Envelope processing apparatus, envelope sealing apparatus, and image forming system

Abstract

An envelope processing apparatus for enclosing enclosures in envelopes includes an envelope conveying path, an enclosure feeder, an envelope feeder, a cover opener, and an envelope stacker. The envelope conveying path extends in a substantially vertical direction to convey the envelopes. The enclosure feeder feeds the enclosures to the envelopes via the envelope conveying path. The envelope feeder feeds the envelopes to the envelope conveying path. The cover opener opens a cover portion of the envelope between the envelope feeder and the envelope conveying path. The envelope stacker stacks the envelopes discharged from the envelope conveying path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an envelope processing apparatus, a sealing apparatus, and an image forming system. Background Technology

[0002] An envelope processing apparatus for encapsulating an encapsulated object in an envelope is known. An image forming system is also known, which is coupled with a folding apparatus for folding a sheet medium and an image forming apparatus for forming an image on the medium to encapsulate a folded sheet on which an image has already been formed in an envelope.

[0003] A known encapsulation system for encapsulating contents in envelopes includes an envelope supply unit, an encapsulation supply unit, an encapsulation device, and an envelope stacking tray connected by multiple transport paths (see Patent Document PTL1).

[0004] An envelope processing apparatus (also known as a packaging processing apparatus) for encapsulating an object in an envelope is also known, as well as a packaging sealing apparatus for encapsulating an object in an envelope and sealing the envelope. An image forming system is also known, which is coupled with an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet medium and a folding apparatus for folding the sheet medium to encapsulate a folded sheet on which an image has already been formed in an envelope and seal the envelope.

[0005] An apparatus having a structure for placing an envelope for encapsulation processing and a sheet to be encapsulated on a stacked tray is also known (see PTL2).

[0006] Citation List

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] [PTL1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-006277

[0009] [PTL2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-246815 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the conveying path extending horizontally in the main body of the device constitutes a path for conveying envelopes supplied from the envelope supply unit to the packaging device. Therefore, a large dimension in the width direction of the device is required. Consequently, there is a problem of reducing the device size and saving installation space.

[0012] In the device disclosed in Patent Document 2, when accessing envelopes placed inside the device, for example, when replenishing envelopes to a stacking tray containing envelopes, or when an envelope is removed from an envelope discharge tray after being sealed, it is necessary to open the cover of the device casing. At this time, it is necessary to temporarily stop the operation of the mechanisms inside the device.

[0013] However, even when the medium is simply conveyed downstream and discharged without being sealed in an envelope, the operation must be temporarily stopped when the cover of the equipment casing is opened to replenish or remove the envelope. In other words, in the prior art, the medium conveying operation is inevitably affected by the operational controls used to ensure safety during envelope replenishment, resulting in a reduction in equipment operating efficiency.

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to provide an envelope processing device that can reduce the overall size of the device and the installation area.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an envelope processing device that can reduce downtime by means of control, so that processing of envelopes that are not needed can continue while the user is handling envelopes.

[0016] Solution to the problem

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, an envelope processing apparatus is provided for encapsulating contents in envelopes. The envelope processing apparatus includes an envelope transport path, a contents feeder, an envelope dispenser, a cap opener, and an envelope stacker. The envelope transport path extends in a generally vertical direction to transport the envelopes. The contents feeder supplies the contents to the envelopes via the envelope transport path. The envelope dispenser supplies the envelopes to the envelope transport path. The cap opener opens the cap portion of the envelopes between the envelope dispenser and the envelope transport path. The envelope stacker stacks the envelopes discharged from the envelope transport path.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, an envelope processing apparatus is provided for encapsulating an item in an envelope. The envelope processing apparatus includes an item transport path, a first cover, an envelope transport path, a second cover, and a controller. The item transport path is used to transport the item. The first cover is used to cover the item transport path. The envelope transport path extends from the item transport path in a generally perpendicular direction and is configured to transport the envelope. The second cover at least covers the envelope transport path. When the second cover is open, the controller continues to transport the item in the item transport path.

[0019] Effects of the present invention

[0020] According to the present invention, the size of the entire device and the grounding area can be reduced.

[0021] According to the present invention, the downtime of the equipment can be reduced by controlling the process so that processing of envelopes that do not need to be processed can continue while the user is handling the envelopes. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting its scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the accompanying drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. Similarly, in various views, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar parts.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a front cross-sectional view of the image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A block diagram of the control configuration of the image forming system.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the encapsulation and sealing device of the image forming system.

[0026] Figure 4 This is an overall perspective view of the packaging apparatus included in the packaging and sealing device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the frame structure of the packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the driving configuration of the packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the opening and closing guide plate included in the packaging device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the opening and closing drive mechanism of the opening and closing guide plate included in the packaging device.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a cam mechanism for opening and closing guide plates included in a packaging device.

[0033] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the opening and closing cam of the opening and closing guide plate included in the packaging device.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a front view of the opening and closing cam of the opening and closing guide plate included in the packaging device.

[0035] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating one step of the opening and closing action of the opening and closing guide plate included in the packaging device.

[0036] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating one step of the opening and closing action of the opening and closing guide plate included in the packaging device.

[0037] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing one step (closed position) of the opening and closing action of the opening and closing guide plate included in the packaging device.

[0038] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating one step of the opening and closing action of the opening and closing guide plate included in the packaging device.

[0039] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating one step of the opening and closing action of the opening and closing guide plate included in the packaging device.

[0040] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing one step (open position) of the opening and closing action of the opening and closing guide plate included in the packaging device.

[0041] Figure 19 It is a diagram showing the open and closed states of the opening and closing guide plate included in the packaging device.

[0042] Figure 20 It is a partially enlarged view of the opening and closing state of the opening and closing guide plate included in the packaging device.

[0043] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a cap opener included in an encapsulation and sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the encapsulation pusher included in the encapsulation and sealing apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 23 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the encapsulation and sealing device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown illustrates one step of the encapsulation operation performed by the encapsulation and sealing device.

[0046] Figure 24 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the encapsulation and sealing device shown illustrates one step of the encapsulation process performed by the encapsulation and sealing device.

[0047] Figure 25 yes Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the cap opener shown illustrates the operation of the cap opener during the sealing process by the sealing equipment.

[0048] Figure 26 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the encapsulation and sealing device shown illustrates one step of the encapsulation process performed by the encapsulation and sealing device.

[0049] Figure 27 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the encapsulation and sealing device shown illustrates one step of the encapsulation process performed by the encapsulation and sealing device.

[0050] Figure 28 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the encapsulation and sealing device shown illustrates one step of the encapsulation process performed by the encapsulation and sealing device.

[0051] Figure 29 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the encapsulation and sealing device shown illustrates one step of the encapsulation process performed by the encapsulation and sealing device.

[0052] Figure 30 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the encapsulation and sealing device shown illustrates one step of the encapsulation process performed by the encapsulation and sealing device.

[0053] Figure 31 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the encapsulation and sealing device shown illustrates one step of the encapsulation process performed by the encapsulation and sealing device.

[0054] Figure 32 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the encapsulation and sealing device shown illustrates one step of the encapsulation process performed by the encapsulation and sealing device.

[0055] Figure 33 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the encapsulation and sealing device shown illustrates one step of the encapsulation process performed by the encapsulation and sealing device.

[0056] Figure 34 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the encapsulation and sealing device shown illustrates one step of the encapsulation process performed by the encapsulation and sealing device.

[0057] Figure 35 This is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the encapsulation pusher included in the encapsulation and sealing apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 36A and 36B This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the folding type of the sheet and the image forming surface involved in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 37This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the folding type of the sheet and the image forming surface in the packaging direction according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 38 This is a diagram illustrating one step of the packaging operation of the folded sheet involved in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 39 This is a diagram representing one step of the encapsulation action.

[0062] Figure 40 This is a diagram representing one step of the encapsulation action.

[0063] Figure 41 This is a diagram representing one step of the encapsulation action.

[0064] Figure 42 This is a diagram representing one step of the encapsulation action.

[0065] Figure 43A and 43B This is a perspective view of the housing structure of the encapsulation and sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 44A and 44B This is a perspective view of the sealing device, showing the front cover of an embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

[0067] Figure 45A and 45B This is a perspective view of the encapsulation and sealing device, showing the state during maintenance operations involved in embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 46A This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the encapsulation and sealing device for the through-feed operation during maintenance, as described in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 46B This is a perspective view of the encapsulated and sealed equipment, representing supplementary actions during maintenance.

[0069] Figure 47 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller of the encapsulation and sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 48 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process of the encapsulation and sealing device involved in the embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0072] In describing the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, specific terminology has been used for clarity. However, this disclosure is not intended to limit it to the specific terminology chosen so far, and it should be understood that each particular element includes all technical equivalents that have similar functionality, operate in a similar manner, and implement similar practices.

[0073] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used to label the same parts, and repeated descriptions will be summarized or omitted.

[0074] The structure of the image forming system according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a front cross-sectional view of a printing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 200, a folding apparatus 300 as a sheet processing apparatus, a sealing apparatus 100 as an envelope processing apparatus (also called a packaging processing apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a post-processing apparatus 400.

[0075] Image forming apparatus 200 is an example of an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet S used as a medium using a predetermined image forming method and then discharges the sheet medium. The medium carrying the image (hereinafter referred to as sheet S) is discharged to folding apparatus 300. Folding apparatus 300 folds sheet S in a predetermined manner to produce folded sheet Sf and discharges folded sheet Sf to encapsulation and sealing apparatus 100. Alternatively, folding apparatus 300 may discharge sheet S to encapsulation and sealing apparatus 100 without folding it, in the same state as when it was introduced.

[0076] The instruction to "fold" or "not fold" the sheet S is an instruction sent from the controller of the image forming device 200 based on information input by the user of the printing system 1 to the controller. Alternatively, the instruction to "fold" or "not fold" the sheet S is an instruction from the controller based on information input by the user of the printing system 1 to the controller of the folding device 300.

[0077] The encapsulation and sealing device 100 performs the following encapsulation and sealing process: inserting (encapsulating) the "encapsulated material" (sheet S or folded sheet Sf) discharged from the device (e.g., image forming device 200 or folding device 300) located upstream of the conveying sheet S in the direction (conveyance direction) into the envelope E, and sealing the cover (sealing part ef) of the envelope E after encapsulation.

[0078] The post-processing equipment 400 performs predetermined post-processing (binding, punching, etc.) on the sheet S and folded sheet Sf discharged from the upstream equipment (image forming equipment 200, folding equipment 300 and encapsulation sealing equipment 100) as instructed by the controller.

[0079] The sealing and encapsulation apparatus 100 includes a package reversing conveyor that reverses the orientation of the ends of a folded sheet Sf obtained by folding the sheet S in the conveying direction, so as to insert the folded sheet Sf into the envelope E in the appropriate orientation. That is, the sealing and encapsulation apparatus 100 determines whether the forming position of the ends, etc., formed on the folded sheet Sf matches the position of the transparent window ew pre-formed on the envelope E, and based on the determination, reverses the orientation (end position) of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction. In other words, the sealing and encapsulation apparatus 100 includes a conveying mechanism that, when it is necessary to reverse the folded sheet Sf, uses a conveying path located upstream of the encapsulation position to convey the folded sheet Sf to the encapsulation position after reversing the folded sheet Sf.

[0080] The control process for reversing and conveying the folded sheet Sf in the encapsulation and sealing apparatus 100 will be described in detail below. Furthermore, the encapsulation and sealing apparatus 100 can also perform the same encapsulation and sealing operations on folded sheets S used as encapsulation materials.

[0081] Here, the "coordinate axes" used to represent "direction" in embodiments of the present invention will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the axis parallel to the placement surface (equipment mounting surface) of the printing system 1 and along the arrangement direction of the equipment constituting the printing system 1 is defined as the Y-axis. The direction indicated by the arrow on the Y-axis is defined as the positive Y-direction. The direction opposite to the positive Y-direction is defined as the negative Y-direction. Therefore, the sheet S carrying the image formed by the image forming apparatus 200 is fed out in the positive Y-direction. Thereafter, the sheet S is conveyed to the folding device 300, the sealing device 100, and the post-processing device 400, which are disposed downstream of the image forming apparatus 200 in the positive Y-direction.

[0082] Similarly, the X-axis is defined as an axis parallel to the placement surface of the printing system 1 and extends in the front-back direction of the printing system 1. The direction indicated by the X-axis arrow is defined as the positive X-direction. The direction opposite to the positive X-direction is defined as the negative X-direction.

[0083] The Z-axis is defined as an axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes and extending along the height of the printing system 1. The direction indicated by the Z-axis arrow is defined as the positive Z-direction. The direction opposite to the positive Z-direction is defined as the negative Z-direction.

[0084] If the accompanying figures mentioned in the following description also have coordinate axes similar to those described above, then the directions of the coordinate axes are also defined as described above.

[0085] The sheet S carrying the image formed by the image forming apparatus 200 is discharged in the positive Y direction. Thereafter, the sheet S is conveyed to the folding device 300, the encapsulation and sealing device 100, and the post-processing device 400, which are located downstream of the image forming apparatus 200 in the positive Y direction. Therefore, the positive Y direction is equivalent to the sheet conveying direction DS. However, although the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf enters the encapsulation and sealing device 100 in the positive Y direction, when the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf is inserted into the envelope E and the envelope E is sealed, the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf is conveyed in the Z direction.

[0086] In other words, in the encapsulation and sealing apparatus 100 constituting the printing system 1, the encapsulated material (folded sheet Sf) conveyed in the positive Y direction and fed into the encapsulation and sealing apparatus is conveyed in the positive Y direction and then conveyed in the negative Z direction to be encapsulated in an envelope E. On the other hand, the envelope E stored in the encapsulation and sealing apparatus 100 is separated from the stacking position, conveyed in the positive Z direction to reach the encapsulation position, and conveyed in the negative Z direction after the encapsulation operation. Then, the envelope E is sealed and discharged.

[0087] Reference Figure 2 The functional blocks of the printing system 1 as a whole will be described below. In the following description, the encapsulant used as the medium to be conveyed and inserted into the envelope E is a folded sheet Sf carrying the image formed by the image forming device 200 and subjected to a predetermined folding process by the folding device 300. Figure 2 In the diagram, the dashed line represents the movement path (e.g., conveyor path) of the folded sheet Sf. Figure 2 In the diagram, the solid lines represent channels used for sending and receiving signals between functional blocks. Figure 2 The movement path (e.g., conveyor path) of sheet S is also indicated by dashed lines.

[0088] For example, the image forming apparatus 200 forms an image on the sheet S through general electrophotographic processing. The image forming apparatus 200 includes a display 210, a control panel 220, a sheet feeder 230, an image forming device 240, a fixing device 250, and a print controller 260.

[0089] Display 210 shows information to the user, such as the status of each function and the actions to be specified by the user. Control panel 220 is equivalent to an operating interface, which the user uses to make settings, such as settings for specifying operating modes and print counts, and settings for reversing the sheet S or folded sheet Sf when the sealing device 100 inserts the sheet S or folded sheet Sf into the envelope E. Sheet feeder 230 includes a sheet feeding mechanism that stores the sheets S and separates and feeds the sheets S one by one. Image forming apparatus 240 forms a latent image on a photoconductor, develops the latent image into an image (e.g., a toner image), and transfers the image onto the sheet S. Fixing apparatus 250 fixes the image transferred onto the sheet. Print controller 260 controls the operation of the above-mentioned functional blocks.

[0090] The folding device 300 includes a sheet folder 310 and a folding controller 320. The sheet folder 310 folds the sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 according to a folding type (i.e., by folding method) specified by the print controller 260 of the image forming apparatus 200 via communication line 207. The folding controller 320 controls the entire folding device 300. The folding controller 320 also controls communication with the print controller 260 and the encapsulation and sealing controller 150, which is located downstream of and connected to the folding controller 320 in the sheet conveying direction DS of the sheet S. Alternatively, the sheet S may be conveyed to the encapsulation and sealing apparatus 100 without being folded by the sheet folder 310.

[0091] The sheet folder 310 can selectively employ various types of detailed structures. The state of the folded sheet Sf after being folded by the sheet folder 310 can vary depending on the type of structure. Specifically, at a predetermined position in the packaging device 120 (described later), the leading edge of the folded sheet Sf in the packaging direction of the envelope E can vary depending on the type of folding. Even with the same folding, depending on the internal structure of the sheet folder 310, the leading edge of the folded sheet Sf in the sheet transport direction DS can be exchanged with the rear end of the folded sheet Sf in the sheet transport path DS.

[0092] like Figure 2 As shown, the encapsulation and sealing device 100 includes a sheet reversing device 110, an encapsulation device 120, a sealing device 140, and an encapsulation and sealing controller 150.

[0093] The sheet reversing device 110 performs a predetermined process on the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet folder 310. This predetermined process is defined as the conveying of the folded sheet Sf, corresponding to a control mode (e.g., fold type, position on the printed surface of the folded sheet Sf, etc.) indicated from the folding controller 320 to the encapsulation and sealing controller 150 via communication line 105. The conveying process performed by the sheet reversing device 110 includes conveying the folded sheet Sf downstream in the conveying direction and reversing the folded sheet Sf by switching the ends in the conveying direction. In other words, the sheet reversing device 110 is also used as, and is also referred to as, a sheet conveying device. The conveying and reversing of the folded sheet Sf delivers it to the encapsulation device 120 or the post-processing equipment 400.

[0094] The packaging apparatus 120 performs an envelope transport process that moves the envelope E to a position capable of packaging the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet reversing device 110, and allows the envelope E to wait at a predetermined position. The packaging apparatus 120 also performs a packaging process that inserts the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet reversing device 110 into the envelope E in a waiting state. Therefore, the packaging apparatus 120 includes a package pusher 160, which serves as a mechanism for pushing the package into the envelope E in a waiting state to package the package.

[0095] The packaging device 120 also includes a cap opening unit 130 that opens the cap portion ef to keep the opening of the envelope E open before the packaged item reaches a predetermined position.

[0096] The sealing device 140 closes the cap portion ef of the envelope E containing the folded sheet Sf, and then discharges the sealed envelope E into... Figure 3 The envelope shown is discharged from tray 144.

[0097] The sealing controller 150 controls the operation of multiple conveyor roller pairs constituting the sheet reversing device 110, the sealing device 120, and the sealing device 140, as well as the operation of the switching claw that switches the conveying path of the envelope E. In the following description, the drive source of the switching claw is not particularly limited; for example, a motor, solenoid, etc., can be appropriately used to rotate in a specified direction at a specified time to switch states.

[0098] The encapsulation and sealing controller 150 also controls the operation of the cap opening unit 130 and the package pusher 160 included in the encapsulation device 120. The encapsulation and sealing controller 150 is a controller that controls the feeding of the folded sheet Sf, including the reversal and encapsulation of the folded sheet Sf.

[0099] The encapsulation and sealing controller 150, acting as the controller, receives encapsulation object data, which is data relating to the folded sheet Sf, from the printing controller 260 and the folding controller 320. The encapsulation and sealing controller 150 controls the feeding of the folded sheet Sf based on the instructions represented by each piece of data in the received encapsulation object data.

[0100] The encapsulation object data relates to the sheet S and folded sheet Sf that become the encapsulation material. Specifically, the encapsulation object data includes data for controlling the leading edge of the sheet S or folded sheet Sf in the sheet transport direction DS to become the desired end of the sheet S or folded sheet Sf when it enters the envelope E. For example, the encapsulation object data also includes folding type data specifying the folding type used to generate the folded sheet Sf. The encapsulation object data includes operation instructions from the image forming apparatus 200, one of the upstream devices located upstream of the encapsulation sealing device 100 in the sheet transport direction DS, for determining whether to reverse the folded sheet Sf and the reverse transport. For example, the encapsulation object data also includes print surface data indicating information related to the position where an image is formed on the folded sheet Sf. For example, the encapsulation object data also includes folder type data specifying the type of sheet folder 310 used for folding.

[0101] The post-processing equipment 400 includes a post-processing device 410 and a post-processing controller 420. The post-processing controller 420 controls the post-processing device 410 to perform predetermined post-processing on the sheet S fed from an upstream device located upstream of the sheet conveying direction DS of the post-processing equipment 400. The post-processing controller 420 controls the post-processing of the post-processing device 410 according to the operation mode sent from the printing controller 260, the folding controller 320 and the sealing controller 150 through the communication line 403.

[0102] The print controller 260, folding controller 320, sealing controller 150, and post-processing controller 420 are interconnected to transmit control-required data via communication lines (e.g., communication lines 207, 105, and 403). Thus, through the linkage between the controllers (e.g., print controller 260, folding controller 320, sealing controller 150, and post-processing controller 420), the controllers share data related to the processing mode requested by the user for processing the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf, as well as the dimensions of the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf. Therefore, the entire printing system 1 shares control data, based on which the aforementioned mechanisms perform predetermined processing at predetermined times through predetermined processes.

[0103] The centrally controlled encapsulation and sealing controller 150 according to this embodiment includes a central processing unit (CPU) serving as an arithmetic processing unit, a read-only memory (ROM) serving as a memory, and a random access memory (RAM). The encapsulation and sealing controller 150 also includes an interface for outputting control signals to each conveyor roller and receiving signals from each conveyor roller, and another interface for receiving output signals from each sensor. The encapsulation and sealing controller 150 controls the operation of the encapsulation and sealing device 100 by using a control program that performs control processing using the aforementioned hardware resources.

[0104] Similar to the sealing controller 150, the printing controller 260, the folding controller 320, and the post-processing controller 420 also use a control program to control the actions of the hardware mechanisms. This control program implements its functions by using hardware resources consisting of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.

[0105] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is an example of the structure of a printing system 1, in which the sealing device 100 is connected to a post-processing device 400 located downstream of the sealing device 100 in the sheet transport direction DS. The post-processing device 400 is typically a sorter, stacker, binding machine, etc., for binding sheets S. As an example of the system structure of the printing system 1, the sealing device 100 may be located at the very downstream end in the sheet transport direction DS of the printing system 1.

[0106] The conveying structure of the sealing and encapsulation device 100 will be described.

[0107] Reference Figure 3 The structure of the conveying roller, the switching claw that switches the conveying direction of the conveyed object, and the conveying path provided with the conveying roller and the switching claw will be described. The conveying roller, the switching claw, and the conveying path constitute the sheet reversing device 110, the packaging device 120, the cap opening unit 130, and the sealing device 140 of the packaging and sealing equipment 100.

[0108] The structure of the sheet reversal device 110 will be described.

[0109] like Figure 3 As shown, the sheet reversing device 110 includes multiple conveying paths, which are mainly divided into an entry path 1100, a first conveying path 1101, a second conveying path 1102, a reversing conveying path 1103, a package conveying path 1104 used as a fourth conveying path, and a sheet discharge path 1109.

[0110] The entry path 1100 is equipped with an entry roller pair 101. The entry path 1100 is a path for receiving folded sheet Sf discharged from an upstream device (e.g., folding device 300) located upstream of the sealing device 100 in the sheet transport direction DS. The sealing controller 150 receives packaging object data, which is data related to the folded sheet Sf, from controllers located upstream of the sealing device 101 in the sheet transport direction DS, namely the printing controller 260 and the folding controller 320. Therefore, the sealing controller 150 controls the entry roller pair 101 to resume and interrupt rotation.

[0111] The first conveying path 1101 is one of a plurality of conveying paths arranged downstream of the entry roller pair 101 in the sheet conveying direction DS, and branches off from the entry path 1100. The first conveying path 1101 is provided with a first conveying roller pair 111 serving as a first conveyor and a first intermediate conveying roller pair 114. In the first conveying path 1101, a first sheet detection sensor 118 serving as a first medium sensor is arranged between the first intermediate conveying roller pair 114 and the first conveying roller pair 111. The first sheet detection sensor 118 detects the end (e.g., the rear end) of the folded sheet Sf conveyed in the sheet conveying direction DS.

[0112] The second conveying path 1102 is one of the conveying paths located downstream of the entry roller pair 101 in the sheet conveying direction DS, and branches off from the entry path 1100 in a direction different from the direction in which the first conveying path 1101 extends. The second conveying path 1102 is provided with a second conveying roller pair 112 and a second intermediate conveying roller pair 115, which serve as second conveyors. In the second conveying path 1102, a second sheet detection sensor 119, serving as a second medium sensor, is provided between the second intermediate conveying roller pair 115 and the second conveying roller pair 112. This second sheet detection sensor 119 detects the end (e.g., the rear end) of the folded sheet Sf conveyed in the sheet conveying direction DS.

[0113] The sheet reversing device 110 also includes a deflecting conveyor path 1103. The deflecting conveyor path 1103 bridges between a first conveyor path 1101 at its engagement position and a second conveyor path 1102 at its branch position. The deflecting conveyor path 1103 is located upstream of the first conveyor roller pair 111 in the sheet conveying direction DS, adjacent to the first conveyor path 1101. The deflecting conveyor path 1103 branches off from the second conveyor path 1102 at a branch position downstream of the second intermediate conveyor roller pair 115 in the sheet conveying direction DS. The deflecting conveyor path 1103 reverses the folded sheet Sf conveyed downstream of the second conveyor path 1102 in the sheet conveying direction DS and guides the folded sheet Sf back to the first conveyor path 1101. The deflecting conveyor path 1103, serving as a third conveyor path, is provided with a deflecting conveyor roller pair 113 serving as a third conveyor.

[0114] The sheet reversing device 110 also includes a sheet discharge path 1109, which is adjacent to the first conveying path 1101 and is located downstream of the first conveying path 110 in the sheet conveying direction DS. The sheet discharge path 1109 discharges the sheet S or folded sheet Sf that has passed through the sheet reversing device 110 into a post-processing device 400 located downstream of the sheet reversing device 110 in the sheet conveying direction DS. The sheet discharge path 1109 is provided with a discharge roller pair 102.

[0115] If the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the folding device 300 is not subjected to the packaging process described later, the folded sheet Sf passes through the entry path 1100, the first conveying path 1101 and the sheet discharge path 1109, and is discharged into the post-processing device 400 located downstream of the sheet reversing device 110 in the sheet conveying direction DS.

[0116] The sheet reversing device 110 further includes an encapsulation transport path 1104, which is disposed downstream of the first transport roller pair 111 in the sheet transport direction DS and branches off from the first transport path 1101. The encapsulation transport path 1104 serves as a fourth transport path guiding the folded sheet Sf to the encapsulation roller pair 121, which holds the envelope E into which the folded sheet Sf is inserted. As described below, the encapsulation transport path 1104 is adjacent to the envelope transport path 1105.

[0117] The sheet reversing device 110 also includes a branching claw 10 as a branching member, which is disposed at a branching position where the first transport path 1101 and the second transport path 1102 branch off from the entry path 1100. The folded sheet Sf is transported from the branching position to the first transport path 1101 or the second transport path 1102. Based on packaging object data related to the folded sheet Sf entering the entry path 1100, the branching claw 10 switches the transport path between the first transport path 1101 and the second transport path 1102, guiding the folded sheet Sf to the first transport path 1101 or the second transport path 1102.

[0118] The sheet reversing device 110 also includes a first switching claw 11 as a first switching mechanism, which is disposed at the confluence position where the deflection conveying path 1103 and the first conveying path 1101 merge. The first switching claw 11 pivots between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first switching claw 11 guides the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the entry path 1100 to the first conveying path 1101 toward the first conveying roller pair 111. In the second position, the first switching claw 11 guides the folded sheet Sf from the deflection conveying path 1103 to the first conveying path 1101.

[0119] The sheet reversing device 110 further includes a second switching claw 12 as a second switching mechanism, which is disposed at a branch position where the diverting conveyor path 1103 branches off from the second conveyor path 1102. The second switching claw 12 pivots between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second switching claw 12 guides the folded sheet Sf, which has been conveyed from the entry path 1100 to the second conveyor path 1102, toward the second conveyor roller pair 112. In the second position, the second switching claw 12 guides the folded sheet Sf from the second conveyor path 1102 to the diverting conveyor path 1103, so as to reverse the folded sheet Sf.

[0120] The sheet reversing device 110 also includes a third switching claw 13 as a third switching mechanism, which is disposed at the branch position where the package conveying path 1104 branches off from the first conveying path 1101. The third switching claw 13 pivots between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the third switching claw 13 guides the folded sheet Sf conveyed through the first conveying path 1101 to the package conveying path 1104. In the second position, the third switching claw 13 guides the folded sheet Sf conveyed through the first conveying path 1101 to the sheet discharge path 1109.

[0121] The first intermediate conveyor roller pair 114 conveys the folded sheet Sf conveyed through the first conveying path 1101 to the first conveyor roller pair 111. The first conveyor roller pair 111 conveys the incoming folded sheet Sf downstream in the sheet conveying direction DS, when the third switching claw 13 is located... Figure 3 At the first position shown, the third switching claw 13 guides the folded sheet Sf to the package transport path 1104. After the first sheet detection sensor 118 detects the rear end of the folded sheet Sf being transported from the first intermediate conveyor roller pair 114 to the first conveyor roller pair 111, and the folded sheet Sf has been transported a predetermined distance, the folded sheet Sf has already moved towards the package transport path 1104. Therefore, the sheet reversing device 110 stops the rotation of each of the rotating conveyor roller pairs.

[0122] The second intermediate conveyor roller pair 115 conveys the folded sheet Sf, which is being conveyed via the second conveyor path 1102, to the second conveyor roller pair 112. When the second sheet detection sensor 119 detects the rear end of the folded sheet Sf being conveyed via the second conveyor path 1102 in the sheet conveying direction DS, and the folded sheet Sf has been conveyed a predetermined distance, the second conveyor roller pair 112 stops its forward rotation and then begins to rotate in the reverse direction. Thus, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed in reverse towards the turning conveyor path 1103. Before the second conveyor roller pair 112 rotates backward, or during the reverse rotation of the second conveyor roller pair 112, when the folded sheet Sf, determined based on the detection sent from the second sheet detection sensor 119, passes the second switching claw 12 at its rear end in the sheet conveying direction DS, the sealing controller 150 causes the second switching claw 12 to rotate. Thus, the second switching claw 12 reaches a second position that guides the folded sheet Sf towards the turning conveyor path 1103.

[0123] When the second switching claw 12 guides the folded sheet Sf from the second conveying path 1102 to the turning conveying path 1103, the turning conveying roller pair 113 conveys the folded sheet Sf to the first conveying path 1101.

[0124] The structure of the packaging device 120 will be described.

[0125] like Figure 3 As shown, the packaging apparatus 120 includes an envelope transport path 1105, which is a vertical transport path, connected to a package transport path 1104, which is a fourth transport path, disposed on the sheet reversing device 110. The envelope transport path 1105 extends in a direction intersecting the ground (XY plane) of the packaging and sealing device 100, and more specifically, in a direction orthogonal to the ground (Z direction), i.e., in the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0126] The hardware configuration of the packaging device 120 is described in detail here. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the packaging device 120 shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the frame structure of the packaging device 120 shown. Figure 5As shown, the encapsulation device 120 includes a plate support bar 1203, a plurality of reinforcing support bars 1204, and a plurality of slide rail support bars 1205 connecting the front plate 1201 and the rear plate 1202.

[0127] The plate support bar 1203 is equipped with a plate bracket 1207, which supports the control board 1206 of a motor, such as the drive conveyor roller described below. The reinforcing support bar 1204 maintains the strength of the sealing device 120. When the entire sealing device 120 moves forward from the sealing device 100 (along...) Figure 4 When pulled out (in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow), the slide rail support 1205 is fitted onto a slide rail provided on the main body of the sealing device 100 and slides on the slide rail. As described above, the sealing device 120 is modularized as a whole and configured such that when the envelope E or the packaged item is stuck, or during maintenance of the device constituting the sealing device 120, the entire sealing device 120 can be pulled out for stuck handling or maintenance work.

[0128] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the packaging device 120 shown. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the drive structure of the packaging device 120. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the packaging device 120 as seen from the rear panel 1202.

[0129] like Figure 6 As shown, the combined packaging apparatus 120 includes an envelope transport path 1105, a packaging roller pair 121, a package pusher 160, a cap holding roller pair 169, a first vertical transport roller pair 122, a second vertical transport roller pair 123, and an envelope steering roller pair 132. The combined packaging apparatus 120 also includes the envelope steering roller pair 132, an envelope steering switching claw 21, and a cap gripping claw 181 constituting a cap opening unit 130. The combined packaging apparatus 120 further includes an envelope carrier tray 127, a separating roller pair 125, and a supply roller 131 constituting a sheet supply unit.

[0130] The driven rollers of the first vertical conveying roller pair 122, the second vertical conveying roller pair 123, and the envelope turning roller pair 132 are installed on the opening and closing guide plate 1208. As the opening and closing guide plate 1208 rotates, they contact and separate from the drive rollers of the first vertical conveying roller pair 122, the second vertical conveying roller pair 123, and the envelope turning roller pair 132.

[0131] The opening and closing guide plate 1208 is configured to open and close with the opening and closing guide plate rotation axis 1215 located near the envelope turning roller pair 132 as the fulcrum. Furthermore, as described below, the opening and closing guide plate 1208 is always biased in the closed state by the bias arm 1216.

[0132] like Figure 7As shown, the rear plate 1202 of the packaging device 120 includes a packaging roller motor 1209, a push claw motor 1210, a vertical conveying roller motor 1211, a guide plate opening and closing motor 1212, a cap opening roller motor 1213, a supply roller motor 1228, and a packaging claw motor 1230. The packaging roller motor 1209 drives the packaging roller pair 121. The push claw motor 1210 drives the push claw 161 of the package propeller 160. The vertical conveying roller motor 1211 drives the cap holding roller pair 169, the first vertical conveying roller pair 122, and the second vertical conveying roller pair 123. The guide plate opening and closing motor 1212 rotates the opening and closing guide plate 1208. The supply roller motor 1228 drives the supply roller 131. The packaging claw motor 1230 rotates the packaging claw support 1233.

[0133] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the opening and closing guide plate 1208 viewed from the front (conveying path side). Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the opening and closing drive mechanism of the opening and closing guide plate 1208. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the cam mechanism of the opening and closing guide plate 1208. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the opening and closing cam 1214 of the opening and closing guide plate 1208. Figure 12 This is a front view of the opening / closing cam 1214 of the opening / closing guide plate 1208. The driven rollers of the first vertical conveying roller pair 122, the second vertical conveying roller pair 123, and the envelope steering roller pair 132 are rotatably mounted to the opening / closing guide plate 1208.

[0134] Above the opening / closing guide plate 1208, the main packaging claw 1231 and the secondary packaging claw 1232, which operate to widen the opening of envelope E, are rotatably supported by the packaging claw support 1233, allowing the package to be easily inserted into envelope E. The packaging claw motor 1230 rotates the packaging claw support 1233 in the direction of widening the opening of envelope E. Thus, the main packaging claw 1231 and the secondary packaging claw 1232 are inserted into the opening of envelope E. The package then passes between the main packaging claw 1231 and the secondary packaging claw 1232 to be inserted into envelope E.

[0135] The opening and closing guide plate 1208, with the first vertical conveying roller pair 122 at its end, rotates around the opening and closing guide plate rotation shaft 1215 as a fulcrum. The opening and closing guide plate rotation shaft 1215 is equipped with an offset arm 1216, and the opening and closing guide plate 1208 is supported by the offset arm 1216. Figure 8 The direction indicated by the dashed arrow in the figure is offset. As a result, the driven rollers of the first vertical conveying roller pair 122, the second vertical conveying roller pair 123, and the envelope steering roller pair 132 are pressed against the drive rollers of the first vertical conveying roller pair 122 and the second vertical conveying roller pair 123 to convey the envelope.

[0136] like Figure 9As shown, the opening and closing cam 1214, which switches the opening and closing position of the opening and closing guide plate 1208, is rotatably disposed on the main body side of the packaging device 120.

[0137] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the opening / closing cam 1214 has a locking pin mating groove 1219 to engage with a ball bearing 1218 of a locking pin 1217 disposed on each of the front and rear surfaces of the opening / closing guide plate 1208. The opening / closing cam 1214 includes a cam surface 1220 to contact the ball bearing 1218 when the opening / closing cam 1214 rotates, thereby switching the opening / closing position of the opening / closing guide plate 1208.

[0138] like Figure 12 As shown, the cam surface 1220 has a shape in which the distance from the cam rotation center 1221 to the cam surface 1220 decreases as it moves from the open position OP towards the closed position CP. The opening / closing cam 1214 is provided with an anti-opening stop 1223 for holding the opening / closing guide plate 1208 in the closed position CP. The anti-opening stop 1223 has a pull-in surface 1225 for pulling the ball bearing 1218 of the opening / closing guide plate 1208 into the locking pin engagement groove 1219 when the opening / closing guide plate 1208 switches from the open position OP to the closed position CP. The anti-opening stop 1223 also has a retaining surface 1227 that abuts against the ball bearing 1218 when the opening / closing guide plate 1208 is held in the closed position CP.

[0139] Opening / closing cam 1214 and drive pulley (e.g., Figure 7 The guide plate opening and closing pulley 1229 is integrated. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the drive pulley and the guide plate opening / closing motor 1212 are connected by a belt 1224, and the driving force of the guide plate opening / closing motor 1212 is transmitted to the opening / closing cam 1214. The drive pulley is equipped with a detection probe 1226 for detecting the original position of the opening / closing cam 1214 (the closed position CP of the opening / closing cam 1214). The origin position sensor 1236 is installed at a position that can detect the position of the detection probe 1226 at a time corresponding to the closed position CP.

[0140] Figures 13 to 18 This is a diagram showing the opening and closing action of the opening and closing guide plate 1208 in each step. Figure 19 This is a diagram showing the opening and closing states of the opening and closing guide plate 1208. Figure 20 This indicates that when the package is propelled by the package propeller 160 (refer to...) Figure 22 A diagram showing the state of the opening / closing guide 1208 when encapsulated in envelope E. The opening / closing guide 1208 is positioned by the bias arm (energizing arm) 1216 in conjunction with... Figure 8 The same as the dashed arrow Figures 13 to 18 The direction indicated by the dashed arrow X is constantly offset (enabled).

[0141] When an envelope E is supplied from the envelope carrying tray 127, which serves as an envelope holding tray, passes through the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122, the second vertical conveyor roller pair 123, and the envelope turning roller pair 132 (see reference) Figure 26 When conveying towards the package pusher 160, the opening / closing cam 1214 is located at... Figure 15 The state (closed position CP). When the envelope E with the package inserted is conveyed toward the sealing mechanism 145 via the package pusher 160 (refer to...) Figure 30 The opening and closing cam 1214 is also located in Figure 15 The status (closed position CP).

[0142] At this time, the opening and closing guide plate 1208 is in the position Figure 19 The solid line indicates the closed position CP. In this state, the driven rollers of the first vertical conveying roller pair 122, the second vertical conveying roller pair 123, and the envelope steering roller pair 132 are pressed against the drive rollers by the biasing force of the biasing arm 1216, thereby enabling the conveying of envelope E.

[0143] When the package is pushed into envelope E by package pusher 160 (see reference) Figure 29 and 30 Before the package reaches the package pusher 160, the respective paired rollers in the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122 and the second vertical conveyor roller pair 123 separate from each other. In this case, in response to the detection that the package has reached a predetermined position on the conveying path, the opening / closing cam 1214 moves away from the package pusher 160. Figure 15 The state shown begins to rotate counterclockwise.

[0144] Then, as Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, rotation continues. Simultaneously, the ball bearing 1218 on the opening / closing guide plate 1208 is constantly pressed against the cam surface 1220 of the opening / closing cam 1214 by the biasing force of the biasing arm 1216. Furthermore, the opening / closing cam 1214 continues to rotate against the biasing force of the biasing arm 1216, thereby moving the opening / closing guide plate 1208 to... Figure 18 The device is in the indicated state (open position OP) and rotation stops. In this state, the driven rollers of the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122 and the second vertical conveyor roller pair 123 are separated from the drive rollers. Therefore, the package can be inserted into the envelope E through the package pusher 160 (when the opening / closing guide plate 1208 is in the open position). Figure 19 The opening position OP shown is... Figure 20 (State).

[0145] When the package is pushed into envelope E by package pusher 160 (see reference) Figure 30 ), opening and closing cam 1214 from Figure 18The state shown begins to rotate again, and as... Figure 13 and 14 The cam continues to rotate. At this time, through the action of the pull-in surface 1225 on the anti-opening stop 1223 of the opening / closing cam 1214, the ball bearing 1218 of the opening / closing guide plate 1208 is pulled into the locking pin groove 1219. Thereafter, the opening / closing cam 1214 continues to rotate, simultaneously causing the cam surface 1220 to slide into contact with the ball bearing 1218 of the opening / closing guide plate 1208, and when the opening / closing cam 1214 reaches... Figure 15 The rotation eventually stops when the state shown is reached.

[0146] When the envelope E or the packaged item is jammed, or when maintenance is being performed on the components of the packaging device 120, the entire packaging device 120 is pulled out, and then the opening / closing guide 1208 is rotated to... Figure 19 The JSP shown provides a convenient way to handle or maintain stuck situations.

[0147] The packaging apparatus 120 having the above structure transports the envelope E (including reverse transport) via the envelope transport path 1105. Through this transport operation, the envelope E is transported to a predetermined packaging position, and the packaged contents inserted into the envelope E are transported via the packaged contents transport path 1104 connected to the envelope transport path 1105.

[0148] like Figure 3 As shown, the envelope E containing the packaged item is conveyed from the envelope conveying path 1105 to the sealing path 1106 (described later) and discharged onto the envelope discharge tray 144. In other words, the structure for discharging the envelope E by performing both the packaging and sealing actions is arranged in the vertical direction of the device. This structure reduces the installation area of ​​the packaging and sealing device 100 and enables the overall miniaturization of the device.

[0149] The envelope transport path 1105 includes an envelope holding mechanism that transports the envelope E to a sealed position as a predetermined location and holds the envelope E to seal the contents.

[0150] The envelope transport path 1105 is adjacent to the sealing path 1106 used to seal the envelope E containing the package.

[0151] The envelope transport path 1105 is provided with a first vertical transport roller pair 122 and a second vertical transport roller pair 123, which serve as envelope transporters to the receiving position of envelope E receiving folded sheet Sf. In the envelope transport path 1105, a packaging roller pair 121, which serves as a packaging material supplier or packaging material conveyor for supplying packaging material to envelope E, is provided above the first vertical transport roller pair 122 (in the positive Z direction).

[0152] For an envelope E that is conveyed and held in the packaging position by the first vertical conveying roller pair 122 and the second vertical conveying roller pair 123, the packaging roller pair 121 conveys the package in the packaging direction (negative Z direction) to perform the packaging action.

[0153] The package pusher 160 is positioned between the packaging roller pair 121 and the first vertical conveying roller pair 122 and on the side of the envelope conveying path 1105, and performs an action of pushing the package toward the opening of the envelope E during the packaging operation.

[0154] The capping and opening unit 130 is located at the junction of the conveying paths extending from the envelope conveying path 1105 to the sealing path 1106. The capping and opening unit 130 includes a supply roller 131 and an envelope deflector roller pair 132. The supply roller 131 conveys the envelope E taken from the envelope loading tray 127 toward the first branch position, and the envelope deflector roller pair 132 functions as a deflector conveyor.

[0155] The supply roller 131 is disposed in the envelope entry path 1107, which serves as the envelope supply path. The supply roller 131 includes a cap opener 180 that opens the cap portion ef of the envelope E taken from the envelope carrier tray 127.

[0156] The envelope turning switching claw 21 is located at the junction of the envelope entry path 1107 and the envelope transport path 1105.

[0157] The envelope steering roller pair 132 is positioned below the envelope steering switching claw 21 (in the negative Z direction) and below the first branch position of the envelope entry path 1107 adjacent to the envelope transport path 1105 (along the negative Z direction).

[0158] The envelope steering roller pair 132 located below the first branch position and the first vertical conveying roller pair 122 located above the first branch position constitute the first conveying roller pair.

[0159] Separating roller pair 125 is positioned on envelope entry path 1107 adjacent to envelope transport path 1105. Separating roller pair 125 removes one of the stacked envelopes E from envelope loading tray 127. Separating roller pair 125 and supply roller 131, acting as an envelope feeder, supply envelope E to envelope transport path 1105. That is, separating roller pair 125 and supply roller 131 transport envelope E to the first branch position.

[0160] like Figure 3As shown, multiple envelopes E are placed on the envelope carrier tray 127. Each envelope E placed on the envelope carrier tray 127 includes a bottom, i.e., the opposite end to the cap portion ef. The bottom of the envelope E faces the separation roller pair 125. Therefore, when the envelope E is discharged from the envelope carrier tray 127, the bottom of the envelope E serves as the front end of the envelope E in the envelope conveying direction DE.

[0161] In other words, in this embodiment, the bottom of the envelope E, which is separated from the envelope E stacked on the envelope carrier tray 127, corresponds to the "front end in the transport direction". The end of the envelope E with the cap portion ef corresponds to the "rear end in the transport direction". The "rear end in the transport direction" when the cap portion ef is closed is the folded position of the cap portion ef in the envelope E, while the "rear end in the transport direction" when the cap portion ef is open is the end of the cap portion ef.

[0162] One envelope E is removed from a plurality of envelopes E placed on an envelope carrier tray 127 by a separation roller pair 125 and conveyed by a supply roller 131 and an envelope turning roller pair 132 to a position beyond the envelope turning switching claw 21.

[0163] The envelope reversing claw 21 rotates between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the envelope reversing claw 21 temporarily guides the envelope E, removed from the envelope carrying tray 127, to the sealing path 1106. In the second position, the envelope reversing claw 21 guides the envelope E to the envelope transport path 1105, so that the envelope E is transported towards the sheet reversing device 110 via the envelope transport path 1105. In other words, the envelope reversing claw 21 is a component that switches the transport direction of the envelope E.

[0164] The first vertical conveyor roller pair 122 and the second vertical conveyor roller pair 123 convey the envelope E to a predetermined position in the envelope conveying path 1105 and hold the envelope E, with the opening of the envelope E (e.g., the cap portion ef) located at... Figure 3 Below the packaging roller pair 121 and above the first vertical conveying roller pair 122.

[0165] The packaging roller pair 121 is a type of conveying roller pair that rotates in the packaging direction of inserting the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet reversing device 110 into the envelope E.

[0166] The structure of the sealing device 140 will be described.

[0167] like Figure 3As shown, the sealing device 140 includes a third vertical conveying roller pair 141 and a fourth vertical conveying roller pair 142, which serve as deflecting conveyors, disposed in the sealing path 1106. The sealing device 140 also includes an envelope discharge path 1108, which branches off from the sealing path 1106 at a second branch position, serving as an envelope discharge path. An envelope discharge switching claw 31 is disposed at the second branch position. An envelope discharge roller pair 143 is disposed at the end of the envelope discharge path 1108.

[0168] The third vertical conveying roller pair 141 and the fourth vertical conveying roller pair 142 constitute the second conveying roller pair, and convey the envelope E to a predetermined position in the sealing path 1106 and hold it at that predetermined position.

[0169] The envelope discharge switching claw 31 rotates between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the envelope discharge switching claw 31 guides the envelope E from the supply roller 131 through the package conveying path 1104 to the third vertical conveying roller pair 141. In the second position, the envelope discharge switching claw 31 guides the envelope E from the package conveying path 1104 to the envelope discharge path 1108. Thus, the envelope discharge switching claw 31 switches the conveying direction of the envelope E.

[0170] A sealing mechanism 145 is provided in the sealing path 1106 as a sealing part, which performs a "sealing process" to close the cap part ef. When the cap part ef of the envelope E conveyed by the third vertical conveyor roller pair 141 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller pair 142 is opened, the sealing mechanism 145 closes the cap part ef.

[0171] The envelope discharge rollers 143 discharge envelope E onto the envelope discharge tray 144.

[0172] Envelope discharge tray 144, which serves as an envelope stacker, is a tray for placing discharged envelopes E.

[0173] As described above, in the encapsulation and sealing apparatus 100, the transport paths (e.g., envelope transport path 1105 and sealing path 1106) that transport the folded sheet Sf from the sheet reversing device 110 to the encapsulation device 120 and the sealing device 140 are arranged continuously and perpendicularly in the Z direction. The transport paths that transport the folded sheet Sf and the envelope E constitute a vertical transport path that vertically connects the envelope transport path 1105 of the encapsulation device 120 and the sealing path 1106 of the sealing device 140 in the Z direction.

[0174] The structure of the cover opener 180 will be described in detail below.

[0175] Here, refer to Figure 21The cap opener 180, included in the envelope guide roller pair 132, is described in detail. The cap opener 180 includes a cap gripper 181 and a spring 182. The cap gripper 181 is rotatably mounted on the rotation shaft of one of the pair of conveyor rollers constituting the envelope guide roller pair 132. The spring 182 applies force to the cap gripper 181.

[0176] The sealing gripper 181 is pressed against the bottom of the envelope E delivered from the envelope entry path 1107, and... Figure 21 The envelope E rotates counterclockwise. Thus, the envelope E can enter path 1107 through the envelope. The sealing gripper 181, under the biasing force of the spring 182, moves along... Figure 21 The envelope is rotated clockwise and remains in contact with the inner wall of the envelope entry path 1107. In this state, the envelope entry path 1107 is closed.

[0177] When the bottom of envelope E, conveyed via envelope entry path 1107, pushes the cap gripper 181 towards envelope guide roller pair 132, the cap portion ef is held by the top of the cap gripper 181. As envelope E is further conveyed in this state, it is conveyed further to envelope conveying path 1105 via supply roller 131 and envelope guide roller pair 132 with the cap portion ef in contact with the top. When the cap portion ef passes the supply roller 131, the cap portion ef opens. Thus, envelope E with the open cap portion ef is conveyed in the negative Z direction via envelope guide roller pair 132. Subsequently, envelope E is returned in the positive Z direction via envelope reversal roller 132, with the cap portion ef open, forming a state where envelope E can receive the packaged item.

[0178] Next, refer to Figure 22 The structure of the package pusher 160 included in the packaging device 120 is described. Figure 22 This section outlines the main structure of the package propeller 160. The package propeller 160, serving as a packaging unit or media propeller, mainly includes a pusher pawl 161, a pawl rotation shaft 162, a sliding part 163, a spring 164, a sliding rod shaft 165, a belt fixing part 166, a rotating gear 167, a toothed belt 168, a cap holding roller pair 169, and a cap detection sensor 170.

[0179] The cap portion ef of the envelope E, which is conveyed to the sealing position, is guided to and held by the cap holding roller pair 169. The structure for guiding the cap portion ef includes, for example, a guide plate, which is installed such that the cap portion ef is guided toward the cap holding roller pair 169.

[0180] The cap detection sensor 170 detects whether the cap portion ef is held by the cap holding roller pair 169. Based on the detection result of the cap detection sensor 170 and the pre-calculated cap length, even if the size or type of the envelope E is different, the conveying amount of the envelope E can be controlled so that the opening of the envelope E reaches the predetermined position.

[0181] The cap holding roller pair 169 and the cap detection sensor 170 constitute a cap holder that holds and detects the cap part ef.

[0182] The position of the opening of envelope E is not affected by the length of the cap. Therefore, when the pusher claw 161 pushes the conveyed package, it can prevent problems such as the package protruding from envelope E or excessive pushing of the package, and can perform a proper sealing operation.

[0183] When a package (e.g., a folded sheet Sf) is conveyed from the sheet reversing device 110 in the envelope conveying path 1105, the push claw 161, which has a movement limiting part, sets the state of the push claw 161 to an initial state when the package contacts the push claw 161. When the conveyed package contacts the upper surface side of the push claw 161, the package pushes the push claw 161 downward (in the direction of gravity). The push claw 161 is moved by the conveying of the package. Figure 23 Rotate counterclockwise. Thus, the folded sheet Sf, acting as the encapsulation material, is in a state where it can advance into the envelope E.

[0184] When no external force as described above is applied, the pusher 161 is forced by the spring 164, thereby returning to the initial state where the pusher 161 passes through the envelope delivery path 1105 in the width direction (e.g., Figure 23 (The state shown).

[0185] The claw 161 is pushed to rotate around the claw rotation axis 162. The claw rotation axis 162 is fixed to the sliding part 163.

[0186] One end of the spring 164 is fixed to the sliding part 163. The other end of the spring 164 is fixed to one end of the push claw 161. Therefore, when the push claw 161 rotates counterclockwise via the claw rotation axis 162, the push claw 161 rotates in a direction that resists the biasing force of the spring 164. That is, the front end of the push claw 161 is pushed downward by a force greater than the biasing force of the spring 164, so that the package can be sealed in the envelope E.

[0187] When a clockwise rotational force is applied to the pusher pawl 161, the rear end of the pusher pawl 161 contacts the spring 164 and the sliding part 163 to which the spring 164 is fixed. This prevents the pusher pawl 161 from rotating counterclockwise.

[0188] The sliding portion 163 is slidably held by the sliding rod shaft 165. A belt fixing portion 166 is provided on the end of the sliding portion 163 opposite to the end where the pusher pawl 161 is provided. The belt fixing portion 166 is fixed to the toothed belt 168 that meshes with the rotating gear 167. The sliding rod shaft 165 is a guide that allows the sliding portion 163 to slide along the envelope transport path 1105. Therefore, the sliding portion 163 is held so that it can slide in the direction (Z direction) in which the envelope transport path 1105 extends.

[0189] The sealing controller 150 controls the rotation of the rotating gear 167 based on the envelope length and the cap length. The rotation of the rotating gear 167 causes the toothed belt 168 wound around it to rotate. As the toothed belt 168 rotates, the sliding portion 163, fixed by the belt fixing portion 166, moves in the rotational direction. The direction of movement of the sliding portion 163 is the Z direction as described above. As the rotating gear 167 rotates, the sliding portion 163 is guided by the sliding rod shaft 165 and slides in the Z direction.

[0190] After the package passes through the pusher claw 161, the slider 163 moves in the negative Z direction, causing the package to be pushed into the envelope E by the pusher claw 161. This is how the package is pushed in.

[0191] The pusher pawl 161 included in the package pusher 160 may have a contact portion that contacts the folded sheet Sf to be pushed in multiple locations, similar to Figure 35 The pusher pawl 161a shown.

[0192] In the configuration where the folded sheet Sf contacts multiple contact parts (such as the pusher claw 161a), even if the package tilts when pushed into the envelope E, the tilt angle of the package is very small. Therefore, the folded sheet Sf can be packaged in a more stable state.

[0193] The series of processes used for encapsulation and sealing are further described.

[0194] Reference Figures 23 to 34 An example of a series of processes for encapsulation and sealing performed by the encapsulation and sealing apparatus 100 is illustrated. Figures 23 to 34 In this document, only the components used in the description of a series of processes used for packaging are labeled with reference numerals.

[0195] First, such as Figure 23 As shown, after the envelopes E stacked on the envelope carrier tray 127 are separated one by one by the separating roller pair 125, the envelopes E are conveyed by the supply roller 131 to the envelope deflecting roller pair 132. At this time, the envelope deflecting switching claw 21 and the envelope discharge switching claw 31 move along... Figure 23The direction shown. The envelope steering roller pair 132, the third vertical conveying roller pair 141 and the fourth vertical conveying roller pair 142 rotate in the direction of conveying the envelope E downward and convey the envelope E to a predetermined position in the package conveying path 1104.

[0196] Subsequently, as Figure 24 As shown, when envelope E passes through envelope guide roller pair 132, the cap portion ef is opened by cap opener 180. In this state, the envelope E reaches... Figure 25 The state shown.

[0197] Subsequently, as Figure 25 As shown, after the cap portion ef of envelope E is opened and reaches the position passing through the envelope steering roller pair 132, the third vertical conveying roller pair 141 and the fourth vertical conveying roller pair 142 reverse, conveying envelope E back toward the predetermined position of the sealing device 120. Before or simultaneously with the start of the reverse conveying of envelope E, the envelope steering switching claw 21 moves along... Figure 25 The envelope rotates in the direction indicated by the middle arrow. This causes the envelope E to move through the envelope transport path 1105. Figure 25 Upward transport.

[0198] like Figure 26 As shown, the second vertical conveyor roller pair 123 and the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122, which constitute the steering conveyor, convey the envelope E to the sealing position. When the cap portion ef reaches the position where the cap portion ef has passed through the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122, the second vertical conveyor roller pair 123 and the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122 stop rotating and enter a standby state for the sealing operation.

[0199] In the control of conveying envelope E to the packaging position, the separating roller pair 125 removes envelope E, and the conveying amount of envelope E is calculated based on the rotation amount of each conveying roller pair. The position of envelope E in the package conveying path 1104 is determined based on the length of envelope E, the length of the cap portion ef, the conveying amount of envelope E, and the conveying path length of envelope E conveyed in the envelope entry path 1107 and the envelope conveying path 1105.

[0200] Subsequently, as Figure 27 As shown, with the envelope E held in the sealing position, the sealing device 100 receives the folded sheet Sf from the upstream device (folding device 300) via the inlet roller pair 101 and conveys the folded sheet Sf to the first conveying path 1101.

[0201] Then as Figure 28As shown, the first intermediate conveyor roller pair 114 and the first conveyor roller pair 111 convey the folded sheet Sf downstream of the sheet conveying direction DS. The first switching claw 11 and the third switching claw 13 are located at... Figure 28 At the position shown, the folded sheet Sf is guided from the first transport path 1101 to the package transport path 1104.

[0202] Then, as Figure 29 As shown, the packaging roller pair 121 further conveys the folded sheet Sf, which is conveyed from the package conveying path 1104, to the envelope conveying path 1105 in the negative Z direction. Thus, the first vertical conveying roller pair 122, etc., holds the folded sheet Sf at a predetermined packaging position in the envelope conveying path 1105. The folded sheet Sf is inserted into the opening of the envelope E, which is in a packaging standby state. During the packaging operation, the package pusher 160 is operated, and the folded sheet Sf is pushed into the envelope E by the pusher claw 161.

[0203] Subsequently, as Figure 30 As shown, the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122 and the second vertical conveyor roller pair 123 rotate, as... Figure 31 As shown, envelope E is conveyed downwards to the fourth vertical conveyor roller pair 142. Envelope E, which encapsulates the folded sheet Sf, is conveyed to the sealing section ef through the pass position of the envelope discharge switching claw 31.

[0204] Then, as Figure 32 As shown, the sealing part ef is closed by the sealing mechanism 145 between the third vertical conveying roller pair 141 and the fourth vertical conveying roller pair 142 to seal the envelope E.

[0205] Then, as Figure 33 As shown, the third vertical conveyor roller pair 141 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller pair 142 rotate in opposite directions to switch and convey the sealed envelope E. Before the third vertical conveyor roller pair 141 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller pair 142 rotate in opposite directions, the envelope discharge switching claw 31 rotates to... Figure 33 The position is shown. Thus, the third vertical conveyor roller pair 141 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller pair 142 convey the envelope E containing the folded sheet Sf from the sealing path 1106 to the envelope discharge path 1108.

[0206] Therefore, as Figure 34 As shown, the envelope discharge roller pair 143 discharges the sealed envelope E onto the envelope discharge tray 144.

[0207] The relationship between fold type and image forming surface Ps is explained below.

[0208] Here, an example of the relationship between the folding type of the folded sheet Sf and the position of the printed surface is illustrated with reference to FIG36. Figure 36AThis indicates the outer three-fold sheet Sa when the folding type is "outer three-fold". Figure 36B This indicates the inner three-fold sheet Sb when the folding type is "inner three-fold".

[0209] like Figure 36A As shown, in the case of the outer three-fold sheet Sa, the image forming surface Ps, which serves as the image forming surface, is located at the lowest outermost position in the transport direction. On the other hand, as... Figure 36B As shown, in the case of the inner three-fold sheet Sb, the image forming surface Ps is located on the outer surface of the folded sheet.

[0210] exist Figure 36A and 36B In the two examples shown, "outer triple fold" and "inner triple fold" are performed. However, due to the difference in the structure (type difference) of the sheet folder 310, the positions of the image forming surface Ps in the outer triple fold and the inner triple fold are opposite to each other. That is, the position of the image forming surface Ps in the folded sheet Sf varies according to the folding type, and the position of the image forming surface Ps in the folded sheet S also varies according to the type of sheet folder 310.

[0211] The relationship between the image forming surface Ps and the envelope E will be explained below.

[0212] Reference Figure 37 The relative positions between the image forming surface Ps of the folded sheet Sf and the transparent window ew pre-formed in the envelope E are explained. In this example, as... Figure 37 As shown, the outer three-fold sheet Sa passes directly through the first conveying path 1101 and is sealed in the standby envelope E via the encapsulation conveying path 1104, with the envelope E in the open state of the sealing part ef.

[0213] In this case, since the image forming surface Ps is not located facing the transparent window ew, the encapsulated image forming surface Ps is not visible from the outside of the envelope E. Typically, because destination information indicating the delivery destination of the envelope E is printed on the image forming surface P, the envelope E cannot be delivered while the destination is not visually recognized.

[0214] As described above, depending on the folding type of the folded sheet Sf, the positions of the image forming surface Ps and the transparent window ew may not match. Furthermore, as described above, when the types of sheet folders 310 are different, even if the folding types are the same, the positions of the image forming surface Ps can be opposite. Therefore, the sheet reversing device 110 according to the embodiment described below reverses the folded sheet Sf based on "encapsulation object data," which is a factor in determining the position of the image forming surface Ps in the folded sheet Sf, so that the position of the encapsulated image forming surface Ps matches the position of the transparent window ew.

[0215] The operation of the sheet reversal device 110 will be explained.

[0216] Reference Figures 38 to 42 An example of the sheet reversal operation in the encapsulation and sealing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described. The folded sheet Sf conveyed to the sheet reversal device 110 can be folded in various ways. The encapsulation and sealing controller 150 receives data about the folding method in advance and performs the following control based on the data. Similarly, there is various printing data indicating the position where an image is formed on the folded sheet Sf. In the following description, an example of conveying control performed in the order of different paths according to different folding methods will be described.

[0217] like Figure 38 As shown, when the folding sheet Sf conveyed from the folding device 300 is folded outward and the image forming surface Ps (printing surface) on which the image is formed is exposed, the folding sheet Sf is conveyed with the printing surface facing downward relative to the conveying direction.

[0218] In this case, if the branch claw 10 is in a position that blocks the folded sheet Sf from being conveyed to the second conveying path 1102 when the folded sheet Sf reaches the entry roller pair 101, the branch claw 10 rotates to allow the folded sheet Sf to enter a state that can be conveyed to the second conveying path 1102.

[0219] Subsequently, as Figure 39 As shown, the folded sheet Sf is guided to the second conveying path 1102 via the branch claw 10, and then conveyed to the second conveying roller pair 112 via the second intermediate conveying roller 115. The folded sheet Sf is further conveyed downstream via the second conveying roller pair 112.

[0220] Subsequently, as Figure 40As shown, when the second sheet detection sensor 119 detects the rear end of the folded sheet Sf and the folded sheet Sf is conveyed downstream a predetermined distance, the second conveyor roller pair 112 stops. In other words, when the folded sheet Sf is conveyed such that its rear end passes the second switching claw 12 a certain distance, the second conveyor roller pair 112 stops. The second switching claw 12 also rotates to a state that allows the folded sheet Sf to be conveyed to the deflection conveyor path 1103, which serves as the third conveyor path. If the first switching claw 11 is not in a state capable of conveying the folded sheet Sf from the deflection conveyor path 1103 to the first conveyor path 1101, the first switching claw also rotates and switches to this state.

[0221] Subsequently, as Figure 41 As shown, the second conveyor roller pair 112 rotates in the opposite direction to convey the folded sheet Sf to the diversion conveyor path 1103. The folded sheet Sf is conveyed downstream by the diversion conveyor roller pair 113 and the first conveyor roller pair 111. If the third switching claw 13 is not in a state capable of conveying the folded sheet Sf from the first conveyor path 1101 to the package conveyor path 1104, the third switching claw 13 also rotates and switches to this state.

[0222] Therefore, as Figure 42 As shown, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed toward the package conveying path 1104.

[0223] Through the above actions, the folded sheet Sf is sealed in envelope E. Then, as shown in the reference... Figures 30 to 34 The envelope E containing the packaged contents is discharged into the envelope discharge tray 144.

[0224] As described above, when the image forming surface Ps of the folded sheet Sf, which is the object to be packaged in an envelope E, is the lower surface in the transport direction in the packaging sealing device 100, a reverse path is used so that the orientation of the image forming surface Ps is the same as the orientation of the transparent window ew of the envelope E.

[0225] In the encapsulation and sealing device 100 of this embodiment, as described above, for example, based on the folding type of the folded sheet Sf that serves as the encapsulation or the type of the folding device 300 that performs the folding process, the orientation of the encapsulation can be adjusted to a predetermined encapsulation orientation by a conveyor.

[0226] According to the above embodiment, the encapsulation process is performed via a vertical transport path extending in the vertical direction relative to the mounting surface of the encapsulation sealing device 100. Therefore, the structure for supplying the envelope E and the structure for placing the envelope can be arranged along the vertical transport path. This allows the stacking direction to be set in the vertical direction while ensuring a transport path that does not apply excessive stress to the envelope or package during transport. This structure can provide a mechanism that reduces the installation space regardless of the load capacity of the encapsulation sealing device 100. According to such a structure, a mechanism that can reduce the installation space regardless of the load capacity of the encapsulation sealing device 100 can be provided.

[0227] In existing technologies, equipment may allow an operator to approach the sheet only from the upper surface side of the sheet in the horizontal conveying path. In this configuration, when an anomaly such as a blockage occurs in the horizontal conveying path, the operator needs to approach the corresponding point while avoiding functional devices. Therefore, in existing technologies, there is a need to choose between impaired operability and improving operability by expanding the mechanism. In this respect, the encapsulation and sealing device 100 of this embodiment allows access to the conveying path from both vertical and horizontal sides for anomalies such as blockages, and can easily access the conveying path from the opposite side of each functional device, such as the envelope E's feeder. In other words, it balances operability and space saving.

[0228] Furthermore, according to the sealing device 100, a vertical conveying path is provided on the turning conveying path. Therefore, the mechanism for supplying envelopes E and the mechanism for stacking envelopes E can be configured in the vertical direction. Due to the increased freedom in configuring these mechanisms, the structure can be configured to be smaller and more efficient.

[0229] According to the sealing device 100, at least two sets of forward and reverse rotating conveyor rollers are arranged in the vertical conveying path, which serves as the reversing conveying path. Therefore, even when the length of the envelope E in the conveying direction is short, reverse conveying can be reliably performed.

[0230] Furthermore, according to the sealing device 100, the envelope E supplied to the vertical conveying path is conveyed upwards in a reverse conveying process for predetermined processing, and is conveyed to any location where the predetermined processing can be effectively performed. This effectively saves space. In the case of sheet discharge via vertical conveying, additional processing can be performed below the branch point before the sheet is discharged. Therefore, ensuring a wide conveying range for reverse processing is highly effective.

[0231] According to this embodiment, the sealing device 100 includes a package reversing conveyor to reverse and convey the front end of the package. Therefore, the additional structure, separate from the vertical conveying path, allows for orientation matching between the package and the envelope, while ensuring sufficient mounting space for the device. This configuration makes characters (such as addresses) and patterns (such as markings on the package) visible through the window of the envelope with a window.

[0232] The sealing device 100 includes a sealing device 140 for sealing the envelope E. This structure allows for sealing and encapsulating the cap portion ef within the vertical transport path while ensuring sufficient installation space for the device. Furthermore, during transport, the folded cap portion ef is discharged in a direction where its front end is not clamped or rotated. Therefore, seal failure can be prevented.

[0233] Next, the structure of a sealing device 100, which is a sealing device according to another embodiment of the present invention, will be described. In the sealing device 100, an envelope carrying tray 127 and an envelope discharge tray 134 are provided inside the device. Therefore, when an envelope E is replenished or when an envelope E containing a package is removed, the user needs to operate the inside of the device. For safety reasons, for example, the user may temporarily stop the entire operation of the sealing device 100. In this case, the operation of the folding device 300 and the image forming device 200, which are located upstream of the sealing device in the sheet transport direction in the printing system 1, may sometimes be stopped due to the temporary cessation of the operation of the sealing device 100.

[0234] The sealing and encapsulation equipment 100 has a structure that discharges sheets S or folded sheets Sf unrelated to the sealing operation to downstream devices solely through the operation of the sheet conveying device 110, also known as a sheet reversing device. In other words, even during a through-feed operation that is a conveying operation not associated with the sealing operation, the operation of the entire sealing and encapsulation equipment 100 will not stop even when replenishing or removing envelopes E. In this case, even if the printing system 1 continues to operate and the sealing and encapsulation equipment 100 performs a through-feed operation, there is no need to worry about user safety.

[0235] In other words, during a through-feed operation, the encapsulation and sealing equipment 100 described in this embodiment does not stop operating even when the equipment is in a user-operable state, and continues to discharge the sheet S or folded sheet Sf fed from the upstream equipment downstream. Therefore, the downtime of the encapsulation and sealing equipment 100 can be reduced.

[0236] When the image forming apparatus 200 is operating as a printer, the timing of a print job requested by the image forming apparatus 200 may be unclear. In this case, the user may have difficulty clearly determining whether the printing system 1 is operating. If the user mistakenly identifies that the device is not operating and attempts to operate the interior of the encapsulated device 100, operation of the device should be stopped to ensure safety.

[0237] In this situation, there is a possibility that image forming processing may stop midway, which may cause a failure in the delivery of sheet S and force the user to perform maintenance such as removing sheet S.

[0238] To reduce downtime caused by transport failures and maintenance as described above, the sealing equipment 100 does not request the printing system 1 to stop when performing replenishment operations of envelopes E that do not require the upstream equipment to be stopped. This configuration reduces overall system downtime and also reduces the frequency of maintenance due to transport failures.

[0239] Figure 43A and 43B This is an external perspective view of the encapsulation and sealing device 100 involved in this embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 43A As shown, the encapsulation and sealing device 100 has a structure having a sheet conveying unit 40 and an encapsulation and sealing unit 50 stacked in the vertical direction. The sheet conveying unit 40 includes a sheet conveying device 110. The encapsulation and sealing unit 50 includes an encapsulation device 120 and a sealing device 140.

[0240] A sheet insertion slit 60, corresponding to the inlet of the sheet S or folded sheet Sf discharged from the upstream equipment, is provided at the boundary between the sheet conveying unit 40 and the encapsulation sealing unit 50. The sheet conveying device 110 performs predetermined conveying processes on the conveyed sheet S, such as a "straight-through conveying operation" to convey the sheet S as is to the downstream equipment, a "encapsulation conveying operation" to convey the sheet S to the encapsulation device 120, and a "reverse conveying operation" to reverse the end of the sheet S in the conveying direction.

[0241] like Figure 43A As shown, the sheet conveying unit 40 has a first cover 41 serving as a unit cover. The sealing unit 50 has a second cover 51 serving as a unit cover.

[0242] The first cover 41 is a door that forms a conveyor cover, used to cover the sheet conveying device 110 in the sheet conveying unit 40. When the first cover 41 is open, the user can access the conveying roller pairs and branch claws contained in the sheet conveying device 110. For example, when the sheet S is blocked in the conveying path due to a conveying failure, the first cover 41 is opened when the user performs a maintenance operation to remove the blocked sheet. Therefore, in response to detecting that the first cover 41 is open (determining that the first cover 41 is in the open state), the sealing controller 190 performs control to stop the operation of the sheet conveying device 110.

[0243] The second cover 51 is a door that forms a sealing unit cover, covering the sealing unit 501, which includes the sealing device 120 and the sealing device 140. When the second cover 51 is open, the user can access the sealing unit 501, which includes the sealing device 120 and the sealing device 140. For example, the second cover 51 is opened when the user performs a maintenance operation to remove envelope E, such as replenishing envelope E, removing a sealed envelope E, or when envelope E is stuck in the transport path due to a transport failure. Therefore, the sealing controller 190 controls the operation of the sealing unit 501 to stop in response to detecting that the second cover 51 is open (determining that the second cover is in the open state).

[0244] The first cover 41 and the second cover 51 can be opened and closed independently of each other. The open state of the first cover 41 and the second cover 51 is detected by a first open / close detection switch 42 and a second open / close detection switch 52 respectively installed in the first cover 41. The first open / close detection switch 42 and the second open / close detection switch 52 will be described later. Figure 47 The first open / close detection switch 42 and the second open / close detection switch 52 are positioned at any location capable of individually detecting the open / closed state. The structure of the first open / close detection switch 42 and the second open / close detection switch 52 can be any structure that can notify the sealing controller 190 of the open state of the corresponding door when the respective switch detects an open state. Alternatively, the structure of the first open / close detection switch 42 and the second open / close detection switch 52 can be a structure that notifies the sealing controller 190 of a signal indicating that the respective door is closed (in a closed state).

[0245] The sealing controller 190 determines the opening and closing states of the first cover 41 and the second cover 51 based on signals received from the first opening and closing detection switch 42 and the second opening and closing detection switch 52. In other words, the first opening and closing detection switch 42, the second opening and closing detection switch 52, and the sealing controller 190 constitute a door opening and closing state detector.

[0246] As shown in Figure 43, an illumination unit 53, serving as a display, is provided on the front side of the second cover 51 to indicate whether opening the second cover 51 is permitted. Alternatively, a similar display structure can be provided on the front side of the first cover 41. The user can easily determine whether opening the second cover 51 is permitted based on the illumination state of the illumination unit 53. Alternatively, for example, the illumination state of the illumination unit 53 can be designed to notify the user that opening the first cover 41 is prohibited because the sheet transport unit 40 is operating, but opening the second cover 51 is permitted because the sealing unit 501 is not operating. In other words, the illumination state of the illumination unit 53 indicates whether the transport operation of the sheet S, etc., in the sheet transport unit 40 is permitted or prohibited.

[0247] For example, when the sealing unit 50 is conveying the folded sheet Sf or the envelope E for sealing processing, the illumination unit 53 is illuminated to indicate that the second cover 51 is prohibited from being opened. At this time, the notification indicates that the sealing processing operation (envelope operation) accompanying the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf cannot be performed, and the envelope cannot be conveyed to the envelope conveying path 1105.

[0248] When the lighting unit 53 is illuminated, the folded sheet Sf or envelope E is being conveyed for encapsulation processing. Therefore, if the user opens the second cover 51, the user may unintentionally approach the encapsulation sealing unit 501 during operation. In this state, if the user performs some operation on the encapsulation sealing unit 501, a conveying failure of the envelope E or the folded sheet Sf may occur.

[0249] Therefore, to prevent users of the sealing device 100 from accidentally approaching the sealing unit 501 during operation, the sealing device 100 visually informs the user that the second cover 51 is in an unopenable state. This prevents operational malfunctions such as transport failures.

[0250] The lighting unit 53 is, for example, a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED), and can indicate the status of the device by illuminating or flashing. The encapsulated controller 190 controls the lighting operation of the lighting unit 53.

[0251] When the lighting unit 53 is off, it indicates that the second cover 51 can be opened. At this time, it is not important whether the sheet conveying unit 40 is operating. Even if the second cover 51 is opened, conveying failures will not occur if the lighting unit 53 is turned off during the conveying operation of the sheet conveying unit 40. Therefore, user safety is ensured.

[0252] like Figure 44A and 44BAs shown, the sealing unit 50 includes an envelope carrier tray 127 and an envelope discharge tray 134. The envelope carrier tray 127, which serves as an envelope holding tray, is provided with a side baffle 1271, which aligns the envelopes E in the width direction and maintains the envelopes E in a stacked state.

[0253] like Figure 44A As shown, when the second cover 51 is opened to replenish envelope E, the side baffle 1271 may prevent envelope E from being newly placed on the envelope carrying tray 127. That is, simply opening the second cover 51 may make it difficult to replenish envelope E to the envelope carrying tray 127. Therefore, as Figure 44B As shown, the entire encapsulation sealing unit 501 is pulled out from the housing of the encapsulation sealing unit 50.

[0254] The encapsulation sealing unit 50 includes a slide rail 55 that holds the encapsulation sealing unit 501 in a pull-out manner. The slide rail 55 allows the encapsulation sealing unit 501 to slide in the X direction and has a mechanism for holding the encapsulation sealing unit 501 in a predetermined position within the encapsulation sealing unit 50. The slide rail 55 is also provided with a stop to prevent the encapsulation sealing unit 501 from falling off due to excessive movement in the negative X direction.

[0255] Figure 45A and 45B These represent the states where envelope E is replenished and stacked, and the state where a sealed envelope E is removed. For example... Figure 45A As shown, since the sealed envelopes E are stacked on the envelope discharge tray 134, envelopes E can be removed when the second cover 51 is opened. However, the more operable state is when the sealing unit 501 is pulled out. Therefore, as Figure 45A As shown, after pulling out the sealing unit 501, the supplementary envelope E (refer to...) Figure 45B ).

[0256] When the sealed envelope E is removed from the envelope discharge tray 134, as... Figure 45B As shown, the operability is better when the sealing unit 501 is pulled out.

[0257] Figure 46A and 46B Indicates that in such Figure 45A and 45B The operation of the sheet conveying device 110 with the second cover 51 open, as shown. Figure 46A This refers to a "through transport operation" in which sheet S, fed from upstream equipment (e.g., image forming equipment 200), is transported as is to downstream equipment (e.g., post-processing equipment 400). Figure 46A It is clear that a through-feed operation can be performed regardless of the state of the encapsulation and sealing unit 50.

[0258] For example, such as Figure 46B As shown, the second cover 51 can be opened, the sealing unit 501 pulled out, and the envelope E replenished, or the sealed envelope E can be removed. However, when the first cover 41 is closed, it prevents the user from approaching the sheet conveying device 110. Thus, even during through-feed operations, there is no problem ensuring the user's safety. Therefore, during through-feed operations, as long as the operation of the sealing unit 501 is stopped, the user can safely perform the necessary operations.

[0259] In other words, if the printing job is a through-feed operation from the sheet S or folded sheet Sf discharged from the folding device 300 to the post-processing device 400, then the job does not require encapsulation and sealing. Therefore, in this case, even if the second cover 51 is opened, it is not necessary to stop the operation of the equipment.

[0260] This structure prevents the printing system 1 from shutting down due to the replenishment or removal of envelope E. It also prevents transport blockages caused by the opening and closing of the second cover 51 during printing operations.

[0261] The encapsulation and sealing controller 190 will be further described below.

[0262] In the aforementioned encapsulation and sealing device 100, the opening and closing switches of the first cover 41 and the second cover 51 can be linked to control the operation of the drive source of the conveyor roller pair. Specifically, the operation safety unit interlocked with the first cover 41 can be configured to stop the function of all drive systems of the encapsulation and sealing device 100, and the operation safety unit interlocked with the second cover 51 can be configured to stop only the function of the drive systems required for the encapsulation and sealing process covered by the second cover 51. Thus, even when the unit covered by the first cover 41 is being conveyed, the safety of the user who opens the second cover 51 and stacks or removes the envelope E can be ensured.

[0263] Figure 47 This is a block diagram of the encapsulated and sealed controller 190 that constitutes the safety control circuit for performing the aforementioned safety controls. The encapsulated and sealed controller 190 includes a first open / close signal detection circuit 192 and a second open / close signal detection circuit 193. The first open / close signal detection circuit 192 inputs the detection signal from the first open / close detection switch 42 to the CPU 191. The second open / close signal detection circuit 193 inputs the detection signal from the second open / close detection switch 52.

[0264] The encapsulated controller 190 includes a power supply circuit 194 that provides operating power (5V) to the CPU 191. The encapsulated controller 190 also includes a surge protection circuit 195 that prevents surge current from the power supply (24V) from the image forming device 200 and the folding device 300, which are upstream devices, to the control board.

[0265] The encapsulation and sealing controller 190 includes a first motor (I / F) circuit 196 serving as a control interface for each motor of the first drive source, which is a drive source for a plurality of conveyor roller pairs included in the sheet conveying device 110. The encapsulation and sealing controller 190 also includes a second motor I / F circuit 197 serving as a control interface for each motor of the first drive source, which is a drive source for a plurality of conveyor roller pairs included in the encapsulation device 120 and the sealing device 140.

[0266] The encapsulation and sealing controller 190 includes an LED driver 198 that controls the illumination of the lighting unit 53, etc., disposed on the second cover 51 of the encapsulation and sealing unit 50. The encapsulation and sealing controller 190 also includes a sensor input circuit 199 that inputs detection signals from various sensors included in the encapsulation and sealing device 100 to the CPU 191.

[0267] like Figure 47 As shown, the power supply (24V) from the upstream device passes through the surge protection circuit 195 and is then connected in series to the first on / off signal detection circuit 192 and the second on / off signal detection circuit 193. Therefore, when the first on / off detection switch 42 is turned on (i.e., the first cover 41 is closed), 24V_UP power is supplied to the first conveyor motor assembly 116, which serves as the drive source for the conveyor rollers of the sheet conveying device 110, via the first motor I / F circuit 196.

[0268] If the second open / close detection switch 52 is also turned on (i.e., the second cover 51 is closed), then 24V_DN power is supplied to the second conveyor motor group 128, which serves as the drive source for the conveyor roller pair of the packaging device 120 and the sealing device 140, through the second motor I / F circuit 197.

[0269] In other words, when the first cover 41 and the second cover 51 are closed, power is supplied to both the first conveyor motor group 116 and the second conveyor motor group 128, thereby enabling the conveyor rollers included in the sheet conveying unit 40 and the sealing unit 50 to operate.

[0270] On the other hand, when the first open / close detection switch 42 is open (i.e., the first cover 41 is open), no power is supplied to the first conveyor motor group 116 and the second conveyor motor group 128, regardless of the state of the second open / close detection switch 52 (i.e., regardless of whether the second cover 51 is open or closed). In other words, when the first open / close detection switch 42 is open (i.e., the first cover 41 is open), both the sheet conveying unit 40 and the sealing unit 50 stop operating.

[0271] When the first open / close detection switch 42 is turned on (i.e., the first cover 41 is closed) and the second open / close detection switch 52 is turned off (i.e., the second cover 51 is open), power is supplied to the first conveyor motor assembly 116. In this case, no power is supplied to the second conveyor motor assembly 128. That is, when the first cover 41 is closed and the second cover 51 is open, power is also supplied to the first conveyor motor assembly 116. Therefore, the conveyor roller pair included in the sheet conveying unit 40 is operated for through conveying operation. Since no power is supplied to the second conveyor motor assembly 128, the conveyor roller pair included in the sealing unit 50 is not operational, thereby allowing the user to perform maintenance operations.

[0272] The safety circuit in the sealing controller 190 is configured as described above. Therefore, even if the second cover 51 is opened during the transport operation of the printing system 1 to the sheet S or folded sheet Sf, a state in which no power is supplied to the drive system used for sealing is achieved. Thus, the envelope E can be safely loaded and unloaded.

[0273] Next, refer to Figure 48 The flowchart illustrates the processing of the control program performed by the controller included in the printing system 1. When a print job begins in the printing system 1, the controller (e.g., print controller 260) first determines, via the sealing controller 190, whether the door other than the second cover 51 is closed (step S2101). When the cover other than the second cover 51 is open ("No" in step S2101), that is, when the first cover 41 is open, for example, information indicating that the open cover should be closed is displayed on the display 210 included in the image forming apparatus 200 (step S2102).

[0274] When all covers except the second cover 51 are closed ("Yes" in step S2101), the controller determines whether the print job being performed is an "envelope job" requesting a sealing operation (step S2103). If the job is not a sealing job ("No" in step S2103), then printing processing (step S2104) and post-processing (step S2105) are performed, excluding the sealing process.

[0275] If it is an envelope operation ("Yes" in step S2103), the controller determines whether the second cover 51 is closed (step S2106). Here, if the second cover 51 is not closed ("No" in step S2106), then, for example, information indicating that the second cover is closed is displayed on the display 210 included in the image forming apparatus 200 (step S2110).

[0276] If the second cover 51 is closed ("Yes" in step S2106), then the printing process (step S2107), the folding process (step S2108), and the encapsulation and sealing process (step S109) are performed.

[0277] As described above, a printing job cannot typically be performed unless all doors are closed. However, in the case where the printing system 1 includes a sealing device 100, if the printing job is not an envelope job, it can be performed even when the second cover 51 of the sealing device 100 is open. In the case of an envelope job, the job cannot be performed unless the second cover 51 of the sealing device 100 is also closed.

[0278] The technology of this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications can be made to the embodiments of this invention within the scope of this invention. The technology of this invention includes the technical matters encompassed by the technical concepts within the scope of this invention. Although the above embodiments disclose preferred examples, those skilled in the art can modify the embodiments into modified examples based on this invention. Such embodiments and variations thereof are included within the scope and spirit of the embodiments of this invention, and are included in the embodiments described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0279] Each function of the illustrated embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits or circuit systems. Processing circuit systems include programmable processors, just as processors include circuit systems. Processing circuits also include devices such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and conventional circuit components configured to perform the described functions.

[0280] This patent application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-080478 filed with the Japan Patent Office on May 11, 2021, Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-098141 filed on June 11, 2021, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-030084 filed on February 28, 2022, and claims priority to it pursuant to Section 119(a) of Volume 35 of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USC), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0281] List of reference numerals

[0282] 1: Printing System

[0283] 10: Branch Claw

[0284] 11: First switching claw

[0285] 12: Second switching claw

[0286] 13: Third switching claw

[0287] 21: Envelope Turning Switch Claw

[0288] 31: Envelope ejection switching claw

[0289] 40: Sheet conveying unit

[0290] 41: First Cover

[0291] 42: First opening / closing detection switch

[0292] 50: Encapsulation and sealing unit

[0293] 51: Second cover

[0294] 52: Second opening / closing detection switch

[0295] 53: Lighting Unit

[0296] 55: Slide rail

[0297] 60: Sheet insertion section

[0298] 100: Sealing and sealing equipment

[0299] 101: Entering the roller pair

[0300] 102: Discharge roller pair

[0301] 110: Sheet reversing device

[0302] 111: First conveyor roller pair

[0303] 112: Second conveyor roller pair

[0304] 113: Steering conveyor roller pair

[0305] 114: First intermediate conveyor roller pair

[0306] 115: Second intermediate conveyor roller pair

[0307] 118: First sheet material detection sensor

[0308] 119: Second sheet material detection sensor

[0309] 120: Packaging device

[0310] 121: Packaging roller pair

[0311] 122: First vertical conveyor roller pair

[0312] 123: Second vertical conveyor roller pair

[0313] 125: Separating roller pair

[0314] 127: Envelope Carrying Tray

[0315] 128: Second Conveyor Motor Unit

[0316] 130: Cap opening unit

[0317] 131: Sheet supply roller pair (third vertical conveyor roller pair)

[0318] 132: Envelope steering roller pair (fourth vertical conveyor roller pair)

[0319] 134: Envelopes discharged from tray

[0320] 135: Sealing mechanism

[0321] 140: Sealing device

[0322] 141: Third vertical conveyor roller pair

[0323] 142: Fourth vertical conveyor roller pair

[0324] 143: Envelope discharge roller pair

[0325] 144: Envelopes discharged from tray

[0326] 145: Sealing mechanism

[0327] 150: Encapsulated and Sealed Controller

[0328] 160: Package Thruster

[0329] 161: Push the claw

[0330] 180: Cap Opener

[0331] 181: Capping Gripper

[0332] 182: Spring

[0333] 190: Encapsulated and Sealed Controller

[0334] 191: CPU

[0335] 192: First Opening / Closing Signal Detection Circuit

[0336] 193: Second Opening / Closing Signal Detection Circuit

[0337] 194: Power Supply Circuit

[0338] 195: Surge protection circuit

[0339] 196: First Motor I / F Circuit

[0340] 197: Second Motor I / F Circuit

[0341] 198: LED Driver

[0342] 199: Sensor Input Circuit

[0343] 200: Image forming apparatus

[0344] 260: Printer Controller

[0345] 300: Folding equipment

[0346] 310: Sheet Folder

[0347] 320: Folding Controller

[0348] 400: Post-processing equipment

[0349] 410: Post-processing unit

[0350] 420: Post-processing controller

[0351] 501: Sealing and sealing device

[0352] 1100: Enter Path

[0353] 1101: First conveying path

[0354] 1102: Second conveying path

[0355] 1103: Switchback conveyance path

[0356] 1104: Package transport path

[0357] 1105: Envelope Delivery Path

[0358] 1106: Sealing Path

[0359] 1107: Envelope Entry Path

[0360] 1108: Envelope Discharge Path

[0361] 1109: Sheet Discharge Path

[0362] 1271: Side panel

Claims

1. An envelope processing apparatus for sealing an encapsulated item in an envelope, the apparatus comprising: An envelope transport path extends vertically and is configured to transport the envelope; A package feeder configured to supply the package to the envelope via the envelope transport path; An envelope feeder configured to supply the envelopes to the envelope transport path; A cap opener configured to open the cap of the envelope between the envelope feeder and the envelope transport path; An envelope stacker configured to stack envelopes discharged from the envelope transport path; The envelope supply path branches off from the envelope transport path at a first branch position lower than the position of the package feeder in the envelope transport path; as well as The envelope discharge path branches off from the envelope transport path at a second branch location, different from the first branch location, and the envelope discharge path is configured to discharge the envelope to the envelope stacker.

2. The envelope processing device according to claim 1, in, The first branch position is located above the second branch position in the direction of envelope delivery.

3. The envelope processing device according to claim 1, The envelope transport path includes a deflector configured to switch the transport direction of the envelopes within the transport path to transport the envelopes.

4. The envelope processing device according to claim 3, in, The steering conveyor includes at least two pairs of conveyor rollers that rotate forward and backward.

5. The envelope processing device according to claim 4, in, The at least two pairs of conveyor rollers include: A first pair of conveying rollers is positioned above and below the first branch position in the envelope conveying path; and The second pair of conveying rollers is positioned below the second branch position in the envelope conveying path.

6. The envelope processing device according to claim 1, It further includes a sealer located below the second branch position in the envelope transport path. in, The sealer is configured to seal the envelope in which the encapsulated contents are contained.

7. The envelope processing device according to claim 1, The envelope further includes a package reversing conveyor positioned above the package feeder in the envelope transport path. in, The package reversing conveyor is configured to reverse the orientation of the end of the package in the package conveying direction, thereby conveying the package.

8. The envelope processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The package delivery path is configured to deliver the package; A first cover is used to cover the transport path of the package; A second cover is provided to at least cover the envelope's delivery path; as well as The controller is configured to continue conveying the package in the package delivery path in response to the second cover being opened.

9. The envelope processing apparatus according to claim 8, The package delivery path includes a package conveyor configured to deliver the package via the package delivery path; and The envelope delivery path includes: An envelope holding tray is configured to stack and hold the envelopes. An envelope conveyor configured to supply the envelope from the envelope holding tray to the envelope conveying path, and to discharge the envelope containing the package from the envelope conveying path; The packaging unit is configured to transport the packaged item from the packaged item transport path to the envelope transported via the envelope transport path, and to package the packaged item into the envelope. The second cover covers at least one of the envelope holding tray, the envelope stacker, the envelope conveyor, and the packaging unit.

10. The envelope processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: The first opening / closing detection switch is configured to detect the opening and closing of the first cover; The second opening / closing detection switch is configured to detect the opening and closing of the second cover; as well as The operational safety unit is configured as follows: When the first opening / closing detection switch detects that the first cover is open, the conveying action through the package conveying path is stopped; and When the second opening / closing detection switch detects that the second cover is open, the conveying action through the envelope conveying path is stopped.

11. The envelope processing apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an indicator configured to indicate the open or closed state of the first cover or the second cover.

12. The envelope processing apparatus according to claim 11, in, The indicator is a light-emitting element on the front side of the first or second cover, and The light-emitting element is configured as follows: Disconnect when the package can be conveyed from the package transport path to the envelope transport path; and The circuit is activated when the package can be transported in the package transport path but cannot be transported in the envelope transport path.

13. A sealing and encapsulation device, comprising: The envelope processing apparatus according to claim 8; as well as A sealer configured to seal the envelope in which the package has been encapsulated during the envelope transport path.

14. An image forming system, comprising: An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet medium; A folding device configured to fold the sheet medium on which the image is formed; as well as The envelope processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is configured to encapsulate the sheet medium supplied from the image forming apparatus or the folding apparatus into the envelope.

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