Encapsulating device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide an enclosing device provided with an enclosing assistance mechanism for assisting in smooth enclosing of an enclosure while retracting a flap when the enclosure is enclosed in an envelope.SOLUTION: An enclosing device that encloses an enclosure into an envelope carried to an enclosing position includes enclosing assistance means (160) that is disposed in an envelope carrying path (1105) for carrying the envelope to the enclosing position and that assists in an enclosing operation, wherein the enclosing assistance means carries the envelope to the enclosing position while retracting a flap of the envelope from the envelope carrying path (1105).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An inserting device that automatically inserts an enclosure into an envelope is known. Also known is an image forming system that inserts an image-formed folded sheet into an envelope by linking an image forming device that forms an image on the sheet to be inserted, a folding device that folds the image-formed sheet, and an inserting and sealing device.

[0003] BACKGROUND ART In a device for automatically inserting enclosures into envelopes one after another, a configuration is disclosed in which an enclosure guide plate is provided to facilitate the insertion of the enclosures into the envelopes (see Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires the provision of a separate mechanism for holding the flap so that it does not interfere with the insertion of the enclosure, in addition to the enclosure guide plate, which results in problems such as an increase in the size and cost of the device.

[0005] The present invention provides an enclosing device equipped with an enclosing assistance mechanism that assists in smooth enclosing of an enclosure by retracting a flap when enclosing an enclosure into an envelope and transporting the envelope to an enclosing position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problem, one aspect of the present invention is an enclosing device that encloses an enclosure in an envelope transported to an enclosing position, the enclosing device including an enclosing assist means that is disposed on an envelope transport path for transporting the envelope to the enclosing position and assists the enclosing operation, the enclosing assist means comprising: a flap transport direction switching claw that presses the flap against a guide member that forms a flap transport path so as to direct the flap toward a flap transport path branching off from the envelope transport path when the flap of the envelope reaches a predetermined position on the way to the enclosing position, and a first biasing means that biases the guide member that forms the flap transport path and the flap transport direction switching claw so that they press against each other; From the envelope transport path NotesThe envelope is transported to the insertion position while the wrap is being retracted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, when inserting an enclosure into an envelope, the flap is retracted while the envelope is transported to the inserting position, thereby facilitating smooth insertion of the enclosure. [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 a schematic diagram of a flap opening mechanism provided in the above-mentioned inserting and sealing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a first embodiment of the enclosing support unit provided in the enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing a schematic configuration of an inclusion support unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of an enclosing support unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 9] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the flap opening mechanism during the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 14]5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an enclosing support unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an enclosing support unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an enclosing support unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an enclosing support unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an enclosing support unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 20] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 21] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 22] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [Figure 23] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an enclosing support unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an enclosing support unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 25] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of the enclosing operation of the enclosing and sealing device according to the embodiment; [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 and 10B are diagrams illustrating the dimensional relationship between the insertion support unit and an envelope. [Figure 30] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of operation of a second embodiment of the enclosing support unit provided in the enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 31] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of operation of a second embodiment of the enclosing support unit provided in the enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 32]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of operation of a second embodiment of the enclosing support unit provided in the enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a third embodiment of the enclosing support unit provided in the enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 34] 10A and 10B are a right side view and a top view, respectively, showing a schematic configuration of an enclosing support unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 11 is a partial enlarged view of an enclosing support unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 36] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the dimensional relationship between an enclosing support unit and an envelope according to the third embodiment. [Figure 37] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an inclusion support unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 38] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an inclusion support unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 39] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an inclusion support unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 40] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an inclusion support unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 41] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an inclusion support unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 42] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an inclusion support unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 43] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an inclusion support unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 44] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of operation of the fourth embodiment of the enclosing support unit provided in the enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 45] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of operation of the fourth embodiment of the enclosing support unit provided in the enclosing and sealing device. [Figure 46] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of operation of the fourth embodiment of the enclosing support unit provided in the enclosing and sealing device. 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 view showing a schematic internal configuration of a print system 1 as an example of an image forming system. The print system 1 includes an image forming device 200, a folding device 300 as a sheet processing device, an inserting and sealing device 100 as an embodiment of an inserting device according to the present invention, and a post-processing device 400.

[0010] The 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 to a downstream apparatus. The medium on which the image has been formed (hereinafter simply referred to as “sheet S”) is discharged toward the folding device 300, where it is subjected to a predetermined folding process to become a folded sheet Sf, which is then discharged toward the enclosing and sealing processing apparatus 100. Note that the sheet S may be discharged directly to the enclosing and sealing processing apparatus 100 without being folded by the folding device 300. An instruction to fold or not fold the sheet S is given by an instruction (control signal) sent from the printer control unit 260 to the image forming apparatus 200 and the folding device 300 based on information input by the user of the printing system 1 to a control unit (printer control unit 260 described later) included in the image forming apparatus 200. The instruction to “fold / not fold” as illustrated above may also be sent to the folding control unit 320 included in the folding device 300 based on information input by the user of the printing system 1.

[0011] The inserting and sealing device 100 performs an inserting and sealing process in which a folded sheet Sf, which is an enclosure and is discharged from a device (image forming device 200 or folding device 300) located upstream in the direction in which the sheet S is conveyed (the conveying direction), is inserted into an envelope E and sealed. In this specification, the term "enclosure" refers to an enclosure that is conveyed to the enclosing position (described later). Therefore, it is not limited to a "folded sheet Sf" conveyed to the enclosing position, but also includes a "sheet S" that is not subjected to the folding process. The inserting and sealing device 100 can also discharge the folded sheet Sf or sheet S to a device located downstream without conveying it to the enclosing position. In other words, the inserting and sealing device 100 can also discharge the sheet S or folded sheet Sf conveyed from the upstream side as is, without using it in the inserting and sealing process.

[0012] The post-processing device 400 is an example of a device that is arranged downstream of the folding device 300 and the enclosing and sealing device 100. The post-processing device 400 is a device that performs post-processing, such as stapling, instructed via a control unit on the sheets S and folded sheets Sf discharged by the folding device 300 and the enclosing and sealing device 100, which correspond to upstream devices.

[0013] The inserting and sealing processing device 100 can insert the folded sheet Sf into the envelope E in the appropriate orientation. Some envelopes E have a transparent window ew pre-installed in a predetermined position. The transparent window ew is a portion that is oriented so that information such as the address formed on the folded sheet Sf as an enclosure can be seen from the outside of the envelope E after the enclosure is inserted. It is a portion where a hole of a predetermined size is formed on the surface of the envelope E and a transparent film or the like is attached to the hole. The "appropriate orientation" with respect to the envelope E refers to the orientation of the enclosure that corresponds to the transparent window ew, among the orientations of the enclosure that correspond to the transparent window ew, in which the information such as the address formed on the envelope E when inserted corresponds to the position corresponding to the transparent window ew.

[0014] There are multiple types of folding (folding types) that can be performed on the folded sheet Sf, and depending on the folding type, the position where information such as the address is formed will be in a different position or orientation relative to the conveying direction. Therefore, the inserting and sealing processing device 100 controls the orientation of the folded sheet Sf when it is inserted to an "appropriate orientation" depending on the folding type of the folded sheet Sf that is conveyed as the object to be inserted before it reaches the insertion position. In other words, while the folded sheet Sf is being conveyed, it is determined whether it is necessary to reverse the orientation perpendicular to the conveying direction or whether reversal is not necessary.

[0015] The inserting and sealing processing device 100 is equipped with a conveying mechanism that enables the folded sheet Sf to be turned over during transport. If turning over is necessary, the folded sheet Sf is turned over using a transport path upstream of the inserting position before being transported to the inserting position. Details of the turnover control and transport control for the folded sheet Sf will be described later. Note that the inserting and sealing processing device 100 can also determine whether or not an unfolded sheet S as an enclosure needs to be turned over before being transported to the inserting position, depending on the relative position of the position where information such as the address is formed and the transparent window ew of the envelope E, and can then insert the sheet S.

[0016] [Coordinate axes referenced in this embodiment] Here, the "coordinate axes" to be referred to in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, first, the axis parallel to the mounting surface of the printing system 1 is defined as the Y axis. The Y axis is also the axis along the arrangement direction of the devices constituting the printing system 1. In this specification, the direction of the arrow indicating the Y axis is referred to as the "+Y direction," and the opposite direction is referred to as the "-Y direction." Therefore, as will be described in detail below, the sheet S on which an image has been formed in the image forming apparatus 200 is conveyed in the +Y direction, and then transported to the devices 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 referred to as the "+X direction," and the opposite direction is referred to as the "-X direction."

[0018] The Z axis is an axis that is perpendicular to both the X axis and the Y axis and that runs along the height direction of the print system 1. The direction of the arrow indicating the Z axis is referred to as the "+Z direction," and the opposite direction is referred to as 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 processing 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 processing device 100 that constitutes the printing system 1, the transport direction of the envelope E is the "Z direction," the transport direction of the envelope E to the enclosing position is the +Z direction, and the transport direction from the enclosing position to the sealing position is the -Z direction.

[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 processing 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 processing 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 the Encapsulating and Sealing Processing Apparatus 100] Returning to Fig. 2, the inserting and sealing processing apparatus 100 includes a sheet reversing unit 110, an inserting unit 120, a sealing unit 130, and an inserting and sealing control unit 150.

[0028] The sheet inverting unit 110 performs a sheet conveying process to convey the folded sheet Sf, which has been conveyed from the sheet folding unit 310, to the insertion position depending on the orientation of the image-forming surface of the folded sheet Sf. Here, the "sheet conveying process" refers to a conveying process depending on the control mode (including the type of folding, the position of the printing surface, etc.) communicated from the folding control unit 320 to the enclosing and sealing control unit 150 via the communication line 105. In other words, the sheet inverting unit 110 performs a conveying process to convey the folded sheet Sf downstream in the conveying direction, an inverting process to swap the end of the folded sheet Sf in the conveying direction, and the like. Through the conveying process and the inverting process, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed to the enclosing unit 120 or the post-processing unit 400.

[0029] The inserting unit 120 includes a mechanism that moves the envelope E to a position where the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the sheet inversion unit 110 can be inserted, holds the envelope E at the inserting position, and inserts an enclosure into the waiting envelope E. The inserting unit 120 also includes a mechanism that opens the flap ef so that the opening of the envelope E is open before the envelope E reaches the inserting position. The inserting unit 120 also includes a mechanism that calculates the length of the envelope E (the dimension in the direction in which the enclosure will be inserted) and the length of the flap ef before the envelope E reaches the inserting position. These mechanisms allow the inserting process of the folded sheet Sf to be performed on the envelope E that is held at the inserting position and has its opening open. This inserting process can be performed appropriately for various types and sizes of envelopes E.

[0030] The sealing processing unit 130 closes the flap ef of the envelope E in which the folded sheet Sf is enclosed, and then discharges the sealed envelope E onto an envelope discharge tray 134.

[0031] The enclosing and sealing control unit 150 controls the operation of the pairs of conveying rollers that make up the sheet reversing unit 110, the enclosing unit 120, and the sealing unit 130, and the operation of a switching claw that switches the conveying path of the envelope E.

[0032] The enclosing and sealing control unit 150 is a control means that controls the conveyance of the folded sheet Sf, including the inversion control and the enclosing control. The enclosing and sealing control unit 150 as this 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, the enclosing and sealing control unit 150 controls the conveyance based on the contents of each piece of information included in the received enclosing target information.

[0033] The "enclosure target information" refers to information related to the sheet S or folded sheet Sf to be enclosed. More specifically, it includes information for controlling the leading edge (leading edge in the conveying direction) of the sheet S or folded sheet Sf when inserted into 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 a reverse conveying process, which will be described later, is required. It also includes, for example, print surface information that indicates the image forming surface on which 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 processing device 100 is controlled by a control program that can execute control processing using these hardware resources. The functional blocks of the enclosing and sealing control unit 150 will be described in detail below.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 processing 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 processing device 100 is the most downstream device.

[0039] Here, we will explain an embodiment of the control operation of the print system 1. In this embodiment, the transport control process for the envelope E is executed based on the envelope length of the envelope E and the flap length of the flap ef calculated by the enclosing processing unit 120, which will be described later.

[0040] The inserting and sealing control unit 150 executes a process using a control processing program to calculate the length of the envelope E (envelope length) and the length of the flap ef (flap length) of the envelope E before transporting the envelope E to the inserting position. The inserting and sealing control unit 150 also executes a process to notify the folding control unit 320, the post-processing control unit 420, and also the printer control unit 260 via the folding control unit 320 of the calculated envelope length and flap length.

[0041] In this embodiment, the envelope length refers to the distance between both ends of the envelope E in the conveying direction when it is supplied to the envelope conveying path 1105 described below. In other words, it refers to the distance between the leading end and trailing end of the envelope E in the moving direction from when it is placed on the envelope set tray 127 described below toward the envelope conveying path 1105 via the envelope carry-in path 1107. In this embodiment, the envelope length includes the envelope length when it is conveyed with the flap ef closed (temporarily referred to as the first envelope length) and the envelope length when it is conveyed with the flap ef open (temporarily referred to as the second envelope length) in the conveying direction defined as the moving direction.

[0042] Therefore, the first envelope length is the so-called top-bottom dimension of the envelope E, and corresponds to the distance from the bottom of the envelope E to the position where the flap ef is folded. The second envelope length corresponds to the distance from the bottom of the envelope E to the end of the flap ef. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the term "envelope length" refers to the first envelope length. The value obtained by subtracting the first envelope length from the second envelope length corresponds to the length of the flap ef in the conveying direction. This length will be referred to as the "flap length."

[0043] [Operation of the Enclosing and Sealing Processing Device 100] Next, using Figure 3, we will explain the conveying rollers that make up the sheet inversion processing unit 110, the enclosing processing unit 120, and the sealing processing unit 130 of the enclosing and sealing processing device 100, the switching claw that switches the conveying direction of the conveyed item, and the conveying path on which these are arranged.

[0044] [Configuration of the sheet reversing processing unit 110] As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet inversion processing unit 110 has a plurality of conveying paths, which are mainly 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 conveying path 1109.

[0045] Entrance rollers 101 are arranged on the carry-in path 1100. The carry-in path 1100 is a sheet transport path that receives folded sheets Sf discharged from an upstream device (for example, the folding processing device 300). The inserting and sealing control unit 150 receives enclosing target information, which is information related to the folded sheets Sf, from upstream control units (the printer control unit 260 and the folding control unit 320), and controls the start and stop of rotation of the entrance rollers 101.

[0046] A first conveying path 1101, which is one of a plurality of conveying paths provided downstream of the entrance rollers 101 and branches off from the carry-in path 1100, is provided with first conveying rollers 111 and first intermediate conveying rollers 114 as a first conveying means. Also 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.

[0047] 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. The second conveying path 1102 is also provided with a second sheet detection sensor 119 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.

[0048] The sheet reversing processing 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.

[0049] Further, a sheet conveying path 1109 is provided as a downstream conveying path following the first conveying path 1101, and conveys the sheet S or the folded sheet Sf that has passed through the sheet reversing processing unit 110 to the downstream post-processing device 400. An exit roller 102 is disposed in the sheet conveying path 1109.

[0050] 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 input path 1100 and is discharged to a downstream device via the sheet output path 1109.

[0051] The sheet reversing processing 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.

[0052] In addition, the sheet reversing processing unit 110 is provided with a branching claw 10 as a branching means at a branching position for conveying the folded sheet Sf from the carry-in path 1100 to either the first conveying path 1101 or the second conveying path 1102. The branching claw 10 switches between conveying the folded sheet Sf to the first conveying path 1101 side or the second conveying path 1102 side based on the insertion target information related to the folded sheet Sf conveyed to the carry-in path 1100.

[0053] The sheet reversing processing 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 carry-in 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.

[0054] In the sheet reversing processing unit 110, a second switching claw 12 serving as a second deflection means is disposed at a branching position where the second conveying path 1102 branches into the switchback conveying path 1103. The second switching claw 12 switches between a state in which the folded sheet Sf conveyed from the carry-in path 1100 to the second conveying path 1102 side is conveyed to the second conveying rollers 112, and a state in which the folded sheet Sf is conveyed in a switchback manner from the second conveying path 1102 to the switchback conveying path 1103.

[0055] In the sheet reversing processing unit 110, a third switching claw 13 as a third deflection means is disposed at a branching position where the first conveying path 1101 branches into an 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 a sheet conveying path 1109.

[0056] 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 processing unit 110 is stopped.

[0057] The folded sheet Sf conveyed to the second conveying path 1102 is conveyed to the second conveying rollers 112 by the second intermediate conveying rollers 115. When the folded sheet Sf 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 conveying rollers 112 stop once and then rotate reversely. This puts the folded sheet Sf into a state where it will be switched back to the switchback conveying path 1103. At this time, before or simultaneously with the reverse rotation of the second conveying 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 of the second sheet detection sensor 119). This switches the state so that the folded sheet Sf will be conveyed to the switchback conveying path 1103.

[0058] 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 .

[0059] [Configuration of Encapsulation Processing Unit 120] 3, the inserting unit 120 is provided with an envelope conveying path 1105 that connects to an inserting conveying path 1104 as a fourth conveying path for receiving the sheet S or folded sheet Sf as an insert from the sheet inverting unit 110 and inserting it into an envelope E. The envelope conveying path 1105 is provided with an inserting support unit 160 that supports the smooth insertion of the insert at the inserting position where the envelope E is kept waiting for the insert to be inserted.

[0060] The detailed configuration of the enclosing support unit 160 will be described later. The enclosing support unit 160 is part of an enclosing support mechanism that operates according to a transport control process for transporting the envelope E to the enclosing position. The enclosing support unit 160 includes a configuration for retracting the flap ef, which could become an obstacle to the entrance of an enclosure into the envelope E being transported toward the enclosing position, from the envelope transport path 1105. The enclosing support unit 160 holds the flap ef in a retracted position away from the envelope transport path 1105. This creates a state in which the flap ef does not obstruct the entrance (enclosure) of the enclosure into the envelope E. Then, while maintaining the flap ef in the retracted position, the unit expands the opening of the envelope E, and performs an operation to assist the enclosing operation so that the enclosure can be smoothly inserted.

[0061] The envelope conveying path 1105 is connected in the Z direction to a sealing conveying path 1106 for sealing the envelope E containing the enclosure. The envelope conveying path 1105 is connected to the inserting conveying path 1104 and the sealing conveying path 1106 to form an envelope conveying path.

[0062] A first vertical conveying roller 122 and a second vertical conveying roller 123 are arranged in the envelope conveying path 1105 to convey the envelope E to a position that receives the folded sheet Sf. In the envelope conveying path 1105, the envelope E that has been conveyed to the position that receives the folded sheet Sf is held by the enclosing roller 121. The enclosing support unit 160 is arranged between the enclosing roller 121 and the first vertical conveying roller 122.

[0063] A flap opening roller 124 is disposed at a connecting position between the envelope conveying path 1105 and the sealing conveying path 1106. The flap opening roller 124 is provided with a flap opening mechanism 180 that opens a flap ef when an envelope E is conveyed out of the envelope set tray 127, passes through the envelope carry-in path 1107, and is conveyed to a position before joining the envelope conveying path 1105. Details of the flap opening mechanism 180 will be described later.

[0064] A separation sensor 128 for detecting the length of the first envelope when the flap ef is closed is disposed upstream of the flap opening roller 124 in the conveying direction. A flap open detection sensor 129 for detecting the length of the second envelope and for detecting whether the flap ef is open (i.e., whether the flap ef is opened) is disposed upstream and downstream of the flap opening roller 124 in the conveying direction.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Envelope separation roller 125, envelope conveyance roller 126, and separation sensor 128 as first envelope detection means are disposed in envelope carry-in path 1107, which merges with envelope conveyance path 1105. An envelope set tray 127 is also disposed at the end of envelope carry-in path 1107. Together with envelope conveyance path 1105, envelope carry-in path 1107 also constitutes an envelope conveyance path.

[0067] 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 ef, faces the envelope separation roller 125. Therefore, the leading edge of the envelope E in the conveying direction when it is conveyed out of the envelope set tray 127 is the bottom of the envelope E. Therefore, the end on the side where the flap ef is provided is the trailing edge.

[0068] One envelope E picked up by the envelope separation roller 125 from the multiple envelopes E placed on the envelope set tray 127 passes through the envelope feed path 1107 by the envelope separation roller 125 and the envelope transport roller 126, and is transported to a position beyond the envelope switchback switching claw 21. Then, when the trailing end of the envelope E in the transport direction reaches a position beyond the envelope switchback switching claw 21, together with the transport by the flap opening roller 124, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 rotates and switches to a state where the envelope E can be transported in a switchback manner.

[0069] That is, 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 transport path 1106 and a position for transporting the envelope E to the sheet reversing processing unit 110 side in the envelope transport path 1105. The envelope switchback switching claw 21 switches the transport direction of the envelope E in the envelope transport path 1105.

[0070] The first vertical conveying roller 122 and the second vertical conveying roller 123 convey and hold the envelope E at an inserting position, which is a predetermined position on the envelope conveying path 1105. As will be described later, the inserting position here is a position where the position of the opening of the envelope E (the position of the flap ef) is below the inserting roller 121 and above the first vertical conveying roller 122.

[0071] 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 reversing processing unit 110 into the envelope E.

[0072] [Configuration of sealing processing unit 130] 3, in the sealing processing section 130, a third vertical conveying roller 131 and a fourth vertical conveying roller 132 are arranged on the sealing conveying path 1106. Between the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132, a sealing section 135 is arranged to close the flap ef of the envelope E with the enclosure enclosed therein.

[0073] The third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 convey the envelope E to a predetermined position on the sealing conveying path 1106 and hold it there.

[0074] Additionally, an envelope discharge switching claw 31 is disposed at the branching position of an envelope discharge path 1108 that branches off from the sealing conveyance path 1106. An envelope discharge roller 133 is disposed at the end of the envelope discharge path 1108. The envelope discharge roller 133 is a roller that discharges the envelope E toward the envelope discharge tray 134. The envelope discharge tray 134 is a tray on which the discharged envelope E is placed.

[0075] The envelope discharge switching claw 31 is a member that rotates between a position where the envelope E is transported from the flap opening roller 124 side to the third vertical transport roller 131 in the 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.

[0076] As described above, the inserting and sealing processing device 100 has a conveying path that is connected in the vertical direction (Z direction) to convey the folded sheet Sf from the sheet inversion processing section 110 to the inserting processing section 120 and the sealing processing section 130. 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 processing section 120 and the sealing conveying path 1106 of the sealing processing section 130 in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0077] [Configuration of flap opening mechanism 180] Here, details of the flap opening mechanism 180 as a flap opening means provided in the flap opening roller 124 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. 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 flap opening roller 124, and a spring 182 that biases the flap scoop 181.

[0078] The flap scoop 181 is positioned to come into contact with an envelope E when the envelope E is separated from the envelope set tray 127 and conveyed through the envelope inlet path 1107 by the envelope conveyance roller 126. The flap scoop 181 is biased by a spring 182 to keep the flap scoop 181 in a position that blocks the conveyance path from the envelope inlet path 1107 to the envelope conveyance path 1105 until the envelope E comes into contact with the flap scoop 181. Normally, when no envelope E is passing through, the flap scoop 181 is in contact with a conveyance guide that constitutes the envelope conveyance path 1105, and its rotation is restricted by the spring 182. When the flap scoop 181 comes into contact with and is pressed by the envelope E, it rotates against the bias of the spring 182 to a position that allows the envelope E to proceed to the envelope conveyance path 1105.

[0079] The flap scooping claw 181 has a top that catches the flap ef by being pushed by the transported envelope E and rotating when the envelope E passes by. With the flap ef caught on the top, the flap opening roller 124 moves the flap ef in the -Z direction, changing the flap ef from a closed state to an open state.

[0080] 4, a separation sensor 128 serving as first envelope detection means is disposed in the envelope feed path 1107 on the upstream side of the flap opening roller 124 in the conveying direction. A flap open detection sensor 129 serving as second envelope detection means is disposed on the downstream side of the flap opening roller 124 in the conveying direction.

[0081] [First embodiment of the encapsulation support unit 160] Next, as a first embodiment of the inclusion support means provided in the inclusion processing unit 120, the configuration of the inclusion support unit 160 will be described with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7. Note that Figure 5 is a front view of the inclusion support unit 160, Figure 6 is a right side view of the inclusion support unit 160, and Figure 7 is a top view of the inclusion support unit 160.

[0082] The inserting support unit 160 is installed at a predetermined position on the envelope conveying path 1105. When the envelope E is conveyed to the inserting position where the enclosure is inserted into the envelope E, the inserting support unit 160 retracts and holds the flap ef of the envelope E from the envelope conveying path 1105. The inserting support unit 160 also operates to widen the opening of the envelope E by conveying the envelope E to the inserting position while holding the flap ef in the retracted position. That is, the inserting support unit 160 is configured to widen the opening of the envelope E to facilitate smooth insertion of the enclosure into the envelope E while keeping the flap ef out of the way of the insertion. The predetermined position where the inserting support unit 160 is installed is near the "insertion position," which is the position where the envelope E is held when the enclosure is inserted into the envelope E. "Near the insertion position" refers to a position where, for example, the flap ef is retracted and held in place before the envelope E is transported to the insertion position, and the envelope E can be transported to the insertion position while maintaining that state.

[0083] 5, the enclosing support unit 160 forms a flap conveying path as an evacuation path for evacuating the flap ef from the envelope conveying path 1105, and includes a flap guide plate 161 as a flap guide member that guides the flap ef in the evacuation direction. Ahead of the flap guide plate 161, a flap holding roller 1611 is disposed to hold the flap ef that has been retracted. The flap holding roller 1611 is a pair of rollers that hold the flap ef so as to maintain the position of the envelope E during the enclosing operation so that it does not displace in the negative direction on the envelope conveying path 1105.

[0084] Flap guide plate 161 as a guide member functions as a support when first enclosing guide claw 162 is pressed against it by first enclosing guide claw spring 169. Therefore, the portion where flap guide plate 161 and first enclosing guide claw 162 come into contact is retracted from envelope conveyance path 1105.

[0085] The flap ef is sandwiched between the flap guide plate 161 and the first enclosing guide claw 162, causing the enclosing support unit 160 to enter a flap retracted state. In the flap retracted state, the envelope E is held in a position where it can be transported to the enclosing position, and the flap ef is held in a retracted state (folded state) in a direction different from the transport direction (flap transport direction). As a result, the envelope E is slightly curved toward the flap guide plate 161, and the opening portion of the envelope E is pulled in the direction in which the flap ef is folded down. As a result, the opening of the envelope E is slightly widened.

[0086] The enclosing support unit 160 also includes a first enclosing guide claw 162 that serves as a flap transport direction switching claw. The first enclosing guide claw 162 is fixed to the side surface of the enclosing guide stay 164. The first enclosing guide claw 162 is a plate-like member that is long in the width direction of the envelope E and has a rectangular shape when viewed from the side.

[0087] The first enclosing guide claw 162 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the enclosing guide stay 164, and presses the flap ef against the flap guide plate 161 to retract it into the flap retraction conveyance path.

[0088] The enclosing assist unit 160 also includes a second enclosing guide claw 163 serving as a switching biasing claw. The second enclosing guide claw 163 is held by a second enclosing guide claw shaft 166 that is rotatable relative to the enclosing guide stay 164. The second enclosing guide claw 163 is biased toward the first enclosing guide claw 162 by a second enclosing guide claw spring 168. In the initial state of the enclosing operation, the tip of the second enclosing guide claw 163 is in contact with the first enclosing guide claw 162. When the envelope E is transported to a predetermined position (see FIG. 16), the tip of the second enclosing guide claw 163 moves to a position that straddles the envelope transport path 1105 that continues from the enclosing transport path 1104, which serves as the enclosing path. As described below, the enclosure guided to the opening of the envelope E by the first and second enclosing guide claws 162 and 163 moves forward, pushing aside the second enclosing guide claw 163, causing the second enclosing guide claw 163 to rotate in the opposite direction to the biasing direction.

[0089] The enclosing support unit 160 also includes an enclosing guide stay 164. The enclosing guide stay 164 is rotatably supported on the device housing (frame) of the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 via a first enclosing guide claw shaft 165. A first spring fixed end 1641 that fixes one end of a first enclosing guide claw spring 169 is formed on the enclosing guide stay 164 on the side opposite to the side on which the first enclosing guide claw 162 is fixed. Furthermore, a second spring fixed end 1642 that fixes one end of a second enclosing guide claw spring 168 is formed on the end of the enclosing guide stay 164 in the +Z direction on the side on which the first spring fixed end 1641 is formed.

[0090] The enclosing support unit 160 also includes a first enclosing guide claw shaft 165. The first enclosing guide claw shaft 165 is fixed to the enclosing guide stay 164 by crimping, and is rotatably fitted to the device housing (frame) of the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 via a bearing or the like. The enclosing guide stay 164 rotates around the first enclosing guide claw shaft 165 as the center of rotation, and at the same time, the first enclosing guide claw 162 rotates in the same direction.

[0091] The enclosing support unit 160 also includes a second enclosing guide claw shaft 166. The second enclosing guide claw shaft 166 is crimped to the second enclosing guide claw 163, and the second enclosing guide claw 163 rotates around the second enclosing guide claw shaft 166, which is rotatably fitted to the enclosing guide stay 164 via a bearing.

[0092] The enclosing assist unit 160 also includes a second enclosing guide claw arm 167. The second enclosing guide claw arm 167 is non-rotatably fitted to the second enclosing guide claw shaft 166, and is a member to which a second enclosing guide claw spring 168 is attached. The second enclosing guide claw arm 167 is pulled toward a second spring fixed end 1642 by the second enclosing guide claw spring 168. Due to the bias of the second enclosing guide claw spring 168, the second enclosing guide claw 163 rotates via the second enclosing guide claw shaft 166, contacts the first enclosing guide claw 162, and pushes the first enclosing guide claw 162 in the rotational direction.

[0093] The enclosing assist unit 160 also includes a second enclosing guide claw spring 168 as a second biasing means. The second enclosing guide claw spring 168 is assembled between the second enclosing guide claw arm 167 and the enclosing guide stay 164, and biases the second enclosing guide claw 163 in the pulling direction. As a result, the second enclosing guide claw 163 is biased clockwise around the second enclosing guide claw shaft 166, and pressed toward the first enclosing guide claw 162.

[0094] The enclosing assist unit 160 also includes a first enclosing guide claw spring 169 as a first biasing means. The first enclosing guide claw spring 169 is assembled between the enclosing guide stay 164 and the enclosing machine frame and biases in a pulling direction. This biases the first enclosing guide claw 162 in a clockwise direction around the first enclosing guide claw shaft 165 and presses it toward the flap guide plate 161. Note that the first biasing means included in the enclosing assist unit 160 may be configured to bias the first enclosing guide claw spring 169 and the flap guide plate 161 so as to press them against each other. Therefore, the first enclosing guide claw spring 169 corresponds to an example of a first biasing means.

[0095] The enclosing assist unit 160 also includes a drive cam 170. The drive cam 170 is configured like an eccentric cam and rotates around a rotation axis. At a specific rotation angle, the outer circumferential surface of the drive cam 170 contacts and pushes up the lower surface of the enclosing guide stay 164. At another rotation angle, the drive cam 170 is eccentric so that the outer circumferential surface moves away from the lower surface of the enclosing guide stay 164.

[0096] When the drive cam 170 rotates to a specific rotation angle and pushes up the bottom surface 1643 of the enclosing guide stay 164, the enclosing guide stay 164 rotates around the first enclosing guide claw shaft 165 as the center of rotation against the biasing force of the first enclosing guide claw spring 169. When the drive cam 170 pushes up the enclosing guide stay 164, the first enclosing guide claw 162 is separated from the flap guide plate 161.

[0097] Furthermore, when the drive cam 170 is not at a specific rotation angle and the outer surface of the drive cam 170 is spaced apart from the bottom surface 1643 of the encapsulation guide stay 164, the encapsulation guide stay 164 rotates around the first encapsulation guide claw shaft 165 as the center of rotation due to the spring force of the first encapsulation guide claw spring 169.

[0098] When the drive cam 170 is not pushing up the enclosing guide stay 164, the second enclosing guide claw 163 rotates in the rotation direction of the enclosing guide stay 164 and presses the first enclosing guide claw 162 by the biasing force of the first enclosing guide claw spring 169. The first enclosing guide claw 162 is then pressed by the second enclosing guide claw 163, and comes into contact with and presses the flap guide plate 161.

[0099] The first and second inserting guide tabs 162 and 163 are positioned so that, when inserted into the opening of the envelope E, they widen the opening in the direction in which the enclosures enter. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first and second inserting guide tabs 162 and 163 have inclined surfaces that slope toward the envelope conveying path 1105. These two inclined surfaces form a tapered shape in the -Z direction. Specifically, the inserting assist unit 160 has a tapered portion that narrows toward the upstream side of the conveying direction when the envelope E is conveyed to the inserting position. When this tapered portion is inserted into the opening of the envelope E conveyed in the +Z direction along the envelope conveying path 1105, the opening of the envelope E is widened, thereby facilitating the insertion of the enclosures.

[0100] 7, first enclosing guide claw 162 and second enclosing guide claw 163 are long members in the width direction of envelope conveying path 1105, which serves as a conveying path for envelope E, and their width dimension is longer than the width of envelope conveying path 1105. In other words, first enclosing guide claw 162 and second enclosing guide claw 163 are members longer than the width dimension of envelope E, and have a structure without side walls.

[0101] [Enveloping and sealing process flow] Next, an example of a series of steps of the enclosing and sealing operations in the enclosing and sealing processing device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 28. Note that in each figure, only components used to explain each operation stage are denoted by reference numerals, etc.

[0102] 8, envelope separation roller 125 rotates to separate envelopes E one by one from the plurality of envelopes E stacked on envelope set tray 127 and send them out to envelope carry-in path 1107. Then, envelope carry roller 126 arranged in envelope carry-in path 1107 carries the separated envelopes E to flap opening roller 124.

[0103] At this time, the leading and trailing ends of the envelope E in the conveying direction are detected by the separation sensor 128. Based on the detection results, the envelope length is calculated as described below.

[0104] When an envelope E is conveyed through the envelope inlet path 1107, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 is oriented in a direction that allows the envelope E to be conveyed from the envelope inlet path 1107 to the envelope conveyance path 1105, as shown in Fig. 8. In addition, the envelope discharge switching claw 31 is oriented in a direction that allows the envelope E to enter the sealing conveyance path 1106 from the envelope conveyance path 1105, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0105] Additionally, the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveyance roller 131, and the fourth vertical conveyance roller 132 rotate in a direction to convey the envelope E in the −Z direction. As a result, the envelope E reaches the envelope conveyance path 1105 from the envelope carry-in path 1107.

[0106] 9, the flap ef opens when the envelope E passes the flap opening roller 124. At this time, the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveyance roller 131, and the fourth vertical conveyance roller 132 continue to rotate.

[0107] Then, as shown in Figure 10, when the end of the flap ef passes the flap open detection sensor 129, the rotation of the flap open roller 124, the third vertical conveying roller 131, and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 stops temporarily, and the envelope E is shifted to be conveyed in a switchback manner in the envelope conveying path 1105.

[0108] Here, an outline of the operation of the flap opening mechanism 180 and the envelope length calculation process during the envelope E transport operation shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10 will be described with reference to Figure 11. First, as shown in Figure 1(a), the leading edge of the envelope E transported toward the flap opening roller 124 is detected by the separation sensor 128 on the way to the nip of the flap opening roller 124.

[0109] 11(b), when the leading edge of the envelope E in the conveying direction passes through the nip of the flap opening roller 124 and moves in the -Z direction, the leading edge of the envelope E in the conveying direction comes into contact with the flap scoop 181, which was in its normal position so as to block the envelope conveying path 1105, and pushes the flap scoop 181. At this time, the flap scoop 181 is pushed by the leading edge of the envelope E in the conveying direction and rotates, allowing the envelope E to proceed along the envelope conveying path 1105. As a result, the envelope E reaches the envelope conveying path 1105.

[0110] 11(c), when the entire length of envelope E reaches envelope conveying path 1105, the trailing end of envelope E in the conveying direction is also detected as it passes separation sensor 128. That is, based on the time from when separation sensor 128 detects the leading end in the conveying direction to when separation sensor 128 detects the trailing end in the conveying direction (the difference in the detection times of the ends in the conveying direction), the conveying speed of envelope E, or the number of rotations of envelope conveying roller 126, it is possible to calculate the first envelope length, which is the envelope length when flap ef is closed.

[0111] The top of flap scoop 181, which is pushed by the leading edge of envelope E in the conveyance direction and rotates, slightly pushes up envelope E being conveyed through envelope conveyance path 1107, causing envelope E to be slightly curved in envelope conveyance path 1107. As a result, flap ef of envelope E is slightly open. If envelope E is conveyed further in this state, the end of flap ef will be caught on the top of flap scoop 181.

[0112] Furthermore, when the envelope E is conveyed by the flap opening roller 124, as shown in Figure 11(d), the end of the flap ef comes into contact with the top of the flap scoop 181, and rotates and opens as the envelope E is conveyed. With the flap ef in the open state, the envelope E is further conveyed in the conveyance direction. The state next to the state illustrated in Figure 11(d) corresponds to the state in Figure 10.

[0113] 10, as shown in FIG. 12, when the flap ef of the envelope E is in an open state and the flap ef has passed the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 rotate in the reverse direction. This reversal causes the envelope E to be conveyed in the +Z direction in the sealing conveying path 1106 and the envelope conveying path 1105. This conveyance is referred to as "switchback conveyance." Before or simultaneously with the start of switchback conveyance, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 rotates in the direction shown in FIG. 12. This allows the envelope E to be conveyed upward in the envelope conveying path 1105.

[0114] 12, the envelope E is conveyed by switchback transport to an inserting position, which is a predetermined position in the inserting unit 120. On the way to the inserting position, the end (trailing end in the conveying direction) of the open flap ef of the envelope E being switchback transported is detected by the flap open detection sensor 129. Then, the bottom (leading end in the conveying direction) of the envelope E is detected by the flap open detection sensor 129 by switchback transport. Note that during switchback transport, the end of the flap ef becomes the leading end in the conveying direction, but for consistency of expression, in the following description, the end of the flap ef will be referred to as the "trailing end in the conveying direction" regardless of the actual movement direction (conveying direction) of the envelope E. The bottom side of the envelope E will be referred to as the leading end in the conveying direction.

[0115] Therefore, before the flap ef reaches the first vertical conveying roller 122, both the end of the flap ef (trailing end in the conveying direction) and the bottom of the envelope E (leading end in the conveying direction) are detected by the flap open detection sensor 129. Based on the detection result of this flap open detection sensor 129, the envelope length when the flap ef is open (second envelope length) can also be calculated from the time from when the trailing end in the conveying direction (end of the flap ef) is detected to when the trailing end in the conveying direction (bottom of the envelope E) is detected, the conveying speed of the envelope E, or the rotation speed of the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132.

[0116] The length of the flap ef (flap length) can be calculated by subtracting the envelope length when the flap ef is closed (first envelope length) from the envelope length when the flap ef is open (second envelope length).

[0117] 13, the envelope E is conveyed by the second vertical conveying rollers 123 and the first vertical conveying rollers 122 until it reaches the enclosing position according to the flap length. When the flap ef has passed the first vertical conveying rollers 122 and reached the enclosing position according to the flap length, the rotation of the second vertical conveying rollers 123 and the first vertical conveying rollers 122 is stopped, and the enclosing standby operation begins.

[0118] In controlling the transport of envelope E to a position for entering this insert standby operation, the transport distance of envelope E can be calculated from the amount of rotation of each transport roller after envelope separation roller 125 removes envelope E, and the position of envelope E within envelope transport path 1105 can be determined based on the transport distance and the length of the transport path.

[0119] [Explanation of Encapsulation Assistance Actions] Here, using Figures 14 to 20, we will explain the enclosing support operation from when the enclosing support unit 160 holds the flap ef in an open position and when the envelope E is ready to accept the enclosed item until we reach Figure 13.

[0120] 14 illustrates the state in which envelope E is conveyed in the +Z direction along envelope conveyance path 1105 and reaches first vertical conveyance roller 122. At this time, enclosing guide stay 164 is pushed up by drive cam 170. The tip of first enclosing guide claw 162 is separated from flap guide plate 161.

[0121] 15, the envelope E is conveyed, and when the flap ef reaches a position in the +Z direction beyond the tip of the first enclosing guide claw 162, that is, when the tip of the flap ef reaches a predetermined position beyond the first enclosing guide claw 162, the conveyance of the envelope E is stopped. The control to stop the conveyance of the envelope E may be performed based on the already calculated flap length and the amount of rotation of each conveyance roller pair that has rotated to convey the envelope E in the envelope conveyance path 1105. For example, the stop control may be performed based on the conveyance speed of the envelope E and the distance that the envelope E moves to reach the stop position based on the flap length.

[0122] 16, the drive cam 170 rotates to a specific angle, which separates the bottom surface 1643 of the enclosing guide stay 164 from the outer circumferential surface of the drive cam 170. As a result, the enclosing guide stay 164 rotates due to the bias of the first enclosing guide claw spring 169, and the tip of the first enclosing guide claw 162 is pressed against the flap guide plate 161, causing the flap ef to be sandwiched between the tip of the first enclosing guide claw 162 and the flap guide plate 161.

[0123] That is, when the envelope E reaches a predetermined position (a position where the flap ef overlaps the tip of the first enclosing guide claw 162), the first enclosing guide claw 162 directs the flap ef toward the flap guide plate 161.

[0124] Next, as shown in Figure 17, rotation of first vertical conveying roller 122 and the like is resumed, and envelope E is conveyed in the +Z direction. At this time, envelope E is conveyed against the biasing force of first enclosing guide tab 162. The tip of first enclosing guide tab 162 is inserted into the opening of envelope E. At this time, flap ef is conveyed while being pressed toward flap guide plate 161 by first enclosing guide tab 162, so that envelope E is conveyed in a direction different from the conveyance direction of the opening. As a result, envelope E is slightly deformed by the conveyance of flap ef, and the opening is expanded. Then, first enclosing guide tab 162 enters into the expanded opening.

[0125] 18, when the envelope E is further conveyed in the +Z direction by the rotation of the first vertical conveying rollers 122, the first enclosing guide claws 162 are inserted further into the envelope E. Then, when the envelope E reaches the enclosing position, the rotation of the first vertical conveying rollers 122 is stopped, and the conveyance of the envelope E is stopped.

[0126] At this stage, first inserting guide claw 162 and second inserting guide claw 163, which is biased toward first inserting guide claw 162, have entered the interior of envelope E. At this time, flap ef is being conveyed toward the flap conveying path formed by flap guide plate 161 and has moved to a position where it is held by flap holding roller 1611. The main body of envelope E has been conveyed toward envelope conveying path 1105, which is in a different direction from the flap conveying path. As a result, the opening of envelope E extends outward beyond envelope conveying path 1105 along the outer slope of second inserting guide claw 163.

[0127] 14 and subsequent drawings are conceptually expressed as forming a space in which envelope E can be transported. That is, the width of envelope transport path 1105 in each drawing does not clearly reflect the actual dimensional relationship. In reality, the displacement of envelope E and flap ef occurs within the internal space of envelope transport path 1105, and envelope E does not break through the wall of envelope transport path 1105 and displace outward.

[0128] 17 to the state shown in FIG. 18, the opening of the envelope E passes over the tip of the second enclosing guide claw 163. A structure can be used to prevent the opening of the envelope E from getting caught on the tip of the second enclosing guide claw 163. For example, the structure can be such that the tip of the second enclosing guide claw 163 overlaps the inner part of the first enclosing guide claw 162. To prevent the opening from getting caught, a scooping rib or the like can be provided on the portion of the first enclosing guide claw 162 where the tip of the second enclosing guide claw 163 comes into contact, allowing the opening to avoid the tip of the second enclosing guide claw 163.

[0129] [Continuation of the process of enclosing and sealing] The state in Figure 18 is the state in which the envelope E has been transported to the inserting position, and is in a standby state waiting for the transport of an enclosure. Figure 19 shows the position of the envelope E in the standby state. As shown in Figure 19, with the envelope E in the inserting position, which is the standby position, in a state in which it is in a standby state for inserting, the inserting and sealing processing device 100 receives a folded sheet Sf from the upstream device (folding processing device 300) with the entrance rollers 101 and transports it to the first transport path 1101.

[0130] 20, 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. 3, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed from the first conveying path 1101 to the enclosing conveying path 1104.

[0131] 21, the folded sheet Sf is transported from the inserting conveying path 1104 to the envelope conveying path 1105 and further transported in the -Z direction by the inserting rollers 121. As a result, the folded sheet Sf is held at a predetermined inserting position on the envelope conveying path 1105 by the first vertical conveying rollers 122 and the like and inserted into the envelope E that is waiting to be inserted.

[0132] 22, 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. 21, the envelope E is conveyed to the fourth vertical conveying roller 132. After the insertion, the envelope E is conveyed until the flap ef passes through the envelope discharge switching claw 31.

[0133] [Continued explanation of the encapsulation support operation] Here, using Figures 23 and 24, we will explain the enclosing support operation in which the enclosing support unit 160 encloses an enclosure in an envelope E held with the flap ef in an open state, from Figure 19 to the state described in Figure 22.

[0134] A folded sheet Sf, which is an enclosure transported along the inserting conveying path 1104 for the waiting envelope E, passes between the first inserting guide claw 162 and the second inserting guide claw 163. At this time, the inner slopes of the first inserting guide claw 162 and the second inserting guide claw 163 are tapered toward the inside of the envelope E waiting in the envelope conveying path 1105. Therefore, the folded sheet Sf is guided by the first inserting guide claw 162 and the second inserting guide claw 163 and moves toward the inside of the envelope E.

[0135] At this time, the first vertical conveying rollers 122 move away and retreat to a position where the folded sheet Sf does not interfere with the insertion of the envelope E. Note that, in order to make the envelope E ready for insertion, even if the first vertical conveying rollers 122 release the clamped state of the envelope E, the flap ef is clamped by the flap holding roller 1611. This allows the envelope E to continue to be held at the insertion position.

[0136] 24, as the folded sheet Sf is conveyed into the interior of the envelope E, the second enclosing guide claw 163, pressed by the folded sheet Sf, rotates around the second enclosing guide claw shaft 166 and moves out of the path of the folded sheet Sf. As a result, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed sequentially from the opening of the envelope E to the interior.

[0137] Second enclosing guide claw 163 is biased toward first enclosing guide claw 162 by second enclosing guide claw spring 168, but folded sheet Sf is transported against this biasing force. Although not shown, folded sheet Sf is then further transported to the back of envelope E by another member and enclosed therein.

[0138] [Continuation of the process of enclosing and sealing] As shown in Figure 24, after the folded sheet Sf is transported inside the envelope E, as shown in Figure 25, the flap ef is closed by the sealing section 135 between the third vertical conveying roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 to seal the envelope E.

[0139] 26, the third vertical conveying rollers 131 and the fourth vertical conveying rollers 132 are rotated in the reverse direction, and the sealed envelope E is conveyed in a switchback manner by the third vertical conveying rollers 131 and the fourth vertical conveying rollers 132. Before the third vertical conveying rollers 131 and the fourth vertical conveying rollers 132 are rotated in the reverse direction, the envelope discharge switching claw 31 is rotated to the state shown in FIG. 27. As a result, the enclosed envelope E is conveyed from the insertion conveying path 1104 to the envelope discharge path 1108.

[0140] As a result, as shown in FIG. 28, the sealed envelope E is discharged onto the envelope discharge tray 134 by the envelope discharge rollers 133.

[0141] [Regarding the dimensional relationship between the first and second enclosing guide tabs 162 and 163 and envelope E] Here, we will explain the sizes of envelopes E that can be handled by the enclosing support unit 160. Figure 29 is a diagram showing an example in which envelopes E of various widths are applied to the side view shown in Figure 6.

[0142] 29(a) and 29(c), there are no side walls (walls restricting both ends in the axial direction) in the axial direction of the rotation shafts of the first enclosing guide claw 162 and the second enclosing guide claw 163. Therefore, the enclosing assist operation can be performed even if the width of the envelope E or the width of the folded sheet Sf is wider than the dimensions of the first enclosing guide claw 162 and the second enclosing guide claw 163. In other words, the width dimensions of the envelope E and the folded sheet Sf that can be supported for the enclosing operation in the enclosing assist unit 160 are not limited by the dimensions of the first enclosing guide claw 162 and the second enclosing guide claw 163.

[0143] 29(b), the width of the envelope E may be narrower than the longitudinal dimensions of the first and second enclosing guide tabs 162 and 163. Even in this case, the folded sheet Sf to be enclosed can be guided in the enclosing direction by the first and second enclosing guide tabs 162 and 163, so the envelope E can be enclosed without protruding beyond the width of the envelope E.

[0144] As described above, the two claws of the enclosing assist unit 160 according to this embodiment have no side walls, and can guide the enclosing operation of the enclosures without moving them in the width direction. Furthermore, the opening of the envelope E can be widened, allowing for smooth enclosing of various sizes of enclosures and envelopes E.

[0145] [Second embodiment of the encapsulation support unit 160] Next, a second embodiment of the enclosing assist unit 160 will be described with reference to Figures 30 to 32. The enclosing assist unit 160a according to this embodiment further includes a guide plate spring 1612 as second biasing means for biasing the flap guide plate 161 and the first enclosing guide claw 162 so as to press them against each other.

[0146] According to the enclosing support unit 160a, the flap ef can be clamped between the flap guide plate 161 and the first enclosing guide claw 162 by biasing in opposite directions, such as the biasing force of the guide plate spring 1612 and the biasing force of the first enclosing guide claw spring 169. This allows the flap ef to be reliably transported to a path branching from the envelope transport path 1105 toward the flap holding roller 1611 during the enclosing operation.

[0147] [Third embodiment of the encapsulation support unit 160] Next, a third embodiment of the enclosing assist unit 160 will be described with reference to Figures 33 to 35. The enclosing assist unit 160b according to this embodiment includes a configuration in which a third enclosing guide claw 53 is used as an enclosing guide claw that presses the flap ef against the flap guide plate 161 described above, so that the flap ef is retracted from the enclosing path during the enclosing operation. 33 is a front view of the enclosing support unit 160b, FIG. 34(a) is a right side view of the enclosing support unit 160b, and FIG. 34(b) is a top view of the enclosing support unit 160b. Also, FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of the third enclosing guide claw 53.

[0148] Like the already-described enclosing support units 160b and 160ba, the enclosing support unit 160b is also installed at a predetermined position on the envelope conveying path 1105. The predetermined position where the enclosing support unit 160b is installed is near the "enclosing position," which is the position where the envelope E is held when an enclosure is inserted into the envelope E. "Near the enclosing position" refers to, for example, a position where the flap ef can be retracted and held in place before the envelope E is conveyed to the enclosing position, and the envelope E can be conveyed to the enclosing position while maintaining that state.

[0149] When an envelope E is conveyed to the insertion position where an enclosure is inserted into the envelope E, the inserting support unit 160b uses a single claw member to retract the flap ef of the envelope E from the envelope conveying path 1105. This claw member is kept pressed against the opposing guide member, and the flap ef is clamped at this pressed portion, thereby keeping the flap ef out of the way of the insertion of the enclosure during insertion. Furthermore, the inserting support unit 160b operates to widen the opening of the envelope E by conveying the envelope E to the insertion position while keeping the flap ef in the retracted position.

[0150] In other words, the enclosing support unit 160b is configured to widen the opening of the envelope E to ensure that the flap ef does not interfere with the enclosing operation of the enclosure E, and to ensure smooth enclosing.

[0151] 33, the insertion support unit 160b configures a flap conveying path as an evacuation path for evacuating the flap ef from the envelope conveying path 1105, and includes a flap guide plate 161 as a flap guide member that guides the flap ef in the evacuation direction. Note that the envelope conveying path 1105 is not shown in FIG.

[0152] A flap holding roller 1611 that holds the retreated flap ef is disposed ahead of the flap guide plate 161. The flap holding roller 1611 is a pair of rollers that sandwich the flap ef.

[0153] Flap guide plate 161 as a guide member functions as a support when third enclosing guide claw 53 is pressed against it by third enclosing guide spring 59. Therefore, the portion where flap guide plate 161 and third enclosing guide claw 53 come into contact corresponds to a position retracted from envelope conveyance path 1105.

[0154] The flap ef is sandwiched between the flap guide plate 161 and the third enclosing guide claw 53, causing the enclosing support unit 160b to enter a flap retracted state. In the flap retracted state, the envelope E is held in a position where it can be transported to the enclosing position, and the flap ef is held in a retracted (folded) state in a direction different from the transport direction (flap transport direction). This causes the envelope E to bend slightly toward the flap guide plate 161, and the opening of the envelope E is pulled in the direction in which the flap ef is folded down. As a result, the opening of the envelope E is slightly widened.

[0155] The enclosing assisting unit 160b also includes an enclosing claw opposing guide plate 52 as an enclosing guide member. The enclosing claw opposing guide plate 52 is fixed and included as a member that constitutes part of the envelope conveying path 1105.

[0156] Opposite the inserting claw opposing guide plate 52 is an inserting guide member, an inserting claw fixed guide plate 54, which is a component that constitutes part of the envelope conveying path 1105. The inserting claw fixed guide plate 54 holds an inserting guide shaft 56 that serves as a rotation shaft for the third inserting guide claw 53. The third inserting guide claw 53 is rotatably held on the inserting guide shaft 56, and a third inserting guide spring 59 biases a tip end 531 toward the flap guide plate 161. The third inserting guide claw 53 is controlled by a drive cam 60 to move between a retracted position and a biased position.

[0157] The encapsulation guide shaft 56 is caulked to the third encapsulation guide claw 53 and rotatably fitted to the encapsulation claw fixing guide plate 54 via a bearing.

[0158] The third enclosing guide spring 59 is mounted between the third enclosing guide claw 53 and the enclosing machine frame, and biases the third enclosing guide claw 53 in the pulling direction. The third enclosing guide spring 59 biases the third enclosing guide claw 53 clockwise around the enclosing guide shaft 56 as viewed in FIG. 33, pressing the tip 531 against the flap guide plate 161.

[0159] The drive cam 60 is an eccentric cam that rotates around a rotation axis. The rotation of the drive cam 60 controls the switching of the third enclosing guide claw 53 between the retracted position and the biased position.

[0160] Here, the shape of the tip portion 531 will be described with reference to Figure 35. As shown in Figure 35(a), the portion of the tip portion 531 that comes into contact with the flap guide plate 161 is not sharp but curved so as not to damage the flap ef. Note that, as shown in Figure 35(b), the tip may be bent in the thickness direction so that the portion that presses the flap ef against the flap guide plate 161 has an R-shape.

[0161] [Regarding the dimensional relationship between the inserting claw opposing guide plate 52, the third inserting guide claw 53 and the envelope E] Here, the sizes of envelopes E that can be handled by the enclosing support unit 160b will be described. Figure 36 is a diagram showing an example in which envelopes E of various widths are applied to the side view shown in Figure 34(a).

[0162] 36(a) and 36(c), the inserting claw opposing guide plate 52 and the third inserting guide claw 53 do not have side walls (walls restricting both ends in the axial direction) in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the third inserting guide claw 53. The inserting assist unit 160b has the function of opening the opening of the envelope E conveyed to the inserting position by inserting the inserting claw opposing guide plate 52 and the third inserting guide claw 53 into the opening of the envelope E to an opening sufficient to allow inserting the envelope E. Because the inserting claw opposing guide plate 52 and the third inserting guide claw 53 do not have side walls, the inserting assist operation can be performed even if the width of the envelope E or the width of the folded sheet Sf is wider than the longitudinal dimensions of the inserting claw opposing guide plate 52 and the third inserting guide claw 53. That is, the width of the envelope E and folded sheet Sf that can be supported in the enclosing operation by the enclosing support unit 160b is not limited by the dimensions of the enclosing claw opposing guide plate 52 and the third enclosing guide claw 53.

[0163] 36(b), the width of the envelope E may be narrower than the longitudinal dimensions of the inserting tab opposing guide plate 52 and the third inserting guide tab 53. Even in this case, the folded sheet Sf to be inserted can be guided in the inserting direction by the inserting tab opposing guide plate 52 and the third inserting guide tab 53, so that the envelope E can be inserted without protruding beyond the width of the envelope E.

[0164] As described above, the enclosing support unit 160b according to this embodiment does not have side walls on either the inserting claw opposing guide plate 52 or the third inserting guide claw 53, so it can guide the inserting operation of the enclosures without moving them in the width direction. Furthermore, the opening of the envelope E can be widened, so the inserting operation can be smoothly performed for combinations of various sizes of enclosures and envelopes E.

[0165] [Description of Enclosure Assistance Operation According to the Third Embodiment] Next, an example of a series of steps in the enclosing operation by the enclosing support unit 160b will be described with reference to Figures 37 to 44. In each figure, only components used to explain each operation stage are denoted by reference numerals, etc.

[0166] As in the enclosing and sealing process described in the first embodiment, the envelope E is conveyed by the second vertical conveying roller 123 and the first vertical conveying roller 122 until it reaches the enclosing position according to the flap length. When the flap ef has passed the first vertical conveying roller 122 and reached the enclosing position according to the flap length, the rotation of the second vertical conveying roller 123 and the first vertical conveying roller 122 is stopped, and the process enters into an enclosing standby operation (see FIG. 13).

[0167] The flow leading up to the insertion standby operation will now be described. First, Figure 37 illustrates the state in which envelope E is conveyed in the +Z direction along envelope conveyance path 1105 and reaches first vertical conveyance roller 122. At this time, third insertion guide claw 53 is pushed up by drive cam 60. As a result, tip 531 of third insertion guide claw 53 is separated from flap guide plate 161.

[0168] 38, the envelope E is conveyed, and when the flap ef reaches a position in the +Z direction beyond the tip 531 of the third inserting guide tab 53, that is, when the tip of the flap ef reaches a position beyond the third inserting guide tab 53, the conveyance of the envelope E is stopped. The position of the envelope E at this time corresponds to the "predetermined position." As in the first embodiment, the control to stop the conveyance of the envelope E may be performed based on the flap length calculated up to this stage and the amount of rotation of each conveyance roller pair that has rotated to convey the envelope E in the envelope conveyance path 1105. For example, the stop control may be performed based on the conveyance speed of the envelope E and the distance that the envelope E travels to the stop position based on the flap length.

[0169] 39, the drive cam 60 rotates by a predetermined angle. This rotation of the drive cam 60 rotates the third enclosing guide claw 53 in the direction biased by the third enclosing guide spring 59. As a result, the tip 531 of the third enclosing guide claw 53 is pressed against the flap guide plate 161, and the flap ef is sandwiched between the tip 531 of the third enclosing guide claw 53 and the flap guide plate 161.

[0170] That is, when the envelope E reaches a predetermined position (where the flap ef overlaps the tip 531 of the third enclosing guide claw 53), the third enclosing guide claw 53 directs the flap ef toward the flap guide plate 161.

[0171] Next, as shown in Figure 40, rotation of first vertical conveying roller 122 and the like resumes, causing envelope E to be further conveyed in the +Z direction. At this time, envelope E is conveyed against the biasing force of third enclosing guide tab 53. Then, tip 531 of third enclosing guide tab 53 is inserted into the opening of envelope E. At this time, flap ef is conveyed while being pressed toward flap guide plate 161 by third enclosing guide tab 53, so that envelope E is conveyed in a direction different from the conveyance direction of the opening. As a result, envelope E is slightly deformed by the conveyance of flap ef, and the opening is expanded. Then, third enclosing guide tab 53 enters into the expanded opening.

[0172] 41, when the envelope E is further conveyed in the +Z direction by the rotation of the first vertical conveying rollers 122, the third enclosing guide claws 53 are inserted further into the envelope E. Then, when the envelope E reaches the enclosing position, the rotation of the first vertical conveying rollers 122 is stopped, and the conveyance of the envelope E is stopped.

[0173] At this stage, third inserting guide claw 53 enters the interior of envelope E, and flap ef is conveyed in the direction of the flap conveying path formed by flap guide plate 161 and moves to a position where it is held by flap holding roller 1611. The main body of envelope E is conveyed to envelope conveying path 1105, which is in a different direction from the flap conveying path. As a result, the opening of envelope E extends outward beyond envelope conveying path 1105 along the outer slope of third inserting guide claw 53.

[0174] After reaching the state shown in Figure 41, as described in the first embodiment, the flap ef is held in an open state by the enclosing support part 160b until the state described in Figures 19 to 22 is reached.

[0175] 42, for an envelope E in a waiting state, a folded sheet Sf, which is an enclosure that has been conveyed along the insert conveying path 1104, passes between the inserting claw opposing guide plate 52 and the inserting claw fixed guide plate 54. Then, the folded sheet Sf is guided toward the inside of the envelope E along the slope of the third inserting guide claw 53.

[0176] At this time, the first vertical conveying rollers 122 increase the distance between the opposing rollers (the rollers are separated from each other) and retreat to a position where the folded sheet Sf does not interfere with the insertion of the envelope E. Note that, to make the envelope E ready for insertion, even if the first vertical conveying rollers 122 release their grip on the envelope E, the flap ef is held by the flap holding roller 1611. This allows the envelope E to continue to be held at the insertion position.

[0177] 43, as the folded sheet Sf is conveyed into the interior of the envelope E, the third enclosing guide claw 53, pressed by the folded sheet Sf, rotates around the enclosing guide shaft 56 and moves out of the path of the folded sheet Sf. As a result, the folded sheet Sf is conveyed sequentially from the opening of the envelope E to the interior.

[0178] Third enclosing guide claw 53 is biased by third enclosing guide spring 59 in the direction toward flap guide plate 161, but folded sheet Sf is conveyed against this biasing force. Although not shown, folded sheet Sf is then further conveyed to the back of envelope E by another member and inserted therein.

[0179] [Fourth embodiment of the encapsulation support unit 160] Next, another embodiment of the enclosing assist unit 160 will be described with reference to Figures 44 to 46. In addition to the configuration of the enclosing assist unit 160c according to the third embodiment, the enclosing assist unit 160d according to this embodiment further includes a guide plate spring 1612 as second biasing means for biasing the flap guide plate 161 and the third enclosing guide claw 53 so as to press them against each other.

[0180] According to the enclosing support unit 160d, the flap ef can be clamped between the flap guide plate 161 and the third enclosing guide claw 53 by biasing in opposite directions, such as the biasing force of the guide plate spring 1612 and the biasing force of the third enclosing guide spring 59. This allows the flap ef to be reliably transported to a path branching from the envelope transport path 1105 toward the flap holding roller 1611 during the enclosing operation.

[0181] 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]

[0182] 1: Print system 52: Enclosed claw opposing guide plate 53: Third enclosed guide claw 54: Enclosed nail fixing guide plate 56: Enclosure guide shaft 59: Third enclosed guide spring 60: Drive cam 100: Encapsulating and sealing processing device 110: Sheet reversing processing section 120: Encapsulation processing section 121: Enclosed roller 122: First vertical conveying roller 123: Second vertical conveying roller 124: Flap opening roller 125: Separation roller 126: Envelope transport roller 127: Envelope set tray 128: Separate sensor 129: Flap open detection sensor 130: Sealing processing section 150: Enclosure sealing control unit 160: Enclosure Support Department 160a: Enclosure Support Department 161: Flap guide plate 162: First enclosed guide claw 163: Second enclosed guide claw 164: Enclosed guide stay 165: First enclosed guide claw shaft 166: Second enclosed guide claw shaft 167: Second enclosed guide claw arm 168: Second enclosed guide claw spring 169: First enclosed guide claw spring 170: Drive cam 200: Image forming device 300: Folding device 400: Post-processing device 531:Tip 1100: Loading route 1101: First transport path 1102: Second transport path 1103: Switchback conveyor 1104: Enclosure transport path 1105: Envelope transport path 1106: Sealed transport route 1107: Envelope entrance 1108: Envelope discharge path 1611: Guide leaf spring 1612: Guide leaf spring 1641: First spring fixed end 1642: Second spring fixed end 1643: Bottom [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0183] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 07-102842

Claims

1. An enclosing device that encloses an enclosure in an envelope transported to an enclosing position, an inserting assisting means for assisting the inserting operation, the inserting means being disposed on an envelope conveying path for conveying the envelope to the inserting position; The encapsulation assisting means is a flap conveyance direction switching claw that presses the flap against a guide member that forms a flap conveyance path branching from the envelope conveyance path so as to direct the flap toward the flap conveyance path branching from the envelope conveyance path when the flap of the envelope reaches a predetermined position on the way to the enclosing position; a first biasing means for biasing a guide member forming the flap transport path and the flap transport direction switching claw so as to press them against each other, An enclosing device, characterized in that the envelope is transported to the enclosing position while the flap is retracted from the envelope transport path.

2. The encapsulation assisting means is Further, an enclosure guide member is included which forms a part of the transport path of the enclosure. The enclosing device according to claim 1 , wherein the enclosing guide member forms an enclosing path for the enclosure together with the flap transport direction switching claw.

3. The encapsulation assisting means is a switching biasing claw that is in an initial state so as to block an inserting path for inserting the insert into the envelope; 2. The sealing device according to claim 1, further comprising a second biasing means for biasing the switching biasing claw to the initial state.

4. 4. The enclosing device according to claim 3, wherein the switching biasing claw is pushed by the enclosure being transported to the enclosing position and moves from the initial position against the biasing force of the second biasing means.

5. The encapsulation assisting means is The flap guide member further includes a flap guide member for guiding the flap. The enclosing device according to claim 1 , wherein the tip of the flap transport direction switching claw, which presses against the flap guide member, has an R-shape in the thickness direction.

6. The encapsulation assisting means is 6. The enclosing device according to claim 1, further comprising a tapered portion facing upstream in a conveying direction when the envelope is conveyed to the enclosing position.

7. The encapsulation assisting means is 7. The enclosing device according to claim 1, wherein when the envelope reaches the enclosing position with the flap retracted from the envelope transport path, the enclosing device operates in a direction to widen the opening of the envelope.

8. 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 enclosing device according to claim 1 that encloses and seals the medium conveyed from the image forming device or the folding device into an envelope.

Images