JP7073714B2 - Sheet folding device, image forming system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sheet folding device and an image forming system.

Conventionally, a sheet folding device that folds a sheet by using the rotational force of a roller of a transport member is incorporated in an image forming device such as a copying machine or a digital multifunction device, or is used in combination with an image forming device. In either case, the configuration to which the post-processing device is further added is called an image forming system.

As an example thereof, there is a "paper processing apparatus and image forming system" (see Patent Document 1) that prevents box folding during the second paper folding process when the folding process is performed by the sandwiching reversal method.

In the above-mentioned technique according to Patent Document 1, when the paper is folded by using the rotational force of the rollers, the roller pair (conveying member pair) that holds the paper before folding has a drive unit and an idling region, and is driven. After performing the positioning operation of the part or the paper, the paper is fed to the folding position and folded. During the positioning operation, the roller pair on the upstream side continues to drive.

However, when folding the paper, if the paper is continuously fed at a constant speed with the roller pair on the upstream side, the paper may accidentally enter the folding position before the positioning operation is completed, and the paper may not be folded at the target position. be. Therefore, a method of stopping the roller pair on the upstream side and continuing to hold the paper during the positioning operation is conceivable. be.

The present invention is to provide a sheet folding device and an image forming system capable of folding a sheet without causing damage such as pressure marks.

In order to solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention is a first transport for transporting a sheet.
Forward and reverse of transporting the feed roller pair and the sheet transported from the first transport roller pair.
A pair of rotatable second transport rollers, a pair of the first transport rollers and a pair of the second transport rollers.
The first folding roller pair for folding the sheet held in the above and the first folding roller pair
A third transport roller pair that can rotate in the forward and reverse directions and the first
A second fold that folds the sheet held by the 1-fold roller pair and the 3rd transport roller pair.
In the sheet folding processing apparatus provided with the roller pair , the third transfer roller pair is the front.
The tip of the sheet conveyed at the first transfer speed by the first folding roller pair is the front.
Note: Stop while decelerating until a predetermined amount protrudes from the third transport roller pair.
It is configured to position the tip of the sheet by the above-mentioned first folding.
The roller pair is in front of the third transport roller pair from the start of deceleration to the stop.
To continue transporting the sheet at a second transport speed slower than the first transport speed.
It is characterized in that it is a sheet folding device configured in.

According to the present invention, according to the above configuration, the sheet can be folded without causing damage such as pressure marks. Issues, configurations and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

It is a figure which showed the schematic structure of the image formation system to which the sheet folding apparatus of this invention is applied, (a) is the figure which concerns on one form, (b) is the figure which concerns on the other form. It is a figure which shows the basic structure of the main part which concerns on an example of the sheet folding apparatus shown in FIG. 1 (a) and FIG. 1 (b). It is a schematic diagram which showed the Z folding operation by the folding processing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, and the flow of a paper for each step (a)-(i). It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the distance with the contact part of each roller in the paper at the time of the positioning operation applied by the Z-fold operation described with FIG. It is a schematic diagram which showed the operation of the inner tri-fold by the folding processing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, and the flow of a paper for each step (a)-(i). It is a schematic diagram which showed the operation of the outer tri-folding by the folding processing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, and the flow of a paper for each step (a)-(i). It is a schematic diagram which showed the operation of folding in half by the folding processing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, and the flow of a paper for each step (a)-(i). It is a figure which compared the shape of the paper after the folding process by the folding process apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention described in FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 7, and (a) is the figure which shows Z folding. (B) is a diagram showing an inner tri-fold, (c) is a diagram showing an outer tri-fold, and (d) is a diagram showing a bi-fold. It is a schematic diagram which showed the Z folding operation by the folding processing apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, and the flow of a paper for each step (a)-(i). It is a schematic diagram which showed the operation of the inner tri-fold by the folding processing apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, and the flow of a paper for each step (a)-(i). It is a schematic diagram which showed the operation of the outer tri-folding by the folding processing apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, and the flow of a paper for each step (a)-(i). It is a schematic diagram which showed the operation of folding in half by the folding processing apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, and the flow of a paper for each step (a)-(i). It is a figure which shows the basic structure of the main part which concerns on other example of the sheet folding apparatus shown in FIG. 1 (a) and FIG. 1 (b). It is a timing chart which shows the control process which concerns on the positioning operation of the paper by the control unit when the roller of the folding process apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention has an idling mechanism. It is a figure which conceptually shows the structure of the drive part main body of the roller which has the idling mechanism explained with FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the control process which concerns on the positioning operation of the paper by the control unit when the roller of the folding process apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention does not have an idling mechanism. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the roller which does not have the idling mechanism explained with FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the control process which concerns on the positioning operation of the paper by the control unit when the roller of the folding process apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention has an idling mechanism. It is a timing chart which shows the control process which concerns on the positioning operation of the paper by the control unit when the roller of the folding process apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention does not have an idling mechanism.

Hereinafter, the sheet folding apparatus and the image forming system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings with reference to some examples.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system to which the sheet folding apparatus of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a folding processing apparatus) is applied, and FIG. (B) is a figure relating to another form.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the image forming system according to one embodiment is configured by combining the folding processing device D2 and the post-processing device D3 separately with respect to the image forming device D1. Further, referring to FIG. 1B, the image forming system according to the other embodiment is configured by combining the image forming apparatus D4 in which the folding processing apparatus D2 is incorporated and the post-processing apparatus D3. The image forming apparatus D1 is an electrophotographic or inkjet type image forming apparatus, and forms an image read by a scanner or an image received through a network on a sheet. The post-processing device D3 performs processing such as punching, stapling, and sorting on the sheet conveyed from the folding processing device D2.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a main part according to an example of the folding processing apparatus D2 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Referring to FIG. 2, the folding processing apparatus D2 has a function of transporting and folding an image-formed sheet. The sheet as the object to be transported shows paper, coated paper, thick paper, OHP, plastic film, prepreg, silver foil and the like, but the following will be described by taking paper P as an example.

The folding processing device D2 includes motors M1 to M3, paper detection sensors SN1 to SN3 provided in the vicinity of predetermined locations of the through transport path W1 and the branch transport path W2, and these motors M1 to M3 and paper detection sensors SN1 to SN3. It is provided with a control unit C such as a CPU connected to the above. Further, the folding processing apparatus D2 includes various rollers serving as a transport member for transporting paper, which will be described below. These various rollers can be roughly classified into a driven roller driven by motors M1 to M3 and a driven roller provided with pressure springs S1 to S5. A belt is laid between the main rollers and the rotating shafts of the motors M1 to M3, and the rotational force of the rotating shafts is transmitted via the belt to be driven.

The various rollers are provided with a pressurizing spring S1 on one side, and an inlet roller pair R1 on which a belt is laid between the rotating shaft of the motor M1 on the other side, and a pressing roller R2 provided with the pressurizing spring S2. And are included. Further, the first forward / reverse roller R3 in which the belt is bridged with the rotating shaft of the motor M2, the first folding roller R4 provided with the pressure spring S3, and the second folding provided with the pressure spring S4. Roller R5 and the like are included. Further, a pressure spring S5 is provided on one side, and a second forward / reverse roller pair R6 is included on the other side, in which a belt is bridged with the rotation shaft of the motor M3.

In the folding processing device D2, when the paper P sent from the image forming devices D1 and D4 in the through transport path W1 is detected by the paper detection sensor SN1, the control unit C controls the drive of the motor M1 and the inlet roller. The paper P is conveyed so as to pass through the pair R1 and reach the pressing roller R2. The control unit C controls the drive of the motor M2 to control the drive of the pressing roller R2 via the first forward / reverse roller R3. When the paper P passes through the pressing roller R2 and is detected by the paper detection sensor SN2, the control unit C causes the tip of the paper P to project from the pressing roller R2 by the amount of protrusion, which is a specified amount calculated from the folding position. The pressing roller R2 is stopped at this position.

The amount of protrusion at this time is appropriately determined depending on the length of the paper P in the transport direction and the content of the folding process (folding method, etc.). The protrusion amount of the paper P can be grasped from, for example, the reception timing of the tip detection signal output from the paper detection sensor SN2 and the rotation amount of the first forward / reverse rotation roller R3.

After that, the control unit C reverses the rotation of the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3. If the direction toward the downstream side is the positive direction, the inlet roller vs. R1 rotates in the forward direction and the pressing roller R2 rotates in the opposite direction, so that the paper P is bent between the inlet roller vs. R1 and the pressing roller R2. Can be formed. The first folding process can be performed by sandwiching the bending between the contact portion (nip) between the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the first folding roller R4. The first folded portion of the paper P that has passed through the contact portion between the first folding roller R4 and the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 enters the branch transport path W2, and the second forward / reverse roller pair in the branch transport path W2. It is transported toward R6. When forming a deflection in the paper P between the inlet roller vs. R1 and the pressing roller R2, either the inlet roller vs. R1 or the pressing roller R2 may be stopped.

Then, the first folded portion of the paper P enters the contact portion of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6, and after passing through this contact portion, is detected by the paper detection sensor SN3. When the first folded portion of the paper P is detected by the paper detection sensor SN3, the control unit C controls the drive of the motor M3 so that the first folded portion of the paper is moved from the position of the contact portion of the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6. The rotation of the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 is stopped when a predetermined protrusion amount is projected. At this time, the drive of the motors M1 and M2 is also controlled at the same time, and the rotation of the inlet roller vs. R1 and the first forward / reverse roller R3 is also stopped.

The amount of protrusion at this time is also appropriately determined depending on the length of the paper P in the transport direction and the content of the folding process (folding method, etc.). The amount of protrusion of the first folded portion of the paper P can be grasped from, for example, the reception timing of the tip detection signal output from the paper detection sensor SN3 and the rotation amount of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6.

After that, the motor M3 is controlled to start the reverse rotation of the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 in the direction in which the paper P is directed toward the discharge side (post-processing device D3 side) of the branch transfer path W2. At the same time, the reverse rotation of the first forward / reverse rotation roller R3 and the rotation of the inlet roller vs. R1 are restarted. As a result, the paper P between the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the second forward / reverse reversing roller vs. R6 is bent. When this bent portion (folded portion) enters the contact portion between the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the second folded roller R5, the second folded portion is formed in the folded portion. In this way, the second folding process can be performed.

The second folded portion of the paper P that has passed through the contact portion between the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the second folded roller R5 is conveyed toward the discharge side of the branch transfer path W2. Then, the paper P having the two folded portions formed in this way receives the conveying force from the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and is sent to the post-processing apparatus D3 in the subsequent stage.

The protrusion amount calculated from the folding position of the paper determined by the control unit C is a value obtained from the geometrical relationship between the folding position of the paper P and the roller configuration, and an experimentally obtained adjustment value. It is a value determined by taking into account. Incidentally, the adjustment value here is an experimental quantification of the offset amount of the folding position due to the difference in the thickness and type of the paper P. Since the actual folding position of the paper P is determined by the amount of protrusion from the pressing roller R2 or the second forward / reverse roller pair R6, if this amount of protrusion varies, the folding position also varies.

Therefore, the control unit C according to the present embodiment controls the transfer and folding timing of the paper P by controlling the drive of the motors M1 to M3 according to the detection result of the paper tip by the paper detection sensors SN1 to SN3. .. Specifically, the control unit C conveys the paper P by the second conveying member pair (second forward reversing roller pair R6), and then transfers the paper P by the first conveying member pair (first forward reversing roller R3, first folding roller). The positioning operation is performed in a state where the transport speed of the paper P according to R4) is slower than before the start of the positioning operation. As described in detail later, this positioning operation is to determine the position of the tip of the paper P downstream of the transport path related to the transport member pair, and to rotate the drive unit in the idling region on the structure of the transport member. The operation of determining the posture (position) of the driving member with respect to the driven portion is shown. After that, the control unit C receives the first transport member pair (first forward / reverse roller R3, first folding roller R4) so that the paper P enters the folding member pair (first forward / reverse roller R3, second folding roller R5). ) And the drive of the second transport member pair (second forward / reverse roller pair R6).

Further, the control unit C also decelerates the third transport member pair (inlet roller pair R1) and the fourth transport member pair (push roller R2, first forward / reverse roller R3) during the positioning operation. In the present embodiment, after the paper P is detected by the paper detection sensor SN3, the control unit C decelerates the roller pair such as the first transport member pair (first forward / reverse roller R3, first folding roller R4) at a predetermined timing. And perform the positioning operation. After that, the first forward / reverse roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second forward / reverse roller by the motors M2 and M3 are inserted so that the paper P enters the folding member pair (first forward / reverse roller R3, second forward / reverse roller R5). Controls the drive against R6. The positioning operation and the deflections Pt1 and Pt2 formed on the paper P in FIG. 2 will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the Z-folding operation and the flow of the paper P by the folding processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention for each of the stages (a) to (i).

Referring to FIG. 3, in the step (a), the paper P has not yet entered the through transport path W1, but in the step (b), the tip of the paper P has entered the through transport path W1 and the paper is detected. It is in a state of being detected by the sensor SN1. When the tip of the paper P is detected by the paper detection sensor SN1, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M1, and the inlet roller vs. R1 starts rotating accordingly. The paper P that has passed through the contact portion between the inlet roller and R1 is conveyed toward the pressing roller R2 in the through transfer path W1.

After that, the tip of the paper P passes through the contact portions of the pressing roller R2 and the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and is detected by the paper detection sensor SN2 as in the step (c). At this point, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M2 until the protrusion amount from the position of the contact portion of the pressing roller R2 and the first forward / reverse rotation roller R3 to the tip of the paper P becomes an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ1. Continue transporting P. The protrusion amount Δ1 is determined from the length of the paper P and the folding method, and is determined by the rotation amount of the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3.

When the tip of the paper P reaches the protrusion amount Δ1, the reverse rotation of the first forward / reverse roller R3 with respect to the transport direction is started while the inlet roller vs. R1 is rotated in the transport direction. That is, here, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M2 to rotate the first forward / reverse roller R3 in the reverse direction. By doing so, a deflection is formed on the paper P, and the formed deflection can enter the first folding means formed by the first folding roller R4 and the first forward / reverse rotation roller R3. As a result, as shown in the step (d), the first folding process is performed on the paper P at the transport speed V1. If the pressing roller R2 and the first folding roller R4 also rotate in the reverse direction to fold the paper P due to the reverse rotation operation of the first forward / reverse rotation roller R3, the paper P is folded by abutting the blade or the like against the paper P. , Folding can be performed at the target position on the paper P, and the folding accuracy is improved.

The first folded paper P is conveyed into the branch transfer path W2 as shown in step (e). The paper P is further conveyed to the inner part of the branch transfer path W2, and is eventually conveyed by the second forward / reverse roller pair R6. The second forward / reverse roller pair R6 is driven by the motor M3 which is driven and controlled by the control unit C. As in the case of the first fold, the tip of the first fold of the paper P passes through the contact portion of the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 and is detected by the paper detection sensor SN3. At this point, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M3 until the protrusion amount of the tip of the first fold of the paper P from the position of the contact portion of the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 becomes an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ2. Continue transporting P. The protrusion amount Δ2 is the same as the protrusion amount Δ1, and is determined from the length of the paper P and the folding method, and is obtained by the rotation amount of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6. When the tip of the first fold of the paper P reaches an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ2, the control unit C performs the positioning operation of the paper P related to the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 as shown in the step (f).

In the positioning operation, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M3 to temporarily stop the second forward / reverse roller pair R6. This positioning operation will be described in detail later. During this positioning operation, the amount of bending L of the paper P is set to be constant or less as shown in the step (g). For this purpose, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M1 and M2 to stop the inlet roller pair R1, the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5. Instead, the paper P is gradually fed so that the transport speed becomes V2. However, if the pressurization of the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5 is low and it is difficult to damage the paper P, only the inlet roller vs. R1 is conveyed. The paper P may be continuously fed so as to be V2. That is, in this case, it is shown that the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5 may be temporarily stopped.

After that, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M1, M2, and M3, and transfers the inlet roller to R1, the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5. The speed is changed so as to be V3, and the second folding process of the paper P is performed. The second folded paper P as shown in the step (h) passes through the contact portions of the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the second folding roller R5 as shown in the step (i), and is in the subsequent stage. It is conveyed to the aftertreatment device D3. At the time of step (i), the inlet roller vs. R1 and the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 are stopped. Incidentally, the Z-folded paper P has a shape as shown in FIG. 8A.

By making the above-mentioned transport speed V2 slower than the transport speed V1 at the time of the first folding, the inlet roller vs. R1 and the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second at the time of the positioning operation are performed. Pressurization marks can be prevented on the paper P at the position of the contact portion related to the folding roller R5. Moreover, it is possible to prevent the paper P from being pulled into the second folding position during the execution of the positioning operation and the accuracy of the folding position is lowered. Further, by making the transport speed V3 at the time of the second folding faster than the transport speed V2, the productivity of the second folding process after the positioning operation can be increased. The transport speed V3 at the time of the second folding is lower than the transport speed V1 at the time of the first folding.

The amount of deflection L is geometrically determined from the positional relationship between the first forward / reverse roller R3, the first folding roller R4, the second folding roller R5, and the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6, their diameters, and the transport speed. Predetermined through experimentation based on the required amount. For example, let L1 be the length of the paper P between the rollers when the paper P is in contact with the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the first folding roller R4 to the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 without bending. In this state, the length of the paper P between the rollers at the moment when the paper P is bent and brought into contact with the second folding roller R5 is defined as L2. At this time, the bending amount L is experimentally determined based on the bending amount L'calculated by the difference between L2 and L1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the distance between the paper P and the contact portion of each roller during the positioning operation applied in the Z-folding operation. The transfer speed V2 between the inlet roller vs. R1 and the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5 during the positioning operation is targeted at the second forward / reverse reversing roller vs. R6. It is set when the positioning operation is completed. Here, the shortest distance on the transport region of the paper P connecting the contact portion between the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the first folding roller R4 to the contacting portion between the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the second folding roller R5. Is assumed to be x1. Further, it is assumed that the shortest distance on the transport region of the paper P connecting the contact portion between the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 to the contact portion between the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the second folding roller R5 is x2. In such a case, the transport speed V2 is set so that the length x3 of the paper P held by the first forward / reverse roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 is shorter than the length of x1 + x2. Set. If the transport speed V2 is set in this way, the paper P is erroneously introduced into the contact portions of the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the second folding roller R5 of the second folding during the positioning operation, and the folding accuracy is lowered. Can be reliably prevented.

The following describes the operation of the inner tri-fold and the outer tri-fold with respect to the paper P. The basic operation and the flow of paper P are the same as in the case of Z folding. However, since the arbitrary protrusion amounts Δ1 and Δ2 determined by the length and folding method of the paper P are different, the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 are used for Z folding, inner tri-folding, and outer tri-folding. The timing to start the reverse rotation is different.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the inner tri-folding by the folding processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the flow of the paper P for each of the stages (a) to (i).

With reference to FIG. 5, here, a portion different in content and movement from the case of Z-fold described with reference to FIG. 3 will be excerpted and described. Since the steps (a) to (d) have the same contents and movements, the contents up to this point are omitted. In the inner tri-fold, the rear end of the paper P is positioned on the first folding roller R4 side as shown in step (e) by the transfer after the paper P is first folded, and at this point, the inlet roller pair is already paired. R1 is stopped. Further, in the inner tri-fold, control is performed when the tip of the first fold of the paper P reaches an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ2 beyond the contact portion of the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 as shown in step (f). Part C performs a positioning operation of the paper P related to the second forward / reverse roller pair R6.

In the positioning operation, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M3 to temporarily stop the second forward / reverse roller pair R6. In this stage (f), the rear end of the paper P is located closer to the first folding roller R4 side. The positioning operation will be described in detail later. During this positioning operation, the amount of deflection L is kept below a certain level as shown in step (g). For this purpose, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M1 and M2 to stop the inlet roller pair R1, the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5. The paper P is gradually fed so as to reach the transport speed V2.

After that, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M2 and M3, and pushes the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse rotation roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5 as shown in the step (h). The second folding process of the paper P is performed by shifting the speed so that the transport speed becomes V3. As shown in step (i), the second folded paper P passes through the contact portions of the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the second folded roller R5 and is conveyed to the post-processing device D3. At the time of step (i), the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 is stopped. Incidentally, the paper P folded in three has a shape as shown in FIG. 8 (b).

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of outer tri-folding and the flow of paper P by the folding processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention for each of the stages (a) to (i).

Referring to FIG. 6, the movement of the outer tri-fold is as compared with the case of the Z-fold described with reference to FIG. 3 and the case of the inner tri-fold described with reference to FIG. Although the timing at which they start reverse rotation is different, the basic items are the same.

With reference to FIG. 6, the outer tri-folding will be described by excerpting a portion different in content and movement from the case of the Z-folding described with reference to FIG. Since the steps (a) to (e) have the same contents and movements, the contents up to this point are omitted. In the outer tri-fold, when the tip of the first fold of the paper P exceeds the contact portion of the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 and reaches an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ2 as shown in step (f), the control unit C Performs the positioning operation of the paper P related to the second forward / reverse roller pair R6.

In the positioning operation, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M3 to temporarily stop the second forward / reverse roller pair R6. At this stage (f), the tip of the paper P is located closer to the second folding roller R5 side. The positioning operation will be described in detail later. During this positioning operation, the amount of deflection L is kept below a certain level as shown in step (g). For this purpose, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M1 and M2 to stop the inlet roller pair R1, the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5. The paper P is gradually fed so as to reach the transport speed V2. The inlet roller vs. R1 stops shortly after the rear end of the paper P passes through the contact portion of the inlet roller vs. R1.

After that, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M2 and M3, and pushes the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse rotation roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5 as shown in the step (h). The second folding process of the paper P is performed by shifting the speed so that the transport speed becomes V3. As shown in step (i), the second folded paper P passes through the contact portions of the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the second folded roller R5 and is conveyed to the post-processing device D3. In the case of the outer tri-fold, the inlet roller vs. R1 is stopped at the time of the step (h), and the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 is stopped at the time of the step (i). Incidentally, the outer tri-folded paper P has a shape as shown in FIG. 8 (c).

In the Z-folding operation according to FIG. 3, the inner tri-folding according to FIG. 5, and the outer tri-folding operation according to FIG. 6, the upstream inlet roller pair R1, the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse roller R3, and the first The positioning operation is performed while driving the 1-fold roller R4 at a low speed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the second folded paper P from being folded in a box, to prevent the paper P from being marked with pressure, and to prevent the paper P from being accidentally folded during the positioning operation. can.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of folding in half by the folding processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the flow of the paper P for each of the stages (a) to (i).

Referring to FIG. 7, in the step (a), the paper P has not yet entered the through transport path W1, but in the step (b), the tip of the paper P has entered the through transport path W1 and the paper is detected. It is in a state of being detected by the sensor SN1. When the tip of the paper P is detected by the paper detection sensor SN1, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M1, and the inlet roller vs. R1 starts rotating accordingly. The paper P is conveyed as it is in the through transfer path W1.

After that, as in the step (c), the tip of the paper P is guided to the contact portion between the first folding roller R4 and the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3, and is conveyed into the branch transfer path W2. The first forward / reverse roller R3 is driven by the motor M2 which is driven and controlled by the control unit C. When the paper P is further conveyed, it is eventually conveyed by the second forward / reverse roller pair R6. The second forward / reverse roller pair R6 is driven by the motor M3 which is driven and controlled by the control unit C. Then, the tip of the paper P passes through the contact portion of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 and is detected by the paper detection sensor SN3. At this point, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M3, and continues the transfer until the protrusion amount of the tip of the paper P from the position of the contact portion of the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 becomes an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ1. The protrusion amount Δ1 is determined from the length of the paper P and the folding method, and is obtained by the rotation amount of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6. When the tip of the paper P reaches an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ1 as shown in the step (d), the control unit C performs the positioning operation of the paper P related to the second forward / reverse roller pair R6.

In the positioning operation, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M3 to temporarily stop the second forward / reverse roller pair R6. This positioning operation will be described in detail later. During this positioning operation, the amount of deflection L is kept below a certain level as shown in step (e). For this purpose, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M1, M2, and M3 to drive the inlet roller vs. R1, the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5. The paper P is gradually fed so as to reach the transport speed V2 without stopping. However, if the pressurization of the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5 is low and it is difficult to damage the paper P, only the inlet roller vs. R1 is conveyed. The paper P may be continuously fed so as to be V2. That is, in this case, it is shown that the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5 may be temporarily stopped. The inlet roller vs. R1 stops shortly after the rear end of the paper P passes through the contact portion of the inlet roller vs. R1.

After that, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M2 and M3, and shifts the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse rotation roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5 so as to have a transport speed V3. .. In this way, the first folding process of the paper P is performed at the contact portion between the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the second folding roller R5. This state is shown in step (g). The first folded paper P passes through the contact portions of the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the second folded roller R5 as shown in the step (h) and the step (i) to the post-processing device D3. Be transported. At the time of the first folding, the inlet roller vs. R1 is already stopped, and at the time of reaching the stage (h), the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 is also stopped. Incidentally, the folded paper P has a shape as shown in FIG. 8D.

The method for determining the amount of bending L is the same as in the case of Z-folding. In the case of folding in half, box folding does not occur because the folding is formed on the paper P only in one place, but by performing the positioning operation described above, the tip of the paper P (the portion protruding from the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6) is formed. ) Stop position is accurately determined. As a result, the position of folding in half on the paper P can be accurately determined. Further, during the positioning operation, the inlet roller pair R1, the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5 are continuously driven at a low speed. This prevents pressure marks on the paper P from being generated, and further ensures that the paper P continues to be fed at the same transport speed by the upstream roller during the positioning operation to enter the contact portion of the second fold. It can be prevented and the accuracy of the folding position can be improved. Incidentally, the contact portion of the second fold indicates the contact portion of the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the second fold roller R5.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the Z-folding operation and the flow of the paper P by the folding processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention for each of the stages (a) to (i). In the folding processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, as compared with the apparatus of the first embodiment, the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5 are paired with each other, and the second positive roller is formed. The difference is that the shape of the branch transfer path W2'is changed without having a reverse roller pair. As illustrated, one of the paired rollers is a driven roller driven by a motor, and the other is a driven roller urged by a pressure spring. In order to distinguish it from the folding processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, the motor related to the pressing roller vs. R2'is M2', the motor related to the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3' is M3', and the first The motor related to the 1-fold roller pair R4'is M4'. Further, the motor related to the inlet roller vs. R1 is M1, and the motor related to the second folding roller vs. R5'is M5.

Referring to FIG. 9, in the step (a), the paper P has not yet entered the through transport path W1, but in the step (b), the tip of the paper P has entered the through transport path W1 and the paper is detected. It is in a state of being detected by the sensor SN1. When the tip of the paper P is detected by the paper detection sensor SN1, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M1, and the inlet roller vs. R1 starts rotating accordingly. The paper P that has passed through the contact portion of the inlet roller vs. R1 is conveyed toward the contact portion of the pressing roller vs. R2'in the through transfer path W1.

After that, as in step (c), the tip of the paper P passes through the contact portion between the pressing roller and R2'and is detected by the paper detection sensor SN2. At this point, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M2'and conveys the paper P until the protrusion amount from the position of the contact portion of the pressing roller vs. R2'to the tip of the paper P becomes an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ1. continue. The protrusion amount Δ1 is determined from the length of the paper P and the folding method, and is determined by the rotation amount of the main roller of the pressing roller vs. R2'.

When the tip of the paper P reaches the protrusion amount Δ1, the pressing roller vs. R2'is started to rotate in the reverse direction with respect to the transport direction while the inlet roller vs. R1 is rotated at the transport speed V1 in the transport direction. The rotation of the first forward / reverse roller pair R3'in the downstream folding direction is started. Here, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M2'and M3', rotates the pressing roller pair R2'in the reverse direction, and rotates the first forward / reverse rotation roller pair R3'in the folding direction. By doing so, a deflection is formed on the paper P as shown in the step (d), and the formed deflection is allowed to enter the contact portion of the first forward / reverse roller pair R3', so that the first forward / reverse roller pair The first folding process is performed at the contact portion of R3'.

The first folded paper P is conveyed into the branch transfer path W2'as shown in step (e) so as to have a transfer speed V1, and when further conveyed, the first fold roller vs. R4'is eventually conveyed. Transported by. The first folding roller pair R4'is driven by a motor M4'which is driven and controlled by the control unit C. As in the case of the first folding process, the tip of the first folding of the paper P passes through the contact portion of the first folding roller vs. R4'and is detected by the paper detecting sensor SN3. At this point, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M4'until the protrusion amount from the position of the contact portion of the first fold roller vs. R4'to the tip of the first fold of the paper P becomes an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ2. Continue to convey the paper P. The protrusion amount Δ2 is the same as the protrusion amount Δ1, and is determined from the length of the paper P and the folding method, and is determined by the rotation amount of the main roller of the first folding roller vs. R4'. When the tip of the first fold of the paper P reaches an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ2, the control unit C performs the positioning operation of the paper P related to the first fold roller vs. R4'as shown in the step (f).

In the positioning operation, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M4'to temporarily stop the first folding roller pair R4'. This positioning operation will be described in detail later. During this positioning operation, the amount of bending L of the paper P is set to be constant or less as shown in the step (g). For this purpose, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M1, M3', M4', and conveys the inlet roller vs. R1, the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3', and the first folding roller vs. R4'without stopping. The paper P is gradually fed so as to reach the speed V2. At this time, if the pressurization of the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3'and the first folding roller vs. R4'is low and it is difficult to damage the paper P, only the inlet roller vs. R1 is set to the transport speed V2. You may continue to feed the paper P. That is, in this case, it is shown that the first forward / reverse roller pair R3'and the first folding roller pair R4' may be temporarily stopped.

After that, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M1, M3', M4', and M5, and the inlet roller pair R1, the first forward / reverse rotation roller pair R3', the first folding roller pair R4', and the second folding roller pair. The speed of R5'is changed so that the transport speed is V3. In this way, the second folding process of the paper P is performed as shown in the step (h). The second folded paper P passes through the contact portion of the second folded roller vs. R5'as shown in step (i) and is conveyed to the post-processing device D3 in the subsequent stage. At the time of step (i), the inlet roller vs. R1, the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3', and the first folding roller vs. R4'are stopped. Incidentally, the Z-folded paper P has a shape as shown in FIG. 8A.

The magnitude of the amount of deflection L is geometrically obtained from the positional relationship between the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3', the first folding roller vs. R4', and the second folding roller vs. R5', their diameters, and the transport speed. Predetermined through experimentation based on quantity. For example, let L1 be the length of the paper P between the rollers when the paper P is in contact with the first forward / reverse roller pair R3'to the second folding roller pair R5' without bending. In this state, the length of the paper P between the rollers at the moment when the paper P is bent and brought into contact with the second folding roller pair R5'is L2. At this time, the bending amount L is experimentally determined based on the bending amount L'calculated by the difference between L2 and L1.

The transfer speed V2 of the inlet roller vs. R1, the pressing roller vs. R2', and the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3' during the positioning operation is set when the positioning operation for the first folding roller vs. R4'is completed. To. Here, it is assumed that the shortest distance on the transport region of the paper P connecting the contact portion between the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3'and the contact portion between the second folding roller vs. R5' is x1. Further, it is assumed that the shortest distance on the transport region of the paper P connecting the contact portion between the first folding roller vs. R4'and the contact portion between the second folding roller vs. R5' is x2. In such a case, the transport speed V2 is set so that the length x3 of the paper P held by the first forward / reverse roller pair R3'and the first folding roller pair R4'is shorter than the length of x1 + x2. By setting the transport speed V2 in this way, it is possible to reliably prevent the paper P from being mistakenly introduced into the contact portion of the second fold roller vs. R5'of the second fold during the positioning operation, and the folding accuracy is lowered. ..

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the inner tri-folding by the folding processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the flow of the paper P for each of the stages (a) to (i).

With reference to FIG. 10, here, a portion different in content and movement from the case of Z-fold described with reference to FIG. 9 will be excerpted and described. Since the steps (a) to (d) have the same contents and movements, the contents up to this point are omitted. In the inner tri-fold, the rear end of the paper P is located near the first forward / reverse roller pair R3'as shown in step (e) by the transfer after the paper P is first folded, and the inlet at this point. Roller vs. R1 is stopped. Further, in the inner tri-fold, control is performed when the tip of the first fold of the paper P reaches an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ2 beyond the contact portion of the first fold roller vs. R4'as shown in step (f). Part C performs a positioning operation of the paper P related to the first folding roller pair R4'.

In the positioning operation, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M4'to temporarily stop the first folding roller pair R4'. In this stage (f), the rear end of the paper P is located on one side between the first forward / reverse roller pair R3'and the first folding roller pair R4'. The positioning operation will be described in detail later. During this positioning operation, the amount of deflection L is kept below a certain level as shown in step (g). For this purpose, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M2'and M3', and gradually reaches the transfer speed V2 without stopping the pressing roller vs. R2'and the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3'. Continue feeding paper P. At this time, if the pressurization of the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3'is low and it is difficult to damage the paper P, the paper P is continuously fed so that only the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3' has a transport speed of V2. May be. That is, in this case, it is shown that the first folding roller pair R4'may be temporarily stopped.

After that, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M3', M4', and M5, and as shown in step (h), the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3', the first folding roller vs. R4', and the second folding. The roller vs. R5'is shifted to the transport speed V3, and thus the second folding process of the paper P is performed. The second-folded paper P passes through the contact portion of the second-fold roller vs. R5'as shown in step (i) and is conveyed to the post-processing device D3 in the subsequent stage. The second folding roller pair R5'is driven by a motor M5 that is driven and controlled by the control unit C. At the time of step (i), the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3'and the first folding roller vs. R4'are stopped. Incidentally, the paper P folded in three has a shape as shown in FIG. 8 (b).

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of outer tri-folding and the flow of paper P by the folding processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention for each of the stages (a) to (i).

Referring to FIG. 11, the movement of the outer tri-fold is as compared with the case of the Z-fold described with reference to FIG. 9 and the case of the inner tri-fold described with reference to FIG. Although the timing at which R4'starts reverse rotation is different, the basic items are the same.

With reference to FIG. 11, the outer tri-folding will be described by excerpting a portion different in content and movement from the case of the Z-folding described with reference to FIG. Since the steps (a) to (e) have the same contents and movements, the contents up to this point are omitted. In the outer tri-fold, when the tip of the first fold of the paper P reaches an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ2 beyond the contact portion of the first fold roller vs. R4'as shown in step (f), the control unit C Performs the positioning operation of the paper P related to the first folding roller pair R4'.

In the positioning operation, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M4'to temporarily stop the first folding roller pair R4'. In this stage (f), the tip of the paper P is located on the other side between the first forward / reverse roller pair R3'and the first folding roller pair R4'. The positioning operation will be described in detail later. During this positioning operation, the amount of deflection L is kept below a certain level as shown in step (g). For this purpose, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M1, M3, and M4, and the transfer speed V2 without stopping the inlet roller vs. R1, the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3', and the first folding roller vs. R4'. Continue to feed the paper P gradually so as to become. At this time, if the pressurization of the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3'is low and it is difficult to damage the paper P, the paper P may be continuously fed so that only the inlet roller vs. R1 has a transport speed V2. That is, in this case, it is shown that the first forward / reverse roller pair R3'and the first folding roller pair R4' may be temporarily stopped. The inlet roller vs. R1 stops shortly after the rear end of the paper P passes through the contact portion of the inlet roller vs. R1.

After that, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M3', M4', and M5, and as shown in step (h), the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3', the first folding roller vs. R4', and the second. The folding roller vs. R5'is changed so that the transport speed is V3. In this way, the second folding process of the paper P is performed. The second-folded paper P passes through the contact portion of the second-fold roller vs. R5'as shown in step (i) and is conveyed to the post-processing device D3 in the subsequent stage. At the time of step (i), the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3'and the first folding roller vs. R4'are stopped. Incidentally, the outer tri-folded paper P has a shape as shown in FIG. 8 (c).

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of folding in half by the folding processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the flow of the paper P for each of the stages (a) to (i).

Referring to FIG. 12, in the step (a), the paper P has not yet entered the through transport path W1, but in the step (b), the tip of the paper P has entered the through transport path W1 and the paper is detected. It is in a state of being detected by the sensor SN1. When the tip of the paper P is detected by the paper detection sensor SN1, the control unit C controls the drive of the motor M1, and the inlet roller vs. R1 starts rotating accordingly. The paper P is conveyed as it is in the through transfer path W1.

After that, as in step (c), the tip of the paper P is guided to the contact portion of the first forward / reverse roller pair R3'and is conveyed into the branch transfer path W2'. The first forward / reverse roller pair R3'is driven by the motor M2'which is driven and controlled by the control unit C. When the paper P is further conveyed, it is eventually conveyed by the first folding roller pair R4'. The first folding roller pair R4'is driven by a motor M4'which is driven and controlled by the control unit C. Then, the tip of the paper P passes through the contact portion of the first folding roller vs. R4'and is detected by the paper detection sensor SN3. At this point, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M4', and continues the transfer until the protrusion amount of the tip of the paper P from the position of the contact portion of the first folding roller vs. R4'is an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ1. The protrusion amount Δ1 is determined from the length of the paper P and the folding method, and is determined by the rotation amount of the main roller of the first folding roller vs. R4'. When the tip of the paper P reaches an arbitrary protrusion amount Δ1 as shown in the step (d), the control unit C performs the positioning operation of the paper P related to the first folding roller pair R4'.

In the positioning operation, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M4'to temporarily stop the first folding roller pair R4'. This positioning operation will be described in detail later. During this positioning operation, the amount of deflection L is kept below a certain level as shown in step (e). For this purpose, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M1, M3', M4', and conveys the inlet roller vs. R1 and the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3'and the first folding roller vs. R4'without stopping. The paper P is gradually fed so as to reach the speed V2. However, if the pressurization of the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3'is low and it is difficult to damage the paper P, the paper P may be continuously fed so that only the inlet roller vs. R1 has a transport speed V2. That is, in this case, it is shown that the first forward / reverse roller pair R3'and the first folding roller pair R4' may be temporarily stopped.

After that, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M1, M2', M3', so that the inlet roller vs. R1, the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3', and the first folding roller vs. R4'have a transfer speed of V3. Shift gears. In this way, as shown in step (g), the first folding process of the paper P is performed at the contact portion between the second folding roller and R5'. The first folded paper P passes through the contact portion of the second folding roller vs. R5'as shown in the step (h) and the step (i), and is conveyed to the post-processing device D3 in the subsequent stage. At the time of the first folding, the inlet roller vs. R1 is stopped, and at the time of reaching the step (i), the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3'and the first folding roller vs. R4'are also stopped. Incidentally, the folded paper P has a shape as shown in FIG. 8D.

By the way, the folding processing apparatus D2 shown in FIG. 2 can change the detailed configuration. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a main part according to another example of the folding processing apparatus D2.

In another example of the folding processing device D2 shown in FIG. 13, the motor M4 for driving the second folding roller R5 is provided so that the second folding roller R5 is in contact with the first folding roller R4 instead of the first forward / reverse roller R3. The shape of the branch transfer path W2 ″ is changed. Here, the second folding roller R5 is provided in order to fold the final stage at the contact portion between the first folding roller R4 and the second folding roller R5. A driving motor M4 is provided. Further, in response to such deformation, the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 is placed on the lower left side opposite to the lower right direction with respect to the first forward / reverse reverse roller R3 in the case of FIG. The branch transport path W2 ″ can be arranged in the direction.

In the folding processing device D2 shown in FIG. 13, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M2, and performs the first folding processing at the contact portions of the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the first folding roller R4. The first folded paper P is conveyed to the second forward / reverse rotation roller pair R6 side along the downward slope slope of the branch transfer path W2 ″. The second forward / reverse rotation roller pair R6 is driven and controlled by the control unit C. Then, after the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 is passed through the tip portion of the first fold of the paper P and a predetermined amount is conveyed to the left in FIG. 13, the control unit C is the second. 2 Positioning of the paper P related to the forward / reverse roller vs. R6 is performed. After that, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M2 and M3, and further rotates the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the first folding roller R4. The paper P is bent in front of the contact portion of the first folding roller R4 and the second folding roller R5. Further, the control unit C drives and controls the motor M4, and the contact portion of the first folding roller R4 and the second folding roller R5. The paper P is subjected to the second folding process at As a result, Z-folding, inner tri-folding, and outer tri-folding are performed, and the paper is discharged.

In the case of the folding processing device D2 shown in FIG. 13, the paper P conveyed from the right side in FIG. 13 through the through transfer path W1 is transferred to the right side in FIG. 13 in the branch transfer path W2 ″, that is, the side on which the sheet P is conveyed. Therefore, it is possible to perform Z-folding, inner tri-folding, and outer tri-folding to eject the paper to the outside of the device without providing a space for transporting the paper P on the right side of the folding processing mechanism. can.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing a control process related to the positioning operation of the paper P by the control unit C when the roller (second forward / reverse roller pair R6) of the folding processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention has an idling mechanism. Is. That is, in FIG. 14, the configuration of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 driven by the motor M3 is provided with the idle mechanism of the idle play (idle region) R6a disclosed in Patent Document 1 to prevent the box from breaking. Indicates the timing of the positioning operation with. The broken line in FIG. 14 indicates that the rotation speed of each motor is zero, that is, each motor is in a stopped state.

In the folding processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, the positioning operation is performed when the tip of the paper P reaches the protrusion amount Δ2. Here, the direction of the contact portion between the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the second folding roller R5 in the branch transfer path W2 is the discharge direction. The motor M1 drives the inlet roller pair R1 and feeds the paper P in the discharge direction or the transport direction of the branch transport path W2 in the clockwise CW, and feeds them in the reverse direction in the counterclockwise CCW. The motor M2 drives the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 to drive the pressing roller R2, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5, and in the clockwise CW, the paper P is discharged in the discharge direction or the branch transfer path W2. In the counterclockwise CCW, it is fed in the transport direction, and in the counterclockwise CCW, it is fed in the reverse direction. The motor M3 drives the second forward / reverse roller pair R6, and has a structure in which the paper P is fed in the transport direction of the branch transport path W2 in the clockwise CW and the paper P is fed in the discharge direction in the counterclockwise CCW. ..

FIG. 15 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the drive unit main body R6a1 of the roller having the idling mechanism (second forward / reverse rotation roller vs. R6). As shown in FIG. 15A, the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 having the play (idling region) R6a is driven by the drive unit main body R6a1, the drive shaft R6a2, and the drive shaft R6a2. It is composed of a drive member R6a4 that transmits to the portion R6a3. When the drive member R6a4 idles in the space portion R6a5 in the drive unit main body R6a1 and hits the driven portion R6a3, the driving force can be transmitted to the drive unit main body R6a1 side in one direction. Further, in the other direction, the drive unit main body R6a1 is locked so that the drive unit main body R6a1 does not rotate.

For example, in the state of FIG. 15A, when the drive shaft R6a2 rotates in the clockwise CW direction, the drive unit main body R6a1 rotates in the clockwise CW direction as it is. On the other hand, when the drive shaft R6a2 rotates in the counterclockwise CCW direction in the state of FIG. 15A, the drive shaft R6a2 and the drive member R6a4 slip to the positions shown in FIG. 15B. While the driving member R6a4 is idling, the driving force of the driving member R6a4 is not transmitted to the driven portion R6a3 of the driving unit main body R6a1, and the driving unit main body R6a1 does not rotate. Conversely, the drive unit main body R6a1 idles while the drive member R6a4 is located in the space portion R6a5 without contacting the driven portion R6a3.

Further, since the drive member R6a4 is located in the idling region R6a until the drive shaft R6a2 rotates clockwise from the state of FIG. 15B and the drive member R6a4 hits the side surface of the driven portion R6a3, the drive member R6a4 is driven. No force is transmitted and the drive unit body R6a1 does not rotate. This state is shown in FIG. 15 (c). Then, when there is no play in the idling region R6a and the drive member R6a4 hits the driven portion R6a3, the driving force is transmitted to the drive unit main body R6a1 side, and the drive unit main body R6a1 starts rotating. This state is shown in FIG. 15 (d).

In FIG. 15, the mechanism provided with the idling region R6a is provided in the drive unit main body R6a1 for driving the second forward / reverse roller pair R6, but may be provided in another drive mechanism, for example, on the gear side. .. Further, it can be provided in the drive force transmission path from the drive shaft of the motor that transmits the drive force to the gear to the gear. In any case, it can be provided in the driving force transmission path from the driving source to the second forward / reverse roller pair R6. The second forward / reverse roller pair R6 rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the drive unit main body R6a1. Therefore, the rotational operation of the drive unit main body R6a1 is equivalent to the rotational operation of the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6.

When the paper P is conveyed, the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 is rotated in the direction of conveying the paper P to the downstream side. When the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 continues to rotate, there is no play in the idling region R6a, and when there is no play, the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 starts to rotate, so that the paper P is on the downstream side (FIG. 2). In the lower right direction in the figure), it can be transported. In FIG. 2, the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 receives the paper P conveyed from the first forward / reverse reverse roller R3 and the first folding roller R4 in a state where the rotation is continued without play. The second forward / reverse roller pair R6 further conveys the received paper to the downstream side by a predetermined amount. After that, the paper P is stopped at a predetermined position by using the paper detection sensor SN3. Here, the control unit C detects the stop position of the paper P using the paper detection sensor SN3, but the stop position of the paper P is determined by the pulse count control of the motor M3, the encoder output of the DC motor, and the like. Is also good.

The positioning operation in the folding processing apparatus according to the first embodiment includes, first, an operation of determining the position of the tip of the paper P in the transport path on the downstream side of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6. Further, in the positioning operation, the posture (position) of the drive member R6a4 with respect to the driven portion R6a3 is performed by rotating the drive member R6a4 in the idling region R6a of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 described secondly with reference to FIG. ) Is included.

In the first positioning operation, as shown in FIG. 14, the rotation speed of the motor M3 becomes zero from the timing when deceleration starts after a predetermined time has elapsed after the tip of the paper P is detected (ON) by the paper detection sensor SN3. It corresponds to the drive operation of the motor M3 up to the timing. The timing at which deceleration starts is the timing at which the waveform of the rotational speed of the motor M3 crosses zero (dotted line) in FIG.

The folding processing apparatus according to the first embodiment determines the tip position of the paper P protruding from the second forward / reverse reversing roller pair R6 after the paper P is conveyed to the second forward / reverse reversing roller pair R6 which is the second transport member pair. Do the action. Further, the folding processing apparatus starts and stops the deceleration of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 at a predetermined timing. Thereby, the tip position of the paper P when the paper P is stopped can be accurately determined. In particular, by controlling the timing at which the deceleration of the motor M3 starts and the timing at which the rotation speed becomes zero, the conveying speed of the paper P is stopped at a predetermined position, and the tip position of the paper P when the paper P is stopped is more accurately performed. You can decide.

The second positioning operation follows the first operation. Specifically, the motor M3 is driven in the counterclockwise CCW direction from the timing when the rotation speed of the motor M3 becomes zero, the drive member R6a4 is rotated by a predetermined amount in the space portion R6a5, and the drive member R6a4 with respect to the driven portion R6a3 This corresponds to the drive operation of the motor M3 that determines the posture (position). The second forward / reverse roller pair R6 has a drive shaft R6a2, a drive member R6a4 that rotates concentrically with the drive shaft R6a2, a driven portion R6a3 driven by the drive member R6a4, and a drive member R6a4 with respect to the driven portion R6a3. It has a space portion R6a5 that idles and slips. The second positioning operation is to idle the drive member R6a4 in the idling region R6a, and ends when the rotation speed of the motor M3 becomes zero in FIG. 14 and the drive of the motor M3 is stopped.

The second position of this positioning operation can be rephrased as determining the position of the drive member R6a4 so that the drive member R6a4 abuts against the driven portion R6a3. At this time, the driven portion R6a3 and the driving member R6a4 of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 shown on the lower side in FIG. 2 are in the state shown in FIG. 15B. Then, when the motor M3 is stopped, the drive shaft R6a2 and the drive member R6a4 are fixed so as not to rotate from the positions shown in the figure. In the state shown in the figure, the driven portion R6a3 of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 abuts on the driving member R6a4, so that the driving portion main body R6a1 and the driven portion R6a3 are restricted from rotating in the CW direction.

On the other hand, the driven unit main body R6a1 and the driven unit R6a3 can rotate (idle) in the CCW direction by the amount of the idling region R6a. As a result, the movement of the paper P in the downstream direction is locked (restricted), while the movement in the upstream direction (that is, withdrawal from the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 in the upstream direction) is free (movable). It becomes a state. Since the movement of the paper P is locked in the downstream direction, the tip of the paper P (the part on the paper P that has been first folded) is mistakenly moved downstream in the transport direction in the operation of the second folding process following the positioning operation. Prevent slippage. As a result, the position of the paper P can be accurately determined. In addition, the paper P is free to move (can be pulled out) in the upstream direction. As a result, the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 and another roller pair (particularly the first forward / reverse reverse roller R3 and the second folding roller R5) are connected to each other in a state where the rotation (drive) of the second forward / reverse reverse roller pair R6 is stopped. It prevents the paper P from being pulled together and prevents the paper P from being torn or deformed.

Referring to the timing chart of FIG. 14, at first, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M1, M2, and M3 to feed the paper P in the transport direction of the branch transport path W2 so that the transport speed V1 is obtained. Here, the paper P is continuously fed until the protrusion amount Δ2 is reached after the paper detection sensor SN3 detects the tip of the paper P. After that, after starting the deceleration of the motor M3, the idling distance Y1 is eliminated so that the transport speed V4 is reached. The positioning operation is performed between this deceleration and the elimination of the slipping elimination, and the Positioning portion in FIG. 14 corresponds to this. During this period, the motors M1 and M2 continue to move in the direction of folding the paper P. Therefore, if the paper P continues to move at the transport speed V1 during the positioning operation, the paper P immediately moves to the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the second folding roller R5. It comes into contact with the contact part of. Therefore, during the positioning operation, the motors M1 and M2 are shifted or decelerated so as to have a transport speed V2 so that the paper P does not come into contact with the contact portions of the first forward / reverse rotation roller R3 and the second folding roller R5. The paper P is continuously fed without stopping the distance Y1. However, if the contact pressure between the inlet roller vs. R1 driven by the motor M1 is low and the paper P has sufficient deflection between the inlet roller vs. R1 and the first forward / reverse rotation roller R3, the motor M1 is positioned. You may stop it for a while. The transport speed V3 by the drive control of the motors M1, M2, and M3 is subjected to the second folding process for Z-folding, the inner tri-folding, and the outer tri-folding for the paper P, and the first folding process for bi-folding. It is a value when doing.

After the positioning operation (Positioning in FIG. 14) is completed, the motors M1 and M2 continue to transfer the paper P at the transfer speed V3, while the motors M3 are stopped. At this time, the flexible portion Pt1 formed on the paper P enters the contact portions of the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the second folding roller R5 (see (g) in FIG. 3). Further, at this time, the second forward / reverse reversing roller pair R6 sandwiching the paper P slips by the amount of the above-mentioned idling region R6a, and the paper P is pulled out from the second forward / reverse reversing roller pair R6 by a predetermined amount. While the paper P is pulled out from the second forward / reverse roller pair R6, the deflection Pt2 on the paper P formed between the second forward / reverse reverse roller pair R6 and the first forward / reverse reverse roller R3 and the second folding roller R5 It will be resolved. The deflection Pt2 on the paper P is different from the deflection Pt1 of the paper P formed near the entrances of the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3 and the second folding roller R5, and is the second positive in FIG. It is a deflection formed by waving the paper P between the reversing roller pair R6 and the first forward reversing roller R3 and the second folding roller R5 so as to be convex upward.

If the paper P enters the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the second folding roller R5 and passes through these roller pairs without eliminating the bending Pt2 on the paper P, the folded portion already formed (in FIG. 2). Another fold portion is formed in the vicinity of the fold portion at the lower right position of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6. This causes so-called box folding on the paper P. According to this embodiment, before the paper P enters between the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the second folding roller R5, the bending Pt2 on the paper P is eliminated in advance, so that the box breaks. To prevent. After that, as shown in FIG. 14, the rotation of the motor M3 is started again, and the paper P is conveyed together with the motors M1 and M2 at the transfer speed V3 (see FIG. 3H), so that the Z-folding process for the paper P is completed. do.

FIG. 16 shows a timing showing control processing related to the positioning operation of the paper P by the control unit C when the roller (second forward / reverse rotation roller vs. R6) of the folding processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention does not have an idling mechanism. It is a chart.

17A and 17B are views showing a schematic configuration of a roller without an idling mechanism (second forward / reverse rotation roller vs. R6), FIG. 17A is a diagram relating to clockwise rotation of the motor M3, and FIG. 17B is a diagram relating to the clockwise rotation of the motor M3. It is a figure about the counterclockwise direction of.

With reference to FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b), here, in the drive configuration of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6, the one-way clutch 10 and the electromagnetic clutch 11 are used, and the drive unit main body R6a1 described above is used. It has the same function as the configuration in which the play (idling region) R6a is provided.

Specifically, the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 is operated as a drive roller, and the driven gears 8a and 8b for driving these drive rollers and the driving force of these driven gears 8a and 8b are transmitted to each drive roller. The transmission mechanisms 9a and 9b are provided. Further, the drive gear for driving the driven gear 8a is driven by the motor M3. In addition, the one-way clutch 10 and the electromagnetic clutch 11 are connected to the driven gear 8a, and the drive mechanism of the motor M3 is connected to the one-way clutch 10 and the electromagnetic clutch 11. The driven gear 8b meshes with the driven gear 8a and rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the drive gear, and this rotational driving force is transmitted to the drive rollers.

According to the configuration as described above, when the motor M3 is rotated in the clockwise CW direction as shown in FIG. 17A, the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 is in the direction of transporting the paper P to the upstream side. Rotate to. At that time, the electromagnetic clutch 11 is in the OFF state. Further, in the state where the electromagnetic clutch 11 is OFF and the motor M3 is stopped, since the one-way clutch 10 is provided, when the paper P is pulled in the upstream direction, the second forward / reverse roller vs. R6 becomes the paper. Take me to P. On the other hand, when the paper P tries to move in the downstream direction, the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 locks without rotating, and the movement of the paper P is restricted.

On the other hand, when the motor M3 is rotating in the counterclockwise CCW direction as shown in FIG. 17B, the electromagnetic clutch 11 is turned on. As a result, the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 rotates in the opposite direction (the direction in which the paper P is conveyed to the downstream side), and the driven gear 8a on the one-way clutch 10 side does not rotate. Therefore, it is possible to surely obtain the basic function of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6, and it is possible to avoid the box breaking phenomenon. According to this configuration, it is possible to realize the same operation as the mechanism in which the play (idling region) R6a is provided in the drive unit main body R6a1 by combining the existing one-way clutch 10 and the electromagnetic clutch 11.

When the second forward / reverse roller pair R6 does not have an idling mechanism, the positioning operation corresponding to the movement until the vehicle decelerates and stops is positioned. That is, the positioning operation here is an operation of determining the position of the tip of the paper P in the transport path on the downstream side of the second forward / reverse roller pair R6.

Referring to the timing chart of FIG. 16, the transfer speed V2 is such that the paper P does not come into contact with the contact portions of the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the second folding roller R5 during the positioning operation by the drive control of the control unit C at first. The motors M1 and M2 are shifted or decelerated so as to be. Then, the paper P is continuously fed without stopping the distance Y1 for the through-down of the motor M3. Also in this case, the positioning operation controls the timing of starting and stopping the deceleration of the motor M3 before folding the paper P between the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the second folding roller R5. Thereby, the tip position of the paper P can be accurately determined. In addition, it prevents the paper P from being accidentally pinched between the first forward / reverse roller R3 and the second folding roller R5 before the positioning operation is completed, ensuring folding accuracy and preventing the generation of pressure marks. be able to.

If the contact pressure between the inlet roller vs. R1 driven by the motor M1 is low and there is sufficient deflection between the inlet roller vs. R1 and the first forward / reverse roller R3, the motor M1 will stop during the positioning operation. Is also good. FIG. 16 shows a case where the timing at which the motor M3 starts deceleration and the timing at which the motors M1 and M2 start deceleration are set at the same time, but the timings of both may be different. Also in this case, the transfer speed is set to V2 by the drive control of the motors M1 and M2 within the Positioning period in FIG. As a result, the transfer speed of the inlet roller vs. R1, the pressing roller R2, the first forward / reverse reversing roller R3, the first folding roller R4, and the second folding roller R5 may be reduced. As a result, pressurization marks can be prevented as compared with the case where these are completely stopped. Further, the transport speed V2 may be set to the clockwise CW direction instead of the counterclockwise CCW direction as long as the paper P being transported is not pulled between the roller pairs. In this case as well, pressure marks can be prevented. Also here, the transport speed V3 by the drive control of the motors M1, M2, and M3 is the second folding process when Z-folding, the inner tri-folding, and the outer tri-folding with respect to the paper P, and the first folding process when performing two-folding. It is a value when carrying out.

FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing a control process related to the positioning operation of the paper P by the control unit when the roller (first folding roller pair R4') of the folding processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the idling mechanism. Is. That is, FIG. 18 shows the operation of positioning the first folding roller pair R4'driven by the motor M4'in the configuration in which the idling mechanism of the idle play (idle region) R6a is provided to prevent the box from breaking. It shows the timing.

Although the number of motors increases in the case of the folding processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, the basic positioning operation and its range are the same as those in the case of the folding processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and the tip of the paper P has a protrusion amount Δ2. It shows the timing when the positioning operation is performed when the position is reached. Here, the directions of the contact portions of the second folding roller vs. R5'in the branch transport path W2'are the folding direction and the discharging direction. The motors M1 and M2'drive the inlet roller vs. R1 and the pressing roller vs. R2', respectively, to feed the paper P in the clockwise CW direction toward the paper detection sensor SN2, and in the counterclockwise CCW direction, the folding direction. And it has a structure to send in the discharge direction. The motor M3'has a structure in which the first forward / reverse roller pair R3'is driven and the paper P is fed in the folding direction and the discharging direction in the counterclockwise CCW direction. The motor M4'has a structure in which the first folding roller pair R4'is driven, the paper P is fed in the transport direction of the branch transport path W2'in the clockwise CW direction, and the paper P is fed in the discharge direction in the counterclockwise CCW. ing. The motor M5 has a structure in which the second folding roller pair R5'is driven and the paper P is fed in the folding direction and the discharging direction in the counterclockwise CCW direction.

Referring to the timing chart of FIG. 18, at first, the control unit C drives and controls the motors M1, M2', M3', and M4' to obtain the transfer speed V1, and the paper P is in the transfer direction of the branch transfer path W2'. To send. Here, after the tip of the paper P is detected by the paper detection sensor SN3, the paper is fed until the protrusion amount is Δ2. After that, after starting the deceleration of the motor M4', the distance Y1 for idling is eliminated so that the transport speed is V4. During the period from this deceleration to the elimination of the slipping elimination portion, the positioning portion in FIG. 18 is set as the positioning operation. During this period, the motors M1, M2', and M3'continue to move in the direction of folding the paper P. Therefore, during the positioning operation, for example, if the motors continue to move at the transport speed V1, the paper P immediately moves to the second folding roller vs. R5'. It will be in contact with the contact part of. Therefore, during the positioning operation, the motors M1, M2', M3', and M5 are shifted or decelerated so as to have a transfer speed V2 that does not come into contact with the contact portion of the second folding roller vs. R5', and the distance is increased. Keep feeding the paper P without stopping Y1. The transport speed V3 by the drive control of the motors M1, M2', M3', M4', and M5 is the second folding process for Z-folding, the inner tri-folding, and the outer tri-folding for the paper P, and the case of performing bi-folding. It is a value when the first folding process of is carried out.

FIG. 19 shows a timing showing control processing related to the positioning operation of the paper P by the control unit when the roller (first folding roller pair R4') of the folding processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention does not have the idling mechanism. It is a chart.

Referring to the timing chart of FIG. 19, at the beginning, the transfer speed V2 is set so that the paper P does not come into contact with the contact portion of the second folding roller vs. R5'during the positioning operation by the drive control of the control unit C. The motors M1, M2', M3', and M5 are shifted or decelerated. Then, the paper P is continuously fed without stopping the distance Y1 for the through-down of the motor M4'. Also in this case, the positioning operation controls the timing of starting and stopping the deceleration of the motor M4'before folding the paper P between the second folding rollers and R5'. Thereby, the tip position of the paper P can be accurately determined. Further, it is possible to prevent the paper P from being erroneously pinched between the second folding roller pair R5'before the positioning operation is completed, to secure the folding accuracy, and to prevent the generation of pressure marks.

If the contact pressure between the inlet roller vs. R1 driven by the motor M1 is low and there is sufficient deflection between the inlet roller vs. R1 and the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3', the motor M1 will stop during the positioning operation. You may. FIG. 19 shows a case where the timing at which the motor M4'starts deceleration and the timing at which the motors M1, M2', and M3'start deceleration are set at the same time, but the timings of both may be different. Also in this case, the motor M1, the motor M2', the motor M3', and the motor M5 are driven and controlled to obtain the transfer speed V2 within the Positioning period in FIG. As a result, the transfer speeds of the inlet roller vs. R1, the pressing roller vs. R2', the first forward / reverse roller vs. R3', and the second folding roller vs. R5' may be reduced. As a result, pressurization marks can be prevented as compared with the case where these are completely stopped. Further, the transport speed V2 may be set to the clockwise CW direction instead of the counterclockwise CCW direction as long as the paper P being transported is not pulled between the roller pairs. In this case as well, pressure marks can be prevented. Also here, the transport speed V3 by the drive control of the motors M1, M2', M3', M4', and M5 performs Z-folding, inner tri-folding, and outer tri-folding with respect to the paper P. It is a value when the first folding process is carried out.

The folding processing apparatus described above is a transport member having a strong pressing force other than the transport member that reverses the paper P during the folding process among the transport members that sandwich the paper P between the contact portions of the transport member pair when the paper P is folded. Controls to transport the paper P at a gradually slower transfer speed without stopping it completely. As a result, the time during which the pressurized transport member is in contact with one point of the paper P is shortened. As a result, damage to the paper P is reduced, and it is possible to accurately prevent the paper P from being folded during the positioning operation.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical gist thereof, and all the technical matters included in the technical idea described in the claims can be made. Is the subject of the present invention. A belt may be used instead of using a roller as a transport member for transporting the sheet. Although each of the above examples shows a suitable example, those skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents, but these are within the scope of the attached claims. Included in the stated technical scope.

8a, 8b Driven gear 9a, 9b Transmission mechanism 10 One-way clutch 11 Electromagnetic clutch C Control unit D1, D4 Image forming device D2 Folding processing device D3 Post-processing device M1 to M5, M2', M3', M4'Motor P Paper R1 inlet Roller vs. R2 Pushing roller R2 ″ Pushing roller vs. R3 1st forward / reverse roller R3 ′ 1st forward / reverse roller vs. R4 1st folding roller R4 ′ 1st folding roller vs. R5 2nd folding roller R5 ′ 2nd folding roller Against R6 2nd forward / reverse roller vs. R6a play (idling area)
R6a1 Drive unit body R6a2 Drive shaft R6a3 Driven unit R6a4 Drive member R6a5 Space unit S1 to S5 Pressurized spring SN1 to SN3 Paper detection sensor W1 Through transfer path W2, W2', W2 ″ Branch transfer path

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-240325

Claims (8)

The first transport roller pair that transports the sheet and
A forward / reverse rotatable first that conveys the sheet conveyed from the first transfer roller pair.
2 transport roller pairs and
Fold the sheet held by the first transfer roller pair and the second transfer roller pair.
With the first folding roller pair,
Forward / reverse rotation is possible to convey the sheet conveyed by the first folding roller pair.
With the third transport roller pair,
Fold the sheet held by the first folding roller pair and the third transport roller pair.
In a sheet folding processing apparatus provided with a second folding roller pair ,
The third transfer roller pair is conveyed at the first transfer speed by the first folding roller pair.
Until the tip of the sheet protrudes from the third transport roller pair by a predetermined amount.
In addition, the tip of the sheet is positioned by stopping while decelerating.
It is composed and
The first folding roller pair stops after the third transport roller pair starts decelerating.
Until the sheet is conveyed, the sheet is conveyed at a second transfer speed slower than the first transfer speed.
A sheet folding device characterized by being configured to continue . In the sheet folding apparatus according to claim 1,
The third transport roller pair is at a predetermined time after the positioning of the tip of the sheet is completed.
While stopped for a while
The first folding roller pair and the second folding roller pair are positioned at the tip of the sheet.
Is finished, the third transport speed is faster than the second transport speed and slower than the first transport speed.
A sheet folding device characterized in that the sheet is conveyed at the transfer speed of . In the sheet folding apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 .
The third transport roller pair is driven from a drive source when switching from normal rotation to reverse rotation.
It has an idling period in which force is not transmitted,
The third transport roller pair transports the sheet by normal rotation and then temporarily stops, and then
After that, the tip of the sheet is reversed by reversing only during the idling period and then stopping.
A sheet folding device characterized by positioning . In the sheet folding apparatus according to claim 3,
The third transport roller pair is used when temporarily stopped after the normal rotation and during the idling period.
A seat folding device characterized in that it reverses only for a while and then decelerates when it stops . In the sheet folding apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 .
The third transport roller pair includes a drive shaft, a drive member that rotates concentrically with the drive shaft, and a drive member.
A seat folding device characterized by having a driven portion driven by the driven member and an idling region in which the driven member idles with respect to the driven portion. In the sheet folding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The second transfer roller pair, the first folding roller pair, and the second folding roller pair are one of the rows.
La is a common roller shared by each other, and the common roller is configured to be rotatable forward and backward.
The other roller is a seat folding device that rotates in accordance with the common roller . In the sheet folding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The shortest distance on the transport path of the sheet connecting the first folding roller pair and the second folding roller pair is defined as the first distance, and the transport path of the sheet connecting the third transport roller pair and the second folding roller pair. When the shortest distance above is the second distance,
When the positioning operation is performed, the length of the sheet held between the first folding roller pair and the third transport roller pair is less than the sum of the first distance and the second distance. As described above, the sheet folding device is characterized by controlling the drive of the first folding roller pair and the third transport roller pair . An image forming apparatus that forms an image on the sheet, and
The sheet folding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided.
The sheet folding device is an image forming system characterized by folding the sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

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