JP4416300B2 - Sheet post-processing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus that is connected to an image forming apparatus and performs post-processing of a sheet discharged from a sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a sheet post-processing apparatus that performs predetermined post-processing on a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile machine, a sheet carry-in port connected to a sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus is provided. The sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus is conveyed from the sheet discharge port to the post-processing means through the sheet carry-in port of the sheet post-processing apparatus, and is subjected to predetermined post-processing.
[0003]
Here, in order to connect the sheet post-processing apparatus to various image forming apparatuses, the height position of the sheet discharge port differs depending on the model of the image forming apparatus. It is necessary to configure so that connections can be made corresponding to different cases.
[0004]
Therefore, conventionally, when the sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus to be connected is higher than the sheet carry-in port of the sheet post-processing apparatus, for example, a stand or the like is disposed at the lower part of the sheet post-processing apparatus. By raising the bottom, it has responded to the difference in the height of the sheet outlet.
[0005]
An example is shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, A is an image forming apparatus, and B is a sheet post-processing apparatus that performs predetermined post-processing on a sheet on which an image is formed. Although not shown, the image forming apparatus A forms an image on a sheet storage unit, a sheet feeding unit that feeds and transports the sheets stacked and stored in the sheet storage unit one by one, and an image that forms an image on the sheet transported by the sheet feeding unit A forming unit, a control unit for controlling the entire apparatus, and the like are provided, and a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit is discharged from a roller pair of the sheet discharge port 3.
[0006]
On the other hand, the sheet post-processing apparatus B shown in FIG. 13 sorts and discharges the image-formed sheets, and the image-formed sheets discharged from the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A with the image forming surface facing upward. A pair of carry-in rollers 140 for carrying in the sheet, a nip guide 150 for guiding the sheet discharged from the sheet discharge port 3 to the nip of the pair of carry-in rollers 140, and for discharging the sheet face-up with the image forming surface facing upward. The face-up tray 105, the face-down trays T1 to T7 for discharging face-down with the image forming surface facing down, and the conveyance path of the sheet carried by the pair of carry-in rollers 140, the face-up tray 105, the face-down tray T1 A flapper 142 that switches to any one of the transport paths T7 to T7 is provided.
[0007]
In addition, a latch 153B for connecting to the image forming apparatus A and a caster 154 for facilitating movement of the apparatus and attachment / detachment to / from the image forming apparatus A are provided below the main body of the sheet post-processing apparatus B. Is provided.
[0008]
  Reference numeral 160 denotes a stand disposed at the bottom of the sheet post-processing apparatus B. Conventionally, by changing the height, a sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A and a sheet carry-in of the sheet post-processing apparatus B are used.MouthThe height was matched.
[0009]
On the other hand, as another example for dealing with various height positions of the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A, an extension guide is provided at the tip of the nip guide 150 of the sheet post-processing apparatus B, and the extension guide is used. Some have been configured to be oscillated.
[0010]
  An example is shown in FIGS. In each of the drawings, B is a sheet post-processing apparatus, 150 is a nip guide, 151 is an extension guide, and 152 is a support shaft portion that is a rotation center of the extension guide. In FIG. 14, the sheet discharged from the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A is guided from the extension guide 151 through the nip guide 150 to the nip of the carry-in roller pair 4, 5. Here, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the extension guide 151 can adjust the height position of the leading end by rotating around the support shaft 152, and changes the acceptance angle when the sheet is carried in. By being at various height positionsImage forming apparatus AThe sheet discharge port 3 can be accommodated.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional sheet post-processing apparatus described above has the following problems.
[0012]
  That is, as shown in FIG. 13, when the stand 160 is added, the positional relationship in the height direction of the entire sheet post-processing apparatus B and the image forming apparatus A changes, and the two apparatuses are connected.(Fixed)For this reason, the positional relationship between the latch 153A of the image forming apparatus A and the latch 153B of the sheet post-processing apparatus B is changed, so that there is a problem that the latch 153A and 153B cannot be fixedly connected.
[0013]
Further, there arises a problem of how to solve the unstable state caused by placing the sheet post-processing apparatus B with the casters 154 on the stand 160.
[0014]
Further, when the height position of the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A is higher than the height position of the sheet carry-in port (nip guide 150) of the sheet post-processing apparatus B, the stand 160 is used to move the sheet post-processing apparatus B. This can be dealt with by raising the bottom, but conversely, when the height position of the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A is lower than the height position of the sheet carry-in port of the sheet post-processing apparatus B, there is a problem that the connection cannot be made. there were.
[0015]
On the other hand, when the extension guide 151 is provided at the tip of the nip guide 150 of the pair of carry-in rollers 4 and 5 of the sheet post-processing apparatus B described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, as shown in FIG. When the height position of the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A is considerably higher than the height position of the B sheet carry-in port, the leading end of the extension guide 151 has to be raised considerably upward.
[0016]
In this case, the angle of the extension guide 151 with respect to the bottom surface (guide surface) 155 of the nip guide 150 becomes steep, the leading edge of the sheet carried from the extension guide 151 comes into contact with the guide surface 155, and the pair of conveying rollers The bending of the sheet path up to 4 and 5 becomes large. If the bending of the sheet path being conveyed becomes large in this way, a gentle sheet path cannot be formed and the sheet conveyance resistance increases, which causes a conveyance failure such as a jam.
[0017]
  In order to solve this problem, as shown in FIG. 16, it is conceivable to use an extension guide 151 </ b> A that further extends the tip end side, and makes the angle of the extension guide 151 </ b> A gentler than the angle of the nip guide 150. However, with such a configuration, since the interval (gap) 156 between the sheet post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus becomes large, the connection by the latches 153A and 153B.(Fixed)Problems such as being unable to perform the operation, problems in appearance, and an increase in installation space of the apparatus occur.
[0018]
An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus that can be connected to various image forming apparatuses having different height positions of sheet discharge ports.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  A main configuration of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention is a sheet post-processing apparatus that is connected to an image forming apparatus and performs post-processing of a sheet discharged from a sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus. A pair of carry-in rollers carried into the image forming apparatus and an introduction path through which the sheet discharged from the sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus is introduced into the pair of carry-in rollers, and a front end portion facing the sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus is movable A carry-in guide member; and an arm member that moves in contact with the carry-in guide member and moves a tip portion of the carry-in guide member. The arm member is connected to the image forming apparatus when the wall is connected to the image forming apparatus. The leading end portion of the carry-in guide member is moved to a height position of the sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus by moving in contact with the portion.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 8 are cross-sectional views showing an embodiment of a carry-in guide member provided in the sheet post-processing apparatus. FIG. 1 shows the first embodiment, and FIGS. 2 and 3 show the second embodiment. FIG. 4 to FIG. 8 show the third embodiment, and FIG. 10 shows the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the overall configuration of a sheet reversing and conveying apparatus that is an example of a sheet post-processing apparatus, and FIGS.
[0021]
(Description of overall configuration)
First, the overall configuration of a sheet post-processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, A is an image forming apparatus, and B is a sheet post-processing apparatus. The configuration of the image forming apparatus A is as described above, and includes a sheet storage unit, a sheet feeding unit, an image forming unit, a control unit, and the like. In this state, the sheet is discharged from the pair of discharge rollers of the sheet discharge port 3.
[0022]
Here, if the sheets on which the image forming process has been performed on the upper surface by the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus A are sequentially stacked with the image surface facing up, the order in which the images are formed on the originals and the like is reversed. Will be loaded in this order. In view of this, the sheet post-processing apparatus B can discharge and stack the sheets so that the front and back sides of the sheets are reversed and the image surface faces downward, in order to set the stacking order in accordance with the order of image formation.
[0023]
  In the sheet post-processing apparatus B, a sheet discharged from the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A is carried in, and a carry roller as a sheet carry-in means by a carry-in guide member C described later in detail.versusGuided to 4,5. In addition, in FIG. 9, about this carrying-in guide member C, the structure of 2nd Embodiment mentioned later is shown.
[0024]
  In the sheet post-processing apparatus B shown in FIG.versusThe conveyance roller 5 located on the lower side among the rollers 4 and 5 is a driving roller, and the conveyance roller 4 located on the upper side is a driven roller. In the sheet post-processing apparatus B, the driving roller 5 is rotationally driven in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 9 by a driving motor (not shown), so that the driven roller 4 and a conveying roller (driven roller) positioned below the driving roller 5 are driven. ) 106 is rotated following the clockwise direction of FIG. In the sheet post-processing apparatus B, after the power is turned on, the driving roller 5 is always driven to rotate in the sheet carry-in direction.
[0025]
  Transport rollerversusA flapper 100 serving as a conveyance path switching unit is disposed downstream of the fourth and fifth. The flapper 100 can be selectively switched between a solid line position and a broken line position in FIG. 9 by rotating about the shaft portion 100a by an actuator means (not shown).
[0026]
The flapper 100 is at a position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 9 to guide the sheet to the switchback unit 101 for reversing the sheet conveyance direction. Further, the flapper 100 is located at the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 9, so that the face-up discharge port 102 that discharges the sheet carried in from the image forming apparatus A with the image surface facing upward without being reversed. Guide the sheet back and forth. The sheet conveyed to the face-up discharge port 102 is discharged and stacked on the face-up tray 105 by a pair of discharge rollers 103 and 104 disposed at the face-up discharge port 102.
[0027]
In this way, in the sheet post-processing apparatus B, it is easy to check the image surface as a face-up discharge stack with the image-formed surface up, or face-down discharge stack with the image-formed surface down. As described above, it is possible to select and switch whether to stack in the order of image formation.
[0028]
  Transport rollerversusOn the upstream side of 4 and 5, a flag 11 and a sheet detection sensor 12 are arranged as sheet detection means for detecting the rear end portion of the carried-in sheet. The operation of each part when performing face-down discharge will be described below.
[0029]
  In the sheet post-processing apparatus B, when performing face-down discharge of a sheet, the leading end of the sheet abuts against the flag 11 and rotates the flag 11 in the clockwise direction in FIG. The optical detection unit (not shown) is shielded by the flag 11. The sheet is conveyed while maintaining this state.versusWhen the sheet is nipped by 4 and 5 and conveyed by a predetermined amount, the trailing edge of the sheet passes through the leading edge of the flag 11, whereby the flag 11 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 9 and the sheet detection sensor 12. The light shielding of the optical detector is released, and the rear end of the sheet does not passDetectionIs done.
[0030]
  In the sheet post-processing apparatus B, when the passage of the rear end portion of the sheet is detected, the actuator unit operates to change the posture of the flapper 100 to the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. At this time, the front end 100b of the flapper 100 has a conveying roller.versusConveying rollers from above nips 4 and 5versus5 and 106 so as to move down to the vicinity of the nip of 106, so that the trailing edge of the sheet is smoothly transferred from the nip of the driving roller 5 and the driven roller 4 to the nip of the driving roller 5 and the driven roller 106. It has become.
[0031]
  Sheet is transport rollerversusThe tip 100b of the flapper 100 descends and is pushed downward while being conveyed to the switchback portion 101 by 4 and 5, so that it is conveyed onto the reverse feed roller 107. When the flapper 100 reaches the position of the broken line in FIG. 9, the roller 108 provided on the flapper 100 comes into pressure contact with the reverse feeding roller 107, and at this time, the sheet conveyed to the switchback unit 101 is reversely fed. The roller 107 and the roller 108 are sandwiched, and the reverse feed roller 107 is further rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. 9 from this state, and is conveyed in the reverse direction toward the nip between the drive roller 5 and the driven roller 106. .
[0032]
  Further, the sheet conveyed in the reverse direction by the driving roller 5 and the driven roller 106 is conveyed to the sorting shelf T on the downstream side thereof. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the sorting shelf T includes a plurality of trays T1 to T7 arranged in the vertical direction, and a flapper 109 and rollers for guiding sheets to the respective trays T1 to T7.versus110 and 111 are the trays T1 to T7It has a provided configuration.
[0033]
  Then, the sheet conveyed in the reverse direction by the driving roller 5 and the driven roller 106 is discharged onto a predetermined tray of the sorting shelf T with the image surface facing down. For example, when a discharge command to the uppermost tray T1 of the sorting shelf T is issued, the tray T1UpstreamThe flapper 109 positioned at the position of the sheet is rotated while being rotated from the first position 109a to the second position 109b.versusThe sheets 110 and 111 are discharged face down on the tray T1 with the image surface facing down, and the sheets on which the images have been formed are stacked on the tray T1 in order, so that the sheets are stacked in the order in which the images were formed.
[0034]
(Description of carry-in guide member)
In the sheet post-processing apparatus having such a configuration, an embodiment of a carry-in guide member for guiding a sheet conveyed from the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A to the drive roller 5 and the driven roller 4 that are always driven. Will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0035]
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the carry-in guide member will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows the main part configuration of a carry-in guide member C1 according to the first embodiment and a sheet post-processing apparatus B1 provided with the carry-in guide member C1.
[0036]
  As shown in FIG. 1, the carry-in guide member C <b> 1 of the first embodiment is a carry roller as a carry-in roller pair.versusIt is provided on the upstream side of 4 and 5 so as to be rotatable about the support shaft portion 7. Here, the support shaft portion 7 is common to the shaft portion of the driven roller 4, and is also the rotation center of the driven roller 4. As a result, the carry-in guide member C1 is moved to the sheet post-processing apparatus B1Is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus so as to be swingable about the support shaft portion 7, and the height position of the front end portion facing the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A can be adjusted.
[0037]
For the carry-in guide member C1, optical detection means 11a and 12a for detecting that a sheet has been carried into the carry-in guide member C1 are arranged.
[0038]
  The carry-in guide member C1 has an upper inner surface with a conveying roller.versusThe first guide surface 1a is on a substantially extended line in the nip 6 direction of 4 and 5, and the lower inner surface is a second guide surface 1b substantially parallel to the first guide surface 1a. It has become. In the carry-in guide member C1, the sheet discharged from the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A is conveyed by these guide surfaces 1a and 1b.versusAn introduction path for introducing the nips 6 to 4 and 5 is formed.
[0039]
  On the downstream side of the carry-in guide member C1Proximal end9 and 10, respectively, carry-in rollersversusTo the vicinity of nip 6 of 4 and 5TotalIt is Thereby, the carry-in guide member C1 is a carry-in roller that rotates the sheet carried from the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A.versusIt also has a function of a nip guide for reliably leading to the nips 6 and 5. In the sheet post-processing apparatus B1 according to the embodiment, the carry-in rollerversus4 and 5 are always rotating, so the loading rollers are rotatingversusBy feeding the sheets to 4 and 5, it is possible to improve transportability even for sheets fed from a direction different from the nip direction.
[0040]
  According to the first embodiment having such a configuration, the carry-in guide member C1 has the carry-in roller regardless of the height position of the tip portion thereof.versusBase end facing 4, 59, 10Side is the carry-in rollerversusA substantially straight introduction path is formed with respect to the nips 6 and 5. That is, the tip of the carry-in guide member C1PartNo matter what height position is, the first guide surface 1a is the transport roller.versusSince the second guide surface 1b is always parallel to the first guide surface 1a and is substantially on the extended line of the nip 6 of 4 and 5, the loaded sheet is securely and securelySmoothIt is possible to guide to the nip 6.
[0041]
Therefore, according to the sheet post-processing apparatus B1 provided with the carry-in guide member C1, connection with various image forming apparatuses having different height positions of the sheet discharge port 3 is possible.
[0042]
  In the sheet post-processing apparatus B1 of this embodiment, the switchback unit 101A and the conveyance rollerversus4 and 5, the face-up discharge port 102 and the switchback unit 101ATo the flapper 100A and the switchback unit 101APlaceTransport rollerversusThe configuration of 106a and 106b is illustrated.9Although the details are omitted (see FIGS. 11 to 13), here, the conveyance roller 106a is a driving roller, and the conveyance roller 106b that is in pressure contact with the conveyance roller 106a is a driven roller. About these,9Of course, the following configuration may be adopted, and the same applies to the following embodiments.
[0043]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the carry-in guide member will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows a main part configuration of a carry-in guide member C2 according to the second embodiment and a sheet post-processing apparatus B2 including the carry-in guide member C2.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 2, the carry-in guide member C <b> 2 of the second embodiment has a configuration including two members, a first guide member 1 and a second guide member 2.
[0045]
  The first guide member 1 of the carry-in guide member C2 is attached to the apparatus main body of the sheet post-processing apparatus B2 so as to be swingable (turnable) around the support shaft portion 7 which is common to the shaft of the carry-in roller 4. It has been. Further, the distal end portions 9 and 10 on the downstream side (base end side) of the first guide member 1 are respectively provided with carry-in rollers.versusUp to the nip 6 of 4 and 5TotalIt is
[0046]
  As for the 1st guide member 1, the upper inner surface has a conveyance roller.versusThe first guide surface 1a is on a substantially extended line in the nip 6 direction of 4 and 5, and the lower inner surface is a second guide surface 1b substantially parallel to the first guide surface 1a. It has become. The broken line 1c is a carry-in roller.versusThe first guide surface 1a is formed on a substantially extended line of the broken line 1c. Thereby, the first guide member 1 of the carry-in guide member C2 is a carry-in roller that rotates the sheet carried from the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A.versusIt has a function of a nip guide that reliably leads to the nips 6 and 5.
[0047]
The second guide member 2 of the carry-in guide member C <b> 2 is connected at the base end side thereof by a second support shaft portion 8 provided on the front end side of the first guide member 1, and the second support shaft portion 8 is connected to the second guide member 2. As a center, it can swing (rotate) in the vertical direction with respect to the first guide member 1.
[0048]
Reference numeral 11 denotes a detection flag that detects that a sheet has been carried into the first guide member 1, and reference numeral 12 denotes a sheet detection sensor that detects the operation of the detection flag 11. The detection flag 11 and the sheet detection sensor 12 are attached to the first guide member 1, and rotate together when the first guide member 1 rotates. With this configuration, the carry-in guide member C2 can accurately detect the sheet carry-in regardless of the fixed positions of the guide members 1 and 2.
[0049]
  3 shows the sheet post-processing apparatus B.2Loading rollerversus4 is a diagram illustrating a state of a carry-in guide member C2 in a case where connection with an image forming apparatus A2 including a sheet discharge port 3a located above 4 and 5 is attempted. FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the carry-in guide member C2 is positioned at the position where the first guide member 1 and the second guide member 2 are rotated upward, so that the sheet discharge port 3a It will be in a state directed in the direction. As shown in FIG. 3, even when the first guide member 1 is directed upward, the tip of the guide surface 1 a always faces the drive roller 5.
[0050]
  Also in the second embodiment having such a configuration, the carry-in guide member C2 has the carry-in roller regardless of the height position of the tip portion thereof.versusThe base end side facing 4 and 5 is a carry-in rollerversusA substantially straight introduction path is formed with respect to the nips 6 and 5. That is, the first guide surface 1a of the first guide member 1 is the transport roller regardless of the height position of the leading end side of the carry-in guide member C2.versusSince the second guide surface 1b is always parallel to the first guide surface 1a and is substantially on the extended line of the nip 6 of 4 and 5, the loaded sheet is securely and securelySmoothIt is possible to guide to the nip 6.
[0051]
  In the sheet post-processing apparatus B2 provided with the carry-in guide member C2, the carry-in rollerversus4 and 5 are always rotating, so the loading rollers are rotatingversusBy feeding the sheets to 4 and 5, it is possible to improve transportability even for sheets fed from a direction different from the nip direction.
[0052]
  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, since each of the first guide member 1 and the second guide member 2 is movable, the transport rollerversusWhen receiving sheets from the sheet discharge ports 3a having different heights with respect to the nips 6 and 5, the optimum sheet path can be freely configured without changing the space between the limited devices, and the Sheet path can be formedTheAs a result, the sheet transportability is improved.
[0053]
Therefore, according to the sheet post-processing apparatus B2 provided with the carry-in guide member C2, connection with various image forming apparatuses having different height positions of the sheet discharge port 3 is possible.
[0054]
  In this embodiment, the carry-in guide memberC2However, it may be configured by three or more members that can swing relative to each other.
[0055]
(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the carry-in guide member will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8 show the main-portion configuration of the carry-in guide member C3 of the third embodiment and the sheet post-processing apparatus B3 provided with the carry-in guide member C3.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 4, the carry-in guide member C <b> 3 of the third embodiment is similar to the carry-in guide member C <b> 2 of the second embodiment described above, and the first guide member 1 and the second guide member 2. It has two members. Here, the same parts as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate. In the third embodiment, the detection flag 11 and the sheet detection sensor 12 are attached to the first guide member 1, but the illustration thereof is omitted in FIGS. 4 to 8.
[0057]
  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the stopper pin 51 for limiting the upward rotation of the first guide member 1 of the carry-in guide member C3, and as shown in FIG. A stopper pin 60 for limiting the downward rotation of the first guide member 1 is provided. Each stopper pin 51, 60 is a sheet post-processing apparatus B3It is formed so as to protrude from the side surface of the apparatus main body. Further, the first guide member 1 is formed with a stopper (not shown) for restricting the upward rotation of the second guide member 2 at a predetermined position.
[0058]
The first guide member 1 is urged in the direction of arrow U (counterclockwise direction) in FIG. 4 by an urging spring (not shown), and is applied to the stopper pin 51 disposed in the vicinity of the conveying roller 4. It hits and is held at the position shown in FIG. 4 and is slightly upward. In the third embodiment, this initial state is the home position of the first guide member 1.
[0059]
  Similarly, the second guide member 2 is also urged in the direction of arrow U (counterclockwise direction) in FIG. 4 by an urging spring (not shown), and abuts against the stopper portion as shown in FIG. It is held in a position and is directed upward at a steeper angle than the first guide member 1. In the third embodiment, this initial state isSecondIt becomes the home position of the guide member 2.
[0060]
  Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the carry-in guide member C3 is replaced with the image forming apparatus A.2Member for guiding to the sheet discharge port 3(Guide member driving means)50 is provided. The arm member 50 isSheet post-processing device B3Image forming apparatus protruding outward from side of apparatus main bodyA2A first arm 52 for contacting the side surface of the first arm 52 and a second arm 54 extending in a direction substantially opposite to the first arm 52.IsIt is designed to rotate integrally around the support shaft 53. Here, the support shaft portion 53 is a sheet post-processing apparatus B.3It is attached to the side of the main body. The arm member 50 can adjust the angle formed by the first arm 52 and the second arm 54, so that the image forming apparatus A can be adjusted as will be described later.2The height position of the tip of the second guide member 2 at the time of connection with can be adjusted.
[0061]
  The arm member 50 is urged clockwise in FIG. 4 by an urging spring (not shown), and the sheet post-processing apparatus B3In the initial state, it is held at the position shown in FIG. 4 and is slightly upward.
[0062]
The second arm 54 of the arm member 50 is provided with a roller 54a for contacting the upper side of the guide members 1 and 2 of the carry-in guide member C3 and pressing the guide members 1 and 2 downward. The roller 54a is attached to an elongated hole portion 54b formed on the distal end side of the second arm 54 so as to be movable and rotatable, and further, on the distal end side of the second arm 54 by a biasing spring (not shown). It is urged to be located in.
[0063]
  FIG. 4 shows a state in which the sheet post-processing apparatus B3 is connected to the image forming apparatus A2 having the sheet discharge port 3a at a height position corresponding to the positions of the carry-in guide member C3 and the arm member 50 in the initial state. Yes. The position of the carry-in guide member C3 in the initial state (home position) is the carry-in roller.versusIt can be connected to the image forming apparatus A2 shown in FIG. 3 in which the sheet discharge port 3a is formed at a position higher than 4,5.
[0064]
  In contrast, the sheet discharge port is a carry-in roller.versusSheet post-processing for the image forming apparatus A3 having the sheet discharge port 3b at a position lower than 4 and 5, that is, at a height position lower than the initial position (home position) of the carry-in guide member C3. The operation of each unit when the device B3 is connected will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0065]
In FIG. 5 showing a state before connection to the image forming apparatus A3, the carry-in guide member C3 and the arm member 50 are held at the home position described in FIG. When the sheet post-processing apparatus B3 is moved closer to the image forming apparatus A3 from this state, as shown in FIG. 6, the first arm 52 of the arm member 50 comes into contact with the wall portion 57 of the image forming apparatus A3. By bringing the post-processing device B3 closer to the image forming device A3, the first arm 52 is pushed upward by the wall portion 57.
[0066]
At this time, in the sheet post-processing apparatus B3, since the arm member 50 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 6, the second arm 54 rotates downward to push down the first guide member 1. Specifically, the roller 54a located on the distal end side of the second arm 54 contacts the first guide member 1, and the first guide is rotated while the roller 54a rotates as the second arm 54 rotates. The member 1 is pushed down in the clockwise direction of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the first guide member 1 is prevented from rotating when the lower side is brought into contact with the stopper pin 60.
[0067]
  FIG.State ofWhen the first arm 52 is further pushed upward by the wall portion 57 from the state, the second arm 54 is further rotated counterclockwise as shown in FIG. The second guide member 2 is pushed down and pivots downward. At this time, the roller 54a attached to the second arm 54 moves through the long hole portion 54b against the biasing force of the biasing spring. The second guide member 2 is rotated by the stopper (not shown) provided on the first guide member 1 when the inner surface thereof is substantially linear with the guide surfaces 1a and 1b of the guide member 1. Blocked and its position fixed.
[0068]
FIG. 8 shows a state where the image forming apparatus A and the sheet post-processing apparatus B are completely connected by a latch means (not shown) (see FIG. 13). When the first arm 52 is further pressed against the wall 57 of the image forming apparatus A3 from the state shown in FIG. 7, the arm member 50 rotates counterclockwise. At this time, since the guide members 1 and 2 are respectively prevented from rotating by hitting the stopper, the roller 54a of the second arm 54 further moves along the elongated hole portion 54b. Then, when the first arm 52 is in the state shown in FIG. 8 in which the first arm 52 is completely stored in the apparatus main body of the sheet post-processing apparatus B, the operation of each unit is completed.
[0069]
  In the sheet post-processing apparatus B3, the image forming apparatus A3Sheet outlet36By changing the angle formed by the first arm 52 and the second arm 54 in the arm member 50 in accordance with the height position, the height position of the tip portion of the second guide member 2 can be adjusted. It becomes. Specifically, as the angle formed by the first arm 52 and the second arm 54 decreases, the height position of the distal end portion of the second guide member 2 increases.
[0070]
As described above, in the sheet post-processing apparatus B3 according to the third embodiment, the guide members 1 and 2 of the carry-in guide member C3 are urged in a predetermined direction, and the carry-out guide member C3 is used as the sheet discharge device of the image forming apparatus. Since the arm member 50 for guiding to the outlet is provided, it is easy to attach and detach the image forming apparatus.
[0071]
  Specifically, the image forming apparatusA3Sheet outlet36On the other hand, even when the sheet post-processing apparatus B3 is repeatedly attached and detached, it is only necessary to adjust the arm member 50 and adjust the height position of the carry-in guide member C3 once. Further, since the home position is set for the initial positions of the carry-in guide member C3 and the arm member 50, the sheet post-processing apparatus B3 is used as an image forming apparatus in order to perform sheet jam processing or the like.A3When detaching from the carriage, the carry-in guide member C3 and the arm member 50 quickly return to the home position, and operations such as jamming are facilitated.
[0072]
Here, as a means for guiding the carry-in guide member C3 to the sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus, a rotary arm member is provided on the sheet post-processing apparatus side, but the arm member is a rotary type. In addition, the arm member may be provided on the image forming apparatus side, and the position of the carry-in guide member C3 may be switched depending on the position of the arm member extending from the image forming apparatus side.
[0073]
    (Fourth embodiment)
  Next, a fourth embodiment of the carry-in guide member will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows the main part configuration of a carry-in guide member C4 according to the fourth embodiment and a sheet post-processing apparatus B4 provided with the carry-in guide member C4..

[0074]
As shown in FIG. 10, the carry-in guide member C4 of the fourth embodiment includes a first guide member 1 and a second guide member 2 as in the second embodiment. The guide member 1 and the second guide member 2 are rotatably provided on the support shaft portion 7 and the support shaft portion 8, respectively.
[0075]
Further, in the fourth embodiment, gears 201 and 200 are attached to the support shaft portions 7 and 8, respectively, and motors 205 and 203 for rotating the gears 201 and 200 are provided. It has a prepared structure.
[0076]
  The gear 201 is attached so as to rotate integrally with the first guide member 1 around the support shaft portion 7. Further, the gear 201 is a sheet post-processing apparatus B.4Is engaged with a motor gear 202 of a motor 203 fixed to the apparatus main body. In the fourth embodiment, the motor 203 is a sheet post-processing apparatus B.4The first guide member 1 rotates about the support shaft portion 7 and is fixed at a predetermined position by being rotated by a control means (not shown).
[0077]
On the other hand, the gear 200 is attached to the second support shaft portion 8 so as to rotate integrally with the second guide member 2 around the second support shaft portion 8. Further, the gear 200 is engaged with the motor gear 204 of the motor 205 fixed on the first guide member 1. Then, when the motor 205 is driven to rotate by the control means, the second guide member 2 rotates about the support shaft portion 8 and is fixed at a predetermined position.
[0078]
  As described above, the sheet post-processing apparatus B4 according to the fourth embodiment includes the motors 203 and 205 for changing the postures of the guide members 1 and 2, and the sheet post-processing according to the third embodiment. Since the position of the stopper pins 51 and 60 is not limited as in the apparatus B3, the guide members 1 and 2 can be relatively freely deformed, and connected to sheet discharge ports at various height positions for the image forming apparatus to be connected.(Fixed)Is possible.
[0079]
Furthermore, in the sheet post-processing apparatus B4 of the fourth embodiment, the sheet post-processing apparatus B4 side is located at the height position of the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A based on a signal exchanged with the image forming apparatus A. And the rotation of the motors 203 and 205 is controlled by the control means, whereby the plurality of guide members 1 and 2 are respectively set at predetermined positions corresponding to the height positions of the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus A. It can be fixed.
[0080]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the rotation center of the carry-in guide member is the support shaft portion 7 common to the shaft portion of the driven roller 4, but may be common to the shaft portion of the drive roller 5, for example. Alternatively, the driven roller 4 or the driving roller 5 may be provided in the vicinity of the shaft portion.
[0081]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the first guide surface on the substantially extended line in the nip 6 direction of the carry-in roller pair 3 and 4 is the inner surface on the upper side of the carry-in guide member. When the rotation center is provided on the lower side in common with the shaft portion of the drive roller 5, the first guide surface may be provided on the lower inner surface of the carry-in guide member.
[0082]
(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows the overall configuration of a sheet post-processing apparatus 300 as the fifth embodiment.
[0083]
FIG. 11 shows the sheet post-processing apparatus provided with the carry-in guide member according to the second embodiment described in FIGS. 2 and 3, but the configuration of the carry-in guide member has been described with reference to FIG. 1. The configuration of the first embodiment, the configuration of the third embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, or the configuration of the fourth embodiment described with reference to FIG. 10 may be used.
[0084]
In FIG. 11, reference numeral 300 denotes a sheet post-processing apparatus, 301 denotes an image forming apparatus, 302 denotes a latch unit provided in the sheet post-processing apparatus 300, and 303 denotes a latch provided in the image forming apparatus 301. The apparatus 300 and the image forming apparatus 301 can be connected and fixed by a latch unit 302 and a latch 303.
[0085]
  The sheet post-processing apparatus 300 is unitized by a lower unit 304 and an upper unit 305 that is a sheet post-processing unit. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the upper unit 305 includes the first and second guide members 1, 2, the conveyance roller described above.versus4, 5 and the sorting shelf T (in this embodiment, the tray has six stages T1 to T6) and the like are arranged for each post-processing. On the other hand, the lower unit 304 is provided with casters 306 and latch means 302.
[0086]
In this embodiment, the lower unit 304 and the upper unit 305 are connected via the adjuster screw 307 and the support column 311. The adjuster screw 307 passes through the hole 308 on the upper surface of the lower unit 304 from below and is attached to a screw portion 310 provided on the bottom surface portion 309 of the upper unit 305.
[0087]
A plurality of support columns 311 project from the upper surface of the lower unit 304, and are attached to hole portions 309 a provided in the bottom surface portion 309 of the upper unit 305 via damper members 312. The damper member 312 is disposed between the upper surface portion of the lower unit 304 and the bottom surface portion 309 of the upper unit 305, and generates a biasing force in the direction of lifting the upper unit 305.
[0088]
In the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 configured as described above, by rotating the head of the adjuster screw 307, the upper unit 305 moves up and down with respect to the lower unit 304, and the upper unit 305 moves with respect to the lower unit 304. The vertical position can be adjusted.
[0089]
Therefore, in the sheet post-processing apparatus 300, the range in which the first and second guide members 1 and 2 can be adjusted can be widened, and various image forming apparatuses having different height positions of the sheet discharge port 3 can be used. Can be connected.
[0090]
  Here, since the lower unit 304 provided with the latch unit 302 and the caster 306 does not change its vertical position, even when the upper unit 305 is moved up and down, the latch unit 302 is engaged with the latch 303 of the image forming apparatus. The combined state and the grounded state by the casters 306 remain the same, and are clearer than the configuration of FIG. 13 in which the casters are placed on the stand.EtAs such, there is no instability in the connected state and the grounded state.
[0091]
(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 shows the overall configuration of a sheet post-processing apparatus 300A as the sixth embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as the part shown in FIG.
[0092]
FIG. 12 shows the sheet post-processing apparatus provided with the carry-in guide member according to the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, but the configuration of the carry-in guide member has been described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the first embodiment, the configuration of the third embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, or the configuration of the fourth embodiment described with reference to FIG. 10 may be used.
[0093]
As shown in FIG. 12, in the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 </ b> A according to the sixth embodiment, the head portion of the adjuster screw 307 is a gear portion 400, and the gear of the motor gear 401 of the motor 402 with respect to the gear teeth of the gear portion 400. The teeth are engaged. In the sheet post-processing apparatus 300A, the upper unit 305 moves up and down by rotating the motor 402 by the control means. Thereby, in the sheet post-processing apparatus 300A, the same effect as that of the fifth embodiment is obtained, and the burden on the user is reduced as compared with the fifth embodiment.
[0094]
Further, in the sheet post-processing apparatus 300A, the sheet post-processing apparatus 300A side recognizes the height position of the sheet discharge port 3 of the image forming apparatus 301 based on a signal exchanged with the image forming apparatus 301, and the control unit Thus, by controlling the rotation of the motor 402, the height position of the upper unit 305 can be adjusted by rotating the adjuster screw 307. As a result, the burden on the user can be further reduced as compared with the fifth embodiment, and it is possible to connect and fix to a plurality of image forming apparatuses without being restricted by the height position of the sheet discharge port.
[0095]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus that can be connected to various image forming apparatuses having different sheet discharge port height positions.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a carry-in guide member of a sheet post-processing apparatus, illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a carry-in guide member of a sheet post-processing apparatus, illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of a carry-in guide member when connected to an image forming apparatus including a sheet discharge port positioned above a carry-in roller. .
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a carry-in guide member is connected to an image forming apparatus at a home position.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a carry-in guide member is at a home position.
FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the operation of the carry-in guide member according to the third embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first arm is in contact with the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the operation of the carry-in guide member according to the third embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the carry-in guide member is pushed down as the second arm moves.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the carry-in guide member according to the third embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the carry-in guide member is connected to the image forming apparatus at a position below the home position.
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the overall configuration of the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional sheet post-processing apparatus, showing a state in which a stand is added and connected to an image forming apparatus.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional sheet post-processing apparatus, and shows a state in which an extension guide is provided and connected to an image forming apparatus.
15 shows a state in which the conventional sheet post-processing apparatus of FIG. 14 is connected to an image forming apparatus having a high sheet discharge port.
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a conventional sheet post-processing apparatus, showing a configuration in which the tip of an extension guide is further extended in order to connect to an image forming apparatus in which a sheet discharge port is at a high position.
[Explanation of symbols]
A, A2, 301 Image forming apparatus
B, B1 to B4, 300, 300A Sheet reversing and conveying device (sheet post-processing device)
C1, C2, C3, C4 carry-in guide member
1 1st guide member (carry-in guide member)
1a First guide surface
1b Second guide surface
2 Second guide member (carry-in guide member)
3, 3a, 3b Sheet outlet
4 Conveying roller (drive roller)
5 Conveying roller (driven roller)
6 Nip
7 Support shaft
8 Second spindle
9,10 Tip
11 Detection flag (detection means)
12 Sheet detection sensor (detection means)
11a, 12a detection means
50 Arm member (guide member driving means)
51 Stopper pin (position holding means)
60 Stopper pin
52 First arm
53 Support shaft
54 Second arm
54a roller
54b Slotted hole
56 Stopper pin
100,100A flapper
100a Shaft
100b Tip
101 Switchback section
102 Face-up outlet
103,104 discharge roller pair
105 Face-up tray
106 Conveyance roller (driven roller)
107 Reverse roller
108
109 Flapper
109a first position
109b second position
110, 111 rollers
200, 201 gears
202,204 Motor gear
203, 205 Motor (guide member driving means)
302 Latch means (connection means)
303 Latch
304 Lower unit
305 Upper unit
306 caster
307 Adjuster screw
308 hole
309 Bottom part
309a hole
310 Screw part
311 prop
312 Damper member
400 Gear part
401 Motor gear
402 Motor (unit drive motor)

Claims (8)

In a sheet post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing of a sheet discharged from a sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus,
A pair of carry-in rollers for carrying the sheet into the apparatus body;
A carry-in guide member having an introduction path for introducing the sheet discharged from the sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus into the carry-in roller pair, and having a movable front end portion facing the sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus;
An arm member that abuts against the carry-in guide member and moves a tip portion of the carry-in guide member;
When the arm member is connected to the image forming apparatus, the arm member moves by abutting against a wall portion of the image forming apparatus so that the leading end of the carry-in guide member is positioned at the height position of the sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus. A sheet post-processing apparatus that is moved.   The said carrying-in guide member has a spindle part pivotally supported by the said apparatus main body, rotates around the said spindle part, and moves the said front-end | tip part to an up-down direction. The sheet post-processing apparatus as described. The carry-in guide member has a first guide surface that is substantially on an extension line of a nip of the carry-in roller pair, and a second guide surface that is substantially parallel to the first guide surface,
The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support shaft portion is provided on a base end portion side of the first guide surface that faces the carry-in roller pair.   The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the support shaft portion of the carry-in guide member is disposed on or near a roller shaft of the carry-in roller pair.   The carry-in guide member includes a first guide member having the support shaft portion, a second support shaft portion connected to the first guide member, and the second support shaft portion as a center. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second guide member that is rotatable with respect to the first guide member.   The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a position holding unit that holds the first guide member and the second guide member at predetermined positions in an initial state.   The sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising detection means for detecting that a sheet discharged from a sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus is introduced into the carry-in guide member. Post-processing device.   The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the detection unit is attached to the carry-in guide member and rotates integrally with the carry-in guide member.

Images