JP3888101B2 - Sheet folding method, sheet folding apparatus, sheet post-processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Sheet folding method, sheet folding apparatus, sheet post-processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
JP3888101B2
JP3888101B2 JP2001253079A JP2001253079A JP3888101B2 JP 3888101 B2 JP3888101 B2 JP 3888101B2 JP 2001253079 A JP2001253079 A JP 2001253079A JP 2001253079 A JP2001253079 A JP 2001253079A JP 3888101 B2 JP3888101 B2 JP 3888101B2
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folding
rotating body
rotator
sheet
contact
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JP2003063736A (en
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毅 土屋
寿夫 志田
幹彦 山川
裕之 若林
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Konica Minolta Inc
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Konica Minolta Inc
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H45/00—Folding thin material
    • B65H45/12—Folding articles or webs with application of pressure to define or form crease lines
    • B65H45/14—Buckling folders

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  • Paper Feeding For Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は用紙を折り畳み処理する用紙の折り畳み方法及び用紙折り畳み装置、画像形成の後に、画像が形成された用紙を折り畳み処理する用紙後処理装置並びに画像形成装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
特開平１０−１９４５８６号公報や特願２０００−２４９６８９号等では、用紙折り畳み装置として、ナイフ状の折り畳み部材を用いて折り畳みを行うものや、ストッパに用紙先端を押し当てて用紙を搬送することにより用紙を折り曲げ折り畳むものが提案されている。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
前者の折り畳み装置では、ナイフ状の折り畳み部材の往復移動を伴うために装置が大型になり、画像形成装置の付属機器として用いられる用紙後処理装置に用いるのに問題があり、また、後者の折り畳み装置では、用紙を正確な位置で折り畳むことが困難であるという問題がある。
【０００４】
本発明は、従来の用紙折り畳み装置における前記した問題を解決することを目的とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記の本発明の目的は下記の発明により達成される。
【０００６】
１．第１折り畳み回転体と第１圧接回転体とからなる第１搬送手段及び第２折り畳み回転体と第２圧接回転体とからなり前記第１搬送手段の上流に配置された第２搬送手段を用い、
前記第１、第２圧接回転体のいずれか一方を変位し、少なくとも他方の圧接回転体に接する前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体のいずれか一方を駆動して、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体との間及び前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体との間に用紙を導入する導入工程及び、
前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体を、前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第２折り畳み回転体をそれぞれ接触させた状態で、前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体を互いに反対方向に回転させることにより、用紙に対して前記第１搬送手段と前記第２搬送手段とにより互いに反対方向の搬送力を作用させて用紙を屈曲させ折り目を形成し、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第２折り畳み回転体との間に用紙の折り目を搬送して、用紙を折り畳む折り畳み工程、
を有することを特徴とする用紙の折り畳み方法。
【０００７】
２．前記導入工程において、前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を接触させるとともに、前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体とを離間させ、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第２折り畳み回転体とを接触させて前記第１折り畳み回転体を駆動することにより、前記第２折り畳み回転体を前記第１折り畳み回転体に従動させ、前記第１搬送手段により用紙を搬送し導入することを特徴とする前記１に記載の用紙の折り畳み方法。
【０００８】
３．前記導入工程において、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体を接触させるとともに、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体とを離間させ、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第２折り畳み回転体とを接触させて前記第２折り畳み回転体を駆動することにより、前記第１折り畳み回転体を前記第２折り畳み回転体に従動させ、前記第２搬送手段により用紙を搬送し導入することを特徴とする前記１に記載の用紙の折り畳み方法。
【０００９】
４．第１折り畳み回転体と第１圧接回転体とからなる第１搬送手段及び第２折り畳み回転体と第２圧接回転体とからなり前記第１搬送手段の上流に配置された第２搬送手段を用い、
前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体のいずれか一方を変位させ、少なくとも他方の折り畳み回転体を駆動して、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体との間及び前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体との間に用紙を導入する導入工程及び、
前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体を、前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第２折り畳み回転体をそれぞれ接触させた状態で、前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体を互いに反対方向に回転させることにより、用紙に対して前記第１搬送手段と前記第２搬送手段とにより互いに反対方向の搬送力を作用させて用紙を屈曲させ折り目を形成し、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第２折り畳み回転体との間に用紙の折り目を搬送して、用紙を折り畳む折り畳み工程、
を有することを特徴とする用紙の折り畳み方法。
【００１３】
５．第１折り畳み回転体と第１圧接回転体とからなる第１搬送手段及び第２折り畳み回転体と第２圧接回転体とからなり前記第１搬送手段の上流に配置された第２搬送手段を用い、
前記第１折り畳み回転体から前記第１圧接回転体を離し、前記第２折り畳み回転体から前記第２圧接回転体を離し、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体との間及び前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体との間に導入手段により用紙を導入する導入工程及び、
前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体を、前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第２折り畳み回転体をそれぞれ接触させた状態で、前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体を互いに反対方向に回転させることにより、用紙に対して前記第１搬送手段と前記第２搬送手段とにより互いに反対方向の搬送力を作用させて用紙を屈曲させ折り目を形成し、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第２折り畳み回転体との間に用紙の折り目を搬送して、用紙を折り畳む折り畳み工程、
を有することを特徴とする用紙の折り畳み方法。
【００１４】
６．前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体及び前記第１、第２圧接回転体の少なくとも一つはローラからなることを特徴とする前記１〜５のいずれか１項に記載の用紙の折り畳み方法。
【００１５】
７．前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体及び前記第１、第２圧接回転体の少なくとも一つはベルトからなることを特徴とする前記１〜５のいずれか１項に記載の用紙の折り畳み方法。
【００１６】
８．前記折り畳み工程において、前記第１搬送手段と前記第２搬送手段との間に配置された案内手段により、用紙が一方向に屈曲するように案内することを特徴とする前記１〜７のいずれか１項に記載の用紙の折り畳み方法。
【００１７】
９．第１折り畳み回転体と第１圧接回転体とからなる第１搬送手段、
第２折り畳み回転体と第２圧接回転体とからなり前記第１搬送手段の上流に配置された第２搬送手段、
前記第１、第２圧接回転体のいずれか一方を変位させる変位手段及び、
少なくとも前記変位手段により変位されない圧接回転体に接する折り畳み回転体を駆動する駆動手段を有し、
前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体を接触させ、且つ、前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体を離すか、又は、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体を離し、且つ、前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体を接触させた状態で、前記駆動手段により少なくとも圧接回転体と接触している前記第１又は第２の折り畳み回転体を駆動して、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体との間及び前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体との間に用紙を導入し、
前記変位手段で前記第１圧接回転体又は前記第２圧接回転体を変位させることにより前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体をそれぞれ接触させた状態で、前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体を前記駆動手段により互いに反対方向に回転させて用紙に対して前記第１、第２搬送手段により互いに反対方向の搬送力を加えて用紙を屈曲させ折り目を形成し、形成された折り目を前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体間に通すことにより用紙を折り畳むことを特徴とする用紙折り畳み装置。
【００１８】
１０．第１折り畳み回転体と第１圧接回転体とからなる第１搬送手段、
少なくとも第２折り畳み回転体と第２圧接回転体とからなり前記第１搬送手段の上流に配置された第２搬送手段、
前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体のいずれか一方を変位させる変位手段及び、
少なくとも前記変位手段により変位されない折り畳み回転体を駆動する駆動手段を有し、
前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第２折り畳み回転体とを離した状態で、少なくとも前記変位手段により変位されない折り畳み回転体を駆動して、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体との間及び前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体との間に用紙を導入し、
前記変位手段で前記第１折り畳み回転体又は前記第２折り畳み回転体を変位させることにより前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体をそれぞれ圧接させた状態で、前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体を前記駆動手段により互いに反対方向に回転させて用紙に対して前記第１、第２搬送手段により互いに反対方向の搬送力を加えて用紙を屈曲させ折り目を形成し、形成された折り目を前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体間に通すことにより用紙を折り畳むことを特徴とする用紙折り畳み装置。
【００１９】
１１．第１折り畳み回転体と第１圧接回転体とからなる第１搬送手段、
第２折り畳み回転体と第２圧接回転体とからなり前記第１搬送手段の上流に配置された第２搬送手段、
前記第１、第２圧接回転体を変位させる変位手段、
導入手段及び、
前記第１折り畳み回転体及び前記第２折り畳み回転体の少なくとも一方を駆動する駆動手段を有し、
前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体から前記第１、第２圧接回転体をそれぞれ離した状態で、前記導入手段により用紙を導入し、
前記変位手段で前記第１、第２圧接回転体を変位させることにより前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体をそれぞれ接触させ、前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体を前記駆動手段により互いに反対方向に回転させて用紙に対して前記第１、第２搬送手段により互いに反対方向の搬送力を加えて用紙を屈曲させ折り目を形成し、形成された折り目を前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体間に通すことにより用紙を折り畳むことを特徴とする用紙折り畳み装置。
【００２０】
１２．前記第１、第２搬送手段の間に、用紙が一方向に屈曲するように案内する案内手段を設けたことを特徴とする前記９〜１１のいずれか１項に記載の用紙折り畳み装置。
【００２１】
１３．前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体及び前記第１、第２圧接回転体の少なくとも一つがローラからなることを特徴とする前記９〜１２のいずれか１項に記載の用紙折り畳み装置。
【００２２】
１４．前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体及び前記第１、第２圧接回転体の少なくとも一つがベルトからなることを特徴とする前記９〜１２のいずれか１項に記載の用紙折り畳み装置。
【００２３】
１５．前記９〜１４のいずれか１項に記載の用紙折り畳み装置を有することを特徴とする用紙後処理装置。
【００２４】
１６．前記９〜１４のいずれか１項に記載の用紙折り畳み装置を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。
【００２５】
【発明の実施の形態】
＜用紙折り畳み装置＞
図１は本発明の実施の形態１に係る用紙折り畳み装置の構成を示す。
【００２６】
第１搬送手段は、第１折り畳み回転体としての第１折り畳みローラＲ１と第１圧接回転体としての第１圧接ローラＲ３を有し、第２搬送手段は第２折り畳み回転体としての第２折り畳みローラＲ２と第２圧接回転体としての第２圧接ローラＲ４を有する。第１、第２折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２及び第１、第２圧接ローラＲ３、Ｒ４としては、ゴム等の高摩擦材料で形成されたものが用いられる。
【００２７】
第１折り畳みローラＲ１、第１圧接ローラＲ３及び第２折り畳みローラＲ２の回転軸は固定であり、第１圧接ローラＲ３は第１折り畳みローラＲ１に従動して回転する。第２圧接ローラＲ４の回転軸はレバーＬＫに設けられ変位可能である。第２圧接ローラＲ４は第２折り畳みローラＲ２に接触・離間し、接触時には、第２折り畳みローラＲ２に従動して回転する。Ｇ１〜Ｇ３は用紙を案内する案内部材であり、案内部材Ｇ２は第１搬送手段と第２搬送手段の中間位置に突出部ＧＦを有する。案内手段としての突出部ＧＦは用紙の屈曲を一方向（図では下方）に規制する。レバーＬＫは軸ＬＫＸに回転可能に軸支され、ソレノイドＳＤに一端（図では右端）が連結され、他端で第２圧接ローラＲ４を支持する。レバーＬＫはコイルバネＣＯＬにより反時計方向に付勢され、ソレノイドＳＤのオンにより時計方向に回転して図１（ａ）に示すように第２圧接ローラＲ４を第２折り畳みローラＲ２から離し、ソレノイドＳＤのオフで図１（ｂ）に示すように第２圧接ローラＲ４を第２折り畳みローラＲ２に圧接させる。前記のように、第２圧接ローラＲ４の回転軸を変位させるレバーＬＫとソレノイドＳＤは変位手段を構成する。
【００２８】
ＳＳは用紙の先端を検知する検知手段としてのセンサであり、光センサ又はマイクロスイッチが用いられる。
【００２９】
図２は本発明の実施の形態１に係る用紙の折り畳み方法における折り畳み工程を示し、図２（ａ）は導入工程を、図２（ｂ）は折り畳み工程の開始段階を、図２（ｃ）は折り畳み工程をそれぞれ示す。
【００３０】
図２（ａ）の導入工程では、ソレノイドＳＤはオンしており、第２圧接ローラＲ４はソレノイドＳＤの駆動で第２折り畳みローラＲ２から離れている。
【００３１】
駆動手段としてのステッピングモータＭ１により第１折り畳みローラＲ１を矢印で示すように反時計方向に回転駆動して用紙Ｓを矢印のように右から左へ向けて搬送し、第１折り畳みローラＲ１と第１圧接ローラＲ３の間及び第２折り畳みローラＲ２と第２圧接ローラＲ４の間に導入する。なお、導入工程においては、第２搬送手段は搬送機能を持たないので、駆動手段としてのステッピングモータＭ２から第２折り畳みローラＲ２を切り離し、第２折り畳みローラＲ２を第１折り畳みローラＲ１に従動させる。
【００３２】
図２（ｂ）は、センサＳＳの用紙先端検知信号に基づいて、用紙Ｓの搬送が停止し、第２圧接ローラＲ４が第２折り畳みローラＲ２に接触した折り畳み工程の開始段階を示す。
【００３３】
センサＳＳが用紙Ｓの先端を検知した段階で、その用紙先端検知信号に基づいて第１折り畳みローラＲ１が停止するとともに、ソレノイドＳＤがオフしてコイルバネＣＯＬの付勢で第２圧接ローラＲ４を変位させて第２折り畳みローラＲ２に接触させる。第１、第２圧接ローラＲ３、Ｒ４は用紙Ｓに屈曲を与えることができる搬送力を第１、第２搬送手段が持つように、所定の圧力で第１、第２折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２にそれぞれ圧接する。
【００３４】
次に、駆動手段としてのステッピングモータＭ１による第１折り畳みローラＲ１の時計方向の回転駆動及び駆動手段としてのステッピングモータＭ２による第２折り畳みローラＲ２の反時計方向の回転駆動により、用紙Ｓに対して第１搬送手段と第２搬送手段により互いに反対方向の搬送力が加えられるので、図２（ｃ）のように用紙Ｓが屈曲して折り目ＳＪが形成される。第１、第２折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２の回転により、折り目ＳＪはこれらのローラ間を通過して、用紙Ｓは折り畳み処理される。
【００３５】
図２（ｃ）の工程の初期段階の用紙Ｓの屈曲開始において、案内部材Ｇ２の突出部ＧＦは用紙Ｓの所定位置に所定方向の屈曲を与える案内部材として作用する。突出部ＧＦは、第１折り畳みローラＲ１と第１圧接ローラＲ３のニップと、第２折り畳みローラＲ２と第２圧接ローラＲ４とのニップとの中間位置に頂点が臨むように形成される。
【００３６】
折り目ＳＪが形成される位置はほぼ前記中間位置であり、図示のように第１折り畳みローラＲ１と第２折り畳みローラＲ２の接触位置の導入路への投影位置である基準位置Ｐとなる。このように基準位置Ｐは固定ローラである第１折り畳ローラＲ１外周の接線の導入路上の位置と言うことができる。
【００３７】
用紙Ｓ上の折り目ＳＪの位置は、センサＳＳの用紙先端検知位置により設定され、センサＳＳの用紙先端検知位置と基準位置Ｐ間の距離Ｄに等しいものとして折り目ＳＪの位置を設定するためのセンサＳＳの位置が概略調整されるが、実際にはセンサＳＳの位置と折り目ＳＪの位置の関係を実験により求めて細部の調整が行われる。
【００３８】
図３は本発明の実施の形態（後に説明する諸実施の形態に共通）に係る用紙折り畳み装置の制御系のブロック図である。制御手段ＣＲはステッピングモータＭ１を駆動して用紙Ｓを導入し、センサＳＳの用紙先端検知信号に基づいて、ステッピングモータＭ１を停止させる。次にソレノイドＳＤを駆動し、第２圧接ローラＲ４を第２折り畳みローラＲ２に接触させて、ステッピングモータＭ１を導入工程における方向と反対方向に駆動するとともに、ステッピングモータＭ２を駆動して、第１折り畳みローラＲ１、第２折り畳みローラＲ２を互いに反対方向に回転駆動して用紙Ｓの折り畳みを行う。
【００３９】
センサＳＳは、折り畳みモードや用紙サイズに応じた位置に設定される。また、センサＳＳの位置を固定とすることもできる。センサＳＳを固定とする構成では、センサＳＳの用紙先端検知信号の出力により制御手段ＣＲに設けられたタイマーを起動し、タイマーにより用紙の導入工程を終了させる。折り畳み位置はタイマーの計時時間を変更することにより折り畳みモードや用紙サイズに応じて変更される。
【００４０】
また、センサＳＳの位置は第１、第２折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２の下流の他に上流でもよい。
【００４１】
以上説明したように、本実施の形態においては、用紙Ｓに屈曲を与える力が、屈曲位置を挟んで短い距離にある第１、第２搬送手段であるので、折り目ＳＪが用紙Ｓの正確な位置に形成される。折り目ＳＪの位置はセンサＳＳにより設定されるが、センサＳＳの位置は、容易、且つ正確に設定可能であるとともに、任意に変えることができる。センサＳＳの位置の変更又は前記タイマーの計時時間の変更により、二つ折り、三つ折り等の折り畳みモードや用紙サイズに応じた折り畳み位置の設定を正確に行うことができる。
【００４２】
図４は本発明の実施の形態２に係る用紙折り畳み装置を示す。実施の形態２においては、用紙Ｓを折り畳み装置に導入する案内部材Ｇ１として、ＰＥＴからなる弾性板が用いられる。案内部材Ｇ１は導入の際に搬送方向と逆方向に回転している第２折り畳みローラＲ２の表面に用紙Ｓが接触するのを防止している。
【００４３】
また、第２折り畳みローラＲ２を第１折り畳みローラＲ１に従動する従動ローラとして構成している。導入工程において、第２折り畳みローラＲ２は第１折り畳みローラＲ１により駆動されて図示のように時計方向に回転し、折り畳み工程においては回転方向が反転した第１折り畳みローラＲ１により駆動されて反時計方向に回転する。折り畳み工程においては、第２圧接ローラＲ４はソレノイドＳＤのオフにより第２折り畳みローラＲ２に接触するので、用紙Ｓに対して第１、第２搬送手段による反対の搬送力が作用して用紙Ｓが折り畳まれる。
【００４４】
図５は本発明の実施の形態３に係る用紙折り畳み装置の構成を示す図である。第１搬送手段は、第１折り畳み回転体としての第１折り畳みローラＲ１と第１圧接回転体としての第１圧接ローラＲ３を有し、第２搬送手段は第２折り畳み回転体としての第２折り畳みローラＲ２と第２圧接回転体としての第２圧接ローラＲ４を有する。
【００４５】
第１折り畳みローラＲ１、第１圧接ローラＲ３及び第２圧接ローラＲ４の回転軸は固定であり、第１圧接ローラＲ３は第１折り畳みローラＲ１に従動して回転する。第２折り畳みローラＲ２の回転軸はレバーＬＫに設けられ変位可能であり、第１折り畳みローラＲ１及び第２圧接ローラＲ４に対して接触・離間する。第２圧接ローラＲ４は接触時には第２折り畳みローラＲ２に従動して回転する。Ｇ１〜Ｇ３は用紙を案内する案内部材であり、案内部材Ｇ２は第１搬送手段と第２搬送手段の中間位置に案内手段としての突出部ＧＦを有する。突出部ＧＦは用紙の屈曲を一方向（図では下方）に規制する。レバーＬＫは軸ＬＫＸに回転可能に軸支され、ソレノイドＳＤに一端（図では下端）が連結され、他端で第２折り畳みローラＲ２を支持する。レバーＬＫはコイルバネＣＯＬにより時計方向に付勢され、ソレノイドＳＤのオンにより反時計方向に回転して図５（ｂ）に示すように第２折り畳みローラＲ２を第１折り畳みローラＲ１に圧接させ、ソレノイドＳＤのオフで図４（ａ）に示すように第２折り畳みローラＲ２を第１折り畳みローラＲ１から離す。第２折り畳みローラＲ２の回転軸を変位させるレバーＬＫとソレノイドＳＤは変位手段を構成する。
【００４６】
ＳＳは用紙の先端を検知する検知手段としてのセンサであり、光センサ又はマイクロスイッチが用いられる。
【００４７】
図６は本発明の実施の形態３に係る用紙の折り畳み方法の折り畳み工程を示し、図６（ａ）は導入工程を、図６（ｂ）は折り畳み工程の開始段階を、図６（ｃ）は折り畳み工程をそれぞれ示す。
【００４８】
図６（ａ）の導入工程では、ソレノイドＳＤはオフしており、第２折り畳みローラＲ２はコイルバネＣＯＬの付勢で第１折り畳みローラＲ１から離れている。
【００４９】
駆動手段としてのステッピングモータＭ１により第１折り畳みローラＲ１を矢印で示すように反時計方向に回転駆動して用紙Ｓを矢印のように右から左へ向けて搬送し、第１折り畳みローラＲ１と第１圧接ローラＲ３の間及び第２折り畳みローラＲ２と第２圧接ローラＲ４の間に導入する。なお、導入工程においては、第２折り畳みローラＲ２及び第２圧接ローラＲ４は停止しており、これらローラの間を用紙Ｓが通過する。
【００５０】
図６（ｂ）は、センサＳＳの用紙先端検知信号に基づいて、用紙Ｓの搬送が停止し、第２圧接ローラＲ４が第２折り畳みローラＲ２に接触した折り畳み工程の開始段階を示す。
【００５１】
センサＳＳが用紙Ｓの先端を検知した段階で、第１折り畳みローラＲ１が停止するとともに、ソレノイドＳＤがオンして第２折り畳みローラＲ２を変位させて第１折り畳みローラＲ１、及び第２圧接ローラＲ４に接触させる。第１、第２圧接ローラＲ３、Ｒ４は用紙Ｓに屈曲を与えることができる搬送力を第１、第２搬送手段が持つように、所定の圧力で第１、第２折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２に圧接する。
【００５２】
次に、駆動手段としてのステッピングモータＭ１による第１折り畳みローラＲ１の時計方向の回転駆動及び駆動手段としてのステッピングモータＭ２による第２折り畳みローラＲ２の反時計方向の回転駆動により、用紙Ｓに対して第１搬送手段と第２搬送手段により互いに反対方向の搬送力が加えられるので、図６（ｃ）のように用紙Ｓが屈曲して折り目ＳＪが形成される。第１、第２折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２の回転により、折り目ＳＪはこれらのローラ間を通過して、用紙Ｓは折り畳み処理される。
【００５３】
図６（ｃ）の工程の初期段階における用紙Ｓの屈曲開始において、案内部材Ｇ２の突出部ＧＦは用紙Ｓの所定位置に所定方向の屈曲を与える案内部材として作用する。突出部ＧＦは、第１折り畳みローラＲ１と第１圧接ローラＲ３のニップと、第２折り畳みローラＲ２と第２圧接ローラＲ４とのニップとの中間位置に頂点が臨むように形成される。
【００５４】
折り目ＳＪが形成される位置はほぼ前記中間位置であり、図５に示すように第１折り畳みローラＲ１と第２折り畳みローラＲ２の接触位置の導入路への投影位置である基準位置Ｐとなる。このように基準位置Ｐは固定ローラである第１折り畳ローラＲ１外周の接線の導入路上の位置と言うことができる。
【００５５】
用紙Ｓ上の折り目ＳＪの位置は、センサＳＳの用紙先端検知位置により設定され、センサＳＳの用紙先端検知位置と基準位置Ｐ間の距離Ｄに等しいものとして折り目ＳＪの位置を設定するためのセンサＳＳの位置が概略調整されるが、実際にはセンサＳＳの位置と折り目ＳＪの位置の関係を実験により求めて細部の調整が行われる。
【００５６】
図５、６に示す実施の形態３においても第２折り畳みローラＲ２を従動ローラとして構成し、折り畳み工程において、第１折り畳みローラＲ１により第２折り畳みローラＲ２を駆動する構成とすることができる。
【００５７】
図７は本発明の実施の形態４に係る用紙折り畳み装置の構成を示す。実施の形態４においては、導入工程では図７（ａ）に示すように第１折り畳みローラＲ１と第２折り畳みローラとは離れており、第１圧接ローラＲ３は第１折り畳みローラＲ１に、第２圧接ローラＲ４は第２折り畳みローラＲ２にそれぞれ接触している。そして、モータＭ１、Ｍ２により第１、第２折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２を同一の反時計方向に回転駆動して用紙を導入する。
【００５８】
折り畳み工程においては、ソレノイドＳＤをオンして第２折り畳みローラＲ２及び第２圧接ローラＲ４を支持している支持板ＳＰを移動させて第２折り畳みローラＲ２を第１折り畳みローラＲ１に接触させる。そして、モータＭ１の回転方向を反転して第１折り畳みローラＲ１を時計方向に回転させる。第２折り畳みローラＲ２にはワンウェイクラッチが組み込まれており、第２折り畳みローラは、時計方向に回転する第１折り畳みローラＲ１により駆動されて反時計方向に回転する。
従って、用紙は第１、第２折り畳みローラにより折り畳まれる。
【００５９】
図８は本発明の実施の形態５に係る用紙折り畳み装置の構成を示す。
実施の形態５は、用紙折り畳み装置に用紙Ｓを導入する導入手段を有し、該導入手段は一対の搬送ローラＲ５、Ｒ６からなる。また、本例では、第１、第２圧接ローラＲ３、Ｒ４がソレノイドＳＤにより第１、第２折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２にそれぞれ接触・離間する。第１、第２圧接ローラＲ３、Ｒ４を変位させるソレノイドＳＤは変位手段を構成する。
【００６０】
用紙の導入工程においては、第１、第２圧接ローラＲ３，Ｒ４は点線の位置にあって、第１、第２折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２からそれぞれ離れており、搬送ローラＲ５、Ｒ６により用紙Ｓを搬送し、用紙折り畳み装置に導入する。
【００６１】
折り畳み工程においては、第１、第２圧接ローラＲ３、Ｒ４がそれぞれ第１、第２折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２に接触して、これらの折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２を互いに反対方向に回転駆動して折り畳みを行う。実施の形態５においても第１、第２折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２のいずれかを駆動ローラとし他方を従動ローラとすることができる。
【００６２】
図９は用紙折り畳み装置の変形例を示す。図９（ａ）の例は、導入工程における搬送方向下流側の第１折り畳みローラＲ１に圧接する第１圧接ローラＲ３を変位可能、上流側の第２折り畳みローラＲ２に圧接する第２圧接ローラＲ４の回転軸を固定とした例である。用紙Ｓの導入工程においては、第２折り畳みローラＲ２と第２圧接ローラＲ４とにより用紙を搬送し導入する。
【００６３】
図９（ｂ）の例は、導入工程における搬送方向下流側の第１折り畳みローラＲ１の回転軸を変位可能とし、上流側の第２折り畳みローラＲ２及び第１、第２圧接ローラＲ３、Ｒ４の回転軸を固定とした例である。用紙の導入工程においては、第２折り畳みローラＲ２と第２圧接ローラＲ４とにより用紙を搬送し導入する。
【００６４】
図９（ｃ）では、導入工程における搬送方向下流側の第１折り畳みローラＲ１及び第１圧接ローラＲ３の回転軸を変位可能とし、導入工程において第１折り畳みローラＲ１と第２折り畳みローラＲ２とを離し、第１、第２折り畳みローラＲ１、Ｒ２を同方向に回転させて用紙を搬送して導入する。折り畳み工程において第１折り畳みローラＲ１及び第１圧接ローラＲ３を変位させて、第１折り畳みローラＲ１を第２折り畳みローラに圧接させ、第１折り畳みローラＲ１を時計方向に回転駆動することにより折り畳みを行う。
【００６５】
図１０は折り畳み回転体及び圧接回転体の変形例を示す。図１０（ａ）は、圧接回転体としてローラに代えてベルトを用いた例であり、ローラＲ７、Ｒ８に張架された第１圧接回転体としてのベルトＢ１及びローラＲ９、Ｒ１０に張架された第２圧接回転体としてのベルトＢ２が用いられる。ローラＲ８とＲ９とを用紙Ｓに対して一方向に屈曲を付与する案内手段として用いることができる。図８（ｂ）は折り畳み回転体としてローラに代えてベルトを用いた例であり、ローラＲ１１、Ｒ１２に張架された第１折り畳み回転体としてのベルトＢ３、ローラＲ１３、Ｒ１４に張架された第２折り畳み回転体としてのベルトＢ４が用いられる。
【００６６】
＜画像形成装置＞
図１１は本発明の実施の形態に係る画像形成装置を示す。
【００６７】
画像形成装置本体Ａは、画像読取手段１、画像処理手段２、画像書き込み手段３、画像形成手段４、給紙手段５、搬送手段６、定着手段７、再搬送手段（自動両面コピー搬送部ＡＤＵ）８、制御手段９等を備えている。
【００６８】
給紙手段５は、カセット給紙部５Ａと大容量給紙部（ＬＣＴ）５Ｂ、手差し給紙部５Ｃ、及び中間給紙ローラ５Ｄ、レジストローラ５Ｅ等を備えている。
【００６９】
搬送手段６は、搬送ベルト６Ａ、搬送路切り替え板６Ｂ、排紙ローラ６Ｃ等を備えている。
【００７０】
画像形成装置本体Ａの上部には、自動原稿送り装置ＡＤＦが搭載されている。画像形成装置本体Ａの図示の左側面の排紙ローラ６Ｃ側には、用紙後処理装置Ｂが連結されている。
【００７１】
自動原稿送り装置ＡＤＦの原稿台上に載置された原稿ｄは矢印方向に搬送され画像読取手段１の光学系により原稿の片面又は両面の画像が読み取られ、ＣＣＤイメージセンサ１Ａに読み込まれる。
【００７２】
ＣＣＤイメージセンサ１Ａにより光電変換されたアナログ信号は、画像処理手段２において、アナログ処理、Ａ／Ｄ変換、シェーディング補正、画像圧縮処理等を行った後、画像書込手段３に信号を送る。
【００７３】
画像書込手段３においては、半導体レーザからの出力光が画像形成手段４の感光体ドラムに照射され、潜像を形成する。画像形成手段４においては、帯電、露光、現像、転写、分離、クリーニング等の処理が行われる。給紙手段５から送り出された用紙Ｓは、転写部において画像が転写される。
【００７４】
画像を担持した用紙Ｓは、搬送ベルト６Ａにより搬送され、定着手段７により定着処理され、排紙ローラ６Ｃから用紙後処理装置Ｂの受け入れ部１０に送り込まれる。或いは搬送路切り替え板６Ｂにより再搬送手段８に送り込まれた表面に画像が形成された用紙Ｓは再び画像形成手段４において、裏面に画像が形成されて排紙ローラ６Ｃから排出される。排紙ローラ６Ｃから排出された用紙Ｓは、用紙後処理装置Ｂの受け入れ部１０に送り込まれる。
【００７５】
用紙後処理装置Ｂには、画像が形成された用紙Ｓを受入れる用紙受入部１０と、表紙、インターシート等の付加用紙を給紙する給紙装置１１、用紙Ｓを折り畳む第１用紙折り畳み部１４、用紙Ｓを折り畳む第２用紙折り畳み部１５、中間皿１６、綴じ処理装置１７、固定排紙皿１８、上下動可能の昇降排紙皿１９、中折り装置２５、固定排紙部２７等が設けられており、これらの装置や部は搬送路１３、２０、２１、２２、２３及び２６により連結されている。
【００７６】
次に、用紙後処理装置Ｂの作動を説明する。
用紙後処理装置Ｂの用紙受入部１０に受入れられた用紙Ｓは搬送路１３を経て第１用紙折り畳み部１４に搬送される。
【００７７】
折り畳みを行わないモードにおいては、搬送路１３を搬送される用紙Ｓは、搬送路１３を形成する第１折り畳みローラ１４１、第１圧接ローラ１４３と第２折り畳みローラ１４２と第２圧接ローラ１４４とにより図１１の水平方向に搬送されて後処理部に送り込まれる。
【００７８】
後処理を施すことなく排紙するモードでは、用紙Ｓは排紙路２０を経て固定排紙皿１８に排出される。
【００７９】
ステープルモードでは、用紙Ｓは搬送路２３を経て、中間皿１６に搬送され、中間皿１６に設定枚数集積された後に綴じ処理装置１７により綴じ処理される。折り畳み処理することなく、綴じ処理された用紙Ｓは、綴じ処理後に中間皿１６を上方に搬送され、昇降排紙皿１９に排出される。
【００８０】
折り畳みされ、且つ、綴じ処理された用紙Ｓは綴じ処理後に中間皿１６を経て昇降排紙皿１９に排出される。
【００８１】
多数枚の画像を形成するモードでは、綴じ処理を行わない場合でも、昇降排紙皿１９に記録紙Ｓを排出する。即ち、搬送路２１を経由するか又はしないで搬送路２２から昇降排紙皿１９に用紙Ｓを排出する。
【００８２】
綴じ処理した用紙Ｓを中折り処理するモードでは、綴じ処理した用紙Ｓをナイフ状の折り部材２５１により折り畳み処理を行う中折り装置２５に導入し、中折りした後に搬送路２６を経て固定排紙部２７に排出する。
【００８３】
表紙、裏表紙、仕切紙等の付加用紙Ｆを設定された枚数毎に用紙Ｓの束に添付するモードにおいては、給紙装置１１から付加用紙Ｆを供給し搬送路１３に合流させて、折り畳み、綴じ処理等の処理を行った後に昇降排紙皿１９又は固定排紙部２７に排出する。
【００８４】
折り畳みモードにおいては、用紙Ｓに対して第１用紙折り畳み部１４により、例えば、その先端から１／４の位置で第１の折り畳み処理が行われ、更に、折り畳まれた用紙Ｓの先端から１／４の位置で第２用紙折り畳み部１５により折り畳み処理が行われて、用紙Ｓは、例えば、Ｚ折り処理される。なお、前記の１／４の位置とは、折り畳み処理されない用紙Ｓの全体の長さの１／４の意味である。従って、前記のＺ折り処理では、用紙の先端から１／４の位置に第１の折り目が、用紙の１／２の位置に第２の折り目がそれぞれ形成されるＺ折り処理が行われる。
【００８５】
第１用紙折り畳み部１４及び第２用紙折り畳み部１５には図１、４、５、７又は８に示し前記に説明した用紙折り畳み装置が使用される。即ち、第１用紙折り畳み部１４における第１折り畳み回転体としての第１折り畳みローラ１４１が図１、４、５、７又は８の第１折り畳みローラＲ１に、第２折り畳み回転体としての第２折り畳みローラ１４２が第２折り畳みローラＲ２に、第１圧接回転体としての第１圧接ローラ１４３が第１圧接ローラＲ３に、第２圧接回転体としての第２圧接ローラ１４４が第２圧接ローラＲ４にそれぞれ相当する。また、第２用紙折り畳み部１５における第３折り畳み回転体としての第１折り畳みローラ１５１が図１の第１折り畳みローラＲ１に、第４折り畳み回転体としての第２折り畳みローラ１５２が第２折り畳みローラＲ２に、第３圧接回転体としての第１圧接ローラ１５３が第１圧接ローラＲ３に、第４圧接回転体としての第２圧接ローラ１５４が第２圧接ローラＲ４にそれぞれ相当する。第１折り畳みローラ１４１と第１圧接ローラ１４３とは第１搬送手段を構成し、第２折り畳みローラ１４２と第２圧接ローラ１４４とは第２搬送手段を構成し、第１折り畳みローラ１５１と第１圧接ローラ１５３とは第３搬送手段を構成し、第２折り畳みローラ１５２と第２圧接ローラ１５４とは第４搬送手段を構成する。
【００８６】
図１２は第１、第２用紙折り畳み部１４、１５の拡大図である。第２用紙折り畳み部１５は第１用紙折り畳み部１４の真下に配置され、右方から水平に搬送された用紙は第１用紙折り畳み部１４で走行方向を直角に変更されて下方に走行し第２用紙折り畳み部１５に送り込まれ、第２用紙折り畳み部１５において折り畳み処理される。第１用紙折り畳み部１４と第２用紙折り畳み部１５間の距離Ｌは搬送する用紙の搬送方向の長さ、即ち、扱われる用紙の最も長いものの長さの１／２より長く設定することが望ましい。前記距離Ｌが用紙の前記長さよりも短いと第１、第２用紙折り畳み部１４，１５間に跨って用紙が搬送される場合が生じて搬送が円滑に行われない場合が生ずる可能性がある。
【００８７】
図１３は図１に示す用紙折り畳み装置を第１、第２用紙折り畳み部１４、１５に用いて用紙Ｓの２カ所を折り畳むＺ折り工程の一例を示す。なお、図１１、１２では、図１、４、５又は７におけるステッピングモータＭ１、Ｍ２、案内部材Ｇ１〜Ｇ３及びソレノイドＳＤが省略されているが、第１、第２用紙折り畳み部１４、１５はこれらの構成要素を備えており、第１用紙折り畳み部１４のステッピングモータＭ１、Ｍ２は第１駆動手段を、案内部材Ｇ２の突出部ＧＦは第１案内手段を、ソレノイドＳＤは第１変位手段をそれぞれ構成する。そして、第２用紙折り畳み部１５のステッピングモータＭ１、Ｍ２は第２駆動手段を、案内部材Ｇ２の突出部ＧＦは第２案内手段を、ソレノイドＳＤは第２変位手段をそれぞれ構成する。
【００８８】
図１３（ａ）において、第１折り畳みローラ１４１と第２折り畳みローラ１４２、第１折り畳みローラ１４１と第１圧接ローラ１４３とがそれぞれ圧接し、第２折り畳みローラ１４２と第２圧接ローラ１４４とが離れた状態で、第１折り畳みローラ１４１を反時計方向に回転駆動して用紙Ｓを搬送し、第１用紙折り畳み部１４に導入する。用紙Ｓが基準位置Ｐから所定距離Ｄ＝（１／４）×ＰＬ（ＰＬは用紙の長さ）搬送された段階でセンサＳＳ１の用紙先端検知信号により、第１折り畳みローラ１４１の駆動を停止し、図１３（ａ）の第１導入工程を終了し図１３（ｂ）の第１折り畳み工程に移行する。
【００８９】
図１３（ｂ）において、第２折り畳みローラ１４２に第２圧接ローラＲ１４４を圧接させるとともに、第１折り畳みローラ１４１を第１導入工程におけると反対方向（時計方向）に、第２折り畳みローラ１４２を反時計方向にそれぞれ回転駆動することにより用紙Ｓに対して第１、第２搬送手段により互いに反対方向に搬送力を加えて折り畳みを開始する。更に図１３（ｃ）のように、第１、第２折り畳みローラ１４１、１４２の回転を続行して折り畳みを行い、折り畳まれた用紙Ｓを搬送ローラ２１０（図１２参照）で搬送して第２用紙折り畳み部１５に導入する。
【００９０】
図１３（ｄ）に示すように第２用紙折り畳み部１５の第１折り畳みローラ１５１と第２折り畳みローラ１５２、第１折り畳みローラ１５１と第１圧接ローラ１５３とがそれぞれ圧接し、第２折り畳みローラ１５２と第２圧接ローラ１５４とが離れた状態で、第１折り畳みローラ１５１を回転駆動して第２導入工程を実行し、第２用紙折り畳み部１５に用紙Ｓが導入される。
【００９１】
折り畳まれた用紙Ｓの先端が基準位置Ｐから所定距離Ｄ＝（１／４）×ＰＬ搬送された段階でセンサＳＳ２の検知信号に基づいて第１折り畳みローラ１５１の駆動を停止するとともに、第２圧接ローラ１５４を第２折り畳みローラ１５２に圧接させる。
【００９２】
図１３（ｅ）のように、圧接後に第２折り畳み工程を開始して第１折り畳みローラ１５１の回転方向を反転して用紙Ｓを折り畳む。図１３（ｆ）のように第１、第２折り畳みローラ１５１、１５２の回転を続行して、用紙Ｓを折り畳みつつ、第２用紙折り畳み部１５から用紙Ｓを排出する。
【００９３】
センサＳＳ１、ＳＳ２は、折り畳みモード或いは用紙サイズに対応して種々の位置に設定される。
【００９４】
図１１に示すように、三つ折りする折り畳み処理を行う工程において、用紙Ｓは主搬送路としての搬送路１０から、分岐部としての第１用紙折り畳み部１４を構成する第１、第２折り畳みローラ１４１、１４２と、第１、第２圧接ローラ１４３、１４４とにより分岐搬送路としての搬送路２１に搬送され、搬送ローラ２１０、第２用紙折り畳み部１５及び搬送ローラ２１１、２１２により搬送されて、搬送路１０に合流する。
【００９５】
再び図１３を参照する。用紙Ｓは第１用紙折り畳み部１４に方向Ｘ１から導入され、第１用紙折り畳み部１４から第２用紙折り畳み部１５に方向Ｘ１にほぼ直角な方向Ｘ２に搬送されて送り込まれる。第２用紙折り畳み部１５で折り畳み処理された用紙Ｓは方向Ｘ２にほぼ直角な方向Ｘ３に、即ち、方向Ｘ１とほぼ同一の方向Ｘ３に搬送される。
【００９６】
図１３に示すように、第１、第２用紙折り畳み部１４、１５で折り畳み処理された用紙Ｓを更に方向Ｘ３からほぼ直角に方向転換して搬送することにより、第１用紙折り畳み部１４で主搬送路としての搬送路１０から分岐された用紙Ｓを搬送路２１を搬送し、搬送ローラ２１１、２１２により搬送して搬送路１０に合流させる。
【００９７】
図１４は図５に示す用紙折り畳み装置を図１１の第１、第２用紙折り畳み部１４、１５に用いて用紙Ｓの２カ所を折り畳むＺ折り工程の他の一例を示す。なお、図５におけるステッピングモータＭ１、Ｍ２、案内部材Ｇ１〜Ｇ３及びソレノイドＳＤが省略されているが、第１、第２用紙折り畳み部１４、１５はこれらの構成要素を備えており、第１用紙折り畳み部１４のステッピングモータＭ１、Ｍ２は第１駆動手段を、案内部材Ｇ２は第１案内部材Ｇ２を、ソレノイドＳＤは第１変位手段をそれぞれ構成する。そして、第２用紙折り畳み部１５のステッピングモータＭ１、Ｍ２は第２駆動手段を、案内部材Ｇ２は第２案内手段を、ソレノイドＳＤは第２変位手段をそれぞれ構成する。
【００９８】
図１４（ａ）において、第１折り畳みローラ１４１と第１圧接ローラ１４３、第２折り畳みローラ１４２と第２圧接ローラ１４４とがそれぞれ圧接し、第１折り畳みローラ１４１と第２折り畳みローラ１４２が離れた状態で、第１折り畳みローラ１４１、第２折り畳みローラ１４２を反時計方向に回転駆動して用紙Ｓを搬送し、第１用紙折り畳み部１４に導入する。用紙Ｓが基準位置Ｐから所定距離Ｄ＝（１／４）×ＰＬ（ＰＬは用紙の長さ）搬送された段階でセンサＳＳ１の用紙先端検知信号により、折り畳みローラ１４１の駆動を停止し、図１４（ａ）の第１導入工程を終了し図１４（ｂ）の第１折り畳み工程に移行する。
【００９９】
図１４（ｂ）において、第２折り畳みローラ１４２を第１折り畳みローラ１４１に圧接させて第１折り畳みローラ１４１を第１導入工程におけると反対方向（時計方向）に、第２折り畳みローラ１４２を反時計方向にそれぞれ回転駆動して用紙Ｓに対して第１、第２搬送手段により互いに反対方向に搬送力を加えることにより折り畳みを開始する。更に図１４（ｃ）のように、第１、第２折り畳みローラ１４１、１４２の回転を続行して折り畳みを行い、折り畳まれた用紙Ｓを搬送ローラ２１０（図１１、１２参照）で搬送して第２用紙折り畳み部１５に導入する。
【０１００】
図１４（ｄ）に示すように第２用紙折り畳み部１５の第１折り畳みローラ１５１と第１圧接ローラ１５３と、第２折り畳みローラ１５２と第２圧接ローラ１５４とがそれぞれ圧接し、第２折り畳みローラ１５２が第１折り畳みローラ１５１から離れた状態で、第１折り畳みローラ１５１を回転駆動して第２導入工程を実行し、第２用紙折り畳み部１５に用紙Ｓが導入される。
【０１０１】
折り畳まれた用紙Ｓの先端が基準位置Ｐから所定距離Ｄ＝（１／４）×ＰＬ搬送された段階でセンサＳＳ２の検知信号に基づいて第１折り畳みローラ１５１の駆動を停止するとともに、第２折り畳みローラ１５２を第１折り畳みローラ１５１及び第２圧接ローラ１５４に圧接させる。
【０１０２】
図１４（ｅ）のように、圧接後に第２折り畳み工程を開始して第１折り畳みローラ１５１の回転方向を反転して用紙Ｓを折り畳む。図１４（ｆ）のように第１、第２折り畳みローラ１５１、１５２の回転を続行して、用紙Ｓを折り畳みつつ、第２用紙折り畳み部１５から用紙Ｓを排出する。
【０１０３】
図１５は、第１用紙折り畳み部１４に図１に示した用紙折り畳み装置を用い、第２用紙折り畳み部１５に図５に示した用紙折り畳み装置を用いて用紙Ｓの２カ所を折り畳むＺ折り工程の更に他の例を示す。
【０１０４】
図１５（ａ）において、第１折り畳みローラ１４１と第２折り畳みローラ１４２、第１折り畳みローラ１４１と第１圧接ローラ１４３とがそれぞれ圧接し、第２折り畳みローラ１４２と第２圧接ローラ１４４とが離れた状態で、第１折り畳みローラ１４１を反時計方向に回転駆動して用紙Ｓを搬送し、第１用紙折り畳み部１４に導入する。用紙Ｓが基準位置Ｐから所定距離Ｄ＝（１／４）×ＰＬ（ＰＬは用紙の長さ）搬送された段階でセンサＳＳ１の用紙先端検知信号により、第１折り畳みローラ１４１の駆動を停止し、図１５（ａ）の第１導入工程を終了し図１５（ｂ）の第１折り畳み工程に移行する。
【０１０５】
図１５（ｂ）において、第２折り畳みローラ１４２に第２圧接ローラ１４４を圧接させるとともに、第１折り畳みローラ１４１を第１導入工程におけると反対方向（時計方向）に、第２折り畳みローラ１４２を反時計方向にそれぞれ回転駆動することにより用紙Ｓに対して第１、第２搬送手段により互いに反対方向に搬送力を加えて折り畳みを開始する。更に図１５（ｃ）のように、第１、第２折り畳みローラ１４１、１４２の回転を続行して折り畳みを行い、折り畳まれた用紙Ｓを搬送ローラ２１０（図１２参照）で搬送して第２用紙折り畳み部１５に導入する。
【０１０６】
図１５（ｄ）に示すように第２用紙折り畳み部１５の第１折り畳みローラ１５１と第１圧接ローラ１５３、第２折り畳みローラ１５２と第２圧接ローラ１５４とがそれぞれ圧接し、第２折り畳みローラ１５２が第１折り畳みローラ１５１から離れた状態で、第１折り畳みローラ１５１を回転駆動して第２導入工程を実行し、第２用紙折り畳み部１５に用紙Ｓが導入される。
【０１０７】
折り畳まれた用紙Ｓの先端が基準位置Ｐから所定距離Ｄ＝（１／４）×ＰＬ搬送された段階でセンサＳＳ２の検知信号に基づいて第１折り畳みローラ１５１の駆動を停止するとともに、第２折り畳みローラ１５２を第１折り畳みローラ１５１及び第２圧接ローラ１５４に圧接させる。
【０１０８】
図１５（ｅ）のように、圧接後に第２折り畳み工程を開始して第１折り畳みローラ１５１の回転方向を反転して用紙Ｓを折り畳む。図１５（ｆ）のように第１、第２折り畳みローラ１５１、１５２の回転を続行して、用紙Ｓを折り畳みつつ、第２用紙折り畳み部１５から用紙Ｓを排出する。
【０１０９】
第１、第２用紙折り畳み部１４、１５には図１、４、５、７又は８に示した実施の形態１〜５の用紙折り畳み装置を使用することが可能であり、図１３、１４に示すように第１用紙折り畳み部１４と第２用紙折り畳み部１５に同一のものを用いてもよいし、図１５に示すように異なるものを用いこともできる。
【０１１０】
また、第１用紙折り畳み部１４のみを用いて用紙を二つ折りする折り畳み処理及び折り畳み部を３カ所以上設けて用紙に対して三つ折り以上の折り畳み処理を行うことも可能である。
【０１１１】
【発明の効果】
請求項１〜７、９〜１１、１３又は１４のいずれかに記載の発明により、用紙を短い距離を挟んで互いに反対方向に搬送することにより、屈曲させて折り畳みを行うので、用紙を正確な位置で折り畳むことができる。しかも、折り畳み装置を小型にすることが出来るので、画像形成された用紙を折り畳む処理を行う後処理装置等を容易に組み込むことができる。
【０１１２】
請求項８又は１２に記載の発明により、正確な位置に折り目が形成される折り畳み処理された用紙が得られる。
【０１１３】
請求項１５の発明により正確な位置で折り畳み処理を行う小型の用紙後処理装置が実現される。
【０１１４】
請求項１６の発明により正確な位置で折り畳み処理を行う小型の画像形成装置が実現される。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態１に係る用紙折り畳み装置の構成を示す図である。
【図２】本発明の実施の形態１に係る用紙の折り畳み方法における折り畳み工程を示す図である。
【図３】本発明の実施の形態に係る用紙折り畳み装置の制御系のブロック図である。
【図４】本発明の実施の形態２に係る用紙折り畳み装置の構成を示す図である。
【図５】本発明の実施の形態３に係る用紙折り畳み装置の構成を示す図である。
【図６】本発明の実施の形態３に係る用紙の折り畳み方法の折り畳み工程を示す図である。
【図７】本発明の実施の形態４に係る用紙折り畳み装置の構成を示す図である。
【図８】本発明の実施の形態５に係る用紙折り畳み装置の構成を示す図である。
【図９】用紙折り畳み装置の変形例を示す図である。
【図１０】折り畳み回転体及び圧接回転体の変形例を示す図である。
【図１１】本発明の実施の形態に係る画像形成装置を示す図である。
【図１２】第１、第２用紙折り畳み部の拡大図である。
【図１３】用紙の２カ所を折り畳むＺ折り工程の一例を示す図である。
【図１４】用紙の２カ所を折り畳むＺ折り工程の他の一例を示す図である。
【図１５】用紙の２カ所を折り畳むＺ折り工程の更に他の一例を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
Ｒ１、１４１、１５１ 第１折り畳みローラ
Ｒ２、１４２、１５２ 第２折り畳みローラ
Ｒ３、１４３、１５３ 第１圧接ローラ
Ｒ４、１４４、１５４ 第２圧接ローラ
Ｇ１、Ｇ２、Ｇ３ 案内部材
ＧＦ 突出部
Ｍ１、Ｍ２ ステッピングモータ
ＳＳ、ＳＳ１、ＳＳ２ センサ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet folding method and sheet folding apparatus for folding a sheet, a sheet post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus for folding a sheet on which an image is formed after image formation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-194586 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-249689, as a paper folding device, folding is performed using a knife-like folding member, or the paper is conveyed by pressing the front end of the paper against a stopper. There has been proposed one that folds and folds paper.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the former folding device, since the knife-like folding member is reciprocated, the size of the device becomes large, which is problematic for use in a sheet post-processing device used as an accessory device of the image forming apparatus, and the latter folding device. In the apparatus, there is a problem that it is difficult to fold a sheet at an accurate position.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems in a conventional paper folding apparatus.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The object of the present invention is achieved by the following invention.
[0006]
  1. A first conveying means comprising a first folding rotating body and a first pressure rotating body and a second conveying means comprising a second folding rotating body and a second pressure rotating body and disposed upstream of the first conveying means are used. ,
  Either one of the first and second press-rotating rotators is displaced, and at least one of the first and second folding rotators in contact with the other press-rotating rotator is driven;An introducing step of introducing paper between the first folding rotating body and the first press-contact rotating body and between the second folding rotating body and the second press-contact rotating body;
  In a state where the first press-rotating rotator is brought into contact with the first folding rotary body, the second press-rotating rotary body is brought into contact with the second folding rotary body, and the second folding rotary body is brought into contact with the first folding rotary body. By rotating the first and second folding rotating bodies in opposite directions, the first conveying means and the second conveying means act on the paper in opposite directions to bend the paper. A folding step of forming a fold and conveying the fold of the paper between the first folding rotating body and the second folding rotating body to fold the paper,
  A method for folding a sheet, comprising:
[0007]
  2. In the introducing step, the first press-rotating rotator is brought into contact with the first folding rotator, and the second folding rotator and the second press-rotating rotator are separated from each other,By driving the first folding rotator by bringing the first folding rotator and the second folding rotator into contact with each other, the second folding rotator is driven by the first folding rotator,2. The sheet folding method according to 1 above, wherein the sheet is conveyed and introduced by the first conveying unit.
[0008]
  3. In the introduction step, the second press-rotating rotator is brought into contact with the second folding rotator, and the first folding rotator and the first press-rotating rotator are separated from each other,By driving the second folding rotator by bringing the first folding rotator and the second folding rotator into contact with each other, the first folding rotator is driven by the second folding rotator,2. The sheet folding method according to 1 above, wherein the sheet is conveyed and introduced by the second conveying unit.
[0009]
  4).A first conveying means comprising a first folding rotating body and a first pressure rotating body and a second conveying means comprising a second folding rotating body and a second pressure rotating body and disposed upstream of the first conveying means are used. ,
  Either one of the first and second folding rotators is displaced, and at least the other folding rotator is driven to move between the first folding rotator and the first press-rotating rotator and the second folding rotation. An introducing step of introducing a sheet between a body and the second press-contact rotating body; and
  In a state where the first press-rotating rotator is brought into contact with the first folding rotary body, the second press-rotating rotary body is brought into contact with the second folding rotary body, and the second folding rotary body is brought into contact with the first folding rotary body. By rotating the first and second folding rotating bodies in opposite directions, the first conveying means and the second conveying means act on the paper in opposite directions to bend the paper. A folding step of forming a fold and conveying the fold of the paper between the first folding rotating body and the second folding rotating body to fold the paper,
  A method for folding a sheet, comprising:
[0013]
  5.A first conveying means comprising a first folding rotating body and a first pressure rotating body and a second conveying means comprising a second folding rotating body and a second pressure rotating body and disposed upstream of the first conveying means are used. ,
  The first press-rotating rotator is moved from the first folding rotator.ReleaseFrom the second folding rotating body to the second pressure rotating bodyAnd between the first folding rotator and the first pressure contact rotator and between the second folding rotator and the second pressure rotator.Introduce paper by introducing meansIntroduction process, and
  In a state where the first press-rotating rotator is brought into contact with the first folding rotary body, the second press-rotating rotary body is brought into contact with the second folding rotary body, and the second folding rotary body is brought into contact with the first folding rotary body. By rotating the first and second folding rotating bodies in opposite directions, the first conveying means and the second conveying means act on the paper in opposite directions to bend the paper. A folding step of forming a fold and conveying the fold of the paper between the first folding rotating body and the second folding rotating body to fold the paper,
  It is characterized by havingHow to fold paper.
[0014]
  6. At least one of the first and second folding rotators and the first and second press-contact rotators comprises a roller.5The paper folding method according to any one of the above.
[0015]
  7. At least one of the first and second folding rotators and the first and second press-contact rotators comprises a belt.5The paper folding method according to any one of the above.
[0016]
  8. In the folding step, the sheet is guided such that the sheet is bent in one direction by a guide unit disposed between the first transport unit and the second transport unit.7The paper folding method according to any one of the above.
[0017]
  9. A first conveying means comprising a first folding rotating body and a first pressure rotating body;
  A second conveying means comprising a second folding rotating body and a second press-contact rotating body and disposed upstream of the first conveying means;
  A displacement means for displacing either one of the first and second pressure contact rotary bodies; and
  Folding rotator that contacts at least the pressure rotator that is not displaced by the displacement meansDriving means for driving
  The first folding rotating body and the first pressure rotating body are brought into contact with each other, and the second folding rotating body and the second pressure rotating body are separated, or the first1Folding rotator and said first1With the driving means in a state in which the pressure rotating body is separated and the second folding rotating body and the second pressure rotating body are in contact with each other.The first or second folding rotating body in contact with at least the pressure rotating bodyTo introduce a sheet between the first folding rotating body and the first pressure rotating body and between the second folding rotating body and the second pressure rotating body,
  By displacing the first pressure contact rotator or the second pressure contact rotator by the displacement means, the first folding rotator is moved to the first pressure contact rotator, and the second folding rotator is moved to the second pressure contact rotator. The first and second folding rotators are rotated in opposite directions by the driving means in a state where they are in contact with each other, thereby applying conveying forces in opposite directions to the paper by the first and second conveying means. The sheet folding apparatus is characterized in that the sheet is folded by bending the sheet and passing the formed fold between the first and second folding rotating bodies.
[0018]
  10. A first conveying means comprising a first folding rotating body and a first pressure rotating body;
  A second conveying means comprising at least a second folding rotating body and a second press-contact rotating body and disposed upstream of the first conveying means;
  Displacement means for displacing any one of the first and second folding rotating bodies; and
  Folding rotating body that is not displaced at least by the displacement meansDriving means for driving
  In a state where the first folding rotating body and the second folding rotating body are separated from each other,Folding rotating body that is not displaced at least by the displacement meansTo introduce a sheet between the first folding rotating body and the first pressure rotating body and between the second folding rotating body and the second pressure rotating body,
  By displacing the first folding rotator or the second folding rotator with the displacement means, the first press rotator is moved to the first folding rotator, and the second press rotator is moved to the second folding rotator. The first and second folding rotators are rotated in opposite directions by the driving means in the state where they are in pressure contact with each other, and conveying forces in opposite directions are applied to the paper by the first and second conveying means. The sheet folding apparatus is characterized in that the sheet is folded by bending the sheet and passing the formed fold between the first and second folding rotating bodies.
[0019]
  11. A first conveying means comprising a first folding rotating body and a first pressure rotating body;
  A second conveying means comprising a second folding rotating body and a second press-contact rotating body and disposed upstream of the first conveying means;
  A displacement means for displacing the first and second press-rotating rotators,
  Introduction means, and
  Drive means for driving at least one of the first folding rotating body and the second folding rotating body;
  In the state where the first and second pressure contact rotary bodies are separated from the first and second folding rotary bodies, the paper is introduced by the introducing means,
  By displacing the first and second pressure contact rotators by the displacement means, the first pressure rotator is brought into contact with the first folding rotator, and the second pressure rotator is brought into contact with the second folding rotator. The first and second folding rotators are rotated in opposite directions by the driving means, and the first and second conveying means are applied to the paper in opposite directions to bend the paper so that the paper is bent. A sheet folding apparatus, wherein the sheet is folded by passing the formed fold between the first and second folding rotating bodies.
[0020]
  12. A guide unit for guiding the sheet to be bent in one direction is provided between the first and second transport units.9~11The sheet folding device according to any one of the above.
[0021]
  13. At least one of the first and second folding rotating bodies and the first and second pressure rotating bodies is composed of a roller.9~12The sheet folding device according to any one of the above.
[0022]
  14. At least one of the first and second folding rotators and the first and second pressure rotators is a belt.9~12The sheet folding device according to any one of the above.
[0023]
  15. Said9~14A sheet post-processing apparatus comprising the sheet folding apparatus according to claim 1.
[0024]
  16. Said9~14An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet folding device according to claim 1.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
<Paper folding device>
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a sheet folding apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0026]
The first conveying means has a first folding roller R1 as a first folding rotating body and a first pressing roller R3 as a first pressing rotating body, and the second conveying means is a second folding as a second folding rotating body. It has a roller R2 and a second pressure roller R4 as a second pressure rotating body. As the first and second folding rollers R1 and R2 and the first and second pressing rollers R3 and R4, those made of a high friction material such as rubber are used.
[0027]
The rotation shafts of the first folding roller R1, the first pressure roller R3, and the second folding roller R2 are fixed, and the first pressure roller R3 is rotated by following the first folding roller R1. The rotation shaft of the second pressure roller R4 is provided on the lever LK and can be displaced. The second pressure roller R4 contacts and separates from the second folding roller R2, and at the time of contact, the second pressure roller R4 follows the second folding roller R2 and rotates. G1 to G3 are guide members for guiding paper, and the guide member G2 has a protruding portion GF at an intermediate position between the first transport unit and the second transport unit. The protruding portion GF as the guiding means restricts the bending of the paper in one direction (downward in the drawing). The lever LK is rotatably supported by the shaft LKX, one end (right end in the figure) is connected to the solenoid SD, and the other pressure roller R4 is supported by the other end. The lever LK is urged counterclockwise by the coil spring COL and rotates clockwise when the solenoid SD is turned on to separate the second pressure roller R4 from the second folding roller R2 as shown in FIG. The second pressure roller R4 is brought into pressure contact with the second folding roller R2 as shown in FIG. As described above, the lever LK and the solenoid SD for displacing the rotation shaft of the second press contact roller R4 constitute a displacement means.
[0028]
SS is a sensor as detection means for detecting the leading edge of the paper, and an optical sensor or a microswitch is used.
[0029]
2 shows a folding process in the paper folding method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 (a) shows the introduction process, FIG. 2 (b) shows the start stage of the folding process, and FIG. 2 (c). Indicates the folding process.
[0030]
In the introduction step of FIG. 2A, the solenoid SD is on, and the second pressure roller R4 is separated from the second folding roller R2 by driving the solenoid SD.
[0031]
The first folding roller R1 is driven to rotate counterclockwise as indicated by an arrow by a stepping motor M1 as a driving means, and the sheet S is conveyed from right to left as indicated by an arrow, and the first folding roller R1 and the first folding roller R1 It is introduced between the first pressure roller R3 and between the second folding roller R2 and the second pressure roller R4. In the introduction process, since the second conveying means does not have a conveying function, the second folding roller R2 is separated from the stepping motor M2 as the driving means, and the second folding roller R2 is driven by the first folding roller R1.
[0032]
FIG. 2B shows the start stage of the folding process in which the conveyance of the paper S is stopped and the second pressure roller R4 is in contact with the second folding roller R2 based on the paper leading edge detection signal of the sensor SS.
[0033]
When the sensor SS detects the leading edge of the sheet S, the first folding roller R1 is stopped based on the sheet leading edge detection signal, and the solenoid SD is turned off to displace the second pressure roller R4 by the bias of the coil spring COL. To be brought into contact with the second folding roller R2. The first and second pressure rollers R3 and R4 are applied to the first and second folding rollers R1 and R2 at a predetermined pressure so that the first and second conveying units have a conveying force capable of bending the sheet S. Each presses.
[0034]
Next, the first folding roller R1 is rotated clockwise by the stepping motor M1 as a driving unit and the second folding roller R2 is rotated counterclockwise by the stepping motor M2 as a driving unit. Since the conveying forces in opposite directions are applied by the first conveying means and the second conveying means, the sheet S is bent and a fold SJ is formed as shown in FIG. As the first and second folding rollers R1 and R2 rotate, the fold SJ passes between these rollers, and the sheet S is folded.
[0035]
At the beginning of the bending of the paper S in the initial stage of the process of FIG. 2C, the protrusion GF of the guide member G2 acts as a guide member that gives a predetermined position of the paper S a predetermined direction. The protrusion GF is formed so that the apex faces an intermediate position between the nip between the first folding roller R1 and the first pressure roller R3 and the nip between the second folding roller R2 and the second pressure roller R4.
[0036]
The position where the fold line SJ is formed is substantially the intermediate position, and becomes a reference position P which is a projection position of the contact position of the first folding roller R1 and the second folding roller R2 on the introduction path as shown in the figure. Thus, the reference position P can be said to be a position on the introduction path of the tangent line on the outer periphery of the first folding roller R1 that is a fixed roller.
[0037]
The position of the fold line SJ on the sheet S is set by the sheet leading edge detection position of the sensor SS, and a sensor for setting the position of the fold line SJ as being equal to the distance D between the sheet leading edge detection position of the sensor SS and the reference position P. Although the SS position is roughly adjusted, in practice, the relationship between the position of the sensor SS and the position of the crease SJ is experimentally determined to adjust the details.
[0038]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the sheet folding apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention (common to the embodiments described later). The control means CR drives the stepping motor M1 to introduce the paper S, and stops the stepping motor M1 based on the paper leading edge detection signal of the sensor SS. Next, the solenoid SD is driven, the second pressure roller R4 is brought into contact with the second folding roller R2, the stepping motor M1 is driven in a direction opposite to the direction in the introduction process, and the stepping motor M2 is driven to The folding roller R1 and the second folding roller R2 are rotated in opposite directions to fold the paper S.
[0039]
The sensor SS is set at a position corresponding to the folding mode and the paper size. Further, the position of the sensor SS can be fixed. In the configuration in which the sensor SS is fixed, a timer provided in the control means CR is activated by the output of the paper leading edge detection signal of the sensor SS, and the paper introduction process is terminated by the timer. The folding position is changed according to the folding mode and the paper size by changing the time measured by the timer.
[0040]
Further, the position of the sensor SS may be upstream as well as downstream of the first and second folding rollers R1 and R2.
[0041]
As described above, in the present embodiment, since the force that bends the sheet S is the first and second conveying means that are at a short distance across the bending position, the fold line SJ is the accurate of the sheet S. Formed in position. Although the position of the fold line SJ is set by the sensor SS, the position of the sensor SS can be easily and accurately set and can be arbitrarily changed. By changing the position of the sensor SS or changing the time measured by the timer, the folding mode such as bi-folding or tri-folding and the folding position according to the paper size can be accurately set.
[0042]
FIG. 4 shows a paper folding apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the second embodiment, an elastic plate made of PET is used as the guide member G1 for introducing the paper S into the folding device. The guide member G1 prevents the sheet S from coming into contact with the surface of the second folding roller R2 that rotates in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction during introduction.
[0043]
Further, the second folding roller R2 is configured as a driven roller that is driven by the first folding roller R1. In the introducing step, the second folding roller R2 is driven by the first folding roller R1 to rotate clockwise as shown, and in the folding step, the second folding roller R2 is driven by the first folding roller R1 whose rotation direction is reversed and counterclockwise. Rotate to. In the folding process, the second pressure roller R4 comes into contact with the second folding roller R2 when the solenoid SD is turned off, so that the opposite conveying force by the first and second conveying means acts on the sheet S and the sheet S is moved. Folded.
[0044]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sheet folding apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The first conveying means has a first folding roller R1 as a first folding rotating body and a first pressing roller R3 as a first pressing rotating body, and the second conveying means is a second folding as a second folding rotating body. It has a roller R2 and a second pressure roller R4 as a second pressure rotating body.
[0045]
The rotation shafts of the first folding roller R1, the first pressure roller R3, and the second pressure roller R4 are fixed, and the first pressure roller R3 rotates following the first folding roller R1. The rotation shaft of the second folding roller R2 is provided on the lever LK and can be displaced, and is in contact with or separated from the first folding roller R1 and the second pressure roller R4. The second pressure roller R4 rotates following the second folding roller R2 at the time of contact. G1 to G3 are guide members for guiding paper, and the guide member G2 has a protruding portion GF as a guide means at an intermediate position between the first transport means and the second transport means. The protrusion GF regulates the bending of the paper in one direction (downward in the figure). The lever LK is rotatably supported by the shaft LKX, one end (lower end in the figure) is connected to the solenoid SD, and the other folding roller R2 is supported at the other end. The lever LK is urged clockwise by the coil spring COL, and rotates counterclockwise when the solenoid SD is turned on so that the second folding roller R2 is pressed against the first folding roller R1 as shown in FIG. When SD is off, the second folding roller R2 is moved away from the first folding roller R1 as shown in FIG. The lever LK and the solenoid SD for displacing the rotation shaft of the second folding roller R2 constitute a displacement means.
[0046]
SS is a sensor as detection means for detecting the leading edge of the paper, and an optical sensor or a microswitch is used.
[0047]
6 shows a folding process of the paper folding method according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 (a) shows the introducing process, FIG. 6 (b) shows the starting stage of the folding process, and FIG. 6 (c). Indicates the folding process.
[0048]
In the introduction step of FIG. 6A, the solenoid SD is off, and the second folding roller R2 is separated from the first folding roller R1 by the bias of the coil spring COL.
[0049]
The first folding roller R1 is driven to rotate counterclockwise as indicated by an arrow by a stepping motor M1 as a driving means, and the sheet S is conveyed from right to left as indicated by an arrow, and the first folding roller R1 and the first folding roller R1 It is introduced between the first pressure roller R3 and between the second folding roller R2 and the second pressure roller R4. In the introduction process, the second folding roller R2 and the second pressure roller R4 are stopped, and the sheet S passes between these rollers.
[0050]
FIG. 6B shows the start stage of the folding process in which the conveyance of the paper S is stopped and the second pressure roller R4 is in contact with the second folding roller R2 based on the paper leading edge detection signal of the sensor SS.
[0051]
When the sensor SS detects the leading edge of the sheet S, the first folding roller R1 stops, and the solenoid SD is turned on to displace the second folding roller R2 to displace the first folding roller R1 and the second pressure roller R4. Contact. The first and second pressure rollers R3 and R4 are applied to the first and second folding rollers R1 and R2 at a predetermined pressure so that the first and second conveying units have a conveying force capable of bending the sheet S. Press contact.
[0052]
Next, the first folding roller R1 is rotated clockwise by the stepping motor M1 as a driving unit and the second folding roller R2 is rotated counterclockwise by the stepping motor M2 as a driving unit. Since the conveying forces in opposite directions are applied by the first conveying means and the second conveying means, the sheet S is bent and a fold SJ is formed as shown in FIG. As the first and second folding rollers R1 and R2 rotate, the fold SJ passes between these rollers, and the sheet S is folded.
[0053]
At the start of bending of the sheet S in the initial stage of the process of FIG. 6C, the protruding portion GF of the guide member G2 acts as a guide member that gives a predetermined position of the sheet S a bend in a predetermined direction. The protrusion GF is formed so that the apex faces an intermediate position between the nip between the first folding roller R1 and the first pressure roller R3 and the nip between the second folding roller R2 and the second pressure roller R4.
[0054]
The position where the fold line SJ is formed is substantially the intermediate position, and is a reference position P that is a projection position of the contact position of the first folding roller R1 and the second folding roller R2 on the introduction path as shown in FIG. Thus, the reference position P can be said to be a position on the introduction path of the tangent line on the outer periphery of the first folding roller R1 that is a fixed roller.
[0055]
The position of the fold line SJ on the sheet S is set by the sheet leading edge detection position of the sensor SS, and a sensor for setting the position of the fold line SJ as being equal to the distance D between the sheet leading edge detection position of the sensor SS and the reference position P. Although the SS position is roughly adjusted, in practice, the relationship between the position of the sensor SS and the position of the crease SJ is experimentally determined to adjust the details.
[0056]
In the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second folding roller R2 can be configured as a driven roller, and the second folding roller R2 can be driven by the first folding roller R1 in the folding step.
[0057]
FIG. 7 shows the configuration of a sheet folding apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, in the introducing step, as shown in FIG. 7A, the first folding roller R1 and the second folding roller are separated from each other, and the first pressure roller R3 is moved to the first folding roller R1 and the second folding roller R1 is moved to the second folding roller R1. The pressure roller R4 is in contact with the second folding roller R2. Then, the first and second folding rollers R1 and R2 are rotationally driven in the same counterclockwise direction by the motors M1 and M2 to introduce the paper.
[0058]
In the folding step, the solenoid SD is turned on to move the support plate SP supporting the second folding roller R2 and the second pressure roller R4, thereby bringing the second folding roller R2 into contact with the first folding roller R1. Then, the rotation direction of the motor M1 is reversed to rotate the first folding roller R1 in the clockwise direction. A one-way clutch is incorporated in the second folding roller R2, and the second folding roller is driven by the first folding roller R1 that rotates clockwise and rotates counterclockwise.
Accordingly, the sheet is folded by the first and second folding rollers.
[0059]
FIG. 8 shows the configuration of a sheet folding apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
Embodiment 5 has an introducing means for introducing the paper S into the paper folding apparatus, and the introducing means comprises a pair of transport rollers R5 and R6. In this example, the first and second pressure rollers R3 and R4 are brought into contact with and separated from the first and second folding rollers R1 and R2 by the solenoid SD, respectively. The solenoid SD that displaces the first and second pressure rollers R3 and R4 constitutes a displacement means.
[0060]
In the paper introduction process, the first and second pressure rollers R3 and R4 are in the positions of the dotted lines and are separated from the first and second folding rollers R1 and R2, respectively, and the paper S is removed by the transport rollers R5 and R6. Convey and introduce into paper folding device.
[0061]
In the folding process, the first and second pressure rollers R3 and R4 are in contact with the first and second folding rollers R1 and R2, respectively, and the folding rollers R1 and R2 are rotated in opposite directions to be folded. Do. Also in the fifth embodiment, one of the first and second folding rollers R1 and R2 can be a driving roller and the other can be a driven roller.
[0062]
FIG. 9 shows a modification of the sheet folding apparatus. In the example of FIG. 9A, the first pressure roller R3 that is in pressure contact with the first folding roller R1 on the downstream side in the conveying direction in the introducing step can be displaced, and the second pressure roller R4 that is in pressure contact with the second folding roller R2 on the upstream side. This is an example in which the rotation axis is fixed. In the process of introducing the paper S, the paper is conveyed and introduced by the second folding roller R2 and the second pressure roller R4.
[0063]
In the example of FIG. 9B, the rotation shaft of the first folding roller R1 on the downstream side in the conveying direction in the introduction process can be displaced, and the second folding roller R2 and the first and second pressure rollers R3, R4 on the upstream side can be displaced. This is an example in which the rotating shaft is fixed. In the paper introduction process, the paper is conveyed and introduced by the second folding roller R2 and the second pressure roller R4.
[0064]
In FIG. 9C, the rotation shafts of the first folding roller R1 and the first pressure roller R3 on the downstream side in the conveying direction in the introducing step can be displaced, and the first folding roller R1 and the second folding roller R2 are moved in the introducing step. And the first and second folding rollers R1 and R2 are rotated in the same direction to convey and introduce the paper. In the folding step, the first folding roller R1 and the first pressure roller R3 are displaced, the first folding roller R1 is pressed against the second folding roller, and the first folding roller R1 is rotated clockwise to perform folding. .
[0065]
FIG. 10 shows a modification of the folding rotator and the pressure rotator. FIG. 10A shows an example in which a belt is used instead of the roller as the pressure contact rotating body, and the belt B1 and the rollers R9 and R10 as the first pressure rotating body stretched around the rollers R7 and R8 are stretched. Further, a belt B2 as a second pressure contact rotating body is used. The rollers R8 and R9 can be used as guiding means for bending the paper S in one direction. FIG. 8B shows an example in which a belt is used instead of a roller as a folding rotator, and the belt B3 and rollers R13, R14 are stretched around a roller R11, R12 as a first folding rotator. A belt B4 as a second folding rotating body is used.
[0066]
<Image forming apparatus>
FIG. 11 shows an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0067]
The image forming apparatus main body A includes an image reading unit 1, an image processing unit 2, an image writing unit 3, an image forming unit 4, a sheet feeding unit 5, a conveying unit 6, a fixing unit 7, a reconveying unit (automatic double-sided copy conveying unit ADU). ) 8, control means 9 and the like.
[0068]
The sheet feeding means 5 includes a cassette sheet feeding unit 5A, a large capacity sheet feeding unit (LCT) 5B, a manual sheet feeding unit 5C, an intermediate sheet feeding roller 5D, a registration roller 5E, and the like.
[0069]
The transport unit 6 includes a transport belt 6A, a transport path switching plate 6B, a paper discharge roller 6C, and the like.
[0070]
An automatic document feeder ADF is mounted on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body A. A sheet post-processing device B is connected to the left side surface of the image forming apparatus main body A shown in the drawing roller 6C side.
[0071]
The document d placed on the document table of the automatic document feeder ADF is conveyed in the direction of the arrow, and an image on one or both sides of the document is read by the optical system of the image reading means 1, and is read by the CCD image sensor 1A.
[0072]
The analog signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 1A is subjected to analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, image compression processing, and the like in the image processing means 2, and then sent to the image writing means 3.
[0073]
In the image writing means 3, the output light from the semiconductor laser is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum of the image forming means 4 to form a latent image. In the image forming unit 4, processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, separation, and cleaning are performed. An image is transferred to the paper S sent out from the paper supply means 5 at the transfer portion.
[0074]
The sheet S carrying the image is conveyed by the conveying belt 6A, fixed by the fixing unit 7, and sent from the paper discharge roller 6C to the receiving unit 10 of the sheet post-processing apparatus B. Alternatively, the sheet S on which the image is formed on the front surface sent to the reconveying means 8 by the conveyance path switching plate 6B is again formed on the back surface by the image forming means 4 and discharged from the paper discharge roller 6C. The paper S discharged from the paper discharge roller 6C is sent to the receiving unit 10 of the paper post-processing apparatus B.
[0075]
The paper post-processing apparatus B includes a paper receiving unit 10 that receives the paper S on which an image is formed, a paper feeding device 11 that feeds additional paper such as a cover and an inter sheet, and a first paper folding unit 14 that folds the paper S. A second paper folding unit 15 for folding the paper S, an intermediate tray 16, a binding processing device 17, a fixed paper discharge tray 18, a vertically movable tray 19 that can be moved up and down, a half folding device 25, a fixed paper discharge portion 27, and the like. These devices and units are connected by transport paths 13, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 26.
[0076]
Next, the operation of the sheet post-processing apparatus B will be described.
The sheet S received by the sheet receiving unit 10 of the sheet post-processing apparatus B is conveyed to the first sheet folding unit 14 via the conveyance path 13.
[0077]
In the mode in which folding is not performed, the sheet S conveyed on the conveyance path 13 is fed by the first folding roller 141, the first pressure roller 143, the second folding roller 142, and the second pressure roller 144 that form the conveyance path 13. It is conveyed in the horizontal direction of FIG. 11 and sent to the post-processing section.
[0078]
In the mode in which paper is discharged without post-processing, the paper S is discharged to the fixed paper discharge tray 18 through the paper discharge path 20.
[0079]
In the staple mode, the paper S is transported to the intermediate tray 16 via the transport path 23, and after the set number of sheets are accumulated on the intermediate tray 16, the binding processing device 17 performs binding processing. The sheet S that has been subjected to the binding process without being folded is conveyed upward through the intermediate tray 16 after the binding process, and is discharged to the lifting / discharging tray 19.
[0080]
The folded sheet S that has been subjected to the binding process is discharged to the elevating / discharging tray 19 through the intermediate tray 16 after the binding process.
[0081]
In the mode in which a large number of images are formed, the recording paper S is discharged to the lifting / lowering tray 19 even when the binding process is not performed. In other words, the sheet S is discharged from the conveyance path 22 to the lifting / lowering tray 19 without or via the conveyance path 21.
[0082]
In the mode in which the bound sheet S is folded in half, the bound sheet S is introduced into the folding device 25 that performs the folding process by the knife-like folding member 251, and after being folded, is fixedly discharged via the conveyance path 26. It discharges to the part 27.
[0083]
In a mode in which additional sheets F such as a front cover, a back cover, and a partition sheet are attached to a bundle of sheets S for each set number of sheets, the additional sheets F are supplied from the sheet feeder 11 and merged into the transport path 13 for folding. Then, after performing processing such as binding processing, the paper is discharged to the lifting / lowering tray 19 or the fixed discharge portion 27.
[0084]
In the folding mode, a first folding process is performed on the paper S by the first paper folding unit 14, for example, at a position ¼ from the leading edge thereof. The folding process is performed by the second sheet folding unit 15 at the position 4, and the sheet S is, for example, Z-folded. Note that the ¼ position means ¼ of the entire length of the paper S that is not folded. Therefore, in the Z-folding process, a Z-folding process is performed in which the first fold is formed at a position 1/4 of the leading edge of the sheet and the second fold is formed at a position 1/2 of the sheet.
[0085]
As the first paper folding unit 14 and the second paper folding unit 15, the paper folding device shown in FIG. 1, 4, 5, 7 or 8 and described above is used. That is, the first folding roller 141 as the first folding rotating body in the first paper folding section 14 is replaced with the first folding roller R1 in FIG. 1, 4, 5, 7 or 8 as the second folding rotating body. The roller 142 is the second folding roller R2, the first pressure roller 143 as the first pressure roller is the first pressure roller R3, and the second pressure roller 144 as the second pressure roller is the second pressure roller R4. Equivalent to. Further, the first folding roller 151 as the third folding rotating body in the second paper folding section 15 is the first folding roller R1 in FIG. 1, and the second folding roller 152 as the fourth folding rotating body is the second folding roller R2. In addition, the first pressure roller 153 as the third pressure roller corresponds to the first pressure roller R3, and the second pressure roller 154 as the fourth pressure roller corresponds to the second pressure roller R4. The first folding roller 141 and the first pressure roller 143 constitute a first conveying means, the second folding roller 142 and the second pressure roller 144 constitute a second conveying means, and the first folding roller 151 and the first The pressure roller 153 constitutes a third conveying unit, and the second folding roller 152 and the second pressure roller 154 constitute a fourth conveying unit.
[0086]
FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the first and second paper folding sections 14 and 15. The second paper folding unit 15 is disposed directly below the first paper folding unit 14, and the paper transported horizontally from the right side is changed to a right angle by the first paper folding unit 14 and travels downward and travels downward. The sheet is fed into the sheet folding unit 15 and folded in the second sheet folding unit 15. The distance L between the first paper folding unit 14 and the second paper folding unit 15 is preferably set to be longer than the length in the conveyance direction of the conveyed paper, that is, the length of the longest paper to be handled. . If the distance L is shorter than the length of the paper, the paper may be transported across the first and second paper folding sections 14 and 15 and the transport may not be performed smoothly. .
[0087]
FIG. 13 shows an example of a Z-folding process in which the paper folding device shown in FIG. 1 is used for the first and second paper folding sections 14 and 15 to fold two places of the paper S. 11 and 12, the stepping motors M1 and M2, the guide members G1 to G3, and the solenoid SD in FIG. 1, 4, 5, or 7 are omitted, but the first and second paper folding portions 14 and 15 are The stepping motors M1 and M2 of the first paper folding section 14 are the first drive means, the protrusion GF of the guide member G2 is the first guide means, and the solenoid SD is the first displacement means. Configure each. The stepping motors M1 and M2 of the second paper folding unit 15 constitute second driving means, the protrusion GF of the guide member G2 constitutes second guiding means, and the solenoid SD constitutes second displacement means.
[0088]
In FIG. 13A, the first folding roller 141 and the second folding roller 142, the first folding roller 141 and the first pressure roller 143 are in pressure contact with each other, and the second folding roller 142 and the second pressure roller 144 are separated from each other. In this state, the first folding roller 141 is rotationally driven counterclockwise to convey the paper S, and is introduced into the first paper folding unit 14. When the sheet S is transported from the reference position P by a predetermined distance D = (1/4) × PL (PL is the length of the sheet), the driving of the first folding roller 141 is stopped by the sheet leading edge detection signal of the sensor SS1. Then, the first introduction process of FIG. 13A is terminated, and the process proceeds to the first folding process of FIG.
[0089]
In FIG. 13B, the second folding roller 142 is brought into pressure contact with the second folding roller 142, and the first folding roller 141 is moved in the opposite direction (clockwise) to that in the first introduction step. Each sheet is rotated in the clockwise direction to apply a conveying force to the sheet S in the opposite direction by the first and second conveying means to start folding. Further, as shown in FIG. 13C, the first and second folding rollers 141 and 142 continue to rotate and are folded, and the folded sheet S is conveyed by the conveying roller 210 (see FIG. 12) to be second. The paper is introduced into the paper folding unit 15.
[0090]
As shown in FIG. 13D, the first folding roller 151 and the second folding roller 152 of the second paper folding unit 15, and the first folding roller 151 and the first pressure roller 153 are in pressure contact with each other, and the second folding roller 152. In a state where the second pressure contact roller 154 is separated from the second pressure contact roller 154, the first folding roller 151 is rotationally driven to execute the second introduction step, and the sheet S is introduced into the second sheet folding unit 15.
[0091]
When the leading edge of the folded sheet S is conveyed by a predetermined distance D = (1/4) × PL from the reference position P, the driving of the first folding roller 151 is stopped based on the detection signal of the sensor SS2, and the second The pressure roller 154 is brought into pressure contact with the second folding roller 152.
[0092]
As shown in FIG. 13E, the second folding process is started after the pressure contact, and the rotation direction of the first folding roller 151 is reversed to fold the paper S. As illustrated in FIG. 13F, the rotation of the first and second folding rollers 151 and 152 is continued, and the sheet S is discharged from the second sheet folding unit 15 while folding the sheet S.
[0093]
The sensors SS1 and SS2 are set at various positions corresponding to the folding mode or the paper size.
[0094]
As shown in FIG. 11, in the step of performing the folding process of folding in three, the sheet S is conveyed from the conveyance path 10 as the main conveyance path to the first and second folding rollers constituting the first sheet folding section 14 as the branching section. 141, 142 and the first and second pressure rollers 143, 144 are transported to the transport path 21 as a branch transport path, and are transported by the transport roller 210, the second paper folding unit 15, and the transport rollers 211, 212. It joins the conveyance path 10.
[0095]
Refer to FIG. 13 again. The paper S is introduced into the first paper folding unit 14 from the direction X1, and is transported and sent from the first paper folding unit 14 to the second paper folding unit 15 in a direction X2 substantially perpendicular to the direction X1. The paper S folded by the second paper folding unit 15 is conveyed in the direction X3 substantially perpendicular to the direction X2, that is, in the direction X3 substantially the same as the direction X1.
[0096]
As shown in FIG. 13, the paper S that has been folded by the first and second paper folding units 14 and 15 is further transported by changing the direction from the direction X3 to a substantially right angle. The paper S branched from the transport path 10 as the transport path is transported on the transport path 21, transported by the transport rollers 211 and 212, and joined to the transport path 10.
[0097]
FIG. 14 shows another example of the Z-folding process in which the paper folding device shown in FIG. 5 is used for the first and second paper folding parts 14 and 15 of FIG. Although the stepping motors M1 and M2, the guide members G1 to G3, and the solenoid SD in FIG. 5 are omitted, the first and second paper folding portions 14 and 15 include these components, and the first paper The stepping motors M1 and M2 of the folding unit 14 constitute first drive means, the guide member G2 constitutes a first guide member G2, and the solenoid SD constitutes first displacement means. The stepping motors M1 and M2 of the second paper folding unit 15 constitute second driving means, the guide member G2 constitutes second guidance means, and the solenoid SD constitutes second displacement means.
[0098]
In FIG. 14A, the first folding roller 141 and the first pressure roller 143, the second folding roller 142 and the second pressure roller 144 are in pressure contact with each other, and the first folding roller 141 and the second folding roller 142 are separated from each other. In this state, the first folding roller 141 and the second folding roller 142 are rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction to convey the paper S, and are introduced into the first paper folding unit 14. When the sheet S is conveyed from the reference position P by a predetermined distance D = (1/4) × PL (PL is the length of the sheet), the driving of the folding roller 141 is stopped by the sheet leading edge detection signal of the sensor SS1. The first introduction process of 14 (a) is finished and the process proceeds to the first folding process of FIG. 14 (b).
[0099]
In FIG. 14B, the second folding roller 142 is brought into pressure contact with the first folding roller 141 so that the first folding roller 141 is rotated in the opposite direction (clockwise) to that in the first introduction step, and the second folding roller 142 is counterclockwise. Folding is started by rotationally driving in the respective directions and applying conveying forces to the paper S in opposite directions by the first and second conveying means. Further, as shown in FIG. 14C, the first and second folding rollers 141 and 142 continue to rotate and are folded, and the folded paper S is conveyed by the conveying roller 210 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). It is introduced into the second paper folding unit 15.
[0100]
As shown in FIG. 14D, the first folding roller 151 and the first pressure contact roller 153 of the second paper folding section 15, the second folding roller 152 and the second pressure contact roller 154 are in pressure contact with each other, and the second folding roller. In a state where 152 is away from the first folding roller 151, the first folding roller 151 is rotationally driven to execute the second introduction process, and the sheet S is introduced into the second sheet folding unit 15.
[0101]
When the leading edge of the folded sheet S is conveyed by a predetermined distance D = (1/4) × PL from the reference position P, the driving of the first folding roller 151 is stopped based on the detection signal of the sensor SS2, and the second The folding roller 152 is brought into pressure contact with the first folding roller 151 and the second pressure roller 154.
[0102]
As shown in FIG. 14E, the second folding process is started after the pressure contact, and the rotation direction of the first folding roller 151 is reversed to fold the paper S. As illustrated in FIG. 14F, the rotation of the first and second folding rollers 151 and 152 is continued, and the sheet S is discharged from the second sheet folding unit 15 while folding the sheet S.
[0103]
FIG. 15 shows a Z-folding process in which the paper folding device shown in FIG. 1 is used for the first paper folding unit 14 and the paper folding device shown in FIG. Another example of is shown.
[0104]
In FIG. 15A, the first folding roller 141 and the second folding roller 142, the first folding roller 141 and the first pressure roller 143 are in pressure contact with each other, and the second folding roller 142 and the second pressure roller 144 are separated from each other. In this state, the first folding roller 141 is rotationally driven counterclockwise to convey the paper S, and is introduced into the first paper folding unit 14. When the sheet S is transported from the reference position P by a predetermined distance D = (1/4) × PL (PL is the length of the sheet), the driving of the first folding roller 141 is stopped by the sheet leading edge detection signal of the sensor SS1. Then, the first introduction process in FIG. 15A is terminated, and the process proceeds to the first folding process in FIG.
[0105]
In FIG. 15B, the second folding roller 142 is brought into pressure contact with the second folding roller 142, and the first folding roller 141 is moved in the opposite direction (clockwise) to that in the first introduction step. Each sheet is rotated in the clockwise direction to apply a conveying force to the sheet S in the opposite direction by the first and second conveying means to start folding. Further, as shown in FIG. 15C, the first and second folding rollers 141 and 142 continue to rotate and are folded, and the folded sheet S is conveyed by the conveying roller 210 (see FIG. 12) to be second. The paper is introduced into the paper folding unit 15.
[0106]
As shown in FIG. 15D, the first folding roller 151 and the first pressure roller 153 of the second paper folding unit 15 are in pressure contact with each other, and the second folding roller 152 and the second pressure roller 154 are in pressure contact with each other. Is separated from the first folding roller 151, the first folding roller 151 is rotationally driven to execute the second introduction step, and the sheet S is introduced into the second sheet folding unit 15.
[0107]
When the leading edge of the folded sheet S is conveyed by a predetermined distance D = (1/4) × PL from the reference position P, the driving of the first folding roller 151 is stopped based on the detection signal of the sensor SS2, and the second The folding roller 152 is brought into pressure contact with the first folding roller 151 and the second pressure roller 154.
[0108]
As shown in FIG. 15E, the second folding process is started after the pressure contact, and the rotation direction of the first folding roller 151 is reversed to fold the paper S. As illustrated in FIG. 15F, the rotation of the first and second folding rollers 151 and 152 is continued, and the sheet S is discharged from the second sheet folding unit 15 while folding the sheet S.
[0109]
The first and second paper folding sections 14 and 15 can use the paper folding apparatus according to the first to fifth embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 7 or 8, and FIGS. As shown, the same one may be used for the first paper folding unit 14 and the second paper folding unit 15, or different ones may be used as shown in FIG.
[0110]
It is also possible to fold the paper in half using only the first paper folding section 14 and to perform three or more folding processes on the paper by providing three or more folding parts.
[0111]
【The invention's effect】
  Claims 1 to7, 9-11, 13 or 14Described in any ofDepartureAs a result, the sheet is bent and folded by transporting the sheet in a direction opposite to each other across a short distance, so that the sheet can be folded at an accurate position. In addition, since the folding device can be reduced in size, a post-processing device that performs processing for folding the image-formed paper can be easily incorporated.
[0112]
  Claim8Or12Invention described inInAs a result, a folded sheet in which a crease is formed at an accurate position is obtained.
[0113]
  Claim15According to the present invention, a small sheet post-processing apparatus that performs folding processing at an accurate position is realized.
[0114]
  Claim16According to the invention of the small size that performs the folding process at an accurate positionImage forming apparatusIs realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet folding device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a folding step in the sheet folding method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the sheet folding device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet folding device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet folding device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a folding process of a sheet folding method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet folding device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet folding device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the sheet folding device.
FIG. 10 is a view showing a modified example of a folding rotating body and a pressure rotating body.
FIG. 11 shows an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of first and second paper folding portions.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Z-folding process for folding two portions of a sheet.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of a Z-folding process for folding two places of a sheet.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing still another example of a Z-folding process for folding two places of a sheet.
[Explanation of symbols]
R1, 141, 151 First folding roller
R2, 142, 152 Second folding roller
R3, 143, 153 First pressure roller
R4, 144, 154 Second press roller
G1, G2, G3 guide members
GF protrusion
M1, M2 stepping motor
SS, SS1, SS2 sensors

Claims (16)

第１折り畳み回転体と第１圧接回転体とからなる第１搬送手段及び第２折り畳み回転体と第２圧接回転体とからなり前記第１搬送手段の上流に配置された第２搬送手段を用い、
前記第１、第２圧接回転体のいずれか一方を変位し、少なくとも他方の圧接回転体に接する前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体のいずれか一方を駆動して、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体との間及び前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体との間に用紙を導入する導入工程及び、
前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体を、前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第２折り畳み回転体をそれぞれ接触させた状態で、前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体を互いに反対方向に回転させることにより、用紙に対して前記第１搬送手段と前記第２搬送手段とにより互いに反対方向の搬送力を作用させて用紙を屈曲させ折り目を形成し、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第２折り畳み回転体との間に用紙の折り目を搬送して、用紙を折り畳む折り畳み工程、
を有することを特徴とする用紙の折り畳み方法。A first conveying means comprising a first folding rotating body and a first pressure rotating body and a second conveying means comprising a second folding rotating body and a second pressure rotating body and disposed upstream of the first conveying means are used. ,
Displace one of the first and second pressure rotating bodies, drive at least one of the first and second folding rotating bodies in contact with the other pressure rotating body, and An introducing step of introducing paper between the first press-contact rotary body and between the second folding rotary body and the second press-contact rotary body;
In a state where the first press-rotating rotator is brought into contact with the first folding rotary body, the second press-rotating rotary body is brought into contact with the second folding rotary body, and the second folding rotary body is brought into contact with the first folding rotary body. By rotating the first and second folding rotating bodies in opposite directions, the first conveying means and the second conveying means act on the paper in opposite directions to bend the paper. A folding step of forming a fold and conveying the fold of the paper between the first folding rotating body and the second folding rotating body to fold the paper,
A method for folding a sheet, comprising: 前記導入工程において、前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を接触させるとともに、前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体とを離間させ、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第２折り畳み回転体とを接触させて前記第１折り畳み回転体を駆動することにより、前記第２折り畳み回転体を前記第１折り畳み回転体に従動させ、前記第１搬送手段により用紙を搬送し導入することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の用紙の折り畳み方法。In the introducing step, the first folding rotating body is brought into contact with the first folding rotating body, the second folding rotating body and the second pressing rotating body are separated from each other, and the first folding rotating body and the first folding rotating body are separated from each other . By driving the first folding rotator by contacting the two folding rotators, the second folding rotator is driven by the first folding rotator, and the sheet is conveyed and introduced by the first conveying means. The paper folding method according to claim 1, wherein the paper is folded. 前記導入工程において、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体を接触させるとともに、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体とを離間させ、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第２折り畳み回転体とを接触させて前記第２折り畳み回転体を駆動することにより、前記第１折り畳み回転体を前記第２折り畳み回転体に従動させ、前記第２搬送手段により用紙を搬送し導入することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の用紙の折り畳み方法。In the introducing step, the second press-rotating rotator is brought into contact with the second folding rotator, and the first folding rotator and the first press-rotating rotator are separated, and the first folding rotator and the first folding rotator are separated from each other . The second folding rotating body is driven by bringing the second folding rotating body into contact with the second folding rotating body, the first folding rotating body is driven by the second folding rotating body, and the sheet is conveyed and introduced by the second conveying means. The paper folding method according to claim 1, wherein the paper is folded. 第１折り畳み回転体と第１圧接回転体とからなる第１搬送手段及び第２折り畳み回転体と第２圧接回転体とからなり前記第１搬送手段の上流に配置された第２搬送手段を用い、A first conveying means comprising a first folding rotating body and a first pressure rotating body and a second conveying means comprising a second folding rotating body and a second pressure rotating body and disposed upstream of the first conveying means are used. ,
前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体のいずれか一方を変位させ、少なくとも他方の折り畳み回転体を駆動して、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体との間及び前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体との間に用紙を導入する導入工程及び、Either one of the first and second folding rotators is displaced, and at least the other folding rotator is driven to move between the first folding rotator and the first press-rotating rotator and the second folding rotation. An introducing step of introducing a sheet between a body and the second press-contact rotating body; and
前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体を、前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第２折り畳み回転体をそれぞれ接触させた状態で、前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体を互いに反対方向に回転させることにより、用紙に対して前記第１搬送手段と前記第２搬送手段とにより互いに反対方向の搬送力を作用させて用紙を屈曲させ折り目を形成し、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第２折り畳み回転体との間に用紙の折り目を搬送して、用紙を折り畳む折り畳み工程、In a state where the first press-rotating rotator is brought into contact with the first folding rotary body, the second press-rotating rotary body is brought into contact with the second folding rotary body, and the second folding rotary body is brought into contact with the first folding rotary body. By rotating the first and second folding rotating bodies in opposite directions, the first conveying means and the second conveying means act on the paper in opposite directions to bend the paper. A folding step of forming a fold and conveying the fold of the paper between the first folding rotating body and the second folding rotating body to fold the paper,
を有することを特徴とする用紙の折り畳み方法。A method for folding a sheet, comprising: 第１折り畳み回転体と第１圧接回転体とからなる第１搬送手段及び第２折り畳み回転体と第２圧接回転体とからなり前記第１搬送手段の上流に配置された第２搬送手段を用い、
前記第１折り畳み回転体から前記第１圧接回転体を離し、前記第２折り畳み回転体から前記第２圧接回転体を離し、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体との間及び前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体との間に導入手段により用紙を導入する導入工程及び、
前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体を、前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第２折り畳み回転体をそれぞれ接触させた状態で、前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体を互いに反対方向に回転させることにより、用紙 に対して前記第１搬送手段と前記第２搬送手段とにより互いに反対方向の搬送力を作用させて用紙を屈曲させ折り目を形成し、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第２折り畳み回転体との間に用紙の折り目を搬送して、用紙を折り畳む折り畳み工程、
を有することを特徴とする用紙の折り畳み方法。 A first conveying means comprising a first folding rotating body and a first pressure rotating body and a second conveying means comprising a second folding rotating body and a second pressure rotating body and disposed upstream of the first conveying means are used. ,
The first pressurizing rotator is separated from the first folding rotator, the second pressurizing rotator is separated from the second folding rotator, and between the first folding rotator and the first pressurizing rotator and the An introducing step of introducing a sheet by introducing means between the second folding rotating body and the second pressure rotating body; and
In a state where the first press-rotating rotator is brought into contact with the first folding rotary body, the second press-rotating rotary body is brought into contact with the second folding rotary body, and the second folding rotary body is brought into contact with the first folding rotary body. By rotating the first and second folding rotating bodies in opposite directions, the first conveying means and the second conveying means act on the paper in opposite directions to bend the paper. A folding step of forming a fold and conveying the fold of the paper between the first folding rotating body and the second folding rotating body to fold the paper,
A method for folding a sheet, comprising: 前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体及び前記第１、第２圧接回転体の少なくとも一つはローラからなることを特徴とする請求項１〜５のいずれか１項に記載の用紙の折り畳み方法。 6. The sheet folding method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second folding rotating bodies and the first and second press-contact rotating bodies includes a roller . 前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体及び前記第１、第２圧接回転体の少なくとも一つはベルトからなることを特徴とする請求項１〜５のいずれか１項に記載の用紙の折り畳み方法。 6. The sheet folding method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second folding rotating bodies and the first and second press-contact rotating bodies is a belt . 前記折り畳み工程において、前記第１搬送手段と前記第２搬送手段との間に配置された案内手段により、用紙が一方向に屈曲するように案内することを特徴とする請求項１〜７のいずれか１項に記載の用紙の折り畳み方法。 8. In the folding step, the sheet is guided so as to be bent in one direction by a guide unit disposed between the first transport unit and the second transport unit. The method for folding a sheet according to claim 1 . 第１折り畳み回転体と第１圧接回転体とからなる第１搬送手段、A first conveying means comprising a first folding rotating body and a first pressure rotating body;
第２折り畳み回転体と第２圧接回転体とからなり前記第１搬送手段の上流に配置された第２搬送手段、  A second conveying means comprising a second folding rotating body and a second press-contact rotating body and disposed upstream of the first conveying means;
前記第１、第２圧接回転体のいずれか一方を変位させる変位手段及び、A displacement means for displacing either one of the first and second pressure contact rotary bodies; and
少なくとも前記変位手段により変位されない圧接回転体に接する折り畳み回転体を駆動する駆動手段を有し、Drive means for driving a folding rotator that is in contact with a pressure rotator that is not displaced by at least the displacement means;
前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体を接触させ、且つ、前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体を離すか、又は、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体を離し、且つ、前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体を接触させた状態で、前記駆動手段により少なくとも圧接回転体と接触している前記第１又は第２の折り畳み回転体を駆動して、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体との間及び前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体との間に用紙を導入し、The first folding rotating body and the first pressure rotating body are brought into contact with each other and the second folding rotating body and the second pressure rotating body are separated from each other, or the first folding rotating body and the first pressure rotating body are separated from each other. The first or second folding rotator which is in contact with at least the pressure rotator by the driving means in a state where the body is separated and the second folding rotator and the second pressure rotator are in contact with each other. Driving to introduce paper between the first folding rotating body and the first press-contact rotating body and between the second folding rotating body and the second press-contact rotating body,
前記変位手段で前記第１圧接回転体又は前記第２圧接回転体を変位させることにより前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体をそれぞれ接触させた状態で、前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体を前記駆動手段により互いに反対方向に回転させて用紙に対して前記第１、第２搬送手段により互いに反対方向の搬送力を加えて用紙を屈曲させ折り目を形成し、形成された折り目を前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体間に通すことにより用紙を折り畳むことを特徴とする用紙折り畳み装置。By displacing the first pressure contact rotator or the second pressure contact rotator by the displacement means, the first folding rotator is moved to the first pressure contact rotator, and the second folding rotator is moved to the second pressure contact rotator. The first and second folding rotators are rotated in opposite directions by the driving means in a state where they are in contact with each other, thereby applying conveying forces in opposite directions to the paper by the first and second conveying means. The sheet folding apparatus is characterized in that the sheet is folded by bending the sheet and passing the formed fold between the first and second folding rotating bodies. 第１折り畳み回転体と第１圧接回転体とからなる第１搬送手段、A first conveying means comprising a first folding rotating body and a first pressure rotating body;
少なくとも第２折り畳み回転体と第２圧接回転体とからなり前記第１搬送手段の上流に配置された第２搬送手段、A second conveying means comprising at least a second folding rotating body and a second press-contact rotating body and disposed upstream of the first conveying means;
前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体のいずれか一方を変位させる変位手段及び、Displacement means for displacing any one of the first and second folding rotating bodies; and
少なくとも前記変位手段により変位されない折り畳み回転体を駆動する駆動手段を有し、Drive means for driving at least a folding rotating body that is not displaced by the displacement means;
前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第２折り畳み回転体とを離した状態で、少なくとも前記変位手段により変位されない折り畳み回転体を駆動して、前記第１折り畳み回転体と前記第１圧接回転体との間及び前記第２折り畳み回転体と前記第２圧接回転体との間に用紙を導入し、With the first folding rotator and the second folding rotator separated from each other, at least the folding rotator that is not displaced by the displacing means is driven, and the first folding rotator and the first press-contact rotator are A sheet is introduced between the second folding rotating body and the second pressure rotating body,
前記変位手段で前記第１折り畳み回転体又は前記第２折り畳み回転体を変位させることにより前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体をそれぞれ圧接させた状態で、前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体を前記駆動手段により互いに反対方向に回転させて用紙に対して前記第１、第２搬送手段により互いに反対方向の搬送力を加えて用紙を屈曲させ折り目を形成し、形成された折り目を前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体間に通すことにより用紙を折り畳むことを特徴とする用紙折り畳み装置。By displacing the first folding rotator or the second folding rotator with the displacement means, the first press rotator is moved to the first folding rotator, and the second press rotator is moved to the second folding rotator. The first and second folding rotators are rotated in opposite directions by the driving means in the state where they are in pressure contact with each other, and conveying forces in opposite directions are applied to the paper by the first and second conveying means. The sheet folding apparatus is characterized in that the sheet is folded by bending the sheet and passing the formed fold between the first and second folding rotating bodies. 第１折り畳み回転体と第１圧接回転体とからなる第１搬送手段、A first conveying means comprising a first folding rotating body and a first pressure rotating body;
第２折り畳み回転体と第２圧接回転体とからなり前記第１搬送手段の上流に配置されたThe second folding rotating body and the second press-contact rotating body are arranged upstream of the first conveying means. 第２搬送手段、Second conveying means,
前記第１、第２圧接回転体を変位させる変位手段、A displacement means for displacing the first and second press-rotating rotators,
導入手段及び、Introduction means, and
前記第１折り畳み回転体及び前記第２折り畳み回転体の少なくとも一方を駆動する駆動手段を有し、Drive means for driving at least one of the first folding rotating body and the second folding rotating body;
前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体から前記第１、第２圧接回転体をそれぞれ離した状態で、前記導入手段により用紙を導入し、In the state where the first and second pressure contact rotary bodies are separated from the first and second folding rotary bodies, the paper is introduced by the introducing means,
前記変位手段で前記第１、第２圧接回転体を変位させることにより前記第１折り畳み回転体に前記第１圧接回転体を、前記第２折り畳み回転体に前記第２圧接回転体をそれぞれ接触させ、前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体を前記駆動手段により互いに反対方向に回転させて用紙に対して前記第１、第２搬送手段により互いに反対方向の搬送力を加えて用紙を屈曲させ折り目を形成し、形成された折り目を前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体間に通すことにより用紙を折り畳むことを特徴とする用紙折り畳み装置。By displacing the first and second pressure contact rotators by the displacement means, the first pressure rotator is brought into contact with the first folding rotator, and the second pressure rotator is brought into contact with the second folding rotator. The first and second folding rotators are rotated in opposite directions by the driving means, and the first and second conveying means are applied to the paper in opposite directions to bend the paper so that the paper is bent. A sheet folding apparatus, wherein the sheet is folded by passing the formed fold between the first and second folding rotating bodies. 前記第１、第２搬送手段の間に、用紙が一方向に屈曲するように案内する案内手段を設けたことを特徴とする請求項９〜１１のいずれか１項に記載の用紙折り畳み装置。 The sheet folding device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a guide unit that guides the sheet to be bent in one direction is provided between the first and second transport units. 前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体及び前記第１、第２圧接回転体の少なくとも一つがローラからなることを特徴とする請求項９〜１２のいずれか１項に記載の用紙折り畳み装置。 The sheet folding device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein at least one of the first and second folding rotating bodies and the first and second press-contact rotating bodies is a roller . 前記第１、第２折り畳み回転体及び前記第１、第２圧接回転体の少なくとも一つがベルトからなることを特徴とする請求項９〜１２のいずれか１項に記載の用紙折り畳み装置。 The sheet folding device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein at least one of the first and second folding rotating bodies and the first and second press-contact rotating bodies is a belt . 請求項９〜１４のいずれか１項に記載の用紙折り畳み装置を有することを特徴とする用紙後処理装置。A sheet post-processing apparatus comprising the sheet folding apparatus according to claim 9. 請求項９〜１４のいずれか１項に記載の用紙折り畳み装置を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet folding device according to claim 9.
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