JP2006306518A - Sheet processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stabilize alignment property by providing an adjustment means in the most upstream side and the most downstream side of the sheet and preventing rotation of the sheet during alignment in a device for aligning the sheet to perform post-processing. <P>SOLUTION: In the sheet processing device for aligning the sheet, the first alignment means for pressing the most downstream side of the sheet and the second alignment means for pressing the most upstream side of the sheet are provided with a paper delivery roller in therebetween and the sheets are aligned by both the alignment means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus for aligning sheets.

  28 shows a simplified main section of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-73011 in a sheet post-processing apparatus that aligns sheets by aligning means that moves in the sheet width direction in a sheet processing apparatus that stacks and aligns sheets on an intermediate stacking unit. Indicated. In this figure, a sheet 105 coming out of the image forming apparatus passes through an entrance roller 100 and is intermediately stacked when the trailing end of the sheet 105 passes through the intermediate roller 101. The intermediately stacked sheets 105 are returned and aligned to the conveyance direction alignment wall 108 by the conveyance direction aligning means 102, and aligned in the front and back direction of the screen by the sheet width direction aligning means 104 (the sheet conveyance direction alignment wall is (Not shown), after all the predetermined number of sheets are aligned, a binding process (a binding processing apparatus is not shown) is performed.

  In this configuration, the aligning means 104 pushes the sheet length from the center in the conveyance direction to the downstream (the right side in the figure = the range indicated by the arrow 106), so the paper curl, number of sheets, When resistance due to this occurs, the pressing force on the upstream side of the paper is insufficient, and the paper may rotate.

  As another example, FIG. 29 shows a simplified main cross section of JP-A-11-322155. In this figure, a sheet 117 coming out of the image forming apparatus passes through an entrance roller 110 and is intermediately stacked when the trailing end of the sheet 117 has passed through the intermediate roller 111. The intermediately stacked sheets 117 are returned and aligned to the conveyance direction alignment wall 113 by the conveyance direction aligning unit 112, and aligned to the front and back of the screen by the sheet width direction alignment unit 115 (the sheet conveyance direction alignment wall is (Not shown), after all the predetermined number of sheets are aligned, a binding process (a binding processing apparatus is not shown) is performed.

In this configuration, since the aligning means 115 pushes the sheet length to the upstream (right side in the figure) from the center in the conveyance direction, resistance such as paper curl, friction due to the number of sheets, weight, and the like is exerted downstream of the paper. When this occurs, the downstream pressing force of the paper is insufficient and the paper may rotate.
JP 2003-73011 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-322155

  In both configurations, the sheet width direction aligning means is pushed closer to the center, which is the center of gravity of the paper, and a sufficient width is provided in the upper and lower paper paths of the intermediate aligning portion, thereby rotating the paper due to frictional resistance. I was holding it down. However, the amount of thermal curl of the printed paper is not stable depending on the printing conditions, paper type, temperature and humidity.

  In particular, paper with a large thermal curl has a large alignment load, and the pressing force on the side where the sheet width direction alignment means is not pressed becomes insufficient, and the alignment may become unstable due to rotation.

  The sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a conveyance roller that conveys a sheet in a sheet conveyance direction, a stacking tray that stacks sheets conveyed by the conveyance roller, and the sheet that discharges the sheets stacked on the stacking tray. A sheet discharging means for conveying in the conveying direction, a first alignment means for performing alignment in the sheet width direction downstream of the sheet discharging means, and upstream of the sheet discharging direction from the sheet discharging means. Second alignment means for aligning in the sheet width direction, and an end portion parallel to the sheet conveying direction of the sheets stacked on the stacking tray, at the most downstream position in the sheet conveying direction. The first aligning means includes a first aligning surface that comes into contact with the vicinity, and the sheet at the end of the sheet that contacts the first aligning surface of the sheets stacked on the stacking tray. It said second aligning means and the second matching surfaces in contact with the vicinity of the most upstream position in Preparative conveying direction, characterized in that it comprises.

  According to the present invention, alignment is possible without rotating the sheet, and the alignment is stable.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and other relative positions of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified.

  FIG. 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus A according to the present invention.

  In the figure, P is a laser beam printer, and this laser beam printer P is connected to a computer or a network such as a LAN alone, and based on image information, a print signal, etc. sent from these computers or networks In this image forming process, an image is formed (printed) on a sheet and discharged.

  A is a sheet processing apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus A is disposed above the laser beam printer P and performs predetermined processing on the sheet discharged from the laser beam printer P to the outside of the apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus A will be described in detail later.

  In the laser beam printer P, a plurality of sheets are stacked in a feeding cassette 1200, and the uppermost sheet is sequentially separated and fed one by one by various rollers. A sheet fed from the feeding cassette 200 by a predetermined print signal supplied from a computer or a network is first subjected to toner on an upper surface in an image forming unit 1101 that forms a toner image by a so-called laser beam type image forming process. The toner image is permanently fixed by applying heat and pressure in the fixing device 1120 on the downstream side after the image is transferred.

  Next, the sheet on which the image is fixed is selectively guided to a tray 1125 on the upper surface of the laser beam printer P or in the sheet processing apparatus A by a rotatable flapper 1150. Above the sheet processing apparatus A, a reading unit R for reading an image of a document is provided.

  FIG. 4 is a main cross section of the sheet post-processing apparatus A according to the present invention.

  The sheet S fed from the laser beam printer P is conveyed by the entrance guide 31 and the entrance roller 32, and is conveyed by the intermediate upper roller 2a and the intermediate lower roller 2b to the intermediate stacking tray 3 which is the stacking tray of the present invention. The intermediate upper roller 2a and the intermediate lower roller 2b constitute a conveying roller of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 33 denotes an upper conveyance guide for guiding the leading edge of the sheet to the upper discharge roller 7a and the lower discharge roller 7b. The upper discharge roller 7a can be moved up and down, and is shown separated in this figure. In this state, the sheet discharge roller does not come into contact with the sheet, and stops on the intermediate stacking tray 3 at a position where the rear end of the sheet has passed through the intermediate roller 7. A dotted line 7a ′ indicates that the sheet discharge upper roller 7a is lowered and nips with the sheet. When the sheet bundle after binding processing is discharged from the intermediate stacking tray 3 to the final stacking tray 30, or when the sheet is bound. In the simple stacking mode that is not performed, the sheet is lowered to this position, and the sheets are discharged and stacked on the final stacking tray 30.

  Reference numeral 5 denotes a conveyance direction alignment roller serving as a conveyance direction alignment means, which can be rotated around a fulcrum 5a. At the time of alignment, the sheet moves downward and rotates, and moves the sheet to the left in the drawing until the rear end of the sheet s1 stacked on the intermediate stacking tray 3 hits the reference wall 6 in the conveyance direction.

  Reference numeral 9a denotes a second sheet width direction aligning surface (second aligning surface), which is slidably supported by the second aligning member 8 constituting the second aligning means, and is movable in the front and back direction in the figure. is there.

  1r and 1f are first matching means. The first alignment means 1r and 1f are provided at both ends in the sheet width direction and are slidably supported by the frame 11.

  Reference numeral 1rb denotes a pressing surface that contacts the second alignment member 8 and presses the second alignment member 8.

  FIG. 1 is a top view of the sheet post-processing apparatus A according to the present invention, and the first aligning means 1f and 1r and the second aligning member 8 are in the “retracted position”.

  The first aligning means 1r is formed of a support surface 1rc that supports the lower surface of the sheet and a pressing surface 1ra that presses and moves the end portion of the sheet. Similarly, the first aligning means 1f is also formed by a support surface 1fc that supports the lower surface of the sheet and a pressing surface 1fa that contacts the end of the sheet.

  In the standby position shown in FIG. 2, the sheet support surfaces 1rc and 1fc of the first aligning means support the sheet, but in the retracted position shown in FIG. 1, the end portions 1rd and 1fd of the support surfaces 1rc and 1fc are the sheets. It is outside the width (one-dot chain line SL in the figure) and does not support the sheet.

  S is a sheet fed from the image forming apparatus, and is conveyed in the direction of the arrow y1 in the figure starting from Sa. An intermediate roller 2 conveys the sheet S to the intermediate stacking tray 3. Reference numeral 3 a denotes a sheet width direction reference wall formed in a part of the intermediate stacking tray 3.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes sheet binding means. 4a is a binding needle position. Reference numeral 5 denotes a sheet conveying direction aligning unit, which in this embodiment is a roller and can be separated in the front and back direction of the screen, and is normally separated (in the front direction of the screen). After the rear end passes through the intermediate roller 2, the sheet is returned to the arrow y2 direction. Reference numeral 6 denotes a sheet conveying direction reference wall formed in a part of the intermediate stacking tray 3. The sheet returned by the conveyance direction alignment roller 5 abuts against the reference wall 6 and stops.

  Reference numeral 7a denotes a sheet discharge roller, and the sheet is nipped and conveyed together with the sheet discharge lower roller 7b (may be sandwiched and conveyed in a comb-like shape), but in FIG. 1, the sheet discharge roller upper 7a is separated (front side in the figure). The sheet is not in contact with the sheets stacked on the intermediate stacking tray 3.

  Reference numeral 8 denotes a second alignment member, which is slidably supported to the left and right in the drawing with respect to the intermediate stacking tray 3, and is normally biased in the direction of the arrow y3 in the drawing. It stops at the position of FIG. 1 where it hits the stopper 3b.

  Reference numeral 8b denotes a pressed surface pressed by the second alignment member 8 and the pressing surface 1rb of the first alignment member 1r, and is separated in FIG. 1 (retracted position).

  Reference numeral 9 denotes a second alignment surface member, which is slidably supported to the left and right in the drawing with respect to the second alignment member 8 and is normally urged to the right in the drawing by a spring 10. Stop at position. 9a is a part of the second alignment surface member 9, which is a second alignment surface that contacts the sheet and aligns the sheet. The second alignment surface 9a contacts the vicinity (including the most upstream position) of the most upstream position in the sheet conveying direction at one end of the sheet parallel to the sheet conveying direction stacked on the intermediate stacking tray 3. The second alignment member 8 and the second alignment surface member 9 constitute the second alignment means of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 11 denotes a frame of the first alignment members 1f and 1r. Reference numerals 13 and 14 denote pulleys, and reference numeral 12 denotes a belt wound around the pulleys 13 and 14. The frame 11 rotatably supports the pulley, and the pulleys 13 and 14 are connected to a motor (not shown) and can be reversed.

  Reference numerals 15 and 16 denote belt connecting members, which are fixed to the belt 12 and interlock with the belt movement.

  Reference numeral 17 denotes a connecting member for the first alignment member 1f, which is integrally connected to the first alignment member 1f.

  Reference numeral 18 denotes a spring which elastically connects the belt connecting member 15 and the 1f connecting member 17.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes a connecting member for the first alignment member 1r, which is integrally connected to the first alignment member 1r.

  The belt connecting member 15 and the connecting member 20 of the first alignment member are also connected.

  Reference numeral 21 denotes a first alignment surface member that is slidably supported with respect to the first alignment member 1r. 21a is a part of the first alignment surface member 21 and is a first alignment surface that contacts the sheet. Reference numeral 22 denotes a spring, which is fixed to the first alignment member 1 r and is a base for the spring 22. The first alignment surface 21a contacts the vicinity (including the most downstream) of the most downstream position in the sheet conveying direction at one end of the sheet parallel to the sheet conveying direction stacked on the intermediate stacking tray 3. The first alignment members 1r and 1f and the first alignment surface member constitute the first alignment means of the present invention.

  FIG. 2 shows the standby position of the first alignment members 1r and 1f.

  The leading edge of the sheet is conveyed further downstream than in FIG. 2, and the trailing edge of the sheet is in a state where it has passed through the intermediate roller 2. In the standby position, the end portions 1rd and 1fd of the first alignment member enter the inside of the sheet width and support the sheet by the sheet support surfaces 1rc and 1fc.

  The belt rotates counterclockwise in the figure from the standby position, and accordingly, the belt connecting member 15 moves to the left in the figure and the belt connecting member 16 moves to the right in the figure. Accordingly, the first alignment member 1f moves to the left and the first alignment member 1r moves to the right.

  Since 1r is connected to the belt connecting means and moves in synchronization with the connecting member, 1f is elastically connected by a spring, so that the tip 17a of the connecting member 17 is a stopper of the frame 11. Even if the belt connecting member 15 moves to the left in the figure after stopping against 11a, the spring 18 only extends, and the 1f and the connecting member 17 do not move further to the left. At this time, 1fa is at the same position as the sheet width direction reference wall 3a, and 1fa functions as a sheet width direction reference wall thereafter.

  In FIG. 2 (standby position), the pressing surface 1rb of the first alignment member 1r and the pressed surface 8b of the second alignment member 8 are in contact with each other, and the second alignment member 88 is pressed against the first alignment member 1r. Thus, it has moved inward (right in the figure) from FIG.

  Here, the first alignment surface 21a of the first alignment member 1r and the second alignment surface 9a of the second alignment member 8 are in the same position in the left-right direction, and thereafter the sheet S is pressed with these two surfaces. (See FIG. 3). That is, the first alignment surface 21a and the second alignment member 8 contact the sheet almost simultaneously.

  Here, with respect to the full length sb of the sheet S, the first alignment surface 21a and the second alignment surface 9a are in contact with the vicinity of the uppermost stream and the most downstream of the sheet, and are rotated while the sheet is moving. The consistency is stable.

  FIG. 3 shows the alignment position.

  In FIG. 3, the belt further rotates counterclockwise in the drawing from the standby position, and the connecting members 16 and 20 and the first alignment member 1 r move further to the right. Along with this, the second alignment member 8 is also pushed by the pressing surface 1rb of the first alignment member 1r, and the first alignment surface 21a and the second alignment surface 9a are in contact with the uppermost stream and the most downstream of the sheet, Move the sheet to the right in the figure.

  Then, when the right end of the sheet s abuts against the sheet width direction reference wall 3a and 1fa which is the same surface, the alignment in the sheet width direction ends.

  Thereafter, the sheet conveyance direction aligning means 5 descends, comes into contact with the sheet, returns the sheet to the upstream, the sheet upstream end abuts against the sheet conveyance direction reference wall, and the sheet conveyance direction alignment is completed.

  Thereafter, after repeating this operation (sheet width direction alignment and sheet conveyance direction alignment) on a predetermined number of sheets S, the sheet binding unit 4 performs binding processing on the end of the sheet, and the sheet bundle is completed. The upper sheet discharge roller 7a, which has been separated, lowers, nips the sheets, and conveys and discharges the bound sheet bundle downstream of the intermediate stacking tray. When discharging the bound sheet bundle, the first alignment members 1r and 1f are in the retracted position and do not support the lower surface of the sheet.

  A final stacking tray 30 is provided at the downstream end of the paper discharge tray and below, and receives and stacks the bound binding sheets.

  The sheets can be dropped onto the final stacking tray 30 by moving the first alignment members 1r and 1f to the retracted position. At this time, the sheet discharge roller 7 rotates in contact with the sheet for discharging the sheet.

  FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the first alignment member 1r on the back side as viewed from above.

  The first sheet width direction alignment means 1r is in the retracted position.

  Reference numeral 21a denotes a first alignment surface slidably supported by the first width direction alignment means 1r. The first alignment surface 21a is moved to the right in the figure by an urging means (compression spring in this embodiment) 22. It is urged in the direction. Reference numeral 23 denotes a seating surface of the spring 22.

  The first aligning surface 21a protrudes to the right from the aligning surface 1ra of the aligning means 1r, and comes into contact with and presses the sheet at the time of aligning. Prevents loops and scratches.

  Reference numeral 1rb denotes a pressing surface for contacting and pressing the second alignment member 8, and when the first alignment member 1r moves to the right in the drawing, 1rb contacts the pressed surface 8b and the second alignment member The member 8 moves to the right.

  In the retracted position in the figure, the pressing surface 1rb and the pressed surface 8b are not in contact.

  Reference numeral 9a denotes a second alignment surface that is slidably supported by the second alignment member 8. The second alignment surface 9a is urged to the left in the figure by urging means (a tension spring in this embodiment) 10.

  Similar to the first alignment surface 21a, the second alignment surface 9a comes into contact with the sheet during alignment, but after hitting the sheet, the spring 10 extends and slides to the left to generate a loop due to excessive pressing of the sheet. To prevent scratches.

  6 to 8 are perspective views of the intermediate stacking tray 3 as viewed obliquely from the upper rear.

  1r is a first alignment member on the back side, and 1f is a first alignment member on the near side.

  In FIG. 6, the first alignment members 1r and 1f are in the retracted position.

  In this position, the first alignment members 1f and 1r are retracted outside the sheet width and do not support the sheet.

  In the drawing retracted position, the pressing surface 1rb is located outside the pressed surface 8b (left side in the figure) and does not contact.

  The second alignment member 8 and the second alignment surface 9a are stopped outside the sheet width.

  In FIG. 7, the first alignment members 1r and 1f are in the standby position.

  This figure shows a state where the first alignment member 1r has moved inward (downward in the figure) from FIG. 6, the pressing surface 1rb has pressed the pressed surface 8b, and the second alignment surface 9a has moved inward from FIG. It is.

  In the standby position shown in FIG. 7, the back side first alignment member 1r and the sheet support surfaces 1rc and 1fc of the front first alignment member 1f support the lower surface of the sheet.

  FIG. 8 shows the alignment position. The first alignment member 1r moves further inward, and moves the sheet forward in the drawing until the sheet hits the reference wall in the sheet width direction.

  FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the second sheet alignment surface 9c.

  The upstream side of the second alignment surface 9a is low, so that the leading edge can be guided even if the subsequent sheet S2 enters during alignment of the preceding sheet 1a.

  FIG. 10 is a component shape perspective view of the second alignment member 8.

  The second alignment member 8 slides along a guide hole 8c provided in the intermediate stacking tray.

  The second alignment surface 9a is slidably supported with respect to the rail 8d of the second alignment member 8, and is urged to the left in the drawing by the urging means 10 (spring).

  FIG. 11 shows the part shape of the first alignment member 1r on the back side.

  The first alignment member 1r has a U-shape and is formed from a sheet support surface 1rc and a sheet alignment surface 1ra. The first alignment surface member 21 includes a first alignment surface 21 a, a spring 22, a spring seat 23, and a contact surface 1 fb with the second alignment member 8.

  FIG. 12 is a view of the intermediate stacking tray 3 as seen from the back side.

  Reference numerals 3d and 3e denote ribs formed on the back surface of the intermediate stacking tray 3, and the second alignment member 8 slides left and right along the ribs 3d and 3e. Reference numeral 35 denotes an urging means, which is a tension spring in this embodiment, and urges the second alignment member 8 to the right in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a main cross section of the support portion of the second alignment member 8. The cross section is shown by hatching.

  The second alignment member 8 is regulated vertically and horizontally by ribs 3d and 3e formed on the intermediate stacking tray 3, and slides along the ribs.

(Explanation of full load detection mechanism)
Next, the full load detection mechanism will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet post-processing apparatus A for explaining the full load detection mechanism, and the first alignment member 1r and the second alignment member 8 are in the retracted position. In the drawing, the upper discharge roller 7a is in a position where it nips the sheet. 33 is a conveyance upper guide. Further, a full load detection means 40 for detecting whether or not the final stacking tray 30 is full is provided downstream of the discharge rollers and upstream of the first alignment and alignment means 1f and 1r. When sheets of a predetermined height or higher are stacked on the final stacking tray 30, the full load detection means 40 rotates with the fulcrum 40a as a fulcrum, and a full load detection sensor (not shown) detects the full load state. Further, the full load detection means 40 is provided at a position that does not intersect the movement path (the sheet surface vertical direction) of the first alignment members 1f and 1r. The first alignment member 1r and the second alignment member 8 are connected through the shafts of the upper discharge roller 7a and the lower discharge roller 7b. Further, the second alignment member 8 is provided with a rib 8 c that intersects with the conveyance upper guide 33.

  FIG. 17 is a detailed view of the sheet post-processing apparatus A as viewed from above in order to explain the configuration of the full load detection mechanism. The hatched portion in the figure shows a cross section of the full load detection means 40 in the region through which the second alignment member 8 passes. Reference numeral 33a denotes a contact surface of the upper guide 33 that intersects the rib 8c. As shown in the drawing, when the first alignment member 1r and the second alignment member 8 are in the retracted position, the rib 8c is outside the surface 33a in the sheet width direction.

  FIG. 18 shows a state in which the rib 8 is in contact with the contact surface 33a of the upper guide when the user tries to move to the alignment position by holding the first alignment member 1r or 1f other than during alignment. ing. As shown in the drawing, the rib 8c and the contact surface 33a contact each other before the second alignment member 8 reaches the full load detection means 40, and the inner side (y6 direction) with respect to the sheet width direction from the position shown in the drawing. ), The full alignment detector 40 can be prevented from being damaged.

  Next, FIG. 19 shows a main cross section of the sheet post-processing apparatus A in a state where the upper discharge roller 7a is separated. The sheet discharge rollers 7a are separated when the sheets are aligned. When the upper discharge roller 7a is separated, the upper guide is also moved to the position 33 'and retracted to a region that does not intersect with the rib 8c. As a result, the second alignment member 8 does not stop at the position shown in FIG. 18 during alignment, but can move to the alignment position. Further, the full load detection means 40 is also configured to retract from the movement region of the second alignment member 8 and the first alignment members 1r and 1f when the sheet discharge roller upper 7a is separated.

  Further, the first alignment member and the second alignment member may be integrated.

  With the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  The connecting portion between the first aligning member 1r and the second aligning means is not provided below the pair of discharge rollers serving as a sheet stacking area, but is passed between the shafts of the pair of discharge rollers to reduce the stacking capacity of the stacking tray. Sheet alignment by the first and second alignment means can be realized without reduction.

  Further, when the user holds the first alignment member 1r or 1f and moves it to the alignment position when the user is not at the time of alignment, the second alignment member 8 reaches a position where the full load detecting means 40 can be damaged. Does not move, damage to the full load detection means can be prevented.

  Further, if the movement preventing means for the second alignment member 8 is provided upstream of the paper discharge roller (a position where the user cannot access it), the full load detecting means 40 can be more reliably prevented from being damaged.

  Further, by integrating the first alignment member and the second alignment means, the number of parts interposed between the first alignment surface and the second alignment surface is reduced, so that the first alignment surface and the second alignment means are integrated. The accuracy of the relative position of the two alignment surfaces is improved. In addition, the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts.

(First modification of matching means)
Next, a first modification of the embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 20 shows the standby positions of the alignment means 1f and 1r in this modification. In this modification, the first alignment surface 21a and the second alignment surface 9a are different in the sheet width direction position at the standby position, and the first alignment surface 221a is configured to protrude from the second alignment surface 209a.

  After the sheet S passes through the intermediate roller 2, the aligning unit 1r moves from this state, so that the first aligning surface 221a is more reference in the sheet width direction than the second aligning surface 209a at the aligning position as shown in FIG. It will be in the state which approached the wall 3a. At this time, the aligning surface member 221 slides outward by the spring 22 in accordance with the width of the sheet, so that the sheet is not damaged.

  However, only the sheet supporting surfaces 1rc and 1fc support the lower surface of the sheet downstream of the sheet discharge roller, and the sheet central portion is not supported. For this reason, depending on the state of the sheet, the central portion may fall downward as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, since the first alignment surface 221a protrudes from the second alignment surface 209a, the first alignment surface 21a is in the vicinity of the sheet edge as shown in FIG. (Including the end portion), the sheet can be reliably brought into contact with the width direction reference wall 3a downstream of the sheet discharge roller, and stability of sheet alignment performance can be improved. .

(Second modification of matching means)
Next, a second modification of the matching means will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 24 shows the retracted positions of the matching means 1f and 1r in this modification. In this modification, the pressing surface 308b of the second alignment member 8 is configured to be slidable in the sheet width direction and is urged outward in the sheet width direction by a spring. In the standby position shown in FIG. 25, the pressing surface 308b is not slid with respect to the second alignment member 8 in a state where the pressing surface 1rb of the first alignment member 1r is in contact with the pressing surface 308b of the second alignment member. The first alignment surface 21a and the second alignment surface 9a are at the same position in the sheet width direction. The spring is set to a pressure at which the pressing surface 308b does not slide relative to the second alignment member 8 while the sheet is moved by the first alignment member 1r and the second alignment member 8.

  In the first alignment position shown in FIG. 26, the first alignment surface 21a and the second alignment surface 9a are at the same position in the sheet width direction. However, as shown in FIG. 22, when the center of the sheet falls downstream of the sheet discharge roller, the first alignment member 1r is further moved in order to ensure that the downstream side of the sheet is in contact with the reference wall 3a in the sheet width direction. Thus, the second alignment position shown in FIG. 25 is reached. At this time, when the pressing surface 308b slides, the second alignment member 8 does not move and only the first alignment member 1r moves. As a result, even when the center of the sheet falls, the first alignment surface 21a can abut against the end of the sheet, and the sheet can be surely abutted against the width direction reference wall 3a downstream of the sheet discharge roller. In addition, the first alignment surface 21a and the second alignment surface 9a abut against the sheet at the same position in the sheet width direction during alignment as compared with the first modification described above, so that the sheet alignment performance can be further stabilized. it can.

  In this embodiment, the configuration in which the pressing surface 308b of the second alignment member 8 slides has been described, but the configuration in which the pressing surface 1rb of the first alignment member 1r slides is the same.

  As in the first and second modifications of the aligning means described above, the center portion of the sheet is supported by the intermediate stacking portion by increasing the amount of seam and push-in at the time of alignment by the alignment surface on the downstream side as compared with the upstream side. Even when the central portion of the sheet falls on the downstream side of the paper discharge roller, the sheet can be reliably brought into contact with the reference surface, and the consistency is stabilized.

(First modification of slide mechanism of alignment means)
Next, a first modification of the slide mechanism of the alignment means will be described below with reference to FIG.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a second alignment means in the first modification of the slide mechanism of the alignment means, and 203 denotes an intermediate stacking tray in the present embodiment.

  The second aligning means 200 rotatably holds the balls 201 and 202 at the tip and is rotatably fitted to the ball holding rails 204 and 205 formed on the intermediate stacking tray.

  Slidability is good by fitting with a spherical member.

  Thereby, the load of the first alignment means 1r that presses and moves the second alignment means 200 is lightened, and it becomes possible to use a drive means with low torque and low power. In addition, because of the ball fitting, a rubbing sound during sliding is reduced, and a low noise device can be realized.

(Second modification of slide mechanism of alignment means)
Next, a second modification of the slide mechanism of the alignment means will be described below with reference to FIG.

  Reference numeral 300 denotes a second alignment unit in the third embodiment, and 301 denotes an intermediate stacking tray in the third embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the rack 302 is integrally formed in the second alignment means, and a motor stay 303 is provided at the lower part of the intermediate stacking tray, and the motor 304 is supported by the motor stay 303. Yes. The motor gear 305 and the rack 302 are engaged with each other, and the second alignment means 300 can be slidably controlled by controlling the motor.

  In this modification, by allowing the second alignment means to be independently controlled by a motor, it is possible to independently control the upstream and downstream alignment means of the sheet at the time of alignment, and to detect misalignment between the upstream and downstream, It is possible to align only the location that is shifted. In addition, since the second aligning unit moves by driving as compared with the method in which the second aligning unit is biased to the home by a spring, the sheet can be moved at high speed and a sheet post-processing apparatus corresponding to a high-speed image forming apparatus can be realized. Can do.

FIG. 3 is a top view (retraction position diagram) for explaining the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top view (standby position diagram) illustrating the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top view (alignment position diagram) illustrating the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention. The main section of the sheet processing device concerning the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top view of first alignment means of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view (retracted position) of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention (standby position). 1 is a perspective view (alignment position) of a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention. The perspective view which shows the 2nd alignment surface of the sheet processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. The component perspective view of the 2nd alignment means. The component perspective view of the 1st alignment means. The back view of an intermediate loading tray. The support main part cross section of a 2nd alignment means. Sectional drawing which shows the 1st modification of a slide mechanism. Sectional drawing which shows the 1st modification of a slide mechanism. Sectional drawing explaining a full load detection mechanism. The top view explaining a full load detection mechanism. The top view explaining a full load detection mechanism. Sectional drawing explaining a full load detection mechanism. The top view for demonstrating the 1st modification of a matching means. The top view for demonstrating the 1st modification of a matching means. The perspective view for demonstrating the 1st modification of an alignment means. The top view for demonstrating the 1st modification of a matching means. The top view for demonstrating the 2nd modification of a matching means. The top view for demonstrating the 2nd modification of a matching means. The top view for demonstrating the 2nd modification of a matching means. The top view for demonstrating the 2nd modification of a matching means. Conventional example 1 Conventional example 2 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus including a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1f First alignment means (reference side)
1r Second alignment means (alignment side)
3 Intermediate loading tray 8 Second alignment means 9 Second alignment surface member 9a First alignment surface 21 First alignment member 21a First alignment surface

Claims (12)

A transport roller for transporting the sheet in the sheet transport direction;
A stacking tray for stacking sheets conveyed by the conveying roller;
Sheet discharge means for conveying in the sheet conveyance direction in order to discharge the sheets stacked on the stacking tray;
First alignment means for performing alignment in the sheet width direction intersecting the sheet conveyance direction on the downstream side of the sheet conveyance direction from the sheet discharge means;
A second alignment unit that performs alignment in the sheet width direction on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction from the sheet discharge unit;
The first alignment means includes a first alignment surface that contacts a vicinity of a most downstream position in the sheet conveyance direction at one end parallel to the sheet conveyance direction of the sheets stacked on the stacking tray,
The sheet processing apparatus, wherein the second aligning unit includes a second aligning surface that is in contact with the vicinity of the most upstream position in the sheet conveying direction at the one end of the sheets stacked on the stacking tray. The first alignment means has a support surface that is perpendicular to the first alignment surface and supports the lower surface of the sheet, the retraction position where the support surface retracts outside the sheet width, and the first alignment surface is a sheet It is outside the width, and the support surface is movable to a standby position that supports the lower surface of the sheet, and an alignment position that moves the sheet in the sheet width direction on the first alignment surface and abuts against a reference wall,
In the retracted position, the first alignment means and the second alignment means are separated from each other,
During the movement from the retracted position to the standby position, the first aligning means presses the second aligning means, and the first aligning surface and the second aligning surface contact the sheet almost simultaneously. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The first alignment surface of the first alignment unit and the second alignment surface of the second alignment unit are elastically biased inward in the sheet width direction with respect to the first and second alignment units, respectively. The first alignment means and the second alignment means are pushed by the sheet and elastically move outward in the sheet width direction when in the alignment position. The sheet processing apparatus according to 1.   The second alignment surface of the second alignment means is higher from the upstream side to the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction, and the upstream side is lower than the conveying roller. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1.   5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second alignment unit is slidably supported on the stacking tray by a sliding roller. 6. The first aligning surface of the first aligning means and the second aligning surface of the second aligning means are respectively urged by an elastic member toward the inside of the sheet width direction to the first and second aligning means. Provided,
When the first alignment means and the second alignment member are positioned at an alignment position where the first alignment surface and the second alignment surface are aligned by abutting the sheet against the reference wall in the sheet width direction, The first alignment surface and the second alignment surface are pushed by the sheet and are movable outward in the sheet width direction against the urging force of the elastic member,
When the first aligning means and the second aligning means are in the aligning position, the sheet of the first aligning surface and the second aligning surface when it is pushed by the sheet and can move outward in the sheet width direction The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein positions in the width direction are different. A discharge tray disposed below the first alignment means and on which sheets aligned by the first alignment means and the second alignment means are stacked;
The first alignment means comprises a support surface that is perpendicular to the first alignment surface and supports the lower surface of the sheet,
The first alignment means includes the alignment position where the sheet is brought into contact with the reference wall in the sheet width direction by the first alignment surface, the first alignment surface is outside the sheet width, and the support surface lowers the sheet. A support standby position, and a support position where the support surface is retracted to the outside of the sheet width, and a retracted position for dropping the aligned sheet onto the discharge tray;
When the first alignment means and the second alignment means are at the alignment position, the distance between the first alignment surface and the sheet width direction reference wall is the distance between the second alignment surface and the sheet width direction reference wall. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is narrower.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first aligning unit presses the second aligning unit via an elastic member. On the downstream side of the sheet discharge means, a full load detection means hanging from above the sheet discharge means,
The sheet discharging means is a pair of sheet discharging rollers, and a part of one of the first aligning means and the second aligning means is in contact with the other between the shafts of the roller pair;
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a movement preventing unit that prevents the first aligning unit and the second aligning unit from moving to a movable region of the full load detecting unit except during sheet alignment. The sheet processing apparatus according to item 1.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the movement preventing unit is provided upstream of the sheet discharge roller pair in a sheet conveying direction.   A sheet conveyance guide is provided upstream of the pair of sheet discharge rollers and above the stacking tray, and the first alignment unit or the second alignment unit and the conveyance guide come into contact with each other, thereby the first alignment unit. 11. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the sheet processing apparatus functions as a movement preventing unit that prevents the second alignment unit from moving to an operating region of the full load detecting unit.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first alignment unit and the second alignment unit are integrated.

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