JP6759602B2 - Post-processing device and image forming device equipped with this - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the post-processing apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a post-processing device for folding paper and an image forming device including the post-processing device.

Electrophotographic image forming devices include MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals) equipped with scanner functions, facsimile functions, copying functions, printer functions, data communication functions, and server functions, facsimile machines, copiers, printers, and the like. is there.

A post-processing device that performs post-processing on paper printed by an image forming device is known. The post-processing device is usually attached to the image forming device. The processes that can be performed by the post-processing device include saddle stitching and folding of multiple sheets of paper in the center, Z-folding of large-sized pages into a Z-shape with 3 pages on each side, and holes in the paper. There is a process of opening or a process of stapling paper.

The conventional technique for the Z-folding device is disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 below. Patent Document 1 below discloses a sheet post-processing device that performs a stacking process of inverting and stacking sheets without folding the sheets that have been image-formed and carried in.

The following Patent Document 2 describes a first fold means for forming a first fold on a sheet, a second fold means for forming a second fold on a sheet on which a first fold is formed by the first fold means, and the like. A sheet post-processing apparatus including a transport destination switching means for switching a transport destination of a sheet in which a first fold is formed by a first folding means to a second folding means or a first discharging portion is disclosed.

In Patent Document 3 below, a transfer roller pair, a central roller provided on the downstream side of the transfer roller pair, two folding rollers driven by the central roller, and a sheet fed by the transfer roller pair are provided on both sides of the sheet. A paper folding device with a pair of extruded rollers is disclosed. In this paper folding device, the pair of extrusion rollers is moved to the first position for extruding the sheet to one folding roller side and the other folding roller side in conjunction with the movement of the driven rollers constituting the transport roller pair. Move between and the second position to extrude.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-250791 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-201649 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 07-179265

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of the conventional image forming apparatus 1100.

With reference to FIG. 13, in the conventional image forming apparatus 1100, when the Z folding apparatus 1010 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 1002 together with the post-processing apparatus 1001 having another function, the Z folding apparatus 1010 is conventionally used for image forming. It was provided between the image forming apparatus main body 1002 and the other post-processing apparatus 1001.

From the viewpoint of reducing the size and space of the entire image forming apparatus, it has been attempted to provide the post-processing apparatus 1001 and the Z-folding apparatus 1010 in one housing. In this case, the Z-folding device 1010 is arranged in the paper passing path of the post-processing device 1001.

By the way, some of the post-processing devices 1001 have a post-insert function. The post-insert function is used when processing a plurality of sheets output from an image forming apparatus by a post-processing device (such as when saddle-stitching a plurality of sheets to produce a booklet), and then to a plurality of processed sheets. This is a function to insert (post-insert) paper (booklet cover, cover, etc.) other than the paper output from the image forming device.

However, in most of the Z-folding devices 1010, the paper is conveyed to the downstream side after the traveling direction of the paper after Z-folding is reversed (switched back) from the viewpoint of simplifying the device configuration. Therefore, when the post-processing apparatus 1001 has a post-insert function, the post-inserted paper is output in a state where the page order (paper feed order) is changed due to the reversal of the traveling direction, which is extremely inconvenient. There was a problem.

Further, in order to maintain the page order of the post-inserted paper, if the paper passing path of the Z-folded paper and the paper passing path of the post-inserted paper are to be separated, the transport path and the paper passing path are switched. It is necessary to provide a claw or a new transfer roller, which causes a problem that the post-processing device becomes large or complicated, or the cost increases.

The problem of lack of convenience or the problem of increasing the size of the post-processing device is a problem that can occur even when the Z-folding device is arranged in the paper passage of the post-processing device having a function other than the post-insert function. It was.

The present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing device capable of miniaturization and an image forming device including the post-processing device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly convenient post-processing device and an image forming device including the post-processing device.

The aftertreatment device according to one aspect of the present invention is different from the central roller, the first roller that forms the first nip by contacting the central roller, and the first nip that is in contact with the central roller. The center roller and the first roller fold the paper at the first nip and feed the paper to the first transport path via the first nip. The central roller and the second roller fold the paper at the second nip, and the paper is conveyed to a second transport path different from the first transport path via the second nip. The first transport path and the second transport path merge at a predetermined merging position to form a third transport path, further provided with a reversing device that reverses the traveling direction of the paper being transported through the first transport path. The first transport path is an area between a first region provided with a reversing device, a branch position between the first nip and the reversing device in the first region, and a predetermined confluence position. look including a second region, reversing device, by reversing the traveling direction of the paper is not performed Z-folding has been transported along the first area, it has been transported along the first region Paper that is not Z-folded is transported along the second region and the third transport path .

A post-treatment apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention has a central roller, a first roller that forms a first nip by contacting the central roller, and a second roller that is different from the first nip by contacting the central roller. The center roller and the first roller fold the paper at the first nip, and the paper is fed to the first transport path via the first nip. The central roller and the second roller fold the paper at the second nip, and the paper is conveyed to a second transfer path different from the first transfer path via the second nip. An introduction port for introducing the paper printed by the image forming apparatus main body into the post-processing device, and a supply port for introducing the paper from the outside of the post-processing device and the image forming apparatus main body into the post-processing device without passing through the introduction port. The paper mechanism, the printing paper transport means for transporting the non-Z-folded paper introduced from the introduction port to the first transport path via the first nip, and the Z-fold introduced by the paper feed mechanism. It is further provided with an external paper transporting means for transporting the unused paper to the second transport path via the second nip.

In the above-mentioned aftertreatment device, preferably, the first transport path and the second transport path merge to form a third transport path, which is the paper introduced from the introduction port that does not undergo Z-folding and is the first. A reversing device that reverses the traveling direction of the paper being conveyed in the transport path, a center folding device that folds the paper introduced through the third transport path in half at the center, and a center folding device. It is further equipped with an ejection tray from which the paper is ejected after the paper is folded in half at the center, and the center folding device is provided with the lower end of the paper folded in half at the center facing the ejection tray side. Accommodates paper that can be folded in half.

In the above-mentioned aftertreatment device, the center folding device is preferably provided below the second nip.

In the above post-processing apparatus, the paper feeding mechanism is preferably removable.
An aftertreatment device according to still another aspect of the present invention is different from the central roller, the first roller forming the first nip by contacting the central roller, and the first nip by contacting the central roller. A second roller forming the second nip is provided, and the central roller and the first roller fold the paper at the first nip and pass the paper to the first transport path via the first nip. The central roller and the second roller fold the paper at the second nip, and the paper is conveyed to a second transport path different from the first transport path via the second nip. , The pressure of the first nip when Z-folding the paper at the first nip is higher than the pressure of the first nip when the paper without Z-folding is transported to the first transport path. It further comprises one pressure control means, the first pressure control means is removable, and the paper transport path is switched between the first pressure control means and the first transport path and the second transport path. The first unit including the switching member is replaceable with the second unit including the switching member without including the first pressure control means.
An aftertreatment device according to still another aspect of the present invention is different from the central roller, the first roller which forms a first nip by contacting the central roller, and the first nip which is in contact with the central roller. A second roller for forming the second nip is provided, and the central roller and the first roller fold the paper at the first nip and pass the paper to the first transport path via the first nip. The central roller and the second roller fold the paper at the second nip, and the paper is conveyed to a second transport path different from the first transport path via the second nip. If the paper is not transported to the second transport path, the second roller is replaceable with a guide that guides the paper to the first nip.
In the above-mentioned aftertreatment device, preferably, the target paper to be Z-folded is conveyed to the first transport path by the first nip, and the target paper is transferred by the first transport means. After transporting the target paper by a required distance to the transport path, the first folding means for forming the first crease on the target paper by the second nip and the first crease on the target paper were formed by the first folding means. After that, a second folding means for forming a second crease on the target paper by the first nip is provided.
In the above-mentioned aftertreatment apparatus, preferably, the first transport means rotates each of the central roller and the first roller in the direction of transporting the target paper to the first transport path, and the first folding means is the first. The central roller is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation by the transport means, the second roller is rotated in the direction of transporting the target paper to the second transport path, and the second folding means holds the target paper. The central roller is rotated in the direction of transporting to the first transport path, and the second roller is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation by the first folding means.

The aftertreatment device preferably further includes a switching member for switching the paper transport path between the first transport path and the second transport path.

In the above-mentioned aftertreatment device, preferably, the switching member presses the portion of the target paper to be the first fold when forming the first crease on the target paper to be Z-folded.

In the above-mentioned aftertreatment apparatus, preferably, the pressure of the second nip when Z-folding the paper is performed by the second nip, and the pressure of the second nip when the paper which is not Z-folded is conveyed to the second transport path. A second pressure control means for increasing the pressure above the pressure of is further provided.

In the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus, the first transport path is preferably a transport path for discharging paper to the side surface of the post-processing device opposite to the side surface of the post-processing device provided with the image forming apparatus main body.

An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus main body for printing on paper and the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing on the paper printed by the image forming apparatus main body.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a post-processing device capable of miniaturization and an image forming device including the post-processing device. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly convenient post-processing device and an image forming device including the post-processing device.

It is a figure which shows typically the appearance of the image forming apparatus 100 in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the image forming apparatus 100 in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the aftertreatment apparatus 1 in 1st Embodiment of this invention. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the transport path through which each of the non-Z-folded paper introduced from the post inserter 50 and the non-Z-folded paper introduced from the image forming apparatus main body 2 passes through. It is a figure which shows. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the Z folding apparatus 10 in 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation when the Z-folding device 10 switches a paper transport path in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a first operation when the Z-folding device 10 performs Z-folding on paper in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a second operation when the Z-folding device 10 performs Z-folding on paper in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the booklet BL1 which is produced when the paper SH1 and SH2 are fed from the post inserter 50 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. As a comparative example of the present invention, it is a figure which shows the booklet BL2 produced when the transport direction of the paper SH1 and SH2 fed from a post inserter 50 is reversed. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the post-processing apparatus 1 which attached the guide unit 30A in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a partial cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the post-processing apparatus 1 which attached the transport path switching apparatus 10A in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the appearance of the conventional image forming apparatus 1100.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the following embodiment, the case where the post-processing apparatus is a part of the image forming apparatus will be described. Examples of the image forming apparatus include MFPs, printers, copiers, and facsimiles. The post-processing device may be configured separately from the image forming apparatus main body and may be detachably attached to and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body as needed.

[First Embodiment]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment includes a post-processing apparatus 1 and an image forming apparatus main body 2. The image forming apparatus main body 2 prints on paper. The post-processing device 1 includes a Z-folding device 10, a post inserter (an example of a paper feeding mechanism) 50, a saddle unit 60 (an example of a middle-folding device), and the like. The Z-folding device 10 and the saddle unit 60 are provided inside the housing of the post-processing device 1. The post inserter 50 is provided in the upper part of the housing of the aftertreatment device 1. Each of the Z-folding device 10, the post inserter 50, and the saddle unit 60 is removable from the post-processing device 1.

Since the Z-folding device 10 is provided inside the post-processing device 1, the image forming device 100 has a smaller size (machine width) in the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 than the image forming device 1100 of FIG. ing.

The post-processing device 1 performs a center-folding process, a Z-folding process, or the like, if necessary, for the paper after printing by the image forming apparatus main body 2 or the paper introduced into the post-processing device 1 by the post inserter 50. Perform post-processing. The post-processing device 1 may further perform post-processing such as drilling processing and staple processing.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 operates the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, the ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, the RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, the scanner 104, the network interface 105, and the like. The panel 106, the auxiliary storage device 107, the image forming unit 108, and the post-processing control unit 109 are included. The CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, scanner 104, network interface 105, operation panel 106, auxiliary storage device 107, image forming unit 108, and post-processing control unit 109 are each connected to each other by a bus or the like.

The CPU 101 operates according to the control program and controls the entire image forming apparatus 100.

The ROM 102 stores the control program.

The RAM 103 is a working memory of the CPU 101, and temporarily stores various data.

The scanner 104 reads the image of the original.

The network interface 105 transmits and receives information between the image forming apparatus 100 and an external device connected to the image forming apparatus 100 through a network (not shown).

The operation panel 106 displays various information and accepts various operations.

The auxiliary storage device 107 stores various data such as image data to be printed.

The image forming unit 108 prints on paper inside the image forming apparatus main body 2. The image forming unit 108 is roughly composed of a toner image forming unit, a fixing device, a paper conveying unit, and the like. The image forming unit 108 forms an image on paper by, for example, an electrophotographic method. The toner image forming unit synthesizes four-color images by a so-called tandem method to form a color image on paper. The toner image forming unit is an intermediate between the photoconductors provided for each color of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) and the toner image being transferred (primary transfer) from the photoconductor. It is composed of a transfer belt and a transfer unit that transfers (secondary transfer) an image from an intermediate transfer belt to paper. The fixing device has a heating roller and a pressure roller. The fixing device conveys the paper on which the toner image is formed between the heating roller and the pressure roller while sandwiching the paper, and heats and pressurizes the paper. As a result, the fixing device melts the toner adhering to the paper and fixes it on the paper to form an image on the paper. The paper transport unit is composed of a paper feed roller, a transport roller, a motor for driving them, and the like. The paper transport unit feeds the paper from the paper feed cassette and transports the paper inside the image forming apparatus main body 2. Further, the paper transport unit introduces the paper printed by the image forming apparatus main body 2 into the post-processing apparatus 1 from the image forming apparatus main body 2.

The post-processing control unit 109 controls the operation of the entire post-processing device 1 under the control of the CPU 101.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the aftertreatment device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The side surface on the right side in FIG. 3 is a side surface adjacent to the image forming apparatus main body 2.

With reference to FIG. 3, the post-processing device 1 includes a main tray 71, a belt tray 72 (an example of an discharge tray), a transport roller pair 81-85, and transport paths TR0, TR1, TR2a (first transport path). An example), TR2b (an example of a first transport path), TR2c (a bypass path), TR3 (an example of a third transport path, a saddle path), and TR4 are further included. Each driving state of the transport roller pairs 81 to 85 is controlled by the post-processing control unit 109.

The post inserter 50 introduces the paper from the outside of the post-processing apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus main body 2 into the post-processing apparatus 1 without passing through the introduction port IL. The post inserter 50 includes a paper feed tray 51 and a paper feed roller 52. The paper feed tray 51 is for arranging the paper to be introduced inside the post-processing device 1. The paper feed roller 52 feeds the paper arranged in the paper feed tray 51 into the transport path TR1.

The paper introduced by the post inserter 50 is the image forming apparatus main body 2 when the saddle unit 60 performs the middle folding and saddle stitching processing on the paper printed by the image forming apparatus main body 2 (when producing a booklet). A cover provided for the paper printed in 1 and a document inserted between a plurality of papers printed by the image forming apparatus main body 2.

The transport path TR1 extends downward from the paper feed roller 52, curves to the left in FIG. 3 on the downstream side of the transport roller pair (finisher inlet roller) 83, and reaches the Z folding device 10. The transport roller pairs 81 to 83 are provided along the transport path TR1. The transport roller pairs 81 to 83 transport the paper fed by the paper feed roller 52 to the Z-folding device 10 along the transport path TR1.

The introduction port IL is an introduction port for introducing the paper printed by the image forming apparatus main body 2 into the post-processing apparatus 1 from the image forming apparatus main body 2. The transport path TR0 extends from the introduction port IL in the left direction in FIG. 3 and is connected to the transport path TR1 on the upstream side of the transport roller pair 83.

The transport path TR1 is branched into a transport path TR2a and a transport path TR2b inside the Z-folding device 10. When the conveyed paper is a paper that does not undergo Z-folding, the Z-folding device 10 switches the paper transport path between the transport path TR2a and the transport path TR2b and allows the paper to pass therethrough. The detailed configuration and operation of the Z-folding device 10 will be described later.

The transport path TR2a extends to the left in FIG. 3 and reaches the main tray 71. The transport path TR2a is a transport path for temporarily ejecting paper to the main tray 71. The transport roller pair 84 (an example of the reversing device) is provided along the transport path TR2a. The transport path TR2a is connected to the transport path TR2c on the right side of FIG. 3 of the transport roller pair 84. The transport path TR2c extends downward from the transport path TR2a.

The transport roller pair 84 reverses the traveling direction of the non-Z-folded paper introduced from the introduction port IL. Specifically, the transport roller pair 84 transports the paper transported from the Z-folding device 10 in the left direction in FIG. 3 and temporarily discharges the paper onto the main tray 71 outside the post-processing device 1. Subsequently, the transport roller pair 84 transports the paper discharged to the outside of the aftertreatment device 1 in the right direction in FIG. 3 by reversing the rotation direction thereof. The transfer roller pair 84 introduces the paper discharged to the outside of the aftertreatment device 1 into the inside of the aftertreatment device 1 again, and conveys the paper along the transfer path TR2c.

The transport path TR2b extends downward in FIG. 3. The transport path TR2b and the transport path TR2c merge to form the transport path TR3. The transport path TR3 extends downward in FIG. 3 and reaches the saddle unit 60. The transport roller pair 85 is provided along the transport path TR3. The transport roller pair 85 transports the paper from the transport path TR2b or TR2c to the saddle unit 60 along the transport path TR3.

The saddle unit 60 folds the paper introduced through the transport path TR3 in the middle (folds in half at the center). The saddle unit 60 includes a transport roller pair 61 and 62, a folding member 63, a folding roller pair 64, and a stack portion 65. The transport path TR3 is connected to the transport path TR4 on the right side of FIG. 3 of the folding roller pair 64. The transport path TR4 extends to the left in FIG. 3 and reaches the belt tray 72. The transport roller pair 61 is provided along the transport path TR3. The transport roller pair 62 and the folding roller pair 64 are provided along the transport path TR4. The folding member 63 is provided so as to face the folding roller pair 64 with the transport path TR3 interposed therebetween. The driving states of the transport roller pairs 61 and 62, the folding member 63, and the folding roller pair 64 are controlled by the post-processing control unit 109.

The transport roller pair 61 accommodates (stacks) the paper conveyed inside the saddle unit 60 in the stack portion 65. When there are a plurality of sheets to be folded in the middle, the plurality of sheets are accommodated in the stack portion 65. The saddle unit 60 stacks the paper with the lower end of the paper facing the belt tray 72 side (left side in FIG. 3) and the upper end of the paper facing the image forming apparatus main body 2 side (right side in FIG. 3). Accommodate in 65. After the paper is stored in the stack portion 65, the folding member 63 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow AR21. As a result, the center folding position of the paper is pressed by the folding member 63 and introduced into the nip of the folding roller pair 64. The folding roller pair 64 rotates in the direction of transporting the paper along the transport path TR4. As a result, the paper is folded in the middle. The transport roller pair 62 transports the folded paper along the transport path TR4 and discharges it to the belt tray 72. The main tray 71 and the belt tray 72 are provided on the side surface opposite to the side surface on which the image forming apparatus main body 2 is provided.

FIG. 4 shows, in the first embodiment of the present invention, each of the non-Z-folded paper introduced from the post inserter 50 and the non-Z-folded paper introduced from the image forming apparatus main body 2 It is a figure which shows the transport path which passes.

With reference to FIG. 4, the non-Z-folded paper introduced from the post inserter 50 passes through the transport paths TR1, TR2a, TR2c, and TR3 in this order, as indicated by arrow AR1, and the saddle unit 60. To reach. The non-Z-folded paper introduced from the image forming apparatus main body 2 through the introduction port IL passes through the transport paths TR1, TR2b, and TR3 in this order and reaches the saddle unit 60, as shown by the arrow AR2.

Since the traveling direction of the paper introduced from the image forming apparatus main body 2 through the introduction port IL is reversed by the transport roller pair 84, the page order (paper feed order) is changed. Therefore, the image forming unit 108 forms an image on the paper in a layout (printing order) in consideration of reversing the traveling direction of the paper.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the Z-folding device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 5, the Z-folding device 10 includes a central roller 11, a folding roller 12 (an example of a first roller), a folding roller 13 (an example of a second roller), and a swinging claw 14 (switching). An example of a member), a movable guide 15, motors 21 and 22, cams 23 and 24, and sensors SE1 (FIG. 7 (b)) and SE2 (FIG. 8 (a)). The driving states of the central roller 11 and the motors 21 and 22 are controlled by the post-processing control unit 109. The movements of the swing claw 14 and the movable guide 15 are also controlled by the post-processing control unit 109.

The central roller 11 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), and each of the folding rollers 12 and 13 is driven by the central roller 11 to rotate. Each of the folding rollers 12 and 13 may be rotationally driven independently of the rotational drive of the central roller 11.

The central roller 11 can rotate in both the direction of transporting the paper from the transport path TR1 to the transport path TR2a and the direction of transporting the paper from the transport path TR1 to the transport path TR2b.

The folding roller 12 forms a nip N1 (an example of the first nip) when it comes into contact with the central roller 11. The central roller 11 and the folding roller 12 perform the first folding at the nip N1 on the paper to be Z-folded by the method described later. Further, the central roller 11 and the folding roller 12 are introduced by the post inserter 50, and the non-Z-folded paper conveyed from the conveying path TR1 is conveyed to the conveying path TR2a via the nip N1.

The folding roller 13 forms a nip N2 (an example of a second nip) when it comes into contact with the central roller 11. The central roller 11 and the folding roller 13 perform a second folding at the nip N2 on the paper to be Z-folded by a method described later. Further, the central roller 11 and the folding roller 13 are introduced from the introduction port IL and convey the non-Z-folded paper conveyed from the conveying path TR1 to the conveying path TR2b via the nip N2.

By rotating around the fulcrum 14a, the swing claw 14 switches between the transport path TR2a and the transport path TR2b for the paper transport path that has been transported from the transport path TR1 and is not Z-folded. Further, when forming the first crease on the paper to be Z-folded, the swing claw 14 presses the portion of the paper to be the first crease.

When forming the second crease on the paper to be Z-folded, the movable guide 15 presses the portion of the paper to be the first crease. The movable guide 15 rotates about the fulcrum 15a.

The cam 23 is in contact with the rotation shaft of the folding roller 12, and is rotationally driven by the motor 21. The rotation of the motor 21 is controlled by the post-processing control unit 109. The rotation of the cam 23 changes the pressing force applied by the cam 23 to the rotating shaft of the folding roller 12. As a result, the motor 21 and the cam 23 (first pressure control means) control the pressure of the nip N1. The motor 21 and the cam 23 make the pressure of the nip N1 when folding the paper at the nip N1 higher than the pressure of the nip N1 when the paper is conveyed to the transport path TR2a via the nip N1.

The cam 24 is in contact with the rotation shaft of the folding roller 13 and is rotationally driven by the motor 22. The rotation of the motor 22 is controlled by the post-processing control unit 109. The rotation of the cam 24 changes the pressing force applied by the cam 24 to the rotating shaft of the folding roller 13. As a result, the motor 22 and the cam 24 (second pressure control means) control the pressure of the nip N2. The motor 22 and the cam 24 make the pressure of the nip N2 when folding the paper at the nip N2 higher than the pressure of the nip N2 when the paper is conveyed to the transport path TR2b via the nip N2.

The post-processing device 1 may further include a sensor for detecting the positions of the swing claw 14, the movable guide 15, the cam 23, the cam 24, and the like in order to improve the position accuracy.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation when the Z-folding device 10 switches the paper transport path in the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 6A, each of the swing claw 14 and the movable guide 15 is present at the initial position. In this state, the paper conveyed from the transport path TR1 is guided to the transport path TR2a as shown by the arrow AR1.

From the state shown in FIG. 6A, the movable guide 15 moves to the folding position as shown by the arrow ME1 (FIG. 6B), and the swing claw 14 moves to the paper guide position as shown by the arrow ME2. (Fig. 6 (c)). In the state of FIG. 6C, the paper conveyed from the transfer path TR1 is guided to the transfer path TR2b as shown by the arrow AR2.

From the state shown in FIG. 6 (c), the swing claw 14 moves to the initial position as shown by the arrow ME3 (FIG. 6 (d)), and the movable guide 15 moves to the initial position as shown by the arrow ME4 (FIG. 6 (d)). FIG. 6 (e). As a result, each of the swing claw 14 and the movable guide 15 returns to the initial position.

7 and 8 are cross-sectional views showing an operation when the Z-folding device 10 performs Z-folding on paper in the first embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 7A, each of the swing claw 14 and the movable guide 15 is present in the initial position. The transport roller pair 83 rotates with the central roller 11 and the folding roller 12 stopped. As a result, the tip of the paper SH (an example of the target paper) conveyed by the transfer roller pair 83 is resist-corrected by the nip N1, and the paper SH is skew-corrected by the nip N1.

With reference to FIG. 7B, the central roller 11 and the folding roller 12 start to rotate. As a result, the tip of the paper SH is conveyed to the transfer path TR2a by the nip N1. After a predetermined time has elapsed after the sensor SE1 (first paper end face detecting means) provided on the downstream side of the nip N1 detects the tip of the paper SH (the paper SH is transported to the transport path TR2a by a required distance). Later), the center roller 11 and the folding roller 12 stop. The transport roller pair 83 continues to rotate.

With reference to FIG. 7C, the rotation of the transport roller pair 83 forms a loop near the nip N2 of the paper SH. After the loop is formed on the paper SH, the transport roller pair 83 is temporarily stopped.

With reference to FIG. 7D, the swing claw 14 moves to the paper guide position (folding position). As a result, the loop of the paper SH (the position where the first crease is formed) is pressed by the swing claw 14 and pushed into the nip N2. Next, the central roller 11, the folding rollers 12 and 13, and the transport roller pair 83 start rotating. At this time, the central roller 11 and the folding roller 13 rotate in the direction of transporting the paper SH to the transport path TR2b. The folding roller 12 rotates in the direction opposite to that in the case of FIG. 7A. As a result, the loop of the paper SH is bitten into the nip N2, and the nip N2 forms the first crease in the paper SH.

With reference to FIG. 8A, after a predetermined time has elapsed after the sensor SE2 (second paper end face detecting means) provided on the downstream side of the nip N2 detects the tip of the paper SH (on the paper SH). After forming the first crease), the central roller 11 and the folding rollers 12 and 13 stop. The transport roller pair 83 continues to rotate. As a result, a loop is formed in the vicinity of the nip N1 of the paper SH.

With reference to FIG. 8B, the swing claw 14 moves to the initial position, and the movable guide 15 moves to the folding position. As a result, the loop of the paper SH (the position of the second crease) is pressed by the movable guide 15 and pushed into the nip N1. Next, the central roller 11 and the folding rollers 12 and 13 start rotating. At this time, the central roller 11 and the folding roller 12 rotate in the direction of transporting the paper SH to the transport path TR2a (the same direction as in the case of FIG. 7A). The folding roller 13 rotates in the direction opposite to that in the case of FIG. 7D. As a result, the loop of the paper SH is bitten into the nip N1, and the nip N1 forms a second crease in the paper SH.

With reference to FIGS. 8 (c) and 8 (d), the overlapping portion of the paper SH due to folding passes through the nip N1, and Z folding is completed.

Subsequently, the effect of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a booklet BL1 produced when papers SH1 and SH2 are fed from the post inserter 50 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 9, here, the paper SH1 and SH2 are arranged on the paper feed tray 51 in a state where the paper SH2 is stacked on the paper SH1. Images of pages 1 and 8 are printed on the lower surface of the paper SH1, and images of pages 2 and 7 are printed on the upper surface. Images of pages 3 and 6 are printed on the lower surface of the paper SH2, and images of pages 4 and 5 are printed on the upper surface.

Each of the sheets SH1 and SH2 fed from the post inserter 50 reaches the saddle unit 60 without reversing the traveling direction as shown by the arrow AR2. In the saddle unit 60, the paper SH1 is stacked on the paper SH2. Images of pages 1 and 8 are formed on the upper surface of the paper SH1, and images of pages 2 and 7 are formed on the lower surface. Images of pages 3 and 6 are formed on the upper surface of the paper SH2, and images of pages 4 and 5 are formed on the lower surface. Further, each of the sheets SH1 and SH2 is accommodated in a state where the lower end thereof faces the belt tray 72 side (left side in FIG. 9) and the upper end portion thereof faces the image forming apparatus main body 2 side (right side in FIG. 9). To. The papers SH1 and SH2 are half-folded by the saddle unit 60 and discharged to the belt tray 72 in the state of the booklet BL1. The booklet BL1 has the correct page order.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a booklet BL2 produced when the transport directions of the sheets SH1 and SH2 fed from the post inserter 50 are reversed as a comparative example of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 10, the sheets SH1 and SH2 are arranged in the paper feed tray 51 in the same state as in the case of FIG. Each of the sheets SH1 and SH2 fed from the post inserter 50 is conveyed to the main tray 71 as indicated by the arrow AR101. When the paper SH1 is on the main tray 71, images of pages 1 and 8 are formed on the upper surface of the paper SH1, and images of pages 2 and 7 are formed on the lower surface. After that, the paper SH1 reaches the saddle unit 60 with its traveling direction reversed as shown by the arrow AR102.

In the saddle unit 60, the paper SH1 is stacked on the paper SH2. Images of pages 2 and 7 are formed on the upper surface of the paper SH1, and images of pages 1 and 8 are formed on the lower surface. Images of pages 4 and 5 are formed on the upper surface of the paper SH2, and images of pages 3 and 6 are formed on the lower surface. The papers SH1 and SH2 are half-folded by the saddle unit 60 and discharged to the belt tray 72 in the state of the booklet BL2. In the booklet BL2, the page order is out of order. In the present embodiment, since the post-inserted paper passes through the transport path TR2b, it is not necessary to reverse the traveling direction, and it is possible to suppress the disorder of the page order as in the booklet BL2.

According to the present embodiment, since the Z-folding device can be built in the post-processing device having the post-insert function, the size of the post-processing device can be reduced. In addition, each of the two nips composed of three rollers for Z-folding can transport the paper to each of the two different transport paths, and the paper can be transported to an appropriate transport path according to the paper introduction destination and the like. You can pass the paper. As a result, the consistency of the page order of the post-inserted paper can be ensured while forming the branch path by using the configuration originally provided in the Z-folding device, and the convenience can be improved.

[Second Embodiment]

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the aftertreatment device 1 to which the guide unit 30A is mounted in the second embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 11, in the first embodiment, for example, when the post-processing device 1 does not include the post inserter 50, all the paper is conveyed through the transfer path TR2a, so that the transfer path TR2b becomes unnecessary. As described above, when it is not necessary to convey the paper to the transport path TR2b, the folding roller 13 may be removed and a guide 16 for guiding the paper conveyed from the transport path TR1 to the nip N1 may be attached instead. The folding roller 13 and the guide 16 can be exchanged by exchanging the roller unit 30 composed of the folding roller 13, the swinging claw 14, the movable guide 15 and the like with the guide unit 30A composed of the guide 16. You may be broken.

[Third Embodiment]

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the post-processing device 1 equipped with the transport path switching device 10A in the third embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 12, in the first embodiment, for example, when the post-processing device 1 does not include the Z-folding device 10 (when the user does not need the Z-folding function of the post-processing device 1). The pressure control of the nip N1 and N2 by the post-processing control unit 109 becomes unnecessary. In this case, the motors 21 and 22 and the cams 23 and 24 (pressure welding mechanism for folding) may be removed. The removal of these members may be performed by exchanging the Z-folding device 10 (an example of the first unit) and the transport path switching device 10A (an example of the second unit). The transport path switching device 10A is a device composed of a central roller 11, a folding roller 12, a folding roller 13, a swinging claw 14, and a movable guide 15.

[Other]

The post-processing function included in the post-processing device is optional. The aftertreatment device has a Z-fold function (tri-folding in which the areas of two of the three surfaces are equal), as well as a drilling function, stapling, or tri-folding (three in which the areas of the three surfaces are equal). Folded) etc. can be included.

The present invention is not limited to the case where the aftertreatment device includes a post inserter. For example, when the post-processing device includes another post-processing function (such as a drilling function) on the downstream side of the paper passing path of the Z-folding device, the paper is processed by using the other post-processing function without performing Z-folding. Is passed through one transport path (for example, transport path TR2a), and paper that is not Z-folded and is not processed using the other post-processing function is passed through the other transport path (for example, transport path TR2b). You may do so.

The processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or by using a hardware circuit. It is also possible to provide a program that executes the processing according to the above-described embodiment, and record the program on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, or a memory card and provide the program to the user. You may decide to do it. The program is executed by a computer such as a CPU. Further, the program may be downloaded to the device via a communication line such as the Internet.

It should be considered that the above embodiments are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1,1001 Post-processing device 2,1002 Image forming device body 10,1010 Z-folding device 10A Transport path switching device 11 Center roller 12,13 Folding roller 14 Swinging claw 14a Swinging claw fulcrum 15 Movable guide 15a Movable guide fulcrum 16 Guides 21 and 22 Motors 23,24 Cams 30 Roller units 30A Guide units 50 Post inserters 51 Paper feed trays 52 Paper feed rollers 60 Saddle units 61, 62, 81-85 Transport rollers vs. 63 Folding members 64 Folding rollers vs. 65 stacks Part 71 Main tray 72 Belt tray 100, 1100 Image forming device 101 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
102 ROM (Read Only Memory)
103 RAM (Random Access Memory)
104 Scanner 105 Network interface 106 Operation panel 107 Auxiliary storage device 108 Image forming unit 109 Post-processing control unit 109 Post-processing control unit BL1, BL2 Booklet IL introduction port N1, N2 Nip SE1, SE2 Sensor SH, SH1, SH2 Paper TR0, TR1 , TR2a, TR2b, TR2c, TR3, TR4 transport path

Claims (14)

With the central roller
A first roller that forms a first nip by contacting the central roller,
A second roller that forms a second nip different from the first nip by coming into contact with the central roller is provided.
The central roller and the first roller fold the paper at the first nip, and convey the paper to the first transport path via the first nip.
The central roller and the second roller fold the paper at the second nip, and transfer the paper to a second transport path different from the first transport path via the second nip. And
The first transport path and the second transport path merge at a predetermined confluence position to form a third transport path.
A reversing device for reversing the traveling direction of the paper being transported along the first transport path is further provided.
The first transport path includes a first region provided with the reversing device, a branch position between the first nip and the reversing device in the first region, and a predetermined confluence position. look including a second region is a region between,
The reversing device reverses the traveling direction of the non-Z-folded paper conveyed along the first region, so that the non-Z-folded paper conveyed along the first region is reversed. Is transported along the second region and the third transport path . With the central roller
A first roller that forms a first nip by contacting the central roller,
A second roller that forms a second nip different from the first nip by coming into contact with the central roller is provided.
The central roller and the first roller fold the paper at the first nip, and convey the paper to the first transport path via the first nip.
The central roller and the second roller fold the paper at the second nip, and transfer the paper to a second transport path different from the first transport path via the second nip. And
An introduction port for introducing the paper printed by the image forming apparatus main body into the post-processing apparatus, and
A paper feeding mechanism that introduces paper from the outside of the post-processing device and the main body of the image forming device into the inside of the post-processing device without passing through the introduction port.
A printing paper transporting means for transporting the non-Z-folded paper introduced from the introduction port to the first transport path via the first nip.
A post-processing apparatus further comprising an external paper transporting means for transporting the non-Z-folded paper introduced by the paper feeding mechanism to the second transport path via the second nip. The first transport path and the second transport path merge to form a third transport path.
A reversing device that is introduced from the introduction port and does not perform Z-folding, and reverses the traveling direction of the paper being conveyed through the first transfer path.
A center folding device that folds the paper introduced through the third transport path in half at the center, and
Further provided with an ejection tray from which paper is ejected after being folded in half at the center by the center folding device.
The post-processing according to claim 2, wherein the center folding device accommodates the paper to be folded in half at the center in a state where the lower end of the paper to be folded in half at the center faces the discharge tray side. apparatus. The post-processing device according to claim 3, wherein the center folding device is provided below the second nip. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the paper feeding mechanism is removable. With the central roller
A first roller that forms a first nip by contacting the central roller,
A second roller that forms a second nip different from the first nip by coming into contact with the central roller is provided.
The central roller and the first roller fold the paper at the first nip, and convey the paper to the first transport path via the first nip.
The central roller and the second roller fold the paper at the second nip, and transfer the paper to a second transport path different from the first transport path via the second nip. And
The pressure of the first nip when Z-folding the paper at the first nip is higher than the pressure of the first nip when the paper without Z-folding is conveyed to the first transport path. Further equipped with a first pressure control means to raise
The first pressure control means is removable and
The first unit including the first pressure control means and a switching member for switching a paper transport path between the first transport path and the second transport path is the first pressure control means. A post-processing device that does not include the above and can be replaced with a second unit including the switching member. With the central roller
A first roller that forms a first nip by contacting the central roller,
A second roller that forms a second nip different from the first nip by coming into contact with the central roller is provided.
The central roller and the first roller fold the paper at the first nip, and convey the paper to the first transport path via the first nip.
The central roller and the second roller fold the paper at the second nip, and transfer the paper to a second transport path different from the first transport path via the second nip. And
A post-processing device in which the second roller is replaceable with a guide that guides the paper to the first nip when the paper is not transported to the second transport path. A first transport means for transporting the target paper to be Z-folded to the first transport path by the first nip, and
With the first folding means for forming the first crease in the target paper by the second nip after the target paper is transported to the first transport path by the first transport means by a required distance. ,
A claim provided with a second folding means for forming the first crease on the target paper by the first folding means and then forming a second crease on the target paper by the first nip. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 7. The first transport means rotates each of the central roller and the first roller in the direction of transporting the target paper to the first transport path.
The first folding means rotates the central roller in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation by the first transport means, and the second folding means conveys the target paper to the second transport path. Rotate the roller,
The second folding means rotates the central roller in a direction of transporting the target paper to the first transport path, and the second folding means is in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation by the first folding means. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the roller is rotated. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a switching member for switching a paper transport path between the first transport path and the second transport path. The post-processing device according to claim 10, wherein the switching member presses a portion of the target paper to be the first fold when forming the first crease on the target paper to be Z-folded. The pressure of the second nip when Z-folding the paper at the second nip is higher than the pressure of the second nip when the paper without Z-folding is conveyed to the second transport path. The post-treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a second pressure controlling means for increasing the pressure. Any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first transport path is a transport path for discharging paper to the side surface of the post-processing device opposite to the side surface of the post-processing device provided with the image forming apparatus main body. Post-processing device described in. The main body of the image forming device that prints on paper,
An image forming apparatus including the post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which performs post-processing on the paper printed by the image forming apparatus main body.

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