JP3924937B2 - Post-processing device for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a post-processing device for an image forming apparatus that performs predetermined post-processing on an image-formed sheet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a so-called multi-function machine in which these functions are integrated includes a post-processing apparatus that performs predetermined post-processing on image-formed paper. is increasing. As the predetermined post-processing performed by the post-processing apparatus, for example, there is a so-called end binding process in which sheets on which images are formed are bundled and staples are driven into one end or a plurality of positions on the end of the sheet bundle.
[0003]
Recently, with the progress of networking of computers and the like and an increase in the number of cases where a single image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of computers (clients), the sheets on which images have been formed are sorted and discharged by client. Some post-processing devices have a function.
[0004]
An example of a post-processing apparatus that performs sorting and discharging while executing such predetermined post-processing (edge binding processing) is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-122292. In this apparatus, as shown in FIG. 3, a compiler tray (a tray dedicated for paper alignment) 51 for end binding processing is built in the apparatus main body 50, and a multi-stage shelf-shaped discharge bin is provided. 52 is provided outside the device 50. When the image-formed sheets are received from the image forming apparatus, the sheets are aligned and stacked one by one on the compiler tray 51, and the end of the sheet bundle is bound by the stapler 53. The paper is conveyed from 51 to any one of the plurality of discharge bins 52 and discharged to discharge bins 52 corresponding to each client.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional post-processing apparatus, the compiler tray 51 for stacking sheets in a substantially horizontal state is built in the apparatus main body 50 and the multi-stage discharge bin 52 is provided outside the apparatus 50. As a result, the tray 51 and the discharge bin 52 are arranged side by side in a plane, resulting in an increase in apparatus size and a large occupied area. In particular, when dealing with a large size paper such as A3 size (longitudinal direction is 420 mm), the compiler tray 51 itself is increased in size, so that a larger occupied area is required.
[0006]
On the other hand, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-144370, the edge binding process is performed in a state where sheets are stacked across the apparatus internal tray and the apparatus external tray (discharge bin). Therefore, it is conceivable to reduce the size of the apparatus. However, in this case, the alignment accuracy of the sheet bundle when performing the binding process is affected by the state of the sheet discharged to the tray outside the apparatus. For example, when the sheet discharged on the tray outside the apparatus is removed by the user, the height of the uppermost surface of the sheet in the tray outside the apparatus changes, which may deteriorate the accuracy of sheet bundle alignment. The same applies to the case where the sheet bundle is aligned for a size different from the sheet after the sheet is once discharged onto the tray outside the apparatus. That is, in this case, there is a possibility that the edge binding process cannot be reliably performed due to the deterioration of the sheet bundle alignment accuracy.
[0007]
Therefore, the present invention ensures that the predetermined post-processing is performed without increasing the size of the apparatus even when sorting and discharging corresponding to networking is performed while executing the predetermined post-processing. An object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing apparatus capable of performing image processing.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is a post-processing device for an image forming apparatus devised to achieve the above object, and receives an output sheet output from the image forming apparatus after image formation by the image forming apparatus and temporarily receives the output paper. A paper storage means for storing, a post-processing means for performing a predetermined post-processing on the output paper stored in the paper storage means, and a post-processing paper after the post-processing by the post-processing means or the post-processing A plurality of discharge shelves for sorting and discharging unprocessed paper, which is output paper that does not undergo post-processing by the means, and first transport means for transporting the processed paper from the paper storage means to the plurality of discharge shelves And a second transport means for transporting the unprocessed paper from the image forming apparatus to the plurality of discharge shelves , wherein the paper storage means outputs the output between the image forming apparatus and the discharge shelves. Housed with the paper tilted It is disposed on so that, the first conveying unit and the second conveying means, characterized in that the conveying path is arranged so as to intersect with each other.
[0009]
According to the post-processing apparatus having the above configuration, when output paper is output from the image forming apparatus, the paper storage unit receives the output paper and temporarily stores it. At this time, the sheet storage unit stores the output sheets side by side in a tilted state, that is, in a substantially vertical state. Therefore, in this post-processing apparatus, if a space corresponding to the thickness of the sheet bundle stored in the sheet storage unit is secured between the image forming apparatus and the discharge shelf, the sheet storage unit and the discharge shelf are planar. Even if they are not arranged in parallel, post-processing by the post-processing means can be performed without being affected by output paper discharged on the discharge shelf. In addition, the first transport unit for transporting the processed paper from the sheet storage unit to the discharge shelf and the second transport unit for transporting the unprocessed paper from the image forming apparatus to the discharge shelf may intersect each other. Therefore, even if the paper storage means stores the output paper in a tilted state, that is, in a state of being nearly vertical, the first transport means and the second transport means do not need to be routed through a complicated route. .
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A post-processing apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
As shown in the side sectional view of FIG. 1, the post-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is used continuously with the subsequent stage of the image forming apparatus 2 that forms and outputs an image on a sheet, and is mainly used. The post-processing unit 10 and the discharge unit 20 are configured.
[0012]
The post-processing unit 10 performs an end binding process as a predetermined post-process on the output paper after image formation output from the image forming apparatus 2. For this purpose, the post-processing unit 10 has a compiler tray 11 and a stapler 12.
[0013]
The compiler tray 11 receives the output paper output from the image forming apparatus 2 via the receiving path 13 that is a paper conveyance path from the image forming apparatus 2 to the compiler tray 11, and temporarily receives the received output paper. Is to be accommodated. Therefore, the compiler tray 11 is formed in a size that can accommodate the maximum size paper that can be handled by the post-processing apparatus 1.
[0014]
However, the compiler tray 11 is arranged vertically and accommodates the output sheets side by side in a substantially upright state, that is, slightly inclined from a substantially vertical state. Further, at that time, the output paper to be accommodated is aligned by the paper alignment paddle 14 having a rotating blade provided near the end of the receiving path 13 and the paper alignment plate 16 using the paper alignment motor 15 as a drive source. It has become.
[0015]
The stapler 12 is provided in the vicinity of the lower end of the compiler tray 11, and staples a staple needle at one end or a plurality of locations on the end of a bundle of sheets accommodated in the compiler tray 11, thereby binding the end of the sheets. The processing is performed. A post-processed sheet, which is a bundle of sheets after the end-stitching process in the stapler 12, is performed by a post-processed sheet discharge roll 17 provided on the sheet storage surface of the compiler tray 11 and a discharge nip roll 18 opposed thereto. The paper is discharged toward the upper side of the compiler tray 11.
[0016]
On the other hand, the discharge unit 20 discharges unprocessed paper that is processed paper or output paper that has not undergone post-processing. However, the discharge unit 20 has shelf-shaped discharge bins 21a configured in multiple stages so that when the image forming apparatus 2 is shared by a plurality of clients, the discharge unit 20 can cope with sorting discharge for each client. . Specifically, each discharge bin 21a is provided along a transport unit 22 that conveys processed paper or unprocessed paper in a substantially vertical direction, and a transformer is switched by switching a switching gate 23 corresponding to each discharge bin 21a. The sheet conveyed to the port unit 22 is selectively discharged.
[0017]
Further, the discharge unit 20 discharges post-processed paper or unprocessed paper that does not need to be sent or cannot be sent to the multi-stage discharge bin 21a, specifically, that does not require sorting by each client. In addition to the discharge bin 21a, a discharge bin 21b (hereinafter referred to as a stack tray) 21b provided above the discharge bin 21a is provided. The stack tray 21b is configured to be movable up and down by an elevator mechanism 24 in order to cope with discharge of a large number of sheets, and its movement amount is adjusted by a height sensor 25 that detects the stack height on the stack tray 21b. It has become so.
[0018]
By the way, between the post-processing unit 10 and the discharge unit 20, the processed paper or the unprocessed paper is transported by the first transport path 31 or the second transport path 32.
[0019]
The first transport path 31 is for transporting the processed paper discharged from the upper end side of the compiler tray 11 toward the stack tray 21b located above the discharge unit 20, and guides the processed paper. A guide plate and a transport roll provided as appropriate along the guide plate are provided. In the first transport path 31, the processed paper can be transported in the reverse direction by the reverse rotation of the transport roll 31a provided near the end of the first transport path 31.
[0020]
The second transport path 32 uses the output sheet output from the sheet outlet (main body discharge roll 2a) located near the upper end of the image forming apparatus 2 as an unprocessed sheet that does not undergo post-processing in the post-processing unit 10, and is a discharge unit. In the same manner as the first transport path 31, a guide plate and a transport roll are provided. The receiving path 13 is branched from the middle of the second conveyance path 32, and the output sheet from the image forming apparatus 2 is directly used as the second conveyance path 32 by switching a switching gate 33 provided at the branch point. It is possible to select whether it is conveyed to the compiler tray 11 by the receiving path 13 or not.
[0021]
The first transport path 31 and the second transport path 32 are arranged so as to cross each other in the middle of the transport path. Furthermore, a cross path portion 34 described below is provided at the intersection.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cross-pass portion 34 has a predetermined length in the transport direction of the processed paper or the unprocessed paper and can be rotated with respect to the transport direction. The guide gate 34a is supported by the electromagnetic gate 34a, and the electromagnetic solenoid 34b is a drive source for rotating the guide gate 34a. In the cross path section 34, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the sheet after processing at the intersection of the first transport path 31 and the second transport path 32 is obtained by rotating the guide gate 34a by approximately 90 °. Alternatively, the conveyance direction of unprocessed paper is switched, thereby preventing jamming at the intersection.
[0023]
In FIG. 1, a connecting path 35 that connects the first transport path 31 and the second transport path 32 is provided on the downstream side of the cross path section 34. The connection path 35 is a switching gate provided between the transport roll 31a and the cross-pass portion 34 for the processed paper transported in the reverse direction by the reverse rotation of the transport roll 31a of the first transport path 31. This is for guiding to the second transport path 32 through switching by 36.
[0024]
Next, an operation example in the case where the output processing from the image forming apparatus 2 is performed in the post-processing apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described. Here, “post-processing discharge mode” for discharging processed paper onto the stack tray 21b, “post-processing sorting mode” for discharging processed paper to one of the discharge bins 21a, and discharging unprocessed paper Each “unprocessed sorting mode” discharged to one of the bins 21a will be described as an example.
[0025]
First, the “post-processing discharge mode” will be described.
When the output paper is sent from the paper exit of the main body of the image forming apparatus 2 by the main body discharge roll 2a, the output paper passes through the switching gate 33 which is switched to the transport state to the receiving path 13 side, and is received by the receiving path 13. It is conveyed to the compiler tray 11. Then, the paper is accommodated in the compiler tray 11 in a state in which the conveyance direction is aligned by the paper alignment paddle 14 and the width direction is aligned by the paper alignment plate 16.
[0026]
Thereafter, when a predetermined number of output sheets are stored in the compiler tray 11, the stapler 12 drives the staples into the bundle of output sheets and performs an end binding process. When the stapler 12 performs the end binding process, the processed sheet, which is a sheet bundle after the end binding process is performed, is clamped by the processed sheet discharge roll 17 and the discharge nip roll 18, and the compiler tray 11 is rotated by these rotations. It is discharged toward the top of the.
[0027]
At this time, in the cross path section 34, the electromagnetic solenoid 34b rotates the guide gate 34a along the transport direction of the first transport path 31. Therefore, the processed paper from the compiler tray 11 passes through the guide gate 34 a of the cross-pass portion 34 and is discharged onto the stack tray 21 b by the transport roll 31 a of the first transport path 31.
[0028]
In the post-processing apparatus 1, in the “post-processing discharge mode”, the discharge of the processed paper onto the stack tray 21b as described above is repeatedly performed for the designated number of sets. However, when the processed paper is discharged onto the stack tray 21b, the height of the uppermost surface of the processed paper is lowered by the elevator mechanism 24 according to the detection result by the height sensor 25. It is always kept within a certain range.
[0029]
Next, the “post-processing sorting mode” will be described.
In the “post-processing sorting mode”, output paper from the image forming apparatus 2 is stored in the compiler tray 11 in the bundle of output paper stored in the same manner as in the “post-processing discharge mode” described above. On the other hand, after the stapler 12 performs the end binding process, the processed sheet is conveyed by the first conveyance path 31 through the cross-pass portion 34.
[0030]
However, at this time, in the first transport path 31, it is monitored whether or not the trailing edge of the processed paper has exceeded the switching gate 36 by a sensor (not shown) or the like. When the trailing edge of the processed paper exceeds the switching gate 36, the transport roll 31a rotates in the reverse direction and the switching gate 36 is switched. As a result, the processed paper is not discharged onto the stack tray 21b, but is guided to the second transport path 32 via the connection path 35.
[0031]
Thereafter, the processed paper is transported from the second transport path 32 to the transport unit 22, and one of the plurality of discharge bins 21 a is switched by switching at a switching gate 23 provided along the transport unit 22. Selectively discharged. That is, the processed paper is sorted into a discharge bin 21a corresponding to each client and discharged.
[0032]
Next, the “unprocessed sorting mode” will be described.
In the “unprocessed sorting mode”, when the output paper is sent from the paper exit of the main body of the image forming apparatus 2 by the main body discharge roll 2 a, the output paper is transferred to the compiler tray 11 by switching the switching gate 33. Is transported to the second transport path 32 side without being transported.
[0033]
At this time, in the cross path section 34, the electromagnetic solenoid 34b rotates the guide gate 34a along the transport direction of the second transport path 32. Accordingly, the output sheet from the image forming apparatus 2, that is, the unprocessed sheet, is conveyed from the second conveyance path 32 to the transport unit 22 through the guide gate 34 a of the cross-pass unit 34, and along the transport unit 22. By the switching at the provided switching gate 23, it is selectively discharged to any one of the plurality of discharge bins 21a. That is, unprocessed paper is sorted into a discharge bin 21a according to each client and discharged.
[0034]
Note that switching between the “post-processing discharge mode”, “post-processing sorting mode”, and “unprocessed sorting mode” is performed according to an instruction from the image forming apparatus 2 or an instruction from a client that issues a job to the image forming apparatus 2. Shall be.
[0035]
As described above, the post-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is in a state where the compiler tray 11 substantially stands output paper between the image forming apparatus 2 and the discharge unit 20 (discharge bin 21a and stack tray 21b). That is, they are arranged so as to be accommodated side by side in a slightly inclined state from substantially vertical. Therefore, even if the compiler tray 11 and the discharge bin 21a are not arranged in a plane, the output from the image forming apparatus 2 can be ensured only by securing a small space between the image forming apparatus 2 and the discharge unit 20. Edge binding processing can be performed on the paper.
[0036]
Therefore, according to the post-processing device 1, by effectively utilizing the space in the device, the size of the device is not increased, and the edge binding processing and networking for the output paper can be performed with a small occupied area. Corresponding sorting discharge can be realized. In particular, even when dealing with large size paper such as A3 size, a large space in plane is not required by placing the compiler tray 11 vertically. Further, in the compiler tray 11, paper alignment is performed on the output paper without being affected by the discharged paper or the like, so that the alignment accuracy is not deteriorated, and as a result, the end binding process is reliably performed. Will be able to.
[0037]
Further, in the post-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the first transport path 31 and the second transport path 32 are arranged so as to intersect each other in the middle of the transport path. Therefore, the compiler tray 11 is arranged vertically, and the first transport path 31 is transported toward the stack tray 21b located on the upper side, and the second transport path 32 is located above the compiler tray 11. Even if it is transported toward the discharge bin 21a located on the lower side from the first transport path 31, it is not necessary to route the first transport path 31 and the second transport path 32 along a complicated route. That is, since the conveyance route can be simplified and the conveyance distance can be shortened, the space for the post-processing apparatus 1 can be further reduced. Further, along with the simplification of the transport path and the shortening of the transport distance, it becomes possible to suppress the jam occurrence rate during transport.
[0038]
Further, in the post-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, in the “post-processing sorting mode”, the post-processed paper transported by the first transport path 31 is not discharged onto the stack tray 21b, but the post-processed paper. By reversing the transport direction, the second transport path 32 is guided through the connection path 35. That is, it has a reversing function (switchback transport function) that reverses the transport direction of the processed paper when the processed paper is sorted and discharged into any of the discharge bins 21a. Therefore, in the post-processing apparatus 1, even when the compiler tray 11 is arranged vertically, it is not necessary to route the first transport path 31 and the second transport path 32 in a complicated route. As in the case of this, it is possible to further reduce the space and reduce the jam occurrence rate.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the case where the post-processing unit 10 has the stapler 12 and the stapler 12 performs the end binding processing as the predetermined post-processing has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Not. For example, in addition to the edge binding process, the present invention can be similarly applied to a case of performing a so-called punching process in which punch holes are formed at one or a plurality of positions at the end of the sheet bundle.
[0040]
In the present embodiment, the “post-processing discharge mode”, “post-processing sorting mode”, and “unprocessed sorting mode” have been described as examples of operations when discharging processing is performed. For example, it may be possible to correspond to an “unprocessed discharge mode” in which unprocessed paper is discharged onto the stack tray 21b. In this case, a transport path for transporting unprocessed paper may be provided separately from the first transport path 31 and the second transport path 32. Further, a discharge bin dedicated to unprocessed paper having the same function as that of the stack tray 21b may be provided.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the post-processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is disposed between the image forming apparatus 2 and the discharge shelf so that the sheet storage unit stores the output sheet in an inclined state. Yes. Therefore, it is possible to perform the post-processing on the output paper without securing a small space between the image forming apparatus and the discharge shelf without arranging the sheet storage unit and the discharge shelf in a plane. Become. In addition, since the first conveying means and the second conveying means are arranged so as to cross each other, even if the paper accommodating means accommodates the output paper in an inclined state, the first conveying means and the second conveying means. Need not be routed through complicated routes. That is, in this post-processing apparatus, by effectively utilizing the space in the apparatus, the apparatus size can be prevented from being increased, and sorting and discharging corresponding to post-processing and networking with a small occupation area can be realized. In addition, since the paper is aligned with the output paper without being affected by the discharged paper or the like in the paper storage means, the alignment accuracy does not deteriorate, and as a result, the end binding process is reliably performed. Will be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an example of an embodiment of a post-processing apparatus of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
2A and 2B are explanatory views showing an outline of a cross-pass unit in the post-processing apparatus of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view seen from a conveyance direction, FIG. 2B is a side view thereof, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a post-processing apparatus of a conventional image forming apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Post-processing apparatus, 2 ... Image forming apparatus, 10 ... Post-processing unit, 11 ... Compiler tray, 12 ... Stapler, 20 ... Discharge unit, 21a ... Discharge bin, 21b ... Stack tray, 31 ... 1st conveyance path, 32 ... second transport path, 34 ... cross-pass section

Claims (2)

Paper storage means for receiving and temporarily storing output paper output from the image forming apparatus after image formation by the image forming apparatus;
Post-processing means for performing predetermined post-processing on the output paper stored in the paper storage means;
A plurality of discharge shelves from which unprocessed paper that is post-processed paper after post-processing by the post-processing means or output paper that does not undergo post-processing by the post-processing means is sorted and discharged ;
First transport means for transporting the processed paper from the paper storage means to the plurality of discharge shelves;
Second conveying means for conveying the unprocessed paper from the image forming apparatus to the plurality of discharge shelves ;
The paper storage means is disposed so as to store the output paper in an inclined state between the image forming apparatus and the discharge shelf .
The post-processing apparatus of an image forming apparatus, wherein the first transport unit and the second transport unit are disposed so that transport paths intersect each other . Said first conveying means, according to claim 1, wherein the carrying to the sort discharge the processed sheets to the plurality of discharge shelves are those having an inverting function for inverting the conveying direction of the sheet after the treatment Post-processing apparatus of image forming apparatus.

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