RECORDING-MEDIUM-PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-194206 filed Dec. 5, 2022.

BACKGROUND
(i) Technical Field

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

(ii) Related Art

A sheet folding apparatus disclosed by Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-184324 includes a roll driving component configured to rotate first and second folding rolls, a blade driving component configured to move a folding blade from a standby position to a nipping position defined between the folding rolls, and a driving controlling component configured to control the roll driving component and the blade driving component.

In a configuration disclosed by Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-143088, the distal end of a pushing plate that is to be brought into contact with a fold line provided in a sheet batch is moved by a driving component to a deepest position beyond a point of pressure contact between folding rollers.

SUMMARY

If a recording-medium batch that is constituted by a plurality of recording media starts to be transported while an operation of folding the recording-medium batch is in progress, misregistration of the recording-medium batch as a whole or misregistration of some of the recording media constituting the recording-medium batch may occur.

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to reducing the probability of deterioration in the quality of a folding operation that may be caused by starting the transport of a recording-medium batch while the folding operation for the recording-medium batch is in progress, compared with the probability in a configuration including no mechanism of regulating the movement of a recording-medium batch that is undergoing a folding operation.

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

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a recording-medium-processing apparatus including an advancing member configured to push a recording-medium batch by advancing toward a portion of the recording-medium batch, the recording-medium batch having a first end and a second end, the portion of the recording-medium batch being located between the first end and the second end; a pressing component configured to press the recording-medium batch that is traveling with a pushed portion of the recording-medium batch leading a movement of the recording-medium batch, the pushed portion being a portion where the recording-medium batch is being pushed by the advancing member; and a transporting component located on a downstream side from the pressing component in a direction of travel of the recording-medium batch and configured to transport toward the downstream side the recording-medium batch that is being pressed by the pressing component. A force that moves the recording-medium batch toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the recording-medium batch is ineffective for the pressing component with respect to the recording-medium batch; or a speed of transport of the recording-medium batch by the transporting component in the direction of travel is greater than a speed of transport of the recording-medium batch by the pressing component in the direction of travel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments 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 illustrates a configuration of a saddle stitch unit included in a first post-processing device;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an advancing member, a pressing roll, and a transporting roll;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a state established after the advancing member is made to advance;

FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate how the advancing member, the pressing roll, and the transporting roll behave;

FIG. 7 illustrates a state of a paper batch reaching the transporting roll;

FIG. 8 illustrates a comparative embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a load for causing the advancing member to advance;

FIG. 10 illustrates an arrangement of a paper supporting member according to a modification;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a configuration according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate how relevant elements behave;

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a regulator and other relevant elements according to yet another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 14A to 14C illustrate how relevant elements behave;

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a first regulator and a second regulator according to a modification;

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a configuration according to yet another exemplary embodiment; and

FIGS. 17A to 17C illustrate how relevant elements behave.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying 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, which is configured to form an image on paper P that is an exemplary recording medium; and a paper processing apparatus 3, which is configured to process the paper P having an image formed by the image forming apparatus 2.

The scheme of forming an image on paper P by the image forming apparatus 2 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, an electrophotographic scheme or an inkjet scheme.

The paper processing apparatus 3 is an exemplary recording-medium-processing apparatus and includes a transporting device 10, which is configured to transport toward the downstream side the paper P outputted from the image forming apparatus 2; and an interleaf supplying device 20, which is configured to supply an interleaf, such as thick paper or windowed paper, to the paper P transported by the transporting device 10.

The paper processing apparatus 3 further includes a folding device 30, which is configured to perform a folding operation such as inward tri-folding (C-folding) and outward tri-folding (Z-folding) on the paper P transported from the transporting device 10; and a first post-processing device 40, which is located downstream from the folding device 30 and is configured to perform a binding operation and a folding operation on a paper batch.

The paper processing apparatus 3 further includes a second post-processing device 50, which is located downstream from the first post-processing device 40 and is configured to perform a processing operation on the paper batch having undergone the binding operation and the folding operation.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first post-processing device 40 is responsible for making a booklet from the paper batch through the binding operation and the folding operation, and the second post-processing device 50 is responsible for a processing operation to be performed on the booklet.

The paper processing apparatus 3 further includes a controller 100, which is configured to control relevant elements of the paper processing apparatus 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first post-processing device 40 includes a punching unit 41, which is configured to make (punch) a hole in the paper P; and an end stapling unit 42, which is configured to staple an end of the paper batch.

The first post-processing device 40 further includes a first stacking part 43, which receives paper batches having undergone end stapling. The first post-processing device 40 further includes a second stacking part 45, which receives pieces of paper P having undergone none of the processing operations or only the punching operation in the first post-processing device 40.

The first post-processing device 40 further includes a saddle stitch unit 44, which is configured to perform the binding operation and the folding operation on the paper batch, thereby making a double-spread booklet.

FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration of the controller 100.

The controller 100 includes an arithmetic unit 120, which is configured to execute a digital arithmetic processing operation in accordance with a program; a secondary storage 129, in which information such as programs is stored; and a communication unit 130, which is configured to transmit and receive information to and from an external device.

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

The arithmetic unit 120 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11a, which is an exemplary processor. In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU 11a is responsible for executing processing operations according to the present exemplary embodiment.

The arithmetic unit 120 further includes a random access memory (RAM) 11b, which is used as a working memory or the like for the CPU 11a; and a read-only memory (ROM) 11c, in which programs and the like to be executed by the CPU 11a are stored.

The arithmetic unit 120 further includes a nonvolatile memory 11d, which is rewritable and is capable of holding data even if power supply is stopped.

The nonvolatile memory 11d is, for example, a battery-backed static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, or the like.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU 11a reads programs stored in the secondary storage 129 or the ROM 11c, thereby executing relevant processing operations to be described below.

The arithmetic unit 120, the secondary storage 129, and the communication unit 130 are connected to one another via a bus or a signal line.

The programs to be executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the controller 100 in a form that is stored in computer-readable storage media such as magnetic storage media (magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, and the like), optical storage media (optical disks and the like), magneto-optical storage media, and semiconductor memories. Alternatively, the programs to be executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the control unit 100 over a communication network such as the Internet.

In this specification, the term “processor” refers to a processor in a broad sense and includes a general-purpose processor (for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or the like) and a dedicated processor (for example, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device, or the like).

Operations of the processor may be implemented not only by a single processor but also by a plurality of processors that are physically separate from one another but cooperate with one another. The order of operations to be performed by the processor is not limited to the order described in the present exemplary embodiment and may be changed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration of the saddle stitch unit 44 included in the first post-processing device 40.

The saddle stitch unit 44 includes a paper collector 440, to which paper P is to be collected. The paper collector 440 includes a paper supporting member 441, which is configured to support paper P to be transported piece by piece thereto. The paper supporting member 441 is a plate-like member. The paper supporting member 441 has a supporting surface 441A, which is to support the paper P from below.

The paper supporting member 441 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and to the vertical direction. The paper supporting member 441 extends downward while inclining away from a pressing roll 448 (to be described below in detail), which is an exemplary pressing component.

A guiding member 450 is provided in such a manner as to face the supporting surface 441A and is configured to guide the paper P that moves downward. The guiding member 450 is spaced apart from the paper supporting member 441 but extends along the paper supporting member 441.

The saddle stitch unit 44 further includes a feeding roll 442, which is configured to feed the paper P downward. The saddle stitch unit 44 further includes a receiving member 443, which is configured to receive one end, specifically the lower end, of the paper P that is brought into contact therewith.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the one end of the paper P is brought into contact with the receiving member 443. Thus, the position of the paper P in the direction of feeding of the paper P by the feeding roll 442 is determined.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the paper P fed by the feeding roll 442 moves downward along the paper supporting member 441. Then, in the present exemplary embodiment, the one end, specifically the lower end, of the paper P comes into contact with the receiving member 443.

The saddle stitch unit 44 further includes a paper urging member 444, which is configured to urge the paper P collected on the paper supporting member 441 toward the receiving member 443. The paper urging member 444 is a rotatable member provided with an elastic strip on the outer periphery thereof.

The saddle stitch unit 44 further includes a pushing member 445, which is configured to advance toward a lateral end of the paper P and to push the lateral end.

The saddle stitch unit 44 further includes a stapler 446, which is an exemplary binding component and is configured to perform the binding operation on the paper batch, which is constituted by pieces of paper P collected to the paper collector 440.

While the present exemplary embodiment relates to a case where the paper batch is to be bound by using staples, the paper batch may be bound by performing pressure bonding on the pieces of paper P without using staples.

The saddle stitch unit 44 further includes an advancing member 447, which is configured to advance toward the paper batch from one side of the paper batch and to push the paper batch. The paper batch is an exemplary recording-medium batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a link mechanism or a cam mechanism is employed to cause the advancing member 447 to advance toward the paper batch.

The present exemplary embodiment further employs the pressing roll 448, which serves as a pressing component.

The pressing roll 448 includes a pair of rolls between which the paper batch that is pushed into the pressing roll 448 by the advancing member 447 is nipped. In other words, the pressing roll 448 includes a pair of rotatable members.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the pair of rolls are a first pressing roll 448A, which is rotatable and is located on the upper side; and a second pressing roll 448B, which is rotatable and is located on the lower side.

The first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448B are in pressure contact with each other.

The present exemplary embodiment employs an elastic member (not illustrated) such as a spring that urges at least one of the first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448B forming the pressing roll 448 toward the other.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the elastic member urges at least one of the first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448B toward the other, whereby the first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448A are in pressure contact with each other.

The pressing roll 448 presses the paper batch that is pushed into the pressing roll 448 by the advancing member 447.

The present exemplary embodiment further employs a transporting roll 449, which is an exemplary transporting component and is configured to transport toward the downstream side the paper batch that is being pressed by the pressing roll 448.

The transporting roll 449 is located downstream from the pressing roll 448 in the direction of travel of the paper batch and is configured to transport the paper batch that is being pressed by the pressing roll 448 toward the second post-processing device 50 located downstream therefrom.

The transporting roll 449 also includes a pair of rolls.

Specifically, the transporting roll 449 includes a first transporting roll 449A, which is rotatable and is located on the upper side; and a second transporting roll 449B, which is rotatable and is located on the lower side.

The first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449B are in pressure contact with each other.

The present exemplary embodiment employs, as with the case of the pressing roll 448, an elastic member (not illustrated) such as a spring that urges at least one of the first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449B toward the other.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the elastic member urges at least one of the first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449B toward the other, whereby the first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449A are in pressure contact with each other.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the advancing member 447, the pressing roll 448, and the transporting roll 449.

FIG. 4A is a top view of the advancing member 447, the pressing roll 448, and the transporting roll 449. FIG. 4B is a side view of the advancing member 447, the pressing roll 448, and the transporting roll 449 seen in the direction of arrow IVB given in FIG. 4A.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the pressing roll 448 and the transporting roll 449 are arranged parallel to each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448B (see FIG. 4B) of the pressing roll 448 each include a round columnar rotation shaft 448N; and a cylindrical elastic body 448C, which is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft 448N. The elastic body 448C is made of, for example, rubber or soft resin.

The clastic body 448C is each of a plurality of elastic bodies 448C that are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 448N. Between each adjacent two of the elastic bodies 448C is provided a gap 448E.

The first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448B are in contact with each other at a contact part 448G (see FIG. 4A).

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449B (see FIG. 4B) each include a round columnar rotation shaft 449N; and a cylindrical elastic body 449C, which is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft 449N. The elastic body 449C is made of, for example, rubber or soft resin.

The elastic body 449C is each of a plurality of elastic bodies 449C that are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 449N. Between each adjacent two of the elastic bodies 449C is provided a gap 449E.

The first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449B are in contact with each other at a contact part 449G (see FIG. 4A).

In the present exemplary embodiment, a driving device 500 (see FIG. 4A) includes a motor and transmits a driving force to the transporting roll 449, whereby the transporting roll 449 rotates.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first transporting roll 449A is configured to rotate by receiving the driving force from the driving device 500. Furthermore, the second transporting roll 449B (see FIG. 4B) is configured to rotate by receiving the driving force from the first transporting roll 449A.

The first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449B are in contact with each other at the contact part 449G (see FIG. 4A), whereby the second transporting roll 449B receives the driving force from the first transporting roll 449A at the contact part 449G.

Alternatively, the first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449B may be configured to rotate individually by receiving driving forces individually supplied thereto.

The transporting roll 449 according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured to transport the paper batch while pressing the paper batch.

The pressing roll 448 is a rotatable member configured to rotate by receiving a force from the paper batch and is incapable of applying to the paper batch a force that moves the paper batch toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment, there is no supply of a driving force from a drive source such as a motor to the pressing roll 448. Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, the force that moves the paper batch toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch is ineffective for the pressing roll 448 with respect to the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a pressing force applied from the pressing roll 448 to the paper batch is greater than a pressing force applied from the transporting roll 449 to the paper batch. Specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 4B, a load 448X is greater than a load 449X.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the force of pressure contact between the first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448B is greater than the force of pressure contact between the first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449B.

In other words, in the present exemplary embodiment, the contact pressure at the contact part 448G between the first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448B is greater than the contact pressure at the contact part 449G between the first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449B.

The advancing member 447 (see FIG. 4A) includes a base 447A, which extends in the axial direction of the pressing roll 448; and a projection 447C, which projects from the base 447A toward the pressing roll 448 and the transporting roll 449.

The projection 447C is each of a plurality of projections 447C that are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the pressing roll 448.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a state established after the advancing member 447 is made to advance.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the advancing member 447 advances toward the pressing roll 448 and the transporting roll 449, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the projections 447C of the advancing member 447 go into the respective gaps 448E provided in the pressing roll 448.

Then, the projections 447C of the advancing member 447 go into the respective gaps 449E provided in the transporting roll 449.

In other words, in the present exemplary embodiment, with the advancement of the advancing member 447, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the projections 447C of the advancing member 447 passes through a point between the rotation shaft 448N of the first pressing roll 448A and the rotation shaft 448N of the second pressing roll 448B.

Then, with the further advancement of the advancing member 447, distal ends 447E of the projections 447C of the advancing member 447 reach respective spaces provided between the rotation shaft 449N of the first transporting roll 449A and the rotation shaft 449N of the second transporting roll 449B.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the advancing member 447 advances through the pressing roll 448 in such a manner as to reach the transporting roll 449.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the speed of travel of the advancing member 447 that is generated when the paper batch (not illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B) being pushed by the advancing member 447 comes into contact with the transporting roll 449 is equal to or higher than the peripheral speed of each of the first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449B forming the transporting roll 449.

Referring to FIG. 3, how relevant elements behave in the folding operation and the binding operation will now be described.

To perform the folding operation and the binding operation, the feeding roll 442 of the saddle stitch unit 44 first receives paper P (not illustrated in FIG. 3) transported from the upstream side and feeds the paper P to the paper supporting member 441.

If the paper P to be processed is a plurality of pieces of paper P, the feeding roll 442 performs the feeding of the paper P to the paper supporting member 441 a plurality of times.

Thus, a predetermined number of pieces of paper P are collected on the paper supporting member 441, whereby a paper batch is prepared on the paper supporting member 441.

If the paper batch is constituted by a single piece of paper P, the single piece of paper P is collected on the paper supporting member 441. In this specification, the term “paper batch” includes a paper batch constituted by a single piece of paper P.

While pieces of paper P are being collected on the paper supporting member 441, the receiving member 443 configured to support the paper P from below is stationary such that, for example, central portions of the piece of paper P are set at a stapling position defined for the stapler 446. Meanwhile, the paper urging member 444 rotates, thereby urging the collected pieces of paper P toward the receiving member 443.

Furthermore, while pieces of paper P are being collected on the paper supporting member 441, the pushing member 445 pushes lateral ends of the pieces of paper P every time a piece of paper P is fed to the paper supporting member 441.

After a predetermined number of pieces of paper P are collected as a paper batch on the paper supporting member 441, the stapler 446 performs the binding operation on, for example, a central portion the paper batch.

If only the folding operation is to be performed, the binding operation by the stapler 446 is skipped.

Subsequently, the receiving member 443 moves upward in such a manner as to bring a portion of the paper batch that is to be folded to a position facing the distal ends 447E of the advancing member 447. More specifically, for example, the central portion of the paper batch is positioned in such a manner as to face the distal ends 447E of the advancing member 447.

After the portion of the paper batch that is to be folded reaches the position facing the distal ends 447E of the advancing member 447, the advancing member 447 advances toward the paper batch from one side of the paper batch and pushes the paper batch.

Consequently, the paper batch passes through an opening (not illustrated) provided in the paper supporting member 441 and travels toward the pressing roll 448, which is located at the back of the paper supporting member 441. In the present exemplary embodiment, the advancing member 447 that pushes the paper batch advances toward the pressing roll 448, whereby the paper batch that is being pushed by the advancing member 447 travels toward the pressing roll 448.

Then, when the paper batch reaches the pressing roll 448, the paper batch is pressed from two opposite sides thereof by the pressing roll 448.

The above description relates to a case where while pieces of paper P are being collected on the paper supporting member 441, the receiving member 443 is positioned such that central portions of the pieces of paper P are set at the stapling position defined for the stapler 446. However, the position of the receiving member 443 is not limited thereto.

If the binding operation by the stapler 446 is to be skipped, the receiving member 443 may be positioned such that central portions of the pieces of paper P are set at a position facing the distal ends 447E of the advancing member 447.

In the present exemplary embodiment, after the paper batch is pressed by the pressing roll 448, the paper batch reaches the transporting roll 449. More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, since the advancing member 447 that is pushing the paper batch reaches the transporting roll 449, the paper batch reaches the transporting roll 449.

When the paper batch reaches the transporting roll 449, the transporting roll 449 starts to transport the paper batch toward the second post-processing device 50.

As described above, the advancing member 447 according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured to advance up to the position where the transporting roll 449 is located. Therefore, the paper batch is allowed to reach the transporting roll 449 and to be transported by the transporting roll 449.

Thus, a paper batch having undergone the binding operation by the stapler 446 and the folding operation by the advancing member 447 and the pressing roll 448 is obtained, and the paper batch is transported by the transporting roll 449.

Alternatively, if the binding operation by the stapler 446 is skipped, a paper batch having undergone only the folding operation by the advancing member 447 and the pressing roll 448 is obtained, and the paper batch is transported by the transporting roll 449.

FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate how the advancing member 447, the pressing roll 448, and the transporting roll 449 behave.

The folding operation is performed as follows. First, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the advancing member 447 advances toward the paper batch from a side nearer to one face, 923, of the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the advancing member 447 advances toward the paper batch from a side nearer to one of the two faces of the paper batch, whereby the paper batch is pushed by the advancing member 447.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the paper batch in the above state has a first end 921 on the lower side, and a second end 922 on the upper side.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the advancing member 447 pushes the paper batch, having the first end 921 and the second end 922, by advancing toward a portion of the paper batch that is between the first end 921 and the second end 922.

More specifically, the advancing member 447 pushes the paper batch by advancing toward a central portion of the paper batch that is located at a midpoint between the first end 921 and the second end 922.

Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the central portion of the paper batch that is being pushed by the advancing member 447 reaches the pressing roll 448.

The central portion of the paper batch is also regarded as a pushed portion 924, where the paper batch is being pushed by the advancing member 447. In the present exemplary embodiment, the pushed portion 924 leads the movement of the paper batch to reach the pressing roll 448.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the paper batch starts to be pressed by the pressing roll 448.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the pressing roll 448 presses the paper batch by coming into contact with a face, 925 (see FIG. 6B), of the paper batch, whereby the paper batch is folded such that the face 925 forms the outer face.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the second pressing roll 448B comes into contact with the face 925, forming the outer face, at a position between the pushed portion 924 and the first end 921, and the first pressing roll 448A comes into contact with the face 925, forming the outer face, at a position between the pushed portion 924 and the second end 922, whereby the paper batch is pressed.

Subsequently, in the present exemplary embodiment, the transporting roll 449 starts to transport the paper batch as illustrated in FIG. 6C. In this state, in the present exemplary embodiment, the paper batch is still being pressed by the pressing roll 448.

FIG. 7 illustrates a state of the paper batch reaching the transporting roll 449. In FIG. 7, the advancing member 447 is not illustrated.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the paper batch reaching the transporting roll 449 has already been pressed by the pressing roll 448 (not illustrated in FIG. 7) and is therefore in a flat shape.

Hence, the paper batch travels to a position immediately before the contact part 449G of the transporting roll 449 while being out of contact with the transporting roll 449. Then, the paper batch advances into the contact part 449G of the transporting roll 449. When the paper batch advances into the contact part 449G, the paper batch receives a force from the transporting roll 449 and thus travels downstream.

FIG. 8 illustrates a comparative embodiment.

The comparative embodiment does not employ the pressing roll 448 but employs only the transporting roll 449, and the transporting roll 449 is responsible for both the pressing and the transport of the paper batch.

In the comparative embodiment, when the paper batch that is being pushed by the advancing member 447 reaches the transporting roll 449, the paper batch comes into contact with the transporting roll 449. In such a situation, one of the pieces of paper P in the paper batch that is nearest to the transporting roll 449 (such a piece of paper P is hereinafter referred to as the nearest piece of paper PN) tends to be sent downstream by the transporting roll 449. Consequently, the nearest piece of paper PN tends to be separated from the paper batch.

In the comparative embodiment, the peripheral speed of the transporting roll 449 is higher than the speed of travel of the advancing member 447 reaching the transporting roll 449.

In such a case, when the paper batch that is being pushed by the advancing member 447 reaches the transporting roll 449, the nearest piece of paper PN tends to be sent downstream by the transporting roll 449 and to be separated from the paper batch.

Moreover, in a case where the binding operation for the paper batch has been done, if the nearest piece of paper PN is separated from the paper batch, the nearest piece of paper PN or some other pieces of paper P may be damaged (not illustrated) by being torn or the like.

In the comparative embodiment, the speed of travel, represented by arrow 449Y in FIG. 8, of the transporting roll 449 on the surface of the transporting roll 449 is higher than the speed of travel of the advancing member 447.

Furthermore, in the comparative embodiment, the frictional force generated between the nearest piece of paper PN in the paper batch and the surface of the transporting roll 449 is greater than the frictional force generated between adjacent ones of the pieces of paper P in the paper batch.

Under such circumstances, if, for example, the pieces of paper P in the paper batch are flexible, the nearest piece of paper PN tends to be separated from the paper batch.

Furthermore, if the paper batch is constituted by a large number of pieces of paper P, the contact pressure between the nearest piece of paper PN and the transporting roll 449 further increases, increasing the probability of separation of the nearest piece of paper PN. Furthermore, the more flexible the pieces of paper P in the paper batch, the higher the probability of separation of the nearest piece of paper PN.

Furthermore, the greater the coefficient of friction on one of the two faces of the nearest piece of paper PN that is closer to the transporting roll 449, and the smaller the coefficient of friction on the other face of the nearest piece of paper PN that is opposite the one face, the higher the probability of separation of the nearest piece of paper PN.

To reduce the probability of separation of the nearest piece of paper PN, the speed of travel of the advancing member 447 may be increased. In such an embodiment, however, the pieces of paper P in the paper batch tend to be wrinkled.

In view of the above, the present exemplary embodiment employs the pressing roll 448 in addition to the transporting roll 449, as described above.

In such a configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, the paper batch starts to be transported by the transporting roll 449 while being restrained by the pressing roll 448.

Therefore, even in a situation where the nearest piece of paper PN is easily transported by the transporting roll 449, the movement of the nearest piece of paper PN is regulated.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the paper batch travels to a position immediately before the contact part 449G of the transporting roll 449 while being out of contact with the transporting roll 449, and then advances into the contact part 449G.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the pressing roll 448 (see FIG. 6C) receives a force from the advancing member 447 with the paper batch in between and thus rotates by following the advancing member 447.

In such a configuration, the paper batch receives from the pressing roll 448 a force acting in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the paper batch. Accordingly, the force thus applied from the pressing roll 448 to the paper batch does not act as a force that separates any pieces of paper P from the paper batch.

The configuration according to the present exemplary embodiment in which the pressing roll 448 rotates by following the advancing member 447 is less likely to cause a speed difference between the pressing roll 448 and the advancing member 447.

While the above description relates to a case where the pressing roll 448 has no function of transporting the paper batch, the pressing roll 448 is not limited thereto and may have a function of transporting the paper batch.

In the latter case, however, the speed of transport of the paper batch by the transporting roll 449 may be made higher than the speed of transport of the paper batch by the pressing roll 448.

If the pressing roll 448 has a function of transporting the paper batch, the peripheral speed of each of the first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448B forming the pressing roll 448 may be made lower than the speed of travel of the advancing member 447 passing through the pressing roll 448.

More specifically, the peripheral speed of each of the first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448B may be made lower than the speed of travel of the advancing member 447 (see FIG. 4A) that is generated when the distal ends 447E of the projections 447C of the advancing member 447 pass by the contact part 448G defined between the first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448B.

Alternatively, the pressing force applied from the pressing roll 448 to the paper batch may be reduced after the transporting roll 449 starts to transport the paper batch.

In other words, the pressing force applied from the pressing roll 448 to the paper batch may be reduced after the paper batch is nipped between the first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449B forming the transporting roll 449.

To reduce the pressing force applied from the pressing roll 448 to the paper batch, for example, at least one of the first pressing roll 448A (see FIG. 4B) and the second pressing roll 448B forming the pressing roll 448 is moved away from the other.

More specifically, to reduce the pressing force applied from the pressing roll 448 to the paper batch, a moving mechanism configured to move at least one of the pressing rolls is employed, and the at least one of the pressing rolls is moved away from the other by the moving mechanism.

Such a moving mechanism is not particularly limited and may be a known mechanism such as a cam or a link.

To move at least one of the pressing rolls away from the other, both of the pressing rolls may be completely spaced apart from each other, or the at least one of the pressing rolls may be moved in a direction away from the other while being kept in contact with the other.

In this specification, an embodiment in which the pressing force applied from the pressing roll 448 to the paper batch is reduced includes an embodiment in which the pressing force is reduced to zero.

While the present exemplary embodiment relates to a case where the paper batch is to be pressed by the rotatable pressing roll 448, the pressing roll 448 does not necessarily need to be rotatable.

For example, the pressing roll 448 may be replaced with a pair of members at least one of which is a pad-like member. In such a configuration, the paper batch is pressed by passing through a point between the pair of members.

While the present exemplary embodiment relates to a case where the pressing roll 448 and the transporting roll 449 have the same shape as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the pressing roll 448 and the transporting roll 449 may have different shapes.

For example, the diameter of the elastic bodies 448C (see FIG. 4A) included in the pressing roll 448 and the diameter of the clastic bodies 449C included in the transporting roll 449 may be different from each other. As another example, the diameter of the rotation shafts 448N included in the pressing roll 448 and the diameter of the rotation shafts 449N included in the transporting roll 449 may be different from each other.

As yet another example, the hardness of the clastic bodies 448C included in the pressing roll 448 and the hardness of the elastic bodies 449C included in the transporting roll 449 may be different from each other.

The surface of the pressing roll 448 does not necessarily need to have a large coefficient of friction, and a portion of the pressing roll 448 that is to come into contact with the paper batch may be made of metal.

However, in view of reducing the occurrence of a sound generated at the contact between the paper batch and the pair of the first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448B when the paper batch passes through the pressing roll 448 and the occurrence of damage due to the contact between the first pressing roll 448A and the second pressing roll 448B, a portion of the first pressing roll 448A and a portion of the second pressing roll 448B that are to come into contact with each other may be made of an elastic material such as rubber.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the positions of the clastic bodies 448C included in the pressing roll 448 and the positions of the elastic bodies 449C included in the transporting roll 449 coincide with each other in a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of the paper batch. However, the positions of the elastic bodies 448C and the positions of the elastic bodies 449C are not limited thereto.

The positions of the elastic bodies 448C included in the pressing roll 448 and the positions of the elastic bodies 449C included in the transporting roll 449 may be different from each other in the direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of the paper batch.

On the other hand, a reduction mechanism may be added that is configured to reduce the speed of rotation of the pressing roll 448 by coming into contact with the pressing roll 448.

If a plurality of paper batches are to be successively fed to the pressing roll 448, the feeding of the first one of the paper batches to the pressing roll 448 may cause the pressing roll 448 to rotate inertially and to keep undergoing the inertial rotation when receiving the next one of the paper batches.

With the reduction mechanism, the next paper batch is fed to the pressing roll 448 that has stopped rotating or whose number of revolutions has been reduced.

In the present exemplary embodiment in which the pressing roll 448 is located upstream from the transporting roll 449, the force to be generated by the transporting roll 449 in transporting the paper batch is small.

Specifically, the force to be generated by the transporting roll 449 in transporting the paper batch is smaller than in a case where the transporting roll 449 is responsible for both the pressing and the transport of the paper batch.

In other words, the force to be generated by the transporting roll 449 in transporting the paper batch is smaller than in a case where the pressing roll 448 is not employed and the transporting roll 449 is responsible for both the pressing and the transport of the paper batch.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the force to be generated by the transporting roll 449 in transporting the paper batch is a fraction to one-several tenths of the force to be generated by the transporting roll 449 that is responsible for both the pressing and the transport of the paper batch.

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a load for causing the advancing member 447 to advance.

Referring to FIG. 9, if the pressing roll 448 is not employed and the transporting roll 449 is responsible for both the pressing and the transport of the paper batch, the load for causing the advancing member 447 to advance increases as represented by curve 99A.

In contrast, if both the pressing roll 448 and the transporting roll 449 that are separate from each other are provided as in the present exemplary embodiment, the load for causing the advancing member 447 to advance decreases as represented by curve 99B.

FIG. 10 illustrates an arrangement of a paper supporting member 441 according to a modification.

While the above description relates to a case where the paper supporting member 441 (see FIG. 3) extends downward while inclining away from the pressing roll 448, the arrangement of the paper supporting member 441 is not limited thereto.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the paper supporting member 441 may extend downward while inclining toward the pressing roll 448. In such an arrangement, the supporting surface 441A that is to support pieces of paper P faces toward the pressing roll 448, and pieces of paper P are to be collected on a side of the paper supporting member 441 that is nearer to the pressing roll 448.

OTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a configuration according to another exemplary embodiment. FIG. 11A is a front view, and FIG. 11B is a top view. The paper batch illustrated in FIG. 11B is in sectional view taken along line XIB-XIB given in FIG. 11A.

In the present exemplary embodiment as well, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the transporting roll 449 configured to transport the paper batch is provided downstream from the advancing member 447 in the direction of travel of the paper batch. However, the present exemplary embodiment does not employ the pressing roll 448 described above.

The advancing member 447 and the transporting roll 449 according to the present exemplary embodiment are configured the same as the advancing member 447 and the transporting roll 449 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The transporting roll 449 is configured to transport a paper batch toward the downstream side by coming into contact with the paper batch that is being pushed by the advancing member 447.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the present exemplary embodiment employs a regulator 510, which is an exemplary regulating component and is configured to regulate the movement of the paper batch by acting against the advancing member 447.

The regulator 510 regulates the movement of the paper batch by acting against the advancing member 447 while the paper batch is being pushed by the advancing member 447 (details will be described separately below).

As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the present exemplary embodiment further employs a moving mechanism 520, which is configured to move the regulator 510.

As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the moving mechanism 520 is provided on each of the two sides of the regulator 510 in the width direction of the regulator 510: at a first end 511 and at a second end 512.

The width direction of the regulator 510 coincides with the axial direction of the transporting roll 449, and the regulator 510 has the first end 511 and the second end 512 that are at different positions in the axial direction of the transporting roll 449. The moving mechanism 520 is provided at each of the first end 511 and the second end 512.

Each moving mechanism 520 is configured to operate in accordance with an instruction issued from the CPU 11a (see FIG. 2) serving as an exemplary processor.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, the moving mechanism 520 includes a supporting member 522, which is rotatable about a rotation center 521 and supports the regulator 510.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the supporting member 522 is each of a plurality of supporting members 522. Specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, each of the two moving mechanisms 520 includes two supporting members 522.

As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the moving mechanism 520 according to the present exemplary embodiment further includes a rotating unit 523, which includes a drive source (not illustrated) such as a motor and is capable of rotating the supporting members 522 clockwise and counterclockwise in FIG. 11A about the respective rotation centers 521.

The state illustrated in FIG. 11A is established when the supporting members 522 are rotated clockwise by the rotating unit 523, whereby the regulator 510 supported by the supporting members 522 is urged leftward in FIG. 11A and is thus moved leftward.

In other words, FIG. 11A illustrates a state where the regulator 510 urged toward the upstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch has moved toward the upstream side.

As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the regulator 510 includes a plurality of projections 514, which project toward the upstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch. In the state illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the projections 514 are set with respective distal ends 514A being positioned upstream from the transporting roll 449.

More specifically, the projections 514 extend through the respective gaps 449E provided between the elastic bodies 449C of the transporting roll 449 (see FIG. 11B) and reach a position upstream from the transporting roll 449.

In other words, the projections 514 each extend through a space between the rotation shaft 449N of the first transporting roll 449A (see FIG. 11A) and the rotation shaft 449N of the second transporting roll 449B and reach a position upstream from the transporting roll 449.

When the projections 514 reach the position upstream from the transporting roll 449, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the distal ends 514A of the projections 514 are positioned upstream from the transporting roll 449.

FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate how relevant elements behave. The state illustrated in FIG. 12A is the same as the state illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B. FIGS. 12A to 12C each include a front view in a lower part thereof and a top view in an upper part thereof.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the advancing member 447 starts to push the paper batch by advancing toward the paper batch from a side nearer to one of the two faces, specifically a face 81, of the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the advancing member 447 starts to push the paper batch, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the paper batch that is being pushed by the advancing member 447 is brought into contact with the regulator 510.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the advancing member 447 starts to push the paper batch with the regulator 510 standing by at a position downstream from the paper batch. Then, as the paper batch is pushed by the advancing member 447, the paper batch travels toward the regulator 510 standing by and comes into contact with the regulator 510.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the advancing member 447 advances by a predetermined length from the initial position, the paper batch that is being pushed by the advancing member 447 is brought into contact with the regulator 510.

When the state illustrated in FIG. 12B is established, the regulator 510 comes into contact with the other face, specifically a face 82, of the paper batch that is opposite the face 81, and starts to regulate the movement of the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the regulator 510 regulates the movement of the paper batch by acting against the advancing member 447 in such a manner as to urge the paper batch toward the advancing member 447.

The mode of urging the paper batch by the regulator 510 is not limited to the above mode of urging the paper batch in which the regulator 510 itself advances toward the paper batch.

The mode of urging the paper batch by the regulator 510 includes a mode in which the paper batch is brought into contact with the regulator 510 standing by, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, and is thus urged by the regulator 510 toward the advancing member 447.

As illustrated in FIG. 12B, the regulator 510 urges, toward the advancing member 447, the pushed portion 924 where the paper batch is being pushed by the advancing member 447, thereby regulating the movement of the paper batch by acting against the advancing member 447.

The regulator 510 urges the pushed portion 924 toward the advancing member 447 from a position across the pushed portion 924 from the advancing member 447, thereby regulating the movement of the paper batch by acting against the advancing member 447.

In the present exemplary embodiment, after the state illustrated in FIG. 12B is established, the paper batch travels to the transporting roll 449 and starts to be transported by the transporting roll 449.

The transporting roll 449 starts to transport the paper batch when receiving the paper batch that is being pushed by the advancing member 447 but the movement of which is being regulated by the regulator 510.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the regulator 510 starts to regulate the movement of the paper batch before the paper batch comes into contact with the transporting roll 449. In other words, in the present exemplary embodiment, the regulator 510 comes into contact with the paper batch before the paper batch comes into contact with the transporting roll 449.

In yet other words, in the present exemplary embodiment, the paper batch is nipped between the advancing member 447 and the regulator 510 before the paper batch comes into contact with the transporting roll 449.

Alternatively, the regulator 510 may start to regulate the movement of the paper batch immediately after the paper batch comes into contact with the transporting roll 449. In other words, the regulator 510 may come into contact with the paper batch immediately after the paper batch comes into contact with the transporting roll 449.

In such a case, the nearest piece of paper PN illustrated in FIG. 8 may first be transported by the transporting roll 449. However, with the regulator 510 (see FIG. 12B) located immediately downstream from the nearest piece of paper PN, such a movement of the nearest piece of paper PN is regulated.

Furthermore, while the movement of the nearest piece of paper PN is being regulated, the other pieces of paper P are pushed toward the regulator 510, whereby the paper batch is nipped between the advancing member 447 and the regulator 510.

Subsequently, in the present exemplary embodiment, the regulator 510 (see FIG. 12B) moves toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch by being pushed by the paper batch traveling toward the downstream side.

Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, the distal ends 514A of the projections 514 of the regulator 510 (see FIG. 12C) move to a position downstream from the transporting roll 449.

When the distal ends 514A of the projections 514 move to the position downstream from the transporting roll 449, as illustrated in the lower part of FIG. 12C, the regulator 510 retracts from a traveling course 100R, along which the paper batch is to travel. Thus, the regulator 510 stops regulating the movement of the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment, after the transporting roll 449 starts to transport the paper batch, the regulator 510 retracts from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch and thus stops regulating the movement of the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the regulator 510 is capable of passing through the transporting roll 449 serving as a transporting component, so that the movement of the paper batch is regulated against the advancing member 447 even while the paper batch is passing through the transporting roll 449.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the distal ends 514A of the projections 514 of the regulator 510 (see FIG. 12A) are allowed to pass through the transporting roll 449 as illustrated in FIGS. 12A to 12C, so that the movement of the paper batch is regulated against the advancing member 447 even while the paper batch is passing through the transporting roll 449.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12A, the advancing member 447 starts to push the paper batch with the regulator 510 being set such that the distal ends 514A thereof are at the respective positions upstream from the transporting roll 449.

Furthermore, the advancing member 447 starts to push the paper batch with the regulator 510 being positioned downstream from the paper batch in the direction of travel of the paper batch and on the traveling course 100R of the paper batch as illustrated in the lower part of FIG. 12A.

In such a state, the advancing member 447 starts to push the paper batch. Then, while the movement of the paper batch is regulated by the regulator 510 as described above, the paper batch reaches the transporting roll 449 and starts to be transported by the transporting roll 449.

After the transporting roll 449 starts to transport the paper batch, as illustrated in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the regulator 510 retracts from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the rotating unit 523 (sec FIG. 11A) is activated in response to an instruction from the CPU 11a and causes the supporting members 522 (see the lower part of FIG. 12C) to rotate counterclockwise. Thus, the regulator 510 retracts from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the regulator 510 retracts from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch after the distal ends 514A thereof go out of the transporting roll 449. Since the regulator 510 retracts from the traveling course 100R, the paper batch further travels downstream along the traveling course 100R.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a regulator 510 and other relevant elements according to yet another exemplary embodiment. FIG. 13A is a front view, and FIG. 13B is a top view.

The present exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B is basically the same as the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B and 12A to 12C and will therefore be described focusing on differences from the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B and 12A to 12C.

The regulator 510 according to the present exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B includes a first regulator 510A and a second regulator 510B, which are located in two respective areas defined across the traveling course 100R of the paper batch from each other. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, the first regulator 510A is located in a first area 100U, and the second regulator 510B is located in a second area 100B.

As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the moving mechanism 520 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a first moving mechanism 520A, which is configured to move the first regulator 510A; and a second moving mechanism 520B, which is configured to move the second regulator 510B.

The first moving mechanism 520A and the second moving mechanism 520B are each configured the same as the moving mechanism 520 illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first moving mechanism 520A includes a first supporting member 622, which is rotatable about a rotation center 621 and supports the first regulator 510A; and a first rotating unit 623, which includes a drive source such as a motor and is capable of rotating the first supporting member 622 clockwise and counterclockwise in FIG. 13A about the rotation center 621. The first supporting member 622 is each of a plurality of first supporting members 622.

The second moving mechanism 520B includes a second supporting member 722, which is rotatable about a rotation center 721 and supports the second regulator 510B.

The second moving mechanism 520B further includes a second rotating unit 723, which includes a drive source such as a motor and is capable of rotating the second supporting member 722 clockwise and counterclockwise in FIG. 13A about the rotation center 721. The second supporting member 722 is each of a plurality of second supporting members 722.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first rotating unit 623 rotates the first supporting members 622 clockwise in FIG. 13A, whereby the first regulator 510A supported by the first supporting members 622 is urged toward the upstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch and moves toward the upstream side.

On the other hand, the second rotating unit 723 rotates the second supporting members 722 counterclockwise in FIG. 13A, whereby the second regulator 510B supported by the second supporting members 722 is urged toward the upstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch and moves toward the upstream side.

Consequently, in the present exemplary embodiment as well, the distal ends 514A of the projections 514 included in each of the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B are positioned upstream from the transporting roll 449 as illustrated in FIG. 13A.

FIGS. 14A to 14C illustrate how relevant elements behave.

FIGS. 14A to 14C each include a front view in a lower part thereof and a top view in an upper part thereof. The state illustrated in FIG. 14A is the same as the state illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B.

In the present exemplary embodiment as well, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the advancing member 447 first advances toward the paper batch from a side nearer to one of the two faces, specifically the face 81, of the paper batch and starts to push the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in the lower part of FIG. 14B, the paper batch being pushed by the advancing member 447 is brought into contact with both the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B.

When the state illustrated in FIG. 14B is established, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B come into contact with the other face, specifically the face 82, of the paper batch that is opposite the face 81, and start to regulate the movement of the paper batch.

Subsequently, in the present exemplary embodiment, the paper batch reaches the transporting roll 449 and starts to be transported by the transporting roll 449.

In the present exemplary embodiment as well, the transporting roll 449 starts to transport the paper batch when receiving the paper batch that is being pushed by the advancing member 447 but the movement of which is being regulated by the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B.

As with the case of the above exemplary embodiment, the paper batch may come into contact with the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B after coming into contact with the transporting roll 449. In such a case, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B start to regulate the movement of the paper batch after the paper batch comes into contact with the transporting roll 449.

Subsequently, the distal ends 514A (see the upper part of FIG. 14B) of the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B move to a position downstream from the transporting roll 449.

Then, as illustrated in the lower part of FIG. 14C, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B retract from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch. Thus, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B stop regulating the movement of the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first regulator 510A retracts from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch by moving into the first area 100U that is above the traveling course 100R.

Meanwhile, the second regulator 510B retracts from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch by moving into the second area 100B that is below the traveling course 100R.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first rotating unit 623 of the first moving mechanism 520A (see the lower part of FIG. 14B) is activated to rotate the first supporting members 622 of the first moving mechanism 520A counterclockwise in the lower part of FIG. 14B.

Meanwhile, the second rotating unit 723 of the second moving mechanism 520B is activated to rotate the second supporting members 722 of the second moving mechanism 520B clockwise in the lower part of FIG. 14B.

Thus, the first regulator 510A moves into the first area 100U (see the lower part of FIG. 14C), and the second regulator 510B moves into the second area 100B.

Consequently, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B retract from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch.

The moving mechanisms 520 illustrated in FIGS. 11A to 14C are each only exemplary, and the moving mechanism 520 provided for the regulator 510 is not particularly limited.

As long as the moving mechanism 520 is capable of moving the regulator 510 toward the upstream side and the downstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch and is capable of causing the regulator 510 to retract from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch, the moving mechanisms 520 is not limited to the ones illustrated in FIGS. 11A to 14C, and a moving mechanism 520 of another type may be employed.

As another example, the moving mechanism 520 may include two separate moving units: a first moving unit configured to move the regulator 510 along the traveling course 100R of the paper batch, and a second moving unit configured to move the regulator 510 in a direction toward and away from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch.

Moreover, the elements constituting the moving mechanism 520 are not particularly limited and may be a combination of any of known elements such as a cam, a link, a cylinder, a solenoid, and a motor.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a modification of the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B illustrated in FIGS. 13A to 14C.

In the present modification, as illustrated in FIG. 15A, the first regulator 510A has a counter surface 510C, which faces the second regulator 510B; and the second regulator 510B has a counter surface 510D, which faces the first regulator 510A. The counter surface 510C and the counter surface 510D are each provided with a rotatable roll 510F, which is an exemplary rotatable member.

The rotatable roll 510F is each of a plurality of rotatable rolls 510F that are arranged side by side in the direction of travel of the paper batch.

In the present modification as well, the first regulator 510A is supported by the first supporting members 622 illustrated in FIG. 13A, and the second regulator 510B is supported by the second supporting members 722 illustrated in FIG. 13A.

In the present modification, the first rotating unit 623 (see FIG. 13A) configured to rotate the first supporting members 622 and the second rotating unit 723 configured to rotate the second supporting members 722 are urging members such as springs that apply turning forces to the supporting members 622 and 722.

In the present modification, the urging members cause the first supporting members 622 and the second supporting members 722 to rotate, thereby urging and moving the first regulator 510A (see FIG. 15A) and the second regulator 510B toward the upstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch.

Furthermore, in the present modification, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B include guides 519, which are provided at the distal ends 514A of the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B and with which the paper batch traveling by being pushed by the advancing member 447 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B) is guided.

In the present modification illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, when the paper batch is pushed by the advancing member 447 and reaches the first regulator 510A (see FIG. 15A) and the second regulator 510B, the paper batch pushes the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B.

Thus, as with the case of the behavior illustrated in FIGS. 14A to 14C, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B move toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch and retract from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch.

In the present modification, when the distal ends 514A of the projections 514 of the first regulator 510A (see FIG. 15A) and the second regulator 510B move to a position downstream from the transporting roll 449 (see FIG. 14B), the paper batch that is receiving a force from the transporting roll 449 goes into a space between the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B.

More specifically, in the present modification, since the first regulator 510A (see FIG. 15A) and the second regulator 510B include at the distal ends 514A thereof the guides 519 that guide the paper batch receiving a force from the transporting roll 449, the paper batch is guided by the guides 519 into the space between the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B.

Thus, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B move away from each other as illustrated in FIG. 15B.

In the present modification, since the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B move away from each other, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B retract from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch.

Specifically, as with the case of the above exemplary embodiment, the first regulator 510A moves into the first area 100U that is on one side of the traveling course 100R, and the second regulator 510B moves into the second area 100B that is on the other side of the traveling course 100R. Thus, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B retract from the traveling course 100R.

When the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B retract from the traveling course 100R, as illustrated in FIG. 15B, a gap 100K is produced between the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B.

In the present modification, the paper batch receiving a force from the transporting roll 449 (see FIG. 14C) travels through the gap 100K. Specifically, the paper batch travels through a space produced between the counter surface 510C of the first regulator 510A and the counter surface 510D of the second regulator 510B.

Since the counter surface 510C and the counter surface 510D are provided with the rotatable rolls 510F, the paper batch travels through the space between the counter surface 510C and the counter surface 510D while being guided by the rotatable rolls 510F.

In the present modification, while the rotatable rolls 510F are guiding the paper batch, the rotatable rolls 510F are each rotating by receiving a force from the paper batch. In other words, while the rotatable rolls 510F are guiding the paper batch, the rotatable rolls 510F are each rotating by following the paper batch.

In the present modification, when the paper batch goes out of the space between the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B, the urging members serving as the first rotating unit 623 (see FIG. 13A) and the second rotating unit 723 cause the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B to return to the respective initial positions.

Thus, the state illustrated in FIG. 14A is resumed. That is, the distal ends 514A of the first regulator 510A (see FIG. 15A) and the distal ends 514A of the second regulator 510B are positioned upstream from the transporting roll 449.

While FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a case where two regulators 510 of the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B are employed and are provided with the rotatable rolls 510F, the rotatable rolls 510F may also be employed in the exemplary embodiment employing a single regulator 510 as illustrated in FIGS. 12A to 12C so as to be provided to the single regulator 510.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 12B, the rotatable rolls 510F (not illustrated in FIG. 12B) may be provided on a portion 510P. More specifically, the rotatable rolls 510F may be provided on a portion of the regulator 510 that faces the traveling course 100R (see FIG. 12C) when the regulator 510 is retracted from the traveling course 100R.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a configuration according to yet another exemplary embodiment. FIG. 16A is a top view, and FIG. 16B is an enlargement of part 191 defined in FIG. 16A.

The above exemplary embodiments each relate to a case where the regulator 510 is movable upward or downward from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch.

In other words, the above exemplary embodiments each relate to a case where the regulator 510 is movable in the thickness direction of the paper batch traveling along the traveling course 100R.

In contrast, the regulator 510 according to the present exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B is movable in a direction in which the paper P traveling along the traveling course 100R extends and in a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of the paper batch.

In other words, the regulator 510 according to the present exemplary embodiment is movable in the width direction of the paper batch. In yet other words, the regulator 510 according to the present exemplary embodiment is movable in the axial direction of the transporting roll 449.

As illustrated in FIG. 16A, the regulator 510 according to the present exemplary embodiment also includes a first regulator 510A and a second regulator 510B.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first regulator 510A extends from one lateral side of the traveling course 100R of the paper batch in such a manner as to project into the traveling course 100R. On the other hand, the second regulator 510B extends from the other lateral side of the traveling course 100R of the paper batch in such a manner as to project into the traveling course 100R.

Furthermore, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B are rotatable about respective rotation centers 521, which are defined away from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the moving mechanism 520 includes a first moving mechanism 520A, which is configured to move the first regulator 510A; and a second moving mechanism 520B, which is configured to move the second regulator 510B.

The first moving mechanism 520A includes a first supporting member 673, which supports the first regulator 510A. The first supporting member 673 is movable in the direction of travel of the paper batch.

The first moving mechanism 520A further includes a first moving unit 674, which is configured to move the first supporting member 673 in the direction of travel of the paper batch; and a first rotating unit 675, which is configured to rotate the first regulator 510A about the rotation center 521.

Likewise, the second moving mechanism 520B includes a second supporting member 683, which supports the second regulator 510B. The second supporting member 683 is movable in the direction of travel of the paper batch.

The second moving mechanism 520B further includes a second moving unit 684, which is configured to move the second supporting member 683 in the direction of travel of the paper batch; and a second rotating unit 685, which is configured to rotate the second regulator 510B about the rotation center 521.

The configurations of the first moving unit 674 and the second moving unit 684 are not particularly limited and may each be, for example, a cylinder or a rack-and-pinion mechanism.

The configurations of the first rotating unit 675 and the second rotating unit 685 are not particularly limited and may each be, for example, a motor or a gear.

FIGS. 17A to 17C illustrate how relevant elements behave.

In the present exemplary embodiment as well, as illustrated in FIG. 17A, the advancing member 447 advances toward the paper batch from a side nearer to one of the two faces, specifically the face 81, of the paper batch and starts to push the paper batch.

Then, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B start to regulate the movement of the paper batch by acting against the advancing member 447.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the advancing member 447 starts to push the paper batch, as illustrated in FIG. 17A, the two widthwise ends of the paper batch that is being pushed by the advancing member 447 are brought into contact with the respective regulators 510.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 17A, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B regulate the movements of the two respective widthwise ends, specifically a first end 98A and a second end 98B, of the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment as well, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B stand by at respective positions downstream from the paper batch in the direction of travel of the paper batch.

The paper batch that is pushed by the advancing member 447 travels toward the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B standing by and comes into contact with the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B.

Subsequently, in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 17B, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B are pushed by the paper batch and move toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first moving unit 674 and the second moving unit 684 are activated to move the first supporting member 673 and the second supporting member 683, whereby the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B move toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch.

In this state, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B still extend into the traveling course 100R (see FIGS. 16A and 16B) of the paper batch and are being pushed by the paper batch.

Then, in the present exemplary embodiment, while the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B are being pushed by the paper batch and are moving toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch, the paper batch reaches the transporting roll 449 as illustrated in FIG. 17B. Accordingly, the transporting roll 449 starts to transport the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment as well, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B start to regulate the movement of the paper batch before the paper batch comes into contact with the transporting roll 449.

In other words, in the present exemplary embodiment as well, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B come into contact with the paper batch before the paper batch comes into contact with the transporting roll 449.

In yet other words, in the present exemplary embodiment as well, the paper batch is nipped between the advancing member 447 and the pair of the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B before the paper batch comes into contact with the transporting roll 449.

As with the case of the above exemplary embodiments, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B may start to regulate the movement of the paper batch immediately after the paper batch comes into contact with the transporting roll 449.

In other words, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B may come into contact with the paper batch immediately after the paper batch comes into contact with the transporting roll 449.

Subsequently, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B pass through the transporting roll 449.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B go out of the transporting roll 449, as illustrated in FIG. 17C, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B retract from the traveling course 100R (see FIG. 16A) of the paper batch.

Thus, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B stop regulating the movement of the paper batch.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B move toward the respective lateral sides of the traveling course 100R of the paper batch, that is, in the width direction of the paper batch, thereby retracting from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch.

Thus, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B finish regulating the movement of the paper batch.

The first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B stop regulating the movement of the paper batch after the transporting roll 449 starts to transport the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment as well, as illustrated in FIG. 17A, the advancing member 447 starts to push the paper batch with the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B being set at the respective positions upstream from the transporting roll 449. More specifically, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B are set at the respective positions upstream from the contact part 449G between the first transporting roll 449A and the second transporting roll 449B (not illustrated in FIGS. 17A to 17C).

Furthermore, the advancing member 447 starts to push the paper batch with the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B being positioned downstream from the paper batch in the direction of travel of the paper batch and extending into the traveling course 100R (see FIG. 16A) of the paper batch.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, after the transporting roll 449 starts to transport the paper batch, as illustrated in FIG. 17C, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B retract from the traveling course 100R (see FIG. 16A) of the paper batch.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first rotating unit 675 (see FIG. 16A) is activated to rotate the first regulator 510A counterclockwise. Meanwhile, the second rotating unit 685 (see FIG. 16A) is activated to rotate the second regulator 510B clockwise.

Thus, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B retract from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch.

In the present exemplary embodiment as well, as illustrated in FIGS. 17A to 17C, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B retract from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch after going out of the transporting roll 449.

While the present exemplary embodiment relates to a case where the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B are retracted from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch by using the first rotating unit 675 (see FIG. 16A) and the second rotating unit 685, the mode of retraction is not limited thereto, and another mode may be employed.

For example, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B may be retracted from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch by using loads applied from the paper batch to the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B.

Specifically, for example, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B are made to extend into the traveling course 100R of the paper batch by using urging members such as springs.

In such a case, the first supporting member 673 (see FIG. 16A) and the second supporting member 683 are urged by the urging members such as springs toward the upstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch, thereby being moved toward the upstream side.

Thus, in such a case, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B are retracted from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch by using loads applied from the paper batch to the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B.

In such a case, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B retract from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch while moving against the forces applied thereto from the urging members that are used to position the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B in such a manner as to extend into the traveling course 100R of the paper batch.

More specifically, in such a case, a load is transmitted from the paper batch through the first regulator 510A to the first supporting member 673, and a load is transmitted from the paper batch through the second regulator 510B to the second supporting member 683, whereby the first supporting member 673 and the second supporting member 683 are moved toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the paper batch.

When the first supporting member 673 and the second supporting member 683 reach respective predetermined positions, the first supporting member 673 and the second supporting member 683 come into contact with respective receivers (not illustrated) and stop moving.

When the first supporting member 673 and the second supporting member 683 stop moving, the loads applied from the paper batch to the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B increase.

Consequently, the first regulator 510A and the second regulator 510B rotate in such a manner as to retract from the traveling course 100R of the paper batch.

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 comprising:

an advancing member configured to push a recording-medium batch by advancing toward a portion of the recording-medium batch, the recording-medium batch having a first end and a second end, the portion of the recording-medium batch being located between the first end and the second end;

a pressing component configured to press the recording-medium batch that is traveling with a pushed portion of the recording-medium batch leading a movement of the recording-medium batch, the pushed portion being a portion where the recording-medium batch is being pushed by the advancing member; and

a transporting component located on a downstream side from the pressing component in a direction of travel of the recording-medium batch and configured to transport toward the downstream side the recording-medium batch that is being pressed by the pressing component.

wherein a force that moves the recording-medium batch toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the recording-medium batch is ineffective for the pressing component with respect to the recording-medium batch; or

- a speed of transport of the recording-medium batch by the transporting component in the direction of travel is greater than a speed of transport of the recording-medium batch by the pressing component in the direction of travel.
  
  (((2)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to (((1))),

wherein the force that moves the recording-medium batch toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the recording-medium batch is ineffective for the pressing component with respect to the recording-medium batch, and

wherein the pressing component is incapable of applying to the recording-medium batch the force that moves the recording-medium batch toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the recording-medium batch.

(((3)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to (((2))),

wherein the pressing component includes a pair of rotatable members that are in pressure contact with each other, and

wherein the pair of rotatable members are each configured to rotate by receiving a force from the recording-medium batch and are each incapable of applying to the recording-medium batch the force that moves the recording-medium batch toward the downstream side in the direction of travel of the recording-medium batch.

(((4)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to (((1))),

wherein the pressing component has a function of transporting the recording-medium batch, and

wherein the speed of transport of the recording-medium batch by the transporting component in the direction of travel is greater than the speed of transport of the recording-medium batch by the pressing component in the direction of travel.

(((5)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to any of (((1))) to (((4))),

wherein the transporting component starts to transport the recording-medium batch with the recording-medium batch being pressed by the pressing component.

(((6)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to any of (((1))) to (((5))),

wherein the transporting component transports the recording-medium batch while pressing the recording-medium batch, and

wherein a pressing force applied from the pressing component to the recording-medium batch is greater than a pressing force applied from the transporting component to the recording-medium batch.

(((7)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to any of (((1))) to (((6))),

wherein a pressing force applied from the pressing component to the recording-medium batch is reduced after the transporting component starts to transport the recording-medium batch.

(((8)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to any of (((1))) to (((7))),

wherein the advancing member advances in such a manner as to reach the transporting component.

(((9)))

A recording-medium-processing apparatus comprising:

an advancing member configured to push a recording-medium batch by advancing toward the recording-medium batch from a side nearer to one of two faces of the recording-medium batch;

a regulating component configured to regulate a movement of the recording-medium batch by acting against the advancing member while the recording-medium batch is being pushed by the advancing member; and

a transporting component configured to transport the recording-medium batch when receiving the recording-medium batch whose movement is being regulated by the regulating component.

(((10)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to (((9))),

wherein the regulating component regulates the movement of the recording-medium batch by coming into contact with an other face of the recording-medium batch, the other face being opposite the one face.

(((11)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to (((9))) or (((10))),

wherein the regulating component regulates the movement of the recording-medium batch by acting against the advancing member in such a manner as to urge the recording-medium batch toward the advancing member.

(((12)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to (((11))),

wherein the regulating component regulates the movement of the recording-medium batch by acting against the advancing member in such a manner as to urge a pushed portion of the recording-medium batch toward the advancing member, the pushed portion being a portion where the recording-medium batch is being pushed by the advancing member.

(((13)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to (((12))),

wherein the regulating component urges the pushed portion toward the advancing member from a position across the pushed portion from the advancing member.

(((14)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to any of (((9))) to (((13))),

wherein the regulating component stops regulating the movement of the recording-medium batch after the transporting component starts to transport the recording-medium batch.

(((15)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to any of (((9))) to (((14))),

wherein the regulating component is located downstream from the recording-medium batch in a direction of travel of the recording-medium batch in such a manner as to extend into a traveling course of the recording-medium batch, and is configured to retract from the traveling course after the transporting component starts to transport the recording-medium batch.

(((16)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to any of (((9))) to (((15))),

wherein the regulating component is configured to pass through the transporting component and to regulate the movement of the recording-medium batch by acting against the advancing member even while the recording-medium batch is passing through the transporting component.

(((17)))

The recording-medium-processing apparatus according to (((16))),

(((18)))

An image forming system comprising:

an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording medium; and

a recording-medium-processing apparatus configured to process the recording medium having the image formed by the image forming apparatus,

wherein the recording-medium-processing apparatus includes the recording-medium-processing apparatus according to any of (((1))) to (((17))).

RECORDING-MEDIUM-PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM

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