Encapsulation device, encapsulation and sealing device, and image forming system

Abstract

A packaging apparatus that inserts an encasement into an envelope includes an envelope conveying path, a first conveyer, a second conveyer, a conveying guide, and a flap opener. An envelope is conveyed in the envelope conveying path. The first conveyer conveys the envelope in the envelope conveying path. The second conveyer is located on a downstream side of the first conveyer in the envelope conveying path in a conveying direction of the envelope. The conveying guide is located between the first conveyer and the second conveyer in the envelope conveying path. The flap opener opens a flap of the envelope. At least one of a portion of the conveying guide or an end of the flap opener is located across the envelope conveying path.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] There are known encapsulation devices for inserting encapsulation material into envelopes, encapsulation and sealing devices for sealing envelopes with encapsulation material inserted, and image forming devices including an image forming sheet for forming an image, and an image forming system for encapsulating and sealing a sheet with an image formed thereon as an encapsulation material.

[0003] In a sealing device, a technique has been disclosed in which the front ends of the envelope body and the cap are bent in a distancing direction, and the envelope is bent by pressing the center of the envelope at an upstream position of the structure for opening the cap, and a claw component is inserted into the gap between the separation of the envelope body and the cap (see Patent Document PTL1).

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] [PTL1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H07-025198 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 aims to reliably open the envelope regardless of its material or the curling of the cap. In such prior art, the complex structures, such as those that bend the envelope and insert claw components into the gaps, easily lead to large-scale devices. In other words, prior art suffers from problems in reliably opening the cap using a simple and miniaturizable structure.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a technique for reliably opening a cap in a simple and miniaturized structure.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, a packaging apparatus is provided, configured to insert a package into an envelope. The packaging apparatus includes: an envelope transport path, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a transport guide, and a cap opener. The envelope is transported along the envelope transport path. The first conveyor transports the envelope along the envelope transport path. The second conveyor is located downstream of the first conveyor in the transport direction of the envelope along the envelope transport path. The transport guide is located between the first and second conveyors in the envelope transport path. The cap opener opens the cap of the envelope. At least one of the portion of the transport guide or one end of the cap opener is positioned across the envelope transport path.

[0012] Effects of the present invention

[0013] According to embodiments of the present invention, the cap can be opened stably in a simple and miniaturized structure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and its many incidental advantages and features can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] 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.

[0016] [ Figure 1 ]

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view of the encapsulation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] [ Figure 2 ]

[0019] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A block diagram of the control structure of the encapsulation system.

[0020] [Figure 3]

[0021] Figures 3A to 3E It indicates that it can be applied to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the sheet processing equipment of the sealing system.

[0022] [Figure 4]

[0023] Figures 4A to 4E It indicates that it can be applied to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of another sheet processing device in the encapsulation system.

[0024] [ Figure 5 ]

[0025] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a packaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [ Figure 6 ]

[0027] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the steps of the encapsulation operation of an encapsulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] [ Figure 7 ]

[0029] Figure 7 It means in Figure 6 The diagram shows the steps of the encapsulation process following the state of the encapsulation device.

[0030] [ Figure 8 ]

[0031] Figure 8 It means in Figure 7 The diagram shows the operation of the cap opening mechanism during the sealing process of the encapsulation device after the state is reached.

[0032] [ Figure 9 ]

[0033] Figure 9 It means in Figure 8 The diagram shows the steps of the encapsulation process following the state of the encapsulation device.

[0034] [ Figure 10 ]

[0035] Figure 10 It means in Figure 9 The diagram shows the steps of the encapsulation process following the state of the encapsulation device.

[0036] [ Figure 11 ]

[0037] Figure 11 It means in Figure 10 The diagram shows the steps of the encapsulation process following the state of the encapsulation device.

[0038] [ Figure 12 ]

[0039] Figure 12 It means in Figure 11 The diagram shows the steps of the encapsulation process following the state of the encapsulation device.

[0040] [ Figure 13 ]

[0041] Figure 13 It means in Figure 12The diagram shows the steps of the encapsulation process following the state of the encapsulation device.

[0042] [ Figure 14 ]

[0043] Figure 14 It means in Figure 13 The diagram shows the steps of the encapsulation process following the state of the encapsulation device.

[0044] [ Figure 15 ]

[0045] Figure 15 It means in Figure 14 The diagram shows the steps of the encapsulation process following the state of the encapsulation device.

[0046] [ Figure 16 ]

[0047] Figure 16 It means in Figure 15 The diagram shows the steps of the encapsulation process following the state of the encapsulation device.

[0048] [ Figure 17 ]

[0049] Figure 17 It means in Figure 16 The diagram shows the steps of the encapsulation process following the state of the encapsulation device.

[0050] [Figure 18]

[0051] Figure 18A and 18B This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a cap opening mechanism included in a packaging device.

[0052] [Figure 19]

[0053] Figures 19A-19F This is a diagram illustrating an example of the cap-opening action of a cap-opening mechanism.

[0054] [Figure 20]

[0055] Figures 20A-20F This is another example of the cap-opening action of a cap-opening mechanism.

[0056] [ Figure 21 ]

[0057] Figure 21 This is a diagram of the main parts of the cap opening mechanism.

[0058] [Figure 22]

[0059] Figures 22A-22F This is another example of the cap-opening action of a cap-opening mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a front view of a printing system 1, an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The printing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 200, a folding processing apparatus 300 as a sheet processing apparatus for performing folding processing, an envelope processing apparatus 100 as an encapsulation and sealing apparatus (which encapsulates and seals encapsulated items) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and a post-processing apparatus 400. The printing system 1 is also an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] 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 discharges the sheet medium. The medium carrying the image (hereinafter referred to as sheet S) is discharged into folding processing apparatus 300.

[0065] The folding processing device 300, based on settings, folds the sheet S discharged from the image forming device 200 according to a specified folding type and size, forming a folded sheet Sf, and discharges the folded sheet Sf downstream. Settings related to performing or not performing the folding process, or settings for performing the folding process, are based on setting information (various adjustment values) notified from the image forming device 200. The folding processing mechanism adjusts the feed rate of the sheet S based on these adjustment values, and forms creases at the folding positions according to this adjustment, forming the folded sheet Sf. The folded sheet Sf, having undergone the specified folding process, is conveyed to the envelope processing device 100.

[0066] The folding processing device 300 performs a folding size adjustment process so that the rear end of the folded sheet Sf in the insertion direction when the folded sheet Sf is inserted into the envelope E of the envelope processing device 100 becomes the "crease" of the folded sheet Sf.

[0067] In the envelope processing equipment 100, sealing and encapsulation processes are performed. In the sealing process, the folded sheet Sf, which has been folded and conveyed after being transported from a device (folding processing device 300) located upstream of the sheet S in the direction of entry, is inserted into and sealed into the envelope E. In the sealing process, the envelope E is sealed. The envelope processing equipment 100 can also transport the folded sheet Sf or sheet S downstream without sealing it into the envelope E. In this case, the folded sheet Sf or sheet S is transported to a post-processing device 400 located downstream of the envelope processing equipment 100. The post-processing device 400 is a device for performing post-processing such as stapleing on the transported sheet S.

[0068] The envelope processing apparatus 100 performs a conveying process that seals a folded sheet Sf, which has been folded, into an envelope E with an appropriate orientation. During the sealing of the folded sheet Sf, the envelope processing apparatus 100 adjusts the orientation of the folded sheet Sf so that information such as the address formed on the sealed folded sheet Sf is positioned that can be visually confirmed from the transparent window ew pre-formed on the envelope E. This adjustment process is performed through a reversing conveying process included in the conveying process. Therefore, the envelope processing apparatus 100 determines whether to reverse the orientation of the folded sheet Sf at the time of sealing from its initial orientation based on the image position of the folded sheet Sf upon entry and the position of the transparent window ew formed on the envelope E. Then, based on this determination result, the conveying process and the reversing conveying process are performed.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 The term "direction," as commonly used in the description of embodiments of this disclosure, will be explained. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the axis parallel to the placement surface of printing system 1 is defined as the Y-axis. The arrangement direction of each device constituting printing system 1 is along the Y-axis. Therefore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the direction of the arrow on the Y-axis is defined as the Y-direction. The sheet S on which the image is formed in the image forming apparatus 200 is conveyed in the Y-direction and then conveyed to each device disposed downstream of the image forming apparatus 200 in the Y-direction.

[0070] Similarly, the axis parallel to the mounting surface and orthogonal to the Y-axis is defined as the X-axis. The depth direction of printing system 1 is the direction of the arrow on the X-axis, defined as the X-direction. The arrow direction of the Z-axis, orthogonal to both the X and Y axes and corresponding to the height direction of printing system 1, is defined as the Z-direction. For example... Figure 1As shown, the envelope processing apparatus 100 has a structure arranged side-by-side in the Z direction for conveying the package to the insertion position of the inserted envelope E, a structure for sealing, and a structure for sealing the envelope E. Therefore, the planar dimensions of the envelope processing apparatus 100 can be reduced, and an envelope processing apparatus 100 that can be used even in narrow installation spaces can be realized. The same axis is also shown in the following figures, and its description is omitted.

[0071] Reference Figure 2 The overall functional blocks of the printing system 1 are described below. In the following description, the object to be sealed as the medium transported, inserted, and sealed in the envelope E is a folded sheet Sf in which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus 200 and undergoes a prescribed folding process in the folding processing apparatus 300. Figure 2 In the diagram, the movement paths (conveyor paths) of sheet S and folded sheet Sf are represented by dashed lines, while the communication lines used to send and receive signals between functional blocks are represented by solid lines.

[0072] Image forming apparatus 200 is, for example, an apparatus for forming an image on a sheet S by a known electrophotographic process. Image forming apparatus 200 includes a display unit 210, an operation unit 220, a sheet feeder 230, an image forming apparatus 240, a fixing apparatus 250, and a printer controller 260. The image forming process in image forming apparatus 200 is not limited to electrophotographic processing; it can be inkjet processing, which ejects liquid ink onto a medium to form an image. Furthermore, any other suitable process besides the image forming process described above can be used.

[0073] Display unit 210 displays a screen to notify the user of the status and operation content of various functions. Operation unit 220 is equivalent to an operation interface used by the user to set the processing operation mode or the number of prints to be processed.

[0074] Operations performed via the operation unit 220 include, for example, the type of folding action (folding type) performed in the folding processing device 300, the setting of the folding size, and the setting that reverse conveying is required when sealing the sheet S into the envelope processing device 100. Information about the settings performed via the operation unit 220 is sent from the printer controller 260 to the sheet folding controller 320 or the sealing and encapsulating controller 190.

[0075] The sheet feeder 230 includes a sheet feeding mechanism that stores sheets S and separates and feeds sheets S one by one. The image forming apparatus 240 forms a latent image on a photoreceptor and transfers the image onto the sheet S. The fixing apparatus 250 fixes the image transferred onto the sheet S. The printer controller 260 controls the operation of the above-mentioned functional blocks.

[0076] The folding processing apparatus 300 includes a sheet folding device 310 and a sheet folding controller 320 that controls the entire folding processing apparatus 300. The sheet folding controller 320 controls the folding processing of the sheet S according to the folding type (folding pattern) and folding size specified from the printer controller 260 of the image forming apparatus 200 via communication line 207. The sheet folding controller 320 also controls communication with the printer controller 260 and the sealing and encapsulation controller 190 connected downstream of the sheet folding controller 320. Based on the control of the sheet folding controller 320, the sheet folding device 310 folds the sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 200 according to the specified folding type (folding pattern) and specified folding size. The sheet S can also be conveyed to the envelope processing apparatus 100 without being folded in the sheet folding device 310.

[0077] There are various types of sheet folding devices 310. Referring below... Figures 3A-3E and Figures 4A-4E Examples of sheet folding devices 310 with different folding patterns will be described below. In the following description, [the following will be described]. Figures 3A-3E The sheet folding device shown is called "Type A". Figures 4A-4E The sheet folding device 310 shown is referred to as "Type B". Figures 3A to 3E and Figures 4A to 4E In the diagram, sheet S is marked with the symbol Δ. The symbol Δ indicates the printed surface of sheet S on which the image is formed (hereinafter also referred to as the "image forming surface Ps"). That is, in the following description, image forming processing is performed on one surface of sheet S.

[0078] like Figures 3A to 3E As shown, the lower surface of the sheet S in the conveying direction from the image forming apparatus 200 to the sheet folding apparatus 310 corresponds to the imaging surface Ps.

[0079] First, such as Figure 3A As shown, the sheet S is conveyed from the image forming apparatus 200 toward the conveyor roller pair 311.

[0080] like Figure 3B As shown, the sheet S conveyed downstream by the conveyor roller pair 311 is transported to the designated position by the first folding roller 312, the first folding conveyor roller 313, and the second folding roller 314.

[0081] Then, as Figure 3C As shown, the first folding conveyor roller 313 and the second folding roller 314 are reversed to form a first crease on the sheet S.

[0082] like Figure 3D As shown, the sheet S with the first crease is conveyed by the first folding roller 312, the second folding roller 314 and the second folding conveyor roller pair 316 to a path different from the entry path of the sheet S, and stops at a specified position.

[0083] Then, as Figure 3E As shown, the second folding conveyor roller 316 is reversed, and the third folding roller 315 is rotated, conveying the sheet S downstream. This action forms the second crease. Thus, a folded sheet Sf with three external creases is completed. In this case, the image-forming surface Ps of the folded sheet Sf is located on the lower surface of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction.

[0084] The sheet folding device 310 of type B will be described. In the sheet folding device 310 of type B, as follows: Figures 4A to 4E As shown, the sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 200 is transported in the direction of gravity. At this time, it is assumed that... Figures 4A to 4E The right surface of the sheet S in the conveying direction is the imaging surface Ps.

[0085] First, such as Figure 4A As shown, the sheet S is conveyed from the image forming apparatus 200 toward the first conveying roller pair 321.

[0086] Subsequently, as Figure 4B As shown, the sheet S is conveyed downward to a designated position by the first conveying roller pair 321, the first folding roller 323 and the first folding conveying roller 322, and then stops.

[0087] Then, as Figure 4C As shown, the first folding conveyor roller 322 and the first folding roller 323 are reversed, and the second folding roller 324 is rotated to form the first crease.

[0088] like Figure 4D As shown, the second conveyor roller pair 326 also rotates to convey the sheet S, and the sheet S stops at the designated position.

[0089] Subsequently, the second conveying roller 326 rotates in the opposite direction. The folded sheet Sf is conveyed upward by the rotation of the second folding conveying roller 325. The second folding roller 324 and the second folding conveying roller 325 form the second crease. Thus, the three outer creases are completed. In this case, unlike type A, the image forming surface Ps of the folded sheet Sf is located on the upper surface of the sheet S in the conveying direction, which is different from the case of type A. As described above, even when the same three outer creases are formed by different types of sheet folding devices 310 of type A and type B, the position of the image forming surface Ps of the folded sheet Sf becomes a different surface relative to the conveying direction. The above description is an example of an image being formed on one surface of the sheet S.

[0090] Return to Figure 2The envelope handling apparatus 100 includes a sheet conveying device 110, a packaging device 120, a sealing device 130, and a sealing and encapsulation controller 190.

[0091] The sheet conveying device 110 performs prescribed processing on the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet folding device 310 according to the control mode (e.g., type of folding pattern, folding size, position of image forming surface Ps, etc.) sent from the sheet folding controller 320 to the sealing and encapsulation controller 190 via the communication line 105. The sheet conveying device 110 performs, for example, a conveying process to transport the folded sheet Sf downstream in the conveying direction or a reversing conveying process to reverse the ends of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction. The folded sheet Sf is then conveyed to the packaging device 120 or the post-processing equipment 400 via the conveying process or the reversing conveying process.

[0092] The packaging device 120 moves the folded sheet Sf to a position where it can be sealed relative to the envelope E, and holds the envelope E in a state where the cap ef for sealing the package into the opening of the envelope E is open, and performs the sealing process of the folded sheet Sf.

[0093] After the sealing device 130 closes the cap ef of the envelope E containing the folded sheet Sf, it discharges the sealed envelope E to the discharge tray 137.

[0094] The sealing and encapsulation controller 190 controls the movement of multiple conveying rollers and multiple switching claws that constitute the sheet conveying device 110, the encapsulation device 120, and the sealing device 130. The sealing and encapsulation controller 190 receives information about the folded sheet Sf (hereinafter referred to as "sealing object information") from the printer controller 260 and the sheet folding controller 320, and then performs control processing on the folded sheet Sf based on the received information.

[0095] The control processing for the folded sheet Sf includes "conveyance processing" and "reverse conveyance processing." In "conveyance processing," the ends of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction do not reverse upon entry; in "reverse conveyance processing," the ends reverse. "Sealing object information" refers to information related to the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf, which are the sealing objects, including information used to determine whether the ends of the folded sheet Sf are the front or rear ends upon entry when it is sealed into the envelope E. Examples of sealing object information include "folding type information" specifying the type of folding process performed on the folded sheet Sf.

[0096] Examples of motion instruction information from the image forming apparatus 200, which is one of the upstream devices, include "reverse on / off information," which determines whether the following reverse transport process is required or not. Examples of motion instruction information also include print surface information indicating the image forming surface on which the image is formed on the folded sheet Sf. Examples of motion instruction information also include "processing device information" indicating the type (Type A or Type B) of the sheet folding device 310 performing the folding process.

[0097] The post-processing equipment 400 includes a post-processing unit 410 and a post-processing controller 420. The post-processing unit 410 performs specified post-processing on the sheet S conveyed from the upstream side under the control of the post-processing controller 420. The post-processing controller 420 controls the post-processing actions according to the operating modes sent via communication line 403 from the printer controller 260, the sheet folding controller 320, and the sealing and encapsulating controller 190.

[0098] The printer controller 260, sheet folding controller 320, sealing and encapsulation controller 190, and post-processing controller 420 are interconnected and exchange control-required information via communication lines 207, 105, and 403. Controllers 260, 320, 190, and 420 cooperate to share sheet dimensions and information regarding the processing modes requested by the user to be performed on sheet S and folded sheet Sf. Therefore, the printing system 1 as a whole shares control information, for which each of the aforementioned mechanisms can perform a specified process at a specified timing and with a specified sequence. Thus, the cooperation of controllers 260, 320, 190, and 420 constitutes a sealing state regulator (described below) for adjusting the sealing state.

[0099] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, as a structure of the printing system 1, a post-processing device 400 is connected to the downstream side of the envelope processing device 100. Representative examples of the post-processing device 400 include a binding machine, a stacker, and a binding device. Furthermore, the system structure of the printing system 1 can also be such that the envelope processing device 100 is located at the downstream end.

[0100] Next, refer to Figure 5 The conveying rollers of the sheet conveying device 110, the sealing device 120, the opening mechanism, and the sealing device 130, the switching claws for switching the conveying direction of the conveyed items, and the conveying paths configured thereon are described in the envelope processing apparatus 100.

[0101] like Figure 5As shown, the sheet conveying device 110, which is also used as a folding processing device, includes multiple conveying paths, which are mainly divided into an entry path 1100, a first conveying path 1101, a second conveying path 1102, a turning conveying path 1103, a package conveying path 1104 used as a fourth conveying path, and a sheet discharge path 1109.

[0102] An inlet roller pair 101 is provided in the inlet path 1100. The inlet path 1100 is the path for receiving folded sheet Sf discharged from an upstream device (e.g., folding processing equipment 300). The encapsulation and sealing controller 190 receives encapsulation object information, which is information related to the folded sheet Sf, from upstream controllers, namely the printing controller 260 and the folding controller 320, and controls the start and stop of the rotation of the inlet roller pair 101.

[0103] The first conveying path 1101 is one of a plurality of conveying paths located downstream of the inlet roller pair 101 and branching from the inlet 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 provided between the first intermediate conveying roller pair 114 and the first conveying roller pair 111. This first sheet detection sensor 118 detects the end (e.g., the rear end) of the conveyed folded sheet Sf.

[0104] The second conveying path 1102 is one of the conveying paths located downstream of the inlet roller pair 101, and branches off from the inlet 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 conveyed folded sheet Sf.

[0105] The sheet conveying device 110 includes a deflecting conveying path 1103. The deflecting conveying path 1103 bridges between a first conveying path 1101 at its engagement position and a second conveying path 1102 at its branch position. The deflecting conveying path 1103 is located adjacent to the first conveying path 1101 at its engagement position upstream of the first conveying roller pair 111. The deflecting conveying path 1103 branches off from the second conveying path 1102 at its branch position downstream of the second intermediate conveying roller pair 115. The deflecting conveying path 1103 reverses the folded sheet Sf conveyed downstream from the second conveying path 1102 and guides the folded sheet Sf back to the first conveying path 1101. The deflecting conveying path 1103, serving as a third conveying path, is provided with a deflecting conveying roller pair 113 serving as a third conveyor.

[0106] The sheet conveying device 110 includes a sheet discharge path 1109, which is adjacent to and downstream of the first conveying path 1101. The sheet discharge path 1109 discharges the sheet S or folded sheet Sf that has passed through the sheet conveying device 110 into a post-processing device 400 located downstream of the sheet conveying device 110. The sheet discharge path 1109 is provided with an exit roller pair 102.

[0107] Without performing the sealing process described later on, the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the folding processing device 300 is discharged from the inlet path 1100 via the first conveying path 1101 and then via the sheet discharge path 1109 to the downstream device. In the following description, the process of conveying the sheet S or folded sheet Sf from the inlet roller pair 101 via the first conveying path 1101 to the outlet roller pair 102 and further downstream is sometimes referred to as "normal conveying process". When the sheet conveying device 110 performs the normal conveying process, it does not perform the "envelope operation" of sealing the sheet S or folded sheet Sf. Instead, it performs the "printing operation" of conveying the sheet S or folded sheet Sf to the post-processing device 400.

[0108] The sheet conveying device 110 includes a packaging conveying path 1104 as a fourth conveying path. This packaging conveying path branches off from the first conveying path 1101 downstream of the first conveying roller pair 111 and is continuous with the packaging roller pair 121 that holds the envelope E containing the folded sheet Sf. As described below, the packaging conveying path 1104 as the package conveying path is continuous with the envelope conveying path 1105.

[0109] The sheet conveying device 110 is provided with branch claws 10, which act as branchers, at the branch positions for conveying the folded sheet Sf from the entry path 1100 to the first conveying path 1101 or the second conveying path 1102. The branch claws 10 switch the conveying path between the first conveying path 1101 and the second conveying path 1102 based on the encapsulation object information related to the folded sheet Sf entering the entry path 1100, so that the branch claws 10 guide the folded sheet Sf to the first conveying path 1101 or the second conveying path 1102.

[0110] In the sheet conveying device 110, a first switching claw 11, which serves as a first switcher, is provided at the confluence position where the diverting conveying path 1103 and the first conveying path 1101 merge. The first switching claw 11 switches between a state in which the folded sheet Sf, which is conveyed from the entry path 1100 to the first conveying path 1101, is conveyed to the first conveying roller pair 111, and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed from the diverting conveying path 1103 to the first conveying path 1101.

[0111] In the sheet conveying device 110, a second switching claw 12, serving as a second switcher, is provided at the branch position from the second conveying path 1102 to the turning conveying path 1103. The second switching claw 12 switches between a state in which the folded sheet Sf, which is conveyed from the entry path 1100 to the second conveying path 1102, is conveyed to the second conveying roller pair 112, and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is turned from the second conveying path 1102 to the turning conveying path 1103.

[0112] The sheet conveying device 110 is provided with a third switching claw 13, which serves as a third switcher, at the branch position from the first conveying path 1101 to the packaging conveying path 1104. The third switching claw 13 switches between a state in which the folded sheet Sf conveyed by the first conveying path 1101 is conveyed to the packaging conveying path 1104 and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the sheet discharge path 1109.

[0113] The folded sheet Sf, conveyed to the first conveying path 1101, is transported by the first intermediate conveying roller pair 114 to the first conveying roller pair 111. The first conveying roller pair 111 then conveys the incoming folded sheet Sf downstream. When the third switching claw 13 is in position... Figure 5In the indicated state, that is, when the third switching claw 13 opens the packaging conveyor path 1104 and closes the conveyor path through the exit roller pair 102, which is the conveying direction of the folded sheet Sf, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the packaging conveyor path 1104. After the rear end of the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the first intermediate conveyor roller pair 114 to the first conveyor roller pair 111 is detected by the first sheet detection sensor 118, the folded sheet Sf has reached the state of having moved to the packaging conveyor path 1104 when it has been conveyed a specified distance. When the sealing and encapsulation controller 190 determines that the folded sheet Sf has reached the above state, it stops the operation of each conveyor roller pair rotating in the sheet conveying device 110.

[0114] The drive source for actuating each pair of conveyor rollers constituting the envelope handling apparatus 100 provides power to each pair of conveyor rollers. For example, a motor is provided separately as the drive source corresponding to each pair of conveyor rollers. Rotation control of each motor is performed individually. Thus, control is performed to rotate a specific pair of conveyor rollers and stop the other pairs of conveyor rollers. Multiple pairs of rollers can be driven by a single motor. Even in this case, the rotation and non-rotation of each roller (pair of rollers) can be controlled individually.

[0115] The folded sheet Sf, conveyed to the second conveying path 1102, is transported from the second intermediate conveying roller pair 115 to the second conveying roller pair 112. When the rear end of the conveyed folded sheet Sf is detected by the second sheet detection sensor 119 and has been conveyed a specified distance, the second conveying roller pair 112 temporarily stops and then rotates in the reverse direction. As a result, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the redirecting conveying channel 1103 in a redirected manner. At this time, before or simultaneously with the reverse rotation of the second conveying roller pair 112, the second switching claw 12 rotates at the moment when the rear end of the folded sheet Sf has passed through the second switching claw 12 (this action is also determined based on the detection result of the second sheet detection sensor 119). Thus, the second switching claw 12 switches to the state of conveying the folded sheet Sf to the redirecting conveying path 1103.

[0116] As the folded sheet Sf is guided from the second conveying path 1102 toward the turning conveying path 1103, the turning conveying roller pair 113 conveys the folded sheet Sf toward the first conveying path 1101.

[0117] like Figure 5As shown, the packaging device 120, which also serves as a packaging apparatus, is provided with an envelope transport path 1105 as a vertical transport path, which is connected to the packaging transport path 1104 as a fourth transport path provided in the sheet transport device 110. The envelope transport path 1105 extends in a direction intersecting the mounting surface (XY plane) of the envelope processing apparatus 100, and more specifically, in a direction orthogonal to the XY plane (Z direction). In other words, the envelope transport path 1105 is a transport path that extends from the packaging transport path 1104 in a substantially vertical direction. As a result, in the envelope processing apparatus 100, similarly to the envelope transport path 1105, the transport direction for transporting the envelope E to the sealing position becomes the vertical direction.

[0118] The envelope E, before being inserted into the package, is placed on the envelope carrier tray 127. The envelope E, placed on the envelope carrier tray 127 via the envelope transport path 1105, is transported from the envelope entry path 1107 (described later) to the envelope transport path 1105, and then to the sealing position configured along the envelope transport path 1105.

[0119] When envelope E is conveyed from envelope entry path 1107 to envelope conveying channel 1105, the cap ef of envelope E is opened, thereby conveying envelope E to the sealing position. The following is an explanation of this series of actions.

[0120] After being conveyed to the sealing position and having its packaging inserted, the envelope E is sealed in the sealing conveyor channel 1106 en route to the envelope discharge tray 134. The sealed envelope E is then conveyed to the envelope discharge tray 134 for discharge. The envelope conveyor path 1105 also serves as the discharge conveyor path.

[0121] The switching of the conveying direction of this series of envelopes E is achieved by claw-shaped components that operate appropriately according to the position of the conveyed envelope E. The roller pair constituting the envelope conveying path 1105 switches the conveying direction according to the position of the envelope E. Thus, a turning conveying action is performed, conveying the envelope E in a direction opposite to the current conveying direction of the envelope E. The package is conveyed to the envelope conveying path 1105, which branches off from the first conveying path 1101 and is directly connected to the packaging conveying path 1104. Thus, a portion of the envelope conveying path 1105 also functions as a conveying path for the package.

[0122] As described above, since the envelope processing apparatus 100 has a structure for conveying the envelope E for performing sealing and encapsulation operations, and a structure for conveying the packaged contents relative to the envelope E, the installation area of ​​the envelope processing apparatus 100 can be reduced. Furthermore, the printing system 1 equipped with the envelope processing apparatus 100 can be miniaturized.

[0123] The envelope transport path 1105 has an envelope holding mechanism that transports the envelope E to a predetermined sealing position and holds the envelope E to seal the package. The envelope transport path 1105 is connected to a sealing transport path 1106 that seals the envelope E containing the package.

[0124] In the envelope transport path 1105, a first vertical transport roller pair 122 and a second vertical transport roller pair 123 are arranged as envelope transport devices to transport the envelope E to the position for receiving the folded sheet Sf. In the envelope transport path 1105, a packaging roller pair 121 is arranged above the first vertical transport roller pair 122 (in the +Z direction) as a packaging material transport device for supplying the packaged material to the envelope E.

[0125] The sealing roller pair 121 conveys the package in the sealing direction (-Z direction) and performs a sealing operation on the envelope E, which is conveyed to the sealing position and held by the first vertical conveying roller pair 122 and the second vertical conveying roller pair 123.

[0126] A package pusher 160 is disposed between the packaging roller pair 121 and the first vertical conveying roller pair 122 and on the side of the envelope conveying path 1105, which performs an action of pushing the rear end of the package toward the opening of the envelope E during the sealing operation.

[0127] A cap opening mechanism 128 is provided at the connection point of the conveying path from the envelope conveying path 1105 to the sealing conveying path 1106, and at the connection point of the envelope input path 1107 that conveys the envelope E taken from the envelope placement tray 127 toward the envelope conveying path 1105. Furthermore, the cap opening mechanism 128 has a structure that opens the cap ef when the envelope E, which is the envelope holding tray, is conveyed toward the envelope conveying path 1105.

[0128] An envelope deflector 21, which serves as a conveying guide for a cap opening mechanism 128, is provided at the confluence of the envelope conveying path 1105 and the envelope input path 1107.

[0129] Below (in the -Z direction) at the point where the envelope input path 1107 and the envelope transport path 1105 merge, i.e., at the first branch position, a cap opening roller pair 124 constituting the cap opening mechanism 128 is arranged.

[0130] The cap opening roller pair 124 consists of a pair of drive rollers and a driven roller. The envelope E is held between the outer circumferential surfaces of the drive rollers and the driven rollers and is conveyed by the rotation of the drive rollers. A cap opening gripper 40, which acts as a cap opener, is mounted on the drive shaft, which rotates coaxially with the rotation axis of the drive rollers.

[0131] The first vertical conveying roller pair includes a cap opening roller pair 124 disposed below the first branch position, and a first vertical conveying roller pair 122 and a second vertical conveying roller pair 123 disposed above the first branch position.

[0132] A separation roller pair 125 and an envelope conveying roller pair 126 are arranged in the envelope input path 1107, which merges with the envelope conveying path 1105. A portion of the carried envelope E is removed from the envelope loading tray 127 by the separation roller pair 125. The envelope E is supplied to the envelope conveying path 1105 by the separation roller pair 125 and the envelope conveying roller pair 126, which serve as envelope supply devices.

[0133] like Figures 5 to 17 As shown, multiple envelopes E are placed on an envelope carrier tray 127. Each envelope E has a head and a bottom, regardless of its external shape and dimensions. An opening is formed in the head, and a cap ef is provided as a cover for closing the opening. The envelopes E placed on the envelope carrier tray 127 are in a state where the bottom of the cap ef is opposite the separation roller pair 125, and the cap ef is closed. The closed state of the cap ef refers to the state where the cap ef is bent at the boundary with the body of the envelope E, and the front end of the cap ef is close to the body of the envelope E.

[0134] When envelope E is discharged from envelope carrier tray 127, the front end of envelope E in the conveying direction is the bottom of envelope E. The rear end in the conveying direction becomes the folded cap ef.

[0135] Therefore, in this embodiment, when envelope E is separated from the envelope E placed on the envelope carrier tray 127 and conveyed to the cap opening roller pair 124 through the envelope input path 1107, the downstream side of the envelope E in the conveying direction becomes the bottom of the envelope E. The upstream side of the envelope E in the conveying direction is the cap ef of the envelope E. That is, the bottom of the envelope E conveyed in the envelope input path 1107 corresponds to the "front end in the conveying direction" in the envelope input path 1107. The cap ef corresponds to the "rear end in the conveying direction" in the envelope input path 1107.

[0136] Envelope E, conveyed from envelope carrier tray 127 by separation roller pair 125, is conveyed by envelope conveyor roller pair 126 to a position beyond envelope deflection switching claw 21. Envelope E, having passed the envelope deflection switching claw 21, rotates to a position to switch the conveying direction.

[0137] The envelope turning switch claw 21 is held in either a position where the envelope E is temporarily conveyed from the envelope carrying tray 127 to the sealing conveying path 1106, or a position where the envelope E is conveyed to the sheet conveying device 110 in the envelope conveying path 1105. That is, the envelope turning switch claw 21 is a component that switches the conveying direction of the envelope E.

[0138] The first vertical conveyor roller pair 122 and the second vertical conveyor roller pair 123 convey and hold the envelope E to a predetermined position in the envelope conveying path 1105. As will be described later, the predetermined position refers to the position of the opening of the envelope E (the position of the cap ef), which is lower than the sealing roller pair 121 and higher than the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122.

[0139] The sealing roller pair 121 is a conveying roller that rotates in the direction in which the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet conveying device 110 is sealed into the envelope E.

[0140] like Figure 5 As shown, in the sealing device 130, a third vertical conveying roller pair 131 and a fourth vertical conveying roller pair 132, serving as deflecting conveyors, are arranged on the sealing conveying path 1106. The sealing device 130 also has an envelope discharge path 1108 branching off from the sealing conveying path 1106 at a second branch position. An envelope discharge switching claw 31 is arranged at the second branch position. An envelope discharge roller pair 133 is provided in the envelope discharge path 1108. The envelope discharge roller pair 133 is located at the end of the envelope discharge path 1108.

[0141] The second vertical conveyor roller pair includes a third vertical conveyor roller pair 131 and a fourth vertical conveyor roller pair 132. The third vertical conveyor roller pair 131 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller pair 132 convey the envelope E and hold it in the designated position on the sealed conveyor path 1106.

[0142] The envelope discharge switching claw 31 rotates between the position where the envelope E is conveyed from the cap opening roller pair 124 to the third vertical conveying roller pair 131 on the packaging conveying path 1104 and the position where the envelope E is conveyed from the packaging conveying path 1104 to the envelope discharge path 1108. The envelope discharge switching claw 31 is a component that switches the conveying direction of the envelope E.

[0143] A sealing mechanism 135, which acts as a sealer, is provided in the sealing transport path 1106. This sealing mechanism 135 performs a "sealing process" to close the cap ef. When the cap ef of the envelope E conveyed by the third vertical transport roller pair 131 and the fourth vertical transport roller pair 132 is opened, the sealing mechanism 135 performs a process to close the cap ef.

[0144] Envelope discharge roller pair 133 is a roller pair that discharges envelope E to envelope discharge tray 134.

[0145] The envelope discharge tray 134, which serves as an envelope stacker, is a tray for holding the discharged envelopes E.

[0146] As described above, in the envelope processing apparatus 100, the transport paths for conveying folded sheets Sf from the sheet transport device 110 to the packaging device 120 and the sealing device 130 are connected in the vertical direction (Z direction). This connected transport path serves as both the transport path for the folded sheets Sf and the transport path for the envelopes E, and is equivalent to a longitudinal transport path that connects the envelope transport path 1105 of the packaging device 120 and the sealing transport path 1106 of the sealing device 130 in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0147] Next, refer to Figures 6-17 An example of a series of processes involving the sealing and enclosing actions of the envelope handling device 100 will be described. Figures 6-17 In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals are primarily assigned to elements used in the description of each action step. For ease of explanation, the steps of the process are distinguished from each other in the drawings. However, these processes can be performed in parallel.

[0148] First, such as Figure 6 As shown, the separating rollers 125 separate the envelopes E one by one from the envelope carrier tray 127 containing multiple envelopes E, and then the envelopes are conveyed to the cap opening rollers 124 by the envelope conveying rollers 126. At this time, the envelope turning switching claw 21 and the envelope discharge switching claw 31 move towards... Figure 5 The direction shown. The cap opening roller pair 124, the third vertical conveying roller pair 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller pair 132 rotate in the direction of conveying the envelope E downward and convey the envelope E to the designated position in the packaging conveying path 1104.

[0149] Next, as Figure 7 As shown, when envelope E has completely passed through the cap opening roller pair 124, the cap ef is opened by the cap opening mechanism 280. In this state, envelope E becomes... Figure 8 The next state is shown.

[0150] Next, as Figure 8 As shown, after the seal ef of envelope E is opened and reaches the position via the seal opening roller pair 124, the third vertical conveying roller pair 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller pair 132 are reversed. This action performs a redirected transport of envelope E to a predetermined position on the sealing device 120. The envelope redirection switching claw 21 moves towards the seal before or simultaneously with the redirection transport of envelope E. Figure 8 The envelope rotates in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow. This allows the envelope E to be conveyed upwards along the envelope conveying path 1105. The envelope steering rollers include a cap opening roller pair 124, a third vertical conveying roller pair 131, and a fourth vertical conveying roller pair 132.

[0151] like Figure 9 As shown, the second vertical conveyor roller pair 123 and the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122, which constitute the steering conveyor device, convey the envelope E to the sealing position. When the cap ef has reached the position where the cap ef has passed the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122, the rotation of the second vertical conveyor roller pair 123 and the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122 stops, and the sealing standby operation begins.

[0152] In the control of conveying envelope E to the sealing position, after envelope E is removed from the separating roller pair 125, a process is performed to calculate the conveying amount of envelope E based on the rotation amount of each conveying roller. The position of envelope E in the sealing conveying path 1104 can be determined based on the calculated length of envelope E and the length of the cap ef, the conveying amount of envelope E, and the length of the conveying path through envelope entry path 1107 and envelope conveying path 1105.

[0153] Next, as Figure 10 As shown, the envelope processing device 100 receives folded sheet Sf from the upstream device (folding processing device 300) using the inlet roller pair 101, and conveys the folded sheet Sf to the first conveying path 1101 while keeping the envelope E in the sealed position.

[0154] Subsequently, as Figure 11 As shown, the first intermediate conveyor roller pair 114 and the first conveyor roller pair 111 convey the folded sheet Sf downstream in the sheet conveying direction. At this time, the first switching claw 11 and the third switching claw 13... Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed from the first conveying path 1101 to the packaging conveying path 1104.

[0155] After that, as Figure 12 As shown, the sealing roller pair 121 further conveys the folded sheet Sf from the sealing conveyor path 1104 to the envelope conveyor path 1105 in the conveying direction. Thus, the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122, etc., holds the folded sheet Sf in a predetermined sealing position within the envelope conveyor path 1105. In the sealing standby state, the folded sheet Sf is sealed into the opening of the envelope E. During this sealing operation, the folded sheet Sf is pushed into the envelope E by the package pusher 160, which constitutes the sealing device and acts as a pushing mechanism. The relationship between the operation of the package pusher 160 and the folded sheet Sf during sealing is described below.

[0156] Next, as Figure 13 As shown, the first vertical conveyor roller pair 122 and the second vertical conveyor roller pair 123 are rotated to convey the envelope E downwards. Figure 14 As shown, envelope E is conveyed to the fourth vertical conveyor roller pair 132, and the cap ef reaches the position of the envelope discharge switching claw 31.

[0157] After the cap ef reaches the position of the switching claw 31 that discharges through the envelope, as Figure 15 As shown, the sealing mechanism 135 between the third vertical conveyor roller pair 131 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller pair 132 closes the cover ef and seals the envelope E.

[0158] After that, as Figure 16 As shown, the third vertical conveyor roller pair 131 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller pair 132 rotate in opposite directions to convey the sealed envelope E in a redirecting manner. Before the third vertical conveyor roller pair 131 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller pair 132 rotate in opposite directions, the envelope discharge switching claw 31 rotates, becoming... Figure 16 The state shown. Thus, the sealed envelope E is transported from the envelope transport path 1105 to the envelope discharge path 1108.

[0159] Therefore, as Figure 17 As shown, the envelope discharge roller pair 133 discharges the sealed envelope E onto the envelope discharge tray 134.

[0160] Next, the cap opening mechanism 280, which includes the cap opening claw 40 as a cap opening device, will be described. Figure 18A and Figure 18B The thick black arrow h indicates the direction of envelope E's transport in the cap opening mechanism 280. In the cap opening mechanism 280, when viewed from the upstream side of the transport direction in the envelope entry path 1107, there are envelope transport roller pair 126, envelope steering switching claw 21, and cap opening roller pair 124.

[0161] Furthermore, the cap opening grabbing claw 40 is rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft of one of the roller pairs constituting the cap opening roller pair 124.

[0162] Figure 18A This is a schematic diagram of the cap opening mechanism 280 in its first state. Figure 18A In the shown cap opening mechanism 280, the cap opening front end 40t, which is the end corresponding to the front end side of the cap opening grab claw 40 in the conveying direction, is held at a position that crosses the envelope conveying path 1105, which is the conveying path.

[0163] exist Figure 18A In the shown cap opening mechanism 280, the switching front end 21t, which is the front end of the envelope turning switching claw 21, is kept in a position close to the envelope entry path 1107.

[0164] Figure 18B This is a schematic diagram of the second-state cap opening mechanism 280. Figure 18BIn the shown cap opening mechanism 280, the cap opening rear end 40r, which is the other end corresponding to the rear end side of the cap opening grabber 40 in the conveying direction, is held in a position close to the envelope entry path 1107, which is the conveying path. The cap opening front end 40t is held in a position that does not cross the envelope conveying path 1105, which is the conveying path, and is held in a position away from the envelope conveying path 1105.

[0165] exist Figure 18B In the shown cap opening mechanism 280, the switching front end 21t of the envelope turning switching claw 21 is held in a position along the tangential direction of the arc-shaped envelope entry path 1107.

[0166] Next, refer to Figures 19A to 19F The operation of the cap opening mechanism 280 in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 19A The state shown is the same as the above. Figure 18A The states shown are roughly the same, representing the initial state before the envelope E is delivered.

[0167] Next, as Figure 19B As shown, in envelope entry path 1107, envelope E is conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction. When the bottom (front end in the conveying direction) of envelope E is further conveyed by switching the front end 21t, envelope E becomes... Figure 19C The state shown.

[0168] like Figure 19C As shown, if the cap opening roller pair 124 clamps the envelope E and further conveys the envelope E along the conveying direction, the cap ef of the envelope E moves along the conveying direction outside the cap opening rear end 40r. This is because the envelope entry path 1107 is formed in an arc shape, and the switching front end 21t is located close to the envelope entry path 1107. Therefore, the conveying front end of the envelope E will not fly out of the envelope entry path 1107, but will be pushed towards the cap opening roller pair 124.

[0169] If the front end of envelope E in the conveying direction abuts against the cap-opening claw 40 and further conveys envelope E, then as Figure 19C As shown, the cap-opening claw 40 rotates. This rotation causes the cap-opening rear end 40r of the cap-opening claw 40 to move towards the envelope entry path 1107. Consequently, the cap-opening rear end 40r reaches a position in the envelope entry path 1107 that overlaps with the switching front end 21t. As a result, the middle portion of the envelope E is pushed out along the Z-direction from the arc-shaped path of the envelope entry path 1107. Consequently, the cap ef is released from the main body of the envelope E, and the cap ef is triggered to open.

[0170] Next, if envelope E is delivered, then as follows: Figure 19DAs shown, the junction of the body of envelope E and the cap ef abuts against the rear end 40r of the cap opening.

[0171] like Figure 19F As shown, the envelope E with its cap ef open is conveyed along envelope conveying path 1105. Thus, it is in the cap ef open state.

[0172] Next, refer to Figures 20A to 20F The operation of the cap opening mechanism 280 in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 20A The state shown is the same as the above. Figure 18B The states shown are roughly the same as the initial states before the envelope E is delivered.

[0173] Next, as Figure 20B As shown, in envelope entry path 1107, envelope E is conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction. When the bottom (front end in the conveying direction) of envelope E is further conveyed by switching the front end 21t, envelope E becomes... Figure 20C The state shown.

[0174] like Figure 20C As shown, if the bottom of envelope E reaches a certain position through the cap opening rear end 40r, the switching front end 21t rotates to a position crossing the envelope entry path 1107. As a result, the cap ef of envelope E moves along the conveying direction outside the cap opening rear end 40r. This is because the envelope entry path 1107 is formed in an arc shape, and the switching front end 21t crosses the envelope entry path 1107, thereby causing the main body of envelope E to move towards the inside of the envelope entry path 1107.

[0175] As a result, the cap ef becomes separated from the main body of envelope E, and the cap ef is triggered and opened.

[0176] Next, if envelope E is delivered, then as follows: Figure 20D As shown, the junction of the body of envelope E and the cap ef abuts against the rear end 40r of the cap opening.

[0177] Then, as Figure 20F As shown, the envelope E with its cap ef open is conveyed along envelope conveying path 1105. Thus, it is in the cap ef open state.

[0178] Next, refer to Figure 21 The structure of the cap-opening scooping claw 40 is explained. Figure 21 This diagram illustrates the cap-opening claw 40 of the first embodiment. The cap-opening claw 40 is supported so that it can rotate about the drive shaft 124R of the cap-opening roller pair 124. The cap-opening claw 40 is forced by a spring 45, which is an elastic member, in the direction of exiting the cap-opening rear end 40r from the envelope entry path 1107.

[0179] The surface connecting the cap-opening rear end 40r, which serves as the upstream end of the cap-opening claw 40 in the conveying direction, and the cap-opening front end 40t, which serves as the downstream end of the cap-opening claw 40 in the conveying direction—that is, the surface of the cap-opening claw 40 facing the envelope conveying path 1105—is a generally flat surface. When the conveyed envelope E comes into contact with the portion of this flat surface closer to the cap-opening front end 40t, the cap-opening claw 40 rotates in the direction opposing the force of the spring 45.

[0180] In the case of an imaginary plane along the envelope transport path 1105, assuming the cap opening roller pair 124 passes through, the cap opening front end 40t is normally positioned opposite the drive shaft 124R, based on this imaginary plane. When the envelope E is transported and the flat portion located across the envelope transport path 1105 is pressed, the cap opening front end 40t moves to a position on the drive shaft 124R side with the drive shaft 124R as its rotation center. Consequently, the cap opening rear end 40r moves to a position across the envelope entry path 1107, resulting in the cap ef open state.

[0181] It should be noted that spring 45 can also be omitted, and the position of the rotation axis of the cap-opening scooping claw 40 can be offset from the center of gravity. Figure 21 The state shown remains the normal state. The envelope E is further conveyed while its bottom is in contact with the sealing claw 40, and the flat part is pressed down, causing it to rotate due to its own weight.

[0182] In addition, in order to reduce the load when the cap is opened, it is preferable that the cap opening rear end 40r of the cap opening claw 40 has a thickness and a curved shape relative to the direction of the envelope entry path 1107.

[0183] Next, refer to Figures 22A to 22F The sequence of operations of the cap opening mechanism 280 of the third embodiment will be described. The cap opening mechanism 280a of this embodiment differs in structure from that of the first or second embodiment described above. The cap opening gripper 40a rotates via a drive source. Figures 22A to 22F In this context, the driving source for the cap-opening grabbing claw 40a can be any driving source, such as a motor or solenoid, as long as it is capable of rotating the cap-opening grabbing claw 40a appropriately in a specified direction.

[0184] The process of this action is roughly the same as the process of the cap opening and scooping claw 40a in the first and second embodiments described above.

[0185] In addition, such as Figures 22A to 22FAs shown, the cap opening front end 40t can also be set without the cap opening claw 40a rotating via a drive source. Alternatively, the cap opening claw 40a can be controlled to start rotating when the envelope E passes through the cap opening rear end 40r.

[0186] It should be noted that the timing of the rotation of the cap-opening claw 40a can be appropriately adjusted according to the dimensions of the conveying direction of envelope E and cap ef. This is because the engagement timing between cap ef and cap-opening claw 40 varies depending on the dimensions of envelope E and cap ef. If the cap-opening claw 40 rotates at a timing different from the engagement timing of cap ef and cap-opening claw 40, cap ef will be conveyed without reliably engaging with the cap-opening rear end 40r. Therefore, cap ef will be conveyed in a closed state.

[0187] exist Figure 22C In the process shown, the cap ef is securely engaged with the cap opening rear end 40r of the cap opening claw 40a. For example... Figure 22C As shown, with the envelope E held downstream (bottom) in the conveying direction by the cap opening roller pair 124 and not held upstream (cap ef side) in the conveying direction by the envelope conveying roller pair 126, the cap opening claw 40a moves across the envelope conveying path 1105. Through the cooperation of the envelope turning switching claw 21 and the cap opening claw 40a, the envelope E can be bent. This reliably engages the cap ef with the cap opening claw 40a.

[0188] With the front end (bottom) of envelope E held by the cap opening roller pair 124 and the rear end (cap ef side) of envelope E held by the envelope conveying roller pair 126, even if the cap opening claw 40a moves across the envelope entry path 1107, the cap ef cannot be fully opened relative to envelope E because the rear end of envelope E is held by the envelope conveying roller pair 126. As a result, the cap ef cannot reliably engage with the cap opening claw 40a.

[0189] Therefore, by rotating the cap-opening claw 40a at the appropriate moment corresponding to the delivery position of envelope E, the cap-opening claw 40a is moved so that it crosses the envelope and enters the path 1107, thereby reliably engaging the cap ef with the cap-opening claw 40a. As a result, the cap ef can be reliably opened.

[0190] The above embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention. Therefore, many additional modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings. For example, within the scope of the invention, elements and / or features of different illustrative embodiments can be combined with and / or substituted for each other.

[0191] This patent application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-021568, filed with the Japan Patent Office on February 15, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0192] List of reference numerals

[0193] 1. Printing System

[0194] 10-branch claw

[0195] 11 First switching claw

[0196] 12 Second switching claw

[0197] 13 Third switching claw

[0198] 21 Envelope Turning Switching Claw

[0199] 21t Switching front end

[0200] 31 Envelope Discharge Switching Claw

[0201] 40. Cap opening and scooping claws

[0202] 40a Cap Opening and Picking Claws

[0203] 40r cap opening back end

[0204] 40t cap opening front end

[0205] 45 springs

[0206] 100 Envelope Processing Device

[0207] 101 Inlet Roller Pair

[0208] 102 Discharge Roller Pair

[0209] 105 Communication Line

[0210] 110 Sheet Conveying Device

[0211] 111 First conveyor roller pair

[0212] 112 Second conveyor roller pair

[0213] 113 Steering Conveyor Roller Pair

[0214] 114 First intermediate conveyor roller pair

[0215] 115 Second intermediate conveyor roller pair

[0216] 118 First sheet material detection sensor

[0217] 119 Second sheet material detection sensor

[0218] 120 Packaging Device

[0219] 121 Packaging Roller Pair

[0220] 122 First vertical conveyor roller pair

[0221] 123 Second vertical conveyor roller pair

[0222] 124 sealing and opening roller pair

[0223] 124R drive shaft

[0224] 125 Separating Roller Pair

[0225] 126 envelope conveyor roller pairs

[0226] 127 Envelope Carrying Tray

[0227] 128 Cap Opening Mechanism

[0228] 130 Sealing device

[0229] 131 Third vertical conveyor roller pair

[0230] 132 Fourth vertical conveyor roller pair

[0231] 133 Envelope Discharge Roller Pair

[0232] 134 envelopes discharged from the tray

[0233] 135 Sealing Mechanism

[0234] 137 Discharge Tray

[0235] 160 package pusher

[0236] 190 package and sealed controller

[0237] 200 Image forming apparatus

[0238] 207 Communication Line

[0239] 210 Display Unit

[0240] 220 operating unit

[0241] 230 sheet feeder

[0242] 240 Image Forming Apparatus

[0243] 250 fixing unit

[0244] 260 printer controller

[0245] 280, 280a Cap Opening Mechanism

[0246] 300 folding processing equipment

[0247] 310 Sheet Folding Device

[0248] 311 Conveyor Roller Pair

[0249] 312 First Folding Roller

[0250] 313 First Folding Conveyor Roller

[0251] 314 Second Folding Roller

[0252] 315 Third Folding Roller

[0253] 316 Second Folded Conveyor Roller Pair

[0254] 320 Sheet Folding Controller

[0255] 321 First Conveyor Roller Pair

[0256] 322 First Folding Conveyor Roller

[0257] 323 First Folding Roller

[0258] 324 Second Folding Roller

[0259] 325 Second Folded Conveyor Roller

[0260] 326 Second Conveyor Roller Pair

[0261] 400 post-processing equipment

[0262] 403 communication line

[0263] 410 Post-processing Unit

[0264] 420 Post-processing Controller

[0265] 1100 Entry Path

[0266] 1102 Second Conveying Path

[0267] 1103 Switchback conveyance passage

[0268] 1104 package delivery path

[0269] 1105 Envelope Delivery Path

[0270] 1106 Sealed Conveying Path

[0271] Envelope 1107 Entry Path

[0272] 1108 envelope discharge path

[0273] 1109 Sheet Export Route

Claims

1. A sealing device configured to insert a sealing material into an envelope, the sealing device comprising: An envelope transport path along which the envelope is transported; A first conveyor is configured to convey the envelope along the envelope conveying path; A second conveyor is located downstream of the first conveyor in the envelope conveying path and in the direction of envelope conveying; A transport guide is located between the first conveyor and the second conveyor in the envelope transport path; and A cap opener, configured to open the cap of the envelope, the cap opener comprising: The front end, in the envelope conveying direction, is the downstream end of the cap opener. The rear end, wherein the rear end is the upstream end of the envelope conveying direction of the cap opener, wherein the rear end is upstream of the second conveyor and downstream of the first conveyor in the envelope conveying direction, and The rear end is connected to the front end and faces a generally flat surface of the envelope delivery path; At least one of the portion of the delivery guide or one end of the cap opener is located across the envelope delivery path.

2. The packaging device according to claim 1, in, The packaging device further includes an envelope entry path, from which the envelope is conveyed to the envelope conveying path; Wherein, after the envelope cap contacts the cap opener, the rear end is located at a position across the entry path of the envelope.

3. The packaging apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an elastic member that applies force to the cap opener to cause the rear end of the cap opener to cross the envelope transport path.

4. The packaging device according to claim 3, in, The cap opener is configured to rotate in a direction that overcomes the force applied by the envelope being conveyed within the envelope transport path.

5. The packaging device according to claim 1, in, The envelope is conveyed within the envelope conveying path, and before the seal of the envelope contacts the seal opener, a portion of the conveying guide or at least one of the front end of the seal opener is positioned across the envelope conveying path.

6. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, in, The envelope is conveyed within the envelope conveying path, and the conveying guide is configured to rotate before the envelope's cap contacts the cap opener, and the position of the conveying guide is reached by the envelope.

7. The packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, At least one end of the cap opener has a thickness in a direction orthogonal to the envelope conveying direction and the width direction of the envelope.

8. The packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, At least one end of the cap opener has a curved shape.

9. A packaging and sealing device, comprising: The packaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and A sealing device configured to seal the envelope, wherein the encapsulant is inserted into the envelope.

10. An image forming system, comprising: Image forming apparatus, configured to form an image on a sheet medium; and The packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is configured to insert the sheet medium, which is said package, into the envelope.

Images