JP2002348032A - Method and device for post-processing paper sheet, and image forming device - Google Patents
Method and device for post-processing paper sheet, and image forming deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JP2002348032A JP2002348032A JP2001153777A JP2001153777A JP2002348032A JP 2002348032 A JP2002348032 A JP 2002348032A JP 2001153777 A JP2001153777 A JP 2001153777A JP 2001153777 A JP2001153777 A JP 2001153777A JP 2002348032 A JP2002348032 A JP 2002348032A
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- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- center
- folding
- center folding
- sheet bundle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
Landscapes
- Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、電子写真複写機、
プリンタ、ファクシミリ、及びこれらの機能を有する複
合機等の画像形成装置から画像形成後に排出される用紙
を順次、用紙後処理装置内に取り込み、この用紙に綴じ
処理や折り処理等の後処理を行い、排紙部に排出する機
能を有する用紙後処理装置、及び該用紙後処理装置を備
えた画像形成装置に関するものである。The present invention relates to an electrophotographic copying machine,
The paper discharged after image formation from an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile, and a multifunction peripheral having these functions is sequentially taken into a paper post-processing apparatus, and post-processing such as binding processing and folding processing is performed on the paper. The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus having a function of discharging paper to a sheet discharge unit, and an image forming apparatus including the sheet post-processing apparatus.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】画像形成装置より排紙される画像記録済
の複数枚の用紙を、コピー部数ごとに丁合してステイプ
ル手段により綴じ合わせる装置としてフィニッシャと呼
ばれる用紙後処理装置が利用される。2. Description of the Related Art A paper post-processing device called a finisher is used as a device for collating and stapling a plurality of image-recorded sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus by the number of copies and stapling them.
【０００３】この用紙後処理装置は、複写機やプリンタ
等の画像形成装置本体と機能が接続されていて、コピー
またはプリントプロセスのシーケンス作動に対応して駆
動する。The paper post-processing apparatus is connected in function to an image forming apparatus main body such as a copying machine or a printer, and is driven in response to a sequence operation of a copy or print process.
【０００４】従って画像形成プロセスを高速で処理する
ことの可能な画像形成装置に対しては、その処理速度に
追従して機能を果すことの出来る高速処理の可能な用紙
後処理装置が必要とされる。Accordingly, for an image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming process at a high speed, a paper post-processing apparatus capable of performing a function following the processing speed and capable of performing a high-speed processing is required. You.
【０００５】このような用紙後処理装置に関しては、す
でに特開昭６０−１４２３５９号、同６０−１５８４６
３号、同６２−２３９１６９号さらに特開昭６２−２８
８００２号、同６３−２６７６６７号、特開平２−２７
６６９１号、特開平８−３１９０５４号、特公平５−４
１９９１号の各公報に開示されている。[0005] Such a paper post-processing apparatus has already been disclosed in JP-A-60-142359 and JP-A-60-15846.
Nos. 3 and 62-239169, and JP-A-62-28
Nos. 8002 and 63-267667, JP-A-2-27
No. 6691, JP-A-8-319054, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-4
It is disclosed in each publication of 1991.
【０００６】特開昭６０−１８３４５９号公報の製本装
置は、表紙供給装置を有し、複写紙群と表紙とを重ね合
わせた後、穴開け又はステイプル綴じ等の製本仕上げ作
業を行うものである。The bookbinding apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-183449 has a cover feeder, and performs a bookbinding finishing operation such as punching or stapling after overlapping a group of copy sheets and a cover. .
【０００７】特開平６−７２０６４号、同７−１８７４
７９号、同８−１９２９５１号各公報は、中綴じ処理機
能を有する用紙後処理装置である。JP-A-6-72064 and 7-1874
No. 79 and No. 8-192951 are paper post-processing devices having a saddle stitching function.
【０００８】[0008]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】従来の用紙後処理装置
には、以下の課題がある。The conventional paper post-processing apparatus has the following problems.
【０００９】用紙束の搬送方向の中央部を押圧して中折
りする中折りローラ対と、前記中折りローラ対の挟持位
置に向けて移動しながら用紙束の折り目部を突き出す中
折り板部材とから成る用紙束折り手段においては、前記
中折り板部材の先端部を前進させて、常時回転している
中折りローラ対の挟持位置に、用紙束の折り目部を突き
出して挟持させることにより用紙束を中折り処理してい
た。A center folding roller pair for pressing and folding the center of the sheet bundle in the transport direction, and a middle folding plate member for projecting the fold portion of the sheet bundle while moving toward the holding position of the center folding roller pair; In the sheet bundle folding means, the front end portion of the center folding plate member is advanced, and the fold portion of the sheet bundle is protruded and clamped at the clamping position of the pair of rotating middle folding rollers. Was half-folded.
【００１０】しかし、駆動回転している中折りローラ対
の挟持位置を通過した後の用紙束の折り目部は、用紙の
残留応力により拡がる傾向にあり、中折りされた用紙束
が膨らみ分厚い形状になる。特に、用紙枚数の多い用紙
束においては、用紙束の膨らみが顕著であり、用紙束の
仕上がり外観品質が低下する。However, the fold portion of the sheet bundle after passing through the sandwiching position of the pair of center-folding rollers that are driving and rotating tends to expand due to the residual stress of the sheet. Become. In particular, in a sheet bundle having a large number of sheets, the swelling of the sheet bundle is remarkable, and the finished appearance quality of the sheet bundle is deteriorated.
【００１１】[0011]
【課題を解決するための手段】用紙後処理装置の中折り
処理における上記の課題は下記の方法、及び装置により
解決される。The above-mentioned problem in the folding process of the sheet post-processing apparatus is solved by the following method and apparatus.
【００１２】（１） 用紙積載部上に搬送された用紙束
の搬送方向中央部を、用紙突き出し手段の中折り板部材
により押圧しつつ中折りローラ対の挟持位置に押し込
み、前記用紙束を中折り処理する用紙後処理方法におい
て、前記中折り板部材の前進駆動により前記挟持位置に
前記用紙束を押し込み、前記挟持位置において中折り部
を形成し、前記挟持位置を越えた所定位置に達した時点
で前記中折り板部材を後退させ待機位置に移動させた
後、前記中折りローラ対を逆回転させて前記挟持位置の
手前側に前記中折り部を後退させるとともに、前記中折
り板部材を再び前進駆動させて、前記中折り部の先端部
が前記中折りローラ対の挟持位置を超える所定位置まで
前記用紙束の中折り部を再度押し込み、その後、前記中
折り板部材を後退駆動させて待機位置に移動させるとと
もに、前記中折りローラ対を正回転させ、前記用紙束を
排出させることを特徴とする用紙後処理方法。(1) The central portion in the transport direction of the sheet bundle conveyed onto the sheet stacking section is pushed by the middle folding plate member of the sheet ejecting means and pushed into the sandwiching position of the pair of center folding rollers, so that the sheet bundle is centered. In the sheet post-processing method for folding, the sheet bundle is pushed into the holding position by the advance driving of the center folding plate member, a center folding portion is formed at the holding position, and the sheet bundle reaches a predetermined position beyond the holding position. At this point, after moving the middle folding plate member back to the standby position, the center folding roller pair is rotated in the reverse direction to retract the middle folding portion to the front side of the holding position, and the middle folding plate member When the middle folding portion is pushed forward again, the middle folding portion is pushed again to a predetermined position where the leading end of the middle folding portion exceeds the holding position of the middle folding roller pair, and then the middle folding plate member is driven backward. And rotating the pair of center-folding rollers forward to discharge the sheet bundle.
【００１３】（２） 用紙積載部上に搬送された用紙束
の搬送方向中央部を、用紙突き出し手段の中折り板部材
により押圧しつつ中折りローラ対の挟持位置に押し込
み、前記用紙束を中折り処理する用紙後処理装置におい
て、前記用紙束の搬送方向中央部を挟持、押圧して折り
目部を形成させる回転可能な中折りローラ対と、前記中
折りローラ対の挟持位置に前記用紙束を押し込む用紙束
押し込み方向に移動可能な中折り板部材と、前記中折り
板部材を前進及び後退させる第１駆動手段と、前記中折
りローラ対を正回転及び逆回転させる第２駆動手段と、
前記第１駆動手段と前記第２駆動手段の駆動を制御する
制御手段と、を有し、前記中折り板部材の前進、後退、
及び前記中折りローラ対の正回転、逆回転を複数回実行
して、前記用紙束の中折り部が前記中折りローラ対の挟
持位置を複数回通過するように前記第１駆動手段及び前
記第２駆動手段を制御することを特徴とする用紙後処理
装置。(2) The central portion of the sheet bundle conveyed on the sheet stacking section in the conveying direction is pressed by the middle folding plate member of the sheet ejecting means and pushed into the holding position of the pair of center folding rollers, so that the sheet bundle is centered. In a sheet post-processing apparatus that performs folding processing, a rotatable center folding roller pair that pinches and presses a central portion in the transport direction of the sheet bundle to form a fold portion, and the sheet bundle is held at a holding position of the center folding roller pair. A center folding plate member movable in the pushing direction of the sheet bundle to be pushed in, a first driving unit for moving the center folding plate member forward and backward, a second driving unit for rotating the pair of center folding rollers forward and backward,
Control means for controlling the drive of the first drive means and the second drive means, forward, backward, and
And the first drive unit and the second drive unit execute the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the center folding roller pair a plurality of times, so that the center folding unit of the sheet bundle passes the holding position of the center folding roller pair a plurality of times. 2. A sheet post-processing apparatus for controlling a driving means.
【００１４】（３） 前記（２）に記載の中折り板部
材、中折りローラ対、第２の中折りローラ対、第１駆動
手段、第２駆動手段、制御手段を有する用紙後処理装
置、及び画像形成手段、用紙搬送手段から成る画像形成
装置本体を備えて成ることを特徴とする画像形成装置。(3) A sheet post-processing apparatus having the center folding plate member, the center folding roller pair, the second center folding roller pair, the first driving unit, the second driving unit, and the control unit according to (2), And an image forming apparatus main body including an image forming unit and a sheet conveying unit.
【００１５】[0015]
【発明の実施の形態】次に、本発明の用紙後処理装置の
実施の形態を添付図面に基づいて説明する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
【００１６】［画像形成装置の一実施形態］図１は画像
形成装置本体Ａ、画像読み取り装置Ｂ、用紙後処理装置
（以下、後処理装置と称す）Ｃから成る画像形成システ
ムの全体構成図である。[One Embodiment of Image Forming Apparatus] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus main body A, an image reading apparatus B, and a sheet post-processing apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a post-processing apparatus) C. is there.
【００１７】画像形成装置本体Ａは、回転する像担持体
（以下、感光体と称す）１の周囲に、帯電手段２、像露
光手段（書き込み手段）３、現像手段４、転写手段５
Ａ、除電手段５Ｂ、及びクリーニング手段６を配置した
画像形成手段を有する。画像形成手段は、帯電手段２に
よって感光体１の表面に一様帯電を行った後に、像露光
手段３のレーザビームによって原稿から読み取られた画
像データに基づく露光走査を行って潜像を形成し、該潜
像を現像手段４により反転現像して感光体１の表面にト
ナー像を形成する。The main body A of the image forming apparatus includes a charging unit 2, an image exposure unit (writing unit) 3, a developing unit 4, and a transfer unit 5 around a rotating image carrier (hereinafter, referred to as a photosensitive member) 1.
A, an image forming unit in which a charge removing unit 5B and a cleaning unit 6 are arranged. The image forming unit forms a latent image by performing an exposure scan based on image data read from a document by the laser beam of the image exposing unit 3 after uniformly charging the surface of the photoconductor 1 by the charging unit 2. Then, the latent image is reversely developed by the developing means 4 to form a toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 1.
【００１８】一方、用紙収納手段７Ａから給紙された転
写紙（以下、用紙と称す）Ｓは転写位置へと送られる。
転写位置において転写手段５Ａにより前記トナー像が用
紙Ｓ上に転写される。その後に、用紙Ｓは除電手段５Ｂ
により裏面の電荷が消去されて感光体１から分離され、
中間搬送部７Ｂにより搬送され、引き続き定着手段８に
より加熱定着され、排紙部７Ｃから排出される。On the other hand, the transfer paper (hereinafter referred to as paper) S fed from the paper storage means 7A is sent to the transfer position.
At the transfer position, the toner image is transferred onto the sheet S by the transfer unit 5A. After that, the paper S is discharged by the discharging means 5B.
As a result, the charge on the back surface is erased and separated from the photoreceptor 1,
The sheet is conveyed by the intermediate conveying section 7B, subsequently heated and fixed by the fixing unit 8, and discharged from the sheet discharging section 7C.
【００１９】用紙Ｓの両面に画像形成を行う場合には、
定着手段８により加熱定着された用紙Ｓを、搬送路切り
替え板７Ｄにより通常の排紙通路から分岐し、反転搬送
部７Ｅにおいてスイッチバックして表裏反転した後、再
び画像形成部を通過し、用紙Ｓの裏面に画像を形成し、
定着手段８を経て、排紙部７Ｃから装置外に排出され
る。排紙部７Ｃから排出された用紙Ｓは、後処理装置Ｃ
の受入部１１に送り込まれる。When forming images on both sides of the sheet S,
The sheet S, which has been heated and fixed by the fixing unit 8, is branched off from a normal sheet discharge path by a transfer path switching plate 7D, is switched back by a reverse transfer unit 7E, is turned over, and then passes through an image forming unit again. Form an image on the back of S,
After passing through the fixing unit 8, the sheet is discharged from the sheet discharging unit 7C to the outside of the apparatus. The paper S discharged from the paper discharge unit 7C is used for the post-processing device C
To the receiving unit 11.
【００２０】一方、感光体１の画像処理後の表面は、ク
リーニング手段６により表面に残留している現像剤が除
去され、次の画像形成に備える。On the other hand, the developer remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 1 after image processing is removed by the cleaning means 6 to prepare for the next image formation.
【００２１】画像形成装置本体Ａの上部には、原稿移動
型読み取り方式の自動原稿送り装置を備えた画像読み取
り装置Ｂが設置されている。An image reading device B provided with an automatic document feeder of a document moving type reading system is installed above the image forming device main body A.
【００２２】［用紙後処理装置の構成］画像形成装置本
体Ａに接続する後処理装置Ｃは、入口搬送部１０、シフ
ト処理部２０、綴じ処理部３０、ステイプル手段（綴じ
手段）４０、表紙給紙部５０、中折り処理部６０、及び
排紙部８０とから構成されている。[Structure of Sheet Post-Processing Apparatus] The post-processing apparatus C connected to the image forming apparatus main body A includes an entrance conveying section 10, a shift processing section 20, a binding processing section 30, a stapling section (binding section) 40, a cover feeding section. It comprises a paper section 50, a center folding section 60, and a paper discharge section 80.
【００２３】入口搬送部１０は画像形成装置本体Ａから
排出された用紙Ｓを各処理部に搬送する。シフト処理部
２０は入口搬送部１０から搬送された用紙Ｓをシフト処
理区分けして後述の昇降排紙台８２に排出する。綴じ処
理部３０は入口搬送部１０から搬送された用紙Ｓを積載
して、後述のステイプル手段４０により、中綴じ処理又
は端綴じ処理を行う。中折り処理部６０は用紙Ｓの用紙
搬送方向中央部を折り曲げ中折り処理を行い、後述の下
部排紙台８３に排出する。表紙給紙部５０は表紙用紙
（以下、表紙と称す）Ｋを給紙してシフト処理部２０ま
たは綴じ処理部３０に搬送する。The entrance conveying section 10 conveys the sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus main body A to each processing section. The shift processing unit 20 sorts the paper S conveyed from the entrance conveyance unit 10 into shift processes and discharges the paper S to an elevating paper discharge table 82 described later. The binding processing unit 30 stacks the sheets S conveyed from the entrance conveyance unit 10 and performs saddle stitching processing or edge stapling processing by stapling means 40 described later. The center folding processing unit 60 performs a center folding process by folding a central portion of the sheet S in the sheet transport direction, and discharges the sheet S to a lower sheet discharge table 83 described later. The cover sheet feeding unit 50 feeds a cover sheet (hereinafter, referred to as a cover sheet) K and conveys it to the shift processing unit 20 or the binding processing unit 30.
【００２４】排紙部８０は、画像形成装置本体Ａから排
出された用紙Ｓを入口搬送部１０を経由して後処理を行
わず直接排紙して収容する上部排紙台８１と、シフト処
理または端綴じ処理された用紙束を収容する昇降排紙台
８２と、中折り処理された用紙束を収容する下部排紙台
８３を有する。The paper discharge unit 80 includes an upper paper discharge table 81 that directly discharges and stores the paper S discharged from the image forming apparatus main body A without performing post-processing via the entrance conveyance unit 10, and a shift processing. Alternatively, it has an elevating and lowering sheet discharge tray 82 for storing a sheet bundle subjected to edge binding processing, and a lower sheet discharging table 83 for storing a sheet sheet subjected to center folding processing.
【００２５】［後処理装置Ｃの用紙搬送経路、及び上部
機構］図２は後処理装置Ｃの用紙搬送経路を示す模式
図、図３は後処理装置Ｃの上部機構を示す断面図であ
る。FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a sheet transport path of the post-processing device C, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an upper mechanism of the post-processing device C.
【００２６】後処理装置Ｃは画像形成装置本体Ａから搬
出された用紙Ｓの受入部１１が画像形成装置本体Ａの排
紙部７Ｃと合致するよう位置と高さを調節して設置され
ている。The post-processing apparatus C is installed with its position and height adjusted so that the receiving section 11 of the sheet S carried out of the image forming apparatus main body A coincides with the paper discharge section 7C of the image forming apparatus main body A. .
【００２７】受入部１１の入口部ローラ対１２の用紙搬
送方向下流に接続する用紙Ｓの搬送路は、上段の第１搬
送路と中段の第２搬送路及び下段の第３搬送路の
３系統に分岐されていて、切り替え手段Ｇ１，Ｇ２の占
める角度の選択により用紙Ｓが何れかの搬送路に給送さ
れるようになっている。The paper S transport path connected downstream of the entrance roller pair 12 of the receiving unit 11 in the paper transport direction has three systems: an upper first transport path, a middle second transport path, and a lower third transport path. The paper S is fed to one of the transport paths by selecting the angle occupied by the switching means G1 and G2.
【００２８】・（上部排紙台８１に排紙）画像形成装置
本体Ａから排出された画像形成済みの用紙Ｓは、受入部
１１に導入され、入口部ローラ対１２により搬送され
て、入り口通過検知用の入り口部センサＰＳ１により用
紙Ｓの搬送方向長さが検知される。用紙Ｓは上方の第１
の切り替え手段Ｇ１の右方の通路１３を通過して、上方
の搬送ローラ対１４の駆動ローラ１４Ａと従動ローラ１
４Ｂに挟持、搬送され、更に搬送ローラ対１５により挟
持、搬送された後、排出ローラ対１６に挟持されて機外
上部の上部排紙台８１上に排出され、順次積載される
（第１搬送路）。(Discharged to the upper paper discharge tray 81) The image-formed paper S discharged from the image forming apparatus main body A is introduced into the receiving portion 11, is conveyed by the entrance roller pair 12, and passes through the entrance. The length of the sheet S in the transport direction is detected by the entrance sensor PS1 for detection. The paper S is the first
The driving roller 14A and the driven roller 1 of the upper conveying roller pair 14 pass through the right passage 13 of the switching means G1.
4B, the sheet is nipped and conveyed by a pair of conveying rollers 15 and then nipped by a pair of discharge rollers 16 to be discharged onto an upper sheet discharge table 81 at an upper portion outside the apparatus, and sequentially stacked (first conveyance). Road).
【００２９】この用紙搬送過程では、切り替え手段Ｇ１
はソレノイドＳＤ１の駆動により揺動され、通路１７を
閉止し、通路１３を開放状態にして、用紙Ｓの上部排紙
台８１への通過を可能にする。In the paper transport process, the switching means G1
Is swung by the drive of the solenoid SD1 to close the passage 17 and open the passage 13 to allow the paper S to pass to the upper discharge tray 81.
【００３０】この上部排紙台８１には最大約２００枚の
用紙Ｓを収容することが可能であり、操作者は後処理装
置Ｃの上部から容易に取り出すことができる。The upper discharge tray 81 can store up to about 200 sheets S, and the operator can easily take it out from the upper part of the post-processing device C.
【００３１】・（シフト処理又はノンソート）この搬送
モードに設定されると、切り替え手段Ｇ１はソレノイド
ＳＤ１がオフの状態で、通路１３を閉止し、通路１７を
開放状態に保持し、用紙Ｓの通路１７の通過を可能にす
る。(Shift processing or non-sorting) When this transport mode is set, the switching means G1 closes the passage 13 and keeps the passage 17 open while the solenoid SD1 is in the off state. 17 passes.
【００３２】画像形成装置本体Ａから排出された画像形
成済みの用紙Ｓは、受入部１１、入口部ローラ対１２を
通過し、切り替え手段Ｇ１の下方に開放状態に形成され
た通路１７を通過して、搬送ローラ対１８に挟持され
て、第２搬送路である斜め下方の第２の切り替え手段
Ｇ２の上方の通路２１を通過して、搬送ローラ対２２に
挟持され、通路２３を経て、搬送ローラ対（シフトロー
ラ対）２４に挟持され、上ローラ２６Ａと下ローラ２６
Ｂとから成る排出ローラ対２６により機外の昇降排紙台
８２上に排出、載置される（第２搬送路）。２７は上
ローラ２６Ａを下ローラ２６Ｂに対して挟持、離間可能
に揺動させる揺動手段である。The image-formed sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus main body A passes through the receiving portion 11, the entrance roller pair 12, and passes through the passage 17 formed below the switching means G1 in an open state. Then, the sheet is nipped by the pair of conveying rollers 18, passes through the passage 21 above the second switching means G <b> 2 that is obliquely below the second conveying path, is pinched by the pair of conveying rollers 22, and is conveyed through the path 23. The upper roller 26A and the lower roller 26 are sandwiched by a roller pair (shift roller pair) 24.
The sheet is discharged onto the elevating sheet discharge table 82 outside the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 26 composed of B and is placed (second conveyance path). Reference numeral 27 denotes a swinging unit that swings the upper roller 26A so as to be able to pinch and separate from the lower roller 26B.
【００３３】この昇降排紙台８２には最大約３０００枚
の用紙Ｓを収容することが可能である。The elevating sheet discharge table 82 can accommodate a maximum of about 3000 sheets S.
【００３４】［端綴じ処理］画像形成装置本体Ａ内で画
像形成処理されて、後処理装置Ｃの受入部１１に送り込
まれた画像形成済みの用紙Ｓは、入口部ローラ対１２、
第１の切り替え手段Ｇ１の下方の通路１７を通過して、
搬送ローラ対１８に挟持されて、第３搬送路に搬送さ
れる。[End Binding Process] The image-formed paper S, which has been subjected to the image forming process in the image forming apparatus main body A and sent to the receiving section 11 of the post-processing apparatus C, is subjected to the entrance roller pair 12,
Passing through the passage 17 below the first switching means G1,
The sheet is nipped by the pair of conveying rollers 18 and conveyed to the third conveying path.
【００３５】第３搬送路において、Ａ４判、Ｂ５判よ
り大きいサイズの用紙手段Ｇ２の下方の通路３１Ａを通
過して、下流の搬送ローラ対３２により挟持、搬送され
る。用紙Ｓは、更に下流の駆動ローラ３４Ａと従動ロー
ラ３４Ｂとから成る搬送ローラ対３４により挟持されて
送り出され、傾斜配置された中間載置台３５の上方空間
に排出され、中間載置台３５または中間載置台３５上に
積載された用紙Ｓの上面に接し、滑走上昇したのち、搬
送ローラ対３４から用紙Ｓの進行方向後端部が排出され
たのちには、用紙Ｓの自重により下降に転じ、中間載置
台３５の傾斜面上を滑落し、ステイプル手段４０近傍の
端綴じ用突き当て部材４１の用紙突き当て面に用紙Ｓの
進行方向先端部が当接して停止する。In the third conveying path, the sheet passes through the lower passage 31A of the sheet means G2 of a size larger than A4 size and B5 size, and is nipped and conveyed by a pair of downstream conveying rollers 32. The sheet S is nipped and sent out by a transport roller pair 34 composed of a driving roller 34A and a driven roller 34B further downstream, and is discharged to a space above the inclined intermediate mounting table 35, where the intermediate mounting table 35 or the intermediate After the sheet S loaded on the table 35 comes into contact with the upper surface of the sheet S and slides up, the trailing end of the sheet S in the traveling direction is discharged from the pair of transport rollers 34, and then the sheet S descends due to its own weight. The sheet S slides down on the inclined surface of the mounting table 35, and the leading end portion of the sheet S in the traveling direction abuts on the sheet contact surface of the end stapling contact member 41 near the staple means 40 and stops.
【００３６】第３搬送路において、Ａ４判、Ｂ５判等
の小サイズの用紙Ｓを、効率よく連続的に搬送してコピ
ー生産性を向上させるため、前記の切り替え手段Ｇ１の
下方の通路３１Ａに平行する通路３１Ｂと切り替え手段
Ｇ３とを設けた。In the third conveyance path, the small-sized paper S such as A4 size or B5 size is continuously and efficiently conveyed to improve the copy productivity. A parallel passage 31B and a switching means G3 are provided.
【００３７】切り替え手段Ｇ２用のソレノイドＳＤ２、
及び切り替え手段Ｇ３用のソレノイドＳＤ３を共に駆動
させると、切り替え手段Ｇ２、Ｇ３の先端部は共に図示
の反時計方向に揺動し、通路２１，３１Ａを閉止し、通
路３１Ｂを開放する。A solenoid SD2 for the switching means G2,
When the solenoid SD3 for the switching means G3 is driven together, the leading ends of the switching means G2 and G3 both swing counterclockwise in the drawing to close the passages 21 and 31A and open the passage 31B.
【００３８】搬送ローラ対１８から送り出された１枚目
の用紙Ｓの先端部は、通路３１Ｂを通過して、回転停止
状態の搬送ローラ対３４の周面に当接して停止する。The leading end of the first sheet S sent out from the pair of transport rollers 18 passes through the passage 31B, contacts the peripheral surface of the pair of transport rollers 34 in the rotation stopped state, and stops.
【００３９】次に、ソレノイドＳＤ３の通電がオフにな
り、切り替え手段Ｇ３の先端部が時計方向に揺動し、通
路３１Ｂを閉止し、通路３１Ａを開放する。搬送ローラ
対１８から送り出された２枚目の用紙Ｓの先端部は、通
路３１Ａを通過して、回転停止状態の搬送ローラ対３４
の周面に当接して停止する。Next, the energization of the solenoid SD3 is turned off, and the tip of the switching means G3 swings clockwise, closing the passage 31B and opening the passage 31A. The leading end of the second sheet S sent from the pair of transport rollers 18 passes through the passage 31A, and the pair of transport rollers 34 in the rotation stopped state.
Stops in contact with the peripheral surface of.
【００４０】所定のタイミングをとって、搬送ローラ対
３４が駆動回転し、前記の２枚の用紙Ｓを挟持して同時
に搬送し、中間載置台３５上に排出する。３枚目以降は
１枚ずつ排出する。At a predetermined timing, the conveying roller pair 34 is driven to rotate, and the two sheets S are nipped and conveyed at the same time, and are discharged onto the intermediate mounting table 35. The third and subsequent sheets are discharged one by one.
【００４１】３６は中間載置台３５の両側面に設けた一
対の幅整合部材から成る上流側幅整合手段である。上流
側幅整合手段３６の少なくとも一方の幅整合部材は用紙
搬送方向と直交する方向に移動可能であり、用紙Ｓが中
間載置台３５上に放出される用紙受け入れ時には、用紙
幅より広く開放され、中間載置台３５上を滑落して、端
綴じ用突き当て部材４１に当接して停止するときには、
用紙Ｓの幅方向の側縁を軽打して用紙束の幅揃え（幅整
合）を行う。この停止位置において、中間載置台３５上
に所定枚数の用紙Ｓが積載、整合されると、ステイプル
手段４０により綴じ合わせ処理が行われ、用紙束が綴じ
合わされる。Reference numeral 36 denotes an upstream width adjusting means comprising a pair of width adjusting members provided on both side surfaces of the intermediate mounting table 35. At least one width aligning member of the upstream width aligning means 36 is movable in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction, and is opened wider than the sheet width when the sheet S is discharged onto the intermediate mounting table 35, When sliding down on the intermediate mounting table 35 to stop against the end binding abutment member 41,
The width of the sheet bundle is aligned (width alignment) by tapping the side edge of the sheet S in the width direction. At this stop position, when a predetermined number of sheets S are stacked and aligned on the intermediate mounting table 35, a stapling process is performed by the stapling means 40, and the sheet bundle is stapled.
【００４２】中間載置台３５の用紙積載面の一部には切
り欠き部が形成されていて、駆動プーリ３７Ａと従動プ
ーリ３７Ｂに巻回された複数の排出ベルト３８が回動可
能に駆動される。排出ベルト３８の一部には、排出爪３
８ａが一体に形成されていて、その先端部は、図示一点
鎖線のように長円軌跡を描く。ステイプル処理された用
紙束は、排出ベルト３８の排出爪３８ａにより用紙Ｓの
後端部を保持されて、排出ベルト３８上に載せられ、中
間載置台３５の載置面上を滑走して斜め上方に押し上げ
られ、排出ローラ対２６の挟持位置に進行する。回転す
る排出ローラ対２６に挟持された用紙束は、昇降排紙台
８２上に排出、積載される。A notch is formed in a part of the sheet stacking surface of the intermediate mounting table 35, and a plurality of discharge belts 38 wound around a driving pulley 37A and a driven pulley 37B are rotatably driven. . A part of the discharge belt 38 includes a discharge claw 3.
8a are integrally formed, and the tip portion draws an elliptical locus as shown by a chain line in the figure. The stapled sheet bundle is placed on the discharge belt 38 while the rear end of the sheet S is held by the discharge claw 38a of the discharge belt 38, and slides on the mounting surface of the intermediate mounting table 35 to be slantingly upward. And is advanced to the position where the discharge roller pair 26 is held. The sheet bundle nipped by the rotating discharge roller pair 26 is discharged and stacked on the elevating discharge table 82.
【００４３】［表紙給紙］表紙給紙部５０は、給紙皿５
１、可動底板５２、押し上げレバー５３とから成る表紙
載置部と、送り出しローラ５４、給紙ローラ５５、捌き
ローラ５６等から成る表紙送り手段とから構成されてい
る。[Cover Sheet Feeding] The cover sheet feeding section 50 includes a sheet feeding tray 5
1. A cover sheet placing section comprising a movable bottom plate 52 and a push-up lever 53, and a cover sheet feeding means comprising a feed roller 54, a sheet feeding roller 55, a separating roller 56, and the like.
【００４４】表紙給紙部５０から給紙された１枚の表紙
Ｋは、通路５７を通過して、搬送ローラ対１４の駆動ロ
ーラ１４Ａと従動ローラ１４Ｃとの挟持位置を通過し、
通路１９、搬送ローラ対１８を通過した後、第３通路
の搬送ローラ対３２、通路３３、搬送ローラ対３４を経
て、中間載置台３５上に到達する。One cover sheet K fed from the cover sheet feeding section 50 passes through the passage 57 and passes through the nipping position between the drive roller 14A and the driven roller 14C of the transport roller pair 14, and
After passing through the path 19 and the pair of conveying rollers 18, it reaches the intermediate mounting table 35 via the pair of conveying rollers 32, the path 33 and the pair of conveying rollers 34 of the third path.
【００４５】搬送ローラ対１４は、中央の駆動ローラ１
４Ａと、この駆動ローラ１４Ａに圧接する２個の従動ロ
ーラ１４Ｂ，１４Ｃとから構成されている。駆動ローラ
１４Ａが図示の左回転駆動すると、従動ローラ１４Ｂは
右回転して、通路１３から搬送された用紙Ｓを上方に搬
送する。同時に、従動ローラ１４Ｃも右回転して、通路
５７から搬送された表紙Ｋを下方の通路１９に搬送す
る。従って、駆動ローラ１４Ａの駆動回転により、第１
搬送路の用紙Ｓと、第４搬送路の表紙Ｋとを同時に
逆方向に搬送することが可能である。The transport roller pair 14 is located at the center of the drive roller 1.
4A and two driven rollers 14B and 14C which are in pressure contact with the driving roller 14A. When the drive roller 14A is driven to rotate to the left as shown, the driven roller 14B is rotated to the right to transport the sheet S transported from the passage 13 upward. At the same time, the driven roller 14C also rotates clockwise to convey the cover sheet K conveyed from the passage 57 to the lower passage 19. Therefore, the first rotation of the driving roller 14A causes the first rotation.
The sheet S on the transport path and the cover K on the fourth transport path can be transported simultaneously in opposite directions.
【００４６】［中綴じ処理］図４は後処理装置Ｃのステ
イプル処理部及び中折り処理部を示す断面図である。[Saddle Stitching Process] FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a staple processing section and a center folding processing section of the post-processing apparatus C.
【００４７】ステイプル手段４０は、上部機構４０Ａと
下部機構４０Ｂとの２分割構造に構成され、その中間
に、用紙Ｓが通過可能な通路４２を形成している。The stapling means 40 has a two-part structure of an upper mechanism 40A and a lower mechanism 40B, and forms a passage 42 through which the sheet S can pass.
【００４８】ステイプル手段４０は、用紙搬送方向に直
交する方向に２組配置され、図示しない駆動手段によ
り、用紙搬送方向に直交する方向に移動可能である。こ
のステイプル手段４０により、用紙幅方向の中央振り分
け２箇所にステイプル針ＳＰを打つ（図６（ａ）参
照）。The staple means 40 are arranged in two sets in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction, and can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction by driving means (not shown). The stapling means 40 hits the staples SP at two places at the center in the paper width direction (see FIG. 6A).
【００４９】中綴じモードに設定されると、ステイプル
手段４０のステイプル処理位置近傍の端綴じ用突き当て
部材４１が第５搬送路から待避し、ほぼ同時にそれよ
り下流の中綴じ用突き当て部材４３が起動して通路４２
を遮断する（図２参照）。When the mode is set to the saddle stitching mode, the end stapling abutment member 41 near the staple processing position of the stapling means 40 is retracted from the fifth conveyance path, and almost simultaneously therewith, the center stapling abutment member 43 downstream therefrom. Is activated and passage 42
Is shut off (see FIG. 2).
【００５０】中綴じ用突き当て部材４３は、表紙Ｋ及び
用紙Ｓのサイズ（搬送方向の長さ）が設定又は検知され
ると、所定位置に移動して停止する。When the size (length in the transport direction) of the cover sheet K and the sheet S is set or detected, the center binding butting member 43 moves to a predetermined position and stops.
【００５１】表紙Ｋが中間載置台３５上の所定位置に載
置された後、画像形成装置本体Ａから搬出された用紙Ｓ
が、後処理装置Ｃの入口搬送部１０から第３搬送路を
通過して、中間載置台３５上に載置された表紙Ｋの上面
に順次積載され、用紙Ｓの端部が中綴じ用突き当て部材
４３に当接して位置決めされる。中綴じ処理時に用紙Ｓ
の幅方向を規制する一対の幅整合部材から成る下流側幅
整合手段４６は、上流側幅整合手段３６と同様に１枚の
用紙Ｓが搬入される都度、用紙Ｓの幅方向の側端を軽打
して幅整合を行う。After the cover sheet K is placed at a predetermined position on the intermediate placement table 35, the sheet S carried out from the image forming apparatus main body A is
Are sequentially stacked on the upper surface of the cover sheet K placed on the intermediate placement table 35 from the entrance transfer section 10 of the post-processing device C, and the end of the sheet S is It is positioned in contact with the contact member 43. Paper S during saddle stitching
The downstream width aligning means 46 comprising a pair of width aligning members for regulating the width direction of the sheet S, similarly to the upstream width aligning means 36, adjusts the widthwise side end of the sheet S every time one sheet S is carried in. Tap lightly to adjust the width.
【００５２】上流側幅整合手段３６及び下流側幅整合手
段４６は、端綴じ処理又は中綴じ処理の設定により、選
択的に幅整合駆動を行う。即ち、端綴じ処理時には上流
側の幅整合手段３６のみを駆動し、下流側幅整合手段４
６は駆動しない。中綴じ処理時には上流側幅整合手段３
６と下流側幅整合手段４６とを駆動する。この中綴じ処
理時には、下流側幅整合手段４６は、上流側幅整合手段
３６より遅れて駆動される。The upstream width aligning means 36 and the downstream width aligning means 46 selectively perform width alignment driving by setting the edge binding processing or the saddle binding processing. That is, only the upstream width aligning means 36 is driven during the edge binding processing, and the downstream width aligning means 4 is driven.
6 is not driven. During the saddle stitching process, the upstream width aligning means 3
6 and the downstream width matching means 46 are driven. During the saddle stitching process, the downstream width matching means 46 is driven later than the upstream width matching means 36.
【００５３】また、中綴じ処理時に、中間載置台３５上
を搬送してステイプル手段４０の上流側を進行する用紙
Ｓに対して、上流側幅整合手段３６により先ず幅整合を
行って用紙揃えし、次に、ステイプル手段４０を通過し
て中綴じ用突き当て部材４３に向かって進行する用紙Ｓ
に対して、下流側幅整合手段４６により幅整合を行って
用紙揃えする。このようにして、中間載置台３５上を進
行し、ステイプル手段４０を中心にして上流側と下流側
に亘って延長して積載される用紙Ｓ及び表紙Ｋは、上流
側幅整合手段３６と下流側幅整合手段４６とにより、用
紙Ｓの全長に亘り正確に幅整合される。At the time of the saddle stitching process, first, the upstream side width aligning means 36 first aligns the width of the sheet S which is transported on the intermediate mounting table 35 and advances on the upstream side of the staple means 40 to align the sheets. Next, the sheet S that passes through the stapling means 40 and advances toward the saddle stitching abutting member 43
The width adjustment is performed by the downstream width alignment means 46 to align the sheets. In this way, the paper S and the cover K, which advance on the intermediate mounting table 35 and are extended from the staple means 40 to the upstream side and the downstream side, are The width adjustment is performed accurately over the entire length of the paper S by the side width alignment means 46.
【００５４】最終の用紙Ｓが中間載置台３５上に位置決
め載置された後、表紙Ｋと用紙Ｓの全頁とから成る用紙
束にステイプル手段４０による中綴じ処理を行う。この
中綴じ処理により、表紙Ｋ及び用紙Ｓの搬送方向の中央
部にステイプル針ＳＰが打ち込まれる。ステイプル針Ｓ
Ｐはステイプル針打ち込み駆動側を有する下部機構４０
Ｂから、ステイプル針折り曲げ側を有する上部機構４０
Ａに向けて打ち込まれる。After the final sheet S is positioned and mounted on the intermediate mounting table 35, the staple unit 40 performs the saddle stitching process on the sheet bundle including the cover K and all the pages of the sheet S. By this saddle stitching process, the staple SP is driven into the center of the cover K and the sheet S in the transport direction. Staple S
P is a lower mechanism 40 having a staple needle driving side.
B, an upper mechanism 40 having a staple needle bending side
It is driven toward A.
【００５５】［中折り処理］中綴じ処理後、中綴じ用突
き当て部材４３が揺動して、通路４２の下流の通路を開
放する。中綴じ処理された表紙Ｋと用紙Ｓから成る用紙
束は、湾曲した通路と中間搬送ローラ対６１を通過して
斜め下方の搬送ベルト６２上を案内板６３に案内されて
搬送され、更に、第２用紙積載部（スタック台）６４上
を搬送されて、折り部可動突き当て手段６５の位置決め
部材である折り部突き当て部材６５０に用紙束の搬送方
向の先端部が当接して、所定位置に停止する（図２に示
す第６搬送路）。折り部突き当て部材６５０は用紙サ
イズの設定又は検知と駆動手段により所定位置に移動可
能である。[Center Folding Process] After the saddle stitching process, the saddle stitching abutment member 43 swings to open a passage downstream of the passage 42. The sheet bundle composed of the cover sheet K and the sheet S subjected to the saddle stitching process passes through the curved path and the intermediate conveying roller pair 61, is guided on the conveying belt 62 obliquely below by the guide plate 63, and is conveyed. The sheet bundle is conveyed on the two-sheet stacking unit (stack base) 64, and the leading end of the sheet bundle in the conveying direction abuts on the folding unit abutting member 650, which is a positioning member of the folding unit movable abutting unit 65, and reaches a predetermined position It stops (the sixth transport path shown in FIG. 2). The folding portion abutting member 650 can be moved to a predetermined position by setting or detecting the sheet size and driving means.
【００５６】停止状態の用紙束の搬送方向の中央部、即
ち中綴じ位置の斜め下方には、用紙突き出し手段６６が
設置されている。中綴じ位置の斜め上方には、中折り形
成部６７と、加圧部６８が設置されている。At the center of the stopped sheet bundle in the transport direction, that is, diagonally below the saddle stitching position, a sheet ejecting means 66 is provided. A center-fold forming section 67 and a pressing section 68 are installed diagonally above the saddle stitching position.
【００５７】中折り処理部６０は、用紙突き出し手段６
６、中折り形成部６７、加圧部６８等から構成されてい
る。The center folding section 60 includes a sheet protruding means 6
6, a center folding section 67, a pressing section 68, and the like.
【００５８】中折り開始信号により、用紙突き出し手段
６６の可動突き出し板である中折り板部材６６１が斜め
上方に直進して、中折り板部材６６１の先端部は、表紙
Ｋと用紙Ｓから成る用紙束の中央部を押し上げ、用紙束
を介して従動回転する中折りローラ対６７１の挟持部を
押し広げて揺動、離間させる。In response to the center-folding start signal, the center-folding plate member 661, which is a movable protruding plate of the sheet-projecting means 66, goes straight obliquely upward, and the leading end of the center-folding plate member 661 is formed of a cover sheet K and a sheet S. The central portion of the bundle is pushed up, and the sandwiching portion of the center folding roller pair 671 that is driven and rotated via the sheet bundle is pushed open to swing and separate.
【００５９】中折り板部材６６１の先端部が前記挟持部
を通過後、中折り板部材６６１が後退して、用紙束の中
央部は、中折り形成部６７により挟圧されて、折り目が
形成される。この折り目は、前述の中綴じ処理による用
紙束へのステイプル針ＳＰの打ち込み位置とほぼ一致す
る。After the leading end of the center folding plate member 661 has passed through the holding portion, the center folding plate member 661 retreats, and the center portion of the sheet bundle is pressed by the center folding forming portion 67 to form a fold. Is done. This fold substantially coincides with the driving position of the staples SP on the sheet bundle by the saddle stitching process.
【００６０】中折り形成部６７の回転する一対の中折り
ローラ６７１Ａ，６７１Ｂ（以下、中折りローラ対６７
１と称す）により挟圧されて折り目を形成された用紙束
の中央部は、加圧部６８に送り込まれ、一対の加圧ロー
ラ６８１Ａ，６８１Ｂ（以下、加圧ローラ対６８１と称
す）の挟持位置で折り目が更に強く圧迫される。A pair of center folding rollers 671A, 671B (hereinafter, referred to as a pair of center folding rollers 67) that rotate the center folding forming section 67.
1), the central portion of the sheet bundle having a fold formed by being pressed is fed to the pressing unit 68 to pinch a pair of pressing rollers 681A and 681B (hereinafter, referred to as a pair of pressing rollers 681). The fold is more strongly compressed at the position.
【００６１】送り込まれた用紙束は、加圧部６８に挟持
されて搬送され、機外の下部排紙台８３上に排出される
（図２に示す第７搬送路）。The fed sheet bundle is conveyed while being clamped by the pressurizing section 68, and is discharged onto the lower sheet discharge table 83 outside the apparatus (the seventh conveying path shown in FIG. 2).
【００６２】図５は表紙Ｋと用紙Ｓの搬送経路と、用紙
束の中綴じと中折り処理過程を示す模式図、図６（ａ）
は用紙Ｓの中折りする折り目部ａに沿って中央振り分け
２箇所にステイプル針ＳＰを打針して中綴じ処理された
用紙の平面図、図６（ｂ）は中綴じと中折りの後処理を
施した用紙束の斜視図、図６（ｃ）は後処理済みの用紙
束を見開き状態にした斜視図である。FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the transport path of the cover sheet K and the sheet S, and the process of saddle stitching and center folding of the sheet bundle.
FIG. 6B is a plan view of a sheet that has been subjected to saddle stitching processing by stapling the staples SP at two places in the center thereof along the fold portion a where the sheet S is folded in the middle, and FIG. FIG. 6 (c) is a perspective view of the post-processed sheet bundle in a spread state.
【００６３】表紙給紙部５０の給紙皿５１上には、表紙
Ｋが第１面（第１頁ｐ１と第８頁ｐ８）を上側にして載
置される。給紙皿５１から給紙手段により給送された表
紙Ｋは、前記の第４搬送路及び第３搬送路を通過し
て搬送され、中間載置台３５上に、第１面（ｐ１，ｐ
８）を下側にして載置される。The cover K is placed on the sheet feeding tray 51 of the cover sheet feeding section 50 with the first surface (the first page p1 and the eighth page p8) facing upward. The cover sheet K fed from the sheet feeding tray 51 by the sheet feeding means is conveyed through the fourth and third conveyance paths, and is placed on the intermediate table 35 on the first surface (p1, p1).
8) is placed on its lower side.
【００６４】次に、画像形成装置本体Ａから搬出された
画像形成済みの用紙Ｓは、第１面（第３頁ｐ３と第６頁
ｐ６）を下側にして、後処理装置Ｃに導入される。この
用紙Ｓは、入口搬送部１０から第３搬送路に搬送さ
れ、中間載置台３５上に載置された表紙Ｋの上に、第１
面を下側にして載置される。Next, the sheet S on which an image has been formed and carried out from the image forming apparatus main body A is introduced into the post-processing apparatus C with the first side (the third page p3 and the sixth page p6) facing downward. You. The sheet S is transported from the entrance transport unit 10 to the third transport path, and the first sheet S is placed on the cover K placed on the intermediate placing table 35.
It is placed face down.
【００６５】中間載置台３５上で、表紙Ｋと用紙とが整
合され、ステイプル手段４０によりステイプル針ＳＰが
打ち込まれて中綴じ処理される。The cover K and the paper are aligned on the intermediate mounting table 35, and the staples SP are driven by the staple means 40 to perform saddle stitching.
【００６６】中綴じ処理された用紙束は、第５搬送路
を通過して、第２用紙積載部６４及び搬送ベルト６２上
の所定位置に載置され停止する。このとき用紙束は、用
紙Ｓが第１面（ｐ３，ｐ６）を上側に、その上の表紙Ｋ
が第１面（ｐ１，ｐ８）を上側にした状態で載置され
る。The sheet bundle subjected to the saddle stitching process passes through the fifth transport path, is placed at a predetermined position on the second paper loading section 64 and the transport belt 62, and stops. At this time, the sheet bundle is such that the sheet S has the first side (p3, p6) facing upward and the cover K
Are placed with the first surface (p1, p8) facing upward.
【００６７】次に、用紙突き出し手段６６の押し上げ作
動と、中折りローラ対６７１の回転とにより、中折り処
理が行われ、引き続き、加圧部６８により挟持、搬送さ
れ、機外の下部排紙台８３上に排出される。Next, the center-folding process is performed by the pushing-up operation of the sheet ejecting means 66 and the rotation of the pair of center-folding rollers 671, and subsequently, the sheet is nipped and conveyed by the pressurizing unit 68 to discharge the lower sheet outside the machine. It is discharged onto the table 83.
【００６８】中綴じ処理と中折り処理により作製された
用紙束（冊子）は、表紙Ｋの第１面（ｐ１，ｐ８）を外
側に向け、その裏面側に第２面（ｐ２，ｐ７）、更にそ
の内側に中身である用紙Ｓの第１面（ｐ３，ｐ６）、そ
の内側に用紙Ｓの第２面（ｐ４，ｐ５）が配置され、図
示のように８頁（ｐ１〜ｐ８）から成る冊子の頁揃えが
できる。The sheet bundle (booklet) produced by the saddle stitching process and the center folding process has the first surface (p1, p8) of the cover K facing outward and the second surface (p2, p7) on the back surface. Further, the first side (p3, p6) of the sheet S, which is the content, and the second side (p4, p5) of the sheet S are disposed inside the sheet S. As shown in the figure, the sheet S has eight pages (p1 to p8). You can align the pages of the booklet.
【００６９】画像形成装置本体Ａの操作部において、冊
子作成オートモードを選択、設定し、給紙皿５１上に表
紙Ｋを積載し、プリントを開始すると、画像形成装置本
体Ａの制御部により、前記の画像プロセスが実行され、
画像を担持した用紙Ｓは後処理装置Ｃにより、中綴じ処
理と中折り処理とが行われて、連続して小冊子が作製、
排出される。In the operation section of the image forming apparatus main body A, the booklet creation auto mode is selected and set, the cover K is stacked on the sheet feeding tray 51, and printing is started. The image process is performed,
The sheet S carrying the image is subjected to saddle stitching processing and center folding processing by the post-processing device C to continuously produce a booklet.
Is discharged.
【００７０】後処理装置Ｃの操作部において、冊子作製
マニュアルモードを選択、設定し、給紙皿５１上に、表
紙Ｋとその下に画像形成済みの１冊分の用紙Ｓとを積載
し、送り出し動作を開始すると、後処理装置Ｃの制御手
段９０（後述の図１７参照）により、表紙Ｋと用紙Ｓに
は、中綴じ処理と中折り処理とが行われて、１冊分の冊
子が作製、排出される。In the operation unit of the post-processing apparatus C, the booklet production manual mode is selected and set, and the cover K and one image-formed sheet S below the cover K are stacked on the sheet feed tray 51. When the feeding operation is started, the saddle stitching process and the center folding process are performed on the cover sheet K and the sheet S by the control means 90 (see FIG. 17 described later) of the post-processing device C, and one booklet is Produced and discharged.
【００７１】図７は、折り部可動突き当て手段６５、用
紙突き出し手段６６、中折り形成部６７、加圧部６８か
ら成る中折り処理部６０の断面図である。図８は、中折
り処理部６０の斜視図である。FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the center folding processing section 60 including the folding section movable abutting means 65, the sheet ejecting means 66, the center folding forming section 67, and the pressing section 68. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the center folding processing unit 60.
【００７２】折り部可動突き当て手段６５は、第２用紙
積載部６４上を搬送される各種サイズの用紙束の先端部
に当接して先端部の位置決めをする。折り部突き当て部
材６５０は保持部材６５１に固定されている。保持部材
６５１はモータＭ１により駆動され、棒状の案内部材６
５２に摺動して直線移動される。アクチュエータ６５３
及び折り部センサＰＳ２は、第２用紙積載部６４上を搬
送されてくる用紙Ｓの先端部通過を検知する。The folding section movable abutting means 65 abuts against the leading end of a sheet bundle of various sizes conveyed on the second sheet stacking section 64 to position the leading end. The folded portion butting member 650 is fixed to the holding member 651. The holding member 651 is driven by the motor M1 and has a rod-shaped guide member 6.
Slide 52 moves linearly. Actuator 653
The folding unit sensor PS2 detects that the sheet S conveyed on the second sheet stacking unit 64 passes through the leading end.
【００７３】制御手段９０は、用紙束の搬送方向先端部
が、折り部突き当て部材６５０に当接するタイミングに
合わせて、駆動手段により折り部突き当て部材６５０を
用紙束の搬送方向に往復移動させて用紙Ｓの先端部揃え
を確実に行う。The control unit 90 causes the driving unit to reciprocate the folding unit abutting member 650 in the transport direction of the sheet bundle in accordance with the timing at which the leading end of the sheet bundle in the transporting direction abuts on the folding unit abutting member 650. The leading edge of the paper S is surely aligned.
【００７４】用紙Ｓの先端部揃え後、中折り開始信号に
より可動保持部材６６２が、固定配置された棒状の案内
部材６６３に沿って直進し、可動保持部材６６２に固定
された中折り板部材６６１は、用紙載置面より上方に突
出する。中折り板部材６６１はステンレス鋼板等の薄板
のナイフ状をなし、その先端部は鋭角をなす。中折り板
部材６６１の先端部は、低摩擦面に形成され、例えば光
沢仕上げや、テフロン（登録商標）コート等の表面処理
等が施されている。After the leading edge of the sheet S is aligned, the movable holding member 662 moves straight along the fixedly arranged bar-shaped guide member 663 in response to the center folding start signal, and the middle folding plate member 661 fixed to the movable holding member 662. Project above the sheet placement surface. The center fold plate member 661 has a knife shape made of a thin plate such as a stainless steel plate, and has a sharp end at the tip. The front end portion of the center fold plate member 661 is formed on a low friction surface, and is subjected to, for example, a gloss finish or a surface treatment such as a Teflon (registered trademark) coat.
【００７５】中折り形成部６７の一方の押圧手段は、駆
動源に接続して駆動される中折りローラ６７１Ａと、こ
の中折りローラ６７１Ａを回転可能に支持し、支軸６７
３Ａを中心に揺動可能な支持部材であるアーム６７２Ａ
と、このアーム６７２Ａの一端に係止され、中折りロー
ラ６７１Ａを挟持位置方向に付勢するバネ６７４Ａとか
ら成る。One pressing means of the center-fold forming section 67 supports a center-fold roller 671A that is driven by being connected to a drive source, and rotatably supports the center-fold roller 671A.
Arm 672A, which is a support member swingable about 3A
And a spring 674A locked to one end of the arm 672A and biasing the center folding roller 671A in the direction of the holding position.
【００７６】中折り形成部６７の他方の押圧手段も同様
な構成をなし、中折りローラ６７１Ｂ、アーム６７２
Ｂ、支軸６７３Ｂ、バネ６７４Ｂを有する。The other pressing means of the center folding forming section 67 has the same configuration, and includes the center folding roller 671B and the arm 672.
B, a support shaft 673B, and a spring 674B.
【００７７】中折り形成部６７の用紙搬送方向下流側に
は、加圧部６８が配置されている。加圧部６８は、駆動
源に接続して駆動される加圧ローラ対６８１（第２の中
折りローラ対）から構成されている。A pressurizing section 68 is disposed downstream of the center folding forming section 67 in the sheet transport direction. The pressing unit 68 includes a pair of pressing rollers 681 (a second pair of center folding rollers) driven by being connected to a driving source.
【００７８】一対の加圧ローラ６８１Ａ，６８１Ｂはゴ
ム被覆層を有する。例えば、ゴム被覆層は、エチレン−
プロピレンゴム（ＥＰＤＭ）等の弾性材料から形成され
る。The pair of pressure rollers 681A and 681B have a rubber coating layer. For example, the rubber coating layer is ethylene-
It is formed from an elastic material such as propylene rubber (EPDM).
【００７９】加圧ローラ対６８１が、金属ローラ同士で
あると、加圧ローラ対６８１の挟持位置を用紙束の後端
部が通過するとき、金属ローラ同士の衝突による打撃音
が発生する。なお、加圧ローラ対６８１のうち、何れか
一方のローラは、金属等の硬質ローラにすることが、折
り処理時の均一な加圧力の保持に有効である。When the pressure roller pair 681 is a metal roller, when the rear end of the sheet bundle passes through the holding position of the pressure roller pair 681, a striking sound is generated due to the collision between the metal rollers. It is effective that one of the pressure roller pairs 681 be a hard roller made of metal or the like in order to maintain a uniform pressing force during the folding process.
【００８０】回転する中折りローラ対６７１により挟圧
されて折り目部ａを形成された用紙束は、加圧ローラ対
６８１の挟持位置に送り込まれ、この位置で折り目部ａ
が更に加圧され、機外の下部排紙台８３に排出される。The sheet bundle having the fold a formed by being pressed by the rotating center folding roller pair 671 is sent to the holding position of the pressure roller pair 681, and the fold a
Is further pressurized, and is discharged to the lower discharge tray 83 outside the apparatus.
【００８１】・（中折りローラの駆動機構）図９は、図
７に示す中折り処理部６０の中折りローラ対６７１、加
圧ローラ対６８１、及び搬送ベルト６２を駆動する中折
りローラ駆動手段（第２駆動手段）６７０の構成図であ
る。(Driving Mechanism of Center Folding Roller) FIG. 9 shows a center folding roller driving means for driving the center folding roller pair 671, the pressure roller pair 681, and the conveyor belt 62 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of (second driving means) 670.
【００８２】モータＭ２は、タイミングベルト（以下、
ベルトと称す）Ｂ１を介して中間軸に回転可能に支持さ
れた２段構成のプーリＰ１を回転させる。プーリＰ１に
はベルトＢ２が張設されていて、プーリＰ２を回転させ
る。プーリＰ２はベルトＢ３を介して、中間搬送ローラ
対６１の駆動ローラ６１１を回転させる。The motor M2 is connected to a timing belt (hereinafter, referred to as a timing belt).
A two-stage pulley P1 rotatably supported on an intermediate shaft via a belt B1) is rotated. A belt B2 is stretched over the pulley P1, and rotates the pulley P2. The pulley P2 rotates the drive roller 611 of the intermediate transport roller pair 61 via the belt B3.
【００８３】プーリＰ２を巻回するベルトＢ２は、中間
軸のプーリＰ３，Ｐ４、及び加圧ローラ６８１Ｂの軸端
に固定されたプーリＰ５を巻回して同時に回転させる。
Ｐ６，Ｐ７はテンションプーリである。The belt B2 that winds the pulley P2 winds the pulleys P3 and P4 of the intermediate shaft and the pulley P5 fixed to the shaft end of the pressure roller 681B and rotates them at the same time.
P6 and P7 are tension pulleys.
【００８４】プーリＰ２の回転軸上に固定された駆動ロ
ーラ６２１は、駆動ローラ６２１、従動ローラ６２２間
に張架された搬送ベルト６２を回動させる。The driving roller 621 fixed on the rotating shaft of the pulley P2 rotates the transport belt 62 stretched between the driving roller 621 and the driven roller 622.
【００８５】中間軸のプーリＰ３はベルトＢ４を介して
中折りローラ６７１Ａの軸端に固定されたプーリＰ８を
回転させる。中間軸のプーリＰ４はベルトＢ５を介して
中折りローラ６７１Ｂの軸端に固定されたプーリＰ９を
回転させる。The intermediate shaft pulley P3 rotates a pulley P8 fixed to the shaft end of the center folding roller 671A via the belt B4. The intermediate shaft pulley P4 rotates a pulley P9 fixed to the shaft end of the center folding roller 671B via a belt B5.
【００８６】中折りローラ６７１Ａの軸端のプーリＰ８
には、一方向クラッチＣＡが内蔵されている。また、中
折りローラ６７１Ｂの軸端のプーリＰ９には、一方向回
転クラッチＣＢが内蔵されている。The pulley P8 at the shaft end of the center folding roller 671A
Incorporates a one-way clutch CA. The pulley P9 at the shaft end of the center folding roller 671B incorporates a one-way rotation clutch CB.
【００８７】加圧ローラ６８１Ｂの軸端に固定された歯
車ｇ１は、装置本体のパネルの固定位置に回転可能に支
持された歯車ｇ２，ｇ３を介して歯車ｇ４に接続してい
る。The gear g1 fixed to the shaft end of the pressure roller 681B is connected to a gear g4 via gears g2 and g3 rotatably supported at a fixed position on a panel of the apparatus main body.
【００８８】歯車ｇ３は、装置本体のパネルに植設され
た支軸６８９に回転可能に支持されている。歯車ｇ４
は、揺動板６８７に支持された加圧ローラ６８１Ａの軸
端に固定されている。The gear g3 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 689 planted on a panel of the apparatus main body. Gear g4
Is fixed to the shaft end of the pressure roller 681A supported by the rocking plate 687.
【００８９】２枚の揺動板６８７は、歯車ｇ３を固定し
た支軸６８９の両軸端に揺動可能にそれぞれ支持され、
バネ６８８により付勢されている。歯車ｇ４を固定した
加圧ローラ６８１Ａの両軸端は、揺動板６８７に回転可
能に支持されている。The two rocking plates 687 are respectively rockably supported on both shaft ends of a support shaft 689 to which the gear g3 is fixed.
It is biased by a spring 688. Both shaft ends of the pressure roller 681A to which the gear g4 is fixed are rotatably supported by a swing plate 687.
【００９０】揺動板６８７に支持された加圧ローラ６８
１Ａは、支軸６８９を中心にして揺動し、バネ６８８に
より付勢されて、加圧ローラ６８１Ｂに圧接する。Pressure roller 68 supported on rocking plate 687
1A swings around a support shaft 689, is urged by a spring 688, and presses against the pressure roller 681B.
【００９１】・（中折り板部材の駆動機構）図１０は、
中折り板部材６６１を移動させる中折り板部材駆動手段
（第１駆動手段）６６０の平面図である。なお、用紙突
き出し手段６６は図示の中心線ＣＬに対して線対称をな
すから、図面の一部を省略してある。図１１は、中折り
板部材駆動手段（第１駆動手段）６６０の断面図であ
る。図１０及び図１１は、何れも用紙束を中折り処理す
る直前の状態を示す。(Driving Mechanism of Middle Folding Plate Member) FIG.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a center folding plate member driving unit (first driving unit) 660 that moves a center folding plate member 661. Since the sheet protruding means 66 is symmetric with respect to the illustrated center line CL, a part of the drawing is omitted. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the center folding plate member driving unit (first driving unit) 660. FIGS. 10 and 11 each show a state immediately before the center folding process of the sheet bundle.
【００９２】モータＭ３は、歯車ｇ５，ｇ６，ｇ７を介
して大径の歯車ｇ８を回転させる。歯車ｇ８は固定基板
６６７に植設された支軸６６５に回転可能に支持されて
いる。歯車ｇ８の底部には、偏芯円筒部材６６４が一体
に形成されている。偏芯円筒部材６６４に穿設された環
状凹部６６４Ａは、歯車ｇ８の回転により、支軸６６５
の回転中心と異なる偏芯軸６６４Ｂを回転中心にして、
偏芯運動をする。The motor M3 rotates the large-diameter gear g8 via the gears g5, g6 and g7. The gear g8 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 665 implanted on the fixed substrate 667. An eccentric cylindrical member 664 is integrally formed at the bottom of the gear g8. The annular concave portion 664A formed in the eccentric cylindrical member 664 is rotated by the rotation of the gear g8 to support the shaft 665.
With the eccentric shaft 664B different from the center of rotation as the center of rotation,
Make an eccentric motion.
【００９３】環状凹部６６４Ａの内壁部には、可動保持
部材６６２に植設されたコロ６６６が移動可能に転設す
る。６６６Ａはコロ６６６の中心の移動軌跡である。The roller 666 implanted in the movable holding member 662 is movably transferred to the inner wall of the annular concave portion 664A. 666A is a locus of movement of the center of the roller 666.
【００９４】可動保持部材６６２は、固定基板６６７に
平行に配置された２本のガイドバー６６３に沿って直進
往復動可能に支持されている。歯車ｇ８の回転により、
環状凹部６６４Ａが偏芯運動する事により、コロ６６６
が環状凹部６６４Ａの内壁に沿って移動して、可動保持
部材６６２を２本のガイドバー６６３に沿って直進往復
動させる。可動保持部材６６２に固定された中折り板部
材６６１も同時に直進往復動する。The movable holding member 662 is supported so as to reciprocate linearly along two guide bars 663 arranged in parallel with the fixed substrate 667. By the rotation of the gear g8,
The eccentric motion of the annular concave portion 664A causes the roller 666 to rotate.
Moves along the inner wall of the annular concave portion 664A, and causes the movable holding member 662 to reciprocate rectilinearly along the two guide bars 663. The center fold plate member 661 fixed to the movable holding member 662 also reciprocates linearly at the same time.
【００９５】・（用紙の中折り処理）図１２は、用紙Ｓ
の折り目部ａが中折り形成部６７を通過する状態を示す
断面図である。(Center folding process of paper) FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the fold part a of FIG.
【００９６】モータＭ３の駆動開始により、可動保持部
材６６２に保持された中折り板部材６６１が前進する。
中折り板部材６６１の先端部は、用紙Ｓの用紙搬送方向
の中央部（折り目部ａ）を突き出し、回転を停止してい
る中折りローラ対６７１の挟持位置Ｘに送り込み、用紙
Ｓを中折りする。When the driving of the motor M3 is started, the center folding plate member 661 held by the movable holding member 662 moves forward.
The leading end of the center folding plate member 661 protrudes from the center (folded portion a) of the sheet S in the sheet conveying direction, and feeds the sheet S to the holding position X of the center folding roller pair 671 that has stopped rotating. I do.
【００９７】中折り板部材６６１の先端部が、用紙Ｓの
折り合わせ部を突き出して、中折りローラ対６７１の外
周面に摺接して挟持位置Ｘに送り込むとき、中折りロー
ラ対６７１の各軸端に設けられた一方向回転クラッチＣ
Ａ，ＣＢにより、中折りローラ対６７１は移動する用紙
Ｓと連れ回りして、用紙搬送方向にのみ従動回転する。When the leading end of the center folding plate member 661 protrudes from the folded portion of the sheet S and slides on the outer peripheral surface of the pair of center folding rollers 671 and feeds it to the holding position X, each axis of the pair of center folding rollers 671 is moved. One-way rotating clutch C provided at the end
By A and CB, the center folding roller pair 671 rotates with the moving sheet S and is driven and rotated only in the sheet conveying direction.
【００９８】中折り板部材６６１の先端部は、中折りロ
ーラ対６７１の挟持位置Ｘより若干（０．５〜１０ｍ
ｍ）越えた最大押し込み位置Ｙまで前進して用紙Ｓを中
折り状態に押し込んだ後、戻り動作を開始する。中折り
板部材６６１の先端部の戻り動作中、用紙Ｓの中折り部
が中折りローラ対６７１の挟持位置Ｘを通過した後、モ
ータＭ２の駆動を開始させ、中折りローラ対６７１の駆
動回転を開始させる。The leading end of the center folding plate member 661 is slightly (0.5 to 10 m) away from the sandwiching position X of the center folding roller pair 671.
m) The sheet S is advanced to the pushed maximum pushing position Y and the sheet S is pushed into the half-fold state, and then the returning operation is started. During the return operation of the leading end of the center folding plate member 661, after the center folding portion of the sheet S has passed the sandwiching position X of the center folding roller pair 671, the driving of the motor M2 is started, and the driving rotation of the center folding roller pair 671 is started. To start.
【００９９】中折り板部材６６１は引き続き戻り動作を
続行し、用紙Ｓの折り合わせ部から中折り板部材６６１
の先端部が引き抜かれ、用紙Ｓの折り合わせ部は中折り
ローラ対６７１の外周面に挟持、保持されて、折り目が
強く付けられる。The center folding plate member 661 continues the return operation, and the center folding plate member 661 moves from the folding portion of the sheet S.
Is pulled out, and the folded portion of the sheet S is nipped and held by the outer peripheral surface of the pair of center folding rollers 671 to be strongly creased.
【０１００】用紙Ｓの折り合わせ部から中折り板部材６
６１の先端部が引き抜かれるとき、中折りローラ対６７
１は、一方向回転クラッチＣＡ，ＣＢにより、逆転が防
止されるから、用紙Ｓが後退することはない。From the sheet S folding portion to the middle folding plate member 6
When the leading end of 61 is pulled out, the pair of center folding rollers 67
In No. 1, since the one-way rotation clutches CA and CB prevent reverse rotation, the sheet S does not retreat.
【０１０１】以上が、中折り処理の基本動作である。折
り性能向上のための本発明の用紙後処理装置の詳細は、
後述の第１乃至第４の実施の形態で詳細に説明する。The above is the basic operation of the center folding process. Details of the sheet post-processing device of the present invention for improving folding performance
This will be described in detail in first to fourth embodiments described later.
【０１０２】・（用紙の加圧処理）図１３は、中折り処
理された用紙Ｓが加圧部６８を通過する状態を示す断面
図である。(Paper Pressing Process) FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sheet S that has been subjected to the center folding process passes through the pressing unit 68.
【０１０３】回転する中折りローラ対６７１の挟持位置
を通過した用紙Ｓの先端部は、回転する加圧ローラ対６
８１の挟持位置に送り込まれる。用紙Ｓの先端部は、固
定位置で回転する加圧ローラ６８１Ｂと、揺動板６８７
に揺動可能に支持され回転する加圧ローラ６８１Ａとに
より挟持されて、折り目部ａが更に強く付けられる。The leading end of the sheet S that has passed the sandwiching position of the rotating center folding roller pair 671 is connected to the rotating pressing roller pair 6.
81 is sent to the holding position. The leading end of the sheet S has a pressing roller 681B rotating at a fixed position and a swing plate 687.
The fold part a is further strongly attached by being sandwiched between the pressure roller 681A which is supported swingably and rotates.
【０１０４】アーム６７２Ａは支軸６７３Ａを中心にし
て揺動可能に支持され、バネ６７４Ａにより付勢されて
いる。揺動板６８７は支軸６８９を中心にして揺動可能
に支持され、バネ６８８により付勢されている。The arm 672A is supported so as to be able to swing around a support shaft 673A, and is urged by a spring 674A. The swing plate 687 is supported so as to be swingable about a support shaft 689, and is urged by a spring 688.
【０１０５】中折りローラ対６７１に挟持されて搬送さ
れる中折り用紙束は、ローラ間隔が広げられた加圧ロー
ラ対６８１間に押し込まれ、加圧ローラ対６８１により
挟持されて、折り目がしっかり付けられた後、用紙束の
厚さに関係なく円滑に搬送される。The bundle of half-folded paper conveyed by being sandwiched between the pair of center-folding rollers 671 is pushed between the pair of pressure rollers 681 with the roller interval increased, and is sandwiched by the pair of pressure rollers 681 so that the fold is firmly formed. After being attached, the sheet bundle is smoothly conveyed regardless of the thickness of the sheet bundle.
【０１０６】・（用紙の排出）図１４は中折り及び加圧
処理済みの用紙を排出する状態を示す断面図である。(Paper Discharge) FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sheet after the half-folding and pressure processing is discharged.
【０１０７】回転する加圧ローラ対６８１の挟持位置を
通過した用紙Ｓの先端部は、機外に搬出される。用紙Ｓ
の後端部が通過すると、中折りローラ対６７１が閉じら
れた初期状態に戻り、アーム６７２Ａ，６７２Ｂの先端
部が弾性を有する停止部材６７８に当接して停止する。The leading end of the sheet S that has passed the holding position of the rotating pressure roller pair 681 is carried out of the apparatus. Paper S
When the rear end portion passes, the center folding roller pair 671 returns to the initial state in which it is closed, and the front end portions of the arms 672A and 672B abut against the elastic stop member 678 and stop.
【０１０８】なお、中折りローラ対６７１、加圧ローラ
対６８１は各一対に限定されるものではなく、必要に応
じて適宜、何対配置してもよい。The center folding roller pair 671 and the pressure roller pair 681 are not limited to each pair, and any number of pairs may be arranged as needed.
【０１０９】［用紙中折り制御の第１の実施の形態］図
１５は、用紙Ｓの中折り処理工程を説明する図である。
図１６は中綴じ処理された１０枚以上の用紙Ｓを中折り
処理する工程のタイミングチャート、図１７は後処理装
置の制御を示すブロック図である。以下、制御手段９０
による１０枚以上の用紙Ｓを中折り処理する工程の制御
を説明する。[First Embodiment of Sheet Folding Control] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the sheet S folding process.
FIG. 16 is a timing chart of a step of center-folding ten or more sheets S subjected to saddle stitching, and FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing control of the post-processing device. Hereinafter, the control means 90
The control of the process of center-folding 10 or more sheets S according to the above will be described.
【０１１０】（１） 図１５（ａ）は、中折り処理開始
前の初期状態を示す。中折りローラ６７１Ａを支持する
アーム６７２Ａと、中折りローラ６７１Ｂを支持するア
ーム６７２Ｂとは、中折り板部材６６１が、中折りロー
ラ対６７１の挟持位置に挿入されるように対称に配置さ
れ、バネ６７４Ａ，６７４Ｂに均等に付勢され、停止部
材６７８により停止状態に保持されている。この停止状
態において、中折りローラ対６７１の各外周面は、互い
に近接又は軽接触するように、アーム６７２Ａ，６７２
Ｂの先端部が停止部材６７８に当接する（図１４参
照）。この初期状態において、中折り板部材６６１は待
機位置Ｗに停止している。(1) FIG. 15A shows an initial state before the center folding process starts. The arm 672A that supports the center folding roller 671A and the arm 672B that supports the center folding roller 671B are symmetrically arranged so that the center folding plate member 661 is inserted into the sandwiching position of the center folding roller pair 671. 674A and 674B are evenly urged, and are stopped by a stop member 678. In this stopped state, the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of center folding rollers 671 are close to or slightly in contact with each other, and the arms 672A, 672
The tip of B contacts the stop member 678 (see FIG. 14). In this initial state, the center folding plate member 661 is stopped at the standby position W.
【０１１１】（２） 図１５（ｂ）は、中折り形成部６
７の挟持位置Ｘを用紙Ｓの先端部が通過する状態を示
す。(2) FIG. 15 (b) shows the center fold forming section 6.
7 shows a state in which the leading end of the sheet S passes through the holding position X of No. 7.
【０１１２】モータＭ３の駆動開始により、中折り板部
材６６１が前進する。中折り板部材６６１の先端部は、
用紙Ｓの用紙搬送方向の中央部（折り目部ａ）を突き出
し、中折りローラ対６７１を従動回転させ、挟持間隔を
押し広げ、挟持位置Ｘに送り込み、用紙Ｓを中折りす
る。When the driving of the motor M3 is started, the center folding plate member 661 moves forward. The tip of the center fold plate member 661 is
The central portion (fold portion a) of the sheet S in the sheet transport direction is protruded, the center folding roller pair 671 is driven to rotate, the pinching interval is pushed and widened, and the sheet S is fed to the pinching position X, and the sheet S is folded in the middle.
【０１１３】（３） 図１５（ｃ）は、用紙Ｓの先端部
が挟持位置Ｘを越えた最大押し込み位置Ｙに到達した状
態を示す。(3) FIG. 15 (c) shows a state where the leading end of the sheet S has reached the maximum pushing position Y beyond the nipping position X.
【０１１４】中折り板部材６６１はモータＭ３により更
に前進駆動されて、用紙Ｓの中折り部を押圧して、従動
回転する中折りローラ対６７１の挟持位置Ｘを越えた最
大押し込み位置Ｙに到達する（図１２参照）。The middle folding plate member 661 is further driven forward by the motor M3 to press the middle folding portion of the sheet S and reach the maximum pushing position Y beyond the sandwiching position X of the driven middle folding roller pair 671. (See FIG. 12).
【０１１５】（４） 図１５（ｄ）は、中折りローラ対
６７１の逆回転開始状態を示す。モータＭ３は駆動回転
を継続して、コロ６６６は偏芯円筒部材６６４の環状凹
部６６４Ａに沿って転動し、中折り板部材６６１の先端
部は最大押し込み位置Ｙから後退する。(4) FIG. 15D shows a state in which the center folding roller pair 671 starts reverse rotation. The motor M3 continues to rotate and the roller 666 rolls along the annular concave portion 664A of the eccentric cylindrical member 664, and the tip of the center folding plate member 661 retreats from the maximum pushing position Y.
【０１１６】モータＭ３の駆動回転開始時点から所定時
間ｔ１経過までに中折り板部材６６１は挟持位置Ｘより
も後退し、モータＭ２による逆回転駆動が開始され、中
折りローラ対６７１の逆回転が開始される。The center folding plate member 661 is retracted from the holding position X by the elapse of a predetermined time t1 from the start of the driving rotation of the motor M3, the reverse rotation drive by the motor M2 is started, and the reverse rotation of the center folding roller pair 671 is started. Be started.
【０１１７】所定時間ｔ１経過後、更に所定時間ｔ２を
経過すると、モータＭ３の駆動回転が停止され、中折り
板部材６６１の後退が停止される。従って、中折り板部
材６６１の後退と、中折りローラ対６７１の逆回転とに
より、用紙Ｓの先端部に中折り板部材６６１が存在しな
い状態で、挟持位置Ｘを再度通過するため、折り目部ａ
が強く押圧されて戻される。なお、中折り板部材６６１
の後退後、中折りローラ対６７１の逆回転駆動開始まで
の時間を、用紙Ｓの折り枚数や用紙Ｓの厚さに応じて可
変としても良い。When the predetermined time t2 has elapsed after the elapse of the predetermined time t1, the drive rotation of the motor M3 is stopped, and the retraction of the center folding plate member 661 is stopped. Therefore, the reversing of the center folding plate member 661 and the reverse rotation of the center folding roller pair 671 cause the sheet S to pass through the clamping position X again without the center folding plate member 661 at the leading end of the sheet S. a
Is strongly pressed back. The center fold plate member 661
After retreating, the time until the start of the reverse rotation of the pair of center folding rollers 671 may be made variable according to the number of folded sheets S and the thickness of the sheet S.
【０１１８】（５） 図１５（ｅ）は、中折り板部材６
６１が一時停止位置Ｚに到達した状態を示す。(5) FIG. 15E shows the center folding plate member 6.
Reference numeral 61 indicates a state where the temporary stop position Z has been reached.
【０１１９】所定時間ｔ２経過時には、モータＭ３によ
る中折り板部材６６１の後退が停止されるとともに、モ
ータＭ２の逆回転駆動が停止されると、用紙Ｓの折り目
部ａは中折りローラ対６７１の入口部近傍に停止し、所
定時間ｔ３の不作動状態を保持する。After the elapse of the predetermined time t2, the retraction of the center folding plate member 661 by the motor M3 is stopped, and the reverse rotation of the motor M2 is stopped. It stops near the entrance and maintains the inoperative state for a predetermined time t3.
【０１２０】（６） 図１５（ｆ）は、中折り板部材６
６１の前進駆動と、中折りローラ対６７１の正回転駆動
開始状態を示す。(6) FIG. 15 (f) shows the center folding plate member 6.
61 shows a state in which the forward drive of the pair 61 and the forward rotation drive of the center folding roller pair 671 are started.
【０１２１】所定時間ｔ３経過後、モータＭ３の逆回転
駆動により、コロ６６６は偏芯円筒部材６６４の環状凹
部６６４Ａに沿って往路の移動軌跡６６６Ａを逆行し、
中折り板部材６６１を一時停止位置Ｚから再び前進させ
る。After a predetermined time t3 has elapsed, the roller 666 reverses the forward movement path 666A along the annular concave portion 664A of the eccentric cylindrical member 664 by the reverse rotation drive of the motor M3.
The center folding plate member 661 is advanced again from the temporary stop position Z.
【０１２２】中折り板部材６６１の前進開始後、所定時
間ｔ４を経過すると、モータＭ２の正回転駆動が開始さ
れる。用紙Ｓの先端部は、中折りローラ対６７１と中折
り板部材６６１とに挟持されて合計三度、挟持位置Ｘを
通過して折り目部ａが押圧される。なお、用紙Ｓの先端
部が中折りローラ対６７１の挟持位置Ｘを通過する回数
は、三度に限定されるものではなく、中折り処理される
用紙Ｓの枚数や紙厚に応じて制御手段９０により可変に
設定する事も可能である。When a predetermined time t4 has elapsed after the start of the advance of the center folding plate member 661, the forward rotation of the motor M2 is started. The leading end of the sheet S is sandwiched between the center folding roller pair 671 and the center folding plate member 661 and passes through the sandwiching position X a total of three times to press the fold a. The number of times that the leading end of the sheet S passes through the sandwiching position X of the center folding roller pair 671 is not limited to three times, and may be controlled by the control means in accordance with the number of sheets S to be center-folded and the thickness of the sheet. 90 can be set variably.
【０１２３】（７） 図１５（ｇ）は、中折り板部材６
６１の待機位置Ｗへの復帰状態を示す。(7) FIG. 15 (g) shows the center folding plate member 6.
61 shows a state of return to the standby position W at 61.
【０１２４】モータＭ３の逆回転駆動継続により、コロ
６６６は偏芯円筒部材６６４の環状凹部６６４Ａに沿っ
て往路の移動軌跡６６６Ａを引き続き逆行する。中折り
板部材６６１は前進から後退に変わり、用紙Ｓの折り目
部ａから離脱する。中折り板部材６６１が前進から後退
に転じて折り目部ａから離脱する間に、モータＭ２は正
回転を開始し、所定時間ｔ５の計時終了後、所定時間ｔ
６経過中に駆動を停止する。By continuing the reverse rotation driving of the motor M3, the roller 666 continuously moves backward along the forward movement path 666A along the annular concave portion 664A of the eccentric cylindrical member 664. The middle fold plate member 661 changes from forward movement to backward movement and separates from the fold part a of the sheet S. While the middle folding plate member 661 turns from forward to backward and separates from the fold portion a, the motor M2 starts to rotate forward, and after a predetermined time t5 has been counted, a predetermined time t
The drive is stopped during the lapse of 6 seconds.
【０１２５】（８） 図１５（ｈ）は、用紙Ｓが中折り
ローラ対６７１と加圧ローラ対６８１に挟持されて搬送
される状態を示す。(8) FIG. 15 (h) shows a state in which the sheet S is conveyed while being sandwiched between the pair of center folding rollers 671 and the pair of pressure rollers 681.
【０１２６】所定時間ｔ６の計時終了後、モータＭ２を
再度駆動して、中折りローラ対６７１と加圧ローラ対６
８１の正回転駆動を開始する。所定時間ｔ７経過後、所
定時間ｔ８の間、モータＭ２の駆動回転を停止する。加
圧ローラ対６８１の正回転駆動及び停止時の押圧によ
り、用紙Ｓの折り目部ａが更に強化される。なお、所定
時間ｔ８は、用紙Ｓの枚数や紙厚に応じて可変としても
良い。After completion of the measurement of the predetermined time t6, the motor M2 is driven again, and the center folding roller pair 671 and the pressing roller pair 6 are driven.
The normal rotation drive of 81 is started. After the predetermined time t7 has elapsed, the drive rotation of the motor M2 is stopped for the predetermined time t8. The fold part a of the sheet S is further strengthened by the forward rotation drive of the pressure roller pair 681 and the pressing at the time of stop. Note that the predetermined time t8 may be variable according to the number and thickness of the sheets S.
【０１２７】（９） 所定時間ｔ７経過後、所定時間ｔ
８経過中、モータＭ２は停止し、所定時間ｔ８経過後、
モータＭ２は正回転駆動を開始し、中折りローラ対６７
１と加圧ローラ対６８１の正回転駆動を開始する（図１
３参照）。(9) After the lapse of the predetermined time t7, the predetermined time t
During a lapse of 8 hours, the motor M2 stops, and after a lapse of a predetermined time t8,
The motor M2 starts the forward rotation drive, and the center folding roller pair 67
1 and the positive rotation drive of the pressure roller pair 681 is started (FIG. 1).
3).
【０１２８】排紙部センサＰＳ３が用紙Ｓの先端部通過
を検知し、所定時間ｔ９経過後、モータＭ２の正回転駆
動を停止させる。この所定時間ｔ９経過中に、用紙Ｓは
中折りローラ対６７１と加圧ローラ対６８１の正回転駆
動により、機外に排出される（図１４参照）。The paper discharge sensor PS3 detects the passage of the leading end of the paper S, and after a lapse of a predetermined time t9, the motor M2 stops the forward rotation. During the elapse of the predetermined time t9, the sheet S is discharged out of the apparatus by the forward rotation of the pair of center folding rollers 671 and the pair of pressure rollers 681 (see FIG. 14).
【０１２９】また、所定時間ｔ８の経過中に、モータＭ
３により中折り板部材６６１の後退と正回転駆動開始準
備を行う。即ち、中折り板部材６６１が後退して待機位
置Ｗを通過し、前進に転向し、中折り板部材６６１の初
期位置を通過後、所定時間ｔ１０経過後に、モータＭ３
の逆回転駆動を停止させ、更に所定時間ｔ１１経過後に
モータＭ３の正回転駆動を開始させ、中折り板部材６６
１を後退させる。中折り板部材６６１が中折り板部材６
６１の初期位置を通過後、所定時間ｔ１２経過後、モー
タＭ３の正回転駆動を停止させ、中折り板部材６６１を
待機位置Ｗに復帰させる。During the elapse of the predetermined time t8, the motor M
By 3, preparation for retreating the center-folding plate member 661 and starting the normal rotation drive is performed. That is, the center folding plate member 661 moves backward, passes through the standby position W, turns forward, and passes through the initial position of the center folding plate member 661, and after a predetermined time t10, the motor M3
Is stopped, and after a lapse of a predetermined time t11, the motor M3 is started to rotate in the forward direction.
Retract one. The center fold plate member 661 is used as the center fold plate member 6.
After a predetermined time t12 has elapsed after passing through the initial position 61, the motor M3 stops the forward rotation drive and returns the center folding plate member 661 to the standby position W.
【０１３０】［用紙中折り制御の第２の実施の形態］図
１８は、６〜９枚の中綴じ処理された用紙Ｓを中折り処
理する工程のタイミングチャートである。なお、図中に
おいて、前記の第１の実施の形態と異なる点を説明す
る。[Second Embodiment of Sheet Folding Control] FIG. 18 is a timing chart of a step of performing a center folding process on 6 to 9 sheets S which have been subjected to the saddle stitching process. In the figure, points different from the first embodiment will be described.
【０１３１】用紙Ｓが６〜９枚の場合には、中折り処理
後の用紙束の膨らみの発生が第１の実施の形態の場合よ
り少ない。In the case where the number of sheets S is 6 to 9, the swelling of the sheet bundle after the middle folding process is less than in the case of the first embodiment.
【０１３２】第２の実施の形態では、用紙Ｓの折り目部
ａに中折り板部材６６１を往復駆動させる動作（所定時
間ｔ２，ｔ５）は第１の実施の形態と同様であるが、中
折りローラ対６７１の正回転駆動及び停止後のモータＭ
２の再度の正回転駆動（所定時間ｔ７）を省略し、所定
時間ｔ８も省略する。所定時間ｔ６経過後にモータＭ２
を正回転駆動して、直接排紙動作（所定時間ｔ９）を行
うものである。In the second embodiment, the operation (predetermined times t2, t5) of reciprocatingly driving the center folding plate member 661 at the fold portion a of the sheet S is the same as that of the first embodiment. Motor M after forward rotation of roller pair 671 and stop
The second positive rotation drive (predetermined time t7) is also omitted, and the predetermined time t8 is also omitted. After a lapse of a predetermined time t6, the motor M2
Is driven in the forward direction to directly perform a paper discharging operation (predetermined time t9).
【０１３３】中折り板部材６６１が二度目に後退して、
用紙Ｓの折り目部ａから離脱した直後に、排紙動作を実
行する事により、中折り処理の所要時間を短縮する事が
できる。The center folding plate member 661 retreats for the second time,
The time required for the center folding process can be reduced by executing the sheet discharging operation immediately after the sheet S is released from the fold portion a.
【０１３４】［用紙中折り制御の第３の実施の形態］図
１９は、２〜３枚の用紙Ｓ、又は２〜５枚の中綴じ処理
された用紙Ｓを中折り処理する工程のタイミングチャー
トである。なお、図中において、前記の第２の実施の形
態と異なる点を説明する。[Third Embodiment of Sheet Folding Control] FIG. 19 is a timing chart of a process of center-folding two to three sheets S or two to five saddle-stitched sheets S. It is. In the drawing, points different from the second embodiment will be described.
【０１３５】用紙Ｓが２〜５枚の場合には、中折り処理
後の用紙束の膨らみの発生が第２の実施の形態の場合よ
り更に少ない。In the case where the number of sheets S is 2 to 5, the swelling of the sheet bundle after the center folding process is further reduced than in the case of the second embodiment.
【０１３６】第３の実施の形態では、用紙Ｓの折り目部
ａに中折り板部材６６１を１往復駆動させる動作が第２
の実施の形態と異なる。また、モータＭ２の逆回転駆動
（所定時間ｔ１，ｔ２）を省略した。In the third embodiment, the operation of driving the center folding plate member 661 one reciprocation on the fold portion a of the sheet S is the second operation.
This embodiment is different from the embodiment. Also, the reverse rotation drive of the motor M2 (predetermined times t1, t2) is omitted.
【０１３７】モータＭ３の正回転駆動開始により中折り
板部材６６１を前進させる。モータＭ３の正回転駆動開
始から所定時間ｔ１３経過後、モータＭ２の正回転駆動
を開始する。中折り板部材６６１の先端部が用紙Ｓの中
央部を押圧して前進し、中折りローラ対６７１が正回転
駆動する。用紙Ｓの先端部は、中折り板部材６６１と、
中折りローラ対６７１とに挟持されて搬送され、最大押
し込み位置Ｙに送り込まれ、折り目部ａが形成される。
その後、中折りローラ対６７１の回転が停止され、用紙
Ｓの先端部近傍を押圧、保持した状態で、中折り板部材
６６１を後退させ、用紙中折り部から離脱させる。When the forward rotation of the motor M3 is started, the center folding plate member 661 is advanced. After a lapse of a predetermined time t13 from the start of the forward rotation of the motor M3, the forward rotation of the motor M2 is started. The leading end of the center folding plate member 661 pushes the center of the sheet S and moves forward, and the center folding roller pair 671 is driven to rotate forward. The leading end of the sheet S has a center fold plate member 661,
The sheet is conveyed while being sandwiched between the pair of center folding rollers 671 and fed to the maximum pushing position Y to form a fold portion a.
Thereafter, the rotation of the pair of center folding rollers 671 is stopped, and the center folding plate member 661 is retracted while leaving the vicinity of the leading end of the sheet S pressed and held, and separated from the sheet folding section.
【０１３８】モータＭ２の正回転駆動（所定時間ｔ５）
終了後、所定時間ｔ６経過後にモータＭ２を正回転駆動
して、中折り処理された用紙Ｓを排紙する。[0138] Forward rotation drive of the motor M2 (predetermined time t5)
After the end, after a predetermined time t6 has elapsed, the motor M2 is driven to rotate forward to discharge the sheet S that has been subjected to the half-fold processing.
【０１３９】中折り板部材６６１が前進後退する１往復
と、中折り板部材６６１が用紙Ｓの折り目部ａから離脱
した直後に排紙動作を実行する事とにより、中折り処理
の所要時間を更に短縮する事ができる。The time required for the center-folding process is reduced by one reciprocation in which the center-folding plate member 661 advances and retreats, and by executing the sheet discharging operation immediately after the center-folding plate member 661 is separated from the fold portion a of the sheet S. It can be further shortened.
【０１４０】［用紙中折り制御の第４の実施の形態］図
２０は１枚の用紙Ｓを中折り処理する工程のタイミング
チャートである。なお、図中において、前記の第３の実
施の形態と異なる点を説明する。[Fourth Embodiment of Sheet Folding Control] FIG. 20 is a timing chart of a step of performing a center folding process on one sheet S. In the figure, points different from the third embodiment will be described.
【０１４１】用紙Ｓが１枚の場合には、中折り処理後の
用紙束の膨らみの発生が第３の実施の形態の場合より更
に少ない。When the number of sheets S is one, the occurrence of swelling of the sheet bundle after the center folding process is further reduced than in the case of the third embodiment.
【０１４２】第４の実施の形態では、用紙Ｓの折り目部
ａに中折り板部材６６１を１往復駆動させる動作は第３
の実施の形態と同様である。また、モータＭ２の正回転
駆動（所定時間ｔ５，ｔ６）を省略した。In the fourth embodiment, the operation of driving the center fold plate member 661 back and forth on the fold portion a of the sheet S is the third operation.
This is the same as the embodiment. Further, the forward rotation drive (predetermined times t5, t6) of the motor M2 is omitted.
【０１４３】モータＭ３の正回転駆動開始により中折り
板部材６６１を前進させる。モータＭ３の正回転駆動開
始から所定時間ｔ１４経過後、モータＭ２の正回転駆動
を開始する。中折り板部材６６１の先端部が用紙Ｓの中
央部を押圧して前進し、中折りローラ対６７１が正回転
駆動する。用紙Ｓの先端部は、中折り板部材６６１と、
中折りローラ対６７１とに挟持されて搬送され、最大押
し込み位置Ｙに送り込まれ、折り目部ａが形成される。
引き続き、中折りローラ対６７１の回転が継続されて、
中折り処理された用紙Ｓは機外に排出される。中折り板
部材６６１は後退して用紙中折り部から離脱する。By starting the forward rotation of the motor M3, the center folding plate member 661 is advanced. After a lapse of a predetermined time t14 from the start of the forward rotation of the motor M3, the forward rotation of the motor M2 is started. The leading end of the center folding plate member 661 pushes the center of the sheet S and moves forward, and the center folding roller pair 671 is driven to rotate forward. The leading end of the sheet S has a center fold plate member 661,
The sheet is conveyed while being sandwiched between the pair of center folding rollers 671 and fed to the maximum pushing position Y to form a fold portion a.
Subsequently, the rotation of the center folding roller pair 671 is continued,
The sheet S that has been subjected to the center folding process is discharged out of the apparatus. The center folding plate member 661 retreats and separates from the sheet center folding portion.
【０１４４】中折り板部材６６１が連続して前進後退す
る１往復移動と、中折りローラ対６７１を駆動回転させ
て排紙動作を実行する事とにより、中折り処理の所要時
間を更に短縮する事ができる。The time required for the center-folding process is further reduced by one reciprocating movement in which the center-folding plate member 661 continuously advances and retreats, and by driving and rotating the center-folding roller pair 671 to execute the sheet discharging operation. Can do things.
【０１４５】［中折り処理された用紙の折り高さ］図２
１（ａ）は中折り処理された用紙Ｓの膨らみを測定する
装置の模式図である。[Folding Height of Center-Folded Sheet] FIG. 2
FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for measuring the swelling of a sheet S that has been subjected to the center folding process.
【０１４６】平板Ｄ上に中折り処理された用紙Ｓを載置
し、用紙Ｓの最大膨らみ高さ（折り高さ）Ｈと、平板Ｄ
上に垂直に立てたスケールＥの目盛とを見通して、目測
で読み取る。The sheet S that has been subjected to the middle folding process is placed on the flat plate D, and the maximum swelling height (folding height) H of the sheet S and the flat plate D are set.
It is read by eye, looking at the scale of the scale E vertically set up on the top.
【０１４７】[0147]
【表１】 [Table 1]
【０１４８】表１は、中折り処理された用紙Ｓの折り高
さＨを実測した結果を示す。中折りローラ対６７１の挟
持位置Ｘにおける折り圧は、何れも３０ｋｇ／３５ｃｍ
である。中折りローラ６７１Ａ，６７１Ｂのローラ長さ
は３５０ｍｍ、ローラの周速は５８０ｍｍ／ｓである。
用紙Ｓは、何れもＡ３判サイズ、斤量６４ｇ／ｍ2を用
いた。用紙Ｓの枚数は２枚、５枚、１０枚、１６枚であ
る。用紙Ｓの折り高さＨは、５回の実測値と、その平均
値である。Table 1 shows the result of actually measuring the folding height H of the sheet S that has been subjected to the center folding processing. The folding pressure at the sandwiching position X of the center folding roller pair 671 is 30 kg / 35 cm.
It is. The roller length of the center folding rollers 671A and 671B is 350 mm, and the peripheral speed of the rollers is 580 mm / s.
As the paper S, A3 size and basis weight of 64 g / m 2 were used. The number of sheets S is 2, 5, 10, and 16 sheets. The folding height H of the sheet S is an actually measured value of five times and an average value thereof.
【０１４９】図２１（ｂ）は中折り処理された用紙Ｓの
折り高さＨの特性図である。図中、実線は本発明による
実施例、破線は従来技術の比較例をそれぞれ示す。FIG. 21B is a characteristic diagram of the folding height H of the sheet S that has been subjected to the center folding process. In the figure, a solid line shows an example according to the present invention, and a broken line shows a comparative example of the prior art.
【０１５０】用紙Ｓの折り高さＨの平均値は、本発明に
よる実施例によれば、中折り処理可能な最大用紙枚数１
６枚の場合で３５ｍｍであり、従来技術の比較例の折り
高さ４１ｍｍに比して少なく、良好な結果が得られた。
用紙Ｓの枚数が２枚、５枚、１０枚の場合でも用紙Ｓの
折り高さＨは、本発明による実施例は、従来の技術の比
較例に比して少なく、良好な結果が得られた。According to the embodiment of the present invention, the average value of the folding height H of the sheet S is equal to the maximum number of sheets 1 that can be folded in half.
In the case of six sheets, it was 35 mm, which was smaller than the folding height of 41 mm of the comparative example of the prior art, and good results were obtained.
Even when the number of sheets S is two, five, or ten, the folding height H of the sheet S is smaller in the embodiment according to the present invention than in the comparative example of the related art, and good results are obtained. Was.
【０１５１】なお、本発明の実施の形態では、複写機に
接続した用紙後処理装置を示したが、プリンタ、ファク
シミリ等の画像形成装置や軽印刷機等と接続して使用す
る用紙後処理装置にも適用可能である。In the embodiment of the present invention, a paper post-processing apparatus connected to a copying machine has been described. However, a paper post-processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a facsimile or a light printing machine or the like is used. It is also applicable to
【０１５２】[0152]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明の用紙後処
理方法及び用紙後処理装置により、以下の優れた効果が
得られる。As described above, the following excellent effects can be obtained by the paper post-processing method and the paper post-processing apparatus of the present invention.
【０１５３】用紙束の搬送方向中央部を、用紙突き出し
手段の中折り板部材により押圧しつつ中折りローラ対の
挟持位置に押し込み、前記用紙束を中折り処理する用紙
後処理装置において、中折り板部材の前進、後退、及び
前記中折りローラ対の正回転、逆回転を複数回実行し
て、用紙束の中折り部が中折りローラの挟持位置を複数
回通過するように中折り板部材駆動手段及び中折りロー
ラ駆動手段を制御し、中折り板部材が中折りローラ対の
挟持位置を越えた所定位置にて一定時間保持する事によ
り、用紙束の折り目部の残留応力が消滅して、中折りさ
れた用紙束の膨らみがなくなり平担な製本形状になる。
特に、用紙枚数の多い用紙束における用紙束の膨らみが
解消され、用紙束の仕上がり外観品質が向上する。In a sheet post-processing device for center-folding the sheet bundle, the central portion in the transport direction of the sheet bundle is pushed by the middle folding plate member of the sheet ejecting means and pushed into the sandwiching position of the pair of center folding rollers. The forward / backward movement of the plate member and the normal rotation and reverse rotation of the center folding roller pair are performed a plurality of times, so that the center folding portion of the sheet bundle passes through the holding position of the center folding roller a plurality of times. By controlling the driving means and the center folding roller driving means, the center folding plate member is held at a predetermined position beyond the holding position of the center folding roller pair for a certain period of time, so that the residual stress at the fold portion of the sheet bundle disappears. Thus, the swelling of the sheet bundle folded in half is eliminated and a flat bookbinding shape is obtained.
In particular, the swelling of the sheet bundle in the sheet bundle having a large number of sheets is eliminated, and the finished appearance quality of the sheet bundle is improved.
【０１５４】また、複写機、プリンタ、ファクシミリ、
これらの複合機等の画像形成装置により所望の高速画像
形成処理が行われて排出された用紙は、用紙後処理装置
において、中折り処理が用紙枚数に対応して正確な動作
で行なわれ、用紙の折り目部の膨らみのない冊子が、画
像形成装置の生産性を損なうことなく、迅速に作製され
る。In addition, copying machines, printers, facsimile machines,
Sheets discharged after being subjected to a desired high-speed image forming process by an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine are subjected to a center folding process in a sheet post-processing apparatus by an accurate operation corresponding to the number of sheets. A booklet without bulging of the fold portion can be quickly manufactured without impairing the productivity of the image forming apparatus.
【図１】画像形成装置本体、画像読み取り装置、用紙後
処理装置から成る画像形成システムの全体構成図。FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus main body, an image reading device, and a sheet post-processing device.
【図２】後処理装置の用紙搬送経路を示す模式図。FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet conveyance path of a post-processing device.
【図３】後処理装置の上部機構を示す断面図。FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an upper mechanism of the post-processing apparatus.
【図４】後処理装置のステイプル処理部及び中折り処理
部を示す断面図。FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a staple processing unit and a center folding processing unit of the post-processing apparatus.
【図５】表紙と用紙の搬送経路と、用紙束の中綴じと中
折り処理過程を示す模式図。FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conveyance path of a cover and a sheet, and a saddle stitching and center folding process of a sheet bundle.
【図６】中綴じ処理された用紙の平面図、中綴じと中折
りの後処理を施した用紙束の斜視図、及び後処理済みの
用紙束を見開き状態にした斜視図。FIG. 6 is a plan view of a sheet that has undergone saddle stitching, a perspective view of a sheet bundle that has undergone saddle stitching and center folding, and a perspective view that has the post-processed sheet bundle open.
【図７】中折り処理部の断面図。FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a center folding section.
【図８】中折り処理部の斜視図。FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a center folding processing unit.
【図９】中折りローラ駆動手段の構成図。FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a center folding roller driving unit.
【図１０】中折り板部材駆動手段（第１駆動手段）の平
面図。FIG. 10 is a plan view of a center folding plate member driving unit (first driving unit).
【図１１】中折り板部材駆動手段（第１駆動手段）の断
面図。FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a center-folding-plate member driving unit (first driving unit).
【図１２】用紙の折り目部が中折り形成部を通過する状
態を示す断面図。FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a fold portion of a sheet passes through a center-fold forming portion.
【図１３】中折り処理された用紙が加圧部を通過する状
態を示す断面図。FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a sheet that has been subjected to the center folding process passes through a pressing unit.
【図１４】中折り及び加圧処理済みの用紙を排出する状
態を示す断面図。FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a sheet that has undergone center folding and pressure processing is discharged.
【図１５】用紙の中折り処理工程を説明する図。FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a sheet folding process step.
【図１６】１０枚以上の用紙を中折り処理する工程のタ
イミングチャート。FIG. 16 is a timing chart of a step of performing a center folding process on ten or more sheets.
【図１７】後処理装置の制御を示すブロック図。FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating control of the post-processing device.
【図１８】６〜９枚の用紙を中折り処理する工程のタイ
ミングチャート。FIG. 18 is a timing chart of a step of performing a center folding process on 6 to 9 sheets of paper.
【図１９】２〜５枚の用紙を中折り処理する工程のタイ
ミングチャート。FIG. 19 is a timing chart of a step of performing a center folding process on two to five sheets.
【図２０】１枚の用紙を中折り処理する工程のタイミン
グチャート。FIG. 20 is a timing chart of a step of performing a center folding process on one sheet.
【図２１】中折り処理された用紙の膨らみを測定する装
置の模式図、及び中折り処理された用紙の折り高さの特
性図。FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for measuring the swelling of a sheet that has undergone center folding, and a characteristic diagram of the folding height of the sheet that has undergone center folding.
６０ 中折り処理部 ６４ 第２用紙積載部 ６５ 折り部可動突き当て手段 ６６ 用紙突き出し手段 ６６０ 中折り板部材駆動手段（第１駆動手段） ６６１ 中折り板部材 ６７ 中折り形成部 ６７０ 中折りローラ駆動手段（第２駆動手段） ６７１ 中折りローラ対 ６７１Ａ，６７１Ｂ 中折りローラ ６８ 加圧部 ６８１ 加圧ローラ対（第２の中折りローラ対） ６８１Ａ，６８１Ｂ 加圧ローラ ８０ 排紙部 ９０ 制御手段 Ａ 画像形成装置本体 Ｃ 用紙後処理装置（後処理装置） Ｈ 最大膨らみ高さ（折り高さ） Ｓ 用紙 Ｗ 待機位置 Ｘ 挟持位置 Ｙ 最大押し込み位置 Ｚ 一時停止位置 ａ 折り目部 Reference Signs List 60 center folding processing unit 64 second sheet stacking unit 65 folding unit movable abutting unit 66 sheet ejecting unit 660 center folding plate member driving unit (first driving unit) 661 center folding plate member 67 center folding forming unit 670 center folding roller driving Means (second drive means) 671 middle folding roller pair 671A, 671B middle folding roller 68 pressure unit 681 pressure roller pair (second middle folding roller pair) 681A, 681B pressure roller 80 paper discharge unit 90 control unit A Image forming apparatus main body C Paper post-processing device (post-processing device) H Maximum bulging height (folding height) S Paper W Standby position X Nipping position Y Maximum pushing position Z Temporary stop position a Folding section
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 若林 裕之 東京都八王子市石川町2970番地コニカ株式 会社内 (72)発明者 岡部 宏彦 埼玉県所沢市若松町1067番地の47 Ｆターム(参考） 3F108 AA01 AB01 AC02 AC03 BA03 BA09 CD01 GA02 GA03 GA04 GB01 GB03 HA02 HA39 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on front page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Wakabayashi 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Konica Corporation (72) Inventor Hirohiko Okabe 47F term of 1067 Wakamatsucho, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama 3F108 AA01 AB01 AC02 AC03 BA03 BA09 CD01 GA02 GA03 GA04 GB01 GB03 HA02 HA39
Claims (6)
方向中央部を、用紙突き出し手段の中折り板部材により
押圧しつつ中折りローラ対の挟持位置に押し込み、前記
用紙束を中折り処理する用紙後処理方法において、前記
中折り板部材の前進駆動により前記挟持位置に前記用紙
束を押し込み、前記挟持位置において中折り部を形成
し、前記挟持位置を越えた所定位置に達した時点で前記
中折り板部材を後退させ待機位置に移動させた後、前記
中折りローラ対を逆回転させて前記挟持位置の手前側に
前記中折り部を後退させるとともに、前記中折り板部材
を再び前進駆動させて、前記中折り部の先端部が前記中
折りローラ対の挟持位置を超える所定位置まで前記用紙
束の中折り部を再度押し込み、その後、前記中折り板部
材を後退駆動させて待機位置に移動させるとともに、前
記中折りローラ対を正回転させ、前記用紙束を排出させ
ることを特徴とする用紙後処理方法。A center portion of a sheet bundle conveyed onto a sheet stacking section is pushed into a holding position of a pair of center folding rollers while being pressed by a center folding plate member of a sheet ejecting means, and the sheet bundle is folded in half. In the sheet post-processing method to be processed, when the sheet bundle is pushed into the holding position by the forward drive of the center folding plate member, a center folding portion is formed at the holding position, and the sheet bundle reaches a predetermined position beyond the holding position. After the middle folding plate member is retracted and moved to the standby position, the center folding roller pair is rotated in the reverse direction to retract the middle folding portion to the front side of the holding position, and the middle folding plate member is moved again. When the sheet is folded forward, the center folding portion is pushed again to a predetermined position where the leading end of the center folding portion exceeds the holding position of the pair of center folding rollers, and then the center folding plate member is driven backward to wait. A sheet post-processing method, wherein the sheet bundle is discharged to the machine position, and the center folding roller pair is rotated forward to discharge the sheet bundle.
方向中央部を、用紙突き出し手段の中折り板部材により
押圧しつつ中折りローラ対の挟持位置に押し込み、前記
用紙束を中折り処理する用紙後処理装置において、前記
用紙束の搬送方向中央部を挟持、押圧して折り目部を形
成させる回転可能な中折りローラ対と、前記中折りロー
ラ対の挟持位置に前記用紙束を押し込む用紙束押し込み
方向に移動可能な中折り板部材と、前記中折り板部材を
前進及び後退させる第１駆動手段と、前記中折りローラ
対を正回転及び逆回転させる第２駆動手段と、前記第１
駆動手段と前記第２駆動手段の駆動を制御する制御手段
と、を有し、前記中折り板部材の前進、後退、及び前記
中折りローラ対の正回転、逆回転を複数回実行して、前
記用紙束の中折り部が前記中折りローラ対の挟持位置を
複数回通過するように前記第１駆動手段及び前記第２駆
動手段を制御することを特徴とする用紙後処理装置。2. A central folding direction of a sheet bundle conveyed onto a sheet stacking section is pushed by a sheet folding means middle folding plate member and pushed into a sandwiching position of a pair of center folding rollers, and the sheet bundle is folded in half. In a sheet post-processing apparatus for processing, a rotatable center-fold roller pair for pinching and pressing a central portion in the transport direction of the sheet bundle to form a fold portion, and pressing the sheet bundle to a pinch position of the center-fold roller pair A center folding plate member movable in the sheet bundle pushing direction, a first driving unit for moving the center folding plate member forward and backward, a second driving unit for rotating the pair of center folding rollers in forward and reverse directions, and 1
Control means for controlling the driving of the driving means and the second driving means, forward, backward, and forward rotation of the middle folding plate member, forward rotation, reverse rotation of the pair of middle folding rollers a plurality of times, A sheet post-processing device, wherein the first driving unit and the second driving unit are controlled such that the center folding portion of the sheet bundle passes a plurality of times through the sandwiching position of the pair of center folding rollers.
段を備え、前記用紙束の用紙枚数に応じて、前記制御手
段が前記第１駆動手段及び前記第２駆動手段の繰り返し
駆動回数を制御することを特徴とする請求項２に記載の
用紙後処理装置。3. A detecting means for detecting the number of sheets of the sheet bundle, wherein the control means controls the number of repetitive driving of the first driving means and the second driving means according to the number of sheets of the sheet bundle. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
流側に、第２の中折りローラ対を備えたことを特徴とす
る請求項２に記載の用紙後処理装置。4. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second pair of center folding rollers downstream of the pair of center folding rollers in the sheet bundle conveying direction.
の中折り部を挟持した状態で所定時間停止することを特
徴とする請求項２〜４の何れか１項に記載の用紙後処理
装置。5. The sheet rear as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second center folding roller pair is stopped for a predetermined time in a state in which the second pair of center folding rollers sandwich the middle folding part of said sheet bundle. Processing equipment.
の中折り板部材、中折りローラ対、第２の中折りローラ
対、第１駆動手段、第２駆動手段、制御手段を有する用
紙後処理装置、及び画像形成手段、用紙搬送手段から成
る画像形成装置本体を備えて成ることを特徴とする画像
形成装置。6. A half-fold plate member, a half-fold roller pair, a second half-fold roller pair, a first drive unit, a second drive unit, and a control unit according to any one of claims 2 to 5. An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet post-processing device having the image forming apparatus; and an image forming apparatus main body including an image forming unit and a sheet conveying unit.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001153777A JP3915439B2 (en) | 2001-05-23 | 2001-05-23 | Paper post-processing method, paper post-processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001153777A JP3915439B2 (en) | 2001-05-23 | 2001-05-23 | Paper post-processing method, paper post-processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2002348032A true JP2002348032A (en) | 2002-12-04 |
| JP3915439B2 JP3915439B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 |
Family
ID=18998239
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001153777A Expired - Fee Related JP3915439B2 (en) | 2001-05-23 | 2001-05-23 | Paper post-processing method, paper post-processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3915439B2 (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7137944B2 (en) | 2002-01-10 | 2006-11-21 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Sheet finisher and image forming system using the same |
| JP2010006602A (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2010-01-14 | Duplo Corp | Saddle stitching and folding device |
| JP2010018440A (en) * | 2008-07-08 | 2010-01-28 | Toshiba Corp | Sheet folding apparatus, image forming apparatus using the same, and sheet folding method |
| US8201815B2 (en) | 2008-11-12 | 2012-06-19 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Sheet folding apparatus, image forming apparatus using the same, and sheet folding method |
| CN104590941A (en) * | 2013-10-30 | 2015-05-06 | 京瓷办公信息***株式会社 | Sheet folding apparatus and sheet post-processing apparatus |
| CN104960972A (en) * | 2010-05-28 | 2015-10-07 | 立志凯株式会社 | Sheet folding apparatus |
| CN112093175A (en) * | 2020-09-23 | 2020-12-18 | 马鞍山市示范生产力促进中心有限公司 | Transverse folding device for producing and packaging handkerchief paper |
-
2001
- 2001-05-23 JP JP2001153777A patent/JP3915439B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7137944B2 (en) | 2002-01-10 | 2006-11-21 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Sheet finisher and image forming system using the same |
| JP2010006602A (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2010-01-14 | Duplo Corp | Saddle stitching and folding device |
| JP2010018440A (en) * | 2008-07-08 | 2010-01-28 | Toshiba Corp | Sheet folding apparatus, image forming apparatus using the same, and sheet folding method |
| US8201815B2 (en) | 2008-11-12 | 2012-06-19 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Sheet folding apparatus, image forming apparatus using the same, and sheet folding method |
| CN104960972A (en) * | 2010-05-28 | 2015-10-07 | 立志凯株式会社 | Sheet folding apparatus |
| CN104960972B (en) * | 2010-05-28 | 2017-04-05 | 立志凯株式会社 | Sheet folding apparatus |
| CN104590941A (en) * | 2013-10-30 | 2015-05-06 | 京瓷办公信息***株式会社 | Sheet folding apparatus and sheet post-processing apparatus |
| CN112093175A (en) * | 2020-09-23 | 2020-12-18 | 马鞍山市示范生产力促进中心有限公司 | Transverse folding device for producing and packaging handkerchief paper |
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