Sheet processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image forming system

Abstract

A sheet material processing device (100) includes a plurality of roller pairs (110, 120, 130), a single driving force supply source (180), and a drive transmission mechanism (TP1, TP2). The plurality of roller pairs include a first roller pair (110), a second roller pair (120), and a third roller pair (130). The single driving force supply source supplies driving force to the first roller pair, the second roller pair, and the third roller pair. When the first roller pair and the second roller pair are driven by driving force from the driving force supply source, even if the direction of the driving force is switched so that the rotation direction of the second roller pair is switched, the drive transmission mechanism transmits the driving force to the first roller pair and the second roller pair in a manner such that the rotation direction of the first roller pair is not switched.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a sheet processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system. Background Art

[0002] Sheet processing apparatuses are known that fold sheet-like media (hereinafter referred to as "sheets") into a predetermined shape. Furthermore, image forming apparatuses that form images on sheets and image forming systems including sheet processing apparatuses are also known that fold sheets on which images are formed.

[0003] In addition, a sheet processing device is known, which has the following structure: in this structure, among a plurality of roller pairs arranged in a conveying path for conveying sheets, a roller pair for folding processing is arranged between an upstream roller pair and a downstream roller pair, and folding processing is performed by controlling the plurality of roller pairs (for example, Japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2014-101164).

[0004] In the sheet processing apparatus of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-101164, the rotation directions of upstream and downstream roller pairs are controlled to bend a sheet between multiple roller pairs. The bent portion of the sheet is clamped between the multiple roller pairs for folding.

[0005] Citation List

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-101164 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] In the sheet processing device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-101164, the rotation direction of the downstream roller pair is reversed at a predetermined moment, switching the sheet conveying direction to the downstream direction. At this time, the rotation direction of the upstream conveying roller pair does not switch, maintaining rotation in the conveying direction. As a result, the downstream roller pair located downstream of the folding roller pair and the upstream roller pair located upstream of the folding roller pair rotate in different directions. In other words, in the sheet processing device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-101164, multiple drive systems are required for each roller pair.

[0010] Furthermore, in the sheet processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-101164, if the speed at which the downstream roller pair conveys the sheet is slightly faster than the speed at which the upstream roller pair conveys the sheet, the sheet is stretched between the two roller pairs. In this case, proper slack cannot be formed, resulting in folding failure. The rotation direction of the upstream roller pair arranged upstream in the conveying direction of the conveying path and the rotation direction of the downstream roller pair arranged downstream in the conveying direction of the conveying path need to be controlled separately. The rotation speed of each roller pair also needs to be controlled separately. In this regard, it is necessary to provide a separate drive system for the corresponding roller pair.

[0011] Specifically, the prior art requires multiple drive systems for each roller pair to perform the folding process, which can easily lead to an increase in the overall size of the sheet processing equipment. Furthermore, the drive control of each conveying roller pair used for the folding process creates a complex control system for finely adjusting the sheet conveying speed.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus having a configuration in which a plurality of roller pairs for performing folding processing are driven by a single drive system, and the rotation direction of each roller pair can be switched individually.

[0013] Solutions to the Problem

[0014] In order to solve the above problems, a sheet processing device includes a plurality of roller pairs, a single driving force supply source and a drive transmission mechanism. The plurality of roller pairs convey the sheet from upstream to downstream in the sheet conveying direction, and the plurality of roller pairs include a first roller pair, a second roller pair and a third roller pair. The second roller pair is arranged downstream of the first roller pair in the sheet conveying direction. The third roller pair is arranged between the first roller pair and the second roller pair to form a fold on the sheet. A single driving force supply source supplies driving force to the first roller pair, the second roller pair and the third roller pair. The drive transmission mechanism transmits the driving force to the first roller pair and the second roller pair in the following manner: when the first roller pair and the second roller pair are driven by the driving force of the driving force supply source, even if the direction of the driving force is switched so that the rotation direction of the second roller pair is switched, the rotation direction of the first roller pair is not switched.

[0015] Effects of the present invention

[0016] According to the present invention, a plurality of roller pairs that perform a folding process can be driven by a single drive system, and the rotation directions of the plurality of roller pairs can be switched individually. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope thereof. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the accompanying drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. In addition, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar components in several views.

[0018] [ Figure 1 ]

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a printer as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] [ Figure 2 ]

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the mechanism of a sheet processing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] [ Figure 3 ]

[0023] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing the folding operation of the sheet processing unit.

[0024] [ Figure 4 ]

[0025] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the folding action of the sheet processing unit shown.

[0026] [ Figure 5 ]

[0027] Figure 5 Yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the folding action of the sheet processing unit shown.

[0028] [ Figure 6 ]

[0029] Figure 6 Yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the folding action of the sheet processing unit shown.

[0030] [ Figure 7 ]

[0031] Figure 7 Yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the folding action of the sheet processing unit shown.

[0032] [ Figure 8 ]

[0033] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a drive transmission system of a sheet processing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0034] [ Figure 9 ]

[0035] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a drive transmission system of a sheet processing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0036] [ Figure 10 ]

[0037] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a drive transmission system of a sheet processing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0038] [ Figure 11 ]

[0039] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a first drive transmission path of the drive transmission system according to the first embodiment.

[0040] [ Figure 12 ]

[0041] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing a second drive transmission path of the drive transmission system according to the first embodiment.

[0042] [ Figure 13 ]

[0043] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing a drive transmission system of a sheet processing unit according to a second embodiment.

[0044] [ Figure 14 ]

[0045] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing a drive transmission system of a sheet processing unit according to a second embodiment.

[0046] [ Figure 15 ]

[0047] Figure 15 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a second drive transmission path of the drive transmission system according to the second embodiment.

[0048] [ Figure 16 ]

[0049] Figure 16 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first drive transmission path of a drive transmission system according to a second embodiment.

[0050] [Figure 17]

[0051] Figure 17A is a schematic diagram showing a drive transmission system in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to a second embodiment, Figure 17Bis a schematic diagram showing a conveying roller pair in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to the second embodiment.

[0052] [Figure 18]

[0053] Figure 18A is a schematic diagram showing a drive transmission system in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to a second embodiment, Figure 18B is a schematic diagram showing a conveying roller pair in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to the second embodiment.

[0054] [Figure 19]

[0055] Figure 19A is a schematic diagram showing a drive transmission system in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to a second embodiment, Figure 19B is a schematic diagram showing a conveying roller pair in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to the second embodiment.

[0056] [Figure 20]

[0057] Figure 20A is a schematic diagram showing a drive transmission system in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to a second embodiment, Figure 20B is a schematic diagram showing a conveying roller pair in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to the second embodiment.

[0058] [Figure 21]

[0059] Figure 21A is a schematic diagram showing a drive transmission system in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to a second embodiment, Figure 21B is a schematic diagram showing a conveying roller pair in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to the second embodiment.

[0060] [Figure 22]

[0061] Figure 22A is a schematic diagram showing a drive transmission system in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to a second embodiment, Figure 22B is a schematic diagram showing a conveying roller pair in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to the second embodiment.

[0062] [Figure 23]

[0063] Figure 23A is a schematic diagram showing a drive transmission system in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to a third embodiment, Figure 23B is a schematic diagram showing a conveying roller pair in a folding process of a sheet processing unit according to the third embodiment.

[0064] [ Figure 24 ]

[0065] Figure 24 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] [Figure 25]

[0067] Figure 25A is a schematic diagram showing control of a conveying speed of a sheet processing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 25B Yes Figure 25A FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another control of the conveying speed of the sheet processing unit.

[0068] [ Figure 26 ]

[0069] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing a control process of a folding action of a sheet processing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] [ Figure 27 ]

[0071] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing a control process of another folding action of the sheet processing unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] [ Figure 28 ]

[0073] Figure 28 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a printer as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] [ Figure 29 ]

[0075] Figure 29 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a printer as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] [ Figure 30 ]

[0077] Figure 30 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific embodiments

[0078] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the invention.As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0079] In describing the embodiments shown in the drawings, specific terms are used for clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terms selected, and it should be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have similar functions, operate in a similar manner, and achieve similar results.

[0080] In the present invention, a single drive source is used to supply the driving force for clamping and reversing a conveyor disposed on an existing conveying path. The driving force from the single drive source is used to fold sheet-like media. An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0081] Reference Figure 1 , a description of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is made. Figure 1 As shown, a printer 1 serving as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure basically includes an image forming unit 200 and a sheet processing unit 100. The sheet processing unit 100 is one of a sheet processing device and a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Details of the sheet processing unit 100 will be described later.

[0082] The image forming unit 200 conveys a sheet P from a sheet storage unit that accommodates a sheet P as a sheet-like medium to an image forming portion that forms an image on the sheet P. The image forming unit 200 includes a conveying mechanism that discharges the sheet P to the sheet processing unit 100 after image formation. Figure 1 As shown, the printer 1 has a configuration that discharges the sheet P, for example, from right to left toward an operation panel 301 serving as an operation interface.

[0083] In the following, the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in Figure 1 The configuration shown is the premise. Figure 1 In addition to the structure shown, Figure 28 As shown, the printer 1 serving as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may have a configuration in which the sheet P is discharged from left to right toward the operation panel 301. Figure 29 As shown, the printer 1 serving as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may have a configuration that discharges the sheet P from the rear side to the front side toward the operation panel 301 .

[0084] In any of the above embodiments, the sheet processing unit 100 is provided at the discharge port from which the sheet P is discharged from the image forming unit 200, thereby allowing the sheet P to be folded and discharged. The sheet processing unit 100 may be detachably attached to the image forming unit 200 or may be incorporated as part of the image forming unit 200.

[0085] Figure 301 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 30 , the image forming system 1000 according to the present embodiment basically includes an image forming apparatus 1010 and a folding processing apparatus 1020 serving as a sheet processing apparatus. A sheet P on which an image is formed is conveyed by the image forming apparatus 1010 to the folding processing apparatus 1020. The folding processing apparatus 1020 performs a predetermined sheet folding process on the sheet P and discharges the sheet P.

[0086] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram showing the conveying mechanism and folding mechanism of the sheet processing unit 100. Figure 2 As shown, the sheet processing unit 100 includes a first conveying section 110, a second conveying section 120, a first folding roller section 130, a second folding roller section 140, a discharge roller section 150, a first sheet detector 160, and a second sheet detector 170. The sheet processing unit 100 includes a plurality of rollers, and the folded sheet P is rotated by a plurality of roller pairs formed by these rollers.

[0087] For convenience, the conveying paths provided in the sheet processing unit 100 are divided into a plurality of conveying paths. The first conveying path 401 is located downstream of the first conveying unit 110 and upstream of the second conveying unit 120 in the conveying direction of the sheet P, and is used to bend the sheet P when a first fold is formed on the sheet P. The second conveying path 402 is located downstream of the second conveying unit 120 and includes a mechanism for detecting the moment when the sheet P is reversed when a fold is formed on the sheet P. The third conveying path 403 is a conveying path branching from the first conveying path 401. The sheet P formed with the first fold is conveyed to the third conveying path 403. The fourth conveying path 404 is a conveying path for conveying the sheet P for the second folding process to the first folding roller unit 130, and is configured to perform an additional folding process.

[0088] The first conveying section 110, serving as a first conveying roller pair, is provided upstream of the sheet processing unit 100 and is located at a position where the sheet P ejected from the image forming unit 200 is received. The first conveying section 110 includes a first conveying drive roller 111 and a first conveying driven roller 112. The first conveying drive roller 111 is a drive roller that is rotated by a driving force from a drive motor 180 (serving as a driving force supply source). The first conveying driven roller 112 is a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the first conveying drive roller 111.

[0089] The first conveying roller pair including the first conveying driving roller 111 and the first conveying driven roller 112 pinches the sheet P. The first conveying roller pair is rotated by the drive from the driving motor 180 to convey the sheet P.

[0090] The first transport driving roller 111 rotates in a direction that moves the sheet P from upstream to downstream in the transport direction, which is the direction of folded discharge. The first transport unit 110 corresponds to an upstream transport roller pair disposed upstream in the transport direction.

[0091] The second conveying section 120 (as a second conveying roller pair) is arranged in the sheet processing unit 100 on the downstream side of the first conveying section 110 in the conveying direction, and conveys the sheet P in the conveying direction together with the first conveying section 110. The second conveying section 120 conveys the sheet P from the downstream side toward the upstream side in the conveying direction, forming a curve in the sheet P for folding.

[0092] In the following, Figure 2 The rotation of the rollers that convey the sheet P in the conveying direction shown is referred to as "forward rotation" or "forward rotation." The rotation of the rollers that convey the sheet P in the direction opposite to the conveying direction is referred to as "reverse rotation" or "reverse rotation." Forward rotation corresponds to rotation in the first direction, and reverse rotation corresponds to rotation in the second direction.

[0093] The second conveying unit 120 includes a second conveying driving roller 121 and a second conveying driven roller 122. The second conveying driving roller 121 is a driving roller rotated by a driving force from the driving motor 180. The second conveying driven roller 122 is a driven roller rotated according to the rotation of the second conveying driving roller 121.

[0094] The second conveying roller pair, consisting of a second conveying drive roller 121 and a second conveying driven roller 122, holds the sheet P. The second conveying roller pair rotates by the drive motor 180 to convey the sheet P. The second conveying drive roller 121 rotates in two directions: one to move the sheet P in the conveying direction and the other to reverse the downstream portion of the sheet P toward the upstream side. The second conveying section 120 corresponds to a downstream conveying roller pair located downstream of the first conveying section 110 in the conveying direction, which corresponds to the direction in which the sheet P is folded and discharged.

[0095] The first folding roller unit 130 is arranged between the first conveying unit 110, which serves as the upstream conveying roller pair, and the second conveying unit 120, which serves as the downstream conveying roller pair. The first folding roller unit 130, serving as the third roller pair, includes a first folding roller pair and a second folding roller pair. The first folding roller pair includes the second conveying drive roller 121 and a first folding roller 131. The second folding roller pair includes the second conveying drive roller 121 and a second folding roller 132. The first folding roller 131 and the second folding roller 132 are driven rollers that rotate in response to the rotation of the second conveying drive roller 121.

[0096] The second conveying drive roller 121 is driven by the drive motor 180 to rotate in a predetermined direction while the first folding roller pair is holding the sheet P, thereby forming a first fold on the sheet P. The sheet P with the first fold is then conveyed to the third conveying path 403. The second conveying drive roller 121 is driven by the drive motor 180 to rotate in a predetermined direction while the second folding roller pair is holding the sheet P with the first fold, thereby forming a second fold on the sheet P. The sheet P with the second fold is then conveyed to the fourth conveying path.

[0097] The first folding roller portion 130 folds the sheet P by rotating the second transport driving roller 121 functioning as a driving roller. Therefore, the folding process of the sheet P is controlled according to the rotation direction and rotation speed of the second transport driving roller 121 .

[0098] The second folding roller unit 140 is arranged on the fourth conveying path 404 on the downstream side of the first folding roller unit 130 in the conveying direction. The second folding roller unit 140 includes an additional folding drive roller 141 and an additional folding driven roller 142. The additional folding drive roller 141 is rotated in a predetermined direction by the driving force from the drive motor 180. The additional folding driven roller 142 rotates as the additional folding drive roller 141 rotates in the predetermined direction. While the sheet P with the fold formed thereon is clamped by the first folding roller unit 130, the additional folding drive roller 141 and the additional folding driven roller 142 rotate to perform additional folding processing on the sheet P. The sheet P that has undergone the additional folding processing is conveyed to the discharge roller unit 150.

[0099] The discharge roller section 150 includes a first discharge roller 151, a second discharge roller 152, and a third discharge roller 153. The first discharge roller 151 is a driving roller that is rotated by a driving force from a driving motor 180. The second discharge roller 152 and the third discharge roller 153 are driven rollers that are rotated by the rotation of the first discharge roller 151.

[0100] When the sheet P conveyed through the second conveying path 402 by the first conveying section 110 and the second conveying section 120 is discharged without being folded, the sheet P is pinched and discharged by the first discharge roller 151 and the second discharge roller 152. In the second folding roller section 140, the sheet P that has been additionally folded is pinched and discharged by the first discharge roller 151 and the third discharge roller 153.

[0101] The first sheet detector 160 is a sensor that detects the leading edge of the sheet P conveyed by the first and second conveying sections 110 and 120. It is located in the second conveying path 402. When folding the sheet P, the rotation direction of the second conveying drive roller 121 is switched after the first sheet detector 160 detects the leading edge of the sheet P and the sheet P is conveyed downstream a predetermined distance. When forming a fold on the sheet P by the first folding roller section 130, the rotation direction of the second conveying drive roller 121 is switched after the first sheet detector 160 detects the leading edge of the sheet P and the sheet P is conveyed a predetermined distance. As a result, the sheet P is bent between the first and second conveying sections 110 and 120, and the bent portion is guided to the first folding roller section 130, where the folding process is performed.

[0102] The second sheet detector 170 is a front end stopper that detects the end of the sheet P, which has been folded, after passing between the second conveying drive roller 121 and the first folding roller 131. The second sheet detector 170 is located on the third conveying path 403. When the front end of the sheet P comes into contact with the second sheet detector 170 and stops, a bend is formed in the sheet P, which has been pushed from the upstream side, near the first folding roller section 130. This bend (i.e., a portion of the rear end of the sheet P) is clamped between the second conveying drive roller 121 and the second folding roller 132, and the second folding process is performed. The sheet P, which has undergone the second folding process, is then conveyed to the second folding roller section 140 via the fourth conveying path 404 due to the driving force of the second conveying drive roller 121.

[0103] like Figure 23A and 23B As shown, the second sheet detector 170 is not limited to the front end stopper, and may be composed of a sensor and a pair of rollers whose rotation direction can be controlled, similar to the first sheet detector 160 .

[0104] use Figures 3 to 7 The following describes the outline of the operation of the sheet processing unit 100 when performing the folding process. Figure 3 As shown, the sheet P is conveyed into the sheet processing unit 100 and conveyed downstream by the first conveying portion 110 and the second conveying portion 120. The rotation direction of the second conveying driving roller 121 is from Figure 3 The counterclockwise (CCW) direction is used when the second transport driving roller 121 is viewed from the positive direction of the X-axis relative to the YZ plane. Similarly, when the second transport driven roller 122 is viewed from the positive direction of the X-axis relative to the YZ plane, the rotation direction of the second transport driven roller 122 driven by the second transport driving roller 121 is the clockwise (CW) direction. Figures 4 to 8 This is also a view viewed from the same direction.

[0105] Likewise, in Figure 3, the rotation direction of the first conveying drive roller 111 is the CW direction, and the rotation direction of the first conveying driven roller 112 is the CCW direction. That is, the sheet P clamped by the first conveying portion 110 is conveyed in the conveying direction. The leading end of the sheet P clamped by the second conveying portion 120 is also conveyed to the second conveying path 402. Thereafter, the leading end of the sheet P is detected by the sensor of the first sheet detector 160. When the leading end of the sheet P is detected and conveyed a certain distance, the rotation direction of the second conveying drive roller 121 is reversed to the CW direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0106] Even if the rotation direction of the second conveying drive roller 121 is switched from CCW to CW, the rotation direction of the first conveying drive roller 111 is not switched but maintained in CW. At this time, the sheet P is reversely conveyed from downstream to upstream in the downstream portion of the conveying direction. As described above, the upstream portion of the sheet P is conveyed from upstream to downstream. As a result, the sheet P is bent between the second conveying section 120 and the first conveying section 110. When the bent portion is formed toward the first folding roller section 130, the state of the sheet P becomes Figure 5 The status shown.

[0107] like Figure 5 As shown, the curved portion of the sheet P is clamped between the second conveying drive roller 121 and the first folding roller 131. As the second conveying drive roller 121 rotates, the curved portion of the sheet P passes through the clamp between the second conveying drive roller 121 and the first folding roller 131, forming a first fold. At this point, the conveyance direction of the sheet P by the first conveying unit 110 remains the same as described above. The upstream side of the sheet P is conveyed in the forward direction. The downstream side of the sheet P passes through the first folding roller 130 and is conveyed to the third conveying path 403, which branches off from the first conveying path 401.

[0108] Thereafter, the end portion of the sheet P on the third conveying path 403 side (ie, the portion where the fold is formed) contacts the leading end stopper (see FIG. 1 ) serving as the second sheet detector 170. Figure 2 ) and stops. At this time, the upstream portion of the sheet P continues to be conveyed toward the third conveyance path 403 by the first conveying unit 110, the second conveying drive roller 121, and the first folding roller 131. As a result, the sheet P forms a curve near the second conveying drive roller 121 and the second folding roller 132.

[0109] like Figure 6 As shown, the bent portion of the sheet P is sandwiched between the second transport driving roller 121 and the second folding roller 132 and transported toward the second folding roller portion 140 .

[0110] like Figure 7 As shown, the folded sheet P is conveyed by the second conveying driving roller 121 and the second folding roller 132 and discharged to the fourth conveying path 404 .

[0111] First embodiment

[0112] Next, the sheet processing unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 8 to 10 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a driving system of a conveying roller pair provided in the sheet processing unit 100. Figure 8 As shown, the driving system of the sheet processing unit 100 mainly includes a driving motor 180 (used as a driving force supply source) and a second conveying roller pair driving gear DG20. The second conveying roller pair driving gear DG20 is driven by the driving motor 180 and transmits the driving force. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the first folding roller 131 and the first conveying driven roller 112 are omitted.

[0113] The second conveying roller pair driving gear DG20 is mounted on the second conveying roller driving shaft J2 serving as the rotation shaft of the second conveying driving roller 121. Therefore, the rotation direction of the second conveying driving roller 121 follows the rotation direction of the driving motor 180 via the second conveying roller pair driving gear DG20.

[0114] The driving transmission system of the sheet processing unit 100 includes a plurality of gears that are combined so as to rotate by the rotation of the second conveying roller pair driving gear DG20. Figure 8 As shown, the drive transmission system includes a first transmission gear AG11 and a third transmission gear AG13. The first transmission gear AG11 meshes with the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG20. The third transmission gear AG13 also meshes with the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG20. Furthermore, the drive transmission system includes a second transmission gear AG12 meshing with the first transmission gear AG11. The drive transmission system includes the first conveyor roller pair drive first gear DG11 and the first conveyor roller pair drive second gear DG12. The first conveyor roller pair drive first gear DG11 meshes with the second transmission gear AG12. The first conveyor roller pair drive second gear DG12 meshes with the third transmission gear AG13.

[0115] A first conveying roller pair driving first gear DG11 and a first conveying roller pair driving second gear DG12 are mounted on a first conveying roller driving shaft J1 which is a rotation shaft of the first conveying driving roller 111 .

[0116] A one-way clutch is built into each of the first conveyor roller pair drive first gear DG11 and the first conveyor roller pair drive second gear DG12. Each one-way clutch allows the first conveyor roller pair drive first gear DG11 or the first conveyor roller pair drive second gear DG12 to rotate only in the CW direction, transmitting driving force to the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1. It also prevents the first conveyor roller pair drive first gear DG11 or the first conveyor roller pair drive second gear DG12 from rotating in the CCW direction, blocking driving force to the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1.

[0117] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 , a drive transmission system having the above structure is described. Figure 11 An example is shown in which the sheet P is conveyed in the conveying direction and each roller is rotated forward. Figure 12 An example is shown in which the second conveying unit 120 is rotated in the reverse direction to fold the sheet P.

[0118] like Figure 11 As shown, when the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG20 rotates in the CCW direction due to the rotation of the drive motor 180, the first transmission gear AG11 rotates in the CW direction, and the second transmission gear AG12 rotates in the CCW direction. At this time, the second conveyor unit 120 rotates in the forward direction. The driving force that rotates the first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG11 in the CW direction is transmitted from the second transmission gear AG12 to the first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG11. Because the one-way clutch built into the first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG11 receives the CW driving force, the driving force that rotates the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1 in the CW direction is transmitted to the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1.

[0119] When the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG20 rotates in the CCW direction due to the rotation of the drive motor 180, the third transmission gear AG13 rotates in the CW direction, and the driving force for the CCW rotation is transmitted from the third transmission gear AG13 to the first conveyor roller pair drive second gear DG12. Because the one-way clutch built into the first conveyor roller pair drive second gear DG12 blocks the CCW driving force, the driving force for rotating the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1 in the CCW direction is not transmitted to the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1.

[0120] Therefore, if Figure 11 As shown, when the second conveying roller pair drive gear DG20 is rotated in the CCW direction by the driving motor 180, the first conveying driving roller 111 is rotated in the CW direction by the driving force transmitted by the first drive transmission path TP1 as the first drive transmission mechanism. Figure 3 As shown, the first conveying portion 110 and the second conveying portion 120 convey the sheet P along a conveying direction.

[0121] like Figure 12 As shown, when the second conveying roller pair drive gear DG20 is rotated in the CW direction by the driving motor 180, the second conveying section 120 is reversed. When the first transfer gear AG11 rotates in the CCW direction, the second transfer gear AG12 rotates in the CW direction. Therefore, the driving force is transmitted to the first conveying roller pair to drive the first gear DG11 to rotate in the CCW direction. However, since the one-way clutch built into the first conveying roller pair to drive the first gear DG11 cuts off the driving force in the CCW direction, the driving force for rotating the first conveying roller drive shaft J1 in the CCW direction is not transmitted to the first conveying roller drive shaft J1. Therefore, the first conveying roller drive shaft J1 does not rotate in the CCW direction, and therefore, the first conveying drive roller 111 does not rotate in the CCW direction. In addition, in Figure 12 In the figure, for the convenience of explanation, the first conveying roller pair driving the first gear DG11 is omitted.

[0122] When the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG20 rotates in the CW direction due to the rotation of the drive motor 180, the third transmission gear AG13 rotates in the CCW direction. The driving force for rotating the first conveyor roller pair drive second gear DG12 in the CW direction is transmitted from the third transmission gear AG13 to the first conveyor roller pair drive second gear DG12. Because the one-way clutch built into the first conveyor roller pair drive second gear DG12 transmits the driving force in the CW direction, the driving force for rotating the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1 in the CW direction is transmitted to the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1.

[0123] Therefore, if Figure 12 As shown, when the second conveying roller pair driving gear DG20 is rotated in the CW direction by the driving motor 180, the first conveying driving roller 111 is rotated in the CW direction by the driving force transmitted by the second driving transmission path TP2 as the second driving transmission mechanism. Figure 4 As shown, the first conveying portion 110 conveys the sheet P in the conveying direction, and the second conveying portion 120 conveys the sheet P in the direction opposite to the conveying direction (ie, upstream of the conveying direction).

[0124] As described above, the sheet processing unit 100 of this embodiment has multiple drive transmission paths (a first drive transmission path TP1 and a second drive transmission path TP2), and no matter whether the rotation direction of the rotation axis of the drive motor 180 is CW or CCW, the rotation direction of the first conveying drive roller 111 is only CW.

[0125] When the rotation direction of the rotation shaft of the drive motor 180 is switched, the rotation direction of the second conveying drive roller 121 is switched. On the other hand, the rotation direction of the first conveying drive roller 111 may not be switched, so that the first conveying drive roller 111 rotates only in a specific direction. Therefore, the movement of the first conveying unit 110 and the second conveying unit 120 is controlled only by the driving force from the drive motor 180 as a single driving force supply source. That is, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As described above, by switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 180 at a predetermined timing, the conveying direction of the downstream portion of the sheet P can be switched to the direction opposite to the conveying direction (i.e., the upstream side of the conveying direction). The upstream portion of the sheet P can be continuously conveyed in the conveying direction. As a result, Figure 4 As shown, the sheet P is inserted into the nip between the second transport driving roller 121 and the first folding roller 131 while a bend is formed on the sheet P at a predetermined position, so that a fold can be accurately formed at the predetermined position.

[0126] The first folding roller unit 130, the second folding roller unit 140, and the discharge roller unit 150 are also rotated by the driving force of the drive motor 180. With this configuration, the sheet P can be folded while the sheet processing unit 100 is downsized.

[0127] Second embodiment

[0128] Next, a sheet processing unit 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 13 and 14 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a drive transmission system of a conveying roller pair of the sheet processing unit 100 according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the driving system of the sheet processing unit 100 mainly includes a driving motor 180 (serving as a driving force supply source) and a second conveying roller pair driving gear DG200. The second conveying roller pair driving gear DG200 is driven by the driving motor 180 and transmits the driving force.

[0129] The second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200 is mounted on the second conveyor roller drive shaft J2, which serves as the rotation axis of the second conveyor drive roller 121. Therefore, the second conveyor drive roller 121 rotates in the same direction as the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200, tracking the direction of rotation of the drive motor 180. When the drive motor 180 rotates in the forward direction, the second conveyor drive roller 121 and the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200 also rotate in the forward direction. When the drive motor 180 rotates in the reverse direction, the second conveyor drive roller 121 and the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200 also rotate in the reverse direction.

[0130] The drive transmission idler pulley GP103 meshes with the second conveyor roller pair driving gear DG200. When the driving force is transmitted to the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 by the rotation of the second conveyor roller pair driving gear DG200, the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 rotates.

[0131] like Figure 14 As shown, the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 is roughly divided into a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. The large diameter portion meshes with the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200 and the first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG101. The first timing belt 104 is wound around the small diameter portion.

[0132] The first timing belt 104 is also wound around the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105, which serves as a transmission mechanism for the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1, which is the drive shaft of the first conveyor drive roller 111. Therefore, when the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 rotates, its driving force also rotates the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 via the first timing belt 104.

[0133] The first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 is mounted on the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1, which serves as the rotation shaft of the first conveyor drive roller 111. A first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG101 is also mounted on the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1. The first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG101 also meshes with the large-diameter portion of the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200.

[0134] Therefore, in the sheet processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment, the driving force supplied from the driving motor 180 drives the second conveying driving roller 121 and also causes the driving force to be transmitted to and driven by the first conveying driving roller 111 .

[0135] The driving force transmission path to the first conveying driving roller 111 is composed of two paths coexisting. In the first path serving as the first driving transmission mechanism, Figure 15 As shown, the driving force transmitted from the second conveyor roller pair driving gear DG200 via the large diameter portion of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 is transmitted to the small diameter portion of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103, the first timing belt 104 and the first conveyor roller pair driving pulley 105. In the second path as the second drive transmission mechanism, as shown in FIG. Figure 16 As shown, the driving force transmitted from the second conveyor roller pair driving gear DG200 via the large diameter portion of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 is transmitted via the first conveyor roller pair driving gear DG101.

[0136] A one-way clutch is built into each of the first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG101 and the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105. The one-way clutch transmits driving force in only one direction and cuts off driving force in the other direction, so that the corresponding one of the first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG101 and the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 rotates forward (i.e., in the Figure 15 and Figure 16 ) but not in the reverse direction.

[0137] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the drive system with the above structure is described. Figure 15 As shown, when the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200 rotates in the CCW direction due to the rotation of the drive motor 180, the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 rotates in the CW direction. The CCW driving force is transmitted to the first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG101, which meshes with the large diameter portion of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103. However, the built-in one-way clutch cuts off the driving force.

[0138] At this time, the small-diameter portion of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 rotates in the CW direction, and this rotation is transmitted to the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 via the first timing belt 104. The first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 rotates in the CW direction, which is the same direction as the rotation of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103. A one-way clutch built into the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 transmits the driving force that rotates the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 in the CW direction. Therefore, when the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 rotates in the CW direction, the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1 also rotates in the CW direction, and the first conveyor drive roller 111 also rotates in the CW direction.

[0139] That is, in the second embodiment, the path for transmitting the driving force from the second conveyor roller pair driving gear DG200 to the first conveyor roller pair driving pulley 105 via the small diameter portion of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 corresponds to Figure 11 The first drive transmission path TP1 is shown.

[0140] like Figure 16 As shown, when the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200 rotates in the CW direction due to the rotation of the drive motor 180, the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 rotates in the CCW direction. The first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG103, which meshes with the large diameter portion of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103, also rotates in the CW direction. Because the first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG101 has a built-in one-way clutch and rotates in the CW direction, the driving force for rotating the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1 in the CW direction is transmitted to the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1, causing the first conveyor roller pair to rotate forward.

[0141] At this time, the rotation of the small-diameter portion of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 is also transmitted to the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 via the first timing belt 104. The first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 rotates in the same direction (i.e., CCW) as the rotation of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103. In this case, the driving force for rotating the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 in the CCW direction is transmitted to the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105. However, this driving force is disconnected by the one-way clutch. As a result, the rotation of the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 is not transmitted to the first conveyor drive roller 111.

[0142] When the second conveyor drive roller 121 rotates in the CW direction due to the rotation of the drive motor 180, the driving force for rotating the first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG101 in the CW direction is transmitted from the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200 to the first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG101 via the large diameter portion of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103. As a result, the first conveyor roller drive shaft J1 rotates in the CW direction.

[0143] That is, in the second embodiment, the path for transmitting the driving force from the second conveyor roller pair driving gear DG200 to the first conveyor roller pair driving gear DG101 via the large diameter portion of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 corresponds to Figure 12 The second drive transmission path TP2 is shown.

[0144] As described above, when the rotation direction of the rotation shaft of the drive motor 180 is switched, the rotation direction of the second conveying drive roller 121 is switched. On the other hand, the rotation direction of the first conveying drive roller 111 is not switched, and the first conveying drive roller 111 rotates only in a specific direction. As described above, this configuration enables a plurality of conveying roller pairs to perform folding processing at a predetermined moment by the driving force of the drive motor 180 serving as a single driving force supply source. The rotation direction of the drive motor 180 is switched. While the direction of the downstream portion of the sheet material P is switched to the upstream direction, the upstream portion of the sheet material P can be maintained as being conveyed in the conveying direction. As a result, as Figure 4 As shown, the sheet P is inserted into the nip between the second transport driving roller 121 and the first folding roller 131 while a bend is formed on the sheet P at a predetermined position, so that a fold can be accurately formed at the predetermined position.

[0145] After the bend is formed, the first folding roller unit 130, the second folding roller unit 140, and the discharge roller unit 150 are also rotated by the driving force of the drive motor 180. With this configuration, the sheet processing unit 100 can be miniaturized while folding the sheet P.

[0146] Reference Figures 17A to 23B, describes the process of the folding operation that can be performed in the structure of the sheet processing unit 100 of the second embodiment. The sheet processing unit 100 of this embodiment is arranged on the back side of the conveying path of the sheet P. For the convenience of explanation, 17A to 23B Each of the two represents the view from the opposite side. Figure 13 The state of the structure shown. Therefore, in Figures 17A to 23B The direction of rotation (CW or CCW) used in the description is the same as Figure 15 、 Figure 16 The directions of rotation (CW or CCW directions) shown are opposite.

[0147] exist Figures 17A to 23B middle, Figure 17A 、 Figure 18A 、 Figure 19A 、 Figure 20A 、 Figure 21A 、 Figure 22A 、 Figure 23A The rotation direction indicates the arrangement of the drive systems that transmit the driving force to each pair of conveyor rollers rotating in a predetermined direction and the structure of each drive system. Figure 17B 、 Figure 18B 、 Figure 19B 、 Figure 20B 、 Figure 21B 、 Figure 22B as well as Figure 23B Indicates the arrangement and rotation direction of the conveyor roller pair.

[0148] When the second conveyor roller drives the gear DG200 along Figure 17A When the second conveying roller pair driving gear DG200 rotates in the CW direction, the first conveying roller pair driving gear DG101 also rotates in the CW direction. Figure 15 As shown, the drive transmission to the first transport driving roller 111 is cut off by the action of a one-way clutch built into the first transport roller pair drive gear DG101 .

[0149] On the other hand, when the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200 rotates in the CW direction, the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 rotates in the CCW direction. The rotation of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 is transmitted to the first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 via the first timing belt 104 meshing with the small diameter portion of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103. The first conveyor roller pair drive pulley 105 rotates in the CCW direction, and the CCW driving force is transmitted to the first conveyor drive roller 111.

[0150] As a result, the driving force is transmitted to the first conveying driving roller 111, and the first conveying portion 110 including the first conveying driving roller 111 and the first conveying driven roller 112 also rotates forward. Here, the so-called "forward rotation" means that when the sheet P is Figure 17A and Figure 17B The conveying direction shown is the rotation direction of each roller constituting the first conveying unit 110 and the second conveying unit 120 .

[0151] The second transport driven roller first gear SG201, the second transport driven roller second gear SG202 and the drive transmission idler gear G81 and the small diameter portion of the second transport roller pair drive gear DG200 (see Figure 14 ) are engaged. The second conveying driven roller first gear SG201, the second conveying driven roller second gear SG202 and the drive transmission idler gear G81 rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the second conveying roller pair drive gear DG200. Therefore, as Figure 17A As shown, when the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200 rotates in the CW direction, the second conveyor driven roller first gear SG201, the second conveyor driven roller second gear SG202, and the drive transmission idler gear G81 rotate in the CCW direction.

[0152] The second transport driven roller first gear SG201 rotates the first folding roller 131. The second transport driven roller second gear SG202 rotates the second folding roller 132. Therefore, when the second transport driven roller first gear SG201 and the second transport driven roller second gear SG202 rotate in the CCW direction, the first folding roller 131 and the second folding roller 132 also rotate in the CCW direction.

[0153] The additional folding drive gear G61 also meshes with the drive transmission idler gear G81. The additional folding driven gear G62 meshes with the additional folding drive gear G61. A second timing belt 601 is wound around the rotation axis of the additional folding drive gear G61. The second timing belt 601 is also wound around the rotation axis of the discharge drive gear G71. With this structure, when the drive transmission idler gear G81 rotates, driving force is transmitted to the additional folding drive gear G61, the additional folding driven gear G62, and the discharge drive gear G71, causing each gear to rotate.

[0154] The additional folding drive roller 141 is arranged on the rotation axis of the additional folding drive gear G61. The additional folding driven roller 142 is arranged on the rotation axis of the additional folding driven gear G62. The first discharge roller 151 is arranged on the rotation axis of the discharge drive gear G71.

[0155] Therefore, when the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200 rotates in the CW direction, the drive transmission idler gear G81 rotates in the CCW direction, and the additional folding drive gear G61 and the discharge drive gear G71 also rotate in the CW direction. Consequently, the additional folding driven gear G62 rotates in the CCW direction, and the discharge drive gear G71 rotates in the CW direction. Consequently, the additional folding drive roller 141 rotates in the CW direction, the additional folding driven roller 142 rotates in the CCW direction, and the first discharge roller 151 rotates in the CW direction.

[0156] Then, if Figure 18B As shown, when the sheet P is fed in, the first conveying driving roller 111 and the first conveying driven roller 112 are rotated forward by the driving force of the driving motor 180 (see FIG. Figure 15 ). The second conveying drive roller 121 and the second conveying driven roller 122 also rotate forward. Thus, the sheet P is conveyed in the conveying direction. After the first sheet detector 160 detects the leading end of the sheet P, the sheet P continues to be conveyed to the specified length L, and the drive motor 180 rotates in the reverse direction.

[0157] When the rotation direction of the driving motor 180 is switched, as shown in FIG. Figure 19A As shown, the second conveying roller drives the gear DG200 along Figure 19A The CCW direction of the second conveying portion 120 including the second conveying drive roller 121 and the second conveying driven roller 122 is reversed. On the other hand, when the second conveying roller pair drive gear DG200 rotates in the CCW direction, the first conveying roller pair drive gear DG101 also rotates in the CCW direction, transmitting the CCW direction driving force to the first conveying drive roller 111. At this time, the first conveying roller pair drive pulley 105 rotates in the CW direction via the first synchronous belt 104 mounted on the small diameter portion of the drive transmission idler pulley GP103. Figure 16 As shown, the drive transmission to the first transport driving roller 111 is cut off by the action of a one-way clutch built into the first transport roller pair driving pulley 105 .

[0158] With this configuration, the first conveying portion 110 including the first conveying drive roller 111 and the first conveying driven roller 112 also rotates forward. That is, when the conveying direction of the downstream portion of the sheet P is switched to the direction opposite to the conveying direction (i.e., the upstream side of the conveying direction), the upstream portion of the sheet P can continue to be conveyed in the conveying direction.

[0159] Therefore, if Figure 4 As shown, in the first conveying path 401, near the nip portion between the second conveying drive roller 121 and the first folding roller 131, the sheet P is inserted into the nip portion between the second conveying drive roller 121 and the first folding roller 131 while being bent, so that a fold can be accurately formed at a specified position.

[0160] The curved portion of the sheet P is clamped between the second conveying driving roller 121 and the first folding roller 131, which rotate in the direction of conveying the sheet P toward the third conveying path 403, and the first folding process is performed. Figure 20B As shown, the first fold moves to a position where the first fold contacts the second sheet detector 170 serving as a leading end stopper.

[0161] like Figure 20B As shown, the front end stopper includes a wall portion that contacts the sheet P and a shaft that secures and holds the wall portion. The wall portion is rotatable about the shaft. By rotating the wall portion about the shaft to a predetermined position and then securing it, the position of the second fold formed in the sheet P can be adjusted according to the type of folding. The front end of the sheet P abuts the adjusted wall portion, and the rear end of the sheet P continues to be conveyed by the first conveying unit 110, the second conveying drive roller 121, and the first folding roller 131. As a result, a curved portion for folding the second fold of the sheet P is formed near the nip between the second conveying drive roller 121 and the second folding roller 132 of the third conveying path 403.

[0162] The bent portion for forming the second fold on the sheet P is inserted into the nip portion between the second conveying driving roller 121 and the second folding roller 132. Figure 21B As shown, the sheet P is conveyed to the fourth conveying path 404 in a state where the second fold is formed thereon.

[0163] Afterwards, if Figure 22B As shown, the sheet P formed with the second fold is discharged by the first discharge roller 151 and the second discharge roller 152 constituting the discharge roller portion 150 .

[0164] In some embodiments, as Figure 23B As shown, the second sheet detector 170 may be replaced by a combination of a third conveying roller pair 171 and a second forward-backward rotation sensor 172. In this case, the third conveying roller pair 171 rotates in reverse to convey the sheet P on which the first fold is formed in the direction opposite to the conveying direction. When a predetermined time has passed since the front end of the sheet P on which the first fold is formed is detected, the reverse rotation of the third conveying roller pair 171 is stopped. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 23B As shown, the third conveying roller pair 171 is rotated forward to form a second fold on the sheet P near the nip portion between the second conveying driving roller 121 and the second folding roller 132 .

[0165] Figure 24 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the image forming system 1000 according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 24As shown, the sheet processing unit 100 includes a control circuit equipped with a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100a and an I / O (Input-Output) interface 100b. The CPU 100a receives signals from the CPU 100a of the image forming unit 200, the switches on the operation panel 301, and the sheet detection sensors constituting the first sheet detector 160 and the second sheet detector 170 via a communication interface 100c. The CPU 100a performs predetermined control based on the signals input from the image forming unit 200. The CPU 100a controls the motors including the solenoid and the drive motor 180 via a driver and a motor driver for controlling the rotational direction and rotational speed of the drive motor 180. The CPU 100a also acquires data from the sheet sensors in the printer 1 via the communication interface 100c. Furthermore, for example, the CPU 100a controls the drive motor 180 via the I / O interface 100b via the motor driver, thereby acquiring data from each sheet sensor. In addition, the action control of the sheet processing unit 100 and the overall action control of the printer 1 are performed by the CPU 100a reading out the program code stored in the ROM (read-only memory) 1001, expanding the program code into the RAM (random access memory) 1002, using the RAM 1002 as a working area and data buffer, and executing the program defined based on the program code.

[0166] In this embodiment, the Figure 2 The folding action performed by the folding mechanism shown is Figure 24 The CPU 100a shown instructs and executes.

[0167] As described above, the drive transmission system of the sheet processing unit 100 of this embodiment includes multiple transmission paths, namely, a first drive transmission path TP1 and a second drive transmission path TP2. The driving force transmitted in both the first drive transmission path TP1 and the second drive transmission path TP2 is supplied by the drive motor 180. The first drive transmission path TP1 is a transmission path that causes the second conveyor unit 120 to rotate forward and the first conveyor unit 110 to rotate forward. The second drive transmission path TP2 is a transmission path that causes the second conveyor unit 120 to rotate backward and the first conveyor unit 110 to rotate forward.

[0168] By adjusting the reduction ratio of the drive system of the two drive transmission paths TP1 and TP2 , the conveying speed of the sheet P by the first conveying unit 110 as the first conveying roller pair and the conveying speed of the sheet P by the second conveying unit 120 as the second conveying roller pair can be adjusted.

[0169] For example, Figure 25AAs shown, when the first conveying portion 110 and the second conveying portion 120 rotate forward, the second conveying speed V2 of the second conveying portion 120 for the sheets P is not higher than the first conveying speed V1 of the first conveying portion 110 for the sheets P. When the second conveying portion 120 rotates reversely while the first conveying portion 110 rotates forward, the fourth conveying speed V4 of the sheets P by the second conveying portion 120 is not higher than the third conveying speed V3 of the sheets P by the first conveying portion 110.

[0170] By making such adjustments, the sheet P can be folded without being pulled between the first and second conveyor units 110, 120, regardless of the conveying timing. The amount of bending of the sheet P between the first and second conveyor units 110, 120 can be controlled to a constant level. As a result, the first fold can be accurately formed at a predetermined position on the sheet P.

[0171] In the second embodiment, for example, assume that the total reduction ratio in the drive transmission path from the drive motor 180 to the second conveyor roller pair drive gear DG200, which transmits the driving force to the first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG101, is 5.56. In this case, the total reduction ratio in the path for transmitting the driving force from the drive motor 180 via the drive transmission idler pulley GP103 to the first conveyor roller pair drive gear DG101 is set to 5.5. Therefore, the first conveyor speed V1 can be set 1% faster than the second conveyor speed V2. The third conveyor speed V3 is also 1% faster than the fourth conveyor speed V4.

[0172] When the folded sheet P is A4 size, one of the prescribed sizes, and the sheet P is folded into three layers, the conveyance distance is approximately 90 to 180 mm, and the deflection generated during conveyance is 0.9 to 1.8 mm.

[0173] Assuming that the dimensional tolerance of the roller diameter of each roller constituting the first conveying section 110 and the second conveying section 120 is ±0.1 mm, even if the roller pair of the first conveying section 110 has a negative tolerance and the roller pair of the second conveying section 120 has a positive tolerance, the relationship V1 ≥ V2 is always satisfied. Therefore, the sheet P is not stretched between the first conveying section 110 and the second conveying section 120.

[0174] As described above, the reduction ratio can be set in consideration of the specifications (e.g., corresponding dimensions) of the sheet processing unit 100 and the dimensional tolerance of each component so that the amount of bending of the sheet P formed between the first conveying portion 110 and the second conveying portion 120 during the conveyance of the sheet P does not exceed a certain amount.

[0175] Next, refer to Figure 26 and Figure 27The flowcharts described below illustrate the flow of operation control of the sheet processing unit 100 according to the first and second embodiments. The flowcharts described below correspond to the processing of the control program executed by the CPU 100a.

[0176] The sheet processing unit 100 receives the sheet P from the image forming unit 200 ( S2601 ). Next, the first conveying portion 110 (a first conveying roller pair) and the second conveying portion 120 (a second conveying roller pair) are rotated forward ( S2602 ). As a result, the sheet P is conveyed from the first conveying path 401 to the second conveying path 402 .

[0177] As the sheet P is conveyed, a process is performed to determine whether the sheet sensor of the first sheet detector 160 has detected the sheet P (S2603). Conveyance of the sheet P continues until the sheet sensor detects the sheet P (S2603: No). When the sheet sensor of the first sheet detector 160 detects the sheet P (S2603: Yes), it is determined whether the sheet P has been conveyed by a specified length L (S2604).

[0178] The conveyance of the sheet P continues from the moment the sheet sensor detects the sheet P until the sheet P has been conveyed by the specified length L (S2604: No). When the sheet P has been conveyed by the specified length L (S2604: Yes), the second conveying unit 120 is reversed. The curved portion of the sheet P is conveyed from the first conveying path 401 to the third conveying path 403, so that the sheet P is folded (S2605).

[0179] like Figure 23A and Figure 23B As shown, in the case where the second sheet detector 170 has a third conveying roller pair 171 and a second forward and reverse sensor 172, the operation control flow is as follows: Figure 27 The flowchart is shown in FIG.

[0180] In this case, after receiving the sheet P from the image forming unit 200, a process is performed to determine whether the sheet P has been conveyed by the designated length L, and the process thereafter until the second conveying portion 120 reverses and conveys the sheet P is the same as the processes of S2601 to S2605 (S2701 to S2705).

[0181] Subsequently, a determination process is performed to determine whether the sheet P conveyed along the third conveying path 403 is detected by the second forward / reverse sensor 172 (S2706). The sheet P is conveyed along the third conveying path 403 until the sheet P is detected by the second forward / reverse sensor 172 (S2706: No). When the second forward / reverse sensor 172 detects the sheet P (S2706: Yes), it is determined whether it is time to reverse the conveyance of the sheet P (S2707).

[0182] When it is time to reverse the conveyance of the sheet P ( S2707 : YES), the conveyance direction is switched again so that the sheet P is conveyed from the third conveyance path 403 to the fourth conveyance path 404 ( S2708 ).

[0183] As described above, the sheet processing unit 100 of the present embodiment has the effect of being able to achieve both miniaturization and cost reduction.

[0184] In the sheet processing unit 100 of this embodiment, a predetermined driving force is transmitted to the first and second conveying roller pairs via the drive motor 180 as a single driving force supply source and multiple drive transmission paths.

[0185] In the sheet processing unit 100 according to this embodiment, the first conveyor roller pair is driven by receiving driving force only from one side, and the driving force transmitted in the opposite direction from each drive transmission path is blocked. Therefore, the first conveyor roller pair can be driven to rotate in the first direction (i.e., forward) at any time.

[0186] In the sheet processing unit 100 according to this embodiment, even if the rotation of each roller pair is controlled by the driving force supplied from the driving motor 180 serving as a single driving force supply source, it can be adjusted so that the conveying speed on the upstream side of the sheet P is fast, thereby preventing the sheet P from being stretched in the opposite direction during conveyance.

[0187] In the sheet processing unit 100 according to this embodiment, even if the rotation of each roller pair is controlled by the driving force supplied from the driving motor 180 serving as a driving force supply source, it can be adjusted so that the conveying speed on the upstream side of the sheet P is fast, thereby preventing the sheet P from being stretched from both sides during the folding process.

[0188] In the sheet processing unit 100 of this embodiment, the one-way clutch is used to transmit driving force in only one direction, and the driving force from the two drive transmission mechanisms can be appropriately received. This structure can be realized with a simple structure without using an electromagnetic clutch or the like.

[0189] In the sheet processing unit 100 according to this embodiment, a simple configuration and an arbitrary reduction ratio can be set by setting the number of teeth of the gears and the timing belt, and the conveying speed of the sheet by the first conveying roller pair and the second conveying roller pair can be appropriately set. This configuration can prevent the sheet P from being pulled in the opposite direction by the multiple conveying roller pairs when conveying the sheet P and when folding the sheet P.

[0190] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and many additional modifications and variations are possible based on the teachings within the technical scope of the claims. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosure of this patent specification can be implemented by those skilled in the art in a manner different from that specifically described herein, and such changes, modifications, and substitutions are within the technical scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0191] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-022618 filed in the Japan Patent Office on February 16, 2021, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-197026 filed in the Japan Patent Office on December 3, 2021, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0192] Reference Signs List

[0193] 1 printer

[0194] 100 sheet processing units

[0195] 104 first synchronous belt

[0196] 105 first conveyor roller pair driving pulley

[0197] 110 first conveying unit

[0198] 111 first conveying driving roller

[0199] 112 first conveying driven roller

[0200] 120 Second conveying unit

[0201] 121 second conveying driving roller

[0202] 122 second conveying driven roller

[0203] 130 first folding roller portion

[0204] 131 first folding roller

[0205] 132 second folding roller

[0206] 140 second folding roller portion

[0207] 141 Added folding drive roller

[0208] 142Additional folding driven roller

[0209] 150 discharge roller part

[0210] 151 first discharge roller

[0211] 152 second discharge roller

[0212] 153 third discharge roller

[0213] 160 First Sheet Detector

[0214] 170 Second sheet detector

[0215] 171 third conveyor roller pair

[0216] 172 second forward-backward rotation sensor

[0217] 180 drive motor

[0218] 200 image forming units

[0219] 301 operation panel

[0220] 401 first conveying path

[0221] 402 Second conveying path

[0222] 403 third conveying path

[0223] 404 fourth conveying path

[0224] 601 second synchronous belt

[0225] AG11 first transmission gear

[0226] AG12 second transmission gear

[0227] AG13 third transmission gear

[0228] DG101 first conveyor roller pair drive gear

[0229] DG11 first conveyor roller pair drives the first gear

[0230] DG12 first conveyor roller pair drives the second gear

[0231] DG20 second conveyor roller pair drive gear

[0232] DG200 second conveyor roller drive gear

[0233] G61 additional folding drive gear

[0234] G62 additional folding driven gear

[0235] G71 discharge drive gear

[0236] G81 drive transfer idler gear

[0237] GP103 drive transfer idler pulley

[0238] J1 first conveyor roller drive shaft

[0239] J2 Second conveyor roller drive shaft

[0240] SG201 second conveying driven roller first gear

[0241] SG202 second conveyor driven roller second gear

[0242] TP1 first drive transmission path

[0243] TP2 second drive transmission path

Claims

1. A sheet material processing device comprising: A plurality of roller pairs are configured to convey the sheet from upstream to downstream in a sheet conveying direction, the plurality of roller pairs comprising: first roller pair; a second roller pair disposed downstream of the first roller pair in the sheet conveying direction; as well as a third roller pair, disposed between the first roller pair and the second roller pair, configured to form a fold on the sheet; a single driving force supply source for supplying driving force to the first roller pair, the second roller pair, and the third roller pair; as well as A drive transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the driving force to the first roller pair and the second roller pair in the following manner: when the first roller pair and the second roller pair are driven by the driving force of the driving force supply source, even if the direction of the driving force is switched so that the rotation direction of the second roller pair is switched, the rotation direction of the first roller pair is not switched.

2. The sheet material processing apparatus according to claim 1, in, The drive transmission mechanism comprises: a first drive transmission mechanism configured to rotate the first roller pair in the first direction when the second roller pair is rotated in the first direction by the driving force from the driving force supply source; as well as The second drive transmission mechanism is configured to rotate the first roller pair in the first direction when the second roller pair is rotated in the second direction by the driving force from the driving force supply source.

3. The sheet material processing apparatus according to claim 2, in, The drive transmission mechanism is configured to cut off transmission of the drive force from the second drive transmission mechanism when the drive force is transmitted to the first roller pair through the first drive transmission mechanism, and The drive transmission mechanism is configured to cut off the transmission of the drive force from the first drive transmission mechanism when the drive force is transmitted to the first roller pair through the second drive transmission mechanism.

4. The sheet material processing apparatus according to claim 3, in, Each of the first drive transmission mechanism and the second drive transmission mechanism includes a one-way clutch configured to cut off transmission of the driving force.

5. The sheet material processing apparatus according to claim 3, in, Each of the first drive transmission mechanism and the second drive transmission mechanism includes a combination of a gear and a timing belt configured to cut off transmission of the driving force.

6. The sheet material processing apparatus according to claim 1, in, The drive transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the driving force to the first roller pair and the second roller pair so that a first conveying speed of conveying the sheet when the first roller pair rotates in the first direction by the driving force is not lower than a second conveying speed of conveying the sheet when the second roller pair rotates in the first direction by the driving force.

7. The sheet material processing apparatus according to claim 1, in, The drive transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the driving force to the first roller pair and the second roller pair so that a third conveying speed at which the sheet is conveyed when the first roller pair rotates in the first direction by the driving force is not lower than a fourth conveying speed at which the sheet is conveyed when the second roller pair rotates in the second direction by the driving force.

8. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming device configured to form an image on a sheet; and The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, configured to form a fold on the sheet.

9. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet; and The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, configured to form a fold on the sheet.

Images