Paper folding device

Abstract

To enable fold-process of paper to be fold-processed with good quality free of wrinkles even if the paper is thicker than a specified value, and to widen paper-folding specifications as much as possible so as to correspond various paper sizes.SOLUTION: A paper folding device is configured such that paper is held on a conveying path, in a state where paper conveyance is stopped, with a folding plate, the part of paper intended to be folded is folded back towards the opposite position of the paper held on the conveying path, and meanwhile, a folding unit can be moved by sliding.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper folding device that performs folding processing while moving a flat sheet of paper along a paper conveyance path.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a paper folding device that folds a conveyed sheet of paper is known. Patent Document 1 below discloses a paper folding device (folding device) capable of suppressing displacement of the folding position of a sheet of paper to be folded.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1 above, a paper folding device is disclosed in which a pair of folding rollers conveys a sheet of paper while the sheet of paper is folded inward at the nip portion of the pair of folding rollers. In this method, the pair of folding rollers always holds and conveys the sheet of paper, and can continuously perform folding processing without stopping the paper conveyance, resulting in good work efficiency. However, such a pair of folding rollers can be used to fold a sheet of paper only when the thickness of the paper, such as copy paper or letter paper, is relatively thin. On the other hand, when the paper is thicker than a predetermined value, for example, cardboard for manufacturing a box for storing a liquor bottle, a holder for business cards, a thick paper for a pocket holder that can hold a catalog or a flyer, etc., it is difficult to perform folding processing with good quality without wrinkles using a pair of folding rollers.

[0005] If the paper is thicker than a specified thickness, another paper folding method can be considered in which the paper is held on the transport path, and with the paper transport stopped, the portion of the paper to be folded is folded back towards the opposite position of the paper held on the transport path using a folding plate or the like. However, when folding the paper, if the folding position (the position where the crease is formed) is fixed, the folding operation may be obstructed by components installed on the transport path, such as transport rollers, depending on the paper size. As a result, the paper folding specifications for various paper sizes may be limited.

[0006] The object of the present invention, in view of the problems of the prior art described above, is to enable folding of paper to be folded with good quality without the occurrence of wrinkles, even when the paper to be folded is thicker than a predetermined value, and to broaden the range of paper folding specifications that can accommodate various paper sizes as much as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the invention described in claim 1 is a paper folding device for folding a flat sheet of paper while moving it along a paper transport path, comprising: a self-propelled folding unit that can slide along the paper transport path; and a first paper transport means arranged downstream of the folding unit in the paper transport direction, which receives the folded paper from the folding unit and further transports it downstream in the paper transport direction, wherein the device further comprises a control means that slides the folding unit to a predetermined folding position corresponding to the paper during the folding operation, and slides the folding unit to a transfer position after the folding operation is completed, to which the folded paper is transferred from the folding unit to the first paper transport means.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is a paper folding device as described in claim 1, wherein the folding unit comprises a reversing means connecting a reversing plate on which the front portion of the paper is placed and a base plate on which the rear portion of the paper is placed, with a reversing shaft as the pivot, and the reversing means is configured to rotate the reversing plate on the reversing shaft as the pivot and overlap it with the base plate, thereby folding the front portion of the paper placed on the reversing plate back onto the rear portion of the paper placed on the base plate.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is a paper folding device according to claim 2, characterized in that the base plate is provided with an air intake port, and when the reversing plate rotates, the rear portion of the paper placed on the base plate is attracted to the base plate by the suction force from the air intake port.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is a paper folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a guide rail that supports the folding unit so as to be slidable, the guide rail is composed of a rack gear, the folding unit has a pinion gear as a drive gear arranged to mesh with the rack gear, and the folding unit is configured to be movable along a paper transport path by the rotation of the pinion gear.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is a paper folding device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the folding unit is the Place the front part of the paper on the surface. An upper unit having a reversal plate, and the Place the back of the paper on the surface. It consists of a lower unit having a base plate, and the upper unit is, The upper unit is connected to the lower unit so as to rotate around a pivot and overlap it, and furthermore, the upper unit is provided with a driven roller and the lower unit is provided with a drive roller, and the upper and lower units are positioned opposite each other in a manner that allows them to contact each other across the paper transport path on the overlapping surface of the upper and lower units.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is a paper folding device according to claim 5, wherein the folding unit has a retraction mechanism that can retract only the retraction plate from the paper transport path while the retraction plate remains superimposed on the base plate, and the control means is configured such that, after the folding operation is completed and the folded paper is to be transferred from the folding unit to the first paper transport means, the retraction mechanism retracts the retraction plate, and then the drive roller rotates, causing the driven roller to rotate in a driven manner, thereby transporting the folded paper toward the first paper transport means.

[0013] The invention described in claim 7 is a paper folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a second paper transport means disposed upstream of the folding unit for transporting the paper before folding from the upstream side toward the folding unit, wherein the second paper transport means is configured to be in a transport state that grips the paper when transporting the paper toward the folding unit, and to be configured to be in a released state that releases the grip after the paper has been handed over to the folding unit.

[0014] The invention described in claim 8 is a paper folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the folding unit is provided with a crease processing means on the upstream side in the paper transport direction, and the crease processing means is configured to pre-form a crease at the fold when the paper is folded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the invention described in claim 1, during the folding operation, the folding unit is slid to a predetermined folding position corresponding to the paper, and after the folding operation is completed, the folding unit is slid to a transfer position where the folded paper is handed over from the folding unit to the first paper transport means. As a result, the folding operation is not hindered by components installed on the transport path, such as transport rollers, and the range of paper folding specifications that can accommodate various paper sizes is broadened.

[0016] According to the invention described in claim 2, the folding unit comprises a reversing means in which a reversing plate on which the front portion of the paper is placed and a base plate on which the rear portion of the paper is placed are connected with a reversing axis as a pivot. The reversing means is configured to rotate the reversing plate with the reversing axis as a pivot and overlap it with the base plate, thereby folding the front portion of the paper placed on the reversing plate back onto the rear portion of the paper placed on the base plate. As a result, even when the paper to be folded is thicker than a predetermined value, it can be folded with good quality without the occurrence of wrinkles, etc.

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 3, the base plate is equipped with an air intake port, and when the reversing plate rotates, the rear portion of the paper placed on the base plate is attracted to the base plate by the suction force from the air intake port. Therefore, when the front portion of the paper placed on the reversing plate is folded back to the rear portion of the paper placed on the base plate, the rear portion of the paper placed on the base plate is firmly held by the base plate. Thus, the paper can be folded with high precision.

[0018] According to the invention described in claim 4, the folding unit is provided with a guide rail that supports the folding unit so as to be slidable, the guide rail is composed of a rack gear, the folding unit has a pinion gear as a drive gear arranged to mesh with the rack gear, and the folding unit is configured to be movable along the paper transport path by the rotation of the pinion gear, so that when folding is performed, the folding unit can be precisely slid to a predetermined folding position according to the paper.

[0019] According to the invention described in claim 5, the folding unit is composed of an upper unit having an inversion plate and a lower unit having a base plate. The upper unit is connected so as to rotate about an inversion axis as a pivot and overlap the lower unit. Further, a driven roller is provided on the upper unit, and a driving roller is provided on the lower unit. They are arranged to face each other in a state where they can contact each other with the paper conveyance path on the overlapping surface of the upper unit and the lower unit interposed therebetween. Therefore, as a folding unit having conveyance means integrally, it can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0020] According to the invention described in claim 6, the folding unit has a retraction mechanism that can retract only the inversion plate from the paper conveyance path while the inversion plate is overlapped on the base plate. The control means is configured such that, after the folding operation is completed, when delivering the paper after the folding process from the folding unit to the first paper conveyance means, the inversion plate is retracted by the retraction mechanism, and then the driving roller is rotated and the driven roller is rotated passively to transfer the paper after the folding process toward the first paper conveyance means. Therefore, as a folding unit having conveyance means integrally provided with a retraction mechanism, it can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0021] According to the invention described in claim 7, it includes a second paper conveyance means arranged on the upstream side of the folding unit for transferring the paper before the folding process from the upstream side toward the folding unit. The second paper conveyance means is configured to set a conveyance state in which the paper is sandwiched when conveying the paper toward the folding unit, and to set a release state in which the sandwiching is released after delivering the paper to the folding unit. It is possible to prevent damage to the paper when delivering the paper from the upstream side of the folding unit to the folding unit.

[0022] According to the invention described in claim 8, a creasing means is provided on the upstream side in the paper conveyance direction of the folding unit. The creasing means is configured to form a crease in advance at the folding line when folding the paper. Therefore, the folding process can be performed with higher accuracy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a paper folding apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the paper folding apparatus 1 in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a plan view of a sheet S processed by the paper folding apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a state of processing of a sheet in the paper folding apparatus 1. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a state of processing of a sheet in the paper folding apparatus 1. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the folding unit 70. [Figure 7] It is a perspective plan view of the folding unit 70 in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a perspective front view of the folding unit 70 in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a state of processing of a sheet in the folding unit 70. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a state of processing of a sheet in the folding unit 70. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a state of processing of a sheet in the folding unit 70. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a state of processing of a sheet in the folding unit 70. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a retraction operation of the reversing plate 77. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an operation of the retraction mechanism 78 of the reversing plate 77. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the surface state of the base plate 76. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing a state of processing of a sheet in the folding unit 70.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] 〔Overall Configuration of Paper Folding Apparatus 1〕 Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a paper folding device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a plan view of the paper folding device. The paper folding device 1 is equipped with a paper feeding section 16 and a paper discharge section 17 at both ends of the device body 10. A transport path 20 is formed from the paper feeding section 16 to the paper discharge section 17 by a transport section 2 consisting of a number of pairs of rollers 19.

[0025] The transport unit 2 transports the paper S from the paper feeding unit 16 to the paper discharge unit 17. A transport drive unit (not shown) is connected to the transport unit 2. The transport path 20 is equipped with a skew correction unit 4, a vertical crease unit 5, a horizontal crease unit 6, a first folding unit 11, a second folding unit 12, a first adhesive application unit 21, a third folding unit 13, a second adhesive application unit 22, and a fourth folding unit 14, all moving from the paper feeding unit 16 to the paper discharge unit 17. The paper folding device 1 also includes a control unit 9 within the device body 10 that controls the operation of the entire device.

[0026] The paper feeding unit 16 includes a paper feeding tray 94 and a suction transport unit 95. Paper S is placed on the paper feeding tray 94. The paper feeding tray 94 is raised and lowered by a lifting mechanism (not shown). The suction transport unit 95 includes a suction box 96 and a transport belt 97. The suction box 96 is connected to a blower 98 shown in Figure 2. When the blower 98 is driven, negative pressure is generated in the suction box 96, and the uppermost sheet of paper S on the paper feeding tray 94 is attracted to the underside of the transport belt 97 and transported toward the transport unit 2 downstream.

[0027] The skew correction unit 4 is located downstream of the paper feed unit 16. It receives the paper S discharged from the paper feed unit 16 onto the auxiliary transport belt 42 and transports the paper S diagonally toward the reference plate 44 shown in Figure 2, while transporting it downstream in the transport direction, so that the edges of the received paper S are aligned with the reference plate 44. Above the auxiliary transport belt 42, a press roller unit 43 is positioned to press down on the paper S being transported on the auxiliary transport belt 42 with press rollers.

[0028] The vertical crease section 5 forms a fold C in the paper S along the transport direction F. The vertical crease section 5 comprises an upper member 51, a lower member 52, a separation section 53, and a lateral movement section 54. The upper member 51 is installed above the transport path 20. The upper member 51 is formed in a disc shape with a concave groove on its circumferential surface. The lower member 52 is installed below the transport path 20 at a position opposite the upper member 51, and the lower member 52 is also formed in a disc shape with a convex circumferential surface. The separation section 53 separates the upper member 51 from the lower member 52. The lateral movement section 54 moves the upper member 51 and the lower member 52 together in the width direction W perpendicular to the transport direction F.

[0029] The horizontal crease section 6 forms a fold C along the width direction W on the paper S. The horizontal crease section 6 comprises a recessed member 61, a convex member 62, and a lifting / lowering section 63. The recessed member 61 is installed above the transport path 20 and is raised and lowered by the lifting / lowering section 63. The convex member 62 is opposite the recessed member 61 and is installed below the transport path 20.

[0030] The first folding section 11 folds the rear end portion of the paper S along the width direction W. The first folding section 11 comprises a first folding member 46, a first receiving plate 47, and a first swinging section 48. The first folding member 46 is swung by the first swinging section 48 with the first swinging shaft 49 as its axis, toward the first receiving plate 47 on the downstream side.

[0031] The second folding section 12 folds the front end portion of the paper S along the width direction. The second folding section 12 comprises a second folding member 56, a second receiving plate 57, and a second swinging section 58. The second folding member 56 swings around a second swinging shaft 59 toward the upstream second receiving plate 57.

[0032] The first adhesive application unit 21 applies adhesive to the paper S along the width direction W. The first adhesive application unit 21 includes a first nozzle 81, a first adhesive supply unit (not shown), and a first adhesive moving unit (not shown). The first nozzle 81 sprays adhesive G from the first adhesive supply unit toward the paper S, applying the adhesive G to the paper S. The first adhesive supply unit supplies adhesive G to the first nozzle 81. The first adhesive moving unit moves the first nozzle 81 in the width direction W.

[0033] The third folding section 13 folds the paper S along a crease C in the transport direction F. The third folding section 13 comprises a third folding member 66, a third receiving plate 67, and a third swinging section 68. The third folding member 66 and the third receiving plate 67 are arranged side by side in the width direction W. The third folding member 66 is swung toward the third receiving plate 67 by the third swinging section 68, with a third swinging shaft 69 extending in the transport direction F as its axis.

[0034] The second adhesive application section 22 has the same configuration as the first adhesive application section 21.

[0035] The self-propelled folding unit 70 in the fourth folding section 14 receives the paper S from the third folding section 13, which is positioned upstream as a second paper transport means 702. After folding the front end portion of the paper S along the width direction W, the paper S is then passed to a plurality of rollers 19, which are positioned downstream as a first paper transport means 701. The folding unit 70 includes a reversing plate 77 and a base plate 76. The reversing plate 77 pivots toward the upstream base plate 76 with a reversing axis 79 as its axis. The specific configuration of the folding unit 70 will be described later.

[0036] The pressing unit 8 presses the fold C of the paper S. The pressing unit 8 comprises a pair of upper and lower pressing members 85 and a lifting unit 86. The pair of pressing members 85 are arranged facing each other vertically via a transport path 20. The lifting unit 86 moves the pressing member 85 installed above the transport path 20 up and down toward the other opposing pressing member 85.

[0037] The discharge unit 17 is on which the processed paper S is placed. The discharge unit 17 is equipped with a discharge tray 99.

[0038] [Operation of Paper Folding Device 1] Next, the processing of the paper S will be explained in detail by illustrating two forms.

[0039] (1) Processing of Pocket Folders First, the processing of pocket folders will be explained using Figures 3 and 4. A pocket folder is a paper folder that has pockets inside when opened, into which documents and other items can be stored.

[0040] Figure 3 is a plan view of a sheet of paper S processed by the paper folding device 1 according to this embodiment. The sheet of paper S is pre-cut into a predetermined shape by a die. The sheet of paper S has a main body B, a front adhesive margin D, a rear adhesive margin E, a front folding piece H, and a rear folding piece I. Adhesive G is applied to the front adhesive margin D and the rear adhesive margin E. The front adhesive margin D, the rear adhesive margin E, the front folding piece H, and the rear folding piece I are folded toward the main body B at the front horizontal fold C1, the rear horizontal fold C2, the front vertical fold C3, and the rear vertical fold C4, respectively. Furthermore, the sheet of paper S is folded in half at the center fold C5, forming the processed product J shown in Figure (b).

[0041] Figure 4 shows the processing of a pocket folder in the paper folding device 1. When the paper folding device 1 processes the paper S, the paper S shown in Figure 4(a) is placed on the paper feed tray 94. The uppermost sheet of paper S on the paper feed tray 94 is supplied to the downstream skew correction unit 4 by the suction transport unit 95.

[0042] In the skew correction unit 4, the paper S is transported by the movement of the skew belt 42, with its side edge K (reference edge of the paper S) shown on the left in Figure 4(a) aligned with the reference plate 44, and the skew is corrected. When the paper S reaches the vertical crease unit 5, a front vertical fold C3 and a rear vertical fold C4 are formed along the transport direction F, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 4(b).

[0043] Subsequently, the paper S is transported to the lateral crease section 6. When the front lateral fold C1 of the paper S is positioned between the upper member 61 and the lower member 62, the control unit 9 (not shown) stops the transport of the paper S by the transport unit 2. The control unit 9 then drives the lifting unit 63 to engage the upper member 61 with the lower member 62 via the paper S, thereby forming the front lateral fold C1. The rear lateral fold C2 is formed in the same manner as the front lateral fold C1. Thus, the front lateral fold C1 and rear lateral fold C2 shown in Figure 4(c) are formed.

[0044] Subsequently, the leading portion of the paper S passes through the first folding section 11 and reaches the second folding section 12. When the front horizontal fold C1 reaches above the second pivot axis 59 of the second folding section 12, the control unit 9 stops transporting the paper S. The control unit 9 drives the second pivot unit 58 to fold the paper S at the front horizontal fold C1, and the front adhesive margin D is brought opposite the main body B. At this point, the paper S is in the state shown in Figure 4(d).

[0045] Subsequently, the control unit 9 drives the transport unit 2, causing the leading portion of the paper S to pass through the first adhesive application unit 21 and the third folding unit 13. When the front adhesive margin D reaches the second adhesive application unit 22, the control unit 9 stops the transport unit 2. The control unit 9 sprays adhesive G from the second nozzle 91 of the second adhesive application unit 22, applying the adhesive G to the upper surface of the front adhesive margin D. At this point, the paper S is in the state shown in Figure 4(e).

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 9 drives the third oscillating unit 68 without moving the paper S while the glue is applied to the front glue flap D. The third folding member 66 is oscillated around the third oscillating shaft 69 and reaches the position opposite the third receiving plate 67. As a result, as shown in Figure 4(f), the paper S is folded at the front vertical fold line C3. The front folding piece H is positioned above the main body B. At this time, the front glue flap D is already positioned above the main body B, and since glue G has been applied to the upper surface of the front glue flap D, the upper surface of the front glue flap D and the lower surface of the front end portion of the front folding piece H are bonded together.

[0047] Next, the control unit 9 drives the transport unit 2. The paper S is transported downstream, and when the rear fold C2 at the rear of the paper S reaches the position where the first swing shaft 49 of the first folding unit 11 is installed, the control unit 9 stops the transport unit 2 and drives the first swing unit 48. The paper S is folded along the rear transverse fold C2, and the rear glue allowance E is positioned above the main body B. At this point, the paper S is in the state shown in Figure 4(g).

[0048] The control unit 9 drives the transport unit 2 and stops it when the rear adhesive margin E reaches the first adhesive application unit 21. When the control unit 9 sprays adhesive G from the first nozzle 81, the adhesive G is applied to the upper surface of the rear adhesive margin E, as shown in Figure 4(h). Then, the control unit 9 drives the third oscillating unit 68 to oscillate the third folding member 66 around the third oscillating shaft 69, positioning it opposite the third receiving plate 67. As a result, the paper S is folded at the rear vertical fold line C4, as shown in Figure 4(i). The adhesive G on the upper surface of the rear adhesive margin E, located between the main body B and the rear folding piece I, adheres the rear adhesive margin E to the rear folding piece I.

[0049] The control unit 9 drives the transport unit 2, and when the central fold C5 reaches the fourth folding unit 14, it stops the transport unit 2. The control unit 9 swings the fourth folding member 76 to fold the paper S at the central fold C5. As a result, the paper S is in the state shown in Figure 4(j). The folded paper S is transported by the transport unit 2. When the leading edge of the paper S reaches the pressing unit 8, the control unit 9 stops the transport unit 2. The control unit 9 drives the lifting unit 86 and presses the front fold C1 and rear fold C2, which are stacked vertically on top of each other, with the pair of pressing members 85. As a result, the paper S is firmly folded at the front fold C1 and rear fold C2. In addition, the applied adhesive G firmly adheres the front adhesive margin D to the front fold H, and the rear adhesive margin E to the rear fold I.

[0050] The processed material J obtained through the processing process is discharged onto the discharge tray 99.

[0051] (2) Box Processing Next, the box processing will be explained using Figure 5. Here, the box is, for example, a box for holding a wine bottle, and the paper folding device 1 has the function of performing simple processing on the paper S after processing so that it can be easily assembled by hand.

[0052] Figure 5 shows the box processing process in the paper folding device 1. Figure 5(a) is a plan view of the paper S processed by the paper folding device 1 according to this embodiment. The paper S is pre-cut into a predetermined shape by a die. When the paper folding device 1 processes the paper S, the paper S shown in Figure 5(a) is placed on the paper feed tray 94. The uppermost sheet of paper S on the paper feed tray 94 is supplied to the downstream skew correction unit 4 by the suction transport unit 95.

[0053] In the skew correction unit 4, the skew belt 42 is positioned parallel to the reference plate 44 (the angle of the skew belt 42 can be changed), and a stopper (not shown) that can protrude and retract is interposed in the transport path of the paper S. The front edge K' (reference edge of the paper S) of the transported paper S is brought against the stopper to correct the skew of the paper S.

[0054] When the paper S reaches the vertical crease section 5, a first vertical fold f5 and a second vertical fold f6 are formed along the transport direction F in Figure 5(a). The vertical crease sections 5 are located at two locations in the width direction of the transport direction.

[0055] Subsequently, the paper S is transported to the horizontal crease section 6. When the first horizontal fold f1, second horizontal fold f2, third horizontal fold f3, and fourth horizontal fold f4 of the paper S are positioned between the upper member 61 and the lower member 62, the control unit 9 sequentially stops the transport of the paper S by the transport section 2. Then, the control unit 9 drives the lifting unit 63 and engages the upper member 61 with the lower member 62 via the paper S, thereby sequentially forming the first horizontal fold f1, second horizontal fold f2, third horizontal fold f3, and fourth horizontal fold f4 of the paper S shown in Figure 5(a).

[0056] Subsequently, the leading portion of the paper S reaches the first folding section 11. When the third horizontal fold f3 of the paper S reaches above the first pivot axis 49 of the first folding section 11, the control unit 9 stops transporting the paper S. The control unit 9 drives the first pivot section 48 to fold the paper S at the first horizontal fold f3, and the front adhesive margin Y is brought opposite the main body T. As a result, the paper S is in the state shown in Figure 5(b).

[0057] Subsequently, the control unit 9 drives the transport unit 2 to pass the leading portion of the paper S through the first glue application unit 21 and the third folding unit 13. When the glue margin Y reaches the second glue application unit 22, the control unit 9 stops the transport unit 2. The control unit 9 sprays glue G from the second nozzle 91 of the second glue application unit 22 and applies glue G to the upper surface of the glue margin Y of the folded piece V, as shown in Figure 5(c).

[0058] The control unit 9 drives the transport unit 2, and when the first horizontal fold f1 of the paper S reaches the fourth folding unit 14, the control unit 9 stops the transport unit 2. The control unit 9 swings the fourth folding member 77 so that the paper S is folded at the first horizontal fold f1, and the adhesive G on the upper surface of the adhesive margin Y of the folded piece V adheres the adhesive margin Y to the folded piece W. As a result, the paper S is in the state shown in Figure 5(d). The folded paper S is transported by the transport unit 2. When the leading part of the paper S reaches the pressing unit 8, the control unit 9 stops the transport unit 2. The control unit 9 drives the lifting unit 86 and presses the first horizontal fold f1 and the third horizontal fold f3, which are stacked vertically on top of each other, with the pair of pressing members 85. As a result, the paper S is firmly folded at the first horizontal fold f1 and the third horizontal fold f3. In addition, the applied adhesive G firmly adheres the adhesive margin Y of the folded piece V to the folded piece W.

[0059] The processed material J obtained through the processing process is discharged onto the discharge tray 99.

[0060] [Embodiment of the folding unit 70] Next, an embodiment of the folding unit 70 will be described in detail.

[0061] The folding unit 70 is a paper folding mechanism of the fourth folding section 14 in the paper folding device 1, and is used when folding relatively large pieces of paper, such as when folding a sheet of paper S at the central crease C5, as shown in Figure 4 for the processing of a pocket folder, or when folding a sheet of paper S at the first horizontal crease f1, as shown in Figure 5 for the processing of a box.

[0062] Figure 6 is an overall perspective view of a folding unit 70 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The folding unit 70 is self-propelled and can slide along a paper transport path so that the folding position can accommodate various paper sizes.

[0063] According to this, the folding operation will not be hindered by components installed on the transport path, such as transport rollers, and the range of paper folding specifications that can accommodate various paper sizes will be expanded.

[0064] Furthermore, the folding unit 70 is provided with a guide rail that supports it so that it can slide freely. The guide rail is composed of a rack gear 747, and the folding unit 70 has a pinion gear 746 as a drive gear that meshes with the rack gear 747, and is configured to move along the paper transport path by the rotation of the pinion gear 746. In addition, a guide member 749, which is integrally formed with the folding unit 70, is configured to slide while fitting onto a shaft 748 that is installed parallel to the rack gear 747, in order to support the sliding movement of the folding unit 70.

[0065] According to this, during the folding operation, the folding unit can be precisely slid to a predetermined folding position according to the paper.

[0066] The folding unit 70 includes a reversing mechanism in which a reversing plate 77 on which the front part of the paper S is placed and a base plate 76 on which the rear part of the paper S is placed are connected by a reversing shaft 79 as a pivot. The reversing mechanism rotates the reversing plate 77 on the reversing shaft 79 as a pivot and overlaps it with the base plate 76, thereby folding the front part of the paper S placed on the reversing plate 77 back onto the rear part of the paper S placed on the base plate 76.

[0067] The base plate 76 is equipped with an air intake port 761. When the inversion plate 77 rotates, the rear portion of the paper S placed on the base plate 76 is attracted to the base plate 76 by the suction force of air from the air intake port 761. The suction force from the air intake port 761 is provided by a vacuum mechanism 703. The tip of the suction hose 762 is connected to the air intake port 761 on the inversion plate 77. In detail, as shown in Figure 15, the surface of the base plate 76 has small irregularities (recesses 764 and protrusions 763), and the air intake port 761 is formed to communicate with the recesses 764. When the rear portion of the paper S placed on the base plate 76 is attracted to the base plate 76 by the suction force from the air intake port 761, the paper S is attracted to the entire surface of the base plate 76. Figure 15(a) is a partial plan view of the base plate 76, and Figure 15(b) is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 15(a).

[0068] In Figure 6, the folding unit 70 consists of an upper unit 704 having a reversal plate 77 and a lower unit having a base plate 76. The upper unit 704 is connected to the lower unit 705 so as to rotate around a reversal shaft 79 as a pivot and overlap with it. Furthermore, the upper unit 704 is provided with a driven roller, a transport roller 71, and the lower unit 705 is provided with a driven roller, a transport roller 72. The upper unit 704 and the lower unit 705 are positioned opposite each other, with the paper transport path in between the overlapping surfaces of the upper unit 704 and the lower unit 705, so as to be able to contact each other. Note that Figure 6 shows the upper unit 704 and the lower unit 705 in the open state.

[0069] [Drive mechanism of folding unit 70] Next, the drive mechanism in the folding unit 70 will be described. The drive mechanism of the folding unit 70 is broadly composed of a reversing plate rotation mechanism 73, a folding unit movement mechanism 74, and a transport roller rotation mechanism 75. (1) Reversing plate rotation mechanism 73 First, let me explain the reversal plate rotation mechanism 73.

[0070] In Figure 6, the reversing plate rotation mechanism 73 is a drive mechanism that rotates the reversing plate 77 around the reversing shaft 79 as a pivot, and includes a drive motor 731 that functions as a driving means, a pulley 732 attached to the rotation shaft of the drive motor 731, a pulley 734 attached to the reversing shaft 79, a drive transmission shaft 737 that transmits the drive from the drive motor 731 to the other side of the reversing shaft 79, a pulley 735 attached to the drive transmission shaft 737, and a timing belt 733 stretched between these pulleys 732, 734, and 735. When the drive motor 731 is rotated, the driving force is transmitted to the pulley 734 via the pulleys 732 and 735, and as a result, the reversing plate 77 rotates freely in both forward and reverse directions around the reversing shaft 79 as a pivot. A tension-applying roller 736 is provided on the timing belt 733 to apply tension.

[0071] (2) Folding unit moving mechanism 74 Next, the folding unit movement mechanism 74 will be described.

[0072] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the folding unit 70. In Figure 7, the folding unit moving mechanism 74 is a drive mechanism for moving the folding unit 70 along a paper transport path, and includes a guide rail that supports the folding unit 70 so that it can slide freely. The guide rail is composed of a rack gear 747, and the folding unit 70 has a pinion gear 746 as a drive gear that meshes with the rack gear 747. The folding unit moving mechanism 74 also includes a drive motor 744 that functions as a driving means, a pulley 741 attached to the rotating shaft of the drive motor 744, a pulley 742 attached to the rotating shaft 745 of the pinion gear 746, and a timing belt 743 stretched between these pulleys 741 and 742. When the drive motor 744 is rotated, the driving force is transmitted to the rotating shaft 745 of the pinion gear 746 via the pulleys 741 and 742. As a result, the pinion gear 746 rotates, and the folding unit 70 moves freely back and forth along the paper transport path (rack gear 747).

[0073] (3) Conveyor roller rotation mechanism 75 Next, the conveyor roller rotation mechanism 75 will be described.

[0074] Figure 8 is a perspective front view of the lower unit 705 of the folding unit 70 in Figure 6, viewed from direction A. In Figure 8, the transport roller rotation mechanism 75 is a drive mechanism for transporting the folded paper S downstream in the paper transport direction by rotating the transport roller 72 (drive roller) and driving the transport roller 71 (driven roller) in the upper unit 704 (see Figure 6). The mechanism includes a drive motor 754 that functions as a driving means, a pulley 752 attached to the rotation shaft of the drive motor 754, a pulley 751 attached to the rotation shaft 745 of the transport roller 72, and a timing belt 753 stretched between these pulleys 752 and 751. When the drive motor 754 is rotated, the driving force is transmitted to the rotation shaft 745 of the transport roller 72 via the pulleys 752 and 751, resulting in the transport roller 72 rotating and driving the transport roller 71 to rotate.

[0075] [Folding operation of folding unit 70] Next, the folding operation of the folding unit 70 will be described.

[0076] As shown in Figure 16(a), a second transport means 702 is located upstream of the folding unit 70, and the unprocessed paper S is transferred from the second transport means 702 to the folding unit 70. A first transport means 701 is located downstream of the folding unit 70, and the paper S that has been folded in the folding unit 70 is transferred to the first transport means 701.

[0077] When folding is performed by the folding unit 70, first, with the upper unit 704 and lower unit 705 open, the folding unit 70 is slid to a predetermined folding position according to the paper and stopped. When sliding the folding unit 70, depending on the paper size, the folding operation of the paper may be obstructed by the upper rollers of the multiple pairs of rollers 19 (see Figure 1) in the first transport means 701. In that case, the system is configured so that all the upper rollers can be moved away from the folding path on the paper transport path so that the folding operation is not obstructed. After folding, the retracted upper rollers return to the nip position with the lower rollers so that the folded paper can be transported downstream.

[0078] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, after the folding unit 70 slides, the upper unit 704 and the lower unit 705 are in an open state. Next, the paper S transported from the upstream second transport means 702 is transported so that the folding position S' is aligned with the position of the reversal axis 79 (see Figure 6), with the front part of the paper S placed on the reversal plate 77 in both open units and the rear part of the paper S placed on the base plate 76, and then it stops.

[0079] Subsequently, air is drawn in from the air intake port 761 of the base plate 76, and the resulting suction force causes the rear portion of the paper S placed on the base plate 76 to be attracted to and fixed to the base plate 76.

[0080] According to this method, when the front portion of the paper placed on the reversing plate is folded back to the rear portion of the paper placed on the base plate, the rear portion of the paper on the base plate is firmly held in place by the base plate. Therefore, high-precision folding can be achieved. Furthermore, even if the paper to be folded is thicker than a predetermined value, it can be folded with good quality without the occurrence of wrinkles or other issues.

[0081] The upper unit 704, which has a reversing plate 77 as a reversing means, swings toward the lower unit 705, which has an upstream base plate 76, with the reversing axis 79 as its axis, and performs a folding process in which the front part of the paper S placed on the reversing plate 77 is folded toward the rear part of the paper S placed on the base plate 76. Specifically, Figure 10 shows the state in which the upper unit 704 having the reversing plate 77 is swinging toward the lower unit 705 having the base plate 76, and Figure 11 shows the state in which both units are closed and the paper S is folded at the folding position S'.

[0082] At this time, as shown in Figure 16(b), the folding unit 70, having completed the folding process, has the folded paper S sandwiched between the two units, with the upper unit 704 and the lower unit 705 closed. The second paper transport means 702 (upper roller 7021, lower roller 7022) was set to a transport state that gripped the paper S (upper roller 7021 in the nip position) when transporting the paper S toward the folding unit 70, but after the paper was handed over to the folding unit, it was set to a released state that released the grip (upper roller 7021 in the retracted position). In addition, although the third folding section 13 described above is exemplified as the second paper transport means 702 in this invention, it is not limited to this form, and any transport means capable of transporting paper is acceptable.

[0083] Based on the above, it is possible to prevent damage to the paper when it is transferred from the upstream side of the folding unit to the folding unit.

[0084] Next, with the paper S sandwiched between the two units, the folding unit 70 is slid to a transfer position where the folded paper S is transferred from the folding unit 70 to the first paper transport means 701. As shown in Figure 16(c), the folding unit 70 has a retraction mechanism 78 that can retract only the inversion plate 77 from the paper transport path while the inversion plate 77 remains superimposed on the base plate 76. The control means is configured such that, after the folding operation is completed and the folded paper S is transferred from the folding unit 70 to the first paper transport means 701, the retraction mechanism 78 retracts the inversion plate 77, and then the transport roller 72 (driven roller) rotates, causing the transport roller 71 (driven roller) to rotate in a driven manner, thereby transporting the folded paper S toward the first paper transport means 701. Specifically, in Figure 12, the reversing plate 77 is retracted to release the pressure between the reversing plate 77 and the base plate 76, and then the paper S is transported by the transport rollers (71, 72). At this time, the air intake from the air intake port 761 of the base plate 76 is stopped.

[0085] Based on the above, a folding unit with an integrated transport mechanism can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0086] Furthermore, the paper folding device 1 is equipped with a crease processing means (lateral crease section 6) on the upstream side of the folding unit 70 in the paper transport direction, and the crease processing means is configured to pre-form creases at the folds when the paper S is folded.

[0087] According to this, since the crease is formed in advance by the crease processing means before the folding unit 70 folds the paper S, there are no misalignments in the folds, and the folding process can be performed with greater precision.

[0088] [Operation of the retraction mechanism 78] The retraction mechanism 78 for the reversal plate 77 is a drive mechanism that constitutes part of the reversal plate rotation mechanism 73, and is a mechanism that can retract only the reversal plate 77 from the paper transport path while the reversal plate 77 remains superimposed on the base plate 76 when the folded paper S is transferred from the folding unit 70 to the first paper transport means 701.

[0089] Figure 13(a) shows the state of the folding unit 70 immediately after the folding process (when the retraction mechanism 78 is not in operation), with the inversion plate 77 superimposed on the base plate 76 and pressed down by the spring 781. The folded paper S is omitted from the diagram.

[0090] Figure 13(b) shows the state immediately before the folded paper S is transferred from the folding unit 70 to the first paper transport means 701 (the state when the retraction mechanism 78 is activated). The retraction mechanism 78, which will be described later, retracts the inversion plate 77 to a distance from the base plate 76. The folded paper S is omitted from the diagram.

[0091] Next, we will describe the specific configuration of the evacuation mechanism 78. Figure 14 shows the state of the folding unit 70 immediately after folding (when the retraction mechanism 78 is not in operation), with the inversion plate 77 superimposed on the base plate 76 and pressed down by the spring 781. Note that the folded paper S is omitted. Specifically, the mounting member 787 to which the inversion plate 77 is integrally attached is pressed toward the base plate 76 by the spring 781. The mounting member 787 has a protrusion 786 formed thereon, and by lifting the protrusion 786 upward, the inversion plate 77 can be retracted away from the base plate 76. In addition, the support plate 782 is configured to rotate freely in the vertical direction around a rotation axis 783 which is integrally attached to the frame 788 of the upper unit 704.

[0092] Furthermore, the protruding portion 786 is held in place by the notch 7821 of the support plate 782, and when the notch 7821 is lifted upward, the inversion plate 77 can be moved away from the base plate 76.

[0093] In other words, during the folding process, as the upper unit 704 swings toward the lower unit 705 around the reversal axis 79, the mounting member 787 (reversal plate 77) is pressed toward the base plate 76, and the folding process is completed. This state corresponds to Figure 13(a). At that time, the rotation axis 783 also moves downward along with the swing of the upper unit 704 (frame 788). In addition, as the rotation axis 783 moves downward, the support plate 782 also moves downward while holding the protruding portion 786 with the notch portion 7821. After the folding process is completed, the protruding portion 784, which is integrally formed with the support plate 782, comes into contact with the stopper 785, which is integrally attached to the frame (not shown) of the paper folding device 1.

[0094] Furthermore, as the upper unit 704 is swung toward the lower unit 705, the protrusion 784 of the support plate 782 that is in contact with the stopper 785 pushes down the rotation axis 783 side of the support plate 782. As a result, the notch 7821 that holds the opposite protrusion 786 is pulled up against the pressing force of the spring 781, and the reversing plate 77 can be moved away from the base plate 76. This state corresponds to Figure 13(b).

[0095] Based on the above, a folding unit that integrates a transport mechanism and further includes a folding plate retraction mechanism can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0096] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, this embodiment can be modified as appropriate in ways other than those suggested here. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the constituent members are not limited to this embodiment, and can be set to a number, position, shape, etc. that is suitable for carrying out the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] F Conveying direction S paper 1. Paper folding device 2. Conveying section 16 Paper feed section 17 Paper output section 70 folding units 71 Conveyor roller (top) 72 Conveyor roller (bottom) 73. Folding plate rotation mechanism 74 Folding Unit Movement Mechanism 75 Conveyor roller rotation mechanism 76 Base Plate 77 Reversible Plate 78 Evacuation mechanism 79 Reversal axis

Claims

1. A paper folding device for folding a flat sheet of paper while moving it along a paper transport path, comprising: a self-propelled folding unit that can slide along the paper transport path; and a first paper transport means positioned downstream of the folding unit in the paper transport direction, which receives the folded paper from the folding unit and transports it further downstream in the paper transport direction; further comprising a control means that slides the folding unit to a predetermined folding position corresponding to the paper during the folding operation, and slides the folding unit to a transfer position after the folding operation is completed, to which the folded paper is transferred from the folding unit to the first paper transport means.

2. The paper folding device according to claim 1, wherein the folding unit comprises a reversing means connecting a reversing plate on which the front portion of the paper is placed and a base plate on which the rear portion of the paper is placed, with a reversing shaft as the pivot, and the reversing means is configured to rotate the reversing plate on the reversing shaft as the pivot and overlap it with the base plate, thereby folding the front portion of the paper placed on the reversing plate back onto the rear portion of the paper placed on the base plate.

3. The paper folding device according to claim 2, characterized in that the base plate is provided with an air intake port, and when the reversing plate rotates, the rear portion of the paper placed on the base plate is attracted to the base plate by the suction force from the air intake port.

4. A paper folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a guide rail that supports the folding unit so as to be slidable, the guide rail is composed of a rack gear, the folding unit has a pinion gear as a drive gear arranged to mesh with the rack gear, and the folding unit is configured to be movable along a paper transport path by the rotation of the pinion gear.

5. The folding unit comprises an upper unit having a reversing plate on which the front portion of the paper is placed, and a lower unit having a base plate on which the rear portion of the paper is placed, wherein the upper unit is connected to the lower unit so as to rotate on a pivot point of a reversing axis and overlap it, further comprising a driven roller for the upper unit and a drive roller for the lower unit, and arranged opposite each other in a manner that allows them to contact each other across the paper transport path on the overlapping surface of the upper unit and the lower unit, as described in any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The paper folding device according to claim 5, wherein the folding unit has a retraction mechanism that can retract only the retraction plate from the paper transport path while the retraction plate remains superimposed on the base plate, and the control means is configured to, after the completion of the folding operation, transfer the folded paper from the folding unit to the first paper transport means, retract the retraction plate using the retraction mechanism, then rotate the drive roller and drive the driven roller to transfer the folded paper toward the first paper transport means.

7. The paper folding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second paper transport means positioned upstream of the folding unit for transporting the paper before folding from the upstream side toward the folding unit, wherein the second paper transport means is configured to be set to a transport state in which it grips the paper when transporting the paper toward the folding unit, and to be set to a released state in which it releases the grip after the paper has been handed over to the folding unit.

8. The paper folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a crease processing means is provided on the upstream side of the folding unit in the paper transport direction, and the crease processing means is configured to pre-form a crease at the fold when the paper is folded.

Images