with the first folding stopper 18a disposed at a deep lower position, a curved portion is formed, and the curved portion is formed by the third folding roller 34 and the fourth folding roller. The fold line Pf is formed by being pinched | interposed between 35. The leading portion including the folding line Pf of the preceding paper P1 is sandwiched between the third folding roller 34 and the fourth folding roller 35. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, whether or not the trailing edge Pb of the preceding sheet P1 in the sheet conveyance direction passes through the sheet feeding timing detection sensor 52 is OK even if the succeeding sheet P2 is fed. A paper feed timing signal used for determination is output. If the CPU 6a determines that it is OK even if paper is fed based on the output paper feed timing signal, the CPU 6a turns on the connection of the paper feed clutch 29. The drive transmission gear 31 is connected to the paper feed roller 26 via the paper feed clutch 29, whereby the paper feed operation for the succeeding paper P2 is performed, and the succeeding paper P2 is conveyed toward the paper folding unit 30. The

  Simultaneously with the feeding operation of the succeeding sheet P2, the preceding sheet P1 is fed from the fourth folding roller 35 and the fifth folding roller 36 into the sheet storage space 19b of the second folding tray 19 with the folding line Pf of the preceding sheet P1 at the head. . Similarly, when the folding line Pf of the preceding sheet P1 contacts the second folding stopper 19a, the rear portion of the preceding sheet P1 is similarly folded in the fifth folding roller 36 and the sixth folding roller 37 within the space surrounded by the fifth folding roller 36 and the sixth folding roller 37. A fold line Pg is formed by curving between the roller 36 and the sixth fold roller 37 and sandwiching the curved portion between the fifth fold roller 36 and the sixth fold roller 37. When the preceding paper P1 is further transported with the folding line Pg as the head, the folding paper Pg of the preceding paper P1 passes through the paper transport interval detection sensor 53 as shown in FIG. The sheet conveyance interval between the two is detected. The CPU 6a determines whether or not the detected paper conveyance interval is an appropriate paper conveyance interval. If the paper conveyance interval is inappropriate, the CPU 6a sets the currently set target first paper conveyance speed. To a new target first paper transport speed. The preceding paper P1 folded in the Z shape that has passed through the paper conveyance interval detection sensor 53 is conveyed toward the cross conveyor section 40 via the paper discharge rollers 38 and 39.

  In any of the above-described V-folding, C-folding, or Z-folding, the trailing edge Pb of the preceding sheet P1 in the state of being sandwiched between the folding rollers 32 to 36 and 32-35 of the paper folding unit 30 is Since the paper feed timing is detected when passing through the paper feed timing detection sensor 52, the paper feed timing can be determined accurately and stably, and the paper feed timing detection sensor 52 can be easily installed. Further, the sheet conveyance interval is detected when each folding line Pc, Pe, Pg of the preceding sheet P1 that is sandwiched by at least the folding rollers 36 and 37 of the sheet folding unit 30 passes the sheet conveyance interval detection sensor 53. Therefore, the paper conveyance interval can be determined accurately and stably, and the paper conveyance interval detection sensor 53 can be easily installed.

  Next, a paper processing method including a paper folding operation for folding the paper P such as the above-described V-folding, C-folding, or Z-folding will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, the overall flow of the sheet processing method will be described with reference to the main flowchart of FIG. The number of sheets processed per unit time (so-called processing capability) for the sheet processing apparatus 1 is determined to be a predetermined value, and the CPU 6a determines the predetermined value of the number of processed sheets per unit time and the transport sheet information regarding the transported sheet P. The target first paper transport speed is calculated based on (for example, the size and thickness of the paper P, the folding line position, the folding method, etc.) (S10).

  When the target first paper transport speed is calculated, the CPU 6a instructs the start of the paper feed operation of the paper feed unit 8 (S12), and the first paper transport unit 20 is the preceding paper fed by the paper feed unit 8. The sheet (cut sheet) P1 is conveyed by the first sheet conveying unit 20 to the sheet folding unit 30 one by one.

  When the preceding paper P1 is transported to the paper folding unit 30 by the first paper transport unit 20, paper feeding timing control for the subsequent paper P2 is performed in the process of performing the paper folding operation (S20). A paper folding operation (so-called V-folding, C-folding, Z-folding, etc.) is performed for the preceding paper P1 (S30). The first paper transport speed when the paper folding operation for the preceding paper P1 is completed is detected, and the paper transport speed control described later is performed (S40). The folded preceding paper P1 is discharged to the cross conveyor unit (second paper transport unit) 40 (S50). The CPU 6a determines whether or not a series of paper processing has been completed (S52). When the paper processing is completed, the paper processing flow is terminated, and when the paper processing has not yet been completed, the paper feed timing control in S20 is performed. Return to continue the paper processing operation.

  In the sheet feeding timing control in S20, as shown in the detailed flowchart of FIG. 5, first, the CPU 6a determines whether or not the sheet feeding direction detection sensor 52 detects the trailing edge Pb of the preceding sheet P1 in the sheet conveyance direction ( S21). If the CPU 6a determines that the trailing edge Pb of the preceding sheet P1 in the sheet conveyance direction is not detected, the CPU 6a moves to the return of S25 and returns to the main flowchart of FIG. If the CPU 6a determines that the trailing edge Pb of the preceding sheet P1 in the sheet transport direction is detected, the CPU 6a determines whether it is necessary to wait for sheet feeding next (S22). When the CPU 6a determines that it is not necessary to wait for paper feed, the paper feed unit 8 issues an instruction to start the paper feed operation for the subsequent paper P2, and the first paper transport unit 20 folds the subsequent paper P2 one by one. It conveys toward the part 30 (S23).

  If the CPU 6a determines that it is necessary to wait for paper feeding, it next determines whether or not a predetermined waiting time has elapsed (S24). When the CPU 6a determines that the predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the sheet feeding unit 8 issues an instruction to start the sheet feeding operation of the succeeding sheet P2, and the first sheet transporting unit 20 supplies the succeeding sheet P2 one sheet at a time. It conveys toward the folding part 30 (S23). When the feeding operation of the succeeding paper P2 by the paper feeding unit 8 is started, the process moves to the return of S25 and returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  The paper conveyance speed control in S40 is executed according to the procedure shown in the detailed flowchart of FIG. That is, the CPU 6a obtains the current first paper transport speed based on the number of rotations (rotation amount) per unit time of the first drive motor 22 (S41). The CPU 6a determines whether or not the obtained current first paper transport speed matches the target first paper transport speed (S42). When the CPU 6a determines that the current paper transport speed does not match the target first paper transport speed, the CPU 6a sets the first drive motor 22 so that the current paper transport speed matches the target first paper transport speed. The ratio of the time to turn on and the time to turn off (that is, the duty ratio) is changed (S46). After changing the duty ratio, the process moves to the return of S47 and returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  When the CPU 6a determines in S42 that the current paper transport speed matches the target first paper transport speed, the CPU 6a forms a fold line (for example, V-fold) on the most downstream side in the first paper transport direction D1 of the preceding paper P1. The folding line Pc) and the folding line on the most downstream side in the first sheet conveyance direction D1 of the succeeding sheet P2 (for example, the folding line Pc in the case of V-folding) is the time difference when passing the sheet conveyance interval detection sensor 53. Based on this, the sheet conveyance interval is obtained (S43). The CPU 6a determines whether or not the obtained sheet conveyance interval is appropriate (S44). When the CPU 6a determines that the current paper transport interval is not appropriate, the CPU 6a changes the value of the target first paper transport speed so as to be an appropriate paper transport interval (S45). After changing the value of the target first paper transport speed or when it is determined that the current paper transport interval is appropriate, the process moves to the return of S47 and returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  In a typical paper folding operation, a substantially proportional relationship is established between the time required for folding and the required first paper conveyance speed as shown in Table 1 below. Table 1 shows the relative magnitude relationship based on the outer trifold.

  If the paper folding process takes a long time for the other three folds (Z-fold), the first paper conveyance speed needs to be increased. On the other hand, if the paper folding process does not take time, it is possible to slow down the first paper conveyance speed if it is folded in half (V-fold) or in-fold (C-fold). Therefore, when high-speed paper conveyance is not required when changing the target first paper conveyance speed, the target first paper conveyance speed can be set to a low speed based on the conveyance paper information.

  As described above, the CPU 6a serving as the control unit feeds the succeeding sheet P2 based on the passage timing of the trailing edge Pb in the sheet transport direction of the preceding sheet P1 detected by the sheet feeding timing detection sensor 52 serving as the trailing edge detecting unit. The paper feed timing is controlled, and the paper P is transported at the target first paper transport speed set based on the transport paper information acquired by the operation key 5 as the transport paper information acquisition unit. As a result, efficient paper processing without waste can be performed, and the occurrence of folding misalignment caused by the first paper transport speed rapidly decelerating from high speed to low speed can be suppressed. Further, since the target first paper transport speed is set to a low speed based on transport paper information that does not require high-speed paper transport, the collision noise of the paper P on the folding trays 18 and 19 of the paper folding unit 30 is reduced. be able to.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, when the cross conveyor unit 40 is connected to the paper folding unit 30, the paper P between the paper folding unit 30 and the cross conveyor unit (second paper transport unit) 40. Explaining the delivery.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, when the paper folding section 30 performs a paper folding process on the paper P that is long in the first paper transport direction D1 (for example, A4 vertical V-folding), the subsequent paper P2 is a cross conveyor section. The paper is transported along the second paper transport direction D2 without overlapping the preceding paper P1 on the 40. However, when the paper folding unit 30 performs a paper folding process on the short paper P in the first paper conveyance direction D1 (for example, A4 landscape V-folding), the subsequent paper P2 is the same as the preceding paper P1 on the cross conveyor unit 40. The sheets overlap and are transported along the second sheet transport direction D2.

  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 13B, the sheet conveyance interval between the succeeding sheet P2 and the next succeeding sheet P3 in accordance with the A4 horizontal V-folding while maintaining the first sheet conveying speed S1 as it is. By increasing Y2 (Y1 <Y2), the overlap between the preceding sheet P1 and the succeeding sheet P2 on the cross conveyor unit 40 is prevented. However, increasing the sheet conveyance interval Y2 as shown in FIG. 13B increases the sheet feeding interval, and the feeding from the preceding sheet feeding to the subsequent sheet feeding is increased. Paper waiting, that is, waste occurs, and paper processing becomes inefficient.

  On the other hand, according to the present invention, in the size (A4 horizontal folding) and folding method of paper P that does not require high-speed paper conveyance (the folding method that does not require time for the paper folding process, that is, V-folding or C-folding) The one sheet conveying speed S2 (when A4 is vertically V-folded) and S3 (when A4 is horizontally V-folded) are set to be lower than the first sheet conveying speed S1 shown in FIG. 13B (that is, S1). Since> S2> S3), the first paper transport speeds S2 and S3 at the paper folding unit 30 relative to the second paper transport speed at the cross conveyor section 40 are relatively slow. In other words, since the second paper conveyance speed in the cross conveyor unit 40 is relatively high, it is difficult for the preceding paper P1 and the subsequent paper P2 to overlap on the cross conveyor unit 40. Further, as the first paper transport speeds S2 and S3 are reduced, the paper transport interval Y3 (when A4 is vertical V-fold) between the subsequent paper P2 and the next subsequent paper P3, Y4 (A4 horizontal V-fold) ) Can be reduced (Y4 <Y3 <Y1 <Y2), and there is no waste of waiting for paper feeding, and paper processing can be performed efficiently.

  The paper feed timing detection sensor 52 illustrated in FIG. 2 and the like is disposed on the upstream side of the first paper transport direction D1 of the folding roller 32 of the paper folding unit 30, but further in the first paper transport direction D1. It can also be arranged upstream. Furthermore, the paper feed sensor 51 can be used in place of the paper feed timing detection sensor 52. Further, the paper transport interval detection sensor 53 can be replaced by the paper feed sensor 51 or the paper feed timing detection sensor 52.

  In addition, in order to make this invention easy to understand, it demonstrated using the specific structure and the numerical value, However, These are an illustration to the last and do not limit the technical scope of this invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various embodiments and modifications can be made within the technical scope of the present invention.

1: Paper processing device 2: First unit 3: Second unit 5: Operation key 6: Control unit 7: Display panel 8: Paper feed unit 11: First paper conveyance path 12: Second paper conveyance path 18: First Folding tray 19: second folding tray 20: first paper transport unit 22: first drive motor 26: paper feeding roller 29: paper feeding clutch 30: paper folding parts 32-37: folding roller 40: cross conveyor part (second conveyor Paper transport unit)
42: second drive motor 49: rigid sphere 51: paper feed sensor 52: paper feed timing detection sensor 53: paper transport interval detection sensor D1: first paper transport direction D2: second paper transport direction P: paper P1: preceding paper P2 : Subsequent paper P3: Next subsequent paper

Claims (5)

A first paper transport unit for transporting paper at a first paper transport speed;
A paper folding unit that performs folding processing on the transported paper transported from the paper feeding unit by the first paper transporting unit;
A transport paper information acquisition unit that acquires transport paper information related to the transport paper provided to the paper folding unit;
A target paper conveyance speed setting unit that sets a target first paper conveyance speed based on the conveyance paper information acquired by the conveyance paper information acquisition unit;
A paper trailing edge detection unit for detecting a trailing edge of the paper conveyed in the paper conveyance direction from the paper feeding unit to the paper folding unit;
Based on the trailing edge in the sheet conveyance direction of the preceding sheet detected by the sheet trailing edge detection unit, the sheet feeding timing for feeding the subsequent sheet is controlled, and the target first sheet is used by using the first sheet conveying unit. A control unit that controls to convey the sheet at a conveyance speed,
The target first sheet conveyance speed is set based on the conveyance sheet information acquired by the conveyance sheet information acquisition unit and a predetermined number of sheets processed per unit time determined in advance by the control unit. A paper processing apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The paper trailing edge detection unit is disposed on the upstream side of the paper folding unit in the paper conveyance direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1,
A paper conveyance interval detection unit for detecting a paper conveyance direction interval between the preceding paper and the subsequent paper;
The control unit detects a sheet conveyance interval detected by the sheet conveyance interval detection unit and calculated by the control unit so as to coincide with the number of sheets processed per predetermined unit time, and a current first sheet conveyance speed. And a paper processing device that changes the target first paper conveyance speed. In the paper processing apparatus according to claim 3,
The paper transport interval detection unit is a paper processing apparatus disposed on the downstream side of the paper folding unit in the paper transport direction. In the paper processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A second paper transport unit connected downstream of the paper folding unit in the paper transport direction and transporting paper in a second paper transport direction substantially perpendicular to the first paper transport direction in the paper folding unit;
In the case of including a paper folding process that does not take time such as two-folding or three-folding specified in the transporting paper information, the first paper transporting unit corresponds to the second paper transporting speed in the second paper transporting unit. The paper processing apparatus in which the first paper transport speed is relatively slow.

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