JP2004262590A - Paper post-processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select a stapler capable of performing a staple process at low cost according to the number of sheets of a paper bundle. <P>SOLUTION: Paper is fed to a first processing unit 4 along a predetermined transporting direction and a paper bundle is stapled. A second processing unit 5 is arranged in a downstream side in the paper transporting direction and staples a paper bundle. The first and the second processing unit is selectively used according to number of sheets of the paper bundle to be stapled. When the second processing unit is used, paper passes through the first processing unit and is given to the second processing unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus used for post-processing a sheet subjected to a printing process in an image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer (hereinafter, a sheet on which an image is formed is simply referred to as a sheet) is subjected to a binding process (staple process) for each predetermined number of sheets. May be done. Also, a punching process may be performed on a sheet at a preset position. When performing post-processing such as stapling and / or punching, a sheet post-processing device (sheet processing device) Post-processing such as stapling and / or punching is automatically performed using a so-called finisher.
[0003]
The finisher includes a processing unit and a stapler for performing staple processing. An alignment member (jogger) that aligns sheets while moving in the front and back directions is provided around the processing tray. I have.
[0004]
Such a finisher is, for example, detachably attached to a sheet discharge side of the image forming apparatus, and sequentially discharges sheets at predetermined intervals from the image forming apparatus. The stapling process is performed for each set number (one set). At this time, up to a preset number of sheets are stored in the processing unit.
[0005]
The processing unit is provided with a sheet receiving portion that is movable along the processing unit. When a sheet is carried into the processing unit, the sheet receiving portion waits on the lower side of the processing unit, and is provided with a finisher. One end (lower end) of the sheet sequentially loaded into the processing unit from the upper side is supported by the sheet receiving portion.
[0006]
The stapler described above is provided in the vicinity of the position where the sheet receiving unit waits, and the stapler performs a stapling process on a sheet whose transport direction end is aligned by the sheet receiving unit. Then, the staple-processed sheets are conveyed as a bundle above the finisher by the sheet receiving unit, and are discharged to a discharge tray by discharge rollers.
[0007]
In such a sheet post-processing apparatus, when performing a saddle stitching process, a pair of saddle stapling staplers (so-called separation-type staplers) provided at substantially the center of the processing unit extend the vicinity of the center of the leading end of the sheet bundle in a longitudinal direction. Stapling is performed at two places along the direction. On the other hand, when performing the oblique leading edge binding, for example, the sheet bundle is moved and stapled so that the corner of the leading end of the bundle of papers becomes the staple position of the oblique binding stapler (a so-called fixed stapler). Reference 1).
[0008]
Further, there is a paper post-processing apparatus that includes a plurality of staplers (staple units) and selects an optimum stapler when performing stapling processing. Here, a large stapler and a small stapler are provided, and an optimum stapler is selected from these staplers to perform a binding process (stapling process) for each number of sheets to be bound (according to Patent Document 2). ).
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2000-160865 (paragraphs (0016) to (0027), FIG. 1 to FIG. 3)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-1999-301919 (paragraphs (0008) to (0014), FIGS. 1 to 3)
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the sheet post-processing apparatus described in Patent Literature 1, the number of sheets that can be saddle-stitched and stapled is limited, and generally about 50 sheets can be stapled and stapled. When a stapler for saddle stitching a large number of sheets is provided, the difference between the maximum number of sheets and the minimum number of sheets becomes large.
[0011]
For example, if a stapler having a maximum number of stapling sheets of 100 is provided, when the two sheets, which are the minimum number, are saddle-stitched, the binding position and the consistency between the stapler and the sheet bundle are likely to vary. In addition, when binding two sheet bundles (sheet bundles), it is necessary to replace staples used for binding 100 sheet bundles. That is, since the difference between the minimum binding paper bundle and the maximum binding paper bundle is large, it is necessary to adjust the staples according to the 2 to 100 paper bundles.
[0012]
On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, a large stapler and a small stapler are provided, the stapler is mounted on a stapler bracket, and the first and second staplers are switched between a stapling position and a retreating position. Although the stapler that performs the binding process is selected, in Patent Document 2, the processing unit always includes a large stapler and a small stapler, and considering that the large stapler is expensive, a large number of staplers are considered. For a user who does not need to staple a sheet bundle, there is a problem that the cost increases.
[0013]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus which can select a stapler for performing stapling according to the number of sheets in a sheet bundle and is inexpensive for a user.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, there is provided a sheet post-processing apparatus that is used together with an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, stacks a plurality of sheets on which the image is formed, and staples the stacked sheet bundle. A first processing unit for performing the stapling process by the paper being fed along a predetermined transport direction; and a second processing unit disposed downstream of the transport direction and performing the stapling process on the paper. And control means for selectively using the first and second processing units according to the number of sheets to be stapled, wherein the control means uses the second processing unit when the second processing unit is used. A sheet post-processing apparatus characterized in that the sheet is passed through the first processing unit and supplied to the second processing unit.
[0015]
In this manner, the first processing unit that performs the staple process by feeding the paper along the predetermined transport direction, and the second processing unit that is disposed downstream in the transport direction and performs the staple process on the paper, The first and second processing units are selectively used in accordance with the number of sheets to be stapled, and when the second processing unit is used, the sheets are transferred to the first processing unit. Is passed to the second processing unit so that the stapling process can be performed in accordance with the number of sheets in the sheet bundle. There is little variation in the consistency between the sheet and the sheet bundle, and it is not necessary to replace the staples.
[0016]
Further, in the present invention, the first processing unit includes first stapling means for performing the stapling process on a sheet bundle of a predetermined number or less, and the second processing unit exceeds the predetermined number of sheets. A second stapling unit that staples the sheet bundle, and when the first processing unit performs the stapling process, the control unit discharges the stapled sheet bundle in a direction opposite to the transport direction. Control. When the staple processing is performed by the second processing unit, the control unit controls discharge of the stapled sheet bundle along a sheet discharge path different from the transport direction. Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a selection unit for manually selecting one of the first and second processing units and transmitting a selection signal, and the control unit is configured to control the first and the second processing units according to the selection signal. The second processing unit may be selectively used. At this time, a display for indicating which of the first and second processing units has been selected according to the selection signal is displayed. Means may be provided. Note that the first and second processing units each define a space for receiving the sheet, and the length of the sheet in the thickness direction in the space in the second processing unit is larger than that in the first processing unit. The unit is larger. Further, in the present invention, a first discharge port for discharging a sheet bundle stapled by the first processing unit and a second discharge port for discharging a sheet bundle stapled by the second processing unit. An output port, an output tray section on which the stapled sheet bundle is placed, and a moving mechanism for moving the output tray section between the first and second output ports; Drives and controls the moving mechanism based on the selective use of the first and second processing units.
[0017]
As described above, the second processing unit that staples a bundle of sheets exceeding a predetermined number of sheets is disposed downstream of the first processing unit that staples a bundle of sheets of a predetermined number of sheets or less. When the staple processing is performed in the first processing unit, the staple-processed sheet bundle is discharged in a direction opposite to the paper conveyance direction (loading direction), and when the staple processing is performed in the second processing unit, the conveyance direction is changed. When the stapled sheet bundle is ejected along a sheet ejection path different from that of the first and second processing units, even if the sheet bundle stapled by the first processing unit is a small number, Thus, it is possible to easily control the discharge of the stapled sheet bundle.
[0018]
In the paper post-processing apparatus according to the present invention, the paper post-processing apparatus includes a housing in which the first and second processing units are housed, and the second processing unit is provided below the first processing unit. It is detachably mounted on the housing.
[0019]
As described above, since the second processing unit is detachably attached to the housing below the first processing unit, the second processing unit can be easily attached and detached by a user's option. For a user who does not need to staple a sheet bundle, the cost is reduced as a result.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto, unless otherwise specified. It is only an example.
[0021]
Referring to FIG. 1, a sheet post-processing apparatus (sheet processing apparatus: finisher) 1 shown in the drawing sequentially receives sheets (sheets) at predetermined time intervals from an image forming apparatus (for example, a copying machine: not shown). For example, a binding process (stapling process) is performed. The finisher 1 includes a finisher housing (housing) 2, and a punch unit 3 for performing a punching process for punching a hole in a predetermined position of a sheet sent from the image forming apparatus is arranged in the housing 2. A processing unit (first processing unit) 4 is disposed in the housing 2, and the processing unit 4 performs a stacking process for stacking a plurality of sheets and a staple process for binding a stacked sheet bundle.
[0022]
Further, a processing unit (second processing unit) 5 is provided on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction, and the processing unit 5 is selectively connected to the processing unit 4. That is, the processing unit 5 is installed (inserted) in the lower part of the finisher housing 2, and when the processing unit 5 is inserted in the lower part of the finisher housing 2, the processing unit 5 is connected to the processing unit 4 and its sheet is The transport path is connected to the processing unit 4. The processing units 4 and 5 each define a space for receiving a sheet. In the space, the length of the sheet in the thickness direction is larger in the processing unit 5 than in the processing unit 4.
[0023]
Further, when an operation lever or the like (not shown) is operated, the connection between the processing unit 5 and the processing unit 4 is released, and the processing unit 5 can be removed from the finisher housing 2. Thus, the processing unit 5 is selectively installed in the finisher housing 2.
[0024]
Stack processing and / or stapling processing is also performed in the processing unit 5 as described later. Stack processing and stapling processing in the processing unit 4 and stack processing and stapling processing in the processing unit 5 will be described later. This is done selectively.
[0025]
Here, referring also to FIG. 2, a first stapler 36 is disposed substantially at the center of the processing unit 4, and the first stapler 36 has stapler portions 36a and 36b. The stapler section 36a is disposed in the upper unit 14, and the stapler section 36b is disposed in the lower unit 15.
[0026]
Further, the processing unit 5 is provided with a second stapler 37, and the second stapler 37 is disposed at a rear end of the processing unit 5. The second stapler 37 is for a sheet bundle having a larger number of sheets than the first stapler 36. As described above, the first stapler 36 is a so-called separation type stapler, and the second stapler 37 is a so-called fixed type. In the illustrated example, the first stapler 36, that is, the stapling process is performed in the processing unit 4 for the sheet bundle of 2 to 50 sheets, and the sheet bundle of 51 to 100 sheets is The stapling process is performed in the second stapler 37, that is, the processing unit 5.
[0027]
Here, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sheet subjected to the printing process (image forming process) by the image forming apparatus is transported by a pair of transport rollers 13 a through a carry-in port 6 provided on a side surface of the finisher housing 2. The sheet is carried into the finisher 1, and is conveyed to the punch unit 3 through the conveyance path 7. For example, when the punching process is selected by the input panel, a hole is formed at a predetermined position of the sheet in the punch unit 3 (the punch unit 3 is omitted in FIG. 2). On the other hand, if the punch processing is not selected, the sheet passes through the punch unit 3 without performing the punch processing.
[0028]
On the downstream side of the punch unit 3, a standby drum 8 is disposed. When performing a stapling process on a sheet bundle including a plurality of sheets, the standby drum 8 is driven to rotate in a direction indicated by a solid line arrow in FIG. Then, while one set of sheet bundles is being stacked or stapled by the processing unit 4 or 5, the first sheet of the next set is wound around the drum surface of the standby drum 8 and is put on standby.
[0029]
When the stacking process and the stapling process are not selected, the sheet is sent to the discharge roller 10 by a plurality of branch claws 9 (not shown in FIG. 2) rotatably held by the finisher housing 2 and discharged. It is discharged to the tray 11. Above the discharge tray 11, a plurality of job trays 12 are vertically arranged side by side. These job trays 12 can be moved individually or integrally in the vertical direction, and can discharge any job tray 12. Sheets to be discharged can be sorted to an arbitrary job tray 12 so as to face the roller 10. Sheets that have not been stapled may be distributed to one of these job trays 12 and discharged.
[0030]
When the stack processing or the staple processing is selected, the sheet is conveyed to the processing unit 4 by the carry-in roller pair 13 (conveyed along the conveyance direction). Now, assuming that staple processing is selected and the number of sheet bundles to be stapled is the first number of sheets (for example, 2 to 50) (this number of staple processing is provided in, for example, the image forming apparatus). Input from a front panel (input panel) provided to the controller (not shown) provided in the finisher 1), and the controller determines that the first stapler 36 is to perform staple processing (that is, the processing is performed). It is determined that staple processing is performed using the unit 4). In other words, when one of the processing units 4 and 5 is input from the front panel, the controller selectively uses the processing units 4 and 5 according to the selection signal. A display unit (not shown) is provided on the front panel, and the controller displays on the display unit which of the processing units 4 and 5 is selected.
[0031]
As shown in the figure, the processing unit 4 includes an upper unit 14 and a lower unit 15, and the conveyed sheet is passed between the upper unit 14 and the lower unit 15, where staple processing is performed. Then, the sheet bundle on which the stapling process has been performed is conveyed upward in the sheet discharging direction (in the illustrated example, the sheet discharging direction is opposite to the conveying direction), that is, is discharged onto the discharging tray 11 by the discharging roller 10. Is discharged. Note that the sheet bundle may be distributed to any one of the job trays 12.
[0032]
More specifically, the sheet branched by the branch claw 9 is guided by the carry-in roller pair 13 and is conveyed to the processing unit 4. The processing unit 4 is provided with a pair of cursors (guides: not shown) that can reciprocate in a direction (sheet width direction) perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction. Then, the sheets carried into the processing unit 4 are aligned in the sheet width direction by the cursor. The processing unit 4 is provided with an endless belt (not shown) along the sheet conveying direction, and a sheet receiving portion (not shown) is fixed to the endless belt. When the endless belt is driven and controlled in the sheet conveying direction, the sheet receiving section moves in the vertical direction along the sheet conveying direction.
[0033]
The sheet receiving portion is located at a standby position located below the processing unit 4 when the sheet is carried in, and supports an end portion of the sheet carried into the processing unit 4 in the carrying direction. Then, when the stacking of a predetermined number of sheets is completed by the processing unit 4, stapling processing is performed on the stacked sheets using the first stapler 36. Thereafter, as described above, the sheet bundle is conveyed upward, and is discharged to the discharge tray 11 by the discharge roller 10.
[0034]
On the other hand, if the number of sheets to be stapled is the second number of sheets (for example, 51 to 100), the controller determines that stapling is to be performed using the second stapler 37 (that is, the processing unit 5). It is determined that the stapling process is performed using.
[0035]
As described above, the processing unit 5 is disposed on the downstream side of the processing unit 4, and if it is determined that the stapling process is to be performed using the processing unit 5, the controller retracts the sheet receiving unit to the retracted position and removes the sheet. Allow passage to the downstream side.
[0036]
A transport roller (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the processing unit 4, and the controller controls the drive of the transport roller to transport the sheet carried into the processing unit 4 to the downstream side of the processing unit 4. I do.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 2, a sheet transport path P is defined in the processing unit 5, and the sheet transport path P is connected to the exit side of the processing unit 4 (that is, connected to the transport path S of the processing unit 4). ing). A pair of carry-in rollers 5a are arranged in the sheet transport path P, and the sheets that have passed through the processing unit 4 are carried into the processing tray 5b in the processing unit 5 by the carry-in rollers 5a. The processing unit 5 performs the stapling process after performing the stacking process in the same manner as the processing unit 4. That is, the sheet bundle is stapled by the second stapler 37 disposed at the rear end of the processing unit 5.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 2, a sheet discharge path Q is defined in the processing unit 5, and the sheet discharge path Q is connected to a sheet transport path P. A branch member 5c is disposed at a branch point between the sheet transport path P and the sheet discharge path Q. When a sheet is carried in the direction of the second stapler 37, the controller controls the drive of the branch member 5c. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the processing tray 5b by connecting the sheet conveying path P to the processing tray 5b.
[0039]
On the other hand, when discharging the stapled sheet bundle, the controller drives and controls the branching member 5c, connects the processing tray 5b to the sheet discharge path Q, and drives the discharge roller pairs 5d and 5e. The sheet bundle is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown in FIG. 2) via a sheet discharge path Q, as indicated by a solid arrow in FIG.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 1, the paper discharge tray 16 for discharging the bundle of sheets stapled by the processing unit 5 is disposed below the paper discharge tray 11, and the bundle of sheets discharged from the processing unit 4. The sheet discharge position of the sheet bundle discharged from the processing unit 5 is different from that of the sheet bundle (the sheet discharge path Q is not shown in FIG. 1).
[0041]
In this way, the processing unit that performs the stapling process is changed according to the number of the sheet bundles on which the stapling process is performed. Since a small number of sheet bundles are arranged downstream of the processing unit 4 for stapling, the frequency of use of the processing unit 5 can be easily adjusted according to the number of processed sheets, considering that the frequency of use of the processing unit 5 is less than that of the processing unit 4. Thus, the processing unit can be used properly, and a large number of sheet bundles can be stapled.
[0042]
Further, since the processing unit 5 is detachable from the finisher housing 2, the processing unit 5 may be mounted as needed, and a user who needs the processing unit 5 may mount the processing unit 5. Then, the user can perform the stapling process in consideration of the cost. That is, a stapler that performs stapling can be selected according to the number of sheets, and the stapling can be performed at low cost for the user.
[0043]
By the way, as shown in FIG. 2, the angle between the sheet carrying direction and the sheet bundle discharging direction becomes large due to a large difference between the sheet carrying direction into the processing unit 5 and the sheet bundle discharging direction from the processing unit 5. In the vicinity of the discharge roller 5d, the sheet bundle will be greatly bent. In the processing unit 5, the number of sheet bundles to be stapled is, for example, 51 to 100 sheets. Therefore, if the sheet bundle after the stapling is greatly bent, the sheet bundle not only has an adverse effect but also has a discharge roller 5d. Would be overloaded.
[0044]
In order to prevent this, for example, a sheet bundle discharge control as shown in FIG. 3 may be performed. Referring to FIG. 3, in FIG. 3, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0045]
As shown in the drawing, a feedback path R, which is an extension of the sheet conveyance path P, is formed upstream of the sheet conveyance path P. A branch member 5f is provided at a branch point between the feedback path R and the conveyance path S. Are located.
[0046]
As described above, the sheet that has passed through the processing unit 4 is carried into the processing tray 5b in the processing unit 5 by the carry-in roller 5a (at this time, the transport path S and the sheet transport path P are connected by the branching member 5f. Is staple-processed in the processing unit 5. Thereafter, the controller reverses the carry-in roller 5a to move the sheet bundle along the sheet transport path P. At this time, the controller drives and controls the branching member 5f to connect the sheet conveying path P with the feedback path R.
[0047]
As a result, the sheet bundle goes back along the feedback path R. As shown, a feedback roller pair 5g is provided in the feedback path R, and the sheet bundle entering the feedback path R is conveyed by the feedback roller pair 5g.
[0048]
When the trailing end of the sheet bundle conveyed to the feedback path R passes the branch point between the sheet conveying path P and the sheet discharge path Q (for example, when the trailing end of the sheet bundle is detected by a detection sensor), the controller sets the loading roller 5a is rotated forward and the feedback roller 5g is rotated reversely. At this time, the sheet conveying path P and the sheet discharge path Q are connected by the branching member 5c, and the sheet bundle stapled by the processing unit 5 is discharged through the sheet discharge path Q (in this case, The discharge roller pairs 5d and 5e are also driven).
[0049]
In this way, if the sheet bundle is fed back in the direction of the sheet transport path P, and then discharged through the sheet discharge path Q, the sheet bundle after the staple processing is not greatly bent, and the sheet bundle is formed. This has no adverse effect, and does not apply a large load to the discharge roller 5d.
[0050]
In the above-described example, the paper output trays 11 and 16 are provided, and the sheet bundle discharged from the processing units 4 and 5 is discharged to the paper output trays 11 and 16, respectively. The discharge tray is moved between a discharge port from which the bundle of sheets stapled by the processing unit 4 is discharged and a discharge port from which the bundle of sheets stapled by the processing unit 5 is discharged. In this case, the controller drives and controls the moving mechanism that moves the paper discharge tray based on the selective use of the processing units 4 and 5.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the first processing unit in which a sheet is fed along a predetermined transport direction and performs staple processing, and the first processing unit is disposed downstream in the transport direction and performs staple processing on the paper. When the second processing unit is used, the first and second processing units are selectively used in accordance with the number of sheets to be stapled. Since the sheet is passed through the first processing unit and given to the second processing unit, stapling can be performed according to the number of sheets in the sheet bundle, and the processing unit can be selectively selected according to the number of staples. As a result, there is little variation in the binding position and the consistency between the stapler and the sheet bundle, and there is no need to replace staples.
[0052]
In the present invention, a second processing unit that staples a sheet bundle exceeding a predetermined number of sheets is disposed downstream of the first processing unit that staples a sheet bundle of a predetermined number of sheets or less. When the staple processing is performed in the first processing unit, the staple-processed sheet bundle is discharged in a direction opposite to the paper conveyance direction (loading direction), and when the staple processing is performed in the second processing unit, the conveyance direction is changed. The stapled sheet bundle is ejected along a sheet ejection path different from that of the first and second processing units, even if the number of sheets stapled by the first processing unit is small. Thus, there is an effect that the discharge of the stapled sheet bundle can be easily controlled.
[0053]
In the present invention, since the second processing unit is detachably attached to the housing below the first processing unit, the second processing unit can be easily attached and detached by a user's option. For a user who does not need to staple a sheet bundle, there is an effect that the cost is eventually reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of an operation when performing staple processing by selectively using a first processing unit and a second processing unit in the sheet post-processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1; .
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the operation when performing staple processing by selectively using a first processing unit and a second processing unit in the sheet post-processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1; It is.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Paper post-processing equipment (finisher)
2 Finisher casing 3 Punch unit 4, 5 Processing unit 8 Standby drum 11 Discharge tray 14 Upper unit 15 Lower unit 36, 37 Stapler

Claims (9)

A sheet post-processing apparatus that is used together with an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, stacks a plurality of sheets on which the image is formed, and staples the stacked sheet bundle.
A first processing unit for performing the stapling processing by the paper being fed along a predetermined transport direction;
A second processing unit disposed downstream of the transport direction and performing staple processing on the sheet;
Control means for selectively using the first and second processing units according to the number of sheets to be stapled,
The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit passes the sheet through the first processing unit and supplies the sheet to the second processing unit when the second processing unit is used. The first processing unit includes first staple means for performing the staple processing on a sheet bundle of a predetermined number or less,
2. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second processing unit includes a second stapling unit that staples a sheet bundle exceeding the predetermined number of sheets. Selecting means for manually selecting one of the first and second processing units and transmitting a selection signal;
3. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selectively uses the first and second processing units in accordance with the selection signal. 4. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a display unit configured to display which of the first and second processing units is selected in response to the selection signal. . The first and second processing units each define a space for receiving the paper,
The sheet post-processing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the length of the sheet in the thickness direction in the space is larger in the second processing unit than in the first processing unit. unit. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the first processing unit performs the stapling process, the control unit controls discharge of the stapled sheet bundle in a direction opposite to the transport direction. A sheet post-processing device according to any one of the above. When the staple processing is performed by the second processing unit, the control unit controls discharge of the staple-processed sheet bundle along a paper discharge path different from the transport direction. Item 7. A sheet post-processing device according to Item 6. A first discharge port through which a bundle of sheets stapled by the first processing unit is discharged;
A second discharge port for discharging a sheet bundle stapled by the second processing unit;
A discharge tray section on which the stapled sheet bundle is placed;
A moving mechanism for moving the discharge tray portion between the first and second discharge ports,
8. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit drives and controls the moving mechanism based on the selective use of the first and second processing units. The image processing apparatus further includes a housing in which the first and second processing units are housed, wherein the second processing unit is detachably attached to the housing below the first processing unit. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein:

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