JP5716907B2 - Sheet folding apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet folding apparatus that performs a folding process on a sheet such as transfer paper, and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine including the folding apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for installing a sheet folding device that performs a folding process on a sheet such as transfer paper in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Specifically, when a desired image is formed on a sheet in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the sheet is conveyed from the main body of the image forming apparatus to the sheet folding apparatus via a conveyance port. In the sheet folding apparatus, after a desired folding process is performed on the sheet, the sheet is discharged from the sheet folding apparatus.
Such a sheet folding apparatus is capable of performing a plurality of folding processing modes such as “two-fold”, “Z-fold”, “outer three-fold”, and “inner three-fold” for sheets of various sizes (sheet sizes). It is configured so that it can be folded.

  In the conventional folding processing apparatus, the conveyance path installed for folding the sheet is complicated, and when the folding process is performed by sandwiching the abdomen of the sheet between the roller pair, the leading edge of the sheet is matched to the sheet size. There has been a problem that the moving range (movable range) of the abutting member that moves in order to change the abutting abutting position is long, and the apparatus becomes large.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has a relatively simple configuration, a moving range of the abutting member is relatively short, and the apparatus does not increase in size. And providing an image forming apparatus.

A sheet folding apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a sheet folding apparatus that performs a folding process on a sheet conveyed from a conveyance port, and the sheet is conveyed to a conveyance path while sandwiching the sheet in a nip portion. A plurality of roller pairs that are formed so as to be able to be conveyed along the nip portion and are disposed at positions separated from each other in the conveyance path in order to fold the sheet so as to be folded by the nip portion and to form a crease in the sheet, A plurality of branch conveyance paths formed so as to branch from the conveyance path at positions upstream in the conveyance direction with respect to the plurality of roller pairs, and a leading edge of the sheet conveyed to the plurality of branch conveyance paths abut each other. A plurality of abutting members formed so as to be movable so that the abutting positions can be varied, and A plurality of switching members for switching between a path where the sheet is conveyed to the roller pair side and a path where the sheet is conveyed to the branch conveyance path at each position upstream in the conveyance direction with respect to the pair; The path switching by the plurality of switching members is controlled according to the sheet size and the folding processing mode when performing the folding process, and the abutting positions of the plurality of abutting members are controlled, and the conveyance A first transport path, a second transport path, a third transport path, and a fourth transport path are formed from the upstream side in the transport direction, and the plurality of roller pairs relay the first transport path and the second transport path. The first roller pair disposed to relay, the second roller pair disposed to relay the second transport path and the third transport path, and the third transport path and the fourth transport path to relay. Arranged to A third roller pair, wherein the plurality of branch transport paths are formed so as to branch from the first transport path at a position upstream of the first roller pair in the transport direction. A second branch conveyance path formed to branch from the second conveyance path at a position upstream of the second roller pair in the conveyance direction, and upstream in the conveyance direction with respect to the third roller pair A third branch conveyance path formed so as to branch from the third conveyance path at the position, and when “outside trifold” is selected as the folding processing mode, the sheet size is A4 size, The path switched by the plurality of switching members when the size is either B5 size or LT size, and the sheet size is any one of A3 size, B4 size, DLT size, and LG size And the path switched by the plurality of switching members is controlled to be variable .

The sheet folding apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the sheet folding apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the sheet size is an A4 size or a B5 size when “outside trifold” is selected as the folding processing mode. , LT size, the first transport path, the second transport path, the second branch transport path, the third transport path, the third branch by switching the path by the plurality of switching members. The sheet is conveyed in the order of the conveyance path and the fourth conveyance path, and in the conveyance process, the first folding process is performed by the second roller pair, and the second folding process is performed by the third roller pair. When the sheet size is any one of A3 size, B4 size, DLT size, and LG size, the plurality of switching members By switching the path, the first transport path, the first branch transport path, the second transport path, the second branch transport path, the third transport path, the third branch transport path, or the fourth transport path, Control is performed so that the sheets are conveyed in order, and the first folding process is performed by the first roller pair and the second folding process is performed by the second roller pair in the conveying process.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the sheet folding apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein when the “folding in two” is selected as the folding processing mode, the plurality of sheets The sheet is conveyed in the order of the first conveyance path, the second conveyance path, the second branch conveyance path, the third conveyance path, the fourth conveyance path, or the third branch conveyance path by switching the path by the switching member. In the conveying process, when the second roller pair is controlled to perform the folding process, and the “Z folding” is selected as the folding process mode, the plurality of switchings are performed regardless of the sheet size. The first transport path, the first branch transport path, the second transport path, the third transport path, the third branch transport path, the fourth by switching the path by the member The sheet is conveyed in the order of the feeding path, and the first folding process is performed by the first roller pair in the conveying process, and the second folding process is performed by the third roller pair. When “fold in three” is selected as the folding processing mode, the first transport path, the first branch transport path, and the second transport are performed by switching the path by the plurality of switching members regardless of the sheet size. The sheet is transported in the order of the path, the third transport path, the third branch transport path, and the fourth transport path. In the transport process, the first folding process is performed by the first roller pair, and the first folding process is performed. Control is performed so that the second folding process is performed by a pair of three rollers.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the sheet folding apparatus according to the first to third aspects, each of the plurality of switching members protrudes toward the inside of the conveyance path. The path where the sheet is conveyed by moving between the position where the sheet is conveyed and the position where the sheet is retracted from the conveyance path is switched, and the abdomen of the sheet which is in contact with the abutting member in the branch conveyance path is It is formed so as to be able to assist the folding process performed at the nip portion by being pushed toward the nip portion.

  A sheet folding apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the sheet folding apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein at least one of the plurality of branched conveying paths is one of the plurality of branched conveying paths. The abutting member corresponding to the branch conveyance path formed in a circular arc shape with a part or all of the arcuate shape changes the abutting position by rotating around the center position of the arc. It is.

A sheet folding apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the sheet folding apparatus corresponds to the most downstream side of the plurality of branch conveyance paths. The third branch conveyance path installed at the position to be moved is formed to be a discharge path for discharging the sheet to the outside of the apparatus by moving the abutting member to a position where it is retracted from the branch conveyance path. It is a thing.

  A sheet folding device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the sheet folding apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the transport path or / and the branch transport path are in the branch transport path. The sheet that is in contact with the abutting member is formed so as to bend toward the nip portion.

  An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes the sheet folding apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

  In the present invention, roller pairs, branch conveyance paths, abutting members, and switching members are suitably arranged in a plurality of locations in the conveyance path, and the switching of the paths by the plurality of switching members is controlled by the sheet size and the folding processing mode. In addition, since the abutting positions of the plurality of abutting members are controlled, the sheet folding apparatus has a relatively simple configuration, the abutting member moving range is relatively short, and the apparatus does not increase in size. An image forming apparatus can be provided.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows a sheet folding apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows a switching member. It is a schematic diagram showing (A) a folded sheet, (B) a Z-folded sheet, (C) an outer three-folded sheet, and (D) an inner three-folded sheet. It is a flowchart which shows the control performed with a sheet folding apparatus. It is a table | surface figure which shows the control performed with a sheet folding apparatus. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the sheet folding apparatus when performing "outside trifold" with respect to the sheet | seat of A3 size. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the sheet folding apparatus when performing "outside trifold" with respect to the sheet | seat of A4 size.

Embodiment.
Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same or it corresponds, The duplication description is simplified or abbreviate | omitted suitably.

First, the configuration and operation of the entire image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an apparatus main body (image forming apparatus main body) of a copying machine as an image forming apparatus, 2 an original reading unit that optically reads image information of an original D, and 3 an image information read by the original reading unit 2. An exposure unit that irradiates the photosensitive drum 5 with the exposure light L based on the above, 4 is an image forming unit that forms a toner image (image) on the photosensitive drum 5, and 7 is a toner formed on the photosensitive drum 5. A transfer unit (image forming unit) that transfers an image to a sheet P (paper), 10 is a document transport unit that transports a set document D to the document reading unit 2, and 12 to 14 store sheets P such as transfer paper. The sheet feeding unit 17 and 18 are registration rollers (registration roller pair) that convey the sheet P toward the transfer unit 7, 20 is a fixing device that fixes an unfixed image on the sheet P, and 21 is installed in the fixing device 20. The fixing roller 22 is installed in the fixing device 20. Shows the pressure roller, the.
Reference numeral 50 denotes a sheet folding apparatus as a post-processing apparatus that performs a folding process on the sheet P conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 1 through the conveyance port, and 100 denotes a stacker unit installed below the sheet folding apparatus 50. Show. The sheet folding apparatus 50 is detachably installed on the image forming apparatus main body 1.

With reference to FIG. 1, an operation during normal image formation in the image forming apparatus main body 1 will be described.
First, the document D is conveyed from the document table in the direction of the arrow in the drawing by the conveyance roller of the document conveyance unit 10 and passes over the document reading unit 2. At this time, the document reading unit 2 optically reads the image information of the document D passing above.
Then, the optical image information read by the document reading unit 2 is converted into an electric signal and then transmitted to the exposure unit 3 (writing unit). Then, exposure light L such as laser light based on the image information of the electrical signal is emitted from the exposure unit 3 toward the photosensitive drum 5 of the image forming unit 4.

On the other hand, in the image forming unit 4, the photosensitive drum 5 is rotated in the clockwise direction in the drawing, and image information is transferred onto the photosensitive drum 5 through a predetermined image forming process (charging process, exposure process, development process). An image (toner image) corresponding to is formed.
Thereafter, the image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 is transferred onto the sheet P conveyed by the registration rollers 17 and 18 in the transfer unit 7 as an image forming unit.

On the other hand, the sheet P conveyed to the transfer unit 7 (image forming unit) operates as follows.
First, one of the plurality of paper feeding units 12, 13, and 14 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is automatically or manually selected (for example, the uppermost paper feeding unit 12 is selected). To do.)
Then, the uppermost sheet P stored in the sheet feeding unit 12 is conveyed toward the position of the conveyance path K.

  Thereafter, the sheet P passes through a conveyance path K in which a plurality of conveyance rollers are arranged, and reaches the position of the registration rollers 17 and 18. Then, the sheet P that has reached the position of the registration rollers 17 and 18 is conveyed toward the transfer unit 7 (image forming unit) at the same timing in order to align with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 5. Is done.

The sheet P after the transfer process passes through the position of the transfer unit 7 and then reaches the fixing device 20 through the conveyance path. The sheet P that has reached the fixing device 20 is fed between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22, and the image is fixed by the heat received from the fixing roller 21 and the pressure received from both members 21 and 22. . The sheet P on which the image has been fixed is delivered from between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 (a nip portion) and then discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 1.
Further, the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 1 is conveyed (in) into the sheet folding apparatus 50 from a conveyance port M1 (see FIG. 2). Then, the sheet folding apparatus 50 performs folding processing on the sheet P based on a mode (folding processing mode) input in advance by a user on an operation panel (not shown) of the apparatus body 1. Then, the sheet P after the folding process is discharged from the discharge port M2 (refer to FIG. 2) or stacked on the stacker unit 100.

Next, referring to FIGS. 2 to 8, the sheet folding apparatus 50 that is characteristic in the present embodiment will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet folding apparatus 50 includes main conveyance paths A1 to A4 for performing the folding process while conveying the sheet P, and the sheet P to be discharged to the outside without being folded. And a horizontal conveyance path C. Further, three branch conveyance paths B1 to B3 are provided so as to branch from the conveyance paths A1 to A3 located on the upstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the three roller pairs 61 to 63, respectively.
A claw member 57 that can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise in FIG. 2 is installed in the vicinity of the conveyance port M1, and the operation of the claw member 57 (inputted to the operation panel of the apparatus main body 1). This is an operation based on user information.) The sheet P sent from the conveyance port M1 is guided to the conveyance paths A1 to A4 (A5) for folding processing, or the horizontal conveyance path C side where the folding processing is not performed. It will be guided to.

Here, the three roller pairs 61 to 63 are disposed at positions separated from each other in the transport paths A1 to A4. Each of the three roller pairs 61 to 63 has two roller members (the upper roller member is configured to be rotatable in the counterclockwise direction, the lower roller member is rotated in the clockwise direction, and the conveyance direction). Are formed in such a manner that the sheet P can be conveyed along the conveying paths A1 to A4 while the sheet P is sandwiched between the nip parts. Further, each of the three roller pairs 61 to 63 is configured to be able to form a crease in the sheet P by sandwiching the sheet P so as to be folded by the nip portion.
The folding process performed by the roller pairs 61 to 63 (which is a process for forming a crease on the sheet P) causes the leading ends to abut against the abutting members 81 to 83 in the branch conveyance paths B1 to B3 and the roller pairs 61 to 63. This is done by sandwiching the abdomen of the sheet P in a bent state (the portion between the front end and the rear end) between the nip portions of the roller pairs 61-63.

  The three branch conveyance paths B1 to B3 are formed so as to branch from the conveyance paths A1 to A3 at positions upstream of the three roller pairs 61 to 63 in the conveyance direction. In the three branch conveyance paths B1 to B3, abutting members 81 to 83 are respectively installed so that the leading ends of the sheets P conveyed to the branch conveyance paths B1 to B3 abut against each other. These three abutting members 81 to 83 are substantially plate-like members, and are formed so as to be movable so that the abutting position (the position where the leading edge of the sheet P abuts) can be varied. .

Specifically, the first abutting member 81 is installed in the first branch conveyance path B1 that branches from the conveyance path A1 upstream of the first roller pair 61 in the conveyance direction. On the other hand, the first branch conveyance path B1 has a substantially circular arc shape. Then, the first abutting member 81 is rotated about the center position of the arc of the first branch transport path B1 by a drive motor (not shown) to change the abutting position (in the direction of a double arrow in FIG. Move.).
The second abutting member 82 is installed in the second branch conveyance path B2 that branches from the conveyance path A2 on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the second roller pair 62. On the other hand, in the second branch conveyance path B2, a part of the conveyance path is formed in a substantially arc shape. The second abutting member 82 is abutted by rotating around the center position of the arc of the second branch conveyance path B2 (which is a portion formed in an arc shape) by a drive motor (not shown). The position is varied (movement in the direction of the double arrow in FIG. 2).
The third abutting member 83 is installed in a third branch transport path B3 that branches from the transport path A3 on the upstream side in the transport direction of the third roller pair 63. On the other hand, the shape of the conveyance path of the third branch conveyance path B3 is formed in a substantially linear shape. The third abutting member 83 is slid and moved along the rail portion 84 installed substantially parallel along the third branch transport path B3 by a drive mechanism (not shown) to change the abutting position ( It is the movement in the direction of the double arrow in FIG.

  In addition, since the sheet folding apparatus 50 in the present embodiment forms the first branch conveyance path B1 and a part of the second branch conveyance path B2 in a substantially arc shape as described above, Compared to the case where the conveyance path is formed in a straight line, the apparatus can be reduced in size and space. Furthermore, since the first abutting member 81 and the second abutting member 82 can change the abutting position largely by a slight rotation operation, respectively, the responsiveness when changing the abutting position is high. Enhanced.

Of the three branch transport paths B1 to B3, the third branch transport path B3 installed at the position corresponding to the most downstream side of the transport paths A1 to A4 is the third abutting member 83 is the third branch transport path. The sheet P is moved to a position retracted from B3 (rotational movement around the support portion held by the rail portion 84 or sliding movement from the rail portion 84 to the left), whereby the sheet P is stacked. It is formed to be a discharge path for discharging to (outside the apparatus). That is, the third branch conveyance path B3 communicates with the discharge path A5 by moving the third abutting member 83 to the retracted position. As a result, the sheet P after being subjected to the folding process is discharged from the discharge port M2 by the discharge roller 53 through the transfer paths A1 to A4 and the transfer roller 52, and the three transfer paths A1 to A3 and the Since it becomes possible to stack on the elevating tray 101 of the stacker unit 100 by the paper discharge roller 54 through the three-branch conveyance path B3 (discharge path A5), the diversity of post-processing is ensured.
In the stacker unit 100, the lifting tray 101 moves downward in the stacker unit 100 in accordance with an increase in the stacking amount (the number of stacked sheets), so that a large amount of sheets P can be stacked in the stacker unit 100. become.

Here, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, there are paths through which the sheet P is conveyed to the roller pairs 61 to 63 at respective positions upstream of the three roller pairs 61 to 63 in the conveyance direction. Further, switching claws 71 to 73 are installed as three switching members for switching between the path on which the sheet P is transported to the branch transport paths B1 to B3.
Specifically, the first switching claw 71 (first switching member) is disposed at a boundary portion between the first transport path A1 and the first branch transport path B1, and is clockwise around the rotation shaft 71a. A path that protrudes toward the inside of the conveyance path by rotation and guides the sheet P conveyed from the first conveyance path A1 directly to the nip portion of the first roller pair 61, and a counterclockwise direction about the rotation shaft 71a. The path is switched between a path that retracts from the transport path by rotation and guides the sheet P transported from the first transport path A1 directly to the first branch transport path B1.
Similarly, the second switching claw 72 (second switching member) is disposed at the boundary portion between the second transport path A2 and the second branch transport path B2, and is clockwise around the rotation shaft 72a. A path that protrudes toward the inside of the conveyance path by rotation and guides the sheet P conveyed from the second conveyance path A2 directly to the nip portion of the second roller pair 62, and a counterclockwise direction around the rotation shaft 72a. The path is switched between a path that retracts from the transport path by rotation and guides the sheet P transported from the second transport path A2 directly to the second branch transport path B2.
Similarly, the third switching claw 73 (third switching member) is disposed at the boundary portion between the third transport path A3 and the third branch transport path B3, and is clockwise with the rotation shaft 73a as the center. A path that protrudes toward the inside of the conveyance path by rotation and guides the sheet P conveyed from the third conveyance path A3 directly to the nip portion of the third roller pair 63, and a counterclockwise direction around the rotation shaft 73a. The path is switched between a path that retreats from the transport path by rotation and guides the sheet P transported from the third transport path A3 directly to the third branch transport path B3.

Further, the three switching claws 71 to 73 (switching members) respectively point the abdomen of the sheet P in the state of abutting against the abutting members 81 to 83 in the branch conveyance paths B1 to B3 toward the nip portions of the roller pairs 61 to 63. It is formed so as to be able to assist the folding process performed at the nip portion.
Specifically, the first switching claw 71 is a sheet P in a state in which the first switching claw 71 is in contact with the first abutting member 81 in the first branch conveyance path B1 when the first roller pair 61 is folded (on the nip portion side to some extent). In this state, the abdomen of the first roller pair 61 is pushed toward the nip portion of the first roller pair 61 with good timing.
Similarly, when the second switching claw 72 is folded by the second roller pair 62, the sheet P in a state where it abuts against the second abutting member 82 in the second branch conveyance path B2 (on the nip part side to some extent). The abdomen portion of the second roller pair 62 is pushed toward the nip portion of the second roller pair 62 with good timing.
Similarly, when the third switching claw 73 is folded by the third roller pair 63, the sheet P (on the nip part side to some extent) is in contact with the third abutting member 83 in the third branch conveyance path B3. The abdomen portion of the third roller pair 63 is pushed toward the nip portion of the third roller pair 63 with good timing to rotate around the rotation shaft 73a.
And the function which assists a folding process by such a nail | claw member 71-73, and the function which switches the path | route to a nip part and the path | route to a branch conveyance path | route, as shown in FIG. This is achieved by the shape of the claw portions 71b to 73b that rotate around 71a to 73a (a shape in which large and small curved shapes are combined).

Further, in the sheet folding device 50 according to the present embodiment, the sheet P in a state where the conveyance paths A1 to A3 and the branch conveyance paths B1 to B3 are in contact with the abutting members 81 to 83 in the branch conveyance paths B1 to B3 is the nip portion. It is formed to be easily bent toward the side.
Specifically, on the upstream side of the first roller pair 61, since the first separation conveyance path B1 is curved toward the nip portion, the sheet P positioned from the first separation conveyance path B1 to the first conveyance path A1. The abdomen is easily bent in a convex shape toward the nip portion.
Further, on the upstream side of the second roller pair 62, since the second separation conveyance path B2 and the second conveyance path A2 are curved toward the nip portion in the vicinity thereof, the second separation conveyance path B2 and the second separation path B2 The abdomen of the sheet P positioned over the conveyance path A2 is easily bent convexly toward the nip.
Similarly, on the upstream side of the third roller pair 63, the third separation conveyance path B3 and the third conveyance path A3 are curved toward the nip portion in the vicinity thereof. The abdomen of the sheet P positioned over the third conveyance path A3 is easily bent in a convex shape toward the nip.
With such a configuration, the folding process performed by sandwiching the sheet P between the nip portions of the roller pairs 61 to 63 is reliably and efficiently executed.

In the present embodiment, in the sheet folding apparatus 50 configured as described above, the three switching claws 71 to 71 are changed according to the sheet size (the size of the sheet P) when the folding process is performed and the folding processing mode. The switching of the path by 73 is controlled, and the abutting positions of the three abutting members 81 to 83 are controlled.
Specifically, the sheet folding apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment is configured to use A4 size, B5 size, LT size, A3 size, B4 size, DLT size, and LG size sheets among various sizes of sheets P (paper). Various fold processing modes such as “two-fold”, “Z-fold”, “outer three-fold”, and “inner three-fold” are performed on the size sheet P. The user designates the sheet size of the sheet P to be printed on the operation panel of the apparatus body 1 and designates one of the folding processing modes to obtain a sheet P (printed material) subjected to a desired folding process. become.

Here, “two-fold” refers to a folding processing mode in which a crease (a portion surrounded by a broken line) is formed at substantially the center of the sheet P as shown in FIG.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4B, the “Z-fold” is a crease (a portion surrounded by a broken line) so that one end side of the sheet P has a strip shape and the entire sheet P bends in a Z shape. The folding processing mode is formed.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4C, the “outer trifold” is a crease (a portion surrounded by a broken line) at two locations so that the entire sheet P bends almost uniformly in a Z shape. This refers to the folding processing mode to be formed.
Further, “inner three folds” are creases (enclosed by broken lines) at two locations so that the one end side and the other end side of the sheet P are folded substantially equally as shown in FIG. ) Is formed.

The specific control performed by the sheet folding apparatus 50 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, information on the sheet size and the folding processing mode (folding method) of the sheet P to be folded from the image forming apparatus main body 1 (information input to the operation panel of the apparatus main body 1). The data is sent to a control unit (not shown) of the processing device 50 (step S1).
Thereafter, the control unit determines the transport path and the branch transport path to be used on the basis of the sent information about the sheet size and the folding processing mode (step S2), and the corresponding abutting member is abutted. The position is determined (step S3), and the timing for performing the auxiliary operation of the folding process (the operation of pushing toward the nip portion) by the corresponding switching claw is determined (step S4). Then, an image forming operation (printing operation) is started in the apparatus main body 1 (step S5), and then a desired folding process is performed in the sheet folding apparatus 50.

Here, the conditions determined in steps S2 to S4 in FIG. 5 are as shown in FIG. 6, and are stored in advance in the storage unit of the control unit for each sheet size and folding processing mode.
Hereinafter, each folding processing mode will be specifically described.

First, when “Fold Fold” is selected, the first transport path A1, the second transport path A2, the second branch transport path B2, the third transport path A3, and the fourth transport path regardless of the sheet size. The sheets P are conveyed in the order of A4 (or the discharge path A5), and the folding process is performed by the second roller pair 62 in the conveyance process.
Specifically, the sheet P fed from the conveyance port M1 is guided to the nip portion of the first roller pair 61 by being guided by the first switching claw 71 moved to the protruding position via the first conveyance path A1. . Thereafter, the sheet P is guided to the second branch conveyance path B2 by the first roller pair 61 functioning as a conveyance roller, passing through the position of the second switching claw 72 in the retracted state. When the leading end of the sheet P hits the second abutting member 82 (the abutting position is optimized in advance based on the sheet size information of the sheet P), the second switching claw 72 is conveyed from the retracted position. It protrudes into the path and pushes the abdomen of the sheet P toward the nip of the second roller pair 62. Then, a crease is formed in the sheet P held at the nip portion of the second roller pair 62 (folding process is performed). At the same time, the sheet P is sent to the third conveyance path A3 while being folded by the second roller pair 62 that also functions as a conveyance roller.
Then, the sheet P that has been “folded in half” in this way is guided by the third switching claw 73 that has moved to the protruding position, and the third roller pair 63, the fourth transport path A4, the transport roller 52, the discharge roller, and the like. The paper is discharged from the discharge port M2 through the paper roller 53.
The sheet P at this time is not stacked on the stacker via the third separation conveyance path B3 (A5) functioning as the discharge path by moving the third switching claw 73 to the retracted position without selecting the above-described discharge path. It can also be discharged to the part 100.

Next, when “Z-fold” is selected, the first transport path A1, the first branch transport path B1, the second transport path A2, the third transport path A3, and the third branch regardless of the sheet size. The sheet P is conveyed in the order of the conveyance path B3 and the fourth conveyance path A4. In the conveyance process, the first folding process is performed by the first roller pair 61, and the second folding process is performed by the third roller pair 63. Is done.
Specifically, the sheet P fed from the transport port M1 passes through the first transport path A1, passes through the position of the first switching claw 71 moved to the retracted position, and is guided to the first branch transport path B1. . Then, when the leading end of the sheet P hits the first abutting member 81 (the abutting position is set at a predetermined position regardless of the sheet size of the sheet P in order to form a regular-sized strip portion). The first switching claw 71 protrudes from the retracted position into the conveyance path and pushes the abdomen of the sheet P toward the nip portion of the first roller pair 61. Then, a crease is formed in the sheet P held at the nip portion of the first roller pair 61 (the first folding process is performed). At the same time, the sheet P is sent to the second conveyance path A2 while being folded by the first roller pair 61 that also functions as a conveyance roller. Then, the sheet P is guided to the nip portion of the second roller pair 62 by being guided by the second switching claw 72 moved to the protruding position through the second conveyance path A2. Thereafter, the sheet P passes through the position of the third switching claw 73 in the retracted state by the second roller pair 62 functioning as a conveyance roller, and is guided to the third branch conveyance path B3. When the leading edge of the sheet P abuts against the third abutting member 83 (the abutting position is optimized in advance based on the sheet size information of the sheet P), the third switching claw 73 is conveyed from the retracted position. It protrudes into the path and pushes the abdomen of the sheet P toward the nip portion of the third roller pair 63. Then, a crease is formed in the sheet P held at the nip portion of the third roller pair 63 (the second folding process is performed). At the same time, the sheet P is sent to the fourth conveyance path A4 while being folded by the third roller pair 63 that also functions as a conveyance roller.
The sheet P thus “Z-folded” is discharged from the discharge port M2 through the third roller pair 63, the fourth transfer path A4, the transfer roller 52, and the discharge roller 53.

Next, in the case where “outside trifold” is selected, any one of the A3 size, B4 size, DLT size, and LG size sheet P (a sheet having a relatively large sheet size) is conveyed. The first transport path A1, the first branch transport path B1, the second transport path A2, the second branch transport path B2, the third transport path A3, the fourth transport path A4 (or the discharge path A5). In sequence, the sheet P is conveyed, and in the conveying process, the first folding process is performed by the first roller pair 61 and the second folding process is performed by the second roller pair 62.
Specifically, the sheet P fed from the transport port M1 passes through the first transport path A1, passes through the position of the first switching claw 71 moved to the retracted position, and is guided to the first branch transport path B1. . Then, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the leading end of the sheet P hits the first abutting member 81 (the abutting position is optimized in advance based on the information on the sheet size of the sheet P), The first switching claw 71 protrudes from the retracted position into the conveyance path and pushes the belly portion of the sheet P toward the nip portion of the first roller pair 61. Then, a crease is formed in the sheet P held at the nip portion of the first roller pair 61 (the first folding process is performed). At the same time, the sheet P is sent to the second conveyance path A2 while being folded by the first roller pair 61 that also functions as a conveyance roller. Thereafter, the sheet P is guided to the second branch conveyance path B2 by the first roller pair 61 functioning as a conveyance roller, passing through the position of the second switching claw 72 in the retracted state. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the leading end of the sheet P hits the second abutting member 82 (the abutting position is optimized in advance based on the information on the sheet size of the sheet P), The second switching claw 72 protrudes from the retracted position to the inside of the conveyance path and pushes the belly portion of the sheet P toward the nip portion of the second roller pair 62. Then, a crease is formed in the sheet P held at the nip portion of the second roller pair 62 (the second folding process is performed). At the same time, the sheet P is sent to the third conveyance path A3 while being folded by the second roller pair 62 that also functions as a conveyance roller.
Then, the large-sized sheet P that has been “folded outwardly” in this way passes through the position of the third switching claw 73 that has moved to the retracted position, as shown in FIG. The sheet is discharged to the stacker unit 100 through a third separation conveyance path B3 (A5) that functions as a path.
Note that the sheet P at this time moves the third switching claw 73 to the protruding position without selecting the above-described discharge path, so that the third roller pair 63, the fourth transport path A4, the transport roller 52, the discharge path, and the like. The paper can also be discharged from the discharge port M2 via the paper roller 53.

Next, when “outside trifold” is selected and a sheet P of A4 size, B5 size, or LT size (a sheet having a relatively small sheet size) is conveyed. The sheet P is transported in the order of the first transport path A1, the second transport path A2, the second branch transport path B2, the third transport path A3, the third branch transport path B3, and the fourth transport path A4. In the conveying process, the first folding process is performed by the second roller pair 62, and the second folding process is performed by the third roller pair 63.
Specifically, the sheet P fed from the conveyance port M1 is guided to the nip portion of the first roller pair 61 by being guided by the first switching claw 71 moved to the protruding position via the first conveyance path A1. . Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8A, the sheet P passes through the position of the second switching claw 72 in the retracted state by the first roller pair 61 functioning as a conveyance roller, and enters the second branch conveyance path B2. Led. Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the leading end of the sheet P hits the second abutting member 82 (the abutting position is optimized in advance based on the information on the sheet size of the sheet P), The second switching claw 72 protrudes from the retracted position to the inside of the conveyance path and pushes the belly portion of the sheet P toward the nip portion of the second roller pair 62. Then, a crease is formed in the sheet P held at the nip portion of the second roller pair 62 (the first folding process is performed). At the same time, the sheet P is sent to the third conveyance path A3 while being folded by the second roller pair 62 that also functions as a conveyance roller. Thereafter, the sheet P passes through the position of the third switching claw 73 in the retracted state by the second roller pair 62 functioning as a conveyance roller, and is guided to the third branch conveyance path B3. Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the leading end of the sheet P hits the third abutting member 82 (the abutting position is optimized in advance based on the sheet size information of the sheet P), The third switching claw 73 protrudes from the retracted position into the conveyance path and pushes the belly portion of the sheet P toward the nip portion of the third roller pair 63. Then, a crease is formed in the sheet P held at the nip portion of the third roller pair 63 (the second folding process is performed). At the same time, the sheet P is sent to the fourth conveyance path A4 while being folded by the third roller pair 63 that also functions as a conveyance roller.
Then, the small-sized sheet P that has been “folded outwardly” in this way passes through the third roller pair 63, the fourth transport path A4, the transport roller 52, and the paper discharge roller 53, and is discharged from the discharge port M2. Paper.

Finally, when “inner fold” is selected, the first conveyance path A1, the first branch conveyance path B1, the second conveyance path A2, the third conveyance path A3, the third, regardless of the sheet size. The sheet P is conveyed in the order of the branch conveyance path B3 and the fourth conveyance path A4. In the conveyance process, the first folding process is performed by the first roller pair 61, and the second folding process is performed by the third roller pair 63. Processing is performed.
Specifically, the sheet P fed from the transport port M1 passes through the first transport path A1, passes through the position of the first switching claw 71 moved to the retracted position, and is guided to the first branch transport path B1. . When the leading end of the sheet P hits the first abutting member 81 (the abutting position is optimized in advance based on the sheet size information of the sheet P), the first switching claw 71 is conveyed from the retracted position. It protrudes into the path and pushes the abdomen of the sheet P toward the nip portion of the first roller pair 61. Then, a crease is formed in the sheet P held at the nip portion of the first roller pair 61 (the first folding process is performed). At the same time, the sheet P is sent to the second conveyance path A2 while being folded by the first roller pair 61 that also functions as a conveyance roller. Then, the sheet P is guided to the nip portion of the second roller pair 62 by being guided by the second switching claw 72 moved to the protruding position through the second conveyance path A2. Thereafter, the sheet P passes through the position of the third switching claw 73 in the retracted state by the second roller pair 62 functioning as a conveyance roller, and is guided to the third branch conveyance path B3. When the leading edge of the sheet P abuts against the third abutting member 83 (the abutting position is optimized in advance based on the sheet size information of the sheet P), the third switching claw 73 is conveyed from the retracted position. It protrudes into the path and pushes the abdomen of the sheet P toward the nip portion of the third roller pair 63. Then, a crease is formed in the sheet P held at the nip portion of the third roller pair 63 (the second folding process is performed). At the same time, the sheet P is sent to the fourth conveyance path A4 while being folded by the third roller pair 63 that also functions as a conveyance roller.
The sheet P that has been “folded in three” in this way is discharged from the discharge port M2 through the third roller pair 63, the fourth transfer path A4, the transfer roller 52, and the discharge roller 53. .

  As described above, the sheet folding apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of roller pairs 61 to 63, branch conveyance paths B1 to B3, abutting members 81 to 83, and switching members 71 to 73 in the conveyance paths A1 to A4. The switching of the path by the three switching claws 71 to 73 is controlled according to the sheet size and the folding processing mode, and the bump of the corresponding bump member among the three bump members 81 to 83 is controlled. This position is controlled. Therefore, the device has a relatively simple configuration, and the moving range of the abutting members 81 to 83 can be made relatively short.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, when “outside trifold” is selected as the folding processing mode, when the sheet size is any one of A4 size, B5 size, and LT size, the three switching claws 81- 83 and the path switched by the three switching claws 81 to 83 when the sheet size is any of A3 size, B4 size, DLT size, and LG size. ing. In other words, when “folding outside three” is selected as the folding processing mode, three roller pairs 61 to 61 are transported when the small size sheet P is conveyed and when the large size sheet P is conveyed. 63, the combination of two roller pairs used for a total of two folding processes is optimized. Thereby, the moving range of the abutting members 81-83 can be made comparatively short.

Specifically, in the sheet folding device 50 according to the present embodiment, when the “outer trifold” is performed by changing the combination of the three roller pairs 61 to 63 according to the sheet size, the first abutting member 81 is used. The moving range (moving amount) of the second abutting member 82 is 66.7 mm, the moving range (moving amount) of the second abutting member 82 is 89.5 mm, and the moving range of the third abutting member 83 is (moving amount) 66 mm. The total movement range (movement amount) of the abutting members 81 to 83 is 222.2 mm.
On the other hand, in the sheet folding apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment, the pair of rollers to be used is limited to the first roller pair 61 and the second roller pair 62, and “outside trifold” is performed according to the sheet size. It was necessary to set the total movement range (movement amount) of the three abutting members 81 to 83 to 241.7 mm. Similarly, in the sheet folding device 50 according to the present embodiment, when the roller pair to be used is limited to the second roller pair 62 and the third roller pair 63 and “outside trifold” is performed according to the sheet size, It was necessary to set the total movement range (movement amount) of the three abutting members 81 to 83 to 262.2 mm.
From this, it can be seen that the range of movement of the abutting members 81 to 83 can be shortened by changing the combination of the three roller pairs 61 to 63 in accordance with the sheet size and performing “outside trifold”.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the roller pairs 61 to 63, the branch transport paths B1 to B3, the abutting members 81 to 83, and the switching claws 71 to 73 (switching members) are respectively provided in the transport paths A1 to A4. It arranges suitably in a plurality of places, and controls the switching of the path by the plurality of switching claws 71 to 73 according to the sheet size and the folding processing mode, and controls the abutting positions in the plurality of abutting members 81 to 83 Therefore, the range of movement of the abutting members 81 to 83 is relatively short with a relatively simple configuration, and the size of the sheet folding device 50 can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the sheet folding apparatus 50 installed in the monochrome image forming apparatus 1, but naturally the sheet folding apparatus installed in the color image forming apparatus is also used. The present invention can be applied.
Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the sheet folding apparatus 50 installed in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and other systems. Naturally, the present invention can also be applied to a sheet folding apparatus installed in the image forming apparatus (for example, an inkjet image forming apparatus).
Furthermore, instead of the sheet folding device 50 connected to the image forming apparatus 1, a sheet folding device as a single device (for example, a sheet feeding cassette is set at the conveyance port, and a folding processing mode or the like is set in the sheet folding device itself). The present invention can also be applied to an operation panel for inputting the.
Even in those cases, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, only the sheet folding device 50 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1, but other post-processing is performed between the image forming apparatus 1 and the sheet folding device 50 or downstream of the sheet folding device 50. A device (for example, a finisher device, a punch hole forming device, a stepper device, etc.) can also be installed.
Even in this case, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and it is obvious that the present embodiment can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, other than suggested in the present embodiment. is there. In addition, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the present embodiment, and the number, position, shape, and the like suitable for implementing the present invention can be achieved.

1 image forming apparatus body (apparatus body),
50 sheet folding device,
61 First roller pair, 62 Second roller pair, 63 Third roller pair,
71 first switching claw (switching member), 72 second switching claw (switching member),
73 third switching claw (switching member),
81 first abutting member, 82 second abutting member, 83 third abutting member,
100 stacker section,
A1 1st conveyance path, A2 2nd conveyance path, A3 3rd conveyance path,
A4 4th transport path, A5 discharge path,
B1 first branch transport path, B2 second branch transport path,
B3, third branch conveyance path,
C Horizontal transport path, P sheet.

JP 2010-100347 A

Claims (8)

A sheet folding apparatus that performs a folding process on a sheet conveyed from a conveyance port,
The sheet is formed so that the sheet can be conveyed along the conveyance path while the sheet is sandwiched in the nip portion, and is separated in the conveyance path so as to fold the sheet by the nip portion so as to fold the sheet. A plurality of roller pairs arranged in position;
A plurality of branch conveyance paths formed to branch from the conveyance path at positions upstream in the conveyance direction with respect to the plurality of roller pairs;
A plurality of abutting members each formed so that the leading ends of the sheets conveyed to the plurality of branch conveying paths abut each other and movable so that the abutting position can be varied;
A plurality of switching between a path in which the sheet is conveyed to the roller pair side and a path in which the sheet is conveyed to the branch conveyance path at each position upstream in the conveyance direction with respect to the plurality of roller pairs. A switching member of
With
According to the sheet size and the folding processing mode when performing the folding process, the path switching by the plurality of switching members is controlled, and the abutting positions in the plurality of abutting members are controlled ,
The transport path includes a first transport path, a second transport path, a third transport path, and a fourth transport path from the upstream side in the transport direction,
The plurality of roller pairs are disposed so as to relay the first roller pair disposed so as to relay the first transport path and the second transport path, and the second transport path and the third transport path. A second roller pair, and a third roller pair arranged to relay the third transport path and the fourth transport path,
The plurality of branch conveyance paths are formed with respect to a first branch conveyance path formed to branch from the first conveyance path at a position upstream in the conveyance direction with respect to the first roller pair, and the second roller pair. A second branch conveyance path formed so as to branch from the second conveyance path at a position upstream in the conveyance direction, and a branch from the third conveyance path at a position upstream in the conveyance direction with respect to the third roller pair. A third branch conveyance path formed so as to
When “folding outside” is selected as the folding processing mode, when the sheet size is any one of A4 size, B5 size, and LT size, the path switched by the plurality of switching members, and the sheet size is A sheet folding device , wherein a path switched by the plurality of switching members when the size is any of A3 size, B4 size, DLT size, and LG size is changed . When “Fold Out” is selected as the folding mode,
When the sheet size is any one of A4 size, B5 size, and LT size, the first transport path, the second transport path, the second branch transport path, the second transport path are switched by the plurality of switching members. The sheet is conveyed in the order of three conveyance paths, the third branch conveyance path, and the fourth conveyance path. In the conveyance process, the first folding process is performed by the second roller pair, and the third roller pair performs Control so that the second folding process is performed,
When the sheet size is any one of A3 size, B4 size, DLT size, and LG size, the first transport path, the first branch transport path, and the second transport path are switched by the path switching by the plurality of switching members. , The second branch transport path, the third transport path, the third branch transport path, or the fourth transport path in this order, and the first folding process is performed by the first roller pair in the transport process. 2. The sheet folding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet folding device is controlled so that a second folding process is performed by the second roller pair. When “Fold Fold” is selected as the folding processing mode, the first transport path, the second transport path, and the second branch transport path are switched by the path switching by the plurality of switching members regardless of the sheet size. The sheet is transported in the order of the third transport path, the fourth transport path, or the third branch transport path, and the folding process is performed by the second roller pair in the transport process;
When “Z-folding” is selected as the folding processing mode, the first conveyance path, the first branch conveyance path, and the second conveyance path are switched by the switching of the plurality of switching members regardless of the sheet size. The third conveyance path, the third branch conveyance path, and the fourth conveyance path are conveyed in this order, and the first folding process is performed by the first roller pair in the conveyance process, and the third conveyance path is performed. Control so that the second folding process is performed by the roller pair,
When “fold in three” is selected as the folding processing mode, the first transport path, the first branch transport path, and the second transport are performed by switching the path by the plurality of switching members regardless of the sheet size. The sheet is transported in the order of the path, the third transport path, the third branch transport path, and the fourth transport path. In the transport process, the first folding process is performed by the first roller pair, and the first folding process is performed. The sheet folding apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sheet folding device is controlled so that a second folding process is performed by a pair of three rollers.   Each of the plurality of switching members switches between the path through which the sheet is conveyed by moving between a position protruding toward the inside of the conveyance path and a position retracted from the conveyance path, and the branch conveyance path 2. The sheet abutting against the abutting member is pushed toward the nip portion of the roller pair so as to assist a folding process performed at the nip portion. The sheet folding apparatus according to claim 3. At least one of the plurality of branch transport paths is partially or entirely formed in an arc shape,
The said abutting position is variable by rotating the said abutting member corresponding to the said branch conveyance path | route formed in circular arc shape by making the center position of the said circular arc a rotation center. 5. The sheet folding apparatus according to any one of 4 above. Of the plurality of branch transport paths, the third branch transport path installed at a position corresponding to the most downstream side of the transport path moves to a position where the abutting member retreats from the branch transport path. 6. The sheet folding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet folding apparatus is formed to be a discharge path for discharging the sheet to the outside of the apparatus.   The said conveyance path or / and the said branch conveyance path were formed so that the sheet | seat of the state which contact | abutted to the said abutting member in the said branch conveyance path may bend toward the said nip part side. The sheet folding apparatus according to claim 6.   An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet folding device according to claim 1.

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