JP7647364B2 - Encapsulation processing device, enclosing sealing device, and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an insert processing device, an insert sealing device, and an image forming system.

Enclosing processing devices that enclose items in envelopes and enclosing and sealing devices that also seal envelopes are known. Also known is an image forming system that links an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet-like medium with a folding device that folds the sheet-like medium to enclose and seal the folded sheet on which an image has been formed in an envelope.

There is a known device that has a configuration in which envelopes and insert paper to be used for the inserting process are placed on a loading tray (see Patent Document 1).

When accessing the envelopes placed inside the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, such as when refilling the loading tray that holds the envelopes, or when removing the envelopes from the envelope discharge tray that holds the envelopes after sealing, it is necessary to open the cover of the device housing. At this time, it is necessary to temporarily stop the operation of the mechanism inside the device.

However, even if the process does not involve inserting media into an envelope but simply transporting the media downstream and discharging it, the operation must be temporarily suspended if the cover of the device housing is opened to refill or remove envelopes. In other words, with conventional technology, the media transport operation is always affected by operational control to ensure safety when refilling envelopes, which poses the problem of reduced device uptime.

The present invention aims to provide an insertion processing device that reduces downtime of the device by controlling the execution of processes that do not require envelopes so that they can be continued when a user operates the envelope.

In order to solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention is an insertion processing device that performs a process of inserting an insertion item into an envelope, and is equipped with an insertion item transport path for transporting the insertion item, a first cover covering the insertion item transport path, an envelope transport path extending approximately vertically from the insertion item transport path for transporting the envelope, and a second cover covering at least the envelope transport path , and is characterized in that if the insertion item is not inserted in the envelope, transport of the insertion item continues on the insertion item transport path even if the second cover is opened.

According to the present invention, when a user is performing operations on an envelope, the execution of processes that do not require the envelope can be controlled so as to continue, thereby reducing downtime of the device.

1 is a front external view showing an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of an embodiment of an inclusion processing device according to the present invention. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation of a flap opening mechanism in an inserting operation of the inserting processing device. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a housing according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating states of a front cover according to the embodiment of the inserting processing device. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a maintenance operation of the above-mentioned insertion processing device according to the embodiment. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an operation during maintenance of the insertion processing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control unit according to the embodiment of the above-mentioned insertion processing device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a control process according to the embodiment of the above-mentioned insertion processing device.

[Embodiment of Image Forming System]
First, an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a front external view of a print system 1 as an example of an image forming system according to the present invention. The print system 1 includes an image forming device 200, a folding device 300 as a sheet processing device, an inserting and sealing processing device 100 as an embodiment of an inserting processing device and an inserting and sealing device according to the present invention, and a post-processing device 400.

The image forming device 200 is an example of a device that executes image forming processing by a predetermined method, forms an image on a sheet-like medium, and discharges it. In the following description of this embodiment, the sheet-like medium on which an image has been formed is simply referred to as "sheet S". The folding processing device 300 executes a predetermined folding process on the sheet S discharged from the image forming device 200. In the following description of this embodiment, the sheet S that has been subjected to the folding process is collectively referred to as "folded sheet Sf". The folded sheet Sf discharged from the folding processing device 300 is carried into the inserting and sealing processing device 100.

The instruction to "perform" or "not perform" folding on sheet S is based on an instruction sent from the control unit of image forming device 200, based on information input by the user of print system 1 to the control unit. Alternatively, the instruction may be based on information input by the user of print system 1 to a control unit provided in folding processing device 300. Therefore, folding processing device 300 may not fold sheet S discharged from image forming device 200, and may discharge sheet S as it is to enclosing and sealing processing device 100.

The post-processing device 400 is a device that performs a predetermined post-processing (such as stapling or punching) instructed via the control unit on the sheets S and folded sheets Sf discharged from the upstream devices (image forming device 200, folding device 300, and enclosing and sealing device 100).

The inserting and sealing processing device 100 performs an inserting and sealing process that includes an inserting operation (inserting process) in which the sheet S or folded sheet Sf discharged from the folding processing device 300 is inserted (inserted) into an envelope E as an "insertion", and a sealing operation (sealing process) in which the lid (flap ef) of the envelope E after the insertion is closed and the envelope is discharged.

The inserting and sealing processing device 100 is provided with an inclusion reversing and conveying means for reversing the orientation of the end of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction so that the folded sheet Sf, which has been subjected to a folding process on the sheet S, can be inserted in the appropriate orientation for the envelope E. That is, the inserting and sealing processing device 100 judges whether the formation position of the address and other information formed on the folded sheet Sf is oriented to match the position of the transparent window ew pre-formed in the envelope E. Based on the result of this judgment, an inversion and conveying process is performed to reverse the orientation (position of the end) of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction. The inserting and sealing processing device 100 is provided with a conveying mechanism that, when inversion is required, uses a conveying path provided upstream of the insertion position to invert the folded sheet Sf and then conveys it to the insertion position.

The enclosing and sealing processing device 100 constitutes an enclosing processing device that performs an enclosing process to enclose the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf in an envelope E. The enclosing and sealing processing device 100 also constitutes an enclosing and sealing device that is equipped with a sealing mechanism in the enclosing processing device. The enclosing and sealing processing device 100 can also perform a "conveying operation (conveying process)" in which the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf is discharged to a device (post-processing device 400) arranged downstream without performing the enclosing process. In this case, the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf is discharged to the post-processing device 400 in the state in which it was brought in from a device (such as the image forming device 200) arranged upstream.

The operational control of the "enclosing process", "sealing process" in the enclosing and sealing processing device 100, and the "conveying process" that passes the sheet S without performing these processes, is based on instruction information input to the control unit by the user of the printing system 1.

In this case, the instruction information may be based on information input via an input interface to a control unit provided in the image forming device 200 or the folding processing device 300. It may also be based on information input by a user of the print system 1 to a control unit (enclosing and sealing control unit 190) provided in the enclosing and sealing processing device 100.

Here, we will explain the "coordinate axes" used to explain "directions" in the embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the axis that is parallel to the placement surface (apparatus installation surface) of each device that constitutes the print system 1 and that runs along the arrangement direction of each device that constitutes the print system 1 is the Y axis. The direction of the arrow indicating the Y axis is the "+Y direction," and the opposite direction is the "-Y direction." Therefore, the sheet S discharged from the image forming device 200 is discharged in the +Y direction. Thereafter, the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf are transported in the +Y direction. Therefore, the +Y direction is generally synonymous with the transport direction in the print system 1.

The axis that is parallel to the mounting surface of the print system 1 and perpendicular to the Y axis is defined as the Y axis. The Y axis is also an axis that runs along the depth direction of the print system 1. The depth direction, which is the direction of the arrow indicating the X axis, is defined as the "+X direction", and the opposite direction, toward the front, is defined as the "-X direction".

The axis perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis and extending along the height direction of the print system 1 is defined as the Z-axis. The direction of the arrow indicating the Z-axis is defined as the "+Z direction," and the opposite direction is defined as the "-Z direction."

When the same coordinate axes as above are used in the drawings used in the following explanation, the directions in the explanation will be defined in the same way as above.

The sheet S on which an image is formed in the image forming device 200 is discharged in the +Y direction and then transported to each device arranged downstream, so the +Y direction is almost synonymous with the transport direction. In the inserting and sealing processing device 100, the feed direction of the sheet S is the +Y direction, but the transport direction during the inserting and sealing operation of the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf is the Z direction. In addition, as described below, the transport direction of the envelope E is also the Z direction.

To summarize the above, in the inserting and sealing processing device 100 that constitutes the print system 1, the insert (folded sheet Sf) that is transported in the +Y direction when it is brought in is then transported in the -Z direction to be inserted into an envelope E. Meanwhile, the envelope E stored in the inserting and sealing processing device 100 is separated from the stacking position, transported in the +Z direction to reach the inserting position, and after the inserting operation, transported in the -Z direction for the sealing process, and then ejected. The transport direction when the sheet S and folded sheet Sf that are not the subject of the inserting operation are ejected is the same +Y direction as when they were brought in.

[Functional blocks of print system 1]
The overall functional blocks of the print system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In the following description, it is assumed that the enclosed object is a folded sheet Sf. In Fig. 2, the movement path (conveyance path) of the folded sheet Sf is indicated by a dashed line. Also, solid lines indicate communication paths used for sending and receiving signals between the respective functional blocks. The movement path (conveyance path) of the sheet S is the same as that indicated by the dashed line.

The image forming apparatus 200 is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet S, for example, by a known electrophotographic process. The image forming apparatus 200 includes a display unit 210, an operation unit 220, a sheet feed unit 230, an image creating unit 240, a fixing unit 250, and a printer control unit 260.

The display unit 210 displays information to inform the user of the status of various functions and the operation contents. The operation unit 220 corresponds to an operation interface that allows the user to perform setting operations such as setting the processing operation mode and the number of processing units, and setting that requires inversion when inserting in the inserting and sealing processing device 100. The sheet feeding unit 230 has a sheet feeding mechanism that stocks sheets S and separates and feeds them one by one. The image creating unit 240 forms a latent image on a photosensitive member and transfers the image to the sheet S. The fixing unit 250 fixes the image transferred to the sheet S. The printer control unit 260 controls the operation of each of the above function blocks.

The folding processing device 300 mainly includes a sheet folding section 310 and a folding control section 320. The sheet folding section 310 folds the sheet S transported from the image forming device 200 in a folding type (folding method) specified by the printer control section 260 of the image forming device 200 via the communication line 207. The folding control section 320 controls the sheet folding section 310 and the entire folding processing device 300. The folding control section 320 also controls communication with the printer control section 260 and the insertion and sealing control section 190 connected downstream. Note that the sheet may be conveyed to the insertion and sealing processing device 100 without folding in the sheet folding section 310.

Note that there are several types of structures for the sheet folding section 310. The orientation of the folded sheet Sf in the transport direction and the position of its surface after folding differ depending on the structure. That is, the end of the folded sheet Sf that corresponds to the leading end in the transport direction when the folded sheet Sf is inserted into an envelope E at a "predetermined position" in the inserting section 120 (described later) differs depending on the type of folding process. Even with the same folding process, the leading end of the folded sheet Sf in the transport direction may be swapped depending on the internal configuration of the sheet folding section 310. Therefore, as described later, in the inserting and sealing processing device 100, a conveying operation and a reverse conveying operation are performed in the sheet conveying section 110 so that the folded sheet Sf is oriented in a predetermined direction when inserted.

[Functional blocks of the inserting and sealing processing device 100]
As shown in FIG. 2 , the inserting and sealing processing apparatus 100 includes a sheet conveying section 110 , an inserting section 120 , a sealing section 130 , and an inserting and sealing control section 190 .

The sheet conveying unit 110 performs a predetermined process on the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet folding unit 310. Here, "predetermined process" refers to a control process including a conveying process according to a control mode communicated from the printer control unit 260 or the folding control unit 320 to the insertion and sealing control unit 190 via the communication line 105. Examples of the control mode include an "enclosure mode" in which the conveyed sheet S or folded sheet Sf is treated as an enclosure, and a "conveying mode" in which the sheet S or folded sheet Sf is discharged to the post-processing device 400 without being treated as an enclosure. In addition to the control mode, a conveying process is also performed based on information indicating the type of fold and the position of the printed surface as information regarding the enclosure.

The conveying process executed by the sheet conveying unit 110 includes a conveying operation in which the conveyed sheet is discharged downstream as is, as in the conveying mode, as well as a conveying process in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed downstream in the conveying direction for the insertion process. This conveying process also includes a reverse conveying process in which the conveying direction end of the folded sheet Sf is swapped. The folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the insertion unit 120 or the post-processing device 400 by the conveying process and the reverse conveying process.

The inserting unit 120 transports the folded sheet Sf transported from the sheet transport unit 110 toward the envelope E that has been moved to the inserting position. It also performs a transport operation to insert the folded sheet Sf into the envelope E at the inserting position. The inserting unit 120 also transports the envelope E to the inserting position and keeps it waiting. The inserting unit 120 is also equipped with an insert pushing unit 160 that pushes inserts into the waiting envelope E to insert it.

The inserting unit 120 also includes a flap opening mechanism that opens the flap ef of the envelope E on the transport path before the envelope E reaches the inserting position, so that the opening of the envelope E is in an open state. A detailed structure of the flap opening mechanism is omitted.

The sealing unit 130 closes the flap ef of the envelope E containing the folded sheet Sf, and then discharges the sealed envelope E onto the envelope discharge tray 134.

The inserting and sealing control unit 190 controls the operation of multiple pairs of conveying rollers for conveying the sheet S, the folded sheet Sf, and the envelope E in the sheet conveying unit 110, the inserting unit 120, and the sealing unit 130, and the operation of a switching claw that switches the conveying path for the sheet S, the folded sheet Sf, and the envelope E. In other words, the inserting and sealing control unit 190 controls the conveying operation performed in the inserting and sealing processing device 100, and controls the conveying direction of the sheet S, the folded sheet Sf, and the envelope E, and controls the conveying operation.

In the following description, the drive source of the transport path switching claw is not particularly limited, and is not illustrated. A motor, solenoid, etc. can be used as the drive source of the switching claw as appropriate. In addition, the insertion and sealing control unit 190 is provided with a drive control configuration that can switch to a state suitable for the specified transport operation by controlling the operation of the motor or solenoid so that it rotates in a specified direction at a specified timing.

The insertion and sealing control unit 190 also controls the operation of the inclusion pusher unit 160 and the flap opening mechanism included in the insertion unit 120. The insertion and sealing control unit 190 also controls each operation, including the sealing operation, in the sealing unit 130.

The control unit, the enclosing and sealing control unit 190, receives "enclosure target information" as information about the folded sheet Sf from the printer control unit 260 and the folding control unit 320, and performs each control based on the enclosing target information.

The "enclosure target information" is information related to the enclosed items, such as the sheet S and folded sheet Sf. For example, it includes information indicating whether the sheet S or folded sheet Sf is the target of the enclosing operation (whether it is an envelope job) or not (whether it is a print job), and in the case of an envelope job, it includes information indicating the end that will be the leading edge of the sheet S or folded sheet Sf when it is enclosed in the envelope E, and the position of the image forming surface Ps. It also includes, for example, "folding type information" that specifies the type of folding process for the folded sheet Sf. It also includes, as operation instruction information from the image forming device 200, which is one of the upstream devices, "reversal necessity information" that specifies whether or not the reversal transport process described below is required. It also includes, for example, "processing device information" that indicates the type of sheet folding unit 310 that performed the folding process.

The post-processing device 400 has a post-processing section 410 and a post-processing control section 420. The post-processing section 410 performs a predetermined post-processing on the sheet S conveyed from the upstream side under the control of the post-processing control section 420. The post-processing control section 420 controls the post-processing operation in the post-processing control section 420 according to the operation mode transmitted from the printer control section 260, the folding control section 320, and the enclosing/sealing control section 190 via the communication line 403.

The printer control unit 260, folding control unit 320, enclosing/sealing control unit 190, and post-processing control unit 420 are interconnected and configured to exchange information necessary for control via each communication line (207, 105, 403). Therefore, by cooperation between each control unit (260, 320, 150, 420), information regarding the processing mode that the user requests to perform on the sheet S and folded sheet Sf, and the sheet size are shared with each other. As a result, control information that enables each mechanism to perform a specified process at a specified timing and through a specified process is shared throughout the entire print system 1.

The enclosing and sealing control unit 190, which performs the central control operations in this embodiment, is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an arithmetic processing unit, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) as storage units. It also has an interface that outputs control signals to each pair of conveying rollers and inputs signals from each pair of conveying rollers, and an interface that receives output signals from each sensor. The operation of the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 is controlled by a control program that can execute control processes using these hardware resources.

In addition, like the enclosing and sealing control unit 190, the printer control unit 260, folding control unit 320, and post-processing control unit 420 also control the operation of each hardware mechanism through cooperation between hardware resources such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and the control programs that enable each control unit to realize its function.

In addition, in Figures 1 and 2, as an example of the configuration of the printing system 1, an example in which a post-processing device 400 is connected downstream of the inserting and sealing processing device 100 is shown. Representative post-processing devices 400 include a finisher that performs stapling processing, a stacker, a bookbinding machine, etc. Also, the system configuration of the printing system 1 may be configured so that the inserting and sealing processing device 100 is the most downstream device.

[Configuration related to the transport operation in the inserting and sealing processing device 100]
Next, using Figure 3, we will explain the conveying rollers that constitute the sheet conveying section 110, the inserting section 120, the flap opening mechanism, and the sealing section 130 of the inserting and sealing processing device 100, the switching claw that switches the conveying direction of the conveyed item, and the conveying path on which these are arranged.

[Configuration of Sheet Conveying Unit 110]
As shown in FIG. 3 , the sheet conveying unit 110 has a plurality of conveying paths, which are distinguished as an input path 1100 , a first conveying path 1101 , a second conveying path 1102 , a switchback conveying path 1103 , an enclosing conveying path 1104 as a fourth conveying path, and a sheet discharge path 1109 .

The entrance rollers 101 are arranged on the entrance path 1100. The entrance path 1100 is a path that receives the folded sheet Sf discharged from an upstream device (e.g., the folding processing device 300). The insertion and sealing control unit 190 receives information on the folded sheet Sf to be enclosed from the upstream control unit (the printer control unit 260, the folding control unit 320), and controls the start and stop of the rotation of the entrance rollers 101.

The first conveying path 1101, which is one of the multiple conveying paths provided downstream of the entrance roller 101 and branches off from the carry-in path 1100, is provided with a first conveying roller 111 as a first conveying means and a first intermediate conveying roller 114. In addition, the first conveying path 1101 is provided with a first sheet detection sensor 118 as a first media sensor that detects the end (rear end) of the conveyed folded sheet Sf. The first sheet detection sensor 118 is provided between the first intermediate conveying roller 114 and the first conveying roller 111.

The second conveying path 1102, which is one of the conveying paths provided downstream of the entrance roller 101 and branches off from the carry-in path 1100 in a direction different from the first conveying path 1101, is provided with a second conveying roller 112 as a second conveying means and a second intermediate conveying roller 115. The second conveying path 1102 is also provided with a second sheet detection sensor 119 as a second media sensor that detects the end (rear end) of the conveyed folded sheet Sf. The second sheet detection sensor 119 is provided between the second intermediate conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 112.

The sheet conveying section 110 also has a switchback conveying path 1103. The switchback conveying path 1103 is a conveying path that connects a junction position where the first conveying path 1101 joins at a downstream position of the first conveying roller 111, and a branching position where the second conveying path 1102 branches off at an upstream position of the second intermediate conveying roller 115. The switchback conveying path 1103 switches the conveying direction of the folded sheet Sf that has been conveyed downstream on the second conveying path 1102, and the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the first conveying path 1101 by switchback conveyance. The switchback conveying path 1103 as a third conveying path is provided with switchback conveying rollers 113 as a third conveying means.

In addition, a sheet discharge path 1109 is provided as a downstream conveying path following the first conveying path 1101, which conveys the sheet S or folded sheet Sf that has passed through the sheet conveying unit 110 to the downstream post-processing device 400. An exit roller 102 is disposed in the sheet discharge path 1109.

When the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the folding processing device 300 is not subjected to the insertion process described below, the folded sheet Sf passes through the first conveying path 1101 from the conveying path 1100 and is discharged to a downstream device via the sheet conveying path 1109. In the following description, the process in which the sheet S or folded sheet Sf conveyed from the entrance rollers 101 is conveyed to the exit rollers 102 via the first conveying path 1101 and then conveyed further downstream may be referred to as the "normal conveying process." The sheet conveying unit 110 performs the normal conveying process not when an "envelope job" for inserting the sheet S or folded sheet Sf is executed, but when a "print job" for directly conveying the sheet to the post-processing device 400 is executed.

The sheet conveying section 110 also has an insertion conveying path 1104 as a fourth conveying path that branches off from the first conveying path 1101 downstream of the first conveying roller 111 and continues to an insertion roller 121 that holds an envelope E in which the folded sheet Sf is to be inserted. The insertion conveying path 1104 as an insertion conveying path is configured to continue to an envelope conveying path 1105 as described below.

In addition, in the sheet conveying section 110, a branching claw 10 is disposed as a branching means at a branching position for conveying the folded sheet Sf from the carry-in path 1100 to either the first conveying path 1101 or the second conveying path 1102. The branching claw 10 switches between conveying the folded sheet Sf to the first conveying path 1101 side or the second conveying path 1102 side based on the insertion target information related to the folded sheet Sf conveyed to the carry-in path 1100.

The sheet conveying section 110 also has a first switching claw 11 disposed at the junction where the switchback conveying path 1103 joins the first conveying path 1101. The first switching claw 11 switches between a state in which the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the input path 1100 to the first conveying path 1101 side is conveyed to the first conveying roller 111 side, and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed from the switchback conveying path 1103 to the first conveying path 1101 side.

The sheet conveying section 110 also has a second switching claw 12 disposed at a branching position where the second conveying path 1102 branches into the switchback conveying path 1103. The second switching claw 12 switches between a state in which the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the input path 1100 to the second conveying path 1102 side is conveyed to the second conveying rollers 112, and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed in a switchback manner from the second conveying path 1102 to the switchback conveying path 1103.

The sheet conveying section 110 also has a third switching claw 13 disposed at a branching position where the first conveying path 1101 branches into the insertion conveying path 1104. The third switching claw 13 switches between a state in which the folded sheet Sf conveyed by the first conveying path 1101 is conveyed to the insertion conveying path 1104 and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the sheet discharge path 1109.

The folded sheet Sf conveyed to the first conveying path 1101 is conveyed to the first conveying roller 111 by the first intermediate conveying roller 114. The first conveying roller 111 conveys the conveyed folded sheet Sf downstream. Here, when the third switching claw 13 is in the state shown in FIG. 3, that is, when the insertion conveying path 1104 side is opened and the exit roller 102 side is closed as the conveying direction of the folded sheet Sf, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the insertion conveying path 1104. Note that, after the rear end of the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the first intermediate conveying roller 114 to the first conveying roller 111 is detected by the first sheet detection sensor 118, when the folded sheet Sf is conveyed a predetermined distance, it is in a state where it has already moved to the insertion conveying path 1104. When the inserting and sealing control unit 190 determines that this state has been reached, the operation of each pair of conveying rollers rotating in the sheet conveying unit 110 is stopped.

The drive source that operates each pair of conveying rollers provided in the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 is configured to supply drive force to each pair of rollers individually. For example, a motor that serves as a drive source corresponding to each pair of conveying rollers is provided individually, and the rotation of each motor is controlled individually. This allows control such as rotating a specific pair of conveying rollers and stopping other pairs of conveying rollers. Note that a single motor may be configured to drive multiple rollers. Even in this case, it is sufficient to configure it so that the rotation/non-rotation control of each roller (roller pair) can be performed individually.

The folded sheet Sf conveyed to the second conveying path 1102 is conveyed to the second conveying roller 112 by the second intermediate conveying roller 115. When the folded sheet Sf is conveyed a predetermined distance after the trailing end of the conveyed folded sheet Sf is detected by the second sheet detection sensor 119, the second conveying roller 112 stops once and then reverses. This puts the folded sheet Sf in a state where it can be conveyed in a switchback manner to the switchback conveying path 1103. At this time, before or at the same time as the second conveying roller 112 reverses, the second switching claw 12 is rotated at the timing when the trailing end of the folded sheet Sf passes the second switching claw 12 (this is also determined based on the detection by the second sheet detection sensor 119). This switches the folded sheet Sf to a state where it can be conveyed to the switchback conveying path 1103.

When the folded sheet Sf is guided from the second conveying path 1102 to the switchback conveying path 1103, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed toward the first conveying path 1101 by the switchback conveying rollers 113.

[Configuration of Enclosure Unit 120]
3, the inserting unit 120 is provided with an envelope conveying path 1105 as a vertical conveying path connected to an inserting conveying path 1104 as a fourth conveying path provided in the sheet conveying unit 110. The envelope conveying path 1105 extends in a direction intersecting the ground surface (X-Y plane) of the inserting and sealing processing device 100, more specifically, in a direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane (Z direction). In other words, the envelope conveying path 1105 is a conveying path that extends from the inserting conveying path 1104 in a substantially vertical direction.

In the envelope transport path 1105, the envelope E placed on the envelope set tray is transported to the insertion position, and the inserted envelope E is transported from the insertion position to the envelope discharge tray 134 and discharged. This series of transport operations for the envelope E also includes a switchback transport operation in which the envelope E is transported in the opposite direction to the direction in which it was once transported. The enclosed material is also transported to the envelope transport path 1105, which is directly connected to the insertion transport path 1104 that branches off from the first transport path 1101. Therefore, part of the envelope transport path 1105 also constitutes the transport path for the enclosed material.

As described above, the configuration for transporting the envelope E for the inserting and sealing operations, and the configuration for transporting the inserts to the envelope E are arranged vertically relative to the loading surface of the device, so the inserting and sealing processing device 100 can reduce the installation area. Furthermore, the print system 1 including the inserting and sealing processing device 100 can also be made more compact.

The envelope transport path 1105 is equipped with an envelope holding mechanism that transports the envelope E to a predetermined insertion position and holds the envelope E so that the contents are inserted. The envelope transport path 1105 is connected to a sealing path 1106 that performs a sealing process on the envelope E with the contents inserted.

In the envelope conveying path 1105, a first vertical conveying roller 122 and a second vertical conveying roller 123 are arranged as an envelope conveying means for conveying the envelope E to a position for receiving the folded sheet Sf. In the envelope conveying path 1105, above the first vertical conveying roller 122 (in the +Z direction), an insertion roller 121 is arranged as an insertion material conveying means for conveying and supplying an insertion material to the envelope E.

The envelope E is transported to the insertion position by the first vertical transport roller 122 and the second vertical transport roller 123 and held there, and the insertion roller 121 transports the contents in the insertion direction (-Z direction) to perform the insertion operation.

In addition, an insertion mechanism is disposed between the insertion roller 121 and the first vertical transport roller 122, to the side of the envelope transport path 1105, and pushes the contents toward the opening of the envelope E during the insertion operation.

A flap opening mechanism is disposed at the connection position of the transport path that continues from the envelope transport path 1105 to the sealing path 1106. The flap opening mechanism opens the flap ef when an envelope E removed from the envelope set tray 127, which serves as an envelope holding tray, is transported to the envelope transport path 1105.

An envelope switchback switching claw 21 is located at the junction where the envelope transport path 1105 and the envelope input path 1107 join.

The position where the envelope entrance path 1107 and the envelope transport path 1105 join together below the envelope switchback switching claw 21 (-Z direction) is set as the first branch position, and the flap opening roller 124 is positioned below this first branch position (-Z direction).

The first conveying roller pair is composed of a flap opening roller 124 arranged below the first branching position and a first vertical conveying roller 122 arranged above the first branching position.

Separation roller 125 and envelope transport roller 126 are arranged in envelope entrance path 1107, which merges with envelope transport path 1105. Separation roller 125 removes one of the stacked envelopes E from envelope set tray 127. Then, separation roller 125 and envelope transport roller 126, which serve as envelope supply means, supply envelope E to envelope transport path 1105.

Multiple envelopes E are placed on the envelope set tray 127. The bottom of the envelope E placed on the envelope set tray 127, which is the opposite end of the flap ef, faces the separation roller 125. Therefore, the leading edge of the envelope E in the transport direction when it is conveyed out of the envelope set tray 127 becomes the bottom of the envelope E.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when an envelope E is separated from the state where it is stacked on the envelope set tray 127, first, the bottom corresponds to the "leading edge in the transport direction." The side on which the flap ef is located corresponds to the "rear edge in the transport direction." The "rear edge in the transport direction" when the flap ef is closed is the folding position of the flap ef on the envelope E, and the "rear edge in the transport direction" when the flap ef is open is the end of the flap ef.

The envelope E is transported by the separation roller 125 and the envelope transport roller 126 to a position beyond the envelope switchback switching claw 21.

The envelope switchback switching claw 21 rotates to be held in either a position for temporarily transporting the envelope E removed from the envelope set tray 127 to the sealing path 1106, or a position for transporting the envelope E to the sheet transport section 110 side in the envelope transport path 1105. In other words, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 is a member that switches the transport direction of the envelope E.

The first vertical transport roller 122 and the second vertical transport roller 123 transport and hold the envelope E at a predetermined position on the envelope transport path 1105. The predetermined position here is a position where the opening of the envelope E (the position of the flap ef) is below the insertion roller 121 and above the first vertical transport roller 122, as described below.

The insertion roller 121 is a type of conveying roller that rotates in a direction to insert the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet conveying section 110 into an envelope E.

[Configuration of sealing unit 130]
As shown in Fig. 3, in the sealing section 130, a third vertical conveying roller 131 and a fourth vertical conveying roller 132 are arranged on a sealing path 1106 as a switchback conveying means. Also, there is an envelope discharge path 1108 as an envelope discharge path branching off from a second branching position branching off from the sealing path 1106. An envelope discharge switching claw 31 is arranged at the second branching position. An envelope discharge roller 133 is arranged on the envelope discharge path 1108, and the envelope discharge path 1108 is arranged at an end thereof.

The third vertical transport roller 131 and the fourth vertical transport roller 132 form a second transport roller pair, which transports and holds the envelope E at a predetermined position on the sealing path 1106.

The envelope discharge switching claw 31 rotates between a position where the envelope E is transported from the flap opening roller 124 side to the third vertical transport roller 131 in the insertion transport path 1104, and a position where the envelope E is transported from the insertion transport path 1104 to the envelope discharge path 1108. The envelope discharge switching claw 31 is a member that switches the transport direction of the envelope E.

A sealing mechanism 135 is disposed on the sealing path 1106 as a sealing means for performing a "sealing process" that closes the flap ef. If the flap ef of the envelope E conveyed by the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 is open, the sealing mechanism 135 performs a process to close it.

The envelope discharge roller 133 is a roller that discharges the envelope E toward the envelope discharge tray 134.

The envelope discharge tray 134, which serves as an envelope loading means, is a tray on which the discharged envelopes E are placed.

As described above, the inserting and sealing processing device 100 is arranged such that the conveying path for conveying the folded sheet Sf from the sheet conveying section 110 to the inserting section 120 and the sealing section 130 is connected in the vertical direction (Z direction). This conveying path, which is both the conveying path for the folded sheet Sf and the conveying path for the envelope E, corresponds to a vertical conveying path that connects the envelope conveying path 1105 of the inserting section 120 and the sealing path 1106 of the sealing section 130 in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[Flow of the Envelope Sealing Process]
Next, an example of a series of flows of the enclosing and sealing operations in the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 15. Note that in each figure, only components used to explain each operation stage are denoted by reference numerals, etc.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, the envelopes E are separated one by one by the separation roller 125 from the envelope set tray 127 on which multiple envelopes E are stacked, and are transported by the envelope transport roller 126 to the flap opening roller 124. At this time, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 and the envelope discharge switching claw 31 are facing in the direction illustrated in FIG. 3. In addition, the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical transport roller 131, and the fourth vertical transport roller 132 rotate in a direction to transport the envelope E downward, and transport the envelope E to a predetermined position in the insertion transport path 1104.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the envelope E passes the flap opening roller 124, the flap ef is opened by the flap opening mechanism. In this state, the envelope E is brought to the state shown in FIG. 6 by the rotation of the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical transport roller 131, and the fourth vertical transport roller 132.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, after the flap ef of the envelope E is in an open state and the flap ef has passed the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 rotate in the opposite direction. This action causes the envelope E to be switched back toward a predetermined position in the inserting section 120. In addition, before or at the same time as the switchback conveyance is started, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 rotates in the direction shown in FIG. 6. This allows the envelope E to be conveyed upward on the envelope conveying path 1105. The flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveying roller 131, and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 constitute the envelope switchback rollers.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the envelope E is transported to the insertion position by the second vertical transport roller 123 and the first vertical transport roller 122 that constitute the switchback transport means. When the flap ef reaches a position where it has passed through the first vertical transport roller 122, the rotation of the second vertical transport roller 123 and the first vertical transport roller 122 is stopped, and the insertion standby operation begins.

In addition, in controlling the transport of envelope E to the insertion position, after separation roller 125 removes envelope E, a process is executed to calculate the transport amount of envelope E from the rotation amount of each transport roller. In addition, based on the calculated length of envelope E and length of flap ef, the transport amount of envelope E, and the transport path length through envelope entrance path 1107 and envelope transport path 1105, the position of envelope E in insertion transport path 1104 can be determined.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, while the envelope E is held in the insertion position, the inserting and sealing processing device 100 receives the folded sheet Sf from the upstream device (folding processing device 300) with the entrance rollers 101 and transports it to the first transport path 1101.

9, the folded sheet Sf is transported downstream by the first intermediate transport roller 114 and the first transport roller 111. At this time, since the first switching claw 11 and the third switching claw 13 are in the state shown in FIG. 9, the folded sheet Sf is transported from the first transport path 1101 to the insertion transport path 1104.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the folded sheet Sf transported from the insertion conveying path 1104 to the envelope conveying path 1105 is transported further downward by the insertion rollers 121. As a result, the folded sheet Sf is inserted into the envelope E, which is held at a predetermined insertion position on the envelope conveying path 1105 by the first vertical conveying rollers 122 and the like and has an open opening. During this insertion operation, the insertion mechanism operates, and the folded sheet Sf is pushed into the envelope E by the insertion pushing unit 160, which serves as an insertion means.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the first vertical transport roller 122 and the second vertical transport roller 123 are rotated to transport the envelope E downward, and as shown in FIG. 12, the envelope E is transported to the fourth vertical transport roller 132. After the insertion, the envelope E is transported until it reaches a position where the flap ef passes through the envelope discharge switching claw 31.

Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the flap ef is closed by the sealing mechanism 135 between the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 to seal the envelope E.

After that, as shown in FIG. 14, the third vertical conveying rollers 131 and the fourth vertical conveying rollers 132 are rotated in the reverse direction, and the sealed envelope E is switchback-conveyed by the third vertical conveying rollers 131 and the fourth vertical conveying rollers 132. Before the third vertical conveying rollers 131 and the fourth vertical conveying rollers 132 are rotated in the reverse direction, the envelope discharge switching claw 31 is rotated to the state shown in FIG. 16. As a result, the enclosed envelope E is transported from the insertion conveying path 1104 to the envelope discharge path 1108.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the sealed envelope E is discharged by the envelope discharge rollers 133 onto the envelope discharge tray 134.

[Embodiment of Encapsulating and Sealing Processing Apparatus 100]
Next, a description will be given of a characteristic configuration of the inserting and sealing processing device 100 as an embodiment of the envelope sealing device according to the present invention. The inserting and sealing processing device 100 has an envelope set tray 127 and an envelope discharge tray 134 arranged inside the device. Therefore, when refilling envelopes E or removing envelopes E with enclosures enclosed therein, it is necessary to operate inside the device. Therefore, for the safety of the operating user, it is necessary to temporarily display the entire operation of the inserting and sealing processing device 100. In this case, it is also assumed that the operation of the folding processing device 300 and the image forming device 200 arranged on the upstream side in the print system 1 will be affected by the temporary suspension of the inserting and sealing processing device 100 and will have to be stopped.

As already explained, the inserting and sealing processing device 100 is configured to discharge sheets S and folded sheets Sf that are not related to the inserting operation to a downstream device by the operation of the sheet conveying unit 110 alone. In other words, when performing a through conveying operation as a conveying operation that does not involve an inserting operation, the operation of the entire inserting and sealing processing device 100 is not stopped even when refilling or removing envelopes E. In this case, the operation of the print system 1 continues, and there is no concern for the user's safety even if the inserting and sealing processing device 100 performs the through conveying operation.

In other words, when the inserting and sealing processing device 100 according to this embodiment performs a through-conveying operation, even if the inside of the device is made operable, the operation of the entire device is not stopped, and the operation of discharging the sheet S or folded sheet Sf conveyed from the upstream device to the downstream side is continued. This reduces the downtime of the inserting and sealing processing device 100.

In addition, when the image forming device 200 is operating as a printer, the timing of execution of a print job requested of the image forming device 200 may not be clear. In this case, it may be difficult for the user to clearly determine whether the print system 1 is operating or not. If the user mistakenly believes that it is not operating and attempts to operate the inside of the enclosing and sealing processing device 100, the operation of the device will be stopped to ensure safety.

In this case, image formation processing may stop prematurely, causing problems with the transport of the sheet S, and requiring maintenance procedures such as removing the sheet S caused by the transport problems.

In order to reduce downtime caused by transport failures and maintenance processes as described above, the inserting and sealing processing device 100 does not request the printing system 1 to stop operating when performing operations such as refilling envelopes E, which do not require the upstream device to be stopped. This reduces downtime of the entire system. It also reduces the frequency of maintenance due to transport failures and the like.

Figure 16 is an example of an external perspective view of the enclosing and sealing processing device 100. As shown in Figure 16, the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 is configured to stack a sheet conveying unit 40 including a sheet conveying section 110 and an enclosing and sealing unit 50 including an enclosing section 120 and a sealing section 130 vertically.

At the boundary between the sheet transport unit 40 and the inserting and sealing unit 50, a sheet insertion section 60 is provided, which corresponds to the entrance for the sheet S and folded sheet Sf discharged from the upstream device. The sheet transport section 110 performs a predetermined transport process on the introduced sheet S, and then performs a "through transport operation" in which the sheet is directly transported to the downstream device, an "enclosing transport operation" in which the sheet is transported to the inserting section 120, and a "reversing transport operation" in which the end in the transport direction is reversed.

As shown in FIG. 16(a), the sheet transport unit 40 has a first cover 41 as a unit cover. The inserting and sealing unit 50 has a second cover 51 as a unit cover.

The first cover 41 is a door constituting a conveying section cover for covering the sheet conveying section 110 provided in the sheet conveying unit 40. By opening the first cover 41, the user can access the conveying roller pair and the branch claw that constitute the sheet conveying section 110. For example, when a sheet S becomes jammed on the conveying path due to a conveying failure, the first cover 41 is opened when the user performs a maintenance operation to remove the sheet S. Therefore, when the insertion sealing control section 190 detects that the first cover 41 is open (when it determines that the first cover 41 is in an open state), it controls the sheet conveying section 110 to stop operating.

The second cover 51 is a door constituting an enclosing and sealing section cover for covering a configuration including the enclosing and sealing processing unit 501, which is a unit including the enclosing section 120 and the sealing section 130. By opening the second cover 51, the user can access the enclosing and sealing processing unit 501 including the enclosing section 120 and the sealing section 130. For example, the second cover 51 can be opened when the user performs maintenance operations such as refilling envelopes E, removing envelopes E after sealing, or when an envelope E is jammed on the transport path due to a transport failure. Therefore, when the enclosing and sealing control section 190 detects that the second cover 51 is open (when it is determined to be in an open state), it controls the enclosing and sealing processing unit 501 to stop operating.

The first cover 41 and the second cover 51 can be opened and closed independently. The open state of the first cover 41 and the second cover 51 is detected by the first open/close detection switch 42 and the second open/close detection switch 52 installed on each cover. The first open/close detection switch 42 and the second open/close detection switch 52 are not shown. The arrangement of each switch may be such that it can detect the open/close state individually. Each switch may be configured to notify the insertion and sealing control unit 190 of the open state of the corresponding door when it detects the open state of the corresponding door. The first open/close detection switch 42 and the second open/close detection switch 52 may be configured to notify the insertion and sealing control unit 190 of the open state of each door (closed state).

The insertion and sealing control unit 190 determines the open/closed state of the first cover 41 and the second cover 51 based on signals sent from the first opening/closing detection switch 42 and the second opening/closing detection switch 52. In other words, the first opening/closing detection switch 42 and the second opening/closing detection switch 52 and the insertion and sealing control unit 190 constitute a door opening/closing state detection means.

As shown in FIG. 16, the front side of the second cover 51 is provided with a lighting unit 53 as a notification means for notifying whether or not the opening of the second cover 51 is permitted. A similar configuration functioning as a notification means may be arranged on the front side of the first cover 41. The user can easily determine whether or not the second cover 51 can be opened by the lighting state of the lighting unit 53. By devising the lighting state of the lighting unit 53, the user can be notified that the first cover 41 is prohibited from being opened because the sheet transport unit 40 is in operation, but the second cover 51 is open because the insertion and sealing processing unit 501 is not in operation. In other words, the lighting state of the lighting unit 53 indicates whether or not the transport operation of the sheet S etc. in the sheet transport unit 40 is permitted.

When the inserting and sealing unit 50 is, for example, transporting the folded sheet Sf or the envelope E for the inserting process, the lighting unit 53 lights up to notify that opening the second cover 51 is prohibited. At this time, it is not possible to execute a job (envelope job) that involves the inserting process of the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf, and this indicates that the transport of the enclosed items to the envelope transport path 1105 is not possible.

When the light 53 is on, the folded sheet Sf or the envelope E is being transported for the insertion process, so if the user opens the second cover 51, the user will be able to access the inserting and sealing processing unit 501 while it is in operation. In this state, if the user performs any operation on the inserting and sealing processing unit 501, this will cause problems with the transport of the envelope E or the folded sheet Sf.

To prevent a user of the inserting and sealing processing device 100 from accidentally accessing the inserting and sealing processing unit 501 while it is in operation, the second cover 51 is notified in an easily visible manner that it cannot be opened, thereby preventing operational malfunctions such as transport failures.

The lighting unit 53 is, for example, a light-emitting element such as an LED, and can indicate the status of the device by lighting or blinking. The lighting operation of the lighting unit 53 is controlled by the insertion and sealing control unit 190.

When the lighted portion 53 is off, it indicates that the second cover 51 may be opened. At this time, it does not matter whether the sheet transport unit 40 is in operation or not. Even if the sheet transport unit 40 is performing a transport operation, opening the second cover 51 when the lighted portion 53 is off will not cause transport problems, and user safety is also ensured.

As shown in FIG. 17, the inserting and sealing unit 50 is provided with an envelope set tray 127 and an envelope discharge tray 134. The envelope set tray 127 is also provided with a side fence 1271 for aligning the width of the envelopes E and maintaining the stacked state.

When the second cover 51 is opened as shown in FIG. 17(a) in order to replenish envelopes E, the side fence 1271 gets in the way when placing new envelopes E on the envelope set tray 127. In other words, it is difficult to replenish envelopes E on the envelope set tray 127 simply by opening the second cover 51. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17(b), it is necessary to pull out the entire inserting and sealing processing unit 501 from the housing of the inserting and sealing unit 50.

The enclosing and sealing unit 50 is equipped with a slide rail 55 that holds the enclosing and sealing processing unit 501 so that it can be pulled out. The slide rail 55 allows the enclosing and sealing processing unit 501 to slide in the X direction, and has a mechanism for holding it at a predetermined position within the enclosing and sealing unit 50. The slide rail 55 also has a stopper to prevent the enclosing and sealing processing unit 501 from moving too far in the -X direction and falling off.

Figure 18 illustrates the state when reloading envelopes E and the state when removing filled and sealed envelopes E. As shown in Figure 18(a), the filled and sealed envelopes E are loaded on the envelope discharge tray 134 and can be removed by opening the second cover 51, but a more convenient state is when the filling and sealing processing unit 501 is pulled out. Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 18(a), the filling and sealing processing unit 501 is pulled out before reloading the envelopes E (see Figure 18(b)).

In addition, when removing the filled envelope E that has been discharged to the envelope discharge tray 134, it is easier to pull out the filling and sealing processing unit 501, as shown in FIG. 18(b).

Now, FIG. 19 illustrates the operation of the sheet conveying section 110 when the second cover 51 is open as illustrated in FIG. 18. FIG. 19(a) illustrates the "through conveying operation" in which the sheet S conveyed from an upstream device (such as the image forming device 200) is directly conveyed to a downstream device (such as the post-processing device 400). As is clear from FIG. 19(a), the through conveying operation can be performed regardless of the state of the insertion and sealing unit 50.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19(b), the second cover 51 is opened to pull out the inserting and sealing processing unit 501 to refill envelopes E or to remove envelopes E that have already been inserted and sealed. However, if the first cover 41 is closed, the user is prevented from accessing the sheet conveying section 110, so performing the through conveying operation does not impede user safety. Therefore, during the through conveying operation, the user can safely perform the necessary operations by stopping only the operation of the inserting and sealing processing unit 501.

In other words, if the print job involves a through-conveying operation in which the sheet S or folded sheet Sf discharged from the folding device 300 is discharged to the post-processing device 400, then the job does not require an inserting and sealing process. Therefore, in this case, even if the second cover 51 is opened, there is no need to stop the operation of the device.

This prevents downtime of the printing system 1 caused by reloading or removing envelopes E. It also prevents transport jams caused by opening and closing the second cover 51 during a print job.

[Details of the Enclosure and Sealing Control Unit 190]
In the above-described inserting and sealing processing device 100, the opening and closing switches of the first cover 41 and the second cover 51 may be linked to control the operation of the drive source of the pair of transport rollers. In particular, the operation safety means linked to the first cover 41 may be configured to stop the function of the entire drive system of the inserting and sealing processing device 100, and the operation safety means linked to the second cover 51 may be configured to stop the function of only the drive system necessary for the inserting and sealing process covered by the second cover 51. With this configuration, the safety of the user who opens the second cover 51 to load or remove the envelopes E can be ensured even when the transport operation is being performed by the part covered by the first cover 41.

Figure 20 is a block diagram of the insertion and sealing control unit 190, which constitutes the safety control circuit that executes the above-mentioned safety control. The insertion and sealing control unit 190 includes a first opening and closing signal detection circuit 192 that inputs the detection signal of the first opening and closing detection switch 42 to the CPU 191, and a second opening and closing signal detection circuit 193 that inputs the detection signal of the second opening and closing detection switch 52 to the CPU 191.

The insertion and sealing control unit 190 also includes a power supply circuit 194, which supplies operating power (5V) to the CPU 191. The insertion and sealing control unit 190 also includes an inrush prevention circuit 195 for preventing inrush current of the power supply (24V) supplied to the control board from the upstream image forming device 200 and folding processing device 300.

The enclosing and sealing control unit 190 also includes a first motor I/F circuit 196 as a control interface for each motor that serves as a first drive source that drives the multiple transport rollers provided in the sheet transport unit 110. The enclosing and sealing control unit 190 also includes a second motor I/F circuit 197 as a control interface for each motor that serves as a first drive source that drives the multiple transport rollers provided in the enclosing unit 120 and the sealing unit 130.

The enclosing and sealing control unit 190 also includes an LED drive 198 that controls the lighting of the lighting unit 53 and other components arranged on the second cover 51 of the enclosing and sealing unit 50. The enclosing and sealing control unit 190 also includes a sensor input circuit 199 that inputs detection signals from various sensors provided in the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 to the CPU 191.

As shown in FIG. 20, the power (24V) supplied from the upstream device (upstream device) passes through an inrush prevention circuit 195 and then is connected to a first open/close signal detection circuit 192 and a second open/close signal detection circuit 193, which are in a series relationship. As a result, if the first open/close detection switch 42 is ON (the first cover 41 is closed), power is supplied by 24V_UP via the first motor I/F circuit 196 to the first conveying motor group 116, which serves as the drive source for the conveying rollers of the sheet conveying unit 110.

In addition, if the second open/close detection switch 52 is also ON (the second cover 51 is closed), power is supplied by 24V_DN via the second motor I/F circuit 197 to the second conveying motor group 128, which serves as the drive source for the conveying roller pairs of the enclosing section 120 and the sealing section 130.

In other words, when the first cover 41 and the second cover 51 are closed, power is supplied to both the first conveying motor group 116 and the second conveying motor group 128, so that the conveying roller pairs of both the sheet conveying unit 40 and the inserting and sealing unit 50 operate.

On the other hand, when the first opening/closing detection switch 42 is OFF (the first cover 41 is open), power is not supplied to the first conveying motor group 116 and the second conveying motor group 128 regardless of the state of the second opening/closing detection switch 52 (whether the second cover 51 is open or closed). In other words, when the first opening/closing detection switch 42 is OFF (the first cover 41 is open), both the sheet conveying unit 40 and the inserting/sealing unit 50 stop operating.

When the first open/close detection switch 42 is ON (when the first cover 41 is closed) and the second open/close detection switch 52 is OFF (when the second cover 51 is open), power is supplied to the first conveying motor group 116. In this case, power is not supplied to the second conveying motor group 128. In other words, when the first cover 41 is closed and the second cover 51 is open, power is also supplied to the first conveying motor group 116, so that the conveying roller pair provided in the sheet conveying unit 40 operates to perform the through conveying operation. And, because power is not supplied to the second conveying motor group 128, the conveying roller pair provided in the enclosing and sealing unit 50 does not operate, and the system is in a state where maintenance operations can be performed.

As described above, by configuring a safety circuit in the insertion and sealing control unit 190, even if the second cover 51 is opened while the print system 1 is transporting the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf, power is not supplied to the drive system for executing the insertion and sealing process. This allows the loading and removal of envelopes E to be performed safely.

[Flow of control process in print system 1]
Next, the flow of processing of the control program executed by the control unit of the print system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 21. When a print job is started in the print system 1, the control unit (e.g., the printer control unit 260) first determines whether or not a door other than the second cover 51 is open via the insertion and sealing control unit 190 (S2101). When a door other than the second cover 51 is open (S2101: NO), that is, when the first cover 41 is open, for example, information instructing the display unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 to close the open cover is displayed (S2102).

When all but the second cover 51 are closed (S2101: YES), it is determined whether the executed print job is an "envelope job" that requires an inserting operation (S2103). If it is not an envelope job (S2103: NO), the printing process (S2104) and post-processing other than the inserting and sealing process (S2105) are executed.

If it is an envelope job (S2103: YES), it is determined whether the second cover 51 is closed (S2106). If the second cover 51 is not closed (S2106: NO), for example, information instructing the user to close the second cover 51 is displayed on the display unit 210 of the image forming device 200 (S2107).

If the second cover 51 is closed (S2106: YES), the printing process (S2107), the folding process (S2108), and the inserting and sealing process (S2109) are executed.

As described above, when a print job is executed, normally the job cannot be executed unless all doors are closed. However, if the print system 1 includes the inserting and sealing processing device 100, the job can be executed even if the second cover 51 of the inserting and sealing processing device 100 is open, so long as the executed print job is not an envelope job. In the case of an envelope job, the job cannot be executed unless the second cover 51 of the inserting and sealing processing device 100 is also closed.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist of the invention. All technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims are covered by the present invention. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

1: Print system 40: Sheet transport unit 41: First cover 42: First open/close detection switch 50: Inserting and sealing unit 51: Second cover 52: Second open/close detection switch 53: Illumination unit 55: Slide rail 60: Sheet insertion unit 100: Inserting and sealing processing device 110: Sheet transport unit 120: Inserting unit 121: Inserting roller 122: First vertical transport roller 123: Second vertical transport roller 124: Flap opening roller 125: Separation roller 126: Envelope transport roller 127: Envelope set tray 128: Second transport motor group 130: Sealing unit 131: Third vertical transport roller 132: Fourth vertical transport roller 133: Envelope discharge roller 134: Envelope discharge tray 135: Sealing mechanism 160: Enclosure pusher unit 190 : Encapsulation and sealing control unit 191 : CPU
192: First open/close signal detection circuit 193: Second open/close signal detection circuit 194: Power supply circuit 195: Inrush prevention circuit 196: First motor I/F circuit 197: Second motor I/F circuit 198: LED drive 199: Sensor input circuit 200: Image forming device 260: Printer control unit 300: Folding device 320: Folding control unit 400: Post-processing device 410: Post-processing unit 420: Post-processing control unit 501: Inserting and sealing processing unit 1100: Carry-in path 1101: First conveying path 1102: Second conveying path 1103: Switchback conveying path 1104: Inserting conveying path 1105: Envelope conveying path 1106: Sealing path 1107: Envelope carry-in path 1108: Envelope discharge path 1109: Sheet carry-out path 1271: Side fence

JP 2010-246815 A

Claims (7)

An inserting processing device for inserting an insert into an envelope,
an enclosure transport path for transporting the enclosure;
A first cover for covering the enclosure transport path;
an envelope transport path extending in a substantially vertical direction from the enclosure transport path and transporting the envelope;
a second cover for covering at least the envelope transport path ;
Equipped with
2. The insertion processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the insertion is not inserted in the envelope, the insertion continues to be transported along the insertion transport path even if the second cover is opened. an enclosure transport means for transporting the enclosure through the enclosure transport path;
an envelope holding tray for stacking and holding the envelopes;
an envelope discharge tray for discharging the envelopes after insertion;
an envelope conveying means for supplying the envelope from the envelope holding tray to the envelope conveying path and discharging the envelope after insertion from the envelope conveying path;
and an inserting means for conveying an insert from the insert conveying path through the envelope conveying path and inserting the insert into the envelope,
The inserting processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second cover covers at least one of the envelope holding tray, the envelope discharge tray, the envelope transport means, and the inserting means. a first open/close detection switch that detects whether the first cover is open or closed;
a second open/close detection switch that detects whether the second cover is open or closed;
3. An insertion processing device as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising an operational safety means for stopping a conveying operation along the enclosure conveying path when the first opening/closing detection switch detects the opening of the first cover, and for stopping a conveying operation along the envelope conveying path when the second opening/closing detection switch detects the opening of the second cover. The encapsulation processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a notification means for notifying whether the first cover or the second cover is open or closed. The notification means is a light-emitting element disposed on a front surface of the first cover or the second cover,
5. An insertion processing device as described in claim 4, wherein the light-emitting element is turned off when the insertion is capable of being transported from the insertion transport path to the envelope transport path, and is turned on when the insertion is capable of being transported in the insertion transport path but cannot be transported in the envelope transport path. An encapsulation processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
and a sealing means for sealing the envelope containing the enclosure in the envelope transport path. an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet-like medium;
a folding processing device that performs a folding process on the medium on which the image is formed;
7. An image forming system comprising: an inserting device according to claim 1, which inserts the medium conveyed from the image forming device or the folding device into an envelope.