Encapsulation system

Abstract

To provide an encapsulation system capable of improving the quality of an enclosure by preventing the end from bending when inserting the enclosure into an envelope.SOLUTION: In an encapsulation system including a folding device that folds a sheet-shaped medium and an enclosing device that encloses the folded sheet formed by the folding device in an envelope, enclosing state adjusting means is provided for adjusting the enclosing state of the folded sheet so that a pushing mechanism for pushing the folded sheet into the envelope comes into contact with the fold when the folded sheet is enclosed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an encapsulation system to the groove .

Background Art

[0002] An encapsulation device for encapsulating an item in an envelope is known. Also known is an encapsulation system in which a folding device that folds a "sheet", which is a sheet-like medium, at a predetermined position and an encapsulation device that uses the "folded sheet" obtained by folding the sheet as the item to be encapsulated are coordinated. Also known is an imaging system that includes an imaging device that forms an image of a sheet and encapsulates the folded sheet on which the image has been formed

[0003] In an encapsulation device, a configuration has been disclosed for the purpose of reducing the labor of the device user and enabling efficient encapsulation when inserting and sealing folding paper into an envelope (see Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not disclose in detail an encapsulation method when folding a sheet into an envelope. When encapsulating an item in an envelope, if the item is not pushed into a predetermined position inside the envelope, the end of the item may collide with the flap during sealing. Also, if the strength of the portion being pushed when the item is being pushed in is low, there is concern that the portion may be damaged, such as being bent, due to the pushing. Therefore, in the prior art, there is a problem that the quality of the folded sheet is significantly degraded when encapsulating it

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an encapsulation system that can prevent bending at the ends when inserting an item into an envelope and improve the quality of the item

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention is an encapsulation system including a folding processing device for folding a sheet-like medium, and an encapsulation device for encapsulating the folded medium formed by the folding processing device into an envelope. When encapsulating the folded medium, the system includes a pushing mechanism for pushing and encapsulating the folded medium into the envelope, and based on information related to the folding process executed by the folding processing device, it determines whether the end of the folded medium that abuts against the pushing mechanism corresponds to a fold line, and controls the conveyance of the folded medium based on this determination. and adjust the folding position with respect to the sheet-like medium so that the fold contacts the pushing mechanism It is characterized by including a state adjustment means during encapsulation.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, when inserting an encapsulated object into an envelope, it is possible to prevent the end from being bent and improve the quality of the encapsulated object.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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[0009] [Embodiment of the Enclosure System] First, an embodiment of the enclosure 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 the enclosure system. The print system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 200, a folding apparatus 300 as a sheet processing apparatus that performs a folding process, an enclosure and sealing apparatus 100 that encloses and seals an enclosure, and a post-processing apparatus 400. The print system 1 is also an embodiment of the image forming system according to the present invention.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 200 is an apparatus that forms and discharges an image on a sheet-like medium by a predetermined image forming method. The sheet-like medium on which the image is formed (hereinafter simply referred to as "sheet S") is discharged to the folding apparatus 300.

[0011] The folding processing device 300 performs folding processing on the sheet S discharged from the image forming device 200 according to a predetermined folding type and folding dimension, forms a folded sheet Sf, and discharges it. Further, the folding processing device 300 may also discharge the sheet S as it is to the downstream side based on the setting. The setting regarding the execution or non-execution of the folding processing and the setting used for executing the folding processing are based on the setting information (various adjustment values) notified from the image forming device 200 side. The mechanism for executing the folding processing adjusts the feeding amount of the sheet S based on the various adjustment values, forms a fold line at the folding position according to the adjustment, and forms the folded sheet Sf. The folded sheet Sf subjected to the predetermined folding processing is carried to the encapsulation and sealing processing device 100.

[0012] Further, the folding processing device 300 executes a process of adjusting the folding dimension so that the rearmost end in the insertion direction when the folded sheet Sf is inserted into the envelope E in the encapsulation and sealing processing device 100 becomes the "fold line" of the folded sheet Sf. The details of the folding position adjustment process provided in the folding processing device 300 will be described later.

[0013] The encapsulation and sealing processing device 100 performs an encapsulation and sealing process of encapsulating and sealing the folded sheet Sf carried out after the folding process in the device (folding processing device 300) arranged on the upstream side in the carrying direction of the sheet S into the envelope E. Further, the encapsulation and sealing processing device 100 can also carry the folded sheet Sf or the sheet S to the downstream side without encapsulating it into the envelope E. In this case, it is carried to the post-processing device 400 arranged on the downstream side of the encapsulation and sealing processing device 100. The post-processing device 400 is a device that performs post-processing such as stapling on the carried-in sheet S.

[0014] The encapsulation and sealing processing device 100 performs a conveying process for encapsulating the folded sheet Sf that has undergone a folding process into the envelope E in an appropriate orientation. Therefore, the encapsulation and sealing processing device 100 also performs a process of adjusting the orientation of the folded sheet Sf at the time of encapsulation so that information such as the destination formed on the encapsulated folded sheet Sf can be visually recognized through the transparent window ew formed in advance on the envelope E. This adjustment process is realized by the reverse conveying process included in the conveying process. Therefore, the encapsulation and sealing processing device 100 determines whether to reverse the orientation of the folded sheet Sf at the time of encapsulation from the orientation at the time of loading based on the image position of the folded sheet Sf at the time of loading and the position of the transparent window ew formed on the envelope E. Then, based on the determination result, the conveying process and the reverse conveying process are executed.

[0015] Also, when the folded sheet Sf is inserted into the envelope E, the encapsulation and sealing processing device 100 pushes the rearmost end of the folded sheet Sf by the encapsulating object pushing portion 160 described later in the insertion direction, thereby pushing the folded sheet Sf into a sufficient position in the envelope E. This prevents a part of the folded sheet Sf from being damaged when the flap ef of the envelope E is closed. Further, in order to prevent the portion of the rearmost end of the folded sheet Sf that comes into contact when being pushed by the encapsulating object pushing portion 160 from being deformed or damaged by the pushing force, the contacting portion is made to hit the "crease" of the folded sheet Sf. Therefore, the encapsulation and sealing processing device 100 determines whether the rearmost end at the time of encapsulation of the folded sheet Sf being conveyed toward the envelope E hits the crease, and based on the determination result, performs a conveying process or a reverse conveying process for adjusting the orientation of the end portion that becomes the rearmost end at the time of encapsulation of the folded sheet Sf.

[0016] That is, the encapsulation and sealing processing device 100 includes a conveying mechanism for conveying the folded sheet Sf to the encapsulation position, and in the conveying mechanism, it has a reverse conveying processing function for swapping the rear end at the time of loading and the rear end at the time of encapsulation to different end portions. The details of the reverse conveying process and the normal conveying process provided by the encapsulation and sealing processing device 100 will be described later.

[0017] Here, while referring to FIG. 1, the "coordinate axes" commonly used in the description of the embodiments according to the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, an axis parallel to the mounting surface of the printing system 1, and the arrangement direction of each device constituting the printing system 1 is defined as the Y direction. The sheet S on which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus 200 is carried out in the Y direction, and then conveyed to each device arranged on the downstream side. Also, an axis parallel to the mounting surface, and the depth direction of the printing system 1 is defined as the X direction. And an axis orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction, and the height direction of the printing system 1 is defined as the Z direction. The same axes will be appended in the subsequent figures, and the description of the axes will be omitted.

[0018] [Functional Blocks of Printing System 1] The overall functional blocks of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In the following description, the object to be enclosed, which is a medium to be conveyed and enclosed in the envelope E, is the folded sheet Sf on which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus 200 and on which a predetermined folding process is performed in the folding processing apparatus 300. In FIG. 2, the movement paths (conveying paths) of the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf are indicated by broken lines, and the communication paths used for sending and receiving signals between the functional blocks are indicated by solid lines.

[0019] The image forming apparatus 200 is, for example, an apparatus that forms an image on the sheet S by 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 forming unit 240, a fixing unit 250, and a printer control unit 260.

[0020] The display unit 210 provides displays for notifying the user of the states of various functions and operation contents. The operation unit 220 corresponds to an operation interface for the user to set the processing operation mode and the number of processing units.

[0021] Operations performed via the operation unit 220 include setting the type of folding operation (folding pattern) and folding dimensions to be executed in the folding processing device 300, and settings that require reverse conveyance when enclosing in the enclosing and sealing processing device 100. Information regarding the settings made via the operation unit 220 is transmitted from the printer control unit 260 to the folding control unit 320 and the enclosing and sealing control unit 190.

[0022] The sheet supply unit 230 includes a sheet feeding mechanism that stocks the sheets S and separates and feeds them one by one. The image forming unit 240 forms a latent image on the photoreceptor 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 operations of the above-described respective block functional blocks.

[0023] The folding processing device 300 includes a sheet folding unit 310 and a folding control unit 320 that controls the entire folding processing device 300. The folding control unit 320 controls the folding process for the sheet S based on the folding pattern (folding method) and folding dimensions specified via the communication line 207 from the printer control unit 260 of the image forming device 200. The folding control unit 320 also controls communication with the printer control unit 260 and the enclosing and sealing control unit 190 connected downstream. The sheet folding unit 310 executes the folding process on the sheet S conveyed from the image forming device 200 with the specified folding pattern (folding method) and folding dimensions based on the control of the folding control unit 320. Note that it may be carried out to the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 without performing the folding process in the sheet folding unit 310.

[0024] [Examples of different folding operations in the sheet folding unit 310] There are multiple types of sheet folding parts 310. Here, embodiments of the sheet folding part 310 that achieve different folding methods will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The sheet folding part 310 shown in FIG. 3 will be referred to as "Type A" in the following description, and the sheet folding part 310 shown in FIG. 4 will be similarly referred to as "Type B". In FIGS. 3 and 4, a △ symbol is attached to the sheet S. This △ symbol represents the printing surface on which the sheet S image is formed (hereinafter also referred to as the "image forming surface Ps"). That is, it is assumed that image forming processing is performed on one surface of the sheet S in the following description.

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 3, for the sheet S carried into the sheet folding part 310 from the image forming apparatus 200, the lower surface side in the conveyance direction corresponds to the image forming surface Ps.

[0026] First, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the sheet S is conveyed from the image forming apparatus 200 toward the pair of conveyance rollers 311.

[0027] The sheet S conveyed downstream by the pair of conveyance rollers 311 is conveyed to a predetermined position by the first folding roller 312, the first folding conveyance roller 313, and the second folding roller 314, as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0028] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the first folding conveyance roller 313 and the second folding roller 314 reverse, and a first fold is formed on the sheet S.

[0029] The sheet S with the first fold formed is conveyed by the first folding roller 312, the second folding roller 314, and the second folding conveyance roller 316 to a path different from the conveyance path when it was carried in and stops at a predetermined position, as shown in FIG. 3(d).

[0030] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3(e), the second folding conveyance roller 316 rotates in the reverse direction, and the third folding roller 315 also rotates, and the sheet is conveyed in the downstream direction. By this operation, the second fold is formed, and the outer three-fold folded sheet Sf is completed. In this case, the image formation surface Ps of the folded sheet Sf is located on the surface on the lower side in the conveyance direction.

[0031] The case of the B-type sheet folding unit 310 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, in the B-type sheet folding unit 310, the sheet carried in from the image forming apparatus 200 is conveyed in the direction of gravity. At this time, it is assumed that the right surface in the conveyance direction is the image formation surface Ps.

[0032] First, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the sheet is conveyed from the image forming apparatus 200 toward the first conveyance roller pair 321.

[0033] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the sheet is conveyed downward to a predetermined position by the first conveyance roller pair 321, the first folding roller 323, and the first folding conveyance roller 322, and then stops.

[0034] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the first folding conveyance roller 322 and the first folding roller 323 rotate in the reverse direction, and the second folding roller 324 rotates, whereby the first fold is formed.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(d), the second conveyance roller pair 326 also rotates and the sheet is conveyed and stops at a predetermined position.

[0036] After that, the second pair of conveying rollers 326 rotates in the reverse direction, and the folded sheet Sf is conveyed upward by the rotation of the second folding conveying roller 325. The second folding rollers 324 and the second folding conveying roller 325 form a second fold line, and the outside triple fold is completed. In this case, unlike the A type, the image forming surface Ps of the folded sheet Sf is located on the upper surface in the conveying direction. In this way, even when the same outside triple fold is performed by the different types of sheet folding portions 310 of the A type and the B type, the position of the image forming surface Ps of the folded sheet Sf is on a different surface with respect to the conveying direction. Note that the above is an example in which an image is formed on one side.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 2, the encapsulation and sealing device 100 includes a sheet conveying unit 110, an encapsulation unit 120, a sealing unit 130, and an encapsulation and sealing control unit 190.

[0038] The sheet conveying unit 110 performs predetermined processing on the folded sheet Sf carried in from the sheet folding portion 310 according to the control mode (including the type of folding method, folding dimensions, position of the image forming surface Ps, etc.) transmitted from the folding control unit 320 to the encapsulation and sealing control unit 190 through the communication line 105. In the sheet conveying unit 110, conveyance processing for conveying the folded sheet Sf downstream in the conveying direction, reverse conveyance processing for swapping the end portions in the conveying direction of the folded sheet Sf, and the like are performed. The folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the encapsulation unit 120 or the post-processing device 400 by the conveyance processing or the reverse conveyance processing.

[0039] The encapsulation unit 120 moves the folded sheet Sf to a position where it can be encapsulated in the envelope E, holds the envelope E in a state where the flap ef for closing the opening for encapsulating the enclosed object in the envelope E is opened, and performs the encapsulation process of the folded sheet Sf.

[0040] The sealing unit 130 performs a process of closing the flap ef of the envelope E in which the folded sheet Sf is encapsulated and then discharging the sealed envelope E to the discharge tray 137.

[0041] The encapsulation and sealing control unit 190 controls the operations of a plurality of conveyance rollers and a plurality of switching claws that constitute the sheet conveyance unit 110, the encapsulation unit 120, and the sealing unit 130. The encapsulation and sealing control unit 190 receives information regarding the folded sheet Sf (hereinafter referred to as "encapsulation target information") from the printer control unit 260 and the folding control unit 320, and performs control processing on the folded sheet Sf based on the received information.

[0042] Here, the control processing for the folded sheet Sf includes a "conveyance process" in which the conveyance direction ends of the folded sheet Sf are not swapped from the time of loading, and a "reverse conveyance process" in which the ends are swapped. Also, the "encapsulation target information" is information related to the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf that are objects to be encapsulated, and includes information for determining whether the end of the folded sheet Sf is the leading end or the trailing end at the time of encapsulation into the envelope E. For example, it includes "folding type information" that defines the type of folding process for the folded sheet Sf.

[0043] Also, as operation instruction information from the image forming apparatus 200, which is one of the upstream apparatuses, it includes "reverse necessity information" that defines the necessity of the reverse conveyance process described later. Also, for example, it includes print surface information indicating the image forming surface on which an image is formed on the folded sheet Sf. Also, for example, it includes "processing apparatus information" indicating the type (type A or type B) of the sheet folding unit 310 that has performed the folding process.

[0044] The post-processing apparatus 400 includes a post-processing unit 410 and a post-processing control unit 420. The post-processing unit 410 performs predetermined post-processing on the sheet S conveyed from the upstream side under the control of the post-processing control unit 420. The post-processing control unit 420 controls the post-processing operation in the post-processing control unit 420 according to the operation mode transmitted through the communication line 403 from the printer control unit 260, the folding control unit 320, and the encapsulation and sealing control unit 190.

[0045] The printer control unit 260, the folding control unit 320, the enclosure sealing control unit 190, and the post-processing control unit 420 are interconnected, and are configured such that the exchange of information necessary for control is performed via each communication line (207, 105, 403). Further, information regarding the processing mode that requires the user to perform operations on the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf, and the sheet sizes are mutually shared by the cooperation of each control unit (260, 320, 150, 420). Thereby, control information that enables each mechanism to execute a predetermined process at a predetermined timing and in a predetermined step is shared throughout the printing system 1. Therefore, the enclosure state adjustment means as means for adjusting the enclosure state described later is configured by the cooperation of each control unit (260, 320, 150, 420).

[0046] Note that, as a configuration example of the printing system 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2, an example in which a post-processing device 400 is connected downstream of the enclosure sealing processing device 100 is shown. Representative post-processing devices 400 include a finisher that performs staple processing, a stacker, a bookbinding machine, and the like. Further, as a system configuration of the printing system 1, a configuration in which the enclosure sealing processing device 100 is the most downstream may be adopted.

[0047] [Configuration related to the conveyance operation in the enclosure sealing processing device 100] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the conveyance rollers that constitute the sheet conveyance unit 110, the enclosure unit 120, the flap opening mechanism, and the sealing unit 130 of the enclosure sealing processing device 100, the switching claws that switch the conveyance direction of the conveyed object, and the conveyance path in which these are arranged will be described.

[0048] [Configuration of the sheet conveyance unit 110] As shown in FIG. 5, the sheet conveyance unit 110 has a plurality of conveyance paths distinguished as an inlet path 1100, a first conveyance path 1101, a second conveyance path 1102, a switchback conveyance path 1103, an enclosure conveyance path 1104 as a fourth conveyance path, and a sheet outlet path 1109.

[0049] An entrance roller 101 is disposed on the loading path 1100. The loading path 1100 is a path for receiving the folded sheet Sf discharged from an upstream device (e.g., the folding processing device 300). The enclosure sealing control unit 190 receives enclosure target information as information regarding the folded sheet Sf from the upstream control units (the printer control unit 260, the folding control unit 320), and controls the start and stop of the rotation of the entrance roller 101.

[0050] One of a plurality of conveyance paths provided on the downstream side of the entrance roller 101 and branching from the loading path 1100, a first conveyance path 1101 is provided with a first conveyance roller 111 as a first conveyance means and a first intermediate conveyance roller 114. Further, a first sheet detection sensor 118 as a first medium sensor for detecting an end (rear end) of the conveyed folded sheet Sf is disposed on the first conveyance path 1101. The first sheet detection sensor 118 is disposed between the first intermediate conveyance roller 114 and the first conveyance roller 111.

[0051] Also, one of the conveyance paths provided on the downstream side of the entrance roller 101, a second conveyance path 1102 branching from the loading path 1100 in a direction different from the first conveyance path 1101 is provided with a second conveyance roller 112 as a second conveyance means and a second intermediate conveyance roller 115. Further, a second sheet detection sensor 119 as a second medium sensor for detecting an end (rear end) of the conveyed folded sheet Sf is disposed on the second conveyance path 1102. The second sheet detection sensor 119 is disposed between the second intermediate conveyance roller 115 and the second conveyance roller 112.

[0052] In addition, the sheet conveyance unit 110 has a switchback conveyance path 1103. The switchback conveyance path 1103 is a conveyance path that connects a confluence position where it merges with the first conveyance path 1101 at a downstream position of the first conveyance roller 111 and a branch position where it branches from the second conveyance path 1102 at an upstream position of the second intermediate conveyance roller 115. By means of the switchback conveyance path 1103, the folded sheet Sf that has been conveyed in the downstream direction along the second conveyance path 1102 has its conveyance direction switched and is conveyed to the first conveyance path 1101 by switchback conveyance. A switchback conveyance roller 113 as a third conveyance means is arranged on the switchback conveyance path 1103 serving as a third conveyance path.

[0053] Also, a sheet discharge path 1109 is provided, which is a downstream conveyance path following the first conveyance path 1101 and discharges the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf that has passed through the sheet conveyance unit 110 to the downstream post-processing device 400. And an outlet roller 102 is arranged on the sheet discharge path 1109.

[0054] When the enclosed process described later is not performed on the folded sheet Sf carried in from the folding device 300, the folded sheet Sf passes through the first conveyance path 1101 from the carry-in path 1100 and is discharged to the downstream device via the sheet discharge path 1109. In the following description, the process in which the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf carried in from the inlet roller 101 is conveyed to the outlet roller 102 via the first conveyance path 1101 and further discharged downstream may be referred to as "normal conveyance process". When the sheet conveyance unit 110 executes the normal conveyance process, it is when a "print job" that conveys the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf directly to the post-processing device 400 is executed, rather than when an "envelope job" of enclosing the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf is executed.

[0055] Further, the sheet conveyance unit 110 has an encapsulation conveyance path 1104, which is a conveyance path branching from the first conveyance path 1101 downstream of the first conveyance roller 111 and leading to an encapsulation roller 121 that holds an envelope E in which the folded sheet Sf is enclosed. As will be described later, the encapsulation conveyance path 1104 as the encapsulated object conveyance path is configured to be continuous with an envelope conveyance path 1105.

[0056] Also, at a branching position for conveying the folded sheet Sf from the loading path 1100 to either the first conveyance path 1101 or the second conveyance path 1102 in the sheet conveyance unit 110, a branching claw 10 as branching means is arranged. Based on the encapsulation target information related to the folded sheet Sf carried into the loading path 1100, the branching claw 10 switches whether to convey the folded sheet Sf to the first conveyance path 1101 side or to the second conveyance path 1102 side.

[0057] Further, the sheet conveyance unit 110 has a first switching claw 11 as first switching means arranged at a merging position where the switchback conveyance path 1103 merges into the first conveyance path 1101. The first switching claw 11 switches between a state of conveying the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the loading path 1100 to the first conveyance path 1101 side to the first conveyance roller 111 side and a state of conveying the folded sheet Sf from the switchback conveyance path 1103 to the first conveyance path 1101 side.

[0058] Further, the sheet conveyance unit 110 has a second switching claw 12 as second switching means arranged at a branching position where the second conveyance path 1102 branches into the switchback conveyance path 1103. The second switching claw 12 switches between a state of conveying the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the loading path 1100 to the second conveyance path 1102 side to the second conveyance roller 112 and a state of switchback conveying the folded sheet Sf from the second conveyance path 1102 to the switchback conveyance path 1103.

[0059] Further, the sheet conveyance unit 110 is provided with a third switching claw 13 as a third switching means at a branching position where it branches from the first conveyance path 1101 to the encapsulation conveyance path 1104. The third switching claw 13 switches between a state of conveying the folded sheet Sf conveyed by the first conveyance path 1101 to the encapsulation conveyance path 1104 and a state of conveying it to the sheet discharge path 1109.

[0060] The folded sheet Sf conveyed to the first conveyance path 1101 is conveyed to the first conveyance roller 111 by the first intermediate conveyance roller 114. The first conveyance roller 111 conveys the conveyed folded sheet Sf downstream. Here, when the third switching claw 13 is in the state shown in FIG. 5, that is, when the encapsulation conveyance path 1104 side is open and the outlet roller 102 side is closed as the direction of conveying the folded sheet Sf, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the encapsulation conveyance path 1104. When the rear end of the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the first intermediate conveyance roller 114 to the first conveyance roller 111 is detected by the first sheet detection sensor 118 and then conveyed a predetermined distance, the folded sheet Sf is already in a state of having moved to the encapsulation conveyance path 1104. When the encapsulation and sealing control unit 190 determines that this state has been reached, the operation of each pair of conveyance rollers rotating in the sheet conveyance unit 110 is stopped.

[0061] The drive source for operating each pair of conveyance rollers provided in the encapsulation and sealing processing apparatus 100 is configured to supply driving force individually to each pair of rollers. For example, each pair of conveyance rollers is individually provided with a motor serving as a corresponding drive source, and the rotation control of each motor is performed individually. Thereby, control such as rotating a specific pair of conveyance rollers and stopping other pairs of conveyance rollers is performed. Note that it may be configured such that a plurality of rollers are driven by one motor. Even in that case, it may be configured such that the rotation / non-rotation control of each roller (roller pair) can be performed individually.

[0062] The folded sheet Sf conveyed to the second conveyance path 1102 is conveyed to the second conveyance roller 112 by the second intermediate conveyance roller 115. When the second conveyance roller 112 has been conveyed a predetermined distance after the trailing edge of the conveyed folded sheet Sf is detected by the second sheet detection sensor 119, the second conveyance roller 112 reverses after once stopping. As a result, the folded sheet Sf is in a state of performing a switchback conveyance to the switchback conveyance path 1103. At this time, before or simultaneously with the reverse rotation of the second conveyance roller 112, at the timing when the trailing edge of the folded sheet Sf passes the second switching claw 12 (this is also determined based on the detection result of the second sheet detection sensor 119), the second switching claw 12 is rotated. As a result, the state is switched to one in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the switchback conveyance path 1103.

[0063] When the folded sheet Sf is guided from the second conveyance path 1102 to the switchback conveyance path 1103, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed toward the first conveyance path 1101 by the switchback conveyance roller 113.

[0064] [Configuration of the Enclosure Unit 120] As shown in FIG. 5, the enclosure unit 120 is provided with a cylinder conveyance path 1105 as a vertical conveyance path that connects to an enclosure conveyance path 1104 as a fourth conveyance path included in the sheet conveyance unit 110. The cylinder conveyance path 1105 extends in a direction intersecting with the ground plane (X-Y plane) of the enclosure sealing processing apparatus 100, more specifically, in a direction orthogonal to the X-Y plane (Z direction). In other words, the cylinder conveyance path 1105 is a conveyance path that extends in a substantially vertical direction from the enclosure conveyance path 1104.

[0065] In the envelope conveyance path 1105, the envelope E placed on the envelope set tray 127 is conveyed to the insertion position, and after insertion, the envelope E after insertion is conveyed from the insertion position to the envelope discharge tray 134 and discharged. This series of conveyance operations of the envelope E includes a switchback conveyance operation in which the envelope is conveyed in a direction opposite to the once-conveyed direction. Also, the insert is conveyed to the envelope conveyance path 1105 that is directly connected to the insertion conveyance path 1104 branching from the first conveyance path 1101. Therefore, a part of the envelope conveyance path 1105 also constitutes the conveyance path for the insert.

[0066] As described above, since the configuration for conveying the envelope E for the insertion operation and the sealing operation and the configuration for conveying the insert to the envelope E are arranged in the vertical direction with respect to the mounting surface of the apparatus, the insertion and sealing processing apparatus 100 can save the installation area. And in the printing system 1 including the insertion and sealing processing apparatus 100, miniaturization can also be achieved.

[0067] The envelope conveyance path 1105 includes an envelope holding mechanism that conveys the envelope E to the insertion position as a predetermined position and holds the envelope E so that the insert can be inserted. And the envelope conveyance path 1105 is connected to a sealing path 1106 for performing a sealing process on the envelope E into which the insert has been inserted.

[0068] In the envelope conveyance path 1105, a first vertical conveyance roller 122 and a second vertical conveyance roller 123 as envelope conveyance means for conveying the envelope E to a position where the folding sheet Sf is received are arranged. In the envelope conveyance path 1105, above the first vertical conveyance roller 122 (+Z direction), an insertion roller 121 as insertion conveyance means for conveying and supplying the insert to the envelope E is arranged.

[0069] With respect to the envelope E conveyed and held at the insertion position by the first vertical conveyance roller 122 and the second vertical conveyance roller 123, the insertion roller 121 conveys the insert in the insertion direction (-Z direction) to perform the insertion operation.

[0070] Also, between the encapsulation roller 121 and the first longitudinal conveyance roller 122, and on the side of the envelope conveyance path 1105, an encapsulation object pushing portion 160 is disposed, which performs an operation of pushing the rear end of the encapsulation object toward the opening of the envelope E during the encapsulation operation.

[0071] At the connection position of the conveyance path that continues from the envelope conveyance path 1105 to the sealing path 1106, a flap opening mechanism is disposed. When the envelope E taken out from the envelope set tray 127 as an envelope holding tray is conveyed to the envelope conveyance path 1105, the flap opening mechanism performs a process of opening the flap ef.

[0072] At the confluence point where the envelope conveyance path 1105 and the envelope loading path 1107 merge, an envelope switchback switching claw 21 is disposed.

[0073] Also, below the envelope switchback switching claw 21 (in the -Z direction), with the position where the envelope loading path 1107 and the envelope conveyance path 1105 merge as the first branch position, a flap opening roller 124 is disposed below this first branch position (in the -Z direction).

[0074] The flap opening roller 124 disposed below the first branch position and the first longitudinal conveyance roller 122 disposed above the first branch position constitute a pair of first longitudinal conveyance rollers.

[0075] In the envelope loading path 1107 that merges into the envelope conveyance path 1105, a separation roller 125 and an envelope conveyance roller 126 are disposed. By the separation roller 125, one loaded envelope E is taken out from the envelope set tray 127. Then, the envelope E is supplied to the envelope conveyance path 1105 by the separation roller 125 and the envelope conveyance roller 126 as envelope supply means.

[0076] A plurality of envelopes E are placed on the envelope set tray 127. For the envelope E placed on the envelope set tray 127, the bottom, which is the opposite end of the flap ef, is directed toward the separation roller 125 side. Therefore, the tip in the conveyance direction of the envelope E when it is carried out from the envelope set tray 127 is the bottom of the envelope E.

[0077] Therefore, in this embodiment, for the envelope E separated from the state of being loaded on the envelope set tray 127, first, the bottom corresponds to the "front end in the conveying direction". And the side with the flap ef corresponds to the "rear end in the conveying direction". And the "rear end in the conveying direction" with the flap ef closed is the folding position of the flap ef on the envelope E, and the "rear end in the conveying direction" with the flap ef open is the end of the flap ef.

[0078] The separation roller 125 and the envelope conveying roller 126 convey the envelope E to a position beyond the envelope switchback switching claw 21.

[0079] The envelope switchback switching claw 21 is held at either a position for rotating to temporarily convey the envelope E taken out from the envelope set tray 127 to the sealing path 1106 or a position for conveying the envelope E to the sheet conveying unit 110 side in the envelope conveying path 1105. That is, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 is a member for switching the conveying direction of the envelope E.

[0080] The first vertical conveying roller 122 and the second vertical conveying roller 123 convey and hold the envelope E at a predetermined position in the envelope conveying path 1105. The predetermined position here is, as will be described later, a position where the opening position of the envelope E (the position of the flap ef) is below the inserting roller 121 and corresponds to a position above the first vertical conveying roller 122.

[0081] The inserting roller 121 is a kind of conveying roller that rotates in a direction to insert the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet conveying unit 110 into the envelope E.

[0082] [Configuration of the sealing part 130] As shown in FIG. 5, in the sealing portion 130, a third vertical conveying roller 131 and a fourth vertical conveying roller 132 as switchback conveying means are arranged in the sealing path 1106. Further, it has an envelope discharge path 1108 as an envelope discharge path that branches from a second branch position that branches from the sealing path 1106. And at the second branch position, an envelope discharge switching claw 31 is arranged. An envelope discharge roller 133 is arranged in the envelope discharge path 1108, and at the end, the envelope discharge path 1108 is arranged.

[0083] The third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 constitute a pair of second vertical conveying rollers, and convey and hold the envelope E at a predetermined position in the sealing path 1106.

[0084] The envelope discharge switching claw 31 rotates between a position where the envelope E is conveyed from the flap opening roller 124 side to the third vertical conveying roller 131 in the insertion conveying path 1104 and a position where the envelope E is conveyed from the insertion conveying path 1104 to the envelope discharge path 1108. The envelope discharge switching claw 31 is a member that switches the conveying direction of the envelope E.

[0085] In the sealing path 1106, a sealing mechanism 135 as a sealing means for performing a "sealing process" to close the flap ef is arranged. If the flap ef of the envelope E conveyed by the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 is open, the sealing mechanism 135 performs a process of closing it.

[0086] The envelope discharge roller 133 is a roller that discharges the envelope E toward the envelope discharge tray 134.

[0087] The envelope discharge tray 134 as an envelope loading means is a tray on which the discharged envelope E is placed.

[0088] As described above, in the encapsulation and sealing processing apparatus 100, the conveyance path for conveying the folded sheet Sf from the sheet conveyance unit 110 to the encapsulation unit 120 and the sealing unit 130 is arranged to be connected in the vertical direction (Z direction). This conveyance path, which is also the conveyance path for the folded sheet Sf and the conveyance path for the envelope E, corresponds to a vertical conveyance path that connects the envelope conveyance path 1105 of the encapsulation unit 120 and the sealing path 1106 of the sealing unit 130 in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0089] [Flow of Encapsulation and Sealing Processing] Next, an example of a series of flows of the encapsulation operation and the sealing operation in the encapsulation and sealing processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 17. Note that in each figure, only components used for explaining each operation stage are labeled with reference numerals and the like. Also, for the sake of explanation, each processing stage is distinguished, but the processing may proceed simultaneously in parallel.

[0090] First, as shown in FIG. 6, the envelopes E are separated one by one from the envelope set tray 127 on which a plurality of envelopes E are stacked by the separation roller 125 and conveyed to the flap opening roller 124 by the envelope conveyance roller 126. At this time, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 and the envelope discharge switching claw 31 are oriented in the directions exemplified in FIG. 5. Also, the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveyance roller 131, and the fourth vertical conveyance roller 132 rotate in the direction of conveying the envelope E downward and convey the envelope E to a predetermined position in the encapsulation conveyance path 1104.

[0091] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7, when the envelope E has passed through the flap opening roller 124, the flap ef is in an open state by the flap opening mechanism. In this state, the envelope E reaches the state shown in FIG. 8 following the rotation of the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveyance roller 131, and the fourth vertical conveyance roller 132.

[0092] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8, after the flap ef of the envelope E is opened and reaches a position where the flap ef has passed through the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveyance roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveyance roller 132 reverse. By this operation, a switchback conveyance is executed to direct the envelope E to a predetermined position in the insertion unit 120. Also, before or simultaneously with the start of the switchback conveyance, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 rotates in the direction shown in FIG. 8. As a result, the envelope E can be conveyed upward of the envelope conveyance path 1105. The flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveyance roller 131, and the fourth vertical conveyance roller 132 constitute an envelope switchback roller.

[0093] Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the envelope E is conveyed to the insertion position by the second vertical conveyance roller 123 and the first vertical conveyance roller 122 that constitute the switchback conveyance means. When the flap ef reaches a position where it has passed through the first vertical conveyance roller 122, the rotation of the second vertical conveyance roller 123 and the first vertical conveyance roller 122 is stopped, and the insertion standby operation is entered.

[0094] In the control for conveying the envelope E to the insertion position, after the separation roller 125 takes out the envelope E, a process of calculating the conveyance amount of the envelope E from the rotation amounts of the respective conveyance rollers is executed. Also, based on the calculated length of the envelope E and the length of the flap ef, the conveyance amount of the envelope E, and the conveyance path length for conveyance through the envelope inlet path 1107 and the envelope conveyance path 1105, the position of the envelope E in the insertion conveyance path 1104 can be determined.

[0095] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10, while holding the envelope E in the insertion position, the insertion and sealing processing apparatus 100 receives the folding sheet Sf from the upstream apparatus (folding processing apparatus 300) with the inlet roller 101 and conveys it to the first conveyance path 1101.

[0096] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed downstream by the first intermediate conveying roller 114 and the first conveying roller 111. At this time, since the first switching claw 11 and the third switching claw 13 are in the state shown in FIG. 9, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed from the first conveying path 1101 to the enclosure conveying path 1104.

[0097] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12, the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the enclosure conveying path 1104 to the envelope conveying path 1105 is further conveyed downward by the enclosure roller 121. As a result, the folded sheet Sf is enclosed in the envelope E which is held at a predetermined enclosure position in the envelope conveying path 1105 with the opening being open by the first vertical conveying roller 122 and the like. In this enclosing operation, the folded sheet Sf is pushed into the envelope E by the enclosure pushing portion 160 as a pushing mechanism constituting the enclosing means. The operation of the enclosure pushing portion 160 and the relationship of the folded sheet Sf at the time of enclosure will be described later.

[0098] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13, the first vertical conveying roller 122 and the second vertical conveying roller 123 are rotated to convey the envelope E downward. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the envelope E is conveyed to the fourth vertical conveying roller 132, and the flap ef reaches a position where it passes through the envelope discharge switching claw 31.

[0099] After the flap ef reaches a position where it passes through the envelope discharge switching claw 31, as shown in FIG. 15, 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.

[0100] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 16, the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 are reversed to switch-back convey the sealed envelope E by the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132. Before the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 are reversed, the envelope discharge switching claw 31 is rotated to the state shown in FIG. 16. Thereby, the enclosed envelope E is conveyed from the envelope conveying path 1105 to the envelope discharge path 1108.

[0101] As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the sealed envelope E is discharged onto the envelope discharge tray 134 by the envelope discharge roller 133.

[0102] [Relationship between the type of the sheet folding portion 310 and the image forming surface Ps] Next, with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, an example of the relationship between the difference in the type of the sheet folding portion 310 and the position of the image forming surface Ps will be described. FIG. 18(a) illustrates an outer three-folded sheet Sa1 when the folding type is "outer three-fold" using the above-described A-type sheet folding portion 310 (see FIG. 3). Further, FIG. 18(b) illustrates an inner three-folded sheet Sa2 when the folding type is "inner three-fold" using the above-described A-type sheet folding portion 310 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 18, in the case of the A type, the image forming surface Ps is located on the lower surface with respect to the conveyance direction.

[0103] FIG. 19(a) illustrates an outer three-folded sheet Sb1 when the folding type is "outer three-fold" using the above-described B-type sheet folding portion 310 (see FIG. 4). Further, FIG. 19(b) illustrates an inner three-folded sheet Sb2 when the folding type is "inner three-fold" using the above-described B-type sheet folding portion 310 (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 19, in the case of the B type, the image forming surface Ps is located on the upper surface with respect to the conveyance direction.

[0104] As described above, when the type of the sheet folding portion 310 is different, the position of the image forming surface with respect to the conveyance direction is reversed for the outer three-fold and the inner three-fold, respectively, in terms of the position of the image forming surface Ps with respect to the conveyance direction.

[0105] Further, when the type of the sheet folding portion 310 is different, the portion that abuts against the insertion portion 160 of the inserted item when the folded sheet Sf is inserted is different as to whether it corresponds to the fold line or a portion other than the fold line (the end portion of the sheet S).

[0106] [Relationship between the rearmost end at the time of inserting the folded sheet Sf and the image forming surface Ps and the envelope E] Next, with reference to FIG. 20, the positional relationship between the rearmost end of the folding sheet Sf at the time of insertion, the position of the image forming surface Ps of the folding sheet Sf, and the position of the transparent window ew provided in advance on the envelope E will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 20, assume a case where the outer three-fold sheet Sa1 passes through the first conveyance path 1101 as it is and is conveyed in the insertion conveyance path 1104 and inserted into the envelope E that is waiting with the flap ef open.

[0107] In this case, since the image forming surface Ps is not positioned toward the transparent window ew, the image forming surface Ps after insertion cannot be visually recognized from outside the envelope. Generally, information (destination information) necessary when mailing the envelope is printed on the image forming surface Ps, so the destination cannot be visually recognized and mailing cannot be performed. Therefore, it is necessary to reverse the relative positional relationship of the image forming surface Ps with respect to the conveyance direction.

[0108] On the other hand, regardless of whether it is the outer three-fold sheet Sa1 or the outer three-fold sheet Sb1, at the rear end in the conveyance direction at the time of insertion into the envelope E (at the time of insertion), the fold portion is located on the side where the insertion portion 160 is disposed. In this case, due to the difference in the folding dimension, even if the end portion of the sheet S corresponds to the rearmost end in the conveyance direction from the fold, the pushing claw 161 provided in the insertion portion 160 is in a state of pushing the fold.

[0109] Suppose that the position of the image forming surface Ps at the time of insertion is switched in order to align the positions of the image forming surface Ps and the transparent window ew in the outer three-fold sheet Sa1 of the inserted item. In this case, at the rear end in the conveyance direction at the time of insertion into the envelope E (at the time of insertion), the end portion of the sheet S is located on the side where the insertion portion 160 is disposed, so the pushing claw 161 provided in the insertion portion 160 is in a state of pushing the end portion of the sheet instead of the fold.

[0110] As described above, depending on the type of the sheet folding portion 310 and the difference in the folding type, the orientation of the image forming surface Ps with respect to the insertion direction and the state of the leading end portion of the folded sheet Sf will be different. Therefore, in the insertion and sealing control unit 190 according to the present embodiment, based on the type of the sheet folding portion 310, the folding type with respect to the folded sheet Sf, and the folding dimension, conveyance control is performed so that the portion of the folded sheet Sf at the time of insertion that is pushed by the pushing claw 161 corresponds to the "crease". Further, based on the "insertion target information" which is information serving as a factor for determining the position of the image forming surface Ps in the folded sheet Sf, control is also performed so that the position of the image forming surface Ps after insertion matches the position of the transparent window ew.

[0111] That is, in the insertion and sealing processing apparatus 100 as an embodiment of the present invention, conveyance control is performed to surely insert the folded sheet Sf into the envelope E at the time of insertion and enable insertion without causing damage. At the same time, conveyance control is also performed so that the relative position of the image forming surface Ps becomes an appropriate position.

[0112] [Example of Insertion and Sealing Processing] Here, an operation example of the reverse conveyance process in the insertion and sealing process in the insertion and sealing processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 25. There are various folding methods for the folded sheet Sf carried into the sheet conveyance unit 110. Information regarding this folding method is received in advance by the insertion and sealing control unit 190, and the following control is performed based on this information. Similarly, there are various print information indicating the position of the image forming surface Ps with respect to the folded sheet Sf. In the following description, an example of conveyance control performed in the order of different paths depending on different folding methods is shown.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 21, when the folded sheet Sf (Sa1) is carried in from the folding processing apparatus 300, the direction in which the image forming surface Ps (printing surface) on which an image is formed on the folded sheet Sf (Sa1) is exposed is downward with respect to the conveyance direction. When the folded sheet Sf reaches the entrance roller 101 and the branching claw 10 is in a position blocking the conveyance to the second conveyance path 1102, the branching claw 10 is rotated to enable the folded sheet Sf to be conveyed to the second conveyance path 1102.

[0114] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 22, the folded sheet Sf is guided to the second conveyance path 1102 by the branch claw 10 and conveyed to the second conveyance roller 112 by the second intermediate conveyance roller 115. Then, it is further conveyed downstream by the second conveyance roller 112.

[0115] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 23, when the rear end of the folded sheet Sf is detected by the second sheet detection sensor 119 and then conveyed a predetermined distance downstream, the second conveyance roller 112 stops. In other words, when the rear end of the folded sheet Sf has been conveyed a distance sufficient to pass the second switching claw 12, the second conveyance roller 112 stops. Also at this time, the second switching claw 12 is rotated to enable conveyance of the folded sheet Sf to the switchback conveyance path 1103 as the third conveyance path. Also, if the first switching claw 11 is not in a state enabling conveyance of the folded sheet Sf from the switchback conveyance path 1103 to the first conveyance path 1101, it is also rotated and switched.

[0116] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 24, the second conveyance roller 112 is reversed to convey the folded sheet Sf to the switchback conveyance path 1103. Then, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed downstream by the switchback conveyance roller 113 and the first conveyance roller 111. If the third switching claw 13 is not in a state enabling conveyance of the folded sheet Sf from the first conveyance path 1101 to the enclosure conveyance path 1104, it is also rotated and switched.

[0117] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 25, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed toward the enclosure conveyance path 1104.

[0118] As a result of the above operations, the folded sheet Sf is enclosed in the envelope E. Thereafter, as described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17, it is conveyed in the enclosure conveyance path 1104 and discharged to the envelope discharge tray 134.

[0119] As described above, in the encapsulation and sealing processing apparatus 100, when the image forming surface Ps of the folding sheet Sf as an inclusion in one envelope E is the lower surface in the conveyance direction, it is inverted so that the orientation of the image forming surface Ps faces the transparent window ew side of the envelope E. In this case, before encapsulation, by using the switchback path to swap the positions of the ends with respect to the conveyance direction back and forth, the position of the image forming surface Ps can be inverted.

[0120] However, in this case, at the time of encapsulation, the sheet end is located closer to the inclusion pushing portion 160 as the rearmost end of the folding sheet Sf (Sa1), and the fold line is located farther away. That is, the portion of the folding sheet Sf pushed by the pushing claw 161 is not the end portion that becomes the fold line, but the end portion of the sheet S (sheet end). If an external force is applied in the encapsulation direction to the sheet end, there is a high possibility that the sheet S will bend or fold in the thickness direction. On the contrary, if it is a fold line, since it is the portion that bends the sheet S, the resistance to an external force in the encapsulation direction is high, and bending or folding in the thickness direction is less likely to occur.

[0121] In the encapsulation and sealing processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the orientation of the inclusion is adjusted by the conveying means so as to be in a predetermined encapsulation direction based on the fold type of the folding sheet Sf as an inclusion and the type of the folding processing apparatus 300 that has performed the folding process. Further, due to the adjustment, the rearmost end at the time of encapsulation may not be a suitable portion for receiving the external force at the time of pushing. In this case, if it is not possible to control the folding method and folding dimensions or to perform optimal control in relation to the transparent window ew, the fact can be notified to the user of the encapsulation and sealing processing apparatus 100 to prompt a review of the settings and the like.

[0122] [Details of the inclusion pushing portion 160 and the relationship with the folding sheet Sf at the time of encapsulation] Next, the relationship between the folding sheet Sf at the time of enclosure and the enclosure pushing portion 160 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 26. The pushing claw 161 included in the enclosure pushing portion 160 according to the present embodiment functions as a pushing means for pushing the rear end of the folding sheet Sf at the time of enclosure. The pushing claw 161 has a contact portion that contacts the folding sheet Sf at a plurality of locations. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, in the width direction of the folding sheet Sf (the X direction, which is the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction), it has a plurality of contact surfaces. By moving the pushing claw 161 in the -Z direction, the folding sheet Sf as an enclosure can be pushed into the envelope E. At this time, the contact surface of the pushing claw 161 pushes the "rear end in the enclosure direction", which is the outermost end portion of the outer shape of the folding sheet Sf.

[0123] "Details of the state of the folding sheet Sf at the time of enclosure" Here, the relationship between various folding states (folding types, folding dimensions) of the folding sheet Sf and the state at the time of enclosure into the envelope E (enclosure state) will be described in detail. In the following description, the end portion located at the very tip of the outer shape of the folding sheet in the enclosure direction (the conveyance direction of the folding sheet Sf when conveyed into the envelope E) at the time of enclosure into the envelope E is denoted as the "frontmost end Pt". Similarly, the end portion located at the very rear end is denoted as the "rearmost end Pe".

[0124] In the enclosure state, the frontmost end Pt and the rearmost end Pe correspond to either the "crease" formed in the folding sheet Sf or the end portion of the sheet S (sheet end portion) that the folding sheet Sf is based on.

[0125] FIG. 27 illustrates a case where the folding sheet Sf is triple-folded on the outside and depending on the difference in folding dimensions, the "pushed portion" of the folding sheet Sf in the enclosure state being pushed by the contact surface of the pushing claw 161 becomes a crease, and a case where it is not a crease but a sheet end portion.

[0126] FIG. 28 illustrates a case where the folded sheet Sf is a triple-fold and, due to differences in folding dimensions, the "pushed-in portion" of the folded sheet Sf in the enclosed state that is pushed in by the contact surface of the pushing claws 161 becomes a fold line, and a case where it is not the fold line but the sheet end.

[0127] FIG. 27(a) shows an example where, in the enclosed state, the rearmost end Pe corresponds to the sheet end. As in the example of FIG. 27(a), when the rearmost end Pe corresponding to the pushed-in portion of the folded sheet Sf is the sheet end, it is easy for the sheet end to bend when pushed by the pushing claws 161, and the folded sheet Sf will be damaged by the enclosing process. In other words, according to the example of FIG. 27(a), the fold line is located inside the outer shape (outer frame) of the folded sheet Sf at the time of enclosure. In this case, the pushed-in portion does not correspond to the fold line. Therefore, the portion pushed by the pushing claws 161 is the sheet end with weak strength and is prone to bending.

[0128] FIG. 27(b) shows an example where, in the enclosed state, the rearmost end Pe corresponds to the fold line. As in the example of FIG. 27(b), when the rearmost end Pe corresponding to the pushed-in portion of the folded sheet Sf is the fold line, since the fold line is what is pushed by the pushing claws 161, it is difficult for bending to occur. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the folded sheet Sf from being damaged by the enclosing process. In other words, according to the example of FIG. 27(b), the fold line is located outside the outer shape (outer frame) of the folded sheet Sf at the time of enclosure. That is, a part of the end portion constituting the outer shape of the folded sheet Sf at the time of enclosure corresponds to the fold line. In this case, the pushed-in portion corresponds to the fold line. Therefore, the portion pushed by the pushing claws 161 is the fold line with strong strength, and it is possible to prevent the folded sheet Sf from being damaged such as bending.

[0129] Figure 27(c) shows an example where, in the enclosed state, the rearmost end Pe corresponds to the fold line. As in the example of Figure 27(c), even if the foremost end Pt of the folding sheet Sf is not the fold line but the sheet end, as long as the rearmost end Pe corresponding to the inserted portion is the fold line, the position where the insertion claw 161 abuts corresponds to the fold line. Therefore, since it is a portion where bending is unlikely to occur even when receiving the pressure by the insertion claw 161, it is possible to prevent the folding sheet Sf from being damaged by the enclosure process.

[0130] Figure 27(d) shows an example where, in the enclosed state, the rearmost end Pe corresponds to the sheet end. In the example of Figure 27(d), the foremost end Pt of the folding sheet Sf is also the sheet end. In this case, since the rearmost end Pe corresponding to the inserted portion of the folding sheet Sf is the sheet end, bending is likely to occur at the sheet end when pushed by the insertion claw 161. Therefore, similar to the example of Figure 27(a), with respect to the outer shape (outer frame) of the folding sheet Sf at the time of enclosure, the fold line is located inside either the front end or the rear end. In this case, since the inserted portion does not correspond to the fold line, the portion pushed by the insertion claw 161 becomes the sheet end with weak strength, and bending is likely to occur.

[0131] Note that the situation where whether the inserted portion abutting on the insertion claw 161 corresponds to the end of the sheet S or not differs depending on the position of the fold line at the time of enclosure is the same even when the folding type is "inner three - fold".

[0132] Figure 28(a) shows an example where, in the enclosed state, the rearmost end Pe corresponds to the sheet end. As shown in Figure 28(a), when the fold line is located inside the outer shape (outer frame) of the folding sheet Sf in the conveyance direction at the time of enclosure, the inserted portion as the rearmost end Pe abutting on the tip of the insertion claw 161 becomes the sheet end. Therefore, in the enclosure process, bending or the like occurs at the position of the folding sheet Sf, and it will be damaged.

[0133] FIG. 28(b) shows an example where the rearmost end Pe corresponds to a fold line in the enclosed state. As shown in FIG. 28(b), if the fold line is located outside the outer frame of the folding sheet Sf, the folded portion is the rearmost end Pe, which corresponds to the portion to be pushed in. In this case, since the portion where the pushing claw 161 abuts is the fold line, bending is less likely to occur, and the quality of enclosure can be improved.

[0134] FIG. 28(c) shows an example where the rearmost end Pe corresponds to a fold line in the enclosed state. As in the example of FIG. 28(c), even if the foremost end Pt of the folding sheet Sf is not the fold line but the sheet end, if the rearmost end Pe corresponding to the portion to be pushed in is the fold line, the portion receiving the pressing force from the pushing claw 161 is the fold line and bending is less likely to occur. Also in this case, it is possible to prevent the folding sheet Sf from being damaged during the enclosure process.

[0135] [Details Regarding Folding Dimensions] As is clear from the explanation using FIGS. 27 and 28, in both the outer three-fold and the inner three-fold, depending on the formation position of the fold line with respect to the sheet S, it is determined whether the rearmost end Pe at the time of enclosure corresponds to the sheet end or the fold line. That is, by adjusting the folding dimensions for each type of fold, it is possible to make the rearmost end Pe in the enclosed state correspond to the fold line.

[0136] Hereinafter, an example of a process for adjusting the folding dimensions in the folding process in the folding apparatus 300 will be described. As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the folding process by the sheet folding portion 310, the folding position can be adjusted by controlling the feeding amount of the sheet S.

[0137] FIG. 29 illustrates the formation positions of the first folding position Fp1 and the second folding position Fp2 formed when the sheet S is three-folded. The first folding position Fp1 shown in FIG. 29(a) is the first folding position Fp1 formed by the feeding amount set in advance in the folding operation shown in FIG. 3(c) and the feeding amount before adjustment, and similarly, the second folding position Fp2 formed by the folding operation in FIG. 3(e) is illustrated.

[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 29(a), in the process of FIG. 3(c), when the feed amount of the sheet S before forming the first folding position Fp1 is made shorter than a predetermined feed amount, the position becomes not the first folding position Fp1 but the position illustrated as the first folding position Fp1a. That is, the folding dimension on the leading end side in the conveyance direction of the sheet S becomes shorter.

[0139] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 29(b), in the process of FIG. 3(c), when the feed amount of the sheet S before forming the first folding position Fp1 is made longer than a predetermined feed amount, the position becomes not the first folding position Fp1 but the position illustrated as the first folding position Fp1b. That is, the folding dimension on the leading end side in the conveyance direction of the sheet S becomes longer.

[0140] The same applies to the second folding position Fp2 formed in the process of FIG. 3(e). When the feed amount in the process of FIG. 3(d) is made shorter, the folding position moves forward in the conveyance direction with respect to the second folding position Fp2. Conversely, when the feed amount is made longer, the folding position moves backward in the conveyance direction with respect to the second folding position Fp2. Since the dimensions of the sheet S are predetermined in advance, the folding position can be adjusted by adjusting the folding type and the feed amount.

[0141] As described above, when adjusting the folding position, as illustrated in FIGS. 27(a) and 27(d), it can be adjusted so that the rearmost end Pe in the enclosed state becomes a fold instead of the sheet end. As a result, it can be adjusted by the folding process in the folding processing apparatus 300 so that the pushed-in portion of the folded sheet Sf becomes a fold, and the quality of enclosing the folded sheet Sf can be improved.

[0142] Note that, as described above, the set value of the feed amount used for the folding type and the folding process, and the adjustment value based on this can be derived by a predetermined arithmetic process. This arithmetic process may be executed by any of the printer control unit 260, the folding control unit 320, the enclosure sealing control unit 190, and the post-processing control unit 420. Further, information indicating the size of the sheet S, information indicating the type of folding process (folding type) in the sheet folding unit 310, etc. may be input by the operation unit 220 of the image forming apparatus 200. Further, information indicating the type of the sheet folding unit 310 may be notified from the folding control unit 320 to the control unit that executes the arithmetic process via each communication line. Further, whether the rearmost end Pe that forms the outer shape of the folded sheet Sf in the conveyance direction at the time of enclosure corresponds to the fold line or the sheet end may be determined by the enclosure sealing control unit 190.

[0143] Further, even if the rearmost end Pe that forms the outer shape of the folded sheet Sf at the time of enclosure is the sheet end, if the fold line of the folded sheet Sf is positioned on the side closer to the enclosure pushing unit 160, it is possible to set the contact portion as the fold line even if the rearmost end Pe is not the fold line. Therefore, it is also possible to determine whether the fold line comes to the side closer to the enclosure pushing unit 160, and based on the determination result, determine whether it is necessary to execute the process of inverting the orientation of the folded sheet Sf at the time of enclosure. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the enclosure quality of the folded sheet Sf from deteriorating.

[0144] [Processing Flow of Print System 1] Next, the flow of the control process executed in the print system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Each flowchart illustrated below shows the flow of a "print job" executed in the print system 1. The print system 1 executes a process of adjusting the state of the enclosure at the time of enclosure according to whether a "folding job" for performing a folding process on the sheet S and an "enclosure job" for enclosing the folded sheet Sf are included in the "print job". Then, after the adjustment, a print job including an image forming process, a folding process, and an enclosure process on the sheet S is executed.

[0145] The information processing shown in each flowchart used in the following description is executed using the hardware resources that constitute the printer control unit 260, the folding control unit 320, the enclosure sealing control unit 190, and the post-processing control unit 420. That is, a control program stored in the non-volatile information storage area provided in each control unit executes a process for realizing each function using each hardware resource. Since each control unit can communicate with each other via each communication line (207, 105, 403), information such as setting values required for the following control processes is appropriately exchanged.

[0146] Incidentally, each control unit includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a storage unit. And it also includes an interface that outputs a control signal to a conveyance configuration composed of a plurality of conveyance roller pairs and inputs a signal from each conveyance roller, and an interface that receives the output signal of each sensor.

[0147] The operation of the print system 1 is controlled by a control program that can execute the processes described later using these hardware resources.

[0148] FIG. 30 illustrates the overall flow of a print job executed in the print system 1. First, pre-adjustment processing (S3001) is executed as a process for arranging the preconditions for adjusting the state at the time of enclosing the enclosure. Details of the pre-adjustment processing (S3001) will be described later.

[0149] Following S3001, based on the arranged preconditions, a determination regarding the state of the rearmost end Pe when the folding sheet Sf as the enclosure is enclosed in the envelope E and an enclosure state adjustment process based on the determination result are executed (S3002). Details of the enclosure state adjustment process (S3002) will be described later.

[0150] Subsequent to S3002, a print job corresponding to the adjustment result is executed (S3003). In the print job, based on the adjusted set values (information), folding processing for the sheet S on which an image is formed, conveyance processing, reverse conveyance processing, and enclosure processing are executed.

[0151] [Pre-adjustment processing (S3001)] Next, details of the pre-adjustment processing (S3001) will be described with reference to FIG. 31. First, before the start of the print job, various adjustment values are notified to each control unit from the printer control unit 260 of the image forming apparatus 200 via the communication line 207, the communication line 105, and the communication line 403 (S3101). The adjustment values notified in S3101 also include information indicating the feed amount used for the folding processing executed in the sheet folding unit 310. That is, information indicating the folding position (folding position information) is also included. As a result, as described with reference to FIG. 29, a crease can be formed at a predetermined position, and as a result, the trailing end Pe at the time of enclosure can be adjusted to correspond to the crease.

[0152] The various adjustment values notified in S3101 can be set in advance by the user of the print system 1 via the operation unit 220 provided in the image forming apparatus 200 before starting the print job. When the setting operation is completed by the user, the adjustment values may be notified to each control unit in advance via each communication line (207, 105, 403). Each control unit stores the adjustment values in the storage unit provided in each, and updates the corresponding value when a value to be updated is notified.

[0153] Note that the notification process in S3101 may be performed each time the print job is executed. Also, when the operation power of the print system 1 is turned on and the system is started, the default values of the various adjustment values may be notified, and only when the user changes the adjustment values, re-notification may be performed for updating.

[0154] Subsequent to S3101, the image forming apparatus 200 notifies each control unit of information necessary for the print job via each communication line (207, 105, 403) (S3101). The print job information notified here also includes size information indicating the size of the sheet S, sheet type information indicating the type of the sheet S, and information indicating the type of processing to be executed in each device.

[0155] Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the print job includes a folding process (folding job) (S3103). If the folding job is not included (S3103: NO), since a normal print job will be executed, the process proceeds to S3003 (see FIG. 30). If the folding process is included (S3103: YES), a folding position calculation process is executed (S3104).

[0156] In S3104, using the size information included in the print job information and the adjustment value of the folding position in the folding process executed in the folding processing apparatus 300, the folding position in the folded sheet Sf formed in the subsequent print job is calculated. Note that since the adjustment value, size information, and type of processing in each device used for the folding process are notified to each device, the folding position calculation process may be executed in any of the control units.

[0157] Subsequent to S3104, it is determined whether or not the print job includes an enclosure process (S3105). If the enclosure process is not included (S3105: NO), the process proceeds to S3003 (see FIG. 30).

[0158] If the enclosure process is included (S3105: YES), subsequently, it is determined whether or not the folding type specified in the print job is "triple fold" (S3106). If it is not "triple fold" (S3106: NO), the process proceeds to S3003 (see FIG. 30).

[0159] When the folding type is "triple fold" (S3106: YES), the pre-adjustment process is terminated, and subsequently, the process proceeds to the enclosure state adjustment process (S3002) (see S30).

[0160] [First Embodiment of the Enclosure State Adjustment Process (S3002)] Next, an example of the detailed process of the enclosure state adjustment process (S3002) will be described with reference to FIG. 32. First, in the enclosure state of the folded sheet Sf formed based on various adjustment values, it is determined whether the rearmost end Pe of the folded sheet Sf corresponds to a fold line (S3201). In other words, it is determined whether the portion to be pushed in that abuts against the pushing claw 161 has a fold line located inside the outer frame of the folded sheet Sf.

[0161] When the rearmost end Pe corresponds to the fold line (S3201: NO), the enclosure state of the three - folded sheet Sf corresponds to any of FIGS. 27(b), 27(c), and 28(b). In this case, even if a printing job is executed based on the adjustment values, the quality of the folded sheet Sf after the enclosure process does not deteriorate, so the printing job can be executed as it is, and the pre - adjustment process ends.

[0162] When the rearmost end Pe does not correspond to the fold line (S3201: YES), the enclosure state of the three - folded sheet Sf corresponds to any of FIGS. 27(a), 27(d), and 28(a). In this case, the adjustment value of the folding position used in the folding process is automatically corrected so that the enclosure state becomes any of the states of FIGS. 27(b), 27(c), and 28(b) (S3202). That is, when the position of the fold line of the folded sheet Sf is located inside the outer frame formed at the end of the folded sheet Sf on the side pushed in by the pushing claw 161, the folding position adjustment value is automatically corrected so that the fold line is located outside the outer frame.

[0163] The folding position adjustment process (S3202) may be executed in the folding control unit 320, or may be executed in the printer control unit 260. Also, it may be executed in the enclosure sealing control unit 190. When the folding position adjustment process (S3202) is executed in a control unit other than the folding control unit 320, the processing result may be notified to the folding control unit 320 via each communication line.

[0164] By performing the process described above, it is possible to execute a process of adjusting the rearmost end Pe of the folding sheet Sf at the time of enclosure so as to correspond to the fold line. Therefore, when the folding sheet Sf is enclosed in the envelope E, the end portion can be enclosed without being bent, and the enclosure quality can be improved.

[0165] [Second Embodiment of Enclosure State Adjustment Process (S3002)] Next, another example of the detailed process of the enclosure state adjustment process (S3002) will be described with reference to FIG. 33. The enclosure state adjustment process according to the second embodiment includes a process of determining whether it is necessary to perform a reverse conveyance process on the folding sheet Sf before executing the printing job to interchange the rearmost end Pe at the time of enclosure with that at the time of loading.

[0166] First, it is determined whether the rearmost end Pe of the folding sheet Sf is not the fold line in the enclosure state when the folding sheet Sf formed based on various adjustment values is enclosed in the envelope E (S3301).

[0167] When the rearmost end Pe corresponds to the fold line (S3301: NO), the enclosure state of the three-folded folding sheet Sf corresponds to any one of FIGS. 27(b), 27(c), and 28(b). In this case, since the quality of the folding sheet Sf after the enclosure process does not deteriorate even if the printing job is executed based on the adjustment values, the printing job may be executed as it is, and the pre-adjustment process is terminated.

[0168] When the rearmost end Pe does not correspond to the fold line (S3301: YES), the enclosure state of the three-folded folding sheet Sf corresponds to any one of FIGS. 27(a), 27(d), and 28(a). In this case, it is necessary to make the enclosure state any one of the states of FIGS. 27(b), 27(c), and 28(b). Therefore, it is determined whether the foremost end Pt at the time of enclosing the folding sheet Sf is the fold line (S3302).

[0169] If the leading edge Pt is a fold line (S3302: NO), since the state at the time of enclosure is the state illustrated in FIG. 27(a) or FIG. 28(a), it is set to execute the reverse conveyance process at the stage of conveying the folding sheet Sf to the enclosure position. By inverting so as to interchange the leading edge Pt with the trailing edge Pe, the trailing edge Pe comes to correspond to the fold line. Therefore, it is set to perform the reverse conveyance process (S3304), and based on this setting, a printing job is executed. As a result, in the folding process in the folding processing apparatus 300, there is no need to perform the automatic adjustment process of the folding position. Also, the folding process can be performed according to the adjustment value set in advance by the user.

[0170] Also, when the leading edge Pt is not a fold line (S3302: YES), the state at the time of enclosure is the state illustrated in FIG. 27(d). In this case, since neither the leading edge Pt nor the trailing edge Pe is a fold line, the adjustment value of the folding position used in the folding process is automatically corrected so that the state at the time of enclosure becomes any one of the states of FIG. 27(b), FIG. 27(c), and FIG. 28(b) (S3303).

[0171] Note that the folding position adjustment process (S3303) may be executed by the folding control unit 320, or may be executed by the printer control unit 260. Also, it may be executed by the enclosure sealing control unit 190. When the folding position adjustment process (S3303) is executed by a control unit other than the folding control unit 320, the processing result may be notified to the folding control unit 320 via each communication line. Then, the folding control unit 320 may execute the folding process based on the adjusted folding position.

[0172] The target of the enclosure state adjustment process (S3002) according to the second embodiment is the case where the folding sheet Sf is an outer triple fold and an inner triple fold. Therefore, the states illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 of the image forming surface Ps are the targets.

[0173] [Third Embodiment of the Enclosure State Adjustment Process (S3002)] Next, a further alternative example of the detailed processing of the encapsulation state adjustment process (S3002) will be described with reference to FIG. 34. The encapsulation state adjustment process according to the third embodiment adjusts to achieve both aligning the image formation surface Ps of the folded sheet Sf with the position of the transparent window ew of the envelope E and making the rearmost end Pe at the time of encapsulation correspond to the fold line before executing the print job.

[0174] First, it is determined whether reverse conveyance processing is necessary (S3401). The determination of whether reverse conveyance processing is necessary is based on whether the encapsulation job targets the envelope E with the transparent window ew according to the envelope information included in the notified print job information. Specifically, it is based on the envelope information regarding the presence or absence of the transparent window ew included in the print job information and the relationship between the fold type and the image formation surface Ps as exemplified in FIGS. 18 and 19. Based on these envelope information and the relationship between the fold type and the image formation surface Ps, it is determined whether it is necessary to execute reverse conveyance processing before the folded sheet Sf reaches the encapsulation position (S3401).

[0175] More specifically, as in the examples of FIGS. 18(b) and 19(a), it is based on whether the image formation surface Ps faces the transparent window ew at the encapsulation position even in the position of the image formation surface Ps with respect to the conveyance direction when carried into the encapsulation and sealing device 100. Here, if the image formation surface Ps faces the transparent window ew, it is determined that reverse conveyance processing is unnecessary (S3401: NO).

[0176] On the other hand, as exemplified in FIG. 18(a), when the folded sheet Sf is formed such that the image formation surface Ps faces the side opposite to the side of the transparent window ew at the encapsulation position, it is determined that reverse conveyance processing is necessary (S3401: YES).

[0177] When it is determined that reverse conveyance processing is necessary (S3401: YES), subsequently, it is determined whether the crease located on the side to be pushed in by the pushing claw 161 is not the rearmost end Pe (S3402). S3402 determines, in the state before executing the reverse conveyance processing, among the creases formed in the folding sheet Sf, the crease located on the side to be pushed in by the pushing claw 161. That is, before the reverse conveyance processing, it is determined whether the crease on the side to be pushed in by the pushing claw 161 is formed inside the end of the folding sheet Sf on the side to be pushed in.

[0178] When it is determined that the rearmost end Pe in the enclosed state is a crease (S3402: NO), the enclosed state is the state illustrated in FIG. 27(b) or FIG. 27(c). Therefore, further before the reverse processing, it is determined whether the crease on the side (front side) not pushed in by the pushing claw 161 is not the foremost end Pt (S3405).

[0179] Here, when the foremost end Pt is a crease (S3405: NO), since the enclosed state is the state illustrated in FIG. 27(b), it is set to execute the reverse conveyance processing (S3408), and the process proceeds to the print job execution processing (S3003).

[0180] When it is determined in S3405 that the foremost end Pt is not a crease (S3405: YES), the enclosed state becomes the state illustrated in FIG. 27(c). That is, the folding position adjustment value is automatically corrected so that the crease formed on the side not pushed in by the pushing claw 161 is formed outside the end on the leading side in the conveyance direction of the folding sheet Sf (S3404). That is, the folding position adjustment value is automatically corrected so that the foremost end Pt becomes a crease.

[0181] As a result, since the foremost end Pt corresponds to a crease, the enclosed state becomes the state illustrated in FIG. 27(b), so it is set to execute the reverse conveyance processing (S3408), and the process proceeds to the print job execution processing (S3003).

[0182] In S3402, when it is determined that the rearmost end Pe in the enclosed state is not a fold line (S3402: YES), the enclosed state becomes the state illustrated in FIG. 27(a) or FIG. 27(d). Therefore, further, before the reverse conveyance process, it is determined whether a fold line located on the side that is not pushed in by the pushing claw 161 among the end portions forming the outer frame in the enclosed state of the folding sheet Sf is inside the end portion on the side that is not pushed in by the pushing claw 161 (S3403). That is, it is determined whether the foremost end Pt of the folding sheet Sf before inversion is a fold line.

[0183] In S3403, when it is determined that the position of the fold line is outside the end portion on the side that is not pushed in by the pushing claw 161 (S3403: NO), the enclosed state becomes the state illustrated in FIG. 27(a). Therefore, it is set to execute the reverse conveyance process (S3408), and the process proceeds to the print job execution process (S3003).

[0184] In S3403, when it is determined that the position of the fold line is formed inside the end portion on the side that is not pushed in by the pushing claw 161 (S3403: YES), the enclosed state becomes the state illustrated in FIG. 27(d). Therefore, the position adjustment value is automatically corrected so that the fold line on the side that is not pushed in by the pushing claw 161 is formed outside the end portion on the side that is not pushed in, that is, so that the foremost end Pt becomes a fold line (S3404).

[0185] As a result, since the foremost end Pt corresponds to the fold line, it is set to execute the reverse conveyance process until the enclosed state is reached (S3408), and the process proceeds to the print job execution process (S3003).

[0186] In addition, in S3401, when it is determined that the folding type is a three-fold outside fold and the image forming surface Ps is formed on the inside of the fold (when the folding sheet Sf is in the state of Fig. 18(a)), or when it is determined that (S3401: NO), it is excluded from the object of determination of the necessity of reverse conveyance processing. This is because even if the reverse conveyance processing is executed in the state of a three-fold outside fold with the image forming surface Ps formed on the inside, the image forming surface Ps will not be on the side of the transparent window ew in the enclosed state.

[0187] Also, in S3401, when it is determined that the reverse conveyance processing is unnecessary (S3401: NO), in the case where the folding type is a three-fold outside fold and the image forming surface is formed on the outside as illustrated in Fig. 19(a), similarly, in the case where the folding type is a three-fold inside fold as illustrated in Fig. 18(b).

[0188] At this time, first, in S3406, it is determined whether the fold on the side pushed in by the pushing claw 161 is formed inside the end on the side to be pushed in on the folding sheet Sf. That is, in the enclosed state, it is determined whether the rearmost end Pe of the folding sheet Sf corresponds to the fold (S3206).

[0189] When the rearmost end Pe corresponds to the fold (S3406: NO), the enclosed state of the three-folded folding sheet Sf corresponds to any of Figs. 27(b), 27(c), and 28(b). In this case, even if the print job is executed based on the adjustment value, the quality of the folding sheet Sf after the enclosure process does not deteriorate, so the print job can be executed as it is, and the pre-adjustment process is terminated and the process proceeds to the print job execution process (S3003).

[0190] When the rearmost end Pe does not correspond to the fold line (S3406: YES), the fold position adjustment value is automatically corrected so that the fold line on the side not pushed in by the push-in claw 161 is formed outside the "end of the folded sheet Sf on the side not pushed in". That is, the adjustment value of the fold position used in the folding process is automatically corrected so that the state at the time of enclosure becomes any one of the states shown in FIGS. 27(b), 27(c), and 28(b) (S3407). Then, the pre-adjustment process is terminated and the printing job execution process (S3003) is entered.

[0191] By adjusting the rearmost end Pe of the folded sheet Sf at the time of enclosure so as to correspond to the fold line by the process described above and executing the printing job, when the folded sheet Sf is enclosed in the envelope E, the end can be enclosed without being bent, and the enclosure quality can be improved.

[0192] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist thereof, and all technical matters included in the technical idea described in the claims are the subject of the present invention. The above embodiments show 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 Signs

[0193] 1: Printing system 10: Branch claw 11: First switching claw 12: Second switching claw 13: Third switching claw 21: Envelope switchback switching claw 31: Envelope discharge switching claw 100: Enclosing and sealing processing device 101: Inlet roller 102: Outlet roller 105: Communication line 110: Sheet conveyance unit 111: First conveyance roller 112: Second conveyance roller 113: Switchback Conveyor Roller 114: First Intermediate Conveyor Roller 115: Second Intermediate Conveyor Roller 118: First Sheet Detection Sensor 119: Second Sheet Detection Sensor 120: Enclosure Section 121: Enclosure Roller 122: First Vertical Conveyor Roller 123: Second Vertical Conveyor Roller 124: Flap Opening Roller 125: Separation Roller 126: Envelope Conveyor Roller 127: Envelope Set Tray 130: Sealing Section 131: Third Vertical Conveyor Roller 132: Fourth Vertical Conveyor Roller 133: Envelope Discharge Roller 134: Envelope Discharge Tray 135: Sealing Mechanism 137: Discharge Tray 160: Insertion Part for Enclosed Items 161: Insertion Claw 190: Enclosure and Sealing Control Unit 200: Image Forming Apparatus 207: Communication Line 210: Display Unit 220: Operation Unit 260: Printer Control Unit 300: Folding Processing Apparatus 310: Sheet Folding Section 320: Folding Control Unit 400: Post-processing Apparatus 403: Communication Line 410: Post-processing Section 420: Post-processing Control Unit 1100: Loading Path 1101: First Conveyor Path 1102: Second Conveyor Path 1103: Switchback Conveyor Path 1104: Enclosure Conveyor Path 1105: Envelope Conveyor Path 1106: Sealing path 1107: Envelope loading path 1108: Envelope discharging path 1109: Sheet discharging path

Prior art documents

Patent documents

[0194]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. An encapsulation system comprising a folding device for folding a sheet-like medium and an encapsulating device for encapsulating the folded medium formed by the folding device into an envelope, At the time of encapsulating the folded medium, a pushing mechanism for pushing and encapsulating the folded medium into the envelope, Based on information related to the folding process executed by the folding device, it is determined whether the end of the folded medium that abuts against the pushing mechanism corresponds to a fold line. Based on this determination, the conveyance of the folded medium is controlled, and an encapsulation state adjustment means is provided for adjusting the folding position of the sheet-like medium so that the fold line abuts against the pushing mechanism. The encapsulation system is characterized by this.

2. An encapsulation system comprising a folding device for folding a sheet-like medium and an encapsulating device for encapsulating the folded medium formed by the folding device into an envelope, At the time of encapsulating the folded medium, a pushing mechanism for pushing and encapsulating the folded medium into the envelope, Based on information related to the folding process executed by the folding device, at the time of encapsulating the folded medium, it is determined whether the end of the folded medium that abuts against the pushing mechanism corresponds to a fold line. When it is determined that the end of the folded medium that abuts against the pushing mechanism does not correspond to a fold line, conveyance control is changed so that the pushing mechanism for pushing the folded medium into the envelope abuts against the fold line, and an encapsulation state adjustment means is provided for adjusting the state of the folded medium at the time of encapsulation. The encapsulation system is characterized by this.

3. The encapsulation state adjustment means When conveying to the encapsulation position for encapsulating the folded medium into the envelope, the orientation of the folded medium at the time of encapsulation is reversed to change the position of the end of the folded medium that abuts against the pushing mechanism. The encapsulation system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The encapsulation state adjustment means Adjusts the state of the folded medium at the time of encapsulation based on the type of fold of the folded medium. The encapsulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The encapsulation state adjustment means adjusts the encapsulation state of the folded medium based on the size information of the sheet-like medium. The encapsulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The encapsulation state adjustment means adjusts the encapsulation state of the folded medium based on the folding position information indicating the position of the fold formed in the folded medium. The encapsulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The encapsulation state adjustment means determines whether it is necessary to reverse the position of the end portion of the folded medium with respect to the conveyance direction of the folded medium based on the envelope information including information indicating the position of the window portion provided in the envelope. The encapsulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An encapsulation system comprising a folding device for folding a sheet-like medium and an encapsulation device for encapsulating the folded medium formed by the folding device into an envelope, comprising an encapsulation state adjustment means for adjusting the encapsulation state of the folded medium so that a pushing mechanism for pushing the folded medium into the envelope abuts against the fold when the folded medium is encapsulated. The encapsulation state adjustment means reverses the position of the end portion of the folded medium with respect to the conveyance direction of the folded medium while conveying the folded medium to the encapsulation position for encapsulating the folded medium into the envelope. The encapsulation system characterized by the above.

9. An encapsulation system comprising a folding device for folding a sheet-like medium and an encapsulation device for encapsulating the folded medium formed by the folding device into an envelope, comprising an encapsulation state adjustment means for adjusting the encapsulation state of the folded medium so that a pushing mechanism for pushing the folded medium into the envelope abuts against the fold when the folded medium is encapsulated. The encapsulation state adjustment means adjusts the encapsulation state based on the type of fold of the folded medium. An encapsulation system characterized by this.

10. An encapsulation system comprising a folding device for folding a sheet-like medium and an encapsulation device for encapsulating the folded medium formed by the folding device into an envelope, provided with an encapsulation state adjustment means for adjusting the encapsulation state of the folded medium so that a pushing mechanism for pushing the folded medium into the envelope abuts on the fold line when the folded medium is encapsulated, The encapsulation state adjustment means adjusts the encapsulation state based on the size information of the sheet-like medium. An encapsulation system characterized by this.

11. An encapsulation system comprising a folding device for folding a sheet-like medium and an encapsulation device for encapsulating the folded medium formed by the folding device into an envelope, provided with an encapsulation state adjustment means for adjusting the encapsulation state of the folded medium so that a pushing mechanism for pushing the folded medium into the envelope abuts on the fold line when the folded medium is encapsulated, The encapsulation state adjustment means determines whether it is necessary to reverse the position of the end with respect to the conveyance direction of the folded medium based on envelope information including information indicating the position of a window portion provided in the envelope. An encapsulation system characterized by this.

12. The encapsulation state adjustment means adjusts the encapsulation state based on fold position information indicating the position of the fold line formed in the folded medium. The encapsulation system according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. The encapsulation state adjustment means adjusts the folding position with respect to the sheet-like medium so that the fold line abuts on the pushing mechanism. The encapsulation system according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. Further comprising sealing means for sealing an envelope containing the folding medium. The encapsulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Further comprising an image forming apparatus for forming an image on the folding medium. The encapsulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. Comprising a first conveying means disposed in a first conveying path branching from the conveying path of the folding medium, a second conveying means disposed in a second conveying path branching from the conveying path in a direction different from the first conveying path, and a third conveying means disposed in a third conveying path connecting the first conveying path and the second conveying path. Based on the determination in the encapsulation state adjustment means. When conveying the folding medium from the leading end of the conveying direction of the folding medium in the conveying path to the envelope for encapsulation, the folding medium is conveyed using the first conveying means. When conveying the folding medium from the trailing end of the conveying direction of the folding medium in the conveying path to the envelope for encapsulation, the folding medium is switched back from the second conveying means to the third conveying path and controlled to be conveyed using the first conveying means. The encapsulation system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7, and 11.

Images