RECORDING MEDIUM PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM

Abstract

A recording medium processing apparatus that performs processing on a recording medium bundle includes an advancing member that advances from a side facing one surface of the recording medium bundle toward the recording medium bundle and presses the recording medium bundle; a transporter that transports the recording medium bundle to a downstream side in a direction of movement of the recording medium bundle so that a portion of the recording medium bundle that is being pressed by the advancing member moves ahead of other portions; and a processor configured to change at least one of an advancing velocity of the advancing member and a transport velocity at which the recording medium bundle is transported by the transporter on a basis of medium information, which is information on the recording medium bundle, and/or apparatus information, which is information on the recording medium processing apparatus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-197074 filed Dec. 9, 2022.

BACKGROUND

(i) Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a recording medium processing apparatus and an image forming system.

(ii) Related Art

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-57031 discloses a sheet processing apparatus that includes a stacking unit on which creased sheets are stacked, a folding roller that faces the stacking unit and rotates at a folding speed, and a pushing unit that moves at a pushing speed and pushes a sheet stacked on the stacking unit into the folding roller to fold the sheet into halves at a creased position.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-76832 discloses a sheet processing apparatus that includes a pushing plate that processes a sheet and a folding roller.

SUMMARY

Processing of folding a recording medium bundle including plural recording media is sometimes performed to create a booklet or the like. It can be assumed that the processing of folding a recording medium bundle is performed under various situations. In a configuration in which the folding processing is performed under one predetermined setting, the predetermined setting may become unsuitable for a situation where the folding processing is performed.

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to improving quality of folding processing performed on a recording medium bundle as compared with a configuration in which setting during folding processing cannot be changed.

Aspects of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure overcome the above disadvantages and/or other disadvantages not described above. However, aspects of the non-limiting embodiments are not required to overcome the disadvantages described above, and aspects of the non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure may not overcome any of the disadvantages described above.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a recording medium processing apparatus that performs processing on a recording medium bundle, including: an advancing member that advances from a side facing one surface of the recording medium bundle toward the recording medium bundle and presses the recording medium bundle; a transporter that transports the recording medium bundle to a downstream side in a direction of movement of the recording medium bundle so that a portion of the recording medium bundle that is being pressed by the advancing member moves ahead of other portions; and a processor configured to change at least one of an advancing velocity of the advancing member and a transport velocity at which the recording medium bundle is transported by the transporter on the basis of medium information, which is information on the recording medium bundle, and/or apparatus information, which is information on the recording medium processing apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an overall configuration of an image forming system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration of a controller;

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a configuration of a saddle-stitching unit provided in a first post-processing device;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an advancing member and a folding roll viewed from an upper side;

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a circumferential velocity of the folding roll and a moving velocity of the advancing member;

FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate movement of each unit during folding processing performed by the advancing member and the folding roll;

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a way in which a paper support member is disposed;

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining detachment of paper from a paper bundle;

FIG. 9 illustrates a state of a paper bundle that is being pressed by the advancing member;

FIG. 10 illustrates states of a paper bundle obtained in a case where the number of sheets of paper that constitute the paper bundle and a value of a velocity ratio are changed;

FIG. 11 illustrates details of a driving device;

FIG. 12-1 illustrates a transmitting unit viewed from a direction indicated by arrow XII of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12-2 illustrates a modification of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates another configuration example of the driving device;

FIG. 14 illustrates another configuration example of the driving device;

FIG. 15 illustrates a specific example of processing performed on the basis of environmental information;

FIG. 16 illustrates a specific example of processing performed on the basis of image information;

FIG. 17 illustrates a specific example of processing performed on the basis of whether or not binding processing is performed;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a series of processing;

FIG. 19 illustrates a paper bundle and a folding roll that is in contact with the paper bundle;

FIG. 20 illustrates another configuration example of the driving device for the folding roll;

FIG. 21 illustrates another configuration example of the driving device;

FIG. 22 illustrates the driving device viewed from a direction indicated by arrow XXII of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 illustrates a modification of the driving device illustrated in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 illustrates another modification of the driving device;

FIG. 25 illustrates another modification of the driving device;

FIG. 26 is a view for explaining influence of an amount of movement of a contact portion and a velocity ratio; and

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed in a case where the amount of movement of the contact portion is changed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an overall configuration of an image forming system 1.

The image forming system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 that forms an image on paper P, which is an example of a recording medium, and a paper processing apparatus 3 that processes the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2.

Note that an image forming system employed by the image forming apparatus 2 is not limited in particular, and the image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on paper P, for example, by using an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system.

The paper processing apparatus 3, which is an example of a recording medium processing apparatus, includes a transport device 10 that transports paper P output from the image forming apparatus 2 toward a downstream side and a laminated paper feeding device 20 that feeds laminated paper such as a cardboard or paper P with a window to the paper P transported by the transport device 10.

Furthermore, the paper processing apparatus 3 includes a folding device 30 that performs folding processing such as inward tri-folding (C folding) or outward tri-folding (Z folding) on paper P transported from the transport device 10 and a first post-processing device 40 that is provided on a downstream side relative to the folding device 30 and performs binding processing and folding processing on a paper bundle.

Furthermore, the paper processing apparatus 3 includes a second post-processing device 50 that is provided on a downstream side relative to the first post-processing device 40 and performs processing on a paper bundle on which binding processing and folding processing have been performed.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first post-processing device 40 performs binding processing and folding processing on a paper bundle to create a booklet, and the second post-processing device 50 performs processing on the booklet.

Furthermore, the paper processing apparatus 3 includes a controller 100 that controls each unit of the paper processing apparatus 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first post-processing device 40 includes a punching unit 41 that punches out the paper P and an end-stitching stapler unit 42 that stitches an end of a paper bundle.

Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 includes a first stacking unit 43 on which an end-stitched paper bundle is stacked. Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 includes a second stacking unit 45 on which paper P that has not been processed by the first post-processing device 40 or paper P that has been subjected to punching processing only is stacked.

Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 includes a saddle-stitching unit 44 that creates a booklet that can be spread out by performing binding processing and folding processing on a paper bundle.

FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration of the controller 100.

The controller 100 includes an arithmetic processing unit 120 that performs digital arithmetic processing in accordance with a program, a secondary storage unit 129 in which information such as a program is stored, and a communication unit 130 that transmits and receives information to and from an external device.

The secondary storage unit 129 is, for example, an existing information storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor memory, or a magnetic tape.

The arithmetic processing unit 120 includes a CPU 11a, which is an example of a processor. In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU 11a performs processing described below.

Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 120 includes a RAM 11b used as a working memory or the like of the CPU 11a and a ROM 11c in which a program executed by the CPU 11a and the like are stored.

Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 120 includes a non-volatile memory 11d that is rewritable and can hold data even in a case where power supply is stopped.

The non-volatile memory 11d is, for example, a SRAM backed up by a battery, a flash memory, or the like.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU 11a performs processing described below by reading a program stored in the secondary storage unit 129 or the ROM 11c.

The arithmetic processing unit 120, the secondary storage unit 129, and the communication unit 130 are connected through a bus or a signal line.

A program to be executed by the CPU 11a may be offered to the controller 100 by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (a magnetic tape, a magnetic disc, or the like), an optical recording medium (an optical disc or the like), a magneto optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, a program to be executed by the CPU 11a may be offered to the controller 100 by means of communication such as the Internet.

In the embodiment above, the term “processor” refers to hardware in a broad sense. Examples of the processor include general processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, and programmable logic device).

In the embodiment above, the term “processor” is broad enough to encompass one processor or plural processors in collaboration which are located physically apart from each other but may work cooperatively. The order of operations of the processor is not limited to one described in the embodiment above, and may be changed.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a configuration of the saddle-stitching unit 44 provided in the first post-processing device 40.

The saddle-stitching unit 44 includes a sensor 400 such as a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor that acquires environmental information that is information on an environment in a place where the first post-processing device 40 is installed.

Furthermore, the saddle-stitching unit 44 includes a paper accumulating unit 440 on which paper P is accumulated. The paper accumulating unit 440 includes a paper support member 441 that supports paper P that is sequentially transported thereto.

The paper support member 441 is a plate-shaped member.

The paper support member 441 is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The paper support member 441 is disposed so that a portion thereof located at a lower position is farther from a side where a folding roll 448 (described later in detail) is provided.

The paper support member 441 has a support surface 441A that supports paper P from a lower side.

A guide member 450 that guides paper P moving downward is provided so as to face the support surface 441A. The guide member 450 is disposed along the paper support member 441 so as to be separated away from the paper support member 441.

Furthermore, the saddle-stitching unit 44 includes a feed-out roll 442 that feeds out paper P downward. Furthermore, the saddle-stitching unit 44 includes a paper receiving part 443 which a lower end portion that is one end portion of paper P is pushed against.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the one end portion of the paper P is pushed against the paper receiving part 443. This determines a position of the paper P in a direction in which the paper P is fed out by the feed-out roll 442.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the paper P fed out by the feed-out roll 442 moves downward along the paper support member 441. Then, in the present exemplary embodiment, a lower end portion that is one end portion of the paper P hits the paper receiving part 443.

Furthermore, the saddle-stitching unit 44 includes a paper biasing member 444 that biases paper P accumulated on the paper support member 441 toward the paper receiving part 443. The paper biasing member 444 is a rotary member having an elastic piece on an outer circumference thereof.

Furthermore, the saddle-stitching unit 44 has a pressing member 445 that advances toward a side edge of paper P and presses the side edge.

Furthermore, the saddle-stitching unit 44 includes a stapler 446, which is an example of a binder that performs binding processing on a paper bundle made up of paper P accumulated on the paper support member 441.

Note that although a case where a paper bundle is bound by using a binding needle is described in the present exemplary embodiment, the paper bundle may be bound by bonding sheets of paper by application of pressure without using a binding needle.

Furthermore, the saddle-stitching unit 44 includes an advancing member 447 that advances toward the paper bundle, which is an example of a recording medium bundle, from a side facing one surface of the paper bundle and presses the paper bundle.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the folding roll 448 that functions as a transporter and a pressing unit is provided.

The folding roll 448 is a pair of rolls that holds therebetween a paper bundle that is pressed by the advancing member 447 and is fed to the folding roll 448.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a first folding roll 448A located on an upper side and a second folding roll 448B located on a lower side are provided as the pair of rolls.

The folding roll 448 transports a paper bundle toward a downstream side while pressing the paper bundle.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, a transport roll 449 that transports a paper bundle transported by the folding roll 448 to the second post-processing device 50.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the advancing member 447 and the folding roll 448 viewed from an upper side.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B (not illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B) that constitute the folding roll 448 each include a columnar rotary shaft 448N and cylindrical elastic bodies 448C attached to an outer circumferential surface of the rotary shaft 448N. The elastic bodies 448C are, for example, made of rubber or soft resin.

The clastic bodies 448C are arranged along an axial direction of the rotary shaft 448N. A gap 448E is provided between adjacent elastic bodies 448C.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the folding roll 448 is rotated by driving force received from a driving device 500.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first folding roll 448A is rotated by driving force received from the driving device 500. Then, the second folding roll 448B (see FIG. 3) is rotated by driving force received from the first folding roll 448A.

The first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B are in contact with each other at a contact portion 448G (see FIG. 4A), and the second folding roll 448B receives driving force from the first folding roll 448A at the contact portion 448G.

Note that the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B may be individually rotated by individually supplying driving force to the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B.

The advancing member 447 (see FIG. 4A) includes a base part 447A that extends along the axial direction of the folding roll 448 and plural protruding parts 447C that protrude from the base part 447A toward the folding roll 448.

The protruding parts 447C are arranged along the axial direction of the folding roll 448.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the advancing member 447 advances toward the folding roll 448, the protruding parts 447C of the advancing member 447 enter the gaps 448E of the folding roll 448, as illustrated in FIG. 4B.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, when the advancing member 447 advances, leading end portions 447E of the protruding parts 447C pass between the rotary shaft 448N of the first folding roll 448A (see FIG. 4B) and the rotary shaft 448N of the second folding roll 448B (not illustrated in FIG. 4B).

Furthermore, when the advancing member 447 advances, the leading end portions 447E of the protruding parts 447C move beyond the contact portion 448G between the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 and a moving velocity of the advancing member 447.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the folding roll 448 basically rotates at a predetermined constant velocity.

The folding roll 448 rotates, for example, at a circumferential velocity Vr. The circumferential velocity is a moving velocity of the folding roll 448 on an outer circumferential surface of the folding roll 448. The circumferential velocity is equal to a velocity at which the folding roll 448 transports paper P.

Note that in the present exemplary embodiment, a rotating velocity of the folding roll 448 is changed in accordance with medium information or the like, as described later.

On the other hand, the advancing member 447 moves from a stopped state toward the folding roll 448. The velocity of the advancing member 447 gradually increases from a zero state, and the moving velocity of the advancing member 447 becomes higher than the circumferential velocity Vr in the middle of movement of the advancing member 447 toward the folding roll 448.

The line indicated by reference sign 910 in FIG. 5 indicates a timing at which a position of the leading end portions 447E (see FIG. 4A) of the advancing member 447 in a direction of movement of the advancing member 447 and a position of the contact portion 448G (see FIG. 4A) in the direction of movement of the advancing member 447 coincide with each other. In the present exemplary embodiment, at this timing, the moving velocity of the advancing member 447 is higher than the circumferential velocity Vr of the folding roll 448.

When the leading end portions 447E moves toward the downstream side beyond the contact portion 448G, the advancing member 447 stops moving once, and the moving velocity of the advancing member 447 becomes zero. Then, a traveling direction of the advancing member 447 is reversed, and the advancing member 447 returns to a predetermined initial position.

Movement of each unit in a case where folding processing and binding processing are performed is described with reference to FIG. 3.

In a case where folding processing and binding processing are performed, first, the feed-out roll 442 of the saddle-stitching unit 44 feeds out paper P (not illustrated) fed from an upstream side to the paper support member 441.

In a case where processing is performed on plural sheets of paper P, the feed-out roll 442 feeds out paper P to the paper support member 441 plural times.

In this way, a preset number of sheets of paper P are accumulated on the paper support member 441, and thereby a paper bundle is generated on the paper support member 441.

Note that in a case where the paper bundle is made up of a single sheet of paper P, the single sheet of paper P is accumulated on the paper support member 441. In the specification, the “paper bundle” encompasses one made up of a single sheet of paper P.

When paper P is accumulated on the paper support member 441, the paper receiving part 443 supports the paper P from a lower side is at such a position that, for example, a central portion of the paper P is located at a staple position of the stapler 446. At this time, the paper biasing member 444 rotates and biases the accumulated paper P toward the paper receiving part 443.

Furthermore, when paper P is accumulated on the paper support member 441, the pressing member 445 presses a side edge of paper P every paper P is transported onto the paper support member 441.

After a predetermined number of sheets of paper P are accumulated on the paper support member 441, binding processing is performed, for example, on a central portion of the paper P by the stapler 446.

Note that in a case where only folding processing is performed without performing binding processing, the binding processing using the stapler 446 is not performed.

Next, the paper receiving part 443 moves upward, and a portion to be folded is disposed at a position facing the leading end portions 447E of the advancing member 447. More specifically, for example, a central portion of the paper bundle is disposed at the position facing the leading end portions 447E of the advancing member 447.

Although a case where the paper receiving part 443 is disposed so that a central portion of paper P is located at a staple position of the stapler 446 when paper P is accumulated on the paper support member 441 has been described above, the position of the paper receiving part 443 is not limited to this.

In a case where the binding processing using the stapler 446 is not performed, the paper receiving part 443 may be disposed so that a central portion of the paper P is located at the position facing the leading end portions 447E of the advancing member 447.

After a folding position of the paper bundle moves to the position facing the leading end portions 447E of the advancing member 447, the advancing member 447 advances toward the paper bundle from a side facing one surface of the paper bundle and presses the paper bundle.

This causes the paper bundle to move toward the folding roll 448 behind the paper support member 441 by passing an opening (not illustrated) of the paper support member 441.

Then, the paper bundle is pressed from both sides by the folding roll 448. Furthermore, the folding roll 448 starts transporting the paper bundle.

The advancing member 447 according to the present exemplary embodiment moves to a position where the folding roll 448 is provided. More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the leading end portions 447E of the advancing member 447 move to a position on a downstream side relative to the contact portion 448G of the folding roll 448, as illustrated in FIG. 4B.

In this way, a paper bundle on which binding processing has been performed by the stapler 446 and folding processing has been performed by the advancing member 447 and the folding roll 448 is generated.

Alternatively, a paper bundle on which the binding processing using the stapler 446 has not been performed and only the folding processing using the advancing member 447 and the folding roll 448 has been performed is generated.

Then, the paper bundle is transported to the second post-processing device 50 by the transport roll 449.

FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate movement of each unit during the folding processing performed by the advancing member 447 and the folding roll 448.

In a case where the folding processing is performed, first, the advancing member 447 advances toward a paper bundle from a side facing one surface 923 of the paper bundle, as illustrated in FIG. 6A. In the present exemplary embodiment, at this time, one end portion 921 of the paper bundle is located on a lower side, and the other end portion 922 of the paper bundle is located on an upper side.

Then, a central portion of the paper bundle reaches the folding roll 448, as illustrated in FIG. 6B. In other words, a portion of the paper bundle that is being pressed by the advancing member 447 reaches the folding roll 448.

The central portion of the paper bundle is a pressed portion 924 of the paper bundle that is being pressed by the advancing member 447. In the present exemplary embodiment, the pressed portion 924 moves ahead of other portions, and the pressed portion 924 reaches the folding roll 448.

Then, the paper bundle is pressed by the folding roll 448, as illustrated in FIG. 6C.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the folding roll 448 makes contact with a surface 925 (see FIG. 6C) of the paper bundle that becomes an outer side due to the folding processing, and thus the paper bundle is pressed.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the second folding roll 448B makes contact with a portion of the surface 925 on an outer side that is located between the pressed portion 924 and the one end portion 921, and the first folding roll 448A makes contact with a portion of the surface 925 on an outer side that is located between the pressed portion 924 and the other end portion 922, and thus the paper bundle is pressed.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, when the folding roll 448 makes contact with the outer surface 925 of the paper bundle, transport of the paper bundle to a downstream side in a direction of movement of the paper bundle is started.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a way in which the paper support member 441 is disposed.

Although an aspect in which the paper support member 441 (see FIG. 6) is inclined so that a portion thereof located at a lower position is farther away from a side where the folding roll 448 is provided has been described above, a way in which the paper support member 441 is disposed is not limited to this.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the paper support member 441 may be inclined so that a portion thereof located at a lower position is closer to the side where the folding roll 448 is provided. In this case, the support surface 441A that supports paper P faces the folding roll 448, and paper P is accumulated on the folding roll 448 side relative to the paper support member 441.

Processing for Changing Advancing Velocity and Transport Velocity

Processing for changing the advancing velocity and the transport velocity performed by the CPU 11a is described.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU 11a (see FIG. 2), which is an example of a processor, acquires medium information, which is information on a paper bundle to be generated, and/or environmental information, which is information on an environment in a place where the first post-processing device 40 is installed.

Specifically, the CPU 11a acquires medium information from job information input to the image forming system 1 of the present exemplary embodiment from an external device (not illustrated) and acquires environmental information on the basis of an output from the sensor 400 (see FIG. 3).

Then, the CPU 11a changes at least one of the advancing velocity of the advancing member 447 and the transport velocity at which the paper bundle is transported by the folding roll 448, which is an example of a transporter, on the basis of the medium information and/or the environmental information.

To change the advancing velocity and/or the transport velocity, only one of the medium information and the environmental information may be used or both of the medium information and the environmental information may be used.

For example, in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is larger than a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter referred to as a “first threshold value”), the CPU 11a makes the advancing velocity higher and/or makes the transport velocity lower than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is not larger than the predetermined first threshold value.

In other words, in this case, the CPU 11a decreases a value of a velocity ratio of the transport velocity to the advancing velocity.

In the specification, the “velocity ratio” refers to a value obtained by dividing the transport velocity by the advancing velocity. That is, the velocity ratio is calculated by the following formula (1):

velocity ratio=(transport velocity)/(advancing velocity)  formula (1)

Making the advancing velocity higher and/or making the transport velocity lower decreases the value of the velocity ratio, thereby making it hard for paper P included in the paper bundle to be detached.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining detachment of paper P from the paper bundle.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is large, force by which the paper bundle is pressed against the folding roll 448 becomes large, and frictional force between paper PN closest to the folding roll 448 among sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle and the folding roll 448 becomes large accordingly.

In this case, the closest paper PN is sent to the downstream side by the folding roll 448, and thereby the closest paper PN is detached from the paper bundle.

If the closest paper PN is detached in a state where the paper bundle has been bound, a trouble such as tearing of the closest paper PN or the like occurs (not illustrated).

On the other hand, in a case where the velocity ratio is decreased by increasing the advancing velocity and/or decreasing the transport velocity as in the present exemplary embodiment, the paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the predetermined first threshold value is, for example, 30.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is larger than 30, the CPU 11a decreases the value of the velocity ratio by making the advancing velocity higher and/or making the transport velocity lower than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is not larger than 30. As a result, the paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

In the present exemplary embodiment, assume that a velocity ratio that is set in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is not larger than the predetermined first threshold value is a reference velocity ratio, the value of the velocity ratio becomes smaller than the reference velocity ratio when the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle becomes larger than the first threshold value.

Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is small, for example, 1, the paper P wrinkles easily.

FIG. 9 illustrates a state of a paper bundle that is being pressed by the advancing member 447. Note that FIG. 9 illustrates the paper bundle, the folding roll 448, and the advancing member 447 viewed from an upper side. In FIG. 9, illustration of the first folding roll 448A, which is an upper one of the two folding rolls 448, is omitted.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the moving velocity of the advancing member 447 is higher than the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448, as described above. In other words, in the present exemplary embodiment, the moving velocity of the advancing member 447 is higher than the transport velocity at which paper P is transported by the folding roll 448.

In this case, in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is small and rigidity of the paper bundle is small, the paper bundle deforms and wrinkles easily, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

In view of this, in the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than a second threshold value smaller than the predetermined first threshold value, the CPU 11a makes the advancing velocity lower and/or makes the transport velocity higher than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is larger than the second threshold value. In this case, the value of the velocity ratio becomes larger than the value of the reference velocity ratio.

In a case where the value of the velocity ratio is larger than the value of the reference velocity ratio, a load on the paper bundle decreases, and the paper bundle becomes less likely to be wrinkled.

Note that although a case where two threshold values, i.e., the first threshold value and the second threshold value are set has been described in the present exemplary embodiment, the two threshold values need not necessarily be set, and only one of the two threshold values may be set.

In a case where only one of the two threshold values is set, two-stage control is performed on the transport velocity and the moving velocity. In a case where both of the two threshold values are set, three-stage control is performed on the transport velocity and the moving velocity.

FIG. 10 illustrates states of the paper bundle obtained in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle and the value of the velocity ratio are changed.

In the present exemplary embodiment, for example, in a case where the value of the velocity ratio is 0.76, which is the reference velocity ratio, and the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is 35, paper P is detached easily.

In a case where the value of the velocity ratio is set to a larger value of 0.82, for example, by increasing the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 in this situation, paper P is detached easily in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is 30 or 35.

On the other hand, in a case where the value of the velocity ratio is set to a smaller value of 0.69, for example, by decreasing the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448, paper P is not detached even in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is 30 or 35.

In the present exemplary embodiment, for example, in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is 1 in a situation where the value of the velocity ratio is 0.76, which is the reference velocity ratio, the paper bundle P wrinkles easily.

In a case where the value of the velocity ratio is set to a smaller value of 0.69, for example, by decreasing the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 in this situation, the paper bundle P wrinkles more easily.

On the other hand, in a case where the value of the velocity ratio is set to a larger value of 0.82, for example, by increasing the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448, the paper bundle becomes less likely to be wrinkled even in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates details of the driving device 500 illustrated in FIG. 4.

The driving device 500 includes a motor M, which is an example of a drive source. Furthermore, the driving device 500 includes a drive gear 510 that is driven by the motor M and an output gear 530 that is rotated by driving force received from the drive gear 510 and outputs driving force to be transmitted to the first folding roll 448A (see FIG. 4).

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, a transmitting unit 520 that transmits driving force from the drive gear 510 to the output gear 530 is provided.

The transmitting unit 520 includes a first transmitting unit 521 and a second transmitting unit 522.

In this configuration example, a transmitting unit 540 that transmits driving force from the motor M to the advancing member 447 (not illustrated in FIG. 11) is also provided. In this configuration example, the rotation of the first folding roll 448A and the advancement of the advancing member 447 are performed by the common motor M.

The advancement of the advancing member 447 is, for example, performed by using a cam that is rotated by driving force from the motor M. Note that a mechanism for advancing the advancing member 447 is not limited to the mechanism using a cam and may be any of other known existing mechanisms such as a link mechanism.

Note that also in FIGS. 13 and 14 described below, the transmitting unit 540 that transmits the driving force from the motor M to the advancing member 447 is provided, and the rotation of the folding roll 448 and the advancement of the advancing member 447 are performed by the common motor M although the transmitting unit 540 is not illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

Note that the drive source need not necessarily be shared, and a drive source for rotating the folding roll 448 and a drive source for advancing the advancing member 447 may be separately provided.

Although the type of motor M is not limited in particular, the motor M is, for example, a DC motor. The DC motor has high efficiency and is free from loss of synchronism and slip, but has such a characteristic that the number of rotations changes as a load increases or decreases.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 11, a change in the number of rotations of the motor M does not influence the velocity ratio much since the folding roll 448 and the advancing member 447 are driven by the common motor M.

Although the number of rotations of the motor M sometimes decreases during folding processing of the paper bundle, this occurs only for a short period and does not influence productivity concerning the folding processing much.

FIGS. 12-1A and 12-1B illustrate the transmitting unit 520 viewed from a direction indicated by arrow XII in FIG. 11.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the transmitting unit 520 includes a rotary member 560 that rotates about a center of rotation 928, as illustrated in FIG. 12-1A. In the present exemplary embodiment, both of the first transmitting unit 521 and the second transmitting unit 522 are supported by the rotary member 560.

The first transmitting unit 521 includes a coupled gear 521A coupled to the drive gear 510 and a coaxial gear 521B that is coaxial with the coupled gear 521A and is coupled to the output gear 530, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

The second transmitting unit 522 also includes a coupled gear 522A coupled to the drive gear 510 and a coaxial gear 522B that is coaxial with the coupled gear 522A and is coupled to the output gear 530.

In the present exemplary embodiment, an external diameter of the coaxial gear 522B provided in the second transmitting unit 522 is smaller than an external diameter of the coaxial gear 521B provided in the first transmitting unit 521.

To change the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448, the state of the transmitting unit 520 is shifted from the state illustrated in FIG. 12-1A to the state illustrated in FIG. 12-1B by rotating the rotary member 560 (see FIGS. 12-1A and 12-1B) by using a motor, a cam, and the like (not illustrated). Alternatively, the state of the transmitting unit 520 is shifted from the state illustrated in FIG. 12-1B to the state illustrated in FIG. 12-1A.

In a case where the state of the transmitting unit 520 is shifted from the state illustrated in FIG. 12-1A to the state illustrated in FIG. 12-1B, the number of rotations of the folding roll 448 decreases, and the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 decreases.

On the other hand, in a case where the state of the transmitting unit 520 is shifted from the state illustrated in FIG. 12-1B to the state illustrated in FIG. 12-1A, the number of rotations of the folding roll 448 increases, and the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 increases.

FIG. 12-2 illustrates a modification of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 11.

The configuration illustrated in FIG. 12-2 is identical to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 11 except for a configuration for transmitting driving force from the output gear 530 to the folding roll 448.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 11, the number of rotations of the folding roll 448 is changed in the configuration in which the second folding roll 448B is driven by the first folding roll 448A.

On the other hand, in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 12-2, the number of rotations of the folding roll 448 is changed in a configuration in which the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B individually rotate.

In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 12-2, a first receiving gear 578 and a second receiving gear 579 that receive driving force from the output gear 530 are provided.

The first receiving gear 578 is directly connected to the output gear 530, and the second receiving gear 579 is connected to the output gear 530 by an annular transmitting member 577 that transmits driving force.

Furthermore, the first receiving gear 578 is connected to the first folding roll 448A, and the second receiving gear 579 is connected to the second folding roll 448B.

In this configuration example, the transmitting unit 520 that has a function of switching the number of rotations of the folding roll 448 is disposed on an upstream side relative to the output gear 530, the first receiving gear 578, and the second receiving gear 579 in a direction in which driving force is transmitted.

Accordingly, in this configuration example, the transmitting unit 520 is disposed on an upstream side relative to a branch position (hereinafter referred to as a “downstream side branch position”) at which a driving force transmission path branches.

In this configuration example, the output gear 530 is provided at the downstream side branch position, and driving force transmitted to the output gear 530 is transmitted through a path leading to the first receiving gear 578, which is one path, and a path leading to the second receiving gear 579, which is the other path.

In a case where the number of rotations of the folding roll 448 is switched in the configuration in which the transmitting unit 520 that has a function of switching the number of rotations of the folding roll 448 is disposed on an upstream side relative to the downstream side branch position, the switching influences both of the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B.

In this case, a degree of change of the number of rotations of the first folding roll 448A and a degree of change of the number of rotations of the second folding roll 448B are equal.

Note that in the configuration examples illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12-2, the driving force transmission path also branches at an upstream side gear 569 (see FIG. 12-2) that is located on an upstream side next to the drive gear 510.

In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 12-2, the transmitting unit 520 that has a function of switching the number of rotations of the folding roll 448 is provided on a downstream side relative to a position where the upstream side gear 569 is provided, which is a position of this branch (hereinafter referred to as an “upstream side branch position”).

In this configuration example, a transmission path from the position where the upstream side gear 569 is provided, which is the upstream side branch position, to the advancing member 447 and a transmission path from the position where the upstream side gear 569 is provided, which is the upstream side branch position, to the folding roll 448 are provided.

In this configuration example, the transmitting unit 520 that has a function of switching the number of rotations is provided on a downstream side relative to the upstream side branch position and on an upstream side relative to the downstream side branch position in the direction in which driving force is transmitted.

FIG. 13 illustrates another configuration example of the driving device 500.

The driving device 500 illustrated in FIG. 13 includes a motor M, which is an example of a drive source, and a rotary gear 571 that is rotated by driving force received from the motor M. Furthermore, an output unit 572 that is rotated by driving force received from the rotary gear 571 and outputs driving force to the first folding roll 448A is provided.

Furthermore, a transmitting unit 573 that transmits driving force from the rotary gear 571 to the output unit 572 is provided.

The transmitting unit 573 has three gears 573A that have different external diameters. The three gears 573A are coaxial with each other and are supported by a common rotary shaft 573B. Furthermore, the transmitting unit 573 includes a moving mechanism that moves the rotary shaft 573B in an axial direction.

This moving mechanism includes a cam 573C that makes contact with one end of the rotary shaft 573B and moves the rotary shaft 573B in an axial direction of the rotary shaft 573B and a coil spring 573D that biases the rotary shaft 573B toward the cam 573C.

In this configuration example, when the cam 573C rotates and the rotary shaft 573B moves in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 573B, positions of the three gears 573A change.

The output unit 572 also includes three gears 572A that have different external diameters. The three gears 572A are coaxial with each other and are supported by a common rotary shaft 572B.

To change the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448, the rotary shaft 573B provided in the transmitting unit 573 is moved in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 573B.

This changes a combination of the gear 573A provided in the transmitting unit 573 and the gear 572A provided in the output unit 572. When the combination changes, the number of rotations of the rotary shaft 572B provided in the output unit 572 changes, and the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 changes accordingly.

FIG. 14 illustrates another configuration example of the driving device 500.

Also in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 14, a motor (not illustrated in FIG. 14), which is an example of a drive source, and a rotary gear 581 that is rotated by the motor are provided. Furthermore, an output gear 582 that is rotated by driving force received from the rotary gear 581 and outputs driving force to the first folding roll 448A is provided.

Furthermore, a first transmitting unit 591 and a second transmitting unit 592 that transmit driving force from the rotary gear 581 to the output gear 582 are provided.

The first transmitting unit 591 and the second transmitting unit 592 each include a connection gear 593 connected to the rotary gear 581, a coaxial gear 594 that is coaxial with the connection gear 593, and an electromagnetic clutch 595 disposed between the connection gear 593 and the coaxial gear 594.

The electromagnetic clutch 595 transmits and cuts off driving force from the connection gear 593 to the coaxial gear 594.

In this configuration example, an external diameter of the coaxial gear 594 provided in the second transmitting unit 592 is smaller than an external diameter of the coaxial gear 594 provided in the first transmitting unit 591.

To change the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448, the electromagnetic clutches 595 provided in the first transmitting unit 591 and the second transmitting unit 592 are turned on or turned off.

Specifically, the electromagnetic clutch 595 provided in the first transmitting unit 591 is turned on, and the electromagnetic clutch 595 provided in the second transmitting unit 592 is turned off.

Alternatively, the electromagnetic clutch 595 provided in the first transmitting unit 591 is turned off, and the electromagnetic clutch 595 provided in the second transmitting unit 592 is turned on.

In this configuration example, the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 is changed by switching states of the electromagnetic clutches 595 provided in the first transmitting unit 591 and the second transmitting unit 592.

Note that in a case where the electromagnetic clutch 595 provided in the first transmitting unit 591 is in an off state and the electromagnetic clutch 595 provided in the second transmitting unit 592 is in an on state, and the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 is set to a low velocity, the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 may be set to a high velocity in the middle of processing.

Specifically, the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 may be set to a high velocity by turning the electromagnetic clutch 595 provided in the first transmitting unit 591 on and turning the electromagnetic clutch 595 provided in the second transmitting unit 592 off in the middle of processing.

More specifically, for example, the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 may be set to a high velocity after the pressed portion 924 (see FIG. 6B) of the paper bundle passes the contact portion 448G (see FIG. 4A).

In this case, the number of paper bundles that can be processed per unit time may be increased as compared with a case where processing is performed while keeping the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 at a low velocity.

Furthermore, the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 may be further increased after the pressed portion 924 passes the contact portion 448G by providing a mechanism for further increasing the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448.

Note that the advancing velocity of the advancing member 447 may also be changed by any of the driving devices 500 illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 14. The advancing member 447 is advanced, for example, by rotating a cam. By providing any of the driving devices 500 illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 14, a rotational speed of the cam is changed, and the moving velocity of the advancing member 447 is changed accordingly.

Alternatively, the transport velocity and the advancing velocity may be changed by another known configuration, and may be changed, for example, by changing the number of rotations of the motor M itself.

Processing Based on Environmental Information

In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where a humidity specified by the environmental information is higher than a predetermined threshold value, the CPU 11a makes the advancing velocity higher and/or makes the transport velocity lower than in a case where the humidity specified by the environmental information is not higher than the predetermined threshold value. In other words, in this case, the CPU 11a decreases the value of the velocity ratio.

In a case where the humidity is high, specifically, is higher than the predetermined threshold value, rigidity of paper P that constitutes the paper bundle becomes small, and the paper P that constitutes the paper bundle is bent easily.

In this case, the paper PN closest to the folding roll 448 is bent easily by force received from the folding roll 448, and this closest paper PN is detached easily, as in the case illustrated in FIG. 8.

In a case where the value of the velocity ratio is decreased by making the advancing velocity higher and/or making the transport velocity lower as in the present exemplary embodiment, the closest paper PN becomes less likely to be detached.

Note that even in a case where the humidity specified by the environmental information is higher than the predetermined threshold value, the processing for making the advancing velocity higher and the processing for making the transport velocity lower may be omitted in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

In other words, the processing for decreasing the value of the velocity ratio may be omitted in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than the predetermined threshold value.

In this case, occurrence of a wrinkle of the paper bundle and a decrease in productivity may be suppressed.

In a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is small, specifically, smaller than the predetermined threshold value, the paper P is less likely to be detached. On the other hand, in this case, rigidity of the paper bundle becomes small, and the paper bundle wrinkles easily.

In a case where the processing for making the advancing velocity higher and the processing for making the transport velocity lower are performed in this case, the paper bundle wrinkles more easily. Furthermore, in a case where the processing for making the transport velocity lower is performed, the number of paper bundles on which folding processing can be performed per unit time decreases.

On the other hand, in a case where the processing for making the advancing velocity higher and the processing for making the transport velocity lower are not performed and the value of the velocity ratio is not decreased, occurrence of these troubles may be suppressed.

FIG. 15 illustrates a specific example of processing performed on the basis of the environmental information.

In the present exemplary embodiment, for example, in a case where the humidity specified by the humidity information is higher than 65%, which is the predetermined threshold value, and the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is larger than 25, which is an example of the predetermined threshold value, the value of the velocity ratio is changed from a large value to a small value. As a result, the paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

On the other hand, even in a case where the humidity specified by the humidity information is higher than 65%, which is the predetermined threshold value, the value of the velocity ratio is not changed from a large value to a small value in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is equal to or smaller than 25, which is the predetermined threshold value.

In this case, occurrence of a wrinkle of the paper bundle and a decrease in productivity may be suppressed.

Processing Based on Image Information

The CPU 11a may acquire, as the medium information, image information, which is information on an image formed on paper P that constitute the paper bundle.

Specifically, in this case, the CPU 11a acquires image information included in job information input from an external device (not illustrated) to the image forming system 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Alternatively, a sensor that acquires information on an image formed on paper P may be provided, and the CPU 11a may acquire image information on the basis of an output from this sensor.

The CPU 11a changes at least one of the advancing velocity and the transport velocity on the basis of the image information thus acquired.

Specifically, for example, the CPU 11a acquires, as the image information, information on an amount of image formed on the paper bundle.

Information on an absolute amount of image may be acquired or information on a density of image may be acquired as the information on an amount of image.

In a case where the amount of image is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the CPU 11a makes the advancing velocity higher and/or makes the transport velocity lower than in a case where the amount of image is smaller than the predetermined threshold value. In other words, in this case, the CPU 11a decreases the value of the velocity ratio.

In a case where an amount of image formed on the paper P is large, the image serves as a lubricant, and slip between sheets of paper occurs easily. In this case, paper P is detached easily, as in the above case.

In a case where the value of the velocity ratio is decreased by making the advancing velocity higher and/or making the transport velocity lower as in the present exemplary embodiment, paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

In a case where the information on an amount of image is acquired, for example, information on an amount of image formed on paper PN (hereinafter referred to as “first paper P”) closest to the folding roll 448 (see FIG. 8) among sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle and information on an amount of image formed on paper P (hereinafter referred to as “second paper P”) next to the first paper P may be acquired.

More specifically, first amount information on an amount of image formed on an opposed surface of the first paper P that faces the second paper P and second amount information on an amount of image formed on an opposed surface of the second paper P that faces the first paper P may be acquired.

The information on an amount of image may be acquired on the basis of one of or both of the first amount information and the second amount information.

Note that even in a case where the amount of image formed on paper P is large, specifically, larger than the predetermined threshold value, the processing for making the advancing velocity higher and the processing for making the transport velocity lower may be omitted in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, for a similar reason to that described above.

In other words, the processing for decreasing the value of the velocity ratio may be omitted in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than the predetermined threshold value.

In this case, occurrence of troubles such as a wrinkle of a paper bundle and a decrease in productivity may be suppressed as in the above case.

FIG. 16 illustrates a specific example of processing performed on the basis of the image information.

In the present exemplary embodiment, for example, in a case where a solid image is formed and an amount of image specified by the image information is larger than a predetermined threshold value and the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is larger than 19, which is an example of the predetermined threshold value, the value of the velocity ratio is changed from a large value to a small value. As a result, paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

On the other hand, even in a case where a solid image is formed and the amount of image specified by the image information is larger than the predetermined threshold value, the value of the velocity ratio is not changed from a large value to a small value in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is equal to or smaller than 19, which is the predetermined threshold value.

In this case, occurrence of troubles such as a wrinkle of a paper bundle and a decrease in productivity may be suppressed.

Processing Based on Whether or not Binding Processing is Performed

The CPU 11a may acquire, as the medium information, information on whether or not binding processing is performed on the paper bundle. Also in this case, the CPU 11a acquires information on whether or not binding processing is performed included in the job information input from an external device (not illustrated) to the image forming system 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

In a case where the binding processing is not performed on the paper bundle, the CPU 11a makes the advancing velocity higher and/or makes the transport velocity lower than in a case where the binding processing is performed. In other words, the CPU 11a decreases the value of the velocity ratio.

As a result, paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

In a case where the binding processing is not performed, paper P is detached more easily than in a case where the binding processing is performed. However, in a case where the advancing velocity is made higher and/or the transport velocity is made lower as in the present exemplary embodiment, paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

In other words, in a case where the value of the velocity ratio is decreased, paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

Note that even in a case where the binding processing is not performed on the paper bundle, the processing for making the advancing velocity higher and the processing for making the transport velocity lower may be omitted in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than a predetermined threshold value for a reason similar to that described above.

In other words, the processing for decreasing the value of the velocity ratio may be omitted in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than the predetermined threshold value.

In this case, occurrence of troubles such as a wrinkle of a paper bundle and a decrease in productivity may be suppressed as in the above case.

FIG. 17 illustrates a specific example of processing performed on the basis of whether or not the binding processing is performed.

In the present exemplary embodiment, for example, in a case where the binding processing is not performed and the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is larger than 5, which is an example of the predetermined threshold value, the value of the velocity ratio is changed from a large value to a small value. As a result, paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

On the other hand, even in a case where the binding processing is not performed, the value of the velocity ratio is not changed from a large value to a small value in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is equal to or smaller than 5, which is the predetermined threshold value. In this case, occurrence of troubles such as a wrinkle of a paper bundle and a decrease in productivity may be suppressed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the series of processing described above.

In the processing in the saddle-stitching unit 44 (see FIG. 3), first, paper P is accumulated (step S101). Specifically, the feed-out roll 442 of the saddle-stitching unit 44 feeds out paper P fed from the upstream side to the paper support member 441, and thereby the paper P is accumulated, as described above.

Then, the CPU 11a determines whether or not last paper P has been accumulated (step S102).

In a case where the CPU 11a determines that the last paper P has been accumulated, the CPU 11a acquires the medium information from the job information and acquires environmental information by acquiring an output from the sensor 400 (step S103).

Note that a timing at which the medium information and the environmental information are acquired is not limited to this timing and may be, for example, a timing before the accumulation of paper in step S101.

Next, the CPU 11a sets the advancing velocity and the transport velocity on the basis of the acquired medium information and environmental information (step S104).

In a case where the acquired medium information and environmental information are different from previous medium information and environmental information, the CPU 11a changes the advancing velocity and the transport velocity.

Next, the CPU 11a causes any one of the driving devices 500 illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 14 to operate in accordance with the setting in step S104 (step S105) so that the driving device 500 is shifted to a state corresponding to the setting.

Next, the CPU 11a causes the advancing member 447 to advance (step S106). As a result, the folding processing is performed on the paper bundle. Then, the paper bundle that has been subjected to the folding processing is discharged from the first post-processing device 40 (step S107).

Note that although the configuration in which both of the advancing velocity and the transport velocity are changeable has been described, only one of the advancing velocity and the transport velocity may be changeable.

In this case, the CPU 11a changes the one of the advancing velocity and the transport velocity on the basis of the medium information and the environmental information.

Another Configuration Example

FIG. 19 illustrates a paper bundle and the folding roll 448 that is in contact with the paper bundle.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the folding roll 448, which is an example of a contact member that makes contact with a paper bundle, makes contact with the paper bundle. In the present exemplary embodiment, in this state, drag is given from the folding roll 448 to the moving paper bundle.

Specifically, the folding roll 448 has a contact portion 449X that makes contact with the paper bundle, and drag is given from the contact portion 449X to the paper bundle.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the advancing velocity of the advancing member 447 is higher than the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448, as described above. In this case, drag is given to the paper bundle from the contact portion 449X of the folding roll 448 that makes contact with the paper bundle.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the moving velocity of the advancing member 447 is higher than the circumferential velocity Vr of the folding roll 448 when the paper bundle that is moved by being pressed by the advancing member 447 makes contact with the folding roll 448, which is an example of a rotary member. Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, drag is given from the folding roll 448 to the paper bundle that is moved by being pressed by the advancing member 447.

Furthermore, in the configuration example described below, the contact portion 449X of the folding roll 448 that makes contact with the paper bundle is movable toward the downstream side in a direction in which the paper bundle moves.

Furthermore, in the configuration example described below, an amount of movement of the contact portion 449X that moves toward the downstream side is changeable.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the folding roll 448, which is an example of a contact member, is a rotary member that moves, toward the downstream side, the paper bundle so that the pressed portion 924 moves ahead of other portions by rotating in a direction indicated by arrow 19A in FIG. 19

In the present exemplary embodiment, the advancing velocity of the advancing member 447 is higher than the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448, as described above. In this case, drag is given from the folding roll 448, which is a rotary member, to the paper bundle that is moved by being pressed by the advancing member 447, as described above.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the folding roll 448 receives force from the advancing member 447 through the paper bundle, and this force acts to further rotate the folding roll 448 in the direction indicated by arrow 19A.

The folding roll 448 rotates at a predetermined rotational speed in the direction indicated by arrow 19A, which is one direction, until the paper bundle is transported to the folding roll 448.

Then, in the present exemplary embodiment, when the folding roll 448 receives force from the advancing member 447, the folding roll 448 rotates at a rotational speed higher than the predetermined rotational speed in the one direction.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, an amount of rotation by which the folding roll 448 rotates at this higher rotational speed is changeable. In a case where the amount of rotation is changed, an amount of movement of the contact portion 449X that moves toward the downstream side changes.

FIG. 20 illustrates another configuration example of the driving device 500 of the folding roll 448.

FIG. 20 illustrates the driving device 500 viewed from a direction indicated by arrow XX in FIG. 4.

The driving device 500 illustrated in FIG. 20 includes a motor M, which is an example of a drive source, and a gear train 710 that transmits driving force from the motor M to the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B. Each of gears that constitute the gear train 710 is a spur gear.

The gear train 710 includes an interlocking gear 712 that rotates in synchronization with the first folding roll 448A and second folding roll 448B when the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B is rotated by force received from the advancing member 447.

Furthermore, the gear train 710 includes a supply gear 714 that is engaged with the interlocking gear 712 and supplies driving force from the motor M to the interlocking gear 712. Furthermore, the gear train 710 includes transmission gears 795 for transmitting driving force from the interlocking gear 712 to the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B.

The supply gear 714 receives driving force from an upstream side gear 716 located on an upstream side next to the supply gear 714 in a direction in which the driving force is supplied.

Furthermore, in this configuration example, a rotary member 718 that rotates about the rotary shaft 718A that is coaxial with the upstream side gear 716 is provided. The supply gear 714 is supported by the rotary member 718.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, a driving device that rotates the rotary member 718 is provided. The driving device includes a cam 719 that is rotated by a motor (not illustrated) and a coil spring 720 that biases the rotary member 718 toward the cam 719.

The driving force from the motor M is sequentially transmitted to the upstream side gear 716, the supply gear 714, the interlocking gear 712, and the transmission gears 795 in this order, and this driving force is transmitted to the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B until the paper bundle is transported to the folding roll 448.

This rotates the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B in a direction indicated by arrow 20X.

When the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B receive force from the advancing member 447, force that further rotates the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B in the direction indicated by arrow 20X acts on the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B.

In the present exemplary embodiment, this force acts to rotate the interlocking gear 712 in a direction indicated by arrow 20A.

When the force acts to rotate the interlocking gear 712 in the direction indicated by arrow 20A, the interlocking gear 712 is rotated with respect to the supply gear 714 due to play between the interlocking gear 712 and the supply gear 714, and the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B rotate accordingly.

In other words, in this configuration example, the interlocking gear 712 rotates with respect to the supply gear 714 due to backlash between the interlocking gear 712 and the supply gear 714, and the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B rotate accordingly.

More specifically, typically, there is a gap between a tooth of one gear and a tooth of the other gear. In the present exemplary embodiment, the interlocking gear 712 rotates with respect to the supply gear 714 due to this gap, and the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B rotate accordingly.

In the present exemplary embodiment, this rotation of the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B moves the contact portion 449X (see FIG. 19) rightward in FIG. 19.

Furthermore, in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 20, a center distance between the interlocking gear 712 and the supply gear 714 is changeable.

Specifically, in this configuration example, the cam 719 that rotates the rotary member 718 is provided, as described above. In the present exemplary embodiment, the cam 719 rotates on the basis of an instruction from the CPU 11a. In this way, the center distance is changed.

In this configuration example, an amount of rotation of the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B is changed by changing the center distance.

When the center distance increases, the play between the interlocking gear 712 and the supply gear 714 increases. When the play increases, an amount of rotation by which the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B are rotated when the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B receive force from the advancing member 447 increases.

In this case, an amount of movement of the contact portion 449X (see FIG. 19) of the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B increases.

On the other hand, when the center distance decreases, the play between the interlocking gear 712 and the supply gear 714 decreases.

In this case, the amount of rotation by which the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B are rotated when the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B receive force from the advancing member 447 decreases.

In this case, an amount of movement of the contact portion 449X of the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B decreases.

Note that an aspect in which the play between the interlocking gear 712 and the supply gear 714 is changed has been described in this configuration example, two gears for which play is changed are not limited to the interlocking gear 712 and the supply gear 714 and may be other two gears.

In this configuration example, a path of supply of driving force to the folding roll 448 branches at a position where the interlocking gear 712 is provided.

In this configuration example, driving force is supplied to the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B from the interlocking gear 712 located at the branch position of the path of supply of the driving force.

In the present exemplary embodiment, play between gears is changed on an upstream side relative to this branch position in the direction in which the driving force is supplied, and the change of the play influences both of the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B.

In other words, in this configuration example, the play between the gears is changed on the upstream side relative to the branch position so that the influence of the play on the first folding roll 448A and the influence of the play on the second folding roll 448B become identical.

FIG. 21 illustrates another configuration example of the driving device 500. FIG. 22 illustrates the driving device 500 viewed from a direction indicated by arrow XXII in FIG. 21. As illustrated in FIG. 21, also in this configuration example, a gear train 710 that transmits driving force from a motor M, which is a drive source, to the folding roll 448 is provided.

The gear train 710 includes an interlocking helical gear 731, which is a helical gear that rotates in synchronization with the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B when the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B is rotated by force received from the advancing member 447.

Furthermore, the gear train 710 includes a supply helical gear 732, which is a helical gear that is engaged with the interlocking helical gear 731 and supplies driving force from the motor M to the interlocking helical gear 731.

Furthermore, the gear train 710 includes transmission gears 795 for transmitting driving force from the interlocking helical gear 731 to the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B.

In this configuration example, the interlocking helical gear 731 is movable in an axial direction of the interlocking helical gear 731 as indicated by arrow 22A of FIG. 22.

In this configuration example, an amount of movement of the interlocking helical gear 731 that moves in the axial direction when the interlocking helical gear 731 rotates in synchronization with the first folding roll 448A (see FIG. 21) and the second folding roll 448B is changeable.

In this configuration example, the supply helical gear 732 that is engaged with the interlocking helical gear 731 is also a helical gear.

Accordingly, in this configuration example, when the interlocking helical gear 731 tries to rotate in synchronization with the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B, the interlocking helical gear 731 tries to move in the axial direction of the interlocking helical gear 731 while rotating due to reaction force received from the supply helical gear 732. Specifically, the interlocking helical gear 731 tries to move in the direction indicated by arrow 22X of FIG. 22.

In the present exemplary embodiment, an amount of movement of the interlocking helical gear 731 in the axial direction is changeable.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where this amount of movement increases, an amount of rotation of the interlocking helical gear 731 increases, and an amount of movement of the contact portion 449X (see FIG. 19) of the folding roll 448 increases accordingly.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where this amount of movement decreases, the amount of rotation of the interlocking helical gear 731 decreases, and the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X of the folding roll 448 decreases accordingly.

Furthermore, in this configuration example, a changing mechanism 780 that changes the amount of movement of the interlocking helical gear 731 is provided, as illustrated in FIG. 22.

The changing mechanism 780 includes a contact member 781 that makes contact with one surface of the interlocking helical gear 731, a coil spring 782, which is an example of a biasing member disposed on a side opposite to the interlocking helical gear 731 relative to the contact member 781, a spring bearing 783 that supports the coil spring 782, and a cam 784 that receives a load from the spring bearing 783.

In this configuration example, an amount of movement of the interlocking helical gear 731 in the axial direction of the interlocking helical gear 731 is changed by rotating the cam 784 by a motor (not illustrated).

More specifically, in this configuration example, the motor rotates on the basis of an instruction from the CPU 11a, and the cam 784 rotates accordingly.

This changes the position of the spring bearing 783, thereby changing the amount of movement of the interlocking helical gear 731 in the axial direction of the interlocking helical gear 731.

Note that the position of the spring bearing 783 may be changed by using another mechanism such as a rack-and-pinion mechanism.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the position of the spring bearing 783 is changed, the amount of rotation of the interlocking helical gear 731 is changed, and an amount of movement of the interlocking helical gear 731 in the axial direction of the interlocking helical gear 731 is changed. In this way, the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X (see FIG. 19) of the folding roll 448 is changed.

A spring constant of the coil spring 782 determines sensitivity concerning change of the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X. An initial load and the spring constant of the coil spring 782 are, for example, determined on the basis of a type of paper P assumed to be used and an assumed use condition.

In the present exemplary embodiment, for example, an assumed use condition and a rotation angle of the cam 784 corresponding to the use condition are associated, and this association is reflected in a look up table (LUT) or an approximate expression. The cam 784 is rotated on the basis of a use condition obtained for each job and the association registered in the LUT or the approximate expression.

FIG. 23 illustrates a modification of the driving device 500 illustrated in FIG. 22.

In this modification, a spring bearing 788 is provided between the contact member 781 and the coil spring 782, and plural spheres 789 are provided between the spring bearing 788 and the contact member 781.

In other words, in this modification, a thrust bearing is provided between the interlocking helical gear 731 and the coil spring 782.

In this modification, friction between the interlocking helical gear 731 side that rotates and the coil spring 782 side that stays still is small, and the coil spring 782 and the interlocking helical gear 731 are less likely to wear out.

FIG. 24 illustrates another modification of the driving device 500.

In this modification, the spring bearing 788 is provided between the contact member 781 and the coil spring 782, as in the above case. The spring bearing 788 is, for example, a washer.

Furthermore, in this modification, a lubricant 791 such as grease is provided between the spring bearing 788 and the contact member 781.

Also in this modification, friction between the interlocking helical gear 731 side that rotates and the coil spring 782 side that stays still is small, and the interlocking helical gear 731 and the coil spring 782 are less likely to wear out.

FIG. 25 illustrates another modification of the driving device 500.

In this modification, a first spring bearing 792 and a second spring bearing 793 are provided, and the coil spring 782 is provided between the first spring bearing 792 and the second spring bearing 793.

The first spring bearing 792 rotates in synchronization with the interlocking helical gear 731. The second spring bearing 793 and the coil spring 782 rotate in synchronization with the first spring bearing 792.

Specifically, one of the first spring bearing 792 and the second spring bearing 793 has a protrusion that is hooked on the other one of the first spring bearing 792 and the second spring bearing 793. In the present exemplary embodiment, the second spring bearing 793 rotates in synchronization with the first spring bearing 792 due to this protrusion, and the coil spring 782 disposed between the first spring bearing 792 and the second spring bearing 793 rotates in synchronization with the first spring bearing 792.

In this modification, the first spring bearing 792, the second spring bearing 793, and the coil spring 782 rotate following the interlocking helical gear 731.

Furthermore, in this modification, the cam 784 has a spherical rotary member 798 at a position thereof that makes contact with the second spring bearing 793.

Also in the configuration example, friction between the interlocking helical gear 731 side that rotates and the cam 784 side that stays still is small, and the interlocking helical gear 731 and the cam 784 are less likely to wear out.

In the configuration examples illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 25, the CPU 11a, which is an example of a processor, sets an amount of movement of the contact portion 449X (see FIG. 19) of the folding roll 448, which is an example of a contact member.

Specifically, the CPU 11a sets the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X on the basis of the medium information, which is information on the paper bundle, and/or the environmental information, which is information on an environment in a place where the first post-processing device 40 is installed, as in the above case.

Specifically, the CPU 11a sets the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X by setting the amount of rotation of the cam 719 illustrated in FIG. 20 or the amount of rotation of the cam 784 illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 25.

Specifically, for example, in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is larger than a predetermined first threshold value, the CPU 11a sets the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X smaller than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than the first threshold value.

In other words, in this case, the CPU 11a sets the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X smaller than a reference amount of movement.

In a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is larger than the predetermined first threshold value, paper P is detached easily, as described above.

In this case, in a case where the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is set small as in the present exemplary embodiment, paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

Specifically, in a case where the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is set small, the moving velocity of the advancing member 447 becomes high relative to the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448, and the value of the velocity ratio substantially becomes small.

In this case, paper P is less likely to be detached.

In a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than a second threshold value smaller than the predetermined first threshold value, the CPU 11a sets the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X larger than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is larger than the second threshold value.

In other words, in this case, the CPU 11a sets the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X larger than the reference amount of movement. In this case, the paper bundle is less likely to wrinkle.

Note that setting the two threshold values, specifically, the first threshold value and the second threshold value is not necessarily needed, and only one of the two threshold values may be set.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is small, the paper bundle wrinkles easily, as described above.

In this case, in a case where the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is made larger as in the present exemplary embodiment, a load on the paper bundle that tries to move is lessened, and the paper bundle becomes less likely to wrinkle.

In other words, in a case where the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is made larger, drag acting on the paper bundle that tries to move becomes small, and the paper bundle becomes less likely to wrinkle.

As in the processing for changing the transport velocity and the advancing velocity, in a case where the humidity specified by the environmental information is higher than a predetermined threshold value, the CPU 11a may make the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X smaller than in a case where the humidity specified by the environmental information is not higher than the predetermined threshold value.

As a result, also in this case, the moving velocity of the advancing member 447 becomes high relative to the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448, and the value of the velocity ratio substantially becomes small.

In this case, paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

Note that even in a case where the humidity specified by the environmental information is higher than the predetermined threshold value, the processing for making the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X smaller may be omitted in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

In this case, occurrence of a wrinkle of the paper bundle may be suppressed.

In a case where an amount of image formed on the paper bundle is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the CPU 11a may make the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X smaller than in a case where the amount of image formed on the paper bundle is smaller than the predetermined threshold value.

As a result, also in this case, the moving velocity of the advancing member 447 becomes high relative to the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448, and the value of the velocity ratio substantially becomes small. In this case, paper P is less likely to be detached.

Note that even in a case where the amount of image formed on the paper bundle is larger than the predetermined threshold value, the processing for making the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X smaller may be omitted in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

In this case, occurrence of a wrinkle of the paper bundle may be suppressed.

In a case where the binding processing is not performed on the paper bundle, the CPU 11a may make the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X smaller than in a case where the binding processing is performed. As a result, paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

Note that even in a case where the binding processing is not performed on the paper bundle, the processing for making the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X smaller may be omitted in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. In this case, occurrence of a wrinkle of the paper bundle may be suppressed.

FIG. 26 is a view for explaining influence of the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X and the velocity ratio.

The horizontal axis of FIG. 26 represents the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X, and the vertical axis of FIG. 26 represents the velocity ratio.

The velocity ratio is a value obtained by dividing the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 by the moving velocity of the advancing member 447, as described above.

In a case where the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 is low, the value of the velocity ratio is small, and in a case where the circumferential velocity of the folding roll 448 is high, the value of the velocity ratio is large.

In the present exemplary embodiment, for example, in a case where the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is small and the value of the velocity ratio is small like the condition indicated by reference sign 26A of FIG. 26, the paper bundle wrinkles easily. In this case, in a case where the condition is changed to the condition indicated by reference sign 26B by increasing the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X, the paper bundle becomes less likely to wrinkle.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is large and the value of the velocity ratio is large like the condition indicated by reference sign 26C, paper P is detached easily. In this case, in a case where the condition is changed to the condition indicated by reference sign 26D by decreasing the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X, the paper P becomes less likely to be detached.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed in a case where the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is changed.

In this processing, first, paper P is accumulated (step S201), as in the above case. Specifically, the feed-out roll 442 of the saddle-stitching unit 44 (see FIG. 3) feeds out paper P fed from the upstream side to the paper support member 441, and thereby the paper P is accumulated, as described above.

Then, the CPU 11a determines whether or not last paper P has been accumulated (step S202).

In a case where the CPU 11a determines that the last paper P has been accumulated, the CPU 11a acquires the medium information from the job information and acquires environmental information by acquiring an output from the sensor 400 (step S203).

Then, the CPU 11a sets a rotation angle of the cam 719 illustrated in FIG. 20 or the cam 784 illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 25 on the basis of at least one of the medium information and the environmental information (step S204).

In a case where the acquired medium information and environmental information are different from previous medium information and environmental information, the CPU 11a changes the rotation angle of the cam 719 or the rotation angle of the cam 784.

Next, the CPU 11a causes the motor that rotates the cam 719 or the cam 784 to operate in accordance with the setting in step S204 (step S205) so that the cam 719 or the cam 784 is shifted to a state corresponding to the setting.

Then, the CPU 11a causes the advancing member 447 to advance (step S206). As a result, folding processing is performed on the paper bundle. Then, the paper bundle that has been subjected to the folding processing is discharged from the first post-processing device 40 (step S207).

Other Remarks

A case where information on the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle, information on an image formed on the paper P that constitutes the paper bundle, and information on whether or not binding processing is performed on the paper bundle are acquired as the medium information has been described as an example.

Information other than these pieces of information may be acquired as the medium information, and the velocity ratio and the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X may be changed on the basis of the acquired information.

Specifically, for example, information on any one or more of flexural rigidity, thickness, Young's modulus, water content, temperature, and basis weight of paper P may be acquired as the medium information.

The velocity ratio and the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X may be changed on the basis of the acquired information.

It can also be said that the information such as the flexural rigidity, thickness, Young's modulus, water content, temperature, and basis weight of paper P is information on how easily the paper P that constitutes the paper bundle is deformed.

The information such as the flexural rigidity, thickness, Young's modulus, water content, temperature, and basis weight of paper P is information on how easily the paper P is deformed, and this information on how easily the paper P is deformed may be acquired as the medium information.

Note that other examples of the information on how easily the paper P is deformed include information on a direction in which fibers included in the paper P that constitutes the paper bundle are aligned, as described later.

In a case where the information on how easily the paper P is deformed indicates that the paper P is easy to deform, it is desirable to change the velocity ratio in accordance with the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle. In other words, in this case, it is desirable to change the advancing velocity of the advancing member 447 and/or the transport velocity at which the paper bundle is transported by the folding roll 448 in accordance with the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle.

Furthermore, in a case where the information on how easily the paper P is deformed indicates that the paper P is easy to deform, it is desirable to set the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X on the basis of the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle.

More specifically, for example, in a case where the thickness, basis weight, or the like of the paper P is smaller than a predetermined threshold value and the paper P has weak stiffness and is easy to deform, the velocity ratio or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is changed in accordance with the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle.

Specifically, for example, in a case where the thickness, basis weight, or the like of the paper P is smaller than a predetermined threshold value and the paper P is easy to deform and the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than a predetermined first threshold value, the velocity ratio is changed to a larger value or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is changed to a larger value than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is larger than the first threshold value in order to suppress occurrence of a wrinkle.

Furthermore, for example, in a case where the thickness, basis weight, or the like of the paper P is smaller than a predetermined threshold value and the paper P is easy to deform and the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is larger than a predetermined second threshold value (equal to or larger than the first threshold value), the velocity ratio is changed to a smaller value or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is changed to a smaller value than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle is smaller than the second threshold value in order to suppress detachment of paper.

Note that in a case where the velocity ratio is changed to a smaller value, the velocity ratio is large before the change, and a decrease in productivity is suppressed before the change.

The medium information is information related to how easily paper P that constitutes the paper bundle is deformed. In other words, the medium information is information related to how easily paper P that constitutes the paper bundle is bent.

In a case where rigidity of paper P that constitutes the paper bundle is small and the paper P is easy to deform, the paper easily wrinkles in a case where the number of sheets of paper P is small. On the other hand, in a case where the number of sheets of paper P is large, paper is easily detached.

Therefore, in a case where the thickness, basis weight, or the like of the paper P is smaller than a predetermined threshold value and the paper P is easy to deform as in the above case, it is desirable to change the velocity ratio and change the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X in accordance with the number of sheets of paper P that constitutes the paper bundle, as described above.

On the other hand, in a case where the thickness, basis weight, or the like of the paper P is larger than the predetermined threshold value and the paper P is hard to deform, the paper is less likely to wrinkle, and the paper is less likely to be detached, and therefore the change of the velocity ratio and the change of the amount of movement need not be performed.

Information on a direction in which fibers that constitute the paper P are aligned may be acquired as the medium information.

Stiffness of the paper P also changes depending on the direction in which fibers that constitute the paper P are aligned. In other words, how easily the paper P is deformed changes.

Typically, paper is produced by a paper machine. In this case, fibers that constitute the paper are aligned in one direction.

Typically, stiffness of the paper P against bending along a bending line extending along the direction in which the fibers are aligned is small, and in this case, the paper P is easy to deform.

On the other hand, stiffness of the paper P against bending along a bending line extending along a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the fibers are aligned is large, and in this case, the paper P is hard to deform.

It can be said that the information on a direction in which fibers that constitute the paper P are aligned is information on how easily the paper P is deformed.

Occurrence of the troubles such as detachment of the paper P and a wrinkle of the paper bundle may be suppressed even by changing the velocity ratio or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X on the basis of the information on a direction in which fibers are aligned.

Specifically, for example, in a case where folding processing is performed on short-grain paper P, the velocity ratio or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is changed in accordance with the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle.

In other words, in a case where folding processing is performed on short-grain paper P, the velocity ratio or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is set on the basis of the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle.

More specifically, in a case where folding processing is performed on short-grain paper P and the number of sheets of paper P on which the folding processing is performed is smaller than a predetermined first threshold value, the velocity ratio is made higher or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is made larger than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P on which the folding processing is performed is larger than the first threshold value in order to suppress occurrence of a wrinkle.

Furthermore, in a case where folding processing is performed on short-grain paper P and the number of sheets of paper P on which the folding processing is performed is larger than a predetermined second threshold value (equal to or larger than the first threshold value), the velocity ratio is made lower or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is made smaller than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P on which the folding processing is performed is smaller than the second threshold value in order to suppress detachment of the paper P.

More specifically, in a case where fibers that constitute the paper P supported by the paper support member 441 (see FIG. 6A) are aligned in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the paper on which FIGS. 6A to 6C are drawn and the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper bundle generated on the paper support member 441 is smaller than the predetermined first threshold value, the velocity ratio is made higher or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is made larger than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P is larger than the first threshold value in order to suppress occurrence of a wrinkle.

In other words, in a case where fibers that constitute the paper P are aligned in a direction orthogonal to both of an advancing direction of the advancing member 447 and a thickness direction of the advancing member 447 and the number of sheets of paper P on which the folding processing is performed is smaller than the predetermined first threshold value, the velocity ratio is made higher or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is made larger than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P is larger than the first threshold value.

In other words, in a case where fibers that constitute the paper P are aligned in a direction identical to the horizontal direction in which the advancing member 447 extends in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6A and the number of sheets of paper P on which the folding processing is performed is smaller than the predetermined first threshold value, the velocity ratio is made higher or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is made larger than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P is larger than the first threshold value.

On the other hand, in a case where fibers that constitute the paper P supported by the paper support member 441 (see FIG. 6A) are aligned in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the paper on which FIGS. 6A to 6C are drawn and the number of sheets of paper P on which the folding processing is performed is larger than a predetermined second threshold value (equal to or larger than the first threshold value), the velocity ratio is made lower or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is made smaller than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P is smaller than the second threshold value in order to suppress detachment of the paper P.

In other words, in a case where fibers that constitute the paper P are aligned in a direction orthogonal to both of the advancing direction of the advancing member 447 and the thickness direction of the advancing member 447 and the number of sheets of paper P on which the folding processing is performed is larger than the predetermined second threshold value, the velocity ratio is made lower or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is made smaller than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P is smaller than the second threshold value.

In other words, in a case where fibers that constitute the paper P are aligned in a direction identical to the horizontal direction in which the advancing member 447 extends in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6A and the number of sheets of paper P on which the folding processing is performed is larger than the predetermined second threshold value, the velocity ratio is made lower or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X is made smaller than in a case where the number of sheets of paper P is smaller than the second threshold value.

Note that in a case where the velocity ratio is changed to a smaller value, the velocity ratio is high before the change, and a decrease in productivity is suppressed before the change, as in the above case.

On the other hand, in a case where folding processing is performed on long-grain paper, the velocity ratio or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X need not be changed.

In other words, in a case where the direction in which fibers of the paper P on which the folding processing is performed are aligned coincides with the thickness direction of the advancing member 447, the velocity ratio or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X need not be changed.

In other words, in a case where fibers that constitute the paper P are aligned in the up-down direction in FIG. 6A in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6A, the velocity ratio or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X need not be changed.

In addition, information such as information on friction between sheets of paper P and information on friction between the paper P and the folding roll 448 may be acquired, and the velocity ratio or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X may be changed on the basis of these pieces of information.

Specifically, for example, the velocity ratio or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X may be changed on the basis of any one or more of a coefficient of friction of the paper P, a coefficient of friction of a surface of the folding roll 448, a coefficient of friction between sheets of paper P, a material of the paper P, a material of the surface of the folding roll 448, and a pressure between the folding rolls 448.

The velocity ratio or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X may be changed on the basis of information on the first post-processing device 40.

Humidity information, which is the environmental information, the coefficient of friction of the surface of the folding roll 448, the material of the surface of the folding roll 448, and the pressure between the folding rolls 448 is the information on the first post-processing device 40.

Another example of the information on the first post-processing device 40 is temperature information that is information on a temperature of a place where the first post-processing device 40 is installed.

The velocity ratio or the amount of movement of the contact portion 449X may be changed on the basis of these pieces of information on the first post-processing device 40.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

APPENDIX

(((1)))

A recording medium processing apparatus that performs processing on a recording medium bundle, including:

• • an advancing member that advances from a side facing one surface of the recording medium bundle toward the recording medium bundle and presses the recording medium bundle;
  • a transporter that transports the recording medium bundle to a downstream side in a direction of movement of the recording medium bundle so that a portion of the recording medium bundle that is being pressed by the advancing member moves ahead of other portions; and
  • a processor configured to change at least one of an advancing velocity of the advancing member and a transport velocity at which the recording medium bundle is transported by the transporter on the basis of medium information, which is information on the recording medium bundle, and/or apparatus information, which is information on the recording medium processing apparatus.(((2)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to, in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is larger than a predetermined threshold value, make the advancing velocity higher and/or make the transport velocity lower than in a case where the number of recording media that constitutes the recording medium bundle is not larger than the predetermined threshold value.(((3)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((2))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to, in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is smaller than a second threshold value smaller than the predetermined threshold value, make the advancing velocity lower and/or make the transport velocity higher than in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is larger than the second threshold value.(((4)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to, in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, make the advancing velocity lower and/or make the transport velocity higher than in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is larger than the predetermined threshold value.(((5)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to:
    • acquire, as the apparatus information, environmental information, which is information on an environment in a place where the recording medium processing apparatus is installed; and
    • change at least one of the advancing velocity of the advancing member and the transport velocity at which the recording medium bundle is transported by the transporter on the basis of the environmental information.(((6)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((5))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to, in a case where humidity specified by the environmental information is higher than a predetermined threshold value, make the advancing velocity higher and/or make the transport velocity lower than in a case where the humidity specified by the environmental information is not higher than the predetermined threshold value.(((7)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to:
    • acquire, as the medium information, image information, which is information on an image formed on a recording medium that constitutes the recording medium bundle; and
    • change at least one of the advancing velocity and the transport velocity on the basis of the image information.(((8)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((7))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to, in a case where an amount of image specified by the image information is larger than a predetermined threshold value, make the advancing velocity higher and/or make the transport velocity lower than in a case where the amount of image specified by the image information is smaller than the predetermined threshold value.(((9)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to:
    • acquire, as the medium information, information on whether or not binding processing is performed on the recording medium bundle; and
    • in a case where the binding processing is not performed on the recording medium bundle, make the advancing velocity higher and/or make the transport velocity lower than in a case where the binding processing is performed.(((10)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((9))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured not to make the advancing velocity higher and make the transport velocity lower in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, even in a case where the binding processing is not performed on the recording medium bundle.(((11)))

A recording medium processing apparatus including:

• • an advancing member that advances from a side facing one surface of a recording medium bundle toward the recording medium bundle and presses the recording medium bundle; and
  • a contact member that gives drag to the recording medium bundle by making contact with the recording medium bundle that moves so that a pressed portion thereof that is being pressed by the advancing member moves ahead of other portions, the contact member having a contact portion that makes contact with the recording medium bundle and is movable to a downstream side in a direction in which the recording medium bundle moves,
  • wherein an amount of movement of the contact portion that moves to the downstream side is changeable.(((12)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((11))), further including a processor configured to set the amount of movement of the contact portion of the contact member.

(((13)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((12))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to set the amount of movement of the contact portion on the basis of medium information, which is information on the recording medium bundle, and/or apparatus information, which is information on the recording medium processing apparatus.(((14)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((13))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to, in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is larger than a predetermined threshold value, make the amount of movement of the contact portion smaller than in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is smaller than the predetermined threshold value.(((15)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((14))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to, in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is smaller than a second threshold value smaller than the predetermined threshold value, set the amount of movement of the contact portion larger than in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is larger than the second threshold value.(((16)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((13))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to, in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, set the amount of movement of the contact portion larger than in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is larger than the predetermined threshold value.(((17)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to any one of (((11))) to (((16))), wherein:

• • the contact member is a rotary member that rotates and moves the recording medium bundle to a downstream side so that the pressed portion moves ahead of other portions;
  • when the recording medium bundle that is moved by being pressed by the advancing member makes contact with the rotary member, a moving velocity of the advancing member is higher than a circumferential velocity of the rotary member, and drag is given from the rotary member to the recording medium bundle that is moved by being pressed by the advancing member;
  • the rotary member is rotated by force received from the advancing member through the recording medium bundle; and
  • an amount of rotation by which the rotary member is rotated by the force received from the advancing member is changeable, and the amount of movement of the contact portion that moves to the downstream side changes in a case where the amount of rotation is changed.(((18)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((17))), wherein:

• • a gear train that transmits driving force from a drive source to the rotary member is provided;
  • the gear train includes an interlocking gear that rotates in synchronization with the rotary member when the rotary member is rotated by the force received from the advancing member and a supply gear that is engaged with the interlocking gear and supplies driving force from the drive source to the interlocking gear; and
  • a center distance between the interlocking gear and the supply gear is changeable, and the amount of rotation of the rotary member is changed by changing the center distance.(((19)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((17))), wherein:

• • a gear train that transmits driving force from a drive source to the rotary member is provided;
  • the gear train includes an interlocking helical gear that is a helical gear that rotates in synchronization with the rotary member when the rotary member is rotated by the force received from the advancing member and a supply helical gear that is a helical gear that is engaged with the interlocking helical gear and supplies driving force from the drive source to the interlocking helical gear;
  • the interlocking helical gear is movable in an axial direction of the interlocking helical gear; and
  • an amount of movement of the interlocking helical gear that moves in the axial direction when the interlocking helical gear rotates in synchronization with the rotary member is changeable, and the amount of rotation of the rotary member is changed by changing the amount of movement.(((20)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((1))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to:
    • acquire, as the medium information, information on how easily a recording medium that constitutes the recording medium bundle is deformed; and
    • change the advancing velocity and/or change the transport velocity in accordance with the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle in a case where the information on how easily the recording medium is deformed indicates that the recording medium is easy to deform.(((21)))

The recording medium processing apparatus according to (((13))), wherein:

• • the processor is configured to:
    • acquire, as the medium information, information on how easily a recording medium that constitutes the recording medium bundle is deformed; and
    • set the amount of movement of the contact portion on the basis of the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle in a case where the information on how easily the recording medium is deformed indicates that the recording medium is easy to deform.(((22)))

An image forming system including:

• • an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium; and
  • a recording medium processing apparatus that performs processing on a recording medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus,
  • wherein the recording medium processing apparatus includes the recording medium processing apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((21))).

Claims

1. A recording medium processing apparatus that performs processing on a recording medium bundle, comprising: an advancing member that advances from a side facing one surface of the recording medium bundle toward the recording medium bundle and presses the recording medium bundle;a transporter that transports the recording medium bundle to a downstream side in a direction of movement of the recording medium bundle so that a portion of the recording medium bundle that is being pressed by the advancing member moves ahead of other portions; anda processor configured to change at least one of an advancing velocity of the advancing member and a transport velocity at which the recording medium bundle is transported by the transporter on a basis of medium information, which is information on the recording medium bundle, and/or apparatus information, which is information on the recording medium processing apparatus.

2. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the processor is configured to, in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is larger than a predetermined threshold value, make the advancing velocity higher and/or make the transport velocity lower than in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is not larger than the predetermined threshold value.

3. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: the processor is configured to, in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is smaller than a second threshold value smaller than the predetermined threshold value, make the advancing velocity lower and/or make the transport velocity higher than in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is larger than the second threshold value.

4. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the processor is configured to, in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, make the advancing velocity lower and/or make the transport velocity higher than in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is larger than the predetermined threshold value.

5. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the processor is configured to: acquire, as the apparatus information, environmental information, which is information on an environment in a place where the recording medium processing apparatus is installed; andchange at least one of the advancing velocity of the advancing member and the transport velocity at which the recording medium bundle is transported by the transporter on a basis of the environmental information.

6. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: the processor is configured to, in a case where humidity specified by the environmental information is higher than a predetermined threshold value, make the advancing velocity higher and/or make the transport velocity lower than in a case where the humidity specified by the environmental information is not higher than the predetermined threshold value.

7. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the processor is configured to: acquire, as the medium information, image information, which is information on an image formed on a recording medium that constitutes the recording medium bundle; andchange at least one of the advancing velocity and the transport velocity on a basis of the image information.

8. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: the processor is configured to, in a case where an amount of image specified by the image information is larger than a predetermined threshold value, make the advancing velocity higher and/or make the transport velocity lower than in a case where the amount of image specified by the image information is smaller than the predetermined threshold value.

9. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the processor is configured to: acquire, as the medium information, information on whether or not binding processing is performed on the recording medium bundle; andin a case where the binding processing is not performed on the recording medium bundle, make the advancing velocity higher and/or make the transport velocity lower than in a case where the binding processing is performed.

10. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the processor is configured not to make the advancing velocity higher and make the transport velocity lower in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, even in a case where the binding processing is not performed on the recording medium bundle.

11. A recording medium processing apparatus comprising: an advancing member that advances from a side facing one surface of a recording medium bundle toward the recording medium bundle and presses the recording medium bundle; anda contact member that gives drag to the recording medium bundle by making contact with the recording medium bundle that moves so that a pressed portion thereof that is being pressed by the advancing member moves ahead of other portions, the contact member having a contact portion that makes contact with the recording medium bundle and is movable to a downstream side in a direction in which the recording medium bundle moves,wherein an amount of movement of the contact portion that moves to the downstream side is changeable.

12. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a processor configured to set the amount of movement of the contact portion of the contact member.

13. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processor is configured to set the amount of movement of the contact portion on a basis of medium information, which is information on the recording medium bundle, and/or apparatus information, which is information on the recording medium processing apparatus.

14. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to, in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is larger than a predetermined threshold value, make the amount of movement of the contact portion smaller than in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is smaller than the predetermined threshold value.

15. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to, in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is smaller than a second threshold value smaller than the predetermined threshold value, set the amount of movement of the contact portion larger than in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is larger than the second threshold value.

16. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to, in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, set the amount of movement of the contact portion larger than in a case where the number of recording media that constitute the recording medium bundle is larger than the predetermined threshold value.

17. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the contact member is a rotary member that rotates and moves the recording medium bundle to a downstream side so that the pressed portion moves ahead of other portions;when the recording medium bundle that is moved by being pressed by the advancing member makes contact with the rotary member, a moving velocity of the advancing member is higher than a circumferential velocity of the rotary member, and drag is given from the rotary member to the recording medium bundle that is moved by being pressed by the advancing member;the rotary member is rotated by force received from the advancing member through the recording medium bundle; andan amount of rotation by which the rotary member is rotated by the force received from the advancing member is changeable, and the amount of movement of the contact portion that moves to the downstream side changes in a case where the amount of rotation is changed.

18. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a gear train that transmits driving force from a drive source to the rotary member is provided;the gear train includes an interlocking gear that rotates in synchronization with the rotary member when the rotary member is rotated by the force received from the advancing member and a supply gear that is engaged with the interlocking gear and supplies driving force from the drive source to the interlocking gear; anda center distance between the interlocking gear and the supply gear is changeable, and the amount of rotation of the rotary member is changed by changing the center distance.

19. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a gear train that transmits driving force from a drive source to the rotary member is provided;the gear train includes an interlocking helical gear that is a helical gear that rotates in synchronization with the rotary member when the rotary member is rotated by the force received from the advancing member and a supply helical gear that is a helical gear that is engaged with the interlocking helical gear and supplies driving force from the drive source to the interlocking helical gear;the interlocking helical gear is movable in an axial direction of the interlocking helical gear; andan amount of movement of the interlocking helical gear that moves in the axial direction when the interlocking helical gear rotates in synchronization with the rotary member is changeable, and the amount of rotation of the rotary member is changed by changing the amount of movement.

20. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium; anda recording medium processing apparatus that performs processing on a recording medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus,wherein the recording medium processing apparatus includes the recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 1.