JP4127093B2 - Sheet processing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus that processes a sheet (sheet) discharged from an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine, and more particularly to a sheet processing apparatus including a sheet (sheet) setting mechanism.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, sheet processing apparatuses that receive recorded paper (sheets) discharged from an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine and perform predetermined post-processing have been widely used. This is because online production of the image forming apparatus and the high productivity of recording by the image forming apparatus have progressed, and post-processing means such as stapling, punching (round perforation), paper folding, etc. for the recording paper after image formation This is due to the fact that it has become common to ensure high productivity while equipped.
[0003]
As an example of such a sheet processing apparatus, for example, stapling is performed. After recording sheets are received and stacked and aligned on a compiler tray (compile tray) to generate a predetermined number of sheet bundles, a stapler is used. There is a technique for performing stapling by a section (see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-120284 (page 3-4, FIG. 2)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in this type of sheet processing apparatus, in many cases, a discharge roll for holding the sheet bundle stacked on the compile tray and discharging the sheet bundle to the outside is provided so as to be movable forward and backward with respect to the compile tray. .
However, with the recent increase in the speed and productivity of image forming apparatuses, the demand for sheet processing apparatuses that increase the number of sheets that can be stapled at once has increased in the market, and the number of sheets that can be stapled at a time has increased. When trying to do so, the thickness of the sheet bundle increases accordingly. In addition, since the paper is easily deformed due to the influence of curl or the like, an air layer is formed between the papers constituting the paper bundle. However, when the number of papers constituting the paper bundle is large, the appearance of the paper bundle is apparent. The thickness becomes even larger. Then, when the number of sheets constituting the sheet bundle is increased, when the sheet bundle is pressed by the discharge roll, the sheets are slipped by the air layer formed between the sheets, and the stapled binding is performed in a state where the alignment of the sheet bundle is disturbed. There was a risk of it.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above technical problem, and an object of the present invention is to staple the sheet bundle in a state where the consistency of the sheet bundle (paper bundle) is maintained. There is.
Another object of the present invention is to enable discharge of the sheet bundle while maintaining the consistency of the sheet bundle.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, the sheet bundle can be stapled in a state in which the consistency of the sheet bundle is maintained by changing the pressing operation of the sheet bundle depending on whether the staple processing is performed on the sheet bundle or not. I am doing so.
That is, the present invention is a sheet processing apparatus having a compiling function for aligning a plurality of conveyed sheets as one sheet bundle, and sequentially stacking supplied sheets to form one sheet bundle. A compile tray, a sheet aligning unit that executes alignment processing of sheets supplied to the compile tray, a pressing unit that presses the sheet bundle aligned by the sheet aligning unit, and a staple that staples the sheet bundle accumulated in the compilation And a staple execution determination unit that determines whether or not the staple processing is performed on the sheet bundle on the compilation tray, and the pressing unit presses the sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray once based on the determination result by the staple execution determination unit. The first pressing operation or pressing means is formed on the compilation tray Is characterized by comprising selection means for selecting a second pressing operation to press a plurality of times the sheet bundle.
[0008]
Here, the selection unit can select the second pressing operation when the staple execution determination unit determines that the stapling process is performed. In this case, the image forming apparatus further includes sheet number detecting means for detecting the number of sheets constituting the sheet bundle formed on the compile tray, and the selecting means is configured to detect the second number when the number detected by the number detecting means exceeds a predetermined number. The pressing operation can be selected. The selecting means may select the first pressing operation when the stapling execution determining means determines that the stapling process is not performed. Furthermore, the pressing means can also be characterized as serving as a discharging means for discharging the sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray.
[0009]
From another point of view, the present invention is a sheet processing apparatus having a compiling function for aligning a plurality of conveyed sheets as one sheet bundle, and sequentially stacking supplied sheets, A compile tray that forms a single sheet bundle, a sheet aligning unit that executes alignment processing of sheets supplied to the compile tray, and a pressing unit that presses the sheet bundle aligned by the sheet aligning unit and discharges the sheet bundle. And a stapler for stapling the bundle of sheets accumulated in the compilation, a staple type determination unit for determining the type of staple processing for the sheet bundle on the compilation tray, and a pressing unit based on the determination result by the staple type determination unit. A first pressing operation to press the sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray once, or Pressing means is characterized by comprising a selection means for selecting a second pressing operation to press a plurality of times the sheet bundle formed on the compile tray.
[0010]
Here, the selection unit may select the second pressing operation when the staple type determination unit determines that a plurality of staple processes are performed on the sheet bundle on the compilation tray. . The selection unit may select the first pressing operation when the staple type determination unit determines that one staple processing is performed on the sheet bundle on the compilation tray.
[0011]
The sheet aligning unit has a vertical reference wall disposed at the downstream end of the compilation tray in the sheet conveying direction, and the selecting unit performs the staple processing in a state where the vertical reference wall is retracted by the staple type determining unit. When it is determined to be performed, the second pressing operation is selected. The selecting means may select the first pressing operation when it is determined by the staple type determining means that the stapling process is performed without retracting the vertical reference wall.
[0012]
Further, from another point of view, the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention sequentially collects the supplied sheets to form one sheet bundle, and the downstream end of the compilation tray in the sheet conveying direction. An alignment reference wall that is arranged, a sheet aligning section that aligns sheets supplied to the compile tray, a retreat position that does not hinder the supply of sheets to the compile sheet, and an advance position that holds the sheet bundle formed on the compile sheet And a holding member that presses and holds a bundle of sheets formed on the compile tray, and the holding member moves from the retracted position to the advanced position and is formed on the compile tray. After pressing the bundle, the sheet moves to the intermediate retracted position that is separated from the sheet bundle, and moves from the intermediate retracted position to the advanced position again to press the sheet bundle. It is characterized by a door.
[0013]
Here, a stapler for performing a staple process on the sheet bundle formed on the compile tray is further provided, and the alignment reference wall is retracted when a predetermined staple process is performed on the sheet bundle by the stapler. . The holding member may also serve as a discharge member that discharges the sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray. Further, the holding member includes a roll member disposed so as to be rotatable along the sheet conveyance direction, and the roll member is rotationally driven in the sheet discharge direction when discharging the sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray. It can be characterized by that. Furthermore, the moving speed V1 when the holding member moves from the retracted position to the advanced position is set to be higher than the moving speed V2 when the holding member moves from the intermediate retracted position to the advanced position. it can.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
—Embodiment 1—
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. A sheet processing apparatus (paper processing apparatus) 2 is connected to an image forming apparatus 1 such as a printer or a copying machine that forms a color image by an electrophotographic method, and is used as a post-processing apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus 2 includes a transport unit 3 connected to the image forming apparatus 1, a folding unit 4 that performs a folding process on a sheet (paper) captured by the transport unit 3, and the folding unit 4. A finisher 5 that performs predetermined final processing on the passed sheet, an interposer 6 that supplies slip sheets such as a cover of a booklet, and a control unit 7 that controls each mechanism unit of the sheet processing apparatus 2 are provided. Although the control unit 7 is provided in the casing of the finisher 5 in FIG. 1, it can be provided in the casing of another unit. Further, all the control functions can be integrated in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.
[0015]
When the sheet processing apparatus 2 configured by each of these units is divided by function, the finisher 5 is provided in the finisher 5 and is provided in the staple function unit 10 and the finisher 5 for generating a sheet bundle and performing stapling. A saddle stitch bookbinding function unit 30 that performs saddle stitching and a folding unit 4 is provided in the folding unit 4, and performs an inner tri-fold (C-fold) and an outer tri-fold (Z-fold) on the sheet, for example, the finisher 5. An interleaving function that is provided with a punch function unit 70 that punches (punches) 2 holes or 4 holes and an interposer 6 and supplies interleaving paper such as cardboard and window empty paper used for the cover of a sheet bundle Part 80.
[0016]
Next, the staple function unit 10 which is a characteristic configuration in the present embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating the staple function unit 10. The staple function unit 10 includes conveyance guides 101 and 102 that guide a sheet to be conveyed, a compile exit sensor 103 that detects a sheet and outputs a signal for controlling the operation of each mechanism unit, and the conveyance guides 101 and 102. A conveyance roller pair 104 that discharges (conveys) the paper conveyed through the sheet, and a compile tray 105 that stacks the paper discharged by the conveyance roller pair 104 are provided. A discharge tray 109 for discharging the stapled booklet is provided. The compile tray 105 is provided with a vertical reference wall (an end wall 151 described later) serving as a reference wall for vertical alignment (paper conveyance direction alignment) in a direction opposite to the paper discharge direction. The compile tray 105 is provided with a horizontal reference wall (not shown) serving as a reference wall that is aligned in the horizontal direction (a direction orthogonal to the paper conveyance direction), for example, on the front side (front side) of the apparatus.
[0017]
In addition, as a mechanism unit that executes each function, a sheet feeding direction (longitudinal aligning unit 110 that performs sheet aligning in the vertical direction (sheet conveying direction) and a sheet conveying direction (longitudinal aligning unit 110) ( The vertical alignment assisting unit 120 for assisting the paper alignment in the (vertical direction), in order to improve the alignment of the paper bundle, presses the paper bundle during the staple binding, and discharges the paper bundle after the staple binding is completed. The sheet bundle support / discharge unit 130 and the sheet fed to the compile tray 105 are arranged in a horizontal direction aligning unit 140 that performs sheet alignment in a direction (horizontal direction) orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction. An end wall 151 including a wall for aligning paper and having a mechanism for driving the end wall 151; a staple; Includes a staple mechanism unit 160 that staples a bundle of sheets supplied to the compilation tray 105, and a shelf 171 that is a guide for supporting the sheets in the compilation tray 105, and a mechanism for driving the shelf 171. The shelf mechanism unit 170 is provided.
[0018]
First, the vertical alignment unit 110 will be described.
The vertical alignment unit 110 sequentially presses the supplied paper against the end wall 151 against the compile tray 105, a compile paddle 111 that moves the compile paddle 111 up and down (retract / advance operation), and a compile paddle up / down solenoid 112. Links 113 and 114 that rotate and slide in conjunction with the paddle up / down solenoid 112, and regulation guides 115 and 116 for assisting paper alignment, such as pressing paper with strong curl, are provided. The compile paddle 111 is formed of, for example, EPDM, and about three blades are attached to one compile paddle 111. With these blades, the trailing edge of the sheet supplied to the compilation tray 105 is pressed against the end wall 151. By this pressing, the rear end (vertical direction) of the paper is aligned.
[0019]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining each mechanism of the vertical alignment unit 110. Here, the regulation guide 115 is omitted in consideration of the visibility of the drawing, but actually, a plurality of (for example, three) coaxial guides 111 are provided coaxially. A spring 117 is provided on the shaft of the compile paddle up / down solenoid 112. When the compile paddle up / down solenoid 112 and the spring 117 move the axis of the compile paddle up / down solenoid 112 in the direction (A) in the figure, the link 113 rotates in the direction (B), and the link 114 (C ) Slide in direction. By the movement of the links 113 and 114, the compile paddle 111 can be moved up and down at a necessary timing based on, for example, the number of sheets to be stacked, the thickness of the sheet bundle, and the like. On the other hand, the regulation guide 116 rotates in the (D) direction in conjunction with the operation of the link 114 in the (C) direction. As a result, the trailing edge of the strongly curled paper can be pressed down.
[0020]
Next, the vertical alignment assisting unit 120 will be described.
The vertical alignment assisting unit 120 shown in FIG. 2 sub-paddles 121 that assist the operation of pressing the paper supplied to the compile tray 105 against the end wall 151, for example, when the number of sheets reaches a predetermined number (50 sheets). The sub paddle up / down solenoid 122 that moves the sub paddle 121 up and down (retract / advance operation), such as raising the position of 121, and links 123 and 124 that move the sub paddle 121 up and down in conjunction with the sub paddle up / down solenoid 122. I have. The sub paddle 121 is formed of, for example, EPDM, similarly to the compiled paddle 111, and about three blades are attached to one sub paddle 121. These blades assist the vertical alignment of the paper supplied to the compilation tray 105.
[0021]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining each mechanism of the vertical alignment assisting unit 120. The perspective view shown in FIG. 4 shows a view of the vertical alignment assisting unit 120 from the rear side (IN side) of the apparatus. In the vertical alignment assisting unit 120, in order to shorten the sheet alignment time, the gear 125 rotates once based on the sheet discharge timing, and is linked to the link 126 via the sub paddle clutch 128 to operate the sub paddle 121. (Moves up and down). By this vertical movement, when the sheets are discharged from the compile tray 105, the sub paddle 121 is controlled to move to the position of the top stop point that does not hinder the discharge of the sheet bundle, and a conveying force is required for aligning the sheets. Sometimes, in order to increase the conveying force, the sub paddle 121 is controlled to move to the position of the bottom stop point at a necessary timing.
[0022]
The vertical alignment assisting unit 120 sucks the sub-paddle up / down solenoid 122 when the number of sheets discharged to the compilation tray 105 exceeds, for example, 50 sheets. By the suction of the sub-paddle up / down solenoid 122, the link 123 is rotated in the direction (G) in the figure around the center 123a, and the whole including the link 124 and the sub-paddle 121 is upward (the direction (F) in the figure). ). Also, by opening the sub-paddle up / down solenoid 122, the link 123 rotates in the direction (H) in the figure around the center 123a, and the entire link 124 and the sub-paddle 121 move downward. The sheet discharged to the compilation tray 105 moves to a height corresponding to 1 to 50 sheets. By adjusting the height between the sub paddle 121 and the sheet stacking surface in this manner, the conveyance force by the sub paddle 121 can be maintained in a substantially constant state even when the sheet stacking amount is different. Further, the vertical alignment assisting unit 120 is provided with a paper surface regulation guide 127 so that the paper does not buckle even when the sub-paddle 121 applies a transport force more than expected. It is configured.
[0023]
Next, the sheet bundle support / discharge unit 130 will be described.
A sheet bundle support / discharge unit 130 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed against the opposing roll 139 to support the sheet and discharge the sheet bundle (holding discharge member, restraining member) 131, such as a Z-folded sheet. A pressing roll (pressing member, pressing member) 132 for pressing the vicinity of the folded portion is provided. The pressing roll 132 is provided on the compiling direction side (opposite to the paper discharge direction) with respect to the eject roll 131. For example, when an A3 size paper (A3SEF) is folded into a Z shape to become an A4 size and a B4 size The sheet (B4SEF) is folded in the Z shape and becomes B5 size so that the vicinity of the folded portion (mountain folded portion) of the sheet can be pressed. Details of this will be described later. The eject roll 131 and the pressing roll 132 rotate around the shaft 137.
[0024]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining each mechanism of the sheet bundle supporting / discharging unit 130. The sheet bundle support / discharge unit 130 includes an eject clamp motor 134 that moves the eject roll 131 and the pressing roll 132 up and down, and an eject motor 135 that rotates the eject roll 131. The eject roll 131 and the press-down roll 132 are attached to a frame (arm) 139a, and the eject clamp 131 and the press-down roll 132 are moved up and down by rotating the frame 139a with an eject clamp motor 134. The pressing roll 132 is made of, for example, POM (polyacetal monomer) and is rotatably supported by a leaf spring (elastic member) 133. As the eject clamp motor 134 rotates, the link 136 rotates about the central shaft 136a as a fulcrum, and the eject roll 131 and the pressing roll 132 are moved down / in the direction (I) shown in FIG. 5 around the shaft 137 shown in FIG. Raise.
[0025]
The eject motor 135 rotates the eject roll 131 to discharge the paper after being stapled by the staple mechanism unit 160 in the discharge direction. In addition, the eject motor 135 to which the present embodiment is applied has a compile direction opposite to the discharge direction at the timing when the sheet is first conveyed to the empty compile tray 105 after the sheet bundle is discharged. The eject roll 131 is rotated in the reverse direction so that the sheet is conveyed toward the front.
[0026]
An arm 139b extending upward is attached to the frame 139a. The arm 139b swings in the direction (L) in the drawing as the frame 139a rotates. On the other hand, an eject safety switch 139c for turning on / off the power supply to the stapling mechanism section 160 is attached to the frame (not shown) of the main body, and the lever 139d of the eject safety switch 139c is on the swinging locus of the arm 139d. Is arranged.
[0027]
Further, the sheet bundle supporting / discharging unit 130 presses the sheet with a predetermined pressing force by the spring 138. At this time, the compression / extension direction of the spring 138 (direction (J) in the figure) and the movement direction of the eject roll 131 (direction (I) in the figure) do not coincide with each other. The change of the pressure concerning 131 is relieved. As a result, it is possible to prevent the pressing force of the eject roll 131 against the paper from greatly changing depending on the amount of paper loaded.
[0028]
Next, the horizontal direction alignment unit 140 will be described.
The horizontal direction aligning unit 140 shown in FIG. 2 slides in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction, and the paper that is loaded into the compile tray 105 is horizontally aligned, for example, from the rear side to the front side of the apparatus. A tamper 141 that performs the reciprocating operation, a tamper motor 142 that is a driving source for reciprocating the tamper 141, and a belt 143 that transmits the driving force of the tamper motor 142 to the tamper 141.
[0029]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining each mechanism of the horizontal alignment unit 140. The horizontal alignment unit 140 includes a tamper home sensor 144 that is a photosensor that detects the home position of the tamper 141. At the home position detected by the tamper home sensor 144, the tamper 141 is in a standby state. The home position of the tamper 141 is on the rear side of the apparatus, and the tamper 141 functions to press the side edge of the sheet toward a horizontal reference wall (not shown) on the front side of the apparatus. This standby position is close to the front side when the paper size is small, regardless of the position of the tamper home sensor 144. In such a case, the standby position is determined by stepping control of the tamper motor 142. In the horizontal alignment, the tamper motor 142 rotates in accordance with the timing of paper conveyance with respect to the compilation tray 105, and the tamper 141 moves from the standby position corresponding to the paper size in the direction (K) in the figure as the belt 143 rotates. Moving. By this moving operation, it is possible to perform horizontal alignment with respect to the paper carried into the compilation tray 105. More specifically, the paper is aligned with a lateral reference wall (not shown) by pressing a wall portion 141a that is a pressing surface provided on the tamper 141 against a side edge of the paper.
[0030]
Next, the end wall unit 150 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view for explaining each mechanism of the end wall section 150. The end wall unit 150 includes an end wall 151 serving as a reference for vertical alignment, and aligns sheets at a staple binding reference position (vertical direction). Further, the end wall unit 150 includes an end wall motor 152 that is a stepping motor serving as a driving source when the end wall 151 is retracted (opened), a belt 153 that transmits the driving force of the end wall motor 152, and the end wall 151. The end wall home sensor 154 that is a photo sensor that detects the closed state, the end wall open sensor 155 that is a photo sensor that detects the open state of the end wall 151, and the opening and closing of the end wall 151 upon receiving driving from the belt 153. A shaft 156 to be performed, a central shaft 157 serving as a rotation center of the ceiling portion 151b of the end wall 151, and a spring 158 provided on the wall portion 151a and returning the opened ceiling portion 151b to the original state are provided.
[0031]
Here, for staple binding, a single (one-point binding) mode for stapling one corner of a stacked sheet bundle and a dual (two-point) mode for stapling a plurality of locations can be selected. In this single (one-point binding) mode, the end wall 151 is not retracted. In the dual (two places) mode, the stapling operation and the end wall 151 interfere with each other, so that the end wall 151 needs to be retracted from the stacking surface of the compile tray 105. When the end wall 151 rotates for retraction, the ceiling portion 151 b is pushed by the sheet bundle, and the ceiling portion 151 b is opened via the central shaft 157. When contact with the sheet bundle is lost, the spring 151 returns the wall 151a and the ceiling 151b forming the L shape to the original state, and the wall 151a, the ceiling 151b, and the bottom 151c form a U-shape. can do. In this state, by returning the end wall 151 to the original position, it becomes possible to accept a sheet that needs to be compiled next.
[0032]
Next, the stapling mechanism unit 160 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining the staple mechanism section 160. The staple mechanism unit 160 moves a staple head 161 that actually performs staple binding, a base 162 that supports the staple head 161, a rail 163 that is formed on the base 162 and forms a path along which the staple head 161 moves, and the staple head 161. A staple move motor 164 that is a stepping motor, a staple move home sensor 165 that detects the home position of the staple head 161, and a staple center position sensor 166 that detects the center position of the staple head 161 are provided.
[0033]
When performing the above-described single (one-point binding), the staple head 161 stays at the first home position detected by the staple move home sensor 165, and sequentially executes staple binding at a necessary timing. To do. On the other hand, when performing dual (two places), first, it stands by at the second home position position detected by the staple center position sensor 166. After that, a group of sheets are stacked on the compile tray 105 and the end wall 151 is opened. Then, the staple move motor 164 is driven to move the staple head 161 to the staple position, thereby stapling at two locations. is doing.
[0034]
Next, the shelf mechanism unit 170 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view for explaining the shelf mechanism unit 170. The shelf mechanism unit 170 receives the driving force from the shelf 171 that is a guide for supporting the paper in the compilation tray 105, the stepping motor that drives the shelf 171, and the shelf motor 172. N) a rack and pinion mechanism 173 that slides in a direction, and a shelf home sensor 174 that is a photosensor that detects the home position of the shelf 171 are provided.
[0035]
The shelf 171 needs to have a predetermined length in the paper transport direction (paper discharge direction) in order to support the paper in the compilation tray 105. If the tip of the compile tray 105 having the predetermined length is used as a discharge port as it is, the discharge tray 109 shown in FIG. 2 protrudes greatly from the sheet processing apparatus 2. Therefore, when the sheet bundle is discharged, the shelf 171 is retracted in the direction opposite to the sheet discharging direction. As a result, the entire apparatus can be reduced in size.
[0036]
Next, a series of operations of the staple function unit 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 will be described with reference to these drawings.
A sheet (sheet) on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 1 passes between the conveyance guides 101 and 102 shown in FIG. 2 and is supplied to the compile tray 105 by a conveyance roller pair 104 constituting a sheet discharge unit. The supplied paper is transferred to the end wall 151 which is the vertical reference wall by the compile paddle 111 of the vertical alignment unit 110 constituting the vertical alignment unit and the sub paddle 121 of the vertical alignment auxiliary unit 120 constituting the vertical alignment assisting unit. It is sent. At this time, the tamper 141 of the horizontal aligning unit 140 constituting the horizontal aligning unit is brought close to a horizontal reference wall (not shown) provided on, for example, the front side of the compilation tray 105. By repeating this operation, the sheets are neatly collected on the upper surface of the compile tray 105.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 2, the vertical alignment unit 110 constituting the vertical alignment unit constantly rotates the compile paddle 111 and abuts the upper surface of the paper supplied to the compile tray 105, so that the rear end side of the paper An edge (rear edge) is pressed against the end wall 151. At this time, as described above, when the sheets stacked on the compile tray 105 exceed a predetermined thickness (for example, exceeding 50 sheets), the compile paddle up / down solenoid 112 is operated to compile By raising the paddle 111, the conveyance force by the compiled paddle 111 is maintained in an appropriate state.
[0038]
On the other hand, in the vertical alignment assisting unit 120 constituting the vertical alignment assisting unit, as described with reference to FIG. 4, each time the sheet is supplied, the sub paddle 121 is moved from the upper stop position to the lower stop position. It is moved. The sub-paddle 121 is always rotating clockwise (clockwise) as shown in FIG. 2, and assists the vertical alignment for pressing the paper against the end wall 151 in accordance with the movement to the bottom stop position. Yes. Further, when the sheets stacked on the compile tray 105 exceed a predetermined thickness (for example, exceeding 50 sheets), the sub paddle up / down solenoid 122 is operated to set the bottom end point of the sub paddle 121. By raising the position, the conveyance force by the sub paddle 121 is maintained in an appropriate state.
[0039]
Here, in the horizontal alignment unit 140 constituting the horizontal alignment means (side registration horizontal alignment means, center registration horizontal alignment means), when the paper is supplied, the size position is located further back than the back edge of the supplied paper. Waiting at (standby position). As described above, the standby position is the home position position shown in FIG. 6, and a sheet with a short main scanning direction length (a length in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction) is conveyed. If it is, the position is closer to the front side than the home position. After the trailing edge of the sheet is discharged by the conveying roller pair 104, the tamper 141 moves in the horizontal reference wall direction and stops at a position where “distance from the horizontal reference wall to the tamper 141 ≦ length in the main scanning direction”. Then, it returns to the standby position again. By repeating this operation every time a sheet is supplied to the compile tray 105, it is possible to perform horizontal alignment.
[0040]
Thereafter, after a necessary number of sheets for forming the sheet bundle are stacked and aligned, the eject clamp motor 134 (see FIG. 5) of the sheet bundle supporting / discharging unit 130 is operated, and the pressing roll 132 and the eject roll 131 are lowered. Then, it abuts on the sheet surface and supports the sheet bundle by pressing it. In the single (single place binding) mode, a staple motor (not shown) provided in the staple head 161 is operated to staple the sheet bundle. Thereafter, the eject motor 135 (see FIG. 5) rotates and the eject roll 131 rotates in the discharge direction, whereby the sheet bundle (booklet) is discharged toward the discharge tray 109. At this time, the shelf mechanism unit 170 operates the shelf motor 172 shown in FIG. 9 to slide the shelf 171 in the retracting direction.
[0041]
On the other hand, in the dual (two places) mode, after the pressing roll 132 and the ejecting roll 131 are lowered and the sheet bundle is pressed and supported, the end wall motor 152 (see FIG. 7) of the end wall section 150 is operated. Operate. As a result, the end wall 151 is rotated and the end wall 151 is retracted from the compilation tray 105. Here, in the dual (two places) mode, the staple head 161 stands by at the position of the staple center position sensor 166 (see FIG. 8), but after the end wall 151 is retracted, the staple mover of the staple mechanism unit 160 is moved. The motor 164 (see FIG. 8) is driven, the staple head 161 is moved to the staple position, and staple binding is performed at two locations. Thereafter, the sheet bundle (booklet) is discharged to the discharge tray 109 in the same manner as in the single (one-point binding) mode.
[0042]
By the way, in the present embodiment, when the staple is not applied to the sheet bundle, the staple is bound to the sheet bundle (single mode), and the staple is bound to the sheet bundle (dual mode). The operation of the bundle support / discharge unit 130 is different. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a staple execution determination unit (staple type determination unit) for setting the operation of the sheet bundle support / discharge unit 130 and a setting unit 200 as a selection unit. The setting unit 200 constitutes one function of the control unit 7. The CPU 201 of the setting unit 200 executes processing while appropriately exchanging data with the RAM 203 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 202. The setting unit 200 instructs the presence / absence of stapling from the UI 181 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 and the type of binding (single mode or dual mode) via the input interface 204 when there is stapling. A count signal from a counter 182 that counts the number of sheets detected by the compile exit sensor 103 is input. On the other hand, the setting unit 200 drives and controls the eject clamp motor 134, the eject motor 135, the end wall motor 152, and the staple motor 167 via the output interface 205.
[0043]
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the basic operation of the sheet bundle support / discharge unit 130 (specifically, the frame 139a and the eject roll 131).
FIG. 11A shows a state in which the last sheet constituting the sheet bundle S is discharged to the compilation tray. The rear end of each stacked sheet is aligned along the end wall 151 by the vertical alignment unit 110 and the vertical alignment auxiliary unit 120 as a sheet alignment unit, and the side end side edge is a horizontal alignment unit 140 as a sheet alignment unit. Are aligned along a horizontal reference wall (not shown). In this state, as shown in FIG. 11A, the frame 139a is in a standby position in which the arm 139b attached to the frame 139a is separated from the lever 139d of the eject safety switch 139c. As a result, power is not supplied to the staple motor 167 and the staple head 161 cannot perform the binding operation. In the first position, the frame 139a is far away from the compilation tray 105, so that the supply of new paper is not hindered.
[0044]
In this state, the arm 139b attached to the frame 139a is separated from the lever 139d of the eject safety switch 139c. As a result, power is not supplied to the staple mechanism unit 160, and the staple motor 167 and the staple head 161 are inoperable.
[0045]
FIG. 11B shows a state in which the eject roll 131 and the pressing roll 132 are lowered with respect to the sheet bundle S stacked on the compilation tray 105. This position corresponds to an intermediate standby position described later. At this time, the pressing roll 132 contacts the sheet bundle S loaded on the compilation tray 105 earlier than the eject roll 131. Accordingly, the pressing roll 132 can press the sheet bundle S. Further, since the pressing roll 132 comes in contact with the sheet bundle S stacked on the compilation tray 105 from an oblique direction, the pressing force is applied to the uppermost sheet and the component in the vertical direction toward the compilation tray 105. And a horizontal component toward the end wall 151 side. At this time, even if a force toward the end wall 151 is applied to the paper, the alignment of the paper bundle S is basically not disturbed by the paper. When an excessive urging force is applied to the sheet bundle S by the pressing roll 132, the pressing roll 132 is rotated in the horizontal direction to release the excessive force, and in the vertical direction. Excessive force is released by the extension of the leaf spring 133. Then, the pressing roll 132 presses the sheet bundle S toward the compilation tray 105. By doing so, it is possible to prevent disorder of paper alignment (vertical alignment, horizontal alignment) of the sheet bundle S.
[0046]
In this state, the arm 139b attached to the frame 139a is in contact with the lever 139d of the eject safety switch 139c. As a result, supply of electric power to the staple mechanism unit 160 is started, and the staple motor 167 and the staple head 161 are operable.
[0047]
FIG. 11C shows a state in which the lowering of the eject roll 131 and the pressing roll 132 with respect to the sheet bundle S stacked on the compilation tray 105 is completed. That is, the sheet bundle S is gripped by the eject roll 131 and the opposing roll 139. At this time, the eject roll 131 is in the advanced position where the sheet bundle S is strongly pressed and restrained toward the opposing roll 139. On the other hand, the pressing roll 132 moves away from the sheet bundle S relative to the eject roll 131 and moves away from the sheet bundle S. Note that there is a period in which both the eject roll 131 and the pressing roll 132 are in contact with the uppermost sheet S during the period from the state shown in FIG. 11B to the state shown in FIG. 11C. The sheet bundle S continues to be pressed and is pressed and restrained by the eject roll 131. Even in this case, the alignment of the sheet bundle S is not disturbed.
[0048]
In this state, the arm 139b attached to the frame 139a strongly contacts the lever 139d of the eject safety switch 139c. As a result, the supply of power to the staple mechanism 160 is continued, and the staple motor 167 and the staple head 161 are It continues to be operable.
[0049]
Here, when stapling is not performed on the sheet bundle S (when there is an instruction “no stapling” from the UI 181), the tamping operation for the last sheet by the tamper 141 is finished, and then the eject clamp motor 134. Thus, the frame 139a is directly moved from the standby position shown in FIG. 11 (a) to the advanced position shown in FIG. 11 (c). That is, the direct movement is completed without temporarily stopping the frame 139a in the state shown in FIG. Then, the eject roll 131 is driven to rotate by the eject motor 135 and the sheet bundle S is discharged.
[0050]
When stapling is performed on the sheet bundle S in the single mode (single place binding) (when the UI 181 instructs “staple binding” or “single mode”), the tamper 141 applies the last sheet. During the tamping operation, the eject clamp motor 134 moves the frame 139a from the standby position shown in FIG. 11A to the position shown in FIG. After the supply is started and the staple motor 167 and the staple head 161 are in an operable state, after the alignment of the sheet bundle S loaded on the compile tray 105 is finished, the staple motor 167 and the staple head 161 are moved to the advanced position shown in FIG. Complete. In the single mode, the end wall 151 is not retracted, and stapling is performed before the eject roll 131 attached to the frame 139a presses the sheet bundle S. Then, after stapling is performed, the eject roll 131 is driven to rotate by the eject motor 135 and the sheet bundle S is discharged.
[0051]
Further, when stapling is performed on the sheet bundle S in the dual mode (two-point binding) (when the UI 181 instructs “staple binding” or “dual mode”), the tamper 141 applies the last sheet. During the tamping operation, the eject clamp motor 134 starts to move the frame 139a directly from the standby position shown in FIG. 11 (a) to the advanced position shown in FIG. 11 (c). ), That is, the intermediate standby position where the eject roll 131 is separated from the sheet bundle S, and then moved again to the advanced position shown in FIG. That is, in this case, the pressing operation for the sheet bundle S is performed twice. In the dual mode, the end wall 151 is retracted by the end wall motor 152 and stapled while the eject roll 131 attached to the frame 139a presses and holds the sheet bundle S for the second time. Then, after stapling is performed, the eject roll 131 is driven to rotate by the eject motor 135 and the sheet bundle S is discharged.
[0052]
The first pressing operation described above is performed in order to reduce the air layer existing between the sheets constituting the sheet bundle S. Normally, the paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 1 is easily curled by fixing or the like, and as a result, an air layer is formed between the papers, and the paper bundle S is likely to swell. In the present embodiment, the sheet bundle S formed in this way is pressed once by the eject roll 131 to release air from the sheet bundle S, and the eject roll 131 is once separated from the sheet bundle S. After that, by pressing the sheet bundle S again, pressing at the time of stapling is performed.
[0053]
In this embodiment, the moving speed V1 in the first pressing operation in which the frame 139a (eject roll 131) moves directly from the position shown in FIG. 11A to the position shown in FIG. The moving speed V2 is the second pressing operation that moves from the position shown in FIG. 11B to the position shown in FIG. Here, the speed V <b> 2 is appropriately selected from a range that does not disturb the alignment of the sheet bundle loaded on the compilation tray 105. The reason why the speed V1 is set to be equal to or higher than the speed V2 is to reduce the time required for movement.
[0054]
As described above, in the present embodiment, since the staple binding is performed after the air removal of the sheet bundle S, the disorder of the alignment of the sheet bundle S can be prevented, and the staple-bound sheet bundle S can be prevented. It can improve the appearance. In particular, in the present embodiment, when stapling is performed in the dual mode, the end wall 151 needs to be retracted, and the sheet is urged toward the end wall 151 by the eject roll 131 as described above. Therefore, although the paper alignment is likely to be disturbed, the alignment of the sheet bundle S can be kept beautiful by using such a double pressing method. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the eject roll 131 used for discharging the sheet bundle S is used, the disorder of the aligned sheet bundle S can be prevented only by adjusting the timing of the pressing operation by the eject roll 131. Therefore, there is no need to add a new mechanism, and a compact and simple configuration can be achieved.
[0055]
In the present embodiment, the pressing operation is always performed twice in the dual mode. However, the air layer existing between the sheets constituting the sheet bundle S has a significant influence on the sheet alignment. When the number of sheets increases. Therefore, for example, the pressing operation may be performed twice only when the number of sheets detected by the counter 182 exceeds 50, and the pressing operation may be performed once when the number is 50 or less.
[0056]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the pressing operation is performed twice only in the dual mode. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the pressing operation is performed twice when not performing stapling and in the single mode. There is no problem even if the pressing operation is performed. Of course, the pressing operation may be performed three times or more.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the sheet bundle can be stapled in a state where the consistency of the sheet bundle (paper bundle) is maintained.
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to discharge the sheet bundle while maintaining the consistency of the sheet bundle.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus to which the exemplary embodiment is applied.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a staple function unit.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining each mechanism of a vertical alignment portion.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining each mechanism of a vertical alignment assisting portion.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining each mechanism of a sheet bundle support / discharge unit;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining each mechanism of a horizontal direction aligning portion.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view for explaining each mechanism of the end wall portion.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining a stapling mechanism.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view for explaining a shelf mechanism.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a setting unit.
FIGS. 11A to 11C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the eject roll.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... Sheet processing apparatus, 5 ... Finisher, 7 ... Control part, 10 ... Staple function part, 103 ... Compile exit sensor, 104 ... Conveying roller pair, 105 ... Compile tray, 110 ... Vertical alignment part 111 ... Compiled paddle, 120 ... Vertical alignment assisting part, 121 ... Sub paddle, 130 ... Paper bundle support / discharge part, 131 ... Eject roll, 140 ... Horizontal alignment part, 141 ... Tamper, 145 ... Horizontal reference wall, 150 ... Endwall section 151 ... Endwall 160 ... Staple mechanism section 161 ... Staple head 170 ... Shelf mechanism section

Claims (11)

A sheet processing apparatus having a compile function for aligning a plurality of conveyed sheets as one sheet bundle,
A compilation tray that sequentially collects the supplied sheets to form one sheet bundle;
Sheet aligning means for performing alignment processing of sheets supplied to the compilation tray;
A pressing means for pressing the sheet bundle aligned by the sheet aligning means;
Stapling means for stapling a bundle of sheets stacked on the compile tray ;
Stapling execution determination means for determining whether or not stapling processing is performed on a sheet bundle on the compilation tray;
When the staple execution determination unit determines not to perform staple processing, the pressing unit selects a first pressing operation for pressing the sheet bundle formed on the compile tray once, and the staple execution determination unit A sheet processing apparatus comprising: a selection unit that selects a second pressing operation in which the pressing unit presses the sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray a plurality of times when it is determined that the stapling process is performed . A sheet number detecting means for detecting the number of sheets constituting the sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray;
The selection unit selects the first pressing operation until the number of sheets detected by the number detection unit exceeds a predetermined number when the staple execution determination unit determines to perform a staple process. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing unit also serves as a discharging unit that discharges a sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray. A sheet processing apparatus having a compile function for aligning a plurality of conveyed sheets as one sheet bundle,
A compilation tray that sequentially collects the supplied sheets to form one sheet bundle;
Sheet aligning means for performing alignment processing of sheets supplied to the compilation tray;
A pressing means for pressing the sheet bundle aligned by the sheet aligning means;
Stapling means for stapling a bundle of sheets stacked on the compile tray ;
Stapling type determination means for determining the type of stapling for the sheet bundle on the compilation tray;
A first pressing operation in which the pressing unit presses the sheet bundle formed on the compile tray once when the staple type determining unit determines that the staple processing is performed on the sheet bundle on the compile tray. When the staple type determination unit determines that a plurality of staple processes are performed on the sheet bundle on the compilation tray, the pressing unit presses the sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray a plurality of times. A sheet processing apparatus comprising: selection means for selecting a second pressing operation . A sheet number detecting means for detecting the number of sheets constituting the sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray;
When the staple type determination unit determines that a plurality of staple processes are to be performed on the sheet bundle on the compilation tray, the selection unit determines that the first number of sheets until the number detected by the number detection unit exceeds a predetermined number. 5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the pressing operation is selected. A sheet with a compile function that aligns multiple conveyed sheets as a single sheet bundle. Processing device,
A compilation tray that sequentially collects the supplied sheets to form one sheet bundle;
A sheet aligning unit having a vertical reference wall disposed at the downstream end of the compile tray in the sheet conveying direction, and performing a process of aligning sheets supplied to the compile tray;
A pressing means for pressing the sheet bundle aligned by the sheet aligning means;
Stapling means for stapling a bundle of sheets stacked on the compile tray;
Stapling type determination means for determining the type of stapling for the sheet bundle on the compilation tray;
When the staple type determination unit determines that the staple processing is performed in a state where the vertical reference wall is not retracted in the sheet bundle on the compilation tray, the pressing unit removes the sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray once. When the first pressing operation to be pressed is selected and the staple type determination unit determines that the staple processing is performed in a state where the vertical reference wall is retracted in the sheet bundle on the compilation tray, the pressing unit determines that the compilation is performed. Selecting means for selecting a second pressing operation for pressing the sheet bundle formed on the tray a plurality of times;
A sheet processing apparatus comprising: A compilation tray that sequentially collects the supplied sheets to form one sheet bundle;
An alignment reference wall disposed at the downstream end of the compilation tray in the sheet conveying direction;
A sheet aligning section for aligning sheets supplied to the compilation tray;
The sheet bundle formed on the compile tray is disposed so as to be freely movable between a retracted position that does not hinder the supply of sheets to the compile tray and an advance position that holds the sheet bundle formed on the compile tray. A holding member that holds and holds,
The holding member moves from the retracted position to the advanced position, presses the sheet bundle formed on the compile tray, moves to an intermediate retracted position that is separated from the sheet bundle, and again from the intermediate retracted position. A sheet processing apparatus, wherein the sheet processing apparatus moves to the advance position and presses the sheet bundle. A stapler for performing a staple process on the sheet bundle formed on the compile tray;
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the alignment reference wall is retracted when predetermined staple processing is performed on the sheet bundle by the stapler. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the holding member also serves as a discharge member that discharges a sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray. The holding member includes a roll member that is rotatably arranged along a sheet conveyance direction,
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the roll member is rotationally driven in a sheet discharging direction when discharging a sheet bundle formed on the compilation tray. The moving speed V1 when the holding member moves from the retracted position to the advanced position is set to be equal to or higher than the moving speed V2 when the holding member moves from the intermediate retracted position to the advanced position. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7 .

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