JP2017114626A - Sheet discharge device, image formation system and sheet post-processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet discharge device which does not generate a displacement on the lowermost sheet on a tray.SOLUTION: A sheet post-processing device includes: a first tray 49 which is loaded with sheets; a processing tray 37 which is temporarily loaded with the sheets until the number of conveyed sheets becomes the predetermined subdivision number; a discharge mechanism which discharges the sheets loaded in the processing tray 37 to the first tray 49; and a sheet bundle formation part which forms the sheet bundle on the first tray 49. The sheet bundle formation part divides and discharges the sheets constituting the first sheet bundle with subdivision in the plural times when forming the first sheet bundle on the first tray 49. At that time, the sheet bundle formation part performs discharge so that the subdivision number of sheets divided and discharged at the first time of the first bundle becomes smaller than the number of the sheet bundle discharged at the first time of the second bundle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet discharging apparatus, an image forming system, and a sheet post-processing apparatus, and in particular, includes a first tray for stacking sheets and sheet bundle forming means for forming a sheet bundle on the first tray. Sheet discharging apparatus, image forming means for forming an image on the sheet and image forming system including the sheet carrying out apparatus, a processing tray for temporarily stacking sheets, and forming a sheet bundle on the processing tray The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus including a sheet bundle forming unit.

  Conventionally, in the field of image forming systems, sheet discharge devices and sheet post-processing devices (finishers) that form a sheet bundle on a stack tray (discharge tray) are widely known. In this type of apparatus, when a sheet bundle is formed on a stack tray without performing a binding process on the sheet, jog sorting (also referred to as sorting) in which the sheet bundle is offset and stacked may be performed.

  In such a jog sorting mode, the entire stack tray is moved in a direction intersecting the sheet conveying direction for each sheet bundle with respect to the sheets discharged one by one on the stack tray. However, in the jog sorting mode, a high torque motor is required to move the entire stack tray.

  For this reason, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for dividing and discharging sheets constituting a sheet bundle by dividing into multiple times using a processing tray when forming a sheet bundle on a stack tray. . Specifically, for example, when there are 14 documents, the paper is divided into five, five, and four sheets and divided and discharged. This technique is excellent in that the consistency of the sheet bundle loaded on the stack tray is improved and a high torque motor that moves the entire stack tray is not required.

Japanese Patent No. 3051685 (see paragraphs “0081” and “0082”)

  However, even when the sheets constituting the sheet bundle are divided and discharged from the processing tray to the stack tray, if the number of divided sheets is large (5 sheets according to the above example), the first divided sheet Of these, the bottom sheet that contacts the stack tray may be misaligned.

  This phenomenon occurs due to the difference in friction coefficient between the sheet and the stack tray surface. As the number of subdivided sheets increases, the friction increases due to the weight of the sheet, and the installation environment such as the season and the sheet discharge device also affects. Further, when the sheet type changes and the friction coefficient changes, the sheet is first discharged onto the stack tray in one job (for example, processing for forming a plurality of copy bundles with a predetermined number of originals on the stack tray by jog sorting). It is considered that the same phenomenon occurs for the lowermost sheet in the sheet bundle. Further, the same problem occurs not only in the stack tray but also in the processing tray arranged in the apparatus.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet discharging apparatus, an image forming system, and a sheet post-processing apparatus that do not cause a shift in the lowermost sheet on the tray.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a first aspect of the present invention is a sheet discharge device, a first tray for stacking sheets, and a sheet bundle that forms a sheet bundle on the first tray. Forming means, and the sheet bundle forming means divides and discharges the sheets constituting the sheet bundle in a plurality of times when forming the first sheet bundle on the first tray. The number of subdivided sheets discharged in the first batch of the first bundle is smaller than the number of sheet bundles discharged first in the second bundle.

  In the first aspect, the sheet bundle forming unit includes a buffer unit that temporarily holds a sheet until the number of conveyed sheets reaches a predetermined subdivided number, and a sheet that is held in the buffer unit. And a discharge mechanism for discharging to the tray. In this aspect, a conveyance path for conveying the sheet is further provided, and for example, the following three forms can be adopted.

  That is, (1) the buffer unit is formed as a second tray for temporarily stacking sheets conveyed through the conveyance path, and (2) the buffer unit is formed so as to branch from the conveyance path. (3) The buffer unit is a second tray for temporarily stacking sheets conveyed via the conveyance path, and the discharge mechanism is conveyed via the conveyance path. The first sheet is discharged to the first tray as a sheet that is divided and discharged for the first time, and the first tray is a sheet that is temporarily stacked on the second tray as a sheet that is divided and discharged after the second time. Form to discharge to. In the form (2), the discharge mechanism switches back the sheet temporarily held in the branch path in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the sheet conveyed to the branch path and performs the first operation. Alternatively, the sheet may be discharged to the tray, or may be switched back in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the sheet conveyed to the branch path and discharged to the first tray through the conveyance path.

  Further, in the first aspect, the sheet bundle forming unit forms the sheet bundle by dividing into a plurality of times when forming the first sheet bundle of one job on the first tray. May be divided and discharged.

  Furthermore, in the first aspect, the apparatus further comprises detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet on the first tray, and the sheet bundle forming means is configured to detect that there is no sheet on the first tray. When forming the first sheet bundle to be discharged, the sheets constituting the sheet bundle are divided and discharged in a plurality of times, and the subdivided number of sheets divided and discharged in the first time of the first bundle is: Divided discharge may be performed so that the number is less than the number of sheet bundles discharged at the beginning of the second bundle.

  In order to solve the above problem, a second aspect of the present invention is an image forming system, in which an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit are stacked. And a sheet bundle forming unit that forms a sheet bundle on the first tray, and the sheet bundle forming unit includes a first bundle of sheets on the first tray. When the sheet is formed, the sheets constituting the sheet bundle are divided and discharged in a plurality of times, and the subdivided number of sheets divided and discharged in the first time of the first bundle is discharged first in the second bundle Fewer than the number of bundles.

  According to the present invention, when the sheet bundle forming unit forms the first sheet bundle on the first tray, the sheets constituting the sheet bundle are divided and discharged in a plurality of times. Since the number of subdivided sheets discharged first time in the bundle is smaller than the number of sheet bundles discharged first in the second bundle, the bottom sheet of the subdivided sheets divided and discharged first time is displaced. The effect that it does not occur can be obtained.

1 is a front view of an image forming system according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applicable. 1 is a front view of a sheet post-processing apparatus constituting an image forming system of a first embodiment. It is a principal part enlarged front view of a sheet | seat post-processing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the sheet conveyance path of a sheet | seat post-processing apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the first and second flapper guides, (A) is a steady state of the first and second flapper guides, (B) is a state in which the first flapper guide is rotated clockwise from the steady state; C) shows a state in which the second flapper guide is rotated clockwise from the steady state. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a process tray, a side edge alignment member, and a sheet | seat. It is a perspective view of the moving mechanism of a stapler unit. It is explanatory drawing of a stapler unit. 4A and 4B are explanatory views of a discharge mechanism, where FIG. 5A is a state of a sheet bundle stacked on a processing tray, FIG. 5B is a state in which a sheet bundle is being discharged toward the first tray, and FIG. The state immediately before discharging the bundle is shown. It is a block diagram of the control part of an image forming system. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a state in which sheet bundles that are sorted in a jog manner are stacked on a first tray. It is a flowchart of the jog sorting process routine which MCU of a post-processing control part performs in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram of a discharge mechanism when a first subdivided sheet is divided and discharged when forming a first sheet bundle on a first tray in the first embodiment, and (A) is a state immediately before discharge. , (B) shows a state during discharge, and (C) shows a state where discharge is completed. FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of a discharge mechanism when a second subdivided sheet is divided and discharged when forming a first sheet bundle on a first tray in the first embodiment, and (A) is a state immediately before discharge. , (B) shows a state during discharging, and (C) shows a state where discharging has ended. It is a perspective view which shows the shift mechanism of the sheet | seat post-processing apparatus which comprises the image forming system of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 9 is a part of an explanatory diagram of an operation state in a subdivision process when forming the first sheet bundle on the first tray in the second embodiment, (A) is part 1, (B) is part 2, ( C) shows the third. FIG. 4 is a part of an explanatory diagram of the operation state in the subdivision process when forming the first sheet bundle on the first tray in the second embodiment, (A) is part 4, (B) is part 5, ( C) shows the sixth. FIG. 4 is a part of an explanatory diagram of an operation state in a subdivision process when forming the first sheet bundle on the first tray in the second embodiment, (A) is the same operation state as that (4), (B) is Part 7 and part (C) show part 8. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a first subdividing sheet discharging operation when forming a first sheet bundle on a first tray in the third embodiment, (A) is No. 1, (B) is No. 2, ( C) shows the third. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second and subsequent sub-sheet discharge operation when forming the first sheet bundle on the first tray in the third embodiment, (A) is No. 1, (B) is No. 2, (C) shows the third.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an image forming system to which the present invention is applicable will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus A that forms an image on a sheet and a sheet post-processing apparatus B that performs post-processing on the sheet on which the image is formed.

<Configuration>
[Image forming apparatus]
1. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus A includes an image forming unit A1, a scanner unit A2, and a feeder unit A3. The image forming unit A1 is provided with installation legs 25 for installation on the installation surface (for example, the floor surface) of the apparatus housing 1, and the sheet feeding unit 2, the image forming unit 3, and the sheet discharge unit 4 are installed in the apparatus housing 1. And built-in. The image forming unit A1 shown in FIG. 1 employs an electrostatic printing mechanism.

  The sheet feeding unit 2 is composed of cassettes 2 a to 2 c that store sheets of a plurality of sizes, and feeds sheets of a specified size to the sheet feeding path 6. For this reason, cassettes 2a to 2c are detachably disposed in the apparatus housing 1, and each cassette has a built-in separation mechanism that separates the internal sheets one by one and a pickup roller that feeds out the sheets. The paper feed path 6 is provided with a transport roller 7 that feeds the sheets supplied from the cassettes 2a to 2c to the downstream side, and a registration roller pair 8 that aligns each sheet at the end of the path.

  Note that a large-capacity cassette 2d and a manual feed tray 2e are connected to the paper feed path 6. The large-capacity cassette 2d is configured to accommodate a large amount of sheets to be consumed as an optional unit, and the manual feed tray 2e is separated. Special sheets such as cardboard sheets, coating sheets, and film sheets that are difficult to feed can be supplied.

  The image forming unit 3 includes a photoconductor 9 such as a drum or a belt, a light emitter 10 that irradiates the photoconductor 9 with a beam according to image data, a developer 11 (developer), and a cleaner (not shown). It is arranged around. The illustrated one shows a monochrome printing mechanism, in which a latent image is optically formed on the photoreceptor 9 by a light emitter 10, and toner ink is attached to the latent image by a developer 11.

  Then, in accordance with the timing of image formation on the photosensitive member 9, the sheet is sent from the paper feed path 6 to the image forming unit 3, the image is transferred onto the sheet by the transfer charger 12, and the fixing unit ( Fixing is performed by a roller 13. A paper discharge roller 15 and a paper discharge port 16 are disposed in the paper discharge path 14 and conveys the sheet to a sheet post-processing apparatus B described later.

  The scanner unit A2 includes a platen 17 for placing a document, a carriage 18 that reciprocates along the platen 17, a light source mounted on the carriage 18, and reflected light from the document on the platen 17 as a photoelectric conversion unit. A reduction optical system 20 (a combination of a mirror and a lens) guided to 19 and a traveling platen 20 are configured. The photoelectric conversion unit 19 outputs the photoelectrically converted image data to the memory (see reference numeral 96 in FIG. 10) of the control unit. The traveling platen 20 is used when a sheet is conveyed by the feeder unit A3, and an image of the sheet being conveyed by the feeder unit A3 is transferred via the carriage 18 positioned at a predetermined reading position and the reduction optical system 20. Reading is performed by the photoelectric conversion unit 19.

  The feeder unit A3 includes a paper feed tray 22, a paper feed path 23 that guides a sheet fed from the paper feed tray 22 to the travel platen 21, and a paper discharge tray 24 that accommodates a document read via the travel platen 21. Has been.

  The image forming apparatus A displays the status of the image forming apparatus A and the like, and allows the operator to specify (input) a sheet size desired by the operator, a sheet feeding cassette to be fed, the number of copies, and the like (not shown). have. The image forming unit A1 is not limited to the electrostatic printing mechanism described above, and can also employ a printing mechanism such as an offset printing mechanism, an ink jet printing mechanism, an ink ribbon transfer printing mechanism (such as thermal transfer ribbon printing or sublimation ribbon printing). is there.

2. Control Unit Further, the image forming apparatus A controls the entire image forming apparatus A, and communicates with the control unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus B (hereinafter, the main body is distinguished from the control unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus B). A control unit).

  As shown in FIG. 10, the main body control unit 90 includes an MCU 91 that incorporates a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The MCU 91 is connected to an image formation control unit 92 that controls the operation of the image forming unit 3, a paper feed control unit 93 that controls the operation of the paper feed unit 2, and the touch panel control unit 94 that controls the touch panel described above. .

  Further, the MCU 91 is connected to a plurality of sensors arranged in a duplex path or the like connecting between the paper feed path 6 and the paper discharge path 14 in order to form images on both sides of the paper feed path 6, the paper discharge path 14, and the sheet. It is connected. Further, the MCU 91 is also connected to the above-described scanner unit A2 and feeder unit A3 via a communication control unit 95 that enables LAN connection, a large-capacity memory 96 that functions as a buffer, and an interface (not shown).

[Sheet post-processing equipment]
1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sheet post-processing apparatus B is provided with installation legs for installation on the installation surface of the apparatus housing 27, and is substantially the same as the image forming apparatus A located on the upstream side. Has a height dimension of Further, the carry-in port 26 of the sheet post-processing apparatus B is formed at a position connected to the paper discharge port 16 of the image forming apparatus A.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet post-processing apparatus B has a third stack tray (hereinafter abbreviated as a third tray) 71 provided so as to protrude from the apparatus housing 27 in order from the top, and a first stack tray. (Hereinafter abbreviated as “first tray”) 49 and second stack tray (hereinafter abbreviated as “second tray”) 61. The first tray 49 includes a reflective fourth sensor S4 that includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element and detects the presence or absence of a sheet on the first tray 49.

(1) Sheet conveyance path The sheet post-processing apparatus B has a linear sheet carry-in path 28 that traverses the inside of the apparatus housing 27 in a substantially horizontal direction. The sheet carry-in path 28 forms a basic path of the sheet conveyance path. In the sheet carry-in path 28, the above-described carry-in port 26 is formed on one side end, and a paper discharge port 35 is formed on the other side end.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows the sheet conveyance path. In FIG. 4, the sheet carry-in path 28 is indicated by a thick line. In the vicinity of the carry-in entrance 26, a carry-in roller 29 for carrying the sheet into the sheet post-processing apparatus B is arranged, and a discharge roller 36 that can be rotated forward and backward is arranged on the upstream side of the discharge port 35. ing.

  The sheet carry-in path 28 has a first branch point D1 on the downstream side of the carry-in roller 29, and a third transport path 30 branched from the sheet carry-in path 28 starting from the first branch point D1 is formed. The third transport path 30 has a discharge port 72 at its end point, and the sheet is discharged onto the third tray 71 through the discharge port 72. Further, the sheet carry-in path 28 has a second branch point D2 on the downstream side of the first branch point D1, and a second transport path 32 branched from the sheet carry-in path 28 starting from the second branch point D2 is formed. Has been.

  A first transport path 31 for further transporting the sheet transported through the sheet transport path 28 to the first tray 49 side is formed on an extension line of the sheet discharge path 35 of the sheet transport path 28. As described above, since the paper discharge roller 36 can be rotated forward and backward, the paper discharge roller 36 is driven to rotate forward to convey the sheet to the first tray 49 side via the first conveyance path 31, or the paper discharge roller 36. , The sheet is switched back and conveyed, and the rear end of the sheet can be reversely conveyed toward the second branch point D2 of the sheet carry-in path 28 described above. Further, the first transport path 31 has a third branch point D3 at a position corresponding to the end of the apparatus housing 27 on the tray side. The first branch path 31 branches from the first transport path 31 and is inclined obliquely. The second switchback path 31b is formed.

  In FIG. 4, in order to reveal the first and second switchback paths 31 a and 31 b, the path for transporting sheets toward the first tray 49 is the first transport path 31, and the path for transporting sheets back is the first. A path for switchback conveyance of the sheet via the one switchback path 31a and the third branch point D3 is shown as the second switchback path 31b (the same applies to FIG. 3 and the like). The part overlaps with the sheet carry-in path 28, and the second switchback path 31 b is an integral path with the first transport path 31. The second branch point D2 described above is provided at the path end of the first switchback path 31a.

  As described above, the apparatus can be slimmed by arranging the sheet carry-in path 28 and the first conveyance path 31 in a substantially horizontal direction and arranging the third conveyance path 30 and the second conveyance path 32 in a substantially vertical direction. It becomes.

  Various members are arranged along the respective paths in the sheet carry-in path 28 and the first to third transport paths 30, 31, and 32 described above. Hereinafter, these members will be described for each route.

(2) Sheet carry-in route 28
As shown in FIG. 3, a transmissive first sensor S <b> 1 having a light emitting element and a light receiving element is arranged in the sheet carry-in path 28 on the downstream side of the carry-in entrance 26. Between the first sensor S1 and the carry-in roller 29, a punch unit 50 that punches punch holes at the rear end of the carried-in sheet by driving a punch motor (not shown) is disposed.

  The punch unit 50 has a rack (not shown) in the lower part thereof. By rotating a pinion (not shown) that meshes with the rack by a unit moving motor (not shown), the punch unit 50 is configured to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance path 28, and is appropriate according to the sheet size. A drilling process is performed at the position. In order to improve the position accuracy of the punch hole, the side edge of the sheet may be detected by a sensor and the punching position may be determined to perform the punching process. A scrap box 51 that receives punch scraps generated by punching processing by the punch unit 50 is detachably attached to the apparatus housing 27 below the punch unit 50 sandwiching the sheet carry-in path 28.

  A first flapper guide (hereinafter abbreviated as “first flapper”) 33 and a second flapper guide (hereinafter abbreviated as “second flapper”) 34 are respectively provided at the first branch point D1 and the second branch point D2 described above. Is arranged. The first and second flappers 33 and 34 are configured so that the leading end portion thereof rotates around the support shaft and the sheet conveying direction can be changed (selected), and each support shaft has an electromagnetic solenoid having a plunger that can advance and retreat. It is connected to. A mini motor may be used as the rotation source of the first and second flappers 33 and 34.

  FIG. 5A shows a steady state (off state) in which neither of the electromagnetic solenoids that drive the first and second flappers 33 and 34 is energized. In this state, the sheet is conveyed toward the sheet discharge outlet 35 along the sheet carry-in path 28. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the first flapper 33 is energized (ON state), the first flapper 33 rotates clockwise. As a result, the sheet is guided from the sheet conveyance path 28 to the third conveyance path 30. At this time, the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the second flapper 34 remains off. Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the second flapper 34 is energized (ON state), the second flapper 34 rotates clockwise. As a result, the sheet is guided from the first switchback path 31a (sheet transport path 28) to the second transport path 32. At this time, the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the first flapper 33 remains off.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a transmissive second sensor S2 having a light emitting element and a light receiving element is disposed on the downstream side of the second flapper 34, and the paper discharge roller described above is disposed on the downstream side of the second sensor S2. 36 is arranged.

  The carry-in roller 29 described above is composed of a driving roller (upper side in FIG. 3) and a driven roller (lower side in FIG. 3) in pressure contact with the driving roller, and the driving roller is not shown through a gear. The rotational driving force of one transport motor (stepping motor) is transmitted. The paper discharge roller 36 includes a pair of drive rollers 36a and 36b. The drive roller pair 36a and 36b has a rotational driving force of a second transport motor (stepping motor) (not shown) that can be rotated forward and backward via a gear. Is transmitted.

(3) First transport path 31 (and second switchback path 31b)
As shown in FIG. 3, the driven roller 48 and the up-and-down roller 41 that can be rotated forward and backward are disposed at the third branch point D3. The raising / lowering roller 41 is configured to be movable up and down between an operating position that is in pressure contact with the driven roller 48 and a standby position that is spaced apart. The lift roller 41 is positioned at the standby position when the sheet is conveyed through the sheet conveyance path 28 and the first switchback path 31a (see also the arrow 31a shown in FIG. 4), and the sheet is discharged to the first tray 49. When the second switchback path 31b (see also the arrow 31b shown in FIG. 4) is transported, it is positioned at the operating position. The elevating roller 41 and the driven roller 48 also have a function of performing sheet conveyance on the second switchback path 31b and reverse conveyance of the sheet bundle, which will be described later (items (3-1) and (3). -4)).

  A processing tray 37 for temporarily stacking sheets is disposed in the second switchback path 31b. The processing tray 37 functions as a buffer that temporarily holds a sheet conveyed via the sheet conveyance path 28 (conveyance first conveyance path 31) before being discharged to the first tray 49. A stapler unit 47 that performs binding processing on the sheet bundle is disposed on one side (downstream side) of the processing tray 37. As described above, since the second switchback path 31b is inclined, the processing tray 37 and the stapler unit 47 disposed in the second switchback path 31b are also inclined. As a result, a step (drop) is formed between the sheet discharge outlet 35 of the sheet carry-in path 28 and the processing tray 37.

  Note that the processing tray 37 bridge-supports the sheet sent via the paper discharge port 35 with the first tray 49 on the downstream side. In other words, the sheet sent from the paper discharge port 35 has its leading end straddled on the first tray 49 on the downstream side or on the uppermost sheet of the first tray 49, and its rear end straddling the processing tray 37. Supported.

(3-1) Sheet carrying-in mechanism Since a step is formed between the paper discharge port 35 and the processing tray 37, the sheet is placed in the processing tray on the first transport path 31 (and the second switchback path 31b). A sheet carry-in mechanism for carrying in the paper 37 is provided.

  As described above, the sheet carry-in mechanism is in contact with the driven roller 48 at the operating position and transports the sheet to the processing tray 37 (regulating member 38) side on the second switch back path 31b, and the sheet is switched to the second switch. A paddle rotating body 42 that rotates so as to be transferred in the direction of the back path 31b, a sheet guide member 44 that guides the sheet to the processing tray 37 side, a sheet pressing member 45 that presses the upper surface of the sheet, and a scraper that conveys the sheet to the processing tray 37 side. It is composed of a rotator 46.

  Further, a swing bracket 43 configured to be swingable about a rotation shaft 36x (the roller shaft of the paper discharge roller 36a) supported by the apparatus frame is provided. The rotational axis of the paddle rotating body 42 is pivotally supported. When the driving force of a lifting motor (not shown) is transmitted to the swing bracket 43, the lift roller 41 and the paddle rotating body 42 attached to the swing bracket 43 move up and down between the standby position and the operating position described above. Move.

  The elevating roller 41 and the paddle rotator 42 are transmitted with the driving force from the above-described second transport motor (not shown), so that the elevating roller 41 rotates in the forward and reverse directions and the paddle rotator 42 rotates in the reverse direction. That is, the elevating roller 41 is pressed against the driven roller 48 at the operating position and conveys the sheet to the processing tray 37 side by reverse rotation, and the paddle rotating body 42 conveys the sheet toward the second switchback path 31b by reverse rotation. Further, the elevating roller 41 is in pressure contact with the driven roller 48 at the operating position and forwardly conveys the sheet bundle from the processing tray 37 side to the first tray 49. This will be described later (item (3-4)). reference).

  The sheet guide member 44 is disposed between the elevating roller 41 and the scraping rotary body 46. Further, the sheet guide member 44 moves up and down between a retracted position (dotted line position) and a guide position (solid line position) shown in FIG. 3, and is positioned at the retracted position when the sheet is carried out from the sheet discharge port 35. After the end passes through the sheet discharge outlet 35, the rear end of the sheet is guided onto the processing tray 37. For this reason, the sheet guide member 44 is connected to a drive mechanism (not shown) using a second transport motor (not shown) as a drive source, and in accordance with the timing of guiding the sheet rear end from the paper discharge port 35 onto the processing tray 37. Move up and down.

  The sheet pressing member 45 is a plate-like member, and is placed on one side of the scraping rotator 46 (two in this embodiment are arranged on the front side and the back side in FIG. 3) (front side scraping rotator 46). Are arranged so that the front end side thereof is positioned on the front side and on the back side of the rear-side scraping rotary body, and is attached to the roller shaft of the paper discharge roller 36b so as to be swingable by its own weight. That is, the leading end side of the sheet pressing member 45 is positioned on both sides of the scraping rotary body 46 so that the phase is shifted in the depth direction of FIG. For this reason, the sheet pressing member 45 rotates counterclockwise as the number of sheets stacked on the processing tray 37 increases. The driving force from the above-described second transport motor (not shown) is also transmitted to the scraping rotator 46.

(3-2) Alignment Mechanism As shown in FIG. 6, the processing tray 37 is provided with an alignment mechanism that aligns the conveyed sheets. The alignment mechanism includes a regulating member 38 that abuts and regulates the trailing edge of the sheet (second switchback path 31b conveyance direction leading edge), and a side edge alignment member 39 that presses the sheet side edge to align it with a reference (for example, center reference) position. It consists of and.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the restricting member 38 is constituted by a stopper piece having a substantially U-shaped cross section that abuts and regulates the rear end of the sheet. As will be described later, the restricting member 38 is configured to be capable of reciprocating along the processing tray 37 (second switchback path 31b) (see item (3-4)), and functions as a part of the alignment mechanism. Is positioned at the home position (the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 6). For this reason, a limit sensor (not shown) for detecting whether the regulating member 38 is positioned at the home position is arranged.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the side edge alignment member 39 opposes both sides (left and right in FIG. 6) sandwiching the width direction of the sheet conveyed to the processing tray 37 (direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction). A pair of front alignment members 39F (device front side) and rear alignment members 39R (device rear side) arranged in this manner (hereinafter, both are collectively referred to as alignment members).

  The alignment members 39F and 39R are plate-like members that protrude upward from the paper loading surface 37a (see FIG. 3) of the processing tray 37, and have a regulating surface 39x that contacts the side edge of the sheet. The alignment members 39F and 39R reciprocate between a standby position that is predetermined according to the sheet size and an alignment position that presses and aligns the sheet when aligning the sheet that has been conveyed based on the center. As a result, the moving distance becomes shorter than when the reciprocation is performed between the home position that is farther from the sheet side edge than the standby position and the alignment position, and the alignment processing time can be shortened.

  In addition, when offsetting a sheet bundle, when forming an odd-numbered bundle (for example, the first bundle) of sheet bundles on the processing tray 37, the sheets conveyed to the processing tray 37 are set to 1 as described above. When the center reference sheet bundle is formed by moving the alignment members 39F and 39R from the standby position to the alignment position for each sheet, and the even-numbered bundle (for example, the second bundle) is formed on the processing tray 37. Shifts the alignment position described above to either the left or right by a predetermined distance and moves the alignment members 39F and 39R to the alignment position shifted from the standby position for each sheet conveyed to the processing tray 37. A sheet bundle is formed by moving the sheet bundle. This example is an example, and various shift methods are known, and such a shift method may be used. Further, it may be aligned on the side reference, and when the sheet bundle is offset, the odd-numbered bundle of sheets may be aligned on the center reference, and the even-numbered bundle of sheets may be aligned on the side reference.

  The alignment members 39F and 39R are supported by the processing tray 37 so that the regulating surface 39x moves in the approaching direction or the separating direction. That is, a slit groove (not shown) penetrating the front and back is formed in the processing tray 37, and the alignment members 39F and 39R are configured to be slidable through the slit groove.

  The alignment members 39F and 39R are slidably supported by a plurality of guide rollers 80 (may be rail members) on the back side of the processing tray 37, and a rack 81 is integrally formed. Alignment motors M 1 and M 2 are connected to the left and right racks 81 via pinions 82. The alignment motors M1 and M2 are composed of stepping motors capable of forward and reverse rotation. The position sensors 39F and 39R are respectively detected by position sensors (not shown), and each alignment member is designated in either direction on the basis of the detected value. The position can be moved by the moved amount.

  Instead of the illustrated rack-pinion mechanism, a configuration in which the alignment members 39F and 39R are fixed to the timing belt and the belt is connected to a motor that reciprocates left and right by a pulley may be employed.

(3-3) Stapler Unit As shown in FIG. 3, on one side of the processing tray 37, a stapler unit 47 that staples the rear end side of the sheet bundle with respect to the sheet bundle aligned by the alignment mechanism is disposed. ing. The stapler unit 47 is configured to be movable along the rear end portion of the paper loading surface 37 a of the processing tray 37.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a traveling rail 53 and a traveling cam 54 are formed on the apparatus frame 27a. On the other hand, the stapler unit 47 is provided with a first rolling roller 83 that engages with the traveling rail 53 and a second rolling roller 84 that engages with the traveling cam 54. Further, the stapler unit 47 has ball-shaped sliding rollers 85 that engage with the support (support) surface of the apparatus frame 27a (two locations on the front side and the back side in FIG. 3). Further, the stapler unit 47 has a guide roller 86 that engages with the bottom surface of the apparatus frame 27a, and prevents the stapler unit 47 from floating from the apparatus frame 27a.

  For this reason, the stapler unit 47 is supported by the apparatus frame 27 a so as to be movable by the sliding roller 85 and the guide roller 86, the first rolling roller 83 is along the traveling rail 53, and the second rolling roller 84 is along the traveling cam 54. It can move along the traveling rail 53 and the traveling cam 54 while rotating.

  FIG. 7 shows a moving mechanism of the stapler unit 47. The stapler unit 47 is fixed to a timing belt 59 stretched between the gear pulleys 58a and 58b, and the driving force of the drive motor M3 capable of forward and reverse rotation is transmitted to the gear pulley 58a, so that the paper loading on the processing tray 37 is performed. It reciprocates along the rear end of the surface 37a.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the stapler unit 47 is configured as a unit separate from the sheet post-processing apparatus B. That is, the stapler unit 47 has a box-shaped unit frame 47a, and a drive cam 47d that is pivotally supported by the unit frame 47a and a drive motor M4 that rotates the drive cam 47d are unit frames. 47a.

  The stapler head 47b and the anvil member 47c are arranged to face each other, and the stapler head 47b is configured to move up and down from an upper standby position toward a lower staple position (anvil member) by a biasing spring (not shown). Yes. A needle cartridge 52 is detachably attached to the unit frame 47a.

  When the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle, the drive cam 47d is rotated by the drive motor M4 and stored in the urging spring. When the rotation angle reaches a predetermined angle, the stapler head 47b moves downward toward the anvil member 47c. With this operation, the staple is folded into a U-shape and then inserted into the sheet bundle. The leading end is bent by the anvil member 47c, and the sheet bundle is bound.

  In the above description, the stapler unit 47 is exemplified for the binding process, but an eco-binding unit that does not use a needle may be used instead of the stapler unit 47, and both the stapler unit 47 and the eco-binding unit are used. Also good. Such details are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-124084. The publication also discloses details of the traveling rail 53 and the traveling cam 54 when performing left corner binding, right corner binding, multi-binding, and the like.

(3-4) Discharge Mechanism Further, the stacked sheet bundle (the sheet bundle aligned by the alignment mechanism or the sheet bundle subsequently bound by the stapler unit 47) is discharged to the first tray 49 on the processing tray 37. A discharge mechanism is arranged. The discharge mechanism includes a conveyer unit that transfers the sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray 37 so as to push out, and a roller unit that nips and carries out the sheet bundle.

  The sheet carry-in mechanism described above conveys sheets one by one along the second switchback path 31b to the processing tray 37, whereas this discharge mechanism transfers the sheet bundle loaded on the processing tray 37 to the second switchback path 31b. 4 is conveyed in the direction opposite to the arrow 31b shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the conveyor unit includes a regulating member 38 for transferring the regulating member 38 along the processing tray 37 from the alignment position (binding position) located on the upstream side to the downstream first tray 49 side, and the regulating member 38. A conveyor belt 38v to be moved and a drive motor M5 (stepping motor) capable of rotating forward and backward to drive the conveyor belt 38v are configured. The regulating member 38 is fixed to the conveyor belt 38. The roller portion includes a driven roller 48 and an elevating roller 41 positioned at the operating position and in pressure contact with the driven roller 48.

  FIG. 9A shows a state of a sheet bundle (a sheet bundle aligned by the alignment mechanism or a sheet bundle subsequently bound by the stapler unit 47) stacked on the processing tray 37. At this time, the drive motor M5 for driving the conveyor unit is stopped, and the elevating roller 41 of the roller unit is positioned at the standby position. When the sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray 37 is discharged to the first tray 49 by the discharge mechanism, the lifting roller 41 is positioned at the operating position where it is pressed against the driven roller 48 by the driving force of the lifting motor (not shown). 2. The elevating roller 41 is driven to rotate forward by the driving force of the transport motor, and the drive motor M5 is driven to rotate forward.

  FIG. 9B shows a state in which the sheet bundle is being discharged toward the first tray 49. The sheet bundle is moved downstream by the movement of the position of the regulating member 38 and the rotation of the roller portion (the lifting roller 41 and the driven roller 48). The state conveyed to the side is shown. The restricting member 38 moves between the two scraping rotators 46 described above. FIG. 9C shows a state immediately before the sheet bundle is discharged to the first tray 49, and the sheet bundle is gradually (at a low speed) sent to the first tray 49 on the downstream side by the rotation of the roller portion. At this time, the regulating member 38 is positioned at the home position by the reverse drive of the drive motor M5. When the conveyance (discharge) of the sheet bundle to the first tray 49 is completed, the elevating roller 41 is positioned at the standby position by the driving force of the elevating motor (not shown).

(4) Second transport path 32
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transport roller 55 is disposed in the second transport path 32 in the vicinity of the second branch point D <b> 1 described above. A transmissive sensor S3 having the above is disposed. The conveyance roller 55 is composed of a drive roller pair, and the rotational driving force of the above-described second conveyance motor (not shown) is transmitted to the drive roller pair via a gear. As shown in FIG. 2, an unloading roller 62 that is driven by the rotational driving force of a second transport motor (not shown) is disposed at the downstream end of the sensor S3 and at the end point of the second transport path 32 (the position that becomes the pass end). ing.

  Below the carry-out roller 62, a bookbinding processing unit 60 that arranges and stacks the sheets sent via the second conveyance path 32, binds the center, and performs inward folding is disposed. Hereinafter, this processing by the bookbinding processing unit 60 is referred to as “magazine finishing processing”.

  The bookbinding processing unit 60 binds the guide member 66 that stacks the sheets in a bundle, the regulation stopper 67 that positions the sheet at a predetermined position on the guide member 66, and the center of the sheet that is positioned by the regulation stopper 67. A binding unit 63 and a folding processing mechanism (folding roller 64 and folding blade 65) that folds the sheet bundle around the center after the binding process by the saddle stitching unit 63 are configured. Each member constituting the bookbinding processing unit 60 is generally arranged in the vertical direction.

  In the saddle stitching unit 63, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2008-184324, 2009-051644, etc., a sheet bundle is sandwiched between the head unit and the anvil unit along the sheet center line. A configuration in which the position is moved and the binding process is performed is employed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the folding processing mechanism employs a mechanism in which a folding blade 65 is inserted into the fold of the sheet bundle wound around the folding rollers 64 that are in pressure contact with each other and folded by the rolling of the folding rollers 64. Yes. Such folding processing mechanisms are also disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2008-184324 and 2009-051644.

  In other words, as shown in FIG. 2, the folding processing mechanism of the present embodiment includes a folding roller 64 that folds the sheet bundle at the folding position Y, and a folding blade 65 that inserts the sheet bundle at the nip position of the folding roller 64. And are arranged. The folding roller 64 is composed of a pair of drive rollers formed of a material having a relatively high friction coefficient, such as a rubber roller, in order to transfer the sheet bundle in the rotational direction while folding the sheet bundle. The folding roller 64 is positioned on the curved or bent protruding side of the guide member 66, and is configured such that a folding blade 65 having knife edges facing each other with the sheet bundle interposed therebetween can be advanced and retracted.

  The head unit of the saddle stitching unit 63 is driven by a saddle stitching motor (not shown), and the folding roller 64 is driven by a folding motor (not shown). The restricting stopper 67 is positioned at a predetermined position according to the sheet size by a driving force of a moving motor (not shown), and the folding blade 65 is advanced and retracted by a driving force of a folding motor not shown.

  On the opposite side of the folding roller 64 from the folding blade 65, a discharge roller 69 for discharging the sheet bundle that has been subjected to magazine finishing processing by the bookbinding processing unit 60 is disposed. The rotational driving force of the discharge roller 69 is also supplied from a folding motor (not shown). A discharge port (not shown) is formed in the apparatus housing 27 on the downstream side of the discharge roller 69, and the sheet bundle subjected to magazine finishing processing is discharged to the second tray 61 through the discharge port. In FIG. 2, since the frequency of the bookbinding process is relatively low, the second tray 61 is folded (the front end side of the second tray 61 is rotated upward) and the restriction stopper 67 is positioned at the home position. Show.

(5) Third transport path 30
As shown in FIG. 2, a conveyance roller 77 is disposed in the middle of the third conveyance path 30, and a discharge roller 78 is disposed upstream of the discharge port 72. The transport roller 77 and the paper discharge roller 78 are composed of a driving roller and a driven roller, and the rotational driving force is supplied from the above-described first transport motor (not shown). Accordingly, the third conveyance path 30 is a sheet conveyance path dedicated for straight sheet discharge.

2. Control Unit Further, the sheet post-processing apparatus B includes a control unit that controls the entire sheet post-processing apparatus B (hereinafter, referred to as a post-processing control unit to be distinguished from the main body control unit 90). As illustrated in FIG. 10, the post-processing control unit 97 includes an MCU 98 that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The MCU 98 is connected to an actuator control unit 99, and the actuator control unit 99 is connected to various actuators such as the motor and electromagnetic solenoid described above. The MCU 99 is also connected to sensors such as S1 to S4.

  Note that the MCU 98 of the post-processing control unit 97 communicates with the MCU 91 of the main body control unit 90, and sends information necessary for control processing in the sheet post-processing apparatus B such as post-processing mode information, sheet size information, and job end information from the MCU 91. receive.

<Processing modes and special colors>
Next, the (post) processing mode of the sheet post-processing apparatus B, the concept of one job, and the features of the sheet post-processing apparatus B will be described.

1. Concepts of Processing Mode and One Job The sheet post-processing apparatus B includes a) punching processing mode, b) jog sorting mode, c) binding processing mode, d) bookbinding processing mode, and e) straight paper discharge mode (printout mode). It has five processing modes.

  Briefly describing these processing modes, a) the punching processing mode is a mode in which punching holes are punched at the rear end of the sheet by the punch unit 50 and discharged to the first tray 49, and b) the jog sorting mode is the stapler unit 47. In the binding processing mode, the trailing end of the sheet bundle is stapled by the stapler unit 47. D) the bookbinding processing mode is a mode in which the bookbinding processing unit 60 performs magazine finishing processing and discharges it to the second tray 61, and e) the straight paper discharge mode is a sheet post-processing device. In this mode, the sheet carried into B is discharged to the third tray 71 as it is. The jog sorting mode and the binding processing mode can be used in combination with the punching processing mode.

  FIG. 11 shows a state in which the sheet bundles that have been jog sorted are stacked on the first tray 49. FIG. 11 shows an example in which four sheet bundles are stacked on the first tray 49 with the odd-numbered and even-numbered sheet bundles being offset from each other.

  These modes are designated via the touch panel of the image forming apparatus A or via a computer connected to the LAN. At that time, in any of the above processing modes, the number of copies (number of sheet bundles) may be specified. When the number of copies is specified (exceeds one copy) (especially in the processing modes b) to d)), information on the number of sheets constituting one copy (in the case of copying, the same as the number of documents). Necessary.

  The number of sheets constituting one copy is generally not input by an operator, but the main body control unit 90 of the image forming apparatus A receives the number of image data stored in the memory 96 from the computer 91 or received from the computer via the LAN. By referring to the header information, the number can be grasped. For this reason, the main body control unit 90 performs post-processing using information indicating the designated processing mode (for example, jog sorting mode), and information on the number of copies and the number of sheets constituting one copy as post-processing mode information. Informs the control unit 97. When there is only one copy, the number of copies is often not specified, and when there is only one copy, the post-processing control unit 97 does not need information on the number of sheets constituting one copy. That is, in the case of only one copy, attribute information is not necessary. Conversely, if the processing mode is specified but there is no attribute information (no number of copies is specified), it can be regarded as one copy. In the jog sorting mode, “number of copies” means “number of sheet bundles”.

  On the other hand, in the processing modes a) and e), the post-processing control unit 97 only needs to process the sheets conveyed from the image forming apparatus A one by one. The number of sheets to be processed). In this case, the post-processing control unit 97 receives job end information (see FIG. 10) indicating the end of the job on the image forming apparatus A side from the main body control unit 90, and thereby on the sheet post-processing apparatus B side. The end of the job (job completion in the image forming system) can be grasped.

  Thus, the concept of one job in the sheet post-processing apparatus B is also determined. That is, in the processing modes b) to d), the designated number of copies is processed according to the designated processing mode. In the processing modes a) and e), the job end information is displayed according to the designated processing mode. Processing to the last sheet after reception.

2. Special Color of Sheet Post-Processing Device B The special color of the sheet post-processing device B is that when the first sheet bundle is formed on the first tray 49, the sheets constituting the sheet bundle are divided and discharged in a plurality of times. . In this case, the divided and discharged sheets are discharged so that the number of divided sheets discharged in the first batch of the first bundle is smaller than the number of divided sheets discharged in the first time of the second bundle. However, when the number of sheets in one bundle is smaller than a set number described later, the first bundle is divided and discharged, and the second and subsequent bundles are discharged without performing divided discharge. Even in this case, the number of subdivided sheets discharged in the first bundle of the first bundle is smaller than the number of sheet bundles discharged in the second bundle (in this case, the number of subdividing sheets in the second bundle is 1). Times). The reason why the sheets are divided and discharged in this way is that the lowermost sheet in direct contact with the surface of the first tray 49 among the sheets constituting the first sheet bundle has a friction coefficient between the surface of the first tray 49 and the sheet. This is to prevent a deviation from another sheet due to the difference.

  Specifically, when the post-processing mode information is, for example, “jog sorting mode (number of copies: 4 copies, number of sheets constituting one copy: 12 sheets)”, the first sheet bundle on the first tray 49 is When forming, for example, 1 sheet-5 sheets-5 sheets-1 sheet, 2 sheets-5 sheets-5 sheets, 3 sheets-4 sheets-5 sheets, 4 sheets-3 sheets-5 sheets, 2 sheets-2 The sheet is divided into four sheets, four sheets, four sheets, etc., and discharged to the first tray 49. Then, when forming the second and subsequent bundles of sheets, for example, the sheet bundle is divided into 5 sheets-5 sheets-2 sheets and discharged to the first tray 49. In addition, when the first bundle is 1 sheet-5 sheets-5 sheets-1 sheet, the second and subsequent bundles may be 2 sheets-5 sheets-5 sheets. When the number of sheets constituting one part is 6, the first sheet bundle is divided and discharged into 2-4 sheets, 3-3 sheets, 4 sheets-2 sheets, and the second bundle is 5 You may make it discharge | emit as 1 sheet-6 sheets (at one time).

  According to the above feature, when forming the first bundle of sheets on the first tray 49, when dividing and discharging the first bundle to the second bundle, forming the second bundle to the fourth bundle. Alternatively, 12 sheets may be discharged at a time. However, in this aspect, a high torque motor is required as a drive source in order to ensure the reliability of the apparatus. On the other hand, if the maximum value of the number of subdivided sheets to be divided and discharged is small, reliability can be ensured even if a motor with a proper cost (low torque) is used. From this point of view, in this embodiment, the maximum value of the number of subdivided sheets to be divided and discharged is set to 5 (hereinafter referred to as “set number”). In addition, these 5 sheets are examples, and this invention is not restrict | limited to this.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the image forming system according to the first embodiment will be described with the MCU 91 of the main body control unit 90 and the MCU 98 of the post-processing control unit 97 as main components. Since the individual operation of each component has already been described, the overall operation and its control will be mainly described.

[Image forming apparatus]
When the start button on the touch panel is pressed by the operator, the MCU 91 captures information input from the touch panel via the touch panel control unit 94, causes the scanner unit A2 to read the document, and outputs the image data to the memory 96. Then, the post-processing mode information and the sheet size information described above are transmitted to the MCU 98 of the post-processing control unit 97.

  Next, the MCU 91 rotates the pickup roller of the paper feed cassette desired by the operator through the paper feed control unit 93 to feed out the sheet, and drives the transport roller 7 on the paper feed path 6. As a result, the fed sheet is conveyed toward the registration roller pair 8 through the sheet feeding path 6. A sensor (not shown) is disposed on the upstream side of the registration roller pair 8, and after the leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the sensor is detected, the registration roller pair 8 is maintained in a rotation stopped state for a predetermined time. Thereby, the leading edge of the sheet is aligned.

  After the predetermined time elapses, the MCU 91 rotates the registration roller pair 8 and other transport rollers, and operates each part of the image forming unit 3 via the image forming control unit 92 to form an image on the sheet. The paper is discharged from the paper discharge port 16 through the paper discharge path 14. When the processing on the image forming apparatus A side ends, the above-described job end information is transmitted to the MCU 98. Prior to the operation of the image forming unit 3, the MCU 91 operates the feeder unit A3 or the scanner unit A2 in accordance with an operator's designation to acquire the image data of the original (stores in the memory 96), and the image according to the acquired image data. The image forming control unit 92 is controlled so that the forming unit 3 forms an image on the sheet.

[Sheet post-processing equipment]
1. On the other hand, the MCU 98 waits until receiving post-processing mode information and sheet size information from the MCU 91, and when these information is received, the (post-) processing mode is one of the above-described a) to e). (There may be a plurality of cases), and post-processing instructed by the operator is executed.

  That is, referring to the post-processing mode information, it is determined whether or not the jog sorting mode is selected. If the determination is affirmative, a later-described jog sorting process is performed. If the determination is negative, it is determined whether or not the binding processing mode is selected. When this determination is affirmative, a binding process described later is performed, and when the determination is negative, it is determined whether or not the punching processing mode is set. When the determination is affirmative, punching processing described later is performed, and when the determination is negative, it is determined whether or not the bookbinding processing mode is set. When this determination is affirmative, a bookbinding process described later is performed. On the other hand, since the operator often does not make such a designation (indicating that it is the straight delivery mode) in the straight delivery mode, it is considered that the straight delivery mode has been designated when this determination is negative. Then, a straight paper discharge process described later is performed.

2. Jog sorting process (1) Determination of the number of subdivisions In the jog sorting process (see FIG. 12), the MCU 98 first refers to the attribute information (number of copies, number of sheets constituting one copy) of the first tray 49 in the post-processing mode information. Subdivision number determination processing for determining the subdivision number for dividing and discharging upward is executed (S102). The information on the set number of sheets (5) described above is assumed to be stored in advance in the ROM of the MCU 98 and expanded in the RAM.

  The MCU 98 first determines the first sub-number of sheets constituting the first sheet bundle. That is, it is determined whether or not the attribute information (the number of sheets constituting one copy: X) is equal to or greater than the set number (5). If the determination is affirmative, the first subdivided number of sheets constituting the first sheet bundle is determined. 2 (sheets). Note that the first sub-number can be arbitrarily set as long as it is less than the set number (5), but here, 2 (sheets) is illustrated for specific description.

  Next, the second sub-number of sheets constituting the first sheet bundle is determined. The MCU 98 calculates the previous remaining number (X-2), and determines whether or not the previous remaining number (X-2) exceeds the set number (5). If the determination is affirmative, the second subdivision number is set as the set number (5), and if the negative determination is made, the second subdivision number is set as the remaining remaining number (X-2). Further, in the case of an affirmative determination, the subdivided number for the third and subsequent times is similarly determined.

  On the other hand, when the determination at the time of determining the first sub-sheet number constituting the first sheet bundle is negative (the attribute information (the number of sheets constituting one copy: X) is less than the set number (5)) The first subdivision number constituting the first sheet bundle is 1 (sheet). In this case, the second number of subdivisions constituting the first bundle of sheets is (X-1), and the number of subdivisions is set to 2 to be discharged to the first tray 49 to form the first bundle of sheets. It will be.

  When the attribute information is (the number of sheets constituting one copy: 12) in accordance with the above example, the first subdivision number constituting the first bundle is 2 (sheets) and the second subdivision. The number of sheets is 5 (sheets), and the third sub-number is 5 (sheets). Therefore, the number of subdivisions is set to 3, and 2-5 sheets-5 sheets are discharged to the first tray 49 to form the first sheet bundle.

  Next, the MCU 98 determines the first sub-number of sheets constituting the second and subsequent sheet bundles. If the determination at the time of determining the first sub-sheet number constituting the first sheet bundle is affirmative (the attribute information (the number of sheets constituting one copy: X) is equal to or greater than the set number (5)), 2 The first subdivision number constituting the sheet bundle after the bundle is the set number (5). Next, the second sub-number of sheets constituting the second and subsequent sheet bundles is determined. The MCU 98 calculates the previous remaining number (X-2), and determines whether or not the previous remaining number (X-2) exceeds the set number (5). If the determination is affirmative, the second subdivision number is set as the set number (5), and if the negative determination is made, the second subdivision number is set as the remaining remaining number (X-2). Further, in the case of an affirmative determination, the subdivided number for the third and subsequent times is similarly determined.

  On the other hand, when the determination at the time of determining the first sub-sheet number constituting the first sheet bundle is negative (the attribute information (the number of sheets constituting one copy: X) is less than the set number (5)) The first subdivision number constituting the second and subsequent sheet bundles is defined as (number of sheets constituting one copy: X) of the attribute information. Therefore, in this case, the number of times of subdivision is one after the second bundle.

  In accordance with the above example, when the attribute information is (the number of sheets constituting one copy: 12), the first subdivision number constituting the second and subsequent bundles is 5 (sheets), the second time The number of subdivisions is 5 (sheets), and the third subdivision number is 2 (sheets). Accordingly, the number of subdivisions is set to 3, and 5-5 sheets-2 sheets are discharged to the first tray 49 to form the second and subsequent sheet bundles.

(2) Determination of number of copies Next, the MCU 98 determines whether or not the processing is an odd-numbered bundle (S104). If the determination is affirmative, it is determined whether or not the processing is for the first bundle (S106). Such a determination can be made by referring to the attribute information (number of copies) of the post-processing mode information and counting with a counter for each number of copies. Alternatively or in conjunction with this, the output of the fourth sensor S4 built in the first tray 49 is monitored (after receiving post-processing mode information from the MCU 91), and when there is no sheet on the first tray 49, It may be determined that the process is the first bundle. That is, the MCU 98 determines that there is no sheet on the first tray 49 based on the output of the fourth sensor S4 (immediately after), and determines that the first bundle processing is 2 for the sheet bundle to be formed. The number of sheets to be discharged (the number of sheets smaller than the maximum value of the subsequent subdivided sheets) is set, and the number of sheet bundles discharged at the beginning of the next bundle (second bundle) is set to a number greater than the above two sheets. When both are used together, the output of the fourth sensor S4 built in the first tray 49 is monitored (after receiving the post-processing mode information from the MCU 91), and when there is a sheet on the first tray 49, You may make it alert | report to that to MCU91. The MCU 91 that has received this notification may display the fact on the touch panel via the touch panel control unit 94.

(3) First Subdivision Process When the MCU 98 determines that the process is the first bundle in the above (2) determination of the number of copies (Yes in S106), the MCU 98 forms the first bundle of sheets on the first tray 49. The first subdivision process is executed (S108). In the following description, in order to make it easier to grasp, according to the above-described example, it is divided into three times and 2-5 sheets-5 sheets are discharged to the first tray 49 and the first bundle is discharged. A case where a sheet bundle is formed will be described.

(3-1) Transport / Stacking Processing The MCU 98 drives a first transport motor (not shown) via the actuator control unit 99. As a result, the carry-in roller 29 starts to rotate. At this time, the electromagnetic solenoids that rotate the first and second flappers 33 and 34 remain off (see FIG. 5A). When the punching processing mode is also specified (ascertained by 1. grasping of the processing mode), the MCU 98 operates a unit movement motor (not shown) via the actuator control unit 99 according to the sheet size information. The punch unit 50 is positioned at a predetermined position orthogonal to the sheet conveyance path 28 (preparation for punch processing), and the output from the first sensor S1 is monitored.

  When the first sensor S 1 detects the leading edge of the sheet carried into the sheet conveyance path 28, the MCU 98 drives a second conveyance motor (not shown) through the actuator control unit 99 in the normal direction. As a result, the paper discharge roller 36 starts normal rotation. Further, the MCU 98 counts the number of sheets each time the first sensor S1 detects that a sheet is carried into the sheet conveyance path 28.

  When the punching processing mode is also designated, the MCU 98 stands by until the second sensor S2 detects the sheet leading edge, and a predetermined number of steps, not shown, are detected after the second sensor S2 detects the sheet leading edge. After the first and second transport motors are driven, the drive of the first and second transport motors (not shown) is stopped. As a result, the sheet being conveyed on the sheet conveyance path 28 is nipped by the paper discharge roller 36 and the carry-in roller 29 and stopped. At this time, the leading edge of the sheet is positioned on the first conveyance path 31 beyond the paper discharge port 35.

  The MCU 98 drives a punch motor (not shown) via the actuator control unit 99 to cause the punch unit 50 to perform punch processing. When the punch processing is completed, the MCU 98 drives first and second transport motors (not shown) to further move the sheet. Transport downstream. On the other hand, when the punching processing mode is not designated, the sheet is further moved downstream without stopping the driving of the first and second transport motors (not shown) even after the second sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the sheet. Transport.

  Next, when the second sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the sheet, the MCU 98 drives the alignment motors M1 and M2 via the actuator control unit 99 according to the sheet size information, and moves the alignment members 39F and 39R to the home position or the previous job. The job is moved from the standby position positioned at the time of standby to the standby position corresponding to the sheet size of the current job. Then, after the second sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the sheet, the first and second transport motors (not shown) are driven for a predetermined number of steps according to the sheet size, and then the second transport motor (not shown) is driven. The drive is stopped (the first transport motor (not shown) continues to be driven until the end of the job except when there is a punching process). At this time, the rear end of the sheet leaves the nip of the discharge roller 36 and jumps out of the discharge outlet 35, and the front end of the sheet is placed on the first tray 49.

  Next, the MCU 98 drives the second transport motor (not shown) in the reverse direction and also drives the lifting motor (not shown) in the reverse direction. As a result, the lifting roller 41 moves from the standby position to the operating position (the same applies to the paddle rotator 42) and reverses in a state of being pressed against the driven roller 48, and the sheet guide member 44 is guided from the retracted position shown in FIG. Move to position. As a result, the front end side of the sheet (the rear end side of the second switchback path 31b) is sandwiched between the lifting roller 41 and the driven roller 48, and the rear end side (the front end side of the second switchback path 31b) is held by the sheet guide member 48. It is guided and conveyed on the second switchback path 31b toward the regulating member 38. At that time, other members constituting the sheet carry-in mechanism (see <Configuration> [Sheet Post-Processing Device] 1. Mechanism Unit, Item (3-1)) also restrict the front end of the sheet on the second switchback path 31b. It assists to be conveyed toward the member 38.

  The MCU 98 stops driving after rotating the second transport motor (not shown) by a predetermined number of steps from the time when the elevating roller 41 is in pressure contact with the driven roller 48 (when it is in the operating position). As a result, the rear end of the sheet hits the regulating member 38 positioned at the home position, and the sheet is carried into the processing tray 37. Next, the elevator motor (not shown) is driven to rotate forward to move the elevator roller 41 from the operating position to the standby position, and the second conveyance motor (not shown) is driven to rotate forward to retract the sheet guide member 44 shown in FIG. After moving to the position, the drive of both motors is stopped.

  Next, the MCU 98 drives the alignment motors M1 and M2 to move the alignment members 39F and 39R from the standby position described above to a predetermined alignment position according to the sheet size. As a result, the side edge of the sheet whose rear end is regulated against the regulating member 38 on the processing tray 37 is pressed by the regulating surface 39x of the aligning members 39F and 39R, and the sheet is aligned based on, for example, the center. When the alignment of the sheet by the alignment mechanism is completed, the MCU 98 moves the alignment members 39F and 39R to the standby position in preparation for alignment of the next sheet.

  The first sheet out of the first subdivided sheets (two sheets) constituting the first bundle of sheets is aligned and stacked on the processing tray 37 by the above conveyance / stacking process. Next, the MCU 98 aligns and stacks the second sheet of the first subdivided sheets constituting the first sheet bundle on the processing tray 37 by the same transport and stacking process as described above. As a result, according to the above example, the first subdivided sheets (two sheets) are stacked on the processing tray 37. FIG. 13A shows this state.

(3-2) Discharge Processing When the first subdivided sheet (two sheets) is stacked on the processing tray 37, the MCU 98 drives the lifting motor (not shown) in the reverse direction to position the lifting roller 41 at the operating position, and the actuator control unit Both the second conveyance motor (not shown) and the drive motor M5 are driven to rotate forward via 99, and the first subdivided sheets (two sheets) stacked on the processing tray 37 are directed to the first tray 49 ( (In the reverse direction of the second switchback path 31b). 13B shows a state in which the first subdivided sheet is being discharged toward the first tray 49, and FIG. 13C shows a state in which the first subdivided sheet has been discharged to the first tray 49. Is.

  As described above, while the subdivided sheet is being discharged to the first tray 49, the regulating member 38 that pushes the rear end of the subdivided sheet, the lifting roller 41 and the driven roller 48 cooperate with each other toward the first tray 49. The subdivided sheet is discharged, but it is only halfway that the regulating member 38 pushes the rear end of the subdivided sheet. Thereafter, the regulating member 38 is returned to the home position, and the elevating roller 41 and the driven roller 48 remove the subdivided sheet from the first. The sheet is discharged to the tray 49 (<Configuration> [Sheet Post-Processing Apparatus] 1. Mechanical Unit, Item (3-4)).

  For this reason, the MCU 98 drives the drive motor M5 in the normal direction for a predetermined number of steps from the home position to the middle, and then drives it in the reverse direction to stop the drive motor M5 with reference to the output of the limit sensor described above. Thereby, the regulating member 38 is positioned at the home position. Further, the MCU 98 stops the driving after driving the second conveyance motor (not shown) in the normal direction by a predetermined number of steps according to the sheet size. Then, after the discharge of the first subdivided sheet (two sheets) to the first tray 49 is completed, a lifting motor (not shown) is driven in reverse to position the lifting roller 41 at the standby position. Thus, the first sub-sheet (two sheets) discharge process onto the first tray 49 is completed. Note that the MCU 98 determines at this point (every time when the sub-sheet discharge process is completed) whether the sub-number of times determined in the sub-sheet count determination process (S102) has been completed. The process of the number of times of subdivision is executed, and if the determination is affirmative, the first subdivision process is terminated (proceeds to S114).

  Next, the MCU 98 causes the second subdivided sheet constituting the first bundle of sheets to be discharged to the first tray 49 in the same manner as the above-described transport / stacking process and discharge process. According to the above-described example, since the number of the second subdivided sheets is 5 (sheets), 5 sheets are stacked on the processing tray 37 in the conveyance / stacking process, and are stacked on the processing tray 37 in the discharging process. The five sheets are discharged onto the first subdivided sheet on the first tray 49. The MCU 98 then discharges the third subdivided sheet (five sheets) constituting the first bundle of sheets to the first tray 49 in the same manner as the above-described conveyance / stacking process and discharge process.

  FIG. 14A shows a state immediately before the second subdivided sheet (5 sheets) is discharged to the first tray 49 after the first subdivided sheet (2 sheets) is discharged to the first tray 49, FIG. FIG. 14B shows a state where the second sub-sheet (5 sheets) is being discharged, and FIG. 14C shows a state where the second sub-sheet (5 sheets) has been discharged.

  In accordance with the example described above, the first subdivision process executed by the MCU 98 is completed when the third subdividing sheet constituting the first bundle of sheets is completely discharged to the first tray 49. Subsequently, the MCU 98 determines whether or not there is a sheet bundle to be processed next (second sheet bundle) (S114). According to the above-described example, since the number of copies (sheet bundle number) is 4, an affirmative determination is made. When the MCU 98 makes an affirmative determination, it determines whether or not it is an odd-numbered bundle process according to the above-described copy number determination process (S104). This time, a negative determination is made for the second bundle. When the MCU 98 makes a negative determination, the MCU 98 executes a second subdivision process for forming even-numbered sheet bundles on the first tray 49 (S110).

(4) Second subdivision processing According to the above-described example, the subdivision number determination processing described above is that the even-numbered bundle is subdivided into three times (from the second bundle) to 5-5 pieces-2 pieces. (S102) has been determined. The second subdivision process differs from the first subdivision process in that (A) 5 sheets-5 sheets-2 sheets are discharged to the first tray 49 to form a sheet bundle, and (B) processing for jog sorting. The point is that each sheet constituting the subdivided sheet is shifted on the tray 37. Since (A) overlaps with the description in the first subdivision process, the description thereof is omitted, and (B) is described.

  In the conveyance and stacking process of the first subdivision process, the MCU 98 drives the alignment motors M1 and M2 to move the alignment members 39F and 39R from the standby position to the alignment position, and aligns the sheet with, for example, the center reference. In the conveyance / stacking process of the second subdivision process, the MCU 98 shifts the alignment position in the conveyance / stacking process of the first subdivision process by a predetermined distance to the left or right (in the example shown in FIG. 11). The sheets are aligned on the processing tray 37 by shifting the sheets conveyed to the processing tray 37 to the alignment position where the alignment members 39F and 39R are shifted from the standby position. Let

  When the second subdivision process is completed, the MCU 98 determines whether or not there is a sheet bundle to be processed next (the third sheet bundle) (S114). It is determined whether or not (S104). If this determination is affirmative, it is determined whether or not the processing is for the first bundle (S106). According to the above-described example, the determination is negative because the third sheet bundle is processed. When the MCU 98 makes a negative determination, the MCU 98 executes a third subdivision process for forming a third sheet bundle on the first tray 49 (S112).

(5) Third subdivision processing According to the above-described example, the third bundle processing (second and subsequent bundles) is divided into three times to be 5-5 pieces-2 pieces. It has been determined in the determination process (S102). The third subdivision process is different from the first subdivision process only in that 5-5 sheets-2 sheets are discharged to the first tray 49 to form a sheet bundle, which is different from the description in the first subdivision process. Since it overlaps, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the third subdivision process is completed, the MCU 98 determines whether or not there is a sheet bundle to be processed next (fourth sheet bundle) (S114). It is determined whether or not (S104). According to the above-described example, the determination is negative because the fourth bundle (even-numbered bundle) is processed. The MCU 98 executes the second subdivision process described above to form the fourth sheet bundle on the first tray 49 (S110).

(6) End Process Next, the MCU 98 determines whether there is a sheet bundle to be processed next (S114). According to the above-described example, the processing up to the fourth sheet bundle is completed, so the determination is negative. When the MCU 98 makes a negative determination, it confirms whether job end information has been received from the MCU 91, stops the actuator such as a motor (S116), and ends the jog sorting process (ends the jog sorting process routine).

3. Binding processing The binding processing and the jog sorting process described above are different in the following four points.

  (A) The post-processing mode information of the jog sorting process is “jog sorting mode (number of copies: 4, number of sheets constituting one copy: 12)” in accordance with the above-described example, whereas the post-processing of the binding process For example, the mode information includes “binding process mode (number of copies: 4, number of sheets constituting one copy: 12, binding method: two-point binding)” and “binding method” is added to the attribute information. This “binding method” is also input by the operator from the touch panel of the image forming apparatus A or via a computer connected to the LAN. The “binding method” includes various binding methods such as left corner binding, right corner binding, and multi-binding (including the above-mentioned “two-point binding”) as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-124084. Such a binding process can also be performed by the sheet post-processing apparatus B, but in the following, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that “two-point binding” is designated as the “binding method”. . Note that the operator may not specify (specify) the “binding method”, and in this case, for example, it may be considered that “two-point binding” is specified.

  (B) The subdivision process described above is performed when the jog sorting process processes one copy (one sheet bundle), whereas such a subdivision process is not performed in the binding process. That is, in the conveyance / stacking process (2. Jog sorting process, item (3-1)), all sheets (12 sheets according to the above example) constituting one part are aligned and stacked on the processing tray 37, In the discharge process (same item (3-2)), all the sheets constituting one part are discharged to the first tray 49 all at once.

  (C) The jog sorting process shifts the sheets on the processing tray 37 when aligning the sheets constituting the even-numbered bundle, whereas such a shift is not necessary in the binding process (one copy regardless of the odd-even part). All the sheets to be configured may be aligned on the basis of the center, for example).

  (D) While the stapling process is not performed in the jog sorting process, this stapling process is performed between the transport / stacking process and the discharge process described above in the binding process.

  In the following, the post-processing mode information (“binding process mode (number of copies: 4, number of sheets constituting one copy: 12, number of binding sheets: 2, binding method): 2” from the MCU 91 to the MCU 98 centering on the differences (A) to (D). The description will be made assuming that the portion binding))) has been received. It is assumed that a binding position table corresponding to the sheet size and “binding method” is stored in the ROM of the MCU 98 and expanded in the RAM.

  The MCU 98 refers to the attribute information “number of sheets constituting one copy: 12” and repeats the above-described transport / stacking process until the first copy of the first copy on the processing tray 37 reaches 12 sheets. When all the sheets constituting the section are aligned and stacked on the processing tray 37 (for example, based on the center), the staple processing by the stapler unit 47 is executed.

  That is, the MCU 98 refers to the above-described table, drives the drive motor M3 (see FIG. 7) via the actuator control unit 99, moves the stapler unit 47 to the initial binding position, and drives the drive motor M4 (FIG. 8). And the stapler head 47b is lowered toward the anvil member 47c. As a result, the stapling process at the first binding position of the two-position binding for the sheet bundle is completed. Next, the MCU 98 refers to the above-described table, drives the drive motor M3 to move the stapler unit 47 to the second binding position, and drives the drive motor M4 to direct the stapler head 47b toward the anvil member 47c. Descent. As a result, the stapling process for the rear end portion of the sheet bundle aligned and stacked on the processing tray 37 is completed.

  Next, the MCU 98 discharges the sheet bundle that has been stapled and stacked on the processing tray 37 to the first tray 49 in the same manner as the discharge processing described above. This discharging operation is as already described with reference to FIG. Next, the MCU 98 determines whether there is the next number of copies to be processed. If the determination is affirmative, the above processing is repeated. If the determination is negative, it is confirmed whether the job end information has been received from the MCU 91 and the actuator such as a motor is stopped. The binding process ends.

4). The punching process has already been described in the above-described jog sorting process (item (3-1)) as a part of the punching process. Therefore, the control after the punching process is completed will be described. The case where the post-processing mode information is “piercing processing mode” and no attribute information is included will be described as an example.

  When the punching process is completed, the MCU 98 drives the first and second conveyance motors (not shown) that are stopped to convey the sheet further downstream. The MCU 98 reversely drives a lifting motor (not shown) after a predetermined time has elapsed after the second sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the sheet, and the lifting roller 41 that is in the forward rotation state by forward driving of a second transport motor (not shown). From the standby position to the operating position. Accordingly, the sheet is conveyed toward the first tray 49 by the lifting roller 41 and the discharge roller 36 (see FIG. 19B).

  After the second sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the sheet, the MCU 98 stops the driving after the number of steps determined in advance according to the sheet size and the second transport motor (not shown) are still driven forward. Thereby, the punched sheet is discharged onto the first tray 49 (see FIG. 19C). Thereafter, the MCU 98 drives a lifting motor (not shown) in the normal direction to position the lifting roller 41 at the standby position.

  Thus, the sheet discharge process onto the first tray 49 is completed. Next, the MCU 98 determines whether or not the job end information has been received from the MCU 91. If the determination is negative, the above process is repeated. If the determination is affirmative, the last sheet after receiving the job end information is similarly determined. The drilling process is terminated by stopping the actuator such as a motor.

5. Bookbinding Processing As described above, the case where the post-processing mode information is “bookbinding processing mode (number of copies: 4, number of sheets constituting one copy: 12)” will be described as an example.
(1) Transport / Accumulation Processing The MCU 98 drives a first transport motor (not shown) via the actuator control unit 99. As a result, the carry-in roller 29 starts to rotate. At this time, the electromagnetic solenoids that rotate the first and second flappers 33 and 34 remain off (see FIG. 5A).

  When the first sensor S 1 detects the leading edge of the sheet carried into the sheet conveyance path 28, the MCU 98 drives a second conveyance motor (not shown) through the actuator control unit 99 in the normal direction. As a result, the paper discharge roller 36 starts normal rotation. Further, the MCU 98 counts the number of sheets each time the first sensor S1 detects that a sheet is carried into the sheet conveyance path 28.

  Next, when the second sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the sheet, the MCU 98 stops driving the second conveyance motor (not shown). At this time, the leading edge of the sheet extends above the first tray 49 and the trailing edge of the sheet is nipped by the paper discharge roller 36.

  Next, the MCU 98 energizes the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the second flapper 34 via the actuator control unit 99 to turn it on. As a result, the second flapper 34 is rotated clockwise to the state shown in FIG. Further, a driving motor (not shown) is driven to move the restriction stopper 67 (see FIG. 2) located at the home position or the standby position positioned at the time of the previous job to the current standby position determined according to the sheet size. Let

  Subsequently, the MCU 98 drives a second transport motor (not shown) in the reverse direction. As a result, the paper discharge roller 36, the conveyance roller 55, and the discharge roller 62 are driven in reverse, and the sheet passes from the first switchback path 31a to the second conveyance path 32 via the second branch point D2 with the trailing edge as the leading edge. It is carried in.

  Next, the MCU 98 turns off the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the second flapper 34 when the third sensor S3 detects the leading edge of the sheet (the trailing edge of the second conveying path 32 in the conveying direction). As a result, the second flapper 34 is rotated counterclockwise to the state shown in FIG. Subsequently, after the third sensor S3 detects the leading edge of the sheet, the MCU 98 drives the second transport motor (not shown) in the reverse direction for a predetermined number of steps, and then stops driving. As a result, the sheet leaves the nip of the discharge roller 62 (discharged from the second conveyance path 32), and the regulation stopper 67 has the rear end of the sheet (front end in the conveyance direction of the second conveyance path 32) positioned in the standby position in the guide member 66. It will be in a state regulated (supported).

  The first sheet constituting the first copy is stacked in the guide member 66 by the above conveying / stacking process. The MCU 98 refers to the number of sheets constituting one part of the attribute information, and executes the same conveying / stacking process until the number of sheets (12) is stacked in the guide member 66.

(2) Saddle Stitching Process When the conveyance / stacking process ends (when 12 sheets are stacked in the guide member 66), the MCU 98 executes the saddle stitching process. That is, a moving motor (not shown) is driven to move the regulation stopper 67 from the standby position described above to a position corresponding to the binding position of the saddle stitching unit 63. Then, a saddle stitching motor (not shown) is driven via the actuator control unit 99, and one or a plurality of locations in the center of the sheet are stapled by the head unit.

(3) Folding process When the saddle stitching process is completed, the MCU 98 drives a moving motor (not shown) to move the regulation stopper 67 so that the center of the sheet bundle subjected to the saddle stitching process is positioned at the folding position Y. A folding motor (not shown) is driven via the actuator control unit 99. As a result, the folding blade 65 is inserted on the inner folding side of the sheet bundle, the sheet bundle is folded inward while being wound around the folding roller 64 at a low speed, and then the leading end side is supported by the discharge roller 69. When the sheet bundle subjected to the saddle stitching process is wound on the folding roller 64 and is removed from the support by the restriction stopper 67, the MCU 98 drives a moving motor (not shown) to prepare for the next process so that the restriction stopper 67 is in the standby position described above. After the positioning, the moving motor (not shown) is stopped.

(4) Discharge Processing The MCU 98 still drives a folding motor (not shown), and stops driving after the rear end of the sheet bundle subjected to magazine finishing processing leaves the nip by the discharge roller 69. As a result, the magazine-finished sheet bundle is discharged to the second tray 61 through a discharge port (not shown) so as to be guided by the curved guide plate and dropped.

(5) Termination process Next, the MCU 98 determines whether or not there is the next number of copies to be processed. When the determination is affirmative, the above processes (1) to (4) are repeated. It is confirmed whether the job end information has been received, the actuator such as a motor is stopped, and the bookbinding process is ended.

6). Straight Paper Discharge Processing A case where post-processing mode information is “straight paper discharge processing” and attribute information is not included will be described as an example. As described above, the post-processing mode information itself may not be input by the operator. In such a case, the post-processing mode information is regarded as “straight paper discharge processing”.

  First, the MCU 98 drives a first transport motor (not shown) via the actuator control unit 99. As a result, the carry-in roller 29, the transport roller 77, and the paper discharge roller 78 start to rotate. Further, the MCU 98 energizes the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the first flapper 33 via the actuator control unit 99 to turn it on. As a result, the first flapper 33 rotates clockwise and enters the state shown in FIG. Accordingly, the sheet carried into the sheet conveyance path 28 via the carry-in entrance 26 is discharged to the third tray 71 via the discharge port 72 at the end point of the third conveyance path 30.

  The MCU 98 determines whether or not the job end information has been received from the MCU 91. If the determination is negative, the MCU 98 maintains the ON state of the drive of the first transport motor (not shown) and the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the first flapper 33. At the time of determination, after the last sheet after receiving the job end information is discharged to the third tray 71, the drive of the first transport motor (not shown) and the energization to the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the first flapper 33 are stopped. To finish the straight sheet discharge process.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of an image forming system to which the present invention can be applied will be described. In the present embodiment, in the jog sorting process exemplified in the first embodiment, the buffer for temporarily holding the subdivided sheets is replaced by the second transport path 32 instead of the processing tray 37. In the following embodiments, the same constituent members as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

<Configuration>
As shown in FIG. 15, the sheet post-processing apparatus B of the present embodiment has a shift mechanism that shifts the roller shaft of the paper discharge roller 36. That is, the roller shafts of the drive roller pairs 36 a and 36 b constituting the paper discharge roller 36 are supported by the bracket 76. A rack 75 is fixed to the bracket 76, and the rack 75 meshes with the pinion 74. The pinion 74 is fitted on the motor shaft of a drive motor M6 (stepping motor) that can be rotated forward and backward. The drive motor M6 is attached to a motor mounting base 73 fixed to the apparatus frame 27b. Therefore, by rotating the drive motor M6 forward and backward, the paper discharge roller 36 can be shifted by the movement amount designated in either the left or right direction (see arrow) shown in FIG.

<Operation>
The difference between the jog sorting process of the present embodiment and the jog sorting process of the first embodiment is as follows. In the jog sorting process of the first embodiment, (1) the subdivision number determination process, (2) the determination of the number of copies and (6) the end process are the same in this embodiment, and (3) the first subdivision process (S108), ( 4) Only the processing contents in the second subdivision process (S110) and (5) the third subdivision process (S112) are different. Therefore, also in this embodiment, the MCU 98 executes the jog sorting process routine shown in FIG. In the following, as in the first embodiment, the post-processing mode information is “Jog sorting processing mode (number of copies: 4, number of sheets constituting one copy: 12). Sheet-5 sheets-5 sheets are subdivided into three in the second and third subdivision processes, and 5-5 sheets-2 sheets are discharged to the first tray 49 to form the first sheet bundle. Will be described.

(1) First Subdivision Process When the MCU 98 determines that the process is the first bundle (Yes in S106), the MCU 98 executes the first subdivision process for forming the first bundle of sheets on the first tray 49 (S108). ).

  The MCU 98 drives a first transport motor (not shown) to rotate the carry-in roller 29. At this time, the electromagnetic solenoids that rotate the first and second flappers 33 and 34 remain off (see FIG. 5A). When the punching processing mode is also designated, the MCU 98 operates a unit moving motor (not shown) according to the sheet size information to position the punch unit 50 at a predetermined position orthogonal to the sheet conveyance path 28, and the first The output from the sensor S1 is monitored.

  When the first sensor S1 detects the leading edge of the sheet carried into the sheet conveyance path 28, the MCU 98 causes the second conveyance motor (not shown) to rotate in the normal direction, thereby causing the paper discharge roller 36 to rotate in the normal direction. Further, the MCU 98 counts the number of sheets each time the first sensor S1 detects that a sheet is carried into the sheet conveyance path 28.

  When the punching processing mode is also designated, the MCU 98 stands by until the second sensor S2 detects the sheet leading edge, and a predetermined number of steps, not shown, are detected after the second sensor S2 detects the sheet leading edge. After driving the first and second transport motors, the drive of the first and second transport motors (not shown) is stopped, and the punch motor is driven to cause the punch unit 50 to perform the punching process. When the punching process is completed, the first and second conveyance motors (not shown) are driven to convey the sheet further downstream. On the other hand, when the punching processing mode is not designated, the sheet is further moved downstream without stopping the driving of the first and second transport motors (not shown) even after the second sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the sheet. Transport. FIG. 16A shows this state.

  Next, when the second sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the sheet, the MCU 98 stops the forward rotation driving of the second conveyance motor (not shown). At this time, the leading edge of the sheet extends above the first tray 49 and the trailing edge of the sheet is nipped by the paper discharge roller 36. Next, the MCU 98 turns on the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the second flapper 34, and reversely drives a second transport motor (not shown). As a result, the paper discharge roller 36, the conveyance roller 55, and the discharge roller 62 are driven in reverse, and the sheet is conveyed from the first switchback path 31a toward the second conveyance path 32 with the trailing edge as the leading edge.

  After the third sensor S3 detects the leading edge of the sheet, the MCU 98 drives the second transport motor (not shown) in the reverse direction for a predetermined number of steps, and then stops driving. As a result, the sheet is nipped by the conveyance roller 55, and the leading end (rear end in the conveyance direction) of the sheet is positioned at the above-described second branch point D2. Then, the MCU 98 stands by until the next (second) sheet is carried into the sheet conveyance path 28 and the first sensor S1 detects the leading edge. FIG. 16B shows a state immediately after the sheet is next carried into the sheet conveyance path 28.

  When the first sensor S1 detects the leading edge of the next sheet carried into the sheet conveyance path 28, the MCU 98 turns off the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the second flapper 34. As a result, the second flapper 34 is rotated counterclockwise to the state shown in FIG. After the first sensor S1 detects the leading edge of the next sheet carried into the sheet conveying path 28, the MCU 98 drives a second conveying motor (not shown) to rotate forward at a timing when the leading edge reaches the second branch point D2. . This timing can be grasped by counting the number of steps of the driver (actuator control unit 99) that drives the first transport motor (not shown). In this embodiment, the number of steps is stored in the ROM of the MCU 98 in advance. Since it is developed in the RAM, the MCU 98 can grasp the timing to reach the second branch point D2 after the first sensor S1 detects the leading edge of the next sheet. FIG. 16C shows a state where the leading edge of the first sheet and the leading edge of the second sheet are aligned (aligned) immediately after the second conveyance motor is driven to rotate forward.

  The first and second sheets, in other words, the first subdivided sheet (two sheets) constituting the first bundle of sheets, the rotation operation of the carry-in roller 29 by driving of a first conveyance motor (not shown) and The paper is transported on the first transport path 31 in a state in which the leading ends are aligned by the forward rotation of the paper discharge roller 36 and the transport roller 55 by forward rotation of a second transport motor (not shown). FIG. 17A shows this state.

  The MCU 98 rotates the lifting motor (not shown) in the reverse direction after the predetermined time has elapsed after the second sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the first subdivided sheet, and the normal rotation state is achieved by the forward driving of the second transport motor (not shown). The raising / lowering roller 41 is located at the operation position described above. Thereby, the first subdivided sheet (two sheets) is conveyed toward the first tray 49 by the lifting roller 41 and the discharge roller 36. FIG. 17B shows this state.

  After the second sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the first subdivided sheet, the MCU 98 continues to drive the second conveyance motor (not shown) in a forward direction after a predetermined number of steps according to the sheet size. Stop driving. As a result, the first subdivided sheet (two sheets) constituting the first sheet bundle is discharged onto the first tray 49. FIG. 17C shows this state. Thereafter, the MCU 98 drives a lifting motor (not shown) in the normal direction to position the lifting roller 41 at the standby position.

  Thus, the first sub-sheet (two sheets) discharge process onto the first tray 49 is completed. As in the first subdivision process of the first embodiment (see 2. Jog sorting process, item (3-2)), the MCU 98 described above (at every time the subdividing sheet discharge process is completed). It is determined whether or not the processing of the number of times of subdivision determined in the subdivision number determination processing (S102) is completed. If the determination is negative, the processing of the next number of subdivisions is executed, and if the determination is affirmative, the first subdivision processing is terminated ( Proceed to S114).

  Next, the MCU 98 executes the second subdivided sheets (five sheets) constituting the first bundle of sheets in the same manner as described above, and discharges them to the first tray 49. Below, the process after the 3rd sheet is explained.

  FIG. 18 (A) shows the same state as FIG. 17 (A). When the second sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the sheet (the first sheet and the second sheet), the MCU 98 stops the forward driving of the second transport motor (not shown) and turns on the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the second flapper 34. In this state, the second transport motor (not shown) is driven in reverse. As a result, the paper discharge roller 36, the conveyance roller 55, and the discharge roller 62 are driven in reverse, and the sheets (first and second sheets) are carried from the first switchback path 31a to the second conveyance path 32 with the trailing edge as the leading edge. Is done.

  After the third sensor S3 detects the leading edge of the sheet, the MCU 98 drives the second transport motor (not shown) in the reverse direction for a predetermined number of steps, and then stops driving. As a result, the sheets (first and second sheets) are nipped by the conveying roller 55, and the leading end of the sheet (the trailing end in the conveying direction) is positioned at the second branch point D2. Then, the MCU 98 stands by until the third sheet is carried into the sheet conveyance path 28 and the first sensor S1 detects the leading edge. FIG. 18B shows a state immediately after the third sheet is carried into the sheet conveyance path 28.

  When the first sensor S1 detects the leading edge of the third sheet carried into the sheet conveyance path 28, the MCU 98 turns off the electromagnetic solenoid that drives the second flapper 34. As a result, the second flapper 34 is rotated counterclockwise to the state shown in FIG. After the first sensor S1 detects the leading edge of the third sheet carried into the sheet conveying path 28, the MCU 98 rotates the second conveying motor (not shown) in a forward direction at a timing when the leading edge reaches the second branch point D2. Drive. FIG. 18C shows a state immediately before the leading edge of the third sheet and the leading edges of the first and second sheets immediately after the second transport motor is driven to rotate forward. .

  The first to third sheets are rotated by the carry-in roller 29 by driving a first conveyance motor (not shown) and the paper discharge roller 36 and the conveyance roller 55 by a normal rotation drive by a second conveyance motor (not shown). It is transported on the first transport path 31 in a state where the tips are aligned by the rolling operation. The MCU 98 repeats the above processing, aligns the leading edges of the fourth and fifth sheets constituting the first subdivided sheet in the same manner, and similarly to the case of the first subdivided sheet (two sheets), 2 The first divided sheet (5 sheets) is discharged onto the first divided sheet (2 sheets) on the first tray 49. Then, the MCU 98 discharges the third subdivided sheet (5 sheets) constituting the first sheet bundle onto the second subdivided sheet (5 sheets) on the first tray 49 in the same manner as described above.

  Thus, the first subdivision process executed by the MCU 98 ends. Subsequently, the MCU 98 determines whether or not there is a sheet bundle to be processed next (second sheet bundle) (S114). According to the above-described example, since the number of copies (sheet bundle number) is 4, an affirmative determination is made. When the MCU 98 makes an affirmative determination, it determines whether or not it is an odd-numbered bundle process according to the above-described copy number determination process (S104). This time, a negative determination is made for the second bundle. When the MCU 98 makes a negative determination, the MCU 98 executes a second subdivision process for forming even-numbered sheet bundles on the first tray 49 (S110).

(2) Second subdivision process The second subdivision process differs from the first subdivision process in that (A) 5 sheets-5 sheets-2 sheets are discharged to the first tray 49 to form a sheet bundle. B) The subdivided sheets constituting the even-numbered bundle (for example, the second bundle) of sheet bundles are shifted in units of subdivided sheets for jog sorting. Since (A) overlaps with the description in the first subdivision process, the description thereof is omitted, and (B) is described.

  For example, for the first subdivided sheet (five sheets) constituting the second bundle of sheets, the rotation operation of the carry-in roller 29 by the drive of the first transport motor (not shown) and the forward rotation drive of the second transport motor (not shown) The paper discharge roller 36 and the transport roller 55 are transported on the first transport path 31 in a state where the leading ends are aligned by the forward rotation operation (see also FIG. 17A).

  When the second sensor S2 detects the leading edge of the first subdivided sheet (five sheets), the MCU 98 drives the second transport motor (not shown) in the forward direction by a predetermined number of steps determined according to the sheet size. Thus, by driving the drive motor M6 (see FIG. 15) through the actuator control unit 99 for a predetermined number of steps, for example, forward rotation, and shifting the roller shaft of the paper discharge roller 36, the first subdivided sheet (5 (For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, it is shifted to the right side of FIG. 15). This shift needs to be completed before the leading edge of the first subdivided sheet (five sheets) is nipped by the lifting roller 41 and the driven roller 48, but the drive of the second conveyance motor (not shown) is stopped. In the stop state, the first subdivided sheet (five sheets) may be shifted, and the second conveyance motor (not shown) may be driven to rotate forward again. After that, after the first subdivided sheet (five sheets) leaves the nip conveyance of the discharge roller 36, the MCU 98 drives the drive motor M6 for a predetermined number of steps, for example, reverse rotation, thereby rotating the roller shaft of the discharge roller 36. Return to the position before the shift.

  In the above description, the first subdividing sheet (5 sheets) constituting the second bundle of sheets has been described. However, the MCU 98 does not use the subdividing sheets constituting the even bundle of bundles (in accordance with the above example, The same shift is executed for the second and fourth bundles (first to third sub-sheets).

  When the second subdivision process is completed, the MCU 98 determines whether or not there is a sheet bundle to be processed next (the third sheet bundle) (S114). It is determined whether or not (S104). If this determination is affirmative, it is determined whether or not the processing is for the first bundle (S106). According to the above-described example, the determination is negative because the third sheet bundle is processed. When the MCU 98 makes a negative determination, the MCU 98 executes a third subdivision process for forming a third sheet bundle on the first tray 49 (S112).

(3) Third subdivision process The third subdivision process is different from the first subdivision process only in that 5-5 sheets-2 sheets are discharged to the first tray 49 to form a sheet bundle. Since it overlaps with the description in one subdivision process, the description is omitted.

  When the third subdivision process is completed, the MCU 98 determines whether or not there is a sheet bundle to be processed next (fourth sheet bundle) (S114). It is determined whether or not (S104). According to the above-described example, the determination is negative because the fourth bundle (even-numbered bundle) is processed. The MCU 98 executes the second subdivision process described above to form the fourth sheet bundle on the first tray 49 (S110).

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of an image forming system to which the present invention can be applied will be described. In this embodiment, in the jog sorting process exemplified in the first embodiment, at least the first subdivided sheet constituting the first sheet bundle is discharged to the first tray 49 via the first conveyance path 31, The other subdivided sheets are discharged from the processing tray 37 to the first tray 49. That is, straight discharge and buffer discharge by the processing tray 38 are combined.

<Operation>
In the following, as in the jog sorting process of the first embodiment, the post-processing mode information is “jog sorting mode (number of copies: 4, number of sheets constituting one copy: 12)” and the set number of sheets is 5 (sheets). It will be described as being. In addition, since control of MCU98 in this embodiment is clear from control of MCU98 of the 1st and 2nd embodiment mentioned above, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the subdivision number determination process (see also FIG. 12, S102), the first subdivision number constituting the first bundle is set to one. In the above example, the subdivided sheets are discharged to the first tray 49 by four subdivision times of 1 sheet-5 sheets-5 sheets-1 sheet.

  That is, (a) the first subdivided sheet (one sheet) constituting the first sheet bundle is discharged from the first conveyance path 31 to the first tray 49, and (b) the first bundle of sheets is formed. The second and subsequent subdivided sheets (five sheets or one sheet) are discharged to the first tray 49 via the processing tray 37 having a buffer function for temporarily holding the sheets as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 19 shows that when the first sheet bundle is formed on the first tray 49 in (a) above, the first subdivided sheet (one sheet) is transferred from the first transport path 31 to the first tray 49. It is explanatory drawing of discharge operation | movement at the time of discharge | emission.

  That is, FIG. 19A shows a state in which the leading edge of the first subdivided sheet protrudes from the paper discharge outlet 35. In this state, the elevating roller 41 is positioned at the standby position. FIG. 19B shows a state in which the first subdivided sheet is conveyed (discharged) to the first tray 49 by the elevating roller 41 and the paper discharge roller 36 positioned at the operation position. FIG. 19C shows a state in which the first subdivided sheet is discharged onto the first tray 49. After that, when the driving of the second transport motor (not shown) is stopped, the elevating roller 41 and the paper discharge roller 36 stop normal rotation, and the elevating roller 41 is moved to the standby position by the normal driving of the elevating motor (not shown). Positioned on.

  FIG. 20 shows that when the first sheet bundle is formed on the first tray 49 in (b) above, the second subdivided sheet (five sheets) is placed on the first tray 49 via the processing tray 37. It is explanatory drawing of discharge operation | movement at the time of discharging on the 1st subdivision sheet | seat.

  20A shows a state immediately before discharging, FIG. 20B shows a discharging state, and FIG. 20C shows a discharging end state. The first embodiment (2. Jog sorting process, The only difference is that the number of the first subdivided sheets (2 sheets) in FIGS. 14A to 14C described in item (3-2)) is one.

  In the above, in order to improve the alignment of the first bundle of sheets formed on the first tray 49, the first subdivided sheet constituting the first bundle of sheets is 1-5 sheets-5. Although the example of 1 sheet-1 has been described, in order to increase the processing speed, the first subdividing sheet constituting the first sheet bundle is, for example, 1 sheet-1 sheet-5 sheets-5 sheets. The first sub-sheet (1 sheet) and the second sub-sheet (1 sheet) are discharged from the first conveyance path 31 to the first tray 49, and the third sub-sheet (5 sheets) and the fourth sub-sheet (5 sheets) are discharged. ) May be discharged to the first tray 49 via the processing tray 37.

(Effects etc.)
Next, the effects and the like of the image forming system according to the above-described embodiment will be described focusing on the effects and the like of the sheet post-processing apparatus B.

  In the sheet post-processing apparatus B of the above embodiment, when forming the first bundle of sheets on the first tray 49, the sheets constituting the first bundle are divided and discharged in a plurality of times, and discharged separately. At that time, the sheet is divided and discharged (conveyed) so that the subdivided number of sheets discharged in the first batch of the first bundle is smaller than the number of sheets bundled in the first of the second bundle. For this reason, in the prior art, among the sheets constituting the first sheet bundle, the lowermost sheet that is in direct contact with the surface of the first tray 49 is different from the surface of the first tray 49 due to the difference in the coefficient of friction between the surface and the sheet. Although there is a possibility that deviation from the sheet may occur, according to the sheet post-processing apparatus B of the above-described embodiment, the deviation can be prevented.

  In the sheet post-processing apparatus B of the second embodiment, a sheet bundle is formed on the first tray 49 using the sheet conveyance path (the first path 32, the sheet conveyance path 28, and the second conveyance path 32). As compared with the first embodiment, a motor (for example, a second transport motor (not shown)) having a smaller torque can be used. Further, the processing tray 37 is not necessarily required, and the sheet carry-in mechanism can be simplified to the lifting roller 41 and the driven roller 48. For this reason, the arrangement | positioning freedom degree of a sheet conveyance path can be raised.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a sheet bundle is formed on the first tray 49 in the jog sorting process has been described. However, the present invention includes a case where only one sheet bundle is formed regardless of the jog sorting process. It is generally applicable when forming a sheet bundle on a tray. Further, the alignment members 39F and 39R exemplified in the first embodiment can be moved by a designated movement amount in either the left or right direction shown in FIG. 6, and the paper discharge roller 36 can be moved by the shift mechanism exemplified in the second embodiment. Since each roller axis can be shifted by a specified movement amount in either the left or right direction shown in FIG. 15, a sorting process for stacking three or more sheet bundles in an offset state on the first tray 49 may be performed. Is possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a sheet bundle is formed on the first tray 49 (discharge tray) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a processing tray disposed inside the apparatus. is there. In this case, in order to prevent a plurality of processing trays from being used, a buffer for temporarily holding the subdivided sheets is branched from the sheet conveyance path 28 as in the second conveyance path 32 shown in the second embodiment. A branch path may be used.

  In such a branch path, as shown in the second embodiment, the sheet conveyed to the branch path (second transport path) via the transport path (sheet transport path 28) is opposite to the transport direction. Alternatively, it may be switched back and discharged to the first tray 49 via the conveyance path (sheet conveyance path 28), or the second branch point D2 described above may be positioned at, for example, the third branch point D3 (also in FIG. 4). For example, the sheet may be switched back in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the sheet conveyed to the branch path and discharged to the first tray 49. Further, the branch path is inclined from the second branch point D2 to the processing tray 37 side, and the sheet conveyed to the branch path via the conveyance path is discharged to the processing tray 37 as it is along the conveyance direction. Good. In this aspect, in order to smoothly discharge the sheet from the branch path to the processing tray 37 and the sheet or sheet bundle from the processing tray 37 to the first tray 49, for example, an angle changing mechanism that changes the angle of the processing tray 37 is provided. You may make it prepare.

  In the second embodiment, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the sheet conveyance path can be increased as described above. However, when the processing tray 37 is not provided, the staple processing by the stapler unit 47 cannot be performed. The sheet may be conveyed to the second conveyance path 32, and the corner portion (rear end portion) of the sheet bundle may be stapled by the saddle stitching unit 63.

  Further, in the first embodiment, when the subdividing sheets constituting the even-numbered bundles are aligned by the alignment members 39F and 39R, an example in which each sheet of the subdividing sheets is shifted one by one has been described. For example, the sheets may be aligned on the basis of the center, and the subdivided sheets may be shifted at once by the alignment members 39F and 39R before being conveyed to the first tray 49.

  Unlike the alignment members 39F and 39R exemplified in the first embodiment, when the alignment member can be aligned only in one direction or when the shift mechanism exemplified in the second embodiment is not provided, the stack tray is set in the conveyance orthogonal direction. It may be moved to perform jog sorting or sorting.

  In the present embodiment, a mode is shown in which even when the number of one bundle is less than the set number (5), the first bundle is ejected separately. However, the number of sheet bundles is equal to or less than a predetermined number (for example, 2). In this case, it is not necessary to divide and discharge because sheet misalignment hardly occurs. Therefore, when the number of bundles is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the bundles may be discharged in the same number in the first bundle and the second and subsequent bundles without performing divided discharge. In other words, if the number of sheets in one bundle is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, 3 sheets), the first bundle must be divided and the subdivided number of sheets that are divided and discharged first is discharged first in the second bundle. The number of discharged sheet bundles may be set so as to be smaller than the number of sheet bundles to be discharged (when the discharge is completed once and when the first divided sheet is divided).

  As described above, the present invention provides a sheet discharging apparatus, an image forming system, and a sheet post-processing apparatus that do not cause a shift in the lowermost sheet on the tray. Since it contributes to the manufacture and sale of processing equipment, it has industrial applicability.

3 Image forming unit (image forming means)
28 Sheet transport path (transport path)
32 Second transport path (buffer unit, branch path)
36 Paper discharge roller (part of sheet bundle forming means, part of discharge mechanism)
37 Processing tray (buffer unit, second tray)
38 Restriction member (part of sheet bundle forming means, part of discharge mechanism)
38v conveyor belt (part of sheet bundle forming means, part of discharge mechanism)
41 Lifting roller (part of sheet bundle forming means, part of discharge mechanism)
49 First stack tray (first tray)
A Image forming unit (part of image forming system)
B Sheet post-processing device (part of image forming system)
M5 drive motor (part of discharge mechanism)
S4 4th sensor

Claims (9)

A first tray for stacking sheets;
Sheet bundle forming means for forming a sheet bundle on the first tray;
With
The sheet bundle forming means includes
When forming the first bundle of sheets on the first tray, the sheets constituting the bundle of sheets are divided and discharged in a plurality of times.
The number of subdivided sheets discharged in the first batch of the first bundle is less than the number of sheet bundles discharged first in the second bundle;
A sheet discharging apparatus characterized by that.   The sheet bundle forming means includes a buffer unit that temporarily holds sheets until the number of conveyed sheets reaches a predetermined number of subdivisions, and a sheet held in the buffer unit on the first tray. The sheet discharging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge mechanism that discharges the sheet.   3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a transport path for transporting sheets, wherein the buffer unit is a second tray for temporarily stacking sheets transported through the transport path. The sheet discharging apparatus as described.   The sheet discharge apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a conveyance path for conveying the sheet, wherein the buffer unit is a branch path formed so as to branch from the conveyance path.   The discharge mechanism switches back the sheet temporarily held in the branch path in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the sheet conveyed to the branch path and discharges it to the first tray. 5. The sheet discharge according to claim 4, wherein the sheet is conveyed in the switchback direction in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the sheet conveyed to the branch path, and discharged to the first tray through the conveyance path. apparatus.   A transport path for transporting sheets; the buffer unit is a second tray for temporarily stacking sheets transported via the transport path; and the discharge mechanism includes the transport path The first sheet conveyed via the sheet is discharged to the first tray as a sheet to be divided and discharged for the first time, and the sheets temporarily stacked on the second tray are divided for the second and subsequent times. The sheet discharging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sheet is discharged to the first tray as a discharged sheet.   The sheet bundle forming means divides and discharges the sheets constituting the sheet bundle by dividing into a plurality of times when forming the first sheet bundle of one job on the first tray. The number of sheets divided and discharged in the first batch of the first bundle is smaller than the number of sheets bundle discharged first in the second bundle of the one job. Item 7. The sheet discharging apparatus according to any one of Items 6 above. A detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet on the first tray;
The sheet bundle forming means divides the sheet bundle into a plurality of times when forming the first sheet bundle to be discharged after the detecting means detects that there is no sheet on the first tray. 2. A sheet according to claim 1, wherein the constituent sheets are divided and discharged, and the number of subdivided sheets of the first bundle that is divided and discharged is smaller than the number of sheets that are discharged first of the second bundle. The sheet discharging apparatus according to claim 7. Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet;
A first tray for stacking sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit;
Sheet bundle forming means for forming a sheet bundle on the first tray;
With
The sheet bundle forming means includes
When forming a sheet bundle on the first tray, the sheets constituting the sheet bundle are divided and discharged in a plurality of times,
The number of subdivided sheets discharged in the first batch of the first bundle is less than the number of subdivided sheets discharged in the first time of the second bundle;
An image forming system.

Images