Patent Application
20240067491
Embodiments described herein relate generally to a folding apparatus, a folding method, and an image forming apparatus.
The folding apparatus includes a center folding roller and a fold reinforcing roller. The center folding roller folds a center of a sheet bundle to form a fold line. The center folding roller presses out the sheet bundle with the fold line formed therein toward the fold reinforcing roller. The fold reinforcing roller is moved along the fold line of the sheet bundle pressed out by the center folding roller. The fold reinforcing roller is moved along the fold line of the sheet bundle while applying pressure to reinforce the fold line. If the number of sheets is greater than a predetermined number of sheets, the quality of the finished product of the booklet may be deteriorated. Therefore, a folding apparatus is required, which provides a high quality booklet.
In general, according to one embodiment, a folding apparatus includes a first fold reinforcing roller and a second fold reinforcing roller. The first and second fold reinforcing rollers are moved along a fold line of the sheet bundle while applying pressure to reinforce the fold line. The first fold reinforcing roller includes a first large diameter portion and a first small diameter portion. The first small diameter portion has a smaller diameter than the first large diameter portion. The second fold reinforcing roller includes a second large diameter portion and a second small diameter portion. The second large diameter portion faces the first small diameter portion. The second small diameter portion faces the first large diameter portion. The second small diameter portion has a smaller diameter than the second large diameter portion.
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus of a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
The image forming apparatus 10 includes a reading portion 11, an image forming portion 12, a sheet post-processing device 20, and an operation portion 9. The reading portion 11 scans a document. The image forming unit 12 prints image data of the scanned document on paper by an electrophotographic method. The sheet post-processing device 20 performs post-processing on the printed paper such as sorting, drilling, folding, saddle stitching, and the like. The operation portion 9 is provided for the user to perform various operations.
The image forming unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 includes a photoconductor drum 1 at a center. A charging unit 2, an exposure unit 3, a developing unit 4, a transfer unit 501, a static elimination unit 502, a separation claw 503, and a cleaning unit 6 are provided around the photoconductor drum 1. A fixing unit 8 is provided at the downstream of the static elimination unit 502. Each unit generally performs image formation processing in the following procedure.
First, the charging unit 2 uniformly charges a surface of the photoconductor drum 1. Meanwhile, the reading portion 11 converts the scanned document into image data. The reading portion 11 outputs the converted image data to the exposure unit 3. The exposure unit 3 irradiates the photoconductor drum 1 with a laser beam having an intensity corresponding to the level of image data. The exposure unit 3 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 1. The developing unit 4 develops an electrostatic latent image with toner. The developing unit 4 forms a toner image on the photoconductor drum 1.
The plurality of conveying rollers conveys the paper stored in paper feed cassettes 701, 702, and 703 of a paper storage unit 7 to a transfer position. The transfer position is the position of a gap between the photoconductor drum 1 and the transfer unit 501. At the transfer position, the toner image is transferred from the photoconductor drum 1 onto the paper by the transfer unit 501. The static elimination unit 502 erases the electric charge on the surface of the paper on which the toner image is transferred. The separation claw 503 separates the paper from the photoconductor drum 1. An intermediate conveying unit 504 conveys the paper toward the fixing unit 8. The fixing unit 8 heats and applies pressure to the paper to fix the toner image on the paper. An ejection unit 505 ejects the paper completed with the fixing process. The ejection unit 505 outputs the sheets completed with the fixing process to the sheet post-processing device 20.
The cleaning unit 6 is disposed downstream of the separation claw 503. The cleaning unit 6 removes the developer remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 1. As a result, the units are ready for the next image formation.
The sheet post-processing device 20 includes a sorter unit for sorting the sheets. The sheet post-processing device 20 includes a folding apparatus 30 and a sheet bundle placing portion 40 in addition to the sorter unit.
The folding apparatus 30 performs a center folding for binding a booklet. The center folding includes a saddle stitching of stitching the center of a plurality of printed paper sheets ejected from the image forming unit 12 with staples and forming a fold line. The folding apparatus 30 may simply perform the center folding without saddle stitching with staples. The folding apparatus 30 stacks the center folded sheet bundle on the sheet bundle placing portion 40.
The folding apparatus 30 outputs the booklet that is saddle stitched and center folded (an example of the center folding) to the sheet bundle placing portion 40. The folding apparatus 30 finally places the booklet (sheet bundle) on the sheet bundle placing portion 40.
In the folding apparatus 30, the paper ejected from the ejection unit 505 of the image forming unit 12 is received by an inlet roller pair 31. The inlet roller pair 31 passes the paper to an intermediate roller pair 32. The intermediate roller pair 32 passes the paper to an outlet roller pair 33. The outlet roller pair 33 feeds the paper to a standing tray 34. The standing tray 34 includes an inclined placing surface. The leading edge of the paper is directed upward from the inclination of the standing tray 34.
A stacker 35 is provided below the standing tray 34. The paper facing upward on the inclination of the standing tray 34 is switched back and falls. The stacker 35 receives the lower end of the paper that is switched back and fell from the upper part of the inclination of the standing tray 34.
A stapler 36 (an example of the saddle stitching unit) is provided near the center of the standing tray 34. If saddle stitching (stapling) the sheet bundle is performed, the position of the stacker 35 is adjusted such that the position of the sheet bundle to be stapled faces the stapler 36. For example, the position of the sheet bundle to be stapled is the center of the sheet bundle in the up-and-down direction.
If the stapler 36 saddle stitches the sheet bundle, the stacker 35 descends until the position of the sheet bundle where the fold line is to be formed comes to the front of a center folding blade 37. For example, the position where the fold line of the sheet bundle is to be formed is the center of the sheet bundle in the up-and-down direction and it is the position where the staples are inserted.
The center folding blade 37 includes a leading edge 371 at the downstream end of the center folding blade 37 in the advancing direction. If the position where the fold line is to be formed comes to the front of the center folding blade 37, the leading edge 371 of the center folding blade 37 pushes a surface which becomes an inner surface after the sheet bundle is folded.
There is a folding roller pair 38 ahead of the center folding blade 37 in the advancing direction. The folding roller pair 38 includes a pair of center folding rollers 381. The sheet bundle pushed by the center folding blade 37 is nipped in a nip portion of the folding roller pair 38. As a result, a fold line is formed in the center of the sheet bundle. The center folding blade 37 and the folding roller pair 38 form a center folding unit.
The sheet bundle on which the fold line is formed by the folding roller pair 38 is conveyed to a fold reinforcing unit 50. The sheet bundle conveyed to the fold reinforcing unit 50 is temporarily stopped.
The fold reinforcing unit 50 includes a fold reinforcing roller pair 51. The fold reinforcing roller pair 51 includes a first fold reinforcing roller 511 and a second fold reinforcing roller 512. The fold reinforcing roller pair 51 is moved in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the sheet bundle while applying pressure to the fold line, and reinforces the fold line. For example, the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the sheet bundle is the direction along the fold line.
The sheet bundle with the fold line reinforced by the fold reinforcing unit 50 starts to be conveyed again. The sheet bundle started to be conveyed is pulled by an eject roller pair 39 and reaches the sheet bundle placing portion 40. The sheet bundle placing portion 40 has the saddle stitched sheet bundle (booklet) placed thereon.
Next, the fold reinforcing unit 50 will be described.
The roller unit 60 includes the fold reinforcing roller pair 51. The fold reinforcing roller pair 51 nips the fold line of the sheet bundle extruded by the folding roller pair 38 positioned upstream and applies pressure, and reinforces the fold line by moving along the fold line.
The support portion 70 supports the roller unit 60 so that the roller unit 60 can slide in the fold line direction. The support portion 70 includes a member for nipping the sheet bundle, a structural member of the entire fold reinforcing unit 50, and the like.
The drive portion 80 includes a drive motor 81. The drive portion 80 drives the roller unit 60 along the fold line with the drive motor 81.
Among the roller unit 60, the support portion 70, and the drive portion 80, the structure of the support portion 70 will be described first.
The support portion 70 includes a frame 71. The frame 71 includes a top plate 711, left and right side plates 7121 and 7122, a bottom plate 713, a back plate 714, and a sheet bundle placing table 715.
The top plate 711 includes a support hole 7111 extending in a longitudinal direction. A support shaft 75, a conveying guide 72, and a drive shaft 76 are provided between both side plates 7121 and 7122. The support shaft 75 is a shaft member for supporting the roller unit 60. The conveying guide 72 has an L-shaped cross-sectional shape. The drive shaft 76 is a shaft member for driving the conveying guide 72 in the up-and-down direction.
The conveying guide 72 includes a guide bottom plate 721 along a sheet bundle conveying direction TD. A band-like first flexible member 73 is extended from the guide bottom plate 721. For example, the first flexible member 73 is formed of a resin member such as a film-like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the like. A second flexible member 74 similar to the first flexible member 73 is extended from the sheet placing table 715.
The flexible members 73 and 74 nip a fold line 1001 of a sheet bundle 100. The fold reinforcing roller pair 51 applies pressure to the fold line 1001 through the flexible members 73 and 74 to reinforce the fold line 1001. Through the flexible members 73 and 74, the occurrence of scratches and wrinkles in the fold line 1001 and in the vicinity thereof is prevented.
Cuts 731 and 741 are provided at the leading edges of the flexible members 73 and 74. The cuts 731 and 741 are positioned at positions corresponding to the positions of the staples of the fold lines. The cuts 731 and 741 prevent the flexible members 73 and 74 from being damaged by the staples.
A through hole 61 through which the support shaft 75 passes is provided in the lower portion of the roller unit 60. A support roller 62 for maintaining the attitude is provided on the upper portion of the roller unit 60. The support roller 62 is moved along the support hole 7111 of the top plate 711.
The support shaft 75 and the through hole 61, and the support hole 7111 and the support roller 62 limit the position of the roller unit 60 (excluding the position change in the moving direction) and the attitude of the three axes. As a result, the position of the roller unit 60 (excluding the position change in the moving direction) and the attitude of the three axes are kept constant even if the roller unit 60 is moving.
Next, the structure of the roller unit 60 will be described.
The roller unit 60 includes the fold reinforcing roller pair 51 therein. The roller unit 60 includes a unit support portion 63 and a unit frame 67. The unit support portion 63 includes the through hole 61 positioned at the lower portion of the roller unit 60. The unit frame 67 is fixed to the upper portion of the unit support portion 63.
The unit frame 67 includes an upper frame 671, a lower frame 672, and a frame plate 673. The frame plate 673 connects the upper frame 671 including a hollow portion and the lower frame 672 also including a hollow portion.
The roller unit 60 includes an upper link member 65, a lower link member 66, and a spring 68. The spring 68 elastically connects the upper link member 65 and the lower link member 66. One end of the spring 68 is engaged with a hook hole 652 of the upper link member 65. The other end of the spring 68 is engaged with a cut 662 of the lower link member 66.
The hollow portion of the lower frame 672 accommodates the second fold reinforcing roller 512 which is one of the fold reinforcing roller pair 51. The lower frame 672 pivotally supports the second fold reinforcing roller 512 so that it is rotatable around a rotation shaft of the second fold reinforcing roller 512 (hereinafter, also referred to as “second fold reinforcing rotation shaft”).
A lower link shaft 661 (see
The hollow portion of the upper frame 671 accommodates the first fold reinforcing roller 511 which is one of the fold reinforcing roller pair 51. The upper link member 65 pivotally supports the first fold reinforcing roller 511 so that it is rotatable around the rotation shaft of the first fold reinforcing roller 511 (hereinafter, also referred to as “first fold reinforcing rotation shaft”).
The second fold reinforcing rotation shaft is fixed to the lower frame 672. Even if the roller unit 60 is moved, the position of the second fold reinforcing roller 512 does not change in the up-and-down direction. For example, the position of the upper end of the second fold reinforcing roller 512 is adjusted to be the same as the position of the second flexible member 74. If the roller unit 60 is moved, the second fold reinforcing roller 512 is rotated while being in contact with the lower surface of the second flexible member 74.
Meanwhile, the upper link member 65 is connected to the first fold reinforcing rotation shaft. If the roller unit 60 is moved away from the home position HP and starts moving, the upper link member 65 is pulled by the spring 68. As a result, the upper link member 65 starts rotating downward around an upper link shaft 651. Due to the rotation of the upper link member 65, the first fold reinforcing roller 511 starts descending. Then, the first fold reinforcing roller 511 is moved to a position where it comes into contact with the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The pressing force due to the pulling force of the spring 68 acts on each other between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. In an embodiment, the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 nip the sheet bundle through the flexible members 73 and 74. Therefore, the pressing force between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 reinforces the fold line of the sheet bundle.
Next, the structure of the drive portion 80 will be described.
The drive portion 80 includes the drive motor 81 that is a drive source of the fold reinforcing unit 50. For example, the drive motor 81 may be the only one drive source of the fold reinforcing unit 50. For example, the drive motor 81 is a DC motor. The direction and speed of rotation of the drive motor 81 may be controlled from outside.
The drive portion 80 includes a power transmission mechanism such as a motor belt 82 and the like. The motor belt 82 transmits the drive force of the drive motor 81 to a pulley 83. The drive force transmitted to the pulley 83 is transmitted from a gear 831 of the pulley 83 to a drive side pulley 861 through a gear 84 and a gear 85. The drive side pulley 861 and the driven side pulley 862 support a unit drive belt 87. The unit drive belt 87 is moved between the drive side pulley 861 and the driven side pulley 862 by the drive force of the drive motor 81.
A rack is formed on the surface of the unit drive belt 87. The rack is engaged with teeth of a fitting portion 631 provided at the lower portion of the roller unit 60. As a result, the roller unit 60 can be moved in the fold line direction without sliding. The moving direction of the unit drive belt 87 can be changed by reversing the rotation direction of the drive motor 81. As a result, the roller unit 60 can be reciprocated, or can be moved one way on either the outward route or the return route.
The movement amount and movement speed of the unit drive belt 87 can be controlled by the rotation control of the drive motor 81. That is, the moving amount and movement speed of the roller unit 60 can be controlled by the rotation control of the drive motor 81. The drive motor 81 is provided with an encoder sensor 88. The encoder sensor 88 detects the rotation amount and the rotation speed of the drive motor 81 by a train of pulse signals output by the encoder sensor 88. The rotation control of the drive motor 81 is performed based on the rotation amount and the rotation speed detected by the encoder sensor 88.
For example, the drive motor 81 may be configured by a pulse motor. According to this configuration, the rotation speed can be detected by counting the pulses directly output by the drive motor 81.
For reciprocating movement, the roller unit 60 starts moving away from the home position HP. After that, the roller unit 60 is moved along the fold line while reinforcing the fold line, and temporarily stops at the position FP opposite to the home position HP. After stopping temporarily, the roller unit 60 is moved on a return route while continuously reinforcing the fold line and returns to the home position HP.
In addition to moving the roller unit 60 in the fold line direction, the fold reinforcing unit 50 performs the other drivings. Examples of the other drivings include up-and-down driving of the first fold reinforcing roller 511 inside the roller unit 60 and up-and-down driving of the conveying guide 72. For example, the drive motor 81 may be the drive source of the up-and-down driving. For example, all driving operation in the fold reinforcing unit 50 may be performed by the single drive motor 81.
Next, the mechanism for up-and-down driving of the first fold reinforcing roller 511 will be described.
As described above, the upper link member 65 and the lower link member 66 of the roller unit 60 are connected by the spring 68 at the position farthest from the link shafts 651 and 661 which are the respective rotation shafts. The lower link member 66 is provided with a guide roller 663 that is rotated freely.
Meanwhile, the support portion 70 includes a guide rail 77 having an L-shaped cross section. The guide rail 77 includes an inclined portion 771 that is inclined with respect to the fold line direction of the sheet bundle. In the guide rail 77, other portions except the inclined portion 771 are parallel to the fold line direction of the sheet bundle.
If the roller unit 60 is driven by the unit drive belt 87 and leaves the home position HP, the guide roller 663 comes into contact with a bottom surface of the inclined portion 771 of the guide rail 77. After the guide roller 663 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the inclined portion 771, the guide roller 663 descends along the bottom surface of the inclined portion 771. With the descending of the guide roller 663, the lower link member 66 is rotated counterclockwise in the
The horizontal region of the guide rail 77 is an effective drive region. In the effective drive region of the guide rail 77, the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 maintain the pressing force described above. The first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 reinforce the fold line of the sheet bundle by applying pressure to the fold line while keeping the pressing force described above.
In
In the fold reinforcing unit 50, a roller drive control unit 92 controls the timing of movement start and movement stop, a movement speed, and the like. The fold reinforcing unit 50 is controlled by the roller drive control portion 92 to distinguish between reciprocating movement and one way movement, and the like. In the case of one way movement, the fold reinforcing unit 50 is controlled to distinguish between outward movement and return movement, and the like.
A sheet conveyance control portion 91 controls the rotation start, rotation stop, rotation amount, and the like of the folding roller pair 38. The sheet conveyance control portion 91 controls the timing of conveyance start and stop, the stop position, and the like of the sheet bundle by controlling the rotation of the folding roller pair 38.
A control portion 90 controls the roller drive control portion 92 and the sheet conveyance control portion 91. The control portion 90 gives general commands regarding drive control of the fold reinforcing unit 50 and the folding roller pair 38 with respect to the roller drive control portion 92 and the sheet conveyance control portion 91.
Next, the structures of the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 forming the fold reinforcing roller pair 51 will be described.
The folding apparatus 30 of the embodiment includes the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 are moved along the fold line of the sheet bundle while applying pressure to reinforce the fold line.
For example, the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 are each formed of a resin such as polyoxymethylene (POM) resin and the like. For example, the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 are not limited to being formed of resin, respectively. For example, the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 may be formed of different members from each other. For example, the entirety, or the roller surface of the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 may be formed of members having different elastic modulus. For example, if the first fold reinforcing roller 511 is formed of resin, the second fold reinforcing roller 512 may be formed of metal. For example, the material of the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 can be changed according to the required specifications.
The first fold reinforcing roller 511 includes a first large diameter portion 521, a first small diameter portion 522, and a first intermediate portion 523. The first small diameter portion 522 has a smaller diameter than the first large diameter portion 521. The first intermediate portion 523 is positioned between the first large diameter portion 521 and the first small diameter portion 522. The diameter of the first intermediate portion 523 gradually decreases from the first large diameter portion 521 toward the first small diameter portion 522. An outer peripheral surface of the first intermediate portion 523 is inclined from an outer peripheral edge of the first large diameter portion 521 toward an outer peripheral edge of the first small diameter portion 522.
The first fold reinforcing roller 511 includes a first outer curved portion 524 that curves outward in the radial direction of the first fold reinforcing roller 511. The first outer curved portion 524 is continuously formed along a circumferential direction of the first fold reinforcing roller 511. The first outer curved portion 524 is provided at a boundary between the first large diameter portion 521 and the first intermediate portion 523.
The first fold reinforcing roller 511 includes a first inner curved portion 525 that curves inward in the radial direction of the first fold reinforcing roller 511. The first inner curved portion 525 is continuously formed along the circumferential direction of the first fold reinforcing roller 511. The first inner curved portion 525 is provided at a boundary between the first small diameter portion 522 and the first intermediate portion 523.
The second fold reinforcing roller 512 includes a second large diameter portion 531, a second small diameter portion 532, and a second intermediate portion 533. The second large diameter portion 531 faces the first small diameter portion 522. The second small diameter portion 532 faces the first large diameter portion 521. The second small diameter portion 532 has a smaller diameter than the second large diameter portion 531. The second intermediate portion 533 is positioned between the second large diameter portion 531 and the second small diameter portion 532. The second intermediate portion 533 faces the first intermediate portion 523. The diameter of the second intermediate portion 533 gradually decreases from the second large diameter portion 531 toward the second small diameter portion 532. An outer peripheral surface of the second intermediate portion 533 is inclined from an outer peripheral edge of the second large diameter portion 531 toward an outer peripheral edge of the second small diameter portion 532.
The second fold reinforcing roller 512 includes a second outer curved portion 534 that curves outward in the radial direction of the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The second outer curved portion 534 is continuously formed along the circumferential direction of the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The second outer curved portion 534 is provided at a boundary between the second large diameter portion 531 and the second intermediate portion 533. The second outer curved portion 534 faces the first inner curved portion 525.
The second fold reinforcing roller 512 includes a second inner curved portion 535 that curves inward in the radial direction of the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The second inner curved portion 535 is continuously formed along the circumferential direction of the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The second inner curved portion 535 is provided at a boundary between the second small diameter portion 532 and the second intermediate portion 533. The second inner curved portion 535 faces the first outer curved portion 524.
For example, the first large diameter portion 521 and the second large diameter portion 531 have the same diameter. For example, the diameter DLA of the first large diameter portion 521 is uniform in the axial direction of the first fold reinforcing roller 511 except for the first outer curved portion 524. For example, the diameter DLB of the second large diameter portion 531 is uniform in the axial direction of the second fold reinforcing roller 512 except for the second outer curved portion 534.
For example, the first small diameter portion 522 and the second small diameter portion 532 have the same diameter. For example, the diameter DSA of the first small diameter portion 522 is uniform in the axial direction of the first fold reinforcing roller 511 except for the first inner curved portion 525. For example, the diameter DSB of the second small diameter portion 532 is uniform in the axial direction of the second fold reinforcing roller 512 except for the second inner curved portion 535.
For example, the first large diameter portion 521 and the second small diameter portion 532 have the same length in the respective axial directions. For example, the first small diameter portion 522 and the second large diameter portion 531 have the same length in the respective axial directions. For example, the axial length CLA of the first large diameter portion 521 is the same as the axial length CSA of the first small diameter portion 522. For example, the axial length CLA of the first large diameter portion 521 is longer than the axial length CMA of the first intermediate portion 523.
The axial length CLA of the first large diameter portion 521 is not limited to being longer than the axial length CMA of the first intermediate portion 523. For example, the axial length CLA of the first large diameter portion 521 may be equal to or less than the axial length CMA of the first intermediate portion 523. For example, the axial lengths of each large diameter portion, each small diameter portion, and each intermediate portion forming the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 can be changed according to the required specifications.
The first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 include a first region 541 and a second region 542 disposed via a stepped portion 540. The first region 541 is disposed at the upstream in the advancing direction via the stepped portion 540, in the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The length of the first region 541 in the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 corresponds to the axial length CSA of the first small diameter portion 522. The second region 542 is disposed at the downstream in the advancing direction via the stepped portion 540, in the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The length of the second region 542 in the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 corresponds to the axial length CLA of the first large diameter portion 521.
The region in which the stepped portion 540 is disposed is an intermediate region positioned between the first region 541 and the second region 542. The length of the intermediate region in the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 corresponds to the axial length CMA of the first intermediate portion 523.
As described above, the folding apparatus 30 includes the first and second flexible members 73 and 74 having flexibility. The first flexible member 73 is disposed between the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 and the first fold reinforcing roller 511. The second flexible member 74 is disposed between the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. In
As described above, the folding apparatus 30 includes the center folding rollers 381 that fold the center of the sheet bundle 100 to form the fold line 1001. The center folding roller 381 conveys the sheet bundle 100 between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The center folding roller 381 folds the center of the sheet bundle 100 at the upstream in the conveying direction of the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The center folding roller 381 forms the fold line 1001 in the sheet bundle 100 in front of the roller unit 60.
The center folding roller 381 determines an advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. For example, the control portion 90 controls the rotation of the center folding roller 381 to control the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. In
Next, an example of control of the folding apparatus 30 will be described.
The control portion 90 controls the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 according to the number of sheets in the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512.
For example, the number of sheets in the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 may be set by counting the number of sheets of document at a document feeder mounted on the image forming apparatus 10. For example, it may be set if the control portion 90 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the number of sheets of document counted by the document feeder.
For example, the number of sheets ejected from the outlet roller pair 33 at predetermined intervals may be counted in the image forming apparatus and transmitted to the folding apparatus 30. For example, the number of sheets introduced into the inlet roller pair 31 at predetermined intervals may be set by counting by a sensor at the conveyance inlet entrance of the folding apparatus 30. For example, the number of sheets may be recognized based on thickness information by measuring the rotation shaft of the conveying roller with a laser displacement meter or the like. For example, the number of sheets in the sheet bundle may be set based on the thickness information of the sheet bundle.
For example, the number of sheets in the sheet bundle may be set at workplace. In this case, the meaning of the “workplace” includes not only the place of business, but also a place where people gather to carry out intellectual production. The meaning of the “workplace” includes not only a physical workplace but also a virtual workplace such as online and the like. For example, a user may set the number of sheets in the sheet bundle by teleworking or the like.
In the present embodiment, if the number of sheets is greater than a predetermined number of sheets, the control portion 90 aligns the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 with the second region 542. For example, if the number of sheets is greater than 20, the control portion 90 may align the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 with the second region 542.
If the number of sheets is greater than the predetermined number of sheets, the control portion 90 does not place the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 at the downstream of the sheet bundle 100 in the advancing direction with respect to the second region 542. If the number of sheets is greater than the predetermined number of sheets, the control portion 90 does not place the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 at the upstream of the sheet bundle 100 in the advancing direction with respect to the second region 542. If the number of sheets is greater than the predetermined number of sheets, the control portion 90 does not align the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 with the intermediate region (stepped portion 540). As a result, if the number of sheets is greater than the predetermined number of sheets, the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 is controlled to be within the range of the second region 542. For example, if the number of sheets is greater than the predetermined number of sheets, the control portion 90 may align the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 with the second region 542 near the downstream end of the sheet bundle 100 in the advancing direction.
If the number of sheets is less than the predetermined number of sheets, the control portion 90 aligns the advancing position of the fold line of the sheet bundle with the first region 541. For example, if the number of sheets is equal to or less than 20, the control portion 90 may align the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 with the first region 541.
If the number of sheets is less than the predetermined number of sheets, the control portion 90 does not place the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 at the upstream of the sheet bundle 100 in the advancing direction with respect to the first region 541. If the number of sheets is less than the predetermined number of sheets, the control portion 90 does not place the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 at the downstream of the sheet bundle 100 in the advancing direction with respect to the first region 541. If the number of sheets is less than the predetermined number of sheets, the control portion 90 does not align the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 with the intermediate region (stepped portion 540). As a result, if the number of sheets is less than the predetermined number of sheets, the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 is controlled to be within the range of the first region 541. For example, if the number of sheets is less than the predetermined number of sheets, the control portion 90 may align the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 with the first region 541 near the downstream end of the sheet bundle 100 in the advancing direction.
As described above, the folding apparatus 30 of the present embodiment has the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 are moved along the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 while applying pressure to reinforce the fold line 1001. The first fold reinforcing roller 511 includes the first large diameter portion 521 and the first small diameter portion 522. The first small diameter portion 522 has a smaller diameter than the first large diameter portion 521. The second fold reinforcing roller 512 includes the second large diameter portion 531 and the second small diameter portion 532. The second large diameter portion 531 faces the first small diameter portion 522. The second small diameter portion 532 faces the first large diameter portion 521. The second small diameter portion 532 has a smaller diameter than the second large diameter portion 531.
According to the folding apparatus 30 of the present embodiment, the second large diameter portion 531 faces the first small diameter portion 522, and the second small diameter portion 532 faces the first large diameter portion 521. If the number of sheets of the sheet bundle 100 is greater than the predetermined number of sheets, the portions having different diameters can face each other via the sheet bundle 100. Therefore, not only the force in the direction orthogonal to the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512, but also the force in the diagonally intersecting direction can be applied to the sheet bundle 100. As a result, the sheet bundle 100 can be folded by the force in the direction orthogonal to the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle 100, and the force in the direction diagonally intersecting the same. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high quality booklet.
The first fold reinforcing roller 511 further includes the first intermediate portion 523 positioned between the first large diameter portion 521 and the first small diameter portion 522. The second fold reinforcing roller 512 further includes the second intermediate portion 533 positioned between the second large diameter portion 531 and the second small diameter portion 532 and facing the first intermediate portion 523. With the configuration described above, the following effects can be achieved.
If the number of sheets in the sheet bundle 100 is greater than the predetermined number of sheets, the portions having different diameters, which are interposed by the intermediate portions 523 and 533, can be made to face each other via the sheet bundle 100. Therefore, by the intermediate portions 523 and 533 that are interposed, the force in the direction diagonally intersecting the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 can be more effectively applied to the sheet bundle 100. Therefore, the sheet bundle 100 can be more effectively folded by the force in the direction orthogonal to the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle 100, and the force in the direction diagonally intersecting the same.
Since the first large diameter portion 521 and the second large diameter portion 531 have the same diameter, the following effects can be achieved.
Compared with the case where the first large diameter portion 521 and the second large diameter portion 531 have different diameters from each other, it is possible to enhance the balance of the forces applied to the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from being applied to the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. Therefore, the fold line 1001 can be satisfactorily reinforced without damaging the sheet bundle 100.
The folding apparatus 30 further includes the first flexible member 73 having flexibility. The first flexible member 73 is disposed between the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 and the first fold reinforcing roller 511. With the configuration described above, the following effects can be achieved.
The first fold reinforcing roller 511 applies pressure to the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 via the first flexible member 73 to reinforce the fold line 1001. Through the first flexible member 73, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of scratches and wrinkles in the fold line 1001.
In addition, the folding apparatus 30 further includes the second flexible member 74 having flexibility. The second flexible member 74 is disposed between the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. With the configuration described above, the following effects can be achieved.
The second fold reinforcing roller 512 applies pressure to the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 via the second flexible member 74 to reinforce the fold line 1001. Through the second flexible member 74, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of scratches and wrinkles in the fold line 1001.
The folding apparatus 30 further includes the center folding roller 381 that folds the center of the sheet bundle 100 to form the fold line 1001. The center folding roller 381 conveys the sheet bundle 100 between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. With the configuration described above, the following effects can be achieved.
With a simple configuration including the center folding roller 381, the sheet bundle 100 having the fold line 1001 formed therein can be conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512.
By determining the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512, the center folding roller 381 provides the following effects.
It is possible to determine the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512, using the simple configuration that includes the center folding roller 381.
The folding apparatus 30 further includes the control portion 90. The control portion 90 controls the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 according to the number of sheets in the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. With the configuration described above, the following effects can be achieved.
It is possible to automatically change the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 according to the number of sheets in the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high quality booklet regardless of the increase or decrease in the number of sheets.
In addition, it is not necessary for the user to switch the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 and the like. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high quality booklet without the hassle of the operator.
The first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 include the first region 541 and the second region 542 disposed via the stepped portion 540. The first region 541 is disposed at the upstream in the advancing direction via the stepped portion 540, in the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The second region 542 is disposed at the downstream in the advancing direction via the stepped portion 540, in the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. With the configuration described above, the following effects can be achieved.
By changing the arrangement of the sheet bundle 100 with respect to the first region 541 and the second region 542, it is possible to adjust the force acting on the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. Therefore, the sheet bundle 100 can be folded with an appropriate force according to the number of sheets of the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512.
If the number of sheets is greater than the predetermined number of sheets, the control portion 90 aligns the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 with the second region 542, thereby achieving the following effects.
If the number of sheets is greater than the predetermined number of sheets, the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 can be aligned with the second region 542 that is in back of the stepped portion 540. Therefore, the sheet bundle 100 can be sufficiently folded by the force in the direction orthogonal to the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle 100 and the force in the direction diagonally intersecting the same. Therefore, if the number of sheets is greater than the predetermined number of sheets, it is possible to sufficiently fold the sheets, thereby providing a high quality booklet.
In addition, if the number of sheets is greater than the predetermined number of sheets and the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 is outside the second region 542, the force for applying pressure to the fold line 1001 deviates to the outside, resulting in a loss of pressing force. Further, if the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 is outside the second region 542, the fold line is formed away from the place of the fold line 1001, which may lead to deterioration of quality. On the other hand, according to this configuration, if the number of sheets is greater than the predetermined number of sheets, by aligning the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 with the second region 542, it is possible to reduce the loss of pressing force and prevent the deterioration of quality.
If the number of sheets is less than the predetermined number of sheets, the control portion 90 aligns the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 with the first region 541, thereby achieving the following effects.
If the number of sheets is less than the predetermined number of sheets, the advancing position of the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 can be aligned with the first region 541 that is in front of the stepped portion 540. Therefore, the sheet bundle 100 can be folded by the force in the direction orthogonal to the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle 100. As a result, if the number of sheets is less than the predetermined number of sheets, it is possible to prevent the application of extra force to the sheet bundle 100. Therefore, if the number of sheets is less than the predetermined number of sheets, it is possible to provide a high quality booklet without damaging the sheet bundle 100.
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to
As illustrated in
The first flexible member 73 is provided between the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 and the first fold reinforcing roller 511. The second flexible member 74 is provided between the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512.
The first fold reinforcing roller 511 includes a first outer corner portion 2524 that protrudes outward in the radial direction of the first fold reinforcing roller 511. The first outer corner portion 2524 is continuously formed along the circumferential direction of the first fold reinforcing roller 511. The first outer corner portion 2524 is provided at the boundary between the first large diameter portion 521 and the first intermediate portion 523.
The first fold reinforcing roller 511 includes a first inner corner portion 2525 that protrudes inward in the radial direction of the first fold reinforcing roller 511. The first inner corner portion 2525 is continuously formed along the circumferential direction of the first fold reinforcing roller 511. The first inner corner portion 2525 is provided at the boundary between the first small diameter portion 522 and the first intermediate portion 523.
The second fold reinforcing roller 512 includes a second outer corner portion 2534 that protrudes outward in the radial direction of the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The second outer corner portion 2534 is continuously formed along the circumferential direction of the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The second outer corner portion 2534 is provided at the boundary between the second large diameter portion 531 and the second intermediate portion 533. The second outer corner portion 2534 faces the first inner corner portion 2525.
The second fold reinforcing roller 512 includes a second inner corner portion 2535 that protrudes radially inward in the radial direction of the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The second inner corner portion 2535 is continuously formed along the circumferential direction of the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The second inner corner portion 2535 is provided at the boundary between the second small diameter portion 532 and the second intermediate portion 533. The second inner corner portion 2535 faces the first outer corner portion 2524.
According to the second embodiment, the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 do not include an outer curved portion and an inner curved portion. In other words, the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 include the outer corners 2524 and 2534 and the inner corners 2525 and 2535. In this embodiment, the occurrence of scratches and wrinkles on the fold line 1001 can still be prevented through the first flexible member 73 and the second flexible member 74.
Next, a modification of the embodiment will be described.
The first fold reinforcing roller is not limited to including the first intermediate portion positioned between the first large diameter portion and the first small diameter portion. For example, the first fold reinforcing roller may not have the first intermediate portion. For example, the first large diameter portion and the first small diameter portion may not be interposed by the first intermediate portion, but adjacent to each other. For example, the configuration of the first fold reinforcing roller can be changed according to the required specifications.
The second fold reinforcing roller is not limited to including the second intermediate portion positioned between the second large diameter portion and the second small diameter portion. For example, the second fold reinforcing roller may not have the second intermediate portion. For example, the second large diameter portion and the second small diameter portion may not be interposed by the second intermediate portion, but adjacent to each other. For example, the configuration of the second fold reinforcing roller can be changed according to the required specifications.
The first large diameter portion and the second large diameter portion are not limited to having the same diameter. For example, the first large diameter portion and the second large diameter portion may have different diameters from each other. For example, the diameters of the first large diameter portion and the second large diameter portion may be changed according to the required specifications.
The folding apparatus is not limited to including the first and second flexible members having flexibility. For example, the folding apparatus may not include at least one of the first flexible member and the second flexible member. For example, the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller may press the fold line of the sheet bundle without being interposed by a flexible member (directly) to reinforce the fold line. For example, if the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller include the outer curved portion, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of scratches and wrinkles on the fold line even without using a flexible member. For example, the installation aspect of the flexible member can be changed according to the required specifications.
The folding apparatus is not limited to including the center folding roller that folds the center of the sheet bundle to form a fold line. For example, the folding apparatus may not include the center folding roller. For example, other than the center folding roller, the folding apparatus may include a sheet conveying device for conveying the sheet bundle between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller. For example, the aspect of conveying the sheet bundle with fold line formed therein between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller may be changed according to the required specifications.
The center folding roller is not limited to determining the advancing position of the fold line of the sheet bundle between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller. For example, the center folding roller may not determine the advancing position of the fold line of the sheet bundle between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller. For example, other than the center folding roller, the folding apparatus may include a positioning device for determining the advancing position of the fold line of the sheet bundle between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller. For example, the aspect of determining the advancing position of the fold line of the sheet bundle between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller may be changed according to the required specifications.
The folding apparatus may include a control portion that controls the advancing position of the fold line of the sheet bundle between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller according to the number of sheets in the sheet bundle conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller. For example, the folding apparatus may not include the control portion described above. For example, the user may manually change the advancing position of the fold line of the sheet bundle between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller by switching the advancing position of the fold line of the sheet bundle and the like. For example, the aspect of changing the advancing position of the fold line of the sheet bundle between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller according to the number of sheets in the sheet bundle conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller may be changed according to the required specifications.
The control portion is not limited to controlling the advancing position of the fold line of the sheet bundle between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller according to the number of sheets in the sheet bundle conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller. For example, the control portion may control the advancing position of the fold line of the sheet bundle between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller according to the thickness of the sheet bundle (sheets) conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller and the second fold reinforcing roller. For example, the aspect of controlling by the control portion may be changed according to the required specifications.
According to at least one embodiment described above, the folding apparatus 30 has the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512. The first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512 are moved along the fold line 1001 of the sheet bundle 100 while applying pressure to reinforce the fold line 1001. The first fold reinforcing roller 511 includes the first large diameter portion 521 and the first small diameter portion 522. The first small diameter portion 522 has a smaller diameter than the first large diameter portion 521. The second fold reinforcing roller 512 includes the second large diameter portion 531 and the second small diameter portion 532. The second large diameter portion 531 faces the first small diameter portion 522. The second small diameter portion 532 faces the first large diameter portion 521. The second small diameter portion 532 has a smaller diameter than the second large diameter portion 531.
According to the folding apparatus 30 of the present embodiment, the second large diameter portion 531 faces the first small diameter portion 522, and the second small diameter portion 532 faces the first large diameter portion 521. If the number of sheets of the sheet bundle 100 is greater than the predetermined number of sheets, the portions having different diameters can face each other via the sheet bundle 100. Therefore, not only the force in the direction orthogonal to the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle 100 conveyed between the first fold reinforcing roller 511 and the second fold reinforcing roller 512, but also the force in the diagonally intersecting direction can be applied to the sheet bundle 100. As a result, the sheet bundle 100 can be folded by the force in the direction orthogonal to the advancing direction TDA of the sheet bundle 100, and the force in the direction diagonally intersecting the same. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high quality booklet.
While certain embodiments have been described these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms: furthermore various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.
