JP2008179431A - Sheet bundle folding device - Google Patents

Abstract

A sheet bundle folding device capable of appropriately folding a sheet bundle while suppressing an increase in size of the device.
In a sheet bundle folding device, each of a pair of folding rollers 12 is movable so that opposing surfaces thereof approach and separate from each other. The regulating member 28 is sandwiched between the pair of folding rollers 12 so that there is no gap between the sheets by contacting the contact surfaces 16a of the pair of folding roller support members 16 in a state where the sheet bundle is wound around the pair of folding rollers 12. The distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 is regulated so as not to be larger than the thickness of the sheet bundle. The sheet bundle folding device 10 folds the sheet bundle wound between the pair of folding rollers 12 by reversing the pair of folding rollers 12 in a state where the distance between the opposing surfaces is regulated.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet bundle folding device, and more particularly, to a sheet bundle folding device that sandwiches a sheet bundle by a pair of folding rollers and applies a crease.

  For example, a sheet bundle saddle stitch folding apparatus is known that binds the center of a sheet bundle and folds the sheet bundle in two so that a crease is formed at the bound position. In such a sheet bundle folding apparatus, a sheet bundle is sandwiched by a pair of folding rollers to crease the sheet bundle. The booklet created in this manner slightly bulges around the fold, but the larger the bulge, the worse the appearance of the booklet, making it difficult to load a large number of booklets. For this reason, development of a sheet bundle folding device that suppresses the swelling of the booklet around the fold has been strongly demanded for many years.

On the other hand, in the sheet bundle folding device that folds the sheet bundle when the sheet bundle is wound around the pair of folding rollers, the pair of folding rollers is pressed with a strong pressure to suppress the swelling of the booklet around the fold. It is necessary to sandwich the sheet bundle and make an appropriate crease in the sheet bundle. Under such a strong pressure, the driving torque required to drive the pair of folding rollers becomes large, and as a result, the entire apparatus needs to be large. For this reason, a sheet bundle folding control unit has been proposed in which a pair of folding rollers rotate in a returning direction to return the sheet bundle after the sheet bundle is wound (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-9-2735

  However, in the technique described in the above patent document, it is necessary to press the pair of folding rollers with a strong pressure when rotating the pair of folding rollers in the returning direction. For this reason, in order to apply such a strong pressure force to the pair of folding rollers, it is necessary to make the entire apparatus large.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet bundle folding apparatus capable of appropriately folding a sheet bundle while suppressing an increase in size of the apparatus. Is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a sheet bundle folding device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a pair of folding rollers, at least one of which is movable so that the opposing surfaces are close to and away from each other, and the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers. Restricting means for restricting the position of the pair of folding rollers so that the distance between the pair of folding rollers does not become larger than a predetermined distance, feeding means for bending the sheet bundle and feeding between the pair of folding rollers, and driving means for driving the pair of folding rollers; The sheet bundle is fed between the pair of folding rollers and the distance between the opposed surfaces of the pair of folding rollers is regulated by the regulating means so as not to be larger than a predetermined distance, In a state where the distance is restricted, a pair of folding is performed in the reverse direction, which is the rotation direction when the sheet bundle is fed in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sheet bundle is fed by the feeding means. By rotating each of the rollers, creasing the sheet bundle fed between a pair of folding rollers.

  According to this aspect, by restricting the position of the pair of folding rollers before folding the sheet bundle, when folding the sheet bundle, the pair of folding rollers is pressed with a strong force from the outside. An appropriate crease can be given to the sheet bundle without sandwiching the sheet bundle. For this reason, it is possible to avoid an increase in the size of the apparatus by providing a mechanism for pressing the pair of folding rollers with a strong force.

  The regulating means is configured such that the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers is such that the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers is not greater than the thickness of the sheet bundle in a state where the gap between the sheets is eliminated. May be regulated.

  As a result of earnest research and development by the inventor, it was found that an appropriate crease can be attached to the sheet bundle by regulating the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers. Therefore, according to this aspect, an appropriate crease can be given to the sheet bundle by a simple configuration in which the sheet bundle is sandwiched so that there is no gap between the sheets.

  Each of the pair of folding rollers further supports each of the pair of folding rollers, and a pair of supporting members that move the respective folding rollers so that the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers move closer to and away from each other by rotating each of the pair of folding rollers. You may prepare. The restricting means locks the rotation of each of the pair of support members in a state in which each of the pair of support members rotates until the sheet bundle is sandwiched between the pair of folding rollers so that there is no gap between the sheets. The distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers may be regulated.

  For example, when the position of the roller shaft of the folding roller is directly regulated, it is necessary to regulate the position of the roller shaft that can approach and separate while allowing the folding roller to rotate via a bearing or the like. In such a case, it is difficult to firmly support the roller shaft with a simple configuration. According to this aspect, the distance between the surfaces of the pair of folding rollers can be regulated with a simple configuration as compared with the case where the position of the roller shaft of the folding roller is directly regulated.

  The restricting means may include a restricting member that locks each rotation of the pair of support members and restricts the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers. Each of the pair of support members is a pair of opposed contact surfaces, and each of the pair of support members is rotated so that the interval between the pair of support members is narrowed so that the opposed surfaces of the pair of folding rollers are separated from each other. You may have each of a pair of contact surface to do. The pair of abutment surfaces are formed such that the distance between the pair of contact surfaces becomes narrower as the sheet bundle is fed between the pair of folding rollers and approaches the rotational axes of the pair of support members. By moving between the contact surfaces in a direction approaching the rotational axes of both of the pair of support members and contacting each of the pair of contact surfaces, the rotation of each of the pair of support members is locked. Also good. According to this aspect, the distance between the surfaces of the pair of folding rollers can be regulated by a simple configuration in which the locking member is moved in a predetermined direction.

  The restricting means may include a restricting member that locks each rotation of the pair of support members and restricts the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers. Each of the pair of support members is a pair of outer surfaces facing away from each other, and each of the pair of support members is rotated so that the mutual distance is widened, thereby separating the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers. You may have each of a pair of outer surface to do. The regulating member has a pair of contact surfaces facing each other so as to expand toward one side, and the regulating member moves so that each of the pair of contact surfaces approaches each of the pair of outer surfaces, and the pair of contact surfaces Each of these may abut against each of the pair of outer surfaces to lock the rotation of each of the pair of support members. Also in this aspect, the distance between the surfaces of the pair of folding rollers can be regulated by a simple configuration in which the locking member is moved in a predetermined direction.

  The axial direction of each of the pair of folding rollers may be inclined with respect to the direction of the crease when the sheet bundle fed between the pair of folding rollers is creased.

  By tilting the pair of folding rollers in this way, the folding roller can crease the sheet bundle while sandwiching the sheet bundle and moving a crease point. For this reason, it is possible to apply an appropriate pressure to the fold while weakening the force that regulates the distance between the surfaces of the folding rollers as compared with the case where the folds are simultaneously made over the entire length of the sheet bundle. For this reason, a mechanism for regulating the distance between the surfaces of the folding rollers can be simplified, and high-quality crease processing can be realized while suppressing an increase in cost or an increase in size of the apparatus.

  The feeding means includes a folding knife formed in a plate shape, a folding knife driving means for moving the folding knife in a direction to project and retract from the sheet bundle placement surface of the sheet bundle placement table on which the sheet bundle is placed, and You may have. With the folding knife retracted from the sheet bundle placement surface and the sheet bundle placed on the sheet bundle placement surface, the folding knife protrudes from the sheet bundle placement surface and is inserted between the pair of folding rollers. The sheet bundle placed on the sheet bundle placement surface is bent and fed between the pair of folding rollers, and after the sheet bundle is fed between the pair of folding rollers, the folding knife is pulled out from between the pair of folding rollers. Wait for the front end to be positioned between the sheet stacking surface and the pair of folding rollers, pull out the folding knife from between the pair of folding rollers, and then the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers by the regulating means Is controlled so as not to be larger than a predetermined distance, and the pair of folding rollers are rotated in the reverse direction in a state where the distance between the opposing surfaces is regulated, thereby feeding the pair of folding rollers. The folded sheet bundle is creased and the sheet bundle is fed from the pair of folding rollers toward the tip of the folding knife, and the folding knife is inserted again between the pair of folding rollers, and the pair of folding rollers is reverse to the reverse rotation direction. The sheet bundle may be discharged in a direction away from the sheet bundle placement surface by rotating in the forward rotation direction.

  Thus, when the folding knife is pulled out from between the pair of folding rollers, the tip is positioned between the sheet bundle mounting surface and the pair of folding rollers without leaving the folding knife from the sheet bundle mounting surface. By making them wait, the amount of movement of the folding knife when the folding knife is inserted again between the pair of folding rollers can be suppressed. For this reason, according to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the time required for the sheet bundle discharging process compared to the case where the folding knife is retracted from the sheet bundle placement surface and then inserted between the pair of folding rollers. It becomes.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the sheet | seat bundle folding apparatus which can make a suitable crease to a sheet | seat bundle can be provided, suppressing that an apparatus enlarges.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view of a sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the rear side of the apparatus, in which the substantially center of the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 is cut along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction, is viewed from the front.

  A rear frame (not shown) of the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 includes a pair of folding rollers 12, a pair of folding roller support members 16, a sheet bundle placement table 20, a conveyance roller 22, a folding knife 24, a regulating member 28, and a rotation member. A moving plate 26 and a regulating member moving solenoid 40 are provided. Note that the front frame (not shown) of the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 is provided with components that are symmetrical to those of the rear frame of the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 except for the regulating member moving solenoid 40. It has been. Therefore, hereinafter, these constituent elements provided in the rear frame will be described, and description of the constituent elements provided in the front frame will be omitted.

  The sheet bundle mounting table 20 is formed in a flat plate shape and is fixed horizontally in the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10. At the left end of the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10, a sheet bundle placement table 20 is folded upward to form a stopper 20a. The stopper 20a may be configured to be movable in the left-right direction according to the size of the sheet bundle to be folded.

  On the right side of the center of the sheet bundle placement table 20, a pair of conveyance rollers 22 whose axial direction is the front-rear direction of the apparatus are arranged so as to sandwich the upper surface of the sheet bundle placement table 20 as a sheet bundle conveyance surface. Yes. A folding knife passage 20b, which is an opening, is provided in the approximate center of the sheet bundle placement table 20.

  Each of the pair of folding roller support members 16 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape that is cut so that one side is inclined. An insertion hole 16 b is provided in the approximate center of each of the pair of folding roller support members 16. A pair of pivot shafts 18 are arranged side by side in the rear frame so as to protrude forward from the rear frame. The insertion holes 16b of the pair of folding roller support members 16 are inserted into the rotation shafts 18 so as to be rotatable. At this time, each of the pair of folding roller support members 16 is disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction and the contact surfaces 16a face each other. As shown in FIG. 1, the pair of abutment surfaces 16a can be formed between the pair of folding rollers 12 even when the sheet bundle is not fed between the pair of folding rollers 12. Even in the fed state, the distance between the pair of folding roller support members 16 becomes narrower as the rotation shafts 18 approach each other.

  Each of the pair of folding rollers 12 is configured by inserting a roller shaft 14 formed of a metal material such as iron through a resin-made roller portion formed in a cylindrical shape. Each end of the roller shaft 14 is attached to the vicinity of the lower end of the pair of folding roller support members 16 via bearings (not shown), whereby each of the pair of folding rollers 12 is attached to the folding roller support member 16. It is rotatably supported. At this time, each of the pair of folding rollers 12 has a folding roller support member that faces in the axial direction in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the folding roller support member 16 and is arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction so that the surfaces face each other. 16 is attached. Thus, each of the pair of folding rollers 12 is juxtaposed in the lateral direction above the sheet bundle placement table 20 so that the axial direction is substantially in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus.

  The sheet bundle folding device 10 conveys the sheet bundle by sandwiching the sheet bundle between the pair of folding rollers 12 thus configured and moving the sheet bundle upward and downward, and creases the sheet bundle. Hereinafter, the rotation direction of each of the pair of folding rollers 12 when the clamped sheet bundle is moved upward is defined as the normal rotation direction, and the rotation direction of each of the pair of folding rollers 12 when moved downward is defined as the reverse rotation direction. To do.

  In the pair of folding roller support members 16 and the pair of folding rollers 12 configured in this way, each of the pair of folding roller support members 16 is rotated so that the mutual distance between the pair of contact surfaces 16a is reduced. The opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 move in a direction away from each other. Each of the pair of folding roller support members 16 is provided with a spring locking hole 16c at an end opposite to the end where the folding roller 12 is attached and the rotation shaft 18. One end of each of the pair of springs 42 is locked to each of the spring locking holes 16 c, and the other end of each of the pair of springs 42 is locked to a spring locking pin 46. The pair of springs 42 causes each of the pair of folding roller support members 16 to move so that the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 is close to each other and the distance between the pair of contact surfaces 16a is separated. Energize.

  The pair of folding rollers 12 according to the first embodiment is provided in the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 so that the axial direction is slightly upward toward the front of the apparatus. Accordingly, the axial direction of each of the pair of folding rollers 12 is inclined with respect to the direction of the fold when the pair of folding rollers 12 is reversed to crease the sheet bundle.

  The rotating plate 26 is formed in a plate shape. A rotation shaft 30 is provided at one end of the rotation plate 26, and the rotation plate 26 attaches the rotation shaft 30 to the rear frame via a bearing (not shown). It is supported by the rear frame so as to be rotatable about the center. At this time, the rotation plate 26 is disposed on the opposite side of the pair of folding roller support members 16 to the side on which the folding roller 12 is attached in the positional relationship in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus. A regulating member 28 is attached to the other end of the rotating plate 26. The restricting member 28 is formed of a cylindrical metal material and is attached to the rotating plate 26 so as to protrude forward of the apparatus. Further, the regulating member 28 is configured such that when the pivot plate 26 pivots about the pivot shaft 30 and the regulating member 28 moves downward, the outer peripheral surface abuts against the contact surfaces 16 a of the pair of folding roller support members 16. It arrange | positions on the rotation plate 26 so that it may contact | connect.

  A spring locking projection 28a is formed at the tip of the regulating member 28 in the protruding direction. One end of a spring 50 is locked to the spring locking protrusion 28a, and the other end of the spring 50 is locked to a spring locking pin 52 provided on the rear frame. Thus, the spring 50 applies a biasing force to the regulating member 28 so that the regulating member 28 rotates in a direction in which the regulating member 28 is separated from each of the pair of contact surfaces 16a. A stopper pin 54 attached to the rear frame is provided above the rotating plate 26, and the rotating plate 26 biased by the spring 50 is locked by the stopper pin 54.

  A transmission member 32 formed in a circular plate shape is provided at the end of the rotation plate 26 provided with the rotation shaft 30 so as to be coaxial with the rotation shaft 30. One end of a connecting rod 34 is attached to the transmission member 32 via a rotation shaft 36. The other end of the connecting rod 34 is attached to the plunger of the restricting member moving solenoid 40 via a rotation shaft 38. When a current is supplied to the restricting member moving solenoid 40, the connecting rod 34 is pulled toward the restricting member moving solenoid 40, and the turning plate 26 is turned so that the restricting member 28 moves downward. As the restricting member 28 moves downward, the outer peripheral surface of the restricting member 28 comes into contact with the contact surfaces 16 a of the pair of folding roller support members 16.

  The rotating shaft 30 is also connected to a rotating plate 26 provided on the front frame side. Therefore, when the restricting member moving solenoid 40 provided on the rear frame side operates, the turning plate 26 turns so that the restricting member 28 moves downward also on the front frame side, and the outer peripheral surface of the restricting member 28 is The pair of folding roller support members 16 are in contact with the respective contact surfaces 16a.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the first embodiment. The sheet bundle folding device 10 includes an electronic control unit 70 therein. The electronic control unit 70 includes a CPU 72 that executes various arithmetic processes, a ROM 74 that stores various control programs, and a RAM 76 that is used as a work area for data storage and program execution.

  The sheet bundle folding device 10 further includes a roller driving motor 78, a knife moving motor 80, a roller moving solenoid 82, a conveying roller driving motor 84, and a discharge roller driving motor 86. The roller drive motor 78 functions as a drive unit that drives each of the pair of folding rollers 12 and drives each of the pair of folding rollers 12 in the forward rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction. The knife moving motor 80 raises or lowers the folding knife 24 via a transmission mechanism (not shown). The roller moving solenoid 82 moves one of the pair of transport rollers 22 (the upper transport roller 22 in the first embodiment) in a direction away from the other transport roller 22. The conveyance roller drive motor 84 drives one of a pair of conveyance roller drive motors 84, and the discharge roller drive motor 86 drives one of a pair of discharge rollers described later.

  The electronic control unit 70 is connected to each of actuators such as a roller drive motor 78, a knife movement motor 80, a regulating member movement solenoid 40, a roller movement solenoid 82, a conveyance roller drive motor 84, and a discharge roller drive motor 86. Each operation is controlled by controlling the current supply to these actuators.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation procedure of the sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation procedure of the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 will be described in detail with reference to both FIG. 3 and FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the electronic control unit 70 operates the conveyance roller drive motor 84 and rotates the conveyance roller 22 to move the sheet bundle 2 while sliding the sheet bundle placement surface on the sheet bundle placement table 20. Then, the sheet bundle is carried into the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 (S10).

  When the sheet bundle is carried in, as shown in FIG. 4A, the electronic control unit 70 keeps the pair of conveying rollers 22 in contact with each other without operating the roller moving solenoid 82. Further, the electronic control unit 70 does not actuate the restricting member moving solenoid 40 and keeps the restricting member 28 away from the contact surfaces 16 a of the pair of folding roller support members 16. Further, the electronic control unit 70 does not operate the knife moving motor 80 and keeps the folding knife 24 retracted downward from the sheet bundle placement surface on the sheet bundle placement table 20. The electronic control unit 70 stops the rotation of the conveying roller 22 at the timing when the loaded sheet bundle comes into contact with the stopper 20a.

  Returning to FIG. When the rotation of the conveying roller 22 is stopped, the electronic control unit 70 operates the roller moving solenoid 82 to move the upper conveying roller 22 in a direction away from the lower conveying roller 22, and the sheet bundle by the conveying roller 22 is moved. Release the pinching. Next, the electronic control unit 70 operates the roller drive motor 78 to cause each of the pair of folding rollers 12 to rotate normally (S12).

  The electronic control unit 70 operates the knife moving motor 80 with the folding roller 12 rotating forward to raise the folding knife 24, and inserts the folding knife 24 between the pair of folding rollers 12. In this way, the folding knife 24 curves the sheet bundle placed on the sheet bundle placement surface and sends it between the pair of folding rollers 12 (S14). Therefore, the folding knife 24 functions as feeding means for feeding the sheet bundle between the pair of folding rollers 12. When the sheet bundle is fed between the pair of folding rollers 12, the electronic control unit 70 stops the operation of the roller drive motor 78 and stops the rotation of the folding roller 12 (S16).

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a state of the sheet bundle folding device 10 when the sheet bundle 2 is fed between the pair of folding rollers 12. When the folding knife 24 is raised while the pair of folding rollers 12 are rotated forward, the sheet bundle 2 is curved, and is fed between the pair of folding rollers 12 together with the folding knife 24 from above the curved portion. .

  Each of the pair of folding rollers 12 is applied with a force in a direction of sandwiching the fed sheet bundle by the biasing force of the spring 42. For this reason, when the sheet bundle 2 is fed, the pair of folding rollers 12 elastically deforms the spring 42 and the folding roller support member 16 rotates, so that the opposing surfaces are separated from each other by a moderate distance. Get involved.

  The spring 42 is set to have a biasing force so that the pair of folding rollers 12 clamp the sheet bundle with a force weaker than a force that eliminates the gap between the sheets of the fed sheet bundle 2. For this reason, when the sheet bundle 2 is sent to the pair of folding rollers 12, the sheet bundle 2 is not yet properly folded. By setting the biasing force of the spring 42 to such a small force, it is possible to easily insert and retract the folding knife 24 between the pair of folding rollers 12.

  Returning to FIG. When the rotation of the pair of folding rollers 12 is stopped, the electronic control unit 70 reverses the knife moving motor 80 and pulls the folding knife 24 from between the pair of folding rollers 12 (S18). At this time, the electronic control unit 70 causes the folding knife 24 to stand by so that the tip is positioned between the sheet bundle placement surface and the pair of folding rollers 12.

  When the folding knife 24 is pulled out from between the pair of folding rollers 12, the electronic control unit 70 regulates the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 (S20). FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a state of the sheet bundle folding device 10 at this time. In a state where the sheet bundle is fed between the pair of folding rollers 12, the sheet bundle fed between the pair of folding rollers 12 is not a gap between the sheets even if the sheet bundle is sandwiched between the pair of folding rollers 12 at this time. Is still in a state. In this state, the electronic control unit 70 operates the restricting member moving solenoid 40 to lower the restricting member 28, and advances the restricting member 28 in a direction approaching both the rotation shafts 18 of the folding roller support member 16.

  Even when the sheet bundle 2 is wound between the pair of folding rollers 12, the distance between the pair of contact surfaces 16 a decreases as the rotation shafts 18 of the pair of folding roller support members 16 approach each other. It is formed as follows. For this reason, when the regulating member 28 is lowered, the outer peripheral surface of the regulating member 28 comes into contact with the contact surfaces 16 a of the pair of folding roller support members 16. Further, when the regulating member 28 slides on the contact surface 16a and each of the pair of folding roller support members 16 is rotated, the pair of folding rollers 12 sandwich the sheet bundle so that there is no gap between the sheets. When the pair of folding rollers 12 sandwich the sheet bundle in this way, the downward movement of the regulating member 28 is completed. As a result, the rotation of each of the pair of folding roller support members 16 is locked, and the distance between the opposing surfaces of the folding rollers 12 does not become larger than the thickness of the sheet bundle 2 that is sandwiched so that there is no gap between the sheets. Be regulated.

  Returning to FIG. When the distance between the opposing surfaces of the folding rollers is restricted, the electronic control unit 70 moves each of the pair of folding rollers 12 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sheet bundle is fed by the folding knife 24. Rotate like so. Hereinafter, the rotation direction of each of the pair of folding rollers 12 at this time is defined as the reverse rotation direction, and the direction in which each of the pair of folding rollers 12 entrains the sheet bundle fed by the folding knife 24 is defined as the normal rotation direction.

  By reversing each of the pair of folding rollers 12 in this way, the portion of the sheet bundle that is creased passes between the pair of folding rollers 12 downward. The distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 is restricted so as not to be larger than the thickness of the sheet bundle 2 that is sandwiched so that there is no gap between the sheets. On the other hand, since the crease portion of the sheet bundle swells and becomes thicker, the sheet bundle is clamped with a large force when the crease portion of the sheet bundle passes between the pair of folding rollers 12. . Thus, an appropriate crease is given to the sheet bundle in which the crease portion passes between the pair of folding rollers 12 (S22).

  As described above, the sheet bundle can be appropriately creased by a simple configuration in which the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 is regulated to an appropriate distance before the sheet bundle is creased. . As a result of experiments by the inventor, by controlling the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 so as not to be larger than the thickness of the sheet bundle 2 sandwiched so as to eliminate the gap between the sheets, an appropriate crease is formed. It was found that it can be attached to a sheet bundle. Therefore, according to the sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the first embodiment, the position of each of the pair of folding rollers 12 is regulated in a state where the sheet bundle is sandwiched so that there is no gap between the sheets. It becomes possible to attach a simple crease to the sheet bundle.

  In addition, the axial direction of each of the pair of folding rollers 12 is inclined with respect to the direction of the fold when the pair of folding rollers 12 is reversed to crease the sheet bundle. As a result, the pair of folding rollers 12 can crease the sheet bundle while moving the point for holding the sheet bundle. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately crease the sheet bundle with a simple configuration without pinching the sheet bundle with a large force.

  The sheet bundle with the crease is sent out toward the front end of the folding knife 24 waiting. At this time, since the folding knife 24 stands by so that the tip is positioned above the sheet bundle placement surface, the lower valley portion of the folded sheet bundle comes into contact with the tip of the folding knife 24. Thus, the sheet bundle is positioned, and the sheet bundle is restrained from moving leftward or rightward.

  When the sheet bundle is sent downward from between the pair of folding rollers 12, the electronic control unit 70 releases the restriction on the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 (S24). Next, the electronic control unit 70 operates the roller drive motor 78 to cause each of the pair of folding rollers 12 to rotate normally (S26). In this state, the regulating member moving solenoid 40 operates the knife moving motor 80 to raise the folding knife 24 and insert it between the pair of folding rollers 12. At this time, since the folding knife 24 stands by so that the tip is positioned above the sheet bundle placement surface, the folding knife 24 is quicker than when the folding knife 24 is retracted below the sheet bundle placement surface. The folding knife 24 can be inserted between the pair of folding rollers 12.

  The electronic control unit 70 conveys the sheet bundle upward by rewinding the sheet bundle between the pair of folding rollers 12 (S28). When the sheet bundle is wound between the pair of folding rollers 12, the electronic control unit 70 reverses the knife moving motor 80 to retract the folding knife 24 below the sheet bundle placement surface (S30). Above the folding roller 12, a pair of discharge rollers 60 arranged side by side are provided. The electronic control unit 70 always operates the discharge roller driving motor 86 to rotate the discharge roller 60 during the operation of the sheet bundle folding device 10. The sheet bundle conveyed upward from the pair of folding rollers 12 is discharged from the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 by the pair of discharge rollers 60 (S32).

  FIG. 4D is a diagram illustrating a state of the sheet bundle folding device 10 when the folded sheet bundle 2 is discharged. The electronic control unit 70 stops the supply of current to the restricting member moving solenoid 40, thereby turning the turning plate 26 so as to raise the restricting member 28 by the biasing force of the spring 50, and the pair of contact surfaces 16a. And the contact with the regulating member 28 are released. As a result, the pair of folding rollers 12 can move in a direction away from each other, and when the sheet bundle 2 is wound again between the pair of folding rollers 12, the sheet bundle 2 is sandwiched with a weak force. For this reason, the driving force of the pair of folding rollers 12 when the sheet bundle 2 is conveyed upward can be suppressed.

  As described above, according to the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to appropriately crease the sheet bundle with a simple configuration. Compared to the case where the folding line of the sheet bundle and the folding roller axis are parallel and the folding pressure is applied only at the moment when the sheet passes through the nip of the folding roller, the folding line is formed by moving the point where the sheet bundle is sandwiched, thereby making the When the sheet is moderately squeezed, a crease can be strongly applied, and swelling in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle can be suppressed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D are views showing the state of the sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the second embodiment in each procedure when making a crease in the sheet bundle. The configuration of the sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the first embodiment unless otherwise specified. The operation procedure of the sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the second embodiment when adding a mark is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the second embodiment includes a regulating member 62 instead of the rotating plate 26 and the regulating member 28. The regulating member 62 is a U-shaped plate-like member, and has a pair of contact surfaces 62a that face each other so as to expand toward one side. Each of the pair of folding roller support members 16 has a pair of outer surfaces 16d facing away from each other in the vicinity of the portion where the folding roller 12 is attached. The pair of outer surfaces 16d are formed at positions where the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 are separated by the rotation of each of the pair of folding roller support members 16 so that the distance between the outer surfaces 16d increases. In the second embodiment, each of the pair of outer surfaces 16d is formed in a curved surface having an arc shape when viewed from the front of the apparatus.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a state when a sheet bundle is carried into the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5A, the regulating member 62 is disposed below the pair of folding roller support members 16 so that each of the pair of contact surfaces 62a faces each of the pair of outer surfaces 16d with a space therebetween. Is done. The regulating member 62 can be raised by a regulating member moving solenoid (not shown). The restricting member moving solenoid is connected to the electronic control unit 70. The electronic control unit 70 controls the operation of the restricting member moving solenoid by controlling the supply of electric current to the restricting member moving solenoid, Control descent. In S10 to S18 of FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 5B, the electronic control unit 70 does not operate the restricting member moving solenoid and keeps the restricting member 62 lowered.

  In S20 of FIG. 3, when the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 is regulated, the electronic control unit 70 operates the regulating member moving solenoid to move the regulating member 62 as shown in FIG. Raise. Since the pair of contact surfaces 62a are formed so as to narrow downward, each of the pair of contact surfaces 62a is formed on the outer surface 16d of each of the pair of folding roller support members 16 when the restricting member 62 is raised. Abut. Further, each of the pair of contact surfaces 62a slides on the outer surface 16d of each of the pair of folding roller support members 16, and each of the pair of folding roller support members 16 rotates, so that the pair of folding rollers 12 is The sheet bundle is clamped so that there is no gap between the sheets. When the pair of folding rollers 12 sandwich the sheet bundle in this way, the lifting of the regulating member 62 ends. In this way, the regulating member 62 regulates the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 so as not to be larger than the thickness of the sheet bundle 2 that is sandwiched so that there is no gap between the sheets.

  In S24 of FIG. 3, when the restriction of the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 is released, as shown in FIG. 5D, the electronic control unit 70 stops the operation of the restriction member moving solenoid. The restricting member 62 is lowered, and each of the pair of contact surfaces 62 a is separated from the outer surface 16 d of each of the pair of folding roller support members 16. Thereby, restriction | limiting of the distance between the surfaces which a pair of folding roller 12 opposes is cancelled | released.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the sheet bundle is fed between the pair of folding rollers in the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state by which the distance between the surfaces which a roller opposes was controlled. 6A and 6B show a state in which the sheet bundle folding device 10 is viewed from the rear side of the device. The rear frame is not shown for easy understanding. 6A and 6B show the components of the sheet bundle folding device 10 arranged around the rear frame. The front frame of the sheet bundle folding device 10 is provided with components that are symmetrical with those of the components provided on the rear frame. Hereinafter, these components provided in the rear frame will be described, and description of the components provided in the front frame will be omitted.

  The configuration of the sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the first embodiment unless otherwise specified. The operation procedure of the sheet bundle folding device 10 according to the third embodiment when adding a mark is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment further includes a pair of bearings 90, a pair of pressing members 92, a pair of locking members 94, a pair of springs 96, and a regulating member 98. Unlike the sheet bundle folding apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, the folding roller support member 16 is not provided. The bearing 90 is attached to each roller shaft 14 of the pair of folding rollers 12. The rear frame is provided with a guide hole 100 having a width substantially the same as the outer diameter of the bearing 90 so as to extend in the horizontal direction. The pair of bearings 90 is inserted into the guide hole 100. Each of the pair of bearings 90 slides on the guide hole 100, so that each of the pair of folding rollers 12 can move in the horizontal direction.

  Each of the pair of locking members 94 is fixed to the rear frame on the outer side in the horizontal direction of the guide hole 100. Each of the pair of pressing members 92 is disposed between a bearing 90 inserted into the guide hole 100 and a locking member 94, and is supported by the rear frame so as to be movable in the horizontal direction by a guide portion (not shown). Yes. Both ends of the pair of springs 96 are coupled to the locking member 94 and the pressing member 92, respectively. The spring 96 applies an urging force in a direction away from the locking member 94 to the pressing member 92. For this reason, each of the pair of pressing members 92 abuts on each of the pair of bearings 90, applies a force in a direction in which the pair of bearings 90 are close to each other, and is fed into each of the pair of folding rollers 12. A force is applied in the direction in which the sheet bundle 2 is sandwiched. Each of the pair of springs 96 is set to have a biasing force so that the pair of folding rollers 12 sandwich the sheet bundle with a force weaker than a force that eliminates the gap between the sheets of the fed sheet bundle 2. .

  The regulating member 98 is a U-shaped plate-like member, and has a pair of contact surfaces 98a that face each other so as to expand toward one side. When the sheet bundle is carried into the sheet bundle folding device 10, as shown in FIG. 6A, the restricting member 98 has the pair of contact surfaces 98a facing each of the pair of outer surfaces 16d with a space therebetween. As described above, they are disposed below the pair of folding roller support members 16. The restricting member 98 can be raised by a restricting member moving solenoid (not shown). The restricting member moving solenoid is connected to the electronic control unit 70, and the electronic control unit 70 controls the operation of the restricting member moving solenoid by controlling the supply of electric current to the restricting member moving solenoid, Control descent. In S10 to S18 of FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 5A, the electronic control unit 70 does not operate the restricting member moving solenoid and keeps the restricting member 98 lowered.

  In S20 of FIG. 3, when the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 is regulated, the electronic control unit 70 operates the regulating member moving solenoid to move the regulating member 98 as shown in FIG. Raise. Since the pair of contact surfaces 98a are formed so as to narrow downward, each of the pair of contact surfaces 98a contacts the outer peripheral surface of each of the pair of bearings 90 when the regulating member 98 rises. Further, each of the pair of contact surfaces 98a slides on the outer peripheral surface of each of the pair of bearings 90, whereby the distance between the pair of bearings 90 is reduced, and the pair of folding rollers 12 has no gap between the sheets. Hold the sheet bundle. When the pair of folding rollers 12 sandwich the sheet bundle in this way, the lifting of the regulating member 98 is completed. In this way, the regulating member 98 regulates the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 so as not to be larger than the thickness of the sheet bundle 2 sandwiched so that there is no gap between the sheets.

  In S24 of FIG. 3, when the restriction of the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 is released, the electronic control unit 70 stops the operation of the restriction member moving solenoid, lowers the restriction member 98, and moves the pair of contact rollers. Each of the contact surfaces 98 a is separated from each of the pair of bearings 90. Thereby, restriction | limiting of the distance between the surfaces which a pair of folding roller 12 opposes is cancelled | released.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and an appropriate combination of the elements of each embodiment is also effective as an embodiment of the present invention. Various modifications such as design changes can be added to each embodiment based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and embodiments to which such modifications are added can also be included in the scope of the present invention. Here are some examples.

  In a modification, the spring 42 is set to have a biasing force so that the pair of folding rollers 12 can hold the sheet bundle with a force sufficient to eliminate a gap between the sheets of the fed sheet bundle 2. Thus, when the distance between the surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 is regulated by the regulating member, the pair of folding rollers 12 can eliminate the gap between the sheets without increasing the force with which the pair of folding rollers 12 clamp the sheet bundle. The sheet bundle can be held between the folding rollers 12 and the burden on the actuator or the like for driving the regulating member can be reduced.

  In another variation, the electronic control unit 70 operates the knife moving motor 80 to raise the folding knife 24 without operating the roller driving motor 78 and feeds the sheet bundle between the pair of folding rollers 12. . By inserting the folding knife 24 between the pair of folding rollers 12 together with the sheet bundle, the sheet bundle can be fed between the pair of folding rollers 12 without driving the pair of folding rollers 12 by the roller drive motor 78. Is possible. Thereby, the operation control of the roller drive motor 78 can be simplified.

  In another modification, the sheet bundle folding device 10 further includes an electromagnetic clutch. The pair of folding rollers 12 is connected to a roller drive motor 78 via an electromagnetic clutch. The electromagnetic clutch is connected to the electronic control unit 70, and the electronic control unit 70 controls the release and coupling of the electromagnetic clutch. In the electromagnetic clutch released state, the pair of folding rollers 12 are rotatably supported by the rear frame. When the sheet bundle is fed between the pair of folding rollers 12 by the folding knife 24, the electronic control unit 70 releases the electromagnetic clutch. Thus, each of the pair of folding rollers 12 rolls forward by rolling while being in contact with the fed sheet bundle.

  When the folding roller is stopped, the folding knife 24 is pulled out from between the pair of folding rollers 12, and the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers 12 is restricted, the electronic control unit 70 activates the electromagnetic clutch. By linking and operating the roller drive motor 78 to reverse each of the pair of folding rollers 12, the sheet bundle sandwiched between the pair of folding rollers 12 is creased. When the sheet bundle is sent out from between the pair of folding rollers 12 toward the sheet bundle placement surface, the electronic control unit 70 causes each of the pair of folding rollers 12 to rotate forward while the electromagnetic clutch is connected. The sheet bundle is discharged in a direction away from the sheet bundle placement surface. Thus, by providing the electromagnetic clutch and releasing the electromagnetic clutch when feeding the sheet bundle between the pair of folding rollers 12, the sheet bundle can be easily fed between the pair of folding rollers 12. Become.

It is a front view of the sheet bundle folding device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the sheet bundle folding device according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the sheet bundle folding apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the state when carrying in a sheet bundle in the sheet bundle folding apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (b) is a sheet bundle sent in between a pair of folding rollers. It is a figure which shows a state, (c) is a figure which shows the state in which the distance between the surfaces which a pair of folding roller opposes was controlled, (d) conveys the sheet | seat bundle | creased with a crease upward. It is a figure which shows the state at the time. (A) is a figure which shows the state when carrying in a sheet bundle in the sheet bundle folding apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (b) is the state by which the sheet bundle was sent between a pair of folding rollers. (C) is a figure which shows the state where the distance between the opposing surfaces of a pair of folding roller was controlled, (d), when conveying a creased sheet bundle upwards It is a figure which shows the state of. (A) is a figure which shows the state in which the sheet bundle was sent between a pair of folding rollers in the sheet bundle folding apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, (b) is the surface which a pair of folding roller opposes It is a figure which shows the state by which the distance between was regulated.

Explanation of symbols

  10 sheet bundle folding device, 12 folding roller, 16 folding roller support member, 16a contact surface, 16d outer surface, 18 rotating shaft, 24 folding knife, 26 rotating plate, 28 regulating member, 30 rotating shaft, 62 regulating member 62a contact surface, 70 electronic control unit, 98 regulating member, 98a contact surface.

Claims (7)

A pair of folding rollers, at least one of which is movable so that opposing surfaces are close and spaced apart;
Regulating means for regulating the position of the pair of folding rollers so that the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers does not become larger than a predetermined distance;
A feeding means for bending the sheet bundle and feeding it between the pair of folding rollers;
Driving means for driving the pair of folding rollers;
With
In a state where the sheet bundle is fed between the pair of folding rollers, the regulating means regulates the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers so as not to be larger than a predetermined distance.
Each of the pair of folding rollers is rotated in a reverse direction, which is a rotation direction when the sheet bundle is sent out in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sheet bundle is fed by the feeding unit, with the distance between the opposing surfaces being regulated. Accordingly, the sheet bundle folding device is configured to crease the sheet bundle fed between the pair of folding rollers.   The restricting means is configured so that the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers does not become larger than the thickness of the sheet bundle that is sandwiched so that there is no gap between the sheets. The sheet bundle folding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the sheets is regulated. Each of the pair of folding rollers rotatably supports each of the pair of folding rollers, and each of the pair of folding rollers moves by moving the respective folding rollers so that the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers approach and separate from each other. Further comprising
The restricting means engages each rotation of the pair of support members in a state in which each of the pair of support members is rotated until the sheet bundle is sandwiched between the pair of folding rollers so that there is no gap between the sheets. The sheet bundle folding apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers is regulated by stopping. The restricting means includes a restricting member that restricts the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers by locking the rotation of each of the pair of support members.
Each of the pair of support members is a pair of opposed contact surfaces, and each of the pair of support members is rotated so that the interval between the pair of support members is narrowed. Each having a pair of abutting surfaces spaced apart;
The pair of contact surfaces are formed such that a distance between the pair of contact surfaces decreases as the sheet bundle is fed between the pair of folding rollers and approaches the rotation shafts of the pair of support members.
The restricting member advances between the pair of contact surfaces in a direction approaching both rotation axes of the pair of support members and contacts each of the pair of contact surfaces. The sheet bundle folding device according to claim 3, wherein the rotation of each member is locked. The restricting means includes a restricting member that restricts the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of folding rollers by locking the rotation of each of the pair of support members.
Each of the pair of support members is a pair of outer surfaces facing away from each other, and each of the pair of support members is rotated so that a distance between the pair of outer surfaces is widened. Each having a pair of outer surfaces spaced apart from each other,
The regulating member has a pair of abutting surfaces facing each other so as to expand toward one side, and the regulating member moves so that each of the pair of abutting surfaces approaches each of the pair of outer surfaces, 4. The sheet bundle folding device according to claim 3, wherein each of the pair of abutting surfaces abuts on each of the pair of outer surfaces to lock the rotation of each of the pair of support members. 5.   6. The axial direction of each of the pair of folding rollers is inclined with respect to the direction of the fold when the sheet bundle fed between the pair of folding rollers is creased. The sheet bundle folding apparatus according to any one of the above. The feeding means includes a folding knife formed in a plate shape, and a folding knife driving means for moving the folding knife in a direction in which the folding knife protrudes and retracts from a sheet bundle placement surface of a sheet bundle placement table on which the sheet bundle is placed. And having
While the folding knife is retracted from the sheet bundle placement surface and the sheet bundle is placed on the sheet bundle placement surface, the folding knife is protruded from the sheet bundle placement surface, and between the pair of folding rollers. The sheet bundle placed on the sheet bundle placement surface is curved and fed between the pair of folding rollers,
After feeding the sheet bundle between the pair of folding rollers, the folding knife is pulled out from between the pair of folding rollers, and the tip is positioned between the sheet bundle placement surface and the pair of folding rollers. Wait,
After the folding knife is pulled out from between the pair of folding rollers, the regulating means regulates the distance between the opposed surfaces of the pair of folding rollers so as not to be larger than a predetermined distance.
The pair of folding rollers are rotated in the reverse direction in a state where the distance between the opposing surfaces is regulated, thereby folding the sheet bundle fed between the pair of folding rollers and removing the sheet bundle from the folding knife. Sent out from between the pair of folding rollers toward the tip of
The folding knife is inserted again between the pair of folding rollers, and the pair of folding rollers is rotated in the forward rotation direction opposite to the reverse rotation direction to discharge the sheet bundle in a direction away from the sheet bundle placement surface. The sheet bundle folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

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