JP2019077548A - Post-processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To obtain a post-processing device capable of improving productivity by utilizing an operation of transporting a sheet on a transport path in a forward direction and then transporting it in a reverse direction.SOLUTION: A post-processing device 2 includes: a first transport path 11; a second transport path 12 and a third transport path 13 provided branched from the first transport path 11; guide means 20 for guiding a preceding sheet P1 in a forward direction to one of the first transport path 11 and the second transport path 12, and guiding a sheet P2 following the preceding sheet P1 in a forward direction to the other of the first transport path 11 and the second transport path 12, and guiding the preceding sheet P1 transported in a reverse direction from one transport path and the following sheet P2 transported in the reverse direction from the other transport path to the third transport path 13; and processing means 30 for stacking the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 transported through the third transport path 13 and performing post-processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing on a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus.

  As disclosed in the following Patent Documents 1 to 5, post-processing devices are known. The post-processing apparatus subjects the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus to post-processing. Examples of post-processing include binding processing, punching processing, folding processing, bookbinding processing, and sorting processing. Post-processing apparatuses are commercially available in the state of being integrated with an image forming apparatus in recent years. The formation of an image by the image forming apparatus and the post-processing on the sheet by the post-processing apparatus are continuously performed, and the productivity improvement as a whole system including the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus It has been demanded.

  For example, in a post-processing apparatus that performs center folding processing and saddle stitching processing, while the processing unit is performing post-processing on the preceding sheet bundle, the following sheet bundle can not be supplied to the processing unit. After the post-processing for the preceding sheet bundle is completed, the succeeding sheet bundle is supplied to the processing means. In order to adjust the timing of supplying the subsequent sheet bundle to the processing means, it is generally performed to delay or stop the conveyance of the subsequent sheet bundle.

JP, 2015-209278, A JP, 2006-008384, A JP, 2013-245055, A JP 2008-213971 A JP, 2006-056712, A

  Inside the post-processing apparatus, a plurality of transport paths are provided to transport the sheet. In the conventional post-processing apparatus, after the sheet is transported in the forward direction in the transport path, the sheet is transported in the reverse direction in the transport path. However, in the conventional post-processing apparatus, for the purpose of adjusting the supply timing of the subsequent sheet bundle to the processing means, the operation of conveying the sheet in the forward direction and then conveying it in the reverse direction can be sufficiently utilized. There is room for improvement in terms of improvement in productivity (processing efficiency).

  The present invention is a post-processing apparatus capable of improving productivity by effectively utilizing an operation of conveying a sheet in the conveyance direction in the forward direction and then conveying the sheet in the reverse direction more effectively than before. Intended to provide.

  The post-processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing on a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus, and is located above a first conveyance path and the first conveyance path. A second transport path branched from the first transport path, and a third transport path located below the first transport path and branched from the first transport path A sheet is guided in a forward direction to one of the first and second conveyance paths, and a sheet following the preceding sheet is selected from the first and second conveyance paths. The third sheet is guided in the forward direction to the other conveyance path, and the preceding sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the one conveyance path and the subsequent sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the other conveyance path Guiding means for guiding to the path, and the above transported through the third transport path Comprising a processing means for performing post-processing and loading the sheet and the subsequent sheet line, the.

  Preferably, in the post-processing apparatus, the guiding unit guides the preceding sheet to the first conveyance path in the forward direction, and the guiding unit is conveyed from the first conveyance path in the reverse direction. And guiding the succeeding sheet to the second conveyance path in the forward direction while guiding the sheet to the third conveyance path.

  Preferably, in the post-processing apparatus, the guiding means guides the preceding sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path, guides the succeeding sheet in the forward direction to the first conveyance path, and the guiding means And the processing means is arranged such that the subsequent sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path and the preceding sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path are superimposed on each other. The following sheet and the preceding sheet are guided to the third conveyance path so as to be supplied.

  Preferably, in the post-processing apparatus, the guide means includes an upper guide portion and a lower guide portion which are disposed to face each other at an interval, and the upper guide portion and the lower guide portion are configured to convey a sheet. It is supported so as to be integrally rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the direction and parallel to the horizontal direction, and between the upper guide portion and the lower guide portion A guideway is formed, and a guide surface is formed at a position opposite to the side forming the guideway in the lower guide portion, and the one conveyance path is sequentially formed. The preceding sheet conveyed in the direction and the succeeding sheet conveyed in the forward direction to the other conveyance path are guided by the guiding means by passing inside the guide path, and the one conveyance path Transported in the reverse direction from above It said successive sheet is conveyed in the reverse direction from the sheet and the other of the conveying path rows is conveyed to the third conveying path by being guided by the guide surface.

  Preferably, in the post-processing apparatus, the guide unit guides the preceding sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path, and guides the subsequent sheet in the forward direction to the first conveyance path. A second guide for guiding the subsequent sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path to the third conveyance path, and the preceding sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path And a third guide for guiding the second conveyance path to the third conveyance path.

  Preferably, in the post-processing apparatus, the first guide and the third guide are connected to each other via a link mechanism, and are configured to rotate in conjunction with one drive source, and the first guide The third guide is also disposed at a position for guiding the preceding sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path in a state in which the sheet is arranged at the position for guiding the preceding sheet to the second conveyance path in the forward direction. And the third guide guides the preceding sheet from the second conveyance path in a state where the first guide is disposed at a position for guiding the subsequent sheet to the first conveyance path in the forward direction. It is arrange | positioned in the position which conveys in the reverse direction toward said 3rd conveyance path.

  A post-processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is a post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing on a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus, and is located above a first conveyance path and the first conveyance path. A second conveyance path provided branched from the first conveyance path, a third conveyance path located below the first conveyance path, and provided branched from the first conveyance path, and The first image forming apparatus is provided on the lower side of the first conveyance path, and is branched from the first conveyance path on the side of the image forming apparatus than the position of the branch from the first conveyance path to the second conveyance path. One of the fourth conveying path joining the conveying path, the preceding sheet and the sheet following the preceding sheet is guided in the forward direction to the first conveying path, and the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet Guiding the other one of the sheets to the second transport path in the forward direction; The one sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path is guided to the third conveyance path, and the other sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path is guided to the fourth conveyance path And guiding means, and processing means for stacking the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet conveyed through the third conveyance path and performing post-processing.

  Preferably, in the post-processing apparatus, the guiding unit guides the preceding sheet to the first conveyance path in the forward direction, and the guiding unit is conveyed from the first conveyance path in the reverse direction. And guiding the succeeding sheet to the second conveyance path in the forward direction while guiding the sheet to the third conveyance path.

  Preferably, in the post-processing apparatus, the guiding unit guides the preceding sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path, and guides the subsequent sheet in the forward direction to the first conveyance path. The preceding sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the conveyance path is guided to the fourth conveyance path, and the subsequent sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path is guided to the third conveyance path. The guiding unit is supplied to the processing unit in a state in which the subsequent sheet conveyed from the third conveyance path and the preceding sheet conveyed from the fourth conveyance path are superimposed on each other. And guides the subsequent sheet and the preceding sheet to the third conveyance path.

  Preferably, in the post-processing apparatus, the guiding unit is provided at a branch position from the first conveyance path to the fourth conveyance path, and guides the one sheet in the forward direction to the first conveyance path. A pivotable first guide for guiding the other sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path to the fourth conveyance path, and branching from the first conveyance path to the second conveyance path , And guides the other sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path to the fourth conveyance path while guiding the other sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path. A second guide, which is pivotable, is provided at a branch position from the first conveyance path to the third conveyance path, and guides the one sheet to the first conveyance path in the forward direction, and The one sheet transported in the reverse direction from the transport path is 3 guided to the conveying path, including a third guide and a revolvable, the.

  Preferably, in the post-processing apparatus, the downstream end of the first conveyance path in the forward direction forms a sheet discharge outlet to the first processing unit, and the downstream end of the second conveyance path is a second process A portion of the sheet which forms a sheet discharge outlet to the sheet and is reversed in the forward direction from the forward direction in the first conveyance path is the first sheet from the sheet outlet to the first processing unit when the sheet is reversed. A portion of the sheet exposed in the processing unit and reversed in the forward direction in the second conveyance path is exposed to the second processing unit from the discharge port to the second processing unit at the time of reversal. doing.

  Preferably, in the post-processing apparatus, the processing unit is configured such that the sheet bundle processed by the processing unit is discharged from the processing unit in the same direction as the forward direction of the first conveyance path. The portion of the processing means on which the sheet bundle to be processed by the processing means is stacked has an inclination for accommodating a plurality of sheets in the opposite direction to the discharging direction. .

  According to the post-processing apparatus having the above configuration, productivity can be improved by effectively utilizing the operation of transporting the sheet in the transport direction in the transport direction and then transporting the sheet in the reverse direction as compared to before. Can be

FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2 in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view showing a first conveyance path 11, a second conveyance path 12, a third conveyance path 13, a guiding unit 20, and the like provided in the post-processing apparatus 2 in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a first view showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the forward direction in the first conveyance path 11 in the post-processing device 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a second view showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the forward direction in the first conveyance path 11 in the post-processing device 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the subsequent sheet P2 is conveyed in the forward direction in the second conveyance path 12 in the post-processing device 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed toward the third conveyance path 13 in the reverse direction in the first conveyance path 11 in the post-processing device 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the subsequent sheet P2 is conveyed in the reverse direction in the second conveyance path 12 toward the third conveyance path 13 in the post-processing device 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are sequentially supplied to the saddle stitching staple device 30 in the post-processing device 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a first view showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the forward direction in the second conveyance path 12 in the post-processing device 2A of the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a second diagram showing the state in which the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the forward direction in the second conveyance path 12 in the post-processing device 2A of the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a first view showing a state in which the subsequent sheet P2 is conveyed in the forward direction in the first conveyance path 11 in the post-processing device 2A of the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a second diagram showing the state in which the subsequent sheet P2 is conveyed in the forward direction in the first conveyance path 11 in the post-processing device 2A of the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are conveyed toward the third conveyance path 13 in a state where they are superimposed on each other in the post-processing device 2A of the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are supplied to the saddle stitching staple device 30 in a state where they are superimposed on each other in the post-processing device 2A of the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a view showing a conveyance path, a saddle stitching staple device 30 and the like provided in the post-processing device 2Z1 in Comparative Example 1; FIG. 18 is a view showing a conveyance path, a saddle stitching staple device 30 and the like provided in the post-processing device 2Z2 in Comparative Example 2; FIG. 18 is a view showing a conveyance path, a saddle stitching staple device 30 and the like provided in the post-processing device 2Z3 in Comparative Example 3; FIG. 17 is a view showing a first conveyance path 11, a second conveyance path 12, a third conveyance path 13, a guide unit 20, and the like provided in the post-processing apparatus 2B in the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a view showing a guide unit 20 and the like provided in the post-processing device 2B in the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of the guide unit 20 (first guide 201 and third guide 203) provided in the post-processing device 2B in Embodiment 3. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the forward direction in the first conveyance path 11 in the post-processing device 2B of the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the subsequent sheet P2 is conveyed in the forward direction in the second conveyance path 12 in the post-processing device 2B of the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed toward the third conveyance path 13 in the reverse direction in the first conveyance path 11 in the post-processing device 2B of the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which the subsequent sheet P2 is conveyed in the reverse direction in the second conveyance path 12 toward the third conveyance path 13 in the post-processing device 2B of the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the forward direction in the second conveyance path 12 in the post-processing device 2C of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the subsequent sheet P2 is conveyed in the forward direction in the first conveyance path 11 in the post-processing device 2C of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are conveyed toward the third conveyance path 13 in a state where they are superimposed on each other in the post-processing device 2C of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a view showing a first conveyance path 11, a second conveyance path 12, a third conveyance path 13, a fourth conveyance path 14, a guide unit 20, and the like provided in the post-processing apparatus 2D in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a view showing a guide unit 20 and the like provided in the post-processing device 2D in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the forward direction in the first conveyance path 11 in the post-processing device 2D of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which the subsequent sheet P2 is conveyed in the forward direction in the second conveyance path 12 in the post-processing device 2D of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the reverse direction in the first conveyance path 11 and conveyed by the third conveyance path 13 in the post-processing device 2D of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which a subsequent sheet P2 is conveyed in the reverse direction in the second conveyance path 12 and conveyed by the fourth conveyance path 14 in the post-processing device 2D of the fifth embodiment. In post-processing apparatus 2E of the sixth embodiment, it is a diagram showing a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the forward direction in the second conveyance path 12. In post-processing apparatus 2E of the sixth embodiment, it is a diagram showing a state in which the following sheet P2 is conveyed in the forward direction in the first conveyance path 11. In the post-processing apparatus 2E of the sixth embodiment, the third conveyance path 13 (the junction of the third conveyance path 13 and the fourth conveyance path 14) in a state where the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are superimposed on each other. Is a diagram showing a state of being transported toward the.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components and corresponding components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may not be repeated.

First Embodiment
(Image forming apparatus 1 and post-processing apparatus 2)
FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2 in the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 prints on a sheet. The post-processing apparatus 2 is integrated with the image forming apparatus 1 and performs post-processing on the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 1.

  The post-processing apparatus 2 includes a first conveyance path 11, a second conveyance path 12, a third conveyance path 13, guiding means 20, a saddle stitching staple device 30 (processing means), an end stapling staple device 40, a first discharge tray E1 ( A first processing unit) and a second discharge tray E2 (second processing unit) are provided. FIG. 2 is a view showing the first conveyance path 11, the second conveyance path 12, the third conveyance path 13, the guide means 20, and the like.

(First transport path 11)
The first conveyance path 11 conveys the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 through the discharge unit 10. The first transport path 11 extends away from the discharge unit 10 along the substantially horizontal direction from the position of the discharge unit 10. The first transport path 11 includes transport units 11a, 11b, and 11c. When the sheet moves in the direction away from the discharge unit 10 when the sheet moves in the first conveyance path 11, the sheet is referred to as being moved in the forward direction (or conveyed in the forward direction). When the sheet moves in the direction approaching the discharge unit 10, the sheet is moved in the reverse direction (or conveyed in the reverse direction).

  The transport units 11a, 11b, and 11c are arranged in this order in the forward direction. In the first conveyance path 11, a conveyance roller R11a is provided at a position between the discharge unit 10 and the conveyance unit 11a. In the first conveyance path 11, a conveyance roller R11b is provided between the conveyance unit 11b and the conveyance unit 11c. At a position of the first conveyance path 11 between the conveyance unit 11 a and the conveyance unit 11 b, a guide unit 20 described later is provided. A downstream end of the first conveyance path 11 (conveyance unit 11c) in the forward direction forms a paper discharge port 11E to the first discharge tray E1 (first processing unit). The sheet or sheet bundle processed by the end-stitching stapler 40 or the like is discharged to the first discharge tray E1 through the discharge port 11E.

(2nd conveyance path 12)
The second conveyance path 12 is located above the first conveyance path 11 (here, above the conveyance section 11 b). The second conveyance path 12 branches from the first conveyance path 11 at a position where the guiding unit 20 is provided (that is, between the conveyance units 11 a and 11 b). When the sheet moves in the direction away from the guiding means 20 when the sheet moves in the second conveyance path 12, the sheet is referred to as being moved in the forward direction (or conveyed in the forward direction). When the sheet moves in the direction approaching the guide means 20, the sheet is moved in the reverse direction (or conveyed in the reverse direction).

  The upstream end of the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction is connected to the first conveyance path 11. The second transport path 12 is formed to extend obliquely upward as it goes away from the guiding means 20. A conveyance roller R12a is provided slightly downstream of the upstream end of the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction. A conveyance roller R12b is provided slightly upstream of the downstream end of the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction. The downstream end of the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction forms a sheet discharge outlet 12E for the second discharge tray E2 (second processing unit). The sheet or sheet bundle which has not been specially processed by the post-processing device 2 is discharged to the second discharge tray E2 through the discharge port 12E.

(Third transport path 13)
The third conveyance path 13 is located below the first conveyance path 11 (here, below the conveyance unit 11 a). The third conveyance path 13 branches from the first conveyance path 11 at a position where the guiding unit 20 is provided (that is, between the conveyance units 11 a and 11 b). The upstream end of the third conveyance path 13 is connected to the first conveyance path 11. An upstream portion of the third conveyance path 13 is formed to extend obliquely downward as the distance from the guiding means 20 increases. A conveyance roller R <b> 13 is provided slightly downstream of the upstream end of the third conveyance path 13. The downstream end of the third conveyance path 13 is connected to the saddle stitching staple device 30 (FIG. 1).

(Saddle stitching stapler 30)
Referring back to FIG. 1, the saddle stitching staple device 30 includes the conveying roller 31, the folding roller 32, the stacker 33, the stopper 34, the blade 35 and the like, and is supplied to the saddle stitching staple device 30 through the third conveying path 13. The sheets are stacked, subjected to post-processing (here, center folding and saddle stitching), and discharged to the outside as a sheet bundle (sheet bundle 50 shown in FIG. 8).

  The saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 as the processing means has a direction (a direction of an arrow DR shown in FIG. 1) in which the sheet bundle processed by the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 is discharged from the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 It is configured to be in the same direction as the forward direction (that is, the direction away from the image forming apparatus 1 and the direction from the right to the left in FIG. 1).

  The portion of the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 on which the sheet bundle to be processed by the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 is stacked (i.e., the stacker 33) moves from the upper right to the lower left in FIG. It has a mounting surface shape inclined toward the In other words, the third conveyance path 13 is configured to have an inclination for accommodating a plurality of sheets in the order opposite to the direction (the above-described discharge direction) indicated by the arrow DR1 (FIG. 8). reference).

(Guide means 20)
The guiding means 20 (FIG. 2) includes an upper guide portion 21 and a lower guide portion 22 which are arranged to face each other at a distance. The upper guide portion 21 and the lower guide portion 22 are pivotally supported by the rotary shaft 23, and can be integrally rotated around the rotary shaft 23 by being driven by a drive source (not shown). The rotation shaft 23 extends in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction and parallel to the horizontal direction. A guide path 24 is formed between the upper guide portion 21 and the lower guide portion 22. A guide surface 25 is formed at a position opposite to the side forming the guide path 24 in the lower guide portion 22.

  The guiding means 20 guides the preceding sheet P1 in the forward direction to one of the first conveyance path 11 and the second conveyance path 12, and the first conveyance path 11 guides the sheet P2 following the preceding sheet P1. And the other conveyance path of the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction. The guiding means 20 further guides, to the third conveyance path 13, the preceding sheet P1 conveyed in the opposite direction from one conveyance path and the subsequent sheet P2 conveyed in the opposite direction from the other conveyance path. In the present embodiment, the first conveyance path 11 corresponds to “one conveyance path”, and the second conveyance path 12 corresponds to “the other conveyance path”.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the guiding unit 20 guides the preceding sheet P <b> 1 to the first conveyance path 11 in the forward direction. Specifically, the preceding sheet P1 supplied to the post-processing device 2 through the discharge unit 10 is fed into the conveyance unit 11a by the conveyance roller R11a, and enters the inside of the guide path 24 of the guide unit 20. The preceding sheet P1 conveyed in the forward direction toward the first conveying path 11 (conveying portion 11b) is guided by the guiding means 20 by passing inside the guiding path 24, and the downstream side of the first conveying path 11 It is further transported towards the part of. The preceding sheet P1 further passes through the inside of the conveyance unit 11b, and is fed to the conveyance unit 11c by the conveyance roller R11b. Thereafter, the guiding means 20 is pivoted about the rotary shaft 23 in the direction toward the second conveyance path 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the following sheet P2 is fed into the post-processing device 2 following the preceding sheet P1. The subsequent sheet P2 is fed into the conveyance unit 11a by the conveyance roller R11a, and then enters the inside of the guide path 24. The subsequent sheet P2 conveyed in the forward direction toward the second conveyance path 12 is guided by the guiding means 20 by passing inside the guide path 24 and is directed toward the downstream side portion of the second conveyance path 12 It is further transported. The preceding sheet P1 is conveyed toward the third conveyance path 13 in a reverse direction of the conveyance unit 11c at a predetermined timing (a timing at which the post-processing for the preceding sheet bundle ends).

  When conveyance of the preceding sheet P1 in the reverse direction is started, that is, when the sheet is reversed from conveyance in the forward direction to conveyance in the reverse direction in the first conveyance path 11, part of the sheet is the first discharge tray. It is exposed to the first discharge tray E1 (in the space above the first discharge tray E1) from the discharge port 11E to E1. The post-processing apparatus 2 effectively utilizes a space (space located above the first discharge tray E1) outside the sheet discharge outlet 11E when performing such a reversal. It is possible to miniaturize the post-processing apparatus 2 as compared to the case where the reverse operation is performed internally.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the preceding sheet P1 conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path 11 (conveying portions 11c and 11b) is guided by the guiding surface 25 of the guiding means 20 (lower guide portion 22). Is transported to the third transport path 13. The guiding means 20 guides the following sheet P2 in the forward direction to the second conveyance path 12 while guiding the preceding sheet P1 conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path 11 to the third conveyance path 13 It is good to do. In this case, a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is guided by the guide surface 25 and conveyed toward the third conveyance path 13 and the subsequent sheet P2 is conveyed inside the guide path 24 and is conveyed to the second conveyance path 12 A state of being transported toward the head is simultaneously formed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, after the preceding sheet P1 is guided toward the third conveyance path 13 and advances into the third conveyance path 13, the subsequent sheet P2 has the second conveyance path 12 at a predetermined timing. In the reverse direction toward the third transport path 13.

  When the conveyance of the following sheet P2 in the reverse direction is started, that is, when the sheet is reversed from the forward conveyance to the reverse conveyance in the second conveyance path 12, a part of the sheet is the second discharge tray It is exposed to the second discharge tray E2 (in the space above the second discharge tray E2) from the discharge port 12E to E2. The post-processing apparatus 2 effectively utilizes a space (space located above the second discharge tray E2) outside the sheet discharge outlet 12E when performing such a reversal. It is possible to miniaturize the post-processing apparatus 2 as compared to the case where the reverse operation is performed internally.

  The subsequent sheet P <b> 2 conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path 12 is conveyed by the guide surface 25 to the third conveyance path 13. At this time, the sheet P3 conveyed next to the succeeding sheet P2 may be stopped at the position of the conveyance roller R11a, or may be conveyed by the conveyance roller R11a at a predetermined conveyance speed.

  Referring to FIG. 8, as described above, the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 as the processing means discharges the sheet bundle 50 processed by the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 from the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 (arrow shown in FIG. The direction of DR) is the same as the forward direction of the first conveyance path 11 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) (that is, the direction away from the image forming apparatus 1) and the direction from right to left in FIG. It is configured to be).

  The portion of the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 on which the sheet bundle to be processed by the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 is stacked (i.e., the stacker 33) moves upward from the third paper path 13 (FIG. 1). It has a mounting surface shape inclined from the side to the lower left side. In other words, the stacker 33 is configured to have an inclination for accommodating a plurality of sheets in the order opposite to the direction (the above-described discharge direction) indicated by the arrow DR.

  Therefore, in the post-processing device 2 of the present embodiment, the preceding sheet P1 is stacked first on the stacker 33, and the sheet P2 following the preceding sheet P1 is second (that is, on the preceding sheet P1). ) And the sheet P3 conveyed next to the subsequent sheet P2 is stacked third (that is, on the subsequent sheet P2). Similarly, the sheets conveyed from the sheet P3 onward are stacked one after another, and a plurality of sheets are supplied to the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 in an appropriate order.

(Action and effect)
According to the post-processing device 2, saddle-stitching processing or center-folding processing is performed on the sheet bundle supplied to the post-processing device 2 (saddle-stitching and stapling device 30) prior to the preceding sheet P1. While these processes are being performed on the sheet bundle, the preceding sheet P1 is once conveyed to the first conveyance path 11 in the forward direction, and thereafter, is reversed in the first conveyance path 11 It is transported.

  Further, in the post-processing device 2, the preceding sheet P 1 is conveyed in the forward and reverse directions in the first conveyance path 11, and the following sheet P 2 is also in the forward and reverse directions in the second conveyance path 12. Transported to The presence of the time when these conveyances are carried out requires, for example, to continuously supply sheets from the image forming apparatus 1 to the post-processing apparatus 2 and to stop or delay the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 It is possible to eliminate it. In the post-processing device 2, the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 and the sheets supplied to the saddle stitching staple device 30 of the post-processing device 2 are stacked on the stacker 33 in an appropriate order. Is also possible.

  Therefore, according to post-processing device 2 in the present embodiment, after the sheet (the preceding sheet P1 and the subsequent sheet P2) is conveyed in the forward direction in both first conveyance path 11 and second conveyance path 12, the reverse is performed. By more effectively using the operation of conveying in the direction, the productivity of the entire system including the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2 can be improved. Further functions and effects obtained by the post-processing device 2 will be described later in comparison with Comparative Examples 1 to 3 (FIGS. 15 to 17).

Second Embodiment
The post-processing device 2A in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14. The first and second embodiments are different in the following points. In the second embodiment, the first conveyance path 11 corresponds to the “other conveyance path”, and the second conveyance path 12 corresponds to the “one conveyance path”.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the guide unit 20 guides the preceding sheet P1 to the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction. Specifically, the preceding sheet P1 supplied to the post-processing device 2 through the discharge unit 10 is fed into the conveyance unit 11a by the conveyance roller R11a, and enters the inside of the guide path 24 of the guide unit 20. The preceding sheet P1 conveyed in the forward direction toward the second conveying path 12 is guided by the guiding means 20 by passing inside the guiding path 24 and is directed toward the downstream side portion of the second conveying path 12 It is further transported. The preceding sheet P1 is fed into the second conveyance path 12 by the conveyance roller R12a. After the preceding sheet P <b> 1 is separated from the guiding means 20, the guiding means 20 pivots around the rotation shaft 23 in the direction toward the first conveyance path 11.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the subsequent sheet P <b> 2 is fed into the post-processing device 2 following the preceding sheet P <b> 1. The subsequent sheet P2 is fed into the conveyance unit 11a by the conveyance roller R11a and enters the inside of the guide path 24. The subsequent sheet P2 conveyed in the forward direction toward the first conveyance path 11 (conveyance unit 11b) is guided by the guiding unit 20 by passing inside the guide path 24, and the downstream side of the first conveyance path 11 It is further transported towards the part of. The succeeding sheet P2 further passes through the inside of the conveyance unit 11b, and is fed to the conveyance unit 11c by the conveyance roller R11b. Thereafter, the guiding means 20 is pivoted about the rotary shaft 23 in the direction toward the second conveyance path 12.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the preceding sheet P1 and the succeeding sheet P2 have the second conveyance path 12 and the first conveyance path 11 (conveyance unit 11c, 11c, 11c) at a predetermined timing (a timing at which the post-processing for the leading sheet bundle is finished). 11b) are transported in the reverse direction toward the third transport path 13, respectively. Here, the guiding means 20 is in a state in which the following sheet P2 conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path 11 and the preceding sheet P1 conveyed in the opposite direction from the second conveyance path 12 are mutually superimposed. The sheet P2 that follows and the sheet P1 that precedes it are guided to the third conveyance path 13 so as to be supplied to the saddle-stitching and stapling apparatus 30. In the state where the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are superimposed on each other, the preceding sheet P1 is positioned on the side of the conveyance unit 11a (the discharge unit 10), and the subsequent sheet P2 is on the side of the conveyance unit 11c. It will be located.

  Referring to FIG. 14, the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 as the processing means discharges the sheet bundle 50 processed by the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 from the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 (the direction of arrow DR shown in FIG. 14). Is the same as the forward direction of the first conveyance path 11 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) (ie, the direction away from the image forming apparatus 1 and the direction from the right to the left in FIG. 14). Is configured.

  The portion of the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 on which the sheet bundle to be processed by the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 is stacked (ie, the stacker 33) moves upward from the third paper path 13 (FIG. 13). It has a mounting surface shape inclined from the side to the lower left side. In other words, the stacker 33 is configured to have an inclination for accommodating a plurality of sheets in the order opposite to the direction (the above-described discharge direction) indicated by the arrow DR.

  Therefore, in the post-processing apparatus 2A of the present embodiment, the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are simultaneously stacked on the stacker 33 in a superimposed state, and in this state, the preceding sheet P1 is a stacker. The subsequent sheet P2 is positioned on the side of 33, and is positioned above the preceding sheet P1. The sheet P3 conveyed next to the preceding sheet P1 and the succeeding sheet P2 is stacked on the succeeding sheet P2. Similarly, the sheets conveyed from the sheet P3 onward are stacked one after another, and a plurality of sheets are supplied to the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 in an appropriate order.

(Action and effect)
Also in the post-processing device 2A, a saddle-stitching process or a center-folding process is performed on the sheet bundle supplied to the post-processing device 2 (saddle-stitching staple device 30) prior to the preceding sheet P1. While these processes are being performed on the sheet bundle, the preceding sheet P1 is once conveyed to the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction, and thereafter, is reversed in the second conveyance path 12 It is transported.

  Further, in the post-processing device 2A, the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the forward direction and the reverse direction in the second conveying path 12, and the succeeding sheet P2 is also in the forward direction and the reverse direction in the first conveying path 11. Transported to The presence of the time when these conveyances are carried out requires, for example, to continuously supply sheets from the image forming apparatus 1 to the post-processing apparatus 2A, and to stop or delay the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 It is possible to eliminate it. In the post-processing device 2A, the preceding sheet P1 and the subsequent sheet P2, and the sheets introduced to the post-processing device 2A thereafter can be stacked on the stacker 33 in an appropriate order. .

  Therefore, even after sheet 2 (following sheet P2 and preceding sheet P1) is conveyed in the forward direction in both first conveyance path 11 and second conveyance path 12 by post-processing device 2A in the present embodiment, the reverse direction is obtained. By effectively utilizing the operation of transporting the image forming apparatus 1 as compared to the prior art, it is possible to improve the productivity of the entire system including the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2. Further operations and effects obtained by the post-processing device 2A will be described below in comparison with Comparative Examples 1 to 3 (FIGS. 15 to 17).

Comparative Example 1
FIG. 15 is a view schematically showing the post-processing device 2Z1 in the first comparative example. In the post-processing device 2Z1, for example, after the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the forward direction, the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the reverse direction, and is supplied to the saddle stitching staple device 30. Similarly, after the following sheet P2 is conveyed in the forward direction on the same conveyance path as the preceding sheet P1, the following sheet P2 is conveyed in the reverse direction and supplied to the saddle stitching staple device 30.

  In the post-processing device 2Z1, in the same (one) conveyance path, an operation such that the preceding sheet P1 is conveyed in the forward direction and the reverse direction, and the subsequent sheet P2 is conveyed in the forward direction and the reverse direction Operation is performed. The saddle stitching process or the center folding process is performed on the sheet bundle supplied to the post-processing device 2Z1 (the saddle stitching staple device 30) prior to the preceding sheet P1. In the case of the post-processing apparatus 2Z1, while the post-processing is performed on the preceding sheet bundle, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped or delayed, or the preceding sheet P1 or the following sheet P2 is Need to be presented or delayed.

  In the post-processing device 2Z1, it may be considered to perform an operation of feeding the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 to the saddle stitching staple device 30 in a state of being superimposed on each other. However, when such an operation is performed in the configuration of the post-processing device 2Z1, the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are simultaneously stacked on the stacker 33 in a superimposed state, and in this state, The succeeding sheet P2 is positioned on the side of the stacker 33, and the preceding sheet P1 is positioned on the upper side of the following sheet P2. Thereafter, the sheet P3 and the subsequent sheets are stacked on the preceding sheet P1, and the order is not appropriate (that is, from the side of the stacker 33, the following sheet P2, the preceding sheet P1, the sheet) It will be arranged in the order of P3).

Comparative Example 2
FIG. 16 is a view schematically showing the post-processing device 2Z2 in the second comparative example. In the configuration of the first comparative example, the problem (order change) caused by the operation of supplying the saddle sheet stapler 30 with the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 superimposed on each other is shown in FIG. As in the post-processing device 2Z2 shown, the saddle-stitching stapling device 30 can be eliminated by inclining it in the opposite direction to the case of the first comparative example.

  On the stacker 33, the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are simultaneously stacked in a superimposed state, and in this state, the preceding sheet P1 is positioned on the side of the stacker 33, and the following sheet P2 is preceding To be positioned above the sheet P1. Thereafter, the sheet P3 and the subsequent sheets are stacked on the following sheet P2 in an appropriate order.

  However, when the configuration of the post-processing device 2Z2 is adopted, the post-processing device 2Z2 has the machine width L2, which is larger than the machine width L1 in the case of the post-processing device 2Z1 (comparative example 1 shown in FIG. 15). It will In the case of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, in order to be stacked on the stacker 33 in order after the sheet bundle, it is possible to adopt a countermeasure such that the image forming order is reversed, but in this case In the case of occurrence or empty (lack of paper) occurs, it becomes difficult to appropriately cope.

Comparative Example 3
FIG. 17 schematically shows the post-processing device 2Z3 in the third comparative example. As shown in FIG. 17, it is also conceivable to feed the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 etc. only in the forward direction and to supply it to the saddle stitching staple device 30. In this case, while the post-processing is performed on the preceding sheet bundle, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped or delayed, or the conveyance of the preceding sheet P1 or the following sheet P2 is presented. Or need to be delayed. When the configuration of the post-processing device 2Z3 is adopted, the post-processing device 2Z3 has a machine width L3, which is larger than the machine width L1 in the case of the post-processing device 2Z1 (comparative example 1 shown in FIG. 15). I will.

(Summary)
With respect to these comparative examples 1 to 3, according to the post-processing devices 2 and 2A in the first and second embodiments described above, the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 and the post-processing devices 2 and 2A thereafter The sheets supplied to the saddle stitching staple device 30 can be stacked on the stacker 33 in an appropriate order. Further, according to the post-processing devices 2 and 2A in the above-described first and second embodiments, the sheets (the preceding sheet P1 and the subsequent sheet P2) are not increased, for example, without increasing the machine width as in the comparative examples 2 and 3. The image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing can be more effectively utilized by conveying the sheet in the first conveyance path in both the first conveyance path 11 and the second conveyance path 12 and then conveying it in the reverse direction more effectively than before. It is possible to improve the productivity of the entire system including the devices 2 and 2A.

Third Embodiment
The post-processing device 2B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 24. FIG. 18 is a view showing the first conveyance path 11, the second conveyance path 12, the third conveyance path 13, the guide means 20, and the like provided in the post-processing apparatus 2B. As shown in FIG. 18, the post-processing device 2B has the same configuration as that of the above-described first embodiment (FIG. 2) except for the guiding means 20, and the configuration of the guiding means 20 is the first embodiment. And is different.

  FIG. 19 is a view showing the guide unit 20 and the like provided in the post-processing device 2B. The guiding means 20 of the post-processing device 2B includes a first guide 201, a second guide 202, and a third guide 203. The first guide 201, the second guide 202, and the third guide 203 are all pivotally supported by a rotation shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction and parallel to the horizontal direction. There is.

  The first guide 201 conveys the sheet conveyed through the discharge unit 10 and the conveyance unit 11 a in the forward direction to the conveyance unit 11 b (the first conveyance path 11) or conveys the sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path 12 To define. The second guide 202 guides a sheet transported in the forward direction from the transport unit 11 a (the first transport path 11) to the second transport path 12 or is transported in the reverse direction from the second transport path 12. The sheet is guided to be conveyed toward the third conveyance path 13. The third guide 203 guides the sheet transported in the forward direction from the transport unit 11 a toward the transport unit 11 b or transports the sheet transported in the reverse direction from the transport unit 11 b toward the third transport path 13 Guide to be done.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the first guide 201 and the third guide 203 of the guiding means 20 are preferably configured as follows. The first guide 201 includes a pedestal portion 201a, a recess portion 201b, and a rotation shaft 201c at an end portion in the axial direction. The third guide 203 includes a pivot shaft 203a, a lever portion 203b, and an insertion shaft 203c at an end in the axial direction. The conveying path forming member 205 (FIGS. 19 and 20) disposed on the upper side of the guiding means 20 has a hanging piece 205a at an end in the axial direction, and the hanging piece 205a has a circular hole 205b and a long hole. 205c is formed.

  The pivot shaft 203a of the third guide 203 is fitted inside the recess 201b of the first guide 201, and the pressing member 206 is attached to the pedestal portion 201a in this state, so that the first guide 201 and the third guide 203 Are integrated with each other. The rotation shaft 201c of the first guide 201 is inserted into the circular hole 205b of the conveyance path forming member 205, and the insertion shaft 203c of the third guide 203 is inserted into the elongated hole 205c of the conveyance path forming member 205. . That is, the hanging piece 205a, the circular hole 205b and the long hole 205c of the conveyance path forming member 205 constitute a "link mechanism", and the first guide 201 and the third guide 203 are mutually connected via this link mechanism. It is configured to rotate in conjunction with one drive source.

  Referring back to FIG. 19, therefore, for example, when the first guide 201 and the third guide 203 are rotated in the counterclockwise direction from the state shown in FIG. In conjunction with this operation, the third guide 203 is pivoted clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 19 (when the third guide 203 is also shown by a solid line) (when the state shown in FIG. Transition from the state to the state shown by the dotted line). Contrary to this operation, when the first guide 201 transitions from the state shown by the dotted line in FIG. 19 to the state shown by the solid line, the third guide 203 is also shown by the dotted line in FIG. To the state shown by the solid line.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the guiding means 20 of the present embodiment guides the preceding sheet P <b> 1 to the first conveyance path 11 in the forward direction, as in the case of the above-described first embodiment. That is, also in the present embodiment, the first conveyance path 11 corresponds to "one conveyance path", and the second conveyance path 12 corresponds to "the other conveyance path".

  Specifically, the preceding sheet P1 supplied to the post-processing device 2B through the discharge unit 10 is fed into the conveyance unit 11a by the conveyance roller R11a, and the lower surface of the first guide 201 of the guide unit 20 and the second guide 202 It is guided by the upper surface and conveyed in the forward direction toward the first conveyance path 11 (the conveyance unit 11 b). The preceding sheet P1 further passes through the inside of the conveyance unit 11b, and is fed to the conveyance unit 11c by the conveyance roller R11b. Thereafter, the first guide 201 of the guiding means 20 is pivoted counterclockwise, and in conjunction with this operation, the third guide 203 is pivoted clockwise.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the succeeding sheet P2 is fed into the conveyance section 11a by the conveyance roller R11a, and then guided by the upper surface of the first guide 201 and the upper surface of the third guide 203 of the guiding means 20. It is transported in the forward direction toward the transport path 12. The succeeding sheet P2 is further conveyed toward the downstream side portion of the second conveyance path 12 by the conveyance roller R12a. The preceding sheet P1 is conveyed toward the third conveyance path 13 in a reverse direction of the conveyance unit 11c at a predetermined timing (a timing at which the post-processing for the preceding sheet bundle ends).

  As shown in FIG. 23, the preceding sheet P1 conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path 11 (conveying portions 11c and 11b) is guided by the lower surface of the guiding means 20 (second guide 202). 3 Transported to the transport path 13 The guiding means 20 guides the following sheet P2 in the forward direction to the second conveyance path 12 while guiding the preceding sheet P1 conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path 11 to the third conveyance path 13 It is good to do. In this case, a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is guided by the lower surface of the second guide 202 and conveyed toward the third conveyance path 13, and the following sheet P2 is the upper surface of the first guide 201 and the third guide 203 A state of being transported by the upper surface and transported toward the second transport path 12 is simultaneously formed.

  As shown in FIG. 24, after the preceding sheet P1 is guided toward the third conveyance path 13 and enters the third conveyance path 13, the first guide 201 of the guiding means 20 is rotated clockwise. Then, in conjunction with this operation, the third guide 203 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. The succeeding sheet P2 is conveyed toward the third conveyance path 13 in the reverse direction of the second conveyance path 12 at a predetermined timing. The subsequent sheet P <b> 2 conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path 12 is conveyed to the third conveyance path 13 by being guided by the lower surface of the third guide 203 and the upper surface of the second guide 202. At this time, a sheet (not shown) conveyed next to the following sheet P2 may be stopped at the position of the conveyance roller R11a, or may be conveyed by the conveyance roller R11a at a predetermined conveyance speed. .

  Also in the present embodiment, the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 (see FIG. 1) as the processing means has a direction shown in FIG. 1 in which the sheet bundle 50 processed by the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 is ejected from the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30. In the same direction as the forward direction of the first conveyance path 11 (see FIG. 21 etc.) (ie, the direction away from the image forming apparatus 1 and the direction from the right to the left in FIG. 1) It is configured to be

  The portion of the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 on which the sheet bundle to be processed by the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 is stacked (ie, the stacker 33) moves upward from the third paper path 13 (FIG. 21). It has a mounting surface shape inclined from the side to the lower left side. In other words, the stacker 33 is configured to have an inclination for accommodating a plurality of sheets in the order opposite to the direction (the above-described discharge direction) indicated by the arrow DR.

  Therefore, also in the post-processing apparatus 2B of the present embodiment, the preceding sheet P1 is stacked first on the stacker 33, and the sheet P2 following the preceding sheet P1 is second (that is, on the preceding sheet P1). ) And the sheet conveyed next to the following sheet P2 is stacked on the third (that is, on the following sheet P2). Similarly, the sheets conveyed from the third sheet onward are stacked one after another, and a plurality of sheets are supplied to the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 in an appropriate order.

  The post-processing apparatus 2B having the above-described configuration can also obtain the same operation and effect as the first embodiment described above. In addition, since the first guide 201 and the third guide 203 are configured to be rotatable by one drive source, the installation of the drive source is performed as compared with the case where the first guide 201 and the third guide 203 are separately driven. It is possible to reduce in terms of the number.

Fourth Embodiment
A post-processing device 2C according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The third and fourth embodiments are different in the following points. In the fourth embodiment, the first conveyance path 11 corresponds to the “other conveyance path”, and the second conveyance path 12 corresponds to the “one conveyance path”.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the first guide 201 of the guiding unit 20 guides the preceding sheet P <b> 1 to the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction. Specifically, the preceding sheet P1 supplied to the post-processing device 2C through the discharge unit 10 is sent to the conveyance unit 11a by the conveyance roller R11a. In a state where the first guide 201 is disposed at a position for guiding the preceding sheet P1 to the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction, the third guide 203 also guides the preceding sheet P1 to the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction. Are placed in the

  The preceding sheet P1 is guided by the upper surface of the first guide 201 and the upper surface of the third guide 203 of the guide unit 20, and is conveyed in the forward direction toward the second conveyance path 12. The preceding sheet P1 is further conveyed toward the downstream side portion of the second conveyance path 12 by the conveyance roller R12a. Thereafter, the first guide 201 of the guiding means 20 is pivoted counterclockwise, and in conjunction with this operation, the third guide 203 is pivoted clockwise.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the first guide 201 of the guiding means 20 guides the succeeding sheet P2 to the first conveyance path 11 in the forward direction. In a state in which the first guide 201 is disposed at a position for guiding the sheet P2 following to the first conveyance path 11 in the forward direction, the third guide 203 guides the preceding sheet P1 from the second conveyance path 12 to the third conveyance path It is disposed at a position for conveying in the reverse direction toward 13.

  The succeeding sheet P2 is fed into the conveyance unit 11a by the conveyance roller R11a, guided by the lower surface of the first guide 201 of the guide unit 20 and the upper surface of the second guide 202, and is conveyed to the first conveyance path 11 (conveyance unit 11b). It is transported in the forward direction. The succeeding sheet P2 further passes through the inside of the conveyance unit 11b, and is fed to the conveyance unit 11c by the conveyance roller R11b. Thereafter, the second guide 202 of the guiding means 20 is rotated clockwise.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 have the second conveyance path 12 and the first conveyance path 11 (conveyance units 11c, 11c, 11c, 11c, and 11c) at a predetermined timing 11b) are transported in the reverse direction toward the third transport path 13, respectively. The second guide 202 guides the subsequent sheet P2 conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path 11 to the third conveyance path 13, and the third guide 203 is conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path 12. The leading preceding sheet P1 is guided to the third conveyance path 13.

  Here, the guiding means 20 is in a state in which the following sheet P2 conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path 11 and the preceding sheet P1 conveyed in the opposite direction from the second conveyance path 12 are mutually superimposed. The sheet P2 that follows and the sheet P1 that precedes it are guided to the third conveyance path 13 so as to be supplied to the saddle-stitching and stapling apparatus 30. In the state where the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are superimposed on each other, the preceding sheet P1 is positioned on the side of the conveyance unit 11a (the discharge unit 10), and the subsequent sheet P2 is on the side of the conveyance unit 11c. It will be located.

  Also in the present embodiment, the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 (see FIG. 1) as the processing means has a direction shown in FIG. 1 in which the sheet bundle 50 processed by the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 is ejected from the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30. In the same direction as the forward direction of the first conveyance path 11 (see FIG. 25 etc.) (that is, the direction away from the image forming apparatus 1 and the direction from the right to the left in FIG. 1) It is configured to be

  The portion of the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 on which the sheet bundle to be processed by the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 is stacked (i.e., the stacker 33) moves upward from the third paper path 13 (FIG. 25). It has a mounting surface shape inclined from the side to the lower left side. In other words, the stacker 33 is configured to have an inclination for accommodating a plurality of sheets in the order opposite to the direction (the above-described discharge direction) indicated by the arrow DR.

  Therefore, also in the post-processing apparatus 2C of the present embodiment, the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are simultaneously stacked in a stacked state on the stacker 33. In this state, the preceding sheet P1 is a stacker The subsequent sheet P2 is positioned on the side of 33, and is positioned above the preceding sheet P1. The sheet conveyed next to the preceding sheet P1 and the succeeding sheet P2 is stacked on the succeeding sheet P2. Similarly, the sheets conveyed from the third sheet onward are stacked one after another, and a plurality of sheets are supplied to the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 in an appropriate order.

  The post-processing device 2C having the above-described configuration can also obtain the same operation and effect as the second embodiment described above. In addition, since the first guide 201 and the third guide 203 are configured to be rotatable by one drive source, the installation of the drive source is performed as compared with the case where the first guide 201 and the third guide 203 are separately driven. It is possible to reduce in terms of the number.

Fifth Embodiment
Post-processing device 2D according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 33. FIG. 28 is a view showing the first conveyance path 11, the second conveyance path 12, the third conveyance path 13, the fourth conveyance path 14, the guide means 20 and the like provided in the post-processing apparatus 2D. As shown in FIG. 28, the post-processing device 2D is different from the first embodiment in that the post-processing device 2D further includes a fourth conveyance path 14 and the configuration of the guiding unit 20.

(4th conveyance path 14)
The fourth conveyance path 14 is located below the first conveyance path 11 (here, below the conveyance unit 11 a). The fourth conveyance path 14 is branched from the first conveyance path 11 on the side of the image forming apparatus 1 (ejecting unit 10) than the position of the branch from the first conveyance path 11 to the second conveyance path 12. The downstream portion of the fourth conveyance path 14 joins the third conveyance path 13.

  The upstream end of the fourth conveyance path 14 is connected to the first conveyance path 11. At a position where the fourth conveyance path 14 is branched from the first conveyance path 11, the first guide 201 of the guiding unit 20 is disposed. The fourth conveyance path 14 is formed to extend obliquely downward (obliquely downward in the direction approaching the discharge unit 10) as it goes away from the first guide 201. A conveyance roller R14 is provided slightly downstream of the upstream end of the fourth conveyance path 14.

  FIG. 29 is a view showing a guide unit 20 and the like provided in the post-processing device 2D. The guiding unit 20 of the post-processing device 2D includes a first guide 201, a second guide 202, and a third guide 203. The first guide 201, the second guide 202, and the third guide 203 are all rotatable (may be movable), are orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction, and are parallel to the horizontal direction. It is pivotally supported by a rotating shaft extending in a direction.

  The first guide 201 is provided at a branch position from the first conveyance path 11 to the fourth conveyance path 14. The first guide 201 guides the sheet conveyed through the discharge unit 10 and the conveyance unit 11 a to the first conveyance path 11 in the forward direction, or the sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path 12. It guides to the conveyance path 14 or the like.

  The second guide 202 is provided at a branch position from the first conveyance path 11 to the second conveyance path 12. The second guide 202 conveys the sheet conveyed through the discharge unit 10 and the conveyance unit 11 a in the forward direction to the conveyance unit 11 b (the first conveyance path 11) or conveys the sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path 12 To define. The second guide 202 can also guide the sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path 12 to the fourth conveyance path 14.

  The third guide 203 is provided at a branch position from the first conveyance path 11 to the third conveyance path 13. The third guide 203 guides the sheet transported in the forward direction from the transport unit 11 a to the transport unit 11 b, and transports the sheet transported in the reverse direction from the transport unit 11 b toward the third transport path 13 Guide you as you

  The guiding unit 20 configured as described above guides one of the preceding sheet P1 and the sheet P2 following the preceding sheet P1 to the first conveyance path 11 in the forward direction, and the preceding sheet P1 And guides the other of the subsequent sheets P2 to the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction. The guiding means 20 further guides one sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path 11 to the third conveyance path 13 and the fourth sheet conveys the other sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path 12. Guide to the road. In the present embodiment, the preceding sheet P1 corresponds to the "one sheet", and the subsequent sheet P2 corresponds to the "other sheet".

  As shown in FIG. 30, the guiding means 20 guides the preceding sheet P1 to the first conveyance path 11 in the forward direction. Specifically, the preceding sheet P1 supplied to the post-processing apparatus 2D through the discharge unit 10 is fed into the conveyance unit 11a by the conveyance roller R11a, and the upper surface of the first guide 201 of the guiding unit 20 and the second guide 202 It is guided by the lower surface and is further conveyed toward the downstream side portion of the first conveyance path 11. The preceding sheet P1 further passes through the inside of the conveyance unit 11b, and is fed to the conveyance unit 11c by the conveyance roller R11b. Thereafter, the second guide 202 of the guiding means 20 is rotated clockwise.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the succeeding sheet P2 is fed into the transport section 11a by the transport roller R11a, and then guided by the upper surface of the first guide 201 and the upper surface of the second guide 202 of the guiding means 20, It is transported in the forward direction toward the transport path 12. The succeeding sheet P2 is further conveyed toward the downstream side portion of the second conveyance path 12 by the conveyance roller R12a. The preceding sheet P1 is conveyed toward the third conveyance path 13 in a reverse direction of the conveyance unit 11c at a predetermined timing (a timing at which the post-processing for the preceding sheet bundle ends).

  As shown in FIG. 32, the preceding sheet P <b> 1 conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path 11 (conveying units 11 c and 11 b) is guided by the lower surface of the third guide 203 of the guiding unit 20. It is transported to the transport path 13. The guiding means 20 guides the following sheet P2 in the forward direction to the second conveyance path 12 while guiding the preceding sheet P1 conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path 11 to the third conveyance path 13 It is good to do. In this case, a state in which the preceding sheet P1 is guided by the lower surface of the third guide 203 and conveyed toward the third conveyance path 13, and the following sheet P2 is the upper surface of the first guide 201 or the second guide 202 A state of being transported by the upper surface and transported toward the second transport path 12 is simultaneously formed.

  As shown in FIG. 33, after the preceding sheet P1 is guided toward the third conveyance path 13 and advances into the third conveyance path 13, the subsequent sheet P2 has the second conveyance path 12 at a predetermined timing. In the reverse direction toward the fourth transport path 14. The subsequent sheet P <b> 2 conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path 12 is conveyed to the fourth conveyance path 14 by being guided by the lower surface of the first guide 201. At this time, the sheet conveyed next to the succeeding sheet P2 may be stopped at the position of the conveyance roller R11a, or may be conveyed by the conveyance roller R11a at a predetermined conveyance speed.

  Also in the present embodiment, the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 (see FIG. 1) as the processing means has a direction shown in FIG. 1 in which the sheet bundle 50 processed by the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 is ejected from the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30. The direction of the arrow DR) is the same as the forward direction of the first conveyance path 11 (see FIG. 30 etc.) (that is, the direction away from the image forming apparatus 1 and the direction from right to left in FIG. 1). It is configured to be

  The portion of the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 on which the sheet bundle to be processed by the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 is stacked (ie, the stacker 33) moves upward from the third paper path 13 (FIG. 30). It has a mounting surface shape inclined from the side to the lower left side. In other words, the stacker 33 is configured to have an inclination for accommodating a plurality of sheets in the order opposite to the direction (the above-described discharge direction) indicated by the arrow DR.

  Therefore, also in the post-processing apparatus 2D of the present embodiment, the preceding sheet P1 is stacked first on the stacker 33, and the sheet P2 following the preceding sheet P1 is second (that is, on the preceding sheet P1). ) And the sheet conveyed next to the following sheet P2 is stacked on the third (that is, on the following sheet P2). Similarly, the sheets conveyed from the third sheet onward are stacked one after another, and a plurality of sheets are supplied to the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 in an appropriate order. Therefore, also by the post-processing device 2D having the above-described configuration, it is possible to obtain the same operation and effect as the first embodiment described above.

Sixth Embodiment
A post-processing device 2E according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 34 to 36. The fifth and sixth embodiments are different in the following points. In the sixth embodiment, the preceding sheet P1 corresponds to the "other sheet", and the following sheet P2 corresponds to the "one sheet".

  As shown in FIG. 34, the first guide 201 of the guiding means 20 guides the preceding sheet P1 to the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction. Specifically, the preceding sheet P1 supplied to the post-processing device 2E through the discharge unit 10 is sent to the conveyance unit 11a by the conveyance roller R11a. In a state where the first guide 201 is disposed at a position for guiding the preceding sheet P1 to the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction, the second guide 202 also guides the preceding sheet P1 to the second conveyance path 12 in the forward direction. Are placed in the

  The preceding sheet P1 is guided by the upper surface of the first guide 201 and the upper surface of the second guide 202 of the guide unit 20, and is conveyed in the forward direction toward the second conveyance path 12. The preceding sheet P1 is further conveyed toward the downstream side portion of the second conveyance path 12 by the conveyance roller R12a. Thereafter, the second guide 202 of the guiding means 20 is rotated clockwise.

  As shown in FIG. 35, the first guide 201 of the guiding means 20 guides the succeeding sheet P2 to the first conveyance path 11 in the forward direction. Specifically, the succeeding sheet P2 is fed into the conveyance unit 11a by the conveyance roller R11a, and is formed by the upper surface of the first guide 201 of the guiding unit 20, the lower surface of the second guide 202, and the upper surface of the third guide 203. It is guided and conveyed in the forward direction toward the first conveyance path 11 (the conveyance unit 11 b). The succeeding sheet P2 further passes through the inside of the conveyance unit 11b, and is fed to the conveyance unit 11c by the conveyance roller R11b. Thereafter, the first guide 201, the second guide 202, and the third guide 203 of the guiding means 20 all rotate clockwise.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the preceding sheet P1 and the succeeding sheet P2 have the second conveyance path 12 and the first conveyance path 11 (conveyance units 11c, 11c, 11c, 11c and 11d) at a predetermined timing 11b) in opposite directions toward the fourth conveyance path 14 and the third conveyance path 13, respectively. The first guide 201 and the second guide 202 guide the preceding sheet P <b> 1 conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path 12 to the fourth conveyance path 14. The third guide 203 guides the subsequent sheet P <b> 2 conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path 11 to the third conveyance path 13.

  Here, the guiding means 20 is in a state where the succeeding sheet P2 conveyed in the reverse direction from the third conveyance path 13 and the preceding sheet P1 conveyed in the opposite direction from the fourth conveyance path 14 are mutually superimposed. Then, the sheet P2 and the preceding sheet P1 are guided to the third conveyance path 13 (the junction of the third conveyance path 13 and the fourth conveyance path 14) so as to be supplied to the saddle stitching staple device 30. In the state where the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are superimposed on each other, the preceding sheet P1 is positioned on the side of the conveyance unit 11a (the discharge unit 10), and the subsequent sheet P2 is on the side of the conveyance unit 11c. It will be located.

  Also in the present embodiment, the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 (see FIG. 1) as the processing means has a direction shown in FIG. 1 in which the sheet bundle 50 processed by the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 is ejected from the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30. In the same direction as the forward direction of the first conveyance path 11 (see FIG. 35 etc.) (that is, the direction away from the image forming apparatus 1 and the direction from the right to the left in FIG. 1) It is configured to be

  The portion of the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 on which the sheet bundle to be processed by the saddle-stitched stapling apparatus 30 is stacked (ie, the stacker 33) moves upward from the third paper path 13 (FIG. 35). It has a mounting surface shape inclined from the side to the lower left side. In other words, the stacker 33 is configured to have an inclination for accommodating a plurality of sheets in the order opposite to the direction (the above-described discharge direction) indicated by the arrow DR.

  Therefore, also in the post-processing apparatus 2E of the present embodiment, the preceding sheet P1 and the following sheet P2 are simultaneously stacked on the stacker 33 in a superimposed state, and in this state, the preceding sheet P1 is a stacker. The subsequent sheet P2 is positioned on the side of 33, and is positioned above the preceding sheet P1. The sheet conveyed next to the preceding sheet P1 and the succeeding sheet P2 is stacked on the succeeding sheet P2. Similarly, the sheets conveyed from the third sheet onward are stacked one after another, and a plurality of sheets are supplied to the saddle stitching and stapling apparatus 30 in an appropriate order. The post-processing device 2E having the above-described configuration can also obtain the same operation and effect as those of the second embodiment described above.

  Although the embodiments have been described above, the above disclosure is illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

  Reference Signs List 1 image forming apparatus 2, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2Z 1, 2Z 2, 2Z3 post-processing apparatus, 10 discharge unit, 11 first conveyance path, 11E, 12E discharge port, 11a, 11b, 11c conveyance unit , 12 second conveying path, 13 third conveying path, 14 fourth conveying path, 20 guiding means, 21 and 22 guiding portions, 23 and 201 c rotating shaft, 24 guiding path, 25 guiding surface, 30 saddle stitching staple device (processing Means), 31, R11b, R11a, R12a, R12b, R13, R14 Conveying rollers, 32 rollers, 33 stackers, 34 stoppers, 40 end stapling devices, 50 sheet bundle, 201 first guide, 201a pedestal portion, 201b recessed portion, 202 second guide, 203 third guide, 203 a pivot shaft, 203 b lever portion, 203 c insertion shaft, 20 5 Conveying member forming member 205a hanging piece 205b circular hole 205c elongated hole 206 holding member DR, DR1 arrow E1 first discharge tray E2 second discharge tray L1, L2, L3 Machine width P1 Sheet, P2 Subsequent sheet, P3 sheet.

Claims (12)

A post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing on a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus, comprising:
The first transport path,
A second transport path located above the first transport path and branched from the first transport path;
A third conveyance path located below the first conveyance path and branched from the first conveyance path;
The preceding sheet is guided in the forward direction to one of the first conveying path and the second conveying path, and the sheet following the preceding sheet is transferred to the first conveying path and the second conveying path. The preceding sheet guided in the forward direction to the other one of the conveyance paths and the preceding sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the one conveyance path and the subsequent sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the other conveyance path are 3 guiding means for guiding to the transport path;
And processing means for stacking the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet conveyed through the third conveyance path and performing post-processing.
Post-processing device. The guiding means guides the preceding sheet in the forward direction to the first conveyance path.
The guiding means guides the succeeding sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path while guiding the preceding sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path to the third conveyance path. Do,
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1. The guiding means guides the preceding sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path, and guides the subsequent sheet in the forward direction to the first conveyance path.
The guiding unit is configured to allow the succeeding sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path and the preceding sheet conveyed in the opposite direction from the second conveyance path to be mutually superimposed. Guiding the subsequent sheet and the preceding sheet to the third transport path so as to be supplied to processing means;
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1. The guiding means includes an upper guide portion and a lower guide portion which are disposed to face each other at a distance.
The upper guide portion and the lower guide portion are supported so as to be integrally rotatable around a rotation axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction and parallel to the horizontal direction.
A guiding path is formed between the upper guide portion and the lower guide portion,
A guide surface is formed at a position opposite to the side forming the guide path in the lower guide portion,
The preceding sheet conveyed in the forward direction to the one conveyance path and the succeeding sheet conveyed in the forward direction to the other conveyance path are guided by the guide means by passing inside the guide path And
The preceding sheet conveyed in the opposite direction from the one conveyance path and the succeeding sheet conveyed in the opposite direction from the other conveyance path are guided by the guide surface to the third conveyance path. Transported,
The post-processing apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 3. The guiding means is
A first guide that guides the preceding sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path, and guides the subsequent sheet in the forward direction to the first conveyance path;
A second guide for guiding the subsequent sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path to the third conveyance path;
And a third guide for guiding the preceding sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path to the third conveyance path.
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 3. The first guide and the third guide are connected to each other via a link mechanism, and are configured to rotate in conjunction with one drive source,
In a state where the first guide is disposed at a position for guiding the preceding sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path, the third guide also guides the preceding sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path Are located at the
In a state where the first guide is disposed at a position for guiding the succeeding sheet to the first conveyance path in the forward direction, the third guide conveys the preceding sheet from the second conveyance path to the third conveyance path. Placed at a position to carry in the reverse direction towards the road,
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 5. A post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing on a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus, comprising:
The first transport path,
A second transport path located above the first transport path and branched from the first transport path;
A third conveyance path located below the first conveyance path and branched from the first conveyance path;
It is located below the first conveyance path, and is branched from the first conveyance path on the side of the image forming apparatus with respect to the position of the branch from the first conveyance path to the second conveyance path. A fourth conveyance path joining the third conveyance path;
One of the preceding sheet and the sheet following the preceding sheet is guided in the forward direction to the first conveyance path, and the other sheet of the preceding sheet and the following sheet is the second sheet. The sheet guided in the forward direction to the conveyance path and the one sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path is guided to the third conveyance path, and the other sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path Guiding means for guiding the sheet to the fourth conveyance path;
And processing means for stacking the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet conveyed through the third conveyance path and performing post-processing.
Post-processing device. The guiding means guides the preceding sheet in the forward direction to the first conveyance path.
The guiding means guides the succeeding sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path while guiding the preceding sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path to the third conveyance path. Do,
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 7. The guiding means guides the preceding sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path, guides the subsequent sheet in the forward direction to the first conveyance path, and is conveyed from the second conveyance path in the reverse direction. Guiding the leading preceding sheet to the fourth conveyance path, and guiding the subsequent sheet conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path to the third conveyance path;
The guiding means is supplied to the processing means in a state in which the subsequent sheet conveyed from the third conveyance path and the preceding sheet conveyed from the fourth conveyance path are mutually superimposed. And guiding the subsequent sheet and the preceding sheet to the third conveyance path,
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 7. The guiding means is
The first sheet is provided at a branch position from the first conveyance path to the fourth conveyance path, and the one sheet is guided in the forward direction to the first conveyance path and is conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path. A pivotable first guide for guiding the other sheet to the fourth conveyance path;
It is provided at the position of a branch from the first conveyance path to the second conveyance path, and guides the other sheet in the forward direction to the second conveyance path and is conveyed in the reverse direction from the second conveyance path A pivotable second guide for guiding the other sheet to the fourth conveyance path;
It is provided at a branch position from the first conveyance path to the third conveyance path, and guides the one sheet to the first conveyance path in the forward direction, and is conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path A pivotable third guide for guiding the one sheet to the third transport path;
The post-processing apparatus of any one of Claims 7-9. The downstream end of the first transport path in the forward direction forms a sheet discharge outlet to the first processing unit,
The downstream end of the second conveyance path in the forward direction forms a discharge port to the second processing unit,
A part of the sheet to be reversed from the forward direction to the reverse direction in the first conveyance path is exposed to the first processing unit from the sheet discharge port to the first processing unit at the time of reversing.
A part of the sheet to be reversed from the forward direction to the reverse direction in the second conveyance path is exposed to the second processing unit from the discharge port to the second processing unit at the time of the reverse processing.
The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The processing means is configured such that the sheet bundle processed by the processing means is discharged from the processing means in the same direction as the forward direction of the first transport path.
Among the processing means, the portion on which the sheet bundle to be processed by the processing means is stacked has an inclination for accommodating a plurality of sheets in the order opposite to the discharging direction.
The post-processing apparatus of any one of Claims 1-11.

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