JP4387609B2 - Sheet post-processing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus having a bookbinding function that performs saddle stitching on sheets fed from an image forming apparatus, and particularly relates to an improvement in the stackability of a booklet that has been bound. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a sheet post-processing apparatus having a simple bookbinding function, as a method of stacking the created booklet, there is a method in which the discharged booklet is dropped on the stacking unit and stacked while being stacked one after another.
[0003]
In addition, there is a method such as a large-sized bookbinding apparatus that is in the form of a belt conveyor, and sequentially stacks the discharged booklets and stacks them side by side without overlapping.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional sheet post-processing apparatus, when the booklet is dropped, the booklet is opened and the subsequent document is sandwiched between them, or the fall is caused when the booklet is dropped. Is not easy.
[0005]
In addition, a stacking method using a belt conveyor such as a large bookbinding apparatus is expensive and takes up space, so that it is not suitable for a small bookbinding apparatus that is small and requires low cost.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus that is easy to manage the stacking state and that is suitable for a small bookbinding apparatus and that saves space.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a sheet post-processing apparatus that uses a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus as a booklet, and includes a booklet discharge unit that discharges the booklet and a stacking member that loads the booklet. The booklet discharge direction of the booklet discharge means and the stacking member have an inclination angle that the downstream side in the booklet discharge direction is downward with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle in the booklet discharge direction is greater than that of the stacking member. A booklet presser member having an angle greater than the inclination angle, one end pivotally supported near the booklet discharge means and the other end extending toward the stacking member is in contact with the top surface of the stacking member, and the booklet presser member and The contact point on the upper surface of the stacking member is near the intersection of the booklet discharge direction and the stacking member.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 3 to 11 are block diagrams of a booklet stacking unit according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus.
[0018]
(Description of overall configuration)
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus A includes a sheet post-processing apparatus B that uses a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus A as a booklet. In the image forming apparatus A, the sheet P selectively separated and fed one by one from the sheet cassettes 1 and 2 is transferred at a predetermined timing by the registration roller unit 5 and an image forming process cartridge 6 and a transfer roller 7 as image transfer means. The desired image is recorded on the upper surface of the sheet P.
[0019]
The sheet P on which the image is recorded is conveyed to the flapper 9 while the image is fixed by the fixing device 8. The flapper 9 is provided at a branch portion between a face-down discharge stacking portion 11 that reverses the sheet and discharges and stacks it with the recording surface facing down, and a face-up discharge port 13 that discharges the recording surface as it is. The conveyance of P is distributed to either the face-down discharge stacking unit 11 or the face-up discharge port 13 by a predetermined control signal.
[0020]
The sheet post-processing apparatus B is installed so that the sheet P can be carried in from the face-up discharge port 13 of the image forming apparatus A, and the connection state between the image forming apparatus A and the sheet post-processing apparatus B by communication means (not shown). Is constantly monitored. When the image forming apparatus A and the sheet post-processing apparatus B are not connected, the display unit of the image forming apparatus A displays that it is not connected, and sends information to the computer.
[0021]
When the sheet post-processing apparatus B is connected to the image forming apparatus A, and the print job instructs the output of the sheet post-processing apparatus, the flapper 9 operates on the face-up output side to load the sheet to the sheet post-processing apparatus B. Discharge.
[0022]
The sheet P discharged to the face-up discharge port 13 of the image forming apparatus A is sent to the entrance roller 14 of the sheet post-processing apparatus B by the entrance guide of the sheet post-processing apparatus B. The sheet P sent to the entrance roller 14 is further sent to the downstream discharge roller 15, and is discharged to the intermediate stacking unit 16 by the discharge roller 15.
[0023]
The sheet P discharged to the intermediate stacking unit is pulled by the pulling paddle 17 to a position where it abuts against the shutter 18. The drawn sheet bundle strikes the shutter 18 so that the sheet conveyance direction is aligned. The sheet bundle in which the sheet conveying direction is aligned is provided on both sides of the sheet P in the width direction, and the sheet width direction of the sheet bundle is aligned by jogger means 19 that can move in the sheet width direction (front to back in the figure). .
[0024]
When the alignment of the sheet bundle is completed at the intermediate stacking section, the shutter 18 rotates clockwise to retract from the sheet bundle conveyance path to the dotted line position in the figure, and the bundle conveying roller 20 that can be pressed and separated is pressed to contact the sheet bundle. The bundle is conveyed downstream.
[0025]
When the intermediate point of the sheet bundle is conveyed to the binding position of the staple unit 21, the bundle conveyance is stopped. At this time, the staple unit 21 is rotated to a position where the staple unit 21 comes into contact with the sheet bundle (a position indicated by a dotted line in the drawing), and the sheet bundle is saddle stitched. The sheet bundle for which saddle stitching has been completed is conveyed further downstream by the second bundle conveying roller 22, and stops at the position where the middle of the sheet bundle is conveyed to the pushing plate 23 which is a folding means.
[0026]
Here, the pushing plate 23 is pushed out in the direction in which the pushing plate 23 comes into contact with the sheet bundle P (the direction of the arrow F1), and the sheet bundle is sandwiched between the folding roller pair 25 while being folded at the center in the conveying direction. A sheet bundle (hereinafter referred to as a booklet) folded in half is conveyed to a booklet discharge roller pair 26, which is a booklet discharge means, when the folding roller 25 rotates, and is further discharged downstream by the booklet discharge roller pair 26 for loading. It is loaded on a loading tray 27 which is a member.
[0027]
(Description of booklet stacking unit according to the present invention)
FIG. 1 shows a booklet stacking unit according to the present invention. The booklet discharge direction (arrow F2 direction) of the booklet discharge roller pair 26 is lowered downward on the downstream side with respect to the horizontal direction. The stacking tray 27 is also lowered on the downstream side in the horizontal direction. When the booklet discharge direction F2 is compared with the inclination of the stacking tray 27, the booklet discharge direction F2 has a larger downward inclination. Therefore, the booklet discharge direction F2 and the stacking tray 27 are at an intersection X on the stacking tray. Intersect at an intersection angle α. If the crossing angle α is too large, buckling occurs when the booklet and the stacking tray 27 cross each other. Therefore, it is preferable that the crossing angle α is small and 45 ° or less.
[0028]
A weight member 31 which is a booklet pressing member is rotatably engaged with a fulcrum 32 and is in contact with the stacking tray 27 at a contact point O by its own weight. The booklet Q discharged from the discharge roller 26 passes between the weight member 31 and the stacking tray 27 and is pushed out downstream of the stacking tray 27 as shown in the booklet discharging direction F2. The weight member 31 may be configured to be biased downward by an elastic member or the like and to contact the stacking tray 27 at the contact point O.
[0029]
In order for the booklet Q to pass under the weight member 31, the contact point O between the weight member 31 and the stacking tray 27 may be at the same position as the intersection point X or in the vicinity thereof. The reason will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a case where the contact point O1 is downstream from the intersection point X. FIG. As indicated by a two-dot chain line F3, the booklet Q that collides with the stacking tray 27 at the intersection X1 (= X) loses its waist when the orientation changes in the horizontal direction, and cannot enter the weight 31 as illustrated. Will buckle.
[0031]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a case where the contact O2 is upstream from the intersection X2. As indicated by a two-dot chain line F4, the booklet Q collides with the weight member 31 at the intersection X2 before intersecting the stacking tray. As a result, the discharge direction of the booklet Q is changed, the waist is lost, and as shown in the figure, the booklet Q is buckled without entering the weight 31.
[0032]
Moreover, since the tip of the weight 31 is a sheet passing surface, it is preferable that the weight 31 has a gentle R shape. The weight 31 is preferably in contact with the stacking tray 27 at 3N or less. Further, the distance between the nip of the discharge roller 26 and the contact O is equal to or shorter than the length in the booklet conveyance direction, and the shorter the distance, the less the occurrence of buckling.
[0033]
Next, the flow of the booklet Q being stacked on the stacking tray 27 is shown in FIGS. FIG. 5 shows a state where the first booklet Q is discharged from the discharge roller 26 and stacked on the stacking tray 27. As shown in FIG. 5, the stacking tray 27 is rotatably engaged with a rotation fulcrum 34 upstream of the stacking tray 27 in the transport direction. The stopper 35, which is a restricting means, includes a round hole 37 that engages with a fulcrum 36 provided in the stacking tray 27, and a long hole 40 that is provided in the base frame 38 or that slidably engages with the fulcrum 39. 27 rotation ranges are restricted. The stacking tray 27 holds the stacking tray 27 in the initial state, that is, the upper limit position shown in FIG.
[0034]
FIG. 6 shows a state in which the booklet Q sinks between the weight 31 and the stacking tray 27. FIG. 7 shows a state where the rear end of the booklet Q has completely passed through the discharge roller 26 and has been stacked on the stacking tray 27. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the second booklet Q2 is discharged from the discharge roller 26 and sunk between the weight 31 and the stacking tray 27. At this time, the preceding booklet Q is changed by the subsequent booklet Q2. Pushed downstream on the stacking tray. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the subsequent booklet is repeatedly stacked while pushing the preceding booklet, and the first booklet is pushed to the downstream end of the stacking tray. When the preceding booklet is not pushed downstream, the succeeding booklet is stacked on the preceding stacked booklet layer, as shown in FIG. By repeating this, the stacking as shown in FIG. 11 is finally performed.
[0035]
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 12 and 13 are configuration diagrams of the booklet stacking unit according to this embodiment. About the part which has the same function as said 1st embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 12, the preceding booklet Q discharged from the discharge roller 51 passes between the guide member 52 and the stacking tray 53 and is stacked on the stacking tray 53.
[0037]
At both ends of the stacking tray 53, there are fulcrums 54, and a rotating member 55 is rotatably attached. The rotating member 55 is movably engaged in an elongated hole 57 provided in the apparatus frame. The moving range of the stacking tray 53 is regulated by the long hole 57 and the rotating member 55. In the initial state, the stacking tray 53 is biased upward by the elastic member 56.
[0038]
Also in this configuration, as in the first embodiment, the preceding booklet stacked on the stacking tray 53 is pushed downstream by the subsequent booklet, but in this configuration, the main body is integrally formed on the downstream side of the movable stacking tray 53. Since the stopper wall 58 is provided, the front end of the booklet hits and does not advance any further, so that the succeeding booklet is stacked on the preceding booklet.
[0039]
By configuring as described above, the stacking tray 53 moves vertically downward without jumping out from the sheet post-processing apparatus B, so that the apparatus installation space can be reduced compared to the first embodiment.
[0040]
In addition, in the first embodiment, the booklet is stacked while spreading up and down and up and down, but in this embodiment, since the booklet is stacked only in the vertical direction, it is possible to improve the take-out property after the stacking is finished. . Further, the loading space can be freely set by the long hole 57.
[0041]
In this embodiment, the upper and lower guide means of the stacking tray 53 are the long hole 57 and the rotating member 55. However, the rotating member 55 may be a combination of a non-rotating sliding member and a sliding guide. Further, a method of controlling driving up and down by combining a rack and pinion, a belt and pulley, a wire, and the like with a driving means may be used.
[0042]
[Third embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 14 to 16 are configuration diagrams of the booklet stacking unit according to the present embodiment. About the part which has the same function as said 1st embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0043]
The booklet discharge roller pair 26, the guide member 52 integrally formed on the ceiling of the stacking unit, the stacking tray 71, the leading end wall 72 of the stacking tray, the protrusion 73 formed at the leading end of the leading end wall 72, and the fulcrum 74 of the stacking tray 71
The stacking tray 71 is rotatable about a fulcrum 74, and is initially held at the position shown in FIG. 12 by a biasing means (not shown).
[0044]
In the present embodiment, the distance between the booklet discharge roller pair 26 and the front end wall 72 is the same as the length of the booklet Q in the conveyance direction, and the stacking tray 71 can be rotated around the fulcrum 74, so that The booklet is stacked in the upper layer without pushing out the preceding booklet. Further, if the height of the tip wall 72 is increased, the number of stacked sheets can be increased.
[0045]
In the present embodiment, the stacking tray rotates downward without jumping out from the sheet post-processing apparatus, so that the installation space for the apparatus can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment. In addition, in the first embodiment, the booklet is stacked while spreading both vertically and horizontally. In this embodiment, the booklet is stacked only in the vertical direction. it can.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the preceding booklet is reliably pushed downstream by the succeeding booklet by the downward inclination of the stacking tray. As a result, the booklets are stacked while pushing the preceding booklet downstream so that the booklets overlap each other.
[0047]
A weight member is provided above the stacking tray and is in contact with the upper surface of the stacking tray so as to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation center. Thereby, the opening of the preceding booklet is prevented, and the succeeding booklet can surely enter the preceding booklet.
[0048]
Moreover, by pushing in between the weight members, reliable extrusion is performed. Further, since the upper surface of the preceding booklet is pressed by the weight, the preceding booklet does not fall downstream due to the inclination of the tray.
[0049]
The contact point between the weight member and the stacking tray is the same as or close to the intersection of the booklet discharge direction and the stacking tray. Thus, since the weight is on the extension line in the booklet discharge direction, the booklet can surely sink between the weight member and the stacking tray without buckling.
[0050]
The distance between the discharge roller and the contact is less than the booklet length. As a result, the booklet discharged can reliably reach the weight. The stacking tray has a rotation center on the upstream side in the discharge direction, and can be rotated downward with the contact point as an initial position. As a result, the upper surface of the stacked booklet is kept at a fixed position, and a new stacking layer is formed above the first stacked booklet layer so that the length of the tray in the transport direction is increased. More booklets can be loaded.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit.
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit.
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit.
FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit.
FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of a booklet stacking unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
A ... Image forming apparatus B ... Sheet post-processing apparatus F2 ... Booklet discharge direction F3 ... Dotted line F4 ... Dotted line O ... Contact O1 ... Contact O2 ... Contact P ... Sheet Q ... Booklet X ... Intersection X1 ... Intersection X2 ... Intersection 1 ... Sheet cassette 2 ... Sheet cassette 5 ... Registration roller unit 6 ... Image forming process cartridge 7 ... Transfer roller 8 ... Fixing device 9 ... Flapper
11… Face down discharge loading section
13… Face-up outlet
14… Inlet roller
15… discharge roller
16… Intermediate loading section
17 ... Retractable paddle
18… Shutter
19… Jogger means
20 Bundle conveying roller
21 Stapler unit
22… Second bundle conveying roller
23… Veneer
25… Folding roller
26… Booklet discharge roller pair
27… Loading tray
31… weight material
32… fulcrum
34… Rotation fulcrum
35… Stopper
36… fulcrum
37… round hole
38… Base frame
39… fulcrum
40… long hole
41… Elastic member
51… discharge roller
52… Guide material
53… Loading tray
54… fulcrum
55… Rotating member
56… Elastic member
57… long hole
58… stopper wall
71… Loading tray
72… Tip wall
73 ... Protrusions
74… fulcrum

Claims (5)

In a sheet post-processing apparatus that uses a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus as a booklet,
A booklet discharging means for discharging the booklet;
A loading member for loading the booklet,
The booklet discharge direction of the booklet discharge means and the stacking member have an inclination angle that the downstream side in the booklet discharge direction is downward with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle in the booklet discharge direction is the inclination angle of the stacking member. More specifically, a booklet pressing member having one end pivotally supported in the vicinity of the booklet discharging means and the other end extending toward the stacking member is in contact with the upper surface of the stacking member, and the booklet pressing member and the stacking member are The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contact point on the upper surface of the member is in the vicinity of an intersection of the booklet discharge direction and the stacking member. The stacking member can be rotated around a fulcrum provided upstream in the booklet discharge direction, and the rotation range is regulated between a lower limit position and a position where the booklet holding member is in contact with the upper limit by a regulating means. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet post-processing apparatus is biased toward an upper limit position by an elastic member in an initial state. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a distance from the booklet discharge unit to a contact point between the booklet pressing member and the upper surface of the stacking member is 150 mm or less. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the booklet pressing member is in contact with an upper surface of the stacking member with a pressure contact force of 3 N or less. The plurality of sheets image-formed by the image forming apparatus are saddle-stitched, folded and bound, and stacked on the stacking member from the crease side by the booklet discharge means. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to Item.

Images