JP2004167700A - Paper postprocessing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a paper postprocessing device with a highly reliable staple-treatment, the miniaturization of which is contrived to realize and, at the same time, the desired staple-treatment of which can be selected. <P>SOLUTION: This paper postprocessing device has a stapling device 75b with staples and a stapling device 75a without staples for binding paper sheets P through the partial working of the paper sheets P themselves and is equipped with a selecting means for selecting and using any one between the stapling devices 75a an 75b. By selecting the stapleless stapling device 75a under the condition that the postprocessed paper sheets P are cut with a shredder or reused, time for removing the staples from the paper sheets P can be saved. By selecting the stapling device 75b with staples under the condition that the postprocessed paper sheets P are stored over a long period of time or the number of sheets of the postprocessing paper sheets P is large, the long term storage of the paper sheets P and the postprocessing of many sheets can be realized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０１４０】
表１は、ステープル処理方法と、印字枚数との関係を示す表である。針なしステープル装置７５ａを用いた前記用紙束Ｐの綴じ状態を一層確実にするためには、用紙Ｐの各々の厚み、用紙Ｐの枚数によって、エンボスの形状、大きさ、エンボスの間隔を設定する。これによって前記圧着強度の調整が可能となり、針なしステープル装置７５ａを用いた前記用紙束Ｐの綴じ状態を一層確実にすることが可能となる。前記針なしステープル装置７５ａにおいて、たとえば印字枚数すなわちステープル処理枚数が２枚以上５枚以下のとき、一対の凸部と凹部が形成される針なしステープル装置７５ａを用いて、用紙Ｐに１個の孔部が形成される。
【０１４１】
上述した針なしステープル装置７５ａによってステープル処理された用紙Ｐを、たとえばシュレッダーなどを用いて裁断する場合には、針を用紙Ｐから取り除く手間が不要となる。また前記ステープル処理された用紙Ｐを再利用する場合にも、針を用紙Ｐから取り除く手間が不要となる。逆に言えば、ステープル処理された用紙Ｐを、シュレッダーなどを用いて裁断するか、または再利用する可能性がある場合には、前記針なしステープル装置７５ａを用いてステープル処理することによって、針を用紙Ｐから取り除く手間を省略することが可能となる。
【０１４２】
針ありステープル装置７５ｂは、積層された複数の用紙Ｐを、綴じ具である針を用いて前記複数の用紙Ｐを綴じる。前記針ありステープル装置７５ｂによってステープル処理された用紙Ｐは、針なしステープル装置７５ａを用いてステープル処理された用紙Ｐと比べて、用紙Ｐがばらばらに解体されにくくなり長期保存することができるうえ、表１に示すように、ステープル処理可能な用紙Ｐの枚数も多くなる。逆に言えば、ステープル処理された用紙Ｐを、長期保存するか、または上述したようにステープル処理する用紙Ｐの枚数が、たとえば２１枚以上と多くなる場合には、針ありステープル装置７５ｂを用いてステープル処理することによって、用紙Ｐの長期保存または多数枚のステープル処理を実現することができる。
【０１４３】
図２４は、用紙搬送方向上流側の針なしステープル装置７５ａのうち、特に開口部を示す斜視図である。図２５は、図２４の針なしステープル装置７５ａの開口部の断面形状を表す図である。前記開口部は、壁面部１２５と搬送面部１２６とが形成される。壁面部１２５は、ステープルトレイ７１の一表面部からＺ方向一方に所定距離延び、前記壁面部１２５によって、用紙Ｐの一側縁部がその搬送方向に沿って案内される。つまり壁面部１２５は、用紙Ｐの積層方向および用紙搬送方向に沿って形成される。前記搬送面部１２６は、壁面部１２５のＺ方向一端部から用紙幅方向一方に延び、用紙搬送方向に略平行に形成される。
【０１４４】
前記針なしステープル装置７５ａのうち、用紙搬送方向上流側の一端面部であって、Ｚ方向に沿って形成される一端面部１２７と、前記壁面部１２５とが隣接する部分１２８は、斜面形状に面取りされる。この斜面形状に面取りされる部分１２８を、面取り部１２８と呼ぶ場合もある。すなわち用紙搬送方向上流側の針なしステープル装置７５ａの開口部と、下流側の針ありステープル装置７５ｂの開口部とは、開口断面積が異なるように形成される。換言すれば、前記上流側における開口部の開口断面積は、前記下流側における開口部の開口断面積よりも大きく形成される。面取り部１２８は、壁面部１２５を含む仮想面に対し、たとえば約３０度の傾斜角度αを成す。前記面取り部１２８の用紙搬送方向長さＬ１および傾斜角度αは、用紙Ｐを整合した後の用紙Ｐのばらつき範囲を考慮して決定される。
【０１４５】
上述したように、前記上流側の針なしステープル装置７５ａの開口部は、下流側の針ありステープル装置７５ｂの開口部よりも、開口断面積が大きくなるように形成されるので、複数の用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側の先端部分を、開口部に円滑に導入することができる。針なしステープル装置７５ａのうち、一端面部１２７と壁面部１２５とが隣接する部分１２８は、斜面形状に面取りされるので、用紙Ｐを整合した後、仮に搬送途中に用紙Ｐがばらついた場合においても、用紙Ｐが開口部に導入されるときの用紙Ｐの一側縁部と壁面部１２５との摩擦抵抗を極力抑えることができ、開口部への用紙Ｐの円滑な導入を実現することができる。
【０１４６】
図２６は、本実施形態を部分的に変更した変更形態に係り、用紙搬送方向上流側の針なしステープル装置７５ａのうち、特に開口部を示す斜視図である。図２７は、図２６の針なしステープル装置７５ａの開口部の断面形状を表す図である。ただし前記実施形態と同一の部材には同一の符号を付し、その詳細な説明は省略する。前記開口部は、壁面部１２５と搬送面部１２６とが形成される。針なしステープル装置７５ａのうち用紙搬送方向上流側の一端面部１２７と、搬送面部１２６とが隣接する部分１２９は、斜面形状に面取りされる。前記斜面形状に面取りされる部分１２９を、面取り部１２９と呼ぶ場合もある。
【０１４７】
すなわち用紙搬送方向上流側の針なしステープル装置７５ａの開口部と、下流側の針ありステープル装置７５ｂの開口部とは、開口断面積が異なるように形成される。換言すれば、前記上流側における開口部の開口断面積は、前記下流側における開口部の開口断面積よりも大きく形成される。面取り部１２９は、搬送面部を含む仮想面に対し、たとえば約３０度の傾斜角度βを成す。前記面取り部１２９の用紙搬送方向長さＬ２および傾斜角度βは、用紙Ｐのカール高さを考慮して決定される。前記カール高さは、搬送される用紙Ｐが、定着装置４４および搬送ローラなどによって、用紙Ｐの平坦な一表面部から巻き上がる高さを意味する。
【０１４８】
上述したように、針なしステープル装置７５ａのうち、一端面部１２７と搬送面部１２６とが隣接する部分１２９は、斜面形状に面取りされるので、用紙Ｐが定着装置４４および搬送ローラなどによって、巻き上がった状態になっていても、用紙Ｐが開口部に導入されるときの用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部と搬送面部１２６との摩擦抵抗を極力抑えることができ、開口部への用紙Ｐの円滑な導入を実現することができる。積層された各用紙Ｐ間に存在する空気層によって、用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側部分の厚み、つまりＺ方向高さが、実際の用紙枚数と紙厚との積よりも大きくなる場合であっても、用紙Ｐの先端部分を、前記上流側の開口部に円滑にかつ確実に導入することができる。
【０１４９】
図２８は、本実施形態を部分的に変更した変更形態に係り、用紙搬送方向上流側の針なしステープル装置７５ａのうち、特に開口部を示す斜視図である。ただし前記実施形態と同一の部材には同一の符号を付し、その詳細な説明は省略する。針なしステープル装置７５ａのうち、一端面部１２７と壁面部１２５とが隣接する部分１２８は、斜面形状に面取りされるとともに、一端面部１２７と搬送面部１２６とが隣接する部分１２９は、斜面形状に面取りされる。したがって、用紙Ｐを整合した後、仮に搬送途中に用紙Ｐがばらついた場合においても、用紙Ｐが開口部に導入されるときの用紙Ｐの一側縁部と壁面部１２５との摩擦抵抗を極力抑えることができる。
【０１５０】
しかも、用紙Ｐが定着装置４４および搬送ローラなどによって、巻き上がった状態になっていても、用紙Ｐが開口部に導入されるときの用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部と搬送面部１２６との摩擦抵抗を極力抑えることができ、開口部への用紙Ｐの円滑な導入を実現することができる。積層された各用紙Ｐ間に存在する空気層によって、用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側部分の厚み、つまりＺ方向高さが、実際の用紙枚数と紙厚との積よりも大きくなる場合であっても、用紙Ｐの先端部分を、前記上流側の開口部に円滑にかつ確実に導入することができる。このように、用紙Ｐが開口部に導入されるときの用紙Ｐの一側縁部と壁面部１２５との摩擦抵抗を極力抑えることができるとともに、開口部に円滑にかつ確実に導入することができる。したがってステープル処理の信頼性が高いステープラ７５を実現することができる。
【０１５１】
図２９は、画像形成装置１Ａの電気的構成を示すブロック図である。画像形成装置本体部１は、図２９に示す画像形成装置制御部１６１を備えている。前記画像形成装置制御部１６１はマイクロコンピュータを備え、図１に示した原稿読取り部３、給紙部７、画像形成部６、用紙後処理装置４、用紙スタック部２、各用紙搬送路を含む用紙搬送部１６２、図２に示したＬＳＵ２２を含む画像情報書込み部１６３および定着装置４４などの動作を制御する。
【０１５２】
図３０は、用紙後処理装置４の制御系のブロック図である。用紙後処理装置４は、図３０に示す用紙後処理装置制御部１７１を備える。前記用紙後処理装置制御部１７１は、中央演算処理装置１７２（ＣＰＵ：Ｃｅｎｔｒａｌ Ｐｒｏｃｅｓｓｉｎｇ Ｕｎｉｔ）とロム１７３（ＲＯＭ：Ｒｅａｄ Ｏｎｌｙ Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ ）とラム１７４（ＲＡＭ：Ｒａｎｄｏｍ
Ａｃｃｅｓｓ Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ ）とから成るマイクロコンピュータを備える。用紙後処理装置制御部１７１には、用紙長さ検出部１７５、原点センサ９８、ステッピングモータ８７、ソレノイド９３、用紙搬送部１７６、サイド規制板駆動部１０１、先端ストッパ移動駆動機構１１５、先端ストッパ駆動部１３１（１４２）およびステープラ７５などが接続される。
【０１５３】
前記用紙搬送部１７６は、図１に示した切換えゲート５３，５７およびエスケープ搬送路５１など、用紙後処理装置４において用紙Ｐを搬送するための構成を含む。用紙長さ検出部１７５は、入力情報に基づくことなく実際に検出する場合、たとえば前記レジスト前検知スイッチによって構成される。前記用紙長さ検出部１７５によって、後処理部５２に入紙する用紙Ｐの搬送方向長さつまり用紙サイズを検出する。用紙後処理装置４は、ロム１７３に格納されたプログラム、用紙長さ検出部１７５および用紙検知スイッチ４９などの検出結果に基づいて、用紙後処理装置制御部１７１に電気的に接続される各部の動作を制御する。
【０１５４】
図２に示した画像形成部６において、感光体１７に形成されたトナー像は、たとえば用紙カセット３１から供給される用紙Ｐに、転写チャージャ１９を用いて転写される。その後、用紙Ｐに転写されたトナー像は、定着装置４４によって用紙Ｐに定着される。前記用紙Ｐが後処理すなわちステープル処理される場合、前記後処理を指令する予め行われる設定に基づいて、切換えゲート４６は、図１の実線で示す後処置位置ａに切換えられる。用紙Ｐがトレイのオフセットによって仕分けされる場合、または用紙Ｐが大量に排出される場合にも、これらいずれかの処理を指令する予め行われる設定に基づいて、切換えゲート４６は前記後処置位置ａに切換えられる。これによって用紙Ｐは、主搬送路３６から後処理搬送路３９に導かれる。
【０１５５】
用紙Ｐが、用紙Ｐに対しステープル処理が禁止されている特殊紙などである場合、あるいは用紙Ｐに対しステープル処理を行わないように設定されたものである場合には、切換えゲート５３がエスケープ位置ｂに切換えられる。これによって用紙Ｐはエスケープ搬送路５１に導かれる。その後前記用紙Ｐは、第１排出位置ａに切換えられた切換えゲート５７に案内されて、第１用紙スタックトレイ５９に排出される。たとえば大量の用紙Ｐは、第２排出位置ｂに切換えられた切換えゲート５７に案内されて、第２用紙スタックトレイ６１に排出される。
【０１５６】
用紙Ｐがステープル処理される場合、さらに用紙Ｐがトレイのオフセットによって仕分けされる場合などにおいて、切換えゲート５３は、後処理位置ａに切換えられる。これによって用紙Ｐは、後処理部５２に入紙し、ステープルトレイ７１に集積される。このとき先端ストッパ７４（１４１）は、規制位置に移動している。また、後処理部５２に入紙する用紙Ｐが、長サイズか短サイズであるかが、用紙長さ検出部１７５にて予め検出され、その検出信号つまり入力情報が用紙後処理装置制御部１７１に送信される。前記検出による入力情報以外の入力情報も、用紙後処理装置制御部１７１に入力される。
【０１５７】
ここで後処理部５２に入紙する用紙Ｐが、長サイズたとえばＡ３縦送りである場合、後端板７２は、図５に示すように、後壁部７７の位置または後壁部７７付近に設定された退避位置に予め配置される。次に後端板７２は、用紙Ｐがステープルトレイ７１に入紙する毎に、前記退避位置から用紙サイズに応じた整合位置に進出する。前記後端板７２によって、用紙Ｐの搬送方向上流側端部を押圧し、用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部を先端ストッパ７４（１４１）に押し当てる。これによって、用紙Ｐを用紙搬送方向に整合する。しかも用紙Ｐがステープルトレイ７１に入紙する毎に、サイド規制板７３が退避位置から用紙サイズに応じた整合位置に進出する。前記サイド規制板７３によって、用紙Ｐの一側縁部を押圧し、用紙Ｐの他側縁部を用紙側端規制部７６に当接させる。これによって用紙Ｐを、用紙搬送方向およびＺ方向に直交する用紙幅方向に整合する。前記Ａ３は、日本工業規格で定められるＡ列サイズの一つである。
【０１５８】
これら後端板７２とサイド規制板７３とは、上述した整合動作をほぼ同時に行う。本実施形態において、用語「ほぼ同時」は「同時」を含む。後端板７２およびサイド規制板７３は、整合動作後、次の用紙Ｐの受け入れのため、それぞれの退避位置に退避する。一枚の用紙Ｐについて複数回の整合動作を実施すると、積層される用紙Ｐ同士のずれを極力少なくして、用紙Ｐを一層良好に整合することができる。その後、最後の用紙Ｐの整合動作が完了すると、用紙束Ｐを、後端板７２とサイド規制板７３とで協働して位置決めする。用紙束Ｐが位置決めされた状態で、用紙束Ｐはステープラ７５によってステープル処理される。
【０１５９】
前記用紙束Ｐがステープル処理された後、先端ストッパ７４（１４１）が退避位置に退避し、ステープル処理済みの用紙束Ｐが、図１に示す排紙ローラ６０によって排紙可能な位置まで押し出される。したがってステープル処理済みの用紙束Ｐは、前記排紙ローラ６０によって第２用紙スタックトレイ６１に排出される。上述のように、一つの用紙束Ｐについてのジョブすなわち、整合、ステープル処理およびトレイへの排出が終了すると、後端板７２とサイド規制板７３とは、次のジョブに備えて、それぞれの退避位置またはホームポジションに移動するとともに、先端ストッパ７４（１４１）は進出位置に復帰する。
【０１６０】
後処理部５２に入紙する用紙Ｐが、短サイズたとえばＡ４横送りである場合には、前記用紙Ｐを以下のようにステープル処理する。すなわち後端板７２を、図３に示すように、ステープルトレイ７１の用紙搬送方向における中間付近に設定された短サイズ待機位置に待機させておく。次に後端板７２は、用紙Ｐがステープルトレイ７１に入紙する毎に、前記短サイズ待機位置から用紙サイズに応じた整合位置に移動する。これによって後端板７２は、用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部を押圧し、用紙Ｐの搬送方向上流側端部を後壁部７７に押し当てるので、用紙Ｐは用紙搬送方向に整合する。
【０１６１】
しかも用紙Ｐがステープルトレイ７１に入紙する毎に、サイド規制板７３が退避位置から用紙サイズに応じた整合位置に進出する。前記サイド規制板７３によって、用紙Ｐの一側縁部を押圧し、用紙Ｐの他側縁部を用紙側端規制部７６に当接させる。これによって用紙Ｐを用紙幅方向に整合する。これら後端板７２とサイド規制板７３とは、上述した整合動作をほぼ同時に行う。前記整合動作後、次の用紙Ｐの受け入れのため、後端板７２は短サイズ待機位置に退避し、サイド規制板７３は退避位置に退避する。前記整合動作においても、一枚の用紙Ｐについて複数回の整合動作を実施すると、積層される用紙Ｐ同士のずれを極力少なくして、用紙Ｐを一層良好に整合することができる。
【０１６２】
図３１は、ステープルトレイ７１における短サイズ用紙の予備整合動作を示す斜視図である。図３２は、ステープルトレイ７１における短サイズ用紙の予備整合動作の終了時の動作を示す斜視図である。図３３は、図３２に示した予備整合動作の終了時からその後の後端板７２の動作を示す斜視図である。前記予備整合動作は、図３１に示すように、用紙Ｐの搬送方向上流側端部が、通過したことを検出可能な用紙検知スイッチ４９からの検出信号に基づいて、用紙後処理装置制御部１７１でのタイマ制御によって実施される。
【０１６３】
その後、複数部の用紙束Ｐを出力する場合において、第１部目の最終用紙Ｐの１枚前までの予備整合が終了すると、図３２および図７に示すように、後端板７２は、前記最終用紙Ｐの入紙中に倒れ状態となる（図７参照）。その後、後端板７２は、予備整合済みの用紙ＰのＺ方向他方を通過して、後壁部７７内のホームポジションに移動する。次に後端板７２は、前記ホームポジションの位置で立ち上がり状態に切換わり、第１部目の最終用紙Ｐの入紙完了まで待機する。
【０１６４】
その後、後端板７２は、ステープルトレイ７１への最終用紙Ｐの入紙が完了した時点にて、第１部目の用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部が、先端ストッパ７４に当接するまで進出する。このとき同時に、サイド規制板７３が退避位置から用紙サイズに応じた整合位置に進出する。前記サイド規制板７３によって、用紙Ｐの一側縁部を押圧し、用紙Ｐの他側縁部を用紙側端規制部７６に当接させる。これによって用紙Ｐを用紙幅方向に最終整合する。この最終整合動作についても、複数回の整合動作を実施すると、積層される用紙Ｐ同士のずれを極力少なくして、用紙Ｐを一層良好に整合することが可能となる。前記最終整合動作が終了すると、用紙束Ｐを、後端板７２とサイド規制板７３とで協働して位置決めする。用紙束Ｐが位置決めされた状態で、前記用紙束Ｐをステープラ７５によってステープル処理する。
【０１６５】
前記用紙束Ｐがステープル処理された後、先端ストッパ７４が退避位置に退避し、ステープル処理済みの用紙束Ｐが、後端板７２によって、排紙ローラ６０を用いて排紙可能な位置まで押し出される。前記用紙束Ｐは、排紙ローラ６０によって第２用紙スタックトレイ６１に排出される。上述のように、第１部目の用紙束Ｐについてのジョブすなわち、予備整合、最終整合、ステープル処理およびトレイへの排出が終了すると、後端板７２とサイド規制板７３と先端ストッパ７４とは、第２部目のジョブに備えて、以下のように移動する。つまり、後端板７２は短サイズ待機位置に移動し、サイド規制板７３は退避位置に移動し、先端ストッパ７４は進出位置に復帰する。
【０１６６】
短サイズ用紙に対するジョブにおいては、図３３に示すように、第１部目の用紙束Ｐに対する最終整合動作中およびステープル動作中にも、第２部目の１枚目の用紙Ｐをステープルトレイ７１内に入紙させることが可能であるとともに、第２部目の２枚目の用紙Ｐから再び予備整合動作を行うことができる。したがって、用紙束Ｐをステープル処理することに起因するタイムロスであって、画像形成装置本体部１での画像形成動作上でのタイムロスを最小またはゼロにすることができる。
【０１６７】
図３４および図３５は、本発明の実施形態に係る用紙後処理装置４の動作を示すフローチャートである。ステップ０において、画像形成装置１Ａは、図示外の主電源がオンされた状態で用紙後処理の待機状態となる。ステップ１において前記待機状態の画像形成装置１Ａに印字要求がなされると、ステップ２に移行して印字要求にステープル処理が含まれているか否かを判定する。前記ステップ１における印字要求は、画像形成装置本体部１の待機中に、前記画像形成装置本体部１の図示外の操作部（操作パネルともいう）を使用した入力によって実現されるか、または、画像形成装置本体部１が電気的に接続されるコンピュータネットワークおよびファクシミリなどの端末装置からの印字要求によって実現される。
【０１６８】
前記ステップ２において、印字要求内容が端末装置からの印字要求であれば、送信される印字要求内容を受信することによって、印字要求にステープル処理が含まれるか否かを判定する。印字要求内容が前記操作パネルを使用したものである場合には、操作パネルにおける入力キー動作を認識することで、印字要求にステープル処理が含まれるか否かを判定する。ステップ２において、印字要求にステープル処理が含まれないと判定されると、ステップ３に移行して、通常の印字要求枚数の印字処理を実行し、ステップ４にて、印字された用紙Ｐを第２用紙スタックトレイ６１に排紙する。その後、後述するステップ２８に移行する。
【０１６９】
ステップ２でステープル処理が含まれると判定されると、ステップ５に移行し、印字要求内容の中に使用ステープル種類の選択があるか否かが判定される。換言すれば、用紙後処理装置制御部１７１は、印字要求内容の中に、使用ステープル種類の選択があるか否かを確認する。前記使用ステープル種類の選択があると判定されると、ステップ６に移行する。前記使用ステープル種類の選択がないと判定されると、ステップ７に移行する。ステップ７において、要求される印字用紙のステープル枚数が、針なしステープルの許容枚数に対し、多いか少ないかが判定される。本実施形態においては、針なしステープルの前記許容枚数が、１部の用紙束Ｐにつき５枚と予め設定されている。ただし、針なしステープルの許容枚数は、必ずしも５枚に限定されるものではなく、用紙後処理装置４に設けられる針なしステープル装置７５ａの前記許容枚数に応じて、種々な数値に設定される。
【０１７０】
ステップ７においてステープル枚数が、前記許容枚数以下すなわち５枚以下であると判定されると、ステップ１０に移行する。ステップ１０において、用紙後処理装置制御部１７１は、針なしステープル処理が必要と判定する。その後ステップ１２に移行する。ステップ７においてステープル枚数が、許容枚数より大きいと判定されると、ステップ１１に移行する。ステップ１１において、用紙後処理装置制御部１７１は、針ありステープル処理が必要と判定する。その後ステップ２０に移行する。
【０１７１】
ステップ５において使用ステープル種類の選択があり、針なしステープル処理が選択されていると、ステップ８に移行する。前記ステップ８において、用紙後処理装置制御部１７１は、針なしステープル処理が必要と判定する。次にステップ１２およびステップ１３において、画像形成部６は用紙Ｐに印字要求内容を印字し、印字された用紙Ｐを後処理部５２に搬送し、前記後処理部５２内に配置される後端板７２とサイド規制板７３とで協働して、搬送される用紙Ｐを整合処理する。
【０１７２】
次にステップ１４において印字要求枚数の印字が全て終了したと判定され、ステップ１５で後処理部５２での用紙Ｐの整合処理が完了したと判定されると、ステップ１６に移行する。ステップ１６において、後端板７２が、整合された用紙束Ｐの搬送方向上流側端部を押すことによって、用紙束Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部を、針なしステープル装置７５ａでステープル処理可能に、針なしステープル装置７５ａが配置される位置に移動させる。次にステップ１７において、針なしステープル装置７５ａは、前記用紙束Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部をステープル処理する。前記ステップ１４において、印字要求内容の印字が終了していないと判定されると、ステップ１２に戻る。前記ステップ１５において、後処理部５２での用紙Ｐの整合処理が完了していないと判定されると、ステップ１４に戻る。
【０１７３】
前記ステップ１７の後ステップ１８に移行して、先端ストッパ７４（１４１）を退避位置に切換え、用紙束Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部を後端板７２で押圧する。すなわち、用紙束Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部が、回転駆動している排紙ローラ６０にチャックされるまで、用紙束Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部を後端板７２で搬送する。次にステップ１９に移行して、用紙束Ｐを、排紙ローラ６０によって第２用紙スタックトレイ６１に排出する。次にステップ２８に移行して、次の印字があるか否かが判定される。次の印字があると判定されるとステップ１に戻る。次の印字がないと判定されると、このフローを終了する。
【０１７４】
前記ステップ６において、針ありステープル処理７５ｂが選択されていると、ステップ９に移行する。前記ステップ９において、用紙後処理装置制御部１７１は、針ありステープル処理が必要と判定する。次にステップ２０およびステップ２１において、画像形成部６は用紙Ｐに印字要求内容を印字し、印字された用紙Ｐを後処理部５２に搬送し、前記後処理部５２内に配置される後端板７２とサイド規制板７３とで協働して、搬送される用紙Ｐを整合処理する。
【０１７５】
次にステップ２２において印字要求枚数の印字が全て終了したと判定され、ステップ２３で後処理部５２での用紙Ｐの整合処理が完了したと判定されると、ステップ２４に移行する。ステップ２４において、後端板７２が、整合された用紙束Ｐの搬送方向上流側端部を押すことによって、用紙束Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部を、針ありステープル装置７５ｂでステープル処理可能に、針ありステープル装置７５ｂが配置される位置に移動させる。次にステップ２５において、針ありステープル装置７５ｂは、前記用紙束Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部をステープル処理する。前記ステップ２２において、印字要求内容の印字が終了していないと判定されると、ステップ２０に戻る。前記ステップ２３において、後処理部５２での用紙Ｐの整合処理が完了していないと判定されると、ステップ２２に戻る。
【０１７６】
前記ステップ２５の後ステップ２６に移行して、先端ストッパ７４（１４１）を退避位置に切換え、用紙束Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部を後端部７２で押圧する。すなわち、用紙束Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部が、回転駆動している排紙ローラ６０にチャックされるまで、用紙束Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部を後端板７２で搬送する。次にステップ２７に移行して、用紙束７２を、排紙ローラ６０によって第２用紙スタックトレイ６１に排出する。その後前記ステップ２８に移行する。前記用紙後処理装置制御部１７１および前記操作パネルが、選択手段に相当する。
【０１７７】
以上説明した用紙後処理装置４によれば、画像形成装置本体部１の操作パネルを使用した入力、または、画像形成装置本体部１が電気的に接続されるコンピュータネットワークおよびファクシミリなどの端末装置からの印字要求によって、針ありステープル装置７５ｂおよび針なしステープル装置７５ａのうちのいずれか１つが選択され、その後、選択されたステープル装置によって、積層されかつ整合された複数の用紙Ｐがステープル処理される。用紙Ｐが搬送されるステープルトレイ７１は、非露出状態に設けられているので、操作者が、用紙Ｐに対するステープル処理中に用紙Ｐに不意に接触することを防止することができる。また後処理が終了している用紙Ｐを不用意に取り除くことも防止することができる。
【０１７８】
前記操作パネルを使用した入力または前記端末装置からの印字要求によって、針なしステープル装置７５ａが選択された場合には、積層された複数の用紙Ｐ自体を部分的に加工することで、前記複数の用紙Ｐをステープル処理することができる。前記ステープル処理された用紙Ｐを、たとえばシュレッダーなどを用いて裁断する場合には、針を用紙Ｐから取り除く手間が不要となる。また前記ステープル処理された用紙Ｐを再利用する場合にも、針を用紙Ｐから取り除く手間が不要となる。逆に言えば、ステープル処理された用紙Ｐを、シュレッダーなどを用いて裁断するか、または再利用する可能性がある場合には、針なしステープル装置７５ａを、操作パネルによって選択することで、針を用紙Ｐから取り除く手間を省略することが可能となる。
【０１７９】
針ありステープル装置７５ｂが選択された場合には、積層された複数の用紙Ｐを、針を用いてステープル処理することができる。前記ステープル処理された用紙Ｐは、針なしステープル処理されたものと比べて、用紙Ｐがばらばらに解体されにくくなり長期保存することができるうえ、ステープル処理可能な用紙Ｐの枚数も多くなる。逆に言えば、ステープル処理された用紙Ｐを長期保存するか、または上述したようにステープル処理する用紙Ｐの枚数が多くなる場合には、針ありステープル装置７５ｂを選択することによって、用紙Ｐの長期保存または多数枚のステープル処理を実現することが可能となる。
【０１８０】
針なしおよび針ありステープル装置７５ａ，７５ｂは、ステープルトレイ７１に搬送される用紙Ｐの搬送方向に、併設されるので、用紙後処理装置４をコンパクト化することが可能となる。したがって用紙後処理装置４の小形化を図ることができ、設備環境的に有利となる。用紙Ｐの枚数または厚みに応じたステープル装置を選択することができるので、ステープル処理可能な枚数またはステープル処理可能な厚みの用紙Ｐを、確実にステープル処理することができる。また針なしステープル装置７５ａによってステープル処理可能な用紙Ｐの許容枚数に基づき、針なしステープル装置７５ａによって、許容枚数以下の用紙Ｐを確実にステープル処理することができる。
【０１８１】
針なしおよび針ありステープル装置７５ａ，７５ｂのうちのいずれか１つを、操作者によって選択することができるので、所望のステープル装置を確実に選択することができる。複数の用紙Ｐは、後端板７２および後端板駆動機構８１によって整合された状態のまま搬送方向に移動された後、所望のステープル装置を用いて前記用紙Ｐはステープル処理される。つまり後端板７２および後端板移動機構８１による用紙Ｐの移動距離に応じて、ステープル処理すべきステープル装置を選択することができる。複数の用紙Ｐを整合された状態のまま搬送方向に移動可能になっているので、後端板７２および後端板駆動機構８１によって複数の用紙Ｐが移動された後、ステープル処理される位置において、複数の用紙Ｐを再整合する必要がなくなる。したがって用紙Ｐの後処理時間を短縮することができる。
【０１８２】
針なしステープル装置７５ａおよび針ありステープル装置７５ｂは、ステープルトレイ７１に積層されかつ整合される複数の用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部近傍から前記搬送方向に離反した搬送方向位置にそれぞれ配置されるので、選択されるステープル装置が明確化する。仮に、用紙Ｐをステープル処理を施さない場合において、ステープルトレイ７１にて用紙Ｐを整合する際、用紙Ｐを針なしおよび針ありステープル装置７５ａ，７５ｂに干渉させることなく容易に整合することが可能となる。換言すれば、ステープルトレイ７１の整合位置において、用紙Ｐをステープル処理可能にステープル装置が配置される場合よりも、ステープルトレイ７１における用紙Ｐの整合が容易となる。
【０１８３】
ステープル処理された後の複数の用紙Ｐは、排紙ローラ６０と、後端板７２および後端板駆動機構８１とで協働して、画像形成装置１Ａの排出部である第２用紙スタックトレイ６１に排出する。このように後端板７２および後端板駆動機構８１に、用紙Ｐを排出するための機能を付与することができる。
【０１８４】
用紙後処理装置４によれば、後端板７２および後端板駆動機構８１によって搬送方向に移動される複数の用紙Ｐのうち、その搬送方向下流側端部は、先端ストッパ７４（１４１）によって規制される。この先端ストッパ７４（１４１）は、用紙搬送方向上流側および下流側に移動可能に構成されるので、用紙Ｐの下流側端部をステープル処理位置へ位置決めすることが可能となる。先端ストッパ７４（１４１）は、選択されるステープル装置に応じて移動される。これによって用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部は、選択されたステープル装置の後処理位置へ搬送される。その後前記ステープル装置でもって複数の用紙Ｐのステープル処理を実現することができる。
【０１８５】
複数の用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部近傍は、搬送方向に併設される針なしおよび針ありステープル装置７５ａ，７５ｂのうち、選択されるステープル装置の位置情報に基づいて、後端板７２および後端板駆動機構８１と、先端ストッパ７４（１４１）および先端ストッパ移動駆動機構１１５とで協働して、前記ステープル装置のステープル処理位置に移動されて、確実にステープル処理される。
【０１８６】
本実施形態においては、針なしステープル装置７５ａが用紙搬送方向上流側に配置され、針ありステープル装置７５ｂが用紙搬送方向下流側に配置されるが、必ずしも前記配置に限定されるものではない。つまり針なしおよび針ありステープル装置７５ａ，７５ｂが、前記配置と逆の配置になってもよい。この場合、用紙搬送方向上流側に配置される針ありステープル装置７５ｂの開口部に、上述した面取り部が形成される。
【０１８７】
図３６は、１つのステープル装置が、ステープルトレイ７１で積層される用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部近傍に配置される場合の用紙後処理装置４の斜視図である。図３７は、図３６の用紙後処理装置４の要部をＺ方向他方に見て示す平面図であって、用紙Ｐと、後端板７２と、先端ストッパ７４と、サイド規制板７３との関係を示す平面図である。用紙搬送方向に併設される針なしステープル装置７５ａおよび針ありステープル装置７５ｂのうち、針なしステープル装置７５ａは、ステープルトレイ７１で積層されかつ整合される複数の用紙Ｐをステープル処理可能に、前記用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部近傍に配置される。針ありステープル装置７５ｂは、後端板７２によって搬送されかつ先端ストッパ７４によって規制された用紙Ｐをステープル処理可能に配置される。このように、針なしおよび針ありステープル装置７５ａ，７５ｂは、ステープルトレイ７１に積層され整合される複数の用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部近傍から用紙搬送方向に離反した搬送方向位置にそれぞれ配置される。
【０１８８】
前記針なしステープル装置７５ａによれば、この針なしスプール装置７５ａは、ステープルトレイ７１で積層されかつ整合される複数の用紙Ｐをステープル処理可能に、前記用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部近傍に配置されるので、複数の用紙Ｐがステープルトレイ７１に積層されかつ整合された状態で、前記用紙Ｐを前記針なしステープル装置７５ａによってステープル処理することができる。換言すれば、前記針なしステープル装置７５ａを用いて複数の用紙Ｐをステープル処理する場合には、ステープルトレイ７１の入紙および整合位置にて複数の用紙Ｐはステープル処理される。したがって後処理時間の短縮を図ることができる。つまり、一旦ステープルトレイ７１に集積された用紙Ｐを、他の場所に移動することなくステープル処理することができるので、後処理時間の短縮を図ることができる。
【０１８９】
前記後処理装置４によれば、用紙搬送方向下流側の針ありステープル装置７５ｂを使用する場合には、用紙Ｐの規制位置が必然的に決定されるので、上述した先端ストッパ移動駆動機構１１５を省略することができる。すなわち図１５に示した先端ストッパユニット１１４の構造を簡単化することができる。したがって、用紙後処理装置４の部品点数を削減して、製作コストを低減することができる。その他、前記実施形態に、特許請求の範囲を逸脱しない範囲において種々の部分的変更を行う場合もある。
【０１９０】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明によれば、用紙は用紙集積部に搬送され、選択手段によって、第１および第２の用紙綴じ手段のうちのいずれか１つが選択され、その後、選択された後処理手段によって、積層された複数の用紙に後処理が施される。用紙が搬送される用紙集積部は、非露出状態に設けられるので、操作者が、用紙に対する後処理中に用紙に不意に接触することを防止することができる。また後処理が終了している用紙を不用意に取り除くことも防止することができる。
【０１９１】
選択手段によって、第２の用紙綴じ手段が選択された場合には、積層された複数の用紙自体を部分的に加工することで、前記複数の用紙を後処理するつまり綴じることができる。前記後処理された用紙を、たとえばシュレッダーなどを用いて裁断する場合には、綴じ具を用紙から取り除く手間が不要となる。また前記後処理された用紙を再利用する場合にも、綴じ具を用紙から取り除く手間が不要となる。逆に言えば、後処理された用紙を、シュレッダーなどを用いて裁断するか、または再利用する可能性がある場合には、第２の用紙綴じ手段を選択することによって、綴じ具を用紙から取り除く手間を省略することが可能となる。
【０１９２】
選択手段によって、第１の用紙綴じ手段が選択された場合には、積層された複数の用紙を、綴じ具を用いて後処理するつまり綴じることができる。前記後処理された用紙は、第２の用紙綴じ手段で後処理されたものと比べて、用紙がばらばらに解体されにくくなり長期保存することができるうえ、後処理可能な用紙の枚数も多くなる。逆に言えば、後処理された用紙を、長期保存するか、または上述したように後処理する用紙の枚数が多くなる場合には、第１の用紙綴じ手段を選択することによって、用紙の長期保存または多数枚の後処理を実現することが可能となる。
【０１９３】
また本発明によれば、複数の後処理手段は、用紙集積部に搬送される用紙の搬送方向に、併設されるので、用紙後処理装置をコンパクト化することが可能となる。したがって用紙後処理装置の小形化を図ることができ、設備環境的に有利となる。
【０１９４】
また本発明によれば、特に一方の後処理手段は、用紙集積部で積層される複数の用紙を後処理可能に、前記用紙の搬送方向下流側端部近傍に配置されるので、複数の用紙が用紙集積部に積層された状態で、前記用紙を一方の後処理手段によって後処理することが可能となる。換言すれば、一方の後処理手段を用いて、複数の用紙を後処理する場合には、用紙集積部にて複数の用紙は後処理される。他方の後処理手段を用いて、複数の用紙を後処理する場合には、複数の用紙が用紙集積部から搬送方向下流側に搬送された後、複数の用紙は後処理される。
【０１９５】
このように用紙が、用紙集積部で集積された位置または、用紙集積部から搬送方向下流側に搬送された位置に位置決めされ、一方または他方の後処理手段を用いて用紙に後処理を選択的に施すことができるので、少なくとも用紙を位置決めするための構造を簡単化できる。したがって用紙後処理装置の部品点数を削減して、製作コストを低減することが可能となる。
【０１９６】
また本発明によれば、用紙に対する印字条件が実際に入力されることによって、後処理手段の選択を実現することができる。
【０１９７】
また本発明によれば、後処理対象となる積層される用紙の枚数および前記用紙の厚みの、少なくともいずれか１つを用いることによって、後処理手段が選択される。このように用紙の枚数または厚みに応じた後処理手段を選択することができるので、後処理可能な枚数または後処理可能な厚みの用紙を、後処理することが可能となる。
【０１９８】
また本発明によれば、針なしステープル処理手段または第２の用紙綴じ手段によって後処理可能な用紙の許容枚数に基づいて、後処理手段が選択される。したがって前記許容枚数に基づき、針なしステープル処理手段または第２の用紙綴じ手段によって、許容枚数以下の用紙を確実に後処理することができる。
【０１９９】
また本発明によれば、複数の後処理手段のうちのいずれか１つが、操作者によって選択されるので、所望の後処理手段を確実に選択することができる。
【０２００】
また本発明によれば、搬送方向に併設される複数の後処理手段のうちの少なくともいずれか１つは、用紙集積部で積層される複数の用紙を後処理可能に、前記用紙の搬送方向下流側端部近傍に配置されるので、複数の用紙が用紙集積部に積層された状態で、前記用紙を前記いずれか１つの後処理手段によって後処理することが可能となる。換言すれば、前記後処理手段を用いて、複数の用紙を後処理する場合には、用紙集積部にて複数の用紙は後処理される。
【０２０１】
また本発明によれば、複数の用紙は、用紙集積部において、前記用紙の搬送方向下流側端部近傍に配置される後処理手段を用いて後処理が施される。このように複数の用紙が用紙集積部に位置決めされた状態で、前記用紙を後処理手段を用いて後処理することができるので、後処理時間の短縮を図ることができる。つまり、一旦用紙集積部に集積された用紙を、他の場所に移動することなく、後処理することができるので、後処理時間の短縮を図ることができる。しかも少なくとも用紙を位置決めするための構造を簡単化できる。したがって用紙後処理装置の部品点数を削減して、製作コストを低減することが可能となる。
【０２０２】
また本発明によれば、複数の用紙は、搬送手段によって整合された状態のまま搬送方向に移動された後、所望の後処理手段を用いて前記用紙は後処理される。つまり搬送手段による用紙の移動距離に応じて、後処理すべき後処理手段を選択することができる。搬送手段は、複数の用紙を整合された状態のまま搬送方向に移動可能になっているので、搬送手段によって複数の用紙が移動された後、この後処理される位置において、複数の用紙を再整合する必要がなくなる。したがって後処理時間の短縮を図ることができる。
【０２０３】
また本発明によれば、複数の後処理手段は、用紙集積部に積層される複数の用紙の搬送方向下流側端部近傍から前記搬送方向に離反した搬送方向位置にそれぞれ配置されるので、選択される後処理手段が明確化する。つまり用紙が後処理される位置を、用紙集積部に入紙される整合位置とは異ならせることによって、選択対象の後処理手段が明確化する。仮に、用紙に後処理を施さない場合において、用紙集積部にて用紙を整合する際、用紙を後処理手段に干渉させることなく容易に整合することが可能となる。換言すれば、用紙集積部の整合位置において、用紙を後処理可能に後処理手段が配置される場合よりも、集積部における用紙の整合が容易となる。
【０２０４】
また本発明によれば、搬送手段によって複数の用紙は搬送方向に搬送される。このとき、前記用紙の搬送方向下流側端部は、選択手段によって選択された後処理手段が配置される搬送方向位置まで搬送される。その後、選択された後処理手段を用いて前記用紙は後処理される。このように後処理すべき後処理手段が選択されると、搬送手段によって用紙を、前記後処理手段の搬送方向位置まで搬送し、後処理することができる。
【０２０５】
また本発明によれば、後処理された後の複数の用紙は、用紙排出手段と搬送手段とで協働して、画像形成装置の排出部に排出される。このように搬送手段に、用紙を排出するための機能を付与することができる。
【０２０６】
また本発明によれば、前記上流側の後処理手段の開口部と、下流側の後処理手段の開口部とは、開口断面積が異なるように形成されるので、複数の用紙の搬送方向下流側の先端部分を、開口部に円滑に導入することが可能となる。たとえば積層された各用紙間に存在する空気層によって、用紙の前記先端部分の厚みが、実際の用紙枚数と紙厚との積よりも大きくなる場合であっても、用紙の先端部分を、上流側および下流側の開口部に円滑に導入することが可能となる。したがって、複数の用紙を後処理手段に円滑に搬送することが可能となる。
【０２０７】
また本発明によれば、複数の用紙の搬送方向下流側の先端部分を、開口部に円滑にかつ確実に導入することができる。したがって複数の用紙を、後処理手段の後処理位置まで円滑にかつ確実に搬送することができる。
【０２０８】
また本発明によれば、後処理手段のうち、搬送方向上流側の一端面部であって前記搬送方向に略直交する一端面部と、壁面部とが隣接する部分は、斜面形状に面取りされるので、用紙を整合した後、搬送途中に用紙がばらついた場合においても、用紙が開口部に導入されるときの用紙の一側縁部と壁面部との摩擦抵抗を極力抑えることができ、開口部への用紙の円滑な導入を実現することができる。
【０２０９】
また本発明によれば、後処理手段のうち、搬送方向上流側の一端面部であって前記搬送方向に略直交する一端面部と、搬送面部とが隣接する部分は、斜面形状に面取りされるので、特に積層された各用紙間に存在する空気層によって、用紙の搬送方向下流側部分の厚みが、実際の用紙枚数と紙厚との積よりも大きくなる場合であっても、用紙の先端部分を、上流側の開口部に円滑にかつ確実に導入することができる。
【０２１０】
また本発明によれば、用紙が開口部に導入されるときの用紙の一側縁部と壁面部との摩擦抵抗を極力抑えることができるとともに、用紙の先端部分を、上流側の開口部に円滑にかつ確実に導入することができる。したがって後処理の信頼性が高い用紙後処理装置を実現することができる。
【０２１１】
また本発明によれば、搬送手段によって搬送方向に移動される複数の用紙のうち、その搬送方向下流側端部は、規制手段によって規制される。この規制手段は、搬送方向上流側および下流側に移動可能に構成されるので、用紙の下流側端部を後処理位置へ位置決めすることが可能となる。
【０２１２】
また本発明によれば、規制手段は、選択される後処理手段に応じて移動される。これによって用紙の下流側端部は、選択された後処理手段の後処理位置へ搬送される。その後前記後処理手段でもって複数の用紙の後処理を実現することができる。
【０２１３】
また本発明によれば、複数の用紙の搬送方向下流側端部近傍は、選択される後処理手段の位置情報に基づいて、少なくとも搬送手段と規制手段とで協働して、前記後処理手段の後処理位置に移動される。その後、用紙を確実に後処理することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施形態に係る用紙後処理装置４を備える画像形成装置１Ａを示す断面図である。
【図２】画像形成装置本体部１を示す断面図である。
【図３】用紙後処理装置４を拡大して示す斜視図であって、特に、用紙Ｐと後端板７２と先端ストッパ７４との関係を示す斜視図である。
【図４】用紙後処理装置４を拡大して示す斜視図であって、特に、用紙Ｐと後端板７２と先端ストッパ７４との関係を示す斜視図である。
【図５】長サイズの用紙Ｐ１に対する後端板７２の動作を示す斜視図である。
【図６】短サイズの用紙Ｐ２と後端板７２と先端ストッパ７４との関係を示す斜視図である。
【図７】短サイズ整合位置で整合された短サイズの用紙束Ｐ２に対する後端板７２の動作を示す斜視図である。
【図８】後端板駆動機構８１を示す斜視図である。
【図９】図８の後端板駆動機構８１の移動部における用紙Ｐのダメージ緩和動作を示す斜視図である。
【図１０】図８の後端板駆動機構８１における後端板７２を倒れ状態とする動作を示す斜視図である。
【図１１】図８に示す第２のねじ歯車８５とは別の第２のねじ歯車８５Ａを備えた後端板駆動機構８１Ａの要部の斜視図である。
【図１２】サイド規制板７３のサイド規制板駆動部１０１を示す斜視図である。
【図１３】図１２に示す３個プーリ群１１１における二段プーリ１１０と減速プーリ１０６との嵌合構造を分解して示す斜視図である。
【図１４】図１３に示す減速プーリ１０６において、連結プーリ１０７の爪部による与圧スプリング１１３の圧縮状態を示す斜視図である。
【図１５】先端ストッパユニット１１４の斜視図である。
【図１６】図１５の先端ストッパユニット１１４を用紙搬送方向一方に見て示す端面図である。
【図１７】本実施の他の形態の先端ストッパ１４１および先端ストッパ駆動部１４２を示す斜視図である。
【図１８】図１７に示す先端ストッパ１４１および先端ストッパ駆動部１４２を、用紙幅方向に見て示す端面図である。
【図１９】図１８に示す先端ストッパ駆動部１４２によって、先端ストッパ１４１を規制位置に配置した状態を示す端面図である。
【図２０】図１８に示す先端ストッパ駆動部１４２によって、先端ストッパ１４１を退避位置に配置した状態を示す端面図である。
【図２１】用紙後処理装置４の要部をＺ方向他方に見て示す平面図であって、用紙Ｐと、後端板７２と、先端ストッパ７４（１４１）と、サイド規制板７３との関係を示す平面図である。
【図２２】針なしステープル装置７５ａの要部を示す斜視図である。
【図２３】針なしステープル装置７５ａによってステープル処理された用紙束Ｐの参考図である。
【図２４】用紙搬送方向上流側の針なしステープル装置７５ａのうち、特に開口部を示す斜視図である。
【図２５】図２４の針なしステープル装置７５ａの開口部の断面形状を表す図である。
【図２６】本実施形態を部分的に変更した変更形態に係り、用紙搬送方向上流側の針なしステープル装置７５ａのうち、特に開口部を示す斜視図である。
【図２７】図２６の針なしステープル装置７５ａの開口部の断面形状を表す図である。
【図２８】本実施形態を部分的に変更した変更形態に係り、用紙搬送方向上流側の針なしステープル装置７５ａのうち、特に開口部を示す斜視図である。
【図２９】画像形成装置１Ａの電気的構成を示すブロック図である。
【図３０】用紙後処理装置４の制御系のブロック図である。
【図３１】ステープルトレイ７１における短サイズ用紙の予備整合動作を示す斜視図である。
【図３２】ステープルトレイ７１における短サイズ用紙の予備整合動作の終了時の動作を示す斜視図である。
【図３３】図３２に示した予備整合動作の終了時からその後の後端板７２の動作を示す斜視図である。
【図３４】本発明の実施形態に係る用紙後処理装置４の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図３５】本発明の実施形態に係る用紙後処理装置４の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図３６】１つのステープル装置が、ステープルトレイ７１で積層される用紙Ｐの搬送方向下流側端部近傍に配置される場合の用紙後処理装置４の斜視図である。
【図３７】図３６の用紙後処理装置４の要部をＺ方向他方に見て示す平面図であって、用紙Ｐと、後端板７２と、先端ストッパ７４と、サイド規制板７３との関係を示す平面図である。
【図３８】従来の用紙後処理装置３００を、用紙の搬送ローラ３０１の軸線方向に垂直な仮想平面で切断して見た断面図である。
【図３９】従来の用紙後処理装置４００を備えた画像形成装置４０１を、用紙の搬送ローラの軸線方向に垂直な仮想平面で切断して見た断面図である。
【図４０】用紙後処理装置３００Ａと複写機本体３０２Ａとの関係を概略表す模式図であり、図４０（ａ）は、図３８の画像形成装置よりも、用紙後処理装置の床面からの高さが高くなり過ぎた場合の模式図、図４０（ｂ）は、用紙後処理装置の床面の設置面積が、図３８のものと比べて大きくなり過ぎた場合の模式図である。
【符号の説明】
４ 用紙後処理装置
７１ ステープルトレイ
７２ 後端板
７４ 先端ストッパ
７５ ステープラ
７５ａ 針なしステープル装置
７５ｂ 針ありステープル装置
８１ 後端板駆動機構
１１４ 先端ストッパユニット
１１５ 先端ストッパ移動駆動機構
１２５ 壁面部
１２６ 搬送面部
１２７ 一端面部
１２８，１２９ 面取り部
１３１ 先端ストッパ駆動部
１４１ 先端ストッパ
１７１ 用紙後処理装置制御部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus provided in a digital multifunction peripheral, an image forming apparatus, and the like, for example, for performing post-processing such as stapling processing on a sheet to which an image is added.
[0002]
In the present invention, the term “substantially orthogonal” includes orthogonal, and the term “substantially parallel” includes parallel.
[0003]
In the present invention, “staple processing” is synonymous with processing for binding documents and the like.
[0004]
[Prior art]
FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the conventional sheet post-processing apparatus 300 cut along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the sheet discharge rollers 301. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a copying machine as an image forming apparatus includes a sheet post-processing apparatus 300 that performs stapling processing as post-processing on a sheet on which an image is printed (for example, see Patent Document 1). . The sheet post-processing apparatus 300 is installed adjacent to the copying machine main body 302. That is, a discharge roller 301 is disposed on the downstream side of the copying machine main body 302 in the sheet conveyance direction (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the downstream side). The sheet printed by the copying machine main body 302 is taken into the sheet post-processing device 300 via the sheet discharging roller 301 and is subjected to stapling.
[0005]
The sheet post-processing apparatus 300 includes a sheet conveyance path 303, an alignment tray 304, and a sheet stack unit 305. The printed sheet taken into the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 by the sheet discharge roller 301 is taken into the alignment tray 304 in the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 via the transport path 303. The alignment tray 304 is arranged in a so-called upwardly inclined discharge direction in which the alignment tray 304 is slightly upwardly inclined toward the paper discharge direction. The sheets are stapled in a state of being stacked and aligned while straddling the alignment tray 304 and the sheet stack unit 305. Thereafter, the stapled sheet is discharged to the sheet stack unit 305.
[0006]
FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 401 provided with the conventional sheet post-processing apparatus 400, which is cut along a virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the sheet conveying roller. A structure in which the sheet post-processing device 400 is stored in the machine has also been proposed and put into practical use (for example, see Patent Document 2). The image forming apparatus 401 includes a document reading unit 402, a sheet post-processing device 400, and an image forming unit 403. The sheet post-processing device 400 is arranged between the document reading unit 402 and the image forming unit 403. Therefore, the sheets aligned in the sheet post-processing apparatus 400 are not exposed outside the apparatus during the aligning operation.
[0007]
Further, as a structure in which the sheet post-processing apparatus is stored in the apparatus, a structure in which the alignment position in the sheet post-processing apparatus is changed according to the sheet size has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 3). When post-processing long-size paper in this paper post-processing apparatus, as shown in FIG. 19 of Patent Document 3, the long-size paper is aligned with a post-processing position, and the paper is post-processed at this alignment position. Processing, ie, stapling processing. When post-processing a short-sized sheet, as shown in FIG. 29 of Patent Document 3, first, the short-sized sheet is aligned with the sheet stacking unit. Then, as shown in FIG. 20 of Patent Document 3, the sheet is conveyed to a post-processing position and stapled.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2-144370 (page 3-4, FIG. 3)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-10-177282 (page 6-9, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-348153 A (Pages 5-6, FIGS. 19-21)
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the relationship between the sheet post-processing apparatus 300A and the copying machine main body 302A. FIG. 40A shows a lower position of the sheet post-processing apparatus than the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 40B is a schematic diagram when the height is too high, and FIG. 40B is a schematic diagram when the installation area of the floor of the sheet post-processing apparatus is too large as compared with that in FIG.
[0010]
In the prior art described in Patent Document 1, in order to reduce the size of the sheet post-processing apparatus, a configuration as shown in FIG. 40 is generally considered. For example, as shown in FIG. 40A, when the sheet post-processing device 300A is installed on the floor, a configuration in which the inclination of the alignment tray 304 is made to approach a substantially vertical direction may be considered. However, in such a configuration, although the length of the sheet in the sheet post-processing apparatus 300A in the transport direction is short, the height of the sheet post-processing apparatus 300A from the floor is too high compared to the image forming apparatus in FIG. Would. On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 40 (b), a configuration in which the inclination of the alignment tray 304 approaches the horizontal direction may be considered. However, in such a configuration, the length of the sheet post-processing apparatus 300A in the transport direction is long. Become.
[0011]
As described above, the above-described configuration increases the size of the sheet post-processing apparatus. In particular, when a large-size sheet can be post-processed, the length of the alignment tray becomes remarkable, and the sheet post-processing apparatus becomes large. Accordingly, the conventional paper post-processing apparatus described in the above publication has a size that cannot be installed without a dedicated table, an additional paper cassette mechanism, etc., contrary to the recent miniaturization of image forming apparatuses. A system including such a sheet post-processing device requires a large occupied space, and thus is disadvantageous in terms of equipment environment.
[0012]
In the configuration described in the above publication, the sheet during the aligning operation is exposed outside the machine, so that the operator unexpectedly contacts the sheet before the end of the aligning operation and the stapling process. Further, the paper on which the aligning operation and the stapling process have been completed may be inadvertently removed. These external factors tend to cause problems such as paper jam, staple failure, and misalignment.
[0013]
In the sheet post-processing device 400 described in Patent Literature 2, the above-described problem does not occur because the sheet during the alignment operation is not exposed outside the machine. However, in the configuration of the sheet post-processing apparatus 400, the sheet is carried into the same sheet post-processing position regardless of the sheet size. That is, in the above-described configuration, a so-called long-size sheet having a long sheet conveyance direction length and a so-called short-size sheet having a short sheet conveyance direction length are carried into the same sheet post-processing position. Since the sheets are aligned at the same sheet post-processing position, for example, when post-processing a plurality of short-size sheets constituting a part of a document, the time required to align the sheets is adjusted to the other sheets. Takes longer than you would. As a result, the post-processing speed of the entire document is reduced.
[0014]
In order to solve such a problem, the following countermeasures are conceivable. For example, in order to shorten the conveyance distance to the post-processing position, that is, the alignment position of the short-sized paper, the paper post-processing device for the long-sized paper and the paper post-processing device for the short-sized paper are vertically positioned. To place. In this case, although the speed of the above-described post-processing is increased, the height of the entire sheet post-processing apparatus is increased, and the apparatus is enlarged.
[0015]
In the paper post-processing apparatus described in Patent Literature 3, when a staple processing unit with a staple that staples a plurality of papers using a staple is provided, the following problem occurs. For example, when cutting a sheet using a shredder or the like, it is necessary to remove the stapled needle from the sheet, which is troublesome. When reusing a stapled sheet with staples, the staples also need to be removed from the sheet.
[0016]
In the sheet post-processing apparatus described in the above publication, for example, when a stapleless stapling unit for stapling the plurality of sheets by partially stamping the plurality of sheets themselves is provided, More than the number of sheets cannot be stapled. Moreover, the paper stapled without the staples is more likely to be disassembled into pieces than the paper stapled with the staples, and is not suitable for long-term storage. As described above, the sheet post-processing apparatus provided with the staple-less stapling unit has a limitation on the number of sheets that can be stapled and is not suitable for long-term storage of sheets.
[0017]
In the paper post-processing apparatus described in the above publication, when a plurality of papers are transported to a post-processing position, the following problems also occur. That is, the thickness of the leading end portion of the plurality of sheets on the downstream side in the transport direction is larger than the product of the actual number of sheets and the sheet thickness due to the air layer existing between the stacked sheets. Therefore, the leading end of the sheet cannot be smoothly introduced into the opening of the staple processing means, and a plurality of sheets cannot be smoothly transported to the post-processing position.
[0018]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus which can reduce the size of the apparatus, can select a desired stapling processing, and has high reliability of the stapling processing.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus including a plurality of post-processing units for selectively performing post-processing on a sheet conveyed to a sheet stacking unit provided in a non-exposed state,
The plurality of post-processing means includes at least:
First sheet binding means for binding a plurality of stacked sheets using a binding tool;
A second sheet binding unit that binds the plurality of sheets by partially processing the stacked plurality of sheets themselves;
A sheet post-processing apparatus comprising a selection unit for selecting and using any one of the first and second sheet binding units.
[0020]
According to the present invention, the sheet is transported to the sheet stacking unit. One of the first and second sheet binding means is selected by the selection means, and thereafter, the selected post-processing means performs post-processing on the plurality of stacked sheets. Since the sheet stacking section to which the sheet is transported is provided in a non-exposed state, it is possible to prevent the operator from unexpectedly contacting the sheet during post-processing on the sheet. Also, it is possible to prevent the paper that has been post-processed from being carelessly removed.
[0021]
When the second sheet binding unit is selected by the selection unit, the plurality of stacked sheets can be partially processed to post-process, that is, bind, the plurality of sheets. When the post-processed sheet is cut using, for example, a shredder, there is no need to remove the binding device from the sheet. Also, when the post-processed paper is reused, the labor for removing the binding tool from the paper is not required. Conversely, if there is a possibility that the post-processed sheet is cut using a shredder or the like, or if there is a possibility of being reused, the binding device is removed from the sheet by selecting the second sheet binding means. It is possible to save the trouble of removing.
[0022]
When the first sheet binding unit is selected by the selection unit, the plurality of stacked sheets can be post-processed, that is, bound, using a binding device. The post-processed sheet is less likely to be disassembled into pieces and can be stored for a long period of time, and the number of sheets that can be post-processed is increased, as compared with the sheet post-processed by the second sheet binding unit. . Conversely, if the post-processed paper is to be stored for a long period of time, or if the number of post-processed papers is large as described above, the first paper binding unit is selected so that the paper can be stored for a long time. Alternatively, post-processing of a large number of sheets can be realized.
[0023]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the plurality of post-processing means are provided side by side in the transport direction of the paper transported to the paper stacking section.
[0024]
According to the present invention, since the plurality of post-processing means are provided in the conveying direction of the sheet conveyed to the sheet stacking section, it is possible to make the sheet post-processing apparatus compact. Therefore, the size of the sheet post-processing apparatus can be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of equipment environment.
[0025]
Also, the present invention is characterized in that one of the plurality of post-processing means provided in the vicinity is capable of post-processing a plurality of sheets stacked in the sheet stacking section, near the downstream end in the sheet conveyance direction. And the other post-processing means is disposed downstream of the one post-processing means in the transport direction.
[0026]
According to the present invention, in particular, one of the post-processing means is disposed near the downstream end in the transport direction of the paper so that the plurality of papers stacked in the paper stacking unit can be post-processed. In a state where the sheets are stacked on the sheet stacking section, the sheets can be post-processed by one of the post-processing means. In other words, when a plurality of sheets are post-processed by using one post-processing means, the plurality of sheets are post-processed by the sheet stacking unit. When a plurality of sheets are post-processed by using the other post-processing means, the plurality of sheets are conveyed downstream from the sheet stacking section in the conveyance direction, and then the plurality of sheets are post-processed.
[0027]
In this manner, the sheet is positioned at the position where the sheets are stacked in the sheet stacking section or at the position where the sheet is transported downstream from the sheet stacking section in the transport direction, and post-processing is selectively performed on the sheet using one or the other post-processing means. Therefore, at least the structure for positioning the paper can be simplified. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the sheet post-processing apparatus and reduce the manufacturing cost.
[0028]
Further, the invention is characterized in that the selection means selects the post-processing means by inputting a printing condition for the paper.
[0029]
According to the present invention, the selection of the post-processing means can be realized by actually inputting the printing conditions for the paper.
[0030]
Further, according to the present invention, the selection means selects the post-processing means by using at least one of the number of stacked sheets to be post-processed and the thickness of the stacked sheets to be post-processed. It is characterized by that.
[0031]
According to the present invention, the post-processing means is selected by using at least one of the number of sheets to be post-processed and the thickness of the sheets. In this way, the post-processing means can be selected according to the number or thickness of the sheets, so that the post-processable number of sheets or the thickness of the post-processable sheet can be reliably post-processed.
[0032]
Further, the invention is characterized in that the selection means selects the post-processing means based on the allowable number of sheets that can be post-processed by the second paper binding means.
[0033]
According to the present invention, the post-processing unit is selected based on the allowable number of sheets that can be post-processed by the stapleless stapling unit or the second sheet binding unit. Therefore, based on the permissible number of sheets, the stapleless stapling unit or the second sheet binding unit can reliably post-process the paper of the permissible number or less.
[0034]
Further, the invention is characterized in that the selecting means is configured such that any one of the plurality of post-processing means can be selected by an operator.
[0035]
According to the present invention, any one of the plurality of post-processing means is selected by the operator, so that a desired post-processing means can be reliably selected.
[0036]
Further, in the invention, it is preferable that at least one of the plurality of post-processing units provided in the conveyance direction is provided on a downstream side in the conveyance direction of the paper so that a plurality of sheets stacked in the paper stacking unit can be post-processed. It is characterized by being arranged near the end.
[0037]
According to the present invention, at least one of the plurality of post-processing units provided in the conveyance direction is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the paper so as to be able to post-process the plurality of sheets stacked in the paper stacking unit. Since the paper is arranged near the end, the paper can be post-processed by any one of the post-processing means in a state where a plurality of papers are stacked on the paper stacking unit. In other words, when a plurality of sheets are post-processed using the post-processing means, the plurality of sheets are post-processed in the sheet stacking unit. Therefore, the post-processing time can be reduced. In other words, the sheet once accumulated in the sheet accumulation unit can be post-processed without moving to another place, so that the post-processing time can be reduced.
[0038]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of sheets are subjected to post-processing in a sheet stacking section using a post-processing means arranged near a downstream end in the sheet conveying direction.
[0039]
According to the present invention, a plurality of sheets are subjected to post-processing in a sheet stacking unit using post-processing means arranged near the downstream end in the sheet conveying direction. In the state where a plurality of sheets are positioned in the sheet stacking section, the sheets can be post-processed using the post-processing means, so that the post-processing time can be reduced. In other words, the sheet once accumulated in the sheet accumulation unit can be post-processed without moving to another place, so that the post-processing time can be reduced. In addition, at least the structure for positioning the paper can be simplified. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the sheet post-processing apparatus and reduce the manufacturing cost.
[0040]
Further, the present invention further comprises a transport unit capable of moving a plurality of sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit in the transport direction while being aligned,
The plurality of sheets are moved in a conveying direction by a conveying unit, and the plurality of sheets can be post-processed using a desired post-processing unit.
[0041]
According to the present invention, after the plurality of sheets are moved in the conveying direction while being aligned by the conveying unit, the sheets are post-processed using a desired post-processing unit. That is, a post-processing unit to be post-processed can be selected according to the moving distance of the sheet by the transport unit. Since the transporting means is movable in the transporting direction while the plurality of papers are aligned, the plurality of papers are moved at the post-processing position after the plurality of papers are moved by the transporting means. There is no need to match. Therefore, the post-processing time of the sheet can be reduced.
[0042]
Further, the invention is characterized in that the plurality of post-processing means are respectively disposed at positions in the transport direction separated from the vicinity of the downstream end in the transport direction of the plurality of sheets stacked on the paper stacking section in the transport direction. .
[0043]
According to the present invention, the plurality of post-processing means are selected because they are respectively disposed at positions in the conveyance direction separated from the vicinity of the downstream end of the plurality of sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section in the conveyance direction. Post-processing means will be clarified. In other words, by making the position where the paper is post-processed different from the alignment position where the paper is fed into the paper stacking unit, the post-processing means to be selected is clarified. If the paper is not subjected to post-processing, when the paper is aligned in the paper stacking unit, the paper can be easily aligned without interfering with the post-processing means. In other words, it is easier to align the sheets in the stacking unit than in the case where the post-processing unit is arranged so that the sheets can be post-processed at the alignment position of the sheet stacking unit.
[0044]
Further, according to the present invention, the downstream end of the plurality of papers in the transport direction is transported to a transport direction position where the post-processing unit selected by the selecting unit is disposed among the plurality of post-processing units arranged in the transport direction. It is transported by means.
[0045]
According to the invention, the plurality of sheets are transported in the transport direction by the transport unit. At this time, the downstream end of the sheet in the transport direction is transported to the transport direction position where the post-processing unit selected by the selection unit is arranged. Thereafter, the paper is post-processed using the selected post-processing means. When the post-processing unit to be post-processed is selected in this manner, the sheet can be conveyed by the conveying unit to a position in the conveying direction of the post-processing unit and post-processed.
[0046]
The present invention also provides a sheet post-processing device provided in an image forming apparatus,
Multiple sheets post-processed by the sheet post-processing device
The paper discharge means provided in the image forming apparatus and the transport means of the paper post-processing apparatus cooperate with each other so that the paper can be discharged to a discharge section of the image forming apparatus.
[0047]
According to the present invention, a plurality of sheets after the post-processing are discharged to the discharge unit of the image forming apparatus in cooperation with the sheet discharging means and the conveying means. In this way, a function for discharging the paper can be provided to the transporting means.
[0048]
Further, in the present invention, the plurality of post-processing means provided in parallel in the transport direction is formed with an opening for post-processing the stacked sheets,
The opening of the post-processing means on the upstream side in the transport direction and the opening of the post-processing means on the downstream side are formed to have different opening cross-sectional areas.
[0049]
According to the present invention, the opening of the upstream post-processing means and the opening of the downstream post-processing means are formed so as to have different opening cross-sectional areas. Can be smoothly introduced into the opening. For example, even if the thickness of the leading end of the paper is larger than the product of the actual number of sheets and the paper thickness, the leading end of the paper is moved upstream by the air layer existing between the stacked sheets. It can be smoothly introduced into the openings on the side and the downstream side. Therefore, a plurality of sheets can be smoothly transported to the post-processing position.
[0050]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the opening cross-sectional area of the opening on the upstream side is formed larger than the opening cross-sectional area of the opening on the downstream side.
[0051]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the front-end | tip part of the conveyance direction downstream of several papers can be smoothly and reliably introduce | transduced into an opening part. Therefore, a plurality of sheets can be smoothly and reliably transported to the post-processing position of the post-processing means.
[0052]
Further, the present invention provides the post-processing means on the upstream side in the transport direction,
The opening of the post-processing means is a wall portion on which one side edge of the sheet is guided along the transport direction, and a wall portion along the sheet stacking direction and the transport direction is formed.
In the post-processing means, a portion of the upstream end in the transport direction, which is adjacent to the one end surface substantially perpendicular to the transport direction and the wall surface portion, is chamfered into a slope.
[0053]
According to the present invention, of the post-processing means, one end surface portion on the upstream side in the conveyance direction and one end surface portion substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and a portion adjacent to the wall surface portion are chamfered in a slope shape, Even if the paper fluctuates during conveyance after the paper is aligned, the frictional resistance between one side edge of the paper and the wall when the paper is introduced into the opening can be minimized, and Paper can be smoothly introduced.
[0054]
Further, the present invention provides the post-processing means on the upstream side in the transport direction,
In the opening of the post-processing means, a transport surface portion substantially parallel to the transport direction is formed,
In the post-processing means, a part of the one end face on the upstream side in the conveyance direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the conveyance direction and adjacent to the conveyance face part, is chamfered in a slope shape.
[0055]
According to the present invention, of the post-processing means, one end surface portion on the upstream side in the conveyance direction and one end surface portion substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and a portion adjacent to the conveyance surface portion are chamfered in a slope shape, In particular, even when the thickness of the downstream portion in the transport direction of the paper is larger than the product of the actual number of papers and the paper thickness, the leading end of the paper is reduced due to the air layer existing between the stacked papers. , Can be smoothly and reliably introduced into the opening on the upstream side.
[0056]
Further, the present invention provides the post-processing means on the upstream side in the transport direction,
The opening of the post-processing means is a wall portion on which one side edge of the paper is guided along the transport direction, and is adjacent to the wall portion along the stacking direction and the transport direction of the paper. And a transport surface portion substantially parallel to the transport direction is formed,
Of the post-processing means, one end surface portion on the upstream side in the conveyance direction and one end surface portion substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and a portion adjacent to the wall surface portion are chamfered into a slope shape, and the one end surface portion A portion adjacent to the transport surface is also chamfered into a slope shape.
[0057]
According to the present invention, it is possible to minimize the frictional resistance between one side edge of the sheet and the wall when the sheet is introduced into the opening, and to smoothly move the leading end of the sheet into the opening on the upstream side. And can be reliably introduced. Therefore, it is possible to realize a sheet post-processing apparatus having high post-processing reliability.
[0058]
Further, the present invention further includes a regulating unit that regulates a downstream end portion in the transport direction of the plurality of sheets moved in the transport direction by the transport unit,
The restricting means is configured to be movable in the upstream and downstream directions in the transport direction.
[0059]
According to the present invention, of the plurality of sheets moved in the transport direction by the transport unit, the downstream end in the transport direction is regulated by the regulating unit. Since the restricting means is configured to be movable in the upstream and downstream directions in the transport direction, it is possible to position the downstream end of the sheet to the post-processing position.
[0060]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the regulating means is configured to be movable in accordance with a selected post-processing means among a plurality of post-processing means provided in parallel in the transport direction.
[0061]
According to the invention, the regulating means is moved according to the selected post-processing means. Thus, the downstream end of the sheet is conveyed to the post-processing position of the selected post-processing means. Thereafter, post-processing of a plurality of sheets can be realized by the post-processing means.
[0062]
Further, according to the present invention, the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the plurality of sheets in the transport direction is restricted at least to the transport unit based on the position information of the selected post-processing unit among the plurality of post-processing units provided in the transport direction. In cooperation with the means, the post-processing means is moved to a post-processing position and is configured to be capable of post-processing.
[0063]
According to the present invention, the vicinity of the downstream end of the plurality of sheets in the transport direction is based on the position information of the selected post-processing unit, and at least the transport unit and the regulating unit cooperate with each other to control the post-processing unit. It is moved to the post-processing position. Thereafter, the sheet can be reliably post-processed.
[0064]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an image forming apparatus 1A including a sheet post-processing apparatus 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the image forming apparatus main body 1. The sheet post-processing device 4 of the present embodiment is provided in the image forming apparatus 1A. The image forming apparatus 1A includes an image forming apparatus main body 1 and a paper stack section 2, and the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the paper stack section 2 are installed adjacent to each other, for example, on a floor surface. The image forming apparatus main unit 1 includes a document reading unit 3, a sheet post-processing device 4, a main body tray 5, an image forming unit 6, and a sheet feeding unit 7. In the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus, a paper feeding unit 7 is disposed on the floor surface, and the image forming unit 6, the main body tray 5, the sheet post-processing device 4, and the document reading unit are provided at one end in the thickness direction of the paper feeding unit 7. 3 are sequentially arranged or arranged. Hereinafter, the thickness direction perpendicular to the floor is defined as a Z direction.
[0065]
The document reading section 3 has a document table 11 and a scanner optical system 12. At one end of the document reading section 3 in the Z direction, a document placing table 11 having a light-transmitting property, for example, made of transparent glass is provided. At the other end in the Z direction of the document reading unit 3, a scanner optical system 12 is provided facing the sheet post-processing device 4. The scanner optical system 12 includes an exposure light source 13, a plurality of reflecting mirrors 14, an imaging lens 15, and a charge-coupled device 16 (abbreviated as CCD: Charge Coupled Device). The exposure light source 13 irradiates one surface portion of the original placed on the original placing table 11 with light while moving along the original placing table 11. The reflected light from the original is reflected by the reflecting mirror 14 and guided to the CCD 16 via the imaging lens 15. In this way, the document is read by the document reading unit 3.
[0066]
The image forming section 6 includes a photoreceptor 17, a developing device 18, a transfer charger 19, a cleaning device (not shown), a static eliminator 20, a main charger 21, and a laser scanning unit 22 (abbreviated as LSU: Laser Scanning Unit). The image forming unit 6 further includes a manual paper feed path 35, a main transport path 36, a reverse transport path 37, and a paper discharge transport path 38, which will be described later. The image data of the original read by the CCD 16 is supplied to the LSU 22 after being subjected to image processing by an image processing unit (not shown). The LSU 22 irradiates a laser beam to the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 17 based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface. The developing device 18 spreads toner on the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 17 to develop the electrostatic latent image into a visible image. The transfer charger 19 transfers the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 17 by the above-described development to the paper P. The cleaning device removes toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 17. The charge removing device 20 removes electric charges remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 17. The main charger 21 charges the photoconductor 17 to a predetermined potential.
[0067]
The paper supply unit 7 includes a paper cassette 31 in which paper P is stored. On the downstream side of the sheet cassette 31 in the sheet output direction, an intake roller 32 and a sheet separation roller 33 for outputting the sheet P are provided. The sheet separating roller 33 includes a roller that rotates in one direction and a roller that rotates in a direction opposite to the one direction, and prevents double feeding of the sheet P. The paper separating roller 33 may be configured to include, for example, a roller that rotates in one direction and a friction sheet member. The paper supply unit 7 further includes a cassette side paper output path 34, and the paper P from the paper cassette 31 is transported by the cassette side paper output path 34. In the cassette-side paper output path 34, a paper separating roller 33 is disposed at the upstream end in the paper transport direction.
[0068]
At the upstream end of the manual paper feed path 35 in the manual paper conveyance direction, a manual paper separation roller 40, a manual tray 41, and a call-in roller 42 are provided. The downstream end of the cassette-side paper output path 34 in the paper transport direction, the downstream end of the manual paper feed path 35 in the manual paper transport direction, and one end of the reverse transport path 37 are located upstream of the main transport path 36 in the main transport direction. It communicates with the side end. The main transport path 36 extends in one direction in the Z direction, and communicates with the other end of the reverse transport path 37 near the downstream end in the main transport direction. Further, on the downstream side of the main transport path 36, it communicates with a sheet discharge transport path 38 and a post-processing transport path 39 to be described later.
[0069]
In the main transport path 36, a registration roller 43 is provided near the upstream end in the main transport direction. A pre-registration detection switch (not shown) is provided upstream of the registration rollers 43 in the main transport direction, and the pre-registration detection switch detects passage of the sheet P. In the image forming apparatus 1 </ b> A, the registration roller 43 aligns the toner image on the photoconductor 17 with the sheet P based on the detection signal of the pre-registration detection switch. In the main transport path 36, a fixing device 44 is provided downstream of the transfer charger 19 in the main transport direction. The fixing device 44 is a device that heats and presses the toner image on the paper P, and includes a pair of fixing rollers and a fixing paper detection switch (not shown) that detects passage of the paper P through the fixing rollers.
[0070]
A discharge roller 45 is provided at a downstream end of the discharge conveyance path 38 in the discharge direction. The paper discharge roller 45 has a function of discharging the paper P to the main body tray 5. A discharge detection switch (not shown) for detecting passage of the sheet P by the discharge roller 45 is provided upstream of the discharge roller 45 in the discharge direction. Further, a switching gate 46 is provided at a portion where the paper discharge conveyance path 38 and the post-processing conveyance path 39 communicate with each other. The switching gate 46 switches to guide the sheet P to one of the paper discharge transport path 38 and the post-processing transport path 39. The post-processing conveyance path 39 guides the sheet P from the image forming unit 6 to the sheet post-processing device 4 as shown in FIGS. A plurality of transport rollers 47 are provided at a substantially intermediate portion of the transport path of the post-processing transport path 39.
[0071]
A discharge roller 48 is provided at the downstream end of the post-processing conveyance path 39 in the conveyance direction. Further, a paper detection switch 49 is provided upstream of the paper discharge roller 48 in the transport direction. The sheet detection switch 49 detects the entry of the sheet P into the sheet post-processing device 4. The paper detection switch 49 is realized by a mechanical switch or an optical sensor.
[0072]
The sheet post-processing device 4 includes an escape transport path 52 and a post-processing unit 51. The escape transport path 51 is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction of the paper discharge roller 48 and on one side in the Z direction, and includes a post-processing unit 52 on the other side of the escape transport path 51 in the Z direction. A switching gate 53 is provided upstream of each of the escape transport path 51 and the post-processing section 52 in the transport direction. The switching gate 53 switches the sheet P conveyed by the sheet discharge roller 48 to one of the escape conveyance path 51 and the post-processing section 52.
[0073]
The escape transport path 51 is used when ejecting a sheet for which stapling is prohibited or when ejecting a large amount of sheet not subjected to stapling. The papers for which the stapling process is prohibited are, specifically, special papers and small-sized papers whose transport direction dimension is smaller than a prescribed dimension. When the escape transport path 51 is selected, the switching gate 53 switches to the escape position b shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG.
[0074]
The post-processing unit 52 is used when performing post-processing such as stapling and sorting of sheets based on tray offset. When the post-processing section 52 is selected, the switching gate 53 switches to the post-processing position a shown by the solid line in FIG. The downstream end of the escape transport path 51 in the transport direction communicates with the first discharge path 54 and the second discharge section 55 of the sheet stack unit 2. The downstream end of the post-processing unit 52 in the transport direction communicates with the third discharge path 56 of the paper stack unit 2. A switching gate 57 is provided at a communication portion between the first and second discharge paths 54 and 55 and the escape transport path 51. The switching gate 57 switches to guide the sheet P to one of the first and second discharge paths 54 and 55. When the switching gate 57 is located at the first discharge position a indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1, the sheet P is guided to the first discharge path 54. When the switching gate 57 is located at the second discharge position b indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the paper P is guided to the second discharge path 55.
[0075]
The first discharge path 54 includes a transport roller 58, and the transport roller 58 discharges the sheet P to a first sheet stack tray 59. The second discharge unit 55 includes a paper discharge roller 60, and the paper discharge roller 60 discharges the paper P to the second paper stack tray 61. The first paper stack tray 59 corresponds to a small amount of paper including the special paper and small-size paper conveyed from the escape conveyance path 51. The second sheet stack tray 61 corresponds to a large number of sheets conveyed from the escape conveyance path 51 and a plurality of sheets P that have been aligned and stapled by the post-processing unit 52. A plurality of sheets P may be referred to as a sheet bundle P.
[0076]
The second sheet stack tray 61 is configured to be movable in one direction and the other in the Z direction, that is, so as to be able to move up and down. The distance between one end surface of the second sheet stack tray 61 in the Z direction and the sheet discharge roller 60 is determined by the second sheet stack. The upper limit sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the tray 61 is controlled to be always constant. When the second paper stack tray 61 is loaded with the paper P, the distance between one end surface of the paper P in the Z direction and the paper discharge roller 60 is controlled by the upper limit sensor to be always constant. . Thus, the second sheet stack tray 61 maintains a high sheet discharge stacking function, and enables stacking of a large amount of sheets P. Further, the second sheet stack tray 61 has an offset function for sorting the discharged sheet bundle P by a predetermined number of copies by horizontal reciprocating movement in a direction orthogonal to the sheet discharging direction.
[0077]
When the discharge to the first sheet stack tray 59 is selected and the stapling process and the offset process on the stack tray, that is, the sorting process of the sheet bundle P discharged by the elevating operation of the second sheet stack tray 61 is not selected. The paper P is discharged to the first paper stack tray 59. Further, even if any one of the stapling process and the offset process is selected, the first sheet stacking is performed for the sheet having the size corresponding to either the prohibition of the discharge to the second sheet stack tray 61 or the prohibition of the stapling process. The sheet is discharged to the tray 59.
[0078]
In both cases described above, the sheet P is transferred to the first sheet stack tray 59 via the escape conveyance path 51 by the switching gate 53 being switched to the escape position b and the switching gate 57 being switched to the first discharge position a. Is discharged. Further, even when the discharge to the first sheet stack tray 59 is selected, information that a large amount of sheets P exceeding the allowable stacking amount of the first sheet stack tray 59 is discharged will be described later in the image forming apparatus control. When the sheet is sent from the sheet feeding unit 161 (see FIG. 29) to the sheet post-processing apparatus control unit 171 (see FIG. 30), the discharge destination tray is automatically set to one of the main body tray 5 and the second sheet stack tray 61. Or stop the image forming process.
[0079]
In these cases, for example, in the image forming apparatus main body 1, a display on a display unit (not shown) of the operation unit informs the operator that the discharge tray has been changed and that output is not possible. . When the stapling process is not selected and either the discharge to the second paper stack tray 61 or the offset process is selected, the paper P is discharged to the second paper stack tray 61 via the escape conveyance path 51. In this case, the switching gate 53 is switched to the escape position b, and the switching gate 57 is switched to the second discharge position b.
[0080]
As for the sheet size based on the control of the switching gates 53 and 57 of the sheet post-processing device 4, the information of the sheet size detection in the sheet cassette 31 and the information of the sheet size detection in the manual feed tray 41 are used. Some manual feed trays 41 feed irregular-size paper and do not detect the paper size. In such a case, the pre-registration detection switch or the like obtains length information that is a dimension in the transport direction of the paper P based on a time in which the paper P is in an on state during transport of the paper, and determines the paper size.
[0081]
In this case, there are sheets having different widths even if the lengths in the transport direction are the same. For example, A5 vertical feed and A4 vertical feed are used. Note that A5 or A4 is one of the row A sizes defined by the Japanese Industrial Standards. In response to this, considering the switching time of the switching gate 53, the paper detection switch 49 is set so that the difference between the A5 width and the A4 width can be detected from the paper length and the moving distance in the paper transport direction. Deploy. The paper detection switch 49 is arranged so as to detect the A4 width although it does not detect the A5 width. Thus, the paper detection switch 49 is also used as a width reading unit. If a configuration similar to the above-described paper detection switch 49 is provided at a position on the upstream side in the transport direction of the switching gate 46, a paper that is not allowed to enter the paper post-processing device 4 at this position is selected, and the paper is removed. It can be discharged to the tray 5.
[0082]
The escape conveyance path 51 of the sheet post-processing device 4 is realized by a general rubber roller, and includes a plurality of pairs of conveyance rollers 62 that are pressed against and contact one side and the other in the Z direction. The transport rollers 62 are arranged in parallel in the transport direction of the paper P. The interval between the transport rollers 62 is set to be shorter than the length in the transport direction of the minimum size paper set to be able to be discharged to the first and second stack trays 59 and 61. The escape transport path 51 includes an upper paper guide 63 and a lower paper guide 64. The upper paper guide 63 is disposed on one side of the transport roller 62 in the Z direction, and the lower paper guide 64 is disposed on the other side of the transport roller 62 in the Z direction. The lower paper guide 64 also functions as an upper paper guide in the post-processing unit 52.
[0083]
FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged perspective views of the sheet post-processing apparatus 4, and particularly, are perspective views showing the relationship among the sheet P, the rear end plate 72, and the front end stopper 74. FIG. 1 is also referred to. The post-processing unit 52 of the sheet post-processing device 4 is a staple tray 71 that is disposed substantially parallel to the floor surface, and includes a staple tray 71 that is provided in a non-exposed state as a sheet stacking unit. The staple tray 71 includes a rear end plate 72, a side regulating plate 73, a front end stopper 74, and a stapler 75.
[0084]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the operation of the rear end plate 72 with respect to the long size sheet P1. The long size sheet P1 is synonymous with a sheet whose dimension in the sheet conveying direction is larger than a predetermined dimension. The rear end plate 72 is movable in one and the other directions in the transport direction of the sheet P1. One of the paper transport directions is indicated by an arrow C1. The other direction of paper transport is indicated by arrow C2. The paper transport direction may be referred to as the paper transport direction. The rear end plate 72 partially presses the rear end portion of the sheet P1 that has entered the staple tray 71 against the long size sheet P1. As a result, the front end of the sheet P1 is pressed against the leading end stopper 74. The rear end of the paper P1 has the same meaning as the upstream end of the paper P1 in the transport direction, and the front end of the paper P1 has the same meaning as the downstream end of the paper P1 in the transport direction. As described above, by pressing the front end of the sheet P1 against the leading end stopper 74, the position of the sheet P1 in the transport direction on the staple tray 71 is aligned. The position where the long-sized paper P1 is aligned in this manner is the stapling position.
[0085]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the relationship among the short-size sheet P2, the rear end plate 72, and the front end stopper 74. The short-sized sheet P2 is synonymous with a sheet whose dimension in the transport direction of the sheet P2 is smaller than a predetermined dimension. The rear end plate 72 partially presses the front end of the sheet P2 that has entered the staple tray 71 against the short-sized sheet P2. By pressing the rear end of the sheet P2 against the rear wall 77 of the staple tray 71, the position of the sheet P2 in the transport direction on the staple tray 71 is aligned. The position where the short size paper P2 is aligned in this way is the short size alignment position.
[0086]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the operation of the rear end plate 72 with respect to the short-size sheet bundle P2 aligned at the short-size alignment position. The rear end plate 72 partially presses the rear end of the short size sheet bundle P2 aligned at the short size alignment position. As a result, the front end of the sheet bundle P2 is pressed against the leading end stopper 74 for alignment, and the sheet bundle P2 is stapled using the stapler 75. Thereafter, the sheet bundle P2 is discharged to the second stack tray 61 side.
[0087]
To enable the sheet bundle P2 to be discharged to the second stack tray 61, the rear end plate 72 can be angularly displaced between a falling state and a rising state described later. The falling state of the rear end plate 72 is a state in which one surface of the sheet P2 against which the sheet P2 is pressed is substantially parallel to one surface of the staple tray 71. The rising state of the rear end plate 72 is a state in which one surface of the staple tray 71 against which the sheet P2 is pressed is substantially perpendicular. In this embodiment, the term “substantially parallel” includes parallel, and the term “substantially vertical” includes vertical. Further, the rear end plate 72 can be displaced so as to be pushed out to a position where the front end of the sheet bundle P2 is sandwiched by the sheet discharge rollers 60.
[0088]
In the present embodiment, the distinction between the long size and the short size of the sheet is made by determining the length of the sheet, which is the dimension in the transport direction of the sheet, from the front end surface 77 a of the rear wall portion 77 in the staple tray 71. The determination is performed based on whether or not the length exceeds 1/2 of the length up to the stopper 74. A sheet having a length exceeding 1/2 of the length from the front end face 77a to the front end stopper 74 is defined as a long size, and the sheet length is not more than 1/2 of the length from the front end face 77a to the front end stopper 74. Things are short. Further, the paper length can be distinguished by inputting to the operation unit of the image forming apparatus main body 1 at the time of a print request, that is, designating the paper size to be used, for example, detecting the paper size by the pre-registration detection switch, or detecting the paper size 1 is performed based on a print request from a terminal device such as a computer or a facsimile to which the device 1 is connected.
[0089]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a side regulating plate 73 described later is provided on one end side of the staple tray 71 in a sheet width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction and the Z direction. On the other end of the staple tray 71 in the tray width direction, a paper-side end regulating portion 76 is provided facing the side regulating plate 73 and stands up a predetermined small distance toward one side in the Z direction. The side regulating plate 73 is displaceable to one side and the other side in the tray width direction. One side edge portion of the sheet P that has entered the staple tray 71 is pressed against the sheet side end regulating portion 76 using a side regulating plate 73 to align the position of the sheet P in the tray width direction.
[0090]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the rear end plate driving mechanism 81. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the operation of alleviating the damage to the sheet P in the moving portion of the rear end plate driving mechanism 81 in FIG. The rear end plate 72 is formed in a plate shape, and is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the tray width direction of the staple tray 71. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction is defined as a Y direction, and a direction orthogonal to the Y direction and the Z direction is defined as an X direction. The rear end plate 72 is formed with a pair of paper rear end locking portions 72a for preventing the rear end of the paper P from rising. These paper trailing end locking portions 72a are arranged slightly apart in the Y direction. Each paper rear end locking portion 72a extends a predetermined small distance in one Z direction from one side edge in the Z direction of the rear end plate 72 in the rising state of the rear end plate 72, and further extends in one thickness direction of the rear end plate 72. Protrude a small distance.
[0091]
The rear end plate 72 is slid and angularly displaced by the rear end plate drive mechanism 81. The rear end plate 72 and the rear end plate driving mechanism 81 correspond to a transport unit. The rear end plate drive mechanism 81 includes a base member 82, a slide member 83, a first screw gear 84, a second screw gear 85, and a pressurizing spring 86 as a moving unit that slides and displaces with the rear end plate 72. As means for driving the moving section, a stepping motor 87, a first belt 88, a second belt 89, a first pulley 90, a second pulley 91, and a third pulley 92 are provided. Further, as means for angularly displacing the rear end plate 72, a solenoid 93, a solenoid arm 94, a connection arm 95, a shaft arm 96, a square shaft 97, a return spring 99, and an origin sensor 98 are provided. The endless second belt 89 is stretched around a second pulley 91 and a third pulley 92 on the other side in the Z direction of the staple tray 71 (see FIG. 3), and is arranged to extend in the sheet transport direction, that is, the X direction. . The base member 82 is connected to a part of the second belt 89.
[0092]
The second pulley 91 is arranged on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, and the third pulley 92 is arranged on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction. The first pulley 90 and the second pulley 91 are coaxially connected and provided, and the first and second pulleys 90 and 91 rotate integrally. The first belt 88 is stretched around a rotation shaft of the stepping motor 87 and a first pulley 90. Therefore, the rotation of the stepping motor 87 causes the base member 82 to slide in one direction and the other direction in the sheet conveying direction.
[0093]
In the space between the outward path and the return path of the second belt 89 facing each other, a square shaft 97 is arranged extending in the sheet transport direction. The upstream end of the square shaft 97 in the sheet transport direction is connected to a solenoid 93 via a shaft arm 96, a connection arm 95 and a solenoid arm 94. Therefore, when the solenoid 93 is driven, the square shaft 97 rotates around its axis.
[0094]
The first screw gear 84 is slidably displaceable with respect to the square shaft 97 in the sheet conveying direction and rotatable coaxially with the square shaft 97 so that the square shaft 97 is inserted. The second screw gear 85 meshes with the first screw gear 84. The second screw gear 85 is supported by a slide member 83 via a support shaft 85a so as to be angularly displaceable. The support shaft 85a has an axis extending in the tray width direction, that is, parallel to the Y direction. The other end of the rear end plate 72 in the width direction is fixed to the support shaft 85a.
[0095]
The slide member 83 is provided on one side in the Z direction of the base member 82 via a pressurizing spring 86 so as to be slidable with respect to the base member 82 in the sheet conveyance direction. Accordingly, the rotation of the stepping motor 87 causes the rear end plate 72 to slide in one direction and the other direction in the sheet conveying direction. The amount of slide displacement of the slide member 83 with respect to the base member 82 is regulated by the structure in which the pin 82a is inserted into the elongated hole 83b. The long hole 83b penetrates the slide member 83 in the Z direction and extends in the sheet transport direction. The pin 82a is attached to the base member 82 and slightly protrudes in one direction in the Z direction.
[0096]
In the rear end plate driving mechanism 81 described above, when the stepping motor 87 is viewed in the other direction in the Z direction, and the stepping motor 87 rotates clockwise, the moving portion including the rear end plate 72 slides in one direction in the sheet conveyance direction. I do. At this time, when the detection piece 83a provided at the upstream end in the sheet conveyance direction of the slide member 83 is detected by the origin sensor 98, the rear end plate 72 has reached a home position (not shown), and the stepping motor 87 stops.
[0097]
Further, by rotating the stepping motor 87 by an arbitrary number of pulses in the counterclockwise direction opposite to the clockwise direction, the rear end plate 72 can be slid and displaced to an arbitrary position corresponding to the number of pulses. In this way, the rear end plate 72 can be slid to a predetermined position by clockwise and counterclockwise rotation corresponding to the predetermined number of pulses of the stepping motor 87.
[0098]
The slide member 83 supporting the rear end plate 72 normally moves integrally with the base member 82 by the compression repulsive force of the pressurizing spring 86. However, in the final alignment operation by the rear end plate 72, the paper P may be pushed more than necessary due to the “variation” of the paper size. The variation is usually about ± 1 mm between lots. The final alignment operation is an operation of aligning the long size paper and the short size paper by pressing the paper against the leading end stopper 74, that is, the alignment operation shown in FIGS. In this case, if the paper P is larger than the specified size, the paper may be damaged by a strong pushing force of the rear end plate 72.
[0099]
Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation in the final alignment operation, when an excessive pressing force is applied to the sheet P, as shown in FIG. Stop. With such a pressing force adjusting mechanism, the paper P can always be aligned with an appropriate pressing force, so that it is possible to prevent the paper P from being damaged.
[0100]
In the case where the same pushing force adjusting mechanism is provided also in the preliminary alignment operation for the short size paper, that is, the alignment operation shown in FIG. 6, the rear end plate 72 is pushed in both the one direction and the other direction in the paper conveyance direction. A force adjustment mechanism is required, which has little effect on the complexity of the structure. That is, the "variation" of about 2 mm after the preliminary alignment operation can be properly adjusted by the final alignment, and can be reduced to a level that does not cause any practical problem.
[0101]
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an operation of setting the rear end plate 72 in the rear end plate driving mechanism 81 in FIG. When the solenoid 93 is turned on and performs a retreating operation, the solenoid arm 94 rotates around an axis parallel to the X direction against the elastic force, that is, the tensile force of the return spring 99 connected to the solenoid arm 94. . Thus, by pulling the connecting arm 95 in one direction in the Y direction, the shaft arm 96, that is, the square shaft 97 is rotated by 90 degrees around its axis. As a result, the first and second screw gears 84 and 85 rotate by 90 degrees, and the rear end plate 72 falls down as shown in FIG. The tilt angle in this case can be set to a desired angle by adjusting the rotation angle of the square shaft 97 or the like. This operation can be performed even when the moving portion of the rear end plate driving mechanism 81 including the rear end plate 72 is moving. On the other hand, when the solenoid 93 is turned off, the resilient force of the return spring 99 reversely rotates the square shaft 97 to the original position. As a result, the rear end plate 72 is in a rising state.
[0102]
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a main part of a rear end plate driving mechanism 81A provided with a second screw gear 85A different from the second screw gear 85 shown in FIG. In the moving section of the rear end plate driving mechanism 81A, the second screw gear may be a second screw gear 85A shown in FIG. In the second screw gear 85A, a gear is formed by a plurality of pins 85b arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member. In such a configuration, the second screw gear 85A and the rear end plate 72 can be integrally formed, for example, by injection molding. Can be simplified.
[0103]
That is, when the second screw gear 85 shown in FIG. 8 is formed by injection molding, a method of extracting the product while rotating the product from the mold can be considered. Therefore, when the second screw gear 85 and the rear end plate 72 are integrally formed, the product cannot be extracted from the mold. That is, when the second screw gear 85 is formed by injection molding, it is impossible to integrally form the second screw gear 85 and the rear end plate 72. On the other hand, in the second screw gear 85A in which the gears are formed by the plurality of pins 85b described above, it is not necessary to remove the product by rotation, and the second screw gear 85A and the rear end plate 72 are integrally formed by injection molding. It becomes possible to mold.
[0104]
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the side regulating plate driving unit 101 of the side regulating plate 73. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a fitting structure between the two-stage pulley 110 and the reduction pulley 106 in the three pulley group 111 shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a compression state of the pressurizing spring 113 by the claw portion of the connecting pulley 107 in the speed reduction pulley 106 shown in FIG. The side regulating plate 73 is driven by the side regulating plate driving unit 101. That is, the side regulating plate 73 is driven by the side regulating plate driving unit 101 to perform an operation of moving to the matching position and an operation of moving back to the retreat position. The side regulating plate 73 has a substantially L-shape when viewed in one direction in the X direction, and is formed in a substantially angle shape extending in the sheet transport direction, that is, the X direction. The side regulating plate 73 is formed to have a length of about の of the length of the staple tray 71 in the X direction, and is supported on one surface of the staple tray 71 on one side in the Z direction. You.
[0105]
The side regulating plate driving unit 101 is provided on the other side of the staple tray 71 in the Z direction. The side regulating plate driving section 101 has a driving motor 102 for driving the side regulating plate 73 and a driving force transmission mechanism 101A for transmitting the driving force from the driving motor 102 to the side regulating plate 73. The driving force transmission mechanism 101A includes a reduction belt 103, a connection belt 104, and a pair of driving belts 105. The driving force transmission mechanism 101A includes a reduction pulley 106, a pair of connecting pulleys 107, a pair of driving pulleys 108, and a pair of driven pulleys 109.
[0106]
The deceleration pulley 106 and the two-stage pulley 110 including the connecting pulley 107 and the driving pulley 108 are integrally supported near the driving motor 102, and are rotatably supported around the same axis parallel to the Z axis. A two-stage pulley 112 is rotatably supported around the same axis parallel to the Z axis in one of the pulley groups 111 in the sheet conveying direction away from the drive motor 102. The two-stage pulley 112 includes a connecting pulley 107 and a driving pulley 108. The connecting pulley 107 and the driving pulley 108 are integrally supported and rotatably supported around the same axis parallel to the Z axis.
[0107]
A driven pulley 109 is supported by the pulley group 111 in one direction in the Y direction, that is, one direction in the paper width direction, so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the Z axis. The driven pulley 109 is also supported by the two-stage pulley 112 so as to be rotatable about one axis in the Y direction, that is, one direction in the paper width direction, about an axis parallel to the Z axis. The connection pulley 107 and the driving pulley 108 of the two-stage pulleys 110 and 112 are coaxially arranged and integrated by fitting each other.
[0108]
The reduction belt 103 is stretched around the rotation shaft of the drive motor 12 and the reduction pulley 106 of the pulley group 111. The connecting belt 104 is stretched around the connecting pulley 107 of the pulley group 111 and the connecting pulley 107 of the two-stage pulley 112. The connection belt 104 stretched over the two connection pulleys 107 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction thereof is in the sheet conveyance direction. One drive belt 105 is stretched around a drive pulley 108 of the pulley group 111 and one driven pulley 109 in the Y direction. The other drive belt 105 is stretched around a drive pulley 108 of the two-stage pulley 112 and one driven pulley 109 in the Y direction. A pair of drive belts 108 stretched around the drive pulley 108 and the driven pulley 109 are arranged in parallel, and each drive belt 108 has its longitudinal direction arranged in the paper width direction.
[0109]
On one surface of the side regulating plate 73 facing the staple tray 71, a pair of connecting portions 73a are provided separately from each other in the longitudinal direction of the side regulating plate 73. The staple tray 71 is formed with a pair of long holes 71a for enabling the side regulating plate 73 to move in the X direction. That is, the long holes 71a are formed in parallel so as to extend in the paper width direction. The pair of long holes 71a are formed at positions corresponding to the pair of connecting portions 73a. Each connecting portion 73a projects from the one surface portion of the side regulating plate 73 in the other direction in the Z direction, and is connected to a part of the drive belt 105 through each long hole 71a. Thus, the side regulating plate 73 is linked to the side regulating plate driving unit 101 in an interlocked manner.
[0110]
In the pulley group 111, the two-stage pulley 110 and the deceleration pulley 106 are fitted and integrated by a structure described later shown in FIG. That is, in the two-stage pulley 110, a pair of claws 107a projecting in the other direction in the Z direction are formed on one surface portion of the connecting pulley 107, that is, the other end surface in the Z direction. The deceleration pulley 106 corresponding to the two-stage pulley 110 is formed with a pair of grooves 106a for inserting a pair of claws 107a, respectively. The circumferential length of the groove 106a is formed to be slightly longer than the circumferential length of the claw 107a of the connecting pulley 107. Thereby, the two-stage pulley 110 is fitted to the speed reduction pulley 107 in a state of having a predetermined range of freedom in the rotation direction, that is, a predetermined play amount.
[0111]
Of the pair of groove portions 106a, the circumferential length of one groove portion 106a is formed longer than the circumferential length of the other groove portion 106a. A pressurizing spring 113, which is a coil-shaped compression spring, is provided in one groove 106a of the reduction pulley 106. The driving force applied from the driving motor 102 to the reduction pulley 106 via the reduction belt 103 is transmitted to the two-stage pulley 110 via the spring force of the pressurizing spring 113. When a pressing force by the side regulating plate 73 is applied to one side edge and the other side edge of the sheet P, the spring force of the pressurizing spring 113 causes the one side edge and the other side edge of the sheet P to be applied. Prevents a pressing force from acting on the part. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress a situation in which one side edge and the other side edge of the sheet P are damaged when the side regulating plate 73 aligns the sheet P in the width direction.
[0112]
That is, when the one side edge and the other side edge of the sheet P are aligned by the side regulating plate 73, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the sheet P2 is sandwiched between the side regulating plate 73 and the sheet side edge regulating portion 76. Are aligned in the condition At this time, since the pressurizing spring 113 is interposed between the deceleration pulley 106 and the two-stage pulley 110, the side regulating plate 73 is attached to one side edge of the sheet P2 by the spring force of the pressurizing spring 113. Pressed.
[0113]
Here, the size of the paper P generally has a cutting variation of about ± 1 mm between lots of 500 sheets. Therefore, it is necessary to set the alignment position of the side regulating plate 73, that is, the advance amount for the alignment, in accordance with the sheet of the lot whose cutting size is small. For this reason, the paper P of a lot whose cutting size is large is usually excessively tightened, and the paper P may be damaged.
[0114]
Thus, as described above, if the driving force applied to the deceleration pulley 106 is transmitted to the two-stage pulley 110 via the spring force of the pressurizing spring 113, before the overtightening state occurs, As shown in FIG. 14, the pressurizing spring 113 is compressed to absorb the extra stroke. Therefore, the paper can be aligned with an appropriate pressure due to the repulsive force of the pressurizing spring 113. When the side regulating plate 73 retreats and separates from the sheet P, the positional relationship of the two-stage pulley 110 with respect to the pressurizing spring 113, that is, the deceleration pulley 106, in other words, the fitting state of the two-stage pulley 110 with the deceleration pulley 106 is shown in FIG. The state returns to state 13.
[0115]
According to the side regulating plate driving unit 101, the driving force of the driving motor 102 is transmitted to the reduction pulley 106 via the reduction belt 103. Hereinafter, the driving force is transmitted from the deceleration pulley 106 to the side regulating plate 73 via the driving pulley 108, the driving belt 105, and the connecting portion 73a, and the connecting pulley 107, the connecting belt 104, the connecting pulley 107, The power is transmitted to the side regulating plate 73 via the pulley 108, the drive belt 105, and the connecting portion 73a. As described above, the side regulating plates 73 are driven synchronously by the pair of drive belts 105 connected to the side regulating plates 73, respectively. Therefore, the side regulating plate 73 can be translated with high accuracy.
[0116]
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the distal end stopper unit 114. FIG. 16 is an end view showing the leading end stopper unit 114 of FIG. The leading end stopper 74 is provided on one end side of the staple tray 71 in the sheet transport direction. The leading end stopper 74 as a regulating unit regulates the alignment position of the sheet P on the staple tray 71. That is, the leading end stopper 74 is a post-processing position of the sheet P to be stapled, and regulates and positions the post-processing position of the sheet P on the staple tray 71. The leading end stopper 74 is configured to be switchable between a post-processing position that protrudes from the one surface portion of the staple tray 71 in one direction in the Z direction by a predetermined height and a retreat position that retreats from the one surface portion in the Z direction to the other side. Is done. The post-processing position is also called a stapling position or a regulation position.
[0117]
The tip stopper unit 114 mainly includes a tip stopper 74, a tip stopper driving unit 131, and a tip stopper moving drive mechanism 115. The distal end stopper driving section 131 switches the distal end stopper 74 between the restriction position and the retracted position. A leading end stopper movement driving mechanism 115 described later moves and drives the leading end stopper 74 in the sheet transport direction according to the stapling processing position of the selected stapling apparatus.
[0118]
The tip stopper 74 is supported by the tip stopper base plate 116 and is driven by the tip stopper drive unit 131 to one side and the other in the Z direction. That is, the front end stopper 74 is driven by the front end stopper driving section 131 to advance to the restriction position indicated by the solid line in FIGS. 15 and 16 and to retreat to the retreat position indicated by the two-dot chain line. The distal end stopper 74 has a flat plate shape, and includes a stopper body 74c, a plurality of restricting portions 74a formed at one end in the Z direction of the stopper body 74c, and an engagement shaft portion 74b described later. The plurality of restricting portions 74a protrude in one direction in the Z direction from one surface portion of the staple tray 71, and protrude in one direction in the Z direction when restricting the downstream end of the sheet P in the transport direction. Part.
[0119]
The tip stopper 74 has four restricting portions 74a in the configuration shown in FIGS. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the distal end stopper 74 has two restricting portions 74a. The number of the regulating portions 74a in the leading end stopper 74 is set based on the relationship between the function of regulating the leading end position of the paper P and the frictional force between the paper P and the regulating portion 74a. The number of restricting portions 74a is not necessarily limited to two or four.
[0120]
The tip stopper driving section 131 is supported by the tip stopper base plate 116. The tip stopper driving section 131 has a solenoid 132, an arm member 133, and a tension coil spring 134. The arm member 133 has a solenoid connecting portion 133b, a stopper connecting portion 133c, and a shaft portion 133a. The shaft portion 133a is integrally supported by a leading end stopper base plate 116, which will be described later, and is supported so as to extend slightly in an axial direction parallel to the sheet conveying direction. The arm member 133 is configured to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the sheet conveying direction around the shaft portion 133a. The solenoid connecting portion 133b extends short from the position of the shaft portion 133a of the arm member 133 in the other Z direction. The stopper connection portion 133c extends from the position of the shaft portion 133a of the arm member 133 to one side in the Y direction.
[0121]
The rod 132a of the solenoid 132 is connected to the solenoid connecting portion 133b. One end of the tension coil spring 134 is connected to one end in the longitudinal direction of the stopper connecting portion 133c that is separated from the shaft portion 133a. The other end of the tension coil spring 134 is connected to a fixing member (not shown). In the stopper connecting portion 133c, an elongated hole 133d is formed near one end near the one end in the longitudinal direction. The engagement shaft portion 74b of the tip stopper 74 is inserted into the long hole 133d. The engagement shaft portion 74b protrudes from one surface of the stopper body 74c in one direction in the sheet transport direction.
[0122]
According to the configuration of the distal end stopper 74 and the distal end stopper driving section 131, when the solenoid 132 performs the retreating operation of the rod 132a, the arm member 133 causes the shaft 133a to act against the spring force of the tension coil spring 134. One end in the longitudinal direction is displaced toward the center in the other direction in the Z direction. As a result, the distal end stopper 74 connected to the arm member 133 via the elongated hole 133d and the engagement shaft portion 74b moves in the other Z direction. Therefore, the restricting portion 74a moves from the restricting position to the retracted position. When the solenoid 132 releases the retreating operation of the rod 132a, the one end in the longitudinal direction of the arm member 133 is displaced toward one side in the Z direction around the shaft portion 133a by the spring force of the tension coil spring 134. Due to the displacement of the arm member 133, the distal end stopper 74 moves in one direction in the Z direction. Therefore, the regulating portion 74a moves from the retreat position to the regulating position.
[0123]
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a distal end stopper 141 and a distal end stopper driving section 142 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an end view showing the leading end stopper 141 and the leading end stopper driving section 142 shown in FIG. 17 when viewed in the sheet width direction. FIG. 19 is an end view showing a state in which the distal end stopper 141 is arranged at the restriction position by the distal end stopper driving unit 142 shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is an end view showing a state in which the distal end stopper 141 is disposed at the retracted position by the distal end stopper driving unit 142 shown in FIG.
[0124]
In the above-described sheet post-processing apparatus 4, a configuration may be employed in which a front-end stopper 141 and a front-end stopper driving section 142 described later are provided instead of the front-end stopper 74 and the front-end stopper driving section 131. The above-described configuration is a holding force required for the leading end stopper 141. The holding force against a large pressure from the sheet bundle P is ensured, and the leading end stopper 141 is moved to the retreat position by a small operating force even when the pressure is applied. Can be moved to Further, the above configuration does not require a large storage space for the retracted position at the other position in the Z direction of the distal end stopper 141, and allows the entire apparatus to be downsized.
[0125]
The leading end stopper 141 extends around the shaft portion 141b between a restriction position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 18 and a retracted position indicated by a two-dot chain line, and is about 90 degrees around an axis parallel to the Y direction, that is, the paper width direction. It is configured to be rotatable in the range. The shaft portion 141b is provided with a plurality of regulating portions 141a at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion 141b. Each restricting portion 141a is formed, for example, in a rectangular plate shape. The leading end stopper 141 is in a rising state in which the regulating portion 141a rises at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to one surface of the staple tray 71 at the regulating position. In the rising state, the position of the downstream end of the sheet P in the transport direction is regulated by the regulating unit 141a. That is, the position of the downstream end of the sheet P in the transport direction is set to the stapling position by the regulating unit 141a.
[0126]
In the retracted position, the leading end stopper 141 is in a state in which the regulating portion 141a is substantially parallel to one surface portion of the staple tray 71 and retracts from one surface portion of the staple tray 71, and falls in one direction in the sheet conveyance direction. In the falling state, the position regulation of the downstream end in the transport direction of the sheet P by the regulation unit 141a is released. As a result, the paper P can be discharged in the paper transport direction.
[0127]
The distal end stopper drive section 142 has a solenoid 143, an arm member 144, a return spring 145, and a stopper arm 146. The stopper arm 146 is attached to a shaft portion 141b of the distal end stopper 141. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the arm member 144 is configured to be rotatable around an axis 144a in a range of about 90 degrees around an axis parallel to the Y direction, that is, the paper width direction. The arm member 144 has a solenoid connecting part 144b and a stopper connecting part 144c. The solenoid connecting portion 144b extends a small distance substantially in one direction in the Z direction from the position of the shaft portion 144a. When the leading end stopper 141 is in the rising state, the stopper connecting portion 144c extends in the sheet transport direction from the position of the shaft portion 144a.
[0128]
The rod 143a of the solenoid 143 is connected to the solenoid connecting portion 144b. As shown in FIG. 17, one end of a return spring 145 is connected to the rod 143a. The other end of the return spring 145 is connected to a fixing member (not shown). A long hole 146a is formed in the stopper arm 146, and the engagement shaft 144d of the arm member 144 is inserted into the long hole 146a. The engagement shaft 144d protrudes from one end in the longitudinal direction of the stopper connecting portion 144c, that is, one end in the sheet width direction from the front end.
[0129]
According to the configuration of the distal end stopper 141 and the distal end stopper driving section 142, the rod 143a advances by the spring force of the return spring 145 when the solenoid 143 has released the retreating operation of the rod 143a, that is, when the solenoid 143 is off. . By the advance of the rod 143a, the stopper connecting portion 144c of the arm member 144 is placed in a substantially horizontal state parallel to one surface portion of the staple tray 71 as shown in FIGS. As a result, the restricting portion 141a of the distal end stopper 141 is in a rising state, and the distal end stopper 141 is disposed at the restricting position. In the tip stopper drive section 142, the regulation position is the home position of the tip stopper 141.
[0130]
When the solenoid 143 performs the retreating operation of the rod 143a (the ON state of the solenoid 143), the arm member 144 pivots around the shaft 144a against the spring force of the return spring 145, as shown in FIG. One longitudinal end of the member 144 is displaced toward one side in the Z direction. As a result, the leading end stopper 141 connected via the arm member 144 and the stopper arm 146 has its leading end displaced in one direction in the paper transport direction and rotates about 90 degrees from the rising state. It falls down. As a result, the tip stopper 141 is located at the retracted position. In this state, the sheet bundle P arranged at the staple processing position can be discharged to the second sheet stack tray 61. At the retracted position of the distal end stopper 141, the restricting portion 141a comes into contact with a cushioning material 148 such as a sponge provided on the stopper receiving portion 147 as shown in FIG. The cushioning material 148 may be provided on the back surface of the regulating portion 141a, that is, on the back surface of the front end stopper 141 on the back surface side of one surface portion that comes into contact with the paper P.
[0131]
The leading end stopper movement driving mechanism 115 is a mechanism for moving and driving the leading end stopper 74 (141) and the leading end stopper driving section 131 (142) in the sheet conveying direction. The stapler 75 includes a stapleless stapling device 75a and a staple This is a mechanism for selecting and using any one of the stapling devices 75b. Hereinafter, the leading end stopper movement driving mechanism 115 may be simply referred to as the movement driving mechanism 115. The movement driving mechanism 115 mainly includes a motor 117 for a front end stopper, which is a driving source, and a gear mechanism 118. A motor body of the leading end stopper motor 117 is fixed to the downstream end of the sheet post-processing device 4 in the sheet transport direction. The motor 117 is supported so that its motor shaft portion 117a can rotate around an axial direction parallel to the paper width direction.
[0132]
The gear mechanism 118 includes a motor gear 119 for a front end stopper, a pair of rack gears 120, a pair of pinion gears 121, and a pinion gear connecting shaft 122. The above-mentioned tip stopper 74 (141) and tip stopper drive section 131 (142) are supported on the tip stopper base plate 116, and a rack gear 120 is attached to one surface of the tip stopper base plate 116 on the back side thereof. You. That is, a pair of rack gears 120 are respectively provided along one end of the front surface of the front end stopper base plate 116 along the sheet conveyance direction at one end in the sheet width direction and at the other end in the sheet width direction.
[0133]
The pinion gear connecting shaft 122 is rotatably supported by the sheet post-processing device 4 along a sheet width direction by using a bearing (not shown). A pair of pinion gears 121 is mounted on one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the pinion gear connecting shaft 122. Therefore, the pair of pinion gears 121 are coaxially connected by the pinion gear connection shaft 122. The pair of pinion gears 121 mesh with the pair of rack gears 120, respectively. The tip stopper motor gear 119 is externally mounted on the motor shaft portion 117a, and the tip stopper motor gear 119 and a pinion gear 121 arranged at one longitudinal end are engaged with each other.
[0134]
According to the tip stopper movement drive mechanism 115, the rotational driving force of the tip stopper motor 117 is transmitted to the tip stopper base plate 116 via the gear mechanism 118, ie, the tip stopper motor gear 119, the pinion gear 121, and the rack gear 120. As a result, the leading end stopper 74 (141) and the leading end stopper driving section 131 (142) supported by the leading end stopper base plate 116 move in the sheet transport direction. Therefore, the position of the leading end stopper 74 (141) in the sheet conveyance direction changes relative to the stapler 75 by the movement driving mechanism 115.
[0135]
FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a main part of the sheet post-processing device 4 viewed from the other side in the Z direction, in which the sheet P, the rear end plate 72, the front end stopper 74 (141), and the side regulating plate 73 are arranged. It is a top view which shows a relationship. Of the staple-less stapling device 75a and the staple-with-staple device 75b provided along the paper transport direction, the staple-with-staple device 75b serving as the first paper binding means disposed downstream in the paper transport direction is used to form a sheet. When stapling P, as shown in FIG. 21A, the leading end stopper 74 (141) is moved to a downstream position in the sheet conveying direction by the movement driving mechanism 115. Therefore, the paper P is regulated at the downstream position of the leading end stopper 74 (141) in the paper transport direction, and then the paper P is stapled by the stapling device with needle 75b. When the stapling of the sheet P is performed using the stapleless stapling device 75a as the second sheet binding means disposed on the upstream side of the stapler 75 in the sheet conveying direction, as shown in FIG. The leading end stopper 74 (141) is moved to a position on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction by the movement driving mechanism 115. Therefore, after the sheet P is regulated at the upstream position of the leading end stopper 74 (141) in the sheet transport direction, the sheet P is stapled by the stapleless stapling device 75a.
[0136]
FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a main part of the stapling apparatus 75a without a needle. FIG. 23 is a reference diagram of a sheet bundle P stapled by the stapleless stapling apparatus 75a. The stapler 75 includes a stapling apparatus without needles 75a and a stapling apparatus with needles 75b. The staple-less stapling device 75a binds the plurality of sheets P by partially processing the plurality of stacked sheets P itself without using a staple as a binding tool.
[0137]
Specifically, the needleless spool device 75a has a pressing portion 123, a receiving portion 124, and a pressing force applying means (not shown). The pressing portion 123 includes a plurality of convex portions 123a. The pressing portion 123 is disposed on one surface of the staple tray 71 in the Z direction, and is disposed substantially parallel to the one surface at a predetermined interval. The pressing portion 123 extends a small distance in the Y direction from the paper side end regulating portion 76, and a plurality of convex portions 123a slightly project from the other end in the Z direction at one end in the extending direction of the pressing portion 123 facing the one surface portion. It is attached so that it does. The receiving portion 124 is arranged along one surface of the staple tray 71 so as to face the pressing portion 123. In addition, one surface of the receiving portion 124 facing the pressing portion 123 is disposed substantially flush with one surface of the staple tray 71, in other words, the transport surface of the sheet P. In this embodiment, the term “substantially flush” includes “flat flush”.
[0138]
A plurality of recesses 124 a are formed in one surface of the receiving portion 124. The plurality of recesses 124a are arranged to face each other so as to be engageable with the plurality of protrusions 123a. The sheet bundle P on which image formation is completed, that is, the printed sheet bundle P is inserted between the pressing unit 123 and the receiving unit 124, and a pressure is applied to a part of the sheet bundle P by the pressing force applying unit. As a result, each of the convex portions 123a and each of the concave portions 124a are engaged, and a part of the sheet bundle P is deformed, thereby forming an emboss. As shown in FIG. 23, the sheet bundle P in which the convex portion 123 a of the pressing portion 123 and the concave portion 124 a of the receiving portion 124 are engaged to form an emboss is formed by partially compressing the embossed portion. The shape is maintained, and the binding state of the sheet bundle P is maintained.
[0139]
[Table 1]

[0140]
Table 1 is a table showing the relationship between the staple processing method and the number of printed sheets. In order to further ensure the binding state of the sheet bundle P using the stapleless stapling apparatus 75a, the shape, size, and emboss interval of the emboss are set according to the thickness of each sheet P and the number of sheets P. . This makes it possible to adjust the crimping strength, and to further securely bind the sheet bundle P using the stapleless stapling apparatus 75a. In the stapleless stapling device 75a, for example, when the number of prints, that is, the number of staples processed is two or more and five or less, one stapling device 75a in which a pair of convex portions and concave portions are formed is used to form one sheet of paper P. A hole is formed.
[0141]
When the sheet P stapled by the above-described stapleless stapling apparatus 75a is cut using, for example, a shredder, it is not necessary to remove the staples from the sheet P. Also, when the stapled paper P is reused, there is no need to remove the staples from the paper P. Conversely, if there is a possibility that the stapled paper P is cut using a shredder or the like, or if there is a possibility of being reused, the stapling process is performed by using the stapling apparatus 75a without a staple. Can be omitted from the paper P.
[0142]
The staple-with-staple device 75b binds the plurality of sheets P stacked together using a staple, which is a binding tool. The paper P stapled by the stapling apparatus 75b with staples is less likely to be disassembled into pieces than the paper P stapled using the stapling apparatus 75a without staples, and can be stored for a long time. As shown in Table 1, the number of sheets P that can be stapled also increases. Conversely, if the stapled paper P is to be stored for a long period of time, or if the number of stapled papers P is as large as, for example, 21 or more, the stapled stapling device 75b is used. By performing the stapling process, long-term storage of the paper P or stapling of a large number of sheets can be realized.
[0143]
FIG. 24 is a perspective view particularly showing an opening in the staple-less stapling apparatus 75a on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional shape of an opening of the stapling apparatus 75a without a needle in FIG. In the opening, a wall surface portion 125 and a transport surface portion 126 are formed. The wall portion 125 extends a predetermined distance from one surface portion of the staple tray 71 in one direction in the Z direction, and the side edge portion of the sheet P is guided by the wall portion 125 along the transport direction. That is, the wall surface portion 125 is formed along the stacking direction of the paper P and the paper transport direction. The transport surface portion 126 extends from one end of the wall portion 125 in the Z direction in one direction in the sheet width direction, and is formed substantially parallel to the sheet transport direction.
[0144]
In the stapleless stapling apparatus 75a, a portion 128 on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, where one end portion 127 formed along the Z direction and the wall surface portion 125 are adjacent to each other, is chamfered into a slope shape. Is done. The portion 128 that is chamfered into the inclined shape may be referred to as a chamfered portion 128. That is, the opening of the staple-less stapling device 75a on the upstream side in the sheet transport direction and the opening of the staple-with-staple device 75b on the downstream side are formed to have different opening cross-sectional areas. In other words, the opening cross-sectional area of the opening on the upstream side is formed larger than the opening cross-sectional area of the opening on the downstream side. The chamfered portion 128 forms an inclination angle α of, for example, about 30 degrees with respect to the virtual surface including the wall surface portion 125. The length L1 and the inclination angle α of the chamfered portion 128 in the sheet conveying direction are determined in consideration of the range of variation of the sheet P after the sheet P is aligned.
[0145]
As described above, since the opening of the upstream staple-less stapling apparatus 75a is formed to have a larger opening cross-sectional area than the opening of the downstream staple-with-stapling apparatus 75b, the plurality of sheets P Can be smoothly introduced into the opening. The portion 128 of the stapleless stapling apparatus 75a where the one end surface portion 127 and the wall surface portion 125 are adjacent to each other is chamfered into an inclined shape. Therefore, even after the paper P is aligned, even if the paper P fluctuates during the conveyance. In addition, the frictional resistance between one side edge of the paper P and the wall surface 125 when the paper P is introduced into the opening can be minimized, and the smooth introduction of the paper P into the opening can be realized. .
[0146]
FIG. 26 is a perspective view particularly showing an opening of the staple-less stapling apparatus 75a on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction according to a modification in which the present embodiment is partially modified. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional shape of an opening of the stapling apparatus 75a without a needle in FIG. However, the same members as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the opening, a wall surface portion 125 and a transport surface portion 126 are formed. A portion 129 of the stapleless stapling apparatus 75a where the one end surface portion 127 on the upstream side in the paper transport direction and the transport surface portion 126 are adjacent to each other is chamfered into a slope shape. The portion 129 chamfered into the slope shape may be referred to as a chamfered portion 129.
[0147]
That is, the opening of the staple-less stapling device 75a on the upstream side in the sheet transport direction and the opening of the staple-with-staple device 75b on the downstream side are formed to have different opening cross-sectional areas. In other words, the opening cross-sectional area of the opening on the upstream side is formed larger than the opening cross-sectional area of the opening on the downstream side. The chamfered portion 129 forms an inclination angle β of, for example, about 30 degrees with respect to the virtual surface including the transport surface portion. The length L2 and the inclination angle β of the chamfer 129 in the paper transport direction are determined in consideration of the curl height of the paper P. The curl height means a height at which the conveyed paper P is wound up from one flat surface of the paper P by the fixing device 44 and the conveyance rollers.
[0148]
As described above, the portion 129 of the stapleless stapling apparatus 75a where the one end surface portion 127 and the transport surface portion 126 are adjacent to each other is chamfered in an inclined shape, so that the paper P is wound up by the fixing device 44 and the transport roller. Even when the paper P is introduced into the opening, the frictional resistance between the downstream end of the paper P in the transport direction and the transport surface 126 when the paper P is introduced into the opening can be minimized, and the paper P A smooth introduction can be realized. This is a case where the thickness of the downstream portion of the sheet P in the transport direction, that is, the height in the Z direction becomes larger than the product of the actual number of sheets and the sheet thickness due to the air layer existing between the stacked sheets P. Also, the leading end portion of the sheet P can be smoothly and reliably introduced into the opening on the upstream side.
[0149]
FIG. 28 is a perspective view particularly showing an opening of the staple-less stapling apparatus 75a on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction according to a modification in which this embodiment is partially modified. However, the same members as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the stapleless stapling apparatus 75a, a portion 128 where the one end surface portion 127 and the wall surface portion 125 are adjacent is chamfered in a slope shape, and a portion 129 where the one end surface portion 127 and the transport surface portion 126 are adjacent is chamfered in a slope shape. Is done. Therefore, even if the paper P fluctuates during conveyance after the paper P is aligned, the frictional resistance between one side edge of the paper P and the wall surface 125 when the paper P is introduced into the opening is minimized. Can be suppressed.
[0150]
Moreover, even if the paper P is wound up by the fixing device 44 and the transport rollers, the downstream end of the paper P in the transport direction when the paper P is introduced into the opening and the transport surface 126 are formed. The frictional resistance can be suppressed as much as possible, and the smooth introduction of the paper P into the opening can be realized. This is a case where the thickness of the downstream portion of the sheet P in the transport direction, that is, the height in the Z direction becomes larger than the product of the actual number of sheets and the sheet thickness due to the air layer existing between the stacked sheets P. Also, the leading end portion of the sheet P can be smoothly and reliably introduced into the opening on the upstream side. In this way, the frictional resistance between one side edge of the paper P and the wall portion 125 when the paper P is introduced into the opening can be minimized, and the paper P can be smoothly and reliably introduced into the opening. it can. Therefore, the stapler 75 having high reliability of the stapling process can be realized.
[0151]
FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 1A. The image forming apparatus main unit 1 includes an image forming apparatus control unit 161 shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus control section 161 includes a microcomputer, and includes a document reading section 3, a sheet feeding section 7, an image forming section 6, a sheet post-processing apparatus 4, a sheet stacking section 2, and each sheet conveying path shown in FIG. The operation of the paper transport unit 162, the image information writing unit 163 including the LSU 22 shown in FIG.
[0152]
FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a control system of the sheet post-processing device 4. The sheet post-processing device 4 includes a sheet post-processing device control unit 171 shown in FIG. The sheet post-processing device control unit 171 includes a central processing unit 172 (CPU: Central Processing Unit), a ROM 173 (ROM: Read Only Memory), and a ram 174 (RAM: Random).
Access Memory). The sheet post-processing device control unit 171 includes a sheet length detection unit 175, an origin sensor 98, a stepping motor 87, a solenoid 93, a sheet conveyance unit 176, a side regulating plate driving unit 101, a tip stopper moving drive mechanism 115, and a tip stopper drive. The section 131 (142) and the stapler 75 are connected.
[0153]
The paper transport section 176 includes a configuration for transporting the paper P in the paper post-processing device 4, such as the switching gates 53 and 57 and the escape transport path 51 shown in FIG. When actually detecting the sheet length based on the input information, the sheet length detecting unit 175 is configured by, for example, the pre-registration detection switch. The paper length detecting unit 175 detects the length of the paper P entering the post-processing unit 52 in the transport direction, that is, the paper size. The sheet post-processing device 4 controls the components electrically connected to the sheet post-processing device control unit 171 based on the program stored in the ROM 173 and the detection results of the sheet length detection unit 175, the sheet detection switch 49, and the like. Control behavior.
[0154]
In the image forming section 6 shown in FIG. 2, the toner image formed on the photoconductor 17 is transferred to a sheet P supplied from, for example, a sheet cassette 31 using a transfer charger 19. Thereafter, the toner image transferred to the sheet P is fixed on the sheet P by the fixing device 44. When the sheet P is subjected to post-processing, that is, stapling, the switching gate 46 is switched to the post-processing position a shown by a solid line in FIG. When the sheets P are sorted by the offset of the tray or when the sheets P are ejected in large quantities, the switching gate 46 sets the post-treatment position a based on the setting made in advance to instruct any of these processes. Is switched to As a result, the paper P is guided from the main transport path 36 to the post-processing transport path 39.
[0155]
If the paper P is special paper or the like in which stapling is prohibited for the paper P, or if the stapling is not performed on the paper P, the switching gate 53 is set to the escape position. b. Thereby, the paper P is guided to the escape transport path 51. Thereafter, the paper P is guided to the switching gate 57 switched to the first discharge position a and discharged to the first paper stack tray 59. For example, a large amount of paper P is guided to the switching gate 57 switched to the second discharge position b, and is discharged to the second paper stack tray 61.
[0156]
When the sheet P is stapled, or when the sheet P is sorted by the offset of the tray, the switching gate 53 is switched to the post-processing position a. Thus, the paper P enters the post-processing unit 52 and is accumulated on the staple tray 71. At this time, the tip stopper 74 (141) has moved to the regulation position. Whether the paper P entering the post-processing unit 52 is the long size or the short size is detected in advance by the paper length detection unit 175, and the detection signal, that is, the input information is transmitted to the paper post-processing device control unit 171. Sent to. Input information other than the input information obtained by the detection is also input to the sheet post-processing device control unit 171.
[0157]
Here, when the paper P entering the post-processing unit 52 is of a long size, for example, A3 vertical feed, the rear end plate 72 is located at or near the rear wall 77 as shown in FIG. It is arranged in advance at the set evacuation position. Next, each time the sheet P enters the staple tray 71, the rear end plate 72 advances from the retracted position to an alignment position corresponding to the sheet size. The rear end plate 72 presses the upstream end of the paper P in the transport direction, and presses the downstream end of the paper P in the transport direction against the leading end stopper 74 (141). Thereby, the paper P is aligned in the paper transport direction. Moreover, each time the sheet P enters the staple tray 71, the side regulating plate 73 advances from the retracted position to an alignment position corresponding to the sheet size. One side edge of the sheet P is pressed by the side regulating plate 73, and the other side edge of the sheet P is brought into contact with the sheet side edge regulating section 76. Thereby, the sheet P is aligned in the sheet conveying direction and the sheet width direction orthogonal to the Z direction. A3 is one of the row A sizes defined by the Japanese Industrial Standards.
[0158]
The rear end plate 72 and the side regulating plate 73 perform the above-described alignment operation almost simultaneously. In this embodiment, the term “almost simultaneously” includes “simultaneously”. After the alignment operation, the rear end plate 72 and the side regulating plate 73 are retracted to their respective retracted positions for receiving the next sheet P. When the aligning operation is performed a plurality of times for one sheet of paper P, the displacement between the stacked sheets of paper P is minimized, and the sheets of paper P can be aligned more favorably. Thereafter, when the alignment operation of the last sheet P is completed, the sheet bundle P is positioned in cooperation with the rear end plate 72 and the side regulating plate 73. In a state where the sheet bundle P is positioned, the sheet bundle P is stapled by the stapler 75.
[0159]
After the sheet bundle P is stapled, the leading end stopper 74 (141) is retracted to the retracted position, and the stapled sheet bundle P is pushed out by the sheet ejection roller 60 shown in FIG. . Accordingly, the stapled sheet bundle P is discharged to the second sheet stack tray 61 by the discharge rollers 60. As described above, when the job for one sheet bundle P, that is, the alignment, the stapling process, and the discharging to the tray are completed, the rear end plate 72 and the side regulating plate 73 are respectively retracted in preparation for the next job. While moving to the position or the home position, the distal end stopper 74 (141) returns to the advanced position.
[0160]
When the paper P entering the post-processing unit 52 is of a short size, for example, A4 landscape feed, the paper P is stapled as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the rear end plate 72 is made to stand by at a short size standby position set near the middle of the staple tray 71 in the sheet conveyance direction. Next, each time the sheet P enters the staple tray 71, the rear end plate 72 moves from the short size standby position to an alignment position corresponding to the sheet size. As a result, the rear end plate 72 presses the downstream end of the paper P in the transport direction and presses the upstream end of the paper P in the transport direction against the rear wall 77, so that the paper P is aligned in the paper transport direction.
[0161]
Moreover, each time the sheet P enters the staple tray 71, the side regulating plate 73 advances from the retracted position to an alignment position corresponding to the sheet size. One side edge of the sheet P is pressed by the side regulating plate 73, and the other side edge of the sheet P is brought into contact with the sheet side edge regulating section 76. Thereby, the sheet P is aligned in the sheet width direction. The rear end plate 72 and the side regulating plate 73 perform the above-described alignment operation almost simultaneously. After the alignment operation, the rear end plate 72 is retracted to the short size standby position and the side regulating plate 73 is retracted to the retracted position for receiving the next sheet P. Also in the alignment operation, when the alignment operation is performed a plurality of times for one sheet of paper P, the deviation between the stacked sheets of paper P is minimized, and the sheets of paper P can be aligned more favorably.
[0162]
FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing the pre-alignment operation of the short-size paper on the staple tray 71. FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing the operation at the end of the pre-alignment operation of the short-size paper on the staple tray 71. FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the operation of the rear end plate 72 after the end of the pre-alignment operation shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 31, the pre-alignment operation is performed based on a detection signal from a paper detection switch 49 capable of detecting that the upstream end of the paper P in the transport direction has passed, as shown in FIG. This is performed by the timer control in.
[0163]
Thereafter, in the case of outputting a plurality of sets of sheet bundles P, when the preliminary alignment up to one sheet before the last sheet P of the first set is completed, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 7, the rear end plate 72 is While the last sheet P is being inserted, the sheet P falls down (see FIG. 7). Thereafter, the rear end plate 72 moves to the home position in the rear wall portion 77 by passing through the other side in the Z direction of the pre-aligned sheet P. Next, the rear end plate 72 is switched to the rising state at the home position, and waits until the entry of the final sheet P of the first copy is completed.
[0164]
Thereafter, the rear end plate 72 advances until the downstream end in the transport direction of the first sheet of paper P comes into contact with the front end stopper 74 when the entry of the last sheet of paper P into the staple tray 71 is completed. I do. At the same time, the side regulating plate 73 advances from the retracted position to an alignment position corresponding to the sheet size. One side edge of the sheet P is pressed by the side regulating plate 73, and the other side edge of the sheet P is brought into contact with the sheet side edge regulating section 76. Thus, the sheet P is finally aligned in the sheet width direction. Also in this final alignment operation, when the alignment operation is performed a plurality of times, it is possible to minimize the displacement between the stacked sheets of paper P as much as possible and to align the sheets of paper P more favorably. When the final alignment operation is completed, the sheet bundle P is positioned by the rear end plate 72 and the side regulating plate 73 in cooperation. In a state where the sheet bundle P is positioned, the sheet bundle P is stapled by the stapler 75.
[0165]
After the sheet bundle P is stapled, the leading end stopper 74 is retracted to the retreat position, and the stapled sheet bundle P is pushed out by the rear end plate 72 to a position where the sheet can be ejected by using the ejection roller 60. It is. The sheet bundle P is discharged to a second sheet stack tray 61 by a discharge roller 60. As described above, when the job for the first sheet bundle P, that is, the preliminary alignment, the final alignment, the stapling process, and the discharge to the tray are completed, the rear end plate 72, the side regulating plate 73, and the front end stopper 74 In order to prepare for the job of the second copy, it moves as follows. That is, the rear end plate 72 moves to the short size standby position, the side regulating plate 73 moves to the retracted position, and the front end stopper 74 returns to the advanced position.
[0166]
In a job for short-size sheets, as shown in FIG. 33, the first sheet P of the second set is also stapled in the staple tray 71 during the final alignment operation and the stapling operation on the sheet bundle P of the first set. And the preliminary alignment operation can be performed again from the second sheet P of the second copy. Therefore, it is possible to minimize or reduce the time loss due to the stapling of the sheet bundle P in the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus main body 1.
[0167]
FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 are flowcharts showing the operation of the sheet post-processing device 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In step 0, the image forming apparatus 1A enters a standby state for post-processing after the main power supply (not shown) is turned on. When a print request is made to the image forming apparatus 1A in the standby state in step 1, the process proceeds to step 2 to determine whether or not the print request includes a stapling process. The print request in the step 1 is realized by an input using an operation unit (also referred to as an operation panel) of the image forming apparatus main unit 1 while the image forming apparatus main unit 1 is on standby, or This is realized by a print request from a terminal device such as a facsimile or a computer network to which the image forming apparatus main unit 1 is electrically connected.
[0168]
In step 2 described above, if the print request is a print request from the terminal device, it is determined whether or not the print request includes staple processing by receiving the transmitted print request content. When the content of the print request uses the operation panel, by recognizing the input key operation on the operation panel, it is determined whether or not the print request includes the stapling process. If it is determined in step 2 that the print request does not include the stapling process, the process proceeds to step 3 to execute the normal print request number of print jobs. The sheet is discharged to the two-sheet stack tray 61. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 28 described later.
[0169]
If it is determined in step 2 that the stapling process is included, the process proceeds to step 5 where it is determined whether or not there is a selection of a staple type to be used in the print request content. In other words, the sheet post-processing device control unit 171 checks whether or not there is a selection of a staple type to be used in the print request content. If it is determined that the staple type to be used has been selected, the process proceeds to step S6. If it is determined that there is no selection of the used staple type, the process proceeds to step 7. In step 7, it is determined whether the required number of staples of printing paper is larger or smaller than the allowable number of staples without staples. In the present embodiment, the permissible number of staple-free staples is set in advance to 5 per sheet bundle P. However, the allowable number of staples without staples is not necessarily limited to five, and is set to various numerical values according to the allowable number of staples without staples 75a provided in the sheet post-processing device 4.
[0170]
If it is determined in step 7 that the number of staples is equal to or less than the allowable number, that is, equal to or less than 5, the process proceeds to step 10. In step 10, the sheet post-processing device control unit 171 determines that the staple-less stapling process is necessary. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 12. If it is determined in step 7 that the number of staples is larger than the allowable number, the process proceeds to step 11. In step 11, the sheet post-processing device control unit 171 determines that the stapling process with the staple is necessary. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 20.
[0171]
If the staple type to be used has been selected in step 5 and the staple-less stapling process has been selected, the process proceeds to step 8. In step 8, the sheet post-processing device control section 171 determines that the staple-less stapling process is necessary. Next, in step 12 and step 13, the image forming section 6 prints the print request content on the sheet P, conveys the printed sheet P to the post-processing section 52, and arranges the rear end disposed in the post-processing section 52. The plate 72 and the side regulating plate 73 cooperate with each other to perform alignment processing on the sheet P to be conveyed.
[0172]
Next, if it is determined in step 14 that the printing of the requested number of prints has been completed, and if it is determined in step 15 that the post-processing unit 52 has completed the alignment processing of the paper P, the process proceeds to step 16. In step 16, the rear end plate 72 pushes the upstream end in the transport direction of the aligned sheet bundle P, so that the downstream end in the transport direction of the sheet bundle P can be stapled by the stapleless stapling device 75a. Is moved to a position where the stapleless device 75a is arranged. Next, in step 17, the staple-less stapling apparatus 75a staples the downstream end of the sheet bundle P in the transport direction. If it is determined in step 14 that the printing of the print request has not been completed, the process returns to step 12. If it is determined in step 15 that the alignment processing of the paper P in the post-processing unit 52 has not been completed, the process returns to step 14.
[0173]
After step 17, the process proceeds to step 18, where the leading end stopper 74 (141) is switched to the retracted position, and the downstream end of the sheet bundle P in the transport direction is pressed by the rear end plate 72. That is, the downstream end of the sheet bundle P in the transport direction is transported by the rear end plate 72 until the downstream end of the sheet bundle P in the transport direction is chucked by the discharge roller 60 that is rotating. Next, the process proceeds to step 19 where the sheet bundle P is discharged to the second sheet stack tray 61 by the discharge rollers 60. Next, the routine proceeds to step 28, where it is determined whether or not there is the next print. If it is determined that there is the next print, the process returns to step 1. If it is determined that there is no next print, the flow ends.
[0174]
If the staple-with-staple process 75b is selected in step 6, the process proceeds to step 9. In step 9, the sheet post-processing device control section 171 determines that staple processing with staples is necessary. Next, in steps 20 and 21, the image forming unit 6 prints the content of the print request on the paper P, conveys the printed paper P to the post-processing unit 52, and the rear end disposed in the post-processing unit 52. The plate 72 and the side regulating plate 73 cooperate with each other to perform alignment processing on the sheet P to be conveyed.
[0175]
Next, if it is determined in step 22 that the printing of the requested number of prints has been completed, and if it is determined in step 23 that the post-processing unit 52 has completed the alignment processing of the paper P, the process proceeds to step 24. In step 24, the rear end plate 72 pushes the upstream end in the transport direction of the aligned sheet bundle P, so that the downstream end in the transport direction of the sheet bundle P can be stapled by the stapling device with needle 75b. Is moved to the position where the stapling device with needle 75b is arranged. Next, in step 25, the staple-with-staple device 75b staples the downstream end of the sheet bundle P in the transport direction. If it is determined in step 22 that the printing of the print request has not been completed, the process returns to step 20. If it is determined in step S23 that the post-processing unit 52 has not completed the sheet P alignment processing, the process returns to step S22.
[0176]
After step 25, the process proceeds to step 26, where the leading end stopper 74 (141) is switched to the retracted position, and the downstream end of the sheet bundle P in the transport direction is pressed by the rear end 72. That is, the downstream end of the sheet bundle P in the transport direction is transported by the rear end plate 72 until the downstream end of the sheet bundle P in the transport direction is chucked by the discharge roller 60 that is rotating. Next, the process proceeds to step 27, where the sheet bundle 72 is discharged to the second sheet stack tray 61 by the discharge rollers 60. Thereafter, the flow shifts to step 28. The sheet post-processing device control unit 171 and the operation panel correspond to a selection unit.
[0177]
According to the sheet post-processing apparatus 4 described above, an input using the operation panel of the image forming apparatus main body 1 or a terminal such as a computer network and a facsimile to which the image forming apparatus main body 1 is electrically connected are provided. , One of the stapling apparatus with staples 75b and the stapling apparatus without staples 75a is selected, and then the plurality of stacked and aligned sheets P are stapled by the selected stapling apparatus. . Since the staple tray 71 to which the paper P is transported is provided in a non-exposed state, it is possible to prevent an operator from unexpectedly coming into contact with the paper P during stapling processing on the paper P. Also, it is possible to prevent the paper P, for which post-processing has been completed, from being carelessly removed.
[0178]
When the staple-less stapling device 75a is selected by an input using the operation panel or a printing request from the terminal device, the plurality of stacked papers P themselves are partially processed to form the plurality of papers P. The sheet P can be stapled. When the stapled paper P is cut using, for example, a shredder, it is not necessary to remove the staples from the paper P. Also, when the stapled paper P is reused, there is no need to remove the staples from the paper P. Conversely, if there is a possibility that the stapled paper P may be cut using a shredder or the like, or may be reused, the stapleless stapling device 75a may be selected by the operation panel, and Can be omitted from the paper P.
[0179]
When the stapling apparatus with staples 75b is selected, the plurality of stacked sheets P can be stapled using the staples. The stapled paper P is less likely to be disassembled into pieces and can be stored for a long period of time, and the number of sheets P that can be stapled is larger than that of stapled paper P. Conversely, if the stapled paper P is to be stored for a long period of time, or if the number of stapled papers P is large as described above, the stapled stapling device 75b is selected, and the stapled paper P is selected. Long-term storage or stapling of a large number of sheets can be realized.
[0180]
The staple-less and staple-equipped staple devices 75a and 75b are provided in the conveying direction of the paper P conveyed to the staple tray 71, so that the paper post-processing device 4 can be made compact. Therefore, the size of the sheet post-processing device 4 can be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of equipment environment. Since the stapling device can be selected according to the number or thickness of the sheets P, the stapling of the number of sheets P or the thickness of the stapling can be surely performed. Further, based on the permissible number of sheets P that can be stapled by the stapleless stapling apparatus 75a, the stapling process can reliably be performed on the sheets P whose number is equal to or less than the permissible number.
[0181]
Since any one of the stapleless and staple devices 75a and 75b can be selected by the operator, a desired stapling device can be reliably selected. After the plurality of sheets P are moved in the transport direction while being aligned by the rear end plate 72 and the rear end plate driving mechanism 81, the sheets P are stapled using a desired stapling device. That is, a stapling apparatus to be stapled can be selected according to the moving distance of the sheet P by the rear end plate 72 and the rear end plate moving mechanism 81. Since the plurality of papers P can be moved in the transport direction while being aligned, the plurality of papers P are moved by the rear end plate 72 and the rear end plate driving mechanism 81, and then at a position where stapling is performed. Therefore, there is no need to realign a plurality of sheets P. Therefore, the post-processing time of the paper P can be reduced.
[0182]
The staple-less stapling device 75a and the staple-with-stapling device 75b are respectively disposed at positions in the transport direction separated from the vicinity of the downstream end in the transport direction of the plurality of sheets P stacked and aligned on the staple tray 71 in the transport direction. Therefore, the selected stapling device is clarified. If the sheet P is not subjected to the stapling process, when the sheet P is aligned on the staple tray 71, the sheet P can be easily aligned without causing interference with the stapleless and staple devices 75a and 75b. It becomes. In other words, the alignment of the paper P on the staple tray 71 is easier than in the case where the stapling device is arranged so that the paper P can be stapled at the alignment position of the staple tray 71.
[0183]
The plurality of sheets P having undergone the stapling process cooperate with the sheet discharge roller 60, the rear end plate 72, and the rear end plate driving mechanism 81 to form a second sheet stack tray serving as a discharge unit of the image forming apparatus 1A. Discharge to 61. In this way, a function for discharging the sheet P can be provided to the rear end plate 72 and the rear end plate driving mechanism 81.
[0184]
According to the sheet post-processing apparatus 4, the downstream end in the transport direction of the plurality of sheets P moved in the transport direction by the rear end plate 72 and the rear end plate drive mechanism 81 is moved by the front end stopper 74 (141). Be regulated. Since the leading end stopper 74 (141) is configured to be movable upstream and downstream in the sheet transport direction, the downstream end of the sheet P can be positioned at the stapling position. The leading end stopper 74 (141) is moved according to the selected stapling device. As a result, the downstream end of the sheet P in the transport direction is transported to the post-processing position of the selected stapling apparatus. Thereafter, stapling of a plurality of sheets P can be realized by the stapling apparatus.
[0185]
In the vicinity of the downstream end of the plurality of sheets P in the transport direction, the rear end plate 72 and the staple-free staplers 75a and 75b provided in the transport direction are selected based on the positional information of the selected stapler. The rear end plate drive mechanism 81, the leading end stopper 74 (141), and the leading end stopper moving drive mechanism 115 cooperate to move to the stapling processing position of the stapling apparatus and to perform stapling reliably.
[0186]
In the present embodiment, the staple-less stapling device 75a is arranged on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, and the staple-with-staple device 75b is arranged on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction. However, the arrangement is not necessarily limited to the above. That is, the stapleless and staple devices 75a and 75b may be arranged in the reverse of the above arrangement. In this case, the above-described chamfered portion is formed in the opening of the stapled-with-needle device 75b arranged on the upstream side in the sheet transport direction.
[0187]
FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the sheet post-processing apparatus 4 in the case where one stapling apparatus is disposed near the downstream end in the transport direction of the sheets P stacked on the staple tray 71. FIG. 37 is a plan view showing the main part of the sheet post-processing device 4 of FIG. 36 viewed from the other side in the Z direction. FIG. 37 shows the sheet P, the rear end plate 72, the front end stopper 74, and the side regulating plate 73. It is a top view which shows a relationship. Of the stapleless stapling device 75a and the staple-with-needle device 75b provided in the paper transport direction, the stapleless stapling device 75a is capable of stapling a plurality of papers P stacked and aligned on the staple tray 71. It is arranged near the downstream end of the P in the transport direction. The staple-with-staple device 75b is arranged so that the sheet P conveyed by the rear end plate 72 and regulated by the front end stopper 74 can be stapled. In this manner, the stapleless and staple-equipped staple devices 75a and 75b are respectively disposed at positions in the conveyance direction separated from the vicinity of the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the plurality of sheets P stacked and aligned on the staple tray 71 in the sheet conveyance direction. Is done.
[0188]
According to the stapleless stapling device 75a, the stapleless spooling device 75a is provided near the downstream end in the transport direction of the paper P so that the plurality of papers P stacked and aligned on the staple tray 71 can be stapled. Since the plurality of sheets P are stacked and aligned on the staple tray 71, the sheets P can be stapled by the stapleless stapling apparatus 75a. In other words, when a plurality of sheets P are stapled using the staple-less stapling apparatus 75a, the plurality of sheets P are stapled at the sheet entry and alignment positions of the staple tray 71. Therefore, the post-processing time can be reduced. That is, the sheets P once accumulated on the staple tray 71 can be stapled without moving to another place, so that the post-processing time can be reduced.
[0189]
According to the post-processing device 4, when the stapling device with needle 75b on the downstream side in the sheet transport direction is used, the regulation position of the sheet P is inevitably determined. Can be omitted. That is, the structure of the distal end stopper unit 114 shown in FIG. 15 can be simplified. Therefore, the number of components of the sheet post-processing device 4 can be reduced, and the production cost can be reduced. In addition, various partial changes may be made to the embodiment without departing from the scope of the claims.
[0190]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the sheet is conveyed to the sheet stacking unit, and one of the first and second sheet binding units is selected by the selection unit, and thereafter, the selected post-processing unit is selected. Thereby, post-processing is performed on the plurality of stacked sheets. Since the sheet stacking section to which the sheet is transported is provided in a non-exposed state, it is possible to prevent the operator from unexpectedly contacting the sheet during post-processing on the sheet. Also, it is possible to prevent the paper that has been post-processed from being carelessly removed.
[0191]
When the second sheet binding unit is selected by the selection unit, the plurality of stacked sheets can be partially processed to post-process, that is, bind, the plurality of sheets. When the post-processed sheet is cut using, for example, a shredder, there is no need to remove the binding device from the sheet. Also, when the post-processed paper is reused, the labor for removing the binding tool from the paper is not required. Conversely, if there is a possibility that the post-processed sheet is cut using a shredder or the like, or if there is a possibility of being reused, the binding device is removed from the sheet by selecting the second sheet binding means. It is possible to save the trouble of removing.
[0192]
When the first sheet binding unit is selected by the selection unit, the plurality of stacked sheets can be post-processed, that is, bound, using a binding device. The post-processed sheet is less likely to be disassembled into pieces and can be stored for a long period of time, and the number of sheets that can be post-processed is increased, as compared with the sheet post-processed by the second sheet binding unit. . Conversely, if the post-processed paper is stored for a long period of time, or if the number of papers to be post-processed becomes large as described above, the first paper binding means is selected, and the long-term Storage or post-processing of a large number of sheets can be realized.
[0193]
Further, according to the present invention, since the plurality of post-processing units are provided in the conveying direction of the sheet conveyed to the sheet stacking unit, it is possible to make the sheet post-processing apparatus compact. Therefore, the size of the sheet post-processing apparatus can be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of equipment environment.
[0194]
According to the invention, in particular, the one post-processing means is disposed near the downstream end in the sheet conveying direction so that the plurality of sheets stacked in the sheet stacking section can be post-processed. While the sheets are stacked on the sheet stacking section, the sheet can be post-processed by one of the post-processing means. In other words, when a plurality of sheets are post-processed by using one post-processing means, the plurality of sheets are post-processed by the sheet stacking unit. When a plurality of sheets are post-processed by using the other post-processing means, the plurality of sheets are conveyed downstream from the sheet stacking section in the conveyance direction, and then the plurality of sheets are post-processed.
[0195]
In this manner, the sheet is positioned at the position where the sheets are stacked in the sheet stacking section or at the position where the sheet is transported downstream from the sheet stacking section in the transport direction, and post-processing is selectively performed on the sheet using one or the other post-processing means. Therefore, at least the structure for positioning the paper can be simplified. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the sheet post-processing apparatus and reduce the manufacturing cost.
[0196]
Further, according to the present invention, the selection of the post-processing means can be realized by actually inputting the printing conditions for the paper.
[0197]
Further, according to the present invention, the post-processing means is selected by using at least one of the number of sheets of paper to be post-processed and the thickness of the paper. As described above, the post-processing means can be selected according to the number or thickness of the sheets, so that the post-processing can be performed on the sheets having the number or the thickness that can be post-processed.
[0198]
According to the invention, the post-processing unit is selected based on the allowable number of sheets that can be post-processed by the staple-less stapling unit or the second sheet binding unit. Therefore, based on the permissible number of sheets, the stapleless stapling unit or the second sheet binding unit can reliably post-process the paper of the permissible number or less.
[0199]
Further, according to the present invention, any one of the plurality of post-processing means is selected by the operator, so that a desired post-processing means can be reliably selected.
[0200]
Further, according to the invention, at least one of the plurality of post-processing units provided in the conveying direction is configured to be capable of post-processing the plurality of sheets stacked in the sheet stacking unit, and to perform post-processing on the sheet in the conveying direction of the sheet. Since the sheet is disposed near the side end, the sheet can be post-processed by any one of the post-processing means in a state where a plurality of sheets are stacked on the sheet stacking unit. In other words, when a plurality of sheets are post-processed using the post-processing means, the plurality of sheets are post-processed in the sheet stacking unit.
[0201]
Further, according to the present invention, the plurality of sheets are subjected to post-processing in the sheet stacking unit using post-processing means disposed near the downstream end in the sheet conveying direction. In the state where a plurality of sheets are positioned in the sheet stacking section, the sheets can be post-processed using the post-processing means, so that the post-processing time can be reduced. In other words, the sheet once accumulated in the sheet accumulation unit can be post-processed without moving to another place, so that the post-processing time can be reduced. Moreover, at least the structure for positioning the paper can be simplified. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the sheet post-processing apparatus and reduce the manufacturing cost.
[0202]
Further, according to the present invention, after the plurality of sheets are moved in the conveying direction while being aligned by the conveying unit, the sheets are post-processed using a desired post-processing unit. That is, a post-processing unit to be post-processed can be selected according to the moving distance of the sheet by the transport unit. Since the transporting means is movable in the transporting direction while the plurality of papers are aligned, the plurality of papers are moved at the post-processing position after the plurality of papers are moved by the transporting means. There is no need to match. Therefore, the post-processing time can be reduced.
[0203]
Further, according to the present invention, the plurality of post-processing means are respectively disposed at positions in the transport direction separated from the vicinity of the downstream end in the transport direction of the plurality of sheets stacked on the paper stacking section, in the transport direction separated from the transport direction. The post-processing means to be performed is clarified. In other words, by making the position where the paper is post-processed different from the alignment position where the paper is fed into the paper stacking unit, the post-processing means to be selected is clarified. If the paper is not subjected to post-processing, when the paper is aligned in the paper stacking unit, the paper can be easily aligned without interfering with the post-processing means. In other words, it is easier to align the sheets in the stacking unit than in the case where the post-processing unit is arranged so that the sheets can be post-processed at the alignment position of the sheet stacking unit.
[0204]
According to the invention, the plurality of sheets are transported in the transport direction by the transport unit. At this time, the downstream end of the sheet in the transport direction is transported to the transport direction position where the post-processing unit selected by the selection unit is arranged. Thereafter, the paper is post-processed using the selected post-processing means. When the post-processing unit to be post-processed is selected in this manner, the sheet can be conveyed by the conveying unit to a position in the conveying direction of the post-processing unit and post-processed.
[0205]
Further, according to the present invention, the plurality of post-processed sheets are discharged to the discharge section of the image forming apparatus in cooperation with the sheet discharging means and the transporting means. In this way, a function for discharging the paper can be provided to the transporting means.
[0206]
Further, according to the present invention, the opening of the upstream post-processing means and the opening of the downstream post-processing means are formed so as to have different opening cross-sectional areas. It is possible to smoothly introduce the front end portion into the opening. For example, even if the thickness of the leading end of the paper is larger than the product of the actual number of sheets and the paper thickness, the leading end of the paper is moved upstream by the air layer existing between the stacked sheets. It can be smoothly introduced into the openings on the side and the downstream side. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly transport a plurality of sheets to the post-processing means.
[0207]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly and reliably introduce the leading end portions of the plurality of sheets on the downstream side in the transport direction into the opening. Therefore, a plurality of sheets can be smoothly and reliably transported to the post-processing position of the post-processing means.
[0208]
Further, according to the present invention, of the post-processing means, the one end surface portion on the upstream side in the conveyance direction and the one end surface portion substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction and the portion adjacent to the wall surface portion are chamfered in a slope shape. Even if the paper fluctuates during conveyance after the paper is aligned, the frictional resistance between one side edge of the paper and the wall when the paper is introduced into the opening can be minimized, and the opening can be reduced. Paper can be smoothly introduced.
[0209]
Further, according to the present invention, of the post-processing means, a portion of the one end surface portion on the upstream side in the conveyance direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and a portion adjacent to the conveyance surface portion are chamfered in a slope shape. Even if the thickness of the downstream portion in the transport direction of the paper becomes larger than the product of the actual number of papers and the paper thickness due to the air layer existing between the stacked papers, the leading end of the paper Can be smoothly and reliably introduced into the opening on the upstream side.
[0210]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to minimize the frictional resistance between one side edge of the sheet and the wall surface when the sheet is introduced into the opening, and to move the leading end of the sheet to the opening on the upstream side. It can be introduced smoothly and reliably. Therefore, it is possible to realize a sheet post-processing apparatus having high post-processing reliability.
[0211]
According to the invention, of the plurality of sheets moved in the transport direction by the transport unit, the downstream end of the plurality of sheets in the transport direction is regulated by the regulating unit. Since the restricting means is configured to be movable in the upstream and downstream directions in the transport direction, it is possible to position the downstream end of the sheet to the post-processing position.
[0212]
According to the invention, the regulating means is moved according to the selected post-processing means. Thus, the downstream end of the sheet is conveyed to the post-processing position of the selected post-processing means. Thereafter, post-processing of a plurality of sheets can be realized by the post-processing means.
[0213]
Further, according to the present invention, the vicinity of the downstream end of the plurality of papers in the transport direction is based on the position information of the selected post-processing unit, and at least the transport unit and the regulating unit cooperate with each other to form the post-processing unit. Is moved to the post-processing position. Thereafter, the sheet can be reliably post-processed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus 1A including a sheet post-processing apparatus 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the image forming apparatus main body 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the sheet post-processing device 4, particularly showing a relationship between the sheet P, a rear end plate 72, and a front end stopper 74;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the sheet post-processing apparatus 4, and particularly, a perspective view showing a relationship among the sheet P, a rear end plate 72, and a front end stopper 74;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an operation of a rear end plate 72 for a long size sheet P1.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a relationship among a short-sized sheet P2, a rear end plate 72, and a front end stopper 74;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the rear end plate 72 with respect to the short-size sheet bundle P2 aligned at the short-size alignment position.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a rear end plate driving mechanism 81.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an operation of alleviating the damage to the sheet P in the moving portion of the rear end plate driving mechanism 81 in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an operation of bringing the rear end plate 72 in the rear end plate driving mechanism 81 in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a main part of a rear end plate driving mechanism 81A including a second screw gear 85A different from the second screw gear 85 shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a side regulating plate driving unit 101 of the side regulating plate 73.
13 is an exploded perspective view showing a fitting structure of the two-stage pulley 110 and the reduction pulley 106 in the three pulley group 111 shown in FIG.
14 is a perspective view showing a compression state of a pressurizing spring 113 by a claw portion of a connection pulley 107 in the reduction pulley 106 shown in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the distal end stopper unit 114.
FIG. 16 is an end view showing the leading end stopper unit 114 of FIG.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a tip stopper 141 and a tip stopper driving unit 142 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
18 is an end view showing the leading end stopper 141 and the leading end stopper driving section 142 shown in FIG. 17 when viewed in the sheet width direction.
FIG. 19 is an end view showing a state in which the distal end stopper 141 is arranged at a regulating position by the distal end stopper driving unit 142 shown in FIG. 18;
20 is an end view showing a state in which the distal end stopper 141 is arranged at a retracted position by the distal end stopper driving unit 142 shown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a main part of the sheet post-processing device 4 viewed from the other side in the Z direction, in which a sheet P, a rear end plate 72, a front end stopper 74 (141), and a side regulating plate 73; It is a top view which shows a relationship.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a main part of a stapling apparatus without needles 75a.
FIG. 23 is a reference diagram of a sheet bundle P stapled by a stapleless stapling apparatus 75a.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view particularly showing an opening in the staple-less stapling apparatus 75a on the upstream side in the sheet transport direction.
25 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional shape of an opening of the stapling apparatus without needles 75a in FIG. 24.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view particularly showing an opening in the staple-less stapling apparatus 75a on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction according to a modified embodiment in which the present embodiment is partially modified.
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional shape of an opening of the stapling apparatus without needles 75a in FIG. 26;
FIG. 28 is a perspective view, particularly showing an opening, of the staple-less stapling apparatus 75a on the upstream side in the sheet transport direction according to a modified embodiment in which the present embodiment is partially changed.
FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 1A.
FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a control system of the sheet post-processing device 4.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a pre-alignment operation of short-size sheets on the staple tray 71.
FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing the operation at the end of the pre-alignment operation of the short size paper on the staple tray 71.
FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the operation of the rear end plate 72 after the end of the pre-alignment operation shown in FIG. 32;
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an operation of the sheet post-processing device 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an operation of the sheet post-processing device 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the sheet post-processing device 4 when one stapling device is arranged near the downstream end in the transport direction of the sheets P stacked on the staple tray 71.
FIG. 37 is a plan view showing a main part of the sheet post-processing device 4 of FIG. 36 as viewed from the other side in the Z direction, in which a sheet P, a rear end plate 72, a front end stopper 74, and a side regulating plate 73; It is a top view which shows a relationship.
FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the conventional sheet post-processing apparatus 300 cut along a virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction of a sheet conveying roller 301.
FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 401 provided with the conventional sheet post-processing apparatus 400, which is cut along a virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction of a sheet conveying roller.
40 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a relationship between a sheet post-processing apparatus 300A and a copying machine main body 302A, and FIG. 40A shows a lower position of the sheet post-processing apparatus than the image forming apparatus in FIG. FIG. 40B is a schematic diagram when the height is too high, and FIG. 40B is a schematic diagram when the installation area of the floor of the sheet post-processing apparatus is too large as compared with that in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
4 Paper post-processing device
71 Staple tray
72 Rear end plate
74 Tip stopper
75 stapler
75a Needleless staple device
75b Staple device with needle
81 Rear end plate drive mechanism
114 Tip stopper unit
115 Tip stopper movement drive mechanism
125 wall
126 transport surface
127 One end face
128,129 chamfer
131 Tip stopper drive unit
141 Tip stopper
171 Paper post-processing device control unit

Claims (21)

A sheet post-processing apparatus including a plurality of post-processing units for selectively performing post-processing on a sheet conveyed to a sheet stacking unit provided in a non-exposed state,
The plurality of post-processing means includes at least:
First sheet binding means for binding a plurality of stacked sheets using a binding tool;
A second sheet binding unit that binds the plurality of sheets by partially processing the stacked plurality of sheets themselves;
A sheet post-processing apparatus comprising a selection unit for selecting and using any one of the first and second sheet binding units. 2. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of post-processing units are provided in a conveying direction of the sheet conveyed to the sheet stacking unit. One of the plurality of post-processing units provided in parallel is disposed near the downstream end of the sheet in the sheet conveying direction so that a plurality of sheets stacked in the sheet stacking unit can be post-processed. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the post-processing unit is disposed downstream of the one post-processing unit in a transport direction. 2. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the post-processing unit by inputting a printing condition for the sheet. The selecting means determines that the post-processing means is selected by using at least one of the number of stacked sheets to be post-processed and the thickness of the stacked sheets to be post-processed. The sheet post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein: 2. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the post-processing unit based on an allowable number of sheets that can be post-processed by the second sheet binding unit. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit is configured to be able to select one of a plurality of post-processing units by an operator. At least one of the plurality of post-processing units provided in the transport direction is disposed near the downstream end in the transport direction of the paper so that the plurality of papers stacked in the paper stacking unit can be post-processed. 3. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processing is performed. The sheet post-processing according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of sheets are subjected to post-processing in a sheet stacking unit using post-processing means arranged near a downstream end of the sheet in the conveyance direction. apparatus. A plurality of sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit, further comprising a conveying unit capable of moving in the conveying direction while being aligned,
3. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of sheets are moved in a conveying direction by a conveying unit, and the plurality of sheets can be post-processed using a desired post-processing unit. The plurality of post-processing means are respectively disposed at positions in the conveyance direction separated from the vicinity of the downstream end of the plurality of sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section in the conveyance direction. Paper post-processing equipment. The downstream end portions of the plurality of sheets in the transport direction are transported by the transport unit to a transport direction position where the post-processing unit selected by the selecting unit is arranged among the plurality of post-processing units provided in the transport direction. The sheet post-processing device according to claim 10, wherein: In a sheet post-processing device provided in the image forming apparatus,
Multiple sheets post-processed by the sheet post-processing device
11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the sheet discharging unit provided in the image forming apparatus and the conveying unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus cooperate with each other to discharge the sheet to a discharging unit of the image forming apparatus. Paper post-processing equipment. The plurality of post-processing means provided in parallel in the transport direction is formed with an opening for post-processing the stacked sheets,
3. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the opening of the post-processing means on the upstream side in the transport direction and the opening of the post-processing means on the downstream side are formed to have different opening cross-sectional areas. . The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein an opening cross-sectional area of the opening on the upstream side is formed larger than an opening cross-sectional area of the opening on the downstream side. In the post-processing means on the upstream side in the transport direction,
The opening of the post-processing means is a wall portion on which one side edge of the sheet is guided along the transport direction, and a wall portion along the sheet stacking direction and the transport direction is formed.
A part of the post-processing means, which is an end surface on the upstream side in the conveyance direction and adjacent to the wall surface and the one end surface substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction, is chamfered into an inclined shape. Item 16. The sheet post-processing device according to item 14 or 15. In the post-processing means on the upstream side in the transport direction,
In the opening of the post-processing means, a transport surface portion substantially parallel to the transport direction is formed,
In the post-processing means, a part of the one end surface on the upstream side in the conveyance direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and a portion adjacent to the conveyance surface portion are chamfered into an inclined shape. Item 16. The sheet post-processing device according to item 14 or 15. In the post-processing means on the upstream side in the transport direction,
The opening of the post-processing means is a wall portion on which one side edge of the paper is guided along the transport direction, and is adjacent to the wall portion along the stacking direction and the transport direction of the paper. And a transport surface portion substantially parallel to the transport direction is formed,
Of the post-processing means, one end surface portion on the upstream side in the conveyance direction and one end surface portion substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and a portion adjacent to the wall surface portion are chamfered in a slope shape, and the one end surface portion The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a portion adjacent to the conveyance surface is also chamfered in a slope shape. Among a plurality of papers moved in the transport direction by the transport unit, further comprising a regulating unit that regulates a downstream end portion in the transport direction,
The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the regulating unit is configured to be movable in the upstream and downstream directions in the transport direction. 20. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the restricting unit is configured to be movable in accordance with a selected post-processing unit among a plurality of post-processing units provided in the conveyance direction. . The vicinity of the downstream end of the plurality of papers in the transport direction cooperates with at least the transport unit and the regulating unit based on the position information of the selected post-processing unit among the plurality of post-processing units provided in the transport direction. 21. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the sheet post-processing apparatus is configured to be moved to a post-processing position of the post-processing unit so that post-processing can be performed.

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