JP4203788B2 - Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus, and more particularly to a sheet processing apparatus that performs sheet alignment before processing a sheet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, and facsimiles have a binding process for binding a bundle of a plurality of sheets and a glue on one side in order to reduce the labor required for processing the sheets after the image is formed. Some sheet processing apparatuses such as a so-called finisher for selectively performing a pasting process or the like are attached.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in such a conventional sheet processing apparatus, a plurality of sheets are stacked and aligned before performing sheet processing such as stapling or gluing. However, when stacking and aligning a plurality of sheets as described above, a space for stacking sheets to be processed is required.
[0004]
Here, FIG. 16 shows a configuration of an alignment vertical path, which is a conventional alignment unit having such a stacking space. The sheet P discharged by the discharge roller 118 has a trailing edge from the discharge roller 118. After leaving, it is pulled back into the alignment vertical path by a return roller 119 that rotates in a return direction indicated by an arrow at a predetermined timing. The sheet P pulled back in this way is brought into contact with the rear end stopper 120 so that the rear ends are aligned.
[0005]
However, such an alignment vertical path as a stacking space requires a space that can store the maximum number of sheets to be processed. When the space for the maximum number of sheets to be processed is secured in this way, a small number of sheets P are aligned. At this time, as shown in the figure, when the sheet P buckles due to curling or its own weight due to heating during image formation, or when the sheet P is returned by the return roller 119, the pressure contact force between the sheet P and the return roller 119 is not stable. The return amount is not stable and the consistency is deteriorated.
[0006]
On the other hand, after the sheets are aligned, processing such as glue binding is performed in a state in which the sheets are stored in the alignment vertical path. Since the subsequent sheet cannot be received, the productivity in the case of continuously performing sheet processing may be reduced.
[0007]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a current situation, and is a sheet processing apparatus capable of improving sheet alignment and preventing a decrease in productivity when continuously performing sheet processing. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus including the same.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, in a sheet processing apparatus that aligns a plurality of sheets and then conveys the sheets toward the sheet processing unit, a storage unit that sequentially stores the aligned sheets in an upright state, and a bottom of the storage unit are provided. An alignment member provided on one surface of the storage means, a pressing means for rotating while abutting against the sheet stored in the storage means and pressing the sheet against the alignment member, and the storage means Holding means provided on a side opposite to the pressing means, holding the sheet stored in the storage means in a standing state, and movable in a direction for adjusting a distance from the pressing means; Information on the number of sheets stored in the storage means. Or Sheet thickness information Informative According to at least one, it is moved by a predetermined amount in the direction of the pressing means or in the direction away from the pressing means.
[0009]
According to the present invention, the predetermined amount by which the holding unit moves is an amount by which the pressing unit can contact the sheet with a predetermined pressure.
[0010]
According to the present invention, the holding means moves to the pressing means side when the number of sheets stored in the storing means is small, and from the pressing means side when the number of sheets stored in the storing means increases. It moves in the direction of leaving.
[0011]
According to the present invention, the pressing means moves to a position that does not hinder the storage of the sheet when the sheet is stored in the storage means.
[0012]
According to the present invention, a standby unit that sequentially stores and waits for subsequent sheets after storing a predetermined number of sheets in the storage unit is provided near the storage unit, and the predetermined number of sheets stored in the storage unit After the sheet is conveyed toward the sheet processing unit, the sheet waiting in the standby unit is stored in the storage unit.
[0013]
Further, according to the present invention, the standby unit includes a separation wall that separates a subsequent sheet stored in the standby unit and a predetermined number of sheets stored in the storage unit, and a conveyance direction of the sheet stored in the standby unit And a matching section that performs matching in the width direction orthogonal to each other.
[0014]
The present invention further includes an aligning unit that performs alignment in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the sheet stored in the storing unit, and the aligning unit includes The alignment unit for aligning the sheets stored in the waiting means. The waiting means Together It is characterized by providing.
[0015]
In the invention, it is preferable that the sheet processing unit performs glue binding.
[0016]
According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the image forming unit includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet, and the sheet processing device according to any one of the above that processes the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. It is characterized by.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a copying machine which is an example of an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019]
In this figure, A is a copying machine, and A1 is a copying machine main body. A sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 3 provided in the copying machine main body A1 is aligned and glued and bound to this copying machine main body A1. Thereafter, a sheet processing apparatus B having a function of cutting is attached.
[0020]
Here, the copying machine main body A1 optically reads the original automatically fed from the original feeding apparatus 1 mounted on the upper surface of the main body by the optical means 2, and transmits the information to the image forming section 3 as a digital signal. It is recorded on a sheet such as plain paper or an OHP sheet.
[0021]
A plurality of sheet cassettes 4 storing sheets of various sizes are mounted on the lower part of the copying machine main body A1, and an electrophotographic image is formed on the sheet conveyed from the sheet cassette 4 by the conveying roller 5 in the image forming unit 3. Images are recorded according to the method.
[0022]
Here, when forming an image on a sheet, first, based on the information read by the optical means 2, a laser beam is irradiated from the light irradiation means 3a to the photosensitive drum 3b to form a latent image, and then the latent image is formed. The toner image is developed and transferred onto the sheet, and then the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing means 6 so that the toner image is permanently fixed on the sheet by applying heat and pressure.
[0023]
In the copying machine main body A1, when the single-sided recording mode is set, the sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 6 is sent to the sheet processing apparatus B. When the double-sided recording mode is set, the image is printed on one side. After passing through the fixing unit 6, the sheet on which is formed is first transported to the retransmission path 7 by switchback, and then transported again to the image forming unit 3 to form an image on the back surface. To be sent to.
[0024]
Here, before the sheet is fed, a signal such as a sheet size is sent from the copying machine main body A1 to the sheet processing apparatus B, and a path in the sheet processing apparatus B is switched in advance. Further, the sheet can be fed not only from the sheet cassette 4 but also from the multi-tray 8.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet processing apparatus B includes a conveyance alignment unit C that aligns sheets, a trimmer unit D that is a processing unit, and the like. Is possible. The cutting in this cutting mode can be performed in three directions other than the glued surface.
[0026]
In the present embodiment, the sheet P discharged from the copying machine main body A1 to the sheet processing apparatus B is transported by the transport roller pairs 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d and discharged to the stack tray 11 in the normal mode. In the glue binding mode, after glue binding, the sheets are discharged to the stacking tray E.
[0027]
In FIG. 2, 15 is a non-sort path, 16 is a bookbinding path, and 12 is a first flapper that switches between the non-sort path 15 and the bookbinding path 16. Reference numeral 14 denotes a bookbinding middle paper path, reference numeral 16 denotes a front cover path, and reference numeral 13 denotes a second flapper for switching between the bookbinding middle paper path 14 and the front cover path 16.
[0028]
Reference numeral 35 denotes an alignment vertical path constituting storage means for sequentially storing the sheets P in an upright state when aligning the sheets P fed to the bookbinding paper path 14, and the alignment vertical path 35 includes The trailing edge stopper 20 which is an alignment member provided at the bottom of the alignment vertical path 35 and the sheet P provided on one surface of the alignment vertical path 35 and discharged to the alignment vertical path 35 are returned to the trailing edge stopper side, A return roller 19 that is a pressing unit that presses the rear end of the sheet P against the rear end stopper 20 and an alignment plate 21 that presses the sheet P in the sheet center direction and performs alignment in the width direction that is perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction. And an alignment vertical path plate 36 as a holding means.
[0029]
Here, the alignment vertical path plate 36 is provided on the side of the alignment vertical path 35 facing the return roller 19, holds the sheet discharged to the alignment vertical path 35 in an upright state, and returns the discharge roller to the discharge sheet. It is for maintaining the contact pressure of 19 substantially constant.
[0030]
In the sheet processing apparatus B having the alignment vertical path 35 having such a configuration, when the glue binding mode is selected, the sheet P discharged from the copying machine main body A1 is first the first flapper 12 and the second flapper 12. The flapper 13 is switched and fed to the bookbinding paper path 14 by a pair of conveying rollers 10a, 17a, and 17b, and further discharged to an alignment vertical path 35 by a pair of discharge rollers 18.
[0031]
Next, the sheet P discharged to the alignment vertical path 35 in this way is returned by the return roller 19 to a position where the rear end abuts against the rear end stopper 20 as shown in FIG. At the same time, the alignment plate 21 pushes in the sheet center direction to perform alignment in the width direction.
[0032]
When the sheet P is discharged to the alignment vertical path 35, if the discharge speed of the discharge roller pair 18 is high, the sheet P that has passed through the discharge roller pair 18 is discharged so as to jump out, and it takes time to pull it back. End up. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a control unit (not shown) controls the rotation speed of the discharge roller pair 18 to be low when the trailing edge of the sheet P passes through the discharge roller pair 18. .
[0033]
As a result, the sheet P discharged to the alignment vertical path 35 is reliably pulled in by the rotation of the return roller 19, and the rear end alignment can be performed. Whether or not the trailing edge of the sheet has passed the discharge roller pair 18 in the control unit is determined by detecting the time after the sheet P passes the discharge sensor 22 or the motor rotation speed.
[0034]
Incidentally, the return roller 19 that pulls back the sheet P discharged onto the alignment vertical path 35 in the direction opposite to the discharge direction is configured to swing around the fulcrum 19a by the operation of the press contact solenoid 53 as shown in FIG. The arm 19A is rotatably held at one end thereof, and a driven roller 19b is disposed on the opposite side.
[0035]
The return roller 19 normally stands by at a retracted position indicated by a solid line in the drawing so as not to prevent the discharge of the sheet P discharged from the discharge roller pair 18. On the other hand, when one sheet P is discharged onto the alignment vertical path 35, the pressure contact solenoid 53 is actuated, thereby swinging to the position indicated by the broken line and one near the rear end of the sheet P on the alignment vertical path 35. Then, the sheet P is pulled back to the position of the trailing edge stopper 20 by rotating in the direction opposite to the sheet discharging direction.
[0036]
The return roller 19 is operated after the discharge roller pair 18 discharges the rear end of the sheet P. Specifically, after a lapse of a predetermined time after the trailing edge of the sheet P passes the discharge sensor 22 provided on the upstream side of the discharge roller pair 18, the pressure contact solenoid 53 is operated to press the return roller 19 against the sheet P. At the same time, the return roller 19 is rotated in the direction opposite to the sheet discharging direction.
[0037]
On the other hand, when the return roller 19 rotates in the direction opposite to the sheet discharge direction in this way, or at a predetermined time before that, the alignment vertical path plate 36 approaches the return roller 19, in other words, the alignment vertical path 35. Is moved by a predetermined amount in a narrowing direction. Thereafter, when the sheets P are sequentially stored in the alignment vertical path 35 and the number of stored sheets increases, the alignment vertical path plate 36 moves away from the return roller 19, in other words, the alignment vertical path 35 moves in a wider direction.
[0038]
When the number of sheets P stored in the alignment vertical path 35 is small as described above, the alignment vertical path plate 36 is moved in the direction in which the interval between the alignment vertical paths 35 is narrowed, thereby causing the sheet P to buckle. Can be prevented, and the contact pressure of the return roller 19 with respect to the sheet P discharged to the alignment vertical path 35 can be kept substantially constant, so that a return failure can be prevented.
[0039]
Further, as the number of stored sheets increases, the sheet P can be reliably returned even when the thickness of the sheet bundle is increased by moving the alignment vertical path plate 36 in the direction in which the interval between the alignment vertical paths 35 increases. Return failure can be prevented.
[0040]
The alignment vertical path plate 36 can be reciprocated in the direction of the arrow by a rack 36a formed on a part of the alignment vertical path plate 36 and a gear portion 207a of the alignment vertical path motor 207, thereby returning the return roller. 19 can be adjusted (interval of the alignment vertical path 35).
[0041]
In this embodiment, the alignment vertical path plate 36 is moved according to the number information of the sheets P as shown in FIG. 4, but the number information of the sheets P from the copying machine main body 1A, the sheets The alignment vertical path plate 36 may be moved in accordance with at least one of P thickness information or sheet P size information.
[0042]
Then, the alignment vertical path plate 36 is moved in accordance with at least one of the sheet number information, the sheet thickness information, and the sheet size information in this way, thereby curling due to the heat of the sheet P or the sheet P itself. It is possible to obtain a stable return force without the occurrence of buckling due to the influence of the weight of the sheet and the influence of the increase in the thickness of the sheet bundle P1, and to improve the consistency of the sheet P. it can.
[0043]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining such a vertical path alignment operation. Hereinafter, the vertical path alignment operation will be described in detail with reference to this flowchart.
[0044]
First, it is determined whether or not it is in the bookbinding mode (S100), and in the case of the bookbinding mode (Y in S100), the first flapper 12 is switched (S101). If not in the bookbinding mode (N in S100), the sheet P is conveyed to the non-sort path (S102).
[0045]
Next, it is determined whether or not the sheet P discharged from the copying machine main body A1 is a cover sheet (S103). If it is a cover sheet (Y in S103), the second flapper 13 is switched (S120), and a cover described later Move on to pass flow. If it is not a cover sheet (N in S103), it is determined whether or not a gluing flow to be described later is completed (S104). If the gluing flow is completed (Y in S104), the alignment plate 21 is moved. Refuge Next, it is determined whether or not the number of stacked stacked vertical paths is the reference number (S107). If not completed (N in S104), the process proceeds to a buffer flow described later.
[0046]
Next, when the stacking number of the alignment vertical path 35 is the reference number (Y in S107), the alignment vertical path plate 36 is moved (S108), and then the rear end detection sensor (not shown) is moved. When it is OFF (Y in S109), the return roller 19 is pressed against the sheet P for a certain time (S110).
[0047]
Next, the return roller 19 is rotated for a certain time (S111), and then the alignment operation by the alignment plate 21 is performed (S112). This is performed until the last sheet (last sheet) of the job is reached, and when the last sheet is reached (Y in S113), the process proceeds to a gluing flow described later.
[0048]
By the way, after that, the sheets P sequentially conveyed to the alignment vertical path 35 are pulled back by the return roller 19 and stacked in the alignment vertical path 35 until a predetermined target number of bundles are formed. For this reason, in the process of stacking and aligning the sheets P on the alignment vertical path 35 and then performing operations such as gluing, the bundle of sheets P continues to exist in the alignment vertical path 35.
[0049]
For this reason, the succeeding sheet P for the second bookbinding creation cannot be transported from the copying machine main body A1, and the operation such as the pasting of the first book ends, and the sheet bundle P1 is transferred from the alignment vertical path 35. Until the sheet is discharged, the conveyance of the sheet P is stopped, leading to a decrease in productivity.
[0050]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second booklet is created from the copying machine main body A1 until the first sheet bundle finishes the operation such as gluing and is discharged from the alignment vertical path 35. For this purpose, an alignment buffer plate 50 is provided in the vicinity of the alignment vertical path 35, which is a waiting means for temporarily waiting for the succeeding sheet P to be carried in.
[0051]
Here, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the alignment buffer plate 50 includes a receiving table 50a that serves as a receiving portion for the sheet P, an alignment surface 50b that performs alignment in the width direction of the sheet P, and a receiving table 50a. And a separation wall 50c that separates the succeeding sheet P received by the cradle 50a and the sheet bundle P1 stored in the alignment vertical path 35, and is movable in the sheet width direction. Yes.
[0052]
5, M is a motor, and 52 is a rack 52 provided on the alignment buffer plate 50. By transmitting the rotation of the motor M to the rack 52 via an idler gear 57 and a gear 58, the alignment buffer plate 50 is It moves in the sheet width direction.
[0053]
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 59 denotes a photosensor, and a control unit (not shown) detects a protrusion 59 a provided at one end of the rack 52 by the photosensor 59, thereby positioning the alignment buffer plate 50 in the width direction. And the amount of movement is controlled. The alignment buffer plate 50 is retracted to the outside of the sheet P as shown in FIG. 6B except when the sheet P is temporarily retracted. There will be no hindrance to the transport.
[0054]
Next, the operation of the matching buffer plate 50 having such a configuration will be described.
[0055]
At the time of normal alignment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the alignment buffer plate 50 is a position where the receiving base 50a is completely retracted in the sheet width direction so as not to prevent the conveyance of the sheet P. (Evacuation position) Has moved up. Then, the sheet P is discharged to the alignment vertical path 35, and the alignment buffer plate 50 is moved and aligned in the width direction of the sheet P at the timing when the trailing edge of the sheet contacts the trailing edge stopper 20, and after alignment, the alignment buffer plate 50 Return to the retracted position. This operation is performed for each sheet.
[0056]
On the other hand, at the time of buffering, that is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5B, there is a sheet bundle P1 that is stacked and aligned in the alignment vertical path 35 and is not yet discharged from the alignment vertical path 35. In some cases, the sheet P continuously conveyed from the copying machine main body A1 is first buffered, so that the sheet P can be received by the receiving table 50a, and the alignment surface 50b is retracted from the sheet P. (Buffer position) Move to.
[0057]
Next, the alignment buffer plate 50 is moved and aligned in the width direction of the sheet P at the timing when the rear end of the sheet P comes into contact with the receiving table 50a, and after alignment, the alignment buffer plate 50 is received by the receiving table 50a. In addition, the alignment surface 50b is returned to the position retracted from the sheet P. This operation is performed for each sheet.
[0058]
Even if the alignment buffer plate 50 moves in this way, the separation wall 50c is in a position where the succeeding sheet P and the sheet bundle P1 stored in the alignment vertical path 35 can be separated. There is no mixing.
[0059]
Next, when the sheet bundle P1 is discharged from the alignment vertical path 35, the pressure contact solenoid 53 is operated to press the return roller 19 against the sheet P, and the sheet P buffered by the return roller 19 and the roller 19b is sandwiched.
[0060]
Next, the alignment buffer plate 50 is moved to a position retracted from the sheet P as shown in FIG. When the return roller 19 is driven after moving the alignment buffer plate 50 in this way, the rear end of the buffered sheet P is supported by the rear end stopper 20. Thereafter, the return roller 19 is stopped, the operation of the pressure contact solenoid 53 is stopped, and the return roller 19 is separated from the sheet P. Then, the above operation is repeated until the target number of bookbinding copies is completed.
[0061]
As described above, after a predetermined number of sheets are stored in the alignment vertical path 35, the alignment buffer plate 50 that sequentially stores and waits for subsequent sheets is provided in the vicinity of the alignment vertical path 35 and is stored in the alignment vertical path 35. After conveying a predetermined number of sheets, the sheets waiting on the alignment buffer plate 50 are stored in the alignment vertical path 35, whereby the sheets P continuously discharged from the image forming body A1 even during sheet processing such as stapling. It can be received and productivity decline can be prevented.
[0062]
Here, in the present embodiment, the alignment buffer plate 50 is provided integrally with the alignment plate 21 provided in the alignment vertical path 35. Then, by providing the matching buffer plate 50 and the matching plate 21 in this manner, the configuration becomes simple and the cost can be reduced.
[0063]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart (buffer flow) illustrating such a buffer operation by the matching buffer plate 50. Hereinafter, the buffer operation by the matching buffer plate 50 will be described in detail using this flowchart.
[0064]
First, the alignment plate 21 (alignment buffer plate 50) that has been moved to a position that does not hinder the conveyance of the sheet P is moved to the buffer position (S601), and then the sheet bundle P1 is discharged from the alignment vertical path 35, When this is detected by turning off the trailing edge detection sensor (Y in S602), the pressure contact solenoid 53 is actuated after a certain time to press the return roller 19 against the sheet P (S603), and the return roller 19 and the roller 19b are buffered. The sheet P is sandwiched.
[0065]
Next, the return roller 19 is rotated (S604), and then the alignment operation (movement from the buffer position to the alignment position) by the alignment plate 21 is performed. If the sheet P is not the final sheet (N in S605), the process proceeds to the vertical path flow described above. Then, this operation is sequentially repeated. When the conveyed sheet P becomes the final sheet (Y in S605), the alignment buffer plate 50 is lowered to the position of the rear end stopper 20 (S606). After the alignment buffer plate 50 is moved to the alignment retract position, it is raised (S607).
[0066]
Next, cover conveyance will be described.
[0067]
A cover sheet (hereinafter referred to as a cover sheet) P2 discharged from the copying machine main body A1 is fed to the cover path 16 by the functions of the first flapper 12 and the second flapper 13. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A, the registration roller pair 23 is disposed in the cover path 16, and the registration leading edge sensor 23 a is disposed upstream of the registration roller pair 23.
[0068]
The registration roller pair 23 is stopped when the cover sheet P2 is guided to the cover path 16, and starts rotating after a predetermined time has passed since the front end of the cover sheet P2 contacts the registration roller pair 23. It has become. Then, by controlling in this way, a loop is formed at the front end of the cover sheet P2 guided to the cover path 16, the skew of the cover sheet P2 is corrected, and then the cover sheet P2 is moved to a predetermined position of the gluing unit 25. I can do it. Whether or not the front end of the cover sheet P2 has come into contact with the registration roller pair 23 can be determined for a predetermined time after the cover sheet P2 passes the registration front end sensor 23a or by detecting the motor rotation speed. It is.
[0069]
By the way, the registration roller pair 23 is configured to move in the width direction by a rack 38 via a cover motor 37 as shown in FIG. Then, after the rear end of the cover sheet P2 passes through the conveying roller pair 17a (see FIG. 5), the registration roller pair 23 moves in the direction b in a state where the cover sheet P2 is pressed and conveyed.
[0070]
Further, when the cover sheet P2 shields the registration sensor 24 by such movement, the cover sheet P2 moves in the c direction, and when the light shielding of the registration sensor 24 is released, the cover sheet P2 moves by a certain amount and stops. The amount of movement of the registration roller pair 23 corresponds to the paper size signal received from the image forming main body A1.
[0071]
Here, since the registration sensor 24 is disposed at the sheet end position of the sheet bundle P1 in the alignment vertical path 35, the cover sheet P2 in the cover path 16 and the sheet bundle P1 in the alignment vertical path 35 are in the sheet conveyance direction. However, it moves to a position shifted by a certain amount in the vertical direction.
[0072]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining such cover conveyance control (cover sheet pass flow). When the registration leading edge sensor 23a is turned on, the registration roller pair 23 is rotated in the conveyance direction for a predetermined time (S201). Thereby, the skew of the cover sheet P2 is corrected.
[0073]
Next, the registration roller pair 23 is moved in the width (side) direction (S202), and when the cover sheet P2 turns on the registration sensor 24 by this movement (Y in S203), the registration roller pair 23 is stopped. As a result, the cover sheet P2 in the cover path 16 and the sheet bundle P1 in the alignment vertical path 35 are moved to a position shifted by a certain amount in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction. Thereafter, the registration roller pair 23 is moved by a certain amount in the reverse direction and then stopped (S204). Thereafter, the flow proceeds to a gluing flow.
[0074]
By the way, after the cover sheet P2 is moved in this way, the sheet bundle P1 is guided to the cover sheet P2 by the gripper 41 (see FIG. 2) positioned at the lower part of the alignment vertical path 35, and the sheet is formed at the center of the cover sheet P2. The rear ends of the bundle P1 are overlapped, and thereafter, the glue binding unit 25 performs the glue binding operation.
[0075]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the gluing unit 25 is composed of a gutter 25a, a gluing roller 25b, a gluing 25c, a gutter heater 25d, a shaft 25e, and a gutter driving means 25f.
[0076]
Note that the rod 25a is movable in the width direction along the shaft 25e beyond the sheet width, and possesses two retracted positions outside the sheet width, and the rod driving means 25f is located between the two retracted positions. Is supposed to move by.
[0077]
Further, along with the movement from the first retracted position to the second retracted position, a part of the collar 25a pushes a part of the link 26 engaged with the rear end stopper 20, whereby the rear end stopper 20 is shown in FIG. The sheet bundle P1 moves from the lower end (rear end) to the retracting direction. The glue roller 25b is attached to the flange 25a and is configured to rotate in synchronization with the movement of the flange 25a.
[0078]
The scissors heater 25d is attached to the outside of the scissors 25a, and when the bookbinding mode is started, the scissors heater 25d heats the scissors 25a to melt the glue 25c in the scissors 25a. Then, the glue roller 25b rotates as the collar 25a is moved by the collar driving means 25f, so that the glue 25c melted over the entire outer peripheral surface of the glue roller 25b is distributed.
[0079]
The sheet bundle P1 stacked in the alignment vertical path 35 is held by the gripper 41, and the collar 25a moves from the first retracted position to the second retracted position, so that the trailing end stopper 20 is moved to the lower part of the sheet bundle P1. The glue 25c is applied to the lower end surface of the sheet bundle P1 by the pasting unit 25.
[0080]
Next, the bookbinding process will be described.
[0081]
As shown in FIG. 9A, the shutter path 27 is positioned downstream of the cover sheet 16, and is closed by the shutter 27A when the cover sheet P2 is conveyed. During the bookbinding process, as shown in FIG. 5B, the shutter rack 29 is driven by the shutter motor 28, and the shutter 27A is moved to the position where the shutter path 27 is opened by the spring 30 that engages the shutter 27A and the shutter rack 29. . After opening the shutter path 27, the shutter 27A comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) and stops.
[0082]
Thereafter, the gripper 41 is moved so that the glued sheet bundle P1 is pressed against the cover sheet P2 on the creasing table 34 as described above, and the sheet bundle P1 is pressed against the cover sheet P2.
[0083]
Next, the shutter motor 28 is driven, and the cam 32 is rotated by the shutter motor 28 via the belt 31 as shown in FIG. Then, folding is performed for a certain period of time by the folding table 34, and the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is completed. The creasing table 34 is provided with a relief mechanism so as to cope with a change in the paper thickness.
[0084]
Further, as shown in (d), the creasing table 34 is retracted by rotating the cam 32, and thereafter, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is pushed downstream by the pushing roller 39, and the bundle curvature path 40 (see FIG. 2). To the rotary stage 301 through the bundle curvature path 40.
[0085]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining such a gluing operation (gluing flow). When gluing bookbinding, the gripper 41 is pressed against the sheet bundle P1 (S301), and the gripper 41 holds the sheet bundle P1. Thereafter, the shutter 27A is moved to open the shutter path 27 (S302).
[0086]
Next, the gripper 41 is moved by a certain amount so that the glued sheet bundle P1 is pressed against the cover sheet P2 on the creasing table 34, and the sheet bundle P1 is pressed against the cover sheet P2.
[0087]
Next, the creasing table 34 is slid, and then the creasing table 34 is pressed against the creasing table 34 for a certain period of time, and then the creasing table 34 is moved to release the shutter path 27 (S304). ), The bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is completed.
[0088]
Next, the gripper 41 is moved downward by a certain amount so as to deliver the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 to the trimmer unit (cutter) (S305), and then the driven roller 314 of the rotary stage 301 is pressed against the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 (S306). Thereafter, the holding of the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 by the gripper 41 is released (S307). And it moves to the rotation flow mentioned later.
[0089]
Here, the rotation stage 301 rotates the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 and conveys it into the trimmer unit D. Next, the rotary stage 301 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0090]
10 and 11, reference numeral 302 denotes a bundle conveyance unit provided on the rotary stage 301, and the bundle conveyance unit 302 winds a wire 305 fixed to an elevating gear 304 driven by an elevating motor 303. The rotary shaft 325 is rotated around. Normally, the bundle transport unit 302 stops the lifting motor 303 at a position where the sensor 302 detects the protruding portion 302a and stands by at the position shown in FIG.
[0091]
On the other hand, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 bound in the bookbinding process is conveyed by the bundle conveyance roller pair 307, and the first to fourth conveyance belts 309, 310, 320, and 321 are detected at the timing when the front end of the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is detected by the sensor 308. Is driven by a conveyor belt motor F322 and a conveyor belt motor R323, and rotates in the direction of the arrow.
[0092]
The lift motor 303 reverses at the timing when the rear end of the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 conveyed into the conveyance path 311 of the bundle conveyance unit 302 by the bundle conveyance roller pair 307 passes through the sensor 308, whereby the bundle conveyance unit 302 is rotated. Moves to the position shown in FIG.
[0093]
Thereafter, when the sensor 312 detects the protruding portion 302a of the bundle conveyance unit 302, driving of the lifting motor 303, the conveyance belt motor F322, and the conveyance belt motor R323 is stopped. As a result, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 waits in a state of being sandwiched between the conveyor belts 310 and 321 and the driven roller 314 at the tip of the weight 313. At this timing, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is aligned by the alignment plate F315 and alignment plate R316 driven by a motor (not shown), and is positioned on the alignment plate R side.
[0094]
Here, since the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 at this time is bound with the alignment vertical path 35 and the cover path 16, the cover is shifted and bookbinding is performed. Therefore, when the alignment is performed with the alignment plates 315 and 316, the alignment plate R side is accurately aligned. It is possible to position to. At the same time, the timing belt 317 is driven by a motor (not shown) so that the abutting plate 318 fixed to the timing belt 317 moves from the position of the sensor 319 to the designated position, and the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is moved into the trimmer unit D. Transport. At this time, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is conveyed while its three sides are regulated by the alignment plates F and R and the butting plate 318, and the conveyance accuracy to the trimmer portion can be improved.
[0095]
Next, cutting is started by the trimmer unit D. Here, when cutting is started in this manner, the alignment plate pairs 315 and 316 and the abutting plate 318 move to the home position and stand by. When the cutting is finished, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 sandwiched between the weight rollers 314 by the first to fourth conveyor belts 309, 310, 320, and 321 rotating counterclockwise is near the center of the bookbinding sheet bundle P3. Then, the conveyor belts 309, 310, 320, and 321 stop at the position where the weight roller 314 is positioned.
[0096]
Thereafter, the conveyor belts 309 and 310 and the conveyor belts 320 and 321 rotate in opposite directions as indicated by the arrows shown in FIG. 12B, so that the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is rotated 90 degrees around the weight roller 314. Rotate. If the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is rotated by 90 degrees, the conveying belts 309, 310, 320, and 321 are stopped, and the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is aligned again by the alignment plates 315, 316 and the abutting plate 318, and the trimmer It is transported to a predetermined position in the unit D and cut.
[0097]
Thereafter, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is conveyed to the weight roller 314 by the same operation, rotated 180 degrees, conveyed again into the trimmer unit D, and cut. The bookbinding sheet bundle P3 that has been cut is conveyed to the weight roller 314, rotated 90 degrees, and then the conveying belts 309, 310, 320, and 321 are rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. P6 is conveyed to the stacking tray E.
[0098]
At the same time, the abutting plate 318 is rotated once in the direction of the arrow to operate to push out the rear end of the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 being conveyed, so that the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 can be reliably discharged to the stacking tray E. It is configured.
[0099]
Next, the configuration of the trimmer unit D will be described. Here, the trimmer unit D is intended to finish a sheet bundle of higher quality, and the gluing unit 25 performs cutting on three surfaces excluding the glued end surface of the sheet bundle subjected to the gluing bookbinding. .
[0100]
FIG. 13 is a side view of such a trimmer unit D, in which 81 is a cutting blade for cutting the bookbinding sheet bundle P3. Here, the shape of the cutting blade 81 is plate-like and has an inclination on only one side, the longitudinal direction is longer than the maximum sheet size to be cut, and further moves in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the cutting blade is always placed on the bookbinding sheet bundle P3. The length on which 81 rides is required. For example, if the maximum sheet size is set when the longitudinal direction of A4 is cut, a length of 297 mm + the moving distance of the cutting blade 81 is required.
[0101]
The movement in which the cutting blade 81 cuts the sheet is performed while reciprocating in parallel with the cut surface, for example, when a tree is cut with a saw. The cutting blade 81 is fixed to a translation member 82 that can slide only in parallel with the cut surface of the bookbinding sheet bundle P3.
[0102]
The parallel moving member 82 is supported by rollers 83a and 83b, and the abutments 84a and 84b provided on the parallel moving member 82 move in parallel with the cut surface along the rollers 83a and 83b. Further, the parallel movement of the parallel movement member 82 is performed by transmitting the drive of the horizontal motor 85 to the rotation receiver 87 via the rotation cam 86. The speed change of the reciprocating parallel movement can be freely changed by providing the horizontal motor 85 with an encoder.
[0103]
Reference numeral 88 denotes a vertical moving member for moving the cutting blade 81 in the thickness direction of the bookbinding sheet bundle P3. The vertical moving member 88 includes support columns 89a and 89b coupled to a base 88A. It moves in the vertical direction along the groove 89b. Since the vertical moving member 88 includes rollers 83a and 83b that support the parallel moving member 82, when the vertical moving member 88 is moved in the vertical direction, the cutting blade 81 is also moved via the parallel moving member 82. Move vertically. Further, in order to apply a load to the cutting blade 81, the vertical moving member 88 is provided with tension springs 90a and 90b.
[0104]
These mechanisms allow the reciprocating motion of the cutting blade 81. Reference numeral 91 denotes a mat provided below the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 for the purpose of preventing the cutting blade 81 from being damaged. The mat 91 is preferably made of a soft material such as rubber, mold, urethane or the like.
[0105]
Further, the mat 91 is formed in a roller shape, so that the cut chips can be dropped by rotation, and the dropped chips can be moved to a dust box 93 by a movable pusher 92 (see FIG. 2). It can be rotated and dropped.
[0106]
Furthermore, when the mat 91 and the cutting blade 81 come into contact with each other many times, a groove is formed in the mat 91, and the cut surface of the lowermost sheet of the sheet bundle (the sheet that is in direct contact with the mat 81) becomes rough. However, by forming the mat 91 in a roller shape, before the grooves are formed in the mat 91, the parts used so far are shifted and new grooves are formed. If the mat 91 is moved to an area where there is no mat, the durability of the mat 91 can be increased.
[0107]
FIG. 14 shows the structure of the sheet bundle pressing means for pressing the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 when the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is cut. The holding means rotates the cam 94 as shown in FIG. By doing so, the link 95 is actuated to compress the paper pressing spring 96, and the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is pressed by the sheet pressing 98. When the mechanism releases the sheet presser 98, as shown in (b), it hits the abutting 88a of the vertical moving member 88 and moves the cutting blade 81 in the thickness direction of the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 via the vertical moving member 88. It also serves as a means to make it happen.
[0108]
Next, an operation method of the trimmer unit D configured as described above will be described.
[0109]
As described above, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is conveyed to the cutting position by the rotary stage 301. At this time, the trimming width of the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is about 2 to 20 mm. After the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is conveyed, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is pressed by the sheet presser 98. At this time, the cutting blade 81 also moves through the vertical movement member 88 together with the sheet presser 98, so that the cutting blade 81 contacts the bookbinding sheet bundle P3.
[0110]
Next, after the press of the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is completed, the cutting blade 81 is reciprocated in the horizontal direction by the horizontal motor 85 via the vertical moving member 88. As a result, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is cut, the cutting blade 81 is pulled by the tension springs 90a and 90b, and the cutting blade 81 moves in the thickness direction of the bookbinding sheet bundle P3. Cutting by reciprocation is performed until the blade position sensor 97 is detected.
[0111]
Next, after cutting the bookbinding sheet bundle P3, the sheet presser 98 is released, and the cutting blade 81 is retracted from the mat 91 at the same time. The chip P4 has some chips falling in the dust BOX 93 but not completely dropped, and some chips remain on the mat 91. The mat 91 is rotated to drop it into the forced dust box 93, and then the chips are pushed into the dust box 93 by pushing in the chips by the pusher 92. After the mat 91 is thus rotated, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is discharged to the stacking tray E by the rotation stage 301.
[0112]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart (rotation flow) for explaining the rotation operation of such a rotary stage, and FIG. 22 is a flowchart (cutter flow) for explaining the operation of the trimmer unit D.
[0113]
Hereinafter, the rotation operation of the rotary stage and the operation of the trimmer unit D will be described in detail using this flowchart.
[0114]
When the rotary stage 301 is raised (S401), the first to fourth conveyor belts 309, 310, 320, and 321 are driven by the conveyor belt motor F322 and the conveyor belt motor R323 in the forward direction (the arrow direction shown in FIG. 11). Rotate (S402).
[0115]
Next, when the rear end of the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 conveyed into the conveyance path 311 of the bundle conveyance unit 302 by the bundle conveyance roller pair 307 passes through the sensor 308, the elevating motor 303 reverses, whereby the bundle conveyance unit 302 moves to the position shown in FIG.
[0116]
Thereafter, when the sensor 312 detects the protruding portion 302a of the bundle conveyance unit 302 (Y in S403), the driving of the elevating motor 303, the conveyance belt motor F322, and the conveyance belt motor R323 is stopped, and the first to fourth conveyances are performed. The belts 309, 310, 320, and 321 are stopped (S404). Thereafter, the rotary stage 301 is lowered (S405).
[0117]
Next, an alignment operation is performed by the alignment plate F315 and the alignment plate R316 (S406). As a result, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is aligned and positioned on the alignment plate R side. Thereafter, the first to fourth conveyor belts 309, 310, 320, and 321 are driven by a certain amount in the reverse direction and stopped (S407).
[0118]
Next, cutting is started by the trimmer unit D (S408). Here, when cutting is started in this manner, the sheet presser 98 is pressed against the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 and pressed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22 (S500).
[0119]
Next, after the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is pressed in this way, the cutting blade 81 is moved in the horizontal direction (S501), whereby the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is cut. The cutting with the cutting blade 81 is performed until the blade position sensor 97 is turned on. When the blade position sensor 97 is turned on (Y in S502), the cutting blade 81 is stopped (S503), and thereafter Then, the sheet presser 98 is released (S504), and at the same time, the cutting blade 81 is retracted from the mat 91.
[0120]
On the other hand, when such cutting is completed, the number of times of cutting is counted (S409). After the first cutting, the conveyor belts 309 and 310 and the conveyor belts 320 and 321 are rotated by a certain amount in opposite directions, thereby The bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is rotated by 90 degrees around the weight roller 314 (S410).
[0121]
Subsequently, the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is conveyed to the weight roller 314 by the same operation, and the second cutting is performed. When the second cutting is completed, the conveyor belts 309 and 310 and the conveyor belts 320 and 321 are further processed. Are rotated 180 degrees by rotating in a direction opposite to each other (S411), conveyed again into the trimmer unit D, and subjected to a third cutting.
[0122]
When the third cutting is completed (S412), the bookbinding sheet bundle P3 is conveyed to the weight roller 314, rotated 90 degrees, and then the conveying belts 309, 310, 320, and 321 are moved in the forward direction ((( The sheet bundle P6 is conveyed to the stacking tray E by rotating in the direction of the arrow b). After that, when the sensor 319 is turned on (Y in S413), the conveyor belts 309, 310, 320, and 321 are stopped after a certain period of time (S414).
[0123]
FIG. 15 is a control block diagram of the sheet processing apparatus B. In FIG. 15, reference numeral 200 denotes an MPU as a control unit. The MPU 200 includes a sheet size signal 9, a discharge sensor 22, a registration tip sensor 23a, a registration sensor. 24, signals from the photo sensor 59, the blade position sensor 97, the sensor 306, the sensor 308, the sensor 312, the sensor 319, and the like are input.
[0124]
Based on these signals, the shutter motor 28, the cover motor 37, the press contact solenoid 53, the horizontal motor 85, and the parallel motor 99, which are not described in the present embodiment, are described via the drivers D1 to D14. , First flapper solenoid 201, second flapper solenoid 202, non-sort path transport motor 203, bookbinding path transport motor 204, cover sheet path transport motor 205, alignment vertical path plate moving motor 207, lifting motor 303, transport belt motor F322, transport The belt motor R323 and the like are controlled in their movement amounts, speeds, and the like by control input pulses or encoder coder inputs that detect rotation amounts, respectively.
[0125]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the holding means is provided on the side opposite to the pressing means for pressing the sheet stored in the storage means against the alignment member provided at the bottom of the storage means, and the holding means is stored. Consistency is improved by moving according to at least one of sheet number information, sheet thickness information, and sheet size information stored in the means, and adjusting the distance to the pressing means. be able to.
[0126]
In addition, after storing a predetermined number of sheets in the storage means, standby means for sequentially storing subsequent sheets and waiting is provided near the storage means, and the predetermined number of sheets stored in the storage means are directed to the sheet processing unit. After the sheet is conveyed, the sheet waiting in the waiting unit is stored in the storing unit, so that it is possible to prevent the productivity from being lowered when the sheet processing is continuously performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a copier that is an example of an image forming apparatus including a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an alignment vertical path provided in the sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an alignment vertical path plate provided in the alignment vertical path.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sheet standby operation by a buffer plate provided in the alignment vertical path.
FIG. 6 is another view for explaining the sheet standby operation by the buffer plate provided in the alignment vertical path.
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining skew feeding and registration alignment for a cover sheet in a cover path provided in the sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a pasting unit provided in the sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism that is provided in the sheet processing apparatus and adheres a cover sheet to a glued sheet bundle.
FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a rotary stage provided in the sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the rotary stage.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a sheet bundle conveying operation of the rotary stage.
FIG. 13 is a side view of a trimmer unit provided in the sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a sheet bundle pressing mechanism provided in the trimmer unit.
FIG. 15 is a control block diagram of the sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an alignment vertical path provided in a conventional sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a vertical path alignment operation of the sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a buffer operation of the sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating cover conveyance control of the sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining a gluing operation of the sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart (rotation flow) for explaining the rotation operation of the rotation stage of the sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart (cutter flow) for explaining the operation of the trimmer unit D of the sheet processing apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
3 Image forming unit
12 First flapper
13 Second flapper
14 Bookbinding paper path
19 Return roller
20 Rear end stopper
35 Alignment vertical path
36 Alignment vertical pass plate
50 Alignment buffer plate
50a cradle
50b Alignment surface
50c separation wall
200 MPU
A Copying machine
A1 Copier body
B Sheet processing device
C Transport alignment unit
D Trimmer unit
P sheet
P1 sheet bundle
P2 cover sheet
P3 bookbinding sheet bundle

Claims (9)

After aligning a plurality of sheets, in a sheet processing apparatus that conveys the sheet toward the sheet processing unit,
Storage means for sequentially storing the sheets to be aligned in an upright state;
An alignment member provided at the bottom of the storage means;
A pressing unit that is provided on one surface of the storage unit, rotates while pressing against the sheet stored in the storage unit, and presses the sheet against the alignment member;
It is provided on the side of the storage means opposite to the pressing means, holds the sheet stored in the storage means in a standing state, and is movable in a direction to adjust the distance from the pressing means Holding means;
With
Characterized in that said holding means is moved a predetermined amount in a direction away from the at least one blowing members side or the pressing means press according to the storage means the thickness information of the number information or sheet of sheets accommodated in the paper A sheet processing apparatus.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined amount by which the holding unit moves is an amount by which the pressing unit can contact the sheet with a predetermined pressure.   The holding means moves toward the pressing means when the number of sheets stored in the storing means is small, and moves away from the pressing means when the number of sheets stored in the storing means increases. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus.   4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the sheet is stored in the storage unit, the pressing unit moves to a position that does not hinder the storage of the sheet. 5.   After storing a predetermined number of sheets in the storage unit, a standby unit for sequentially storing subsequent sheets and waiting is provided near the storage unit, and the predetermined number of sheets stored in the storage unit is provided in the sheet processing unit. 5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the sheet is conveyed toward the sheet, the sheet waiting in the waiting unit is stored in the storing unit.   The standby unit includes a separation wall that separates a succeeding sheet stored in the standby unit and a predetermined number of sheets stored in the storage unit, and a width direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the sheet stored in the standby unit. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: an alignment unit that performs the alignment of An alignment unit that performs alignment in the width direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sheet stored in the storage unit;
7. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the aligning unit is integrally provided with the standby unit including the aligning unit configured to align the sheets stored in the standby unit.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing unit performs glue binding.   An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 that processes the sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. Image forming apparatus.

Images