Post-processing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

Its miniaturization allows for greater flexibility in processing the paper, including creasing. [Solution] The invention comprises a creasing forming module for forming creases in paper and a slot portion for receiving the creasing forming module, wherein the creasing forming module has a first convex portion facing the first surface of the paper and a first concave portion facing the second surface of the paper, and a first creasing processing portion in which the first convex portion and the first concave portion engage to form a first crease in the paper, and a second creasing processing portion in which the second concave portion and the second convex portion engage to form a second crease in the paper.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] As an apparatus for processing sheets, there is known an apparatus in which processing mechanisms capable of performing processing such as cutting, perforating, creasing (folding lines) on sheets are each modularized, and these modules can be replaced according to applications (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this apparatus, the apparatus main body is provided with a plurality of slots (unit receiving portions) arranged along a sheet conveyance path, and modules of respective processing mechanisms are combined and mounted in the slots to manufacture printed matter corresponding to various applications.

[0004] Known modules include a module for cutting sheets, a perforation forming module for forming perforations on sheets, and a crease forming module for forming creases on sheets. In particular, as crease forming modules, there are a module that forms creases in the conveyance direction (long grain) with respect to sheets, and a module that forms creases in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction (transverse direction, cross grain). Note that, on a conveyance surface for conveying sheets, the conveyance direction is referred to as the FD direction, and the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction is also referred to as the CD direction. A module that forms a CD-direction crease has a concave portion and a convex portion that are opposed to each other with the conveyance path interposed therebetween, and forms a crease extending in the CD direction by sandwiching a sheet on the conveyance path between the concave portion and the convex portion, and pressing and separating the sheet. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-48185 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] Incidentally, the demand for fold lines formed using a crease-forming module varies. For example, when producing long, narrow accordion-shaped printed materials such as small pamphlets, it is efficient to first transport the paper into the device with the length of the paper aligned with the transport direction. Then, the device cuts the paper in the transport direction and performs crease processing to form mountain and valley folds perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0007] Conventional equipment requires multiple processing steps in addition to creating mountain and valley creases, such as cutting the paper in the direction of transport and cutting it perpendicular to the direction of transport, in order to produce long, narrow, accordion-shaped printed materials.

[0008] However, with conventional devices, the modules for creasing mountain folds and valley folds each occupy two slots, so when the number of sheets to be processed increases, other modules cannot be installed, resulting in a lack of flexibility in processing the paper. To address this, it is conceivable to increase the number of slots for installing other modules in the device, but this would increase the size of the device, making it impossible to place it in a space-saving manner.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing device and an image forming apparatus that are miniaturized and capable of increasing the degree of freedom in processing, including creasing, on paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The post-processing apparatus according to the present invention is A creasing module that forms creases on paper, A slot portion for receiving the aforementioned creasing module, It has, The aforementioned creasing module is A first crease processing unit having a first convex portion facing the first surface of the paper and a first concave portion facing the second surface of the paper, wherein the first convex portion and the first concave portion engage to form a first crease in the paper, The configuration includes a second recess facing the first surface of the paper and a second protrusion facing the second surface of the paper, and a second crease processing section in which the second recess and the second protrusion engage to form a second crease in the paper.

[0011] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is The system includes an image forming unit that forms an image on paper, and a post-processing device with the above configuration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, durability can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus equipped with a post-processing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the main components of the control system of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram of the crease module, which is the main component of the post-processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the crease module, which shows the main components of the post-processing device. [Figure 5] Figures 5A and 5B are schematic side views illustrating the operation of the first crease processing section of the crease module shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figures 6A and 6B are schematic side views illustrating the operation of the second crease processing section of the crease module shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figures 7A and 7B schematically show an example of a modified example of the second crease processing section of the crease module. [Figure 8] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a module combination in a post-processing device, and Figure 8B is a diagram showing an example of a workpiece output by the post-processing device shown in Figure 8A. [Figure 9]FIG. 9A is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a conventional post-processing apparatus having a creasing section, and FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of a workpiece output by the post-processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9A. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of a crease module illustrating a configuration of essential parts of a post-processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a diagram schematically illustrating the positional relationship of crease forming sections in FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of the crease module after the first crease forming section has been moved in FIG. 10A. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a diagram schematically illustrating the positional relationship of the crease forming sections in FIG. 11A. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modification of the arrangement of a first crease forming section and a second crease forming section in a crease module illustrating a configuration of essential parts of a post-processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another modification of the arrangement of the first crease forming section and the second crease forming section. [Figure 14] FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating other modifications of the arrangement of the first crease forming section and the second crease forming section. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another modification of the arrangement of the first crease forming section and the second crease forming section. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 including a post-processing apparatus 2 having a crease module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating main parts of a control system of an image forming apparatus main body 1 in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured by connecting the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing device 2 from the upstream side along the transport direction of a sheet of paper S, which is an example of a sheet material.

[0016] <Image forming apparatus main unit 1> The image forming apparatus body 1 is a color image forming apparatus body that uses an intermediate transfer method utilizing electrophotographic process technology. Specifically, the image forming apparatus body 1 first transfers the toner images of each color, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), formed on the photosensitive drum 413 to an intermediate transfer belt 421, and superimposes the four toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 421. After that, the image forming apparatus body 1 forms an image by secondarily transferring the images to the paper S fed from the paper tray units 51a to 51c.

[0017] Furthermore, the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 employs a tandem system in which photoreceptor drums 413 corresponding to the four YMCK colors are arranged in series in the direction of travel of the intermediate transfer belt 421, and the toner images of each color are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421 in a single procedure.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus body 1 comprises an image reading unit 10, an operation display unit 13, an image processing unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a paper transport unit 50, a fixing unit 60, and a control unit 101.

[0019] The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, etc. The CPU 102 reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM 103, loads it into the RAM 104, and works in cooperation with the loaded program to centrally control the operation of each block of the image forming apparatus main body 1. At this time, various data stored in the storage unit 72 are referenced. The storage unit 72 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or a hard disk drive.

[0020] In particular, the control unit 101 receives the paper processing conditions via the operation unit 15 of the operation display unit 13, and displays the operation information of the post-processing device 2 on the display unit 14.

[0021] The control unit 101 reads user-owned information, which is the processing type of each processing module, from the storage unit 72 in the post-processing device 2, and drives the processing modules (200, 201-203) as appropriate via the module drive unit 28.

[0022] The control unit 101 transmits and receives various types of data to and from external devices (e.g., personal computers) connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) via the communication unit 71. For example, the control unit 101 receives image data (input image data) transmitted from an external device and forms an image on the paper S based on this image data. The communication unit 71 is composed of a communication control card, such as a LAN card.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the image reading unit 10 is configured to include an automatic document feeder 11 called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and a document image scanning device 12 (scanner), etc.

[0024] The automatic document feeder 11 transports the documents D placed in the document tray using a transport mechanism and sends them to the document image scanner 12. The automatic document feeder 11 makes it possible to continuously scan images (including both sides) of multiple documents D placed in the document tray all at once.

[0025] The document image scanning device 12 optically scans a document transported from the automatic document feeder 11 onto the contact glass or a document placed on the contact glass, and forms an image of the reflected light from the document onto the light-receiving surface of the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor 12a. In this way, the document image scanning device 12 reads the document image. The image reading unit 10 generates input image data based on the reading result by the document image scanning device 12. This input image data is then subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 30.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the operation display unit 13 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit 14 and an operation unit 15. The display unit 14 displays various operation screens, image status, and the operating status of each function in accordance with the display control signals input from the control unit 101. The operation unit 15 is equipped with various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, and accepts various input operations from the user and outputs operation signals to the control unit 101.

[0027] The image processing unit 30 includes circuits and other components that perform digital image processing according to initial settings or user settings. For example, under the control of the control unit 101, the image processing unit 30 performs gradation correction based on gradation correction data (gradation correction table). In addition to gradation correction, the image processing unit 30 also performs various correction processes such as color correction and shading correction, as well as compression processing. The image forming unit 40 is controlled based on the image data that has undergone these processes.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming unit 40 forms an image on the paper S based on the print job settings. The image forming unit 40 includes image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K, an intermediate transfer unit 42, etc., for forming an image using colored toners of Y, M, C, and K components based on the input image data.

[0029] The image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K for the Y, M, C, and K components have similar configurations. For the sake of illustration and explanation, common components are indicated by the same reference numeral, and when distinguishing between them, Y, M, C, or K is added to the reference numeral. In Figure 1, only the components of the image forming unit 41Y for the Y component are labeled with reference numerals, while the components of the other image forming units 41M, 41C, and 41K are omitted.

[0030] The image forming unit 41 includes an exposure device 411, a developing device 412, a photoreceptor drum 413, a charging device 414, and a drum cleaning device 415, etc.

[0031] The photoreceptor drum 413 is, for example, an organic photoreceptor in which a photosensitive layer made of a resin containing an organic photoconductor is formed on the outer surface of a drum-shaped metal substrate.

[0032] The control unit 101 rotates the photoreceptor drum 413 at a constant peripheral speed by controlling the drive current supplied to the drive motor (not shown) that rotates the photoreceptor drum 413.

[0033] The charging device 414 is, for example, a charging charger, which uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductive photoreceptor drum 413 to a negative polarity by generating a corona discharge.

[0034] The exposure apparatus 411 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser, and irradiates the photoreceptor drum 413 with laser light corresponding to the image of each color component. As a result, electrostatic latent images of each color component are formed in the image region of the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413 that has been irradiated with laser light, due to the potential difference with the background region.

[0035] The developing device 412 is a two-component inverted type developing device that visualizes the electrostatic latent image by depositing developer for each color component onto the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413, thereby forming a toner image.

[0036] The developing device 412 is subjected to, for example, a DC developing bias with the same polarity as the charging polarity of the charging device 414, or a developing bias in which an AC voltage is superimposed with a DC voltage with the same polarity as the charging polarity of the charging device 414. As a result, inversion developing is performed, which causes toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposure device 411.

[0037] The drum cleaning device 415 is in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413 and has a flat drum cleaning blade made of an elastic material, etc., and removes toner that remains on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413 without being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421.

[0038] The intermediate transfer unit 42 includes an intermediate transfer belt 421, a primary transfer roller 422, a plurality of support rollers 423, a secondary transfer roller 424, and a belt cleaning device 426, etc.

[0039] The intermediate transfer belt 421 is an endless belt and is stretched in a loop between a plurality of support rollers 423. At least one of the plurality of support rollers 423 is a drive roller, and the other support rollers are driven rollers. For example, it is preferable that the roller 423A located downstream in the belt travel direction from the primary transfer roller 422 for component K is the drive roller. This makes it easier to maintain a constant belt travel speed in the primary transfer section. As the drive roller 423A rotates, the intermediate transfer belt 421 travels at a constant speed in the direction of arrow A.

[0040] The intermediate transfer belt 421 is a conductive and elastic belt with a high-resistance layer on its surface. The intermediate transfer belt 421 is rotationally driven by a control signal from the control unit 101.

[0041] The primary transfer roller 422 is positioned on the inner circumferential side of the intermediate transfer belt 421, facing the photoreceptor drum 413 for each color component. By pressing the primary transfer roller 422 against the photoreceptor drum 413 with the intermediate transfer belt 421 in between, a primary transfer nip is formed for transferring the toner image from the photoreceptor drum 413 to the intermediate transfer belt 421.

[0042] The secondary transfer roller 424 is positioned on the outer circumferential surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 421, opposite the backup roller 423B which is located downstream of the drive roller 423A in the belt travel direction. By pressing the secondary transfer roller 424 against the backup roller 423B with the intermediate transfer belt 421 in between, a secondary transfer nip is formed for transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 421 to the paper S.

[0043] As the intermediate transfer belt 421 passes over the primary transfer nip, the toner image on the photoreceptor drum 413 is sequentially superimposed onto the intermediate transfer belt 421 and primary transferred. Specifically, by applying a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer roller 422 and applying a charge with the opposite polarity to the toner to the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 421, that is, the side in contact with the primary transfer roller 422, the toner image is electrostatically transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421.

[0044] Subsequently, as the paper S passes through the secondary transfer nip, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is transferred to the paper S. Specifically, a secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 424, and a charge with the opposite polarity to the toner is applied to the back side of the paper S, that is, the side in contact with the secondary transfer roller 424, thereby electrostatically transferring the toner image to the paper S. The paper S, on which the toner image has been transferred, is then transported toward the fuser unit 60.

[0045] The belt cleaning device 426 removes any remaining transfer toner from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 421 after secondary transfer.

[0046] The fuser unit 60 includes an upper fuser unit 60A having a fuser surface-side member positioned on the fuser surface of the paper S, i.e., the side on which the toner image is formed; a lower fuser unit 60B having a back-side support member positioned on the back surface of the paper S, i.e., the side opposite the fuser surface; and a heating source, etc. When the back-side support member is pressed against the fuser surface-side member, a fuser nip is formed that grips and transports the paper S.

[0047] The fuser unit 60 heats and pressurizes the paper S, which has been transported after the toner image has been transferred to it, using a fuser nip, thereby fixing the toner image to the paper S. The fuser unit 60 is arranged as a unit within the fuser unit F.

[0048] The upper fixing section 60A has an endless fixing belt 61, a heating roller 62, and a fixing roller 63, which are fixing surface side members. The fixing belt 61 is stretched by the heating roller 62 and the fixing roller 63.

[0049] The lower fixing section 60B has a pressure roller 64, which is a support member on the back side. The pressure roller 64 forms a fixing nip that grips and transports the paper S between itself and the fixing belt 61.

[0050] The paper transport unit 50 includes a paper feeding unit 51, a paper discharge unit 52, and a transport path unit 53, etc. The three paper feeding tray units 51a to 51c that make up the paper feeding unit 51 store paper S (standard paper, special paper) identified based on basis weight, size, etc., according to pre-set types.

[0051] The transport path section 53 includes multiple transport roller pairs such as registration roller pairs 53a, and a normal transport path 53b that allows the paper S to pass through the image forming section 40 and the fixing section 60 and be discharged outside the image forming apparatus body 1.

[0052] The paper sheets S stored in the paper feed tray units 51a to 51c are fed out one sheet at a time from the top and transported to the image forming unit 40 by the transport path unit 53. In the image forming unit 40, the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 421 is transferred to one side of the paper sheet S all at once, and a fixing process is performed in the fixing unit 60. The image-formed paper sheets S are discharged outside the machine by the paper discharge unit 52 equipped with a paper discharge roller 52a and supplied to the post-processing device 2.

[0053] <Post-processing device 2> The post-processing device 2 performs different types of processing on the paper S discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 1, such as cutting and creasing.

[0054] The post-processing device 2 includes processing modules (200, 201~203) that perform different types of processing, a paper feed roller 22, a paper discharge roller 24, a transport path 26, and slots 20 (20-1~20-3) that receive the processing modules.

[0055] The post-processing device 2 further includes a module drive unit 28 (see Figure 2) that drives each of the processing modules (200, 201-203) received in the slot 20.

[0056] Based on information input via the control unit 101, the module drive unit 28 controls the drive of the processing modules received in each slot 20-1 to 20-3 using control signals from the control unit 101.

[0057] The module drive unit 28 has a drive source that is driven and controlled by a control unit 101 provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The drive source is connected to processing modules received in each slot 20-1 to 20-3 and drives each processing module. The control unit that drives and controls the module drive unit 28 may be configured to be provided in the post-processing device. This allows for processing, including creasing, to be appropriately applied to paper fed into the post-processing device 2 without requiring the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0058] The paper feed roller 22 is provided as a paper feed section in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, and the paper discharge roller 24 is provided as a paper discharge section.

[0059] The transport path 26 transports paper from the paper feed roller 22 to the paper discharge roller 24 and is composed of multiple transport rollers 261. Multiple slots 20 (20-1 to 20-3) are arranged in the transport direction along the transport path 26.

[0060] The slots 20 are formed in the main body of the device to detachably receive each of the processing modules, and the processing modules received in the slots 20 are configured to perform predetermined processing on the paper being transported along the transport path 26.

[0061] Examples of processing modules included in the post-processing device are the crease module 200, the transport module 201, the FD cutting module 202 (see Figure 8A), and the CD cutting module 203 (see Figure 8A).

[0062] The post-processing device 2 includes a processing module, in particular, a crease module 200 for forming fold lines on the paper. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram of the crease module, which is the main component of the post-processing device.

[0063] The crease module 200 shown in Figure 3 is received in one of the multiple slots 20 of the post-processing device 2 (for example, slot 20-1).

[0064] The crease module 200 has a first crease processing unit 210 that forms a crease (valley fold) as a first fold line and a second crease (mountain fold) as a second fold line, both in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction (CD direction) with respect to the paper S.

[0065] The first creasing section 210 and the second creasing section 220 are spaced apart in the transport direction. The first creasing section 210 and the second creasing section 220 may be located side by side or adjacent to each other in the same direction as the paper transport direction.

[0066] The first crease processing section 210 has a first protrusion 212 facing the first surface S1 of the paper S and a first recess 214 facing the second surface S2 of the paper S.

[0067] The first convex portion 212 and the first concave portion 214 are positioned opposite each other, with the paper S in between. As the first convex portion 212 and the first concave portion 214 move closer to each other and interlock with the paper S, a fold line (valley fold) is formed on the paper S in the CD direction, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0068] On the other hand, the second crease processing section 220 has a second recess 222 facing the first surface S1 of the paper S and a second protrusion 224 facing the second surface S2 of the paper S.

[0069] The first convex portion 212 and the first concave portion 214 are positioned opposite each other with the paper S in between. As the first convex portion 212 and the first concave portion 214 move closer to each other and interlock with the paper S, a fold line (mountain fold) extending in the CD direction is formed on the paper S.

[0070] Thus, the crease module 200 has a first crease processing section 210 and a second crease processing section 220 within a single module that is received in a single slot.

[0071] The first crease processing section 210 has a first convex portion 212 facing the first surface S1 of the paper S and a first concave portion 214 facing the second surface S2 of the paper S. The first convex portion 212 and the first concave portion 214 engage to form a first crease (e.g., a valley fold) in the paper S.

[0072] The second crease processing section 220 has a second recess 222 facing the first surface S1 of the paper S and a second protrusion 224 facing the second surface of the paper S. The second recess 222 and the second protrusion 224 engage to form a second crease (for example, a mountain fold) in the paper S.

[0073] The transport module 201 transports the paper to the next slot 20 without processing it. The transport module 201 is composed of, for example, transport rollers that transport the paper S in the transport direction within the slot 20.

[0074] The first creasing section 210 and the second creasing section 220 may have the same configuration, with the first protrusion 212 facing the second surface S2 corresponding to the second protrusion 224, and the first recess 214 facing the first surface corresponding to the second recess 222. The structure for driving the first creasing section 210 and the second creasing section 220 in the crease module 200 will be described later.

[0075] Other processing modules include the FD cutting module 202, which has the function of cutting paper in the FD direction, and the CD cutting module 203, which has the function of cutting paper in the CD direction. The FD cutting module 203 has a rotating blade that rotates along the transport direction, and the CD cutting module 203 has, for example, a guillotine blade that extends laterally and is positioned to move freely toward and away from the paper.

[0076] The processing module may further include a perforation forming module that forms perforations on the paper in the paper transport direction or perpendicular to the paper transport direction, and a half-cut forming module that forms half-cuts on the paper in the paper transport direction or perpendicular to the paper transport direction.

[0077] Each processing module is received in a slot 20 and driven and controlled by a drive control unit, allowing it to perform different types of processing on the paper being transported along the transport path.

[0078] In the post-processing device 2, there are three slots 20 (20-1 to 20-3), but the configuration is not limited to this; two or more slots are sufficient, and one of these slots 20 receives the crease module 200.

[0079] The post-processing device 2 can form mountain-shaped and valley-shaped creases (fold lines) on the paper in a single slot 20-1 equipped with a crease module 200.

[0080] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the crease module, which shows the main components of the post-processing device. The crease module 200 is a module that is mounted in the slot 20 and drives the first crease processing unit 210 and the second crease processing unit 220 to form both or either mountain folds and valley folds on the conveyed paper.

[0081] The crease module 200 allows one of the first protrusion 212 and the first recess 214 in the first crease processing section 210 to be detachably moved to the other, and allows one of the second recess 222 and the second protrusion 224 in the second crease processing section 220 to be detachably moved to the other.

[0082] The crease module 200 includes a first crease processing section 210, a second crease processing section 220, a transmission shaft section 230, a first drive section 240, and a second drive section 250.

[0083] The first creasing section 210 has a first protrusion 212 positioned opposite the first side of the paper (above the paper transport surface) and a first recess 214 positioned opposite the second side of the paper (below the paper transport surface). The first protrusion 212 and the first recess 214 are positioned opposite each other vertically in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport surface.

[0084] The second creasing section 220 has a second recess 222 facing the first surface of the paper and a second protrusion 224 facing the second surface of the paper. The second recess 222 and the second protrusion 224 are positioned opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport surface.

[0085] One of the first protrusion 212 and the first recess 214, and the other of the second recess 222 and the second protrusion 224, reciprocate in the vertical direction, allowing the respective protrusions and recesses, which are positioned opposite each other in the direction of movement, to engage and disengage.

[0086] The transmission shaft 230 transmits driving force from the post-processing device 2 to the first creasing section 210 and the second creasing section 220, thereby driving the first creasing section 210 and the second creasing section 220.

[0087] The transmission shaft portion 230 is a rotatable drive member that, when the crease module 200 is received in the slot 20, is connected to the drive source of the module drive unit 28 via the drive connection portion 282. The drive connection portion 282 is also connected to the drive member of other processing modules that process paper under drive control when those modules are received in the slot 20, allowing various processing to be performed on the paper by appropriately selecting each module.

[0088] The transmission shaft section 230 is positioned perpendicular to the transport surface (corresponding to the paper S) relative to the first crease processing section 210 and the second crease processing section 220.

[0089] The transmission shaft 230 is positioned, for example, above the first crease processing section 210 and the second crease processing section 220, between them. The first drive unit 240 and the second drive unit 250 are driven by the rotation of the transmission shaft 230.

[0090] The first drive unit 240 and the second drive unit 250 include a cam mechanism. The first drive unit 240 has a cam portion 242 eccentrically mounted on the transmission shaft portion 230, a link portion 244 that is displaced vertically by the rotation of the cam portion 242, and a guide portion 248 that guides the vertical movement of the link portion 244.

[0091] The cam portion 242 is attached to the transmission shaft portion 230 via a clutch portion 234 that can disconnect and connect its rotational force.

[0092] The link portion 244 has upper and lower parts 2441 and 2442 that sandwich the cam portion 242 from above and below (in the reciprocating direction), and a first protrusion 212 is provided projecting downward from the lower part. The link portion 244 is displaceable in the reciprocating direction (for example, in the vertical direction and perpendicular to the conveying surface) along the guide portion 248 via the sliding portion 246.

[0093] In the first drive unit 240, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the transmission shaft 230 rotates when the clutch 234 is engaged. The cam 242 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transmission shaft 230, and the outer circumference of the cam 242 slides between the upper and lower parts 2441 and 2442 of the link 244, which are restricted to vertical movement only by the guide 248.

[0094] The rotation of the cam portion 242 causes the link portion 244 to move up and down (in the reciprocating direction). As the link portion 244 moves, the first convex portion 212 moves toward the first concave portion 214, and the first concave portion 214 and the convex portion engage. As a result, the second concave portion 222 grips the paper and engages with the second convex portion 224, and disengages, thereby forming the first fold line (valley fold).

[0095] The second drive unit 250 is configured similarly to the first drive unit 240, and as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, it has a cam portion 252 that is mounted eccentrically to the transmission shaft portion 230 at a position that does not overlap with the cam portion 242 of the first drive unit 240. The cam portion 252 is attached to the transmission shaft portion 230 via a clutch 236, similar to the cam portion 242.

[0096] The cam portion 252 is positioned between the upper and lower parts of the link portion 254. The rotation of the cam portion 252 causes the link portion 254 to move up and down, and the second recess 222 provided at the lower part of the link portion 254 moves toward the second protrusion 224. As a result, the second recess 222 grips the paper and engages with the second protrusion 224, and disengages to form a fold line (mountain fold).

[0097] For example, when forming valley folds and mountain folds on the paper simultaneously using the first crease processing unit 210 and the second crease processing unit 220, the respective cam units 242 and 252 are fixed to the transmission shaft unit 230 via clutches 234 and 236 at the positions shown in Figures 5A and 6A.

[0098] In this configuration, the first drive unit 240 and the second drive unit 250 are configured to form creases in the first crease processing unit 210 and the second crease processing unit 220, respectively, by a cam mechanism including cam sections 242 and 252 and a link mechanism. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0099] For example, as shown in the drive unit (first and second link mechanism) 260 in Figure 7, the cam sections 242 and 252 and the link sections 244 and 254 may be replaced with two arm sections (262 and 264) and a slider-crank mechanism consisting of a sliding section 260 and a guide section 248.

[0100] The drive unit 260 is connected to the transmission shaft unit 230 in a position that does not overlap with the first crease processing unit 210 and the second crease processing unit 220 in the axial direction, respectively.

[0101] As shown in Figure 7A, the drive unit 260 includes, for example, a first arm portion 262, a second arm portion 264, a sliding portion 246, and a guide portion 248.

[0102] One end of the first arm portion 262 is fixed to the transmission shaft portion 230 via a clutch 234, and one end of the second arm portion 264 is rotatably attached to the other end of the first arm portion 262 via a shaft portion 266.

[0103] The first arm portion 262 and the second arm portion 264 are connected such that they are in a bent state when the first protrusion 212 is in a position separated from and facing the first recess 214.

[0104] Each component of the link mechanism is connected such that the rotation of the first arm portion 262 causes the second arm portion 264 to extend downward, displacing the first protrusion 212 downward.

[0105] The other end of the second arm portion 264 is rotatably attached via a shaft portion 268 to one of the first protrusion 212 and the first recess 214, and to one of the second recess 222 and the second protrusion 224 (the first protrusion 212 in Figure 7).

[0106] The first protrusion 212 is attached to the guide portion 248 via the sliding portion 246 so as to be movable in the reciprocating direction (perpendicular to the conveying surface).

[0107] The first arm portion 262 and the second arm portion 264 can be used to convert the rotation of the transmission shaft portion 230 into the movement of the first protrusion portion 212 or the first recess portion 214, or to convert the rotation of the transmission shaft portion 230 into the movement of the second recess portion 222 or the second protrusion portion 224.

[0108] The post-processing device 2 is equipped with different types of processing modules, including a crease module 200, allowing it to output various processed materials according to the product.

[0109] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the post-processing device. Figure 8A schematically shows an example of a module combination in the post-processing device, and Figure 8B shows an example of a workpiece output by the post-processing device shown in Figure 8A.

[0110] The post-processing device 2 shown in Figure 8A has three slots 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3.

[0111] Slots 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 receive processing units such as the crease formation module 200, the FD cutting module 202, and the CD cutting module 203. The post-processing device 2 has the respective functions of the processing modules (200, 202, and 203) it receives.

[0112] The post-processing device 2 forms mountain folds and valley folds on the transported paper S in the crease forming module 200, cuts it in half along the transport direction in the FD cutting module 202, and cuts it in the width direction in the CD cutting module 203.

[0113] This makes it possible to produce two processed materials SH, each having a mountain fold and a valley fold, as shown in Figure 8B, resulting in a long, narrow pamphlet.

[0114] In contrast, the post-processing device 2000, which has a reference crease processing unit as shown in Figure 9, is equipped with a mountain fold processing module 2002, a valley fold processing module 2004, and a CD cutting module 203 in the three slots 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, respectively. Therefore, it is not possible to install an FD cutting module 202 (see Figure 8). As a result, the reference post-processing device 2000 produces a processed product 2010 with wide mountain and valley folds as shown in Figure 9B, making it impossible to create long, narrow pamphlets and reducing the freedom of paper processing. Thus, according to the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the apparatus itself can be placed in a limited space without increasing its size, and various processing can be applied to the paper.

[0115] (Embodiment 2) Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of a crease module showing the main components of a post-processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and Figure 10B is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the creasing sections in Figure 10A. Furthermore, Figure 11A is a schematic diagram of the crease module after the first creasing section has been moved in Figure 10A, and Figure 11B is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the creasing sections in Figure 11A.

[0116] As in the crease module 200A of the post-processing device 2 in Embodiment 2, the driving force from the drive source of the post-processing device 2 may be simultaneously transmitted to both the reciprocating first protrusion 212 and the second recess 222 of the first creasing section 210 and the second creasing section 220. Alternatively, when moving the first recess 214 and the second protrusion 224, the crease module 200A may transmit the driving force to both simultaneously.

[0117] In this case, when the first protrusion 212 and the first recess 214 of the first crease processing section 210 engage (interlock), the second recess 222 and the second protrusion 224 of the second crease processing section 220 are arranged in a positional relationship that prevents them from engaging (interlocking). Also, when the second recess 222 and the second protrusion 224 of the second crease processing section 220 engage, the first protrusion 212 and the first recess 214 of the first crease processing section 210 are arranged in a positional relationship that prevents them from engaging. In this embodiment, a cam mechanism is used as a means of transmitting driving force from a drive source (e.g., a transmission shaft section 230) to the first crease processing section 210 and the second crease processing section 220. Furthermore, the protrusion or recess that reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to the transport surface of the paper S is also reciprocated in the transport direction.

[0118] In other words, in the crease module 200A, when the convex and concave portions of one set of the first crease processing section 210 and the second crease processing section 220 interlock, the convex and concave portions of the other set are arranged in such a positional relationship that they do not interlock.

[0119] The crease module 200A shown in Figure 10A is installed in the slot 20 (see Figures 1 to 3) and drives the first crease processing unit 210 and the second crease processing unit 220 to form either or both mountain folds and valley folds on the conveyed paper.

[0120] The crease module 200A includes a first crease processing section 210, a second crease processing section 220, a transmission shaft section 230, and a drive section 270.

[0121] The first creasing section 210 and the second creasing section 220 are arranged with the positions of the first recess 214 and the second protrusion 224 reversed compared to Embodiment 1, and have a structure that allows the first protrusion 212 and the second recess 222 to move and engage with them.

[0122] In the crease module 200A, for example, the first protrusion 212 of the first crease processing section 210 and the second recess 222 of the second crease processing section 220 are arranged perpendicularly above the paper transport surface and spaced apart sequentially from the upstream side in the transport direction.

[0123] The first protrusion 212 and the second recess 222 are configured to be integrally movable in the transport direction. The first protrusion 212 and the second recess 222 are provided integrally, for example, via a connecting portion 279, and are attached to the lower part of the link portion 274 so as to be movable in the transport direction.

[0124] The second protrusion 224 of the second crease processing section 220 and the first recess 224 of the first crease processing section 210 are arranged perpendicularly downward with respect to the conveying surface, and are spaced apart sequentially from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0125] When the crease module 200A is received in the slot 20 (see Figures 1 to 3), the transmission shaft portion 230 is connected to the drive source of the module drive unit 28 via the drive connection portion 282. The transmission shaft portion 230 is positioned spaced apart from the cam portion 272 first crease processing portion 210 and second crease processing portion 220 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying surface.

[0126] The transmission shaft portion 230 is positioned, for example, above the first crease processing portion 210 and the second crease processing portion 220, between them.

[0127] The crease module 200A is configured to form creases (valley folds, mountain folds) by the rotation of the transmission shaft 230, via the same drive unit 270, through the first crease processing unit 210 or the second crease processing unit 220.

[0128] The same drive unit 270 includes a cam portion 272 eccentrically mounted on the transmission shaft portion 230, a link portion 274 that is displaced vertically by the rotation of the cam portion 272, and a guide portion 278 that guides the vertical movement of the link portion 274.

[0129] The cam portion 272 is similarly fixed to the transmission shaft portion 230 at a predetermined distance, and its upper and lower end positions are displaced by the rotation of the transmission shaft portion 230.

[0130] The link portion 274 has upper and lower parts 2741 and 2742 that sandwich the cam portion 272 from above and below (in the direction of reciprocating movement), and a first convex portion 212 and a second concave portion 222 are movably arranged in the lower part 2742.

[0131] In the link section 274, the upper and lower parts 2741 and 2742 are connected and are arranged to move freely in the vertical direction (perpendicular to the conveying surface), which is the reciprocating direction, along the guide section 248 via the sliding section 246.

[0132] The link portion 274 is pressed and displaced vertically by the rotation of the cam portion 272 between the upper and lower parts 2741 and 2742, and by the displacement of the upper and lower end positions of the cam portion 272.

[0133] As a result, the first protrusion 212 and the second recess 222 of the lower part 2742 can move downward and engage (interlock) with the first recess 214 and the second protrusion 224, respectively.

[0134] A movable body consisting of a first protrusion 212 and a second recess 222 is provided at the lower part 2742 of the link portion 274, and is movable in the transport direction via a moving mechanism 277. The moving mechanism 277 has, for example, a motor and a long worm gear, and moves by rotating the worm gear which meshes with the gear of the movable body.

[0135] For example, in the state of the crease-forming module shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the moving mechanism 277 positions the first protrusion 212 opposite the first recess 224. At this time, nothing is positioned in the downward opposite position of the second recess 222. As a result, the rotation of the transmission shaft 230 causes the entire link 274 to move downward, and only the first protrusion 212 is pressed against and engaged with the first recess 214 without engaging with the second recess 222.

[0136] When forming a crease with the second crease processing section 220, as shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the moving body is slid inward via the moving mechanism section 277 to position the second recess 222 directly above the second protrusion 224.

[0137] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing a modified arrangement of the first crease processing unit and the second crease processing unit in a crease module, which is the main component of the post-processing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the crease module 200A, as shown in Figure 12, the first protrusion 212 of the first crease processing section 210 and the second recess 222 of the second crease processing section 220 are configured to be reciprocally movable in the transport direction (arrow H1) relative to the fixed first recess 214 and second protrusion 224.

[0138] In the crease module, the arrangement and configuration of each part are not limited, as long as the first protrusion 212 and the first recess 214 and the second recess 222 and the second protrusion 224 engage with each other to form a crease.

[0139] For example, as shown in Figure 12, the lower first recess 214 and second protrusion 224 may be configured to move in the transport direction indicated by arrow H2 relative to the transport surface of the paper S. In this case, the upper first protrusion 212 and second recess 222 only need to be configured to be movable in the vertical direction, that is, perpendicular to the transport surface.

[0140] The second protrusion 224 and the first recess 214 engage with the first protrusion 212, which is pressed against the first protrusion 212 as a support base, at the position indicated by the solid line. Also, at the position indicated by the dashed line, there is no processing part opposite the first recess 214, and the second protrusion 224 is positioned opposite the second recess 222 and engages with the second recess 222 as a support base. The first recess 214 and the second protrusion 224 are integrally provided and are moved in the transport direction indicated by arrow H2 by the moving mechanism 277.

[0141] (Example of arrangement of the first protrusion 212, the first recess 214, the second recess 222, and the second protrusion 224) Figure 13 shows a modified arrangement of the first and second crease processing sections. Figures 14A and 14B show other modified arrangements of the first and second crease processing sections, and Figure 15 shows another modified arrangement of the first and second crease processing sections.

[0142] As shown in Figure 13, the first convex portion 212 and the second concave portion 222 may be arranged above the conveying surface in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction, and the first concave portion 214 and the second convex portion 224 may be arranged below the conveying surface in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0143] In this case, the distance H3 between the first recess 214 and the second protrusion 224 in the transport direction is wider than the distance H4 between the first protrusion 212 and the second recess 222. This distance is to prevent the first protrusion 212, which descends together with the second recess 222, from interfering with the first recess 214.

[0144] In Figure 13, the first crease processing section 210 and the second crease processing section 220 are arranged in the opposite order to the arrangement shown in Figures 10 to 12, with the arrangement of the first convex portion 212 and the second concave portion 222 in the transport direction being the reverse of the arrangement of the first concave portion 214 and the second convex portion 224 in the transport direction.

[0145] In other words, the arrangement order of the first protrusion 212 of the first crease processing section 210 and the second recess 222 of the second crease processing section 220 with respect to the transport direction is the same as the arrangement order of the first recess 214 of the first crease processing section 210 and the second protrusion 224 of the second crease processing section 220 with respect to the transport direction.

[0146] In this modified example, the mechanism for engaging and disengaging (detaching) the recessed and protruding parts of each creasing section 210, 220 may be provided on the underside of the conveying surface. In either configuration, one set of the upper and lower first protrusions 212 and second recesses 222, and the first recess 214 and second protrusions 224 of the paper 2 is movably positioned to engage with the other set of protrusions and recesses.

[0147] Furthermore, in the first crease processing unit 210 and the second crease processing unit 220 shown in Figure 14, the first recess 214 and the second protrusion 224 are positioned perpendicularly opposite each other below the transport surface (the surface on which the paper S is placed). Also, the first protrusion 212 and the second recess 222 are positioned perpendicularly opposite each other above the transport surface. A crease module with this configuration has, for example, a drive unit (not shown) that drives the first crease processing unit 210 and the second crease processing unit 220. This drive unit moves at least one of the first protrusion 212 and the first recess 214, and moves at least one of the second recess 222 and the second protrusion 224. In this manner, the drive unit drives both the first crease processing unit and the second crease processing unit to alternately engage the first convex portion and the first concave portion with the second concave portion and the second convex portion.

[0148] The movable first protrusion 212 and second recess 222 are each provided to move downward (towards the first recess 214 or second protrusion 224) via drive units 29a and 29b. In this way, the protrusion or recess of the first crease processing unit 210 and the second crease processing unit 220 that is being used is made to protrude, and the one that is not being used is made to retract. In this state, the protrusion or recess that is being used is made to protrude, and the one that is not being used is retracted. In Figure 14A, the first protrusion 212 is made to protrude toward the receiving first recess 214, and the second recess 222 is retracted toward the second protrusion 224. In this state, the pressing first protrusion 212 and second recess 222 (the upper movable body in this case) are pressed toward the lower part (first recess 214 and second protrusion 224). As a result, creases can be processed (creased) using only the protruding crease processing unit, which is the protrusion or recess.

[0149] The drive units 29a and 29b can have any structure, as long as they reciprocate the first convex portion 212 and the second concave portion 222, respectively, perpendicular (up and down) to the conveying surface, and any well-known structure is acceptable. The drive units 29a and 29b may be composed of a rack and pinion mechanism or a slider and crank mechanism.

[0150] The first protrusion 212 and the second recess 222 are arranged to be movable vertically via a slider or the like that slides along a rail, and a rack portion is provided on the side surface of the first protrusion 212 and the second recess 222, and a configuration is conceivable in which a pinion of a motor fixed to the rack portion is meshed with it.

[0151] This configuration simplifies the structure, and because the positional relationship of the paper transport direction in the creasing section is fixed, the respective recesses and protrusions can be precisely interlocked, ensuring the quality of the creases.

[0152] Furthermore, the first protrusion 212 of the first crease processing section 210 and the second recess 222 of the second crease processing section 220 have a mechanism that allows them to reciprocate independently in a direction perpendicular to the transport surface of the paper S.

[0153] Furthermore, the first protrusion 212 and the second recess 222 shown in Figure 12, which are positioned opposite each other with the transport surface in between, may be driven by a single drive unit.

[0154] Figure 15 shows a drive unit 29c that moves between the first convex portion 212 and the second concave portion 222 so as to alternately protrude downward.

[0155] The drive unit 29c simultaneously transmits the driving force from the drive source to both the reciprocating convex or concave portions in the first crease processing section 210 and the second crease processing section 220.

[0156] The drive unit 29c is configured to be connected to the drive connection unit 282 when mounted in a slot, and to be driven to move the first protrusion 212 and the second recess 222. The drive unit 29c may have a pinion gear that rotates when the drive connection unit 282 is driven (e.g., rotated). The pinion gear is connected to the racks of the first protrusion 212 and the second recess 222 in the transport direction, respectively, and is configured such that when the pinion gear rotates in one direction, one side rises and the other side descends. The crease module itself may also be provided with a drive source to drive the drive unit 29c.

[0157] Furthermore, although the driving member in the above embodiment was the motor itself, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be a driving mechanism that receives driving force from a drive source such as a motor provided in an external device.

[0158] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention may be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various ways without departing from its gist or its main features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0159] 1. Image forming apparatus main unit 2. Post-processing device 100 Image forming apparatus 200 Crease Modules (Crease Forming Modules) 20, 20-1, 20-2, 20-3 slots (slot section) 101 Control Unit 200, 200A Crease Module (Processing Module) 201 Conveying Module (Processing Module) 202 FD Cutting Module (Processing Module) 203 CD Cutting Module (Processing Module) 210 First Folding Section 212 First protrusion 214 First recess 220 Second Folding Section 222 Second recess 224 Second protrusion 230 Transmission shaft section 234, 236 Clutch 240 First drive unit 242, 252, 272 Cam section 244, 254 Link section (link mechanism section) 246, 256 Sliding parts 248, 258, 278 Guide section 250 Second drive unit 260 Drive unit 261 Conveyor Roller 262 First Arm Section 264 Second Arm Section 266, 268 Shaft section 270 Same drive unit 274 Link section (link mechanism section) 277 Moving mechanism section 279 Connecting part 282 Drive connection section 2124 First recess 2741 Top 2742 Lower

Claims

1. A creasing module that forms fold lines on paper, A slot portion for receiving the aforementioned creasing module, It has, The aforementioned creasing module is A first crease processing unit having a first convex portion facing the first surface of the paper and a first concave portion facing the second surface of the paper, wherein the first convex portion and the first concave portion engage to form a first crease in the paper, The paper has a second recess facing the first surface and a second protrusion facing the second surface, and the second crease processing part has the second recess and the second protrusion engaging to form a second crease in the paper, Post-processing equipment.

2. The first convex portion and the first recess, and the second recess and the second convex portion are provided extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction, and each set forms a fold line extending in the perpendicular direction. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first creasing section and the second creasing section are arranged side by side in the same direction as the paper transport direction. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. At least one of the first protrusion and the first recess moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper to clamp the paper and is detachably engaged with the other of the first protrusion and the first recess. At least one of the second recess and the second protrusion moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper to clamp the paper and is detachably engaged with the other of the second recess and the second protrusion. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The creasing module has a drive unit that drives the first creasing unit to move at least one of the first protrusion and the first recess, and drives the second creasing unit to move at least one of the second recess and the second protrusion. The drive unit selectively drives the first creasing unit and the second creasing unit. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned drive unit is The creasing module is received in the slot portion and connected to the drive source, and the transmission shaft portion is A first link mechanism connects the transmission shaft portion and the first protrusion or the first recess, and converts the rotation of the transmission shaft portion into the movement of the first protrusion or the first recess, The transmission shaft portion and the second recess or the second protrusion portion are connected, and the second link mechanism portion converts the rotation of the transmission shaft portion into the movement of the second recess or the second protrusion portion. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The first and second linkage mechanisms are configured to include at least one of the following mechanisms: a cam mechanism, a slider-crank mechanism, or a rack and pinion mechanism. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. A first clutch that transmits or interrupts the driving force from the transmission shaft to the first link mechanism, A second clutch that transmits or interrupts the driving force from the transmission shaft to the second link mechanism, The post-processing apparatus according to claim 6.

9. The creasing module is configured to simultaneously drive the first creasing section and the second creasing section so that when one set of the first convex portion and the first concave portion engages with the other set of the second concave portion and the second convex portion, the other set does not engage. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 5.

10. The first convex portion and the second concave portion are integrally supported, and the mechanism is provided to be reciprocally movable in the paper transport direction, The first protrusion or the second recess is moved by the mechanism to a position where it can engage with the first recess or the second protrusion. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The first protrusion of the first creasing section and the second recess of the second creasing section are arranged in that order from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The second protrusion of the second creasing section and the first recess of the first creasing section are arranged in that order from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The first protrusion of the first creasing section and the second recess of the second creasing section are arranged in that order from the upstream side in the conveying direction, The first recess of the first creasing section and the second protrusion of the second creasing section are arranged in that order from the upstream side in the conveying direction, the distance between the first recess and the second protrusion is longer than the distance between the first protrusion and the second recess, and when the second protrusion and the first protrusion move and the second protrusion engages with the second recess, the first protrusion is positioned between the first recess and the second protrusion. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 10.

13. The creasing module has a drive unit that drives the first creasing unit to move at least one of the first protrusion and the first recess, and drives the second creasing unit to move at least one of the second recess and the second protrusion. The drive unit drives both the first creasing unit and the second creasing unit to alternately engage the first convex portion and the first concave portion with the second concave portion and the second convex portion. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 4.

14. An image forming apparatus comprising an image forming apparatus main body for forming an image on the aforementioned paper, and a post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images