RECORDING MEDIUM PROCESSING DEVICE 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. 2022-186641 filed Nov. 22, 2022.

BACKGROUND
(i) Technical Field

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

(ii) Related Art

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-45784 discloses an image processing device including: a folding unit that folds an adjustment sheet in which an adjustment pattern is formed so as to cross the adjustment pattern based on a predetermined reference holding position; and an image reader that reads an image of the adjustment pattern of the adjustment sheet with the adjustment sheet folded by the folding unit spread.

SUMMARY

In a configuration in which a recording medium bundle which is to undergo a folding process is pressed against a to-be-pressed section, the position and the slope of the recording medium bundle can be changed by moving the to-be-pressed section.

Here, in a configuration in which a to-be-operated section to move the to-be-pressed section is installed in a movable body, the position of the to-be-operated section is changed according to the movement of the movable body.

In this case, a situation may occur in which the to-be-operated section is not easily operated or unable to be operated depending on a movement destination of the movable body.

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to improving the operability of a to-be-pressed section when an operator performs a moving operation on it, as compared to when a movable body is provided with a to-be-operated section to move the to-be-pressed section against which a recording medium bundle is pressed.

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 device including: a movable body including a to-be-pressed section which is to be pressed against one end of a recording medium bundle on which a folding process is performed, the to-be-pressed section being configured to be movable relative to the movable body; and a to-be-operated section which is provided at a position different from a position of the movable body, as well as provided in conjunction with the to-be pressed section, and is operated by an operator when the to-be pressed section is moved relative to the movable body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the entire configuration of an image forming system;

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating the configuration of a controller;

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

FIGS. 4A and 4B are top views of an advance member and a folding roll;

FIGS. 5A to 5C are views illustrating the motion of each component when a folding process is performed by the advance member and the folding roll;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a to-be-operated section and a movable body;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views illustrating the motion of the movable body;

FIG. 8 is a view of the movable body in the direction indicated by arrow VIII of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a notifier;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first post-processing device as seen in the direction indicated by arrow X of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating another configuration example of the movable body; and

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating another configuration example of the movable body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the entire configuration of an image forming system 1. FIG. 1 illustrates the state of the image forming system 1 as seen from the front side thereof.

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

Note that the image forming system used by the image forming apparatus 2 is not particularly limited, and for example, an electrophotographic system or an ink jet system is used to form an image on a sheet of paper P.

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

In addition, the paper processing device 3 includes: a folding device 30 that performs a holding process, such as inner tri-fold (C fold) and outer tri-fold (Z fold), on a sheet of paper P transported by the transport device 10; and a first post-processing device 40 that performs a stitching process or a folding process on a paper bundle provided downstream of the folding device 30.

In addition, the paper processing device 3 is provided with a second post-processing device 50 that is provided downstream of the first post-processing device 40 and performs a process on the paper bundle on which a stitching process or a folding process has been performed.

In this exemplary embodiment, a booklet consisting of paper bundle is produced, on which a stitching process or a folding process has been performed by the first post-processing device 40, and the second post-processing device 50 performs a process on the booklet.

Furthermore, the paper processing device 3 is provided with a controller 100 that controls each component of the paper processing device 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first post-processing device 40 is provided with: a punching unit 41 that makes holes (punches) in a sheet of paper P; and an end stitch stapler unit 42 that stitches an end of a paper bundle.

In addition, the first post-processing device 40 is provided with a first stacking unit 43 on which a paper bundle with one end stitched is stacked. Also, the first post-processing device 40 is provided with a second stacking unit 45 on which a sheet of paper P not processed or a sheet of paper P only punched by the first post-processing device 40 is stacked.

In addition, the first post-processing device 40 is provided with a saddle stitch unit 44 that performs a stitching process and/or a folding process on a paper bundle to produce a booklet in a page spread form.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating the configuration of a controller 100.

The controller 100 includes: a calculation processor 120 that performs a digital calculation process according to a program; a secondary storage 129 that records information such as programs; and a communication unit 130 that transmits and receives information to and from an external device.

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

The calculation processor 120 includes a CPU 11a as an example of a processor.

In addition, the calculation processor 120 includes a RAM 11b used as a working memory for the CPU 11a; and a ROM 11c that stores programs to be executed by the CPU 11a.

Furthermore, the calculation processor 120 includes a non-volatile memory 11d configured to be rewritable, and capable of holding data even when power supply is cut off.

The non-volatile memory 11d is comprised of, for example, an SRAM or a flash memory backed up by a battery. In this exemplary embodiment, the CPU 11a performs processing by reading programs stored in the secondary storage 129 or the ROM 11c.

The calculation processor 120, the secondary storage 129, and the communication unit 130 are coupled to each other by a bus or a signal line.

The program to be executed by the CPU 11a can be provided to the controller 100 with the program recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a magnetic recording medium (such as a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk), an optical recording medium (such as an optical disk), a magneto optical recording medium, and a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program to be executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the controller 100 using a communication unit such as the Internet.

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

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

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

The saddle stitch unit 44 is provided with a paper stacking unit 440 in which sheets of paper P are stacked. The paper stacking unit 440 is provided with a paper support member 441 that supports sheets of paper P which are successively transported.

The paper support member 441 is comprised of a plate-like member.

The paper support member 441 is disposed in an inclined state with respect to a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The paper support member 441 is disposed so that at a lower position, it extends to the opposite side to where a folding roll 448 (the details will be described later) is provided. In addition, the paper support member 441 has a support surface 441A that supports a sheet of paper P from below.

At a position opposed to the support surface 441A, a guide member 450 is provided to guide a sheet of paper P which moves downward. The guide member 450 is disposed with a gap between the paper support member 441 and itself as well as disposed along the paper support member 441.

Also, the saddle stitch unit 44 is provided with a delivery roll 442 that delivers a sheet of paper P downward. In addition, the saddle stitch unit 44 is provided with a to-be-pressed section 443 against which the lower end which is one end of a sheet of paper P is pressed.

In this exemplary embodiment, the one end of a sheet of paper P is pressed against the to-be-pressed section 443. Thus, positioning of a sheet of paper P in the delivery direction of the sheet of paper P is made by the delivery roll 442.

In this exemplary embodiment, the sheet of paper P delivered by the delivery roll 442 is moved downward along the paper support member 441. In this exemplary embodiment, the lower end which is one end of a sheet of paper P butts against the to-be-pressed section 443.

In addition, the saddle stitch unit 44 is provided with a movable body 90 that supports the to-be-pressed section 443. In this exemplary embodiment, the movable body 90 is configured to be provided with the to-be-pressed section 443.

The movable body 90 moves along the extension direction of the paper support member 441. In other words, the movable body 90 moves in a vertical direction. Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, the to-be-pressed section 443 also moves along the extension direction of the paper support member 441.

Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the to-be-pressed section 443 is configured to be movable relative to the movable body 90 to allow the position of the to-be-pressed section 443 to be adjustable.

Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, a to-be-operated section 91 is provided, which is operated by an operator when the to-be-pressed section 443 is moved. In this exemplary embodiment, when an operator operates the to-be-operated section 91, the to-be-pressed section 443 is moved relative to the movable body 90.

The to-be-operated section 91 is provided in conjunction with the to-be-pressed section 443, and when an operator operates the to-be-operated section 91, the to-be-pressed section 443 is moved relative to the movable body 90.

The to-be-operated section 91 is provided at a position different from the position of the movable body 90.

In addition, the to-be-operated section 91 is provided in a device body 40A of the first post-processing device 40, and is not moved along with the movable body 90, but is fixed to the device body 40A of the first post-processing device 40.

In other words, the to-be-operated section 91 is provided in a state of being fixed to the housing possessed by the first post-processing device 40.

The to-be-operated section 91 is a so-called dial to-be-operated section, and is comprised of a rotating body that rotates when operated by an operator.

The to-be-operated section 91 is provided on the front surface side of the first post-processing device 40.

Here, the front surface side of the first post-processing device 40 indicates the surface side opposed to a user when the user stands in front of the first post-processing device 40.

The saddle stitch unit 44 is provided with a paper urging member (not illustrated) that urges the sheets of paper P stacked on the paper support member 441 against the to-be-pressed section 443. The paper urging member is comprised of a rotating body having an outer periphery provided with an elastic piece.

In addition, the saddle stitch unit 44 is provided with a pressing member 445 that advances to the lateral side of the sheets of paper P to press the lateral side.

In addition, the saddle stitch unit 44 is provided with a stapler 446 which is an example of a binding unit that performs a binding process on a paper bundle consisting of the sheets of paper P stacked on the paper support member 441. Note that in this exemplary embodiment, a case will be described, in which a paper bundle is bound using binding needles; however, a configuration may be adopted in which sheets of paper are attached by pressure without using a binding needle.

In addition, the saddle stitch unit 44 is provided with an advance member 447 that advances to the paper bundle to press it through the space near one of the surfaces of the paper bundle which is an example of a recording medium bundle.

Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, a folding roll 448 is provided, which functions as a transport unit and a press unit.

The folding roll 448 is comprised of a pair of rolls that pinch a paper bundle which is pressed by the advance member 447 and delivered to the folding roll 448.

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

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

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

FIGS. 4A and 4B are top views of the advance member 447 and the folding roll 448.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, each of the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B (not illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B) included in the folding roll 448 is provided with: a columnar rotary shaft 448N; and cylindrical elastic bodies 448C mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 448N. The cylindrical elastic bodies 448C are composed of, for example, rubber or a soft resin.

Multiple cylindrical elastic bodies 448C are provided in a state of being arranged in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 448N. A gap 448E is provided between adjacent elastic bodies 448C.

In this exemplary embodiment, the folding roll 448 receives a driving force from a driving device 500, then the folding roll 448 rotates.

More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the first folding roll 448A receives a driving force from the driving device 500 and rotates. The second folding roll 448B (see FIG. 3) then receives a driving force from the first folding roll 448A and rotates.

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

Note that a driving force may be individually supplied to each of the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B to rotate each of the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B independently.

The advance member 447 (see FIG. 4A) is provided with: a base 447A that extends along the axial direction of the folding roll 448; and projections 447C that project to the folding roll 448 from the base 447A.

Multiple projections 447C are provided and arranged in the axial direction of the folding roll 448.

In this exemplary embodiment, when the advance member 447 advances to the folding roll 448, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, each projection 447C of the advance member 447 enters a corresponding gap 448E provided in the folding roll 448.

Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, when the advance member 447 advances, a leading end 447E of each projection 447C passes between the rotary shaft 448N of the first folding roll 448A (see FIG. 4B) and the rotary shaft 448N of the second folding roll 448B (not illustrated in FIG. 4B).

In addition, when the advance member 447 advances, the leading end 447E of each projection 447C moves to a position exceeding a corresponding contact section 448G between the first folding roll 448A and the second folding roll 448B.

Referring to FIG. 3, the movement of each component when a folding process or a binding process is performed will be described.

When a folding process or a binding process is performed, first, delivery rolls 442 of the saddle stitch unit 44 deliver a sheet of paper P (not illustrated in FIG. 3) transported from upstream to the paper support member 441.

When a process is performed on multiple sheets of paper P, the delivery rolls 442 deliver a sheet of paper P to the paper support member 441 multiple times.

Thus, a predetermined number of sheets of paper P are stacked on the paper support member 441, and a paper bundle is generated thereon.

In this exemplary embodiment, the lower end which is one end of the paper bundle is in a state of being pressed against the to-be-pressed section 443 by the gravity acting on the paper bundle.

More specifically, the paper bundle is formed in a rectangular shape and has a lower side, and in this exemplary embodiment, the lower side is in a state of being pressed against the to-be-pressed section 443.

Note that when the paper bundle is comprised of one sheet of paper P, the one sheet of paper P is stacked on the paper support member 441. In the present specification, “paper bundle” also includes a case of a paper bundle consisting of one sheet of paper P.

When a sheet of paper P is stacked on the paper support member 441, the to-be-pressed section 443 that supports the sheet of paper P from below is stopped so that the central portion of the sheet of paper P is located at a staple position of the stapler 446, for example. At this point, a paper alignment member (not illustrated) rotates to urge the stacked sheets of paper P against the to-be-pressed section 443.

In addition, when a sheet of paper P is stacked on the paper support member 441, each time a sheet of paper P is transported on the paper support member 441, the pressing member 445 presses the lateral side of the sheet of paper P.

After a predetermined number of sheets of paper P are stacked on the paper support member 441 to generate a paper bundle, a binding process is performed by the stapler 446, for example, on the central portion of the paper bundle.

Note that when a binding process is not to be performed and only a folding process is to be performed, a binding process is not carried out by the stapler 446.

Subsequently, the movable body 90 moves upward, and accordingly, the to-be-pressed section 443 that supports the paper bundle moves upward.

Thus, a fold section where a folding process is performed is arranged at an opposed position of the leading ends 447E of the advance member 447. More specifically, for example, the central portion of the paper bundle is arranged at an opposed position of the leading ends 447E of the advance member 447.

Although a case has been described in which when a sheet of paper P is stacked on the paper support member 441, the to-be-pressed section 443 is arranged so that the central portion of the sheet of paper P is located at the staple position of the stapler 446; however, the arranged position of the to-be-pressed section 443 is not limited to this.

When a binding process is not performed by the stapler 446, the to-be-pressed section 443 may be arranged so that the central portion of the sheet of paper P is located at an opposed position of the leading ends 447E of the advance member 447.

More specifically, the movable body 90 may be arranged at a position above the position illustrated in FIG. 3, and the to-be-pressed section 443 may be arranged so that the central portion of the sheet of paper P is located at an opposed position of the leading ends 447E of the advance member 447.

After the central portion of a paper bundle is moved to an opposed position of the leading ends 447E of the advance member 447, the advance member 447 advances to the paper bundle to press it through the space near one of the surfaces of the paper bundle.

Thus, the paper bundle advances to the folding roll 448 on the back side of the paper support member 441 through an opening (not illustrated) provided in the paper support member 441.

Thus, the paper bundle is pressed from both sides by the folding roll 448. Also, transport of the paper bundle by the folding roll 448 is started.

The advance member 447 in this exemplary embodiment is moved to the installation position of the folding roll 448. More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the leading ends 447E of the advance member 447 move downstream of the contact sections 448G of the folding roll 448.

In this manner, a paper bundle is generated, which has undergone the binding process by the stapler 446, and the folding process by the advance member 447 and the folding roll 448.

Alternatively, the binding process is not performed by the stapler 446, and a paper bundle is generated, which has undergone only the folding process by the advance member 447 and the folding roll 448.

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

FIGS. 5A to 5C are views illustrating the motion of each component when the folding process is performed by the advance member 447 and the folding roll 448.

When the folding process is performed, first, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the advance member 447 advances to the paper bundle through the space near one surface 410 of the paper bundle.

At this point, in this exemplary embodiment, one end 471 of the paper bundle is located at a lower position, and the other end 472 is located at an upper position. In other words, the lower side of the paper bundle is located at a lower position, and the upper side of the paper bundle is located at an upper position.

At this point, the one end 471 of the paper bundle is in a state of being pressed against the to-be-pressed section 443 (not illustrated in FIG. 5, see FIG. 3) by the gravity acting on the paper bundle. In other words, the lower side of the paper bundle is in a state of being pressed against the to-be-pressed section 443.

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the central portion of the paper bundle reaches the folding roll 448. In other words, of the paper bundle, the portion pressed by the advance member 447 reaches the folding roll 448.

The central portion of the paper bundle is a to-be-depressed section 491, which is a portion of the paper bundle, depressed by the advance member 447. In this exemplary embodiment, the to-be-depressed section 491 moves as the leading head, and the to-be-depressed section 491 reaches the folding roll 448.

As illustrated in FIG. 5C, the paper bundle is depressed by the folding roll 448.

In this exemplary embodiment, the folding roll 448 comes into contact with an outer surface 492 (see FIG. 5C) of the paper bundle to depress the paper bundle by the folding process.

More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the second folding roll 448B comes into contact with a portion of the outer surface 492, located between the to-be-depressed section 491 and the one end 471, and the first folding roll 448A comes into contact with a portion of the outer surface 492, located between the to-be-depressed section 491 and the other end 472, thereby depressing the paper bundle.

In this exemplary embodiment, when the folding roll 448 comes into contact with the outer surface 492 of the paper bundle, the paper bundle is started to be transported downstream in the movement direction of the paper bundle.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the to-be-operated section 91 and the movable body 90.

In this exemplary embodiment, as mentioned above, the dial to-be-operated section 91 to be operated by an operator is provided. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the movable body 90 including the to-be-pressed section 443 (not illustrated in FIG. 6) is provided.

Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, a moving mechanism 700 is provided, which transmits a driving force from the to-be-operated section 91 to the to-be-pressed section 443 to move the to-be-pressed section 443.

In this exemplary embodiment, as part of the moving mechanism 700, a body-side transmission mechanism 710 is provided, which is disposed in the device body 40A (see FIG. 3) to transmit a driving force.

In addition, as another part of the moving mechanism 700, a movable body-side transmission mechanism 720 is provided, which is disposed in the movable body 90 to transmit a driving force.

As mentioned above, the body-side transmission mechanism 710 is disposed in the device body 40A at a position different from that of the movable body 90. The movable body-side transmission mechanism 720 is disposed in the movable body 90, and moved along with the movable body 90.

The body-side transmission mechanism 710 as an example of a transmission mechanism transmits a driving force to the movable body 90, the driving force being generated by an operator operating the to-be-operated section 91.

More specifically, the body-side transmission mechanism 710 transmits a driving force to the movable body-side transmission mechanism 720 provided in the movable body 90, the driving force being generated by an operator operating the to-be-operated section 91.

The body-side transmission mechanism 710 is provided with: a first rotating body 711 that is disposed coaxially with the to-be-operated section 91 and rotates in conjunction with the to-be-operated section 91; and an annular belt member 712 that is provided in a circularly movable manner and rotated by the first rotating body 711.

Furthermore, the body-side transmission mechanism 710 is provided with: a second rotating body 713 that receives a driving force from the belt member 712 to rotate; and a body-side rotary gear 714 that is disposed coaxially with the second rotating body 713 and rotates in conjunction with the second rotating body 713.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first rotating body 711 and the second rotating body 713 are provided inside the belt member 712.

The movable body-side transmission mechanism 720 transmits a driving force from the body-side transmission mechanism 710 to the to-be-pressed section 443 (not illustrated in FIG. 6).

More specifically, the movable body-side transmission mechanism 720 is coupled to the body-side transmission mechanism 710 (the details will be described later), and transmits a driving force from the body-side transmission mechanism 710 to the to-be-pressed section 443.

The movable body-side transmission mechanism 720 is provided with a movable body-side gear 721, and in this exemplary embodiment, the movable body-side gear 721 and the body-side rotary gear 714 are engaged with each other, thereby coupling the movable body-side transmission mechanism 720 and the body-side transmission mechanism 710.

When the movable body-side transmission mechanism 720 and the body-side transmission mechanism 710 are coupled, the driving force from the to-be-operated section 91 is transmitted to the movable body 90. In other words, the driving force from the to-be-operated section 91 is transmitted to the to-be-pressed section 443 provided in the movable body 90.

In this exemplary embodiment, the movable body 90 moves along a predetermined linear movement path 400 illustrated in FIG. 3.

The movement path 400 is provided to extend in a vertical direction in FIG. 3. In addition, the movement path 400 is provided along the paper support member 441.

The movement path 400 has one end 400U that is located above the movement path 400 and located at one end of the movement path 400, and the other end 400D that is located below the movement path 400 and located at the other end of the movement path 400.

In this exemplary embodiment, a moving mechanism 950 is provided, which causes the movable body 90 to move along the movement path 400.

The moving mechanism 950 is comprised of a rack and pinion mechanism, for example. Note that the moving mechanism 950 is not limited to the rack and pinion mechanism, and another publicly known mechanism may be used.

The movable body 90 can be reciprocated between the one end 400U and the other end 400D of the movement path 400.

The movement path 400 in this exemplary embodiment is provided under the first post-processing device 40.

In this exemplary embodiment, when the binding process is performed by the stapler 446, and when the folding process is performed by the advance member 447, the movable body 90 is stopped between the one end 400U and the other end 400D of the movement path 400.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views illustrating the motion of the movable body 90.

In this exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, when the movable body 90 is located at a specific position, the movable body 90 is coupled to the body-side transmission mechanism 710, thereby achieving a state where a driving force can be transmitted to the movable body 90.

More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, when the movable body 90 is located at the one end 400U of the movement path 400 (see FIG. 3), the movable body 90 is coupled to the body-side transmission mechanism 710 (see FIG. 7B), thereby achieving a state where a driving force can be transmitted to the movable body 90.

In this exemplary embodiment, when the position of the to-be-pressed section 443 (not illustrated in FIG. 7B) is adjusted, the movable body 90 is coupled to the body-side transmission mechanism 710, thereby achieving a state where a driving force can be transmitted to the movable body 90.

More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, when the position of the to-be-pressed section 443 is adjusted, an operator operates an operation receiving unit (not illustrated) such as a touch panel to input information indicating that the position of the to-be-pressed section 443 is to be adjusted.

Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, the moving mechanism 950 (see FIG. 3) is operated, and as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the movable body 90 is coupled to the body-side transmission mechanism 710, thereby achieving a state where a driving force can be transmitted to the movable body 90.

Note that in this exemplary embodiment, a configuration is described in which when the movable body 90 is located at the one end 400U of the movement path 400 (see FIG. 3), the movable body 90 is coupled to the body-side transmission mechanism 710; however, without being limited to this, a configuration may be adopted in which when the movable body 90 is located at the other end 400D (see FIG. 3) of the movement path 400, the movable body 90 is coupled to the body-side transmission mechanism 710.

Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a detection sensor 128 to detect that the movable body 90 is located at the one end 400U is provided at the one end 400U of the movement path 400.

In other words, in this exemplary embodiment, the detection sensor 128 is provided, which detects the movable body 90 when it is located at the one end 400U of the movement path 400, that is, the one end 400U which is an example of a predetermined specific position.

In this exemplary embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which when the movable body 90 is located at the specific position that is the detection point of the detection sensor 128, the movable body 90 is coupled to the body-side transmission mechanism 710 (see FIG. 7B).

In this exemplary embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which when an initialization process for the device is started, the movable body 90 moves to the specific position.

Also, in this exemplary embodiment, under the condition that the movable body 90 moves to the specific position, and is detected by the detection sensor 128, other processes included in the initialization process are started. The detection sensor 128 in this exemplary embodiment is provided for the initialization process.

In this exemplary embodiment, the detection sensor 128 for the initialization process is utilized to detect coupling of the movable body 90 to the body-side transmission mechanism 710.

Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, when the movable body 90 is detected by the detection sensor 128, the CPU 11a (see FIG. 2) determines that the movable body 90 is coupled to the body-side transmission mechanism 710.

In this situation, the CPU 11a notifies an operator that adjustment of the to-be-pressed section 443 is possible by an information display device (not illustrated) comprised of a touch panel or the like. Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, an operator starts to operate the to-be-operated section 91.

When the detection sensor 128 is used for the initialization process as in this exemplary embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated sensor to detect coupling of the movable body 90 to the body-side transmission mechanism 710.

FIG. 8 is a view of the movable body 90 in the direction indicated by arrow VIII of FIG. 6.

The movable body 90 in this exemplary embodiment is provided with: a plate-like support member 93 that supports the to-be-pressed section 443; and a plate-like disposed member 94 that is disposed below the support member 93.

The to-be-pressed section 443 includes: one end-side section 443A against which a longitudinal one end side 431 of the one end 471 of a paper bundle is pressed; and the other end-side section 443B against which the other end side 432 is pressed.

The one end 471 of a paper bundle is the lower side of the paper bundle, and the to-be-pressed section 443 extending horizontally in FIG. 8 includes: the one end-side section 443A against which the longitudinal one end side of the lower side is pressed; and the other end-side section 443B against which the longitudinal other end side of the lower side is pressed.

In this exemplary embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the support member 93 is displaced relative to the disposed member 94.

Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the support member 93 is secured to the disposed member 94 via a rotary shaft 93A to allow displacement relative to the disposed member 94.

The rotary shaft 93A is provided to extend in the direction along the normal line 433 to one surface 410 of a paper bundle supported by the movable body 90.

The rotary shaft 93A is provided between one end 931 of the support member 93 and the other end 932. The support member 93 has the one end 931 and the other end 932 at different positions in the extension direction of the lower side of the paper bundle.

The rotary shaft 93A is provided between the one end 931 and the other end 932 at different positions in the extension direction of the lower side of the paper bundle.

Furthermore, the rotary shaft 93A is provided between the one end-side section 443A of the to-be-pressed section 443 and the other end-side section 443B.

Note that the position of the rotary shaft 93A is not limited to this, and the rotary shaft 93A may be provided closer to the other end 932 of the support member 93. In other words, the rotary shaft 93A may be provided closer to the other end-side section 443B of the to-be-pressed section 443.

In this exemplary embodiment, the support member 93 is configured to rotate around the rotary shaft 93A.

Furthermore, in this configuration example, a rotary shaft 96 is provided, which extends in a vertical direction, and penetrates both the support member 93 and the disposed member 94. The outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 96 is provided with a male thread (not illustrated).

Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, each of the support member 93 and the disposed member 94 is provided with a through-hole 97 that allows the rotary shaft 96 to pass through. Specifically, the through-hole 97 is provided near the one end 931 of the support member 93 and near one end 941 of the disposed member 94.

The inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 97 disposed in the support member 93 is provided with a female thread engaged with the male thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 96.

Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, a first bevel gear 461 mounted on the lower end of the rotary shaft 96, and a second bevel gear 462 disposed coaxially with the movable body-side gear 721 are provided. In this exemplary embodiment, the first bevel gear 461 and the second bevel gear 462 are engaged with each other.

Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, an urging member 98 is provided, which urges the other end 932 of the support member 93 toward the disposed member 94.

In this exemplary embodiment, when an operator operates the to-be-operated section 91 in the state illustrated in FIG. 7B, a driving force from the to-be-operated section 91 is transmitted to the rotary shaft 96 via the body-side rotary gear 714, the movable body-side gear 721, the second bevel gear 462 and the first bevel gear 461 illustrated in FIG. 8.

Thus, the rotary shaft 96 constituting part of the moving mechanism 700 rotates, and accordingly, the gap between the one end 931 of the support member 93 and the one end 941 of the disposed member 94 is changed. Thus, the slope of the support member 93 changes, and accordingly, the slope of the to-be-pressed section 443 changes.

As a result, in this exemplary embodiment, the position of the one end-side section 443A in the height direction changes, and the position of the other end-side section 443B in the height direction changes.

More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, when the one end-side section 443A moves upward, the other end-side section 443B moves downward, and when the one end-side section 443A moves downward, the other end-side section 443B moves upward.

Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, the slope of the paper bundle with respect to the movement direction of the movable body 90 changes. In other words, in this exemplary embodiment, the slope of the paper bundle with respect to a vertical direction changes.

In this exemplary embodiment, the slope of the to-be-pressed section 443 with respect to a vertical direction is adjusted, thus the slope of a paper bundle generated on the to-be-pressed section 443 changes.

The moving mechanism 700 in this exemplary embodiment moves the to-be-pressed section 443 so that the positional relationship changes between the one end-side section 443A and the other end-side section 443B of the to-be-pressed section 443, the positional relationship being in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the lower side of the paper bundle.

In other words, the moving mechanism 700 moves the to-be-pressed section 443 so that the positional relationship changes between the one end-side section 443A and the other end-side section 443B, the positional relationship being in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lower side of the paper bundle.

Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a notifier 190 is provided to notify an operator who operates the to-be-operated section 91 of information.

More specifically, an exterior cover (not illustrated) is provided on the front surface side of the first post-processing device 40, and in this exemplary embodiment, when the exterior cover is opened, the notifier 190 is seen.

The notifier 190 as an example of a notification unit notifies an operator of operation content of the to-be-operated section 91, and the state of a paper bundle when the to-be-operated section 91 is operated based on the operation content, then the folding process for the paper bundle is performed.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the notifier 190.

In this exemplary embodiment, the state of a paper bundle after the folding process is performed is made different in response to an operation of the to-be-operated section 91 (not illustrated in FIG. 9).

In this exemplary embodiment, for example, when the operation content of the to-be-operated section 91 is an operation of rotating the to-be-operated section 91 to the left direction, the state of a paper bundle after the folding process is performed is the state indicated by symbol 9A.

More specifically, a case is assumed in which the state of a paper bundle when the folding process is performed is such that folding displacement indicated by symbol 9B has occurred, and the operation content of the to-be-operated section 91 is an operation of rotating the to-be-operated section 91 to the left direction in FIG. 9.

In this situation, the state of a paper bundle when the folding process is performed subsequently is as indicated by symbol 9A. Specifically, this is a state where folding displacement has not occurred in the paper bundle.

In this exemplary embodiment, for example, when the operation content of the to-be-operated section 91 is an operation of rotating the to-be-operated section 91 to the right direction in FIG. 9, the state of a paper bundle when the folding process is performed is as indicated by symbol 9A.

More specifically, a case is assumed in which the state of a paper bundle when the folding process is performed is such that folding displacement indicated by symbol 9C has occurred, and when the operation content of the to-be-operated section 91 is an operation of rotating the to-be-operated section 91 to the right direction in FIG. 9.

In this exemplary embodiment, in this manner, an operator is notified via the notifier 190 of a relationship between the operation content of the to-be-operated section 91 and the state of a paper bundle.

Note that FIG. 9 depicts a case where an operator is notified of a notification content by an illustration which is an example of a still image.

However, notification of a notification content to an operator may be performed by displaying a video on a display device such as a monitor. Alternatively, notification of a notification content to an operator may be performed by outputting voice from a speaker.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first post-processing device 40 in the direction indicated by arrow X of FIG. 3.

In other words, FIG. 10 is a perspective view when the first post-processing device 40 is seen from a lateral surface 40S of the first post-processing device 40. Note that FIG. 10 illustrates a state where the exterior cover is removed.

The first post-processing device 40 in this exemplary embodiment is provided with an opening 40H for an operator performing work related to the movable body 90.

In this exemplary embodiment, when work such as maintenance of the movable body 90 is performed, an operator accesses the movable body 90 through the opening 40H.

The opening 40H is provided in a lateral surface 40S among multiple surfaces of the first post-processing device 40, the lateral surface 40S connecting a front surface 40M and a back surface 40B of the first post-processing device 40.

In this exemplary embodiment, the front surface 40M different from the lateral surface 40S is provided with the to-be-operated section 91 illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 illustrates a state where the movable body 90 is in the middle of the movement path 400 illustrated in FIG. 3. In other words, FIG. 10 illustrates a state where the movable body 90 is between the one end 400 U and the other end 400D of the movement path 400 (see FIG. 3).

The body-side transmission mechanism 710 (see FIG. 6) is located over the movable body 90 illustrated in FIG. 10, and when the to-be-operated section 91 is coupled to the movable body 90, the movable body 90 moves upward in FIG. 10.

Thus, the body-side transmission mechanism 710 (see FIG. 6) and the movable body-side transmission mechanism 720 are coupled, thus a driving force generated by an operator operating the to-be-operated section 91 can be transmitted to the movable body 90.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating another configuration example of the movable body 90.

FIG. 11 illustrates a state where the body-side transmission mechanism 710 and the movable body-side transmission mechanism 720 are coupled.

In this configuration example, the to-be-operated section 91 is provided in the lateral surface 40S (see FIG. 10).

In addition, also, in this configuration example, the movable body 90 is provided with the support member 93 that supports the to-be-pressed section 443, and the support member 93 moves relative to the movable body 90.

As described above, the to-be-pressed section 443 includes: the one end-side section 443A against which the longitudinal one end side 431 of the one end 471 of a paper bundle is pressed; and the other end-side section 443B against which the other end side 432 is pressed.

In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 8, the to-be-pressed section 443 is comprised of one member; however, as in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 11, the to-be-pressed section 443 may be comprised of two members: a member to form the one end-side section 443A, and a member to form the other end-side section 443B.

Furthermore, in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 11, as a member constituting part of the moving mechanism 700, a rotary shaft 155 fixed to the support member 93 is provided.

Furthermore, in the configuration example, as the members constituting part of the moving mechanism 700, a coaxial rotary member 156 disposed coaxially with the rotary shaft 155, and an annular belt member 157 that transmits a driving force from the movable body-side gear 721 to the coaxial rotary member 156 are provided.

In this configuration example, the coaxial rotary member 156 is provided inside the annular belt member 157.

In addition, in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 11, an urging member 158 is provided, which urges the one end 931 of the support member 93 downward. In other words, in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 11, the urging member 158 is provided, which urges the support member 93 so that the support member 93 rotates around the rotary shaft 155 in one direction.

The rotary shaft 155 is fixed to the support member 93. In addition, the rotary shaft 155 is provided to extend in the direction along the normal line 433 to the one surface 410 of a paper bundle supported by the movable body 90.

In this configuration example, the rotary shaft 155 is rotated by the moving mechanism 700 in a circumferential direction of the rotary shaft 155.

Consequently, the support member 93 rotates around the rotary shaft 155, and accordingly, the position of the one end-side section 443A in the height direction, and the position of the other end-side section 443B in the height direction are changed.

More specifically, when the one end-side section 443A moves upward, the other end-side section 443B moves downward, and when the one end-side section 443A moves downward, the other end-side section 443B moves upward.

As a result, also, in this configuration example, the slope of the to-be-pressed section 443 with respect to a horizontal direction changes, and the slope of a paper bundle with respect to the movement direction of the movable body 90 changes. In other words, also in this situation, the slope of a paper bundle with respect to a vertical direction changes.

Also, in this configuration example, the to-be-pressed section 443 is moved so that the positional relationship changes between the one end-side section 443A and the other end-side section 443B, the positional relationship being in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the lower side of the paper bundle.

In addition, in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 11, the moving mechanism 700 is provided with a deacceleration mechanism that causes the movable body-side gear 721 to rotate at a number of revolutions less than the number of revolutions of the to-be-operated section 91 comprised of a rotating body, where the movable body-side gear 721 is an example of a rotary member.

In this configuration example, the body-side rotary gear 714 is provided, which is disposed coaxially with the to-be-operated section 91. Furthermore, in the configuration example, the movable body-side gear 721 is provided, which is an example of a rotary member, and engaged with the body-side rotary gear 714.

In this configuration example, the outer diameter of the movable body-side gear 721 is greater than the outer diameter of the body-side rotary gear 714, and the deacceleration mechanism is comprised of the body-side rotary gear 714 with a smaller outer diameter and the movable body-side gear 721 with a larger outer diameter.

When the deacceleration mechanism is provided, the amount of movement of the to-be-pressed section 443 is smaller than the amount of operation performed on the to-be-operated section 91 by an operator, thus an operator can make fine adjustments on the to-be-pressed section 443, as compared to when the deacceleration mechanism is not provided.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating another configuration example of the movable body.

In this configuration example, the basic configuration is the same as the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8. Here, portions different from those in FIG. 8 will be described.

In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 12, the to-be-operated section 91 is provided in the lateral surface 40S (see FIG. 10) of the first post-processing device 40.

In addition, in this configuration example, the rotary shaft 96 is configured to be rotated by a worm gear.

Specifically, in this configuration example, the movable body-side transmission mechanism 720 is provided with a worm wheel 463, and the body-side transmission mechanism 710 is provided with a worm 464.

The worm wheel 463 provided in the movable body-side transmission mechanism 720 is mounted on the lower end of the rotary shaft 96. In addition, the worm wheel 463 is disposed coaxially with the rotary shaft 96.

In addition, the body-side transmission mechanism 710 is provided with a rotary shaft 298 that is disposed coaxially with the worm 464 and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the to-be-operated section 91. In this exemplary embodiment, when the to-be-operated section 91 rotates, the rotary shaft 298 rotates, and accordingly, the worm 464 rotates.

When the worm 464 rotates, the worm wheel 463, and the rotary shaft 96 rotate. Thus, as described above, the slope of the to-be-pressed section 443 with respect to a horizontal direction changes, and the slope of a paper bundle changes.

Also, in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 12, the moving mechanism 700 is provided with a deacceleration mechanism.

In this configuration example, the deacceleration mechanism is comprised of a worm gear. More specifically, the deacceleration mechanism is comprised of the worm 464, and the worm wheel 463.

In this exemplary embodiment, the deacceleration mechanism causes the rotary shaft 96 as an example of a rotary member to rotate at a number of revolutions less than the number of revolutions of the to-be-operated section 91 which is a rotating body.

Also, in this configuration example, rotation of the rotary shaft 96 constituting part of the moving mechanism 700 changes the gap between the one end 931 of the support member 93 and the one end 941 of the disposed member 94, as well as the gap between the other end 932 of the support member 93 and the other end 942 of the disposed member 94. Accordingly, the slope of the to-be-pressed section 443 with respect to a horizontal direction changes.

Thus, as described above, the positional relationship changes between the one end-side section 443A and the other end-side section 443B. Accordingly, also, in this situation, the slope of a paper bundle with respect to the movement direction of the movable body 90 changes.

Note that in the configuration example described above, a case has been described in which the position of the one end-side section 443A in the height direction and the position of the other end-side section 443B in the height direction are changed.

However, change in the position of the one end-side section 443A, and change in the position of the other end-side section 443B are not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which the one end-side section 443A, and the other end-side section 443B are moved in a horizontal direction in response to an operation on the to-be-operated section 91.

In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which the one end-side section 443A, and the other end-side section 443B are moved in a vertical direction and in the same direction in response to an operation on the to-be-operated section 91.

In addition, each time an operator turns the to-be-operated section 91 by a predetermined angle, an operational force required to operate the to-be-operated section 91 may be increased or decreased so that rotation of the to-be-operated section 91 more than necessary is prevented. In other words, as a configuration in which an operator feels a click feeling when operating the to-be-operated section 91, rotation of the to-be-operated section 91 more than necessary may be prevented.

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 device comprising:
  - a movable body including a to-be-pressed section which is to be pressed against one end of a recording medium bundle on which a folding process is performed, the to-be-pressed section being configured to be movable relative to the movable body; and
  - a to-be-operated section which is provided at a position different from a position of the movable body as well as provided in conjunction with the to-be pressed section, and is operated by an operator when the to-be pressed section is moved relative to the movable body.
- (((2)))
  - The recording medium processing device according to (((1))),
  - wherein the to-be-operated section is provided in a fixed state, and is not moved along with the movable body.
- (((3)))
  - The recording medium processing device according to (((1))) or (((2))), further comprising
  - a transmission mechanism provided at a position different from a position of the movable body to transmit a driving force generated by an operator operating the to-be-operated section to the movable body,
  - wherein when the movable body is located at a specific position, the movable body is coupled to the transmission mechanism to allow the driving force to be transmitted to the movable body.
- (((4)))
  - The recording medium processing device according to (((3))),
  - wherein the movable body is movable along a predetermined movement path, and
  - when the movable body is located at one of one end and the other end of the movement path in an extension direction, the movable body is coupled to the transmission mechanism.
- (((5)))
  - The recording medium processing device according to (((4))),
  - wherein the movement path is provided to extend in a vertical direction as well as provided below the recording medium processing device, and when the movable body is located at one of the one end and the other end of the movement path, the one being higher in position, the movable body is coupled to the transmission mechanism.
- (((6)))
  - The recording medium processing device according to (((3))), further comprising
  - a detection sensor configured to detect that the movable body is located at a predetermined specific position,
  - wherein when the movable body is located at the specific position at which the movable body is to be detected by the detection sensor, the movable body is coupled to the transmission mechanism.
- (((7)))
  - The recording medium processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))), further comprising
  - a notification unit that notifies the operator of operation content of the to-be-operated section, and a state of the recording medium bundle when the to-be-operated section is operated based on the operation content, and the folding process for the recording medium bundle is performed.
- (((8)))
  - The recording medium processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))),
  - wherein the to-be-operated section is comprised of a rotating body that is rotated when operated by an operator.
- (((9)))
  - The recording medium processing device according to (((8))), further comprising
  - a transmission mechanism having a rotary member used to transmit a driving force to the to-be-pressed section, the transmission mechanism being configured to move the to-be-pressed section by transmitting a rotational driving force from the to-be-operated section comprised of the rotary member to the to-be-pressed section,
  - wherein the transmission mechanism includes a deacceleration mechanism that causes the rotary member to rotate at a number of rotations less than a number of rotations of the rotating body which is the to-be-operated section.
- (((10)))
  - The recording medium processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))),
  - wherein the to-be-operated section is provided near a front surface of the recording medium processing device.
- (((11)))
  - The recording medium processing device according to (((10))), further comprising
  - an opening for an operator to work on the movable body,
  - where the opening is provided in a lateral surface connecting a front surface and a back surface of the recording medium processing device, and
  - the to-be-operated section is provided near the front surface different from the lateral surface.
- (((12)))
  - An image forming system comprising:
  - an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium; and
  - a recording medium processing device that performs a process on the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus,
  - wherein the recording medium processing device is comprised of the recording medium processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((11))).

RECORDING MEDIUM PROCESSING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM

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Priority Claims (1)