JP2006150513A - Paper post-processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a paper post-processing device capable of efficiently storing punched chips generated in punching processing. <P>SOLUTION: The paper post-processing device 1 flattens the punched chips accumulated in a chevron shape after falling in a punched chip storage box 5 by reciprocating the punched chip storage box 5, which stores the punched chips generated by the punching processing and falling from a punching processing part, in a punched chip storage part 4 with a flattening mechanism part 10 provided with an elastic body 6 and an electromagnetic induction part 7. Accordingly, the punched chips can be flattened with a simple constitution without pressing the capacity of the punched chip storage box 5. The punched chips can be efficiently recovered and stored. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus, and more particularly, to a sheet post-processing apparatus that efficiently stores punch scraps generated in punch processing.

  Image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers have become multifunctional, and image forming apparatuses that have a storage device for storing a large amount of images and that form an image for each unit have become mainstream. Along with the increase in functionality, stacking processing for stacking paper on the output sheet while sorting and stacking paper, stapling processing for stacking a predetermined number of sheets and stacking them on the discharge tray, filing holes An image forming apparatus including a paper post-processing device that performs post-processing such as punching for punching a paper has appeared.

  In a paper post-processing device that punches paper, a punch processing device is disposed in the paper transport path. As this punch processing apparatus, the most common one is to punch the paper being conveyed by arranging the punch and the soybean so as to sandwich the upper and lower surfaces of the paper and inserting the blade at the tip of the punch into the hole of the soybean. .

  In such a paper post-processing device, a punch waste storage box (storage portion) that stores punch waste generated by punching is disposed below the punch processing device, and the falling punch waste is placed in the punch waste storage box. Accept. In general, a full sensor is provided at the top of the punch waste storage box. When the punch waste storage box is full of punch waste, the punch waste storage box is informed that the punch waste storage box is full. Encourage disposal of punch scraps inside.

  Here, the punch scraps are dropped and stored in the punch scrap processing box, but the punch scraps are accumulated around the dropping point (below the punch processing apparatus). Therefore, punch scraps accumulate in a chevron shape centered on the point of drop, punch scraps accumulate only near the point of punch scraps fall, and it is difficult for the punch scraps to accumulate at locations away from the point of drop, and the punch scraps are stored. While the storage property in a box falls, punch waste will spill from a punch waste storage box from the top of a pile of punch waste.

  Therefore, conventionally, in the paper post-processing apparatus, the punch waste in the punch waste storage box is flattened.

  As a technique for flattening the punch scraps, a technique for flattening punch scraps by knocking the punch scrap storage box from the outside and applying vibration, punch punch scraps falling by providing hopper pins and paper in the punch scrap storage box Technology to disperse so as not to accumulate and accumulate, technology to provide a movable punch waste flattening mechanism to disperse the falling direction of punch waste between the punch processing device and the punch waste storage box, etc. ing.

  However, in any of the above-described techniques, the punch scraps accumulated in the punch scrap storage box are not directly agitated, and thus there is a problem that it is difficult to sufficiently flatten the punch scraps.

  Therefore, the applicant previously provided an agitation means for agitating the punch scraps in the storage unit that stores the punch scraps generated by the punching process, for example, a moving member that moves in the storage unit, a rotating rotating member, etc. A technique for agitating and flattening punch scraps has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-117893 A

  However, in the above prior art, since the stirring member such as the moving member is provided in the punch waste storage box, not only the punch waste storage capacity is limited by the stirring member but also a mechanism for driving the stirring member However, it is necessary to improve the flattening of the punch waste while suppressing the limit of the punch waste storage capacity with a simple configuration.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a paper post-processing device that flattens punch scraps in the punch waste storage box with a simple configuration and efficiently collects and stores punch waste without pressing the capacity of the punch waste storage box. The purpose is to do.

  A paper post-processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a punch connected to an image forming apparatus, to which a paper on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus is fed, and at least a punching process is performed as post-processing on the fed paper. In the paper post-processing apparatus that has a processing unit and stores punch scraps generated from the punch processing and falling from the punch processing unit in a punch scrap storage box disposed below the punch processing unit. The above object is achieved by providing a flattening means for flattening the punch waste that has fallen into the punch waste storage box by reciprocating the waste storage box on a predetermined plane.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet post-processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus, fed with a sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus, and performing punch processing as post-processing on the fed sheet. In the paper post-processing apparatus that has a processing unit and stores punch scraps generated from the punch processing and falling from the punch processing unit in a punch scrap storage box disposed below the punch processing unit. A pressing member that presses punch scraps that fall into the waste storage box from above to flatten the punch scraps, a pressing position that presses the pressing members against the punch scraps, and a punch processing unit that falls into the punch waste storage box Drive means for moving to a retracted position outside the punch waste storage box that does not interfere with the punch waste, achieving the above object. It is.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet post-processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus, to which a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus is fed, and a punch for performing at least a punching process as a post-processing on the fed sheet. In the paper post-processing apparatus that has a processing unit and stores punch scraps generated from the punch processing and falling from the punch processing unit in a punch scrap storage box disposed below the punch processing unit. The waste storage box is divided into a plurality of distributed punch waste storage boxes in the vertical direction, and the bottom plate of the distributed punch waste storage boxes other than the lowermost distributed punch waste storage box has a bottom plate. The bottom plate, which is formed to be openable and closable, is opened with a driving means at a predetermined timing, and the punch waste is sequentially dropped into the lower distributed punch waste storage box to flatten the punch waste. As a result, it has achieved the above object.

  In each of the above cases, for example, as described in claim 4, the sheet post-processing device is configured such that the punch processing unit performs punch processing of a predetermined number of sheets or the punch scraps in the punch scrap storage box. Is accumulated to a predetermined height, the punch scrap storage box is reciprocated by the flattening means, or the pressing member is moved to the pressing position by the driving means, and then returned to the retracted position, Alternatively, the bottom plate of the dispersed punch waste storage box other than the lowermost stage may be sequentially opened and closed by the driving means.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 5, the paper post-processing device reciprocates the punch waste storage box by the flattening means when the paper to be punched passes through the paper post-processing device. Move or move the pressing member to the pressing position with the driving means, and then return to the retracted position, or open and close the bottom plate of the dispersed punch waste storage box other than the lowermost stage with the driving means. It may be a thing.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet post-processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus, to which a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus is fed, and a punch for performing at least a punching process as post-processing on the fed sheet. In the paper post-processing apparatus that has a processing unit and stores punch scraps generated from the punch processing and falling from the punch processing unit in a punch scrap storage box disposed below the punch processing unit. The waste storage box is formed so that at least a predetermined amount of the bottom portion can be deformed, and the above object is achieved by storing the punch waste from the punch processing portion in a state where the bottom portion is deformed by the deformation driving means. .

  According to the paper post-processing apparatus of the present invention, the punch waste storage box is reciprocated on a predetermined plane, or the punch waste in the punch waste storage box is pressed by a pressing member that retracts into the punch waste storage box. Or by punching the punch waste storage boxes vertically in multiple stages and dropping the punch scraps sequentially into the punch waste storage box, without pressing the capacity of the punch waste storage box. It is possible to flatten the punch waste that has fallen on the surface with a simple configuration, and to efficiently collect and store the punch waste.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The scope of the present invention limits this invention especially in the following description. As long as there is no description of the effect, it is not restricted to these aspects.

  1 to 4 are views showing a first embodiment of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a sheet post-processing apparatus 1 to which the first embodiment of the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied. It is an external perspective view.

  In FIG. 1, a sheet post-processing apparatus 1 is attached to an image forming apparatus 100 such as a copying apparatus, and a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 100 is processed from a sheet discharge unit of the image forming apparatus 100. It is sent to the device 1.

  The sheet post-processing apparatus 1 performs various sheet post-processing on the sheet sent from the image forming apparatus 100, for example, sheet post-processing such as binding processing, stapling processing, sorting processing, and punching processing on the sheet, A post-processed sheet is attached to a position on the side surface of the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 from the sheet discharge port 2 formed on the sheet discharge side of the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 and below the sheet discharge port 2. The paper is discharged onto the paper discharge table 3.

  In the paper post-processing apparatus 1, a punch waste storage unit 4 is formed in the vicinity of the paper discharge port 2, and the punch waste storage unit 4 is near the lower part of the paper discharge port 2 in the paper post-processing device 1. It is formed in a substantially cubic box shape over a predetermined length.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the punch waste storage unit 4 detachably stores a punch waste storage box 5. The punch waste storage box 5 is a storage (not shown) formed in the paper post-processing apparatus 1. By opening and closing the door, the door is stored in the punch waste storage section 4 from the direction of arrow A in FIG. The punch scrap storage box 5 is formed in a substantially cubic box shape that is a predetermined amount smaller than the punch scrap storage section 4, and has an opening 5 a having an open upper surface. The punch storage section is formed from the opening 5 a. Punch waste generated when the paper is punched by a punch processing section (not shown) disposed at the top of 4 is stored in the punch waste storage box 5.

  An elastic body 6 such as a spring is disposed on one side in the longitudinal direction of the punch box storage portion 4 with the punch waste storage box 5 being sandwiched between the punch waste storage portion 4 and on the other side. The electromagnetic induction unit 7 is disposed. The elastic body 6 and the electromagnetic induction part 7 can be attached / detached without attaching the punch waste storage box 5 to the elastic body 6 and the electromagnetic induction part 7 when attaching / detaching the punch waste storage box 5 to / from the punch waste storage part 4. It is arranged in a state. For example, a compression spring or a compression spring is used as the elastic body 6, and a solenoid or the like is used as the electromagnetic induction unit 7, for example. The elastic body 6 and the electromagnetic induction part 7 function as a flattening mechanism part (flattening means) 10 for reciprocating the punch waste storage box 5 in the longitudinal direction of the punch box storage part 4 as a whole.

  The electromagnetic induction unit 7 includes a movable arm 7a. When the electromagnetic induction unit 7 is energized (ON), as shown in FIG. 3, the movable arm 7a is pushed in the direction of the punch waste storage box 5 so that the punch waste storage box 5 is removed. As shown in FIG. 2, the movable arm 7 a is pulled back in the direction opposite to the punch waste storage box 5 by moving in the direction of the elastic body 6 and releasing energization (OFF).

  The elastic body 6 is compressed when the punch waste storage box 5 is pushed and moved by the movable arm 7a of the electromagnetic induction portion 7, and is compressed by the elastic force when the movable arm 7a of the electromagnetic induction portion 7 is pulled back. The waste storage box 5 is pushed back toward the electromagnetic induction portion 7. Thus, the punch waste storage box 5 reciprocates in the horizontal direction by pushing and pulling back the movable arm 7 a by turning on and off the electromagnetic induction unit 7 and expanding and contracting the elastic body 6. Although not shown, a member that facilitates the reciprocating movement of the punch waste storage box 5 is disposed on the mounting surface of the punch waste storage box 5 of the punch waste storage section 4 or the back surface of the punch waste storage box 5. May be.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The sheet post-processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs punching operations until the punch scraps stored in the punch scrap storage box 5 in advance from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 100 or the operation unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 are flattened. When the input operation is performed, a setting process for registering the number of punches input by software as the number of flattening punches in the internal memory is performed.

  The sheet post-processing apparatus 1 performs punching flattening management processing shown in FIG. 4 when a sheet on which an image is formed is sent from the image forming apparatus 100 and the punching process is executed in a state where the number of flattening punches is set. Execute. That is, when the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 executes the punch process, the number of punch processes is counted by hardware, and the counted punch number reaches the preset flattening punch number, for example, ten times. If the number of punches has not reached the number of flattening punches, the next punching process is awaited without executing the flattening process.

  The paper post-processing apparatus 1 performs punch processing, and when the number of punches reaches the number of flattened punches in step S1, the electromagnetic induction unit 7 is turned ON / OFF a predetermined number of times (step S2). It is checked whether the punching process (printing process) has been completed (step S3). When the punching process is not completed in step S3, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 returns to step S1 to perform the same process as described above (steps S1 to S3). When the punching process is completed in step S3, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 performs the process. finish.

  When the electromagnetic induction unit 7 is turned on / off, as described above, the punch waste storage box 5 is moved in the horizontal direction by pushing and pulling back the movable arm 7a by the electromagnetic induction unit 7 being turned on and off and the elastic body 6 expanding and contracting. The punch waste in the punch waste storage unit 5 is flattened.

  That is, when punch processing is performed in the punch processing unit of the paper post-processing apparatus 1, punch scraps fall from the punch processing unit into the punch scrap storage box 5. The punch scraps are stored in the punch scrap storage box 5. Since it falls to the same position, it accumulates in a raised state in a mountain shape, so that not only the inside of the punch waste storage box 5 cannot be used uniformly, but the raised punch waste is not removed from the punch waste storage box 5. Will overflow.

  Therefore, when the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment performs the punching process for a preset number of times of flattening punching, the electromagnetic induction unit 7 is turned ON / OFF for a predetermined number of times to move the punch waste storage box 5 in the horizontal direction. By reciprocating, the punch waste in the punch waste storage box 5 is flattened.

  When the number of flattening punches is set to a small number of times of 10 answers, for example, the flattening process for reciprocating the punch waste storage box 5 is performed for each small number of flattening punches. It is possible to perform the flattening process in a lighter state than the flattening process in a state in which a large amount is accumulated in the box 5 and is almost full. Can be done.

  As described above, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a punch processing unit that feeds an image-formed sheet from the image forming apparatus 100 and performs at least a punching process as post-processing on the fed sheet. When the punch waste generated in the punching process and falling from the punch processing unit is stored in the punch scrap storage box 5 disposed below the punch processing unit, the punch scrap storage box 5 is placed on a predetermined plane. Is moved back and forth, and a flattening mechanism section 10 including an elastic body 6 and an electromagnetic induction section 7 is provided for flattening the punch scraps falling and depositing in the punch scrap storage box 5.

  Therefore, punch scraps can be flattened without pressing the capacity of the punch scrap storage box 5 with a simple configuration, and punch scraps can be efficiently collected and stored.

  Further, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment causes the flattening mechanism unit 10 to reciprocate the punch waste storage box 5 when the punching unit performs punching of a predetermined number of sheets, for example, 10 sheets. ing.

  Therefore, punch waste can be efficiently flattened without overflowing punch waste from the punch waste storage box 5, and punch waste can be recovered and stored more efficiently.

  5 to 7 are schematic front views of the flattening mechanism 20 of the paper post-processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the paper post-processing apparatus of the present invention.

  The present embodiment is applied to a post-processing apparatus similar to the paper post-processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are not illustrated. The description will be made using the reference numerals used in the first embodiment as they are as necessary.

  In FIG. 5, the flattening mechanism unit 20 is provided in a punch waste storage unit 4 provided near the paper discharge port 2 of the paper post-processing apparatus 1 (not shown). The punch waste storage box 5 is detachably stored in a substantially cubic box shape having a predetermined length near the lower portion of the paper discharge port 2 in the processing apparatus 1. The punch waste storage box 5 has an opening 5a whose upper surface is opened, and a punch processing unit (not shown) disposed above the punch storage unit 4 performs punch processing on the paper from the opening 5a. The punch scraps 21 generated when the punches are stored in the punch scrap storage box 5.

  The flattening mechanism unit 20 is attached to the rotation mechanism units 22a and 22b and the rotation mechanism units 22a and 22b disposed on both sides of the punch scrap storage box 5 in the punch scrap storage unit 4 so as to rotate. Stays 23a and 23b that are rotated by 22a and 22b to flatten the punch scraps 21 in the punch scrap storage box 5, and punch scrap amount detection sensors 24a that detect the amount of the punch scrap 21 accumulated in the punch scrap storage box 5; 24b.

  As the rotation drive units 22a and 22b, for example, stepping motors are used, and a drive device capable of stopping the rotation angle at an arbitrary place can be used. In the case of a stepping motor, the rotation drive units 22a and 22b can be rotated to an intended rotation angle and stopped by setting the number of pulses.

  The stays 23a and 23b are formed of, for example, resin or metal, and the base end portions thereof are attached to the drive shafts of the drive mechanism portions 22a and 22b, and the distal end portions of the stays 23a and 23b are rotated. The punch scraps 21 that have entered the punch scrap storage box 5 and are deposited in a shape such as a chevron shape are pushed down to be flattened.

  Then, when not being driven, the rotation drive units 22a and 22b are stopped and driven with the tip end portions that push down the punch scraps 21 of the stays 23a and 23b facing the vertical direction (90-degree direction) as shown in FIG. At times, as shown in FIG. 6, the stays 23a and 23b are stopped in a state where the tip portions thereof are in the horizontal direction (0 degree direction).

  The punch scrap amount detection sensors 24a and 24b are, for example, a microswitch, a reflection type or a transmission type light that is turned on when a sensor arm that is pushed up as the punch scrap 21 is deposited is attached and the sensor arm is pushed up to a predetermined height. A sensor or the like is used to detect the punch scraps at the top of the punch scraps 21 that fall into the punch scrap storage box 5 from the punch processing section and accumulate in the shape of the chevron shape, and accumulate in the shape of the chevron shape. It turns ON when it accumulates until the position of the top of the punch scraps 21 to be reached reaches a preset height position.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The paper post-processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment executes the punch waste flattening management process shown in FIG. 7 to flatten the punch waste 21 deposited in a shape such as a chevron shape in the punch waste storage box 5. In other words, when the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 is fed with an image-formed sheet from the image forming apparatus 100 and executes the punching process, the punch scrap 21 generated by the punching process is transferred from the punch processing unit to the punch scrap storage unit 4. The punch waste 21 dropped into the punch waste storage box 5 is deposited, and at this time, the punch waste 21 dropped into the punch waste storage box 5 is deposited in a shape such as a chevron as shown in FIG. If the accumulation of the punch waste 21 is continued, not only the inside of the punch waste storage box 5 cannot be used uniformly, but also the raised punch waste overflows from the punch waste storage box 5.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has accumulated the punch scraps 21 to a predetermined height set by the punch scrap amount detection sensors 24a and 24b (in FIG. (Step S11), and when it is not deposited up to a predetermined height, it is checked again at a predetermined interval without performing the flattening process (step S11).

  The sheet post-processing apparatus 1 performs punch processing, and when the punch scrap amount detection sensors 24a and 24b detect that the punch scrap 21 has reached a predetermined height in step S11, the rotation driving units 22a and 22b are turned on. (Step S12), it is checked whether the punching process (printing process) has been completed (Step S13). When the punching process is not completed in step S13, the paper post-processing apparatus 1 returns to step S11 to perform the same process as described above (steps S11 to S13). When the punching process is completed in step S13, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 performs the process. finish.

  When the turning mechanism portions 22a and 22b are turned on, as described above, the stays 23a and 23b attached to the turning shafts of the turning drive portions 22a and 22b are viewed from the vertical direction shown in FIG. 6 is rotated in the horizontal direction, the punch scraps 21 accumulated in a chevron in the punch scrap storage box 5 are pushed down, and the punch scraps 21 are flattened. Once the turning mechanism portions 22a and 22b are turned on, the turning shafts are turned until the stays 23a and 23b are changed from the vertical direction (90 degrees) to the horizontal direction (0 degrees), and then again the vertical direction. It rotates so that it may return to the position of a direction (90 degree | times), and it waits in the state in which the stays 23a and 23b were located in the vertical position until the next planarization process.

  As described above, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment flattens the punch scraps 21 by pressing the punch scraps 21 that have fallen into the punch scrap storage box 5 and accumulated in a shape such as a chevron shape from above. The stays 23a and 23b as pressing members, the pressing positions where the stays 23a and 23b are pressed against the punch waste 21, and the punch waste storage box 5 outside the punch waste 21 that does not interfere with the punch waste 21 falling into the punch waste storage box 5 from the punch processing section. Rotation mechanism portions 22a and 22b are provided as drive means for moving to the retracted position.

  Therefore, the punch scraps 21 can be flattened without pressing the capacity of the punch scrap storage box 5 with a simple configuration, and the punch scraps 21 can be efficiently collected and stored.

  The paper post-processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment also detects when the punch scrap amount detection sensors 24a and 24b detect that the punch scrap 21 having a shape such as a chevron in the punch scrap storage box 5 has accumulated to a predetermined height. Thus, the stays 23a and 23b are moved to the pressing positions by the rotation mechanisms 22a and 22b, and then returned to the retracted position.

  Therefore, the punch scraps 21 can be efficiently flattened without overflowing the punch scraps 21 from the punch scrap storage box 5, and the punch scraps 21 can be collected and stored more efficiently.

  8 to 11 are views showing a third embodiment of the paper post-processing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the paper post-processing apparatus to which the third embodiment of the paper post-processing apparatus of the present invention is applied. FIG.

  The present embodiment is applied to a post-processing apparatus similar to the paper post-processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are not illustrated. The description will be made using the reference numerals used in the first embodiment as they are as necessary.

  In FIG. 8, the flattening mechanism unit 30 includes a dispersion punch waste storage box 31 a and a dispersion punch waste storage box 31 b which are divided into two parts so that they can be separated into two upper and lower stages. 31b is formed in a substantially cubic box shape having an opening at the top. The upper dispersed punch waste storage box 31a is formed in a substantially cubic box shape having an opening 32 in the upper part, and its bottom plates 33a and 33b rotate in a substantially vertical direction as shown in FIGS. Then, the lower distributed punch waste storage box 31b and the upper distributed punch waste storage box 31a are communicated with each other.

  That is, the bottom plates 33a and 33b, for example, are sufficient to receive and deposit a predetermined amount of punch scraps such as resin and metal and then drop the punch scraps accumulated by rotation into the lower distributed punch scrap storage box 31b. The shaft 34a, 34b is connected with the center position of the transversal direction. The shafts 34a and 34b are rotatably supported by flange portions 35a and 35b formed on the side surfaces of the upper distributed punch waste storage box 31a, and driving forces such as gears are respectively provided at the tip portions of the shafts 34a and 34b. Transmission members 36a and 36b are attached. Further, the shaft 34a is connected to the drive shaft of the rotational drive unit 37 on the tip side of the drive force transmission member 36a, and the drive force transmission member 36a and the drive force transmission member 36b are engaged with each other (in the case of a gear). The rotation of the driving force transmission member 36a is transmitted to the driving force transmission member 36b in contact with or in contact. The rotation drive unit 37 rotates the drive shaft, the shaft 34a, the drive force transmission member 36a, and the bottom plate 33a rotate, and the drive force transmission member 36a rotates, so that the drive force transmission member 36a rotates. The shaft 34b rotates by being transmitted to the driving force transmitting member 36b. When the shaft 34a and the shaft 34b are rotated, the bottom plate 33a to which the shaft 34a is attached and the bottom plate 33b to which the shaft 34b is attached are rotated to form the bottom plate 33a and the bottom plate forming the bottom surface of the distributed punch waste storage box 31a. 33b is opened, and the dispersed punch waste storage box 31a is communicated with the distributed punch waste storage box 31b.

  For example, a stepping motor is used as the rotation driving unit 37, and a driving device capable of stopping the rotation angle at an arbitrary place can be used. In the case of a stepping motor, the rotation drive unit 37 can be rotated to an intended rotation angle and stopped by setting the number of pulses.

  Although not shown, a punch waste amount detection sensor for detecting punch waste in the upper distributed punch waste storage box 31a is provided. The punch waste amount detection sensor falls from the punch processing unit and stores the distributed punch waste storage. It is detected whether or not the punch debris at the top of the punch debris deposited in a shape such as a chevron shape has accumulated in the box 31a to a preset height.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The sheet post-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment executes punch scrap flattening processing similar to the punch scrap flattening management processing shown in FIG. 7 of the second embodiment, and the upper-stage distributed punch scrap storage box 31a. By dropping the punch scraps into the lower distributed punch scrap storage box 31b, the punch scraps are flattened.

  That is, when the sheet on which the image is formed is sent from the image forming apparatus 100 and the punching process is executed, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 removes punch scrap generated by the punching process from the punch processing unit to the upper stage of the punch scrap storage unit 4. In this case, the bottom plates 33a and 33b of the upper distributed punch waste storage box 31a are in a horizontal state as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. The bottom surface is closed, and communication with the lower-stage dispersed punch waste storage box 31b is blocked. In this state, the punch scraps that have fallen into the upper distributed punch waste storage box 31a from the punch processing unit are deposited in a shape such as a chevron shape on the bottom plates 33a and 33b of the upper distributed punch waste storage box 31a. If the accumulation of punch waste is continued, not only the inside of the distributed punch waste storage box 31a cannot be used uniformly, but also the raised punch waste overflows from the distributed punch waste storage box 31a.

  Therefore, in the paper post-processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the punch waste in the upper distributed punch waste storage box 31a is preset by the punch waste amount detection sensor in the same manner as the flattening process shown in FIG. It is checked whether it has accumulated to a height, and when the punch scraps have accumulated to a predetermined height, the rotation drive unit 37 is turned on. When the rotation drive unit 37 is turned ON, as described above, the shaft 34a attached to the rotation shaft of the rotation drive unit 37 and the driving force transmission member 36a rotate by a predetermined angle (for example, 90 degrees), The turning force of the driving force transmission member 36a is transmitted to the driving force transmission member 36b, and the shaft 34b rotates by a predetermined angle (for example, 90 degrees).

  When the shaft 34a and the shaft 34b rotate, the bottom plate 33a and the bottom plate 33b attached to the shafts 34a and 34b rotate by a predetermined angle (for example, 90 degrees) as shown in FIGS. The storage box 31a is communicated with the lower dispersed punch waste storage box 31b, and the punch waste in the upper distributed punch waste storage box 31a accumulated on the bottom plates 33a and 33b is removed from the lower distributed punch waste storage box 31b. Drop and store. At this time, punch scraps accumulated in a shape such as a chevron shape on the bottom plates 33a and 33b are flattened and stored in the lower distributed punch scrap storage box 31b.

  When the drive unit 37 rotates the driving unit 37 by a predetermined angle, the sheet post-processing device 1 returns to the original position, and the bottom plates 33a and 33b are placed in a horizontal state to perform the next punch scrap accumulation and flattening processing.

  As described above, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment divides the punch waste storage box 31 into a plurality of (in this embodiment, two stages) distributed punch waste storage boxes 31a and 31b in the vertical direction. The bottom plates 33a, 33b of the distributed punch waste storage box 31a other than the lowermost distributed punch waste storage box 31b of the distributed punch waste storage boxes 31a, 31b are formed to be openable and closable, and the openable bottom plate 33a, 33b is opened by the rotation drive unit 37, and punch scraps are sequentially dropped to the lower distributed punch scrap storage box 31b to flatten the punch scraps.

  Therefore, punch scraps can be flattened without pressing the capacity of the punch scrap storage boxes 31a and 31b with a simple configuration, and punch scraps can be efficiently collected and stored.

  Further, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment checks whether or not the punch scraps in the upper distributed punch scrap storage box 31a have accumulated up to a predetermined height by using a punch scrap amount detection sensor. Is accumulated to a predetermined height, the rotation drive unit 37 is turned on.

  Therefore, punch waste can be efficiently flattened without overflowing punch waste from the punch waste storage box 31a, and punch waste can be recovered and stored more efficiently.

  In each of the above embodiments, the flattening process is performed when the punching process is performed a predetermined number of times or when a predetermined amount of punch scraps is accumulated. However, the execution of the flattening process is limited to the above case. Instead, for example, the flattening process may be performed every time the sheet passes.

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a paper sensor 40 for detecting passage of paper is provided in the paper transport path of the paper post-processing apparatus 1, and each time the paper sensor 40 detects detection of paper, or Each time the passage of paper is detected a predetermined number of times, the flattening process of each of the above embodiments may be executed. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are given, and the arrows shown in FIG. 12 indicate the sheet conveyance path.

  In this way, the punch waste can be more evenly flattened without more reliably overflowing the punch waste from the punch waste storage boxes 5, 31a, and the punch waste can be collected and stored more efficiently. be able to.

  FIGS. 13 to 19 are views showing a fourth embodiment of the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the sheet post-processing apparatus to which the fourth embodiment of the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention is applied. FIG. 6 is a front partial cross-sectional view of the control mechanism 50.

  The present embodiment is applied to a post-processing apparatus similar to the paper post-processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are not illustrated. The description will be made using the reference numerals used in the first embodiment as they are as necessary.

  In FIG. 13, the flattening mechanism unit 50 stores a punch waste storage box 51 in the punch waste storage unit 4 of the paper post-processing apparatus 1, and the punch waste storage box 51 is as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16. The bottom elastic member 52 is attached to the bottom opening and closed. The bottom elastic member 52 is fixed by being fitted into a fixing groove 51a formed on the inner peripheral surface of the bottom of the punch scrap storage box 51, and has a predetermined elasticity and can be deformed by a predetermined amount, for example, A rubber sheet or the like is used.

  A flange portion 53 is formed on the bottom surface of the bottom elastic member 52, and a shaft hole 53a is formed in the flange portion 53 as shown in FIG. One end portion of the shaft 54 is fitted in the shaft hole 53 a of the flange portion 53, and the other end portion of the shaft 54 is fixed to a shaft receiver 54 a attached to an endless ring-shaped belt 55. The shaft 54 is detachable on the flange 53 side or the shaft receiver 54 a side, and when the punch scraps stored in the punch scrap storage box 51 are discarded, the punch scrap storage box 51 is removed from the punch scrap storage section 4. It can be taken out.

  The belt 55 is stretched over a drive pulley 56 and a driven pulley 57, and the drive pulley 56 is connected to the drive shaft of the drive unit 58 and is rotationally driven by the drive unit 58. As the drive unit 58, a drive device capable of stopping the rotation angle at an arbitrary place can be used, and for example, a stepping motor is used. In the case of a stepping motor, the drive unit 58 can be stopped by rotating it to an intended rotation angle by setting the number of pulses. By rotating the drive pulley 56 by this drive unit 58, the shaft 54 can be attached. The belt 55 can be moved up and down by an intended distance.

  When the drive pulley 56 is rotated by the drive unit 58 and the belt 55 moves in the vertical direction, the shaft 54 attached to the belt 55 via the shaft receiver 54a moves in the vertical direction, and the shaft 54 moves in the vertical direction. Then, the bottom elastic member 52 to which the shaft 54 is connected is deformed according to the movement amount of the shaft 54.

  The shaft 54, the shaft receiver 54 a, the belt 55, the drive pulley 56, the driven pulley 57, and the drive unit 58 function as a deformation drive unit (deformation drive unit) 59 that deforms and drives the bottom elastic member 52 as a whole.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The sheet post-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment stores punch scraps in the punch scrap storage box 51 in a state where the bottom elastic member 52 of the punch scrap storage box 51 is deformed downward in advance, and then the bottom elastic member 52. Is returned to the normal flat state, and the punch waste storage box 51 storing punch waste is taken out from the punch waste storage portion 4 and discarded.

  That is, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment first obtains in advance the number of full punches, which is the amount of punch waste that can be stored in the punch waste storage box 51 until it is full in a flat state in which the bottom elastic member 52 is not deformed. Settings are stored in the memory.

  Then, prior to the punching process, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 first drives the drive unit 58 to move the belt 55 to which the shaft 54 is attached downward by an intended distance as shown in FIG. Thus, the bottom elastic member 52 of the punch waste storage box 51 is deformed in a state of bending downward.

  The sheet post-processing apparatus 1 performs image formation in the image forming apparatus 100 in a state where the number of full punches is set and the bottom elastic member 52 of the punch waste storage box 51 is deformed downward. When the sheet on which the image is formed is sent from the image forming apparatus 100 and punching is performed, punch scrap amount management processing is performed as shown in FIG.

  That is, when the punching process is performed, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 counts the number of punches (step S21), and checks whether the counted number of punches has reached the set full punch number (step S22).

  At this time, punch processing is performed in the punch processing unit, and punch scraps fall and accumulate in the punch scrap storage box 51 from the punch processing unit. Now, the bottom elastic member 52 of the punch scrap storage box 51 is curved downward. Therefore, the punch scraps that have fallen into the punch scrap storage box 51 are placed on the bottom elastic member 52 that is deformed downward in this curved state. As in the case, it does not accumulate in a protruding shape such as a chevron shape, and is placed and stored in a state where the inside of the punch waste storage box 51 is effectively used.

  Then, in step S22, when the counted number of punches has not reached the full punch number, the sheet post-processing device 1 returns to step S21 to perform the same processing (steps S21 and S22), and counts the number of punches counted. When the full punch count is reached, the drive unit 58 is driven to move the belt 55 to which the shaft 54 is attached upward as shown in FIG. Is moved upward until a flat state is reached (step S23).

  In this way, when the bottom elastic member 52 is returned to the flat state, the punch waste storage box 51 is taken out from the punch waste storage portion 4, and the punch waste is discarded. In addition, when the bottom elastic member 52 of the punch waste storage box 51 is moved upward, if the bottom elastic member 52 is lifted while giving some vibration by the operation control of the drive unit 58, the punch waste is further flattened. In this state, the bottom elastic member 52 can be raised.

  As described above, the proton post-processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is such that the bottom elastic member 52 of the punch waste storage box 51 is formed to be deformable at least by a predetermined amount, and the bottom elastic member 52 is deformed by the deformation driving unit 59. It contains punch scraps from the punch processing section.

  Therefore, punch scraps can be accumulated from above the bottom elastic member 52 deformed downward, and punch scraps can be collected and stored flatly and efficiently.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

  The present invention can be applied to a paper post-processing apparatus that more efficiently stores fine paper and other waste.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a sheet post-processing apparatus attached to an image forming apparatus to which a first embodiment of the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention is applied. The front view of the punch waste storage part which accommodates the punch waste storage box and flattening mechanism part of the paper post-processing apparatus of FIG. The front view of the punch waste storage part of the state in which the punch waste storage box is moved to one direction by the flattening mechanism part. The flowchart which shows the flattening process of the punch waste by the flattening mechanism part of FIG.2 and FIG.3. The partial cross section front view of the planarization mechanism part and punch waste storage box of the paper post-processing apparatus to which 2nd Example of the paper post-processing apparatus of this invention is applied. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional front view of the flattening mechanism portion and the punch waste storage box in a state where the punch waste is flattened by the stay of the flattening mechanism portion of FIG. 5. The flowchart which shows the flattening process of the punch waste by the flattening mechanism part of FIG.5 and FIG.6. The main part perspective view of the planarization mechanism part and punch waste storage box of the paper post-processing apparatus to which 3rd Example of the paper post-processing apparatus of this invention is applied. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a main part of the flattening mechanism portion and the punch waste storage box in a state where the bottom plate of the upper punch waste storage box in FIG. 8 is opened. The principal part side view of the punch waste storage box of the state which has closed the bottom plate of the upper stage punch waste storage box of FIG. The principal part side view of the punch waste storage box of the state which has opened the bottom plate of the upper stage punch waste storage box of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sheet post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus showing an attachment state of a sheet sensor when a sheet sensor detects a sheet passage and performs punch dust flattening processing every time the sheet passes. The partial cross section side view of the flattening mechanism part and punch waste storage box of the paper post-processing apparatus to which 4th Example of the paper post-processing apparatus of this invention is applied. Sectional drawing in the side-plate part of the punch waste storage box of FIG. Sectional drawing in the bottom part elastic member part of the punch waste storage box of FIG. The fragmentary sectional perspective view of the punch waste storage box of FIG. The front view of the punch waste storage box in the state where the bottom elastic member of Drawing 13 is deformed possible. FIG. 14 is a side view of a main part of the punch waste storage box and the flattening mechanism in a state where the bottom elastic member of FIG. 13 is deformed. 14 is a flowchart showing punch scrap amount management processing of punch scraps by the flattening mechanism unit of FIG. 13.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper post-processing apparatus 2 Paper discharge port 3 Paper discharge table 4 Punch waste storage part 5 Punch waste storage box 5a Opening part 6 Elastic body 7 Electromagnetic induction part 7a Movable arm 10 Flattening mechanism part 20 Flattening mechanism part 21 Punch waste 22a , 22b Rotating mechanism part 23a, 23b Stay 24a, 24b Punch waste amount detection sensor 30 Flattening mechanism part 31a, 31b Punch waste storage box 32 Opening part 33a, 33b Bottom plate 34a, 34b Shaft 35a, 35b Flange part 36a, 36b Drive Force transmission member 37 Rotation drive part 40 Paper sensor 50 Flattening mechanism part 51 Punch waste storage box 51a Fixing groove 52 Bottom elastic member 53 Flange part 53a Shaft hole 54 Shaft 55 Belt 54a Shaft support 56 Drive pulley 57 Driven pulley 58 Drive part 59 Deformation drive unit 100 Image forming apparatus

Claims (6)

  Connected to the image forming apparatus, a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus is sent, and has a punch processing unit that performs at least a punching process as a post-processing on the fed sheet. In a paper post-processing apparatus that stores punch scraps falling from the punch processing unit in a punch scrap storage box disposed below the punch processing unit, the punch scrap storage box is moved back and forth on a predetermined plane. A sheet post-processing apparatus comprising a flattening means for flattening punch scraps falling into the punch scrap storage box.   Connected to the image forming apparatus, a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus is sent, and has a punch processing unit that performs at least a punching process as a post-processing on the fed sheet. In the paper post-processing apparatus for storing punch scraps falling from the punch processing unit in a punch scrap storage box disposed below the punch processing unit, the punch scraps falling into the punch scrap storage box are pressed from above. A pressing member for flattening the punch scraps, a pressing position for pressing the punch scraps against the punch scraps, and the punch scrap storage box that does not interfere with the punch scraps falling from the punch processing section into the punch scrap storage box. A sheet post-processing apparatus, comprising: a driving unit that moves the sheet to the retracted position.   Connected to the image forming apparatus, a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus is sent, and has a punch processing unit that performs at least a punching process as a post-processing on the fed sheet. In the paper post-processing apparatus that stores punch scraps falling from the punch processing unit in a punch scrap storage box disposed below the punch processing unit, the punch scrap storage box includes a plurality of distributed punches in the vertical direction. The distributed punch waste storage boxes other than the lowermost distributed punch waste storage box are divided into waste storage boxes, and the bottom plate of the distributed punch waste storage boxes other than the lowest distributed punch waste storage box is formed to be openable and closable at a predetermined timing. A sheet post-processing apparatus, wherein a bottom plate is opened by a driving means, and the punch scraps are sequentially dropped into a lower dispersed punch scrap storage box to flatten the punch scraps.   The paper post-processing device is configured to use the flattening unit when the punch processing unit performs punch processing of a predetermined number of sheets or when the punch waste in the punch waste storage box is accumulated to a predetermined height. The punch waste storage box is moved back and forth, or the pressing member is moved to the pressing position by the driving means, and then returned to the retracted position, or the driving means is used for the distributed punch waste storage box other than the lowermost stage. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bottom plate is sequentially opened and closed.   The paper post-processing device moves the punch waste storage box back and forth by the flattening means when the paper to be punched passes through the paper post-processing device, or the pressing means moves the pressing member. After moving to the pressing position, it returns to the retracted position, or the driving means sequentially opens and closes the bottom plate of the dispersed punch waste storage box other than the lowermost stage. The paper post-processing device according to any one of the above.   Connected to the image forming apparatus, a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus is sent, and has a punch processing unit that performs at least a punching process as a post-processing on the fed sheet. In a paper post-processing apparatus that stores punch scraps falling from the punch processing section in a punch scrap storage box disposed below the punch processing section, the bottom of the punch scrap storage box can be deformed at least by a predetermined amount. A sheet post-processing apparatus characterized in that punch waste from the punch processing section is stored in a state where the bottom portion is deformed by a deformation driving means.

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