JP2001048402A - Sheet accommodation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adequately align the upstream side end of a sheet in sheet discharge direction, and then further adequately perform sheet alignment and/or after treatment. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a processing tray 11 which can reciprocate between a position P1 (P1a) at which a discharged sheet is received, and a retracted shunting position P2, an upward tilted carrying tray 12 which receives he downstream side part of a sheet in its discharge direction and which can be lowered and raised, a control device to which information on discharged sheets is inputted, and an alignment reference part 13 which abuttingly align the rear end of the discharged sheet which is received astride the processing tray and the carrying tray and returns on these trays to slip down. The control device controls the sheet receiving position of the processing tray, and the height-position of the carrying tray so as to moderately set the amount of abutting force of the sheet alignment reference part in response to the sheet information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet accommodating sheet ejected from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine in which two or more of them are combined, and other sheet processing apparatuses. Related to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A sheet storage device for storing sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer or other sheet processing apparatuses usually has a tray for stacking and storing discharged sheets. In addition, such a tray is normally inclined upward toward the downstream side in the sheet discharge direction from the sheet processing apparatus, and is discharged onto the tray from the sheet processing apparatus and is upstream due to the inclination of the tray. An alignment reference portion is provided for restricting the upstream end of the sheet that slides backward and slides.

[0003]

However, while the conventional tray has a constant rising inclination angle toward the downstream side in the sheet discharging direction, the sheets discharged onto the tray have a sheet size, a sheet weight, and the like. There are various aspects such as the direction of the sheet (whether the long side or the short side of the sheet is parallel to the sheet discharging direction).

Therefore, for example, there are cases where the sheet size is large and the tray inclination angle is too large with respect to the heavier sheet. In this case, the sheet vigorously slides down and collides with the above-mentioned alignment reference portion. This may cause inconveniences such as bending of the sheet, rebounding by colliding with the alignment reference portion, and poor alignment. Also, for example, the sheet size may be small, and the tray tilt angle may be too small for a lighter sheet. In such a case, the sheet may not easily slide down and may not easily abut the alignment reference portion. In any case, inconvenience occurs in positioning alignment of the sheet upstream end in the sheet discharging direction. For this reason, a situation may occur in which subsequent alignment processing of the sheet side parallel to the sheet discharge direction cannot be performed well, or post-processing such as stapling of the sheet cannot be performed successfully.

Further, even for sheets of the same size, due to differences in the weight of individual sheets, differences in the degree of curl, etc.,
When the sheet is ejected onto the tray, there is a difference in the amount of ejection, and the sheet ejection position on the tray may be different. There is a difference in the required amount of slippage between the sheet and the sheet that jumps out to the alignment reference part.
The upstream end of the sheet may not be properly aligned due to a difference in the amount of contact force with the alignment reference portion.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a sheet storage apparatus for storing sheets discharged from a sheet processing apparatus,
An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet storage device that can appropriately align an upstream end of a sheet discharged from a sheet processing apparatus in a sheet discharging direction. The present invention is also a sheet storage device that stores sheets discharged from a sheet processing apparatus, and can appropriately align an upstream end of a sheet discharged from the sheet processing apparatus in a sheet discharging direction, and An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet storage device capable of appropriately performing subsequent further sheet alignment processing and / or post-processing.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides the following three types of sheet storage devices. (1) First type sheet storage device A tray for receiving sheets discharged from a sheet processing device, the tray being inclined upward toward the downstream side in the sheet discharging direction, and a tray capable of changing the rising inclination angle; An alignment reference portion that restricts the position of the upstream end of the sheet discharged from the sheet processing device and received by the tray and returned toward the upstream in the sheet discharge direction and slides down, and discharged from the sheet processing device. A sheet discharge position detecting device for detecting a discharge position of the sheet on the tray, and detecting the sheet discharge position to appropriately set an amount of contact force of the sheet sliding on the tray with the alignment reference portion. A sheet storage device, wherein an inclination angle of the tray is adjusted according to a sheet discharge position on the tray detected by the device.

According to this sheet storage apparatus, the sheets discharged from the sheet processing apparatus are discharged onto a tray, and the tray is inclined upward toward the downstream side in the sheet discharging direction so that the upstream side in the sheet discharging direction. The sheet is slid back toward and abuts the alignment reference portion, whereby the sheet upstream end is aligned. More specifically, for the sheet discharged from the sheet processing apparatus, the discharge position on the tray is detected for each sheet by the sheet discharge position detection device, and the sheet is discharged according to the detected discharge position according to the size and weight of the sheet. Then, the inclination angle of the tray is adjusted so that the amount of contact force of the sheet sliding on the tray to the alignment reference portion is appropriately set. Thus,
The upstream rear end of the discharged sheet is properly aligned by the alignment reference portion.

In adjusting the tilt angle of the tray, for example, a tray tilt angle changing drive device for changing the rising tilt angle of the tray is provided, and the sheet sliding down according to the sheet discharge position detected by the sheet discharge position detecting device. A tray angle control unit that controls the tray tilt angle changing drive device so as to adjust the tray tilt angle so as to appropriately set the amount of contact force with the alignment reference unit.

In this case, the tray tilt angle changing drive device is operated under the instruction of the tray angle control unit, and an appropriate tray tilt angle is set in accordance with the sheet discharge position. It abuts with an appropriate amount of abutting force and is properly aligned. In any case, the setting of the tray inclination angle according to the sheet discharge position is typically performed based on the regular (standard) discharge position of the sheet according to the size and / or orientation of the sheet to be discharged. When the sheet is ejected farther (more downstream in the sheet ejection direction),
The tray tilt angle is increased by a predetermined amount from the regular (standard) angle, and when the sheet is discharged from the normal discharge position toward the front (toward the sheet discharge direction upstream), the tray tilt angle is increased by a predetermined amount from the regular angle. A case where it is set to be small can be cited.

In this sheet storage device, the change of the rising inclination angle of the tray may be such that the inclination angle can be changed over the entire tray or a part of the tray (typically, the downstream in the sheet discharging direction of the tray). Side part) may be changeable in inclination angle. The former can be exemplified by a case where the entire tray can be changed in inclination angle by the entire tray being rotatable from the end of the tray on the upstream side in the sheet discharge direction, and the latter can be exemplified. The case where the downstream portion in the sheet discharge direction of the tray is rotatably connected to the upstream portion and the downstream portion can change the inclination angle can be exemplified.

As a sheet discharge position detecting device for detecting a discharge position of a sheet discharged from the sheet processing apparatus on a tray, a sheet is discharged from a regular (standard) discharge position predetermined according to the sheet size and orientation. Examples include a discharge sheet detection sensor provided slightly downstream of the sheet discharge direction and / or a discharge sheet detection sensor disposed slightly upstream of the regular discharge position in the sheet discharge direction. In this case, a discharge sheet detection sensor is provided slightly downstream of the regular discharge position in the sheet discharge direction. Is larger than the angle of the sheet by a predetermined amount.A discharged sheet detection sensor is provided upstream of the sheet discharging direction, and when the sensor detects the discharged sheet, the amount of sheet jumping out is small. The angle may be set smaller than the angle by a predetermined amount. When both of these sensors are installed and both sensors do not detect a discharged sheet, the tray tilt angle may be set to a normal angle, assuming that the sheet has been discharged to the normal position. (2) a second type of sheet processing apparatus: a tray for receiving sheets discharged from the sheet processing apparatus, the tray being inclined upward toward the downstream side in the sheet discharging direction, and a tray capable of changing the rising inclination angle; An alignment reference portion that restricts the position of the upstream end of the sheet that is ejected from the sheet processing device and is received by the tray and returns toward the upstream in the sheet ejection direction and slides down. A device for detecting the size of the discharged sheet, wherein the sheet detected by the sheet size detection device is set in order to appropriately set the contact force of the sheet sliding on the tray to the alignment reference portion. A sheet storage device, wherein an inclination angle of the tray is adjusted according to a size.

According to this sheet storage device, the sheets discharged from the sheet processing device are discharged onto a tray, and the tray is inclined upward toward the downstream side in the sheet discharging direction, so that the upstream side in the sheet discharging direction. The sheet is slid back toward and abuts the alignment reference portion, whereby the sheet upstream end is aligned. More specifically, the size of the sheet discharged from the sheet processing apparatus is detected by the sheet size detection apparatus, and the tray is tilted in order to appropriately set the contact force of the sheet to the alignment reference portion according to the detected sheet size. The angle is adjusted. The upstream end of the discharged sheet is properly aligned by the alignment reference portion.

In adjusting the tray tilt angle, for example, a tray tilt angle changing drive device for changing the tray tilt angle is provided, and the contact force of the sliding sheet to the alignment reference portion is set appropriately. A tray angle control unit that controls the tray tilt angle changing drive device to adjust the tray tilt angle according to the sheet size detected by the sheet size detection device can be provided.

[0015] In this case, the tray tilt angle changing drive device is operated under the instruction of the tray angle control unit, and an appropriate tray tilt angle is set according to the sheet size. Contact with the contact force,
Properly matched. In any case, the setting of the tray inclination angle according to the sheet size is typically performed by setting the tray inclination angle to be smaller as the sheet size is larger, and therefore, as the sheet weight is larger. The case where the smaller the is, the larger the tray tilt angle is.

In this sheet storage apparatus, the change of the rising tilt angle of the tray may be such that the tilt angle can be changed over the entire tray or a part of the tray (typically, the downstream in the sheet discharging direction of the tray). Side part) may be changeable in inclination angle. The former can be exemplified by a case where the entire tray can be changed in inclination angle by the entire tray being rotatable from the end of the tray on the upstream side in the sheet discharge direction, and the latter can be exemplified. The case where the downstream portion in the sheet discharge direction of the tray is rotatably connected to the upstream portion and the downstream portion can change the inclination angle can be exemplified.

The sheet size detecting device may be provided on the sheet processing device side, or may be provided on the sheet storing device side. As an example of the case where the sheet is provided in the sheet storage device, an example including a plurality of sheet detection sensors sequentially installed in the sheet discharging direction on the tray can be exemplified. In this case, the sheet size can be detected based on how many sensors counted from the upstream sensor in the sheet discharging direction detect the sheet. As the sheet size increases, the number of sensors for detecting the sheet increases. (3) Third type sheet storage device A substantially horizontal direction extends between a sheet receiving position for receiving the upstream portion of the sheet discharged from the sheet processing device in the sheet discharging direction and a retracted position retracted from the sheet receiving position. A sheet tray that can reciprocate and receive a sheet tray provided for sheet alignment and / or sheet post-processing at the sheet receiving position and a downstream portion of a sheet discharged from the sheet processing apparatus in a sheet discharging direction. Stackable tray that is inclined upward toward the downstream side in the direction, a sheet information detecting device that detects sheet information discharged from the sheet processing device, and the processing tray that is discharged from the sheet processing device. And the position of the upstream end of the sheet that is received across the stacking tray and slides back toward the upstream in the sheet discharge direction. An alignment reference portion for restricting the position of the sheet, and adjusting the respective sheet receiving ratios of the processing tray and the stacking tray so as to appropriately set the contact force of the sliding sheet to the alignment reference portion. As described above, at least one of the sheet receiving position of the processing tray and the height position of the stacking tray is adjusted according to information detected by the sheet information detecting device.

According to this sheet storage apparatus, the sheets discharged from the sheet processing apparatus are placed straddling the processing tray and the stacking tray, and at least the stacking tray is inclined upward toward the downstream side in the sheet discharging direction. As a result, the sheet returns to the upstream side in the sheet discharging direction and slides down, and the sheet upstream end is aligned by contacting the alignment reference portion. More specifically, the size, weight, and orientation of the sheet (the long side of the sheet,
The processing tray and the stacking tray for appropriately setting the contact force of the sheet to the alignment reference portion in accordance with the sheet information detected by the sheet information detecting device such as which of the short sides is parallel to the sheet discharging direction). The sheet receiving position of the processing tray and / or the height position of the stacking tray are adjusted so as to adjust the respective sheet receiving ratios. The upstream end of the discharged sheet is properly aligned at the alignment reference portion.

In adjusting the sheet receiving position of the processing tray and / or the height position of the stacking tray, for example, a reciprocating drive unit for the processing tray and a lifting and lowering drive unit for the stacking tray are provided, and the alignment reference for the sliding sheet is adjusted. In order to adjust the sheet receiving ratio of each of the processing tray and the stacking tray so as to appropriately set the contact force amount to the unit, at least one of the sheet receiving position of the processing tray and the height position of the stacking tray is set to the sheet. A tray position control unit that controls at least one of the processing tray reciprocating drive device and the stacking tray lifting / lowering drive device so as to adjust according to information detected by the information detection device may be provided.

In this case, at least one of the processing tray reciprocating drive device and the stacking tray elevating drive device is operated under the instruction of the tray position control unit, whereby the sheet receiving position of the processing tray and the height of the stacking tray are raised. Then, at least one of the positions is adjusted, and the sheet receiving ratio of each of the processing tray and the stacking tray is set to a ratio that makes the amount of contact force of the discharged sheet to the alignment reference portion appropriate. Thus, the sheet abuts on the alignment reference portion with an appropriate amount of abutting force, and is properly aligned.

In any case, the setting of the sheet receiving ratio of each of the processing tray and the stacking tray in accordance with the sheet information is, for example, such that the position of the stacking tray is set lower as the sheet size is larger, and thus the sheet weight is larger. At the same time, for the processing tray, the sheet receiving position is set to a position protruding further downstream in the sheet discharging direction. As the sheet size is smaller, and thus the sheet weight is smaller, the position of the stacking tray is set higher and the processing tray is A case where the sheet receiving position is a position retracted further upstream in the sheet discharging direction can be exemplified. The sheet receiving position of the stacking tray is kept constant, and as the sheet size increases, and accordingly, the sheet weight increases, the sheet receiving position of the processing tray is set to a position protruding further downstream in the sheet discharging direction, The case where the sheet receiving position of the processing tray is set to a position retracted further to the upstream side in the sheet discharging direction as the size is smaller and therefore the sheet weight is smaller can also be exemplified.

As the sheet information detecting device, for example, a sheet size detecting device can be mentioned. In this case, at least one of the sheet receiving position of the processing tray and the height position of the stacking tray is set so that the respective sheet receiving ratios of the processing tray and the stacking tray are set according to the sheet size information from the sheet size detecting device. Adjusted.

As described above, the reciprocating drive of the processing tray,
When the loading tray raising / lowering drive device and the tray position control unit are provided, the tray position control unit sets the sheet receiving ratio of each of the processing tray and the loading tray according to the sheet size information from the sheet size detection device. At least one of the processing tray reciprocating drive device and the stacking tray elevating drive device is controlled.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an example of a sheet storage apparatus according to the present invention and an example of a sheet processing apparatus to which the apparatus is connected. FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing the internal structure of the sheet storage device shown in FIG. 1 from a side.

The sheet processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a digital copying machine 9, and a printing unit 91 and a printing unit 9 for forming an image on a sheet by electrophotography according to image information.
An image reading unit 92 provided above the image reading unit 1 and reading a document image; an openable and closable automatic document feeder 93 mounted on a document mounting glass (not shown) of the image reading unit 92;
A sheet supply unit 94 and the like below the print unit 91 are provided.

In the copying machine 9, a document is set on the automatic document feeder 93 and sent to the document placing glass, or the apparatus 93 is opened and the document is set directly on the document placing glass. The image of the original set on the original placing glass is read by the image reading unit 92. The image information thus read is sent to the print unit 91. The printing section 91 forms an image corresponding to the document image on the sheet sent from the sheet supply section 94 by the electrophotographic method known per se based on the sent image information.

The sheet on which an image has been formed in this manner is
The sheet is discharged from the copying machine 9 to the sheet storage device SA according to the present invention. The sheet processing apparatus to which the sheet accommodating apparatus of the present invention is connected and used is not limited to a copying machine, and a printer, a facsimile machine for forming an image by transmitting image information from a separately prepared image reading apparatus, a computer or the like. Machine, or a multifunction machine combining one or more of them.

The sheet storage device SA has the following. (1) Sheet loading tray A (FIGS. 1 to 4) serving as a first sheet storage section for loading sheets ejected from the copying machine 9
And (2) a sheet feeding device (here, an alignment feeding device for sheet alignment) B provided to the sheet mounting tray A (see FIGS. 2 and 4), and (3) a sheet mounting tray A. (See FIG. 4), (3) a stapler D (see FIG. 4) provided at one end of the processing tray 11, and (5) Sheet holding device E (see FIG. 4) for holding sheets on processing tray 11, (6) stapler D
(7) A mail bin device F (a second sheet accommodating portion) disposed below the sheet placing tray A (see FIG. 4). (See FIGS. 1 and 2), (8) Upper tray T (see FIGS. 1 and 2) installed above sheet loading tray A, and (9) Discharge from sheet processing apparatus (copier 9 in this example) Conveying device G (see FIG. 2) for guiding the sheet to be placed to the sheet placing tray A, the mail bin device F or the tray T.

The components (1) to (9) will be described below. (1) Sheet Loading Tray A (See FIGS. 1 to 4 and the Like) The sheet loading tray A is not limited to this, but here includes a processing tray 11 and a sheet loading tray 12 as shown in FIG. ing.

The processing tray 11 includes a sheet receiving position P1 (see FIG. 3 and the like) for receiving the sheet S discharged from the sheet processing apparatus (the copying machine 9 in this example), and a retreat position P2 (see FIG. 3) retracted from the position P1. 3 and the like, and is provided at a position P1 for sheet alignment, which will be described later, and for predetermined post-processing (sheet binding processing in this example) as necessary.

The processing tray 11 is installed in a substantially horizontal posture in the main body case CA of the sheet storage device SA. (Hereinafter, referred to as “sheet discharge direction X”). The processing tray 11 can be reciprocated by a rack and pinion mechanism and a driving unit (here, a belt transmission device and a motor for rotating the same) that reciprocates the pinion via a clutch.

That is, a rack 111 is fixedly provided on the lower surface of the side of the processing tray 11, and a pinion gear 11
Two are engaged. Pinion gear 112 is case CA
It is supported rotatably. The gear 112 is connected to a shaft of a motor M1 that can be driven in a normal or reverse direction via a clutch 113 having a predetermined play. Thus, the motor M1
Is operated at a predetermined timing, so that the processing tray 11
Is disposed at the sheet receiving position P1 or the retreat position P2.

More specifically, when the processing tray 11 is moved backward from the sheet receiving position P1 to the retracted position P2, the motor M1 is started to operate in the direction for that.
With a slight delay, the clutch 113 engages and the processing tray 11
Begins to retreat. Further, when the motor M1 is started to move in the direction for the movement from the retreat position P2 to the sheet receiving position P1, the clutch 113 is engaged after a short time, thereby moving the processing tray 11 to the position P1. It's getting started. The reason why the clutch 113 has play as described above will become clear later.

The sheet receiving position P1, which will be described in detail later, varies depending on the size of the sheet to be discharged and its direction (whether the long side or the short side of the sheet is parallel to the sheet discharging direction). As shown in FIG. 7, the motor M1 operates based on an instruction from the control device CONT for controlling the operation of the sheet storage device. Motor M1 etc. are processing tray 1
This constitutes one example of one reciprocating drive device.

The control device CONT includes a computer, and controls the copying machine 9 to control the operation of the copying machine 9.
When the sheet processing apparatus is a printer, the apparatus includes means capable of communicating with the ONT 'and a computer connected to the printer or the like. The control unit CONT ′ on the copying machine side has an operation panel PA of the copying machine 9.
N is also connected. The operation panel PAN includes a print key for instructing the start of copying, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, a sheet size to be used [A4 horizontal size (A4Y)
Or A4 vertical size (A4T) or A3 vertical size (A3
T) or the like), a key for instructing whether or not the sheets subjected to the copy processing are accommodated in the sheet accommodation apparatus SA after the alignment processing and / or the sheet binding processing, and the sheet accommodation apparatus for the sheets subjected to the copy processing. A key or the like is provided for selecting which of the sheet placement tray A, the mail bin device F, and the upper tray T in the SA is to be stored.

Information related to the operation of the sheet storage device SA among the information input on the operation panel PAN, for example, the sheet size information (related to the alignment processing or the like) selected by the sheet size selection key is stored in the sheet storage device. Control device CO
It is also output to NT. As shown in FIG. 4, when viewed from the front side, the processing tray 11 has an uneven upper surface for receiving a sheet. Here, it is formed in a wave shape. This is to reduce the frictional resistance between the upper surface of the processing tray and the sheet when the sheet is moved on the processing tray in a direction crossing the sheet discharge direction (in this case, a direction orthogonal to the sheet discharging direction) in performing the sheet alignment as described later. is there.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet stacking tray 12 is located below the processing tray 11 and the sheet storage case C.
A is provided so as to be able to move up and down, and a motor M2 rotatable in normal and reverse directions and a sheet stacking tray elevating drive device 121 including a transmission device for transmitting the power of the motor to the tray 12 and elevating the tray are moved at a predetermined height by a predetermined timing. Is set to move to the position. The motor M2 operates based on an instruction from the control device CONT.

The stacking tray 12 is ejected from the copying machine 9, returns the processing tray 11 and the sheet to be loaded on itself, slides down, and abuts the rear end (upstream end) of the sheet to an alignment reference portion 13 described later. In order to align, the sheet is inclined upward toward the tip of the tray away from the case CA in the sheet discharging direction. In other words, the downstream end is located above the upstream end in the sheet discharge direction.

The length of the tray 12 from the case CA to the leading end is longer than the length of the processing tray 11 in the sheet discharging direction, and is set to a length capable of supporting the entire sheet. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4 and the like, a switch actuating member 116 is provided at the front end of the processing tray 11 so as to be able to move up and down at the center on the lower surface side. Now, mechanical detection switches SW1, S
W2) is provided.

When the tip of the activation member 116 is pushed up by a predetermined amount, the switch SW1 is activated, and if it is pushed up further, the switch SW2 is activated. The switch SW1 is a lifting stop switch that stops the loading tray 12 at a predetermined sheet receiving position, and the switch SW2 is a lifting inhibition switch (safety switch) that prohibits the loading tray 12 from further rising.

The switches SW1 and SW2 are connected to the loading tray 1
2 is connected to the control device CONT for raising / lowering control. In relation to the sheet placement tray A, the sheet placed on the stacking tray 12 and the sheet alignment reference portion 13 for regulating the position of the rear end (upstream end) of the sheet discharged on the processing tray 11 in the sheet discharge direction. A sheet alignment reference portion 14 that regulates the position of the rear end (upstream end) of the sheet in the sheet discharge direction is provided (see FIGS. 2 to 4 and the like).

The alignment reference portion 13 is in the form of a standing wall extending along the front surface of the case CA that crosses the sheet discharging direction, and extends upward above the rear end of the processing tray 11 disposed at the sheet receiving position. The alignment reference portion 14 is also in the form of a standing wall along the front surface of the case CA that crosses the sheet discharging direction, is installed on the same vertical surface as the alignment reference portion 13, and extends downward below the processing tray 11. The alignment reference portion 14 for the stacking tray 12 extends to a position slightly lower than the rear end of the upper surface of the stacking tray 12 arranged at a position for receiving sheets from the processing tray 11.

The matching reference portion 14 is partially constituted by a sheet side (here, the rear end of the sheet) moving device 15 (see FIG. 3). That is, the sheet side moving device 15 is wound around the upper and lower pulleys 151 and 152 and
4 includes an endless belt 153 that forms part of the endless belt 4. A driven pulley 114 is connected to the lower pulley 152 via a one-way clutch 154, and a drive pulley 115 is provided on a shaft of the motor M1. An endless belt 116 'is wound around the pulleys 114 and 115.

Thus, when the processing tray 11 retreats from the sheet receiving position P1 to the retreat position P2 by the operation of the motor M1, the one-way clutch 154 does not engage.
The belt 153 does not rotate, and only the processing tray 11 moves to the retreat position P2. However, when the processing tray 11 is sent from the retreat position P2 to the sheet receiving position P1 by operation in the opposite direction of the motor M1, the operation of the motor M1 is performed. At the same time as the start, the clutch 154 is engaged, and the endless belt 153 is
The rotation starts in the counterclockwise direction CCW, and after a short time, the processing tray 11 starts moving to the position P1. (2) A sheet feeder (here, an alignment feeder for sheet alignment) B provided for the sheet mounting tray A
(See FIGS. 2 and 4.) The aligning and feeding device B moves the sheet discharged from the sheet processing device (here, the copying machine 9) and placed on the sheet placing tray A at a predetermined position along the tray A (see FIG. Here, it is moved toward a predetermined alignment reference position, and as shown in FIG.
An alignment feeding device 21 and a second feeding device (here, a second alignment feeding device for sheet alignment) 22 are included.

The first aligning and feeding device 21 sends a signal from the copying machine 9 to
First alignment in which the sheet discharged onto the processing tray 11 of the sheet mounting tray A, which is disposed at the position P1, is moved toward the opposite alignment reference position along the processing tray 11 while being in contact with one end thereof. It includes a feed member 211 and a drive 212 that drives the feed member in such a manner. The feeding member 211 has a home position in one side area with an initial position on the tray of the sheet discharged from the copying machine 9 to the sheet placing tray A, in other words, an initial position of the tray A in the processing tray 11 therebetween. A member, here formed of a plate, on which the sheet can be pushed.

The feeding member 211 is supported so as to reciprocate along a guide shaft 213 extending in a direction Y orthogonal to the sheet discharging direction. The driving device 212 includes a motor M3
And a transmission device for transmitting the power of the motor to the feed member 211. The feed member 211 is operated by the motor M3 to take over the sheet to a home position P3 at a predetermined timing and a second feed member 221 to be described later.
The sheet is reciprocated between the sheet takeover position P4 according to the sheet size. Further, an operation for a sorting process described later is performed.

The motor M3 operates based on an instruction from the control unit CONT. The second alignment feeding device 22 includes:
In addition to the second alignment feeding member 221 that takes over the sheet sent by the first feeding device 21 and rotates while contacting the sheet surface to move the sheet to the alignment reference position, a rotation drive motor for the member 221 M4, a second feed member lifting / lowering drive device (not shown in FIG. 4; see FIG. 7) for moving the member 221 to a position for sheet feeding or a retracted position away from the sheet.

As the second feeding member 221, various types, such as an elastic roller having a surface portion made of an elastic material, capable of abutting and rotating on the sheet to convey the sheet, can be employed. This is a rotary paddle in which a plurality of flexible paddles made of an elastic material are projected radially around the rotary shaft in order to ensure stable and reliable transport. The rotary paddle 221 is arranged at a position on the processing tray 11 that is deviated from the sheet initial position toward the alignment reference position. That is,
When the sheet discharged from the copying machine 9 is placed on the sheet tray A, the sheet is arranged at a position where the sheet does not collide. As a result, the sheet storage device SA
Sheet can be efficiently stored.

The rotary paddle 221 is driven to rotate so that the sheet feeding speed thereby becomes higher than the sheet feeding speed by the first alignment feeding member 211. Thus, when the sheet is fed by the first feeding member 211 and is taken over by the paddle 221, the sheet is pulled by the paddle 221, thereby causing a severe collision between the sheet and the paddle, buckling and bending of the sheet, and further damage such as wrinkles. Occurrence is avoided. (3) Third feeder (here, a sorter for sorting sheets) C provided for the sheet tray A
(See FIG. 4) The sorting and feeding device C selects the sheet aligned at the alignment reference position by the sheet aligning and feeding device B to a first position or a second position for sorting on the sheet placing tray A. It is a device for moving the target.

The sorting and feeding device C includes a sheet placing tray A
An alignment reference member 31 having a home position in a region opposite to the first alignment feeding member 211 (on the side where the alignment reference position is located) with the initial position of the upper sheet therebetween, and a driving device 32 for driving the member. Contains. Matching reference member 31
Is in agreement with the matching reference position Qo.

The alignment reference member 31 is supported so as to reciprocate along a guide shaft 213 extending in a direction Y orthogonal to the sheet discharging direction. The member is here formed of a plate body, on whose surface the sheet can be abutted and aligned. The drive device 32 includes a motor M5 and a transmission that transmits the power of the motor to the member 31.

The motor M5 operates based on an instruction from the control unit CONT. (4) Stapler D provided at one end of the processing tray 11 (see FIG. 4) The stapler D forms a sheet post-processing apparatus together with the processing tray 11 of the sheet loading tray A and the case CA of the sheet storage device SA. I have. The stapler D is an example of a post-processor. The stapler D includes a sheet aligning portion 412A having a sheet aligning gap 412a. In a state where one corner of the rear end portion of the sheet to be abutted and aligned with the alignment reference member 31 arranged at the alignment reference position Qo is aligned with the alignment portion 412A, the sheet is subjected to stapling processing. be able to. The stapler D can be attached to and detached from the case CA. In FIG. 4, the lower part 415 of the stapler is a case C.
Reference numeral 414 denotes an electric plug connected to the electric connector on the case CA side.

The stapler D operates based on an instruction from the control unit CONT. (5) Sheet Pressing Apparatus E for Holding Sheets on Processing Tray 11 (See FIG. 4) The sheet pressing apparatus E is discharged from the copying machine 9 to the sheet loading tray A as shown in FIG. And a plurality (four in this case) of pressing members 51 for pressing the sheet rear end (upstream end in the sheet discharging direction X) placed on the tray 11 toward the tray 11.

Each holding member 51 is supported by a horizontal rod 52 extending in the sheet alignment feed direction. Both ends of the rod 52 are rotatably connected to one end of a pair of parallel arms 53 by a shaft 54. Each arm 53 has a portion slightly closer to one end than the other end is rotatably connected to a fixed position member (not shown) by a shaft 55. Right side as viewed from the front side (Fig. 4
The shaft 55 on the other end side of the arm 53 is fixed to the arm 53 and connected to a gear 571 via a torque limiter 56 that works in both forward and reverse rotation directions. The worm gear 572 driven by the possible motor M6 is engaged.

By operating the motor M6 at a predetermined timing, a link mechanism including a pair of arms 53, a horizontal rod 52, and the like is driven. As a result, the holding member 51 is moved to the raised and retracted position P5 indicated by a solid line in FIG. , And can be moved up and down between a sheet holding position where the sheet moves down and holds the sheet. At the position P5, the right arm 53 comes into contact with the upper limit stopper 530.

Here, each time a sheet is discharged from the copying machine 9 and placed on the sheet placing tray A (the processing tray 11), the holding member is moved prior to the start of the alignment feeding of the sheet by the alignment feeding device B. 51 is disposed at the sheet pressing position, whereby the rear end of the sheet is pressed against the processing tray 11, and even if the sheet is curled, the sheet is extended so that alignment can be performed accurately and easily. After the completion of the alignment, it retreats to the retreat position P5.

The motor M6 is also connected to the control unit CONT, and is operated based on an instruction from the control unit CONT. Each of the pressing members 51 is in the form of a lever, and the two pressing members 51 on the left side when viewed from the front side are rotatably pin-connected to the horizontal rod member 52 at a portion closer to the right, and when lowered from the retreat position P5. As shown by a chain line in FIG. 4, the left end is inclined by its own weight. Further, the two right pressing members 51 as viewed from the front side are rotatably pin-connected to the horizontal rod member 52 at leftward positions, and when descending from the retracted position P5, as shown by a chain line in FIG. To take an inclined posture with the right end lowered.

When the two pressing members 51 on the left side move up to the retreat position P5, their right ends abut against a stopper (not shown) at a fixed position, and assume a substantially horizontal posture. The two pressing members 51 on the right side take a substantially horizontal posture with their left ends abutting on stoppers (not shown) at fixed positions. Further, the right arm 53 comes into contact with the upper limit stopper 530. As a result, the torque limiter 56 operates to prevent damage to the members.

When each of the pressing members 51 moves from the retreat position P5 to the sheet pressing position and comes into contact with the sheet on the processing tray 11, the pressing member 51 presses the sheet S toward the processing tray 11 and operates by the link mechanism. The sheet moves slightly in the sheet alignment feed direction Y toward the alignment reference position Qo. More specifically, in this example, when each holding member 51 descends from the retreat position P5 to the sheet holding position, the holding member 51 once assumes an inclined posture as described above and starts contacting the sheet on the processing tray 11 on the way. By further descending, the sheet S is pressed toward the processing tray 11 while receiving a reaction force from the sheet and rotating toward a horizontal position, and the sheet is moved in the sheet alignment feed direction Y by the action of the link mechanism. It moves slightly in the alignment feed direction so as to move toward the position Qo. When the two right and left holding members 51 take the inclined posture, the inclination directions are different, and when viewed from the front side, "c"
When the sheet comes into contact with the sheet, the sheet is pushed toward the processing tray 11 and slightly moved in the alignment feed direction while acting to extend the sheet to the left and right.

The sheet pressing force of the pressing member 51 is
The pressing force increases as the pressing member 51 descends toward the sheet, but the pressing force is limited to a predetermined force by the action of a torque ritter 56 interposed between the shaft 55 of the right arm 53 and the driving gear 571 in the link mechanism. This is limited to such a degree that the sheet can be aligned and fed even when the pressing member 51 presses the sheet. (6) A guide member / sheet pressing member 61 for guiding the sheet to the stapler D and its urging device 62 (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 4, the sheet moved toward the alignment reference position Qo by the alignment feeding device B. A guide member 61 is provided for guiding the leading end of the stapler alignment section 412A to the gap 412a.

In this case, the guide member 61 is a lever-shaped member, which also serves as a sheet pressing member. Matching part gap 41
I am facing 2a. The guide member / pressing member 61 has its upstream end in the alignment feeding direction Y of the sheet connected and supported by a shaft 611 to a fixed position member (not shown), whereby the end 612 on the alignment portion side (downstream side) is connected. It can be swung up and down.

An apparatus 62 for urging the guide member 61 in the sheet pressing direction is also provided. The urging device 62 moves the guide member 61 in the sheet pressing direction with the two rods 621 and 622 connected to the arm 53 on the left side in FIG. 4 constituting a link mechanism for moving the pressing member 51 up and down. And a torsion coil spring 623 for biasing.

One end of the longer rod 621 is rotatably pin-connected to the other end (upper end in the figure) of the arm 53, and the other end is rotatably connected to one end of the shorter rod 622 by a pin. Have been. The other end of the rod 622 is rotatably connected and supported by a fixed position member (not shown) around a shaft 624. The spring 623 is provided between the rod 622 and the guide member / pressing member 61, and the guide member / pressing member 61 is provided.
Is always urged in the sheet pressing direction.

As shown by the solid line in FIG.
Is retracted to the retreat position P5, the urging device 62
4 are moved by the left arm 53 of the link mechanism for raising and lowering the holding member 51 in FIG.
The spring 623 is put in a state of exerting a strong spring force by being moved downward in the middle left direction. The guide member 61 is strongly urged in the sheet pressing direction by this spring. When the leading edge of the sheet is already inserted into the gap 412a of the aligning portion 412A, even if that portion of the sheet is curled by the strong pressing operation of the guide / pressing member 61, the sheet is not The curl is pressed so as to be extended, so that the space above the sheet in the gap between the alignment portions can be made slightly larger so that the next sheet can be easily received. In addition, the pressing makes it possible to easily and accurately perform the binding process by the staple of the sheet.

Further, in order to align the sheets discharged from the copying machine 9 and placed on the processing tray 10, when the pressing member 51 presses the rear end thereof, that is, the pressing member 51 assumes the sheet pressing position. When the urging device 62
Are moved rightward and upward in FIG. 4 by the left arm 53 of the link mechanism for lifting and lowering the pressing member 51, the spring 623 is set to have a weak spring force, and The sheet pressing force is weakened, and the sheet fed in alignment is guided by the member into the gap 412a of the alignment section 412A without any trouble.

Since the pressing member 51 of the sheet pressing device E performs the sheet pressing operation for each sheet, the guide / pressing member 61 also performs the sheet guiding / pressing (pressing) operation for each sheet. In other words, when the pressing member 51 is pressing the sheet, the urging device 62 operates the pressing member 51 so that the amount of force by which the guide and pressing member 61 presses the sheet is smaller than at other times. This is an example of a device that sets the amount of force of the guide member / pressing member 61 in conjunction with. (7) Mail bin device F, which is a second sheet storage unit disposed below sheet placement tray A (see FIG. 2, etc.) An example of a second sheet storage unit below sheet placement tray A Is provided.

The mail bin unit F has a five-stage bin 10 so that sheets discharged from the sheet processing unit (here, the copying machine 9) can be accommodated in a predetermined bin corresponding to the distribution destination.
1 is provided. In addition, each bin 1 except the bottom bin 1
In contrast to 01, a sheet discharge switching claw 102 driven by a solenoid SOL is provided. A common sheet conveyance path 103 is provided for each bin 101.

Each solenoid SOL is connected to the control unit CONT. Based on an instruction from the control unit CONT, the switching claw 102 corresponding to the bin 101 from which the sheet is to be discharged is set to the sheet discharge position. Is set to the sheet discharge position, the solenoid SOL is turned on. In any of the upper four stages, when the solenoid SOL is off, the claw 102 is set to the sheet non-discharge position. When discharging sheets to the lowermost bin 102, all solenoids SOL are turned off. (8) Upper tray T installed above sheet mounting tray A (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 6) The above-described sheet mounting tray A mainly performs a sheet binding process by staples, The upper tray T is provided above the tray A only when sheets are to be stored.

The tray T is located on the upstream tray T in the sheet discharging direction.
1 and the downstream tray T2. The tray T returns the rear end (upstream end) of the sheet discharged here to the sheet alignment reference portion 752 facing the upstream end of the tray, and slides down the sheet T as a whole toward the downstream side in the sheet discharge direction so as to abut and align. It is inclined upward. Tray T1 is Tray T2
The length in the sheet discharging direction is shorter than that in the first embodiment. The upstream end of the tray T2 is rotatably connected to the downstream end of the tray T1 with a shaft TS. The shaft TS is fixed to the tray T2, but is rotatably fitted to the tray T1. A motor M8 that can rotate forward and reverse is connected to the shaft TS via a transmission 78. The transmission 78 is, but not limited to, a worm wheel gear mechanism, which supports the tray T2 in a cantilever manner. By operating the motor M8, the downstream end of the tray T2 can be swung up and down, thereby changing the tray rising inclination angle. That is, the motor M8 and the transmission 7
Reference numeral 8 denotes an example of a tray tilt angle changing drive device.

The tray T2 has three sheet detection sensors SH1, SH2,
SH3 is provided. Each sensor includes, but is not limited to, a light emitting element and a light receiving element. Light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by a sheet on a tray and is incident on the light receiving element to detect the sheet. It is a sensor.

The sensor SH1 is an A3-size sheet (A
3T), that is, for detecting the discharge position of an A3-size sheet whose long side is discharged in parallel with the sheet discharge direction, and slightly ahead of the standard discharge position of the sheet, that is, slightly downstream in the sheet discharge direction. It is installed on the side. Similarly, the sensor SH2 detects the discharge position of the A4 vertical size sheet (A4T), and is set slightly ahead of the standard discharge position of the sheet.
Reference numeral 3 denotes an A4 landscape sheet (A4Y), that is, an A4 size sheet, which detects a discharge position of a sheet whose short side is discharged in parallel with the sheet discharge direction, and is located slightly forward of the standard discharge position of the sheet. Each is installed. These sensors SH1 to SH3 are sensors for detecting a front end portion of a discharged sheet so that the sheet is lighter than a standard sheet and jumps out of a standard discharge position corresponding to the sheet.

The sheet discharge roller pair 7 facing the tray T
A sheet detection sensor SHO common to the sheets of the respective sizes is provided in a slightly lower region near the sheet exit 51. The sensor SHO is not limited to this, but here is a sensor that detects the sheet by touching the rear end of the sheet discharged from the discharge roller pair 751 and falling,
The sheet is disposed slightly behind the standard discharge position of any of the four vertical and A4 horizontal sheets, that is, slightly upstream in the sheet discharge direction. The sensor SHO is a sensor for detecting the rear end of the sheet discharged to the front side from the standard discharge position corresponding to the sheet because the sheet is heavier than the standard sheet.

The sheet discharge roller pair 7 facing the tray T
A sensor SH4 for detecting the rear end of the sheet discharged by the pair of rollers is provided on the exit side of the roller 51. The motor M8 operates based on an instruction from the control unit CONT, and sheet detection information from the sensors SH0, SH1, SH2, and SH3 and sheet rear end detection information from the sensor SH4 are input to the control unit CONT. The sheet detection information of these sensors is stored in a tray T according to the sheet discharge position as described later.
2 is used for adjusting the rising inclination angle. (9) A transport device G for guiding the sheet discharged from the copying machine 9 to the sheet tray A, the mail bin device F or the tray T (see FIG. 2). The transport device G is a sheet storage device SA.
The first transport path 71, which receives the sheet discharged from the copying machine 9 and guides the sheet to the sheet loading tray A which is the first storage section, is provided at the entrance of the transport path 71. Roller pair 7 for sheet receiving and pulling
2 and a roller pair 7 provided at the outlet for discharging the sheet
3 is provided. Further, a second conveyance path 74 for guiding the sheet to the mail bin device F from the middle of the first conveyance path 71 and a third conveyance path 75 for guiding the sheet to the upper tray T are provided.
These conveyance paths are also provided with intermediate conveyance roller pairs at appropriate positions. A sheet conveyance direction switching claw 76 is provided for the second conveyance path 74, and a sheet conveyance direction switching claw is provided for the third conveyance path 75. 77 are provided respectively. Each switching claw is urged by a spring (not shown) and is normally set to a position where the sheet is fed through the first conveyance path 71. FIG. 2 shows such a claw position state. The switching claw 76 is driven by the solenoid SOL1 being turned on, whereby the sheet can be guided to the second conveyance path 74. Further, the switching claw 77 is driven by turning on the solenoid SOL2, so that the sheet can be guided to the third conveyance path 75.

The roller pair 72, 73, the discharge roller pair 751 provided at the outlet of the third conveying path 75, and facing the upstream end in the sheet discharging direction of the upper tray T are provided with the control device CO.
It is driven by a transfer device drive motor M7 (not shown in FIG. 2, see FIG. 7) driven based on an instruction from the NT.
In addition, immediately downstream of the sheet receiving roller pair 72,
A punch unit U for punching holes in the sheet as required, and a waste receptacle Ur below the punch unit U.

The solenoids SOL1 and SOL2 and the punch unit U are respectively connected to the control unit CONT, and are turned on at a predetermined timing according to instructions from the control unit CONT as required. The second transport path 74 passes through the retreat area of the processing tray 11. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a member 741 having a sheet passage hole h is provided in a part of the area including the retracted position of the tray 11, and is connected to the rear end of the tray 11 by a spring 742. ing.

As will be described later, the sheet receiving position P 1 of the processing tray 11 fluctuates so that the rear end (upstream end) of the sheet discharged to the sheet placing tray A can be appropriately brought into contact with the alignment reference portion 13 for alignment. Is a sheet receiving position P1 (P1a) which is a maximum projecting position corresponding to the maximum size sheet A3 portrait (A3T) handled here (FIGS. 3 and 5).
When the member 74 is disposed at the position shown in FIG.
1 is pulled by a spring 742, and the hole h thereof is
It is moved so as to be positioned inside, and is abutted and fixed to a stopper not shown. When the tray 11 takes the sheet receiving position further retracted or retreats to the retreat position P2, it is pushed via the spring 742 and retreats along a guide not shown. When the sheet is guided to the mail bin F, the processing tray 11 may be arranged at the sheet receiving position P1 which protrudes the maximum.

The tray 11 is located at the retracted position P2.
For example, a hole may be provided through which the sheet conveyed through the second conveyance path 74 can pass in a state where the sheet is retreated. In any case, since the second transport path 74 is formed so as to penetrate the retreat area of the processing tray 11, the sheet storage device SA can be made smaller and more compact.

Next, the operation of the entire sheet storage device SA described above will be described. First, a case will be described in which a sheet discharged from the copying machine 9 via a sheet conveying device G described later is stored in the sheet mounting tray A. Information such as the use of the sheet loading tray A and the size and orientation of the sheets to be adopted are specified on the copier operation panel PAN connected to the copier controller CONT ′, and are transmitted to the controller CONT of the sheet storage device SA. Is also entered. That is,
The control unit CONT has a sheet information detecting function.

Initially, the processing tray 11 is placed at the receiving position P1 (P1) of the maximum size sheet (here, A3 vertical sheet).
a), is stopped by being detected by the sensor S1 (see FIG. 3), and the stacking tray 12 is moved up to a position where the switch SW1 is turned on by moving the starting member 116 provided on the processing tray 11, and the position is switched to that position. To stop. Further, in the alignment feeding device B, the first alignment feeding member 211 is disposed at the home position P3, is stopped by being detected by the sensor S3 (see FIG. 4), and the second alignment feeding member (rotary paddle) 221 is Lifted and stopped.

In the sorting / feeding device C, the alignment reference member 31 is located at the home position.
And stopped by being detected by the sensor S4 (see FIG. 4). Further, in the sheet pressing device E, the pressing member 51 is disposed at the evacuation position P5, and the arm 53 supporting the pressing member comes into contact with the stopper 530 and stops (see FIG. 4). Accordingly, the guide member / pressing member 6 facing the alignment portion gap 412a of the stapler D
1 is a spring 62 set so as to maintain a strong spring force.
3 is urged in the sheet pressing direction.

In the sheet conveying device G, a first conveying path 71 is secured. In this sheet storage device SA,
The control unit CONT also has a tray position control function for determining the positions of the processing tray 11 and the sheet stacking tray 12 in the sheet stacking tray A in association with each other according to the sheet size to be discharged.

After the initial setting of the processing tray and the sheet stacking tray, the control unit CONT firstly sets the processing tray 11 based on the size information of the sheet to be discharged sent from the copier side control unit CONT '. And, the loading tray 12 is set at a predetermined position. That is, the sheet information received by the control unit CONT is A3 vertical sheet S
In the case of (A3T), standby is performed in a state where initial settings are maintained (see FIG. 5A). The sheet information is A4 vertical sheet S (A
In the case of 4T), the processing tray 11 is moved from the position P1a to a position P1b closer to the retreat position P2, and the stacking tray 12 is moved up to follow the same, contacts the switch activation member 116, and thereby turns on the switch SW1. Stop at the position (see FIG. 5B). Sheet information is A
In the case of the four-sided sheet S (A4Y), the processing tray 11 is further moved from the position P1b to a position P1c closer to the retreat position P2, and the stacking tray 12 is moved up to follow the same. To stop the switch SW1 at the ON position [FIG.
(C)).

In any case, if the stacking tray 12 is further raised and the trays 11 and 12 are damaged, or if there is a risk that the sheets are already stacked on the tray 12 and the sheets are damaged, etc. Further rotation of the switch activation member 116 activates the switch SW2, thereby stopping the motor M2 and inhibiting the loading tray 12 from rising.

Sheets S discharged one by one from the copying machine 9
Are guided to the first transport path 71, and are punched by the punch unit U and fed one by one onto the sheet tray A when designated on the copier-side operation panel. Transport path 7
A sheet passage sensor S7 is provided near the first discharge roller pair 73.
(See FIG. 3), which is used for sheet discharge and detection of the number of discharged sheets.

When the first single sheet S is discharged onto the sheet stacking tray A, the sheet has a rear end (upstream end) in the sheet discharging direction and a small portion subsequent thereto in the processing tray 11. The rest that is placed on the top and protrudes from the processing tray 11 is placed on the stacking tray 12. That is, the sheet S discharged from the copying machine 9 is
And the stacking tray 12. Since the stacking tray 12 is inclined upward toward the downstream side in the sheet discharging direction, the stacking tray 12 returns to the upstream side in the sheet discharging direction, slides down, abuts against the alignment reference portion 13, and the upstream end of the sheet is aligned.

At this time, the processing tray 11 and the loading tray 1
2 corresponds to one of the sheets shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C in advance according to the sheet information detected by the control device CONT, that is, according to whether the sheet S is an A3T sheet, an A4T sheet, or an A4Y sheet. It is arranged at the sheet receiving position, and the sheet receiving ratio of each of the processing tray 11 and the stacking tray 12 is adjusted so that the amount of contact force of the sheet S with the alignment reference portion 13 is appropriately set. Therefore, the discharged sheet S is applied to the matching reference portion 1 with an appropriate amount of force.
Return to 3 and slide down for safe and smooth contact alignment.

Thus, the sheet S is placed at the initial position on the stacking tray 12 and the processing tray 11. After a predetermined time, the pressing member 51 in the sheet pressing device E descends toward the sheet pressing position based on an instruction from the control device CONT, and presses the rear end of the sheet toward the processing tray 11. As a result, even when the rear end of the sheet is curled, the sheet is extended, and a smooth and accurate alignment process can be performed. As the holding member 51 descends to the sheet holding position, the guiding member 61
23 sets a state in which the sheet is urged weakly in the sheet pressing direction. Further, the rotary paddle 221 descends to the sheet feeding position and starts rotating.

While the pressing member 51 is pressing the rear end of the sheet S, the first alignment feeding member 211 is fed in the alignment direction. It is pushed and moved toward the matching portion gap 412a. When the feed member 211 reaches a sheet feed takeover position P4 (for example, a position P4 shown in FIG. 4) corresponding to the sheet size based on an instruction from the control device CONT, the member 211 returns to the home position P3.

The sheet S is continuously fed by the rotary paddle 211 and is brought into contact with and aligned with the alignment reference member 31. At the same time, the rear end corner of the sheet is guided by the guide member 61, and is smoothly and accurately aligned and aligned with the alignment portion gap 412a of the stapler D. The pressing member 51 returns to the raised and retracted position after the sheets are aligned (after the time required for completing the sheet alignment) based on the instruction of the control device CONT, and
After the stopper 3 contacts the stopper 530 (see FIG. 4), the pressing member drive motor M6 stops.

As the pressing member 51 rises to the retracted position and retreats, the guide member 61 is strongly urged by the spring 623, which has been strengthened, to remove the rear end corner of the sheet inserted in the stapler alignment portion gap 412a. Press firmly. Thereby, even when the sheet portion is curled, the curl is extended, the space above the sheet in the matching portion gap 412a of the stapler D is widened, and the next sheet can be easily processed.
It will be in a state where it can be accepted smoothly. Thus, the copying machine 9
The sheets discharged from the printer are placed on the sheet processing tray 11 one by one and aligned. During this time, the paddle 221 is at the sheet feeding position and continues to rotate.

The first alignment feeding member 211 advances the last sheet of the predetermined number of sheets to a position where the last sheet is sandwiched between the sheet and the alignment reference member 31 in accordance with an instruction from the control device CONT based on the size of the sheet. And stops at that position for subsequent sorting. When the alignment of the last sheet is completed in this way, the rotating paddle 22
Also, the paddle drive motor M4 stops.

When a predetermined number of sheets are placed on the processing tray 11 and the sheet stacking tray 12 and their alignment is completed, when the stapling process by the staple D is specified on the copier-side operation panel, the stapler D is used. After the predetermined number of sheets are bound, and when no binding process is specified, after the alignment of the sheets is completed, the alignment reference member 31 removes the sheets from the control unit CONT.
Is pushed back to a predetermined first position on the stacking tray 12 and the processing tray 11. At this time, the first alignment feeding member 211 is located on the opposite side of the sheet, retreats toward the home position P3 with the sheet, and is stopped by being detected by the sensor S3. As described above, since the sheet moves while being sandwiched between the alignment reference member 31 and the feed member 211, problems such as disturbance in the posture of the sheet and unevenness of the sheet bundle are avoided.

After the sheet has moved to the predetermined position, the processing tray 11 retreats to the retreat position P2 according to the instruction of the control unit CONT, whereby the sheet S falls and moves on the stacking tray 12 by its own weight, and the alignment reference member 31 Returns to the matching reference position Qo, and is stopped by being detected by the sensor S4. When the sheet on the processing tray 11 is moved to the stacking tray 12, the pressing member 51 is lowered again to press the rear end of the sheet toward the stacking tray. Thereby, the sheet can be moved to the stacking tray 12 more smoothly. The pressing member 51 then moves up and away to prepare for the next sheet alignment.

After the processing tray 11 retreats to the retreat position P2, the loading tray 12 moves down to a retreat position below by a predetermined fixed distance based on an instruction from the control unit CONT. Thereafter, the control device CONT operates the processing tray 1
1 is arranged at one of the sheet receiving positions P1a, P1b, and P1c shown in FIG. 5 according to the sheet information to be discharged next, and the sheet stacking tray 12 is accordingly moved to the processing tray sheet receiving position shown in FIG. P1a, P1b or P1
It is arranged at a height position related to c. At this time, the stacking tray 12 is located at the sheet receiving position P1a, P1b or P1c.
(When sheets are stacked and stored on the tray 12, the upper surface of the sheet contacts the activation member) of the switch SW1.
Rises until it turns on and stops at that position.

Note that the belt 153 (see FIG. 3) constituting a part of the alignment reference portion 14 slightly before the start of the movement of the processing tray 11 from the retreat position P2 to the sheet receiving position P1a, P1b or P1c. The rear end of the sheet on the stacking tray 12 is turned in a direction in which it can be driven downward, so that the rear end of the sheet on the stacking tray 12 is curled upward even when the rear end of the sheet is curled upward. The sheet is pulled downward, and the processing tray 11 can be moved to the receiving position without colliding with the sheet. Belt 15
3 stops simultaneously when the tray 11 stops at the receiving position.

As described above, the first predetermined number of sheets S are stacked and stored on the stacking tray 12 and
In the state where the loading tray 12 is arranged at the position for receiving the next sheet, the next predetermined number of sheets are again received one by one into the processing tray 11 and the loading tray 12 in the same manner as described above.
Each sheet can be aligned. When the predetermined number of sheets have been aligned, if the stapling processing is specified, the stapling processing is also executed, and then the alignment reference member 3 of the sorting and feeding device C is set.
The sheet is moved to the second sorting position on the tray 11 so as to sandwich the sheet between the first and first alignment feeding members 211. However, when it is not necessary to perform the sorting process on the previous sheet, this sheet is also moved to the same first sorting position as described above.

Thereafter, the processing tray 11 is retracted to the retreat position P2 as in the case of the previous sheet, and is stacked and accommodated on the sheet stacking tray 12. Thereafter, the sheet receiving position of the processing tray 11 and the height position of the sheet stacking tray 12 are adjusted again. By repeating the operation described above, a desired amount of sheets can be stacked and stored on the sheet stacking tray 12.

The case where the sheet is discharged to the loading tray A has been described above. However, the position of the sheet transport direction switching claw 76 or 77 in the transport device G is switched by the designation on the operation panel of the copying machine to change the position of the mail bin device G. Alternatively, the upper tray T can be used. Next, a case where the discharged sheets S are stored in the upper tray T will be described.

The use of the tray T is specified on the copier operation panel PAN connected to the copier controller CONT ', and is input to the controller CONT on the sheet storage device side via the controller CONT'. In the sheet storage device SA, the control device CONT also has a tray angle control function for adjusting the rising inclination angle of the tray T, more specifically, the portion of the tray T2.

The controller CONT initially sets the inclination angle of the tray T2 to the inclination angle to be taken when the sheet is discharged to a standard sheet discharge position on the tray T according to the sheet to be discharged. I do. FIG. 6A shows the tray T2 set at this inclination angle. FIG.
The tray inclination angle shown in (A) is not limited to this, but here is common to A3 vertical sheet (A3T), A4 vertical sheet (A4T), and A4 horizontal sheet (A4Y). The tray tilt angle is an angle at which the sheet can smoothly return and slide down to abut and align with the alignment reference portion 752 when the sheet is discharged to its standard discharge position.

The control unit CONT controls the A3 vertical sheet (A3
When T) is not detected by any of the sensors SH1 and SHO, it is considered that the sheet has been discharged to the standard discharge position.
Similarly, the A4 vertical sheet (A4T) is the sensor SH2, SH
O is not detected in any of the A4 horizontal sheets (A4
When Y) is not detected by any of the sensors SH3 and SHO, it is considered that each of them is discharged to the standard discharge position. FIG. 6A shows that the A3 vertical sheet (A3T) has the sensors SH1 and S3.
This illustrates a state where the HO is discharged to the standard discharge position without being detected by any of the HOs.

Since the same A3 vertical sheet (A3T) is lighter than the standard sheet, the sheet discharged farther from the standard discharge position (downstream in the sheet discharge direction) as shown in FIG. When detected by SH1,
The motor M8 operates based on the instruction of the control unit CONT, and raises the downstream end of the tray T2 by a predetermined angle θ1 from the standard position shown in FIG. 6A, as shown in FIG. 6C.
As a result, the rising inclination angle of the tray T2 increases, and the sheets discharged to such a distance can be smoothly aligned with the alignment reference portion 7.
Returning to 52, it slides down and is properly abutted therewith. Even after the angle of the tray T2 is set in this way, the sheet angle is maintained as it is even if the sensor SH1 detects a succeeding sheet. However, if the sheet is discharged to the standard position after the angle of the tray T2 is adjusted to rise by θ1, the sheet rear end detection sensor SH is preceded.
The tray T2 is returned to the standard position shown in FIG. 6A on the condition that the rear end 4 detects the trailing edge of the sheet.

The same A3 vertical sheet (A3T) is discharged before the standard discharge position (upstream in the sheet discharge direction) as shown by a broken line in FIG. When the sheet is detected by the sensor SHO, the motor M8 operates based on the instruction of the control device CONT, and moves the downstream end of the tray T2 from the standard position shown in FIG. 6A as shown in FIG. Lower by a predetermined angle θ2. As a result, the rising inclination angle of the tray T2 is reduced, and the sheet discharged so close is smoothly returned to the alignment reference portion 752 to be appropriately abutted and aligned therewith. Once the angle of the tray T2 has been set in this way, even if a subsequent sheet is detected by the sensor SH0, the tray angle is maintained as it is. However, if the sheet is discharged to the standard position after the tray angle is adjusted to decrease by θ2, the sheet trailing edge detection sensor S
The tray T2 is returned to the standard position shown in FIG. 6A on condition that H4 detects the trailing edge of the sheet.

After the tray T2 is placed at the angle θ1 rising position shown in FIG. 6 (C) and the sheet S is detected by the sensor SHO, the tray T2 is lowered by the angle θ2 shown in FIG. 6 (D). The tray T2 is set at the position shown in FIG.
When the sheet SH discharged after being placed at the angle θ2 lowering position shown in (D) is detected by the sensor SH1, the tray T2 is set to the angle θ1 raising position shown in FIG. 6C.

Although the A3 vertical sheet (A3T) has been described as an example, the same applies to the A4 vertical sheet (A4T) and the A4 horizontal sheet (A4Y).
Regarding T), an angle θ1 ′ (> θ1) is set as an angle corresponding to the increasing angle θ1, and an angle θ2 ′ (<θ2) is set as an angle corresponding to the decreasing angle θ2. For the A4 horizontal sheet (A4Y), the increase angle θ1 is used.
Is an angle θ1 ″ (> θ1 ′) as an angle corresponding to the angle θ2 ″ (<θ1) as an angle corresponding to the decreasing angle θ2.
2 ') is set.

As for the sheet S discharged from the copying machine 9 as described above, the sheet discharge position on the tray T is detected for each sheet, and the contact force to the alignment reference portion 751 corresponding to the sheet is set appropriately. The inclination angle of the tray T2 is adjusted to make the rear end (upstream end) of the sheet T
52 is properly matched. Next, another example of sheet alignment on the tray T will be described with reference to FIG.

The tray T shown in FIG. 8 also includes a tray T1 and a swingable vertically movable tray T2 similarly to the tray T described above. The tray T2 is a tray tilt angle changing device including a motor M8, a transmission 78 and the like. Can change the rising inclination angle. However, instead of the sensors SH1, SH2, SH3, and SH0 for detecting the sheet discharge position, three sensors SH10, SH20,
SH30 is provided. The sensor SH10 is a sensor for detecting an A3 vertical sheet (A3T), the sensor SH20 is a sensor for detecting an A4 vertical sheet (A4T), and the SH30 is a sensor for detecting an A4 horizontal sheet (A4Y).

In the control device CONT, although not shown, the sensors SH1, SH2, SH3, S
These sensors are connected instead of H0, and the configuration is changed so that the inclination angle of the tray T2 is adjusted according to the discharged sheet size information from these sensors SH10, SH20, and SH30. That is, when the sheet is discharged to the tray shown in FIG.
0, the sheet size is detected by SH30. When all of the sensors SH10, SH20, and SH30 detect a discharged sheet, the control device sets the discharged sheet size to A3.
Vertical sheets (A3T), sensors SH20 and SH30
If only the sheet SH detects a discharged sheet, the discharged sheet size is A4 vertical sheet (A4T). If only the sensor SH30 detects the discharged sheet, the discharged sheet size is A4 horizontal sheet (A4Y). And A3 vertical sheet (A3T)
Is detected, the angle of the tray T2 is changed to the angle shown in FIG.
8A, the same initial angle is maintained (see FIG. 8A). When an A4 vertical sheet (A4T) is detected, the angle of the tray T2 is changed to the initial angle for A3T shown in FIG. 8A. A4 horizontal sheet (A4Y)
Is detected, the angle of the tray T2 is changed from the initial angle for A3T shown in FIG.
0) Raise.

By adjusting the inclination angle of the tray in this way, the contact force of the sheet to the alignment reference portion 752 is appropriately set according to the size of the sheet discharged from the copying machine 9, and Are appropriately aligned by the alignment reference portion 752. Here, the sheet size detection sensors SH10, SH20, SH30 are provided to adjust the inclination angle of the tray T according to the sheet size detected by the sensors. However, the control device for controlling the operation of the sheet storage device performs copying. The size of the sheet to be discharged next may be received from the control device CONT ′ on the machine side, and the inclination angle of the tray T may be adjusted according to the sheet size. In this case, the control device of the sheet storage device may have such a sheet size detection function.

Adjusting the rising inclination angle of the tray T according to the size of the discharged sheet, and adjusting the rising inclination angle of the tray T according to the sheet discharging position on the tray T as described above. A combination may be adopted.

[0111]

As described above, according to the present invention, a sheet accommodating apparatus for accommodating a sheet discharged from a sheet processing apparatus is provided on the upstream side in the sheet discharging direction of the sheet discharged from the sheet processing apparatus. It is possible to provide a sheet accommodating device that can appropriately align the edges.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a sheet storage device for storing sheets discharged from the sheet processing apparatus, wherein the upstream end of the sheets discharged from the sheet processing apparatus in the sheet discharging direction can be properly aligned. Therefore, it is possible to provide a sheet storage device that can appropriately perform the subsequent sheet alignment processing and / or post-processing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an example of a sheet storage apparatus according to the present invention and an example of a sheet processing apparatus to which the apparatus is connected.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the sheet storage device shown in FIG. 1 from a side.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of a processing tray and a peripheral portion thereof.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a processing tray, an alignment feeding device, a sheet pressing device, a sorting device, and the like.

FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams showing sheet receiving positions of a processing tray and a sheet stacking tray corresponding to discharged sheets, respectively.

FIGS. 6A to 6D are diagrams illustrating the inclination angle of the upper tray according to the sheet discharge position.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the sheet storage device.

FIGS. 8A to 8C show another example of sheet alignment in the upper tray, and FIGS. 8A to 8C show the inclination angles of the upper tray according to the size of the discharged sheet.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 9 copying machine (one example of sheet processing apparatus) 91 printing section 92 image reading section 93 automatic document feeder 94 sheet supply section SA sheet storage device CA body case of sheet storage device X sheet discharge direction Y sheet alignment feed direction S sheet A3T A3 vertical sheet A4T A4 vertical sheet A4Y A4 horizontal sheet A sheet mounting tray 11 processing tray 111 rack 112 pinion gear 113 clutch 116 switch activation member 114, 115 pulley 116 ′ endless belt SW1, SW2 detection switch P1 (P1a, P1b, P1c) ) Sheet receiving position of the processing tray 11 P2 Evacuation position of the processing tray 11 M1 Processing tray drive motor CONT control device CONT 'Copying machine-side control device PAN Copying machine operation panel 12 Loading tray 121 Loading tray driving device M Loading tray drive motors 13, 14 Sheet trailing edge alignment reference portion 15 Sheet edge moving device 151, 152 Pulley 153 Endless belt 154 One-way clutch B Alignment feeder 21 First alignment feeder 211 First alignment feeder 212 Drive 213 Guide Shaft M3 Motor P3 Home position P4 Sheet takeover position 22 Second alignment feeder 221 Rotary paddle (second feeder) M4 Rotary paddle drive motor C Third feeder (sorting feeder) Qo Alignment reference position 31 Alignment reference member 32 Drive Apparatus M5 Motor D Stapler 415 Attaching section to sheet storage apparatus 414 Electrical plug 412A Aligning section 412a Aligning section gap E Sheet pressing device 51 Pressing member 52 Horizontal rod 53 Arm 54, 55 Shaft 56 Torque limiter 571 Gear 57 2 Worm gear M6 Motor P5 Ascending / retracting position 530 Upper limit stopper 61 Sheet guide member / sheet pressing member 611 Shaft 612 End portion on the alignment portion side (downstream side) 62 Biasing device 621, 622 Rod 623 Torsion coil spring G Sheet transport device F Mail bin device 101 Bin 102 Sheet discharge switching claw 103 Common sheet conveyance path SOL solenoid 71 First conveyance path 72 Roller pair 73 for receiving and pulling in sheet 73 Roller pair 74 for sheet discharge 74 Second conveyance path 741 Sheet passage hole h 742 Spring 75 Third transport path 751 Sheet discharge roller pair 76, 77 Sheet transport direction switching claw SOL1, SOL2 Solenoid M7 Motor U Punch unit S7 Sheet passage detection sensors S1, S3, S4, S7 Sensor T Upper tray S shaft M8 motor 78 gear SH0, sheet detection sensor SH4 output sheet rear end detection sensor SH10~SH30 output sheet size detecting sensor for SH1~SH3 sheet discharging position detection

Claims (4)

[Claims] A tray for receiving a sheet discharged from a sheet processing apparatus, the tray being inclined upward toward a downstream side in a sheet discharging direction, the tray being capable of changing the rising inclination angle, and discharging from the sheet processing apparatus. An alignment reference portion that restricts the position of the upstream end of a sheet that is received and received by the tray and slides back toward the sheet discharge direction upstream; and on the tray of the sheet discharged from the sheet processing apparatus. And a sheet discharge position detecting device for detecting the discharge position of the sheet. The sheet discharge position detecting device detects the sheet sliding position on the tray so as to appropriately set an amount of contact force of the sheet sliding on the tray with the alignment reference portion. A sheet storage device, wherein an inclination angle of the tray is adjusted according to a sheet discharge position on the tray. 2. A tray for receiving sheets discharged from a sheet processing apparatus, wherein the tray is inclined upward toward a downstream side in a sheet discharging direction, the tray being capable of changing the rising inclination angle, and discharging from the sheet processing apparatus. An alignment reference portion for restricting the position of the upstream end of the sheet that is received by the tray and slides back toward the sheet discharge direction upstream, and the sheet discharged from the sheet processing apparatus onto the tray. And a device for detecting the size of the sheet according to the sheet size detected by the sheet size detection device to appropriately set the amount of contact force of the sheet sliding on the tray to the alignment reference portion. A sheet storage device, wherein a tilt angle of a tray is adjusted. 3. A reciprocating movement in a substantially horizontal direction between a sheet receiving position for receiving an upstream portion of a sheet discharged from the sheet processing apparatus in a sheet discharging direction and a retracted position retracted from the sheet receiving position. A processing tray provided for sheet alignment and / or sheet post-processing at the sheet receiving position, and a downstream portion in a sheet discharging direction of a sheet discharged from the sheet processing apparatus, which is directed downstream in the sheet discharging direction. An ascending and descending stackable tray, a sheet information detecting device for detecting sheet information ejected from the sheet processing device, and a sheet information ejection device ejected from the sheet processing device and straddling the processing tray and the stacking tray. The upper end of the sheet that is received and then slides back to the upstream side in the sheet discharge direction is regulated. And a reference portion, wherein the sheet of the processing tray is adjusted so as to adjust the sheet receiving ratio of each of the processing tray and the stacking tray so as to appropriately set the contact force of the sliding sheet to the alignment reference portion. A sheet storage device, wherein at least one of a receiving position and a height position of the stacking tray is adjusted according to information detected by the sheet information detecting device. 4. The sheet information detecting device is a sheet size detecting device, and the sheet receiving ratio of each of the processing tray and the stacking tray is set according to sheet size information from the sheet size detecting device. 4. The sheet storage device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of a sheet receiving position of the processing tray and a height position of the stacking tray is adjusted.