JP2012180193A - Sheet post-processing device and image forming apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet post-processing device that can stack the sheet without compression buckling, resulted in prevention of poor staple processing.SOLUTION: The sheet post-processing device includes a staple tray 16 which stacks the sheet on which image forming is implemented, standard fences 10a and 10b and a second fences 8a and 8b which align the sheet, a stapler 11 which files the sheet, and a sheet compression buckling prevention means which prevents the compression buckling of the sheet when stacks the sheet to the staple tray 16. The sheet compression buckling prevention means consists of a projection member 25 which carries out a stack the sheet concerned that is sagged in the shape of an arc of cross section by projecting from the sheet loading surface of the staple tray 16 to abut to a part of the sheet and a migratory mechanism which moves the projection member 25 between the position projected from the sheet loading surface of the staple tray 16 and the position which does not interfere the sheet. Meanwhile, the projection member 25 is positioned on a position which does not interfere the sheet when the sheet is filed by a stapler 11.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus for processing a sheet on which an image is formed.

  As a paper post-processing device constituting an image forming apparatus or the like, a device including a stapling device that stacks a predetermined number of image-formed papers, aligns the paper bundles, and binds the ends of the paper bundles is disclosed in Patent Document 1 No. 2008-19028) and the like.

  The staple device includes a staple tray on which a predetermined number of sheets are stacked, a fence that aligns the ends of the stack of sheets stacked on the staple tray, a stapler that binds the end of the stack of sheets aligned by the fence, It has.

  In the above stapling apparatus, when the sheets are stacked on the staple tray, the sheets may be buckled on the staple tray when the thickness of the sheets is small or the size is large, and the stapling process may occur. There was a problem.

  Further, in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-30708), in the paper discharge device of the image forming apparatus, in order to satisfactorily stack the paper on the discharge tray, the center of the paper in the width direction is convex. A sheet having discharge means that discharges while maintaining such a shape, and a discharge tray that can be placed in a shape in which the center in the width direction is convex according to the shape when the discharged sheet is discharged Although a discharge device has been proposed, this paper discharge device has a problem that it cannot be applied to the stapling device as it is. That is, the stapler can move only in the linear direction, but the paper discharge device described in Patent Document 2 stacks the paper discharged on the discharge tray in a shape in which the center in the width direction is convex. Therefore, there is a problem in that the stack of sheets stacked on the discharge tray cannot be bound by the stapler.

  The present invention aims to solve the above problems. In other words, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can stack sheets without buckling and prevent stapling defects.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is directed to a staple tray that receives and stacks image-formed sheets, and a rear end portion in a conveyance direction of the sheets stacked on the staple tray. A reference fence for aligning the sheets, a second fence for aligning the sheets by abutting against an end in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sheets stacked on the staple tray, and the sheets stacked on the staple tray. In a paper post-processing apparatus comprising a stapler that binds, a paper buckling prevention means for preventing buckling of the paper when the paper is stacked on the staple tray is provided, and the paper buckling prevention means includes: By projecting from the paper stacking surface of the staple tray and coming into contact with a part of the paper, the paper was bent into a cross-sectional arc shape. And a moving mechanism that moves the protruding member from a position where the protruding member protrudes from the paper stacking surface of the staple tray and a position where the protruding member does not interfere with the paper. The sheet post-processing apparatus is positioned at a position that does not interfere with the sheet when the sheet is bound by the stapler.

  The invention described in claim 2 is the invention described in claim 1, wherein the protruding member is disposed in a through hole or notch provided in the staple tray, and the protruding member is The sheet is moved up and down in the thickness direction of the sheet by a moving mechanism.

  The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 2, the protruding member is constituted by a conveyor belt.

  The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 3, a discharge claw is provided on the conveyor belt.

  The invention described in claim 5 is the invention described in claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism is configured by a conveying belt disposed in a through hole or notch provided in the staple tray, and The protruding member is provided on the conveyor belt.

  The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 5, a discharge claw is provided on the conveyor belt.

  The invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 6, the protruding member and the discharge claw are provided integrally.

  The invention described in claim 8 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a sheet pressing member for sandwiching the sheet with the protruding member, and The sheet pressing member is provided movably in the thickness direction of the sheets stacked on the staple tray.

  The invention described in claim 9 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein thickness information of the paper is obtained, and the thickness of the paper is smaller than a predetermined thickness. In this case, there is provided control means for performing control for positioning the protruding member at a position protruding from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray.

  The invention described in claim 10 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the size information of the paper is obtained, and the size of the paper is larger than a predetermined size. In this case, there is provided control means for performing control for positioning the protruding member at a position protruding from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and post-processing is performed on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: the sheet post-processing apparatus according to 1).

  According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, a paper buckling prevention means for preventing buckling of the paper when the paper is stacked on the staple tray is provided, and the paper buckling prevention means is provided. A protruding member that protrudes from the paper stacking surface of the staple tray and contacts the part of the paper to stack the paper in a state of being bent in a cross-sectional arc shape; and the protruding member is a paper stacking surface of the staple tray And a moving mechanism that moves between a position protruding from the sheet and a position not interfering with the sheet, and the protruding member is positioned at a position that does not interfere with the sheet when the sheet is bound by the stapler. Therefore, it is possible to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus that can stack sheets without buckling and can prevent stapling defects.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, since the projecting member is constituted by a conveyor belt, the paper after the staple process can be discharged from the staple tray by the conveyor belt. It is possible to provide a sheet post-processing device that can be made into a sheet.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, since the discharge claw is provided on the conveyance belt, the discharge claw is hooked on the rear end portion of the paper after the stapling process by the rotation of the conveyance belt. And the sheet can be reliably discharged from the staple tray.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, the moving mechanism is configured by a conveyor belt disposed in a through hole or a notch provided in the staple tray, and the protruding member is the conveyor belt. Therefore, the paper after the stapling process can be discharged from the stapling tray by the transport belt, and therefore, a paper post-processing apparatus capable of saving space can be provided.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, since the discharge claw is provided on the conveyance belt, the discharge claw is hooked on the rear end portion of the paper after the stapling process by the rotation of the conveyance belt. And the sheet can be reliably discharged from the staple tray.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, since the projecting member and the discharge claw are provided integrally, it is possible to provide a paper post-processing apparatus that can further save space.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, there is provided a sheet pressing member that sandwiches the sheet between the protruding member, and the sheet pressing member is a thickness of the sheet stacked on the staple tray. Since the sheet is provided so as to be movable in the direction, it is possible to prevent the sheet from being disturbed when the sheet bent in a cross-sectional arc shape is made flat.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the thickness information of the paper is obtained and the thickness of the paper is smaller than a predetermined thickness, the protruding member protrudes from the paper stacking surface of the staple tray. Therefore, the sheet buckling prevention means can be operated only when a thin sheet is stacked on the staple tray.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the size information of the paper is obtained and the size of the paper is larger than a predetermined size, the protruding member protrudes from the paper stacking surface of the staple tray. Therefore, the sheet buckling prevention unit can be operated only when a large-sized sheet is stacked on the staple tray.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and the post-processing is performed on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. Since the sheet post-processing apparatus according to Item 1 is provided, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can stack sheets without buckling and can prevent stapling defects.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a stapling device of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which sheets are stacked on the stapling device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling device shown in FIG. 1, and is a view of the stapling device viewed from the direction of an arrow M. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling device shown in FIG. 1, and is a view of the stapling device viewed from the direction of arrow B. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the stapling device shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the stapling device shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the stapling device shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the direction of arrow A. It is a perspective view which shows the staple device of the paper post-processing apparatus concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling device shown in FIG. 8, and is a view of the stapling device viewed from the direction of an arrow M. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the staple device shown by FIG. 8, and is the figure which looked at the staple device from the arrow B direction. It is a perspective view which shows the staple device of the paper post-processing apparatus concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling device shown in FIG. 11, and is a view of the stapling device viewed from the arrow M direction. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling device shown in FIG. 11, and is a view of the stapling device viewed from the direction of arrow B. It is a perspective view which shows the staple device of the paper post-processing apparatus concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the staple device shown by FIG. 14, and is the figure which looked at the staple device from the arrow M direction. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the staple device shown by FIG. 14, and is the figure which looked at the staple device from the arrow B direction. It is a schematic block diagram which shows schematic structure of the stapling apparatus of the paper post-processing apparatus concerning the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the staple apparatus shown by FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows schematic structure of the stapling apparatus of the paper post-processing apparatus concerning the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows schematic structure of the stapling apparatus of the paper post-processing apparatus concerning the 7th Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus including a sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention.

  The sheet post-processing apparatus (see FIG. 21) of the present invention is an apparatus for processing sheets on which images have been formed, stacks a predetermined number of sheets on which images have been formed, aligns the sheet bundle, and ends the sheet bundle. A stapling device is provided for binding the sections, that is, for stapling.

(First embodiment)
A stapling device of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a stapling device of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which sheets are stacked on the stapling device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling device shown in FIG. 1, and is a view of the stapling device viewed from the direction of the arrow M. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and is a view of the stapling apparatus viewed from the direction of arrow B. 5 is a plan view of the stapling device shown in FIG. 6 is a plan view of the stapling device shown in FIG. 7 is a plan view of the stapling device shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the stapling device 9 </ b> A according to the present embodiment receives the paper 30 discharged from the image forming unit (not shown) and stacks the staple tray 16 and the paper 30 stacked on the staple tray 16. A pair of reference fences 10a and 10b that abut against the rear end portion of the direction H4 and align the longitudinal direction position of the paper 30 and an end portion in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction H4 of the paper 30 stacked on the staple tray 16 A pair of second fences 8 a and 8 b that align the position of the paper 30 in the width direction, a stapler 11 that binds the paper 30 stacked on the staple tray 16, and a seat of the paper 30 when the paper 30 is stacked on the staple tray 16. The paper buckling prevention means 41 for preventing the bending and the stapled paper 30 are fed to the staple tray 16. And a, a conveyor belt (not shown) for discharging toward et conveying direction H4. Each of these devices is controlled by control means (not shown). This control means is provided in the sheet post-processing apparatus, and drives each apparatus in accordance with various sensors in the sheet post-processing apparatus and signals input from the image forming unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the staple tray 16 is formed in a plate shape, and a through hole 16a is provided in the center thereof. Further, the sheet 30 is conveyed on the staple tray 16 by being conveyed in the conveyance direction H4 by a conveyance roller or the like (not shown), and falls in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction H4 due to its own weight, that is, the staple tray 16. The top moves in the direction opposite to the transport direction H4 and hits the reference fences 10a and 10b.

  The reference fences 10a and 10b are arranged in the vicinity of the lower end of the staple tray 16 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 to 7, and are configured to reciprocate on the shaft 24 in the arrow S direction. Yes. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the reference fences 10 a and 10 b are connected to the central portion in the width direction of the staple tray 16 via the coil spring 21. Therefore, the reference fences 10 a and 10 b moved to the end portion side of the staple tray 16 while extending the coil spring 21 are returned to the center portion side of the staple tray 16 by the elastic restoring force of the coil spring 21. Further, the reference fences 10 a and 10 b are provided with notches so that the stapler 11 does not interfere with the stapler 11 when binding the paper 30.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the pair of second fences 8 a and 8 b is disposed at a position where the staple tray 16 is positioned between them, and is configured to reciprocate in the direction of arrow K.

  The stapler 11 is configured to reciprocate in the direction of arrow S on a shaft 22 (shown in FIG. 6) via a belt 18 by a motor 17. Further, since the stapling position differs depending on the paper size and the binding method, the reference fences 10a and 10b are also moved as the stapler 11 moves. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the studs 10c and 10d standing from the reference fences 10a and 10b are pushed by the stapler 11 when the stapler 11 is moved, so that the reference fences 10a and 10b are coil springs 21. It moves with the stapler 11 while extending the length. That is, in FIG. 5, when the stapler 11 moves to the right side, the stapler 11 interferes with the stud 10c, so that the right reference fence 10a moves to the right side. When the stapler 11 moves to the left side, the stapler 11 interferes with the stud 10d, so that the left reference fence 10b moves to the left side.

  The sheet buckling prevention means 41 is formed in a boat shape as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the protruding member 25 disposed in the through hole 16 a of the staple tray 16 and the protruding member 25 in the thickness direction of the sheet 30. That is, it is comprised with the moving mechanism 51 moved up and down by the arrow Y and the arrow R.

  The protruding member 25 protrudes from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16 and abuts against the center of the sheet 30 in the width direction, thereby stacking the sheet 30 in a state where the sheet 30 is bent in a cross-sectional arc shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the protruding member 25 is inclined in a state of protruding from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16. In other words, the protruding member 25 protrudes from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16 and moves from one end side (right side in FIG. 3) near the lower end of the staple tray 16 toward the other end side (left side in FIG. 3). Inclined away from the loading surface. By tilting the protruding member 25 in this manner, the sheet 30 conveyed in the conveying direction H4 can be prevented from being caught by the protruding member 25. Further, the sheet 30 is stacked on the staple tray 16 without buckling because the center portion in the width direction comes into contact with the projecting member 25 and bends in a bow shape in cross section.

  The moving mechanism 51 includes a motor 26, a gear 27 rotated by the motor 26, and a link arm 29 that connects the gear 27 and the protruding member 25, and the protruding member 25 is connected to the staple tray 16. It is moved up and down over a position protruding from the paper stacking surface and a position below the paper stacking surface, that is, a position not interfering with the paper 30. Further, when binding the paper 30 with the stapler 11, the moving mechanism 51 positions the protruding member 25 at a position below the paper stacking surface of the staple tray 16.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit described above obtains the thickness information of the paper 30 from the image forming unit, and when the thickness of the paper 30 is smaller than a predetermined thickness, the protruding member 25 is attached to the paper stack of the staple tray 16. Control is performed so as to be positioned at a position protruding from the surface. In addition to this, in the present invention, means for detecting the thickness and size of the paper 30 may be provided in the paper post-processing apparatus itself.

  The stapling apparatus 9A configured as described above performs stapling processing as follows. First, when the staple processing operation signal, the thickness / size information of the sheet 30 and the like are input from the image forming unit to the control unit, and the sheet 30 smaller than the predetermined thickness is stacked on the staple tray 16, the moving mechanism 51. The gear 27 is rotated by the motor 26 and the protruding member 25 is raised in the arrow Y direction to a position where the paper 30 does not buckle according to the paper size. Thereafter, the sheet 30 (discharged toward the conveyance direction H4) discharged from the conveyance roller or the like onto the staple tray 16 is bent into an arcuate cross section when the central portion in the width direction contacts the protruding member 25. Stacked in a state, further dropped by its own weight, and its rear end part hits the pair of reference fences 10a and 10b, thereby aligning the longitudinal direction position. Thereafter, the pair of second fences 8a and 8b reciprocate several times in the direction of arrow K in order to align the positions in the width direction of the sheets 30 stacked in a predetermined number. After aligning the predetermined number of sheets 30 thus stacked, the projecting member 25 descends in the direction of arrow R to a position where it does not interfere with the sheet 30, and the pair of second fences 8a and 8b move away from each other. Make the bundles flat. That is, the bundle of sheets 30 is placed along the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16. Thereafter, the stapler 11 moves to a predetermined position and binds the end of the bundle of sheets 30 in a flat state. Then, the bundle of sheets 30 subjected to the stapling process is discharged from the staple tray 16 toward the transport direction H4 by the transport belt.

  Further, in the stapling device 9A, the sheet buckling prevention means 41 is not driven when the sheet 30 larger than the predetermined thickness is stacked on the staple tray 16, that is, when there is no possibility that the sheet 30 is buckled. Then, the stapling process is performed in a state where the protruding member 25 is positioned at a position where it does not interfere with the paper 30. By doing so, the processing speed can be increased.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the stapling device 9A causes the projecting member 25 to function from the staple tray 16 when stacking the sheets 30, and causes the projecting member 25 to retract when binding the sheets 30. Therefore, it is possible to provide a sheet post-processing device that can stack the sheets 30 without buckling and prevent stapling defects.

  In the first embodiment described above, the sheet buckling prevention means 41 functions when the sheet 30 having a thickness smaller than the predetermined thickness is stacked on the staple tray 16. A configuration in which the sheet buckling prevention unit 41 functions with respect to the sheet may be used.

(Second Embodiment)
A stapling apparatus of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a stapling device of the paper post-processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling apparatus shown in FIG. 8, and is a view of the stapling apparatus viewed from the direction of the arrow M. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling device shown in FIG. 8, and is a view of the stapling device viewed from the direction of arrow B.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the stapling device 9B according to the present embodiment includes a staple tray 16, a pair of reference fences 10a and 10b, a pair of second fences 8a and 8b, a stapler 11, and a sheet buckling prevention. Means 42. Although the reference fences 10a and 10b and the stapler 11 are not illustrated, they are the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the sheet buckling prevention means 42 includes a conveying belt 28 disposed in a notch 16 b provided in the staple tray 16, and the conveying belt 28 in the thickness direction of the sheet 30, that is, And a moving mechanism 51 that moves up and down in an arrow Y and an arrow R. That is, in the sheet buckling prevention means 42 of the present embodiment, the “projecting member” is constituted by the conveyance belt 28.

  The conveyor belt 28 is composed of a plurality of rotating bodies and an endless belt spanning the rotating bodies. The conveying belt 28 protrudes from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16 and abuts against the center of the sheet 30 in the width direction, thereby stacking the sheet 30 in a state where the sheet 30 is bent in a cross-sectional arch shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the conveying belt 28 is inclined in a state of protruding from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16. That is, the conveyance belt 28 protrudes from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16 and moves toward the other end side (left side in FIG. 9) from one end side (right side in FIG. 9) near the lower end of the staple tray 16. Inclined away from the loading surface. By tilting the transport belt 28 in this manner, the paper 30 transported in the transport direction H4 can be prevented from being caught by the transport belt 28. Further, the sheet 30 is stacked on the staple tray 16 without buckling because the central portion in the width direction comes into contact with the conveying belt 28 and bends in a cross-sectional bow shape.

  The moving mechanism 51 moves the conveyor belt 28 up and down over a position where it protrudes from the paper stacking surface of the staple tray 16 and a position below the paper stacking surface, that is, a position where it does not interfere with the paper 30. Further, when binding the paper 30 with the stapler 11, the moving mechanism 51 positions the transport belt 28 at a position below the paper stacking surface of the staple tray 16.

  In this embodiment, the control unit provided in the paper post-processing apparatus obtains the thickness information and size information of the paper 30 from the image forming unit, and the thickness of the paper 30 is smaller than a predetermined thickness. When the size of the paper 30 is larger than a predetermined size, control is performed so that the conveyor belt 28 is positioned at a position protruding from the paper stacking surface of the staple tray 16. In addition to this, in the present invention, means for detecting the thickness and size of the paper 30 may be provided in the paper post-processing apparatus itself.

  Further, the transport belt 28 is provided with a pair of discharge claws 19 a and 19 b that can be hooked on the rear end of the paper 30 stacked on the staple tray 16. These discharge claws 19a and 19b are positioned below the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16 so as not to interfere with the sheet 30 until the stapling process on the sheet 30 is completed, as shown in FIG. When the paper 30 after the stapling process is discharged from the staple tray 16, the discharge belts 19a and 19b positioned below the paper stacking surface of the staple tray 16 are moved by the rotation of the conveyor belt 28. Positioned above the loading surface.

  The stapling device 9B configured as described above performs stapling processing as follows. First, a stapling operation signal, sheet 30 thickness / size information, and the like are input from the image forming unit to the control unit, and a sheet 30 smaller than a predetermined thickness and larger than a predetermined size is loaded on the staple tray 16. When the sheets are stacked, the gear 27 is rotated by the motor 26 of the moving mechanism 51, and the conveying belt 28 is raised in the arrow Y direction to a position where the sheet 30 does not buckle according to the sheet size. Thereafter, the sheet 30 (discharged toward the conveyance direction H4) discharged from the conveyance roller or the like onto the staple tray 16 is bent into an arcuate section when the central portion in the width direction contacts the conveyance belt 28. Stacked in a state, further dropped by its own weight, and its rear end part hits the pair of reference fences 10a and 10b, thereby aligning the longitudinal direction position. Thereafter, the pair of second fences 8a and 8b reciprocate several times in the direction of arrow K in order to align the positions in the width direction of the sheets 30 stacked in a predetermined number. After aligning a predetermined number of stacked sheets 30, the transport belt 28 descends in the direction of arrow R to a position where it does not interfere with the sheet 30, and the pair of second fences 8a and 8b move away from each other. Make the bundles flat. That is, the bundle of sheets 30 is placed along the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16. Thereafter, the stapler 11 moves to a predetermined position and binds the end of the bundle of sheets 30 in a flat state. Then, by rotating the transport belt 28, the pair of discharge claws 19a and 19b is hooked on the rear end portion of the stapled bundle of sheets 30, and the bundle of sheets 30 is moved from the staple tray 16 toward the conveyance direction H4. Discharge.

  The stapling device 9B is also provided when the paper 30 stacked on the staple tray 16 is larger than a predetermined thickness or smaller than a predetermined size, that is, when there is no possibility that the paper 30 is buckled. Then, the stapling process is performed in a state where the sheet buckling prevention means 42 is not driven and the conveying belt 28 is positioned so as not to interfere with the sheet 30. By doing so, the processing speed can be increased.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the stapling device 9B causes the transport belt 28 to project from the staple tray 16 when stacking the sheets 30, and causes the transport belt 28 to retract when binding the sheets 30. Therefore, the sheet post-processing apparatus can be provided which can stack the sheets 30 without buckling and prevent stapling defects.

  Further, according to the present invention, by using the conveyance belt 28 as the “projecting member”, the bundle of sheets 30 after the stapling process can be discharged from the staple tray 16 by the conveyance belt 28. Therefore, it is possible to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus that can perform the above-described processing.

  Further, in the second embodiment described above, in order to reliably discharge the bundle of sheets 30 from the staple tray 16, the discharge belts 19a and 19b are provided on the transport belt 28. However, in the present invention, the transport claw is transported. The configuration may be such that the bundle of sheets 30 after the staple processing is discharged from the staple tray 16 only by the belt 28.

  In the second embodiment described above, the sheet buckling prevention means 42 functions when a sheet 30 smaller than a predetermined thickness and larger than a predetermined size is stacked on the staple tray 16. However, in the present invention, a configuration in which the sheet buckling prevention means 42 functions for all sheets may be used.

(Third embodiment)
A stapling apparatus of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a stapling device of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling device shown in FIG. 11, and is a view of the stapling device viewed from the direction of the arrow M. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling device shown in FIG. 11, and is a view of the stapling device viewed from the direction of arrow B.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the stapling device 9 </ b> C of the present embodiment includes a staple tray 16, a pair of reference fences 10 a and 10 b, a pair of second fences 8 a and 8 b, a stapler 11, and a sheet buckling prevention. Means 43. Although the reference fences 10a and 10b and the stapler 11 are not illustrated, they are the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the sheet buckling prevention means 43 is provided in each of the pair of transport belts 28 disposed in the pair of cutouts 16 c provided in the staple tray 16. Projecting members 25a and 25b. In other words, in the sheet buckling prevention means 43 of the present embodiment, the “movement mechanism” is configured by the conveyance belt 28.

  The pair of conveying belts 28 extends over the position where the protruding members 25a and 25b protrude from the paper stacking surface of the staple tray 16 and the position below the paper stacking surface, that is, the position where they do not interfere with the paper 30. Move. Further, the pair of conveying belts 28 positions the protruding members 25 a and 25 b below the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16 when the sheets 30 are bound by the stapler 11.

  The projecting members 25a and 25b project from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16 and come into contact with the central portion in the width direction of the sheet 30, thereby stacking the sheet 30 in a state of being bent in a cross-sectional arc shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the projecting members 25a and 25b are protruded from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16, and from the one end side near the lower end of the staple tray 16 (right side in FIG. 12) to the other end side ( An inclined surface that is inclined in a direction away from the sheet stacking surface as it goes toward the left side of FIG. 12 is provided. By providing the inclined surfaces on the protruding members 25a and 25b as described above, it is possible to prevent the sheet 30 conveyed in the conveying direction H4 from being caught by the protruding members 25a and 25b. In addition, the sheet 30 is stacked on the staple tray 16 without buckling because the central portion in the width direction comes into contact with the projecting members 25a and 25b and bends in a bow shape in cross section.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the control unit provided in the paper post-processing apparatus obtains the thickness information of the paper 30 from the image forming unit and the thickness of the paper 30 is smaller than a predetermined thickness, the protruding member 25a. , 25b is controlled to be positioned at a position protruding from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16. In addition to this, in the present invention, means for detecting the thickness and size of the paper 30 may be provided in the paper post-processing apparatus itself.

  Further, each of the pair of transport belts 28 is provided with discharge claws 19 a and 19 b that can be hooked on the rear end portion of the paper 30 stacked on the staple tray 16. These discharge claws 19a and 19b are positioned below the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16 so as not to interfere with the sheet 30, as shown in FIGS. . When the paper 30 after the stapling process is discharged from the staple tray 16, the pair of transport belts 28 rotate, so that the discharge claws 19a and 19b positioned below the paper stacking surface of the staple tray 16 are moved. , Positioned above the paper stacking surface.

  The stapling device 9C configured as described above performs stapling processing as follows. First, a staple processing operation signal, sheet thickness / size information, and the like are input from the image forming unit to the control unit, and a sheet 30 smaller than a predetermined thickness is stacked on the staple tray 16 by the motor 26. The pair of transport belts 28 rotate in the directions of the arrow Y2 and the arrow R2, the protruding members 25a and 25b are positioned at positions protruding from the paper stacking surface of the staple tray 16, and the discharge claws 19a and 19b are stacked on the paper stack of the staple tray 16. Positioned below the surface. Thereafter, the sheet 30 (discharged toward the conveyance direction H4) discharged from the conveyance roller or the like onto the staple tray 16 is bent into an arcuate section when the central portion in the width direction comes into contact with the protruding members 25a and 25b. Stacked in a state of being trapped, further dropped by its own weight, and its rear end portion hits the pair of reference fences 10a and 10b, thereby aligning the longitudinal position. Thereafter, the pair of second fences 8a and 8b reciprocate several times in the direction of arrow K in order to align the positions in the width direction of the sheets 30 stacked in a predetermined number. After aligning the predetermined number of sheets 30 thus stacked, the projecting members 25a and 25b move in the direction of the arrow Y2 to a position where they do not interfere with the sheet 30, and the pair of second fences 8a and 8b move away from each other. A bundle of sheets 30 is made flat. That is, the bundle of sheets 30 is placed along the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16. Thereafter, the stapler 11 moves to a predetermined position and binds the end of the bundle of sheets 30 in a flat state. Then, by rotating the pair of conveying belts 28 in the direction of the arrow Y2 and the direction of the arrow R2, the pair of discharge claws 19a and 19b are hooked on the rear end portion of the stapled bundle of sheets 30, and the bundle of sheets 30 is collected. The paper is discharged from the staple tray 16 in the transport direction H4.

  Further, the staple device 9C is configured so that the protruding members 25a and 25b and the discharge claws 19a and 19b are disposed when the paper 30 larger than a predetermined thickness is stacked on the staple tray 16, that is, when there is no risk of the paper 30 buckling. The stapling process is performed in a state where 19b is positioned at a position where it does not interfere with the paper 30. By doing so, the processing speed can be increased.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the stapling device 9C causes the protruding members 25a and 25b to protrude from the staple tray 16 when stacking the sheets 30, and functions when the sheets 30 are bound. To provide a sheet post-processing apparatus that can stack the sheets 30 without buckling and prevent stapling defects because the sheet buckling preventing means 43 is provided to prevent the sheet 25b from retracting and functioning. Can do.

  Further, according to the present invention, the sheet buckling prevention means 43 is configured by the conveyance belt 28 and the protruding members 25a and 25b provided on the conveyance belt 28, whereby the bundle of sheets 30 after the stapling process is conveyed to the conveyance belt. Thus, the sheet can be discharged from the staple tray 16, and therefore, a paper post-processing apparatus capable of saving space can be provided.

  Further, in the third embodiment described above, in order to reliably discharge the bundle of sheets 30 from the staple tray 16, the discharge claws 19a and 19b are provided on the pair of conveying belts 28. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the bundle of sheets 30 after the stapling process is discharged from the staple tray 16 only by the pair of transport belts 28. Further, it is sufficient that at least one conveyor belt 28 is provided.

  In the third embodiment described above, the sheet buckling prevention means 43 is configured to function when the sheet 30 smaller than the predetermined thickness is stacked on the staple tray 16. A configuration in which the sheet buckling prevention unit 43 functions with respect to the sheet may be used.

(Fourth embodiment)
A stapling device of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Moreover, in FIGS. 14-16, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as the 1st-3rd embodiment mentioned above, and description is abbreviate | omitted. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a stapling device of a paper post-processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling device shown in FIG. 14, and is a view of the stapling device viewed from the direction of the arrow M. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling device shown in FIG. 14, and is a view of the stapling device viewed from the direction of arrow B.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the stapling device 9D according to the present embodiment includes a staple tray 16, a pair of reference fences 10a and 10b, a pair of second fences 8a and 8b, a stapler 11, and a sheet buckling prevention. Means 44. Although the reference fences 10a and 10b and the stapler 11 are not illustrated, they are the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the sheet buckling prevention means 44 is provided in each of the pair of transport belts 28 disposed in the pair of cutouts 16 c provided in the staple tray 16, and in each of the transport belts 28. Projecting members 25a and 25b. The operations of the pair of transport belts 28 and the protruding members 25a and 25b are the same as in the third embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the projecting members 25a and 25b and the discharge claws 19a and 19b are provided integrally. Further, the discharge claws 19a and 19b are arranged on the front side in the transport direction H4 with respect to the protruding members 25a and 25b.

  The stapling device 9D configured as described above performs stapling processing as follows. First, a staple processing operation signal, sheet thickness / size information, and the like are input from the image forming unit to the control unit, and a sheet 30 smaller than a predetermined thickness is stacked on the staple tray 16 by the motor 26. The pair of conveying belts 28 is rotated, and the protruding members 25a and 25b and the discharge claws 19a and 19b integrated with the protruding members 25a and 25b are positioned so as to protrude from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16. Thereafter, the sheet 30 (discharged toward the conveyance direction H4) discharged from the conveyance roller or the like onto the staple tray 16 is bent into an arcuate section when the central portion in the width direction comes into contact with the protruding members 25a and 25b. Stacked in a state of being trapped, further dropped by its own weight, and its rear end portion hits the pair of reference fences 10a and 10b, thereby aligning the longitudinal position. Thereafter, the pair of second fences 8a and 8b reciprocate several times in the direction of arrow K in order to align the positions in the width direction of the sheets 30 stacked in a predetermined number. After the predetermined number of sheets 30 are aligned in this way, the protruding members 25a and 25b and the discharge claws 19a and 19b integrated therewith move in the direction of the arrow R2 to a position where they do not interfere with the sheet 30, and a pair of second fences 8a. , 8b move away from each other, and the bundle of sheets 30 is made flat. That is, the bundle of sheets 30 is placed along the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16. Thereafter, the stapler 11 moves to a predetermined position and binds the end of the bundle of sheets 30 in a flat state. Then, by rotating the pair of conveying belts 28 in the direction of the arrow Y2, the pair of discharge claws 19a and 19b are hooked on the rear end portion of the stapled bundle of sheets 30, and the bundle of sheets 30 is removed from the staple tray 16. The paper is discharged in the transport direction H4.

  The stapling device 9D also has a configuration in which the projecting members 25a and 25b and the discharge claws 19a and 19b are disposed when the paper 30 larger than a predetermined thickness is stacked on the staple tray 16, that is, when there is no risk of the paper 30 buckling. The stapling process is performed in a state where 19b is positioned at a position where it does not interfere with the paper 30. By doing so, the processing speed can be increased.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the projecting members 25a and 25b and the discharge claws 19a and 19b are integrally provided, it is possible to provide a paper post-processing apparatus capable of further saving space. .

  In the above-described fourth embodiment, the sheet buckling prevention means 44 functions when the sheet 30 smaller than the predetermined thickness is stacked on the staple tray 16. A configuration in which the sheet buckling prevention means 44 functions with respect to the sheet may be used.

(Fifth embodiment)
A stapling device of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a stapling device of a paper post-processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the stapling apparatus shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the stapling device 9E of the present embodiment includes a staple tray 16, a pair of reference fences 10a and 10b, a pair of second fences 8a and 8b, a stapler 11, and a sheet buckling prevention. Means 41 and paper pressing means 7 are provided. Although the reference fences 10a and 10b and the stapler 11 are not illustrated, they are the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment. That is, the stapling device 9E according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the sheet pressing unit 7 is added to the stapling device 9A described in the first embodiment.

  The paper pressing means 7 includes a driven roller 32 as a “paper pressing member”, a motor 31, a pulley 34, a belt 35 spanned between the motor 31 and the pulley 34, a pulley 34 and a driven roller 32. And a connecting arm 33 that is connected. The sheet pressing means 7 is provided by a motor 31, a pulley 34, a belt 35, and a connecting arm 33 so that the driven roller 32 can be moved in the thickness direction of the sheets 30 stacked on the staple tray 16.

  When the paper 30 is stacked on the staple tray 16, the paper pressing unit 7 guides the conveyance of the paper 30 by positioning the driven roller 32 at a position indicated by a solid line in FIGS. In addition, the sheet pressing unit 7 is configured such that the sheet 30 is formed by the pair of reference fences 10a and 10b and the pair of second fences 8a and 8b in a state where the protruding member 25 is positioned at a position protruding from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 16. Then, the driven roller 32 is moved to the position indicated by the dotted line in FIGS. 17 and 18, and the paper 30 is sandwiched between the driven roller 32 and the protruding member 25. Further, the sheet pressing means 7 moves the driven roller 32 to the sheet stacking surface side of the staple tray 16 as the protruding member 25 descends in the direction of arrow R to a position where it does not interfere with the sheet 30. That is, the driven roller 32 is moved to the paper stacking surface side of the staple tray 16 while the paper 30 is sandwiched between the driven roller 32 and the protruding member 25. This prevents the aligned bundle of sheets 30 from being disturbed. Further, the bundle of sheets 30 is bound by the stapler 11 while being sandwiched between the driven roller 32 and the protruding member 25. Further, the sheet pressing unit 7 moves the driven roller 32 to the side away from the sheet 30 after the bundle of sheets 30 is bound by the stapler 11. As a result, a bundle of sheets 30 can be discharged from the staple tray 16.

(Sixth embodiment)
A stapling device of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Moreover, in FIG. 19, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as the 1st-5th embodiment mentioned above, and description is abbreviate | omitted. FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a stapling device of a paper post-processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the stapling device 9F according to the present embodiment includes a staple tray 16, a pair of reference fences 10a and 10b, a pair of second fences 8a and 8b, a stapler 11, and a paper buckling prevention means 43. And a sheet pressing means 7. Although the reference fences 10a and 10b and the stapler 11 are not illustrated, they are the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment. That is, the stapling device 9F of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the sheet pressing unit 7 is added to the stapling device 9C described in the third embodiment. Further, the sheet pressing unit 7 is the same as the configuration described in the fifth embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

(Seventh embodiment)
A stapling device of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 20, the same components as those in the first to sixth embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a stapling device of a paper post-processing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the stapling device 9G of the present embodiment includes a staple tray 16, a pair of reference fences 10a and 10b, a pair of second fences 8a and 8b, a stapler 11, and a paper buckling prevention means 44. And a sheet pressing means 7. Although the reference fences 10a and 10b and the stapler 11 are not illustrated, they are the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment. That is, the stapling device 9G of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the sheet pressing unit 7 is added to the stapling device 9D described in the fourth embodiment. Further, the sheet pressing unit 7 is the same as the configuration described in the fifth embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The stapling apparatuses 9A to 9G described in the first to seventh embodiments constitute, for example, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus provided with the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 21, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit 101 that forms an image on a sheet, a sheet post-processing apparatus 1 that performs post-processing on a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 101, and It is equipped with. The paper discharged from the image forming unit 101 is carried into the paper post-processing apparatus 1 by the entrance roller 2. The loaded paper is branched into the saddle stitching path H1, the proof transport path H2, and the staple transport path H3 by the branching claws 5a and 5b. Further, the sheet carried into the staple conveying path H3, that is, the stapling device 9 (9A to 9G) by the conveying rollers 3 and 4 and the branching claw 5b is guided by the conveying roller 6 while being guided by the sheet pressing unit 7 and the like in the conveying direction H4. , It is stacked on the staple tray 16 and falls in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction H4 due to its own weight and hits the reference fences 10a and 10b. At this time, the sheet buckling prevention means 41 to 44 described above are driven as necessary to prevent the sheet from buckling. Thereafter, the stacked sheets are aligned in the width direction by the second fences 8a and 8b, and are stapled to a predetermined position by the stapler 11. The paper thus stapled is discharged from the staple tray 16 by the transport belt 28 and the discharge claws 19a and 19b described above, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 13 by the paper discharge roller 12. Further, when the sheet is discharged onto the discharge tray 13, it is shifted and discharged by the jogger 14 as necessary.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. That is, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper post-processing apparatus 8a, 8b 2nd fence 10a, 10b Reference | standard fence 11 Stapler 16 Staple tray 25 Projection member 25a, 25b Projection member 28 Conveyance belt (protrusion member, moving mechanism)
30 paper 41, 42, 43, 44 paper buckling prevention means 51 moving mechanism 101 image forming unit

JP-A-11-130338 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-30708

Claims (11)

A staple tray that receives and stacks image-formed sheets, a reference fence that contacts the rear end of the sheets stacked in the staple tray in the conveying direction and aligns the sheets, and the sheets stacked on the staple tray A paper post-processing apparatus comprising: a second fence that strikes an end in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the paper and aligns the paper; and a stapler that binds the paper stacked on the staple tray.
A paper buckling prevention means for preventing buckling of the paper when the paper is stacked on the staple tray;
The sheet buckling prevention means protrudes from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray and abuts against a part of the sheet, thereby stacking the sheet in a state where the sheet is bent in a cross-sectional arc shape, and the protruding member A moving mechanism that moves between a position protruding from the paper stacking surface of the staple tray and a position not interfering with the paper, and
The sheet post-processing apparatus, wherein the protruding member is positioned at a position that does not interfere with the sheet when the sheet is bound by the stapler. The protruding member is disposed in a through hole or notch provided in the staple tray, and
The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protruding member is moved up and down in the thickness direction of the sheet by the moving mechanism.   The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the protruding member is configured by a conveyance belt.   The paper post-processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a discharge claw is provided on the conveyance belt. The moving mechanism is constituted by a conveying belt disposed in a through-hole or notch provided in the staple tray, and
The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protruding member is provided on the conveyor belt.   6. The paper post-processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a discharge claw is provided on the conveyor belt.   The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the protruding member and the discharge claw are provided integrally. A paper pressing member is provided between the protruding member and the paper to hold the paper; and
The paper post-processing according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the paper pressing member is provided so as to be movable in a thickness direction of the paper stacked on the staple tray. apparatus. Control means for obtaining information on the thickness of the paper and controlling the positioning of the protruding member at a position protruding from the paper stacking surface of the staple tray when the thickness of the paper is smaller than a predetermined thickness is provided. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet post-processing apparatus is any one of claims 1 to 8. Control means is provided for obtaining information on the size of the paper and performing control to position the protruding member at a position protruding from the paper stacking surface of the staple tray when the size of the paper is larger than a predetermined size. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sheet post-processing apparatus is any one of claims 1 to 9.   An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a sheet post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which performs post-processing on the sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus comprising the image forming apparatus.

Images