Envelope processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide an envelope processing device which can achieve downsizing of the entire device and reduction of a ground contact area.SOLUTION: An envelope processing device which encloses an enclosed object into an envelope, includes: an envelope transport path which extends in a substantially vertical direction and transports the envelope; enclosed object supply means which supplies the enclosed object to the envelope through the envelope transport path; envelope supply means which supplies the envelope to the envelope transport path; flap opening means which opens a flap of the envelope between the envelope supply means and the envelope transport path; and envelope loading means to which the envelope discharged from the envelope transport path is loaded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an envelope processing device and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] Envelope processing devices that enclose items in envelopes are known, as are image forming systems that link a folding device that folds sheet-like media and an image forming device that forms an image on the media, thereby enclosing the folded sheet with an image formed in an envelope.

[0003] An enclosing system for enclosing enclosures in envelopes has been disclosed that has an envelope feed section, an enclosure feed section, an enclosing section, and an envelope accumulation tray, with each section connected by multiple conveying paths (see Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the path for transporting envelopes fed from the envelope feeder to the inserting section is configured as a transport path extending horizontally within the device body. As a result, it is necessary to ensure a large width dimension for the device. This poses challenges in terms of downsizing the device and saving the installation space.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an envelope processing device that can reduce the overall size of the device and the installation area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention is an envelope processing device for inserting enclosures into envelopes, comprising: an envelope transport path extending in a substantially vertical direction and transporting the envelopes; an enclosure supplying means for supplying enclosures to the envelopes via the envelope transport path; an envelope supplying means for supplying the envelopes to the envelope transport path; a flap opening means for opening a flap of the envelope between the envelope supplying means and the envelope transport path; and an envelope stacking means for stacking the envelopes discharged from the envelope transport path. an envelope supply path that branches off from the envelope conveying path at a first branching position that is lower than the position of the enclosure supply means on the envelope conveying path; an envelope discharge path that branches off from the envelope conveying path at a second branching position different from the first branching position and discharges envelopes to the envelope stacking means; and a switchback conveying means that switches the conveying direction of the envelopes on the envelope conveying path and conveys them; Equipped with The switchback conveying means includes at least two pairs of conveying rollers that rotate forward and backward. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire device and the footprint. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a front external view showing an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of an embodiment of an enclosing and sealing device according to the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of an enclosing unit provided in an embodiment of the enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a frame configuration diagram of an enclosure unit provided in an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an overall cross-sectional view of an enclosure portion provided in one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a driving configuration of an enclosing unit provided in an embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an opening and closing guide plate provided in the enclosing section. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an opening / closing drive mechanism for an opening / closing guide plate provided in the enclosing unit. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing the cam mechanism of the opening and closing guide plate provided in the encapsulation section. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an opening / closing cam of an opening / closing guide plate provided in the enclosing unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view of the opening / closing cam of the opening / closing guide plate provided in the enclosing section. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of one step of the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing guide plate provided in the enclosing unit. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of one step of the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing guide plate provided in the enclosing unit. [Figure 15] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating one step (closed position) of the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing guide plate provided in the enclosing unit. FIG. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of one step of the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing guide plate provided in the enclosing unit. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of one step of the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing guide plate provided in the enclosing unit. [Figure 18] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating one step (open position) of the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing guide plate provided in the enclosing unit. FIG. [Figure 19] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the open and closed states of an opening and closing guide plate provided in the enclosing unit. [Figure 20] 10 is a partially enlarged view of the open / close state of the opening / closing guide plate provided in the enclosing unit. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flap opening mechanism provided in an embodiment of the enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an enclosure pushing unit provided in an embodiment of the enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 23] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 24] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 25] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the flap opening mechanism during the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 26] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 27] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 28] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 29] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 30]10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 31] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 32] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 33] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 34] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 35] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing examples of an enclosure pushing unit provided in the above-mentioned enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 36] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the folding method of the sheet and the image forming surface in the embodiment. [Figure 37] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the folded sheet and the image forming surface in the enclosing direction in the embodiment. [Figure 38] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing one step of an example of a folded sheet enclosing operation in the embodiment. [Figure 39] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing one step of an example of a folded sheet enclosing operation in the embodiment. [Figure 40] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing one step of an example of a folded sheet enclosing operation in the embodiment. [Figure 41] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing one step of an example of a folded sheet enclosing operation in the embodiment. [Figure 42] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing one step of an example of a folded sheet enclosing operation in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment of Image Forming System] First, an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a front external view of a printing system 1 as an example of an image forming system according to the present invention. The printing system 1 includes an image forming device 200, a folding processing device 300 as a sheet processing device, an inserting and sealing device 100 as an embodiment of an envelope processing device according to the present invention, and a post-processing device 400.

[0010] Image forming apparatus 200 is an example of an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet-like medium using a predetermined image forming method and discharges the medium. The medium on which the image has been formed (hereinafter simply referred to as "sheet S") is subjected to a predetermined folding process in folding device 300 and discharged as a folded sheet Sf to enclosing and sealing device 100. Note that folding device 300 can also operate to discharge sheet S to enclosing and sealing device 100 in the same state as when it was loaded without performing the folding process.

[0011] The instruction to "perform" or "not perform" folding processing on the sheet S is based on an instruction sent from the control unit of the image forming device 200 based on information input to the control unit by the user of the print system 1. Alternatively, the instruction is based on information input to the control unit of the folding processing device 300 by the user of the print system 1.

[0012] The enclosing and sealing device 100 performs an enclosing and sealing process that includes an enclosing operation of inserting (enclosing) an "enclosure" (sheet S, folded sheet Sf) discharged from a device (image forming device 200 or folding processing device 300) located upstream in the direction in which the sheet S is transported (conveying direction) into an envelope E, and a sealing operation of closing the lid (flap portion ef) of the envelope E after the enclosing operation.

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

[0014] The enclosing and sealing device 100 includes an enclosure reversing and conveying means for reversing the orientation of the edge of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction so that the folded sheet Sf, which has been folded, can be inserted in the appropriate orientation into the envelope E. That is, the enclosing and sealing device 100 determines whether the position of the address and other information formed on the folded sheet Sf matches the position of the transparent window ew pre-formed in the envelope E, and reverses the orientation (position of the edge) of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction based on the determination result. That is, the enclosing and sealing device 100 includes a conveying mechanism that, when reversing is required, reverses the folded sheet Sf using a conveying path provided upstream of the enclosing position and then conveys it to the enclosing position.

[0015] Details of the inversion control and transport control of the folded sheet Sf in the enclosing and sealing device 100 will be described later. The enclosing and sealing device 100 can also perform the same enclosing and sealing operations on sheets S as enclosures that have not been folded.

[0016] Here, we will explain the "coordinate axes" used to explain "directions" in the embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the axis parallel to the mounting surface (the surface on which the device is installed) of the printing system 1 and along the arrangement direction of the devices constituting the printing system 1 is defined as the Y axis. The direction of the arrow indicating the Y axis is defined as the "+Y direction," and the opposite direction is defined as the "-Y direction." Therefore, the sheet S on which an image has been formed in the image forming device 200 is conveyed in the +Y direction, and then transported to each device arranged downstream in the +Y direction.

[0017] Similarly, the X-axis is an axis parallel to the mounting surface of the printing system 1 and along the depth direction of the printing system 1. The direction of the arrow indicating the X-axis is the "+X direction," and the opposite direction is the "-X direction."

[0018] The Z axis is an axis that is perpendicular to the X and Y axes and runs along the height direction of the print system 1. The direction of the arrow indicating the Z axis is the "+Z direction," and the opposite direction is the "-Z direction."

[0019] When the same coordinate axes as above are added to the drawings used in the following description, the definitions of the directions used in the description shall be the same as above.

[0020] The sheet S on which an image is formed in the image forming device 200 is discharged in the +Y direction and then conveyed to each device arranged downstream. Therefore, the +Y direction is almost synonymous with the conveying direction. However, in the inserting and sealing device 100, the sheet S is introduced in the +Y direction, but the conveying direction during the inserting and sealing operation of the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf is the Z direction.

[0021] That is, in the enclosing and sealing device 100 constituting the printing system 1, an enclosure (folded sheet Sf) is transported in the +Y direction and brought into the enclosing and sealing device 100, and then transported in the +Y direction and then transported in the -Z direction to be enclosed in an envelope E. Meanwhile, the envelope E stored in the enclosing and sealing device 100 is separated from the stacking position, transported in the +Z direction to reach the enclosing position, and after the enclosing operation, transported in the -Z direction to undergo the sealing process and then discharged.

[0022] [Print System 1 Function Block] The overall functional blocks of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. In the following description, it is assumed that the medium to be transported and enclosed in the envelope E is a folded sheet Sf on which an image has been formed in the image forming device 200 and which has undergone a predetermined folding process in the folding device 300. In Figure 2, the movement path (conveyance path) of the folded sheet Sf is shown by a dashed line, and the communication paths used to send and receive signals between the various functional blocks are shown by solid lines. The movement path (conveyance path) of the sheet S is also shown by a dashed line.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 200 is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet S by, for example, a known electrophotographic process. The image forming apparatus 200 includes a display unit 210, an operation unit 220, a sheet feeding unit 230, an image creating unit 240, a fixing unit 250, and a printer control unit 260.

[0024] The display unit 210 displays information to inform the user of the status of various functions and operation details. The operation unit 220 corresponds to an operation interface that allows the user to set the processing operation mode and number of processing units, and to perform setting operations such as settings that require inversion when enclosing in the enclosing and sealing device 100. The sheet feeding unit 230 has a sheet feeding mechanism that stocks sheets S and separates and feeds them one by one. The image creating unit 240 forms a latent image on a photosensitive member and transfers the image to the sheet S. The fixing unit 250 fixes the image transferred to the sheet S. The printer control unit 260 controls the operation of each of the above function blocks.

[0025] The folding processing device 300 has a sheet folding unit 310 that folds the sheet S conveyed from the image forming device 200 in a folding type (folding method) specified by the printer control unit 260 of the image forming device 200 via the communication line 207, and a folding control unit 320 that controls the entire folding processing device 300. The folding control unit 320 also controls communication with the printer control unit 260 and the enclosing and sealing control unit 150 connected downstream. Note that the sheet may be conveyed to the enclosing and sealing device 100 without being folded in the sheet folding unit 310.

[0026] Note that there are several known types of detailed structure of the sheet folding unit 310. The state of the folded sheet Sf after folding may vary depending on the structure. More specifically, the edge of the folded sheet Sf that corresponds to the leading edge in the enclosing direction when the folded sheet Sf is inserted into an envelope E at a "predetermined position" in the enclosing unit 120 (described later) may differ depending on the type of folding. Furthermore, even with the same folding process, the leading edge of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction may be reversed depending on the internal configuration of the sheet folding unit 310.

[0027] [Explanation of Encapsulating and Sealing Device 100] The enclosing and sealing device 100 has a sheet inverting unit 110, an enclosing unit 120, a sealing unit 140, and an enclosing and sealing control unit 150.

[0028] The sheet inverting unit 110 performs a predetermined process on the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet folding unit 310. Here, the "predetermined process" refers to a conveying process according to the control mode (including the type of folding, the position of the printed surface, etc.) communicated from the folding control unit 320 to the enclosing and sealing control unit 150 via the communication line 105. The conveying process performed by the sheet inverting unit 110 includes a conveying process for conveying the folded sheet Sf downstream in the conveying direction, and an inverting process for swapping the end of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction. Through the conveying process and the inverting process, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the enclosing unit 120 or the post-processing device 400.

[0029] The inserting unit 120 performs an envelope conveying process in which it moves the envelope E to a position where the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet inverting unit 110 can be inserted, and keeps the envelope E waiting at a predetermined position. It also performs an inserting process in which it inserts the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet inverting unit 110 into the waiting envelope E. Therefore, the inserting unit 120 is provided with an enclosure pushing unit 160 as a mechanism for pushing an enclosure into the waiting envelope E to insert it.

[0030] The enclosing section 120 also includes a flap opening section 130 that opens the flap section ef so that the opening of the envelope E is in an open state before the enclosing section 120 reaches a predetermined position.

[0031] The sealing unit 140 closes the flap portion ef of the envelope E in which the folded sheet Sf is enclosed, and then discharges the sealed envelope E onto the envelope discharge tray 144.

[0032] The enclosing and sealing control unit 150 controls the operation of the multiple pairs of conveying rollers that make up the sheet inverting unit 110, the enclosing unit 120, and the sealing unit 140, as well as the operation of a switching claw that switches the conveying path of the envelope E. In the following description, the driving source of the switching claw is not particularly limited and is not shown, but it has a configuration in which it rotates in a predetermined direction at a predetermined timing and switches states using a motor, solenoid, or the like as appropriate.

[0033] The enclosing and sealing control unit 150 also controls the operation of the flap opening unit 130 and the enclosure pushing unit 160 included in the enclosing unit 120. The enclosing and sealing control unit 150 is a control means that controls the conveyance of the folded sheet Sf, including the reversal control and the enclosing control.

[0034] The enclosing and sealing control unit 150 as a control unit receives "enclosure target information" as information relating to the folded sheet Sf from the printer control unit 260 and the folding control unit 320. Then, it controls the conveyance based on the contents indicated by each piece of information included in the received enclosing target information.

[0035] The "enclosure target information" refers to information related to the sheet S and folded sheet Sf to be enclosed. More specifically, it includes information for controlling the leading edge of the sheet S or folded sheet Sf when enclosed in the envelope E so that it is the desired edge. It also includes, for example, "folding type information" that specifies the type of folding process to be performed on the folded sheet Sf. It also includes, as operational instruction information from the image forming apparatus 200, which is one of the upstream devices, "reversal necessity information" that specifies whether or not the reversal conveyance process described below is required. It also includes, for example, print surface information that indicates information related to the position where an image is formed on the folded sheet Sf. It also includes, for example, "processing device information" that indicates the type of sheet folding unit 310 that performed the folding process.

[0036] The post-processing device 400 has a post-processing section 410 and a post-processing control section 420. The post-processing section 410 performs predetermined post-processing on the sheet S conveyed from the upstream side under the control of the post-processing control section 420. The post-processing control section 420 controls the post-processing operation in the post-processing control section 420 according to the operation mode transmitted from the printer control section 260, the folding control section 320, and the enclosing and sealing control section 150 via the communication line 403.

[0037] The printer control unit 260, folding control unit 320, enclosing and sealing control unit 150, and post-processing control unit 420 are interconnected and configured to exchange information necessary for control via the respective communication lines (207, 105, 403). Therefore, the cooperation of the respective control units (260, 320, 150, 420) allows information regarding the processing mode that the user requests to be performed on the sheet S and the folded sheet Sf, as well as the sheet size, to be shared with each other. As a result, control information that enables each mechanism to perform a predetermined process at a predetermined timing and through a predetermined process is shared throughout the entire printing system 1.

[0038] The enclosing and sealing control unit 150, which performs the central control operations in this embodiment, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an arithmetic processing unit, and ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) as storage units. It also includes an interface that outputs control signals to each conveying roller and receives signals from each conveying roller, and an interface that receives output signals from each sensor. The operation of the enclosing and sealing device 100 is controlled by a control program that can execute control processes using these hardware resources.

[0039] In addition, like the enclosing and sealing control unit 150, the printer control unit 260, folding control unit 320, and post-processing control unit 420 also use hardware resources consisting of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. to control the operation of the hardware mechanisms using control programs that realize their respective functions.

[0040] 1 and 2 show an example of the configuration of the printing system 1 in which a post-processing device 400 is connected downstream of the enclosing and sealing device 100. Typical post-processing devices 400 include a finisher that performs stapling, a stacker, a bookbinding machine, etc. The system configuration of the printing system 1 may also be such that the enclosing and sealing device 100 is the most downstream device.

[0041] [Conveying configuration of the enclosing and sealing device 100] Next, using Figure 3, we will explain the conveying rollers that make up the sheet inversion section 110, enclosing section 120, flap opening section 130, and sealing section 140 of the enclosing and sealing device 100, the switching claw that switches the conveying direction of the conveyed item, and the conveying path on which these are arranged.

[0042] [Configuration of sheet inverting unit 110] As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet inverting unit 110 has multiple conveying paths, which are distinguished as an input path 1100, a first conveying path 1101, a second conveying path 1102, a switchback conveying path 1103, an enclosing conveying path 1104 as a fourth conveying path, and a sheet output path 1109.

[0043] An entrance roller 101 is disposed on the carry-in path 1100. The carry-in path 1100 is a path that receives folded sheets Sf discharged from an upstream device (for example, the folding processing device 300). The enclosing and sealing control unit 150 receives enclosing target information, which is information related to the folded sheets Sf, from an upstream control unit (the printer control unit 260, the folding control unit 320), and controls the start and stop of rotation of the entrance roller 101.

[0044] A first conveying path 1101, which is one of a plurality of conveying paths provided downstream of the entrance rollers 101 and branches off from the carry-in path 1100, is provided with first conveying rollers 111 as a first conveying means and first intermediate conveying rollers 114. Also provided in the first conveying path 1101 is a first sheet detection sensor 118 as a first medium sensor that detects the end (trailing end) of the conveyed folded sheet Sf. The first sheet detection sensor 118 is provided between the first intermediate conveying rollers 114 and the first conveying rollers 111.

[0045] A second conveying path 1102, which is one of the conveying paths provided downstream of the entrance rollers 101 and branches off from the carry-in path 1100 in a direction different from that of the first conveying path 1101, is provided with second conveying rollers 112 and second intermediate conveying rollers 115 as second conveying means. A second sheet detection sensor 119 is provided in the second conveying path 1102 as a second medium sensor that detects the end (trailing end) of the conveyed folded sheet Sf. The second sheet detection sensor 119 is provided between the second intermediate conveying rollers 115 and the second conveying rollers 112.

[0046] The sheet inverting unit 110 also has a switchback conveying path 1103. The switchback conveying path 1103 is a conveying path that connects a junction position where the switchback conveying path 1103 joins the first conveying path 1101 downstream of the first conveying rollers 111, and a branching position where the switchback conveying path 1103 branches off from the second conveying path 1102 upstream of the second intermediate conveying rollers 115. The switchback conveying path 1103 switches the conveying direction of the folded sheet Sf that has been conveyed downstream on the second conveying path 1102, and the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the first conveying path 1101 by switchback conveyance. Switchback conveying rollers 113 are arranged in the switchback conveying path 1103 as a third conveying path, as a third conveying means.

[0047] Further, a sheet discharge path 1109 is provided as a downstream conveyance path following the first conveyance path 1101, and conveys the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf that has passed through the sheet inverting unit 110 to the downstream post-processing device 400. An exit roller 102 is disposed on the sheet discharge path 1109.

[0048] When the folded sheet Sf transported from the folding processing device 300 is not subjected to the enclosing process described below, the folded sheet Sf passes through the first conveying path 1101 from the transport path 1100 and is discharged to a downstream device via the sheet transport path 1109.

[0049] The sheet inverting unit 110 also has an inserting conveying path 1104 as a fourth conveying path that branches off from the first conveying path 1101 downstream of the first conveying rollers 111 and continues to inserting rollers 121 that hold an envelope E into which the folded sheet Sf is to be inserted. As will be described later, the inserting conveying path 1104 is configured to continue to an envelope conveying path 1105.

[0050] In addition, the sheet inverting unit 110 is provided with a branching claw 10 as a branching means at a branching position for transporting the folded sheet Sf from the carry-in path 1100 to either the first conveying path 1101 or the second conveying path 1102. The branching claw 10 switches between transporting the folded sheet Sf to the first conveying path 1101 side or the second conveying path 1102 side based on the insertion target information related to the folded sheet Sf carried into the carry-in path 1100.

[0051] Furthermore, the sheet inverting unit 110 has a first switching claw 11 disposed at a junction where the switchback conveying path 1103 joins the first conveying path 1101. The first switching claw 11 switches between a state in which the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the input path 1100 to the first conveying path 1101 side is conveyed to the first conveying roller 111 side, and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed from the switchback conveying path 1103 to the first conveying path 1101 side.

[0052] Furthermore, the sheet inverting unit 110 has a second switching claw 12 as a second deflection means disposed at a branching position where the second conveying path 1102 branches into the switchback conveying path 1103. The second switching claw 12 switches between a state in which the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the carry-in path 1100 to the second conveying path 1102 side is conveyed to the second conveying rollers 112, and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed in a switchback manner from the second conveying path 1102 to the switchback conveying path 1103.

[0053] In addition, the sheet inverting unit 110 has a third switching claw 13 as a third deflection means disposed at a branching position where the first conveying path 1101 branches into the enclosing conveying path 1104. The third switching claw 13 switches between a state in which the folded sheet Sf conveyed by the first conveying path 1101 is conveyed to the enclosing conveying path 1104 and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the sheet discharge path 1109.

[0054] The folded sheet Sf conveyed to the first conveying path 1101 is conveyed to the first conveying rollers 111 by the first intermediate conveying rollers 114. The first conveying rollers 111 convey the conveyed folded sheet Sf downstream. When the third switching claw 13 is in the position shown in FIG. 3, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the inserting conveying path 1104. Note that when the folded sheet Sf has been conveyed a predetermined distance after the trailing end of the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the first intermediate conveying rollers 114 to the first conveying rollers 111 is detected by the first sheet detection sensor 118, the folded sheet Sf has already moved to the inserting conveying path 1104, and therefore the operation of the rotating conveying rollers in the sheet reversing unit 110 is stopped.

[0055] The folded sheet Sf conveyed to the second conveyance path 1102 is conveyed to the second conveyance rollers 112 by the second intermediate conveyance rollers 115. When the folded sheet Sf 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 rollers 112 stop once and then rotate reversely. This puts the folded sheet Sf into a state where it will be switchback conveyed to the switchback conveyance path 1103. At this time, before or simultaneously with the reverse rotation of the second conveyance rollers 112, the second switching claw 12 is rotated 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 by the second sheet detection sensor 119). This switches the state where the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the switchback conveyance path 1103.

[0056] When the folded sheet Sf is guided from the second conveying path 1102 to the switchback conveying path 1103 , the folded sheet Sf is conveyed toward the first conveying path 1101 by the switchback conveying rollers 113 .

[0057] [Configuration of Encapsulating Section 120] 3, the inserting unit 120 is provided with an envelope conveying path 1105 as a vertical conveying path that is connected to an inserting conveying path 1104 as a fourth conveying path provided in the sheet inverting unit 110. The envelope conveying path 1105 extends in a direction that intersects with the ground surface (XY plane) of the inserting and sealing device 100, more specifically in the vertical direction that is orthogonal to the ground surface (XY plane) of the inserting and sealing device 100.

[0058] Here, details of the hardware configuration of the encapsulation unit 120 will be described. Fig. 4 is an overall perspective view of the encapsulation unit 120 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a frame configuration diagram of the encapsulation unit 120 shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 5, the encapsulation unit 120 has a front side plate 1201 and a rear side plate 1202 connected by a board stay 1203, a plurality of reinforcing stays 1204, and a slide rail stay 1205.

[0059] The board stay 1203 is attached with a board bracket 1207 that supports a control board 1206 for a motor that drives a conveying roller, etc., which will be described later. The reinforcing stay 1204 is for maintaining the strength of the enclosing section 120. The slide rail stay 1205 is fitted into a slide rail provided on the main body of the enclosing and sealing device 100 and slides when the entire enclosing section 120 is pulled out from the enclosing and sealing device 100 toward the front (in the direction of the dashed arrow shown in Figure 4). As described above, the enclosing section 120 is entirely unitized, and is configured so that when an envelope E or an enclosure jams or when maintenance is required for the equipment that makes up the enclosing section 120, the entire enclosing section 120 can be pulled out to easily clear the jam or perform maintenance work.

[0060] Fig. 6 is an overall cross-sectional view of the encapsulating unit 120 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the drive configuration of the encapsulating unit 120. Fig. 7 is a view of the encapsulating unit 120 as seen from the rear side plate 1202 side.

[0061] 6, the unitized enclosing section 120 is provided with an envelope conveying path 1105, an enclosing roller 121, an enclosure pushing section 160, a flap holding roller 169, a first vertical conveying roller 122, a second vertical conveying roller 123, and an envelope switchback roller 132. Also provided are the envelope switchback roller 132, an envelope switchback switching claw 21, and a flap scooping claw 181, which constitute the flap opening section 130. Furthermore, an envelope set tray 127, a separation roller 125, and a paper feed roller 131, which constitute the paper feed section, are also provided.

[0062] The driven rollers of the first vertical conveying roller 122, the second vertical conveying roller 123, and the envelope switchback roller 132 are attached to the opening / closing guide plate 1208, and are adapted to move toward and away from the drive side rollers of the first vertical conveying roller 122, the second vertical conveying roller 123, and the envelope switchback roller 132 as they rotate relative to the opening / closing guide plate 1208.

[0063] The opening / closing guide plate 1208 is configured to open and close around an opening / closing guide plate rotation shaft 1215 provided near the envelope switchback roller 132. As will be described later, the opening / closing guide plate 1208 is always biased toward the closed state by a biasing arm 1216.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the rear side panel 1202 of the enclosure section 120, which has been made into a unit, is provided with an enclosing roller motor 1209 that drives the enclosing roller 121, a pressing claw motor 1210 that drives the pressing claw 161 of the enclosure pressing section 160, a vertical conveying roller motor 1211 that drives the flap holding roller 169, the first vertical conveying roller 122, and the second vertical conveying roller 123, a guide plate opening / closing motor 1212 used to rotate the opening / closing guide plate 1208, a flap opening roller motor 1213, a paper feed roller motor 1228 that drives the paper feed roller 131, and an enclosing claw motor 1230 that rotates the enclosing claw bracket 1233.

[0065] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the opening / closing guide plate 1208 as seen from the front side (conveyance path side). Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the opening / closing drive mechanism of the opening / closing guide plate 1208. Fig. 10 is a diagram of the cam mechanism of the opening / closing guide plate 1208. Figs. 11 and 12 are a perspective view and a front view of the opening / closing cam 1214 of the opening / closing guide plate 1208. The first vertical conveying roller 122, the second vertical conveying roller 123, and the driven rollers of the envelope switchback roller 132 are rotatably attached to the opening / closing guide plate 1208.

[0066] Above the opening / closing guide plate 1208, a main inserting claw 1231 and a sub inserting claw 1232, which operate to widen the opening of the envelope E so that the enclosure can be easily inserted into the envelope E, are rotatably supported by an inserting claw bracket 1233. When the inserting claw bracket 1233 is rotated by an inserting claw motor 1230 in the direction that widens the opening of the envelope E, the main inserting claw 1231 and the sub inserting claw 1232 are inserted into the opening of the envelope E, and the enclosure passes between them to be inserted into the envelope E.

[0067] The opening / closing guide plate 1208 rotates on the first vertical conveying roller 122 side, with the opening / closing guide plate rotation shaft 1215 as a fulcrum. In addition, a biasing arm 1216 is provided on the opening / closing guide plate rotation shaft 1215, and the opening / closing guide plate 1208 is biased in the direction of the dashed arrow in Fig. 8 by the biasing arm 1216. As a result, the driven rollers of the first vertical conveying roller 122, the second vertical conveying roller 123, and the envelope switchback roller 132 are pressed against the drive rollers of the first vertical conveying roller 122, the second vertical conveying roller 123, and the envelope switchback roller 132, and are able to convey envelopes.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 9, an opening / closing cam 1214 for switching the opening / closing position of the opening / closing guide plate 1208 is rotatably provided on the main body side of the enclosing section 120.

[0069] 11 and 12, the opening / closing cam 1214 has locking pin fitting grooves 1219 into which ball bearings 1218 of locking pins 1217 provided on the front and rear side surfaces of the opening / closing guide plate 1208 fit. The opening / closing cam 1214 also has cam surfaces 1220 that come into contact with the ball bearings 1218 as the opening / closing cam 1214 rotates, in order to switch the open / closed position of the opening / closing guide plate 1208.

[0070] 12, the cam surface 1220 is shaped so that the distance from the cam rotation center 1221 to the cam surface 1220 decreases as the opening position OP approaches the closed position CP. The opening cam 1214 also has an opening prevention stopper 1223 for holding the opening guide plate 1208 at the closed position CP. The opening prevention stopper 1223 has a pulling surface 1225 for pulling the ball bearing 1218 of the opening guide plate 1208 into the locking pin fitting groove 1219 when the opening guide plate 1208 is switched from the open position OP to the closed position CP, and a holding surface 1227 that abuts against the opening guide plate 1208 when the opening guide plate 1208 is held at the closed position CP.

[0071] A drive pulley (guide plate open / close pulley 1229 in FIG. 7) is integrally provided on the opening / closing cam 1214, and as shown in FIG. 7, the drive pulley and guide plate open / close motor 1212 are connected by a belt 1224, and the driving force of the guide plate open / close motor 1212 is transmitted to the opening / closing cam 1214. The drive pulley is also provided with a detection feeler 1226 for detecting the home position of the opening / closing cam 1214 (closed position CP of the opening / closing cam 1214). A home position sensor 1236 is installed in a position where it can detect the detection feeler 1226 when it corresponds to the closed position CP.

[0072] 13 to 18 are diagrams illustrating the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing guide plate 1208 step by step. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the open and closed states of the opening and closing guide plate 1208. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the state of the opening and closing guide plate 1208 when the enclosure pusher 160 inserts an enclosure into an envelope E (see FIG. 22). The opening and closing guide plate 1208 is constantly biased by the biasing arm 1216 in the direction indicated by the dotted arrow X in FIGS. 13 to 18 (the same as the dashed arrow in FIG. 8).

[0073] When an envelope E fed from the envelope set tray 127 is transported toward the enclosure pusher 160 by the first vertical conveying roller 122, the second vertical conveying roller 123, and the envelope switchback roller 132 (see Figure 26), and when an envelope with an enclosure inserted by the enclosure pusher 160 is transported toward the sealing mechanism 145 (see Figure 30), the opening / closing cam 1214 is positioned in the state shown in Figure 15 (closed position CP).

[0074] The state of the opening / closing guide plate 1208 at this time is the closed position CP shown by the solid line in Fig. 19. In this state, the biasing force of the biasing arm 1216 presses the first vertical conveying roller 122, the second vertical conveying roller 123, and the driven roller of the envelope switchback roller 132 against the drive roller, making it possible to convey the envelope E.

[0075] When inserting an enclosure into an envelope E using the enclosure pusher 160 (see Figures 29 and 30), the pair of rollers, the first vertical conveying roller 122 and the second vertical conveying roller 123, must be separated before the enclosure reaches the enclosure pusher 160. In this case, when it is detected that the enclosure has reached a predetermined position on the conveying path, the opening / closing cam 1214 starts rotating counterclockwise from the state shown in Figure 15.

[0076] 16 and 17. During this time, the ball bearing 1218 provided on the opening / closing guide plate 1208 is constantly pressed against the cam surface 1220 of the opening / closing cam 1214 by the biasing force of the biasing arm 1216. The opening / closing cam 1214 continues to rotate against the biasing force of the biasing arm 1216, thereby moving the opening / closing guide plate 1208 to the position shown in FIG. 18 (open position OP) and stopping its rotation. In this state, the driven rollers of the first vertical conveying roller 122 and the second vertical conveying roller 123 are separated from the drive roller, allowing the enclosure pusher 160 to insert the enclosure into the envelope E (open position OP in FIG. 19, state in FIG. 20).

[0077] When the insertion of the enclosure into the envelope E by the enclosure pusher 160 is completed (see FIG. 30), the opening / closing cam 1214 starts rotating again from the state shown in FIG. 18 and continues to rotate as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. At this time, the ball bearing 1218 of the opening / closing guide plate 1208 is pulled into the locking pin fitting groove 1219 by the action of the pulling surface 1225 provided on the opening prevention stopper 1223 of the opening / closing cam 1214. Thereafter, the opening / closing cam 1214 continues to rotate while keeping the cam surface 1220 in sliding contact with the ball bearing 1218 of the opening / closing guide plate 1208, and finally stops rotating when the state shown in FIG. 15 is reached.

[0078] If an envelope E or an enclosed item jams, or when performing maintenance on the equipment that makes up the enclosing section 120, the entire enclosing section 120 can be pulled out and then the opening / closing guide plate 1208 can be rotated to the jam clearance position JSP in Figure 19, making it easy to clear the jam or perform maintenance work.

[0079] The inserting unit 120 having the above configuration transports (including switchback transport) the envelope E via the envelope transport path 1105. As a result of this transport operation, the envelope E is transported to a predetermined inserting position, and the enclosure to be inserted into the envelope E is transported via the inserting transport path 1104 connected to the envelope transport path 1105.

[0080] 3, the envelope E containing the enclosure is transported from the envelope transport path 1105 to a sealing path 1106 (described later) and discharged onto the envelope discharge tray 144. In other words, the components that perform the enclosing and sealing operations and discharge the envelope E are arranged vertically in the device, which reduces the installation area of ​​the enclosing and sealing device 100 and also contributes to the miniaturization of the entire device.

[0081] The envelope conveying path 1105 also includes an envelope holding mechanism that conveys the envelope E to a predetermined insertion position and holds the envelope E so that an enclosure can be inserted.

[0082] The envelope conveying path 1105 is also connected to a sealing path 1106 for sealing the envelope E containing the enclosure.

[0083] A first vertical conveying roller 122 and a second vertical conveying roller 123 are arranged in the envelope conveying path 1105 as an envelope conveying means for conveying the envelope E to a position for receiving the folded sheet Sf. In the envelope conveying path 1105, an inserting roller 121 is arranged above (in the +Z direction of) the first vertical conveying roller 122 as an insert supplying means for supplying an insert to the envelope E.

[0084] The first vertical conveying roller 122 and the second vertical conveying roller 123 convey the envelope E to the enclosing position and hold it there. The enclosing roller 121 then conveys the contents in the enclosing direction (-Z direction) to perform the enclosing operation.

[0085] In addition, an enclosure pushing section 160 is arranged between the enclosing roller 121 and the first vertical conveying roller 122, on the side of the envelope conveying path 1105, and pushes the enclosure toward the opening of the envelope E during the enclosing operation.

[0086] A flap opening section 130 is disposed at the connecting position of the conveying path continuing from the envelope conveying path 1105 to the sealing path 1106. The flap opening section 130 has a paper feed roller 131 that conveys the envelope E taken out from the envelope set tray 127 toward the first branch position, and an envelope switchback roller 132 as a switchback conveying means.

[0087] The paper feed roller 131 is disposed in an envelope feed path 1107 as an envelope supply path, and includes a flap opening mechanism 180 that opens the flap portion ef of the envelope E conveyed from the envelope set tray 127 .

[0088] An envelope switchback switching claw 21 is disposed at the junction where the envelope conveying path 1105 and the envelope carry-in path 1107 join.

[0089] In addition, the position below (-Z direction) the envelope switchback switching claw 21 where the envelope input path 1107 and the envelope conveying path 1105 join is set as the first branching position, and the envelope switchback roller 132 is located below (-Z direction) this first branching position.

[0090] The envelope switchback roller 132 disposed below the first branch position and the first vertical conveying roller 122 disposed above the first branch position constitute a first conveying roller pair.

[0091] A separation roller 125 is disposed in the envelope feed path 1107 that merges with the envelope conveying path 1105. The separation roller 125 picks up one of the stacked envelopes E from the envelope set tray 127. Then, the separation roller 125 and the paper feed roller 131, which serve as an envelope supply means, supply the envelope E to the envelope conveying path 1105. That is, the separation roller 125 and the paper feed roller 131 convey the envelope E to the first branch position.

[0092] A plurality of envelopes E are placed on the envelope set tray 127. The bottom of the envelope E placed on the envelope set tray 127, which is the end opposite the flap portion ef, faces the separation roller 125. Therefore, when the envelope E is conveyed out of the envelope set tray 127, the leading edge of the envelope E in the conveyance direction is the bottom of the envelope E.

[0093] Therefore, in this embodiment, when an envelope E is separated from the state where it is stacked on the envelope set tray 127, the bottom first corresponds to the "leading edge in the conveying direction." Then, the side where the flap portion ef is located corresponds to the "trailing edge in the conveying direction." Then, the "trailing edge in the conveying direction" when the flap portion ef is closed is the folding position of the flap portion ef on the envelope E, and the "trailing edge in the conveying direction" when the flap portion ef is open is the end of the flap portion ef.

[0094] An envelope E picked up by the separation roller 125 from a plurality of envelopes E placed on the envelope set tray 127 is transported by the paper feed roller 131 and the envelope switchback roller 132 to a position beyond the envelope switchback switching claw 21.

[0095] The envelope switchback switching claw 21 rotates between a position for temporarily transporting the envelope E taken out from the envelope set tray 127 to the sealing path 1106 and a position for transporting the envelope E to the sheet reversing unit 110 side in the envelope transport path 1105. In other words, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 is a member that switches the transport direction of the envelope E.

[0096] The first vertical conveying roller 122 and the second vertical conveying roller 123 convey and hold the envelope E at a predetermined position on the envelope conveying path 1105. As will be described later, the predetermined position here is a position where the position of the opening of the envelope E (the position of the flap portion ef) is below the enclosing roller 121 and above the first vertical conveying roller 122.

[0097] The enclosing roller 121 is a type of conveying roller that rotates in a direction to enclose the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet inverting unit 110 into the envelope E.

[0098] [Configuration of sealing unit 140] As shown in Fig. 3, in the sealing unit 140, a third vertical conveying roller 141 and a fourth vertical conveying roller 142 are arranged on a sealing path 1106 as a switchback conveying means. Also, there is an envelope discharge path 1108 as an envelope discharge path branching from a second branching position branching from the sealing path 1106. An envelope discharge switching claw 31 is arranged at the second branching position. An envelope discharge roller 143 is arranged on the envelope discharge path 1108, and the envelope discharge path 1108 is arranged at the end thereof.

[0099] The third vertical conveying roller 141 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 142 constitute a second conveying roller pair, and convey the envelope E to a predetermined position on the sealing path 1106 and hold it there.

[0100] The envelope discharge switching claw 31 is a member that rotates between a position where the envelope E is transported from the paper feed roller 131 side to the third vertical transport roller 141 in the enclosing conveying path 1104, and a position where the envelope E is transported from the enclosing conveying path 1104 to the envelope discharge path 1108, thereby switching the transport direction of the envelope E.

[0101] A sealing mechanism 145 is disposed on the sealing path 1106 as a sealing means for performing a "sealing process" to close the flap portion ef. If the flap portion ef of the envelope E conveyed by the third vertical conveying roller 141 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 142 is open, the sealing mechanism 145 performs a process to close the flap portion ef.

[0102] The envelope discharge roller 143 is a roller that discharges the envelope E toward the envelope discharge tray 144.

[0103] The envelope discharge tray 144 serving as an envelope stacking means is a tray on which the discharged envelopes E are placed.

[0104] As explained above, the inserting and sealing device 100 has a conveying path that conveys the folded sheet Sf from the sheet inverting unit 110 to the inserting unit 120 and the sealing unit 140, and is connected in the vertical direction (Z direction). This conveying path, which is the conveying path for the folded sheet Sf and also the conveying path for the envelope E, corresponds to a vertical conveying path that connects the envelope conveying path 1105 of the inserting unit 120 and the sealing path 1106 of the sealing unit 140 in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0105] [Flap opening mechanism 180] Here, details of the flap opening mechanism 180 as a flap opening means provided in the envelope switchback roller 132 will be described with reference to Figure 21. The flap opening mechanism 180 includes a flap scoop 181 rotatably attached to the rotation shaft of one of the pair of conveyance rollers that make up the envelope switchback roller 132, and a spring 182 that biases the flap scoop 181.

[0106] The flap scoop 181 is pushed by the bottom of the envelope E conveyed through the envelope conveyance path 1107 and rotates counterclockwise as shown in the figure. This action enables the envelope E to pass through the envelope conveyance path 1107. Normally, the flap scoop 181 is biased by the spring 182 to rotate clockwise as shown in the figure and remains in contact with the inner wall of the envelope conveyance path 1107. In this state, the envelope conveyance path 1107 is blocked.

[0107] When the bottom of envelope E conveyed through envelope entrance path 1107 pushes against flap scoop 181 and is conveyed toward envelope switchback roller 132, flap portion ef gets caught on the top of flap scoop 181. If envelope E is further conveyed in this state, flap portion ef comes into contact with the top and is conveyed further to envelope conveyance path 1105 by paper feed roller 131 and envelope switchback roller 132. Then, by the time flap portion ef passes paper feed roller 131, flap portion ef is in an open state. Therefore, envelope E with open flap portion ef is conveyed in the -Z direction by envelope switchback roller 132. Thereafter, when envelope E is switchback-conveyed in the +Z direction by envelope switchback roller 132, flap portion ef of envelope E is in an open state, so that it is ready to receive an enclosure.

[0108] [Configuration of the inclusion pushing unit 160] Next, the configuration of the enclosure pusher 160 provided in the enclosing unit 120 will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 shows an outline of the main structure of the enclosure pusher 160. The enclosure pusher 160, which serves as a medium pushing mechanism, mainly comprises a pusher claw 161, a claw rotation shaft 162, a slide unit 163, a spring 164, a slide rod shaft 165, a belt fixing unit 166, a rotary gear 167, a toothed belt 168, a flap holding roller 169, and a flap detection sensor 170.

[0109] The flap portion ef of the envelope E that has been transported to the enclosing position is guided toward and held by the flap holding roller 169. Although not shown in Figure 22, the structure for guiding the flap portion ef is composed of a guide plate or the like that is installed so that the flap portion ef faces the flap holding roller 169.

[0110] A flap detection sensor 170 detects whether or not the flap portion ef is held by the flap holding roller 169. Based on the detection result of the flap detection sensor 170 and the flap length calculated in advance, the total length of the envelope E can be controlled so that the opening of the envelope E reaches a predetermined position, regardless of the size or type of envelope E.

[0111] The flap holding roller 169 and the flap detection sensor 170 constitute a flap holding means for holding and detecting the flap portion ef.

[0112] Since the position of the opening of the envelope E is not affected by the flap length, when the transported enclosure is pushed in by the push-in claw 161, incompatibility of the enclosure operation such as the enclosure protruding from the envelope E or being pushed in too much can be eliminated, and the appropriate enclosure operation can be performed.

[0113] When an enclosure (e.g., a folded sheet Sf) is conveyed from the sheet inverting unit 110 along the envelope conveying path 1105, the pressing claw 161, which is equipped with a movement restricting unit, assumes its initial state as the state of the pressing claw 161 when the enclosure abuts against it. When the conveyed enclosure abuts against the upper surface of the pressing claw 161, the enclosure presses the pressing claw 161 downward (in the direction of gravity). As the enclosure is conveyed, the pressing claw 161 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 23. As a result, the pressing claw 161 assumes an enclosed state in which the folded sheet Sf as the enclosure can proceed into the envelope E.

[0114] When no external force as described above is applied, the pushing claw 161 is biased by a spring 164 to return to its initial state (the state shown in Figure 23) in which it crosses the width of the envelope conveying path 1105.

[0115] The pressing claw 161 rotates around a claw rotation shaft 162. The claw rotation shaft 162 is fixed to a slide portion 163.

[0116] One end of spring 164 is fixed to slide portion 163. The other end of spring 164 is fixed to the end of pressing claw 161. Therefore, when pressing claw 161 rotates counterclockwise by claw rotation shaft 162, it rotates in a direction against the biasing force of spring 164. In other words, by pressing the tip end of pressing claw 161 downward with a force greater than the biasing force of spring 164, it becomes possible to insert the envelope E.

[0117] When a force is applied to the pressing claw 161 to rotate it in the clockwise direction, the rear end of the pressing claw 161 abuts against the spring 164 and the slide portion 163 to which the spring 164 is fixed. Therefore, the pressing claw 161 cannot rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

[0118] The slide portion 163 is slidably held by a slide rod 165. A belt fixing portion 166 is provided at the end of the slide portion 163 opposite the pressing claw 161 side. The belt fixing portion 166 is fixed to a toothed belt 168 that fits into a rotary gear 167. The slide rod 165 is a guide member for sliding the slide portion 163 along the envelope conveying path 1105. Therefore, the slide portion 163 is held slidably in the direction in which the envelope conveying path 1105 extends (Z direction).

[0119] The amount of rotation of the rotating gear 167 is controlled by the enclosing and sealing control unit 150 based on the envelope length and flap length. Rotation of the rotating gear 167 rotates the toothed belt 168 that is wound around it. When the toothed belt 168 rotates, the slide portion 163 fixed by the belt fixing portion 166 moves in the rotation direction. As described above, the movement direction of this slide portion 163 is the Z direction. As the rotating gear 167 rotates, the slide portion 163 is guided by the slide rod shaft 165 and slides in the Z direction.

[0120] After the enclosure has passed through the pushing claw 161, the slide portion 163 moves in the -Z direction, causing the pushing claw 161 to push the enclosure into the envelope E. This completes the enclosure pushing operation.

[0121] The pushing claw 161 provided in the enclosure pushing section 160 may have a plurality of contact portions that come into contact with the folded sheet Sf to be pushed, like the pushing claw 161a shown in FIG.

[0122] If the structure is such that the folded sheet Sf is contacted by multiple contact points, like the push-in claw 161a, even if the enclosed item is skewed when being pushed into the envelope E, the angle will be small, and the folded sheet Sf can be enclosed in a more stable state.

[0123] [Enveloping and sealing process flow] Next, an example of a series of flows of the enclosing operation and sealing operation in the enclosing and sealing device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 34. Note that in each figure, only the components used to explain each operation stage are denoted by reference numerals, etc.

[0124] First, as shown in Fig. 23, after the envelopes E are separated one by one by the separation roller 125 from the multiple envelopes E stacked on the envelope set tray 127, the envelopes E are conveyed to the envelope switchback roller 132 by the paper feed roller 131. At this time, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 and the envelope discharge switching claw 31 are oriented in the direction shown in Fig. 23. The envelope switchback roller 132, the third vertical conveyance roller 141, and the fourth vertical conveyance roller 142 rotate in a direction to convey the envelope E downward, and convey the envelope E to a predetermined position on the insertion conveyance path 1104.

[0125] 24, when the envelope E has completely passed the envelope switchback roller 132, the flap portion ef is opened by the flap opening mechanism 180. In this state, the envelope E is moved to the state shown in FIG. 25 by the rotation of the envelope switchback roller 132, the third vertical conveyance roller 141, and the fourth vertical conveyance roller 142.

[0126] 25, after the flap portion ef of the envelope E is in the open state and has passed through the envelope switchback roller 132, the third vertical conveying roller 141 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 142 rotate in the reverse direction to switchback-convey the envelope E toward a predetermined position in the enclosing section 120. Also, before or at the same time as the switchback-conveyance starts, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 rotates in the direction shown in FIG. 25. This allows the envelope E to be conveyed upward along the envelope conveyance path 1105.

[0127] 26, the envelope E is transported to the insertion position by the second vertical transport rollers 123 and the first vertical transport rollers 122 that constitute the switchback transport means. When the flap portion ef reaches a position where it has passed through the first vertical transport rollers 122, the rotation of the second vertical transport rollers 123 and the first vertical transport rollers 122 is stopped, and the insertion standby operation begins.

[0128] In addition, in controlling the transport of envelope E to the insertion position, after separation roller 125 removes envelope E, the transport amount of envelope E is calculated from the rotation amount of each transport roller, and the position of envelope E within insertion transport path 1104 is determined based on the length of envelope E and the length of flap portion ef, the transport amount of envelope E, and the transport path length through envelope entrance path 1107 and envelope transport path 1105.

[0129] 27, while the envelope E is held at the enclosing position, the enclosing and sealing device 100 receives the folded sheet Sf from the upstream device (folding device 300) at the entrance rollers 101 and conveys it to the first conveying path 1101.

[0130] 28, the folded sheet Sf is transported downstream by the first intermediate transport roller 114 and the first transport roller 111. At this time, the first switching claw 11 and the third switching claw 13 are in the state shown in FIG. 28, so the folded sheet Sf is transported from the first transport path 1101 to the enclosing transport path 1104.

[0131] 29, the folded sheet Sf is transported from the inserting conveying path 1104 to the envelope conveying path 1105 and is transported further downward by the inserting rollers 121. As a result, the folded sheet Sf is inserted into the envelope E, which is held at a predetermined inserting position on the envelope conveying path 1105 by the first vertical conveying rollers 122 and the like and has an open opening. During this inserting operation, the enclosure pushing unit 160 operates, and the pushing claws 161 push the folded sheet Sf into the envelope E.

[0132] Next, as shown in Fig. 30, the first vertical conveying roller 122 and the second vertical conveying roller 123 are rotated to convey the envelope E downward, and as shown in Fig. 31, the envelope E is conveyed to the fourth vertical conveying roller 142. After the envelope E is enclosed, it is conveyed until the flap portion ef passes through the envelope discharge switching claw 31.

[0133] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 32, the flap portion ef is closed by the sealing mechanism 145 between the third vertical conveyance roller 141 and the fourth vertical conveyance roller 142, thereby sealing the envelope E.

[0134] Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 33, the third vertical conveying rollers 141 and the fourth vertical conveying rollers 142 are rotated in the reverse direction, and the sealed envelope E is conveyed in a switchback manner by the third vertical conveying rollers 141 and the fourth vertical conveying rollers 142. Before the third vertical conveying rollers 141 and the fourth vertical conveying rollers 142 are rotated in the reverse direction, the envelope discharge switching claw 31 is rotated to the state shown in Fig. 33. As a result, the enclosed envelope E is conveyed from the insertion conveying path 1104 to the envelope discharge path 1108.

[0135] As a result, the sealed envelope E is discharged onto the envelope discharge tray 144 by the envelope discharge rollers 143, as shown in FIG.

[0136] [Relationship between folding type and image formation surface Ps] Here, an example of the relationship between the folding type of folded sheet Sf and the position of the print surface will be described using Figure 36. Figure 36(a) shows an example of a sheet Sa folded in three when the folding type is "folded in three outward." Figure 36(b) shows an example of a sheet Sb folded in three when the folding type is "folded in three inward."

[0137] As shown in Fig. 36(a), in the case of an outwardly folded tri-fold sheet Sa, the image forming surface Ps is located on the outer side of the bottom surface in the conveying direction. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 36(b), in the case of an inwardly folded tri-fold sheet Sb, the image forming surface Ps is located on the outer side of the folded surface.

[0138] 36 are both examples of "outward tri-folding" and "inward tri-folding," but the position of the image forming surface Ps is reversed for outward tri-folding and inward tri-folding due to differences in the configuration (type) of the sheet folding unit 310. In other words, the position of the image forming surface Ps on the folded sheet Sf differs depending on the type of folding, and the position of the image forming surface Ps on the folded sheet Sf also differs depending on the type of sheet folding unit 310.

[0139] [Positional relationship between image formation surface Ps and envelope E] Next, using Figure 37, we will explain the positional relationship between the position of the image forming surface Ps of the folded sheet Sf and the position of the transparent window ew provided in advance in the envelope E. As illustrated in Figure 37, we will assume that an outer tri-folded sheet Sa passes directly through the first conveying path 1101 and is inserted into the envelope E, which is waiting with the flap portion ef open, via the inserting conveying path 1104.

[0140] In this case, since the image forming surface Ps is not located on the transparent window ew, the image forming surface Ps after sealing cannot be seen from outside the envelope E. Generally, address information indicating the delivery destination of the envelope E is printed on the image forming surface Ps, so if the address cannot be seen, the envelope cannot be delivered.

[0141] As described above, depending on the folding type of the folded sheet Sf, the positions of the image forming surface Ps and the transparent window ew may not match. Also, as already explained, even if the folding type is the same, if the type of sheet folding unit 310 is different, the position of the image forming surface Ps may be at the inversion position. Therefore, the sheet inverting unit 110 according to the embodiment described below performs an inversion process on the folded sheet Sf based on "enclosure target information," which is a factor in determining the position of the image forming surface Ps on the folded sheet Sf, so that the position of the image forming surface Ps after enclosure matches the position of the transparent window ew.

[0142] [Operation example of sheet inverting unit 110] An example of the sheet inversion operation in the enclosing and sealing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 38 to 42. There are various folding methods for the folded sheet Sf that is fed into the sheet inversion unit 110. Information regarding these folding methods is received in advance by the enclosing and sealing control unit 150, and the following control is performed based on that information. Similarly, there are various types of printed information that indicate the position where an image is formed on the folded sheet Sf. The following description shows an example of conveyance control that is performed in different route sequences depending on the different folding methods.

[0143] As shown in Figure 38, when the folded sheet Sf transported from the folding processing device 300 is an outward folded type in which the image forming surface Ps (printing surface) on which the image is formed is exposed, the printing surface is transported facing downward in the conveying direction.

[0144] In this case, when the folded sheet Sf reaches the entrance roller 101, if the branch claw 10 is in a position that blocks the conveyance to the second conveying path 1102, the branch claw 10 is rotated to enable the folded sheet Sf to be conveyed to the second conveying path 1102.

[0145] 39, the folded sheet Sf is guided to the second conveying path 1102 by the branching claw 10 and conveyed to the second conveying rollers 112 by the second intermediate conveying rollers 115. Then, the folded sheet Sf is further conveyed downstream by the second conveying rollers 112.

[0146] 40, when the trailing edge of the folded sheet Sf is conveyed downstream a predetermined distance after being detected by the second sheet detection sensor 119, the second conveying rollers 112 stop. In other words, when the trailing edge of the folded sheet Sf is conveyed a distance sufficient to pass the second switching claw 12, the second conveying rollers 112 stop. At this time, the second switching claw 12 is rotated to enable conveyance of the folded sheet Sf to the switchback conveying path 1103, which serves as the third conveying path. Furthermore, if the first switching claw 11 is not in a state that enables conveyance of the folded sheet Sf from the switchback conveying path 1103 to the first conveying path 1101, it is also rotated to switch.

[0147] 41, the second conveying rollers 112 are rotated in the reverse direction to convey the folded sheet Sf to the switchback conveying path 1103. Then, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed downstream by the switchback conveying rollers 113 and the first conveying rollers 111. If the third switching claw 13 is not in a state that allows the folded sheet Sf to be conveyed from the first conveying path 1101 to the enclosing conveying path 1104, it is also rotated to switch.

[0148] As a result, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed toward the inserting conveying path 1104 as shown in FIG.

[0149] As a result of the above operations, the folded sheet Sf is inserted into the envelope E. Thereafter, as described with reference to Figures 30 to 34, the envelope E with the enclosed material is discharged onto the envelope discharge tray 144.

[0150] As described above, in the enclosing and sealing device 100, when the image forming surface Ps of the folded sheet Sf to be enclosed in one envelope E is on the bottom side in the conveying direction, the position of the image forming surface Ps relative to the conveying direction can be reversed using a switchback path before enclosing so that the orientation of the image forming surface Ps faces the transparent window ew side of the envelope E.

[0151] As described above, in the enclosing and sealing device 100 of this embodiment, the orientation of the enclosure can be adjusted by the conveying means so that it is in a predetermined enclosing direction based on the folding type of the folded sheet Sf as the enclosure and the type of folding device 300 that performed the folding process.

[0152] According to the above embodiment, the inserting and sealing device 100 is configured to perform the inserting process using a vertical conveying path that extends vertically relative to the installation surface. Therefore, the structure for supplying envelopes E and the structure for placing envelopes can be arranged along the vertical conveying path. This allows the stacking direction to be vertical while ensuring a conveying path that does not impose excessive stress on envelopes and enclosed items during transport. As a result of this configuration, a mechanism that minimizes installation space can be obtained regardless of the loading capacity of the inserting and sealing device 100.

[0153] Furthermore, as exemplified in the prior art, if the horizontal conveyance path is configured so that it can only be accessed from the top side, when an abnormality such as a jam occurs in the conveyance path, it is necessary to avoid each functional unit to access the relevant area. Therefore, in the prior art, there is no choice but to choose between impairing operability or improving operability by increasing the size of the mechanism. In this regard, the enclosing and sealing device 100 according to this embodiment allows access to the vertical conveyance path from both sides, and in the event of an abnormality such as a jam, the conveyance path can be easily accessed from the opposite side of each functional unit, such as the envelope E supply unit. In other words, it is possible to achieve both operability and space savings.

[0154] Furthermore, according to the enclosing and sealing device 100, by configuring a switchback conveying path in the vertical conveying path, it is possible to arrange the mechanism that supplies envelopes E and the mechanism that stacks envelopes E in the vertical direction. Furthermore, since the degree of freedom in arranging these mechanisms is increased, a smaller and more efficient configuration and arrangement is possible.

[0155] In addition, according to the enclosing and sealing device 100, by arranging at least two pairs of conveying rollers that rotate forward and backward in the vertical conveying path as a switchback conveying path, switchback conveying can be performed reliably even if the length of the envelope E in the conveying direction is short.

[0156] Furthermore, with the enclosing and sealing device 100, envelopes E fed to the vertical conveying path are conveyed upward in a switchback conveyance for processing, and are conveyed to any location that is efficient for processing. This allows for efficient space saving. Furthermore, when envelopes are discharged from the vertical conveying path, they can be discharged after additional processing below the branch point, so the ability to widen the switchback conveying range is extremely effective.

[0157] Furthermore, the inserting and sealing device 100 is equipped with an enclosure inverting and transporting device that inverts the leading edge of the enclosure for transport, which allows the insertion of the enclosure and the envelope in the same orientation by adding a component separate from the vertical transport path while keeping the installation area of ​​the device the same. This also makes it possible to make the address and other characters, logos, and other patterns written on the insertions visible through the window of the envelope.

[0158] Furthermore, the enclosing and sealing device 100 is provided with a sealing unit 140 that seals the envelope E, so that the device can close and seal the flap portion ef within the vertical conveyance path, and discharge the envelope in a direction that prevents the tip of the folded flap portion ef from getting caught and turning over during conveyance, while keeping the device installation area the same. This reduces sealing defects.

[0159] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist thereof. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1: Print system 10: Branch claw 11: First replacement claw 12: Second switching claw 13:Third switching claw 21: Envelope switchback switch tab 31: Envelope ejection switch tab 100: Encapsulating and sealing device 101: Entrance roller 102: Exit roller 110: Sheet inversion section 111: First conveying roller 112: Second conveying roller 113: Switchback conveyor roller 114: First intermediate conveying roller 115: Second intermediate conveying roller 118: First sheet detection sensor 119: Second sheet detection sensor 120: Enclosure 121: Enclosed roller 122: First vertical conveying roller 123: Second vertical conveying roller 125: Separation roller 127: Envelope set tray 130: Flap opening 131: Paper feed roller 132: Envelope switchback roller 140: Sealing section 141: Third vertical conveying roller 142: Fourth vertical conveying roller 143: Envelope ejection roller 144: Envelope output tray 145: Sealing mechanism 150: Enclosure sealing control unit 160: Enclosed material pushing section 161: Press-in claw 180: Flap opening mechanism 181: Flap scoop 182: Spring 200: Image forming device 300: Folding device 310: Sheet folding section 320: Folding control section 400: Post-processing device 410: Post-processing section 420: Post-processing control unit 1100: Delivery route 1101: First transport path 1102: Second transport path 1103: Switchback conveyor 1104: Enclosure transport path 1105: Envelope transport path 1106: Sealed Route 1107: Envelope entrance 1108: Envelope ejection path 1109: Sheet delivery route [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0161] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-006277

Claims

1. An envelope processing device for inserting an insert into an envelope, an envelope conveying path extending in a substantially vertical direction for conveying the envelope; an insert supply means for supplying inserts to the envelopes via the envelope conveying path; an envelope supply means for supplying the envelope to the envelope conveyance path; a flap opening means for opening a flap of the envelope between the envelope supply means and the envelope transport path; an envelope stacking means for stacking the envelopes discharged from the envelope conveying path; an envelope supply path branching off from the envelope conveying path at a first branching position below the position of the enclosure supply means on the envelope conveying path; an envelope discharge path that branches off from the envelope conveying path at a second branch position different from the first branch position and discharges envelopes to the envelope stacking means; a switchback conveying means for switching the conveying direction of the envelope in the envelope conveying path, The switchback conveying means includes at least two pairs of conveying rollers that rotate forward and backward. An envelope processing device characterized by:

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

3. 2. The envelope processing device according to claim 1, wherein the conveying roller pairs include a first conveying roller pair positioned above the first branch position on the envelope conveying path and a second conveying roller pair positioned below the second branch position on the envelope conveying path.

4. 4. The envelope processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing means for sealing the envelope containing the enclosure, the sealing means being disposed in the envelope transport path below the second branch position.

5. 5. The envelope processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an enclosure inverting and conveying means above the enclosure supplying means in the envelope conveying path for inverting the orientation of an end of the enclosure in the conveying direction and conveying it.

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

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