JP2608354B2 - Paper handling equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly to a sheet processing apparatus for performing staples, punches, and other types of sheet processing on sheets.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers having a sorter for transferring the same original to a plurality of transfer papers and sorting the transfer papers into bins have become widespread. In particular, recently, a sorter having a function of performing a predetermined sheet processing on a sorted bin of paper by a stapler is used.

[0003]

By the way, recently, there is an increasing need for a sorter capable of performing plural kinds of paper processing such as stapling and punching at arbitrary positions in the width direction of the paper.

As such a sorter, a sheet processing device such as a stapler or a punch is provided in parallel with one support frame, and these sheet processing devices are integrally movable in the width direction of the bin from the initial position. After carrying out the stapling process by moving the support frame body forward in the width direction, the support frame body is returned to the initial position and then the support frame body is moved forward in the width direction of the bin to perform the punching process. It is possible.

However, even when the positions for stapling and the positions for punching are alternately located, first, after stapling all the positions to be stapled, the support frame is moved to the initial position. Since the punching process is started by returning the process, these processes require a relatively long time and the processing efficiency is lowered.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a sheet processing apparatus capable of shortening the sheet processing time.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a first paper processing means for performing a first paper processing and a second paper processing means for performing a second paper processing. Moving means for moving the support frame from the initial position in the width direction of the bin while being juxtaposed with the support frame, wherein the first sheet processing and the second sheet processing are performed on the paper on the bin; Storage means for storing each processing position and paper processing to be applied to the processing position in association with each other, and the positions of the first paper processing means and the second paper processing means. The first sheet processing and the second sheet processing are performed only by moving the support frame in one direction from the initial position based on the detection means for detecting information, and the stored contents and the position information detected by the detection means. Paper processing and each process Setting means for setting the order of processing of the position, in which a control means for controlling said moving means so that the paper process to each processing position by said processing order is performed.

[0008]

According to the paper processing apparatus having the above configuration, each processing position and the paper processing to be performed on the processing position are stored in association with each other,
The position information of the first sheet processing means and the position information of the second sheet processing means are detected, and the support frame is moved from the processing position of 1 to the next processing position based on the stored contents and the position information detected by the detecting means. The processing order of each processing position is set so that paper processing can be performed at each processing position only by moving in one direction from the initial position without returning to the initial position side when shifting to the initial position side. First paper processing and second
The support frame is moved so that the sheet processing is performed.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 19 is an external view showing the entire image forming apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied. The image forming apparatus 1 has a first housing 2, and a contact glass (not shown) is provided at the center of the upper surface of the first housing 2.

Inside the first housing 2, an optical system for optically scanning an original, an image forming means having a photosensitive drum and each member for image formation disposed around the photosensitive drum, and a transfer unit. Each component such as a paper transport system is arranged. The original to be copied is placed on the contact glass with the copy surface facing downward, and the original surface is optically scanned by the optical system. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum by the image forming means based on the light reflected from the document surface, and further developed into a toner image. The developed toner image is transferred onto a transfer sheet, and is fixed on the transfer sheet by a fixing unit.

Reference numeral 3 denotes an automatic document feeder for automatically feeding a document, which includes a document placing section 4, a document loading section 5, a document transport section 6, and a document delivery section 7. The originals placed on the original placing portion 4 are automatically moved one by one from the original carrying-in portion 5 to a predetermined position on the contact glass by the original feeding portion 6 and temporarily stopped. Be delivered to.

Reference numerals 9, 10, and 11 denote cabinets for storing transfer paper, which can set paper of different sizes. An operation panel 12 is provided with a copy switch, a copy number instruction switch, and the like. 1
Reference numeral 3 denotes a sorter mode switching key and a sheet processing selection key such as stapling or punching.

Reference numeral 14 is a second housing, the internal structure of which will be described later. Also, the second housing 1
4 has an opening / closing panel 14a, and by opening the opening / closing panel 14a, a sheet processing unit 30 described later can be pulled out. Reference numeral 15 is a sorter, which is provided with a plurality of bins 16 in a stepped manner, and 17 is a paper discharge unit. The transfer paper is sequentially discharged to the bin 16 when it is sorted, and is discharged to the paper discharge unit 17 when it is not sorted.

Next, referring to FIG.
The internal configuration of will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view showing the internal configuration of the second housing 14. 20, 21, 2
Reference numeral 2 denotes a first pin, a second pin, and a third pin which are disposed on both left and right sides of the bin 16 in the width direction of the paper so that a part of the bin 16 protrudes. ing.
Each of the bottles 16 has a pair of first pins 20 provided on the left and right side plates in a groove provided with a slight inclination in the right direction in the drawing, and second pins 21 provided upright on the left and right sides. Column 23
It is supported so as to be able to ascend and descend by being fitted into a spiral groove 24 cut into a rectangular shape. The third pin 22 is provided on the right side of the second pin 21 in the figure with a predetermined minute interval.

Further, the bin 16 connects the stopper 25 and the flat plate 26 with the stopper 25 for regulating and aligning the trailing end of the sheet, and engages a spring or the like with the connecting shaft so that the stopper 25 is moved back. It is composed of a connecting portion 27 that urges clockwise.

The lower end of the column 23 is connected to the drive motor 230 via a timing belt 231, a bevel gear 232, 233 and a timing belt 234. Then, by driving the drive motor 230 to rotate,
The driving force is the timing belt 234, the bevel gears 233, 2
The light is transmitted to the column 23 via the timing belt 231 and the timing belt 231 to rotate the column 23. In addition, the cylinder 2
A pulse plate 235 for detecting the rotation angle of the cylinder 23 and a rotation sensor 236 are disposed at an appropriate position below the position 3.

Each of the bins 16 is rotated by the drive motor 230 to rotate the column 23 by 360 °.
The transfer paper is moved upward or downward by one step in synchronization with the discharge timing of the transfer paper. Further, when copying and sorting are completed and predetermined sheet processing such as stapling and punching is performed on each transfer sheet, the column 23 is rotated by the drive motor 230 and stopped at a predetermined stop angle. Each bin on which paper processing is performed is moved up and down one step at a specific position for that purpose. In this state, an opening surface of a guide rail 60 to be described later and a groove 24 of the cylinder 23 face each other, and the bin 16 at the specific position retreats by a predetermined distance along the inclination of the guide rail 60 (rightward in the figure). ) Do.

Reference numeral 28 is a paper processing device for performing predetermined processing such as stapling and punching on the transfer paper sorted in the bin 16, and 29 is a support frame on which the paper processing device 28 is mounted. Reference numeral 30 is a paper processing unit, 31 is a belt provided on the paper processing unit 30, and 32 is a motor for driving the belt 31. The support frame 29 is placed on the belt 31 and is reciprocally movable in the width direction of the bin, that is, in the width direction of the paper by rotating the belt 31 through a gear from a motor 32.
Thus, the bin 16 moves forward by a predetermined distance in the inclined direction (to the left in the drawing), approaches the transfer paper side, and can perform processing on an arbitrary position of the transfer paper.

Next, the movement of the transfer paper side, that is, the movement of the bin 16 when performing paper processing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a paper moving mechanism.
2A is a plan view, and FIG. 2B is a side view. 51 is a motor for moving the bin 16 in the front-rear direction, 52 is a worm wheel, 53, 54, 55 and 56 are gears, and these gears 53, 54, 55 and 56 are chain wheels 57.
Is hung. The rotational force of the motor 51 is transmitted to the gear 53 through the worm wheel 52 and further transmitted to each gear through the chain wheel 57.

Reference numeral 58 denotes a chain wheel 57 and a connecting portion 5.
9 is a working plate connected by 9. The action plate 58 causes the bin 16 to move in the front-rear direction when performing a predetermined process on a sheet as described later, and the second pin 21 engages with the spiral groove 24 during the sorting process.
It also serves to regulate so as not to be detached.

Reference numeral 60 denotes a guide rail for guiding the second pin 21 to guide the moving direction of the operation plate 58. 6
Reference numerals 1 and 62 denote a first sensor and a second sensor configured by a photo interrupter or the like, which detect the presence / absence of the action plate 58 and regulate the movement range. With this configuration, the action plate 58 reciprocates within a predetermined distance range according to the rotation of the motor 51.

Reference numeral 71 denotes a fourth pin which partially protrudes from the bin 16 and is pushed by an eccentric cam 75 which will be described later, so that the stopper 25
To cancel. 72 is a motor for rotating the stopper 25 clockwise to release it, 73 is a worm wheel, 74 is a gear, 75 is an eccentric cam, 76 is a chain hung between the gear shaft of the gear 74 and the eccentric cam 75. It's a wheel. In this way, the rotational force of the motor 72 is transmitted to the eccentric cam 75 via the chain wheel 76.

Reference numeral 77 is a pulse plate that rotates integrally with the gear 74, and reference numeral 78 is a third sensor composed of a photo interrupter or the like for detecting the rotation amount of the gear 74 by the pulse plate 77. The release amount of the stopper 25 is set to a predetermined amount by the third sensor 78.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG.
A cutout portion 251 is formed on one end of the front end 5 for a reason to be described later.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a mechanism for pressing a sheet. The paper pressing mechanism is arranged as shown in FIG. 7 and is for pressing and fixing the transfer paper sorted in the bin 16 to the flat plate portion 26 of the bin 16 immediately before the stopper 25 is released.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 81 denotes a motor for driving the paper press, and reference numerals 82, 83, 84, and 85 denote gears. The rotational force of the motor 81 is transmitted to the gears 84 and 85 through the gears 82 and 83. There is. 86 is a paper presser for pressing and fixing the transfer paper, and 88 is a link bar connecting the gear 85 and the paper presser 86. The upper end of the link rod 88 is rotatably attached to the side surface of the gear 85 at an eccentric position. Reference numeral 89 is a guide rail for guiding the moving direction of the connection point 92 between the link bar 88 and the paper retainer 86, and 87 is a spring provided between the connection point and the paper retainer 86, which is used to transfer the sorted transfer paper. A suitable pressing force is applied according to the number of sheets.

Reference numeral 90 denotes a pulse plate which rotates integrally with the gear 84, and reference numeral 91 denotes a fourth sensor constituted by a photo interrupter or the like for detecting the rotation amount of the gear 84 by the pulse plate 90.

Next, the operation of the paper moving mechanism and the pressing mechanism will be described. First, the transfer paper moving mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2B shows a state of the forward (original) position, and FIG. 4 shows a state of the retracted position.

When the motor 51 rotates, the worm wheel 5
When the gear 53 starts to rotate through 2, the gears 53, 5
The chain wheel 57 hung around 4, 55, 56 rotates counterclockwise. By the rotation of the chain wheel 57, the action plate 58 connected by the connecting portion 59 begins to retract along the guide rail 60 (to the right in the figure).

At this time, the action plate 58 has the third pin 22.
The bin 16 provided with the third pin is moved in the retreating direction by the movement of the action plate 58. When the action plate 58 reaches the position of the second sensor 62, it is detected and the motor 51 stops. In this way, the transfer paper is moved by a predetermined distance by the backward movement of the bin 16.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the state after the sheet is moved, in which the action plate 58 is stopped at the position detected by the second sensor 62.

Next, a description will be given of a forward operation for returning to the original state.

At this time, the motor 51 is rotated in the reverse direction and the chain wheel 57 is rotated in the reverse direction. By the rotation of the chain wheel 57, the action plate 58 starts to move forward (to the left in the drawing) along the guide rail 60.

By the movement of the operation plate 58, the second pin 21 is pushed to the left in the drawing, and the bin 16 moves in the forward direction. When the action plate 58 reaches the position of the first sensor 61, it is detected and the motor 51 stops.

Next, the operation of the paper pressing mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. The motor 81 rotates and the gears 82, 83
When the gears 84 and 85 start rotating through
, The paper presser 86 connected by the link rod 88
Moves down along the guide rail 89 and presses the sheet against the flat plate portion 26 by the force of the spring 87. And the gear 84
The rotation amount of the pulse plate 90 integrally rotating with the fourth sensor 9
1 is detected, and the motor 81 is stopped at a predetermined position to press and fix the paper.

On the other hand, when the paper presser is released, the motor 81 is further rotated and the gear 85 is rotated just once, and the paper presser 86 connected by the link rod 88 rises along the guide rail 89 to return to the original position. Return to the position.

Next, the operation of releasing the stopper 25 so that a predetermined process can be performed on the pressed and fixed sheet will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 shows a state before the release, and FIG. 5 shows a state after the release.

When the bin 16 is in the retracted position shown in FIG. 5, the motor 72 rotates to rotate the worm wheel 73.
When the gear 74 rotates clockwise through the chain wheel 76, the chain wheel 76 rotates clockwise and the eccentric cam 7 rotates.
5 is rotated clockwise. Due to the rotation of the eccentric cam 75, the peripheral surface of the eccentric cam 75 comes into contact with the fourth pin 71 to generate a clockwise rotation force on the fourth pin 71. When the eccentric cam 75 further rotates, the connecting portion 27
The fourth pin 71 is rotated clockwise against the urging force of the inner spring, and the stopper 25 is rotated clockwise around the connecting portion 27 as a fulcrum to release the stopper 25. By releasing this, predetermined processing can be performed on the sheet.

The pulse plate 7 that rotates integrally with the gear 74
7 is detected by a third sensor 78, and the motor 72 is stopped at a predetermined position.

In order to return the stopper 25 to the original position, the motor 72 is further rotated and the worm wheel 7 is rotated.
3, the eccentric cam 75 is rotated in the clockwise direction through the gear 74 and the chain wheel 76.
By the clockwise rotation of 5, the stopper 25 returns to the original position by the urging force of the spring in the connecting portion 27.

The position for processing the paper is
If there is one corner of the paper, that is, the notch 251
Is within the range, the above-described release of the stopper 25 is not performed.

Next, the configuration of the sheet processing unit 30 will be described. The sheet processing device 28 is detachable from the support frame 29. 6 to 9 for the configuration.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the support frame 29 with the sheet processing device 28 removed. Figure 7
[Fig. 4] is a partial cross-sectional view mainly showing the structure of the support frame 29 as seen from the side. Further, FIG. 8 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a punch 40 as an example of the sheet processing apparatus 28. Further, FIG. 9 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a stapler 41 as another example of the sheet processing apparatus 28. Note that a drive mechanism and the like are omitted in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a belt horizontally disposed on the left and right sides of the upper portion of the sheet processing unit 30 and is reciprocally movable by a motor 32. The support frame 29 includes a slide base 42 and a mounting base 44.

The slide base 42 is adapted to reciprocate the support frame 29 in the left-right direction by the rotation of the belt 31. The mounting base 44 is configured to advance and retreat the sheet processing device 28 along a slope by rotating the motor 43 via gears and the like.

Reference numerals 140, 141, 142 and 143 denote gears, and 141 and 142 are provided coaxially.
The torque generated in step No. 3 is transmitted. 14
Reference numeral 4 is a pulse plate which rotates integrally with the gear 143, and 145 is a cylindrical body. Reference numeral 146 denotes a connecting rod which is rotatably attached to the eccentric position on the upper surface of the pulse plate 144 and the lower part of the cylinder 145, and connects the pulse plate 144 and the cylinder 145. Reference numeral 147 denotes a cylindrical guide rod attached to the slide table 42 side, which has the same inclination as the guide rail 60 for guiding the bin 16 to retreat.

The cylindrical body 145 is penetrated by the guide rod 147, and reciprocates along the guide rod 147 by the rotation of the pulse plate 144. A notch 149 is provided in the mounting base 44, and the cylindrical body 145 contacts the edge of the notch 149 to move the mounting base 44 in the front-rear direction.

Reference numeral 148 denotes a fifth sensor which detects the amount of rotation of the pulse plate 144 and is constituted by a photo interrupter or the like.

Reference numerals 100 and 101 are rollers provided so that the slide base 42 can smoothly move with respect to the sheet processing unit 30 corresponding to the stationary side. 102, 10
Reference numerals 3, 104 and 105 are rollers provided so that the mounting base 44 can smoothly move with respect to the sliding base 42 corresponding to the stationary side when the mounting base 44 moves.

First, the mounting structure of the punch 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. Reference numeral 106 denotes a T-shaped fitting having two points screwed therein, which passes through a slit 107 provided at a lower portion of the punch 40 to assist in fixing the punch 40. Reference numerals 108 and 109 denote connectors for connecting signal lines and the like for controlling the operation of the punch 40, and two holes 110 for inserting pins (not shown) for assisting fixing.
Is provided.

Reference numeral 150 denotes a punching blade for making a hole in the paper.
Reference numeral 1 is a table on which sheets are set when punching. Stand 1
On both sides of 51, an auxiliary stand 1 for preventing the paper from hanging down.
52 are provided. An inclined portion 151 for smoothing the sheet setting is provided at each end of the table 151 and the auxiliary table 152.
a and 152a are provided respectively. In other words, the inclined portions 151a and 152a are used to scoop up the leading end of the sheet to be processed when the leading end of the sheet is hung by the release of the stopper 25 and to set the sheet at the set position.

The punch 40 passes the T-shaped fitting 106 through the slit 107, connects the connectors 108 and 109, and
Screw through 11 and 112 at one place. Note that hole 1
12 can be adjusted in the direction of contact and separation with the paper.

Next, the mounting structure of the stapler 41 will be described with reference to FIGS. Reference numeral 113 is a U-shaped metal fitting screwed at two points, and the elastic force of the U-shaped metal fitting sandwiches the stapler 41 from both sides to assist in fixing the stapler 41. Reference numerals 114 and 115 denote connectors for connecting signal lines and the like for controlling the operation of the stapler 41, and are provided with two holes 116 for inserting pins (not shown) for assisting fixing.

Reference numeral 153 denotes a staple binding unit for binding sheets with staples, and 154 is a table on which sheets are set when stapling.

The stapler 41 has a notch 251
When the stapling is performed at the position where the stopper 25 is not released, the auxiliary table is unnecessary.
1 and the auxiliary table 152 serve as an auxiliary table of the stapler 41 and also scoop up the drooping paper, so that it is not necessary to provide an auxiliary table or an inclined portion. It is sufficient that the above configuration is provided on at least one of the punch 40 and the stapler 41.

The stapler 41 is sandwiched from both sides by the elastic force of the U-shaped bracket 113, and the connectors 114 and 115 are stuck.
Are connected and screwed at one place through the holes 117 and 118.

Further, the sheet processing unit 30 is detachable from the second housing 14, and its configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG.
FIG. 1 shows a state in which the support frame 29 from which the sheet processing device 28 has been removed is placed on the sheet processing unit 30.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram viewed from the arrow A direction of FIG. In addition, FIG.
FIG. 4 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the inside of the second housing 14 from which the sheet processing unit 30 is removed.

Reference numeral 130 is a roller, and a rectangular kerf 131 is provided at a corresponding portion of the second housing 14. Reference numerals 132, 133, 134, 135 and 136 are gears, and the belt 31 is provided with gears 134, 135 and 136.
Is hung on.

Reference numeral 137 denotes a sixth sensor for detecting the initial position of the slide table 42, which is constituted by a photo interrupter or the like. The initial position is, for example, the second housing 1
4 is set on the front side, and the inner cutout portion 251 of the paper is set.
When the stapling is performed at the position facing, the slide table does not move.

The front side of the sheet processing unit 30 is longer than the width of the bin 16 by, for example, the dimension length of the punch 40. Therefore, when the maintenance and inspection work is performed on the outer sheet processing device 28, that is, the punch 40, it is only necessary to open the panel of the second housing 14.

When the paper processing unit 30 is pulled out to the near side, the roller 130 comes into contact with the front edge 131a of the rectangular cut groove 131 and temporarily stops. At this temporary stop position, the rollers 130 and the cut grooves 131 are set so that the support frame 29 is pulled out substantially toward the front from the second housing 14. Therefore, in this state, maintenance and inspection work can be performed on the inner sheet processing device 28, that is, the stapler 41.

When the paper processing unit 30 is further pulled out, it can be pushed down slightly to disengage the roller 130 from the edge 131a, and the paper processing unit 30 can be easily pulled out.

The movement of the slide table 42 and the mounting table 44 in the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the operation of moving the slide table 42 will be described. When the motor 32 rotates and the gear 134 starts to rotate through the gears 132 and 133, the belt 31 rotates, and the slide base 42 moves in the left-right direction, that is, in parallel with the width direction of the sheet (bin 16) that is pressed and fixed. Move in different directions.

The moving distance of the slide table 42, that is, the support frame 29 is obtained by detecting the operating time of the motor 32 or the number of motor drive pulses with reference to the initial position and the like by the control unit 161 described later. To be Then, the control unit 161 detects the position of the punch 40 or the stapler 41 from the detection result, and based on the detection result, controls the punch 40 and the stapler 41 to face a predetermined processing position. Further, when the sliding base 42 is returned to the initial position, the motor 32 is rotated in the reverse direction, and when the sixth sensor 137 detects the sliding base 42, the motor 32 is stopped.

Next, the operation of moving the mounting base 44 will be described. When the motor 43 rotates, the gears 140, 141, 1
When the pulse plate 144 starts rotating through 42 and 143, the cylinder 145 is moved forward through the connecting rod 146, and integrally with this, the mounting base 44 is moved forward along the inclination toward the sheet side. .

Then, the rotation amount of the pulse plate 144 is detected by the fifth sensor 148, and the motor 43 is stopped at a predetermined position. As a result, the sheet is set on the table 151 and the auxiliary table 152 of the punch 40 or the table 154 of the stapler 41.

When the mounting base 44 is returned to the initial position, the motor 43 is further rotated in the same direction to move the fifth sensor 148.
When it is detected that the mount 44 has returned to the initial position, the motor 43 is stopped.

Next, the configuration of a control system for controlling the processing of the sheet processing device 28 will be described with reference to FIG.
This control system includes a memory 160 and a control unit 161, and performs predetermined sheet processing at each processing position while moving the support frame 29, on which the punch 40 and the stapler 41 are mounted, from the initial position in the width direction of the bin 16. Motor 3 to apply
2, 43, punch 40 and stapler 41 are controlled.

The memory 160 is composed of a ROM, a RAM and the like, and stores staple and punch processing positions standardized into a plurality of types, types of paper processing to be performed at the processing positions, control programs and the like. In addition, the memory 160
Stores the processing order to each processing position according to the processing mode selected and set by operating the paper processing selection key 13 or the like. The control unit 161 controls the driving of the motors 32 and 43 so as to perform sheet processing in a predetermined order stored in the memory 160 according to the set processing mode.

Here, the operation procedure when the paper is actually processed will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when performing paper processing. When the position and type of the sheet processing are selected by the selection key 13, the operation of the sheet processing starts.

First, the position for paper processing is determined (step S1). When processing is performed only at one corner of the initial position side of the sheet processing device 28 (YE in step S1)
S), the process proceeds to step S2 to perform the process (hereinafter referred to as a specific mode), and the process is performed when the position where the sheet processing is performed is not only one corner on the initial position side of the sheet processing device 28 or at one or more other positions. (Step S1
NO), the process proceeds to step S3 in order to perform the process (hereinafter referred to as the normal mode).

First, the processing procedure in the specific mode will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure in the specific mode, that is, when staple processing is performed only at one corner of a sheet.

First, the bin 16 on which the sheet to be stapled is placed is moved toward the stapler 41 to a predetermined position (step S11). When the backward movement is completed, the paper is pressed and fixed by the paper retainer 86 (step S12).

Next, the paper is set on the table 154 of the stapler 41 by moving the mounting table 44 forward at the initial position (step S13). Since the notch 251 is formed in the one corner at the stopper 25, the operation of releasing the stopper 25 becomes unnecessary. Then, the stapler 41 is operated to staple the sheets by the stapling operation (step S14).

When the stapling operation is completed, the mounting table 44
Is retracted to retract the stapler 41 from the sheet and return it to its original position (step S15). Next, the paper retainer 86 is released (step S16), and the bin 16 for which the stapling process has been completed is advanced to return it to its original position (step S17).

Next, it is determined whether or not the stapling process has been performed on all the stages of the bin 16 on which the sheets are placed, and if not completed (NO in step S18), the bin 16 is moved to the first stage. Only (step S19). At this time, if the staple process has been started from the lower side of the bin 16, the staple process is raised by one stage, and vice versa. Then, the processes of steps S11 to S18 are repeated for the newly moved bin 16. On the other hand, if the stapling process is completed for all required bins (YES in step S18), the process is completed.

Next, the processing procedure in the normal mode is shown in FIG.
5, it will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16 and the operation explanatory diagrams of FIGS. FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation procedure when the normal mode is set to perform the punching process and the stapling process in the width direction of the sheet. 17 and 18 show standardized stapling and punching processing positions, that is, the first stapling processing positions (c1) and (c2), the first punching processing positions (a1), (a2), and the second processing position. Punching position (b
1), (b2) and the second staple processing position (d
1) and (d2). FIG. 17 shows the first punch processing position (a1) and the first staple processing position (c).
1) and the second punching position (b1)
And the second staple processing position (d1) have a distance L12 longer than the distance L between the punch 40 and the stapler 41. FIG. 18 shows the first punch processing position (a2) and the first staple processing position. The case where the distance L21 between the position (c2) and the distance L22 between the second punching position (b2) and the second stapling position (d2) is shorter than the distance L between the punch 40 and the stapler 41 is shown. There is.

In the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 16, the processing mode 1 is the processing to the first staple processing position (c1), the first punch processing position (a1), and the second punch processing position (b1) of FIG. Processing mode 2 is a mode in which processing is performed at the first punch processing position (a1), the second punch processing position (b1) and the second staple processing position (d1) in FIG. Processing mode 3
Are the first stapling position (c1), the first punching position (a1), and the second punching position (b) in FIG.
In this mode, processing is performed on the first and second stapling processing positions (d1).

In the processing mode 4, the first staple processing position (c2) and the first punch processing position (a) in FIG.
2), a mode in which processing is performed on the second punch processing position (b2) and the second staple processing position (d2), and the processing mode 5 is the first staple processing position (c) in FIG.
2), a mode in which processing is performed on the first punch processing position (a2) and the second punch processing position (b2), and the processing mode 6 is the first punch processing position (a2) and the second punch processing position (a2) in FIG. This is a mode in which processing is performed on the punch processing position (b2) and the second staple processing position (d2).

When the normal mode processing is started, the bin 1
6 is retracted to a predetermined position, and the paper
Is pressed and fixed, and the stopper 25 of the bottle 16 is released. Since the paper P is fixed by the paper presser 86, the paper P does not slip down even if the stopper 25 is released.

Subsequently, it is determined which processing mode has been selected by the paper processing selection key 13 or the like (step S20).

When the processing mode 1 is selected in step S20, the support frame 29 extends in the width direction of the bin 16 until the stapler 41 faces the first stapling position (c1) shown in FIG. After the forward movement from the initial position, the mounting table 44 is advanced, the paper P is set on the stapler 41, and the first stapling position (c1) is stapled (step S21). Thereafter, the support frame 29 is moved in the forward movement direction, and a punching process is performed on the first punching position (a1) (step S2).
2). Subsequently, the support frame 29 is continuously moved in the forward movement direction, and punching is performed to the second punching position (b1) (step S23). After that, the mounting base 44 retracts, and the support frame 29 is moved in the backward movement direction, for example, and returns to the initial position. On the other hand, the stopper 25 of the bin 16 is returned to the set state, the paper retainer 86 is released, and the bin 1
6 is advanced and returned to its original position, the next bin 16
Is performed.

When the processing mode 2 is selected in step S20, the punch 40 moves to the first punch processing position (a
After the support frame 29 is reciprocated from the initial position in the width direction of the bin 16 to the position opposing 1), the mounting table 44 is advanced and the sheet P is set on the punch 40, and the first punch processing position is set. Punch processing is performed on (a1) (step S2).
4). Thereafter, while the support frame 29 is moved in the forward direction, punching and stapling are performed in the order of the second punching position (b1) and the second stapling position (d1) (step S25). , S26).

When the processing mode 3 is selected in step S20, the same processes as those in steps S21 to S23 described above are performed until the punching process to the second punching position (b1) (steps S27 to S29). After the punching process to the second punching position (b1), the support frame 29 is continuously moved in the forward movement direction, and the stapling process is performed to the second stapling position (d1). Step S30).

As described above, in the processing modes 1 to 3,
Since the processing order is set and stored in the memory 160 so that the sheet processing is performed in order from the processing position close to the initial position, the bin 16 is moved only by moving the support frame body 29 from the initial position in the forward movement direction. It is possible to end the sheet processing.

Next, the case where the processing mode 4 is selected in step S20 will be described. In this case, since the distance L22 between the second punch processing position (b2) and the second staple processing position (d2) is shorter than the distance L between the punch 40 and the stapler 41 as described above, the two points in FIG. As shown by the dashed line, the interval L0 from the punch 40 at the first punching position (a2) to the second punching position (b2)
The interval L'0 from the stapler 41 at the first punching position (a2) to the second stapling position (d2) is shorter than that.

For this reason, for example, in order to perform sheet processing in the order close to the initial position, that is, after the first punching position (a2), the supporting frame 2 is subjected to sheet processing at the second punching position (b2).
When 9 is moved, when the punch 40 faces the second punch processing position (b2), the stapler 41 goes over the second staple processing position (d2). That is, after the processing at the second punch processing position (b2), the support frame 29 is slightly returned to the initial position side so that the stapler 41 faces the second staple processing position (d2).

Therefore, in the processing mode 4, the stapler 4
The support frame 29 is moved forward from the initial position in the width direction of the bin 16 until the position 1 faces the first stapling position (c2), the mounting table 44 is advanced, and the sheet P is set on the stapler 41. , First stapling position (c2)
Is stapled (step S32), the support frame 29 is moved in the forward direction, punched at the first punching position (a2), and then moved to the second stapling position (d2). The stapler 41 is moved so as to face it and staple processing is performed. Then, the punching process is performed at the second punching position (b2) (step S3).
3 to step S35).

When the processing mode 5 is selected in step S20, the support frame 29 moves from the initial position in the width direction of the bin 16 until the stapler 41 faces the first stapling position (c2). After being moved, the mounting table 44
Is advanced, and the stapling process is performed at the first stapling position (c2) (step S36). Thereafter, the support frame 29 is moved in the forward movement direction, and sheet processing is performed in the order of the first punching position (a2) and the second punching position (b2) (steps S37 and S38).

When the processing mode 6 is selected in step S20, the punch 40 is moved to the first punch processing position (a).
The support frame 29 is moved forward from the initial position to a position facing 2), and the mounting base 44 is moved forward to perform punching at the first punching position (a2) (step S3).
9). After that, the support frame 29 is moved in the forward direction, and the sheet processing is performed in the order of the second stapling position (d2) and the second punching position (b2) as in the processing mode 4 described above. (Steps S40, S41).

As described above, in order to complete the paper processing of the bin 16 only by moving the support frame 29 from the initial position in the forward movement direction, the paper processing is performed in principle from the processing position close to the initial position. The interval between the unprocessed punch processing position and the staple processing position closest to the processing position (or the initial position) where the processing is completed is the punch 40 and the stapler 41.
Is shorter than the interval between the unprocessed punching position and the staple processing position, the one closer to the punch 40 or the stapler 41 at the processing position (or the initial position) where the paper processing is completed is the first. The supporting frame 29 is stored in the memory 160 so that the processing order is set so that the sheet processing is performed, and the support frame 29 is moved according to the stored processing order.
Thus, all the sheet processing for the bin 16 can be performed only by moving the support frame 29 from the initial position in the forward movement direction. Therefore, the moving distance of the support frame 29 is reduced, and the processing time can be reduced.

Here, the punching process and the stapling process have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and the printing device and other paper processing devices that perform a plurality of types of processing on paper are placed in one bin 16. The same operation can be applied to the sheet P. The processing modes stored in the memory 160 are not limited to the processing modes 1 to 6 described above, but a plurality of types are stored in accordance with the punch processing position and the staple processing position. The mode can be selected.

Further, in the above description, the order of processing at each processing position is stored in the memory 160, and the processing is performed according to the stored contents. Even if the position is set to perform an arbitrary sheet processing, each processing position is set such that all the sheet processing for the bin 16 is performed only by moving the support frame 29 from the initial position in the forward movement direction. The processing order of can be set. That is, in this case, the control unit 161 performs the sheet processing at one processing position or at the initial position, among the unprocessed punch processing position and the staple processing position closest to the processing position or the initial position, The position closer to the punch 40 or the stapler 41 at the initial position or the processing position where the paper processing is completed is determined, and the movement of the support frame 29 is controlled so as to perform the paper processing at the closer processing position. I have.

In the above-described embodiment, when the sheet processing device 28 is positioned at the processing position with respect to the sheet, the rotation amount of the motor 43 is controlled, but the invention is not limited to this. A paper presence / absence detection switch that detects the presence of paper and turns on near the processing unit 28 may be provided, and the position of the motor 43 may be turned on and off by turning on and off the switch.
In this case, for example, after the sort processing and before the paper processing operation,
When the paper is removed from the bin 16, this switch remains off, so that the idle operation of the paper processing device 28 can be prevented.

[0096]

According to the present invention, the order of processing at each processing position is changed so that the first sheet processing and the second sheet processing are performed only by moving the support frame in one direction from the initial position. Since the movement of the support frame is controlled so that the sheet processing is performed at each processing position in the set processing order, the moving distance of the support frame is shortened, and the processing time of the sheet can be shortened. Therefore, the processing efficiency of the paper can be improved, and the speed of paper processing can be increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an internal configuration of a second housing.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sheet moving mechanism, (a) is a plan view,
(B) is a side view.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a sheet pressing mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a sheet is at a retracted position.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state after a bin stopper is released.

FIG. 6 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a support frame body with a sheet processing device removed.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view mainly showing the structure of the support frame as viewed from a side.

FIG. 8 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a punch.

FIG. 9 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a stapler.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state in which a support frame is placed on a sheet processing unit.

FIG. 11 is an external view illustrating a schematic configuration inside a second housing.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a control system for controlling paper processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when performing paper processing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation in a specific mode.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation in a normal mode.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation in a normal mode.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a processing position where a paper process is performed.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing positions for performing paper processing.

FIG. 19 is an external view illustrating the entire image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 image forming apparatus 14 second housing 15 sorter 16 bin 12 operation panel 13 paper processing selection key 28 paper processing apparatus 32, 43 motor 40 punch 41 stapler 137 sixth sensor 160 memory 161 control unit P paper

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A first sheet processing means for performing a first sheet processing and a second sheet processing means for performing a second sheet processing are arranged side by side on a support frame, and the support frame is set at an initial position. A sheet processing apparatus that includes a moving unit that moves the sheet in the width direction of the bin from the bin to perform the first sheet processing and the second sheet processing on the sheets on the bin. By the storage means for storing the paper processing to be applied to the position in association with each other, the detection means for detecting the positional information of the first paper processing means and the second paper processing means, and the storage content and the detection means. Based on the detected position information, the processing at each processing position is performed so that the first sheet processing and the second sheet processing are performed only by moving the support frame from the initial position in one direction. Setting means for setting the order; A sheet processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the moving unit so that sheet processing is performed at each processing position.