JP7021686B2 - Sheet processing device, image forming system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming system , and more particularly to processing of a sheet conveyed in a folded state.

In recent years, the digitization of information has tended to be promoted, and image processing devices such as printers used for outputting digitized information, facsimiles and scanners used for digitizing documents have become indispensable devices. Such an image processing device is often configured as a multifunction device that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, a copying machine, etc. by having an image pickup function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like.

Among such multifunction devices, a multifunction device equipped with a folding processing device that draws an image by forming an image on the fed paper and then folds the image-formed paper is known. Has been done. When the paper is folded in such a folding apparatus, the creases are weak and incomplete creases are formed as they are, and the fold height is high. Therefore, among such multifunction devices, in addition to the fold processing device, the crease is reinforced and the fold height is reinforced by performing an additional fold process for reinforcing the fold by pressing the crease formed by the fold process. A multifunction device equipped with a folding device for reducing the slack is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

As a method of performing the additional folding process in such an additional folding device, for example, an additional folding roller having a length of about the width of the paper laid horizontally in a direction parallel to the crease formed by the folding process (main scanning direction). There is a method of pressing the creases formed in the paper while transporting the paper. Further, as another method of performing the additional folding process in the additional folding device as described above, for example, the paper transport is temporarily stopped at the position where the additional folding process is performed, and the direction is perpendicular to the crease formed by the folding process. By moving the additional folding roller that rotates about (secondary scanning direction) as the rotation axis in the main scanning direction on the stopped paper, the creases formed on the paper are sequentially pressed toward the main scanning direction. The method can be mentioned.

However, the above-mentioned additional folding method has a problem that fold wrinkles and pressing marks are generated on the paper after the additional folding process. It should be noted that such a problem is not limited to the paper for image formation output, and may be a problem as long as it is a sheet-shaped object.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and in a sheet processing apparatus for reinforcing a crease of a sheet conveyed in a folded state, the quality of the sheet after the crease is reinforced is improved. The purpose is to improve.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a sheet processing device including a shaft and a pressing member, which presses a crease formed on the sheet by the pressing member, and the pressing member is the shaft. The contact portion has contact portions arranged so that the positions for pressing the crease by rotation are sequentially different in the axial direction of the shaft, and the contact portion constitutes the crease by rotation of the pressing member around the shaft. When the contact portion presses the crease and presses the crease of the sheet, which is the sheet surface closer to the axis of the two sheet surfaces. It is characterized in that the transportation is stopped .

According to the present invention, in a sheet processing device for reinforcing a crease of a sheet conveyed in a folded state, the quality of the sheet after the crease is reinforced can be improved.

It is a figure which simplifies the whole structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows typically the hardware composition of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows typically the functional structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the folding processing unit and the additional folding processing unit when the folding processing unit and the additional folding processing unit according to the embodiment of the present invention are executing the folding processing and the additional folding processing, respectively, as viewed from the main scanning direction. .. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the folding processing unit and the additional folding processing unit when the folding processing unit and the additional folding processing unit according to the embodiment of the present invention are executing the folding processing and the additional folding processing, respectively, as viewed from the main scanning direction. .. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the folding processing unit and the additional folding processing unit when the folding processing unit and the additional folding processing unit according to the embodiment of the present invention are executing the folding processing and the additional folding processing, respectively, as viewed from the main scanning direction. .. It is a figure which shows an example of the shape of the paper which has been folded by the folding unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which looked at the additional folding roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the diagonally upper side in the main scanning direction. It is a front view which looked at the additional folding roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the sub-scanning direction. It is a side view which looked at the fold-back roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the main scanning direction. It is a perspective view which looked at the additional folding roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the diagonally upper side in the main scanning direction. It is a front view which looked at the additional folding roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the sub-scanning direction. It is a side view which looked at the fold-back roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the main scanning direction. It is a perspective view which looked at the additional folding roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the diagonally upper side in the main scanning direction. It is a front view which looked at the additional folding roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the sub-scanning direction. It is a side view which looked at the fold-back roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the main scanning direction. It is a perspective view which looked at the additional folding roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the diagonally upper side in the main scanning direction. It is a front view which looked at the additional folding roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the sub-scanning direction. It is a side view which looked at the fold-back roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the main scanning direction. It is a figure which looked at the push pressure transmission part which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the main scanning direction in the state which is arranged on the additional folding roller rotation axis. It is sectional drawing which looked at only the mechanism part which concerns on the additional folding process in the additional folding processing unit when the additional folding processing unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention performs the additional folding processing, as seen from the main scanning direction. The conventional fold-down processing unit presses the folded paper so that the first crease is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction from the surface opposite to the surface on which the crease is formed. It is a figure which shows the state at the time. It is sectional drawing which looked at only the mechanism part which concerns on the additional folding process in the additional folding processing unit when the additional folding processing unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention performs the additional folding processing, as seen from the main scanning direction. It is a graph which shows the load on the additional folding roller rotating shaft when the additional folding processing unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention is in the additional folding processing operation. It is a figure for demonstrating the rotational moment applied to the additional folding roller rotation shaft when the additional folding processing unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention is in the additional folding processing operation. It is a graph which shows the load torque to the additional folding roller drive motor when the additional folding processing unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention is in the additional folding processing operation. It is a figure which looked at the fold-folding roller drive device which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the main scanning direction. It is a perspective view of the additional folding roller drive device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state when the conventional fold-out processing unit presses the paper folded so that the crease is located at the front end in the transport direction from the surface opposite to the surface where the crease is formed. When the conventional additional folding unit according to the embodiment of the present invention presses the folded paper so that the crease is located at the front end in the transport direction from the surface opposite to the surface on which the crease is formed. It is a figure which shows the state. It is a perspective view which looked at the additional folding roller which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the diagonally upper side in the main scanning direction. It is sectional drawing which looked at the additional folding processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the main scanning direction. It is a figure which looked at the fold-folding roller drive device which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the main scanning direction. It is a perspective view of the additional folding roller drive device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which looked at only the mechanism part which concerns on the additional folding process in the additional folding processing unit after the additional folding processing unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention completes the additional folding processing, as seen from the main scanning direction. After the additional folding processing unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is stopped in the middle of executing the additional folding processing, only the mechanism portion related to the additional folding processing in the additional folding processing unit when the paper is pulled out is displayed from the main scanning direction. It is a cross-sectional view as seen. It is a perspective view of the stop device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a transmission view which looked at the stop device which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the direction perpendicular to the plane formed in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. It is a figure which looked at the stop device which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the main scanning direction.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, after image formation is performed on the fed paper, the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction (hereinafter, also referred to as “sub-scanning direction”) with respect to the image-formed paper (hereinafter, “main”). Folding is performed so as to form creases in the "scanning direction"), and in order to reinforce the creases formed by the fold processing and reduce the fold height, the creases formed by the fold processing are increased and pressed by a fold roller. An image forming apparatus for performing additional folding processing will be described as an example.

In such an image forming apparatus, one of the gist of the present embodiment is that when the paper is pressed to reinforce the creases formed on the paper, the paper is pressed from the surface on which the creases are formed. be. By configuring the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment in this way, it is possible to prevent folding wrinkles, pressing marks, and the like from being generated on the paper after the additional folding process. Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the quality of the paper after the creases are reinforced.

First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a simplified overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is composed of an image forming unit 2, a folding processing unit 3, an additional folding processing unit 4, and a scanner unit 5.

The image forming unit 2 generates CMYK (Cyan Mgenta Yellow Key Plate) drawing information based on the input image data, and outputs an image forming output to the fed paper based on the generated drawing information. Execute. The folding processing unit 3 executes folding processing on the image-formed paper conveyed from the image forming unit 2. The additional folding processing unit 4 executes the additional folding processing on the creases formed in the folded paper conveyed from the folding processing unit 3. That is, in the present embodiment, the additional folding processing unit 4, or the folding processing unit 3 and the additional folding processing unit 4 function as a sheet processing device.

The scanner unit 5 reads a document by a linear image sensor in which a plurality of photodiodes are arranged in a row and a light receiving element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor is arranged in parallel with the photodiode. By doing so, the manuscript is digitized. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a copying machine by having an image pickup function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like. ..

Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In addition to the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an engine for realizing a scanner, a printer, folding processing, additional folding processing, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the same configuration as a general server, a PC (Personal Computer), or the like. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 30, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 40, and an I / F 50. It is connected via 90. Further, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 60, an operation unit 70, and a dedicated device 80 are connected to the I / F 50.

The CPU 10 is a calculation means and controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1. The RAM 20 is a volatile storage medium capable of high-speed reading and writing of information, and is used as a work area when the CPU 10 processes information. The ROM 30 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium, and stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 40 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like.

The I / F 50 connects and controls the bus 90 with various hardware, networks, and the like. The LCD 60 is a visual user interface for the user to confirm the state of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 70 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse for the user to input information to the image forming apparatus 1.

The dedicated device 80 is hardware for realizing dedicated functions in the image forming unit 2, the folding processing unit 3, the additional folding processing unit 4, and the scanner unit 5. In the image forming unit 2, the image is formed on a paper surface. A plotter device that performs output. Further, the folding processing unit 3 is a transport mechanism for transporting paper and a folding processing mechanism for folding the conveyed paper.

Further, the additional folding processing unit 4 is an additional folding processing mechanism for reinforcing the creases of the paper that has been folded and conveyed by the folding processing unit 3. Further, the scanner unit 5 is a reading device that reads an image displayed on a paper surface. The configuration of the additional folding processing mechanism included in the additional folding processing unit 4 is one of the gist of the present embodiment.

In such a hardware configuration, a program stored in a storage medium such as a ROM 30, an HDD 40, or an optical disk (not shown) is read into the RAM 20, and the CPU 10 performs an operation according to the program loaded in the RAM 20, thereby performing a calculation in the software control unit. Is configured. By combining the software control unit configured in this way with the hardware, a functional block that realizes the function of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured.

Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the electrical connection is indicated by a solid arrow, and the flow of paper or a bundle of documents is indicated by a broken line arrow.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 100, a paper feed table 110, a print engine 120, a folding processing engine 130, an additional folding processing engine 140, a scanner engine 150, and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder). : Automatic document transfer device) 160, a paper ejection tray 170, a display panel 180, and a network I / F 190. Further, the controller 100 has a main control unit 101, an engine control unit 102, an input / output control unit 103, an image processing unit 104, and an operation display control unit 105.

The paper feed table 110 feeds paper to the print engine 120, which is an image forming unit. The print engine 120 is an image forming unit provided in the image forming unit 2, and draws an image by executing an image forming output on the paper conveyed from the paper feed table 110. As a specific embodiment of the print engine 120, it is possible to use an image forming mechanism by an inkjet method, an image forming mechanism by an electrophotographic method, or the like. The image-formed paper on which the image is drawn by the print engine 120 is conveyed to the folding processing unit 3 or discharged to the output tray 170.

The folding processing engine 130 is provided in the folding processing unit 3 and performs folding processing on the image-formed paper conveyed from the image forming unit 2. The folded paper that has been folded by the folding engine 130 is conveyed to the additional folding unit 4. The additional folding processing engine 140 is provided in the additional folding processing unit 4, and performs additional folding processing on the creases formed in the folded paper conveyed from the folding processing engine 130. The extra-folded paper that has been extra-folded by the extra-folding engine 140 is ejected to the output tray 170, or post-processing (not shown) that performs post-processing such as stapling, punching, and bookbinding processing. Transported to the unit.

The ADF 160 is provided in the scanner unit 5, and automatically conveys the document to the scanner engine 150, which is a document reading unit. The scanner engine 150 is a document reading unit provided in the scanner unit 5 and including a photoelectric conversion element that converts optical information into an electric signal, and is set on a document automatically conveyed by the ADF 160 or a platen glass (not shown). Image information is generated by optically scanning and scanning the original document. The document automatically conveyed by the ADF 160 and read by the scanner engine 150 is ejected to the output tray 170.

The display panel 180 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the image forming apparatus 1, and is an input when the user directly operates the image forming apparatus 1 or inputs information to the image forming apparatus 1 as a touch panel. It is also an interface. That is, the display panel 180 includes a function of displaying an image for receiving an operation by the user. The display panel 180 is realized by the LCD 60 and the operation unit 70 shown in FIG.

The network I / F 190 is an interface for the image forming apparatus 1 to communicate with other devices such as an administrator terminal via a network, such as Ethernet (registered trademark), USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, and Bluetooth (registered). Interfaces such as (trademark), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), and Felica (registered trademark) are used. The network I / F 190 is realized by the I / F 50 shown in FIG.

The controller 100 is composed of a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, a control program such as firmware stored in a non-volatile storage medium such as ROM 30 or HDD 40 is loaded into RAM 20, and a software control unit and an integrated circuit configured by the CPU 10 performing an operation according to those programs. The controller 100 is configured by such hardware. The controller 100 functions as a control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1.

The main control unit 101 plays a role of controlling each unit included in the controller 100, and gives a command to each unit of the controller 100. Further, the main control unit 101 controls the input / output control unit 103 and accesses other devices via the network I / F 190 and the network. The engine control unit 102 controls or drives a drive unit such as a print engine 120, a folding processing engine 130, an additional folding processing engine 140, and a scanner engine 150. The input / output control unit 103 inputs signals and commands input via the network I / F 190 and the network to the main control unit 101.

The image processing unit 104 generates drawing information based on the document data or image data included in the input print job according to the control of the main control unit 101. This drawing information is data such as CMYK bitmap data, and is information for drawing an image to be formed by the print engine 120, which is an image forming unit, in an image forming operation. Further, the image processing unit 104 processes the image pickup data input from the scanner engine 150 to generate image data. This image data is information stored in the image forming apparatus 1 as a result of the scanner operation or transmitted to other devices via the network I / F 190 and the network. The operation display control unit 105 displays information on the display panel 180 or notifies the main control unit 101 of the information input via the display panel 180.

Next, an operation example when the folding processing unit 3 and the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment perform the folding processing and the additional folding processing, respectively, will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. 4 to 6 show a main scan of the folding processing unit 3 and the additional folding processing unit 4 when the folding processing unit 3 and the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment are executing the folding processing and the additional folding processing, respectively. It is a cross-sectional view seen from a direction. The operation of each operation unit described below is performed by the control of the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102.

When the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs the folding processing operation in the folding processing unit 3, first, as shown in FIG. 4A, the folding processing unit 3 has an inlet roller pair 310 from the image forming unit 2. The image-formed paper 6 conveyed to the folding processing unit 3 is laterally corrected by the resist roller pair 320 and conveyed toward the transfer path switching claw 330 while measuring the transfer timing.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the folding processing unit 3 transfers the paper 6 conveyed to the conveying path switching claw 330 by the resist roller pair 320 to the first folding processing conveying roller pair 340 by the conveying path switching claw 330. Induce to. As shown in FIG. 4C, the folding processing unit 3 uses the first folding processing transport roller pair 340 to transfer the paper 6 guided to the first folding processing transport roller pair 340 by the transport path switching claw 330. The second folding process is conveyed toward the transfer roller pair 350.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the folding processing unit 3 transfers the paper 6 conveyed to the second folding processing transport roller pair 350 by the first folding processing transport roller pair 340 to the first folding processing transport roller pair 350. Further transport is carried out by the roller pair 340 and the second folding transport roller pair 350. As shown in FIG. 5B, the folding processing unit 3 reverses the rotation direction of the second folding processing transport roller pair 350 at a timing for folding the paper 6 at a predetermined position, so that the paper 6 is folded. The paper 6 is crease-folded to the transport roller pair 360 by the first folding processing transport roller pair 340 and the second folding processing transport roller pair 350 so that the bending position does not change while creating the deflection at the predetermined position. Transport towards.

At this time, in the folding processing unit 3, the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 control each unit based on the transport speed of the paper 6 and the sensor information input from the sensor 370 so as to measure the above timing. It has become.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the fold processing unit 3 conveys the paper 6 conveyed to the crease transfer roller pair 360 by the second fold processing transfer roller pair 350 and the crease transfer roller pair 360 in the transfer direction. The paper 6 is rotated to sandwich the bending of the paper 6 to make a crease at the predetermined position, and the paper 6 is conveyed toward the gap between the fold roller 410 of the fold processing unit 4 and the paper support plate 420. .. That is, in the present embodiment, the crease transfer roller pair 360 functions as a sheet transfer unit. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the present embodiment, one of the first folding process transport roller pair 340 concurrently serves as one of the crease transfer transport roller pair 360.

FIGS. 7A to 7H show an example of the shape of the paper 6 which has been folded in this way. 7 (a) to 7 (h) are views showing an example of the shape of the folded paper 6 that has been folded by the folding unit 3 according to the present embodiment.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the additional folding processing unit 4 transfers the paper 6 conveyed in the gap between the additional folding roller 410 and the paper support plate 420 by the crease transfer roller pair 360 to the paper support plate 420. The paper 6 is supported from the pressing direction, and the creases formed on the paper 6 are increased and the folding roller 410 is pressed while rotating in the conveying direction to perform additional folding. That is, in the present embodiment, the additional folding roller 410 functions as a pressing portion, and the paper support plate 420 functions as a sheet supporting portion.

At this time, in the additional folding processing unit 4, the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 have folding information regarding the folding method in the folding processing unit 3, paper information regarding the size of the paper 6, the transport speed of the paper 6, and the additional folding roller 410. By controlling each part based on the rotation speed of the paper 6, the timing of pressing the paper 6 is measured. Alternatively, at this time, in the additional folding processing unit 4, the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 perform each unit based on the conveying speed of the paper 6, the rotation speed of the additional folding roller 410, and the sensor information input from the sensor 430. By controlling, the timing of pressing the paper 6 is measured.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the additional folding roller 410 is driven by the driving force of the additional folding roller drive motor 471 transmitted from the additional folding roller drive device 470 via the timing belt 472, and the creases. The attachment transfer roller pair 360 is driven by a crease transfer roller drive motor (not shown). The drive of the fold roller drive motor 471 and the drive of the crease transfer roller drive motor are controlled by the engine control unit 102. That is, in the present embodiment, the additional folding roller drive motor 471 functions as a rotation drive braking unit, and the engine control unit 102 functions as a rotation control unit and a transfer control unit.

As described above, when the additional folding processing unit 4 performs additional folding by pressing the creases formed on the paper 6 by the additional folding roller 410, the additional folding processing paper 6 is subjected to the additional folding processing transfer roller. Transport towards 440 vs. 440.

As shown in FIG. 6B, when the additional folding processing unit 4 discharges the additional folding processed paper 6 conveyed from the gap between the additional folding roller 410 and the paper support plate 420 as it is, the additional folding processing unit 4 discharges the paper 6 as it is. The paper 6 is conveyed toward the paper ejection roller pair 450 by the additional folding processing transport roller pair 440. Then, the additional folding processing unit 4 discharges the additional folding processed paper 6 conveyed to the paper ejection roller 450 by the additional folding processing transport roller pair 440 to the output tray 170 by the paper ejection roller 450. As a result, the folding processing operation and the additional folding processing operation in the folding image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment are completed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6C, the additional folding processing unit 4 staples, punches, and punches the additional folding processed paper 6 conveyed from the gap between the additional folding roller 410 and the paper support plate 420. When post-processing such as bookbinding processing is performed, the paper 6 is increased and conveyed toward the post-processing transfer roller pair 460 by the folding processing transfer roller pair 440. Then, the additional folding processing unit 4 transfers the paper 6 that has been subjected to the additional folding processing, which has been conveyed to the post-processing transfer roller pair 460 by the additional folding processing transfer roller pair 440, to the post-processing unit (not shown) by the post-processing transfer roller pair 460. Transport. As a result, the folding processing operation and the additional folding processing operation in the folding image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment are completed.

Next, structural examples of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, FIGS. 11 to 13, FIGS. 14 to 16, and FIGS. 17 to 19, respectively.

First, a first structural example of the fold-back roller 410 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment as viewed from diagonally above and sideways in the main scanning direction. FIG. 9 is a front view of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the sub-scanning direction. FIG. 10 is a side view of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the main scanning direction.

In the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment, as a first structural example, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, a plurality of pressing force transmitting portions 412 are constant with each other in the rotation direction of the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411. It is configured to be arranged at regular intervals in the main scanning direction around the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411 with an angle difference of.

Here, the fold-back roller rotation shaft 411 is a rotation shaft of the fold-back roller 410 that is laid horizontally on the fold-back processing unit 4 in the main scanning direction and rotates about an axis penetrating in the main scanning direction, and is a pressing force transmission unit. The 412 is a pressing member that expands and contracts in a specific direction and transmits the pressing force to the crease formed on the paper 6 by the elastic force when the expansion and contraction occurs.

When the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment is configured as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the additional folding roller 410 can sequentially press the creases from one end to the other end. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of fold wrinkles.

Next, FIG. 11 explaining a second structural example of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 shows the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment diagonally in the main scanning direction. It is a perspective view seen from the top side. FIG. 12 is a front view of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the sub-scanning direction. FIG. 13 is a side view of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the main scanning direction.

In the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment, as a second structural example, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, an odd number of pressing force transmitting portions 412 are centered on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 in the main scanning direction. It is configured to be arranged around the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 at regular intervals in the main scanning direction around the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 with a certain angle difference from each other in the rotational direction of the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 so as to be symmetrical with respect to.

Next, a third structural example of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment as viewed from diagonally above and sideways in the main scanning direction. FIG. 15 is a front view of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the sub-scanning direction. FIG. 16 is a side view of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the main scanning direction.

As a third structural example of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, an even number of pressing force transmitting portions 412 refer to the center of the additional folding roller 410 in the main scanning direction. The fold-back roller rotation shaft 411 is arranged around the fold-back roller rotation shaft 411 at regular intervals in the main scanning direction with a constant angle difference from each other in the rotation direction of the fold-back roller rotation shaft 411 so as to be symmetrical.

Next, a fourth structural example of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment as viewed from diagonally above and sideways in the main scanning direction. FIG. 18 is a front view of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the sub-scanning direction. FIG. 19 is a side view of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the main scanning direction.

As a fourth structural example, the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment is arranged on the additional folding roller rotating shaft of the pressing force transmitting portion 412 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19. An arrangement embodiment in which the pressing force transmission unit 412 shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 is arranged on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 with a predetermined angle difference in the rotational direction of the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411. It is composed. When the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment is configured as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the additional folding roller 410 has no gap in the main scanning direction, that is, the entire crease formed on the paper 6. It is possible to press without a gap over the entire surface.

Further, when the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment is configured as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, FIGS. 14 to 16, and FIGS. 17 to 19, the additional folding roller 410 has creases at both ends from the center. Since it can be pressed sequentially toward, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of fold wrinkles.

Next, a structural example of the pressing force transmitting unit 412 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b). 20 (a) and 20 (b) are views seen from the main scanning direction in a state where the pressing force transmitting unit 412 according to the present embodiment is arranged on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411. As shown in FIG. 20 (a), the push pressure transmission portion 412 according to the present embodiment has a fixing portion 412a for fixing the push pressure transmission portion 412 around the folding roller rotating shaft 411 and a fixing portion 412a. It is composed of an elastic body 412b that is attached and expands and contracts to generate elastic force in the expansion and contraction direction, and a pressing roller 412c that is attached to the elastic body 412b and is composed of a rotating body that rotates around an axis penetrating in the main scanning direction. Will be done. That is, in the present embodiment, the pressing roller 412c functions as a pressing force acting portion.

As described above, the pressing force transmitting portion 412 is configured to include the elastic body 412b, assuming that the elastic body 412b is a rigid body. This is because it cannot rotate when it comes into contact with the paper support plate 420. That is, in the present embodiment, the elastic body 412b functions as an elastic body that generates an elastic force according to the amount of change by changing the physical shape.

Although FIG. 20A shows an example in which the elastic body 412b is made of a leaf spring, it may also be made of elasticity of a compression spring, rubber, sponge, plastic resin, or the like. ..

In the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, during the additional folding processing, the additional folding roller 410 configured in this way is rotated with the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411 as the rotation axis, so that the additional folding roller 410 is rotated in the main scanning direction on the paper. The formed creases can be sequentially pressed toward the crease direction by each pressing force transmitting unit 412.

This is because, in the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment, the plurality of pressing force transmitting portions 412 are mainly around the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 with a constant angle difference from each other in the rotational direction of the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411. This is because they are arranged at regular intervals in the scanning direction.

Therefore, in the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, the pressing force is not dispersed over the entire main scanning direction during the additional folding process, and the concentrated pressing force by each pressing force transmitting unit 412 is fold. It can be applied over the entire area.

As shown in FIG. 20B, a simple pressing rod 412d may be attached to the elastic body 412b instead of the pressing roller 412c composed of the rotating body. However, when the pressing force transmitting portion 412 is configured in this way, there is a problem that the pressing rod 412d scratches the paper 6 during pressing and the contact portion of the pressing rod 412d with the paper 6 is severely worn. However, if the contact portion of the pressing rod 412d with the paper 6 has a smooth shape and the frictional force of the contact portion is reduced, the above problem can be alleviated.

The additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment rotates the additional folding roller 410 configured in this way with the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411 as a rotation axis, thereby pressing each crease formed in the main scanning direction. The transmission unit 412 allows the pressure to be sequentially pressed toward the crease direction.

Therefore, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment can apply the pressing force of each pressing force transmitting unit 412 intensively over the entire crease in a short time. Therefore, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment can apply a sufficient pressing force to the crease without reducing the productivity while reducing the load on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411. .. This makes it possible to provide a highly productive, compact and low-cost folding device.

Next, the details of the operation example when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the additional folding processing will be described with reference to FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of only the mechanism portion involved in the additional folding process in the additional folding processing unit 4 when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is executing the additional folding process, as viewed from the main scanning direction. .. In addition, in FIG. 21, an example in which the paper 6 having the first crease 6a and the second fold is formed is subjected to the additional folding process will be described. The operation of each operation unit described below is performed by the control of the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102.

When the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment starts conveying the paper 6 as shown in FIG. 21 (a), the additional folding roller 410 is formed on the paper 6 as shown in FIG. 21 (b). After calculating the timing until it comes into contact with the first crease 6a, the rotation of the additional folding roller 410 is started.

At this time, in the additional folding processing unit 4, the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 have folding information regarding the folding method in the folding processing unit 3, paper information regarding the size of the paper 6, the transport speed of the paper 6, and the additional folding roller 410. By controlling each part based on the rotation speed of the paper 6, the timing until the additional folding roller 410 comes into contact with the first crease 6a formed on the paper 6 is calculated. Alternatively, at this time, in the additional folding processing unit 4, the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 perform each unit based on the conveying speed of the paper 6, the rotation speed of the additional folding roller 410, and the sensor information input from the sensor 430. By controlling, the timing until the additional folding roller 410 comes into contact with the first crease 6a formed on the paper 6 is calculated.

Then, as shown in FIG. 21C, when the additional folding processing unit 4 conveys the paper 6 until the first crease 6a is located directly under the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411, the additional folding processing unit 4 completes the conveying of the paper 6. The additional folding roller 410 starts abutting on the first crease 6a formed on the paper 6 to start pressing the first crease 6a. Then, as shown in FIG. 21D, the additional folding processing unit 4 presses the first crease 6a formed on the paper 6 by continuing to rotate the additional folding roller 410 while the paper 6 is stopped. Continue.

At this time, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is formed by folding the paper 6 so that the first crease 6a is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction, and the first crease 6a thereof. One of the gist is to press from the formed surface. Here, in this way, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment folds the paper 6 so that the first crease 6a is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction. The significance of pressing from the surface on which the crease 6a is formed will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 (a) to 22 (c). 22 (a) to 22 (c) show that the conventional fold-back processing unit folds the paper 6 so that the first crease 6a is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction. It is a figure which shows the state when it is pressed from the surface opposite to the surface where the crease 6a is formed.

As shown in FIG. 22A, the conventional fold-back processing unit folds the paper 6 so that the first crease 6a is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction. When pressed from the surface opposite to the surface on which the crease 6a is formed, the pressing marks 6c and fold wrinkles are formed on the paper 6 as shown in FIGS. 22 (b) and 22 (c) due to the thickness of the first crease 6a. 6d will occur.

Therefore, one of the purposes of the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is to prevent the pressing marks 6c and the folding wrinkles 6d from being generated on the paper 6 in this way. Therefore, as described above, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment folds the paper 6 so that the first crease 6a is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction. It is configured to press from the surface on which one crease 6a is formed.

By configuring the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment in this way, it is possible to prevent folding wrinkles, pressing marks, and the like from occurring on the paper 6 after the additional folding processing. Therefore, according to the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the quality of the paper 6 after the creases are reinforced.

At this time, in the additional folding processing unit 4, the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 control each unit based on the folding information regarding the folding method in the folding processing unit 3, so that the first crease 6a is formed. The paper 6 is increased and conveyed to a position where the folding process is performed so as to press the paper 6 from the surface.

After that, as shown in FIG. 21E, the fold-back processing unit 4 calculates the timing until the fold-back roller 410 separates from the paper 6, and then when the fold-back roller 410 separates from the paper 6. The transfer of the paper 6 is started.

At this time, in the additional folding processing unit 4, the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 control each unit based on the rotation speed of the additional folding roller 410 until the additional folding roller 410 is separated from the paper 6. The timing is calculated.

Then, the additional folding processing unit 4 finishes the additional folding processing by conveying the paper 6 separated from the additional folding roller 410 without pressing the crease 6b. As described above, the additional folding processing unit 4 conveys the paper 6 separated from the additional folding roller 410 without pressing the crease 6b because the crease 6b cannot be pressed from the crease side. Is. If the additional fold processing unit 4 is configured to provide the additional fold rollers 410 on both the upper and lower sides of the paper support plate 420, the crease 6b should be pressed from the crease side as well as the crease 6a. Is possible.

As shown in FIGS. 21 (a) to 21 (e), the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is folded so that the first crease 6a is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction. When pressing the paper 6, the paper 6 is configured to be pressed from the surface on which the first crease 6a is formed. One of the gist of the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is that it is configured in this way. By configuring the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment in this way, it is possible to prevent folding wrinkles, pressing marks, and the like from occurring on the paper 6 after the additional folding processing. Therefore, according to the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the quality of the paper 6 after the creases are reinforced.

If the fold-back roller 410 rotates in the direction opposite to the example shown in FIG. 21, the fold-back roller 410 first collides with the paper support plate 420 at the timing corresponding to FIG. 21 (c). Will come into contact with the paper 6. Therefore, when the fold-back roller 410 rotates in the direction opposite to the example shown in FIG. 21, a collision noise between the fold-back roller 410 and the paper support plate 420 is generated in the fold-back processing unit 4.

On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 21, since the fold-back roller 410 abuts only on the paper 6, it indirectly collides with the paper support plate 420 via the paper 6. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the paper 6 functions as a cushioning material between the additional folding roller 410 and the paper support plate 420, and it is possible to suppress the above-mentioned collision noise. Such an effect is more likely to be obtained as the number of times the paper 6 is folded increases. This is because as the number of times the paper 6 is folded increases, the overlap of the paper increases, so that the thickness increases and the cushioning effect increases.

Further, if the fold-back roller 410 rotates in the direction opposite to the example shown in FIG. 21, the fold-back roller 410 first collides with the paper support plate 420 at the timing corresponding to FIG. 21 (c). Will come into contact with the paper 6, but will come into contact with the open portion formed in the upper part of the first crease 6a. Therefore, when the additional folding roller 410 rotates in the direction opposite to the example shown in FIG. 21, there is a problem that fold wrinkles may occur on the paper 6. Such a problem tends to occur more remarkably as the number of times of folding the paper 6 increases. This is because as the number of times the paper 6 is folded increases, the overlap of the paper increases and the thickness thereof increases.

On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the additional folding roller 410 abuts from the opposite side of the open portion formed in the upper part of the first crease 6a. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 21, there is no problem that fold wrinkles are generated on the paper 6 regardless of the number of times the paper 6 is folded.

As described above, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is increased according to the paper type and thickness of the paper 6, the shape and folding method of the folded paper 6, the number of foldings, the position of the crease, and the like. By changing the rotation direction of the folding roller 410, it is possible to suppress the collision noise and prevent the occurrence of folding wrinkles.

Next, details of another operation example when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the additional folding processing will be described with reference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of only the mechanism portion involved in the additional folding process in the additional folding processing unit 4 when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is executing the additional folding process, as viewed from the main scanning direction. .. In addition, in FIG. 23, an example of performing the additional folding process on the paper 6 in which the second fold having the second crease 6b is formed will be described. The operation of each operation unit described below is performed by the control of the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102.

When the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment starts conveying the paper 6 as shown in FIG. 23 (a), the additional folding roller 410 is formed on the paper 6 as shown in FIG. 23 (b). After calculating the timing until it comes into contact with the second crease 6b, the reversal of the additional folding roller 410 is started.

At this time, in the additional folding processing unit 4, the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 have folding information regarding the folding method in the folding processing unit 3, paper information regarding the size of the paper 6, the transport speed of the paper 6, and the additional folding roller 410. By controlling each part based on the rotation speed of the paper 6, the timing until the additional folding roller 410 comes into contact with the second crease 6b formed on the paper 6 is calculated. Alternatively, at this time, in the additional folding processing unit 4, the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 perform each unit based on the conveying speed of the paper 6, the rotation speed of the additional folding roller 410, and the sensor information input from the sensor 430. By controlling, the timing until the additional folding roller 410 comes into contact with the second crease 6b formed on the paper 6 is calculated.

Then, as shown in FIG. 23 (c), the additional folding processing unit 4 conveys the paper 6 until the first crease 6b is located directly under the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411, and the paper 6 is completely transferred. The additional folding roller 410 starts abutting on the first crease 6b formed on the paper 6 to start pressing the first crease 6a. Then, as shown in FIG. 23D, the additional folding processing unit 4 presses the first crease 6a formed on the paper 6 by continuing to rotate the additional folding roller 410 while the paper 6 is stopped. Continue.

At this time, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is formed by folding the paper 6 so that the second crease 6b is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction, and the second crease 6b thereof. One of the gist is to press from the formed surface. In this way, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment folds the paper 6 so that the second crease 6b is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction, and the second crease 6b thereof. The significance of pressing from the surface on which the is formed is as described with reference to FIGS. 22 (a) to 22 (c).

By configuring the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment in this way, it is possible to prevent folding wrinkles, pressing marks, and the like from occurring on the paper 6 after the additional folding processing. Therefore, according to the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the quality of the paper 6 after the creases are reinforced.

At this time, in the additional folding processing unit 4, the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 control each unit based on the folding information regarding the folding method in the folding processing unit 3, so that the second crease 6b is formed. The paper 6 is increased and conveyed to a position where the folding process is performed so as to press the paper 6 from the surface.

After that, as shown in FIG. 23E, the fold-back processing unit 4 calculates the timing until the fold-back roller 410 separates from the paper 6, and then when the fold-back roller 410 separates from the paper 6. The transfer of the paper 6 is started.

At this time, in the additional folding processing unit 4, the main control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 control each unit based on the rotation speed of the additional folding roller 410 until the additional folding roller 410 is separated from the paper 6. The timing is calculated.

Then, the additional folding processing unit 4 finishes the additional folding processing by conveying the paper 6 separated from the additional folding roller 410 without pressing the crease 6a. As described above, the additional folding processing unit 4 conveys the paper 6 separated from the additional folding roller 410 without pressing the crease 6a because the crease 6a cannot be pressed from the crease side. Is. If the additional fold processing unit 4 is configured to provide the additional fold rollers 410 on both the upper and lower sides of the paper support plate 420, the crease 6a should be pressed from the crease side as well as the crease 6b. Is possible.

As shown in FIGS. 23 (a) to 23 (e), the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is folded so that the second crease 6b is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction. When pressing the paper 6, the paper 6 is configured to be pressed from the surface on which the second crease 6b is formed. One of the gist of the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is that it is configured in this way. By configuring the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment in this way, it is possible to prevent folding wrinkles, pressing marks, and the like from occurring on the paper 6 after the additional folding processing. Therefore, according to the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the quality of the paper 6 after the creases are reinforced.

If the fold-back roller 410 rotates in the direction opposite to the example shown in FIG. 23, the fold-back roller 410 is a portion where the paper 6 is not folded at the timing corresponding to FIG. 23 (c). Will come into contact with. Therefore, when the fold-back roller 410 rotates in the direction opposite to the example shown in FIG. 23, the buffering action of the paper 6 between the fold-back roller 410 and the paper support plate 420 in the fold-back processing unit 4 is weak. And a collision sound is generated.

On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 23, since the additional folding roller 410 abuts only on the folded portion of the paper 6, it collides with the paper support plate 420 via the folded portion of the paper 6. .. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the overlap of the paper 6 is increased and the paper 6 functions as a cushioning material between the folding roller 410 and the paper support plate 420, and the above-mentioned collision noise can be suppressed. It becomes. Such an effect is more likely to be obtained as the number of times the paper 6 is folded increases. This is because as the number of times the paper 6 is folded increases, the overlap of the paper increases, so that the thickness increases and the cushioning effect increases.

Further, if the fold-back roller 410 rotates in the direction opposite to the example shown in FIG. 23, the fold-back roller 410 is a portion where the paper 6 is not folded at the timing corresponding to FIG. 23 (c). Will come into contact with, but will come into contact with the open portion formed in the lower part of the second crease 6b. Therefore, when the additional folding roller 410 rotates in the direction opposite to the example shown in FIG. 23, there is a problem that fold wrinkles may occur on the paper 6. Such a problem tends to occur more remarkably as the number of times of folding the paper 6 increases. This is because as the number of times the paper 6 is folded increases, the overlap of the paper increases and the thickness thereof increases.

On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the additional folding roller 410 abuts from the opposite side of the open portion formed in the upper part of the second crease 6b. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 23, there is no problem that fold wrinkles are generated on the paper 6 regardless of the number of times the paper 6 is folded.

As described above, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is increased according to the paper type and thickness of the paper 6, the shape and folding method of the folded paper 6, the number of foldings, the position of the crease, and the like. By changing the rotation direction of the folding roller 410, it is possible to suppress the collision noise and prevent the occurrence of folding wrinkles.

Next, a load on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is in the additional folding processing operation will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a graph showing the load on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is in the additional folding processing operation. In FIG. 24, the total load on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 in the configuration of the additional folding roller 410 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 is shown by a solid line graph.

Further, the graph of the broken line in FIG. 24 shows the additional folding assuming that each set of the pressing force transmitting portions 412 constituting the additional folding roller 410 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 presses the paper 6 independently. It is a graph which shows the load on a roller rotation shaft 411, and is the 1st set, the 2nd set, the 3rd set, ... , It is a graph about the 15th set push pressure transmission part 412.

In the additional folding rollers 410 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the first set of the push pressure transmission unit 412 is different from the second set to the fifteenth set including the two push pressure transmission units 412. It contains only one push pressure transmission unit 412. Therefore, the load on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 assuming that the first set of push pressure transmission unit 412 is pressing the paper 6 independently is applied to the paper by the other set of push pressure transmission unit 412 alone. It is half of the assumption that 6 is pressed.

Further, the graph of the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 24 is a graph showing the load on the rotation axis of the additional folding roller when the conventional additional folding processing unit is in the additional folding processing operation.

As shown by the broken line in FIG. 24, one set assuming that each set of the pressing force transmitting unit 412 constituting the additional folding roller 410 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 is pressing the paper 6 independently. The load on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 of the hit is smaller than the load on the rotating shaft of the additional folding roller in the conventional additional folding processing unit.

Further, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 24, the total load on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 in the configuration of the additional folding roller 410 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 is also the total load of the additional folding roller in the conventional additional folding processing unit. Smaller than the axis of rotation. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, FIGS. 14 to 16, and FIGS. 17 to 19, each set of the pressing force transmitting unit 412 constituting the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment is different. This is because the paper 6 is pressed in order in the main scanning direction at different timings.

Therefore, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment can obtain an equal or more additional folding effect with a smaller pressing force than the additional folding roller in the conventional additional folding processing unit, and at the same time, the additional folding effect can be obtained. It is possible to reduce the load on the folding roller rotating shaft 411. That is, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment can apply a sufficient pressing force to the crease while reducing the load on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411.

Next, the load torque on the additional folding roller drive motor 471 when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is in the additional folding processing operation will be described with reference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the rotational moment applied to the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411 when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is in the additional folding processing operation.

As shown in FIG. 25, when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is in the additional folding processing operation, the pressing roller 412c of the pressing pressure transmitting unit 412 starts abutting on the paper 6, and then the elastic body. Until the expansion / contraction direction of the 412b is parallel to the vertical line drawn from the fold roller rotation shaft 411 to the paper support plate 420, a rotation moment is generated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the fold roller 410. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25, when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is in the additional folding processing operation, after the expansion / contraction direction of the elastic body 412b becomes parallel to the vertical line, the pressing force transmitting unit 412 A rotational moment is generated in the same direction as the rotational direction of the additional folding roller 410 until the pressing roller 412c of the above separates the paper 6.

Therefore, it is assumed that each set of the pressing force transmitting portions 412 constituting the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment independently presses the paper 6, and these rotational moments are applied to the additional folding roller drive motor 471. It becomes a load torque.

However, since the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment is configured as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, FIGS. 14 to 16, and FIGS. 17 to 19, a certain set is shown as shown in FIG. 25. When the rotational moment by the pressing force transmitting unit 412 and the rotational moment by the pressing force transmitting unit 412 of another set are generated in opposite directions, the rotational moments cancel each other out and the sum of the rotational moments becomes small. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can reduce the load torque on the additional folding roller drive motor 471 during the additional folding processing operation. Therefore, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment can apply a sufficient pressing force to the crease while reducing the load on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 25, the angle between the expansion / contraction direction of the elastic body 412b constituting one set of pressing force transmitting portion 412 and the vertical line is defined as α, and another set of pressing pressure transmitting portion 412 is configured. Assuming that the angle between the expansion and contraction direction of the elastic body 412b and the vertical line is β, when α and β are the same, the rotational moment generated by a certain set of pressing force transmitting portions 412 and the other The rotational moments generated by the set pressing force transmission unit 412 completely cancel each other out, and the total sum becomes 0.

On the other hand, the force that is canceled is the force in the rotation direction centered on the fold roller rotation shaft 411, and the force in the vertical downward direction from the fold roller rotation shaft 411, that is, the paper support plate due to the elastic force of the elastic body 412b. It does not affect the pressing force on the 420. Therefore, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment can apply a sufficient pressing force to the crease while reducing the load on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411.

Here, FIG. 26 shows a state of change in the load torque on the additional folding roller drive motor 471 when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is in the additional folding processing operation. FIG. 26 is a graph showing the load torque on the additional folding roller drive motor 471 when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is in the additional folding processing operation. In FIG. 26, a solid line graph shows the total load torque on the additional folding roller drive motor 471 when the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411 in the configuration of the additional folding roller 410 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 is rotated. It is shown by.

Further, the dotted line graph in FIG. 26 shows the additional folding assuming that each set of the pressing force transmitting portions 412 constituting the additional folding roller 410 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 presses the paper 6 independently. It is a graph which shows the load torque to a roller drive motor 471, and is the 1st set, the 2nd set, the 3rd set, ... It is a graph about the 15th set push pressure transmission unit 412.

In the additional folding roller 410 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the first set of the push pressure transmission unit 412 is different from the second set to the fifteenth set including two push pressure transmission units 412. It contains only one push pressure transmission unit 412. Therefore, the load torque on the additional folding roller drive motor 471 assuming that the first set of push pressure transmission unit 412 is pressing the paper 6 independently is obtained by the other set of push pressure transmission unit 412 alone. It is half of the torque assuming that the paper 6 is pressed.

As shown in FIG. 26, the absolute value of the load torque on the additional folding roller drive motor 471 when the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is in the additional folding processing operation is the rotation of the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411. It can be seen that when the angle is from around 38 ° to around 173 °, each set of the pressing force transmitting unit 412 is smaller than the assumption that the paper 6 is pressed independently. This is because, as described above, the rotational moment by one set of pressing force transmitting unit 412 and the rotational moment by another set of pressing force transmitting unit 412 cancel each other out. Therefore, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment can apply a sufficient pressing force to the crease while reducing the load on the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411.

Next, the structure of the fold-back roller drive device 470 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. FIG. 27 is a view of the additional folding roller drive device 470 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the main scanning direction. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the additional folding roller drive device 470 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the additional folding roller drive device 470 according to the present embodiment is provided at one end of the additional folding roller 410 in the main scanning direction, and is provided with an additional folding roller drive motor 471, a timing belt 472, and a reversing gear. 473, a fold-fold roller rotary gear pulley 474, and a fold-fold roller rotary pulley 475 are provided.

The fold-back roller drive motor 471 is a motor that rotates the reversing gear 473. The additional folding roller rotary gear pulley 474 is a pulley provided with a gear that meshes with the reversing gear 473, and when the reversing gear 473 rotates, it rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the reversing gear 473. The timing belt 472 is an endless belt for transmitting the rotation of the fold roller rotary gear pulley 474 to the fold roller rotary pulley 475. The additional folding roller rotating pulley 475 is connected to the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411, and by rotating the additional folding roller rotating gear pulley 474, the timing belt 472 rotates in the same direction as the additional folding roller rotating gear pulley 474. The additional folding roller rotation shaft 411 is rotated in the rotation direction thereof.

When the fold-fold roller drive device 470 configured in this way rotates the fold-fold roller 410 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 28, first, the fold-fold roller drive motor 471 is controlled by the engine control unit 102 in FIG. 28. By rotating in the direction opposite to the arrow shown in FIG. 28, the reversing gear 473 is rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow direction shown in FIG. 28. As a result, the fold roller rotary gear pulley 474 rotates in the same direction as the arrow shown in FIG. 28, and the rotation is transmitted to the fold roller rotary pulley 475 via the timing belt 472.

Then, when the additional folding roller rotation pulley 475 rotates, the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411 rotates in conjunction with the rotation, so that the additional folding roller 410 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 28. When the additional folding roller drive device 470 rotates the additional folding roller 410 in the direction opposite to the arrow shown in FIG. 28, each of them rotates in the opposite direction to the above.

As described above, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is the paper as shown in FIGS. 21 (a) to 21 (e) and FIGS. 23 (a) to 23 (e) in the additional folding processing. When pressing the paper 6 to reinforce the first crease 6a and the second crease 6b formed in 6, the paper 6 is pressed from the surface on which the first crease 6a and the second crease 6b are formed. One of the gist is that it is structured to do so. By configuring the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment in this way, it is possible to prevent folding wrinkles, pressing marks, and the like from occurring on the paper 6 after the additional folding processing. Therefore, according to the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the quality of the paper 6 after the creases are reinforced.

In this embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 21 (a) to 21 (e) and FIGS. 23 (a) to 23 (e), the crease is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction. An example of pressing the folded paper 6 is described. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), the folded paper 6 is provided so that the creases are located at the front end or the rear end in the transport direction. It is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the present embodiment when pressing. Here, the reason will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 (a) and 29 (b) and FIGS. 30 (a) and 30 (b). 29 (a), (b) and 30 (a), (b) show the paper 6 folded by the conventional additional folding processing unit so that the first crease 6a is located at the front end in the transport direction. It is a figure which shows the state when the first crease 6a is pressed from the surface opposite to the formed surface.

As shown in FIG. 29 (a), the conventional additional folding processing unit is formed by forming the first crease 6a of the paper 6 folded so that the first crease 6a is located at the front end in the transport direction. When pressed from the surface opposite to the surface, as shown in FIG. 29 (b), due to the friction between the pressing roller 412c and the paper 6, the portion overlapping the first crease 6a increases and follows the rotation of the folding roller 410. Then, it moves to a state similar to the state shown in FIG. 22 (a). As a result, the conventional additional folding processing unit folds the paper 6 so that the first crease 6a is located at the front end in the transport direction, and the surface opposite to the surface on which the first crease 6a is formed. When pressed from, as shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, pressing marks 6c and folding wrinkles 6d are generated on the paper 6.

In this way, even when the folded paper 6 is pressed so that the crease is located at the front end or the rear end in the transport direction, the crease is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction. Similar to the case of pressing the pressed paper 6, pressing marks 6c and folding wrinkles 6d are generated on the paper 6. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in addition to the case where the folded paper 6 is pressed so that the crease is located between the front end and the rear end in the transport direction, the crease is located at the front end or the rear end in the transport direction. Even when the folded paper 6 is pressed, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the additional folding processing unit 4 presses the additional folding roller 410 only once from a specific direction against one crease by rotating the additional folding roller 410 only once in one direction. However, the additional folding roller 410 may be configured to be pressed multiple times from a specific direction against one crease by rotating the additional folding roller 410 multiple times in only one direction, or the additional folding roller 410 may be rotated in both directions. Therefore, it may be configured to press the crease a plurality of times from both the paper transport direction and the opposite direction. With this configuration, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment can obtain a larger additional folding effect.

Further, the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment has not only the structures shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, 11 to 13, 14 to 16 and 17 to 19, but also a plurality of pressing forces. Each of the transmission units 412 has a different timing from at least one of the other pressing pressure transmission units 412, depending on the positional relationship with the paper support plate 420 that changes with the rotation of the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411. The same effect can be obtained if the elastic body 412b is arranged around the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411 toward the main scanning direction so that the elastic body 412b expands and contracts when stressed from 420.

Further, in addition to such a structure, the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment may be configured such that the pressing force transmission roller 413 is attached to the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 as shown in FIG. 31. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the additional folding roller 410 according to the present embodiment as viewed from diagonally above and sideways in the main scanning direction. In FIG. 31, the pressing force transmission roller 413 is a roller for transmitting the pressing force to the creases formed in the paper 6 by pressing the paper 6 against the paper support plate 420.

Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the image forming unit 2, the folding processing unit 3, the additional folding processing unit 4, and the scanner unit 5 are provided in the image forming apparatus 1 has been described, but each unit is a different independent device. The devices may be connected to form an image forming system.

Further, as shown in FIG. 32, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment may be configured to include a shock absorbing sheet 422 between the paper 6 and the additional folding roller 410. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the main scanning direction. The additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is provided with the impact cushioning sheet 422 between the paper 6 and the additional folding roller 410 in this way, so that the additional folding roller 410 corresponds only to the impact cushioning sheet 422. Since the paper 6 does not come into contact with the paper 6 directly, it is possible to more effectively prevent the paper 6 from having fold wrinkles, pressing marks, or the like after the additional folding process. Therefore, according to the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to further improve the quality of the paper 6 after the creases are reinforced.

Further, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is provided with the impact cushioning sheet 422 between the paper 6 and the additional folding roller 410 in this way, so that the impact cushioning sheet 422 is provided with the additional folding roller 410 and the paper. Since the impact with the support plate 420 is alleviated and the collision sound at that time is absorbed, the collision sound can be suppressed. Like the impact cushioning material 421, the impact cushioning sheet 422 is made of a cushioning material such as rubber, sponge, or plastic resin. That is, in the present embodiment, the shock-cushioning material 421 and the shock-cushioning sheet 422 function as the shock-cushioning material.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the additional folding roller 410 and the paper support plate 420 are arranged as shown in FIGS. 4A to 6C has been described, but creases are formed. As long as the paper 6 is arranged so as to press the paper 6 from the vertical surface, the paper 6 may be arranged upside down from the arrangement shown in FIGS. 4 (a) to 6 (c).

Embodiment 2.
In the first embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the fold-back roller 410 is configured to be rotatable in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions with the fold-back roller rotation shaft 411 as the axis of rotation. Explained. In this case, as described with reference to FIGS. 21 (a) to 21 (e) and FIGS. 23 (a) to 23 (e), the additional folding processing unit 4 makes creases formed on the paper 6 in the sub-scanning direction. It is possible to press from both directions.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the fold-back roller 410 can rotate only in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction with the fold-back roller rotation shaft 411 as the rotation axis will be described. In this case, the fold-back processing unit 4 can press the crease formed on the paper from only one direction in the sub-scanning direction, but the fold-back roller 410 should be rotated in the direction opposite to the rotatable direction. The driving force of the additional folding roller drive motor 471 can be used for other drive systems. Hereinafter, it will be described in detail. It should be noted that the same or equivalent parts will be shown for the configurations to which the same reference numerals are given as in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

First, the structure of the fold-back roller drive device 470 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34. FIG. 33 is a view of the additional folding roller drive device 470 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the main scanning direction. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the additional folding roller drive device 470 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the fold-back roller drive device 470 according to the present embodiment has a one-way clutch 476, a reverse rotation gear 477, a one-way clutch 478, and a reverse, in addition to the structures shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. A rotary cam 479 is provided.

The one-way clutch 476 is provided inside the additional folding roller rotating pulley 475, and the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 is rotated in the same direction only when the additional folding roller rotating pulley 475 rotates in a specific direction to perform additional folding. When the roller rotation pulley 475 rotates in the direction opposite to the specific direction, the roller rotation pulley 475 slips and the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411 is not rotated. That is, in the present embodiment, the one-way clutch 476 functions as a driving force cutoff unit.

In the one-way clutch 476 according to the present embodiment, the additional folding roller rotating shaft 411 is rotated in the same direction only when the additional folding roller rotating pulley 475 rotates in the direction of the arrow A shown in FIG. 34, and the additional folding roller rotation It is assumed that the pulley 475 is configured to idle when it rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow A shown in FIG. 34.

The reverse rotation gear 477 is a gear that meshes with the reversing gear 473, and when the reversing gear 473 rotates, it rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the reversing gear 473, that is, in the same direction as the additional folding roller rotating gear pulley 474. .. The one-way clutch 478 is provided inside the reverse rotation gear 477, and like the one-way clutch 476, the reverse rotation cam 479 is rotated in the same direction only when the reverse rotation gear 477 rotates in a specific direction. When the 477 rotates in the direction opposite to the specific direction, it slips and does not rotate the reverse rotation cam 479.

The one-way clutch 478 according to the present embodiment rotates the reverse rotation cam 479 in the same direction only when the reverse rotation gear 477 rotates in the direction of the arrow B shown in FIG. 34, and the reverse rotation gear 477 is shown in FIG. 34. It is assumed that it is configured to slip when it rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow B shown.

By configuring the one-way clutch 476 and the one-way clutch 478 as described above, only one of the fold-fold roller rotation pulley 475 and the reverse rotation cam 479 rotates even if the fold-fold roller drive motor 471 rotates. It will be. Further, the rotation directions of the additional folding roller rotation pulley 475 and the reverse rotation cam 479 are opposite to each other.

The reverse rotation cam 479 has a curved surface in which the distance from the rotation axis of the reverse rotation gear 477 is not constant, and the rotational movement of the reverse rotation cam 479 is increased in a portion of the curved surface where the distance from the rotation axis of the reverse rotation gear 477 is long. It is connected to a reverse rotation drive transmission unit 480 for transmitting to a drive system other than the folding roller 410.

When the fold-fold roller drive device 470 configured in this way rotates the fold-fold roller 410 in the direction of the arrow A shown in FIG. 34, first, the fold-fold roller drive motor 471 is illustrated according to the control of the engine control unit 102. By rotating in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 34, the reversing gear 473 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 34. As a result, the fold roller rotation gear pulley 474 rotates in the same direction as the arrow A shown in FIG. 34, and the rotation is transmitted to the fold roller rotation pulley 475 via the timing belt 472.

Then, when the additional folding roller rotation pulley 475 rotates, the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411 rotates in conjunction with the rotation, so that the additional folding roller 410 rotates in the direction shown in FIG. 28. At this time, the reverse rotation gear 477 does not rotate due to the function of the one-way clutch 478.

On the other hand, in order for the additional folding roller drive device 470 configured in this way to utilize the driving force of the additional folding roller drive motor 471 for another drive system, first, the additional folding roller drive motor 471 is controlled by the engine control unit 102. Is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 34, so that the reverse rotation gear 477 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 34.

As a result, the reverse rotation cam 479 rotates in the same direction as the arrow B shown in FIG. 34, and the rotational movement is transmitted to the drive system other than the additional folding roller 410 via the reverse rotation drive transmission unit 480. At this time, the additional folding roller rotating pulley 475 does not rotate due to the function of the one-way clutch 476. That is, in the present embodiment, the reverse rotation drive transmission unit 480 functions as another drive transmission unit.

With such a configuration, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment provides the driving force of the additional folding roller drive motor 471 for rotating the additional folding roller 410 in the direction opposite to the rotatable direction. It can be used for other drive trains.

When the fold-back roller drive device 470 is configured in this way, the fold-back roller 410 and the paper support plate 420 are separated from each other in the direction of gravity as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) to 6 (c). Therefore, it is desirable that the additional folding roller 410 is arranged so that the paper support plate 420 is on the lower side and the paper support plate 420 is on the upper side. This is because the fold-back roller 410 can press the paper 6 and then return to an appropriate standby position by its own weight as shown in FIGS. 35 (a) and 35 (b). 35 (a) and 35 (b) show only the mechanism portion related to the additional folding process in the additional folding processing unit 4 after the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment has completed the additional folding process from the main scanning direction. It is a cross-sectional view.

Further, when the fold-back roller drive device 470 is configured in this way, as shown in FIG. 36, when the fold-back roller 410 is stopped while pressing the paper 6, it is seen from the downstream side in the paper transport direction. Even if the paper 6 is pulled out, the additional folding roller 410 idles in that direction, so that it is possible to prevent the paper 6 from being torn or the mechanical portions from being damaged. FIG. 36 shows only the mechanism related to the additional folding process in the additional folding processing unit 4 when the paper 6 is pulled out after the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is stopped in the middle of executing the additional folding process. It is a cross-sectional view seen from the main scanning direction.

Further, when the additional folding roller drive device 470 is configured in this way, when the additional folding processing unit 4 tries to stop the rotation of the additional folding roller 410, it first stops the rotation of the additional folding roller drive motor 471. However, due to the function of the one-way clutch 476, the fold-back roller 410 will continue to rotate in the same direction for a while due to the rotational moment due to its own inertial force. This is because even if the rotation of the fold roller drive motor 471 is stopped, the rotation moment due to the inertial force cannot be canceled from the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the fold roller 410 by the function of the one-way clutch 476. ..

Therefore, even if the fold-back processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment intends to rotate the fold-back roller 410 by a predetermined angle θ and stop it at the rotation angle θ, the fold-back roller 410 actually has the predetermined angle. Since it rotates more than θ and stops, the accurate rotation angle of the additional folding roller 410 is lost.

Therefore, when the fold-back roller drive device 470 is configured in this way, a stop device for rotating the fold-back roller 410 by the predetermined angle θ and stopping it accurately at the rotation angle θ is required. Therefore, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is provided with a stop device 490 for stopping the additional folding roller 410 at a predetermined position. That is, in the present embodiment, the stop device 490 functions as a rotation stop unit.

Here, the structure of the stop device 490 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 39. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the stop device 490 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 38 is a transmission view of the stop device 490 according to the present embodiment as viewed from a direction perpendicular to a plane formed in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. FIG. 39 is a view of the stop device 490 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the main scanning direction.

As shown in FIGS. 37 to 39, the stop device 490 according to the present embodiment is provided on the opposite side of the fold roller drive device 470 with respect to the main scanning direction of the fold roller 410, and the stop device fixing portion 491 is provided. A rotating portion 492, a rotating screw 493, a connecting portion 494, a rotation stop portion 495, a torsion spring 494, a sensor 497, a sensor shielding portion 498, and a rotation stop acting portion 499.

The stop device fixing portion 491 is a fixing portion for fixing the stop device 490 to the additional folding processing unit 4. The rotating portion 492 is fixed to the stop device fixing portion 491 by the rotating screw 493 so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow C shown in FIGS. 37 and 39 with the rotating screw 493 as the rotation axis. The rotary screw 493 fixes the rotary portion 492 to the stop device fixing portion 491 so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow C shown in FIGS. 37 and 39 so that the rotary screw 493 itself becomes the rotation axis of the rotary portion 492. The connecting portion 494 connects the rotating portion 492 and the rotation stop portion 495. The rotation stop portion 495 is connected to the rotation portion 492 by the connecting portion 494, and rotates with the rotation screw 493 as the rotation axis in the direction of the arrow D shown in FIGS. 37 and 39.

The torsion spring 496 is a torsion spring attached around a portion of the rotating portion 492 to be attached to the stopping device fixing portion 491 by a rotating screw 493, one of which is fixed to the stopping device fixing portion 491 and the other of which is a rotation stopping portion. It is fixed at 495. With such a configuration, the torsion spring 496 exerts a force to prevent the rotation of the rotation stop portion 495 about the rotation screw 493 as the rotation axis by its own elastic force, and the rotation stop portion 495 is the original. It will be possible to return to the position. The elastic force of the torsion spring 496 according to the present embodiment is larger than the inertial force of the additional folding roller 410.

The sensor 497 is composed of an infrared irradiation unit that irradiates infrared rays and an infrared light receiving unit that receives the infrared rays. Notify the engine control unit 102 to that effect. The sensor shielding portion 498 is fixed to the additional folding roller rotation shaft 411 and rotates together with the additional folding roller 410, and when the additional folding roller 410 rotates by a predetermined angle θ, it irradiates from the infrared irradiation unit of the sensor 497 toward the infrared light receiving unit. Shields the infrared rays. With such a configuration, in the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, the sensor shielding unit 498 shields the sensor 497 as described above, so that the additional folding roller 410 is rotated by a predetermined angle θ. It becomes possible to detect that, and at that time, it is possible to perform control for stopping the additional folding roller 410, that is, control for stopping the rotation of the additional folding roller drive motor 471.

The rotation stop action unit 499 is provided at the tip of the sensor shielding unit 498, and is configured to come into contact with the rotation stop unit 495 when the additional folding roller 410 rotates by the predetermined angle θ.

The additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is provided with the stopping device 490 configured in this way, so that the additional folding roller 410 is rotated by the predetermined angle θ and stopped at the rotation angle θ. When the rotation of the folding roller drive motor 471 is stopped, the rotational moment due to the inertial force of the additional folding roller 410 can be canceled from the opposite direction.

Therefore, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment has the additional folding roller 410 at the predetermined angle θ even when the additional folding roller drive device 470 is configured as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. It is possible to prevent the fold roller 410 from continuing to rotate in the same direction for a while even if the rotation of the fold roller drive motor 471 is stopped when the fold roller drive motor 471 is rotated and stopped at the rotation angle θ. Become.

That is, even if the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment intends to rotate the additional folding roller 410 by the predetermined angle θ and stop it at the rotation angle θ, the additional folding roller 410 is actually the predetermined one. It does not stop after rotating above the angle θ. As a result, the additional folding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment has the additional folding roller 410 at the predetermined angle even when the additional folding roller drive device 470 is configured as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. It is possible to rotate by θ and stop accurately at the rotation angle θ, and it is possible to constantly grasp the accurate rotation angle of the fold-back roller 410.

1 Image forming device 2 Image forming unit 3 Folding processing unit 4 Additional folding processing unit 5 Scanner unit 6 Paper 6a First crease 6b Second crease 10 CPU
20 RAM
30 ROM
40 HDD
50 I / F
60 LCD
70 Operation unit 80 Dedicated device 90 Bus 101 Main control unit 102 Engine control unit 103 Input / output control unit 104 Image processing unit 105 Operation display control unit 110 Paper feed table 120 Print engine 130 Folding processing engine 140 Extra folding processing engine 150 Scanner engine 160 ADF
170 Paper output tray 180 Display panel 190 Network I / F
310 Inlet roller vs. 320 Resist roller vs. 330 Transport path switching claw 340 First fold processing transport roller vs. 350 Second fold processing transport roller vs. 360 Folded transport roller vs. 370 Sensor 410 Extra fold roller 411 Extra fold roller Rotating shaft 412 Pushing pressure transmission part 412a Fixed part 412b Elastic body 412c Pressing roller 413 Pushing pressure transmission roller 420 Paper support plate 421 Impact cushioning material 422 Impact buffer sheet 430 Sensor 440 Extra folding processing Conveying roller vs. 450 Paper ejection roller 460 Post-processing Conveying roller vs. 470 Extra-fold roller drive device 471 Extra-fold roller drive motor 472 Timing belt 473 Reversing gear 474 Extra-fold roller rotary gear pulley 475 Extra-fold roller rotary pulley 476 One-way clutch 477 Reverse rotation gear 478 One-way clutch 479 Reverse rotation cam 480 Reverse rotation drive transmission unit 490 Stop device 491 Stop device fixing part 492 Rotating part 493 Rotating screw 494 Connecting part 495 Rotating stop part 496 Torsion spring 497 Sensor 498 Sensor shielding part 499 Rotation stop action part

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-060246

Claims (14)

A sheet processing device including a shaft and a pressing member, which presses a crease formed on the sheet by the pressing member.
The pressing member has contact portions arranged so that the positions of pressing the folds due to the rotation of the shaft are sequentially different in the axial direction of the shaft.
Due to the rotation of the pressing member around the shaft, the contact portion is the seat surface of the two seat surfaces constituting the crease, whichever is closer to the shaft, and the contact portion is the other seat surface. Press the crease without going through
A sheet processing apparatus characterized in that when the crease of the sheet is pressed, the transfer of the sheet is stopped . The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion enters the crease from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction of the sheet. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the contact portion presses the crease through a sheet -shaped cushioning material. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the pressing member sequentially presses the folds in the crease direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the pressing member presses the entire area of the crease without a gap. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , further comprising a sheet contact member that abuts on the sheet at a position opposite to the pressing member across the sheet. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the contact portion and the sheet contact member are arranged so that the contact portion is on the lower side and the sheet contact member is on the upper side in the direction of gravity. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein a plurality of contact portions are arranged along the axial direction of the shaft. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the contact portion is arranged on the shaft via an elastic member. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the axis rotates in one direction. A rotary drive braking unit that generates a driving force for rotating the contact portion and a braking force for stopping the rotation of the contact portion.
Of the driving force generated by the rotary drive braking unit, only the driving force for rotating the contact portion in a specific rotation direction is transmitted to the contact portion, and the contact portion is referred to as the specific rotation direction. A driving force blocking portion that cuts off the driving force for rotating in the opposite direction from the contact portion is provided.
One of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the contact portion presses the crease by rotating in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the sheet is conveyed and in a direction parallel to the sheet surface. The sheet processing apparatus according to. It is provided with another drive transmission unit that transmits the driving force cut off from the contact portion to another drive unit.
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 11 . The driving force blocking portion transmits only the driving force for rotating the contact portion in the rotation direction when the contact portion presses the crease of the sheet to the contact portion, and causes the contact portion in the direction opposite to the rotation direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 11 or 12 , wherein the driving force for rotating the sheet is cut off from the contact portion. An image forming apparatus that executes image forming output on the sheet, and
The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the crease is formed on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus, and the formed crease is pressed.
An image forming system characterized by comprising.

Images