Patent ID: 7285084

Claim:
A sheet processor operable to process sheets, comprising: a folding unit configured to bundle the sheets and to fold the sheet bundle; and a folded back portion flattening device including: a gripping unit configured to grip the sheet bundle such that the folded back portion of the sheet bundle protrudes from the gripping unit; and a pressing unit configured to press the folded back portion of the sheet bundle gripped by the gripping unit, wherein the gripping unit and the pressing unit are relatively movable, wherein the pressing unit includes first and second pressing members arranged such that the first pressing member presses the folded back portion prior to the second pressing member pressing the folded back portion, wherein each of the first and the second pressing members has a pressing surface adapted to press the folded back portion, and wherein the pressing surface of the second pressing member presses deeper into the folded back portion than the pressing surface of the first pressing member pressing into the folded back portion.