Encapsulation processing device, enclosing sealing device, and image forming system

Abstract

To provide an enclosing processing apparatus that, when a user performs an operation to an envelope, controls the execution of processing not requiring an envelope continuable and reduces the downtime of an apparatus.SOLUTION: An enclosing processing apparatus for performing processing to enclose an enclosure in an envelope, comprises an enclosure transport path for carrying an enclosure, a first cover that covers the enclosure transport path, an envelope transport path that extends in a generally vertical direction from the enclosure transport path and for carrying the envelope, and a second cover that covers at least the envelope transport path. Thus, the enclosing processing apparatus, even if the second cover is opened, continues to carry the enclosure on the enclosure transport path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inserting and sealing device, an inserting and sealing device, and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known an inserting and sealing device that inserts an enclosure into an envelope, and an inserting and sealing device that also seals the envelope. There is also known an image forming system that links an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet-like medium with a folding device that folds the sheet-like medium, and inserts the folded sheet on which the image has been formed into an envelope and seals it.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an apparatus having a configuration in which envelopes and insert sheets to be used in an inserting process are placed on a stacking tray (see Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when accessing the envelopes placed inside the device, such as when refilling the loading tray that holds the envelopes, or when removing the envelopes from the envelope ejection tray that holds the envelopes after they have been inserted, the cover of the device housing must be opened. At this time, the operation of the mechanism inside the device must be temporarily stopped.

[0005] However, even if the process does not involve inserting media into an envelope but only transporting the media downstream and discharging it, the operation must be temporarily stopped if the cover of the device housing is opened to refill or remove envelopes, etc. In other words, with the conventional technology, the media transport operation is necessarily affected by operational control to ensure safety when refilling envelopes, which reduces the availability of the device.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an insertion processing device that reduces downtime of the device by controlling the execution of processes that do not require envelopes so as to be continued when a user performs an operation on an envelope. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention is an insertion processing device that performs a process of inserting an enclosure into an envelope, the insertion processing device including: an enclosure transport path that transports the enclosure; a first cover that covers the enclosure transport path; an envelope transport path that extends in a substantially vertical direction from the enclosure transport path and transports the envelope; and a second cover that covers at least the envelope transport path. 、 Equipped with If the insert is not enclosed in the envelope, The present invention is characterized in that, even when the second cover is opened, the transportation of the enclosure continues in the enclosure transportation path. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, when a user performs an operation on an envelope, the execution of processes that do not require an envelope can be controlled so as to be continued, thereby reducing downtime of the device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front external view showing an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of an embodiment of an inclusion processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an inclusion operation according to the embodiment of the inclusion processing device. [Diagram 5] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an inclusion operation according to the embodiment of the inclusion processing device. [Figure 6] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation of a flap opening mechanism in an inserting operation of the inserting processing device. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an inclusion operation according to the embodiment of the inclusion processing device. [Figure 8] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an inclusion operation according to the embodiment of the inclusion processing device. [Figure 9] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an inclusion operation according to the embodiment of the inclusion processing device. [Figure 10] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an inclusion operation according to the embodiment of the inclusion processing device. [Figure 11] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. [Figure 12] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. [Figure 13] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. [Figure 14] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a process of an inclusion operation according to the embodiment of the inclusion processing device. [Figure 15] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a process of an encapsulation operation according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. [Figure 16] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a housing according to the embodiment of the encapsulation processing device. [Figure 17] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating states of a front cover according to the embodiment of the insertion processing device. [Figure 18] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a maintenance operation of the above-mentioned insertion processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an operation during maintenance of the insertion processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control unit according to the embodiment of the above-mentioned insertion processing device. [Figure 21] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a control process according to the embodiment of the above-mentioned insertion processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Embodiment of Image Forming System] First, an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a front external view of a print system 1 as an example of an image forming system according to the present invention. The print system 1 includes an image forming device 200, a folding device 300 as a sheet processing device, an inserting and sealing processing device 100 as an embodiment of an inserting processing device and an inserting and sealing device according to the present invention, and a post-processing device 400.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 200 is an example of an apparatus that executes an image forming process by a predetermined method, forms an image on a sheet-like medium, and discharges the medium. Hereinafter, in the description of this embodiment, the sheet-like medium on which an image has been formed is simply referred to as "sheet S." A folding processing device 300 executes a predetermined folding process on the sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus 200. Hereinafter, in the description of this embodiment, the sheet S that has been subjected to the folding process is collectively referred to as "folded sheet Sf." The folded sheet Sf discharged from the folding processing device 300 is carried into the inserting and sealing processing device 100.

[0012] The instruction to "perform" or "not perform" folding processing on the sheet S is based on information input by the user of the print system 1 to the control unit of the image forming device 200, and is sent from the control unit. Alternatively, the instruction may be based on information input by the user of the print system 1 to a control unit included in the folding processing device 300. Therefore, the folding processing device 300 may not fold the sheet S discharged from the image forming device 200, and may discharge the sheet S as it is to the enclosing and sealing processing device 100.

[0013] The post-processing device 400 is a device that performs predetermined post-processing (such as stapling or punching) instructed via the control unit on sheets S and folded sheets Sf discharged from upstream devices (image forming device 200, folding processing device 300, and enclosing and sealing processing device 100).

[0014] The inserting and sealing processing device 100 performs an inserting and sealing process that includes an inserting operation (inserting process) of inserting (inserting) the sheet S or folded sheet Sf discharged from the folding processing device 300 into an envelope E as an "enclosure", and a sealing operation (sealing process) of closing the lid (flap ef) of the envelope E after the enclosure and discharging the envelope.

[0015] The inserting and sealing processing device 100 includes an enclosure reversing and conveying means for reversing the orientation of the end portion in the conveying direction so that the folded sheet Sf, which has been subjected to folding processing on the sheet S, can be inserted in the appropriate orientation into the envelope E. That is, the inserting and sealing processing device 100 judges whether the formation position of the address and other information formed on the folded sheet Sf matches the position of the transparent window ew pre-formed in the envelope E. Based on the result of this judgment, an inversion and conveying process is executed for reversing the orientation (position of the end portion) of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction. The inserting and sealing processing device 100 includes a conveying mechanism for, when inversion is required, using a conveying path provided upstream of the insertion position to invert the folded sheet Sf and then conveying it to the insertion position.

[0016] The inserting and sealing processing device 100 constitutes an inserting processing device that performs an inserting process of inserting the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf into an envelope E. The inserting and sealing processing device 100 also constitutes an inserting and sealing device that is provided with a sealing mechanism in the inserting and sealing processing device. The inserting and sealing processing device 100 can also perform a "conveying operation (conveying process)" in which the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf is not inserted into the inserting process, but is discharged to a device (post-processing device 400) arranged downstream. In this case, the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf is discharged to the post-processing device 400 in the state in which it was carried in from a device (such as the image forming device 200) arranged upstream.

[0017] The operation control of the "enclosing process", "sealing process" in the enclosing and sealing processing device 100, and the "conveying process" in which the sheet S passes through without performing these processes, is based on instruction information input to the control unit by the user of the printing system 1.

[0018] In this case, the instruction information may be based on information input via an input interface to a control unit included in the image forming device 200 or the folding processing device 300. Also, the instruction information may be based on information input by a user of the print system 1 to a control unit (enclosing and sealing control unit 190) included in the enclosing and sealing processing device 100.

[0019] Here, the "coordinate axes" used to explain "directions" in the embodiments according to the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the axis parallel to the placement surface (apparatus installation surface) of each device constituting the print system 1 and along the arrangement direction of each device constituting the print system 1 is defined as the Y axis. The direction of the arrow indicating the Y axis is defined as the "+Y direction", and the opposite direction is defined as the "-Y direction". Therefore, the sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus 200 is discharged in the +Y direction. Thereafter, the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf are transported in the +Y direction. Therefore, the +Y direction is generally synonymous with the transport direction in the print system 1.

[0020] Similarly, the axis that is parallel to the mounting surface of the print system 1 and perpendicular to the Y axis is defined as the Y axis. The Y axis is also an axis that runs along the depth direction of the print system 1. The depth direction, which is the direction of the arrow indicating the X axis, is defined as the "+X direction," and the opposite direction, toward the user, is defined as the "-X direction."

[0021] The Z axis is an axis that is perpendicular to the X and Y axes and runs along the height direction of the print system 1. The direction of the arrow indicating the Z axis is the "+Z direction," and the opposite direction is the "-Z direction."

[0022] In the drawings used in the following description, when coordinate axes similar to those described above are used, the directions in the description will be defined in the same manner as above.

[0023] The sheet S on which an image is formed in the image forming device 200 is discharged in the +Y direction and then transported to each device arranged downstream, so the +Y direction is almost synonymous with the transport direction. In the inserting and sealing processing device 100, the sheet S is introduced in the +Y direction, but the transport direction in the inserting and sealing operation of the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf is the Z direction. As will be described later, the transport direction of the envelope E is also the Z direction.

[0024] To summarize the above, in the inserting and sealing processing device 100 constituting the print system 1, the insert (folded sheet Sf) is transported in the +Y direction when it is brought in, and then transported in the -Z direction to be inserted into an envelope E. Meanwhile, the envelope E stored in the inserting and sealing processing device 100 is separated from the stacking position, transported in the +Z direction to reach the inserting position, and after the inserting operation, transported in the -Z direction to be sealed, and then ejected. The transport direction when the sheet S and folded sheet Sf that are not the subject of the inserting operation are ejected is the same +Y direction as when it was brought in.

[0025] [Print System 1 Function Blocks] The overall functional blocks of the print system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In the following description, it is assumed that the enclosed material is a folded sheet Sf. In FIG. 2, the movement path (conveyance path) of the folded sheet Sf is represented by a dashed line. Also, solid lines represent communication paths used to send and receive signals between each functional block. The movement path (conveyance path) of the sheet S is the same as that represented by the dashed line.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 200 is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet S by, for example, a known electrophotographic process. The image forming apparatus 200 includes a display unit 210, an operation unit 220, a sheet feeding unit 230, an image creating unit 240, a fixing unit 250, and a printer control unit 260.

[0027] The display unit 210 displays information to inform the user of the status of various functions and operation details. The operation unit 220 corresponds to an operation interface for the user to set the processing operation mode and the number of processing units, and to perform setting operations such as settings that require inversion when inserting in the inserting and sealing processing device 100. The sheet feeding unit 230 has a sheet feeding mechanism that stocks the sheets S and separates and feeds them one by one. The image creating unit 240 forms a latent image on a photosensitive member and transfers the image to the sheet S. The fixing unit 250 fixes the image transferred to the sheet S. The printer control unit 260 controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned functional blocks.

[0028] The folding processing device 300 mainly includes a sheet folding unit 310 and a folding control unit 320. The sheet folding unit 310 folds the sheet S conveyed from the image forming device 200 in a folding type (folding method) specified by the printer control unit 260 of the image forming device 200 through the communication line 207. The folding control unit 320 controls the sheet folding unit 310 and the entire folding processing device 300. The folding control unit 320 also controls communication with the printer control unit 260 and the enclosing and sealing control unit 190 connected downstream. Note that the sheet folding unit 310 may convey the sheet S to the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 without performing folding processing.

[0029] Note that there are several types of structures for the sheet folding unit 310. The orientation of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction and the position of the surface after folding differ depending on the structure. That is, the end portion corresponding to the leading side in the inserting direction when the folded sheet Sf is inserted into the envelope E at a "predetermined position" in the inserting unit 120 (described later) differs depending on the type of folding. Even if the same folding process is performed, the leading end portion in the conveying direction of the folded sheet Sf may be swapped depending on the internal configuration of the sheet folding unit 310. Therefore, as described later, in the inserting and sealing processing device 100, a conveying operation and a reversing conveying operation are performed in the sheet conveying unit 110 so that the folded sheet Sf is oriented in a predetermined direction when inserted.

[0030] [Functional blocks of the inserting and sealing processing device 100] As shown in FIG. 2, the inserting and sealing processing apparatus 100 includes a sheet conveying section 110, an inserting section 120, a sealing section 130, and an inserting and sealing control section 190.

[0031] The sheet conveying unit 110 executes a predetermined process on the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet folding unit 310. Here, the "predetermined process" refers to a control process including a conveying process according to a control mode transmitted from the printer control unit 260 or the folding control unit 320 to the insertion and sealing control unit 190 through the communication line 105. Examples of the control mode include an "enclosure mode" in which the conveyed sheet S or folded sheet Sf is treated as an enclosure, and a "conveying mode" in which the sheet S or folded sheet Sf is discharged to the post-processing device 400 without being treated as an enclosure. In addition to the control mode, a conveying process is also executed based on information indicating the type of folding and the position of the printing surface as information on the enclosure.

[0032] The conveying process executed by the sheet conveying unit 110 includes a conveying operation for directly discharging the conveyed sheet downstream as in the conveying mode, as well as a conveying process for conveying the folded sheet Sf downstream in the conveying direction for the insertion process. This conveying process also includes a reverse conveying process for switching the conveying direction end of the folded sheet Sf. Through the conveying process and the reverse conveying process, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the insertion unit 120 or the post-processing device 400.

[0033] The inserting unit 120 conveys the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet conveying unit 110 toward the envelope E that has been moved to the inserting position. It also performs a conveying operation to make the folded sheet Sf enter the envelope E at the inserting position. The inserting unit 120 also conveys the envelope E to the inserting position and makes it wait. The inserting unit 120 is also provided with an insert pushing unit 160 that pushes an insert into the waiting envelope E to insert it there.

[0034] The enclosing unit 120 also includes a flap ef opening mechanism that opens the flap ef of the envelope E on the conveying path before the envelope E reaches the enclosing position, so that the opening of the envelope E is in an open state. A detailed structure of the flap opening mechanism will be omitted.

[0035] The sealing section 130 closes the flap ef of the envelope E in which the folded sheet Sf is enclosed, and then discharges the sealed envelope E onto an envelope discharge tray 134.

[0036] The inserting and sealing control unit 190 controls the operation of a plurality of pairs of conveying rollers for conveying the sheet S, the folded sheet Sf, and the envelope E in the sheet conveying unit 110, the enclosing unit 120, and the sealing unit 130, and the operation of a switching claw for switching the conveying path for the sheet S, the folded sheet Sf, and the envelope E. In other words, the inserting and sealing control unit 190 controls the conveying operation executed in the inserting and sealing processing device 100, and executes control of the conveying direction of the sheet S, the folded sheet Sf, and the envelope E, and control of the conveying operation.

[0037] In the following description, the driving source of the transport path switching claw is not particularly limited, and is not illustrated. A motor, a solenoid, or the like can be used as the driving source of the switching claw. In addition, the insertion and sealing control unit 190 controls the operation of the motor or solenoid so that it rotates in a predetermined direction at a predetermined timing, thereby providing a drive control configuration that can switch to a state suitable for the specified transport operation.

[0038] The inserting and sealing control unit 190 also controls the operations of the enclosure pushing unit 160 and the flap opening mechanism included in the inserting unit 120. The inserting and sealing control unit 190 also controls each operation in the sealing unit 130, including the sealing operation.

[0039] The enclosing and sealing control unit 190 as a control unit receives "enclosure target information" as information relating to the folded sheet Sf from the printer control unit 260 and the folding control unit 320, and performs various controls based on the enclosing target information.

[0040] The "enclosure target information" is information related to the sheet S or folded sheet Sf that is an enclosure. For example, it includes information indicating whether it is a target of the enclosing operation (whether it is an envelope job) or not (whether it is a print job), and in the case of an envelope job, information indicating the end portion that will be the leading edge of the sheet S or folded sheet Sf when it is enclosed in the envelope E and the position of the image forming surface Ps. In addition, for example, "folding type information" that specifies the type of folding process for the folded sheet Sf is also included. In addition, as operation instruction information from the image forming apparatus 200, which is one of the upstream side apparatuses, "reversal necessity information" that specifies the necessity of a reversal conveying process described later is also included. In addition, for example, "processing apparatus information" that indicates the type of sheet folding unit 310 that performed the folding process is included.

[0041] The post-processing device 400 has a post-processing section 410 and a post-processing control section 420. The post-processing section 410 performs a predetermined post-processing on the sheet S conveyed from the upstream side under the control of the post-processing control section 420. The post-processing control section 420 controls the post-processing operation in the post-processing control section 420 according to the operation mode transmitted from the printer control section 260, the folding control section 320, and the enclosing / sealing control section 190 via the communication line 403.

[0042] The printer control unit 260, folding control unit 320, enclosing / sealing control unit 190, and post-processing control unit 420 are interconnected, and configured to exchange information necessary for control via each communication line (207, 105, 403). Therefore, by cooperation between each control unit (260, 320, 150, 420), information regarding the processing mode that the user requests to perform on the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf, and the sheet size are shared with each other. As a result, control information that enables each mechanism to perform a predetermined process at a predetermined timing and in a predetermined process is shared throughout the printing system 1.

[0043] The enclosing and sealing control unit 190, which performs the central control operation in this embodiment, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an arithmetic processing unit, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) as storage units. It also includes an interface that outputs control signals to each pair of conveying rollers and receives signals from each pair of conveying rollers as input, and an interface that receives output signals from each sensor. The operation of the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 is controlled by a control program that can execute control processing using these hardware resources.

[0044] In addition, like the insertion / sealing control unit 190, the printer control unit 260, the folding control unit 320 and the post-processing control unit 420 also control the operation of each hardware mechanism through cooperation between hardware resources such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. and control programs that enable each control unit to realize its function.

[0045] 1 and 2 show an example of the configuration of the printing system 1 in which a post-processing device 400 is connected downstream of the inserting and sealing processing device 100. Representative post-processing devices 400 include a finisher that performs stapling, a stacker, a bookbinding machine, etc. Also, the system configuration of the printing system 1 may be such that the inserting and sealing processing device 100 is the most downstream device.

[0046] [Configuration related to the transport operation in the inserting and sealing processing device 100] Next, using Figure 3, we will explain the conveying rollers that constitute the sheet conveying section 110, the enclosing section 120, the flap opening mechanism, and the sealing section 130 of the insertion and sealing processing device 100, the switching claw that switches the conveying direction of the conveyed item, and the conveying path on which these are arranged.

[0047] [Configuration of sheet conveying unit 110] As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet conveying unit 110 has a plurality of conveying paths, which are distinguished as an input path 1100, a first conveying path 1101, a second conveying path 1102, a switchback conveying path 1103, an enclosing conveying path 1104 as a fourth conveying path, and a sheet discharge path 1109.

[0048] An entrance roller 101 is disposed on the carry-in path 1100. The carry-in path 1100 is a path that receives the folded sheet Sf discharged from an upstream device (e.g., the folding processing device 300). The insertion and sealing control unit 190 receives insertion target information as information related to the folded sheet Sf from an upstream control unit (the printer control unit 260, the folding control unit 320), and controls the start and stop of rotation of the entrance roller 101.

[0049] A first conveying path 1101, which is one of a plurality of conveying paths provided downstream of the entrance rollers 101 and branches off from the carry-in path 1100, is provided with first conveying rollers 111 and first intermediate conveying rollers 114 as a first conveying means. Also, a first sheet detection sensor 118 is provided in the first conveying path 1101 as a first medium sensor that detects an end (rear end) of the conveyed folded sheet Sf. The first sheet detection sensor 118 is provided between the first intermediate conveying rollers 114 and the first conveying rollers 111.

[0050] A second conveying path 1102, which is one of the conveying paths provided downstream of the entrance rollers 101 and branches off from the carry-in path 1100 in a direction different from that of the first conveying path 1101, is provided with second conveying rollers 112 and second intermediate conveying rollers 115 as second conveying means. A second sheet detection sensor 119 is provided in the second conveying path 1102 as a second medium sensor that detects an end (rear end) of the conveyed folded sheet Sf. The second sheet detection sensor 119 is provided between the second intermediate conveying rollers 115 and the second conveying rollers 112.

[0051] Further, the sheet conveying section 110 has a switchback conveying path 1103. The switchback conveying path 1103 is a conveying path that connects a junction position where the switchback conveying path 1103 joins the first conveying path 1101 downstream of the first conveying rollers 111 and a branching position where the switchback conveying path 1103 branches off from the second conveying path 1102 upstream of the second intermediate conveying rollers 115. The switchback conveying path 1103 switches the conveying direction of the folded sheet Sf that has been conveyed downstream on the second conveying path 1102, and the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the first conveying path 1101 by switchback conveyance. The switchback conveying path 1103 as a third conveying path is provided with switchback conveying rollers 113 as a third conveying means.

[0052] Further, a sheet discharge path 1109 is provided as a downstream conveying path following the first conveying path 1101, and conveys the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf that has passed through the sheet conveying unit 110 to the downstream post-processing device 400. In addition, an exit roller 102 is disposed in the sheet discharge path 1109.

[0053] When the insertion process described later is not performed on the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the folding processing device 300, the folded sheet Sf passes through the first conveying path 1101 from the conveying path 1100 and is discharged to a downstream device via a sheet conveying path 1109. In the following description, the process in which the sheet S or folded sheet Sf conveyed from the entrance rollers 101 is conveyed to the exit rollers 102 via the first conveying path 1101 and then conveyed further downstream may be referred to as the "normal conveying process." The sheet conveying unit 110 executes the normal conveying process not when an "envelope job" for inserting the sheet S or folded sheet Sf is executed, but when a "print job" for directly conveying the sheet to the post-processing device 400 is executed.

[0054] The sheet conveying section 110 also has an insertion conveying path 1104 as a fourth conveying path which is a conveying path branching off from the first conveying path 1101 downstream of the first conveying rollers 111 and continuing to an inserting roller 121 which holds an envelope E into which the folded sheet Sf is to be inserted. The insertion conveying path 1104 as an enclosure conveying path is configured to continue to an envelope conveying path 1105 as described later.

[0055] In addition, in the sheet conveying section 110, a branching claw 10 as a branching means is disposed at a branching position for conveying the folded sheet Sf from the carry-in path 1100 to either the first conveying path 1101 or the second conveying path 1102. The branching claw 10 switches between conveying the folded sheet Sf to the first conveying path 1101 side or the second conveying path 1102 side based on the insertion target information related to the folded sheet Sf conveyed to the carry-in path 1100.

[0056] Further, the sheet conveying section 110 has a first switching claw 11 disposed at a junction where the switchback conveying path 1103 joins the first conveying path 1101. The first switching claw 11 switches between a state in which the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the input path 1100 to the first conveying path 1101 side is conveyed to the first conveying roller 111 side, and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed from the switchback conveying path 1103 to the first conveying path 1101 side.

[0057] Further, in the sheet conveying section 110, a second switching claw 12 as a second switching means is disposed at a branching position where the second conveying path 1102 branches into the switchback conveying path 1103. The second switching claw 12 switches between a state in which the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the carry-in path 1100 to the second conveying path 1102 side is conveyed to the second conveying rollers 112, and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is switchback-conveyed from the second conveying path 1102 to the switchback conveying path 1103.

[0058] Further, in the sheet conveying section 110, a third switching claw 13 as a third switching means is disposed at a branching position where the first conveying path 1101 branches into the insertion 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 insertion conveying path 1104 and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the sheet discharge path 1109.

[0059] The folded sheet Sf conveyed to the first conveying path 1101 is conveyed to the first conveying roller 111 by the first intermediate conveying roller 114. The first conveying roller 111 conveys the conveyed folded sheet Sf downstream. Here, when the third switching claw 13 is in the state shown in FIG. 3, that is, when the insertion conveying path 1104 side is opened and the exit roller 102 side is closed as the conveying direction of the folded sheet Sf, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the insertion conveying path 1104. Note that, after the trailing end of the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the first intermediate conveying roller 114 to the first conveying roller 111 is detected by the first sheet detection sensor 118, when the folded sheet Sf is conveyed a predetermined distance, the folded sheet Sf has already moved to the insertion conveying path 1104. When the inserting and sealing control unit 190 judges that this state has been reached, the operation of each pair of conveying rollers rotating in the sheet conveying unit 110 is stopped.

[0060] The drive source that operates each pair of conveying rollers provided in the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 is configured to supply a drive force to each pair of rollers individually. For example, a motor that serves as a drive source corresponding to each pair of conveying rollers is provided individually, and the rotation of each motor is controlled individually. This allows control such as rotating a specific pair of conveying rollers and stopping other pairs of conveying rollers. Note that a single motor may be configured to drive multiple rollers. Even in this case, it is sufficient to configure it so that the rotation / non-rotation of each roller (pair of rollers) can be controlled individually.

[0061] The folded sheet Sf conveyed to the second conveying path 1102 is conveyed to the second conveying rollers 112 by the second intermediate conveying rollers 115. When the folded sheet Sf is conveyed a predetermined distance after the trailing end of the conveyed folded sheet Sf is detected by the second sheet detection sensor 119, the second conveying rollers 112 stop once and then reverse. This puts the folded sheet Sf in a state where it can be switched back to the switchback conveying path 1103. At this time, before or at the same time as the second conveying rollers 112 reverse, the second switching claw 12 is rotated at the timing when the trailing end of the folded sheet Sf passes the second switching claw 12 (this is also determined based on the detection by the second sheet detection sensor 119). This switches the folded sheet Sf to a state where it can be conveyed to the switchback conveying path 1103.

[0062] When the folded sheet Sf is guided from the second conveying path 1102 to the switchback conveying path 1103 , the folded sheet Sf is conveyed toward the first conveying path 1101 by the switchback conveying rollers 113 .

[0063] [Configuration of Encapsulating Section 120] 3, the inserting unit 120 is provided with an envelope conveying path 1105 as a vertical conveying path connected to an inserting conveying path 1104 as a fourth conveying path provided in the sheet conveying unit 110. The envelope conveying path 1105 extends in a direction intersecting the ground surface (XY plane) of the inserting and sealing processing device 100, more specifically, in a direction perpendicular to the XY plane (Z direction). In other words, the envelope conveying path 1105 is a conveying path that extends from the inserting conveying path 1104 in a substantially vertical direction.

[0064] In the envelope transport path 1105, the envelope E placed on the envelope set tray is transported to the insertion position, and the inserted envelope E is transported from the insertion position to the envelope discharge tray 134 and discharged. This series of transport operations for the envelope E includes a switchback transport operation in which the envelope E is transported in the opposite direction to the direction in which it was once transported. The enclosure is also transported to the envelope transport path 1105 which is directly connected to the insertion transport path 1104 which branches off from the first transport path 1101. Therefore, a part of the envelope transport path 1105 also constitutes a transport path for the enclosure.

[0065] As described above, the structure for transporting the envelope E for the inserting and sealing operations and the structure for transporting the enclosure to the envelope E are arranged vertically with respect to the loading surface of the device, so that the inserting and sealing processing device 100 can reduce the installation area. Also, the printing system 1 including the inserting and sealing processing device 100 can be made smaller.

[0066] The envelope conveying path 1105 includes an envelope holding mechanism that conveys the envelope E to a predetermined insertion position and holds the envelope E so that the enclosure can be inserted. The envelope conveying path 1105 is connected to a sealing path 1106 that performs a sealing process on the envelope E with the enclosure inserted.

[0067] In the envelope conveying path 1105, a first vertical conveying roller 122 and a second vertical conveying roller 123 are arranged as an envelope conveying means for conveying the envelope E to a position for receiving the folded sheet Sf. In the envelope conveying path 1105, above (in the +Z direction) the first vertical conveying roller 122, an enclosing roller 121 is arranged as an enclosure conveying means for conveying and supplying an enclosure to the envelope E.

[0068] The envelope E is transported to the insertion position by the first vertical transport rollers 122 and the second vertical transport rollers 123 and held therein, and then the insertion rollers 121 transport the contents in the insertion direction (-Z direction) to perform the insertion operation.

[0069] In addition, an enclosing mechanism is disposed between the enclosing roller 121 and the first vertical conveying roller 122, to the side of the envelope conveying path 1105, and pushes the enclosing material toward the opening of the envelope E during the enclosing operation.

[0070] A flap opening mechanism is disposed at a connection position of the conveying path continuing from the envelope conveying path 1105 to the sealing path 1106. The flap opening mechanism opens a flap ef when an envelope E taken out from an envelope set tray 127 serving as an envelope holding tray is conveyed to the envelope conveying path 1105.

[0071] An envelope switchback switching claw 21 is disposed at the junction where the envelope transport path 1105 and the envelope carry-in path 1107 join.

[0072] In addition, the position below (-Z direction) the envelope switchback switching claw 21 where the envelope input path 1107 and the envelope conveying path 1105 join is set as the first branching position, and a flap opening roller 124 is arranged below (-Z direction) this first branching position.

[0073] A first conveying roller pair is formed by a flap opening roller 124 arranged below the first branching position and a first vertical conveying roller 122 arranged above the first branching position.

[0074] Separation roller 125 and envelope conveying roller 126 are disposed on envelope carry-in path 1107 which merges with envelope conveying path 1105. Separation roller 125 picks up one of the stacked envelopes E from envelope set tray 127. Then, separation roller 125 and envelope conveying roller 126, which serve as an envelope supplying means, supply envelope E to envelope conveying path 1105.

[0075] A plurality of envelopes E are placed on the envelope set tray 127. The bottom of the envelope E placed on the envelope set tray 127, which is the opposite end of the flap ef, faces the separation roller 125. Therefore, the leading edge of the envelope E in the transport direction when it is conveyed out of the envelope set tray 127 becomes the bottom of the envelope E.

[0076] Therefore, in this embodiment, when an envelope E is separated from the state where it is stacked on the envelope set tray 127, first, the bottom corresponds to the "leading edge in the conveying direction." Then, the side where the flap ef is present corresponds to the "rear edge in the conveying direction." Then, the "rear edge in the conveying direction" when the flap ef is closed is the folding position of the flap ef in the envelope E, and the "rear edge in the conveying direction" when the flap ef is open is the end of the flap ef.

[0077] The envelope E is conveyed by the separation roller 125 and the envelope conveying roller 126 to a position beyond the envelope switchback switching claw 21 .

[0078] The envelope switchback switching claw 21 rotates to be held in either a position for temporarily transporting the envelope E taken out from the envelope set tray 127 to the sealing path 1106, or a position for transporting the envelope E to the sheet transport unit 110 side in the envelope transport path 1105. In other words, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 is a member that switches the transport direction of the envelope E.

[0079] The first vertical conveying roller 122 and the second vertical conveying roller 123 convey and hold the envelope E at a predetermined position on the envelope conveying path 1105. The predetermined position here is a position where the position of the opening of the envelope E (the position of the flap ef) is lower than the inserting roller 121 and higher than the first vertical conveying roller 122, as described below.

[0080] The inserting roller 121 is a type of conveying roller that rotates in a direction to insert the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet conveying section 110 into the envelope E.

[0081] [Configuration of sealing unit 130] 3, in the sealing section 130, a third vertical conveying roller 131 and a fourth vertical conveying roller 132 are arranged on a sealing path 1106 as a switchback conveying means. Also, there is an envelope discharge path 1108 as an envelope discharge path branching off from a second branching position branching off from the sealing path 1106. And, an envelope discharge switching claw 31 is arranged at the second branching position. An envelope discharge roller 133 is arranged on the envelope discharge path 1108, and the envelope discharge path 1108 is arranged at an end thereof.

[0082] The third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 constitute a second conveying roller pair, and convey the envelope E to a predetermined position on the sealing path 1106 and hold it there.

[0083] The envelope discharge switching claw 31 rotates between a position where the envelope E is transported from the flap opening roller 124 side to the third vertical transport roller 131 in the insertion transport path 1104, and a position where the envelope E is transported from the insertion transport path 1104 to the envelope discharge path 1108. The envelope discharge switching claw 31 is a member that switches the transport direction of the envelope E.

[0084] A sealing mechanism 135 is disposed on the sealing path 1106 as a sealing means for performing a "sealing process" for closing the flap ef. If the flap ef of the envelope E conveyed by the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 is in an open state, the sealing mechanism 135 performs a process for closing the flap ef.

[0085] The envelope discharge rollers 133 are rollers that discharge the envelope E toward the envelope discharge tray 134 .

[0086] The envelope discharge tray 134 serving as an envelope stacking means is a tray on which the discharged envelope E is placed.

[0087] As described above, in the inserting and sealing processing device 100, the conveying path for conveying the folded sheet Sf from the sheet conveying unit 110 to the inserting unit 120 and the sealing unit 130 is arranged so as to be connected in the vertical direction (Z direction). This conveying path, which is the conveying path for the folded sheet Sf and also the conveying path for the envelope E, corresponds to a vertical conveying path that connects the envelope conveying path 1105 of the inserting unit 120 and the sealing path 1106 of the sealing unit 130 in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0088] [Envelope filling and sealing process flow] Next, an example of a series of flows of the enclosing and sealing operations in the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 15. Note that in each figure, only components used to explain each operation stage are labeled with reference numerals, etc.

[0089] First, as shown in Fig. 4, envelopes E are separated one by one by separation roller 125 from an envelope set tray 127 on which a plurality of envelopes E are stacked, and are transported by envelope transport roller 126 to flap opening roller 124. At this time, envelope switchback switching claw 21 and envelope discharge switching claw 31 are oriented in the direction shown in Fig. 3. In addition, flap opening roller 124, third vertical transport roller 131, and fourth vertical transport roller 132 rotate in a direction to transport envelope E downward, and transport envelope E to a predetermined position in insertion transport path 1104.

[0090] 5, when the envelope E has completely passed the flap opening roller 124, the flap ef is opened by the flap opening mechanism. In this state, the envelope E is moved to the state shown in FIG. 6 by the rotation of the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveyance roller 131, and the fourth vertical conveyance roller 132.

[0091] 6, after the flap ef of the envelope E is in an open state and reaches a position where the flap ef has passed through the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 rotate in the opposite direction. This operation executes switchback conveyance of the envelope E toward a predetermined position in the enclosing section 120. In addition, before or at the same time as the switchback conveyance is started, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 rotates in the direction shown in FIG. 6. This makes it possible to convey the envelope E toward the upper side of the envelope conveying path 1105. The flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveying roller 131, and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 constitute envelope switchback rollers.

[0092] 7, the envelope E is transported to the insertion position by the second vertical transport rollers 123 and the first vertical transport rollers 122 that constitute the switchback transport means. When the flap ef reaches a position where it has passed through the first vertical transport rollers 122, the rotation of the second vertical transport rollers 123 and the first vertical transport rollers 122 is stopped, and the insertion standby operation begins.

[0093] In controlling the transport of envelope E to the insertion position, after separation roller 125 removes envelope E, a process is executed to calculate the transport amount of envelope E from the rotation amount of each transport roller. In addition, based on the calculated length of envelope E and length of flap ef, the transport amount of envelope E, and the transport path length through envelope entrance path 1107 and envelope transport path 1105, the position of envelope E in insertion transport path 1104 can be determined.

[0094] 8, while the envelope E is held at the insertion position, the inserting and sealing device 100 receives the folded sheet Sf from the upstream device (folding device 300) at the entrance rollers 101 and conveys it to the first conveying path 1101.

[0095] 9, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed downstream by the first intermediate conveying roller 114 and the first conveying roller 111. At this time, the first switching claw 11 and the third switching claw 13 are in the same position as in FIG. 9, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed from the first conveying path 1101 to the insertion conveying path 1104.

[0096] 10, the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the insertion conveying path 1104 to the envelope conveying path 1105 is conveyed further downward by the insertion rollers 121. As a result, the folded sheet Sf is inserted into the envelope E, which is held at a predetermined insertion position on the envelope conveying path 1105 by the first vertical conveying rollers 122 and the like and has an open opening. In this insertion operation, the insertion mechanism operates, and the folded sheet Sf is pushed into the envelope E by the insertion object pusher 160, which serves as an insertion means.

[0097] Next, as shown in Fig. 11, the first vertical conveying roller 122 and the second vertical conveying roller 123 are rotated to convey the envelope E downward, and as shown in Fig. 12, the envelope E is conveyed to the fourth vertical conveying roller 132. The envelope E after insertion is conveyed until it reaches a position where the flap ef passes through the envelope discharge switching claw 31.

[0098] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 13, the flap ef is closed by the sealing mechanism 135 between the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 to seal the envelope E.

[0099] 14, the third vertical conveying rollers 131 and the fourth vertical conveying rollers 132 are rotated in the reverse direction, and the sealed envelope E is switchback-conveyed by the third vertical conveying rollers 131 and the fourth vertical conveying rollers 132. Before the third vertical conveying rollers 131 and the fourth vertical conveying rollers 132 are rotated in the reverse direction, the envelope discharge switching claw 31 is rotated to the state shown in FIG. 16. As a result, the enclosed envelope E is conveyed from the insertion conveying path 1104 to the envelope discharge path 1108.

[0100] As a result, the sealed envelope E is discharged onto the envelope discharge tray 134 by the envelope discharge rollers 133, as shown in FIG.

[0101] [Embodiment of Encapsulating and Sealing Processing Apparatus 100] Next, a characteristic configuration of the inserting and sealing processing device 100 as an embodiment of the envelope sealing device according to the present invention will be described. The inserting and sealing processing device 100 has an envelope set tray 127 and an envelope discharge tray 134 arranged inside the device. Therefore, when refilling envelopes E or removing envelopes E with enclosures enclosed therein, it is necessary to operate inside the device. Therefore, for the safety of the operating user, it is necessary to temporarily display the entire operation of the inserting and sealing processing device 100. In this case, it is also assumed that the operation of the folding processing device 300 and the image forming device 200 arranged on the upstream side in the print system 1 will be affected by the temporary suspension of the inserting and sealing processing device 100 and will have to be stopped.

[0102] As already explained, the inserting and sealing processing device 100 is configured to be able to discharge the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf that are not related to the inserting operation to a downstream device by only the operation of the sheet conveying unit 110. In other words, when performing a through conveying operation as a conveying operation that does not involve an inserting operation, the operation of the entire inserting and sealing processing device 100 is not stopped even when refilling or removing envelopes E. In this case, even if the operation of the print system 1 continues and the inserting and sealing processing device 100 performs the through conveying operation, there is no concern for the safety of the user.

[0103] That is, when the through conveying operation is performed, the inserting and sealing processing device 100 according to this embodiment does not stop the operation of the entire device even if the inside of the device is made operable, and continues the operation of discharging the sheet S or folded sheet Sf conveyed from the upstream device to the downstream side. This reduces the down time of the inserting and sealing processing device 100.

[0104] In addition, when the image forming apparatus 200 is operating as a printer, the execution timing of a print job requested of the image forming apparatus 200 may be unclear. In this case, it may be difficult for a user to clearly determine whether the print system 1 is operating or not. If the user mistakenly believes that it is not operating and attempts to operate the inside of the enclosing and sealing processing apparatus 100, the operation of the apparatus will be stopped to ensure safety.

[0105] In this case, the image forming process or the like may stop halfway, which may cause a transport failure of the sheet S, and may require a maintenance process such as removing the sheet S caused by the transport failure.

[0106] In order to reduce downtime caused by the above-mentioned transport failures and maintenance processes, the inserting and sealing processing device 100 does not request the print system 1 to stop operating when performing operations such as refilling envelopes E that do not require the upstream device to be stopped. This reduces downtime of the entire system. It also reduces the frequency of maintenance due to transport failures.

[0107] Fig. 16 is an example of an external perspective view of the enclosing and sealing processing device 100. As shown in Fig. 16, the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 is configured to stack a sheet conveying unit 40 including a sheet conveying section 110 and an enclosing and sealing unit 50 including an enclosing section 120 and a sealing section 130 in a vertical direction.

[0108] At the boundary between the sheet transport unit 40 and the inserting and sealing unit 50, a sheet insertion section 60 is provided, which corresponds to an entrance for the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf discharged from the upstream device. The sheet transport section 110 performs a predetermined transport process on the introduced sheet S, and then performs a "through transport operation" in which the sheet S is directly transported to the downstream device, an "enclosing transport operation" in which the sheet S is transported to the inserting section 120, and a "reversing transport operation" in which the end in the transport direction is reversed.

[0109] 16A, the sheet transport unit 40 includes a first cover 41 as a unit cover, and the inserting and sealing unit 50 includes a second cover 51 as a unit cover.

[0110] The first cover 41 is a door constituting a conveying section cover for covering the sheet conveying section 110 provided in the sheet conveying unit 40. By opening the first cover 41, the user can access the conveying roller pair and the branch claw constituting the sheet conveying section 110. For example, when a sheet S is jammed on the conveying path due to a conveying failure, the first cover 41 is opened when the user performs a maintenance operation to remove the sheet S. Therefore, when the insertion sealing control section 190 detects that the first cover 41 is open (when it is determined to be in an open state), it controls the sheet conveying section 110 to stop operating.

[0111] The second cover 51 is a door constituting an enclosing and sealing unit cover for covering a configuration including the enclosing and sealing processing unit 501, which is a unit including the enclosing unit 120 and the sealing unit 130. By opening the second cover 51, the user can access the enclosing and sealing processing unit 501 including the enclosing unit 120 and the sealing unit 130. For example, the second cover 51 is opened when the user performs maintenance operations such as refilling envelopes E, removing the envelopes E after they have been enclosed, or when the envelopes E are jammed on the conveying path due to poor conveyance. Therefore, when the enclosing and sealing control unit 190 detects that the second cover 51 is open (when it is determined that the second cover is in an open state), it controls the enclosing and sealing processing unit 501 to stop operating.

[0112] The first cover 41 and the second cover 51 can be opened and closed independently. The open state of the first cover 41 and the second cover 51 is detected by the first open / close detection switch 42 and the second open / close detection switch 52 installed on each cover. The first open / close detection switch 42 and the second open / close detection switch 52 are not shown. The arrangement of each switch may be such that the open / close state can be detected individually. Each switch may be configured to notify the insertion / sealing control unit 190 of a signal notifying the insertion / sealing control unit 190 when it detects the open state of the corresponding door. The first open / close detection switch 42 and the second open / close detection switch 52 may be configured to notify the insertion / sealing control unit 190 of a signal notifying the insertion / sealing control unit 190 when each door is closed (closed state).

[0113] The insertion and sealing control unit 190 determines the open / closed state of the first cover 41 and the second cover 51 based on signals sent from the first opening / closing detection switch 42 and the second opening / closing detection switch 52. In other words, the first opening / closing detection switch 42, the second opening / closing detection switch 52 and the insertion and sealing control unit 190 constitute a door opening / closing state detection means.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 16, the front side of the second cover 51 is provided with a lighting unit 53 as a notification means for notifying whether the opening of the second cover 51 is permitted. A similar configuration functioning as a notification means may be arranged on the front side of the first cover 41. The user can easily determine whether the second cover 51 is permitted to be opened by the lighting state of the lighting unit 53. By devising the lighting state of the lighting unit 53, the user can be notified that the first cover 41 is prohibited from being opened because the sheet transport unit 40 is in operation, but the second cover 51 is permitted to be opened because the inserting and sealing processing unit 501 is not in operation. That is, the lighting state of the lighting unit 53 indicates whether the transport operation of the sheet S or the like in the sheet transport unit 40 is permitted or not.

[0115] For example, when the inserting and sealing unit 50 is transporting the folded sheet Sf or the envelope E for the inserting process, the lighting unit 53 lights up to notify that opening the second cover 51 is prohibited. At this time, it is not possible to execute a job (envelope job) involving the inserting process of the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf, and this indicates that the transport of the enclosure to the envelope transport path 1105 is not possible.

[0116] When the lighting portion 53 is lit, the folded sheet Sf or the envelope E is being transported for the insertion process, so if the user opens the second cover 51, the user will be able to access the operating inserting and sealing processing unit 501. In this state, if the user performs any operation on the inserting and sealing processing unit 501, this will cause a transport failure of the envelope E or the folded sheet Sf.

[0117] Therefore, to prevent a user of the insertion and sealing processing device 100 from accidentally accessing the insertion and sealing processing unit 501 while it is in operation, the second cover 51 is notified in an easily visible manner that it cannot be opened, thereby preventing the occurrence of operational malfunctions such as transport problems.

[0118] The lighting unit 53 is, for example, a light-emitting element such as an LED, and can indicate the state of the device by lighting or blinking. The lighting operation of the lighting unit 53 is controlled by the insertion and sealing control unit 190.

[0119] When the lighting portion 53 is off, it indicates that it is OK to open the second cover 51. At this time, it does not matter whether the sheet transport unit 40 is in operation or not, and even if the sheet transport unit 40 is performing a transport operation, when the lighting portion 53 is off, opening the second cover 51 will not cause a transport failure, and the safety of the user is also ensured.

[0120] 17, the inserting and sealing unit 50 is provided with an envelope set tray 127 and an envelope discharge tray 134. The envelope set tray 127 is provided with a side fence 1271 for aligning the envelopes E in the width direction and maintaining the stacked state.

[0121] 17(a) in order to replenish envelopes E, when the second cover 51 is opened, the side fence 1271 gets in the way when placing new envelopes E on the envelope set tray 127. In other words, it is difficult to replenish envelopes E on the envelope set tray 127 simply by opening the second cover 51. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17(b), it is necessary to pull out the entire inserting and sealing processing unit 501 from the housing of the inserting and sealing unit 50.

[0122] The enclosing and sealing unit 50 is provided with a slide rail 55 that holds the enclosing and sealing processing unit 501 so that it can be pulled out. The slide rail 55 is provided with a mechanism that allows the enclosing and sealing processing unit 501 to slide in the X direction and holds it at a predetermined position within the enclosing and sealing unit 50. The slide rail 55 also has a stopper that prevents the enclosing and sealing processing unit 501 from moving too far in the -X direction and falling off.

[0123] Figure 18 illustrates an example of how envelopes E are refilled and stacked, and how envelopes E that have been filled and sealed are removed. As shown in Figure 18(a), the envelopes E that have been filled and sealed are stacked on the envelope discharge tray 134, and can be removed by opening the second cover 51, but a state in which the inserting and sealing processing unit 501 is pulled out is more convenient. Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 18(a), the inserting and sealing processing unit 501 is pulled out, and then the envelopes E are refilled (see Figure 18(b)).

[0124] Also, when removing the filled envelope E discharged onto the envelope discharge tray 134, it is easier to pull out the inserting and sealing unit 501 as shown in FIG. 18(b).

[0125] Here, Fig. 19 illustrates the operation of the sheet conveying section 110 in the state where the second cover 51 is open as illustrated in Fig. 18. Fig. 19(a) illustrates the state of the "through conveying operation" in which the sheet S conveyed from the upstream side device (such as the image forming device 200) is directly conveyed to the downstream side device (such as the post-processing device 400). As is clear from Fig. 19(a), the through conveying operation can be performed regardless of the state of the insertion and sealing unit 50.

[0126] For example, as shown in Fig. 19(b), the second cover 51 is opened to pull out the inserting and sealing processing unit 501 to refill the envelopes E or to remove the inserted and sealed envelopes E. However, if the first cover 41 is closed, the user is prevented from accessing the sheet conveying section 110, so that the user's safety is not compromised even if the through conveying operation is performed. Therefore, during the through conveying operation, the user can safely perform the necessary operations by stopping only the operation of the inserting and sealing processing unit 501.

[0127] In other words, if the print job is a through-conveyance print job in which the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf discharged from the folding device 300 is discharged to the post-processing device 400, the job does not require the insertion and sealing process. Therefore, in this case, even if the second cover 51 is opened, it is not necessary to stop the operation of the device.

[0128] This makes it possible to prevent downtime of the printing system 1 caused by refilling and unloading the envelopes E. It is also possible to prevent a transport jam caused by opening and closing the second cover 51 during a print job.

[0129] [Details of the Envelope Encapsulation and Sealing Control Unit 190] In the above-described inserting and sealing processing device 100, the opening and closing switches of the first cover 41 and the second cover 51 may be linked to control the operation of the drive source of the pair of transport rollers. In particular, the operation safety means linked to the first cover 41 may be configured to stop the function of the entire drive system of the inserting and sealing processing device 100, and the operation safety means linked to the second cover 51 may be configured to stop the function of only the drive system necessary for the inserting and sealing process covered by the second cover 51. With this configuration, the safety of a user who opens the second cover 51 to load or remove envelopes E can be ensured even when a transport operation is being performed by the portion covered by the first cover 41.

[0130] 20 is a block diagram of the insertion and sealing control unit 190 which constitutes the safety control circuit that executes the above-mentioned safety control. The insertion and sealing control unit 190 includes a first opening and closing signal detection circuit 192 which inputs the detection signal of the first opening and closing detection switch 42 to a CPU 191, and a second opening and closing signal detection circuit 193 which inputs the detection signal of the second opening and closing detection switch 52 to the CPU 191.

[0131] The inserting and sealing control unit 190 also includes a power supply circuit 194, which supplies operating power (5V) to the CPU 191. The inserting and sealing control unit 190 also includes an inrush prevention circuit 195 for preventing inrush current of the power supply (24V) supplied to the control board from the upstream image forming device 200 and the folding device 300.

[0132] The enclosing and sealing control unit 190 also includes a first motor I / F circuit 196 as a control interface for each motor serving as a first drive source that drives a plurality of conveying rollers provided in the sheet conveying unit 110. The enclosing and sealing control unit 190 also includes a second motor I / F circuit 197 as a control interface for each motor serving as a first drive source that drives a plurality of conveying rollers provided in the enclosing unit 120 and the sealing unit 130.

[0133] The enclosing and sealing control unit 190 also includes an LED drive 198 that controls the lighting of the lighting unit 53 and the like disposed on the second cover 51 of the enclosing and sealing unit 50. The enclosing and sealing control unit 190 also includes a sensor input circuit 199 for inputting detection signals of various sensors provided in the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 to the CPU 191.

[0134] 20, power (24V) supplied from an upstream device (upstream device) passes through an inrush prevention circuit 195 and is then connected to a first open / close signal detection circuit 192 and a second open / close signal detection circuit 193, which are in a series relationship. As a result, if the first open / close detection switch 42 is ON (the first cover 41 is closed), power is supplied by 24V_UP to a first conveying motor group 116, which serves as a drive source for the conveying rollers of the sheet conveying unit 110, via a first motor I / F circuit 196.

[0135] In addition, if the second open / close detection switch 52 is also ON (the second cover 51 is closed), power is supplied by 24V_DN via the second motor I / F circuit 197 to the second conveying motor group 128, which serves as the driving source for the conveying roller pairs of the enclosing section 120 and the sealing section 130.

[0136] In other words, when the first cover 41 and the second cover 51 are closed, power is supplied to both the first conveying motor group 116 and the second conveying motor group 128, so that the conveying roller pairs provided in both the sheet conveying unit 40 and the enclosing and sealing unit 50 operate.

[0137] On the other hand, when the first opening / closing detection switch 42 is OFF (the first cover 41 is open), regardless of the state of the second opening / closing detection switch 52 (whether the second cover 51 is open or closed), power is not supplied to the first conveying motor group 116 and the second conveying motor group 128. In other words, when the first opening / closing detection switch 42 is OFF (the first cover 41 is open), both the sheet conveying unit 40 and the inserting and sealing unit 50 stop operating.

[0138] When the first open / close detection switch 42 is ON (when the first cover 41 is closed) and the second open / close detection switch 52 is OFF (when the second cover 51 is open), power is supplied to the first conveying motor group 116. In this case, power is not supplied to the second conveying motor group 128. That is, when the first cover 41 is closed and the second cover 51 is open, power is also supplied to the first conveying motor group 116, so that the conveying roller pair provided in the sheet conveying unit 40 operates to perform the through conveying operation. And, because power is not supplied to the second conveying motor group 128, the conveying roller pair provided in the enclosing and sealing unit 50 does not operate, and the state becomes one in which maintenance operations can be performed.

[0139] As described above, by configuring a safety circuit in the insertion and sealing control unit 190, even if the second cover 51 is opened while the print system 1 is transporting the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf, power is not supplied to the drive system for executing the insertion and sealing process. This allows the loading and removal of the envelope E to be performed safely.

[0140] [Control process flow in print system 1] Next, the flow of processing of the control program executed by the control unit of the print system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 21. When a print job is started in the print system 1, the control unit (e.g., the printer control unit 260) first determines whether or not any door other than the second cover 51 is open via the insertion and sealing control unit 190 (S2101). When any door other than the second cover 51 is open (S2101: NO), that is, when the first cover 41 is open, for example, information instructing the display unit 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 to close the open cover is displayed (S2102).

[0141] When all but the second cover 51 are closed (S2101: YES), it is determined whether the executed print job is an "envelope job" that requires an inserting operation (S2103). If it is not an envelope job (S2103: NO), the printing process (S2104) and post-processing other than the inserting and sealing process (S2105) are executed.

[0142] If it is an envelope job (S2103: YES), it is determined whether or not second cover 51 is closed (S2106). If second cover 51 is not closed (S2106: NO), for example, information instructing to close second cover 51 is displayed on display unit 210 included in image forming apparatus 200 (S2107).

[0143] If the second cover 51 is closed (S2106: YES), the printing process (S2107), the folding process (S2108), and the inserting and sealing process (S2109) are executed.

[0144] As described above, when a print job is executed, the job cannot be executed unless all doors are closed. However, if the print system 1 includes the inserting and sealing processing device 100, the job can be executed even if the second cover 51 of the inserting and sealing processing device 100 is open, unless the executed print job is an envelope job. If it is an envelope job, the job cannot be executed unless the second cover 51 of the inserting and sealing processing device 100 is also closed.

[0145] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist of the present invention. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1: Print system 40: Sheet transport unit 41: First cover 42: First open / close detection switch 50: Enclosed sealing unit 51: Second cover 52: Second open / close detection switch 53: Lighting section 55: Slide rail 60: Sheet insertion section 100: Encapsulation and sealing processing device 110: Sheet transport section 120: Enclosure 121: Enclosed roller 122: First vertical conveying roller 123: Second vertical conveying roller 124: Flap opening roller 125: Separation roller 126: Envelope transport roller 127: Envelope set tray 128: Second conveyor motor group 130: Sealing department 131: Third vertical conveying roller 132: Fourth vertical conveying roller 133: Envelope ejection roller 134: Envelope output tray 135: Sealing mechanism 160: Enclosed material pushing section 190: Encapsulation and sealing control section 191: CPU 192: First open / close signal detection circuit 193: Second open / close signal detection circuit 194: Power supply circuit 195: Inrush prevention circuit 196: First motor I / F circuit 197: Second motor I / F circuit 198: LED Drive 199: Sensor input circuit 200: Image forming device 260: Printer control unit 300: Folding device 320: Folding control section 400: Post-processing device 410: Post-processing section 420: Post-processing control unit 501: Encapsulation and sealing processing unit 1100: Delivery route 1101: First conveyor path 1102: Second conveying path 1103: Switchback conveyor 1104: Enclosed transport path 1105: Envelope transport path 1106: Sealed Route 1107: Envelope entrance 1108: Envelope ejection path 1109: Sheet delivery route 1271: Side fence [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0147] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-246815 A

Claims

1. An inserting processing device for inserting an insert into an envelope, an enclosure transport path for transporting the enclosure; A first cover for covering the enclosure transport path; an envelope transport path extending in a substantially vertical direction from the enclosure transport path and transporting the envelope; a second cover for covering at least the envelope transport path; Equipped with 2. The insertion processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the insertion is not inserted in the envelope, the insertion continues to be transported along the insertion transport path even if the second cover is opened.

2. an enclosure transport means for transporting the enclosure through the enclosure transport path; an envelope holding tray for stacking and holding the envelopes; an envelope discharge tray for discharging the envelopes after insertion; an envelope conveying means for supplying the envelope from the envelope holding tray to the envelope conveying path and discharging the envelope after insertion from the envelope conveying path; and an inserting means for conveying an insert from the insert conveying path through the envelope conveying path and inserting the insert into the envelope, The inserting processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second cover covers at least one of the envelope holding tray, the envelope discharge tray, the envelope transport means, and the inserting means.

3. a first open / close detection switch that detects whether the first cover is open or closed; a second open / close detection switch that detects whether the second cover is open or closed; 3. An insertion processing device as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising an operational safety means for stopping a conveying operation along the enclosure conveying path when the first opening / closing detection switch detects the opening of the first cover, and for stopping a conveying operation along the envelope conveying path when the second opening / closing detection switch detects the opening of the second cover.

4. The insertion processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification means for notifying whether the first cover or the second cover is open or closed.

5. The notification means is a light-emitting element disposed on a front surface of the first cover or the second cover, 5. An insertion processing device as described in claim 4, wherein the light-emitting element is turned off when the insertion is capable of being transported from the insertion transport path to the envelope transport path, and is turned on when the insertion is capable of being transported in the insertion transport path but cannot be transported in the envelope transport path.

6. An encapsulation processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and a sealing means for sealing the envelope containing the enclosure in the envelope transport path.

7. an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet-like medium; a folding processing device that performs a folding process on the medium on which the image is formed; 7. An image forming system comprising: an inserting device according to claim 1, which inserts the medium conveyed from the image forming device or the folding device into an envelope.

Images