Media processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention provides a media processing apparatus that can reduce the decrease in strength of the binding portion formed when a bag is manufactured from a media. [Solution] A first transport means for transporting a medium, a first folding means for performing a first folding process on the transported medium, a binding means for binding at least a portion of the overlap of the medium that has undergone the first folding process, and a second folding means for performing a second folding process on the medium that has undergone the binding process by the binding means. The media processing apparatus is equipped with a second folding means that reduces the compressive force applied to the binding portion, which is the part that has been bound, when the second folding process is performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium processing device, an image forming device, and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a medium processing device that processes a sheet-like medium into a bag without using an adhesive or the like. There is also known an image forming device that can form an image on the medium used for processing the bag and produce an image-bearing bag. There is also known an image forming system in which an image forming device and a medium processing device cooperate with each other.

[0003] In a conventional medium processing device, there is disclosed a technique for forming a bag by performing a binding process on an overlapping portion of a medium bent by bending means composed of a plurality of roller members (see Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when forming a bag from a medium such as a cut sheet, there is a problem that the binding portion is crushed and the binding strength is reduced.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium processing device capable of reducing a decrease in the strength of a binding portion formed when producing a bag from a medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention relates to a media processing apparatus for processing a media into a bag, comprising: a first conveying means for conveying the media; a first folding means for performing a first folding on the conveyed media; a binding means for binding at least a portion of the overlap of the media that has been subjected to the first folding; and a second folding means for performing a second folding on the media that has been bound by the binding means, wherein the second folding means is configured to reduce the compressive force applied to the bound portion, which is the portion that has been bound, when performing the second folding. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the reduction in strength of the binding portion formed when a bag is made from a medium can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating a bag produced by a bag-making apparatus as an embodiment of the media processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of the bag manufacturing apparatus described above. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating a part of the operation process of the first configuration example described above. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating a part of the operation process of the first configuration example described above. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating a part of the operation process of the first configuration example described above. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a fastening means provided in the above-mentioned bag manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 7] A diagram showing another example of the fastening means provided in the above-mentioned bag manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 8] A diagram showing another example of the fastening means provided in the above-mentioned bag manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the binding mechanism described above. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the binding mechanism described above. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating a part of the operation process of the first configuration example described above. [Figure 12]A diagram illustrating the bag body produced by the above bag body manufacturing device. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of the operation of the above binding means. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating the bag body produced by the above bag body manufacturing device. [Figure 15] A diagram illustrating the bag body produced by the above bag body manufacturing device. [Figure 16] A schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the above bag body manufacturing device. [Figure 17] A diagram for explaining the configuration of the second folding means included in the above second configuration example. [Figure 18] A diagram for explaining the configuration of the second folding means included in the above second configuration example. [Figure 19] A diagram for explaining the configuration of the second folding means included in the above second configuration example. [Figure 20] A diagram for explaining the configuration of the second folding means included in the above second configuration example. [Figure 21] A diagram for explaining the configuration of the second folding means included in the above second configuration example. [Figure 22] A diagram for explaining the configuration of the second folding means included in the above second configuration example. [Figure 23] A diagram for explaining the configuration of the second folding means included in the above second configuration example. [Figure 24] A diagram for explaining the configuration of the second folding means included in the above second configuration example. [Figure 25] A diagram for explaining the configuration of the second folding means included in the above second configuration example. [Figure 26] A schematic diagram showing a third configuration example of the above bag body manufacturing device. [Figure 27] A diagram for explaining a part of the operation process of the above third configuration example. [Figure 28] A schematic diagram showing a fourth configuration example of the above bag body manufacturing device. [Figure 29] A diagram for explaining a part of the operation process of the above fourth configuration example. [Figure 30] A diagram for explaining the double-folding process of the above fourth configuration example. [Figure 31] A diagram for explaining the double-folding process of the above fourth configuration example. [Figure 32] A diagram illustrating the additional folding process of the fourth configuration example described above. [Figure 33] A diagram illustrating the effects of the above-mentioned additional folding process. [Figure 34] A schematic diagram showing a fifth configuration example of the bag manufacturing apparatus described above. [Figure 35] A diagram illustrating part of the operation process of the fifth configuration example described above. [Figure 36] A schematic diagram showing the sixth configuration example of the bag manufacturing apparatus described above. [Figure 37] A diagram illustrating part of the operation process of the sixth configuration example described above. [Figure 38] A schematic diagram showing the seventh configuration example of the bag manufacturing apparatus described above. [Figure 39] A diagram illustrating part of the operation process of the seventh configuration example described above. [Figure 40] A schematic diagram showing the eighth configuration example of the bag manufacturing apparatus described above. [Figure 41] A diagram illustrating part of the operation process of the eighth configuration example described above. [Figure 42] A diagram illustrating embodiments of the image forming apparatus and field image forming system according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the sheet processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus equipped with the apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an example of a bag made using an embodiment of the media processing apparatus according to the present invention. As illustrated in Figure 1, the bag made in this embodiment is made by folding a cut sheet into thirds, and then binding the edges of the paper piece (a part of the cut sheet) that is folded back at one of the folds and the overlapping part (another part of the cut sheet). The bag made in this embodiment will be referred to as "holder 11" below.

[0010] As illustrated in Figure 1, the holder 11 has a structure in which the lid portion 11f folds over the overlapping sheet portion 11b, which forms the opening of the bag. The lid portion 11f is folded back by a fold line 11c parallel to the overlapping sheet portion 11b, thereby covering the opening and functioning as a lid. As a result, the holder 11 has a lid and a structure that prevents items placed in the bag-like portion from falling out.

[0011] As described above, the bag (holder 11) manufactured in this embodiment can form a bag shape with a storage space without using materials such as adhesives on the edges of the overlapping portions of the cut sheet.

[0012] [First Embodiment of a Media Processing Device] A first embodiment of the media processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 2 is a front view of a bag manufacturing apparatus 100 as an example of a media processing apparatus, and shows a schematic of its internal structure.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the bag-making apparatus 100 is a device that processes a cut sheet 10 into a bag. The bag-making apparatus 100 forms a holder 11 as a bag by performing predetermined folding and binding processes on a single cut sheet 10. The bag-making apparatus 100 is equipped with multiple media folding means for folding the cut sheet 10. Each media folding means consists of a group of rollers made up of multiple roller members.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, for example, the bag manufacturing apparatus 100 includes at least an inlet roller pair 110 as a first conveying means, a first folding means 120 and a second folding means 140 as a first folding means for performing folding processing while conveying, a binding means 130 for performing binding processing, and a discharge roller pair 150.

[0015] The binding means 130 performs a crimping binding process on the cut sheet 10 (intermediate body 10a) in which the first fold has been formed in the first folding means 120, by crimping a portion of it, and then passes the cut sheet 10 (intermediate body 10a) to the second folding means 140 located downstream.

[0016] The inlet roller pair 110 consists of a first inlet roller 111 and a second inlet roller 112, and separates one sheet from the stacked cut sheets 10 and passes it to the first folding means 120. The discharge roller pair 150 consists of a first discharge roller 151 and a second discharge roller 152, and discharges the cut sheets 10 that have had a second fold formed by the second folding means 140 and have been moved to the holder 11.

[0017] The first folding mechanism 120 is composed of a first roller 121, a second roller 122, and a third roller 123. The second folding mechanism 140 is composed of a fourth roller 141, a fifth roller 142, and a sixth roller 143.

[0018] In the following description, when describing embodiments having the same configuration as the inlet roller pair 110, first folding means 120, fastening means 130, second folding means 140, and discharge roller pair 150, a detailed description of these configurations will be omitted.

[0019] [Example of a bag manufacturing process] Figure 3 shows an example of the bag manufacturing process for forming the holder 11. The cut sheet 10, fed from the inlet roller pair 110 to the bag manufacturing device 100, is held between the first roller 121 and the second roller 122 of the first folding means 120 and fed between the second roller 122 and the third roller 123, as shown in Figure 3(a). Subsequently, as shown in Figure 3(b), the cut sheet 10 is folded by the first roller 121 and the third roller 123 to perform the first folding process. The folded cut sheet 10 is then fed to the binding means 130, as shown in Figure 3(c), where the overlapping portion resulting from the first folding process is bound.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4(a), following Figure 3, the bound cut sheet 10 is transported into the second folding means 140 by the fourth roller 141 and the fifth roller 142. The transported cut sheet 10 is fed in the direction of the arrow in Figure 4 by the fifth roller 142 and the sixth roller 143, as shown in Figure 4(b). Subsequently, the cut sheet 10 is folded and transported by the fourth roller 141 and the sixth roller 143, as shown in Figure 4(c).

[0021] As shown in Figure 5 following Figure 4, the cut sheet 10 folded by the second folding means 140 is discharged from the bag making device 100 by the discharge roller pair 150.

[0022] [Example of binding process] Next, an example of a binding process performed in the configuration that forms the holder 11 will be described. Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the first binding means 130. For example, the cut sheet 10 that has been transported to the first binding means 130 is subjected to a crimp binding process by a pair of rotary crimping teeth 130a.

[0023] Figure 7 shows another example of the configuration of the first binding means 130. For example, the cut sheet 10 that has been transported to the first binding means 130 is subjected to a crimp binding process by the crimp binding unit 130b. Since the crimp binding process is a well-known technique, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0024] Figure 8 shows another example of the configuration of the first binding means 130. For example, the cut sheet 10 that has been transported to the first binding means 130 is subjected to a staple binding process by a staple binding unit 130c, which acts as a staple binding means. Since the staple binding process is also a well-known technique, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0025] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a binding process by the first binding means 130. As illustrated in Figure 9, the crimp binding unit 130b or the staple binding unit 130c performs a crimp binding process or staple binding process on the intermediate body 10a, which is a cut sheet 10 with a first fold formed on it and before it becomes a holder 11.

[0026] As illustrated in Figure 9(a), the intermediate body 10a is transported relative to the crimping unit 130b, and as the crimping unit 130b and the intermediate body 10a move relative to each other, the crimping process is applied to the edge corresponding to a portion of the part of the cut sheet 10 that is folded over by the first fold. As illustrated in Figure 9(a), the crimping marks 11a1 formed by the crimping process are formed along the transport direction of the intermediate body 10a.

[0027] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 9(b), the intermediate body 10a is transported relative to the staple stapling unit 130c, and as the staple stapling unit 130c and the intermediate body 10a move relative to each other, the edge corresponding to the part of the cut sheet 10 that is folded over by the first fold is stapled. As illustrated in Figure 9(b), the staple marks 11a2 formed by the staple stapling process are formed along the transport direction of the intermediate body 10a.

[0028] Figure 10 illustrates another example of the binding process by the first binding means 130. As illustrated in Figure 10, the crimp binding unit 130b or the staple binding unit 130c is held on the transport rail 133 so as to move relative to the intermediate body 10a. As illustrated in Figure 10(a), the crimp binding unit 130b moves relative to the transported intermediate body 10a while the crimp binding process is performed on the edge portion, which is a part of the folded portion of the cut sheet 10. As illustrated in Figure 10(a), the crimp binding marks 11a1 formed by the crimp binding process are formed along the transport direction of the intermediate body 10a. Also, as illustrated in Figure 10(b), the staple binding unit 130c moves relative to the transported intermediate body 10a while the staple binding process is performed on the edge portion, which is a part of the folded portion of the cut sheet 10. As illustrated in Figure 10(b), the staple marks 11a2 formed by the staple stapling process are formed along the transport direction of the intermediate body 10a.

[0029] [Another example of the bag manufacturing process] Figure 11 shows an example of the bag manufacturing process for forming a lidless holder 12. The cut sheet 10, fed from the inlet roller pair 110 to the bag manufacturing device 100, is transported by the second roller 122 of the first folding means 120, and the cut sheet 10 is fed in by the second roller 122 and the third roller 123 as shown in Figure 11(a). Subsequently, the cut sheet 10 is folded by the first roller 121 and the third roller 123 as shown in Figure 11(b). The folded cut sheet 10 is then fed to the binding means 130 as shown in Figure 11(c), where the overlapping parts of the paper are bound.

[0030] Figure 12 is an external view showing the holder 12 without a lid. Figure 12(a) is a perspective view, and Figure 12(b) is a plan view. As shown in Figure 12, the holder 12 has crimp binding 11a applied to the edges of the overlapping portion 11b of the folded cut sheet 10. Since the crimp binding 11a is applied by pressing and deforming a part of the cut sheet 10, the binding can be formed without using materials such as adhesives.

[0031] [Another example of the bag manufacturing process] Figure 13 illustrates another example of the binding process by the first binding means 130. As illustrated in Figure 13, the first binding means 130 may consist of multiple means that move relative to the intermediate body 10a. For example, as illustrated in Figure 13(a), multiple first binding means 130 may be held on multiple moving rails 133, allowing binding to be performed at multiple locations simultaneously. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 13(b), multiple first binding means 130 may be provided that move relative to the intermediate body 10a, allowing binding to be performed at multiple locations simultaneously.

[0032] Figure 14 is an external view showing another example of the holder 11. Figure 14(a) is a perspective view, and Figure 14(b) is a plan view. As shown in Figure 14, the holder 11 has crimp binding 11a applied to both ends of the overlapping portion 11b of the folded cut sheet 10. Since the crimp binding 11a is applied by pressing and deforming a part of the cut sheet 10, the binding can be formed without using materials such as adhesives.

[0033] Figure 15 is an external view showing another example of a holder 12 without a lid. Figure 15(a) is a perspective view, and Figure 15(b) is a plan view. As shown in Figure 15, the holder 12 has crimp binding 11a applied to both ends of the overlapping portion 11b of the folded cut sheet 10. Since the crimp binding 11a is applied by pressing and deforming a part of the cut sheet 10, the binding can be formed without using materials such as adhesives.

[0034] [Second Embodiment of Media Processing Device] Next, a second embodiment of the media processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Figure 16 is a front view of a bag manufacturing apparatus 100a as an example of a media processing apparatus, and shows a schematic of its internal structure.

[0035] As shown in Figure 16, the bag manufacturing apparatus 100a is an apparatus for processing the cut sheet 10 into a bag, and differs from the bag manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment already described in that a first medium sensor 160 as a first detection means is arranged downstream of the first fastening means 130 (downstream in the direction of transport of the cut sheet 10).

[0036] The first media sensor 160 detects the position of the rear end of the cut sheet 10, which has been bound by the first binding means 130, as it is transported from the first binding means 130 to the second folding means 140. The position at which the binding process is performed on the cut sheet 10 (binding position) can be adjusted according to the detection result of the first media sensor 160.

[0037] [First example of the second folding method] Next, an example of the configuration of the second folding means 140 as a second folding means will be explained with reference to Figure 17. The second folding means 140 corresponds to a configuration that performs a second folding process on a cut sheet 10 that has been bound. The first folding means 120 is configured such that the length of the rollers that make up the first folding process is greater than or equal to the width of the cut sheet 10, so that the first fold formed in the first folding process extends across the entire width of the cut sheet 10. Furthermore, it is configured to be able to form the first fold along the width of the cut sheet 10.

[0038] On the other hand, the second folding means 140 is configured to fold a portion of a cut sheet 10 that has been bound, which has been subjected to the first folding process. Therefore, if the bound portion is compressed during the second folding process, the binding strength may decrease. Accordingly, the second folding means 140 in this example has a configuration that performs the second folding process without crushing the bound portion (bound portion).

[0039] As shown in Figure 17, for example, the fourth roller 141 and the fifth roller 142, which constitute the second folding means 140, are provided with notches 140a in a portion of their longitudinal direction. When the bound portion 11a of the cut sheet 10 bound by the first binding means 130 is transported and folded by the second folding means 140, the notches 140a of the fourth roller 141 and the fifth roller 142 prevent the bound portion 11a from being pinched. This reduces the compressive force applied to the bound portion 11a of the cut sheet 10, making it possible to transport and fold it without crushing it.

[0040] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a first configuration example of the second folding means 140. As shown in Figure 18, a binding portion 11a is formed on a part of the cut sheet 10 that has been transported to the second folding means 140.

[0041] When the sheet is transported to be folded by the second folding means 140, the binding portion 11a is transported to a position corresponding to the notches 140a provided on the fourth roller 141 and the fifth roller 142. This reduces the compressive force applied to the binding portion 11a when it is held and folded by the fourth roller 141 and the fifth roller 142, preventing it from being crushed. Furthermore, if there is a margin between the binding portion 11a and the edge of the cut sheet 10, the margin is folded by the second folding means 140, making it possible to form a crease at the edge of the medium as well.

[0042] [Second example of the second folding method] Next, another example of the configuration of the second folding means 140 as a second folding means will be explained with reference to Figure 19. The second folding means 140 corresponds to a configuration that performs a second folding process on the cut sheet 10 that has been bound.

[0043] On the other hand, the second folding means 140 is configured to perform folding on a portion of the cut sheet 10 that has been bound after the first folding process has been applied. Therefore, as in this example, the fourth roller 141 and fifth roller 142 of the second folding means 140 may be made of roller material that is shorter in length than the sixth roller 143.

[0044] When the bound portion 11a of the cut sheet 10 bound by the first binding means 130 is transported and folded by the second folding means 140, the length of the fourth roller 141 and the fifth roller 142 is short, which reduces the compressive force applied to the bound portion 11a, allowing it to be transported and folded without being crushed. In Figure 19, the sixth roller 143 is longer than the fourth roller 141 and the fifth roller 142, but it may be the same length as the fourth roller 141 and the fifth roller 142.

[0045] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a second configuration example of the second folding means 140. As shown in Figure 20, a binding portion 11a is formed on a part of the cut sheet 10 that has been transported to the second folding means 140.

[0046] When the cut sheet 10 is folded by the second folding means 140 and transported, the binding portion 11a is positioned so that it is not compressed by the fourth roller 141 and fifth roller 142 of the second folding means 140. That is, since the fourth roller 141 and fifth roller 142 are made of roller material that is shorter in length than the sixth roller 143, the compressive force applied to the binding portion 11a of the cut sheet 10 bound by the first binding means 130 can be reduced, and it will not be crushed when transported and folded by the second folding means 140.

[0047] [Third example of the second folding method] Next, another configuration example of the second folding means 140 as a second folding means will be explained with reference to Figure 21. As shown in Figure 21, in the second folding means 140 according to this example, a flexible roller 140b made of an elastic flexible material is provided at the location where the binding portion 11a passes (the location where the position of the binding portion 11a is compressed in order to perform the second folding process) in the fourth roller 141, fifth roller 142, and sixth roller 143. The flexible roller 140b is made of a flexible material such as urethane or sponge, if the other parts are made of POM.

[0048] By providing the flexible roller 140b, the compressive force applied to the bound portion 11a of the cut sheet 10 bound by the first binding means 130 can be reduced, and the stress on the bound portion 11a can be adjusted when it is transported and folded by the second folding means 140. In Figure 21, the sixth roller 143 is also provided with a flexible roller 140b made of a soft material, but at least the roller paired with the sixth roller 143 should be provided with a flexible roller 140b made of a soft material. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the sixth roller 143 with a flexible roller 140b made of a soft material.

[0049] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a third configuration example of the second folding means 140. As shown in Figure 22, a binding portion 11a is formed on a part of the cut sheet 10 that has been transported to the second folding means 140.

[0050] Flexible rollers 140b are provided at positions corresponding to the binding portions 11a of the fourth roller 141, fifth roller 142, and sixth roller 143 of the second folding means 140 when the sheet is folded and transported by the second folding means 140. Since the fourth roller 141, fifth roller 142, and sixth roller 143 of the second folding means 140 are equipped with flexible rollers 140b made of a soft material, the compressive force applied to the binding portion 11a of the cut sheet 10 bound by the first binding means 130 can be reduced, and the stress on the binding portion 11a can be adjusted when the sheet is transported and folded by the second folding means 140. Any soft material can be used as long as its hardness is lower than that of the non-soft rollers. Specific examples include sponge material, rubber material, and urethane material.

[0051] [Fourth example of the second folding method] Next, another configuration example of the second folding means 140 as a second folding means will be explained with reference to Figure 23. As shown in Figure 23, the second folding means 140 in this example is positioned so as not to nip the binding portion 11a of the cut sheet 10, or the binding portion 11a of the cut sheet 10 is transported in such a way that it is not nipped by the second folding means 140, thereby reducing the compressive force applied to the binding portion 11a of the cut sheet 10, and making it possible to fold it without crushing it.

[0052] [Fifth example of the second folding method] Next, another configuration example of the second folding means 140 as a second folding means will be described with reference to Figure 24. As shown in Figure 24, in this example, the second folding means 140 has a fourth roller 141, a fifth roller 142, and a sixth roller 143, each composed of divided roller portions. Because the rollers are divided, the compressive force applied to the binding portion 11a of the cut sheet 10 can be reduced, making it possible to fold it without crushing it.

[0053] Figure 25 is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a fifth configuration example of the second folding means 140. As shown in Figure 25, a binding portion 11a is formed on a part of the cut sheet 10 that has been transported to the second folding means 140.

[0054] Since the rollers of the fourth roller 141, fifth roller 142, and sixth roller 143 of the second folding means 140 are divided, the bound portion 11a of the cut sheet 10 bound by the first binding means 130 can be transported and folded by the second folding means 140 without crushing the bound portion 11a.

[0055] The configuration example of the second folding means 140 described with reference to Figures 17 to 25 is applicable to all embodiments described herein.

[0056] [Third Embodiment of Media Processing Device] Next, a third embodiment of the media processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Figure 26 is a front view of a bag manufacturing apparatus 100b as an example of a media processing apparatus, and shows a schematic of its internal structure.

[0057] As shown in Figure 26, the bag-making apparatus 100b is an apparatus for processing the cut sheet 10 into a bag, and differs from the bag-making apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment already described in that a creasing means 170, which is an additional folding means, is arranged downstream of the second folding means 140 (downstream in the direction of transport of the cut sheet 10). The creasing means 170 performs an additional folding process by pressing the folds of the cut sheet 10 that have been folded into a holder shape by the second folding means 140.

[0058] The cut sheet 10, folded into a holder shape by the second folding means 140, is conveyed by a pair of roller bodies, the first separating roller 171 and the second separating roller 172, included in the creasing means 170, as shown in Figure 27(a). The first separating roller 171 and the second separating roller 172 constitute the second conveying means.

[0059] The first separation roller 171 and the second separation roller 172 then grip and transport the cut sheet 10 until the second medium sensor 161, acting as a second detection means, detects that the fold of the cut sheet 10 has reached a position directly below the additional folding roller 170a.

[0060] When the fold of the cut sheet 10 is conveyed to directly below the additional folding roller 170a, as shown in Figure 27(b), the first separation roller 171 and the second separation roller 172 are separated to temporarily stop the conveyance of the cut sheet 10, and the additional folding process is performed on the fold of the cut sheet 10 by the additional folding roller 170a. After the additional folding is completed, as shown in Figure 27(c), the additional folding roller 170a separates again, and the first separation roller 171 and the second separation roller 172 grip the cut sheet 10 again, and the cut sheet 10 is conveyed in the discharge direction.

[0061] [Fourth embodiment of the media processing device] Next, a fourth embodiment of the media processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Figure 28 is a front view of a bag manufacturing apparatus 100c as an example of a media processing apparatus, and shows a schematic of its internal structure.

[0062] As shown in Figure 28, the bag-making apparatus 100c is a device for processing the cut sheet 10 into a bag, and differs from the bag-making apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment already described in that an additional folding roller 170a is arranged downstream of the second folding means 140 (downstream in the direction of transport of the cut sheet 10).

[0063] Figure 29 shows another example of the additional folding process. As shown in Figure 29(a), the cut sheet 10, folded into a holder shape by the second folding means 140, is conveyed by the first separating roller 171 and the second separating roller 172, which are a pair of roller bodies included in the creasing means 170, and is conveyed by the second medium sensor 161 until the fold of the cut sheet 10 is directly below the additional folding unit 170b. Once the fold of the cut sheet 10 is conveyed to directly below the additional folding unit 170b, the first separating roller 171 and the second separating roller 172 separate, as shown in Figure 29(b), and the fold of the cut sheet 10 is additionally folded by the additional folding unit 170b. Once the additional folding is complete, the additional folding unit 170b separates again as shown in Figure 29(c), and the first separating roller 171 and the second separating roller 172 nip the cut sheet 10 again, causing the cut sheet 10 to be conveyed in the discharge direction.

[0064] [Explanation of the extra-folding process] Figure 30 illustrates how the folds of the cut sheet 10 are further folded by the additional folding roller 170a. As shown in Figure 30, the folds of the cut sheet 10 are further folded by the rotation of the additional folding roller 170a in the direction of the folds of the cut sheet 10.

[0065] Figure 31 illustrates how the folds of the cut sheet 10 are further folded by the additional folding unit 170b. As shown in Figure 31, the folds of the cut sheet 10 are further folded by the additional folding unit 170b gripping the folds of the cut sheet 10 and moving horizontally in the direction of the folds.

[0066] Figure 32 illustrates the relationship between the cut sheet 10 to be folded and the folding roller 170a or folding unit 170b. As illustrated in Figure 32(a), the folding roller 170a rotates in the direction of the fold of the cut sheet 10, thereby folding the fold of the cut sheet 10.

[0067] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 32(b), the additional fold unit and 170b move horizontally in the direction of the fold of the cut sheet 10, thereby performing additional folds on the cut sheet 10.

[0068] Figure 33 illustrates the process of folding the cut sheet 10. When the cut sheet 10 is folded in the manner illustrated in Figures 26 to 32, the bulge at the fold of the cut sheet 10 becomes relatively flat, as shown in Figure 33.

[0069] [Fifth Embodiment of the Media Processing Device] Next, a fifth embodiment of the media processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Figure 34 is a front view of a bag manufacturing apparatus 100d as an example of a media processing apparatus, and shows a schematic of its internal structure.

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 34, the bag-making apparatus 100d is configured to further fold the creases of the cut sheet 10, which has been folded into a holder shape by the second folding means 140, using the additional folding roller 170a.

[0071] Figure 35 shows the process of performing additional folding on the folds of a cut sheet 10 that has been folded into a holder shape by a second folding means, using the bag manufacturing apparatus 100d illustrated in Figure 34. As illustrated in Figure 35(a), the cut sheet 10 that has been folded into a holder shape by the second folding means 140 is conveyed by the second medium sensor 161 until the fold of the cut sheet 10 is directly below the additional folding roller 170a. Once the fold of the cut sheet 10 is conveyed to directly below the additional folding roller 170a, as shown in Figure 35(b), the fourth roller 141 and the fifth roller 142, as a pair of roller bodies, are separated by the separation means 144 provided on the fourth roller 141, and the fold of the cut sheet 10 is additionally folded by the additional folding roller 170a.

[0072] Once the additional folding is complete, the additional folding roller 170a separates again, and the separating means 144 nips the cut sheet 10 again with the fourth roller 141 and the fifth roller 142, causing the cut sheet 10 to be conveyed in the discharge direction.

[0073] [Sixth Embodiment of the Media Processing Device] Next, a sixth embodiment of the media processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Figure 36 is a front view of a bag manufacturing apparatus 100e as an example of a media processing apparatus, and shows a schematic of its internal structure.

[0074] As illustrated in Figure 36, the bag manufacturing apparatus 100e is configured to allow the additional folding of the cut sheet 10, which has been folded into a holder shape by the second folding means 140, using the additional folding unit 170b.

[0075] As shown in Figure 37(a), the cut sheet 10, folded into a holder shape by the second folding means 140, is transported by the second medium sensor 161 until the fold of the cut sheet 10 is directly below the additional folding unit 170b. Once the fold of the cut sheet 10 is transported to directly below the additional folding unit 170b, the separation means 144 provided on the fourth roller 141 separates, as shown in Figure 37(b), and the fold of the cut sheet 10 is further folded by the additional folding unit 170b. Once the additional folding is complete, the additional folding unit 170b separates again, and the separation means 144 provided on the fourth roller 141 nips the cut sheet 10 again, and the cut sheet 10 is transported in the discharge direction.

[0076] [Seventh Embodiment of the Media Processing Device] Next, a seventh embodiment of the media processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Figure 38 is a front view of a bag manufacturing apparatus 100f as an example of a media processing apparatus, and shows a schematic of its internal structure.

[0077] As illustrated in Figure 38, the bag manufacturing apparatus 100f is equipped with a third folding means, an insertion unit 173, which performs a third folding process on the cut sheet 10 that has been bound by the first binding means 130.

[0078] The insertion unit 173 is equipped with an insertion member that inserts into the cut sheet 10, which has undergone the first folding and binding process, so as to push the area near the center of the cut sheet 10 in one direction in the transport direction. This insertion operation pushes the portion into which the insertion member is inserted in one direction, thereby performing the third folding process.

[0079] The cut sheet 10, which has undergone the third folding process, is conveyed to the first separation roller 171 and the second separation roller 172, which are third conveying means. Thereafter, the cut sheet 10 is conveyed by the third medium sensor 162, which is a third detection means, to directly below the additional folding roller 170a, where the folds of the cut sheet 10 are further folded by the additional folding roller 170a.

[0080] As shown in Figure 39(a), the cut sheet 10, folded by the first folding means 120 and bound by the first binding means 130, is transported to the insertion unit 173. The transported cut sheet 10 is folded by the insertion unit 173 as shown in Figure 39(b) and inserted into the first separation roller 171 and the second separation roller 172. The inserted cut sheet 10 is transported by the third medium sensor 162 to directly below the additional folding roller 170a as shown in Figure 39(c). When the cut sheet 10 is transported directly below the additional folding roller 170a, the first separation roller 171 and the second separation roller 172 separate, and the folds of the cut sheet 10 are further folded by the additional folding roller 170a.

[0081] [Eighth embodiment of the media processing device] Next, an eighth embodiment of the media processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Figure 40 is a front view of a bag manufacturing apparatus 100g as an example of a media processing apparatus, and shows a schematic of its internal structure.

[0082] As illustrated in Figure 40, in the bag-making apparatus 100g, the cut sheet 10 bound by the first binding means 130 is folded by the insertion unit 173 and subjected to a third folding process. After that, it is conveyed to the first separation roller 171 and the second separation roller 172. Subsequently, the paper is conveyed by the third medium sensor 162 to directly below the additional folding unit 170b, where the folds of the cut sheet 10 are additionally folded by the additional folding unit 170b.

[0083] As shown in Figure 41(a), the cut sheet 10, folded by the first folding means 120 and bound by the first binding means 130, is transported to the insertion unit 173. As shown in Figure 41(b), the transported cut sheet 10 is folded by the insertion unit 173 and inserted into the first separation roller 171 and the second separation roller 172. As shown in Figure 41(c), the inserted cut sheet 10 is transported by the third medium sensor 162 to the additional folding unit 170b. When the cut sheet 10 is transported to the additional folding unit 170b, the first separation roller 171 and the second separation roller 172 separate, and the folds of the cut sheet 10 are additionally folded by the additional folding unit 170b.

[0084] [Embodiment of an Image Forming Apparatus] The image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 42. As shown in Figure 42, the image forming system 1 is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 101, which has an image forming unit for forming images on multiple sheets of paper, and a bag making apparatus 100, which forms a bag from the cut sheets 10 on which the images have been formed.

[0085] The bag-making apparatus 100 may be installed as a console-type media processing machine next to the image forming apparatus 101, as illustrated in Figure 42(a). Alternatively, the bag-making apparatus 100 may be installed as a media processing unit inside the body of the image forming apparatus 101, as illustrated in Figure 42(b).

[0086] With the above configuration, the bag manufacturing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment can manufacture a bag using a configuration that does not compress the bound portion so as not to crush the portion bound by the binding means, thereby enabling the manufacture of a bag with a lid without impairing the binding force of the bound portion in a bag made by binding sheet material.

[0087] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its technical essence. All technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are covered by the present invention. The above embodiments are preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0088] [Aspects of the present invention] The contents of this invention are, for example, as follows: <1> A media processing apparatus for processing a medium into a bag, A first transport means for transporting the aforementioned medium, A first folding means for performing a first folding process on the medium that has been transported, A binding means for binding at least a portion of the overlap of the media that has undergone the first folding process, A second folding means for performing a second folding process on a medium that has been bound by the aforementioned binding means, Equipped with, The second folding means is configured to reduce the compressive force applied to the binding portion, which is the portion that has been bound, when the second folding process is performed. This is a media processing apparatus characterized by the following features. <2> The binding means is a pressure binding means that binds at least a portion of the medium by applying pressure. The aforementioned <1> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <3> The aforementioned binding means is a staple binding means that binds at least a portion of the medium with staples. The aforementioned <1> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <4> The binding means is configured to bind multiple parts of the medium. The aforementioned <1> ~ <3> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <5> The binding means binds in a direction perpendicular to the folds formed by the first folding means and the second folding means. The aforementioned <1> ~ <4> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <6> The system includes a first detection means for detecting the medium being transported to the binding means, The binding means varies the binding position according to the detection result of the first detection means. The aforementioned <1> ~ <5> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <7> The second folding means is configured to include a roller body having a notch in a portion corresponding to the position that overlaps with the binding portion. The aforementioned <1> ~ <6> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <8> The second folding means comprises a roller body having a length dimension that does not come into contact with the portion that overlaps with the binding portion. The aforementioned <1> ~ <6> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <9> The second folding means includes a roller body in which a portion corresponding to the position overlapping with the binding portion is formed of a flexible material. The aforementioned <1> ~ <6> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <10> The second folding means includes a roller body positioned so as not to overlap with the portion that overlaps with the binding portion. The aforementioned <1> ~ <6> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <11> The second folding means is configured to include a divided roller body such that it does not overlap with the portion corresponding to the position that overlaps with the binding portion. The aforementioned <6> This is the media processing apparatus described in [reference]. <12> A second conveying means for conveying the medium that has undergone the second folding process downstream, A means for performing an additional fold on at least one of the folds formed by the first fold or the second fold, A second detection means for detecting the position of the medium being transported by the second transport means, Equipped with, When the second detection means detects that the fold has reached a position relative to the additional folding means, the transport by the second transport means is temporarily suspended. After the additional folding process by the aforementioned additional folding means, the transport by the second transport means is resumed. The aforementioned <1> ~ <11> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <13> The second folding means is configured to grip and transport the medium while the three roller bodies are in contact with each other. When a second detection means detects the position of a medium being transported by a second transport means that transports the medium that has undergone the second folding process downstream, and detects that the crease formed by the first or second folding process has reached a position relative to the additional folding means, the pair of rollers included in the second folding means are separated, and the transport by the second folding means is temporarily suspended. After the additional folding process by the aforementioned additional folding means, the pair of rollers, which were separated, are brought into a clamping state to grip the medium, and the conveyance by the second folding means is resumed. The aforementioned <1> ~ <11> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <14> A media processing apparatus for processing a medium into a bag, A first transport means for transporting the aforementioned medium, A first folding means for performing a first folding process on the medium that has been transported, A binding means for binding at least a portion of the overlap of the media that has undergone the first folding process, A second folding means for performing a second folding process on a medium that has been bound by the aforementioned binding means, A third folding means for performing a third folding process on a medium that has been bound by the aforementioned binding means, A third conveying means for conveying the medium that has undergone the third folding process downstream, A means for performing an additional fold on at least one of the folds formed by the first fold or the second fold, A third detection means for detecting the position of the medium being transported by the third transport means, Equipped with, When the third detection means detects that the fold has reached a position relative to the additional folding means, the transport by the third transport means is temporarily suspended. After the additional folding process by the aforementioned additional folding means, the transport by the third transport means is resumed. This is a media processing apparatus characterized by the following features. <15> The aforementioned additional folding means consists of a folding roller that can move along the fold while pressing on the fold, The aforementioned <12> ~ <14> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <16> The aforementioned additional folding means consists of a plurality of folding rollers that can move along the fold while gripping the fold, The aforementioned <14> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <17> An image forming unit that forms an image on the transported medium, A media processing unit that performs predetermined processing on the medium on which an image is formed, Equipped with, The media processing unit is the <1> ~ <16> A media processing apparatus described in any one of the following: This is an image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. <18> An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a transported medium, The medium on which the image is formed undergoes a predetermined process. <1> ~ <16> A media processing apparatus described in any one of the following, This is an image forming system characterized by being composed of the following.

[0089] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical essence, and all technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are subject to the present invention. The above embodiments are shown as preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1: Image forming system 10: Cut sheet 11: Holder 11a: Binding section 11b: Sheet overlapping portion 11c: Fold 11f: Lid part 12: Holder 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, 100f, 100g: Bag manufacturing device 101: Image forming apparatus 110: Entrance roller vs. 111: First entrance roller 112: Second entrance roller 120: First folding means 121: First Laura 122: Second Laura 123: Third Laura 130: First binding method 130a: Rotary crimping teeth 130b: Crimping and binding unit 130c: Staple stapling unit 140: Second folding method 140a: Notch 140b: Flexible roller 141: Fourth Laura 142: Fifth Laura 143: The 6th Laura 144: Separation means 150: Discharge roller pair 151: First discharge roller 152: Second discharge roller 160: First medium sensor 161: Second medium sensor 170: Method for creating creases 170a: Folding roller 170b: Folding unit 171: Laura's First Separation 172: Laura's Second Separation 173: Plug-in unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0091] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-179184

Claims

1. A media processing apparatus for processing a medium into a bag, A first transport means for transporting the aforementioned medium, A first folding means for performing a first folding process on the medium that has been transported, A binding means for binding at least a portion of the overlap of the media that has undergone the first folding process, A second folding means for performing a second folding process on a medium that has been bound by the aforementioned binding means, Equipped with, The second folding means is configured to reduce the compressive force applied to the binding portion, which is the portion that has been bound, when the second folding process is performed. A media processing apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The binding means is a pressure binding means that binds at least a portion of the medium by applying pressure. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned binding means is a staple binding means that binds at least a portion of the medium with staples. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The binding means is configured to bind multiple parts of the medium. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The binding means binds in a direction perpendicular to the folds formed by the first folding means and the second folding means. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The system includes a first detection means for detecting the medium being transported to the binding means, The binding means varies the binding position according to the detection result of the first detection means. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The second folding means is configured to include a roller body having a notch in a portion corresponding to the position that overlaps with the binding portion. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The second folding means is configured to include a roller body having a length that does not come into contact with the portion that overlaps with the binding portion. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The second folding means includes a roller body in which a portion corresponding to the position overlapping with the binding portion is formed of a flexible material. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The second folding means includes a roller body that is positioned so as not to overlap with the portion that overlaps with the binding portion. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The second folding means is configured to include a divided roller body such that it does not overlap with the portion corresponding to the position that overlaps with the binding portion. The media processing apparatus according to claim 6.

12. A second conveying means for conveying the medium that has undergone the second folding process downstream, A means for performing an additional fold on at least one of the folds formed by the first fold or the second fold, A second detection means for detecting the position of the medium being transported by the second transport means, Equipped with, When the second detection means detects that the fold has reached a position relative to the additional folding means, the transport by the second transport means is temporarily suspended. After the additional folding process by the aforementioned additional folding means, the transport by the second transport means is resumed. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The second folding mechanism is configured to hold and transport the medium while three roller bodies are in contact with each other. When a second detection means detects the position of a medium being transported by a second transport means that transports the medium that has undergone the second folding process downstream, and detects that the fold formed by the first or second folding process has reached a position opposite the additional folding means, the pair of rollers included in the second folding means are separated, and the transport by the second folding means is temporarily suspended. After the additional folding process by the aforementioned additional folding means, the pair of rollers, which were separated, are brought into a clamping state to grip the medium, and the conveyance by the second folding means is resumed. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

14. A media processing apparatus for processing a medium into a bag, A first transport means for transporting the aforementioned medium, A first folding means for performing a first folding process on the medium that has been transported, A binding means for binding at least a portion of the overlap of the media that has undergone the first folding process, A second folding means for performing a second folding process on a medium that has been bound by the aforementioned binding means, A third folding means for performing a third folding process on a medium that has been bound by the aforementioned binding means, A third conveying means for conveying the medium that has undergone the third folding process downstream, A means for performing an additional fold on at least one of the folds formed by the first fold or the second fold, A third detection means for detecting the position of the medium being transported by the third transport means, Equipped with, When the third detection means detects that the fold has reached a position relative to the additional folding means, the transport by the third transport means is temporarily suspended. After the additional folding process by the aforementioned additional folding means, the transport by the third transport means is resumed. A media processing apparatus characterized by the following:

15. The aforementioned additional folding means consists of a folding roller that can move along the fold while pressing on the fold, The media processing apparatus according to claim 14.

16. The aforementioned additional folding means consists of a plurality of folding rollers that can move along the fold while gripping the fold, The media processing apparatus according to claim 14.

17. An image forming unit that forms an image on the transported medium, A media processing unit that performs predetermined processing on the medium on which an image is formed, Equipped with, The media processing unit is the media processing device described in claim 1 or 2. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

18. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a transported medium, A media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a predetermined process is performed on the medium on which an image is formed, An image forming system characterized by being composed of the following.

Images