JP2007320677A - Stapler device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stapler device for stapling sheets to be successively conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction for each sheet bundle consisting of the sheets of a preliminarily instructed number which is capable of compatibly enhancing the productivity, and suppressing considerable reduction of the stacking number of the sheets to be stapled and stacked on a discharge tray. <P>SOLUTION: The sheets successively conveyed in the predetermined conveying direction are stacked in the same posture for the sheet bundle consisting of the sheets of the preliminarily instructed number, or arranged in the alternately different posture for adjacent sheet bundles, and in the alternately different stapling position for the adjacent sheet bundles. The sheet bundle is stapled by the staple every time when the sheet bundle is arranged at each stapling position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a stapling apparatus that staples sheets that have been sequentially conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction for each sheet bundle of a predetermined number of sheets designated in advance.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a stapling apparatus that staples sheets, which are sequentially conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction, for each sheet bundle of a predetermined number of sheets designated in advance. Such a stapling apparatus is generally used in combination with an image forming apparatus used for an electrophotographic copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or the like.

  In general, such a stapling apparatus requires a certain time to perform stapling processing in which a sheet bundle is aligned and then stapled. For this reason, when continuously stapling a plurality of sheet bundles, the staple sheet is conveyed to the stapling apparatus in order to secure time for the stapling process while the previous sheet bundle is being stapled. The sheet relating to the next sheet bundle to be processed needs to wait on the upstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the stapling apparatus, and there is a problem that productivity is lowered.

  As a technique for coping with such a problem, after the last sheet of the sheets related to the sheet bundle is conveyed to a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing such as stapling processing or punching processing, the processing apparatus then processes the sheet bundle. A technique for recognizing a set processing time required to perform predetermined post-processing and controlling a sheet discharge interval based on the recognized set processing time of the post-processing apparatus has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). .)

  According to the technique proposed in Patent Document 1, for example, the sheet discharge interval from the image forming apparatus in accordance with a post-processing apparatus having relatively low productivity as compared with an image forming apparatus having high productivity. Is delayed as much as necessary, so that the productivity of the image forming apparatus can be utilized as much as possible to improve the productivity of the entire system.

  Here, when a plurality of sheet bundles are continuously stapled using the stapling apparatus and then sequentially stacked on the discharge tray, the portions of the plurality of sheet bundles subjected to the staple processing are discharged. It overlaps at the same position on the tray and becomes bulky. As a result, the number of sheets that can be stacked on the discharge tray after being stapled is significantly lower than the number of sheets that can be stacked on the discharge tray without being stapled. There is a problem such as.

  As a technique for coping with such a problem, when stapling processing is instructed, according to the output image size, page orientation, and stapling mode, longitudinally fed paper / horizontally fed paper are alternately used for each sheet bundle, A technique has been proposed in which images are alternately rotated and output, and staple processing is performed by alternately moving the stapler forward / backward for each sheet bundle (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

According to the technique proposed in Patent Document 2, when it is instructed to continuously staple the plurality of sheet bundles, the portions subjected to the staple processing in each of the plurality of sheet bundles are connected to each other. Are prevented from overlapping and bulking at the same position on the discharge tray, and a significant decrease in the number of sheets that can be stacked on the discharge tray after being stapled is suppressed.
JP-A-11-208979 JP-A-11-292386

  However, according to the technique proposed in Patent Document 1 described above, the processing capability of a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing such as stapling and punching can be utilized 100%. When the image forming apparatus with high productivity is connected to the post-processing apparatus, the technique is to delay the sheet discharge interval from the image forming apparatus by a minimum necessary amount. This processing capacity is not 100% utilized, and there is a problem that it is still insufficient for improving productivity. Further, the technique proposed in Patent Document 1 is not a technique that takes into account the problem that the portions subjected to the staple process in each of the plurality of sheet bundles overlap each other at the same position on the discharge tray, and therefore, the staple process. It is unavoidable that the number of sheets that can be stacked on the discharge tray is significantly reduced.

  Moreover, since the technique proposed in Patent Document 2 described above is not a technique that takes into account the problem of the above-described decrease in productivity, the demand for improvement in productivity is not satisfied. Furthermore, even if the technique proposed in Patent Document 2 and the technique proposed in Patent Document 1 described above are combined, there is a problem that it is still insufficient for improving productivity.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention makes it possible to both improve the productivity and suppress a significant decrease in the number of sheets that can be stapled and stacked on the discharge tray. It is an object of the present invention to provide a stapling apparatus.

The stapling apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above-described object provides:
In a stapling apparatus that staples sheets that have been sequentially conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction for each sheet bundle of a predetermined number of sheets that is instructed in advance,
The sheets that have been sequentially conveyed in the conveyance direction are stacked in the same posture within the predetermined number of sheet bundles, and alternately in different postures for adjacent sheet bundles and alternately in adjacent sheet bundles. A sheet management unit arranged at the staple position;
And a staple unit for binding the sheet bundle with staples each time the sheet bundle is arranged at each staple position.

  The stapling apparatus of the present invention stacks the sheets sequentially conveyed in the conveying direction in the same posture within the predetermined number of sheet bundles, and arranges adjacent sheet bundles in different postures alternately. It is spelled with staples. Therefore, according to the stapling apparatus of the present invention, the portions subjected to the staple processing in each of the plurality of sheet bundles overlap at the same position on the discharge tray on which the sheet bundles stapled are finally stacked. Bulkiness is prevented, and a significant reduction in the number of sheets that can be stapled and stacked on the discharge tray is suppressed.

  Further, the stapling apparatus of the present invention arranges the sheets sequentially conveyed in the conveying direction in the adjacent sheet bundles alternately at different staple positions, and each time the sheet bundle is disposed at each staple position. A bundle is bound with staples. Therefore, according to the stapling apparatus of the present invention, even when the sheet bundle that is stacked at the predetermined staple position among the adjacent sheet bundles is bound by the staple, the sheets related to the sheet stack to be stacked next are stapled. The sheets can be stacked at a staple position different from the position without delay, and the sheets are always conveyed continuously, which contributes to an improvement in productivity.

  Therefore, according to the stapling apparatus of the present invention, both contributing to improvement in productivity and suppressing a significant decrease in the number of sheets that can be stapled and stacked on the discharge tray. It is compatible.

  Here, in the stapling apparatus of the present invention, the sheet management unit may be arranged so that adjacent sheet bundles are alternately turned over, and adjacent sheet bundles are alternately arranged at different staple positions. Alternatively, in the stapling apparatus according to the present invention, the sheet management unit rotates the adjacent sheet bundles 180 degrees around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the sheet bundle, and alternates the adjacent sheet bundles. They may be arranged at different staple positions.

  Further, in the stapling apparatus according to the present invention, the staple unit includes a stapler for binding the sheet bundle with staples corresponding to each of a plurality of staple positions where the sheet bundle is alternately arranged. Alternatively, the staple unit is provided with a stapler which moves on a track connecting staple positions, which is shared at a plurality of staple positions where the sheet bundle is stapled and the sheet bundle is alternately arranged. It may be.

  In the stapling apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the staple unit binds the sheet bundle by driving staples from the front surface to the back surface of the sheet bundle.

  According to the present invention, a stapling apparatus that contributes both to improving productivity and suppressing a significant decrease in the number of sheets that can be stacked on a discharge tray after being subjected to stapling is achieved. Is provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a part of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus 1 connected to a sheet processing apparatus 2 in which the stapling apparatus according to the first embodiment of the stapling apparatus of the present invention is incorporated. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 and the sheet processing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. Here, first, the positioning of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 shows an image forming system including an image forming apparatus 1 to which a sheet processing apparatus 2 is connected, a client personal computer 3, and an image processing personal computer 4. The image forming apparatus 1, the client PC 3, and the server PC 4 are connected via a network 5, and various processes described later are executed.

  The client personal computer 3 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a relatively small personal computer or the like, and receives input of various conditions relating to image formation such as the number of printed sheets and whether or not to perform stapling processing according to the operation. Then, condition data and image data representing the various conditions are transmitted to the image processing personal computer 4 connected via the network 5.

  The image processing personal computer 4 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a relatively large workstation or the like. The image data transmitted from the client personal computer 3 via the network 5 can be used as necessary. Image processing based on various conditions represented by the condition data transmitted together with the image data is performed. In addition, the image data subjected to such image processing is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 5.

  The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 forms an image print based on image data transmitted from the image processing personal computer 4 via the network 5. The image forming apparatus 1 is an image forming apparatus that employs a full-color tandem system, and is compatible with four color toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Using the four toner image forming units, each toner image forming unit forms a toner image of each color of YMCK in synchronization with the feeding of the intermediate transfer belt as an intermediate medium, and each toner image of each color is formed on the intermediate transfer belt. Overlay (primary transfer), a color toner image superimposed on an intermediate transfer belt is transferred (secondary transfer) to a sheet as a recording medium and fixed.

  The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an image formation control unit 100. The image forming control unit 100 controls the operation of each component of the image forming apparatus 1 described below.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes four toner image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, and four primary transfer rolls 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a semiconductive intermediate transfer belt 30 that is stretched around a driving roll 31, a driven roll 32, a tension roll 33, and a backup roll 42 and circulates in a counterclockwise arrow A direction, A batch transfer device 40 that performs secondary transfer and a fixing device 50 that fixes an unfixed toner image on a sheet are also provided.

  The four toner image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are arranged side by side in the circulating movement direction of the intermediate transfer belt 30, and each toner image forming unit 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K has a clockwise arrow. Photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K that rotate in the B direction are provided. The surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 30. The primary transfer rolls 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are arranged at positions facing the respective photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K with the intermediate transfer belt 30 interposed therebetween, and the respective photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, and 11C are disposed. , 11K and the intermediate transfer belt 30 are the primary transfer area.

  Further, around the toner image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, developing device main bodies 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K provided with developing rolls 121Y, 121M, 121C, and 121K, and exposure light irradiation devices 17Y and 17M are provided. , 17C, 17K, non-contact charging devices 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K, and cleaning devices 14Y, 14M, 14C, 14K.

  The developing device main bodies 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K are arranged on the upstream side of the primary transfer region around the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. Each developing device main body 12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K contains toner inside that is replaceable by being pulled out in the axial direction of the developing device main bodies 12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The toner cartridges 15Y, 15M, 15C and 15K thus mounted are detachably mounted. Each of the developing device main bodies 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K includes reserve tanks 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K that temporarily store toner, and the mounted toner cartridges 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K. The toner contained in the toner is supplied to the developing device main bodies 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K through reserve tanks 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K.

  The exposure light irradiation devices 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K are disposed further upstream than the developing device bodies 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K. Further, the non-contact charging devices 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K are arranged further upstream than the exposure light irradiation devices 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K.

  The cleaning devices 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K are arranged around the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K on the downstream side of the primary transfer region, and are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30 in the primary transfer region. First, residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K is cleaned with a conductive brush and blade (not shown).

  The surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are uniformly charged by the non-contact charging devices 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K. The surface of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K uniformly charged by the non-contact type charging devices 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K carries image information from the exposure light irradiation devices 17Y, 17M, 17C, and 17K. The laser beam is irradiated to form electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. The developing device main bodies 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K adopt a two-component developing system. The developing device main bodies 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K include a magnetic carrier and toner cartridges 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K. And a two-component developer including toner supplied through reserve tanks 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K. On the peripheral surfaces of the developing rolls 121Y, 121M, 121C, and 121K provided in the developing device main bodies 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K, there is a developer layer (so-called magnetic layer) in which a magnetic carrier to which toner is attached is layered. The formed toner is supplied from the developer layer to the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K carrying the electrostatic latent images. The electrostatic latent image is developed upon receipt of toner and becomes a toner image.

  The primary transfer rolls 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are applied with a transfer bias having a polarity opposite to the polarity of the toner, and toner images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K The surface is transferred from the surface of the photosensitive drum to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30. The toner images formed by the toner image forming units 10 </ b> Y, 10 </ b> M, 10 </ b> C, and 10 </ b> K become color toner images that overlap one on the intermediate transfer belt 30.

  The batch transfer device 40 includes a secondary transfer roll 41 disposed in pressure contact with the toner image carrying surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 30 and a backup roll 42 disposed on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 30. The intermediate transfer belt 30 is sandwiched between two rolls 41 and 42. A space between these two rolls 41 and 42 becomes a secondary transfer region.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a sheet tray 60, and the sheets accommodated in the sheet tray 60 are sent to the secondary transfer region at a predetermined timing. In the secondary transfer area, the color toner images overlapped on the intermediate transfer belt 30 are transferred onto the fed sheet.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a conveyance belt 70 that conveys a sheet on which the color toner image is secondarily transferred, and the sheet conveyed by the conveyance belt 70 is sent to the fixing device 50. The fixing device 50 includes a fixing roll 51 having a heating mechanism 511 and a pressure roll 52 provided so as to face the fixing roll 51. A sheet that has passed through the secondary transfer region is conveyed between the fixing roll 51 and the pressure roll 52 facing each other. The toner constituting the color toner image on the sheet is melted and fixed on the sheet by the heating mechanism 511 of the fixing roll 51, and an image composed of the fixed toner image is formed on the sheet.

  A sheet processing apparatus 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is connected to an image forming apparatus 1. The sheet processing apparatus 2 has the same posture with respect to the sheet bundle that has been sequentially conveyed after the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 1 within a sheet bundle of a predetermined number of sheets that is instructed in advance by the client personal computer 3 according to the operation. And the adjacent sheet bundles are alternately arranged in different postures, and adjacent sheet bundles are alternately arranged at different staple positions, and the sheet bundle is stapled each time the sheet bundle is arranged at each staple position. Has a stapling function. A detailed description of the stapling function will be described later.

  The sheet processing apparatus 2 includes a sheet processing control unit 200. The sheet processing control unit 200 controls the operation of each component of the sheet processing apparatus 2 described below.

  In addition, the sheet processing apparatus 2 includes a reversing unit 80 that reverses a sheet that has been conveyed after the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 1, and a discharge tray 90 that stacks the sheets finally discharged from the sheet discharge unit 21. It has.

  Further, a second guide 23 is provided below the sheet discharge portion 21 so as to protrude and retract. A first guide 22 is provided below the second guide 23 so as to protrude and retract. Further, a third guide 24 is provided on the left side of the discharge tray 90 so as to protrude and retract. The operations of the first guide 22, the second guide 23, and the third guide 24 are executed under the control of the sheet processing control unit 200. A detailed description of this operation will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a view of the discharge tray 90 of the first embodiment, as viewed from above, among the discharge trays 90 provided in the sheet processing apparatus 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 3, a sheet discharge unit 21 for discharging sheets is provided on the left side.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet processing apparatus 2 is provided with an offset motor 91 that rotates under the control of the sheet processing control unit 200. When the rotation operation of the offset motor 91 is transmitted to the discharge tray 90 via the shaft 92, the discharge tray 90 is offset and moved in the width direction intersecting the transport direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a first stapler 25 that binds the sheet bundle with staples is provided on the left front side of the discharge tray 90 when viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21. A second stapler 26 is disposed on the right front side of the discharge tray 90 when viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21. Further, a third stapler 27 is provided in the left rear part as viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21. Further, the first stapler 25, the second stapler 26, and the third stapler 27 are each arranged so as to be rotatable by 180 degrees, and the stapling direction can be designated.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of performing the stapling process of the first embodiment in which the sheet bundle of a predetermined number of sheets designated in advance is stapled in the entire image forming system shown in FIG.

  In the client personal computer 3 (see FIG. 1), various conditions relating to image formation such as the number of printed sheets and whether or not to perform stapling are received according to the operation (step S11).

  The client personal computer 3 (see FIG. 1) receives a staple mode selection according to the operation. Here, FaceUp / Down stapling mode (1) in which adjacent sheet bundles are stapled in an alternately inverted posture, and adjacent sheet bundles are rotated 180 degrees around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the sheet bundle. One of the rotation staple modes (2) for stapling with staples in the selected posture can be selected (step S12).

  The client personal computer 3 (see FIG. 1) receives an N-part print start instruction in accordance with the operation (step S13).

  When the print start instruction for N copies is received in step S13, the condition data indicating the various conditions input in step S11 and the mode data indicating the staple mode selected in step S12 are connected via the network 5 together with the image data. Is transmitted to the image processing personal computer 4 (see FIG. 1). The image processing personal computer 4 (see FIG. 1) performs image processing on the transmitted image data based on various conditions represented by the condition data transmitted together with the image data, as necessary. Further, the image data subjected to such image processing is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) via the network 5 (step S14).

  If the FaceUp / Down staple mode (1) is selected in step S12, the odd-numbered sheet bundle of the N parts instructed in step S13 is the sheet bundle in step S14. Image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) via the network 5 so that image formation is sequentially performed from the first page to the last page. For the even-numbered sheet bundle of the N parts instructed in step S13, in step S14, the image is sequentially formed from the last page to the first page in the sheet bundle. Data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) via the network 5.

  If the rotation staple mode (2) is selected in step S12, for each of the N sheet bundles designated in step S13, in step S14, from the last page in the sheet bundle to the first page. The image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) via the network 5 so that the image formation is performed sequentially. Further, for the even-numbered sheet bundle in the N-part designated in step S13, image formation is performed in a posture rotated by 180 degrees around the rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the sheet bundle in step S14. As described above, the image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) via the network 5.

  When the image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) in step S14, the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) forms an image print based on the image data. . Further, the sheet on which the image is formed is sequentially conveyed to the sheet processing apparatus 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and an offset operation of the discharge tray 90 is performed every time one sheet is discharged under the control of the sheet processing control unit 200. (Step S15), stapling is performed under the control of the sheet processing control unit 200 (Step S16). A detailed description of the offset operation and the stapling process will be described later.

  Here, when the FaceUp / Down staple mode (1) is selected in step S12, the image forming apparatus 1 (FIG. 1) is used for the odd-numbered sheet bundle of the N copies instructed in step S13. , (See FIG. 2), image formation is sequentially performed from the first page to the last page in the sheet bundle, and after the image is formed, the sheet is conveyed to the sheet processing apparatus 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The sheet is reversed through the reversing unit 80 and discharged from the sheet discharge unit 21, and is stacked on the discharge tray 90. For the even-numbered sheet bundle of the N parts instructed in step S13, the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is directed from the last page to the first page in the sheet bundle. The sheets are sequentially formed, and the sheets conveyed to the sheet processing apparatus 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) after the image formation are discharged from the sheet discharge section 21 without passing through the reversing section 80, and are discharged to the discharge tray. 90.

  If the rotation staple mode (2) is selected in step S12, the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) uses the sheet bundle for each of the N sheet bundles designated in step S13. The image is sequentially formed from the last page to the first page, and the sheet conveyed to the sheet processing apparatus 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) after the image formation passes through the reversing unit 80. The sheet is discharged from the sheet discharge unit 21 and stacked on the discharge tray 90. For the even-numbered sheet bundle of the N parts instructed in step S13, the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) rotates 180 around the rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the sheet bundle. The image is formed in a posture rotated by a predetermined degree.

  Until the processing of all the N parts instructed in step S13 is completed (step S17: No), the operations in steps S14 to S16 are repeated. Note that this repetitive operation is a flow of processing, and in terms of time, sheets are continuously discharged without changing the discharge interval until the processing of all N portions is completed.

  Here, the feature of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 as an embodiment of the present invention relates to the stapling operation in the sheet processing apparatus 2, and the stapling operation will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the offset operation of the discharge tray 90 and the stapling process when the FaceUp / Down staple mode (1) is selected in step S12 shown in FIG. Of the drawings shown in FIG. 5, the upper drawing shows the sheet discharge unit 21 and the discharge tray 90 as viewed from above, and the lower drawing shows the sheet discharge unit 21 and the discharge tray 90 from the side. FIG. Further, here, in an example in which an image is formed on one side of each of a plurality of sheets and stapled for each sheet bundle of a predetermined number of sheets specified in advance, the fourth sheet bundle is issued after an image formation instruction is issued. A flow until the sheet d relating to dd is discharged and the stapling process for the third sheet bundle cc is completed will be described.

  In Step S12 shown in FIG. 4, the FaceUp / Down staple mode (1) is selected, an image is formed on one side of each of a plurality of sheets, and an instruction is given to staple each sheet bundle consisting of a predetermined number of sheets. First, the discharge tray 90 is offset to the right side when viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21, and the first guide 22 protrudes. The sheet a related to the first sheet bundle aa that is reversed and discharged from the sheet discharge unit 21 via the reversing unit 80 is one side of the sheet a on the sheet discharge unit 21 side on the protruding first guide 22. Are sequentially stacked on the discharge tray 90 (step S21). Note that the sheet a relating to the first sheet bundle aa is discharged via the reversing unit 80 shown in FIG. 2, and is discharged and loaded in a face-down posture with the image-formed surface facing the lower surface. Is done.

  When the discharge of all the sheets related to the first sheet bundle aa is completed, the discharge tray 90 is offset to the left side when viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21 and the second guide 23 protrudes (step S22).

  The sheet b relating to the second sheet bundle bb is continuously discharged without changing the discharge interval following the discharge of the sheet a relating to the first sheet bundle aa. Further, the sheet b related to the second sheet bundle bb is discharged from the sheet discharge unit 21 without passing through the reversing unit 80, and one side of the sheet b on the sheet discharge unit 21 side is placed on the protruding second guide 23. In the loaded state, the sheets are sequentially stacked on the first sheet bundle aa already stacked, offset to the right with respect to the first sheet bundle aa when viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21. Note that the sheet b related to the second sheet bundle bb is discharged without passing through the reversing unit 80 shown in FIG. 2, so that the sheet b related to the first sheet bundle aa is turned upside down. A certain image-formed surface is discharged and stacked in a face-up posture with the upper surface facing upward. Further, while the sheet b relating to the second sheet bundle bb is being discharged, the first stapler 25 arranged on the left side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 is the first guide of the first sheet bundle aa. In the portion that runs on the sheet 22, the staple processing is performed for binding the first sheet bundle aa by driving staples from the image-formed side of the sheet a relating to the first sheet bundle aa (step S23).

  When the stapling process for the first sheet bundle aa is completed, the protruding first guide 22 is stored. By storing the first guide 22, the first sheet bundle aa subjected to the stapling process is placed on the first guide 22 on one side of the sheet a on the sheet discharge unit 21 side, and then the discharge tray It moves to the state mounted on 90 (step S24).

  The first guide 22 protrudes after the first sheet bundle aa subjected to the stapling process shifts to a state where it is placed on the discharge tray 90. Thereafter, the second guide 23 is stored, and the sheet b related to the second sheet bundle bb protrudes from the state where one side of the sheet b on the sheet discharge portion 21 side rides on the protruding second guide 23. The state shifts to a state where one side of the sheet b on the sheet discharge portion 21 side is ridden on the first guide 22 (step S25).

  When the discharge of all the sheets related to the second sheet bundle bb is completed, the discharge tray 90 is offset to the right side when viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21 and the second guide 23 protrudes. Thereafter, the sheet c relating to the third sheet bundle cc is continuously discharged without changing the discharge interval following the discharge of the sheet b relating to the second sheet bundle bb. In addition, the sheet c relating to the third sheet bundle cc is reversed and discharged from the sheet discharge unit 21 via the reversing unit 80, and the sheet c on the side of the sheet discharge unit 21 on the protruding second guide 23. In this state, the second sheet bundle bb as viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 is offset to the left side and sequentially stacked on the second sheet bundle bb already stacked. The Note that the sheet c relating to the third sheet bundle cc is turned over with respect to the sheet b relating to the second sheet bundle bb by being discharged via the reversing unit 80 shown in FIG. The image-formed surface is discharged and stacked in a face-down posture with the lower surface facing the lower surface. Further, while the sheet c related to the third sheet bundle cc is being discharged, the second stapler 26 arranged on the right side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 is the first guide of the second sheet bundle bb. In the portion that has run over 22, the staple processing for binding the second sheet bundle bb is performed by driving staples from the image-formed side of the sheet b relating to the second sheet bundle bb (step S <b> 26).

  When the stapling process for the second sheet bundle bb is completed, the protruding first guide 22 is stored. By storing the first guide 22, the second sheet bundle bb subjected to the stapling process is placed on the first guide 22 on one side of the sheet b on the sheet discharge section 21 side, and then the discharge tray It moves to the state mounted on 90 (step S27).

  The first guide 22 protrudes after the second sheet bundle bb on which the stapling process has been performed has shifted to a state where it is placed on the discharge tray 90. Thereafter, the second guide 23 is stored, and the sheet c relating to the third sheet bundle cc protrudes from the state where one side of the sheet c on the sheet discharge portion 21 side is mounted on the protruded second guide 23. The state shifts to a state where one side of the sheet c on the sheet discharge portion 21 side is laid on the first guide 22 (step S28).

  When the discharge of all the sheets related to the third sheet bundle cc is completed, the discharge tray 90 is offset to the left side when viewed from the sheet discharge portion 21 and the second guide 23 protrudes. Thereafter, the sheet d related to the fourth sheet bundle dd is continuously discharged without changing the discharge interval following the discharge of the sheet c related to the third sheet bundle cc. Further, the sheet d related to the fourth sheet bundle dd is discharged from the sheet discharge unit 21 without passing through the reversing unit 80, and one side of the sheet d on the sheet discharge unit 21 side is placed on the protruding second guide 23. In the loaded state, the sheets are sequentially stacked on the third sheet bundle cc that has already been stacked, offset to the right with respect to the third sheet bundle cc as viewed from the sheet discharge section 21. It should be noted that the sheet d related to the fourth sheet bundle dd is turned upside down with respect to the sheet related to the third sheet bundle cc by being discharged without passing through the reversing unit 80 shown in FIG. The image-formed surface is discharged and stacked in a face-up posture with the upper surface facing upward. Further, while the sheet d related to the fourth sheet bundle dd is being discharged, the first stapler 25 arranged on the left side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 is the first guide of the third sheet bundle cc. In the portion that has run over 22, the staple processing for binding the third sheet bundle cc is performed by driving staples from the image-formed side of the sheet c relating to the third sheet bundle cc (step S <b> 29).

  When the staple processing for the third sheet bundle cc is completed, the protruding first guide 22 is stored. By storing the first guide 22, the third sheet bundle cc subjected to the stapling process is placed on the first guide 22 on one side of the sheet c on the sheet discharge section 21 side, and then the discharge tray It moves to the state mounted on 90 (step S210).

  Thereafter, the operations from step S25 to step S210 are repeatedly executed until the stapling process is performed on all the designated number of sheet bundles.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the offset operation of the discharge tray 90 and the stapling process when the rotation staple mode (2) is selected in step S12 shown in FIG. In addition, the figure shown in FIG. 6 is the figure which looked at the sheet discharge part 21 and the discharge tray 90 from the top. Further, here, in an example in which an image is formed on one side of each of a plurality of sheets and stapled for each sheet bundle of a predetermined number of sheets specified in advance, the fourth sheet bundle is issued after an image formation instruction is issued. A flow until the sheet d relating to dd is discharged and the stapling process for the third sheet bundle cc is completed will be described.

  In step S12 shown in FIG. 4, the rotation stapling mode (2) is selected, an image is formed on one side of each of a plurality of sheets, and an instruction to staple each sheet bundle consisting of a predetermined number of sheets is received. First, the discharge tray 90 is offset to the right side when viewed from the sheet discharge portion 21, and the third guide 24 protrudes. The sheet a related to the first sheet bundle aa discharged from the sheet discharge unit 21 without passing through the reversing unit 80 is on the left side when viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21 of the sheet a on the protruding third guide 24. Are sequentially stacked on the discharge tray 90 (step S31).

  When the discharge of all the sheets related to the first sheet bundle aa is completed, the discharge tray 90 is offset to the left as viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21 and the first guide 22 protrudes (step S32).

  The sheet b relating to the second sheet bundle bb is continuously discharged without changing the discharge interval following the discharge of the sheet a relating to the first sheet bundle aa. Further, the sheet b related to the second sheet bundle bb is discharged from the sheet discharge unit 21 without passing through the reversing unit 80, and one side of the sheet b on the sheet discharge unit 21 side is placed on the protruding first guide 22. In the loaded state, the sheets are sequentially stacked on the first sheet bundle aa already stacked, offset to the right with respect to the first sheet bundle aa when viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21. The sheet b related to the second sheet bundle bb is discharged and stacked in a posture rotated by 180 degrees around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the first sheet bundle aa. In addition, while the sheet b related to the second sheet bundle bb is being discharged, the third stapler 27 arranged on the left side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 is the third guide of the first sheet bundle aa. In the portion that runs on the sheet 24, the staple processing is performed for binding the first sheet bundle aa by driving staples from the image-formed side of the sheet a relating to the first sheet bundle aa (step S33).

  When the staple processing for the first sheet bundle aa is completed, the protruding third guide 24 is stored. By storing the third guide 24, the first sheet bundle aa on which the stapling process has been performed is placed on the third guide 24 on the left side as viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21 of the sheet a. Then, the state shifts to the state of being placed on the discharge tray 90 (step S34).

  When the discharge of all the sheets related to the second sheet bundle bb is completed, the discharge tray 90 is offset to the right side when viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21 and the third guide 24 protrudes. Thereafter, the sheet c relating to the third sheet bundle cc is continuously discharged without changing the discharge interval following the discharge of the sheet b relating to the second sheet bundle bb. Further, the sheet c relating to the third sheet bundle cc is discharged from the sheet discharge unit 21 without passing through the reversing unit 80, and the left side of the sheet c on the protruding third guide 24 as viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21. In a state where one side is ridden, it is sequentially stacked on the second sheet bundle bb already stacked, offset to the left with respect to the second sheet bundle bb as viewed from the sheet discharge section 21. . The sheet c relating to the third sheet bundle cc is discharged and stacked in a posture rotated 180 degrees around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the second sheet bundle bb. Further, while the sheet c related to the third sheet bundle cc is being discharged, the second stapler 26 arranged on the right side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 is the first guide of the second sheet bundle bb. In the portion that runs on the sheet 22, the staple processing for binding the second sheet bundle bb is performed by driving staples from the image-formed side of the sheet b relating to the second sheet bundle bb (step S35).

  When the stapling process for the second sheet bundle bb is completed, the protruding first guide 22 is stored. By storing the first guide 22, the second sheet bundle bb subjected to the stapling process is placed on the first guide 22 on one side of the sheet b on the sheet discharge section 21 side, and then the discharge tray The state is shifted to the state of being placed on 90 (step S36).

  When the discharge of all the sheets relating to the third sheet bundle cc is completed, the discharge tray 90 is offset to the left side as viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21 and the first guide 22 protrudes. Thereafter, the sheet d related to the fourth sheet bundle dd is continuously discharged without changing the discharge interval following the discharge of the sheet c related to the third sheet bundle cc. Further, the sheet d related to the fourth sheet bundle dd is discharged from the sheet discharge unit 21 without passing through the reversing unit 80, and one side of the sheet d on the sheet discharge unit 21 side is placed on the protruding first guide 22. In the loaded state, the sheets are sequentially stacked on the third sheet bundle cc that has already been stacked, offset to the right with respect to the third sheet bundle cc as viewed from the sheet discharge section 21. The sheet d related to the fourth sheet bundle dd is discharged and stacked in a posture rotated by 180 degrees around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the third sheet bundle cc. Further, while the sheet d related to the fourth sheet bundle dd is being discharged, the third stapler 27 arranged on the left side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 is the third guide of the third sheet bundle cc. In the portion that runs on the sheet 24, the staple processing for binding the third sheet bundle cc is performed by driving staples from the image-formed side of the sheet c relating to the third sheet bundle cc (step S37).

  When the stapling process for the third sheet bundle cc is completed, the protruding third guide 24 is stored. By storing the third guide 24, the third sheet bundle cc subjected to the stapling process is placed on the third guide 24 on the left side as viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 of the sheet c. Then, the state shifts to the state of being placed on the discharge tray 90 (step S38).

  Thereafter, the operations in steps S35 to S38 are repeatedly executed until the stapling process is performed on all the designated number of sheet bundles.

  As described above, according to the sheet processing apparatus 2 in which the stapling apparatus according to the first embodiment is incorporated, the sheet bundle that is stapled by the staple processing in each of the plurality of sheet bundles is the final sheet bundle. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sheets from being stacked on the same position on the discharge tray 90 and to be bulky, and to suppress a significant decrease in the number of sheets that can be stacked on the discharge tray 90 after being stapled.

  Further, according to the sheet processing apparatus 2 in which the stapling apparatus according to the first embodiment is incorporated, even when the sheet bundle that is stacked at the predetermined staple position at the front of the adjacent sheet bundle is bound by the staple, Sheets relating to the sheet bundle to be stacked can be stacked at a staple position different from the staple position without delaying sheet conveyance, and the sheet conveyance is always performed continuously, thus improving productivity. Contribute.

  Therefore, according to the sheet processing apparatus 2 in which the stapling apparatus of the first embodiment is incorporated, it contributes to an improvement in productivity and the number of sheets that can be stacked on the discharge tray after being stapled. Both of suppressing a significant decrease are compatible.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the second embodiment described below, since it has substantially the same device configuration as that described in the first embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment described above is noted, and the same elements are the same. The reference numerals are attached and the description is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a view of the discharge tray 90 according to the second embodiment of the discharge trays 90 provided in the sheet processing apparatus 2 as viewed from above. In FIG. 7, a sheet discharge unit 21 for discharging sheets is provided on the left side.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a rail 29 is arranged on the sheet discharge unit 21 side of the discharge tray 90. A fourth stapler 28 that moves on the rail 29 is provided.

  A sensor 291 is provided on the left side of the rail 29 as viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21, and the position detected by the sensor 291 when the fourth stapler 28 moves on the rail 29 is the first position. One staple position. A sensor 292 is disposed on the rail 29 on the right side when viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21, and the position detected by the sensor 292 when the fourth stapler 28 moves on the rail 29 is the first position. 2 stapling position.

  The fourth stapler 28 is shared at the first staple position and the second staple position.

  Further, the fourth stapler 28 is disposed so as to be rotatable by 180 degrees, and the staple direction can be designated.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the stapling process according to the second embodiment in which the sheet bundle of a predetermined number of sheets designated in advance is stapled in the entire image forming system.

  The operations in each step from step S41 to step S46 shown in FIG. 8 are the same as the operations in the corresponding steps from step S11 to step S16 shown in FIG.

  After the staple processing is performed in step S46, the stapler is moved to the opposite staple position under the control of the sheet processing control unit 200 (step S47).

  Until the processing of all N parts instructed in step S43 is completed (step S48: No), the operations in steps S44 to S47 are repeatedly performed. Note that this repetitive operation is a flow of processing, and in terms of time, sheets are continuously discharged without changing the discharge interval until the processing of all N portions is completed.

  Here, the feature of the image forming system as an embodiment of the present invention relates to the stapling operation in the sheet processing apparatus 2, and the stapling operation will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the offset operation of the discharge tray 90 and the stapling process when the FaceUp / Down staple mode (1) is selected in step S42 shown in FIG.

  Since the operations in steps S51 to S510 shown in FIG. 9 are substantially the same as the operations in the corresponding steps S21 to S210 shown in FIG. 5, steps S21 to S210 shown in FIG. Focusing on the differences from the operations in the corresponding steps up to S210, the description of the same operations is omitted.

  In step S42 shown in FIG. 8, FaceUp / Down staple mode (1) is selected, an image is formed on one side of each of a plurality of sheets, and an instruction is given to staple each sheet bundle consisting of a predetermined number of sheets. The fourth stapler 28 moves on the rail 29 and is detected by a sensor 291 provided on the left side as viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21, and the fourth stapler 28 is located on the left side as viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21. Arranged at the first staple position (step S51).

  While the sheet b related to the second sheet bundle bb is being discharged, the fourth stapler 28 disposed on the left side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 is placed on the first guide 22 of the first sheet bundle aa. In the loaded portion, the staple processing for binding the first sheet bundle aa is performed by driving staples from the image-formed side of the sheet a relating to the first sheet bundle aa (step S53).

  When the stapling process for the first sheet bundle aa is completed, the fourth stapler 28 moves on the rail 29, and the position is detected by the sensor 292 provided on the right side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21, and the fourth stapler is detected. 28 is disposed at the second stapling position on the right side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 (step S54).

  While the sheet c relating to the third sheet bundle cc is being discharged, the fourth stapler 28 disposed on the right side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 is placed on the first guide 22 of the second sheet bundle bb. In the loaded portion, the staple processing for binding the second sheet bundle bb is performed by driving staples from the image-formed side of the sheet b relating to the second sheet bundle bb (step S56).

  When the stapling process for the second sheet bundle bb is completed, the fourth stapler 28 moves on the rail 29, and the position is detected by the sensor 291 provided on the left side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21, and the fourth stapler is detected. 28 is disposed at the first stapling position on the left side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 (step S57).

  While the sheet d relating to the fourth sheet bundle dd is being discharged, the fourth stapler 28 disposed on the left side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 is placed on the first guide 22 of the third sheet bundle cc. In the loaded portion, the staple processing for binding the third sheet bundle cc is performed by driving staples from the image-formed side of the sheet c relating to the third sheet bundle cc (step S59).

  When the stapling process for the third sheet bundle cc is completed, the fourth stapler 28 moves on the rail 29, and the position is detected by the sensor 292 disposed on the right side when viewed from the sheet discharge unit 21, and the fourth stapler is detected. 28 is disposed at the second stapling position on the right side when viewed from the sheet discharge section 21 (step S510).

  Thereafter, the operations in steps S55 to S510 are repeatedly executed until the stapling process is performed on all the designated number of sheet bundles.

  Although explanation is omitted here, the rail 29 shown in FIG. 7 is also used for the offset operation and stapling processing of the discharge tray 90 when the rotation staple mode (2) is selected in step S42 shown in FIG. 6 is extended to a position corresponding to the position where the third stapler 27 shown in FIG. 6 is provided, and a sensor is provided at that position, whereby the offset operation and stapling process of the discharge tray 90 shown in FIG. This is realized by combining the offset operation of the discharge tray 90 and the stapling process shown in FIG.

  As described above, the sheet processing apparatus 2 in which the stapling apparatus according to the second embodiment is incorporated also contributes to the improvement of productivity, and the stacking of sheets that are subjected to stapling and stacked on the discharge tray. Both of suppressing a significant decrease in the number of possible sheets are achieved.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a part of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus connected to a sheet processing apparatus in which a stapling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the stapling apparatus of the present invention is incorporated; FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus and the sheet processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is the figure which looked at the discharge tray of 1st Embodiment among the discharge trays with which the sheet processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 was equipped from the upper direction. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of performing a stapling process according to the first embodiment in which staples are bound for each sheet bundle of a predetermined number of sheets designated in advance in the entire image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an offset operation of a discharge tray and stapling processing when the FaceUp / Down staple mode (1) is selected in step S12 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining an offset operation of a discharge tray and stapling processing when the rotation staple mode (2) is selected in step S12 shown in FIG. It is the figure which looked at the discharge tray of 2nd Embodiment among the discharge trays with which the sheet processing apparatus was equipped from the upper direction. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of performing a staple process according to a second embodiment in which staples are bound for each sheet bundle of a predetermined number of sheets designated in advance in the entire image forming system. FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing an offset operation of a discharge tray and stapling processing when the FaceUp / Down staple mode (1) is selected in step S42 shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K Toner image forming unit 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K Photosensitive drum 12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K Developing device main body 121Y, 121M, 121C, 121K Developing roll 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K Non-contact type charging device 14Y, 14M, 14C, 14K Cleaning device 15Y, 15M, 15C, 15K Toner cartridge 16Y, 16M, 16C, 16K Reserve tank 17Y, 17M, 17C, 17K Exposure light irradiation device 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K primary transfer roll 30 intermediate transfer belt 31 drive roll 32 driven roll 33 tension roll 40 batch transfer apparatus 41 secondary transfer roll 42 backup roll 50 fixing apparatus 51 fixing roll 511 heating mechanism 52 pressure roll 60 Sheet tray 70 Conveying belt 100 Image formation control unit 2 Sheet processing device 21 Sheet discharge unit 22 First guide 23 Second guide 24 Third guide 25 First stapler 26 Second stapler 27 Third stapler 28 Fourth stapler 29 Rail 291, 292 Sensor 80 Reversing unit 90 Discharging tray 200 Sheet processing control unit 3 Client personal computer 4 Personal computer for image processing 5 Network

Claims (6)

In a stapling apparatus that staples sheets that have been sequentially conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction for each sheet bundle of a predetermined number of sheets that is instructed in advance,
The sheets sequentially conveyed in the conveying direction are stacked in the same posture within the predetermined number of sheet bundles, and are alternately different in adjacent sheet bundles and alternately different in adjacent sheet bundles. A sheet management unit arranged at the staple position;
A stapling apparatus, comprising: a staple unit that staples the sheet bundle every time the sheet bundle is disposed at each staple position.   2. The stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet management unit is configured to alternately turn over adjacent sheet bundles and to arrange adjacent sheet bundles at different staple positions.   The sheet management unit is arranged to rotate adjacent sheet bundles 180 degrees around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the sheet bundle, and alternately arrange adjacent sheet bundles at different staple positions. The stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   2. The staple according to claim 1, wherein the staple unit includes a stapler for binding the sheet bundle with the staple corresponding to each of a plurality of staple positions where the sheet bundle is alternately arranged. apparatus.   The staple unit includes a stapler that staples a sheet bundle with staples and is shared at a plurality of staple positions where the sheet bundle is alternately arranged, and moves on a track connecting the staple positions. The stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   The stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the staple unit binds the sheet bundle by driving staples from the front surface to the back surface of the sheet bundle.

Images