JP2005345541A - Post processing apparatus of sheet body - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily add an optional apparatus, such as a sheet inserting apparatus in between a post processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to need and to add it at low cost, without requiring changes on the image forming apparatus side in the post processing apparatus added to the image forming apparatus and carrying out post processes, such as binding process, folding process and perforating process to a sheet body. <P>SOLUTION: Support means 61 and 62 which are freely protruded on a surface of the post processing apparatus 6 are provided, facing the image forming apparatus 1, the post processing apparatus 6 and the image forming apparatus 1 are separated, the sheet inserting apparatus 7 is supported by the protruding supporting means 61 and 62 and electrical connections are made, by having connectors in each attach in engagement through loading. Therefore, constitution is obtained at a low cost, with easy attachment and detachment of the sheet inserting apparatus 7 and will not need changes accompanying attachment and detachment, since the image forming apparatus 1 is merely connected to the post processing apparatus 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is used by connecting to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a so-called digital multifunction machine having these functions, and binding a sheet body discharged from the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a post-processing such as processing, folding processing, and punching processing.

  In the image forming apparatus such as the copying machine, as shown in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-260707, for example, binding processing for stapling, punching processing for filing, or binding is currently performed on a sheet body on which an image is formed. A post-processing device that performs various post-processing such as folding processing for folding a sheet can be added as an option.

A connection device for connecting such a post-processing device to an image forming apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 2.
JP 2003-110806 A JP 2002-156804 A

  However, in the above-described prior art, every time an optional device is added, a new electrical connection is required. Therefore, the image forming apparatus that performs interlock control is compatible with all of the optional devices that are expected to be connected, such as connectors, or has to be changed in some cases when it is added, resulting in an increase in cost. is there.

  Also, for example, in addition to the post-processing device that performs the binding processing, folding processing, punching processing, etc., other optional devices that perform cover insertion processing and sheet body reversal processing are usually added. When adding other optional devices that are rarely used, the connection must be made each time it is added, and when it is no longer needed, it must be removed, which takes time to set up and is cumbersome. There is also a problem. In addition, although it is conceivable to install the other optional device permanently, not only will the occupied space increase and become an obstacle, but a one-stage extra conveyance mechanism will intervene, increasing the cause of jam, Power consumption will increase. In addition, the normal processing speed may be reduced. Therefore, it is desirable to remove optional devices that are less frequently used when not in use.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet body post-processing device that can be easily added as needed and that does not require any change on the image forming apparatus side and can be realized at low cost. Is to provide.

  The sheet body post-processing apparatus of the present invention is a sheet body post-processing apparatus that is used by being connected to an image forming apparatus, and includes an electrical connection means that can protrude on a surface facing the image forming apparatus. A support means for separating the post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus from each other and supporting the option device by the protruding support means, and the connection means is electrically connected, The optional apparatus can be inserted between a post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus.

  According to the above configuration, in a post-processing apparatus that is added to the image forming apparatus and performs post-processing of the sheet body such as binding processing, folding processing, and punching processing, an option is provided between the post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus. When the apparatus is inserted, a support that can project freely on the surface of the post-processing apparatus facing the image forming apparatus that can be moved close to and away from the image forming apparatus by a guide rail or the like for jamming or the like. Means are provided. The support means is in a non-projecting state when the optional device is not inserted, whereby the post-processing apparatus is directly connected to the image forming apparatus, and the sheet body can be conveyed. On the other hand, when the optional device is interposed between the post-processing device and the image forming device, the support is placed in a space formed by separating the post-processing device from the image forming device. The optional device is supported by the support means and is electrically connected by the electrical connection means provided in the support means.

  Therefore, the optional device can be easily added as necessary, and in order to make it possible to add additional optional devices in this way, the image forming apparatus side is simply connected to the post-processing device as usual. Since the power source, the control signal, and the like are supplied from the post-processing apparatus through the support means as necessary, the image forming apparatus side does not need to be changed, and can be configured at low cost.

  Further, in the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention, the connecting means includes a connector that enables electrical connection, and the connector supports the option device by the support means, so that the connector on the option device side is provided. It is characterized by being fitted with a connector.

  According to the above configuration, the support means is provided with a connector as the connection means. Correspondingly, the optional device is also provided with a connector, and the support means is extended to extend the optional device. When they are supported, they are fitted to each other so that power supply, control signal communication, and the like are possible.

  Therefore, the electrical connection is completed only by connecting the optional device to the support means, and the optional device can be attached and detached more easily.

  Furthermore, the post-processing apparatus of the sheet body of the present invention has an engaging member for positioning on the supporting means, and the engaging member is mounted with the optional device on the supporting means, It is characterized by engaging with an engaging member on the option device side.

  According to the above configuration, the optional device is supported by being mounted on the support means, and can be positioned by being engaged with each other, such as an engagement pin and an engagement recess. Is provided on the other processing apparatus and the supporting means.

  Accordingly, the positioning in the vertical direction is performed by the supporting means for mounting the optional device, the positioning in the horizontal direction is performed by the engaging member, and the optional device is simply mounted on the supporting means. Positioning can be easily performed with high accuracy.

  Further, in the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention, the optional device is mounted on the support means so that the optional device is supported by the support means, and the support means is horizontally disposed from the side surface of the post-processing device. It is characterized by comprising a mounting table that extends and an auxiliary support member that supports the free end side of the mounting table obliquely from the side surface.

  According to the above configuration, the optional device is supported by being mounted on the support means, and when the support structure is realized, the support means extends horizontally from the side surface of the post-processing device. And an auxiliary support member that supports the free end side of the mounting table obliquely from the side surface. That is, the mounting table, the side surface, and the auxiliary support member form a substantially triangular shape, and when the auxiliary support member is mounted on the side surface above the mounting table, the free end side of the mounting table is When suspended and supported by the auxiliary support member and mounted below, the free end side of the mounting table is lifted and supported by the auxiliary support member.

  Therefore, the load of the optional device can be prevented from concentrating on the base end side of the mounting table, and the mounting table can be simplified.

  As described above, the post-processing apparatus of the present invention is added to the image forming apparatus, and is a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing of the sheet body such as binding processing, folding processing, and punching processing. When an optional device is inserted between the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus, a support means including an electrically supporting means that can freely protrude is provided on a surface facing the image forming apparatus, and the post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus The optional device is supported by the protruding support means and electrically connected by the connecting means, so that the optional device is inserted between the post-processing device and the image forming apparatus. to enable.

  Therefore, the optional device can be easily added as necessary, and when the optional device can be further added as such, the image forming apparatus side is merely connected to the post-processing device as usual. Thus, since the power source, the control signal, and the like are supplied from the post-processing apparatus through the support unit as necessary, the image forming apparatus does not need to be changed, and can be configured at low cost.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system configured by including a post-processing device 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image processing system generally includes an image forming apparatus 1 having a basic configuration, and the post-processing apparatus 6 and a sheet insertion apparatus 7 that are optionally attached thereto. The image forming apparatus 1 is a so-called digital multi-function machine that forms an image by an electrophotographic method as will be described later.

  The post-processing device 6, which is an optional device, performs post-processing such as binding processing, folding processing, punching processing, and the like on paper on which images have been formed, and is permanently installed when purchased or leased by the user. . The post-processing device 6 extends from the image forming apparatus 1 and can travel close to and away from the image forming apparatus 1 by traveling on a guide rail 68 laid on the floor surface 67 by wheels 69. At the time of jam processing or when a sheet insertion device 7 to be described later is inserted, the image forming device 1 is separated from the image forming apparatus 1. When the sheet insertion device 7 is not inserted, the image forming apparatus 1 is approached and the discharged paper is directly taken in. The post-processing apparatus 6 is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 1 by such a flexibly-displaceable cable 8 that enables such proximity and separation displacement, and exchange of power supply and control signals is performed. Is called.

  On the other hand, the sheet insertion device 7 which is another optional device supplies the cover of the bundle of sheets to be bound in the post-processing device 6, and even if purchased or leased by the user, It becomes obstructive when used, and an extra transport mechanism is interposed, which increases the cause of jams, increases power consumption, and slows down the processing speed. It is an optional device with a low usage frequency that is worn by the user at times.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1, but the configuration of FIG. 2 is an example of the configuration, and various other configurations can be adopted. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body unit 10 having an image forming unit 100, a document feeding unit 200 and a document reading unit 300 installed above the main body unit 10, and a feeding unit installed below the main body unit 10. A paper unit 400 and an operation display unit 500 installed on the front unit of the main body unit 10 are provided.

  The document reading unit 300 reads a document and generates image data corresponding to the document. The document reading unit 300 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor that generates image data from an optically acquired document image, a scanner 301 including an exposure lamp, and the like, and includes contact glasses 302 and 303 on the upper surface thereof. ing. The document reading unit 300 scans the document placed on the contact glass 302 or the document conveyed by the document feeding unit 200 so as to contact the contact glass 303, and displays the acquired image data as an image (not shown). Output to the processing unit.

  The document feeding unit 200 feeds a document to the document reading unit 300. The document feeding unit 200 includes a document placement unit 201, a carry-in drive unit 202 including a carry-in roller, a conveyance roller 203, a discharge roller 204, a paper discharge table 205, and a document detection switch 206 that detects the presence or absence of a document. Thus, the originals placed on the original placement unit 201 are automatically conveyed one by one in contact with the contact glass 303 and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 205 after exposure scanning of the originals. Further, the document feeding unit 200 is configured to be retractable, and is lifted upward so as to open the upper surface of the contact glass 302, so that a read document, for example, a spread state is placed on the upper surface of the contact glass 302. A book or the like can be placed.

  The paper feeding unit 400 feeds paper to the image forming unit 100. The paper feed unit 400 is a manual paper feed including paper feed cassettes 401 and 402 that store sheets of various sizes (recording paper), a manual feed tray 4031 that is configured to be openable and closable at one side of the main body unit 10, and the like. Part 403 is provided. The paper feed unit 400 includes a transport path 404 that transports paper from the paper feed cassettes 401 and 402 to the image forming unit 100, and a transport path 405 that transports paper from the manual paper feed unit 403 to the image forming unit 100. . Each of the paper feed cassettes 401 and 402 and the manual paper feed unit 403 includes pickup rollers 406, 407, and 408 for taking out the stored paper, and paper feed rollers 409, 410, and 411 for feeding the paper one by one to the transport path. It has.

  The transport path 404 includes transport rollers 412 and 413 for transporting paper, and registration rollers 414 for waiting the transported paper in front of the image forming unit 100. In addition, the manual conveyance path 405 joins the conveyance path 404 on the upstream side of the registration rollers 414.

  The image forming unit 100 performs predetermined image formation (printing) on the paper conveyed by the paper supply unit 400. The image forming unit 100 includes a photosensitive drum 101 rotatably supported in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, a charging unit 102 disposed around the photosensitive drum 101, a developing unit 103, a cleaning unit 104, and a laser. A scanning unit 105, a transfer roller 106, and a fixing roller 107 are provided.

  The charging unit 102 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 to a predetermined potential. The laser scanning unit 105 receives the data read by the document reading unit 300 and processed by the image from an image storage unit (not shown), and irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 with the laser beam based on the data, thereby It forms an image. The developing unit 103 visualizes an image (original image) by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image. The transfer roller 106 transfers the toner image visualized on the photosensitive drum 101 to the sheet while the conveyed sheet is pressed against the photosensitive drum 101. The fixing roller 107 fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The fixing roller 107 includes a heat roller and a pressure roller. The toner on the paper is melted by the heat of the heat roller, and pressure is applied by the pressure roller to fix the toner on the paper. The cleaning unit 104 cleans the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 after the transfer of the image onto the paper is completed.

  The operation display unit 500 performs a predetermined instruction input according to a user operation. The operation display unit 500 displays a start key 501 for a user to input a print execution instruction, a numeric keypad 502 for inputting the number of copies to be printed, operation guide information for inputting various copying operation settings, and the like. In addition, a liquid crystal display on which various operation buttons such as a punch setting button, a saddle stitch setting button, and a half-fold setting button for inputting post-processing settings such as punching, saddle stitching, and saddle folding are displayed. And a display 503 (display) made up of (LCD) or the like.

  In the upper part of the main body 10, a paper discharge unit 108 in the cylinder is provided. The paper conveyed from the fixing roller 107 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 108 by the discharge roller 109. Further, the sheet conveyed from the fixing roller 107 is discharged by the discharge roller 110 to the post-processing device 6 outside the main body 10 when a post-processing request is made. Note that the conveyance direction of the sheet can be switched between the discharge roller 109 side and the discharge roller 110 side by the discharge branch guide 111.

  The post-processing device 6 performs post-processing such as stapling, saddle stitching, and half-folding on the paper that has been printed in the main body unit 10. The post-processing device 6 generally includes a punch processing unit that performs punch processing on the paper that has been carried (discharged) to the post-processing device 6 by the discharge roller 110, and conveyance of the carried-in paper. A transport path switching unit that distributes the destination, a main tray 64 that is adjusted in height to a position suitable for discharging a bundle of sheets from the discharge roller, and discharges the sheet conveyed from the punch processing unit, and a stapling process (medium A post-processing unit including a stacking unit that stacks sheets to form a sheet bundle to perform a binding process), and a middle folding processing unit that performs a middle folding process on a sheet bundle that has undergone a saddle stitching process, and the like on the front side. It is configured to include a discharge tray or the like that is disposed and a folded sheet bundle is discharged. The sheet inserting device 7 attached to the post-processing device 6 includes a paper feeding tray 71 for supplying an insert sheet (partition paper) and a cover sheet (cover).

  In the image forming system configured as described above, it should be noted that the post-processing device 6 of the present invention includes the sheet inserting device in a state where the post-processing device 6 and the image forming device 1 are separated from each other. 7 is provided with a pair of support means 61 and 62 for mounting and supporting the unit 7. 3 to 5 are enlarged views of the support means 61 and 62. FIG. The support means 61 and 62 are provided in the post-processing device 6 so as to protrude freely on the surface facing the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a view showing an extended state in which the support means 61 and 62 are pulled out, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are views showing a non-projecting state in which the support means 61 and 62 are pushed. Since these support means 61 and 62 are configured in substantially the same manner, only the support means 61 that is easily recognized in terms of angle in the drawings will be described below.

  The support means 61 includes a mounting table 65 that protrudes horizontally from the side surface 6a of the post-processing device 6 on the image forming apparatus 1 side, and an auxiliary support member 66 that supports the free end side of the mounting table 65 obliquely from the side surface 6a. And is configured.

  The mounting table 65 generally has one end fixed to an end of the opening 63 formed in the side surface 6a, and a guide member 65a having a U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the outer side, and the guide member. The sliding member 65b is slidable on the shaft 65a, and has a substantially U-shaped sliding member 65b. In the guide member 65a and the slide member 65b, a part of the guide member 65a and the slide member 65b are appropriately formed in a bag shape, or provided with pins or ribs that are slidably connected, so that the slide member 65b is detached from the guide member 65a. Prevention or retaining may be performed. A long hole 67 extending in the horizontal direction is formed on the free end side of one vertical surface 65c of the sliding member 65b, and a pin 66a erected on one end of the auxiliary support member 66 in the long hole 67. Is slidably fitted. Accordingly, the vertical surface 65c has a stepped portion 65d so that the head of the pin 66a can be displaced, and a moving space 65f is formed between the guide member 65a and the corresponding vertical surface 65e. .

  A pin 66b erected on the other end of the auxiliary support member 66 is slidably fitted into a long hole 66d formed in the guide rail 66c. The guide rail 66 c is formed to extend outward from the inside of the opening 63, is formed horizontally in the opening 63, and is formed to hang down when it goes out of the opening 63. On the other hand, a fixed recess 67a cut out upward is formed at the center of the long hole 67 on the sliding member 65b side.

  Therefore, in the support means 61 configured as described above, when the sliding member 65b is stored in the post-processing device 6 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, it stands on one end of the auxiliary support member 66. The provided pin 66a is located on the front end side of the long hole 67, the pin 66b erected on the other end is located on the rear end side of the long hole 66d, and the auxiliary support member 66 is in a substantially horizontal state. . In this state, when the sliding member 65b is pulled out, the pin 66a slides and comes into contact with the rear end side of the long hole 67. Then, the auxiliary support member 66 starts to be pulled out, and the pin 66b is moved into the long hole 66d. Sliding displacement inside. When the auxiliary support member 66 is further pulled out by the user in a state in which the sliding member 65b is extended to the outermost side of the post-processing device 6, as shown in FIG. 3, the pin 66b is removed from the horizontal portion of the long hole 66d. The pin 66a is slightly retracted until it reaches the bottom end and reaches the lowermost end, and fits into the fixed recess 67a.

  As a result, the mounting table 65, the side surface 6a, and the auxiliary support member 66 form a substantially triangular shape. The mounting table 65 is supported horizontally, and the auxiliary support member 66 is inclined obliquely from the side surface 6a. Lift to support. Thus, even if the sheet insertion device 7 is mounted on the mounting table 65, the load of the sheet insertion device 7 can be prevented from concentrating on the base end side of the mounting table 65, and the mounting table 65 can be simplified. it can. The other end of the auxiliary support member 66 may be attached to the side surface 6a above the mounting table 65, and the free end side of the mounting table 65 may be suspended and supported.

  When the sheet insertion device 7 is no longer needed and is removed, the user removes the pin 66a from the fixed recess 67a, then lifts the other end of the auxiliary support member 66 and rides it up from the hanging portion to the horizontal portion. . Thereafter, by pushing the sliding member 65b, the pin 66a comes into contact with the front end side of the long hole 67, and the auxiliary support member 66 is pushed in a substantially horizontal state, and the retracted state shown in FIGS. Become.

  It should also be noted that at least one of the support means 61 and 62 is provided with a connector 80 and an engagement pin 90 (in FIGS. 3 and 4, the connector 80 is provided only on one support means 62). The engaging pin 90 is provided on both of the support means 61 and 62).

  When the sheet inserting device 7 is mounted on the mounting table 65, the engaging pin 90 is fitted into an engaging recess provided on the sheet inserting device 7 side. Accordingly, the positioning in the vertical direction is performed by the support means 61 and 62 on which the sheet insertion device 7 is mounted, and the positioning in the horizontal direction is performed by the engagement pins 90 and the engagement recesses. The sheet inserting device 7 can be easily positioned with high accuracy simply by being mounted on the mounting table 65 of the connecting means 61 and 62. In particular, the vertical position is important because it affects the sheet conveyance.

  Further, when the sheet insertion device 7 is mounted on the mounting table 65, the connector 80, which is a connection means, is fitted to a connector provided on the sheet insertion device 7 side. As a result, communication such as power supply and control signals can be performed from the image forming apparatus 1 via the cable 8 from the post-processing apparatus 6.

  As described above, in the post-processing device 6 of the present invention, when the sheet insertion device 7 is inserted between the post-processing device 6 and the image forming device 1, the post-processing device 6 is used as the image forming device 1. The sheet insertion device 7 is supported only by mounting the sheet insertion device 7 on the mounting table 65 of the support means 61 and 62 pulled out, and the electrical connection is completed by the connector 80, It is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 1. Accordingly, the sheet insertion device 7 can be easily added as necessary, and when the sheet insertion device 7 can be further added in this way, the image forming apparatus 1 side normally performs the post-processing device 6. Since the power supply, the control signal, and the like are supplied from the post-processing device 6 via the support means 61 and 62 as needed, there is no need to change the image forming apparatus 1 and the cost is low. Can be configured.

  It should be noted that if the width of the sheet insertion device 7 is wide and the feeding amount of the support means 61 and 62 is large, or the weight of the sheet insertion device 7 is heavy relative to the weight of the post-processing device 6, In accordance with the displacement of the processing device 6 from the image forming apparatus 1 and the pulling operation of the support means 61, 62, the fall prevention is performed from the free end side of the support means 61, 62 and the side surface 6 a of the post-processing apparatus 6. A supplementary leg may extend to the floor surface 67. Alternatively, the sheet insertion device 7 itself may be provided with legs for dispersing its own weight from the support means 61 and 62.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the image processing system comprised by providing the post-processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which expands and shows the support means which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which expands and shows the support means which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which expands and shows the support means which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 6 Post-processing apparatus 6a Side surface 7 Sheet insertion apparatus 8 Cable 61, 62 Support means 65 Mounting base 65a Guide member 65b Slide member 66 Auxiliary support member 80 Connector 90 Engagement pin 67 Floor surface 68 Guide rail 69 Wheel 10 Main unit 100 Image forming unit 101 Photosensitive drum 200 Document feeding unit 300 Document reading unit 400 Paper feeding unit 500 Operation display unit

Claims (4)

In a post-processing apparatus for a sheet body used by connecting to an image forming apparatus
The support means includes an electrical connection means that is freely projectable on a surface facing the image forming apparatus, and the support means is spaced apart and protruded between the post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus. And an optional device is supported by the connecting means, and the connecting device is electrically connected to allow the optional device to be inserted between the post-processing device and the image forming device. Post-processing device.   2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means includes a connector that enables electrical connection, and the connector is fitted to the connector on the option device side when the support means supports the option device. The post-processing apparatus of a sheet body as described.   An engaging member for positioning is provided on the support means, and the engaging member is engaged with an engaging member on the option device side by mounting the option device on the support means. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The optional device is mounted on the support means so that the optional device is supported by the support means, and the support means includes a mounting table that extends horizontally from the side surface of the post-processing device, and the diagonally inclined side from the side surface. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary support member that supports the free end side of the mounting table.

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