Embedding device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide an enclosing device for preventing a conveyance interval between a preceding enclosed article and a succeeding enclosed article from being narrowed, according to continuously executed enclosing processing.SOLUTION: An enclosing device that continuously executes enclosing processing of being enclosed in an envelope by conveying an enclosed article to an enclosing standby position comprises: flap opening state determination means for determining whether or not a flap of the envelope is opened during conveyance of the envelope, in an envelope conveying passage for conveying the envelope to the enclosing standby position; enclosed article conveying interval calculation means for calculating an interval of conveying time of the enclosed article continuously conveyed to the enclosing standby position, based on a determination result at the flap opening state determination means; and enclosed article conveying interval notification means for notifying an external device as a conveying-in side to convey the enclosed article to the enclosing standby position of the interval relating to a succeeding enclosed article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an enclosing devic reference e and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] Enclosing devices that enclose contents in an envelope are known. Enclosing and sealing devices that enclose contents in an envelope and further perform sealing are also known. Further, an enclosing system that links a folding processing device that folds a medium to be enclosed with an enclosing device or an enclosing and sealing device to enclose and seal the folded contents, and an image forming system that links an image forming device that forms an image on a medium to be enclosed, a folding processing device, and an enclosing device or an enclosing and sealing device to enclose and seal the image-formed and folded contents are also known.

[0003] When an enclosing and sealing device and an image forming device are connected in-line to form a single system, a configuration is disclosed in which the conveyance interval of contents is adjusted by changing the image forming timing for the contents in the image forming device so that the contents can be stably enclosed in an envelope (see Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when contents are successively conveyed to an enclosing standby position in an enclosing and sealing device and enclosing processing is continuously performed, the interval between a content conveyed to the enclosing standby position and a subsequent content that follows it gradually becomes narrower. If the conveyance interval of contents conveyed to the enclosing standby position becomes narrower, a subsequent content will be conveyed to the enclosing standby position before the enclosing processing of the preceding content is completed, and the timing of conveying the envelope corresponding to the subsequent content to the enclosing standby position will be mismatched. This influence causes factors leading to a decrease in accuracy of enclosing processing, such as failure in processing of inserting contents into an envelope. That is, when the conventional technology is applied, there is a problem in terms of stably continuing enclosing processing.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a sealing device that prevents the transport interval between preceding and subsequent sealing items from narrowing during a sequential sealing process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention relates to an envelope sealing device that continuously performs an envelope sealing process, transporting the contents to an envelope sealing waiting position and sealing them in an envelope, and comprises: a flap open state determination means for determining whether the flap of the envelope is open during the transport of the envelope to the envelope sealing waiting position; an contents transport interval calculation means for calculating the transport time interval of contents being continuously transported to the envelope sealing waiting position based on the determination result of the flap open state determination means; and a contents transport interval notification means for notifying an external device that is the source of transport for the contents to the envelope sealing waiting position of the interval for subsequent contents. Furthermore, the enclosed material transport interval calculation means calculates an interval extension amount to extend the interval when it is determined that the flap is not open. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in a sequentially executed encapsulation process, it is possible to prevent the transport interval between the preceding encapsulated object and the subsequent encapsulated object from becoming narrower. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A front view showing an embodiment of the image forming system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing an example of the control configuration according to the above embodiment. [Figure 3] An internal configuration diagram of an embodiment of the sealing device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 13] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 15] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 16] A diagram illustrating one step of the sealing operation according to one embodiment of the above-described sealing device. [Figure 17] A schematic diagram of the flap opening mechanism included in an embodiment of a sealing device. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of the flap opening operation of the flap opening mechanism described above. [Figure 19] This figure shows another example of the flap opening operation of the flap opening mechanism described above. [Figure 20] A functional block diagram of the control unit included in the above-mentioned sealing and packaging device. [Figure 21] This figure shows an example of an abnormal flap opening operation of the flap opening mechanism described above. [Figure 22] A schematic diagram showing a part of the first embodiment of the flap opening mechanism described above. [Figure 23] A schematic diagram showing another part of the first embodiment of the flap opening mechanism described above. [Figure 24] A schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the flap opening mechanism described above. [Figure 25] A diagram illustrating the conveyance timing of envelopes and insertion contents in the above inserting and sealing device. [Figure 26] A diagram illustrating the conveyance timing of envelopes and insertion contents in the above inserting and sealing device. [Figure 27] A diagram illustrating the conveyance timing of envelopes and insertion contents in the above inserting and sealing device. [Figure 28] A flowchart showing the flow of envelope conveyance processing executed by the above control unit. [Figure 29] An internal configuration diagram showing an example of a folding processing unit applicable to the above embodiment. [Figure 30] An internal configuration diagram showing another example of a folding processing unit applicable to the above embodiment. [Figure 31] An internal configuration diagram showing another example of a folding processing unit applicable to the above embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiments of Insertion System and Image Forming System] First, embodiments of an insertion system and an image forming system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the internal configuration of a print system 1 as an example of an insertion system and an image forming system. The print system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 200, a folding processing apparatus 300 serving as a sheet processing apparatus, an inserting and sealing processing apparatus 100 that constitutes an embodiment of the insertion system according to the present invention in cooperation with the folding processing apparatus 300, and a post-processing apparatus 400.

[0010] The print system 1 is configured such that the image forming apparatus 200, the folding processing apparatus 300, the inserting and sealing processing apparatus 100, and the post-processing apparatus 400 are connected in-line and can cooperate with each other, and corresponds to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Further, a configuration in which the folding processing apparatus 300 and the inserting and sealing processing apparatus 100 are connected in-line and configured to be capable of cooperating with each other corresponds to an embodiment of the insertion system according to the present invention.

[0011] In the print system 1, the image forming apparatus 200 and the folding apparatus 300 correspond to a common material supply device for the material to be enclosed, as described later, with respect to the sealing and enclosing apparatus 100, which acts as an enclosing apparatus. The material supply device is positioned upstream of the sealing and enclosing apparatus 100 and has the function of performing a predetermined process on the medium to be enclosed and then discharging it downstream.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 200 is an example of a device that forms an image on a sheet-like medium and discharges it using a predetermined image forming method. Hereinafter, the sheet-like medium will simply be referred to as "sheet S". Furthermore, in the folding processing apparatus 300 described later, a sheet S that has undergone a predetermined folding process will be referred to as a "folded sheet Sf". In other words, the "enclosed material" described in this embodiment includes both a sheet S discharged downstream from the image forming apparatus 200 and transported to the sealing and enclosing processing apparatus 100 without folding, and a folded sheet Sf that has undergone folding. Note that both cases in which the sheet S or folded sheet Sf has undergone image forming processing, and cases in which no image forming processing has been performed, are included in this embodiment.

[0013] In this embodiment, an item that is transported to a sealing standby position and is scheduled to be sealed may be referred to as an item to be sealed.

[0014] An instruction to perform or not perform folding on the sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus 200 is included in a control instruction to the control unit (printer control unit 260, described later) of the image forming apparatus 200. This control instruction is sent from the printer control unit 260 based on information input by the user of the print system 1. Alternatively, it is sent to the folding control unit 320 of the folding processing apparatus 300 based on information input by the user of the print system 1.

[0015] The sealing and inserting processing device 100 performs an inserting process in which the sheet S or folded sheet Sf, which are inserted as inserts and discharged from a device (image forming device 200 or folding processing device 300) located upstream of the direction in which the sheet S is fed (conveying direction), are inserted into an envelope E. It also performs a sealing process to seal the envelope E into which the inserts have been inserted. There is also a process in which the sheet S or folded sheet Sf are discharged directly to a device located downstream, and no inserting or inserting process is performed on the sheet S or folded sheet Sf.

[0016] The sealing and inserting device 100 can also insert the folded sheet Sf into the envelope E in an appropriate orientation. Here, "appropriate orientation" refers to the orientation corresponding to the transparent window ew pre-formed on the envelope E so that information such as the address, formed on the folded sheet Sf as an insert, can be seen from the outside of the envelope E after insertion. There are multiple types of folding processes (folding types) that can be applied to the folded sheet Sf, and the orientation of the information such as the address relative to the transport direction will differ depending on the folding type.

[0017] Therefore, the sealing and packaging processing device 100 determines whether or not it is necessary to reverse the orientation of the folded sheet Sf in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction during transport, depending on the type of folding. If reversal is necessary, the device is equipped with a transport mechanism that reverses the folded sheet Sf using the transport path upstream of the sealing standby position before transporting it to the sealing standby position. Details of the reversal control and transport control for the folded sheet Sf will be described later. The sealing and packaging processing device 100 can also similarly seal sheets S that have not undergone folding.

[0018] The post-processing device 400 is a device that performs post-processing, such as stapling, on the sheets S and folded sheets Sf discharged from the upstream device, as instructed via the control unit.

[0019] [Coordinate axes referenced in this embodiment] Here, we will explain the "coordinate axes" that will be referenced in the description of embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the Y-axis is an axis parallel to the mounting surface of the print system 1 and aligned with the direction in which each device constituting the print system 1 is arranged. The direction of the arrow indicating the Y-axis is defined as the "+Y direction," and the opposite direction is defined as the "-Y direction." The sheet S on which an image has been formed in the image forming apparatus 200 is discharged in the +Y direction and then transported to each device located downstream in the +Y direction.

[0020] Furthermore, the axis parallel to the mounting surface of the print system 1 and aligned with the depth direction of the print system 1 is defined as the X-axis. The direction of the arrow indicating the X-axis is defined as the "+X direction," and the opposite direction is defined as the "-X direction."

[0021] Furthermore, the axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes and aligned with the height direction of the print system 1 is defined as the Z axis. The direction of the arrow indicating the Z axis is defined as the "+Z direction," and the opposite direction is defined as the "-Z direction."

[0022] In the following explanations, if the same coordinate axes are included in the drawings, the definitions of directions used in those explanations shall be the same as those described above.

[0023] In the image forming apparatus 200, the sheet S on which the image has been formed is discharged in the +Y direction and then transported to the various devices located downstream. Therefore, the +Y direction is almost synonymous with the transport direction. However, in the sealing and encapsulation processing apparatus 100, although the direction in which the sheet S is brought in is the +Y direction, the transport direction in the sealing and encapsulation operation of the sheet S and folded sheet Sf is the Z direction.

[0024] In other words, in the print system 1, the main transport direction when transporting envelope E to the sealing standby position is different from the main transport direction when transporting the contents to the sealing standby position. The transport direction of envelope E is the "Z direction," and the transport direction of the contents is the "Y direction," which is perpendicular to this. Furthermore, the main transport direction when transporting envelope E to the sealing standby position is the "+Z direction," but the main transport direction when transporting envelope E from the sealing standby position to the discharge position is the "-Z direction."

[0025] [Functional blocks of Print System 1] The overall functional blocks of the print system 1 will be explained using Figure 2. In the following explanation, the contents to be transported to the encapsulation waiting position are assumed to be a folded sheet Sf, on which an image has been formed in the image forming apparatus 200 and a predetermined folding process has been performed in the folding processing apparatus 300. In Figure 2, the movement path (transport path) of the folded sheet Sf is shown with a dashed line, and the communication channels used for sending and receiving signals between each functional block are shown with solid lines. The movement path (transport path) of the sheet S is also shown with a dashed line.

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

[0027] The display unit 210 displays information to inform the user of the status of various functions and the operation details. The operation unit 220 is an operation interface for the user to perform setting operations such as setting the processing mode and the number of processing units, and setting the sealing and packaging processing device 100 to require inversion when sealing. The sheet feeding unit 230 is equipped with a sheet feeding mechanism that stocks sheets S and feeds them one by one. The image forming unit 240 forms a latent image on the photoreceptor and transfers the image to the sheet S. The fixing unit 250 fixes the image transferred to the sheet S. The printer control unit 260 controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned block function blocks.

[0028] The folding processing apparatus 300 according to this embodiment includes a sheet folding unit 310 and a folding control unit 320. The sheet folding unit 310 is configured to perform a plurality of different folding processes, which will be described later. The folding control unit 320 controls the sheet folding unit 310 to perform the folding process and the number of folds specified by the user. In addition, as will be described later, the folding control unit 320 also controls the additional folding process and the number of additional folding processes in order to adjust the transport interval of the enclosed material. Furthermore, the folding control unit 320 also performs a crease adjustment control process in the folding process performed by the sheet folding unit 310 so that creases are formed at positions specified by the user.

[0029] [Description of the sealing and packaging processing device 100] The sealing and packaging processing device 100 includes a sealed material transport unit 110, a sealing and packaging processing unit 120 as a sealing device, a sealing and packaging processing unit 130, a notification unit 190, and a sealing and packaging control unit 150.

[0030] The material transport unit 110 performs a sheet transport process to transport the folded sheet Sf to the encapsulation waiting position according to the orientation of the image forming surface Ps of the folded sheet Sf that has been transported from the sheet folding unit 310. Here, "sheet transport process" refers to a process that corresponds to the control mode (including the type of folding method, the position of the printed surface, etc.) transmitted from the folding control unit 320 to the encapsulation and sealing control unit 150 via the communication line 105. In other words, the material transport unit 110 performs a transport process to transport the folded sheet Sf downstream in the transport direction, and a reversal process to swap the transport direction end of the folded sheet Sf. Through the transport process and reversal process, the folded sheet Sf is transported to the encapsulation processing unit 120 or the post-processing device 400.

[0031] The sealing processing unit 120 includes a mechanism to move the envelope E to a position where the folded sheet Sf transported from the sealed material transport unit 110 can be sealed, to have the envelope E wait at the predetermined position, and to seal the sealed material into the waiting envelope E. The sealing processing unit 120 also includes a mechanism for opening the flap ef so that the opening of the envelope E is open before it reaches the predetermined position. It also includes a mechanism for calculating the length of the envelope E (dimensions in the direction in which the sealed material is sealed) and the length of the flap ef before it reaches the predetermined position. Through these mechanisms, the sealing process of the folded sheet Sf is performed on the envelope E, which is held at the predetermined position and has its opening open. This sealing process can be appropriately performed on envelopes E of various types and sizes.

[0032] The sealing processing unit 130 closes the flap ef of the envelope E containing the folded sheet Sf, and then discharges the sealed envelope E to the envelope discharge tray 134. The discharge operation to the envelope discharge tray 134 is also used to stop the insertion of the contents into the envelope E and discharge the envelope E when the insertion operation becomes abnormal, and corresponds to a discharge position different from the insertion standby position.

[0033] The notification unit 190, acting as a notification means, has the function of notifying users of the print system 1 and the sealing and packaging processing device 100 of the occurrence of an abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the packaging material transport process, packaging process, and sealing process controlled by the sealing and packaging control unit 150.

[0034] The sealing and enclosing control unit 150 controls the operation of multiple transport roller pairs that constitute the enclosed material transport unit 110, the sealing and enclosing processing unit 120 and the enclosing and enclosing processing unit 130 as sealing devices, and the operation of the switching claws that switch the transport path of the envelope E. In addition, when the sealing and enclosing control unit 150 detects an abnormality in the control of the above configuration, it notifies the abnormal condition via the notification unit 190.

[0035] In other words, the sealing and enclosing control unit 150 is a control means that performs transport control, including inversion control and enclosing control of the folded sheet Sf. The sealing and enclosing control unit 150, as the control unit, receives "enclosing target information" as information about the folded sheet Sf from the printer control unit 260 and the folding control unit 320. Then, it performs transport control based on the contents indicated in each piece of information contained in the received enclosing target information.

[0036] The "enclosed item information" refers to information about the enclosed sheet S and folded sheet Sf, and more specifically, includes information for controlling the leading end of the sheet S and folded sheet Sf when enclosed in the envelope E so that it becomes the desired end. It also includes, for example, "folding type information" that defines the type of folding process for the folded sheet Sf. It also includes, as operation instruction information from the image forming apparatus 200, which is one of the upstream devices, "reversal necessity information" that defines whether or not the reversal transport process described later is necessary. It also includes, for example, printed surface information that indicates the image forming surface on the folded sheet Sf where the image is formed. Furthermore, if, for example, the sheet folding unit 310 that performs the folding process has a configuration that allows it to perform different types of folding processes, it includes "folding processing device information" that indicates the type of folding process used.

[0037] The post-processing device 400 includes a post-processing unit 410 and a post-processing control unit 420. The post-processing unit 410 performs predetermined post-processing on the sheet S conveyed from the upstream side, under the control of the post-processing control unit 420. The post-processing control unit 420 controls the post-processing operations in the post-processing control unit 420 according to the operating modes transmitted via the communication line 403 from the printer control unit 260, the folding control unit 320, and the sealing and inserting control unit 150.

[0038] The printer control unit 260, folding control unit 320, sealing and inserting control unit 150, and post-processing control unit 420 are interconnected and configured to exchange control information via their respective communication lines (207, 105, 403). Therefore, through the cooperation of each control unit (260, 320, 150, 420), information regarding the processing mode requested by the user for the sheet S and folded sheet Sf, as well as the sheet size, are shared among them. This ensures that control information enabling each mechanism to execute predetermined processes at predetermined timings and steps is shared throughout the entire print system 1.

[0039] In this embodiment, the sealing and encapsulation control unit 150, which performs the central control operations, 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 interfaces that output control signals to each transport roller and input signals from each transport roller, as well as interfaces that receive output signals from each sensor. The operation of the sealing and encapsulation processing device 100 is controlled by a control program that can execute control processing using these hardware resources. Details of the functional blocks of the sealing and encapsulation control unit 150 will be described later.

[0040] Furthermore, the printer control unit 260, folding control unit 320, and post-processing control unit 420, like the insertion and sealing control unit 150, control the operation of the hardware mechanism using control programs that realize their respective functions, utilizing hardware resources such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM.

[0041] In Figures 1 and 2, an example of the configuration of the print system 1 is shown in which a post-processing device 400 is connected downstream of the envelope stuffing and sealing processing device 100. Typical post-processing devices 400 include finishers that perform stapling, stackers, and bookbinding machines. Alternatively, the print system 1 may be configured with the envelope stuffing and sealing processing device 100 at the very downstream end.

[0042] [Example of control operation in print system 1] Here, an embodiment of the control operation related to the print system 1 will be described. This embodiment includes control processing based on the envelope length of the envelope E and the flap length of the flap ef, which are calculated by the sealing processing unit 120 described later, and also includes processing to determine whether the flap ef is properly open before the envelope E is transported to the sealing waiting position. If the flap ef is not properly open, the flap opening process is executed again, and a retry process is included in which the envelope is transported to the sealing waiting position only after the flap ef is open.

[0043] The envelope insertion and sealing control unit 150, using a control processing program, calculates 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 standby position. The envelope insertion and sealing control unit 150 also notifies the folding control unit 320, the post-processing control unit 420, and the printer control unit 260 via the folding control unit 320 of the calculated envelope length and flap length.

[0044] In this embodiment, the envelope length refers to the length from the front end (tip) to the rear end (rear end) of the envelope E in the transport direction when the envelope E is transported to the sealing standby position. As will be described later, the envelope E is transported in a switchback transport manner, where the front and rear ends of the transport direction are reversed from the loading position to the sealing standby position, so the tip and rear end are reversed during transport. Also, since the flap ef is opened during transport, when the flap ef is closed, both ends are the ends of the main body of the envelope E, but when the flap ef is open, one end becomes the end of the flap ef.

[0045] In the following explanation, the front and rear ends will be described as appropriate depending on the transport state of envelope E, but the length from the front to the rear end when the flap ef is closed will be referred to as the "first envelope length". The length from the front to the rear end when the flap ef is open will be referred to as the "second envelope length".

[0046] Therefore, the first envelope length corresponds to the height dimension of the envelope E, and is the length from the bottom of the envelope E to the folding position of the flap ef. In the following explanation, this length may also be referred to as the "body length." The second envelope length corresponds to the length from the bottom of the envelope E to the tip of the flap ef when it is open. In other words, the second envelope length is the body length plus the length of the flap ef. Therefore, the value obtained by subtracting the first envelope length from the second envelope length corresponds to the length of the flap ef in the transport direction. In the following explanation, this distance may also be referred to as the "flap length."

[0047] By controlling the amount of envelope E transported based on the body length and flap length, envelope transport control can be performed to transport envelope E to the insertion waiting position.

[0048] Furthermore, based on the calculated flap length, it is possible to determine whether or not the flap ef is properly open. If it is determined that the flap ef is properly open, the device can be transported to the sealing standby position. If it is determined that the flap ef is not properly open, a retry process can be controlled to repeatedly perform the action to open the flap ef.

[0049] Furthermore, the execution of a retry process for the slap opening process may increase the time (envelope preparation time) between the time it takes to transport envelope E to the sealing standby position and the completion of the sealing process for this envelope E until the next envelope E is transported to the sealing standby position. If the envelope preparation time becomes too long compared to the time it takes for the contents to be transported from the feeding sheet unit 230 to the sealing standby position (content transport time), the likelihood of the sealing process performed at the sealing standby position failing increases.

[0050] Therefore, the timing at which the items to be enclosed are transported to the sealing standby position is changed based on the envelope preparation time that can be calculated in the sealing and sealing control unit 150 according to this embodiment and the item transport time that can be calculated through the cooperation of the printer control unit 260, the folding control unit 320, and the sealing and sealing control unit 150. The change in the timing at which the items to be enclosed are transported to the sealing standby position is achieved by a control process that adjusts the transport state of the items to be enclosed so that the transport timing of the items to be enclosed matches the transport timing of the envelope E.

[0051] In the print system 1 according to this embodiment, when executing a job that includes continuous envelope stuffing, if the transport timing of envelope E is delayed due to processing to recover from an abnormality in the transport of envelope E, the transport timing of the items to be stuffed is also adjusted to be delayed. This adjustment process makes it possible to synchronize the timing at which the items to be stuffed reach the stuffing standby position with the timing at which envelope E reaches the stuffing standby position, thereby enabling stable stuffing.

[0052] If the timing of transporting envelope E to the insertion waiting position is disrupted and does not match the timing of transporting the contents to the insertion waiting position, the contents will be held at the insertion waiting position until envelope E arrives before transport for insertion processing resumes, which increases the risk of damage to the contents.

[0053] [Operation of the sealing and packaging processing device 100] Next, the transport rollers and mechanisms for switching the transport path and transport direction of the transported material, which constitute the transport unit 110, the transport unit 120, and the sealing unit 130 of the transport unit 100, will be explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0054] [Configuration of the enclosed material transport unit 110] As shown in Figure 3, the enclosed material transport section 110 has multiple transport routes, distinguished as an inlet route 1100, a first transport route 1101, a second transport route 1102, a switchback transport route 1103, an enclosed transport route 1104 as a fourth transport route, and a sheet discharge route 1109.

[0055] The material transport unit 110 performs a process to orient the transported material to the appropriate orientation for insertion into the envelope E. When the folded sheet Sf etc., which has been brought in from the folding processing device 300, is not to undergo the insertion process described later, the entrance roller 101 guides the brought-in folded sheet Sf etc., from the input path 1100 to the first transport path 1101. It is then discharged to the downstream device via the sheet discharge path 1109.

[0056] Furthermore, when the folded sheets Sf etc., which have been transported from the folding processing device 300, are subjected to the sealing process described later, the folded sheets Sf etc. are transported to the sealing transport path 1104, which is a fourth transport path that branches off from the first transport path 1101 and leads to the sealing roller 121 that holds the envelope E. The sealing transport path 1104 is configured to continue to the envelope sealing transport path 1105, as described later.

[0057] [Configuration of the sealing processing unit 120] As shown in Figure 3, the sealing processing unit 120 is provided with an envelope sealing transport path 1105 that connects to a sealing transport path 1104 for receiving the sheet S or folded sheet Sf, which is the sealing material, from the sealing material transport unit 110 and sealing it into an envelope E.

[0058] The envelope insertion transport path 1105 is equipped with a first vertical transport roller 122 and a second vertical transport roller 123 for transporting the envelope E to a position where the folded sheet Sf is inserted into the envelope E (insertion waiting position). In the envelope insertion transport path 1105, the envelope E that has been transported to the position where the folded sheet Sf is received is held by the insertion roller 121.

[0059] The sealing standby position corresponds to the position between the sealing roller 121 and the first vertical transport roller 122. The sealing support unit 160 is positioned to the side of the envelope sealing transport path 1105 at the sealing standby position.

[0060] The sealing support unit 160, as a sealing means, has the function of retracting the flap ef of the envelope E, which could be an obstacle to the conveyed item, from the envelope sealing transport path 1105, in order to create a state where the item to be sealed can be easily inserted into the envelope E at the sealing standby position. By retracting the flap ef from the envelope sealing transport path 1105 by the sealing support unit 160, it is possible to prevent the flap ef from obstructing the insertion of the item on the transport path as the item is conveyed toward the envelope E. This makes it possible to support the smooth sealing of the item at the sealing standby position.

[0061] The sealing support unit 160 holds the flap ef in a retracted position away from the envelope sealing transport path 1105. This creates a state where the flap ef does not obstruct the entry (sealing) of the contents into the envelope E. Then, while maintaining the flap ef in the retracted position, the sealing support unit 160 expands the opening of the envelope E and performs actions to support the sealing operation so that the contents can be sealed smoothly.

[0062] The envelope insertion transport path 1105 is connected to the sealing transport path 1106 for sealing envelopes E containing the contents. The envelope insertion transport path 1105 is connected to the insertion transport path 1104 and the sealing transport path 1106 to form an envelope transport route.

[0063] Furthermore, a flap-opening roller 124 is positioned at the connection point from the envelope-insertion transport path 1105 to the sealing transport path 1106. The flap-opening roller 124 is equipped with a flap-opening claw 181, which serves as a flap-opening member for opening the flap ef. When the envelope E is discharged from the envelope set tray 127, passes through the envelope-in ​​transport path 1107, and joins the envelope-insertion transport path 1105, the flap-opening claw 181 acts to open the flap ef (flap-opening process).

[0064] The flap opening mechanism, which uses the flap opening claw 181 to open the flap ef, includes a flap opening process that opens the flap ef while transporting the envelope E, and a recovery process that re-executes the flap opening process if the flap ef does not open properly during the flap opening process. Both the flap opening process and the recovery process are performed by the flap opening mechanism 180.

[0065] The flap opening mechanism 180 is located near the junction of the envelope loading path 1107 and the envelope sealing and transport path 1105. The flap opening mechanism 180 includes a sensor located upstream of the flap opening roller 124 in the transport direction. This sensor is a separation sensor 128 that detects an envelope E with its flap ef closed and is a first envelope detection means for detecting the end of the envelope E in the transport direction and calculating the first envelope length.

[0066] Furthermore, the flap opening mechanism 180 includes a sensor positioned downstream of the flap opening roller 124 in the transport direction. This sensor detects the envelope E in the state where the flap ef should have been opened by the flap opening claw 181, and includes a flap opening sensor 129 as a second envelope detection means for detecting the end of the envelope E in the transport direction and calculating the second envelope length.

[0067] In other words, the first envelope length and the second envelope length can be calculated based on the detection results of multiple sensors provided by the flap opening mechanism 180, and based on these multiple calculation results, it can be determined whether or not the flap ef of the envelope E is properly open. The detailed configuration of the flap opening mechanism 180 will be described later.

[0068] At the junction where the envelope loading path 1107 merges with the envelope insertion transport path 1105, an envelope switchback switching claw 21 is positioned to switch the transport direction of the envelope E. This envelope switchback switching claw 21 is also included in the flap opening mechanism 180.

[0069] The envelope loading path 1107, which supplies envelopes E to the envelope insertion transport path 1105, is equipped with a separation roller 125, an envelope transport roller 126, and a separation sensor 128 as a first envelope length detection means. An envelope set tray 127 is also located at the end of the envelope loading path 1107. Together with the envelope insertion transport path 1105, the envelope loading path 1107 also constitutes an envelope transport route.

[0070] Multiple envelopes E are placed on the envelope set tray 127. The bottom end of each envelope E placed on the envelope set tray 127, opposite the flap ef, is oriented towards the separation roller 125. Therefore, when the envelope E is discharged from the envelope set tray 127, the leading edge in the transport direction is the bottom of the envelope E. Consequently, the end on the side with the flap ef becomes the rear end.

[0071] From among the multiple envelopes E placed on the envelope set tray 127, one envelope E is picked up by the separation roller 125 and transported by the separation roller 125 and the envelope transport roller 126 through the envelope loading path 1107 to a position beyond the envelope switchback switching claw 21. Then, with the help of the flap opening roller 124, when the rear end of the envelope E in the transport direction reaches a position beyond the tip (rotating end) of the envelope switchback switching claw 21, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 rotates to switch the envelope E into a state where it can be transported in a switchback manner.

[0072] In other words, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 rotates between a first position, which allows the envelope E removed from the envelope set tray 127 to be temporarily transported through the envelope insertion transport path 1105 to the sealing transport path 1106, and a second position, which allows the envelope E to be transported on the envelope insertion transport path 1105 towards the insert transport section 110. When the envelope switchback switching claw 21 is in the first position, its tip is positioned so as not to straddle the envelope input path 1107, creating a state in which the envelope E can move to the envelope insertion transport path 1105. When the envelope switchback switching claw 21 is in the second position, its tip is positioned so as to straddle the envelope input path 1107, creating a state in which the envelope E can be switched back and transported from the sealing transport path 1106 to the envelope insertion transport path 1105. The envelope switchback claw 21 switches the transport direction of the envelope E in the envelope insertion transport path 1105.

[0073] The first vertical conveyor roller 122 and the second vertical conveyor roller 123 convey and hold the envelope E at a predetermined position in the envelope sealing conveyor path 1105, which is the sealing standby position. As will be described later, the sealing standby position is a position where the opening of the envelope E (the position of the flap ef) is below the sealing roller 121 and above the first vertical conveyor roller 122.

[0074] The sealing roller 121 is a type of conveying roller that rotates in a direction that seals the folded sheet Sf, which has been conveyed from the sealed material conveying unit 110, into the envelope E.

[0075] [Configuration of the sealing processing unit 130] As shown in Figure 3, the sealing processing unit 130 has a third vertical conveyor roller 131 and a fourth vertical conveyor roller 132 arranged on the sealing conveyor path 1106. Between the third vertical conveyor roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller 132 is a sealing unit 135, which serves as a sealing means to close the flap ef of the envelope E with the contents enclosed inside.

[0076] The third vertical conveyor roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller 132 convey and hold the envelope E at a predetermined position in the sealing conveyor path 1106.

[0077] Furthermore, an envelope discharge switching claw 31 was positioned at the branching point of the envelope discharge path 1108, which branches off from the sealing transport path 1106. An envelope discharge roller 133 was positioned at the end of the envelope discharge path 1108. The envelope discharge roller 133 is a roller that discharges envelopes E toward the envelope discharge tray 134. The envelope discharge tray 134 is a tray on which the discharged envelopes E are placed.

[0078] The envelope discharge switching claw 31 is a component that rotates between a position in the sealing transport path 1104 where the envelope E is transported from the flap opening roller 124 side to the third vertical transport roller 131, and a position where the envelope E is transported from the sealing transport path 1104 to the envelope discharge path 1108, thereby switching the transport direction of the envelope E.

[0079] As explained above, the sealing and packaging processing device 100 has a transport path that connects in the vertical direction (Z direction) for transporting the folded sheet Sf from the sealed material transport unit 110 to the sealing processing unit 120 and the sealing processing unit 130. This transport path, which is both a transport path for the folded sheet Sf and a transport path for the envelope E, corresponds to a vertical transport path that connects the envelope sealing transport path 1105 of the sealing processing unit 120 and the sealing transport path 1106 of the sealing processing unit 130 in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0080] [Flow of the sealing and packaging process] Next, an example of the sequence of sealing and packaging operations in the packaging and packaging processing device 100 will be explained using Figures 4 to 16. The packaging and packaging operations described below will be collectively referred to as the packaging and packaging process. Furthermore, the control processing performed by the packaging and packaging control unit 150 when performing the packaging operation will be referred to as the packaging process, and similarly, the sealing operation will be referred to as the packaging process. Also, the packaging and packaging processes will be collectively referred to as the packaging and packaging process. In the following figures, only the components used to explain each stage of the operation are denoted by symbols, etc.

[0081] First, as shown in Figure 4, the separation roller 125 rotates to separate the envelopes E one by one from the multiple envelopes E loaded on the envelope set tray 127 and send them to the envelope loading path 1107. Then, the separated envelopes E are transported to the flap opening roller 124 by the envelope transport roller 126 located in the envelope loading path 1107.

[0082] At this time, the leading edge (leading edge in the transport direction) and the trailing edge (rear end in the transport direction) of the envelope E are detected by the separation sensor 128 as it is being transported. Based on this detection result, the first envelope length is calculated as described later.

[0083] When envelope E is being transported along the envelope loading path 1107, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 is oriented in a direction that allows envelope E to be transported from the envelope loading path 1107 to the envelope sealing transport path 1105, as illustrated in Figure 4. The envelope discharge switching claw 31 is oriented in a direction that allows envelope E to enter the sealing transport path 1106 from the envelope sealing transport path 1105, as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0084] Furthermore, the flap-opening roller 124, the third vertical conveying roller 131, and the fourth vertical conveying roller 132 are rotated in a direction that conveys the envelope E in the -Z direction. As a result, the envelope E moves from the envelope loading path 1107 to the envelope sealing and conveying path 1105.

[0085] Next, as shown in Figure 5, when the envelope E passes the flap opening roller 124, the flap ef is opened by the flap opening claw 181. At this time, the rotation of the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveyor roller 131, and the fourth vertical conveyor roller 132 continues.

[0086] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 6, when the end of the opened flap ef passes the flap opening sensor 129, the rotation of the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveyor roller 131, and the fourth vertical conveyor roller 132 temporarily stops, and the envelope E is switched back and conveyed along the envelope insertion conveyor path 1105.

[0087] Here, we will explain the operation of the flap opening mechanism 180 and the process for calculating the envelope length during the conveying operation of the envelope E shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6. First, as shown in Figure 4, the envelope E that has been conveyed toward the flap opening roller 124 has its leading edge in the conveying direction detected by the separation sensor 128 as it moves toward the nip of the flap opening roller 124.

[0088] Then, while the envelope E is being transported by the flap-opening roller 124 to the position illustrated in Figure 5, the rear end of the envelope E in the transport direction with the flap ef closed is also detected by the separation sensor 128. In other words, in the process from Figure 4 to Figure 5, the first envelope length, which is the length of the envelope with the flap ef closed, can be calculated based on the time from when the leading end of the envelope E in the transport direction is detected by the separation sensor 128 until the rear end in the transport direction is detected (the difference in detection times of the transport direction ends), the transport speed of the envelope E, or the rotation speed of the envelope transport roller 126.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, when the leading edge (bottom) of the envelope E in the transport direction moves in the -Z direction while passing through the nip of the flap opening roller 124, the tip of the flap opening claw 181 is in a steady position that blocks the envelope insertion transport path 1105. As a result, the leading edge of the envelope E in the transport direction comes into contact with the flap opening claw 181 and pushes the flap opening roller 124 as it is transported. The pushed flap opening roller 124 rotates, allowing the envelope E to proceed along the envelope insertion transport path 1105.

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, when the envelope E is conveyed by the flap-opening roller 124, the flap ef opens due to the rotating flap-opening claw 181, and the envelope E is then conveyed in the conveying direction.

[0091] As shown in Figure 7, following Figure 6, when the flap ef of the envelope E is open and the flap ef has passed the flap opening roller 124, the third vertical conveyor roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller 132 reverse direction. As a result, the envelope E is conveyed in the +Z direction in the sealing conveyor path 1106 and the envelope insertion conveyor path 1105.

[0092] This transport is called "switchback transport." Before or simultaneously with the start of switchback transport, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 rotates in the direction shown in Figure 7, and its tip moves from the position where it straddled the envelope insertion transport path 1105. This makes it possible to transport the envelope E upwards towards the envelope insertion transport path 1105. As a result, the envelope E is transported in a switchback manner to the insertion waiting position of the insertion processing unit 120.

[0093] When an envelope E is transported in a switchback manner, the end of the open flap ef (the rear end in the transport direction) is first detected by the flap open sensor 129, and then the bottom of the envelope E (the leading end in the transport direction) is detected by the flap open sensor 129. Note that in switchback transport, the end of the flap ef becomes the leading end in the transport direction, but for consistency, in the following explanation, the end of the flap ef will be referred to as the "rear end in the transport direction" regardless of the actual direction of movement (transport direction) of the envelope E. Also, the bottom side of the envelope E will be referred to as the leading end in the transport direction.

[0094] Therefore, before the flap ef reaches the first vertical conveyor roller 122, both the end of the flap ef (rear end in the conveying direction) and the bottom of the envelope E (front end in the conveying direction) are detected by the flap open sensor 129. In other words, the front and rear ends in the conveying direction of the envelope E with the flap ef open are detected by the flap open sensor 129. Based on the detection result of this flap open sensor 129, the length of the envelope when the flap ef is open (second envelope length) can also be calculated based on the time from when the rear end in the conveying direction (end of the flap ef) is detected until the rear end in the conveying direction (bottom of the envelope E) is detected, and the conveying speed of the envelope E or the rotational speed of the third vertical conveyor roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller 132.

[0095] Then, by subtracting the length of the envelope when the flap ef is closed (first envelope length) from the length of the envelope when the flap ef is open (second envelope length), the length of the flap ef (flap length) can be calculated.

[0096] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the envelope E is transported by the second vertical conveyor roller 123 and the first vertical conveyor roller 122 until it reaches a sealing standby position corresponding to the flap length. When the flap ef has passed the first vertical conveyor roller 122 and the sealing standby position corresponding to the flap length is reached, the rotation of the second vertical conveyor roller 123 and the first vertical conveyor roller 122 is stopped, and the sealing standby operation begins.

[0097] In the control for transporting the envelope E to a position for entering the sealing standby operation, the amount of envelope E transported can be calculated from the amount of rotation of each transport roller after the separation roller 125 has taken out the envelope E, and the position of the envelope E within the envelope sealing transport path 1105 can be determined based on the amount of transported and the transport path length.

[0098] Next, we will explain the operation when transporting the contents to the sealing standby position. Note that the operation of transporting the contents to the sealing standby position may be performed in parallel (simultaneously) with the transport operation of the envelope E explained using Figures 3 to 8. Here, as shown in Figure 9, we take the example of a case in which, with the envelope E in the sealing standby state at the sealing standby position, the sealing and sealing processing device 100 receives the folded sheet Sf from the upstream device (folding processing device 300) with the entrance roller 101 and transports it to the first transport path 1101.

[0099] Next, as shown in Figure 10, the folded sheet Sf is transported downstream by the first intermediate transport roller 114 and the first transport roller 111. At this time, the first switching claw 11 and the third switching claw 13 are in the state shown in Figure 11, so the folded sheet Sf is transported from the first transport path 1101 to the sealing transport path 1104.

[0100] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 11, the folded sheet Sf, which has been transported from the sealing transport path 1104 to the envelope sealing transport path 1105, is further transported in the -Z direction by the sealing roller 121. As a result, the folded sheet Sf is held at a predetermined sealing standby position on the envelope sealing transport path 1105 by the first vertical transport roller 122, etc., and sealed into the envelope E, which is in a sealing standby state. In this way, the contents to be sealed are inserted into the envelope E. Following this, the sealing operation is performed.

[0101] As shown in Figure 12, the first vertical conveyor roller 122 and the second vertical conveyor roller 123 are rotated to convey the envelope E downward, and as shown in Figure 13, the envelope E is conveyed to the fourth vertical conveyor roller 132. The envelope E after sealing is conveyed until the flap ef exits the envelope discharge switching claw 31.

[0102] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 14, the envelope E is sealed by closing the flap ef with the sealing section 135 between the third vertical conveyor roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller 132.

[0103] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 15, the third vertical conveyor roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller 132 are reversed, and the sealed envelope E is conveyed in a switchback manner by the third vertical conveyor roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller 132. Before the third vertical conveyor roller 131 and the fourth vertical conveyor roller 132 are reversed, the envelope discharge switching claw 31 is rotated to the state shown in Figure 23. As a result, the sealed envelope E is conveyed from the sealing conveyor path 1104 to the envelope discharge path 1108.

[0104] As a result, as shown in Figure 16, the sealed envelope E is discharged to the envelope discharge tray 134 by the envelope discharge roller 133. In this way, the sealing operation is completed when the envelope E containing the contents is sealed and reaches the envelope discharge tray 134.

[0105] In print system 1, when a job is executed that performs continuous inserting and sealing operations, the flow described using Figures 3 to 16 is repeated. At this time, depending on the processing interval (insert item transport interval) for transporting the inserts to the inserting standby position, the timing at which the envelope E reaches the inserting standby position may be significantly delayed compared to the timing at which the inserts reach the inserting standby position. In particular, as will be described later, if the flap ef does not open properly when the flap opening process is executed in the flap opening mechanism 180 and a retry process is performed, it will take that much time for the envelope E to reach the inserting standby position.

[0106] [Flap opening mechanism 180] Next, the flap opening mechanism 180, including the flap opening claw 181 as a flap opening means, will be described in detail with reference to Figure 17. In Figure 17, the direction indicated by the thick black arrow h is the direction of transport of the envelope E in the flap opening mechanism 180. In the envelope loading path 1107, the flap opening mechanism 180 has the envelope transport roller 126, separation sensor 128, and envelope switchback switching claw 21 arranged in order from the upstream side in the transport direction. In addition, the flap opening roller 124 and flap opening sensor 129 are also arranged in the envelope sealing transport path 1105, which merges with the envelope loading path 1107. In other words, the flap opening mechanism 180 is composed of a sensor, a transport direction switching claw, and a rotating member arranged across the envelope loading path 1107 and the envelope sealing transport path 1105.

[0107] Furthermore, a flap opening claw 181 is rotatably attached to the rotation axis of one of the rollers in the pair of rollers that make up the flap opening roller 124.

[0108] In the flap opening mechanism 180 shown in Figure 17(a), the flap opening tip portion 181t, which is one end of the flap opening claw 181 corresponding to the leading edge in the transport direction, is held in a position that straddles the envelope insertion transport path 1105, which is the transport path. The switching tip portion 21t, which is the tip of the envelope switchback switching claw 21, is held in a position that is close to the envelope loading path 1107.

[0109] Furthermore, in the flap opening mechanism 180 shown in Figure 17(b), the rear flap opening end portion 181r, which is the other end corresponding to the rear end in the transport direction of the flap opening claw 181, is held at a position close to the envelope loading path 1107, which is the transport path. The front flap opening end portion 181t is held at a position away from the envelope loading transport path 1105, which is the transport path, rather than straddling it. In addition, in the flap opening mechanism 180 shown in Figure 17(b), the switching end portion 21t of the envelope switchback switching claw 21 is held at a position along the tangential direction of the arc-shaped envelope loading path 1107, and is held at a position slightly away from the envelope loading path 1107.

[0110] In the flap opening mechanism 180 according to this embodiment, either the state illustrated in Figure 17(a) or the state illustrated in Figure 17(b) can be adopted as the steady state before performing the flap opening operation to open the flap ef of the envelope E.

[0111] [First example of the lap opening operation] Next, with reference to Figure 18, we will describe a first example of the operation flow of the flap opening mechanism 180. The state in Figure 18(a) is the same as the state in Figure 17(a) which has already been described, and is the initial state before the envelope E is transported.

[0112] Next, as shown in Figure 18(b), the envelope E is transported in the envelope loading path 1107 from upstream to downstream in the transport direction. When the bottom of the envelope E (leading end in the transport direction) passes through the switching end section 21t and is transported further, it reaches the state shown in Figure 18(c).

[0113] As shown in Figure 18(c), when the flap-opening roller 124 grips the envelope E and continues to transport it, the flap ef of the envelope E moves in the transport direction outside the rear end 181r of the flap-opened section. This is because the envelope loading path 1107 is formed in an arc shape, and the switching tip 21t is located close to the envelope loading path 1107, so that the transport-direction leading edge of the envelope E does not protrude from the envelope loading path 1107, and the transport-direction leading edge is pushed towards the flap-opening roller 124. As a result, the envelope E curves along the arc-shaped envelope loading path 1107, and with the flap ef located on the center side of the curve, the flap ef is more likely to separate from the body of the envelope E.

[0114] Furthermore, when the leading edge of the envelope E in the transport direction comes into contact with the surface of the flap opening claw 181 on the envelope insertion transport path 1105 side, and is transported further, the envelope E causes the flap opening claw 181 to rotate as shown in Figure 18(c). This rotation causes the rear flap opening end 181r of the flap opening claw 181 to move toward the envelope loading path 1107, reaching a position in the envelope loading path 1107 where the rear flap opening end 181r overlaps the switching tip 21t. As a result, the middle section of the envelope E is pushed toward the Z-direction from the arc-shaped route of the envelope loading path 1107. This causes the flap ef to separate from the main body of the envelope E, creating an opportunity for the flap ef to open.

[0115] Subsequently, as the envelope E is transported, the flap opening rear end 181r comes into contact with the boundary between the body of the envelope E and the flap ef, as shown in Figure 18(d). As the envelope E is transported further, the flap ef moves so as to trace the flap opening rear end 181r, as shown in Figure 18(e).

[0116] Then, as shown in Figure 18(f), the envelope E with the flap ef open is transported along the envelope insertion transport path 1105, and the flap ef remains open.

[0117] In this state, when envelope E is transported via a switchback along the envelope loading path, the end of flap ef and the bottom of envelope E are detected by the flap open sensor 129, the second envelope length is calculated, and the flap length is calculated.

[0118] [Second example of flap opening operation] Next, with reference to Figure 19, a second example of the operation flow of the flap opening mechanism 180 will be described. The state in Figure 19(a) is the same as the state in Figure 17(b) which has already been described, and is the initial state before the envelope E is transported.

[0119] Next, as shown in Figure 19(b), the envelope E is transported in the envelope loading path 1107 from upstream to downstream in the transport direction. When the bottom of the envelope E (leading end in the transport direction) passes through the switching end section 21t and is transported further, it reaches the state shown in Figure 19(c).

[0120] As shown in Figure 19(c), when the bottom of the envelope E passes the flap opening rear end 181r and reaches a certain position, the switching tip 21t rotates to a position where it straddles the envelope loading path 1107. As a result, the flap ef of the envelope E moves outside the flap opening rear end 181r in the loading direction. This is because the envelope loading path 1107 is formed in an arc shape, and the switching tip 21t straddling the envelope loading path 1107 moves the main body of the envelope E towards the inside of the envelope loading path 1107.

[0121] This causes flap ef to separate from the main body of envelope E, creating an opportunity for flap ef to open.

[0122] Subsequently, as the envelope E is transported, as shown in Figure 19(d), the boundary between the body of the envelope E and the flap ef comes into contact with the flap opening rear end 181r, and as it is transported further, as shown in Figure 19(e), the flap ef moves in accordance with the transport of the envelope E, tracing the flap opening rear end 181r.

[0123] Then, as shown in Figure 19(f), the envelope E with the flap ef open is transported along the envelope insertion transport path 1105, and the flap ef remains open.

[0124] In this state, when envelope E is transported via a switchback along the envelope loading path, the end of flap ef and the bottom of envelope E are detected by the flap open sensor 129, the second envelope length is calculated, and the flap length is calculated.

[0125] [Functional blocks of the sealing and sealing control unit 150] Next, we will explain the functional blocks of the sealing control unit 150 that controls the above-mentioned sealing operations. As shown in Figure 20, the functional blocks of the sealing control unit 150 include a CPU 151 as an arithmetic processing means, a ROM 152 that stores the control program executed by the CPU 151, and a RAM 153 that corresponds to the work area when the CPU 151 executes the control program and realizes predetermined control processing.

[0126] When the control program is executed on the CPU 151, a transport processing function consisting of an envelope transport control unit 1511, a flap length calculation unit 1512, a flap opening determination unit 1513, an opening operation retry control unit 1514, an enclosed item transport interval calculation unit 1515, and an enclosed item transport interval notification unit 1516 is realized.

[0127] The envelope transport control unit 1511, which constitutes the envelope transport means, controls the rotation of the transport motor 170, which is the driving source for multiple transport roller pairs that transport the envelope E. The transport motor 170 is appropriately positioned in the envelope stuffing and sealing processing device 100 as the driving source for the rotation of each of the transport roller pairs described above. The envelope transport control unit 1511 also calculates the time (next envelope preparation time) from when a job including the stuffing operation is started until the envelope E is picked up from the envelope set tray 127 and the envelope E with the flap ef open is transported to the stuffing standby position.

[0128] The envelope transport control unit 1511 controls the rotation speed and amount of the transport motor 170, and notifies the flap length calculation unit 1512 of this information.

[0129] The flap length calculation unit 1512, which constitutes the flap opening mechanism, receives signals from the separation sensor 128 and the flap opening sensor 129, respectively, detecting the leading and trailing ends of the envelope E in the transport direction. Based on the signals from the separation sensor 128 and the flap opening sensor 129, and the notification from the envelope transport control unit 1511, the flap length calculation unit 1512 calculates the first envelope length and the second envelope length, and further calculates the flap length, and notifies the flap opening determination unit 1513.

[0130] The flap-open state determination unit 1513, which constitutes the flap-open state determination means, determines whether the flap ef of the envelope E has opened normally based on the notified flap length. If the determination result is that the flap ef of the envelope E has not opened normally (i.e., it determines that it is in an abnormal state), the flap-open state determination unit 1513 displays information indicating the abnormality on the display 191, which corresponds to an example of the configuration of the notification unit 190. It also notifies the opening operation retry control unit 1514 of information indicating the state of the flap ef.

[0131] The flap opening operation retry control unit 1514, included in the flap opening state determination means, detects that the flap ef has not opened properly and notifies the envelope transport control unit 1511 to perform transport control for recovery operation, instructing it to re-execute the flap opening operation of the envelope E. Details of the recovery operation will be described later.

[0132] The enclosed object transport interval calculation unit 1515, which constitutes the enclosed object transport interval calculation means, calculates the transport time interval corresponding to the time from when one enclosed object is transported to the sealing standby position and sealed until another enclosed object (next enclosed object) is transported to the sealing standby position when a job involving sealing operations is performed.

[0133] The enclosure conveyance interval calculation unit 1515 calculates an interval extension amount that serves as a basis for adjusting the discharge interval corresponding to the time interval at which enclosures are supplied from an upstream apparatus, based on the relationship between an "enclosure conveyance time" calculated by conversion into time as the conveyance interval between enclosures continuously conveyed (supplied) to an enclosure standby position and a "next envelope preparation time" calculated by the envelope conveyance control unit 1511.

[0134] An enclosure conveyance interval notification unit 1516, which constitutes enclosure conveyance interval notification means, notifies the interval extension amount calculated by the enclosure conveyance interval calculation unit 1515 to the folding processing apparatus 300 and the image forming apparatus 200, which correspond to upstream apparatuses.

[0135] The interval extension amount corresponds to processing for delaying the timing at which an enclosure reaches the enclosure standby position by a time corresponding to "Y - X" when "X < Y", where X is the enclosure conveyance time and Y is the next envelope preparation time. For example, when the interval extension amount is notified to a folding control unit 320, the folding control unit 320 executes conveyance waiting processing in additional folding described later, conveyance waiting processing using an evacuation path for temporarily evacuating the enclosure, or the like, so that a time corresponding to the interval extension amount is provided in the conveyance interval.

[0136] Further, by adjusting the conveyance speed for conveying enclosures in the folding processing apparatus 300 and the image forming apparatus 200, the interval at which enclosures are discharged downstream from the folding processing apparatus 300 and the image forming apparatus 200 (discharge interval) is adjusted based on the interval extension amount.

[0137] [Example of failure in flap opening operation] Here, an example in which the flap ef cannot be normally opened in the flap opening operation will be described. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a case where the flap ef does not open normally in the first example of the operation flow of the flap opening mechanism 180 described with reference to FIG. 18. The state of FIG. 21(a) is the same state as FIG. 17(a) and FIG. 18(a) already described, and is an initial state before the envelope E is conveyed.

[0138] Next, as shown in Figure 21(b), the envelope E is transported in the envelope loading path 1107 from upstream to downstream in the transport direction. The bottom of the envelope E (leading end in the transport direction) passes through the switching tip 21t and is transported further. At this time, if the flap ef is in close contact with the envelope E, even if the switching tip 21t is rotated to straddle the envelope loading path 1107, no gap is formed between the flap ef and the envelope E. In other words, even if the envelope loading path 1107 is formed in an arc shape, the flap ef will not be displaced outside the flap opening rear end 181r, but will remain inside as transport continues. To put it another way, the envelope E is transported without a gap being formed between the flap ef and the envelope E into which the flap opening rear end 181r can fit.

[0139] As a result, as shown in Figure 21(c), the flap ef remains in close contact with the envelope E as it is transported, and as shown in Figure 21(d), the flap ef remains in close contact with the body of the envelope E as it passes the flap-open rear end 181r. Further transport continues, as shown in Figure 21(e), with the envelope E and flap ef remaining in close contact, that is, the flap ef remaining closed during transport. Subsequently, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, the front and rear ends of the envelope E with the flap ef closed are detected by the flap-open sensor 129 through switchback transport.

[0140] In this case, the length of the first envelope and the length of the second envelope are equal, so the flap length becomes zero. In other words, whether or not the flap ef is opened correctly can be determined by whether or not the flap length is zero.

[0141] Furthermore, considering the variability in detection by the separation sensor 128 and the flap opening sensor 129, as well as calculation errors by the control program, the criterion for determining whether "flap ef is not opening properly" may be set with a margin of several millimeters, rather than "flap length = zero".

[0142] [First example of retry processing] Next, a first example of the retry process for the flap opening operation in the flap opening mechanism will be explained using Figures 22 and 23. The first example is a retry process that is performed to re-execute the flap opening operation if the flap ef could not be opened properly during the flap opening operation.

[0143] The flap opening mechanism 180 according to the first example includes a switching spring 183 that biases the switching tip 21t of the envelope switchback switching claw 21 so that it is maintained in a state where it straddles the envelope loading path 1107. It also includes a transport path protrusion 184 which is a part of the envelope loading transport path 1105 that protrudes so that the envelope E being transported in a switchback direction is tilted toward the envelope switchback switching claw 21.

[0144] The transport path protrusion 184 is a convex portion formed on a part of the guide member that constitutes the envelope sealing transport path 1105. The transport path protrusion 184 is formed on the guide member on the side facing the envelope switchback switching claw 21, which constitutes part of the flap opening means, and protrudes in a direction that narrows the transport gap, which is the gap in the guide member.

[0145] The transport path projection 184 is provided near the rear flap opening end 181r of the flap opening claw 181 (the end that is inserted into the gap between the flap ef and the main body). When the flap ef cannot be opened, the transport path projection 184 repeats the switchback transport of the envelope E. The transport section of the switchback transport is set between the position where the leading edge of the flap exceeds the rear flap opening end 181r and the position where the envelope E exceeds the flap opening sensor 129.

[0146] As shown in Figure 22(b), when the envelope E is transported through the envelope loading path 1107, the leading edge (bottom) of the envelope E in the transport direction presses against the envelope switchback switching claw 21. This causes the envelope switchback switching claw 21 to rotate in a direction that resists the biasing force of the switching spring 183, and the envelope E moves further along the envelope loading path 1107.

[0147] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 22(c), if the flap ef is transported without getting caught on the flap opening rear end 181r, the envelope will reach the envelope insertion transport path 1105 with the flap ef closed. Then, as shown in Figure 22(d), the envelope E will be transported in a switchback position with the flap ef closed, so the envelope E will pass the flap opening sensor 129 with the flap ef still closed. In other words, since the envelope E passes the flap opening sensor 129 in the same state as when it passes the separation sensor 128, the envelope length that should be calculated will be the same as the first envelope length, and the flap length will be approximately zero.

[0148] In this case, when performing switchback transport, the envelope is transported until the tip of the flap ef exceeds the switching tip portion 21t of the envelope switchback switching claw 21, as shown in Figure 22(e). This transport control controls the amount of rotation of the flap opening roller 124 after the leading edge of the envelope E in the transport direction (the joint between the flap ef and the main body) has passed the flap opening sensor 129. This transport control allows the envelope to be transported to a predetermined position even if the position of the tip of the flap ef is not determined. For example, the envelope is transported until about 10 mm before the rear end of the envelope E in the transport direction (in this case, the bottom) passes the flap opening roller 124.

[0149] During this transport, the envelope E bends until its leading edge (the joint between the flap ef and the main body) reaches a position beyond the transport path protrusion 184, causing the leading edge of the flap ef to be displaced in a direction beyond the rear flap opening end 181r of the flap opening claw 181.

[0150] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 22(f), a switchback transport is performed again. In this case, the second switchback transport corresponds to transporting the envelope E away from the sealing standby position in the envelope sealing transport path 1105. Due to this second switchback transport, the flap open rear end 181r enters and gets caught in the gap between the main body and the flap ef, and the envelope E is transported in the direction of passing the flap open sensor 129.

[0151] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 23(a), the flap ef is caught on the rear end 181r of the open flap, and the vehicle is transported again in a switchback manner, passing through the flap open sensor 129 with the flap ef in the open position.

[0152] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 24(b), when the envelope E passes the flap open sensor 129 in order to be switched back and transported to the sealing standby position, the calculated second envelope length becomes longer than the first envelope length, and it is determined that the flap ef has opened normally. After it is determined that the flap ef has opened normally, the envelope E is transported to the sealing standby position and the sealing process is performed.

[0153] As described above, if the process of opening the flap ef becomes abnormal, the flap ef can be opened normally by repeatedly performing switchback transport of the envelope E near the junction of the envelope insertion transport path 1105 and the envelope loading path 1107.

[0154] [First example of retry processing] Next, a second example of the retry process for the flap opening operation in the flap opening mechanism will be explained using Figure 24. This embodiment is an example of a retry process that re-executes the flap opening operation when the flap ef fails to open properly during the flap opening operation.

[0155] The flap opening mechanism 180 in the second example includes a drive mechanism for rotating the envelope switchback switching claw 21. Also, similar to the example in Figure 18 described earlier, in steady-state conditions, the switching tip 21t of the envelope switchback switching claw 21 is in a state close to the envelope loading path 1107.

[0156] Figure 24(a), similar to Figure 23(b), illustrates the state when the envelope E has been transported via the envelope loading path 1107. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 24(b), if the flap ef is transported without getting caught on the flap opening rear end 181r, the envelope will reach the envelope insertion transport path 1105 with the flap ef closed.

[0157] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 24(c), the envelope E is transported in a switchback state with the flap ef closed, so the envelope E passes the flap open sensor 129 with the flap ef still closed. That is, the envelope E passes the flap open sensor 129 in the same state as when it passes the separation sensor 128, so the calculated second envelope length is the same value as the first envelope length, and the difference is approximately zero. As a result, it is determined that the flap ef is not properly opened, so the switching tip 21t of the envelope switchback switching claw 21 is rotated to a position where it straddles the envelope sealing transport path 1105.

[0158] Subsequently, when the envelope E is transported in a switchback manner, the leading edge in the transport direction (the joint between the flap ef and the main body) comes into contact with the envelope switchback switching claw 21 and curves in the direction of the envelope loading path 1107.

[0159] Then, as shown in Figure 24(e), the envelope is transported until the tip of the flap ef is near the rear end 181r of the flap opening. This transport control controls the amount of rotation of the flap opening roller 124 after the leading edge of the envelope E in the transport direction (the joint between the flap ef and the main body) has passed the flap opening sensor 129. With this transport control, the envelope can be transported to a predetermined position even if the position of the tip of the flap ef is not determined. For example, the envelope is transported until about 10 mm before the rear end of the envelope E in the transport direction (in this case, the bottom) passes the flap opening roller 124.

[0160] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 24(f), a switchback transport is performed again. At this time, the envelope switchback switching claw 21 is rotated so that the switching tip 21t reaches a position where it straddles the envelope loading path 1107. As a result, as explained using Figure 19(c), the switching tip 21t overlaps the flap open rear end 181r, and in this state, the envelope E is again transported in a switchback manner to the envelope sealing transport path 1105. Due to this second switchback transport, the flap open rear end 181r enters and gets caught in the gap between the main body and the flap ef, and the envelope E is transported in the direction of passing the flap open sensor 129.

[0161] Subsequently, as shown in Figures 23(a) and 23(b), the envelope E is re-switched back and transported with the flap ef caught on the flap open rear end 181r, passing through the flap open sensor 129 with the flap ef open. Then, when the envelope E passes through the flap open sensor 129 for a second switchback transport to the sealing standby position, the calculated second envelope length becomes longer than the first envelope length, and it is determined that the flap ef has opened normally. After it is determined that the flap ef has opened normally, the envelope E is transported to the sealing standby position and the sealing process is performed.

[0162] As described above, if the process of opening the flap ef becomes abnormal, the flap ef can be opened normally by repeatedly performing switchback transport of the envelope E near the junction of the envelope insertion transport path 1105 and the envelope loading path 1107.

[0163] The recovery process described in the first and second examples can be repeatedly executed until the flap ef opens normally. In this case, an upper limit on the number of times the recovery process can be executed (retry limit) can be set in advance, and if it is not determined that the flap ef has opened normally even after exceeding the retry limit, the envelope E should be ejected to the envelope output tray 134.

[0164] [Timing of transport of envelope E and its contents] When performing the insertion and sealing process, the shorter the time between when the envelope E is ready to receive the contents and when the contents are transported and the insertion process begins, the higher the productivity of the printing system 1 can be. Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 25, if the contents have been transported to the insertion waiting position while the process of transporting the envelope E to the insertion waiting position is underway, it is possible to further reduce waste in the insertion process and contribute to increased productivity.

[0165] As described above, from a productivity standpoint, we consider reducing the time loss involved in the encapsulation process. First, the encapsulated material is extracted from the sheet feeding unit 230, then passes through the image forming unit 240 and the fixing unit 250 to complete the image forming process, and then goes through the sheet folding unit 310 and the encapsulated material transport unit 110 to the encapsulation waiting position. The time it takes for one sheet S to travel from the sheet feeding unit 230 to the encapsulation waiting position corresponds to the "encapsulated material transport time (X)".

[0166] The printer control unit 260 and the folding control unit 320 notify the sealing and enclosing control unit 150 of the information necessary for calculating the time for transporting the enclosed material (X), thereby enabling the sealing and enclosing control unit 150 to calculate the time for transporting the enclosed material (X).

[0167] On the other hand, the next envelope preparation time (Y) is calculated based on the content of the job notified by the printer control unit 260, determining whether or not to perform the insertion and sealing process consecutively. If the job requires the insertion and sealing process to be performed consecutively, then the next envelope preparation time (Y) corresponds to the time from when the insertion process is performed on the envelope E transported to the insertion waiting position in the previously executed job, when it is discharged to the envelope output tray 134, until the envelope E for the next job reaches the envelope waiting position and is ready for insertion of the contents with the flap ef open. In other words, it corresponds to the time from when the insertion process starts in the state illustrated in Figure 26 in the previous job until the state illustrated in Figure 27 in the subsequent job.

[0168] When comparing the time for transporting the enclosed material (X) and the time for preparing the next envelope (Y), if "time for transporting the enclosed material (X) ≥ time for preparing the next envelope (Y)", the image forming apparatus 200 and the folding apparatus 300 should each perform processing in the most productive state and discharge the enclosed material toward the sealing and packaging apparatus 100.

[0169] When comparing the time for transporting the enclosed material (X) and the time for preparing the next envelope (Y), if "time for transporting the enclosed material (X) < time for preparing the next envelope (Y)", then the time interval (time for transporting the enclosed material) between the image forming apparatus 200 and the folding apparatus 300 and the waiting position for insertion needs to be increased by the difference in time.

[0170] If the upstream device (external device) corresponding to the source of the enclosed materials continues to discharge the enclosed materials to the enclosed sealing processing device 100 without adjusting this timing, the gap between the enclosed materials at the enclosed waiting position and the enclosed materials discharged by subsequent jobs will gradually narrow, resulting in a failure to accept the materials at the enclosed waiting position. For example, the enclosed materials for a subsequent job may arrive at the enclosed waiting position before the enclosed materials for the preceding job have been processed.

[0171] "Relationship between the time required to transport the contents (X) and the time required to prepare the next envelope (Y)" Here, we will explain the relationship between the time required to transport the contents (X) and the time required to prepare the next envelope (Y). The time required to transport the contents (X) is affected by the number of contents (number of folded sheets Sf) and the folding process for the contents. The time required to prepare the next envelope (Y) is affected by the number of retries required to open the flap of the envelope E. Naturally, the more retries required, the longer the time required to prepare the next envelope (Y).

[0172] In other words, when a job including insertion and sealing is executed, assuming that a certain number of inserts are subjected to a certain type of folding, if the number of retries for the flap opening process is 1, then "Insert transport time (X) ≥ Next envelope preparation time (Y)" is assumed. In this case, even with the same number of inserts and folding process, if the number of retries for the flap opening process is 2, then "Insert transport time (X) < Next envelope preparation time (Y)" is possible. That is, the "relationship between insert transport time (X) and next envelope preparation time (Y)" changes depending on the number of inserts, the type of folding process applied to those inserts, and the number of retries for the flap opening process.

[0173] [Processing flow for envelope delivery] Next, we will explain the flow of the envelope transport process, which is one of the operations of the envelope stuffing and sealing processing device 100, using a flowchart, reflecting the "relationship between the time for transporting the stuffed items (X) and the time for preparing the next envelope (Y)" described above. The envelope transport process shown in Figure 28 is an example of an envelope stuffing process that includes a recovery process when the flap ef is not opened properly during the execution of the envelope stuffing process, and based on that, a process to calculate the interval for transporting the stuffed items and notify the folding control unit 320, etc.

[0174] In this sealing process, "envelope transport control (F1)" for transporting the envelope E to be used for sealing to the sealing standby position and "envelope transport control (F2)" for transporting the items to be sealed in envelope E to the sealing standby position are executed in parallel.

[0175] After the packaging job is started, the envelope transport control (F1) first picks up the envelope E from the envelope set tray 127 and transports it via the envelope loading path 1107 (S2801). Next, it initializes the failure count parameter, which is used to determine the number of failures in the flap opening process (S2801). This initialization process sets the failure count parameter to zero. The failure count parameter is used in comparison to the upper limit for keeping the number of retries for the flap opening process within an acceptable range. If the upper limit is set to, for example, "3", then the flap opening process can be reprocessed (retried) up to three times.

[0176] Next, as the envelope E picked up from the envelope set tray 127 is transported through the envelope loading path 1107, the separation sensor 128 detects the leading and trailing ends of the envelope E in the transport direction. Based on these detection results, the sealing control unit 150 calculates the first envelope length (S2803).

[0177] Next, as explained using Figures 18 and 19, a flap opening process is performed to open the flap ef (S2804). After that, the flap opening sensor 129 detects the leading and trailing ends of the envelope E in the transport direction, and the sealing control unit 150 calculates the second envelope length based on these detection results (S2805).

[0178] Next, the sealing control unit 150 calculates the difference between the length of the second envelope and the length of the first envelope to determine whether the flap ef has opened properly. Specifically, it determines whether the length of the second envelope is longer than the length of the first envelope (S2806). If the length of the second envelope is longer than the length of the first envelope (S2806: Yes), more specifically, if the length of the second envelope is longer than the length of the first envelope by a predetermined margin, it is determined that the flap ef has opened properly. Then, the envelope E is transported in a switchback manner to the sealing standby position where the sealing support unit 160 is located (S2807).

[0179] Subsequently, as previously explained (see Figure 8, etc.), envelope E is transported to the insertion waiting position, held with the flap ef open, and prepared for insertion of the contents (S2808).

[0180] On the other hand, after the encapsulation job is started, the encapsulation transport control (F2) first accepts the encapsulation into the first transport path 1101, as explained using Figure 9. The process loops until the encapsulation is accepted (S2814: NO). When the encapsulation is accepted via the first transport path 1101 (S2814: Yes), the encapsulation is transported towards the encapsulation transport path 1104, as explained using Figure 10 (S2815).

[0181] The transport process continues until the contents reach the sealing standby position (S2816: No, S2815). When the contents reach the sealing standby position (S2816: Yes), the sealing process is performed to insert the contents into the envelope E, as explained with reference to Figure 11 (S2817), and then the sealing process is performed as explained with reference to Figures 12 to 16, and the envelope E is discharged to the envelope discharge tray 134 (S2818).

[0182] In S2806, if the length of the second envelope is not longer than the length of the first envelope by a predetermined margin (S2806:NO), the flap ef is not in a properly opened state, and it is determined that the flap opening process has failed. Therefore, 1 is added to the value of the failure count parameter (S2809).

[0183] Next, it is determined whether the value of the failure count parameter exceeds the retry limit (S2810). If the value of the failure count parameter exceeds the retry limit (S2810: NO), the flap ef will not open properly even after multiple retries of the flap opening process, so the sealing job will be considered a failure and the process of ejecting the envelope E will be terminated abnormally (S2813).

[0184] If the value of the failure count parameter does not exceed the retry limit (S2810: Yes), the envelope E is transported to a position where the flap ef can be opened again, as explained using Figures 22 to 24, and the retry process for flap opening is executed. Performing a retry process increases the next envelope preparation time (Y), which may lead to a situation where a longer interval between insert transports is required. If the insert transport interval corresponding to the next envelope preparation time (Y) is set with a certain margin, anticipating that a retry process will occur, it will result in a decrease in productivity when a retry process does not occur.

[0185] Therefore, when it is decided to execute the retry process in S2810 (S2810:Yes), the interval extension amount to adjust the new insert transport interval is calculated based on the relationship formula already explained, and this is notified to the printer control unit 260 and the folding control unit 320 (S2811). The interval extension amount can be calculated by knowing in advance the time required for the process explained using Figures 22 to 24 and adding up the number of retry processes. As a result, in the next job, the discharge interval from the upstream device, which is also the source of the insert, is adjusted, and the time until the insert is transported to the insert waiting position is adjusted based on the adjusted discharge interval.

[0186] Through the above process, the process of updating the material transport interval is performed only when a retry occurs; otherwise, the job can be executed with the default material transport interval.

[0187] After the retry process is executed, the process returns to S2805, and the leading and trailing ends of the envelope E in the transport direction after the retry process are detected by the flap open sensor 129, and the second envelope length is calculated again. The flap open process is then retried until a second envelope length longer than the first envelope length is calculated, and until the retry limit is exceeded, and each time, the process of updating the transport interval of the enclosed material is executed (S2806~S2812).

[0188] As described above, according to the sealing processing unit 120 of this embodiment, if the flap ef of the envelope E fails to open, it is possible to avoid the sealing process failing due to a narrowing of the transport interval of the sealed items in a continuous job, and the sealing process can be continued stably. In other words, the reliability of the sealing process can be improved.

[0189] [Example of adjusting the interval for transporting enclosed materials] In the encapsulation process described above, if the flap opening process fails and a retry process is executed, the encapsulated material for the next job after the currently running job (the (n+1)th job if the encapsulated material is from the nth job) may have already been supplied from the sheet feeding unit 230 and transported to the image making unit 240 or the like.

[0190] In this case, it is possible to prevent the interval between material transport from becoming too short by further delaying the supply timing of the material to be enclosed in the next job (the n+2th job). However, it is difficult to adjust the transport interval (material transport interval) between the material to be enclosed in the job currently being processed and the material to be enclosed in the next job within the image forming apparatus 200.

[0191] For example, one could consider methods such as slowing down the transport speed of the sheet S or stopping the transport of the sheet S before and after the fixing unit 250. However, all of these would be factors that degrade the image formation quality. In other words, if one attempts to adjust the time interval (discharge interval) at which the sheet S, as an encapsulated material, is discharged to a downstream device during the image formation process performed in the image forming apparatus 200, it could lead to misalignment of the image formation position relative to the sheet S or cause image defects.

[0192] Furthermore, since the printer control unit 260 may start control for several jobs ahead, when adjusting the material transport interval in the image forming apparatus 200, it may not be possible to delay the arrival timing of the material at the sealing waiting position until a job several jobs after the job in which the retry process occurred.

[0193] [Example of adjusting the spacing for transporting the enclosed material in the sheet folding section 310] Therefore, by controlling the folding process performed in the sheet folding section 310, which serves as a discharge interval adjustment means, when the time interval for transporting the enclosed material is updated after receiving notification of the interval extension amount, the time interval (discharge interval) for discharging the enclosed material for the next job from the folding processing device 300 can be adjusted to be delayed.

[0194] For example, consider a folding processing device 300 having a so-called console-type sheet folding section 310, as illustrated in Figures 29 and 30. The folding processing device 300, which serves as a means for discharging enclosed materials to a downstream device, is configured to enable "overlapping folding," where multiple sheets S are stacked and folded together. Note that in Figures 29 and 30, even if the components of the sheet folding section 310 have the same function, operation, and effect, they may be assigned different reference numerals.

[0195] Figures 29(a) to (f) illustrate the overlapping operation of the sheets S by the overlapping processing unit of the sheet folding section 310. As shown in Figure 29(a), the first sheet P1, which is a planned insert for a preceding job, is transported to the folding transport path W2. The leading edge of the leading sheet P1 that has been transported to the folding transport path W2 comes into contact with the registration roller pair 15 and is skew corrected. Note that this skew correction is not required.

[0196] Next, the first leading sheet P1 is transported in the forward direction (transported in a predetermined direction) by the resist roller pair 15 and the first transport roller pair 117a, which is the first transport member consisting of the first pressing roller 17a and the first folding roller 17b. Next, when the rear end of the leading sheet P1 passes the branching point between the folding transport path W2 and the switchback transport path W3, the transport of the sheet is stopped. Next, the second branching claw 14 is rotated clockwise in the figure to switch the position to guide the sheet to the switchback transport path W3.

[0197] Next, as shown in Figure 29(b), the resist roller pair 15, the first conveyor roller pair 117a, and the switchback conveyor roller pair 113 are rotated in reverse. As a result, the first leading sheet P1 is conveyed in reverse (convex in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction), and the leading sheet P1 is conveyed to the switchback conveyor path W3. When the leading edge of the leading sheet P1 during forward conveyance (convex in the predetermined direction) is conveyed to the switchback conveyor path W3, the sheet conveyance by the switchback conveyor roller pair 113 is stopped.

[0198] After stopping, as shown in Figure 29(c), the first leading sheet P1 is forward-conveyed (conveyed in a predetermined direction) by the switchback conveyor roller pair 113, and the leading edge of the leading sheet is brought against the resist roller pair 15 to correct the skew and then left to wait.

[0199] In this way, by transporting the preceding sheet P1 to the switchback transport path W3 and moving it out of the folding transport path W2, the preceding sheet P1 does not interfere with the transport of the following sheet, and the following sheet P2 can be transported smoothly.

[0200] Next, the leading edge of the second subsequent sheet P2 is brought into contact with the pair of register rollers 15. As shown in Figure 29(d), even after the leading edge of the subsequent sheet P2 is brought into contact with the pair of register rollers 15, the conveying rollers 12 continue to transport the subsequent sheet P2, causing the subsequent sheet to flex and correct for skew.

[0201] Once a predetermined time has elapsed and the subsequent sheet has achieved a predetermined amount of deflection, the resist roller pair 15, the switchback conveyor roller pair 113, and the first conveyor roller pair 117a are rotated as shown in Figure 29(e), and the resist roller pair 15 overlaps and conveys the preceding sheet P1 and the subsequent sheet P2 (Figure 29(f)).

[0202] When the number of sheets to be stacked, as set by the user, is reached, the process moves to the stacking and folding process by the folding processing unit B. On the other hand, when the number of sheets to be stacked is less than the number set by the user, the sheets are reverse-transported (transported in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction) when the rear end of the stacked sheets passes through the branching claw, and moved to the switchback transport path W3. Paper stacking can be performed by repeating the above operations according to the number of sheets to be stacked.

[0203] In this embodiment, as described above, in the skew correction of the subsequent sheet P2, the rotation of the transport roller pair 12 is not stopped, and when the amount of deflection of the subsequent sheet P2 reaches a predetermined amount, the rotation of the resist roller pair 15 is started, thereby enabling the overlapping of the preceding sheet P1 and the subsequent sheet P2 without reducing productivity.

[0204] Furthermore, for stacking fewer sheets than the number set by the user, the stacking process may be performed without skew correction by the register roller pair 15, while for stacking when the user-set number of sheets is reached, the stacking process may be performed with skew correction. Note that the stacking process with skew correction involves waiting with the leading edge of the preceding sheet P1 (sheet bundle) abutting against the register roller pair to correct the skew, then waiting with the following sheet abutting against the register roller pair to correct the skew, and then stacking and transporting the sheets. On the other hand, the stacking process without skew correction involves waiting with the leading edge of the preceding sheet P1 (sheet bundle) retracted into the switchback transport path W3. Then, at the timing when the following sheet P2 reaches the register roller pair 15, the transport of the switchback transport roller pair 113 is started so that the preceding sheet (sheet bundle) that has been retracted into the switchback transport path W3 also reaches the register roller pair 15, stacking the sheets S and transporting them by the register roller pair 15.

[0205] Figures 30(a) to 30(d) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the general operation when performing a Z-fold on a sheet S. The leading edge of the stacked sheet bundle Pt, which has been conveyed by the resist roller pair 15, enters the first conveyor roller pair 117a, which consists of the first folding roller 17b and the first pressing roller 17a. Next, once the sheet bundle Pt has been conveyed by a predetermined amount (first conveying amount), the drive motor that drives the folding mechanism 17 is rotated in reverse. The amount of protrusion at this time is appropriately determined depending on the length of the sheet bundle Pt in the sheet conveying direction and the content of the folding process (folding method, etc.).

[0206] By reversing the rotation of the drive motor that drives the folding mechanism 17, the sheet bundle Pt held between the first transport roller pair 117a is transported in reverse (transported in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction). As a result, a flex is formed in the sheet bundle portion between the resist roller pair 15 and the first transport roller pair 117a (Figure 30(a)). This flexed portion (folded portion) then enters the nip of the first transport roller pair 117b, which consists of the first folding roller 17b and the second folding roller 17c, thereby forming the first folded portion in that fold. The first folded portion that has passed through the nip of the first transport roller 17b is transported toward the second transport roller pair 18, which acts as the second transport member.

[0207] Then, the first folded portion of the sheet bundle Pt enters the nip of the second conveyor roller pair 18, and once the sheet bundle Pt has been conveyed by a predetermined amount (second conveying amount), the second conveyor roller pair 18 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the sheets held between the second conveyor roller pair 18 are conveyed in the reverse direction (conveyed in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction). The second conveying amount at this time is also appropriately determined depending on the length of the sheet bundle Pt in the sheet conveying direction and the content of the folding process (folding method, etc.).

[0208] As the sheet bundle Pt, sandwiched between the second transport roller pair 18, is transported in the reverse direction (in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction), a flex is formed in the sheet portion between the first folding roller pair 117b and the second transport roller pair 18.

[0209] Then, as shown in Figure 30(b), this flexed portion (folded portion) enters the nip of the second folding roller pair 117c, which is a second folding member consisting of the second folding roller 17c and the second pressing roller 17d, and a second folded portion is formed in that folded portion.

[0210] As shown in Figure 30(c), the sheet bundle Pt, which has two folded sections formed after passing through the nip of the second folding roller pair 117c, is conveyed toward the additional folding roller 20 by the intermediate conveying roller pair 19.

[0211] As shown in Figure 30(d), when the second folded section reaches a position opposite the re-folding roller 20, the conveyance of the sheet bundle Pt is stopped. Next, the re-folding roller 20 is rotated to reinforce the fold of the second folded section, and then the conveyance of the sheet bundle Pt is resumed. When the first folded section faces the re-folding roller 20, the conveyance of the sheet bundle Pt is stopped. After the re-folding roller 20 reinforces the fold of the first folded section, the conveyance of the sheet bundle Pt is resumed, and the sheet bundle Pt is conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 211 and 221 and discharged to the post-processing device.

[0212] Although the above describes the folding of a stack of sheets Pt that has been processed in a stacking manner, the folding operation for folding a single sheet is the same. Furthermore, although the above describes Z-folding, by appropriately changing the first and second transport amounts, inward and outward tri-folds can be performed on the sheet using the same operation as Z-folding. For bi-folding, the third branching claw 16 is rotated clockwise in the figure to guide the sheet to the first folding roller pair 117b, and the sheet that has been transported from the resist roller pair 15 is transported to the first folding roller pair 117b. Then, by forming a fold in the center of the sheet in the transport direction using the same operation as the operation to form the second fold, bi-folding can be performed.

[0213] As explained above, in the sheet folding section 310 illustrated in Figures 29 and 30, the switchback transport path W3, which retracts the sheet S for overlapping, stops the retracted sheet S until the next sheet S is transported. Therefore, if the next sheet S is not transported after the preceding sheet S has been retracted into the switchback transport path, the folding process can be performed using only the retracted preceding sheet S. By utilizing this, the transport interval (discharge interval) of the items to be enclosed, which could not be adjusted in the image forming apparatus 200, can be adjusted by utilizing the retraction into the switchback transport path W3. In other words, in a job that includes a continuous encapsulation process, the transport interval of the items to be enclosed, which are continuously transported to the transport standby position, can be updated by adjusting the discharge interval from the upstream device (folding processing device 300).

[0214] As described above, in the sheet folding section 310, by utilizing the retraction process related to the folding of the sheet S between jobs, it is possible to adjust the timing of arrival at the sealing waiting position by slowing down the normal conveyor line speed, and to adjust the sealing interval without stopping the conveyance of the items to be sealed at positions where it would not normally stop during normal processing. In other words, adverse effects such as the accuracy of the folding process (misalignment of the fold line) and marks left by the conveying member (roller marks) on the image forming surface can be minimized.

[0215] [Example of adjusting the transport interval of enclosed materials using a folding mechanism] Furthermore, the sheet folding section 310 also includes a re-folding mechanism as a means for additional folding, as shown in Figure 31. As shown in Figure 31(a), the re-folding mechanism includes a plurality of transport roller pairs (71, 72, 74, 75), and a re-folding roller 73 is positioned in the middle of the transport path formed by the arrangement of these rollers. The re-folding roller 73 is equipped with a mechanism for performing a "re-folding process," which is a treatment that applies pressure again to a fold that has already been formed on the sheet S.

[0216] As shown in Figure 31(b), the folded sheet Sf, which has been discharged from the image forming apparatus 200 and folded in the sheet folding section 310, is transported from upstream in the transport direction toward the additional folding mechanism. For the sake of explanation, the folded sheet Sf is assumed to have undergone an "outer tri-fold" process.

[0217] When the leading edge of the folded sheet Sf reaches the additional folding roller 73 in the transport direction, the transport of the folded sheet Sf is temporarily stopped. Then, with the fold at the leading edge of the folded sheet Sf in position with the additional folding roller 73, the additional folding roller 73 is rotated to press against the fold. This pressing applies pressure in the direction of folding again to the fold that has already been formed, making the fold more clearly defined. This additional folding process can reduce the height (thickness) of the folded portion of the folded sheet Sf. The greater the amount of rotation of the additional folding roller 73, the greater the reduction in the height of the folded portion.

[0218] After the fold at the leading edge in the transport direction is reinforced, the transport of the folded sheet Sf is resumed as shown in Figure 31(d). This transport moves the folded sheet Sf downstream, and when the fold at the rear end (last) in the transport direction reaches the reinforcement roller 73, the transport is stopped again. Then, with the fold at the rear end of the folded sheet Sf in the position of the reinforcement roller 73, the reinforcement roller 73 is rotated to press against the fold.

[0219] Once the process of additionally pressing the folds of the folded sheet Sf by the additional folding roller 73 is complete, the transport of the folded sheet Sf is resumed and transported downstream. As described above, after the additional folding process is performed by pressing the folds formed on the folded sheet Sf, it is discharged to the sealing and packaging processing device 100.

[0220] Furthermore, the number of additional folds is not limited to just one. For example, if the print system 1 has a function that allows the user to set the number of additional folds via the operation unit 220 to the printer control unit 260, the printer control unit 260 will notify the folding control unit 320 of the set number of additional folds. The folding control unit 320 will then repeatedly perform the operations shown in Figures 31(c) and 31(d) according to the notified number of additional folds.

[0221] Therefore, by combining the retraction process and the additional folding process in the sheet folding section 310, it becomes possible to adjust the transport interval of the enclosed materials based on the amount of interval extension, thereby updating the transport time interval between enclosed materials to an appropriate value.

[0222] The adjustment of the conveyance interval for the enclosed material in the additional folding mechanism is performed by adjusting the time (conveyance stop time) during which the conveyance is temporarily stopped when the folds formed in the folded sheet Sf reach the position of the additional folding roller 73. For example, in the case of a "tri-fold," since folds are formed at the front and back in the conveyance direction, the conveyance stop time when performing additional folding on the front fold and the conveyance stop time when performing additional folding on the rear fold should be made longer.

[0223] In this case, several methods can be appropriately selected to adjust the transport stop time. For example, the transport stop time when the front fold is increased and the transport stop time when the rear fold is increased can be adjusted to be equally long. Alternatively, the transport stop time when either the front or rear fold is increased can be increased, and the stop time when the other fold is formed can be set shorter. Alternatively, the transport stop time when either the front or rear fold is increased can be increased, while the transport stop time when the other fold is increased remains at the default value. In any of the adjustment methods applied, the discharge interval for discharging the items to be sealed towards the sealing and packaging processing device 100 can be appropriately adjusted during the fold-over process.

[0224] Furthermore, if the extended transport stop time used to adjust the discharge interval is longer than the transport stop time required for one additional folding process, the extended stop time may be used to increase the number of additional folding steps. In this case, increasing the number of additional folding steps reduces the folding height, making it easier to insert the paper into envelope E.

[0225] In addition, if the folding processing device 300 does not have a configuration equivalent to the switchback transport path W3 or does not have a re-folding mechanism, the discharge interval may be adjusted by slowing down the time it takes to transport the sheet S internally.

[0226] [Aspects of the present invention] The contents of this invention are, for example, as follows:

[0227] <1> An envelope sealing device that continuously performs an envelope sealing process, transporting the items to be sealed to a sealing waiting position and sealing them in an envelope, In an envelope transport path that transports the envelope to the aforementioned waiting position for sealing, a flap open state determination means is provided to determine whether or not the flap of the envelope has opened during transport of the envelope. A means for calculating the interval between transport times of the enclosed objects that are continuously transported to the aforementioned sealing waiting position, based on the determination result of the flap open state determination means, and A means for notifying an external device that is the source of transport for transporting a subsequent sealed object to the sealing waiting position of the aforementioned interval, This is a sealing device characterized by having [a certain feature].

[0228] <2> The enclosed material transport interval calculation means calculates the interval extension amount to extend the interval when it is determined that the flap is not open. <1> This is the sealing device described in [reference].

[0229] <3> The flap open state determination means determines the open / closed state of the flap based on the detection results of the envelope by a first envelope detection means that detects the envelope upstream in the transport direction from the flap opening member arranged in the envelope transport path, and a second envelope detection means that detects the envelope downstream in the transport direction from the flap opening member. If the flap is not open in the open / closed state, the flap opening process by the flap opening member is executed again. The means for calculating the interval for transporting the enclosed material calculates the amount of the interval extension based on the number of times the flap opening process is performed. <2> This is the sealing device described in [reference].

[0230] <4> A sealing system comprising: a sealing device that continuously performs a sealing process of transporting the items to be sealed to a sealing waiting position and sealing them in an envelope; and an items supply device that supplies the items to be sealed to the sealing device, The aforementioned sealing device is In an envelope transport path that transports the envelope to the aforementioned waiting position for sealing, a flap open state determination means is provided to determine whether or not the flap of the envelope has opened during transport of the envelope. A means for calculating the transport interval of the enclosed objects that are continuously transported to the aforementioned sealing waiting position, based on the determination result of the flap open state determination means, and The sealed material supply device, which is the source of supplying the sealed material to the sealed material waiting position, is provided with a sealed material transport interval notification means that notifies the transport interval for a plurality of sealed materials being transported continuously to the sealed material waiting position, It has, The aforementioned sealed material supply device is Discharge interval adjustment means for adjusting the discharge interval of the enclosed material based on the transport interval, A means for discharging the enclosed material to the enclosing device based on the aforementioned discharge interval, This is a sealing system characterized by having [a certain feature].

[0231] <5> The aforementioned material supply device is a folding device that performs folding on the material, The discharge interval adjustment means adjusts the discharge interval according to the content of the folding process. <4> This is the packaging system described in [the document].

[0232] <6> The discharge interval adjustment means adjusts the discharge interval according to the conveying speed of the enclosed material in the folding process. <5> This is the packaging system described in [the document].

[0233] <7> The discharge interval adjustment means adjusts the discharge interval by the transport stop time in the retraction path used in the folding process. <5> or the above <6> This is the packaging system described in [the document].

[0234] <8> The discharge interval adjustment means adjusts the discharge interval by adjusting the transport stop time of the enclosed material when additional folding is performed in the folding process. <5> or the above <7> This is the sealing system described in one of the following.

[0235] <9> The discharge interval adjustment means adjusts the discharge interval by the number of additional folds in the folding process. <8> This is the packaging system described in [the document].

[0236] <10> An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet-like medium, The medium on which the image is formed is inserted into an envelope as an enclosed object. <1> or the above <3> An image forming system characterized by comprising an encapsulation device as described in any of the above.

[0237] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical essence, and all technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are subject to the present invention. The above embodiments are preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0238] 1: Print System 100: Encapsulation and sealing processing device 120: Encapsulation Processing Section 121: Enclosed roller 122: First vertical conveyor roller 123: Second vertical conveyor roller 124: Flap opening roller 125: Separation Roller 126: Envelope transport roller 127: Envelope Set Tray 128: Separation Sensor 129: Flap open sensor 130: Sealing Processing Unit 135: Sealing section 150: Encapsulation and sealing control unit 160: Encapsulation Support Department 180: Flap opening mechanism 200: Image forming apparatus 260: Printer Control Unit 300: Folding processing device 310: Sheet folding section 320: Folding control unit 400: Post-processing equipment 420: Post-processing control unit 1511: Envelope transport control unit 1512: Flap length calculation unit 1513: Flap opening detection unit 1514: Open operation retry control unit 1515: Enclosed material transport interval calculation unit 1516: Enclosed material transport interval notification unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0239] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-301723

Claims

1. An envelope sealing device that continuously performs an envelope sealing process, transporting the items to be sealed to a sealing waiting position and sealing them in an envelope, In an envelope transport path that transports the envelope to the aforementioned waiting position for sealing, a flap open state determination means is provided to determine whether or not the flap of the envelope has opened during transport of the envelope. A means for calculating the interval between transport times of the enclosed objects that are continuously transported to the aforementioned sealing waiting position, based on the determination result of the flap open state determination means, and It includes a means for notifying an external device that is the source of transport for transporting a subsequent sealed object to the sealing waiting position of the aforementioned interval, The aforementioned object transport interval calculation means calculates an interval extension amount to extend the interval when it is determined that the flap is not open. A sealing device characterized by the following features.

2. The flap open state determination means determines the open / closed state of the flap based on the detection results of the envelope by a first envelope detection means that detects the envelope upstream in the transport direction from the flap opening member arranged in the envelope transport path, and a second envelope detection means that detects the envelope downstream in the transport direction from the flap opening member. If the flap is not open in the open / closed state, the flap opening process by the flap opening member is executed again. The means for calculating the interval for transporting the enclosed material calculates the amount of interval extension based on the number of times the flap opening process is performed. The sealing device according to claim 1.

3. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet-like medium, An image forming system comprising: an enclosing device according to claim 1 or 2, which inserts the medium on which the image is formed into an envelope as an enclosed object.

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