JP2001240304A - Post-processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a post-processing device capable of enhancing loadability of a paper bundle subjected to post-processing while a small size and a simplification are realized. SOLUTION: A staple tray 7 for carrying out a post-processing such as a staple processing is provided on a plurality of papers 10. An ascending/ descending tray 6 in which a paper bundle subjected to post-processing is discharged is disposed below the staple tray 7. The staple tray 7 has respective paper support plates 7a divided to two portions from a center portion of a bottom portion. The respective paper support plates 7a drop the paper bundle loaded on the staple tray 7 on the ascending/descending tray 6 by sliding in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of the paper 10 and opening in an opposite direction each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing such as stapling on a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus and discharging the sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a post-processing apparatus for performing stapling processing on a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus and discharging the same, as disclosed in JP-A-2-144370,
A staple tray for placing and aligning a plurality of sheets before the stapling is performed, and a paper stacking tray for discharging the stapled sheet bundle after being aligned on the staple tray are horizontally arranged. Since they are arranged side by side, there is a problem that the width of the post-processing device increases. In addition, there is a need for a means for transporting the stapled sheet bundle to the sheet stacking tray in the staple tray,
This has led to an increase in the size of the device.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 59-78069 discloses a configuration in which a sheet stacking tray for discharging a stapled sheet bundle is disposed below a staple tray. The width of the device can be reduced. However, in the above configuration, a separate unit for transporting the paper from the staple tray to the paper stacking tray is required, and the configuration of the apparatus is complicated, and the cost is increased in the future.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos.
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 28470 discloses a configuration in which a sheet bundle stapled on a staple tray is dropped onto a stacking tray, and a conveying unit for conveying the sheet bundle from the staple tray to the sheet stacking tray is omitted.

However, in the above-described configuration, the sheet bundle is dropped from the end of the sheet bundle when the sheet bundle is dropped. Another means of consolidation was needed.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-277059 discloses a post-processing apparatus in which the bottom plate of a staple tray is turned like a double door to drop stapled sheets onto a stacking tray.

In this configuration, the sheet bundle on the staple tray is dropped onto the stacking tray while maintaining substantially horizontal.
JP-A-1-214576 and JP-A-2-28470
As compared with the configuration of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-260, the mounting property of the sheet bundle is improved.

[0008]

However, in the post-processing apparatus described in JP-A-8-277059, since the bottom plate of the staple tray is rotated to drop the sheet bundle, the leading end of the bottom plate rotates. It is necessary to increase the distance between the stacking tray and the staple tray according to the distance that the paper moves and moves downward. Since the falling distance becomes large, there is a problem that the mounting property of the sheet bundle on the stacking tray is easily destabilized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a stacking tray (discharge tray) for a sheet bundle after post-processing such as stapling.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a post-processing apparatus which has a good mounting property and can be downsized (width direction and height direction).

[0010]

The post-processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises:
In order to solve the above-described problems, a plurality of sheets are subjected to post-processing on a post-processing tray with respect to the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus, and the post-processed sheet bundle is discharged onto a discharge tray. In the post-processing device, the paper discharge tray is disposed below the post-processing tray, and the post-processing tray has a bottom plate that is divided from the center at the bottom of the post-processing tray. Each bottom plate slides along an output path for dropping the sheet bundle placed on the post-processing tray onto the discharge tray along the surface of the sheet placed on the post-processing tray. It is characterized by being provided to form.

According to the above configuration, since the paper discharge tray is located below the post-processing tray, the width, that is, the size of the post-processing device can be reduced, and the post-processed sheet bundle is post-processed. For the output tray located below the tray, slide each bottom plate of the post-processing tray along the surface of the sheet placed on the post-processing tray to drop the sheet bundle onto the output tray. Is formed, and the sheet bundle is dropped from the carry-out path, so that there is no need for a means for transporting the sheet from the post-processing tray to the discharge tray.

Further, in the above configuration, the paper discharge tray is located below the post-processing tray, and each bottom plate of the post-processing tray slides from the central portion so that the sheet bundle on the post-processing tray is slid. Is dropped from the center onto the discharge tray, the sheet bundle can be dropped while maintaining a horizontal posture, and the placement state of the sheet bundle on the discharge tray can be improved.

In addition, in the above configuration, each bottom plate of the post-processing tray slides from the center along the sheet surface of the sheet bundle to form a carry-out path. Since the distance between the post-processing tray and the paper discharge tray can be reduced, and the head of the paper bundle can be reduced, the placement state of the paper bundle on the paper discharge tray can be improved.

Further, in the above configuration, it is not necessary to secure a space for the bottom plate to rotate downward as in the conventional case, and the upper limit capacity of the stack of sheets on the sheet discharge tray is set to be larger. Becomes possible.

Further, in the above configuration, the amount of movement of each bottom plate of the post-processing tray can be reduced as compared with the case where the bottom plate of the post-processing tray that is not divided at the center is moved to one side.
The discharge path can be formed more quickly, and the time for unloading the post-processed sheet bundle can be shortened, so that the speed of the post-processing device can be increased, and the amount of movement of each bottom plate compared to the above case is suppressed. Therefore, the size of the post-processing device can be reduced.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another post-processing apparatus of the present invention performs post-processing of a plurality of sheets on a post-processing tray with respect to sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus.
In a post-processing apparatus that discharges a post-processed sheet bundle onto a paper discharge tray, the paper discharge tray is disposed below the post-processing tray, and elevating means for vertically moving the paper discharge tray is provided. A control means for controlling the means is provided so as to control a head for dropping the sheet bundle from the post-processing tray onto the sheet discharge tray.

According to the above arrangement, the provision of the elevating means and the control means makes it possible to set the head of the sheet bundle from the post-processing tray to the discharge tray constant within a predetermined range, for example. The placement of the sheet bundle on the sheet discharge tray can be further stabilized.

In the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus, the head for dropping the sheet bundle from the post-processing tray onto the paper discharge tray is set so as to be at least the thickness of the post-processing tray in the post-processing tray. Is preferred.

According to the above configuration, the interval between the post-processing tray and the paper discharge tray is set to be equal to or greater than the number of sheets that can be post-processed.
Since the post-processed sheet bundle such as staples can be reliably dropped and placed on the discharge tray on the post-processing tray, the placement of the sheet bundle on the discharge tray can be stabilized.

In the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus, it is preferable that the bottom plates are set so as to be separated from each other. According to the above configuration, when each bottom plate of the post-processing tray is slid and the sheet bundle is opened and dropped on the sheet discharge tray, the movement stroke of each bottom plate can be shortened, and the time required for unloading the sheet bundle to the sheet discharge tray. , And the width of the device required for sliding each bottom plate can be reduced.

In the above-described post-processing apparatus, it is desirable that the interval between the openings of each bottom plate of the post-processing tray be 10 to 46% of the width of the sheet to be placed. According to the above configuration, when each of the bottom plates of the post-processing tray is slid and the sheet bundle is opened and dropped onto the discharge tray, the movement stroke of each bottom plate can be shortened. The device width required for sliding each bottom plate can be reduced. In addition, in the above configuration, by setting the opening interval to be 10% to 46% of the sheet width, the sheets and the sheet bundle can be stably placed on the post-processing tray without being bent.

In the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus, the aligning portion for aligning the paper placed on the post-processing tray by abutting in the width direction is provided in the post-processing tray in a direction orthogonal to the paper conveying direction. When the aligning unit driving means that is provided so as to be slidable and drives the aligning unit slides each bottom plate to drop the sheet bundle on the post-processing tray, the contact position of the aligning unit with the sheet bundle is It is preferable that the width is controlled so as to be substantially the same as the end of the sheet bundle.

According to the above arrangement, when the bottom plate is slid to drop the sheet bundle on the post-processing tray, the aligning portion is in contact with the end of the sheet bundle and serves as a drop guide for the sheet bundle. The placement state of the sheet bundle on the discharge tray can be improved.

In the above post-processing apparatus, it is preferable that a sheet drop guide extending along the sheet drop direction is provided at the opening of each bottom plate. According to the above configuration, the sheet drop guide extending along the sheet drop direction is provided at the opening of each bottom plate that supports the sheet bundle by the post-processing tray. When the sheet bundle is dropped on the sheet discharge tray, the sheet bundle is uniformly dropped on the sheet discharge guide by the sheet drop guide, so that the state of placing the sheet bundle on the sheet discharge tray can be further improved.

Still another post-processing apparatus of the present invention performs post-processing of a plurality of sheets on a post-processing tray with respect to sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. In a post-processing apparatus for dropping a post-processed sheet bundle onto a sheet discharge tray disposed below the post-processing tray and discharging the sheet bundle, a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus is post-processed or discharged. The transport means for transporting to
A first conveying member provided with a conveying member and a second conveying member;
The second transporting member and the second transporting member respectively have rollers disposed at both ends of the paper guide, are rotatably connected to each other by a driving member, and are provided rotatably together with the paper guide around an upstream roller shaft as a fulcrum. At the same time, the roller on the side serving as the rotation fulcrum of the first transport member and the roller on the side serving as the rotation fulcrum of the second transport member form a nip for transporting the sheet across the paper, and the first and second nips are provided. When the transport members are both in the first position, the paper can be discharged onto the post-processing tray,
When both of the first and second transport members are at the second position rotated downward from the first position, the sheet can be discharged onto the discharge tray.

According to the above configuration, the sheet is dropped from the post-processing tray to the discharge tray below the post-processing tray.
The paper can be transported to the post-processing tray or the paper discharge tray using a common transport unit, and the width of the apparatus can be reduced. Since the tray to be conveyed can be changed by switching the position of the conveying means, it is not necessary to provide a gate means for switching the conveying direction of the paper. Since the transfer means itself has a function of a transfer direction switching gate, transfer to each tray can be ensured.

Still another post-processing apparatus of the present invention performs post-processing of a plurality of sheets on a post-processing tray with respect to sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. In a post-processing apparatus for dropping a post-processed sheet bundle onto a sheet discharge tray disposed below the post-processing tray and discharging the sheet bundle, a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus is post-processed or discharged. The transport means for transporting to
A first conveying member provided with a conveying member and a second conveying member;
And the second transport member each have two rollers along the transport direction of the paper and an endless belt that transports the paper stretched between the two rollers, and rotate around an upstream roller shaft as a fulcrum. The roller is provided so as to be movable, and a roller serving as a rotation fulcrum of the first transport member and a roller serving as a rotation fulcrum of the second transport member carry the paper via the endless belt. When the nip is formed and the first and second transport members are both at the first position, the sheet can be discharged onto the post-processing tray, and both the first and second transport members are in the first position. It is characterized in that the paper can be discharged onto the paper discharge tray when the second position is rotated downward from the position.

According to the above configuration, the sheet is dropped from the post-processing tray to the discharge tray below the post-processing tray.
By using a common conveying means, the sheet can be conveyed to a post-processing tray or a paper discharge tray, and the width of the apparatus can be reduced.
Since the tray to be conveyed can be changed by switching the position of the conveying means, it is not necessary to provide a gate means for switching the conveying direction of the paper. Since the transfer means itself has a function of a transfer direction switching gate, transfer to each tray can be ensured.

In addition, in the above construction, if the driving force is transmitted to one of the two rollers, the driving force is transmitted to the other roller by the stretched endless belt, so that the driving force is transmitted to both the rollers. The number of components can be reduced because the number of components to be used can be omitted. Since the endless belt is mounted between the rollers and the sheet is conveyed, it is not necessary to provide a sheet guide between the two rollers provided along the conveying direction.

In the above-mentioned post-processing device, the first
The transporting member and the second transporting member can be individually moved to a first position and a second position about a pivot point, respectively. The first transporting member is in the first position, and the second transporting member is in the second position. , The paper conveyed to the post-processing tray may be set so as to be aligned by rollers downstream of the second conveyance member.

According to the above configuration, for example, if the second transport member is set below the first transport member, the paper transported onto the post-processing tray by the first transport member and the second transport member is , Pass above both rollers of the first transport member.
Then, after the sheet is conveyed to the post-processing tray, the position of the first conveyance member and the second conveyance member in the conveyance means for conveying the sheet onto the post-processing tray is switched, so that the downstream side of the second conveyance member is switched. The lower side of the roller can contact the upper surface of the sheet on the post-processing tray.

At this time, by rotating the rollers in the same direction as when the paper is conveyed, the paper is moved in a direction opposite to the paper conveyance direction, and is brought into contact with, for example, a rear side portion in a post-processing tray. Therefore, there is no need to provide any special means for aligning the sheet in the sheet transport direction. Further, when used together with the aligning means in the other sheet transport direction, the alignment of the sheets in the post-processing tray can be more reliably performed.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post-processing apparatus for stapling a plurality of sheets on a post-processing tray with respect to sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus. In a post-processing apparatus that performs processing and drops and discharges the post-processed sheet bundle onto a discharge tray disposed below the post-processing tray, whether the discharge tray is at the upper limit for storing the sheet bundle Detecting means for detecting whether or not the sheet is ejected from the image forming apparatus, and when the sheet is located at the upper limit of the sheet, and there is a succeeding sheet from the image forming apparatus, the succeeding sheet is placed on the post-processing tray for one job. Control means for performing post-processing and stopping dropping the post-processed sheet bundle to the discharge tray, and stopping image forming processing in a state where the sheet bundle is placed on the post-processing tray. Characterized by having To have.

According to the above configuration, since the paper discharge tray is located below the post-processing tray, the width of the post-processing device can be reduced, and the sheet bundle group on the paper discharge tray and the post-processing tray Since the paper sheet is stopped after the sheet bundle is created, the stacking capacity at the time of post-processing can be used to the maximum.

In the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus, when the number of sheets on the paper discharge tray becomes smaller than the storage upper limit, the control means drops the succeeding post-processed sheet bundle onto the above-mentioned paper discharge tray. It is desirable.

In the above configuration, there is no need for the operator to put his hand into the post-processing tray and take out the post-processed paper, so that the operator is not bothered. Since there is no need for the operator to put his hand in the post-processing tray and take out the post-processed paper, it is possible to avoid the danger of the operator putting his hand in the post-processing tray.

In the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus, the control means may cancel the stop of the image forming process and the post-processing when there is a succeeding sheet.

According to the above configuration, the image forming process and the post-process, which have been stopped once, are automatically restarted, so that the operator does not need to perform any special operation, and the operator can be saved.

The post-processing apparatus further includes an input unit for inputting cancellation or maintenance of the stop of the image forming process and the post-processing. The release or maintenance of the stop of the processing may be selectable by the input unit.

According to the above configuration, the operator can select to resume image forming processing and post-processing once stopped, so that the operator's anxiety that the machine suddenly starts operating can be resolved.

The above-mentioned post-processing apparatus is further provided with elevating means for elevating and lowering the above-mentioned paper discharge tray, and the detecting means detects the distance between the uppermost surface of the paper bundle on the paper discharge tray and the post-processing tray. It is desirable to provide a paper discharge tray control means for controlling the elevating means so as to adjust in accordance with the falling of the paper.

According to the above configuration, the operator does not have to put his hand into the post-processing tray and take the post-processed sheet bundle, so that the operator is not bothered. Since there is no need for the operator to put his hand in the post-processing tray and take the post-processed sheet bundle, the danger to the operator due to the operator's hand entering the post-processing process such as post-processing is prevented. it can.

In the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus, the control means may cancel the stop of the image forming processing and the post-processing when the position adjustment of the paper discharge tray is completed. According to the above configuration, the operator does not need to put his hand into the post-processing tray to take out the post-processed paper, so that the operator is not bothered.

In addition, in the above configuration, there is no need for the operator to put his hand into the post-processing tray to take out the post-processed paper, so that no danger is given to the operator. The image forming process and the post-process, which have been stopped once, are restarted, so that the operator does not need any special operation.

Further, in the above configuration, after the paper discharge tray is raised to the uppermost position, the sheet bundle remaining in the post-processing tray is dropped onto the paper discharge tray, and the image forming process and the post-processing are resumed. Of the sheet bundle on the sheet discharge tray is improved.

In the above post-processing device, the control means includes:
When the number of sheets on the sheet discharge tray is less than the storage upper limit and there is no further sheet, the sheet bundle after the post-processing may be dropped onto the sheet discharge tray after a predetermined time.

According to the above configuration, there is no need for the operator to put his hand in the post-processing tray to take out the post-processed paper, so that the operator is not bothered. There is no need for the operator to put his or her hand into the processing tray to take out the post-processed paper, so there is no danger to the operator.

In addition, in the above configuration, when the paper on the paper discharge tray is removed without any further paper after being full, the paper remains on the post-processing tray regardless of the height of the paper discharge tray. Since the sheet bundle is dropped onto the discharge tray, the operator can immediately obtain the sheet bundle.

In the above arrangement, if the sheet on the sheet discharge tray is removed and the sheet bundle left on the post-processing tray is immediately dropped, the operator can lift the sheet in the sheet discharge tray at the same time. The paper bundle may fall,
As a result, it is conceivable that the lifted sheet bundle group collapses or the dropped sheet bundle falls into an unpredictable place. By waiting for a predetermined time, the sheet bundle can be reliably dropped to the discharge tray, and the operator is uneasy. Do not give.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a further post-processing apparatus according to the present invention provides a method for stapling a plurality of sheets on a post-processing tray with respect to the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus. In a post-processing apparatus that performs processing and drops and discharges the post-processed sheet bundle onto a discharge tray disposed below the post-processing tray, whether the discharge tray is at the upper limit for storing the sheet bundle Detecting means for detecting whether or not the sheet is ejected from the image forming apparatus, and when the sheet is located at the upper limit of the sheet, and there is a succeeding sheet from the image forming apparatus, the succeeding sheet is placed on the post-processing tray for one job. Control means for performing post-processing, dropping the post-processed sheet bundle to the discharge tray, and stopping the image forming process with the post-processing tray opened. I have.

According to the above configuration, since the discharge tray is located below the post-processing tray, the width of the post-processing device can be reduced, and the sheet bundle group on the discharge tray and the post-processing tray Is stopped after the sheet bundle is dropped onto the sheet discharge tray, so that the stacking capacity at the time of post-processing can be used to the maximum.

In addition, in the above configuration, even if the last sheet bundle hits the post-processing tray, the post-processing tray is stopped in an open state, so that the final sheet bundle is favorably loaded on the sheet discharge tray. Can be placed.

Further, in the above configuration, the operator does not need to put his hand in the post-processing tray to take out the post-processed paper, so that the operator is not bothered. There is no need for the operator to put his hand in the post-processing tray to take out the post-processed paper, so there is no danger to the operator.

In the above post-processing device, the control means includes:
It is preferable that the post-processing tray in the open state be closed when the number of sheets in the paper discharge tray becomes less than the storage upper limit.

According to the above configuration, even when the last sheet bundle hits the post-processing tray, the post-processing tray is stopped in the open state, so that the sheet bundle can be satisfactorily placed on the discharge tray. Can be placed. Since the post-processing tray is closed after removing the sheet bundle from the sheet discharge tray, it is possible to avoid a problem that the sheet bundle is caught on the post-processing tray.

In the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus, it is preferable that the control means releases the stop of the image forming process and the post-processing when there is a further succeeding sheet. According to the above configuration, since the image forming process and the post-process once stopped are automatically restarted, a special operation by the operator can be omitted.

The post-processing apparatus further includes an input unit for inputting cancellation or maintenance of the stop of the image forming process and the post-processing. The release or maintenance of the stop of the processing may be selectable by the input unit.

According to the above configuration, the operator can select to resume image forming processing and post-processing once stopped, so that anxiety of the operator that the machine suddenly starts operating can be resolved.

The above-mentioned post-processing apparatus further includes elevating means for elevating and lowering the discharge tray.
Discharge tray control means for controlling the elevating means so as to adjust the distance between the uppermost surface of the sheet bundle on the discharge tray and the post-processing tray in accordance with the drop of the sheet bundle is provided. The stop of the image forming processing and the post-processing may be released when the paper tray is moved to the uppermost position and the post-processing tray is closed.

According to the above configuration, the operator does not need to put his hand into the post-processing tray to take out the post-processed paper, so that the operator is not bothered. There is no need for the operator to put his hand in the post-processing tray to take out the post-processed paper, so there is no danger to the operator.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the image forming process and the post-process, which have been stopped once, are automatically restarted, so that no special operation is required by the operator, and the discharge tray is raised to the uppermost position. Thereafter, since the image forming processing and the post-processing are restarted, the placement of the subsequent paper on the paper discharge tray is improved.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, still another post-processing apparatus according to the present invention is a method in which a plurality of sheets are stapled on a post-processing tray after a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus. In a post-processing apparatus that performs a process and drops and discharges a post-processed sheet bundle onto a paper discharge tray disposed below the post-processing tray, an elevating unit that raises and lowers the paper discharge tray is provided. Detecting means for detecting the distance between the upper surface of the sheet bundle of the sheet discharge tray and the post-processing tray is provided, and control means for controlling the elevating means drops the sheet bundle from the post-processing tray to the sheet discharging tray. It is characterized in that the head is provided so as to be changed according to the number of post-processed sheets.

According to the above configuration, the head of the paper from the post-processing tray to the paper output tray is changed according to the number of sheets to be printed, so that the paper can be stably placed on the paper output tray. When the number of trailing sheets is small or large, there is a difference in the placement of the falling sheets on the discharge tray due to the air resistance.When the number of trailing sheets is small, move the discharge tray closer to the post-processing tray. The placement on the paper discharge tray can be stabilized.

In the above configuration, since the sheet discharge tray is located below the post-processing tray, the width of the post-processing apparatus can be reduced.

In the above post-processing device, the control means includes:
When the sheet bundle is dropped from the post-processing tray to the discharge tray, the distance between the upper surface of the discharge tray and the opening of the post-processing tray is set to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the number of sheets placed on the post-processing tray. May be.

In the above configuration, the interval between the post-processing tray and the paper discharge tray is set to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the number of sheets placed on the post-processing tray. The sheet bundle can be dropped on the paper discharge tray, so that the sheet bundle can be easily placed on the paper discharge tray.

In the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus, when the control unit drops the sheet from the post-processing tray, the control means controls the distance between the uppermost surface of the sheet bundle already stacked on the discharge tray and the opening of the post-processing tray. The distance may be set to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the number of sheets placed on the post-processing tray. According to the above configuration, the sheet bundle that has been post-processed on the post-processing tray can be reliably dropped onto the sheet discharge tray, so that the mounting property of the sheet bundle on the sheet discharge tray can be improved.

In the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus, the post-processing tray has, at the bottom of the post-processing tray, each bottom plate which is divided into two parts from the center, and each bottom plate is provided with a post-processing tray. In order to drop the sheet bundle placed on the tray onto the sheet discharge tray, it is preferable that the sheet bundle be slid in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction and opened in opposite directions.

According to the above arrangement, the bottom plate of the post-processing tray opens from the center and the sheet bundle on the post-processing tray drops from the center to the discharge tray, so that the sheet bundle drops while maintaining a horizontal posture. As a result, the placement state of the sheet bundle on the sheet discharge tray can be improved.

Further, in the above configuration, since the bottom plate of the post-processing tray is slid from the center and opened, the interval between the post-processing tray and the paper discharge tray can be reduced, the drop of the sheet bundle can be reduced, and the paper discharge can be performed. It is possible to improve the state of placing the sheet bundle on the tray.

In addition, in the above configuration, the sheets after the post-processing are dropped by opening each bottom plate of the post-processing tray to the discharge tray located below the post-processing tray. There is no need for a transport means to the paper discharge tray.

It is preferable that the post-processing apparatus further includes display means for displaying the status of the above-mentioned processing steps, such as stopping and restarting the image forming processing and post-processing.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to display, for example, a method of restarting the image forming process and the post-processing that has been stopped once, so that it is easy for the operator to understand what to do next.

Further, in the above-described configuration, the stop of the image forming process and the post-processing is disclosed after removing the sheet from the sheet discharge tray, and it can be displayed that the image forming process and the post-process are restarted. After removing the paper from the output tray, it is possible to understand how the machine operates and to reduce the operator's anxiety.

[0074]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a post-processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the post-processing apparatus 1 receives a sheet 10 discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 by an entrance roller 3 of the post-processing apparatus 1 and switches the transport direction by a transport direction switching gate 4 to perform an unprocessed process. The paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray 5 or a staple tray (post-processing tray) 7. Such a staple tray 7 has a mounting surface that is inclined with the entrance side of the paper 10 lowered.

In the post-processing device 1, as described later,
An elevating tray (discharge tray) for placing the post-processed sheets of paper 10 and a bundle of sheets of paper 10 (sheet bundle)
In contrast to the staple tray 6, the staple tray 7 can be directly ejected without intervention. It is assumed that the outer peripheral surface of each roller used in the present embodiment is covered with an elastic member such as silicon rubber.

The unprocessed paper discharge tray 5 is a tray for stacking the paper 10 discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 in a state where the paper 10 is discharged from the discharge roller 1a without performing post-processing on the paper 10. .

The elevating tray 6 is a tray used for discharging a bundle of the stapled sheets of paper 10 or for loading and discharging a large amount of discharged matter (printed paper).
The mounting surface is inclined with the tray base end 6a side lowered.

The elevating tray 6 is provided directly below the staple tray 7 and has an endless wire (elevating means) 6 attached to the tray base end 6a.
b is driven up and down by a motor (elevating means) 6c. Such a motor 6c
For example, a microcomputer (not shown) is built in as control means for controlling.

The sheet 10 to be stapled in the post-processing device 1 is placed and aligned on the staple tray 7 (the alignment method will be described later), and then subjected to stapling by the stapler 8, and the stapling process is performed. Of sheets of paper 10. Subsequently, the bundle of sheets 10 is dropped on the lifting tray 6 and transferred to a position where it can be easily taken out from the outside.

Alternatively, paper 1
In the case where 0 is discharged onto the elevating tray 6, the conveying means 9 upstream of the staple tray 7 (upstream in the conveying direction of the paper 10) can directly convey the paper 10 to the elevating tray 6. ing.

The bundle of the staple-processed sheets 10 is dropped to the elevating tray 6 located below the staple tray 7 by opening the sheet support plate 7 a forming the bottom (each bottom plate) of the staple tray 7. Can be

Next, the sheet alignment on the staple tray 7 and the lifting tray 6 from the staple tray 7 are performed.
A configuration for dropping the paper 10 on the paper F will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows the staple tray 7 at the time of sheet alignment. In FIG. 2A, the transport direction of the sheet 10 is a direction orthogonal to the sheet surface. FIG. 2
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

The staple tray 7 has a paper support plate (bottom plate) 7a which is divided from the center of the staple tray 7 at the bottom thereof, and the paper 10 is moved in the width direction (perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper 10). Alignment plate (alignment unit) 7b that aligns in the direction and the direction along the surface of the sheet 10)
And a member (staple tray top plate 7c) that supports the sheet support plate 7a and the alignment plate 7b.

Each paper support plate 7a is formed in a substantially L-shape so that the paper 10 can be placed thereon, and has a bottom surface (paper 1).
0 mounting surfaces) are arranged so as to be flush with each other and the back surfaces of the respective paper support plates 7a face each other in a substantially vertical direction. It is movable.

In other words, each of the paper support plates 7a is
The carry-out path 7f for dropping the bundle of sheets of paper 10 placed on the staple tray 7 onto the elevating tray 6 is moved along the surface of the sheet 10 placed on the staple tray 7, It is provided so as to be slid in a direction substantially parallel to. In the above description, the example in which the bottom of the staple tray 7 is divided into two from the center is described, but the staple tray 7 may be formed to be divided into three or more.

The alignment plates 7b hang down in parallel with each other along the direction in which the paper 10 is conveyed, and can be moved in the horizontal direction so that the distance between them can be changed.

First, the paper support plate 7a and the alignment plate 7
“b” stands by at a position corresponding to the paper size (the paper support plate 7a has a paper width + β, and the alignment plate 7b has a paper width + α: β> α) in a stationary state. The paper 10 placed on the staple tray 7 is placed on the paper support plate 7a between the two alignment plates 7b.

Each time one sheet of paper 10 is conveyed onto the staple tray 7, the alignment plate 7b reciprocates at a position (paper width + α) that is wider than the paper size width and the first paper size width. 10 is aligned in the width direction (the direction orthogonal to the transport direction). That is, α is the amplitude of the matching plate 7b.

The alignment plate 7b aligns the paper 10 in the width direction. For alignment in the transport direction of the paper 10, for example, a blade-shaped paddle 11 (FIG. 1) made of an elastic member such as rubber is used. Reference) and the rear end plate 7d.

That is, the rear end plate 7 d is provided on the side of the sheet 10 where the stapling process is performed (the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction in FIG. 1), and the sheet 10 is placed on the staple tray 7.
Each time one sheet of paper is conveyed, the paddle 11 is rotated by a half turn so that the sheet 10 flows backward and is pressed against the rear end plate 7d to align the ends of the sheet 10. Thereafter, when a predetermined number of sheets of paper 10 are placed on the staple tray 7, the ends of the aligned sheets of paper 10 are stapled by the stapler 8.

At the time of the above-mentioned paper alignment, the length of the paper mounting portion (L-shaped bottom plate portion) of the paper support plate 7a is constant, and the position of the paper support plate 7a changes according to the paper size. Therefore, in the central portion of the staple tray 7 (between the two sheet support plates 7a), if the sheet size is larger than the minimum size, an opening is apparently generated, but it corresponds to the sheet 10 of the minimum size. The opening 7e may be formed at the center of the staple tray 7 at the position.

By providing such an opening 7e, the opening stroke when the sheet support plate 7a is opened to drop the bundle of sheets of paper 10 can be shortened, and the processing time for moving by the drop can be shortened. .

The width (interval) of the opening 7e is set at most 10% of the paper width when the paper 10 to be stacked is the minimum width (for example, B5), and is set at the maximum width (for example, A3). Is set to at most 46%, the bundle of sheets 10 in the staple tray 7 can be stacked on each sheet support plate 7a while preventing the bundle from being bent.

When the sheet 10 on which the stapling process has been completed is dropped from the staple tray 7 to the elevating tray 6,
As shown in FIG. 3, the paper support plate 7a of the staple tray 7 is slid from the center of the paper 10 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction and perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper 10) so as to be separated from each other. Is formed.

At this time, each paper support plate 7a
The position of the leading end of each paper support plate 7a moves from the position in the standby state to a position inside the alignment plate 7b (this movement distance is defined as γ). As a result, the sheet 10 starts dropping from the center portion, and finally, the entire bundle of sheets 10 falls on the elevating tray 6. Further, when the bundle of sheets 10 falls, each alignment plate 7b is maintained so as to be located at substantially the same position as the width of the sheet size, so that it serves as a drop guide for the bundle of sheets 10. Further, at this time, the rear end plate 7d is moved in the transport direction of the sheet 10 (the direction of the arrow C in FIG. 3B), which is the direction in which the sheet 10 is pushed out, to assist in dropping.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, guide members 7h extending along the falling direction of the paper 10 are respectively provided at the paper drop openings 7g of the respective paper support plates 7a of the staple tray 7, and the opposing surfaces thereof are provided. The sheet 10 may be provided so as to be parallel, and the falling of the sheet 10 to the drop tray 6 may be guided by the respective alignment plates 7b and the respective guide members 7h.

As shown in FIG. 5, the staple tray top plate 7c, which is a support member for the paper support plate 7a and the alignment plate 7b, moves the paper support plate 7a and the alignment plate 7b to positions corresponding to the size of the paper 10, respectively. It has each drive part 12 and 13 for moving, respectively.

The sheet support plate 7a and the alignment plate 7b are different from the staple tray top plate 7c with respect to the staple tray top plate 7c.
Are arranged on the lower surface side. Staple tray top 7c
Rack gears 12a and 13a for moving the sheet support plate 7a and the alignment plate 7b, respectively,
2, 13 are arranged. Rack gears 12a, 13
a, the paper support plate 7a and the alignment plate 7b are connected by screws or the like via attachments.

The staple tray top plate 7c has grooves 1 along the sliding direction of the sheet support plate 7a and the alignment plate 7b.
2b and 13b are provided respectively, and the grooves 12b and 1b are provided.
The fitting is fitted to 3b to guide the movement of the paper support plate 7a and the alignment plate 7b in the sliding direction. The grooves 12b and 13b are formed for the movement strokes of the sheet support plate 7a and the alignment plate 7b.

The rack guides 12c, 13c formed on the staple tray top plate 7c guide the movement of the rack gears 12a, 13a in the sliding direction. The paper support plate 7a and the alignment plate 7b of the staple tray 7 are driven by separate motors, respectively, and rotate the motors by the pinion gears 12d,
13d. Each of the pinion gears 12
d and 13d are driven by a pair of rack gears 12 respectively.
a, 12a and a pair of rack gears 13a, 13a. Each of the above rack gears 12
The pair of sheet support plates 7a attached to the rack gears 12a, 13a by the driving force transmitted to the rack gears 12a, 13a.
The pair of matching plates 7b are moved in the left and right direction (width direction) by the same distance in opposite directions.

In the configuration of the driving units 12 and 13 for the sheet support plate 7a and the alignment plate 7b as shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 shows the positional relationship between a and the matching plate 7b. In the configuration shown in FIG. 6, two grooves 7i are formed on the bottom surface of the sheet support plate 7a of the staple tray 7 so as to be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheet 10, while The lower end of the alignment plate 7b is provided with a groove 7i of the paper support plate 7a.
Are provided, respectively, so as to match with.

There is a gap between the lower end surface of the alignment plate 7b and the bottom surface of the paper support plate 7a so that the alignment plate 7b can be easily moved when the paper 10 on the staple tray 7 is aligned in the width direction. Required.

Thus, until a predetermined number of sheets 10 to be stapled are inserted from the bottom plate of the sheet support plate 7a, the projections 7j of the respective alignment plates 7b project downward into the grooves 7i. Therefore, the alignment of the paper 10 in the width direction is performed by the convex portions 7j facing each other.

When a certain amount or more of the paper 10 is inserted between the matching plates 7b, the certain amount or more of the paper 10 is brought into contact with each of the opposing surfaces which are upper flat portions other than the protrusions 7j in each of the matching plates 7b. Therefore, the alignment of the inserted sheets 10 in the width direction is performed by the convex portions 7j of the alignment plate 7b and the respective opposing surfaces.

In FIG. 6, the paper entry side of the paper 10 is on the right side in the figure. Also, the groove 7 of the paper support plate 7a
i and the convex portion 7j of the matching plate 7b can be used as a guide in the moving direction of the matching plate 7b.

Next, a transport mechanism for transporting the paper 10 discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 and transported to the staple tray 7 side to the staple tray 7 or the elevating tray 6 will be described.

As described above, in the post-processing apparatus 1, when the sheet 10 is conveyed to the staple tray 7 side, and when the stapling process is performed on the sheet 10, the sheet 10 is temporarily discharged onto the staple tray 7. When the sheet 10 is discharged onto the elevating tray 6 without performing the stapling process, the conveying means 9 upstream of the staple tray 7 conveys the sheet 10 directly to the elevating tray 6.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7, the transport means 9 has a first transport member 19 and a second transport member 29 which are arranged vertically. The first transporting member 19 is configured such that rollers 19b and 19c are arranged at both ends of a paper guide 19a serving as a guide for transporting the paper 10, and both rollers 19b and 19c are rotatably connected by a timing belt 19d. . The roller 19c is a driven roller to which a driving force is transmitted, and the roller 19b is a driven roller driven by the roller 19c via a timing belt 19d.

On the other hand, the second transporting member 29 is provided below the first transporting member 19, and is provided at both ends of a paper guide 29a serving as a guide for transporting the paper 10 with rollers 2 respectively.
9b and 29c are arranged, and both rollers 29b and 29c are rotatably connected by a timing belt 29d. The roller 29c is a driven roller to which a driving force is transmitted, and the roller 29b is a driven roller driven by the roller 29c via a timing belt 29d.

At this time, the rollers 19c on the paper input side of the first transport member 19 and the rollers 29c on the paper input side of the second transport member 29 are used.
c form a nip, that is, each of the rollers 19c, 29
c are in contact with each other in a state where they are pressed in parallel with each other and along the respective rotation axis directions. Here, it is assumed that the upper roller 19c in which the nip is formed is a drive roller (paper input side roller 19c of the first transport member 19). The positions of the first transport member 19 and the second transport member 29 can be switched by, for example, means such as a solenoid, and the positions are switched by using the axes of the rollers 19c and 29c on the paper input side as rotation axes. As a result, the following three operations can be performed.

First, when the paper 10 is discharged onto the staple tray 7, the first and second transport members 19, 29
Is located at the position shown in FIG. 8 (both upper positions), and the paper 10 transported by the rollers 19c, 29c on the paper input side forming the nip is separated by the paper guides 19a of the first and second transport members 19, 29. , 29a are discharged onto the staple tray 7. After the sheet 10 is discharged to the staple tray 7, as shown in FIG.
Each time one sheet of 0 is discharged, the roller 29b on the paper output side of the second transport member 29 is moved to a position (a lower position) in contact with the upper surface of the paper 10.

Thus, the transport force of the roller 29b on the paper exit side of the second transport member 29 causes the uppermost sheet 10
Is pressed against the rear end plate 7d, and the rear end of the sheet 10 is aligned. In the above description, the alignment of the rear end of the paper 10 is performed by the paddle 11, but the alignment of the paper 10 using the paddle 11 is only an example,
The paper 10 is transported using the roller 29b on the paper exit side of the transport member 29.
When performing the matching, the paddles 11 can be used together or omitted.

When all the sheets 10 are placed on the staple tray 7 and the sheets 10 are stapled, the sheet support plate 7a at the bottom of the staple tray 7 is opened, and the sheets 10 are moved up and down. Is already described. At this time, as shown in FIG.
Although the rear end plate 7d moves to assist the drop of the sheet 10, the first and second transport members 19 and 29 are connected to the rear end plate 7d.
Control is performed so as to be located at an upper position so as not to interfere with the movement of d.

Next, when the paper 10 is discharged onto the elevating tray 6 without performing the stapling process, the first and second transport members 19 and 29 are at the positions shown in FIG. .

The staple tray 7 has a slot-shaped opening 7k extending in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper 10 for transporting the paper 10 to the elevating tray 6 without placing the paper 10 on the staple tray 7. One roller 7m is disposed on the side of the opening 7k where the rear end plate 7d is provided so that the rotation axis thereof is perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheet 10. Note that the opening 7k may be set so as to also serve as the groove 7i.

The first transport member 19 moved to the lower position
A roller 19b on the paper output side forms a nip with the roller 7m, and the nip faces the opening 7k of the staple tray 7, so that the paper 10 is directly transferred to the elevating tray 6 without passing through the staple tray 7. Can be transported.

As described above, since the sheet 10 can be directly conveyed to the elevating tray 6 that moves up and down, even if the amount of the sheet 10 to be conveyed increases, the sheet 10 can be transferred according to the amount of the sheet 10 By lowering the elevating tray 6 as described later, all the conveyed sheets 10 can be stably stored and placed on the elevating tray 6.

The roller 7m on the side provided with the rear end plate 7d of the opening 7k may be a driving roller (main driving roller) or a driven roller. It can also be rotated when the paper 10 shown falls, to assist the fall and transport of the paper 10 to the elevating tray 6.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 59-78069 discloses a configuration in which a sheet stacking tray for discharging staple-processed sheets is disposed immediately below a staple tray. The width can be reduced.

However, the configuration of the above publication requires a means for transporting the sheet from the staple tray to the sheet stacking tray, and the sheet is discharged to the sheet stacking tray even when the stapling process is not performed. In some cases, however, a transport path for directly transporting the paper from the image forming apparatus to the paper loading tray is provided. In other words, the configuration of the above publication requires three transport paths: a transport path from the image forming apparatus to the staple tray, a transport path from the staple tray to the sheet stacking tray, and a transport path from the image forming apparatus to the sheet stacking tray. There has been a problem that the configuration of the transport path and the transport means in each transport path becomes large.

Also, JP-A-1-214576, JP-A-2-28470, and JP-A-8-2770.
No. 59 discloses a configuration in which a sheet stapled on a staple tray is dropped onto a stacking tray, and a conveying unit for conveying the sheet from the staple tray to the sheet stacking tray is omitted.

However, in the structures of these publications,
Paper cannot be directly conveyed onto the stacking tray without going through the staple tray, and when the paper is discharged to the stacking tray without performing stapling, problems such as a significant increase in the conveyance time etc. are caused. I was

On the other hand, in the configuration of the present invention, as described above,
By providing the first and second transport members 19 and 29 that rotate between the first position and the second position, the number of transport paths can be reduced, and the configuration of the transport unit 9 can be reduced. In addition to simplification, even when the sheet 10 is discharged to the elevating tray 6 without the stapling process, the transport time of the sheet 10 can be reduced.

The driving of the first and second transport members 19 and 29 will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In the first transport member 19, rollers 19b and 19c are disposed at both ends of a paper guide 19a.
c is rotatably connected to a timing belt 19d via a timing pulley 19e.

The switching of the first transport member 19 between the upper position and the lower position is performed by the first solenoid 14.
That is, when the first transport member 19 is held at the upper position, the first solenoid 14 is turned off,
The first transport member 19 rotates upward together with the paper guide 19a around the rotation axis of the paper input side roller 19c by a spring 19f attached to the paper guide 19a.

When the first transport member 19 is moved to a lower position, the first solenoid 14 is turned on, so that the first transport member 19 together with the paper guide 19a is supported by the rotation axis of the roller 19c on the paper input side as a fulcrum. Pivot downward (Fig. 1
2).

The second transporting member 29 includes a paper guide 29
Rollers 29b and 29c are arranged at both ends of a, and both rollers 29b and 29c are rotatably connected by a timing belt 29d via a timing pulley 29e.

The position above the second transport member 29
Switching to the lower position is performed by the second solenoid 15. That is, when the second transport member 29 is held in the upper position, the second solenoid 15 is turned off, and the rotation shaft of the roller 29c on the paper input side is rotated by the spring 29f attached to the actuator of the second solenoid 15. Is used as a fulcrum and the second transport member 29 together with the paper guide 29a.
Rotates upward.

When the second transport member 29 is moved to the lower position, the second solenoid 15 is turned on, so that the second transport member 29 together with the paper guide 29a is supported by the rotation axis of the roller 29c on the paper input side as a fulcrum. Pivot downward (Fig. 1
3). The first and second transport members 19,
The configuration of 29 is not limited to the above. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the upstream side (paper input side) and the downstream side (paper output side) of the first and second transport members 19 and 29. The paper guide may be omitted between the two rollers, and the endless transport belt 39 may be stretched (stretched).

FIG. 15 shows an operation panel of the image forming apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 15, on the operation panel 16, the number of images to be formed and the like are input by a ten key 16a. When performing the stapling process in the post-processing device 1, the stapling process selection key 16b is turned ON.

At this time, the first display lamp 16c is turned on. When the elevating tray 6 is used without performing the stapling process, the elevating tray selection key 16d is turned on. At this time, the second display lamp 16e is turned on. Lifting tray 6
Is selected, the stapling process is not performed, and the first display lamp 16c is turned off. When the stapling process is selected, since the elevating tray 6 is automatically used, the second display lamp 16e is turned off.

If neither the stapling process nor the selection of the elevating tray is performed, the unprocessed discharge tray 5 that is discharged without performing the post-processing shown in FIG. 1 is automatically selected. After various settings, turn on the copy start button 16f
Then, the image forming process (image forming operation) is started. The operation panel 16 is provided with a character display section 16g and a number display section 16h.

In the post-processing apparatus 1, the bundle of sheets 10 on which the stapling process has been performed is dropped from the staple tray 7 to the lifting tray 6. By controlling the distance (fall) between the upper surface and the staple tray 7 by, for example, the aforementioned control means so as to always be constant (that is, the minimum distance), a stable loading of the paper 10 on the elevating tray 6 is realized. it can.

Even when the stapling process is not performed, if the discharge destination of the sheet 10 is specified to the elevating tray 6, it is necessary to drive and control the elevating tray 6. The elevating operation of the elevating tray 6 will be described below.

In the drive and control of the elevating tray 6, the distance between the upper surface of the elevating tray 6, or the uppermost surface of the bundle of sheets 10 on the elevating tray 6, and the staple tray 7 is always constant within a predetermined range, for example. 16 and 17, an upper surface detecting unit 17 for detecting the upper surface of the elevating tray 6 is provided, and the upper surface detecting unit 17 is turned on.
The lifting operation of the lifting tray 6 is controlled by / OFF. At this time, the character display section 16g of the operation panel 16 displays information such as the operating state in characters, and the number display section 16h displays numbers such as the inputted set number (see FIG. 15).

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the upper surface detecting unit 17 includes a substantially U-shaped detecting unit main body 17a which is a support having a concave portion, and an upper surface detecting actuator 17b.
And an optical detection unit 17c. The upper surface detection actuator 17b has a substantially rectangular bar-shaped detection distal end portion and a base end portion as a balancer connected to each other, and performs detection at a connection portion between the detection distal end portion and the base end portion. The upper surface detection actuator 17b is attached to the main body 17a so as to be rotatable, and the base end of the upper surface detection actuator 17b moves in the recess. The optical detection unit 17c is provided with the upper surface detection actuator 1
The upper surface detection actuator 17b is provided in the recess so as to detect the movement of the upper surface detection actuator 17b by the disconnection and connection of the optical path accompanying the movement of the base end of the base 7b.

When there is no paper 10 on the elevating tray 6, the upper surface detecting actuator 17b of the elevating tray 6 contacts the side of the elevating tray 6, as shown in FIG. The upper surface detection unit 17 is turned on and stopped. At this time, the distance between the upper surface of the elevating tray 6 and the staple tray 7 is L. Further, on the bottom surface of the staple tray 7 on the rear end plate 7d side, there is provided a paper presence / absence sensor 20 for detecting the presence or absence of the paper 10 on the staple tray 7 by contact or optically (FIG. 33 and FIG. 33). See FIG. 34). As the paper presence / absence sensor 20, a sensor having the same configuration and operation as the above-described upper surface detection unit 17 can be used.

FIG. 17A shows the state of the paper 10 in the state of FIG.
5 shows a state in which the bundle has fallen onto the lifting tray 6. At this time, the upper surface detecting actuator 17b of the lifting tray 6 is in contact with the side of the lifting tray 6, and the upper surface detecting unit 17 for detecting the upper surface of the lifting tray 6 is turned on and stopped. The distance between the upper surface of the upper bundle of sheets 10 and the staple tray 7 is (the distance obtained by subtracting the thickness of the bundle of sheets 10 from the distance L, that is, the bundle thickness of L-one sheet 10).

In FIG. 17B, the elevating tray 6 is lowered from the state of FIG. 17A until the upper surface detecting unit 17 is turned off. When the upper surface detection unit 17 is turned off, the movement of the lifting tray 6 is stopped. In FIG. 17C,
The lifting tray 6 is raised again from the state of FIG.
The upper surface detection actuator 17b of the elevating tray 6 comes into contact with the bundle of sheets 10 on the elevating tray 6, and the upper surface detecting unit 17 is turned on to stop.

Thus, the distance between the upper surface of the bundle of sheets 10 on the elevating tray 6 and the staple tray 7 becomes L again. At this time, if the interval L between the elevating tray 6 and the staple tray 7 is set to be larger than the thickness of the staple tray 7 according to the maximum value of the number of staples processed, the bundle of the sheets 10 of the staple tray 7 has various thicknesses. Even if it changes, it can be surely dropped on the lifting tray 6.

The method (flow) for setting the post-processing mode in the post-processing apparatus described above is shown in FIG.
8 will be described below based on a flowchart. First,
It is detected whether or not the stapling process is selected (step 1, hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S). When the stapling process is selected, the transport unit 9 is transported to the staple tray 7 as described above. Is selected and controlled (S2) to complete the mode selection.

On the other hand, if not selected, subsequently, it is detected whether or not the conveyance of the paper 10 to the lifting tray 6 is selected (S
3) When selecting, to convey the paper 10 to the elevating tray 6, the conveying means 9 is selected and controlled as described above, and the selection of the mode is completed (S4).

If the transport of the paper 10 to the lifting tray 6 is not selected, the transport to the tray other than the staple tray 7 and the lifting tray 6, for example, to the unprocessed discharge tray 5, is selected. The transport direction switching gate 4 is controlled as described above to transport the paper 10 to the paper (S5), and the mode selection is completed.

Next, each of the post-processing methods of the post-processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 24. First, as shown in FIG. 19, after the post-processing mode shown in FIG. 18 is set (S11), the copy start button 1
It is detected whether or not 6f is turned on (S12). If it is not detected, the process returns to S12.
It is detected whether the stapling process has been selected (S1).
3).

If the stapling process is selected, each sheet support plate 7a of the staple tray 7 is moved from the standby position (in the figure, indicated as HP) to an interval position that is equal to the width of the sheet 10 to be used + β (S14). . Next, each alignment plate 7b of the staple tray 7 is moved from the standby position (HP) to an interval position that is equal to the width of the sheet 10 to be used + α (S
15). Here, β> α.

Thereafter, a paper discharge sensor 18 (FIG. 16, FIG. 16) for detecting whether or not the paper 10 has been discharged onto the staple tray 7.
33 and 34) are detected as ON (the paper 10 is discharged) or OFF (the paper 10 is not discharged) (S1).
6) If it is OFF, return to S16 and wait,
If N, as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
The paddle 11 is rotated (S17), and the second solenoid 15 is rotated.
Is turned on (S18), and then the second solenoid 15 is turned off.
F (S19). Note that the paper discharge sensor 20 may have the same configuration and operation as the above-described upper surface detection unit 17.

Next, each alignment plate 7b is moved to the width of the paper 10+
The paper 10 is moved from α to the width of the paper 10 to align the paper 10 (S20), and then each alignment plate 7b is moved from the width of the paper 10 to the width of the paper 10 + α (S21). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the sheet 10 conveyed to the staple tray 7 is the last sheet (S22). If the sheet is not the last sheet, the process returns to S16, and the above steps are repeated to convey the sheet. Each sheet 10 of the staple tray 7 is aligned for each sheet 10.

At S22, if the aligned paper 10 is the last paper, the aligned papers 1 in the staple tray 7 are
The stapling process is performed on the bundle of zeros (S23). Thereafter, it is detected whether or not the above-described upper surface detection unit 17 is ON in the elevating tray 6 based on whether or not the above-described upper surface detecting unit 17 is ON (S24). The process returns to S24 (S25).

If the elevating tray 6 is at or at the uppermost position, the staple tray 7 is opened (S26) and then the staple tray 7 is closed (S27) as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Thereafter, the lifting tray 6 is lowered (S28), and the upper surface detecting unit 17
F (S29), and if not OFF,
The elevating tray 6 is lowered until it is turned off, and when it is turned off, the elevating tray 6 is subsequently raised (S3).
0).

At this time, it is detected whether or not the upper surface detecting section 17 is ON (S31). If it is not ON, the lifting tray 6 is raised until it is ON. When turned on, the lifting tray 6 is stopped (S32). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the bundle of the sheets of paper 10 conveyed to the lifting tray 6 has the final number of copies (S33). If not, the process returns to S16 and repeats the above-described steps. Staple processing is performed for each bundle of the conveyed sheets 10 up to the number of copies, and the sheets 10 are placed on the elevating tray 6. In S33, if the bundle of stapled sheets of paper 10 is the last copy, the post-processing step is completed.

Next, if the stapling process has not been selected in the above-mentioned S13 shown in FIG. 19, then, as shown in FIG. Is detected (S41).

When the conveyance of the sheet 10 to the lifting tray 6 is not selected, the conveyance to the tray other than the staple tray 7 and the lifting tray 6, for example, the unprocessed discharge tray 5 is selected. The transport direction switching gate 4 is controlled as described above to transport the paper 10 to the
42), it is determined whether or not the transported paper 10 is the last JOB paper (S43). If not, the process returns to S42,
If it is the last JOB paper, the conveyance and copying are completed.

When the conveyance of the sheet 10 to the lifting tray 6 is selected, the first solenoid 14 and the second solenoid 15 are turned on as described above to convey the sheet 10 to the lifting tray 6 (S44). Whether the lifting tray 6 is at the uppermost position is detected by ON / OFF of the upper surface detecting unit 17 (S45), and if not, the lifting tray 6 is turned on.
(S46), and when it is ON or ON, the sheet 10 is conveyed to the lifting tray 6 (S47), and then the lifting tray 6 is lowered (S48).

Thereafter, it is detected whether or not the upper surface detecting section 17 is OFF (S49).
The lifting tray 6 is raised when it is OFF (S50), and whether the lifting tray 6 is at the uppermost position is detected by ON / OFF of the upper surface detecting unit 17 (S51). Raise the tray 6 until it turns ON,
If it is ON or ON, the lifting tray 6 is stopped (S
52).

The paper 10 conveyed to the lifting tray 6 is the final J
It is determined whether or not it is an OB sheet (S53). If not, the process returns to S47, and if it is the last JOB sheet, the first solenoid 14 and the second solenoid 15 are turned off (S54), and the sheet is conveyed. And complete the copy.

Next, the operation of opening the staple tray in S27 shown in FIG. 21 will be described with reference to FIG. First, each matching plate 7b is moved (S61),
It is determined whether or not each alignment plate 7b has reached the sheet width (S6).
2), move each matching plate 7b until each matching plate 7b reaches the sheet width, and stop moving each matching plate 7b when each matching plate 7b reaches the sheet width (S63).

Subsequently, each paper support plate 7a is moved (S
64), the leading end position of each sheet supporting plate 7a is moved from the position in the standby state to open to the position inside the matching plate 7b, that is, moved to a position where the bundle of sheets 10 can be dropped (this moving distance is γ) (S65), and thereafter, the movement of each sheet support plate 7a is stopped (S66).

Subsequently, the rear end plate 7d is moved to the standby position (H
P) to the pushing position of the paper 10 (S67),
The post-processed bundle of sheets 10 is dropped from the staple tray 7 to the lifting tray 6.

At this time, the presence / absence of the bundle of sheets of paper 10 on the staple tray 7 is detected by the sheet presence / absence sensor 20 of the staple tray 7 (S68). Then, the above steps are repeated to ensure that the bundle of sheets 10 on the staple tray 7 is conveyed by falling onto the elevating tray 6.

Next, the operation of closing the staple tray in S28 shown in FIG. 21 will be described with reference to FIG. First, each matching plate 7b is moved (S71),
It is determined whether or not each alignment plate 7b has reached the paper width + α (standby position) (S72), and each alignment plate 7b is moved until each alignment plate 7b has the paper width + α. When the width becomes + α, the movement of each matching plate 7b is stopped (S7).
3).

Subsequently, each paper support plate 7a is moved (S
74), each paper support plate 7a is moved to the position of paper width + β, that is, moved to a position where the bundle of papers 10 can be supported (S75). Thereafter, the movement of each sheet support plate 7a is stopped (S76). Next, the rear end plate 7d is moved to the standby position (HP) (S77), and the closing operation of the staple tray 7 is completed.

Next, during the stapling process, the elevating tray 6
However, FIG. 25 to FIG. 27 show a post-processing method in the case where a bundle of stapled sheets of paper 10 is full.

First, as shown in FIG.
Is detected by detecting when the lower limit detection (not shown) of the elevating tray 6 is ON and the upper surface detecting unit 17 for detecting the uppermost position of the elevating tray 6 is ON. You.

At this time, it is determined whether or not the succeeding sheet 10 exists (S81). If the sheet 10 does not exist, the post-processing method is completed. On the other hand, if the sheet 10 is present, the staple tray 7 has the ability to stack one job, so that the image forming process is continued and the staple tray 7
The paper 10 for one job is sequentially conveyed (S82), the final paper 10 is loaded on the staple tray 7 and stacked (S83), and after the stapling process (S84), the image forming process is stopped (S83). S85).

Further, it is determined whether or not the succeeding sheet 10 is present (S86). If the succeeding sheet 10 does not exist, the presence or absence of the bundle of sheets 10 on the elevating tray 6 is detected by detecting the position of the elevating tray 6, It is determined by a sensor (not shown) that detects the presence or absence of the paper 10 (S87). If the paper 10 is present, the flow returns to S87 until the paper 10 is removed, and enters a standby state.
If it is determined that there is no bundle of zeros, the routine for opening the first staple tray (S61 to S68, see FIG. 23) is executed (S88), and then the routine for opening the second staple tray described later is executed. Then, the post-processing method is completed.

On the other hand, if the succeeding sheet 10 exists in S86, the fact that there is the succeeding sheet 10 is displayed on the character display section 16g (FIG. 15) of the operation panel 16 (S86).
90) Notify the operator. At this time, the processing method of the succeeding paper 10 may be displayed on the character display unit 16g. For example, "Remove the stack of paper from the elevating tray.""Removing the paper from the elevating tray restarts the subsequent image forming process and stapling process." It will be easy to understand what you should do.

After step S90, the sheet 1 is placed on the lifting tray 6.
The presence / absence of the 0 bundle is determined by a sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the lifting tray 6 and the presence / absence of the sheet 10 (S
91) If paper 10 is present, S until it is removed
When the operator returns to the standby state, the operator enters the character display section 16.
When it is determined that there is no bundle of sheets of paper 10 by removing the bundle of sheets of paper 10 on the elevating tray 6 according to the instruction of g or the like, the elevating tray 6 is raised (S92).

At this time, the position of the lifting tray 6 is detected by turning on the upper surface detecting unit 17 as described above (S93), and the lifting tray 6 is raised to the uppermost position, that is, the position where the upper surface detecting unit 17 is turned on. Then, the lifting tray 6 is stopped (S94).

Thereafter, the routine for opening the first staple tray (S61 to S68, see FIG. 23) is executed (S95), and the sheet 10 in the staple tray 7 stacked before the stop of the image forming process is executed. The bundle is dropped onto the elevating tray 6, and subsequently, a staple tray closing routine (S71 to S77, see FIG. 24) is executed (S9).
6) The staple tray 7 is moved to a position corresponding to the sheet width, and the image forming process can be continued, and the remaining stopped image forming process is restarted.

When the image forming process is restarted, automatic continuation of the image forming process is set in advance (S97).
When the image forming process can be continued, the remaining image forming processes are automatically restarted. If the automatic continuation of the image forming process is not set, the copy start button 16
By turning on f (S98), the image forming process is restarted. The setting of the automatic continuation of the image forming process may be set at the stage of the initial setting of the apparatus, or may be selected and set together with the display of the succeeding paper when the image forming process is stopped.

If the elevator tray 6 is full of a bundle of sheets of paper 10 and there is no further succeeding sheet when the apparatus is stopped, the sheet 10 on the elevator tray 6 is removed, the staple tray 7 is opened, and the staple tray 7 is opened. Is dropped on the elevating tray 6, the staple tray 7 is returned to the HP, and a standby state is set. At this time, the paper 1 on the lifting tray 6
It is also possible to wait for a predetermined time after confirming that there is no 0, that is, to drop the bundle of sheets 10 left in the staple tray 7 after a few seconds.

Next, the routine for opening the second staple tray will be described with reference to FIG. First, when this routine is started, each paper support plate 7a of the staple tray 7 moves to the HP (S101), and subsequently, each alignment plate 7b moves to the HP (S102), and thereafter, the rear end plate 7d Moves to the HP (S103), and this routine is completed.

According to the above-described post-processing method, the image forming process and the stapling process are stopped after the bundle of the sheets 10 on the elevating tray 6 and the bundle of the sheets 10 on the staple tray 7 are created. You can make the most of your loading capacity.

FIGS. 28 and 2 show another post-processing method when the elevating tray is full during the stapling process.
9, the post-processing method will be described with reference to FIG.
26, the routine for opening the first staple tray (S95) is executed between the stapling process (S84) and the stop (S85), and therefore, the routine for opening the first staple tray (S88). Is omitted.

Thus, in the above-described post-processing method, the bundle of sheets 10 on the elevating tray 6 and the bundle of sheets 10 on the staple tray 7 are dropped on the elevating tray 6 and then stopped. Can be used to the maximum extent and the final bundle of sheets 10 can be placed on the elevating tray 6 satisfactorily.

In addition, in the post-processing method described above, the staple tray 7 is stopped in the open state even when the upper surface of the bundle of the sheets 10 hits the staple tray 7.
A bundle of sheets 10 can be satisfactorily placed on the lifting tray 6.

Further, according to the above-described processing method, it is not necessary for the operator to put his hand into the staple tray 7 in which the inside cannot be visually checked, and to take out the bundle of the stapled sheets of paper 10. It is possible to avoid bothering the operator with such trouble.

Further, in the above-described processing method, it is not necessary for the operator to put his hand into the staple tray 7 to take out the bundle of staple-processed sheets 10 by groping.
As in the case of the stapler 8 in the staple tray 7, it is possible to prevent the danger of damage to the operator by touching the needle portion or the protrusion portion with the operator.

Next, each sheet 10 on the staple tray 7
Another post-processing method for adjusting the uppermost position of the elevating tray 6 according to the number of staples will be described below. First, in this embodiment, the maximum number of staples that can be stapled is, for example, 50, and the position of the elevating tray 6 can be adjusted in five steps at intervals of 10 sheets. For example, the operation panel 16
The number of staples is set by the initial setting using the numeric keypad 16a or the like. The adjustment amount of the lifting tray 6 is determined according to the set number of sheets.

As shown in FIG. 30, the number of staples is four.
When it is determined that the number of sheets is 1 to 50 (S111), the adjustment amount is set to 0 (S112), and the distance between the upper surface of the elevating tray 6 and the staple tray 7 is the distance L shown in FIG.

Subsequently, when the number of staples is determined to be 31 to 40 (S113), the adjustment amount is set to 1 (S114), and thereafter, when it is determined to be 21 to 30 (S115), the adjustment amount is set. The amount is set to 21 (S116), and when it is determined that the number of sheets is 11 to 20 (S117), the adjustment amount is set to 31 (S118), and when the number of sheets is 10 or less, the adjustment amount is set to 41 (S119).

If the adjustment amount 1 is set by converting the amount of rotation of the motor for moving the elevating tray 6 into a predetermined value, it is determined whether or not the uppermost position detection of the elevating tray 6 is ON (S12).
0) After that, if it is not ON, the lifting tray 6 is raised (S
121) If it is ON, or if it is ON, the position of the elevating tray 6 is the position of the adjustment amount = 0, and if the set adjustment amount is 0, the lifting of the elevating tray 6 is stopped. On the other hand, if the set adjustment amount is other than 0 (S122), the adjustment amount is increased by the adjustment amount (S12).
3) Stop the lifting of the lifting tray 6.

At this time, if the rotation of the motor 6c is controlled in accordance with the amount of adjustment with reference to the elevating tray 6 at the position of the adjustment amount = 0, the upper surface of the elevating tray 6 and the staple tray 7
The distance between them (L-adjustment amount) can be adjusted. By setting the position of the elevating tray 6 in this way, it is ensured that the stapled bundle of the sheets 10 set in the above-mentioned number is dropped onto the elevating tray 6 at the adjusted position. And can be stabilized.

In the above description, the post-processing includes the stapling processing, that is, the processing of binding the bundle of sheets of paper 10 with the U-shaped metal wire. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, binding processing with clips,
A binding process in which a semicircular cut is formed and the cut portion is pushed in, a binding process in which a hole is formed and a ring-shaped metal loop or a thread is used, and the shape of the cutout portion for each bundle of sheets of paper 10, For example, a binding process in which a cutout having a semicircular, triangular, or quadrangular shape is formed, and / or the cutout is formed in a shifted position.

By the way, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-79160 discloses a configuration in which when a normal discharge tray is full, a transfer path is switched by a gate to discharge to another discharge tray.

In the configuration of the above publication, since a means for switching the transport path and another transport path are required, it is assumed that the mechanism becomes complicated and troubles such as paper jam are likely to occur.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-116134 discloses a configuration in which after detecting the fullness of the paper discharge tray, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray until a predetermined number of papers are reached, and then the apparatus is stopped.

In the configuration of the above publication, when the stapling process is performed and the sheets are discharged to the paper discharge tray, it is necessary to count all the stapled sheets and always compare whether or not the number of stapled sheets has reached the predetermined number. This complicates the control. . Further, when the number of staples exceeds the above-mentioned predetermined number, there is a problem that one of the staples is not processed and the apparatus stops.

On the other hand, in the configuration of the present invention, by providing the above-described transporting means 9 and the elevating tray 6, the transporting means 9 can be selected and controlled, and the transporting mechanism of the paper 10 can be simplified. The inconvenience can be suppressed by raising and lowering the elevating tray 6 while reducing the occurrence of the above inconvenience.

[0190]

As described above, the post-processing apparatus of the present invention has the following features.
A post-processing tray for performing post-processing on a plurality of sheets is provided, and a discharge tray from which the post-processed sheet bundle is discharged is disposed below the post-processing tray. At the bottom of the processing tray, each bottom plate has a divided shape from the center, and each bottom plate drops the sheet bundle placed on the post-processing tray onto the discharge tray. Is formed so as to slide along the surface of the paper placed on the post-processing tray.

Therefore, in the above configuration, since the paper discharge tray is located below the post-processing tray, the paper bundle can be carried out from the post-processing tray to the paper discharge tray by dropping, so that the paper can be discharged. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and simplification of the post-processing device.

In addition, in the above configuration, each bottom plate of the post-processing tray slides from the center to form a carry-out path, and the sheet bundle on the post-processing tray is dropped from the center to the discharge tray. The sheet bundle can be dropped while maintaining the horizontal posture, and the placement state of the sheet bundle on the sheet discharge tray can be improved.

In addition, in the above configuration, since each bottom plate of the post-processing tray slides along the sheet surface of the sheet bundle from the central portion to form a carry-out path, the distance between the post-processing tray and the sheet discharge tray is increased. Can be reduced, the head of the sheet bundle can be reduced, and the effect of better placement of the sheet bundle on the sheet discharge tray can be obtained.

As described above, another post-processing apparatus of the present invention performs post-processing on a plurality of sheets on a post-processing tray,
A discharge tray from which the post-processed sheet bundle is carried out of the post-processing tray is disposed below the post-processing tray, and a lifting unit for moving the discharge tray in the vertical direction is provided. The means is provided so as to control a head for dropping the sheet bundle from the post-processing tray onto the sheet discharge tray.

Therefore, in the above configuration, by providing the elevating means and the control means, the head of the sheet bundle from the post-processing tray to the discharge tray can be set to be constant within a predetermined range, for example. Thus, there is an effect that the placement of the sheet bundle on the sheet discharge tray can be further stabilized.

According to still another post-processing apparatus of the present invention, a first transport member and a second transport member for transporting a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus to a post-processing tray or a discharge tray are each provided with a paper guide. Rollers are disposed at both ends of the roller, and both rollers are rotatably connected by a driving member, and are rotatably provided together with a paper guide around a roller shaft on the upstream side as a fulcrum.

Therefore, in the above configuration, when both the first transport member and the second transport member are at the first position,
The sheet can be discharged onto the post-processing tray, and when both the first transport member and the second transport member are at the second position rotated below the first position, the sheet is discharged onto the discharge tray. Can be drainable.

Therefore, in the above configuration, the sheet is dropped from the post-processing tray to the discharge tray below the post-processing tray, and the sheet can be conveyed to the post-processing tray or the discharge tray using the common conveyance members. The width of the apparatus can be reduced, and the tray to be transported can be changed by switching the position of each transport member. This eliminates the need to provide a gate means for switching the transport direction of the paper, and the transport members themselves are transported in the transport direction. Because of the function of the switching gate, there is an effect that the transfer to each tray can be reliably performed.

Still another post-processing apparatus according to the present invention is a detecting means for detecting whether or not the paper discharge tray is at the upper limit of the storage of the sheet bundle; When there is a subsequent sheet from the image forming apparatus,
Post-processing is performed by placing subsequent sheets for one job on the post-processing tray, stopping dropping of the post-processed sheet bundle to the discharge tray, and transferring the sheet bundle to the post-processing tray. And a control unit for stopping the image forming process in a state of being placed.

Therefore, in the above configuration, since the paper discharge tray is located below the post-processing tray, the width of the post-processing device can be reduced, and the sheet bundle group and the post-processing tray on the paper discharge tray can be reduced. Since the stop is performed after the upper sheet bundle is created, the stacking capacity at the time of the post-processing can be used to the maximum, and the effect that the post-processing can be made more efficient.

Still another post-processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a detecting means for detecting whether or not the paper discharge tray is at the upper limit of the storage of the sheet bundle; When there is a subsequent sheet from the image forming apparatus,
Post-processing is performed by placing the succeeding sheets for one job on the post-processing tray, the post-processed sheet bundle is dropped onto the discharge tray, and the image forming process is performed with the post-processing tray opened. This is a configuration having control means for stopping.

Therefore, in the above configuration, even if the last sheet bundle hits the post-processing tray, the post-processing tray is stopped in the open state, so that the final sheet bundle is favorably loaded on the sheet discharge tray. Can be placed.

Further, in the above configuration, since the operator does not need to put his hand in the post-processing tray to take out the post-processed paper, the operator is not bothered. Since there is no need for the operator to put his hand in the post-processing tray and take the post-processed paper, there is an effect that the operator is not accompanied by danger.

Still another post-processing apparatus of the present invention is provided with elevating means for elevating and lowering the paper discharge tray, and with detecting means for detecting the distance between the upper surface of the sheet bundle of the paper discharge tray and the post-processing tray. The control means for controlling the elevating means is provided so as to change the head for dropping the sheet bundle from the post-processing tray to the discharge tray according to the number of post-processing sheets.

Therefore, in the above configuration, the drop of the sheet from the post-processing tray to the sheet discharge tray is changed according to the number of sheets to be printed, so that the sheet can be stably placed on the sheet discharge tray. When the number of trailing sheets is small or large, there is a difference in the placement of the falling sheets on the discharge tray due to the air resistance.When the number of trailing sheets is small, move the discharge tray closer to the post-processing tray. There is an effect that the placement on the paper discharge tray can be stabilized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a staple tray at the time of sheet alignment in the post-processing apparatus, where (a) is a front view,
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of the staple tray when a sheet falls, wherein FIG. 3A is a front view, and FIG.
FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the staple tray having a guide member.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a main part showing a driving unit of an alignment plate and a paper support plate in the staple tray.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a positional relationship and a driving relationship between a pair of alignment plates and a pair of paper support plates in the staple tray.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a conveying unit in the post-processing device.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing conveyance to a staple tray by the conveyance means.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an operation of aligning sheets by the transport unit.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an operation of the transport unit when a sheet falls.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an operation of transporting a sheet to an elevating tray in the transport unit.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first transport unit of the transport unit.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a second transport unit of the transport unit.

FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another transport unit in the post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of an operation panel in the image forming apparatus connected to the post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of the elevating tray when the sheet bundle is not placed in the post-processing apparatus.

17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams showing other operations of the elevating tray, wherein FIG. 17A shows an operation when a sheet bundle is placed on the elevating tray, and FIG. 17B shows an operation when the sheet bundle is placed on the elevating tray. A state in which the loading tray is detected is shown, and (c) shows a state in which the lifting tray is lowered by detection.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for setting a post-processing mode in the post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 19 is a part of a flowchart illustrating the operation of the post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 20 is another part of the flowchart.

FIG. 21 is still another part of the above flowchart.

FIG. 22 is still another part of the flowchart.

FIG. 23 is still another part of the flowchart.

FIG. 24 is still another part of the flowchart.

FIG. 25 is a part of a flowchart illustrating another operation of the post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 26 is another part of the flowchart.

FIG. 27 is still another part of the flowchart.

FIG. 28 is a part of a flowchart illustrating still another operation of the post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 29 is another part of the flowchart.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating still another operation of the post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an upper surface detection actuator provided on a lifting tray of the post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the upper surface detection actuator.

FIG. 33 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a paper discharge sensor and a paper presence / absence sensor provided on a paper discharge conveyance path and a staple tray of the post-processing device.

FIG. 34 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the operation of the paper ejection sensor and the paper presence / absence sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 6 Elevating tray (discharge tray) 7 Staple tray (post-processing tray) 7a Paper support plate (bottom plate) 10 Paper

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masanori Kato 1038-1 Michigami, Kanabe-cho, Shenzhen-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture (72) Inventor Johei Ochi 780-1-335, Kawaminami, Kanbe-cho, Shenzhen-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture (72) Inventor Kamiura Hideyuki 1262-4, Shinichi, Shinichi-machi, Ashiya-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture (72) Inventor Yoshimasa Kimura 239-1-A-202, Yabuji, Senda-cho, Fukuyama-shi, Hiroshima (72) Shinji Okada 780 Kawaminami, Kanbe-cho, Shinyasu-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture -1 (72) Minor Isogai 2-12-10, Nishifukazu-cho, Fukuyama-shi, Hiroshima (72) Inventor Osamu Ueda 22-22, Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term (reference) 3F054 AA01 AB01 AC01 BA04 BB10 BD02 BG11 BH14 BJ13 CA06 CA12 CA31 DA01 3F108 GA01 GB01 HA02 HA39 HA45

Claims (27)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus includes:
In a post-processing device that performs post-processing of a plurality of sheets on a post-processing tray and discharges the post-processed sheet bundle onto a discharge tray, the discharge tray is disposed below the post-processing tray, The post-processing tray has, at the bottom of the post-processing tray, bottom plates each having a divided shape from the center thereof, and each bottom plate holds a sheet bundle placed on the post-processing tray. A post-processing apparatus characterized by being provided so as to slide out along a surface of a sheet placed on a post-processing tray to form a carry-out path for dropping the sheet onto a sheet discharge tray. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus is
In a post-processing device that performs post-processing of a plurality of sheets on a post-processing tray and discharges the post-processed sheet bundle onto a discharge tray, the discharge tray is disposed below the post-processing tray, Elevating means for moving the paper ejection tray in the vertical direction is provided, and control means for controlling the elevating means is provided so as to control a head for dropping the sheet bundle from the post-processing tray onto the paper ejection tray. Post-processing device characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. The post-processing tray according to claim 1, wherein a drop for dropping the sheet bundle from the post-processing tray onto the paper discharge tray is set to be equal to or greater than the thickness of at least the post-processable number of sheets in the post-processing tray. The post-processing device according to claim 1. 4. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each bottom plate is set so as to be separated from each other. 5. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an interval between openings of each of the bottom plates of the post-processing tray is 10 to 46% of a width of a sheet to be placed. 6. An alignment section for aligning the paper placed on the post-processing tray in the width direction by abutting in the width direction is provided so as to be slidable in the post-processing tray in a direction orthogonal to the paper conveying direction. When the alignment unit driving means for driving the alignment unit slides each bottom plate to drop the sheet bundle on the post-processing tray,
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a contact position of the alignment unit with the sheet bundle is controlled to be substantially the same as an end of the sheet bundle. 7. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sheet drop guide extending along a sheet drop direction is provided at an opening of each bottom plate. 8. A sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus,
Post-processing in which a plurality of sheets are subjected to post-processing such as stapling on a post-processing tray, and a post-processed sheet bundle is dropped onto a discharge tray disposed below the post-processing tray and discharged. In the apparatus, conveying means for conveying the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus to a post-processing tray or a discharge tray includes a first conveying member and a second conveying member.
The first and second transport members are provided with rollers at both ends of a paper guide, and both rollers are rotatably connected by a driving member, and the first and second transport members have a roller shaft on the upstream side. The roller is rotatably provided on the fulcrum together with the paper guide, and a roller serving as a rotation fulcrum of the first conveyance member and a roller serving as a rotation fulcrum of the second conveyance member convey the paper with the paper interposed therebetween. When the first and second transport members are both set at the first position, the paper can be discharged onto a post-processing tray, and both the first and second transport members are placed in the first position. Wherein the sheet can be discharged onto the sheet discharge tray when the second position is rotated downward from the position of (1). 9. A sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus,
Post-processing in which a plurality of sheets are subjected to post-processing such as stapling on a post-processing tray, and a post-processed sheet bundle is dropped onto a discharge tray disposed below the post-processing tray and discharged. In the apparatus, conveying means for conveying the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus to a post-processing tray or a discharge tray includes a first conveying member and a second conveying member.
The first and second transport members are provided with two rollers and an endless belt that transports the paper stretched between the two rollers, respectively. And a roller which is rotatably provided about a roller shaft on the upstream side as a fulcrum, and a roller which is a rotation fulcrum of the first conveyance member and a roller which is a rotation fulcrum of the second conveyance member are provided. Forming a nip for transporting the paper through the endless belt, and when the first and second transport members are both at the first position, the paper can be discharged onto a post-processing tray; When both of the first and second transport members are at the second position rotated below the first position, the sheet can be discharged onto the discharge tray. 10. The first transport member and the second transport member are respectively movable to a first position and a second position around a pivot point, and the first transport member is moved to the first position and the second transport member. 10. The sheet transported to the post-processing tray when the transporting member is moved to the second position, where the sheet is aligned by rollers downstream of the second transporting member. The post-processing device according to 1. 11. A sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus is subjected to post-processing such as stapling of a plurality of sheets on a post-processing tray, and the post-processed sheet bundle is placed below the post-processing tray. A post-processing device for dropping and discharging the paper onto the paper discharge tray disposed in the storage device; a detecting means for detecting whether or not the paper discharge tray is at the upper limit for storing a bundle of paper; It is at the storage upper limit,
Further, when there is a succeeding sheet from the image forming apparatus, the succeeding sheet is loaded on the post-processing tray for one job to perform the post-processing, and the post-processed sheet bundle is dropped to the discharge tray. A post-processing apparatus, further comprising control means for stopping the image forming process while the sheet bundle is placed on a post-processing tray. 12. When the number of sheets on the discharge tray is less than the storage upper limit, the control means drops the succeeding post-processed sheet bundle onto the discharge tray. The post-processing device according to claim 11. 13. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the control means cancels the stop of the image forming process and the post-processing when there is a subsequent sheet. 14. An input means for inputting release or maintenance of stop of image forming processing and post-processing, and the control means releases or maintains suspension of image forming processing and post-processing when there is further paper. 13. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the user can select the operation to be performed by an input unit. 15. An elevating means for elevating and lowering the discharge tray, wherein a distance between the uppermost surface of the sheet bundle on the discharge tray and the post-processing tray is adjusted by the detecting means in accordance with the drop of the sheet bundle. 15. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a discharge tray control means for controlling the elevating means. 16. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control means cancels the stop of the image forming processing and the post-processing when the position adjustment of the discharge tray is completed. . 17. A control means for dropping a post-processed sheet bundle to a sheet discharge tray after a predetermined time if the sheet bundle in the sheet discharge tray is smaller than the storage upper limit and there is no further sheet. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
17. The post-processing device according to any one of 1 to 16. 18. A post-process such as stapling a plurality of sheets on a post-processing tray with respect to a sheet discharged from the image forming processing apparatus, and a post-processed sheet bundle is transferred to the post-processing tray. In a post-processing device that drops onto a discharge tray disposed below and discharges the sheet, a detection unit that detects whether the discharge tray is at an upper limit for storing a sheet bundle, and the discharge tray that is detected by the detection unit Is at the storage limit,
Further, when there is a succeeding sheet from the image forming apparatus, the succeeding sheet is placed on the post-processing tray for one job to perform the post-processing, and the post-processed sheet bundle is dropped onto the discharge tray. A post-processing apparatus comprising: control means for stopping the image forming process with the post-processing tray opened. 19. The post-processing tray according to claim 18, wherein the control means closes the open post-processing tray when the number of sheets on the discharge tray is less than the storage upper limit. Processing equipment. 20. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the control means cancels the stop of the image forming processing and the post-processing when there is a subsequent sheet. 21. An input means for inputting release or maintenance of stop of image forming processing and post-processing, and the control means releases or maintains suspension of image forming processing and post-processing when there is a further sheet. 20. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the user can select an operation to be performed by an input unit. 22. An elevating means for elevating and lowering the paper discharge tray, wherein the detecting means adjusts the distance between the uppermost surface of the paper bundle on the paper discharge tray and the post-processing tray in accordance with the drop of the paper bundle. Paper discharge tray control means for controlling the elevating means is provided, the control means moves the paper discharge tray to the uppermost position, and
22. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the stop of the image forming process and the post-processing is released when the post-processing tray is closed. 23. Post-processing such as stapling of a plurality of sheets on a post-processing tray with respect to the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus, and transferring the post-processed sheet bundle below the post-processing tray. In a post-processing device for dropping and discharging the paper onto a paper discharge tray arranged in the above, a lifting means for raising and lowering the paper discharge tray is provided, and the distance between the upper surface of the sheet bundle of the paper discharge tray and the post-processing tray is provided. Detecting means is provided for detecting, and control means for controlling the elevating means is provided so as to change the drop for dropping the sheet bundle from the post-processing tray to the discharge tray in accordance with the number of post-processing sheets. Post-processing device characterized. 24. When the sheet bundle is dropped from the post-processing tray to the discharge tray, the control means determines the distance between the upper surface of the discharge tray and the opening of the post-processing tray by the number of sheets placed on the post-processing tray. The post-processing device according to claim 23, wherein the thickness is set to be equal to or greater than the thickness. 25. The control device according to claim 16, wherein when the sheet is dropped from the post-processing tray, the distance between the uppermost surface of the sheet bundle already stacked on the sheet discharge tray and the post-processing tray opening is determined on the post-processing tray. 24. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the thickness is set to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the number of sheets to be placed. 26. The post-processing tray has, at the bottom of the post-processing tray, bottom plates each having a two-part shape from the center thereof, and each bottom plate is placed on the post-processing tray. 26. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the bundle of sheets is slid in a direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction and opened in opposite directions to drop the bundle of sheets onto the discharge tray. A post-processing device described in Crab. 27. A display device according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the status of said processing steps such as starting, stopping and resuming the image forming processing and post-processing.
The post-processing device according to any one of the above.