JP4769618B2 - Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus that performs sheet binding processing by aligning sheets.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, for example, in order to reduce the labor required for binding processing for a sheet after image formation, the sheets after image formation are sequentially taken into the apparatus, Some of them include a sheet processing apparatus that performs binding processing and the like.

  In such a sheet processing apparatus, when binding processing or the like is performed on a sheet, the sheet is first transported to an intermediate stacking unit by an intermediate roller, and then the sheet transport direction of the sheet and the sheet on the intermediate stacking unit. Alignment in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction (hereinafter referred to as the width direction) is performed. Then, this alignment process is repeated, and after the final page alignment process is completed, a stapling process or the like is performed by a processing device such as a stapler to form a sheet bundle, and then discharged and stacked on the stacking unit by the discharge unit. .

  Here, such a sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet pressing unit that presses the aligned sheet so that the aligned sheet is not pushed out by the subsequent sheet and is not disturbed.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of such a sheet pressing unit. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 400 denotes a sheet pressing unit. The sheet pressing unit 400 includes a lever 400b that rotates about the shaft 401 by the action of the solenoid 402, and an elastic member 400a such as rubber that is provided at the tip of the lever 400b and press-contacts the sheet S.

  14A shows a pressing position of the sheet pressing unit 400 where the lever 400b rotates around the shaft 401 and presses the sheet S, and FIG. 14B shows a separation position of the sheet pressing unit 400. Yes. When in the pressing position shown in (a), the sheet pressing means 400 presses one location close to one end in the sheet width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction of the sheet S by the elastic member 400a.

JP 2003-073014 A

  In such a conventional sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus, after the sheet S is pressed by the sheet pressing unit 400 and then the subsequent sheet is conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit, the subsequent sheet is pressed by the sheet pressing unit 400. Abutting on the sheet S. When the subsequent sheet comes into contact in this way, the sheet S is pressed only at one place close to one end in the sheet width direction by the sheet pressing unit 400, and therefore a moment acts on the sheet S, and the pressed position is centered. May rotate.

  Further, since the lever 400b of the sheet pressing unit 400 rotates about the shaft 401, when the sheet S is pressed, the movement locus of the elastic member 400a becomes an arc shape. As a result, a space for securing the arcuate locus of the sheet pressing means 400 (the lever 400b) is required, and the entire apparatus is increased in size.

  Further, when the movement locus of the elastic member 400a becomes an arc shape, the contact angle of the elastic member 400a with the sheet changes according to the number and thickness of the sheets S pressed by the elastic member 400a. Here, when the contact angle changes in this way, for example, only a part of the elastic member 400a comes into contact with the sheet S and the other part floats, and the elastic member 400a does not come into surface contact with the sheet S.

  As a result, the presser pressure of the sheet presser 400 is reduced, and the sheet S cannot be stably pressed. Further, since the elastic member 400a strikes the sheet S obliquely and is separated obliquely, the sheet S may move and alignment may be disturbed.

  For example, when the solenoid 402 is powered up so as to increase the contact pressure of the elastic member 400a in order to increase the pressing performance of the sheet pressing unit 400, the speed at which the elastic member 400a contacts the sheet S increases. And if the speed of the elastic member 400a increases in this way, the sound generated at the time of contact will become very loud.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of such a current situation, and can provide a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can reliably press the aligned sheets and can reduce noise when the sheets are pressed. The object is to provide an apparatus.

The present invention includes a sheet stacking unit on which sheets to be processed are stacked, and a sheet transport unit that transports the sheet to the sheet stacking unit, and processes the aligned sheets after being transported to the sheet stacking unit. In a sheet processing apparatus to perform, an alignment unit that moves a sheet conveyed to the sheet stacking unit in a width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction of the sheet conveying unit and aligns the position shifted from the conveyed position in the width direction When a retracted position which does not interfere with the alignment of the sheet by the aligning unit, when the subsequent sheet by the sheet conveying means is conveyed to the sheet stacking means, the sheet is aligned by the alignment unit, a subsequent sheet to be conveyed and a pressing means being movable and the pressing position, the pressing the shift portion in the width direction against, the said pressing means, said pressing means is moved to the pressing position Here, the pressure-contacting portion for pressing the sheets aligned by the alignment unit is provided with a plurality along the sheet conveying direction, the plurality of press-contact portion is constituted by an elastic member having a hollow portion, which is aligned by the alignment unit After at least a part of the sheet comes into contact with the sheet, the sheet is elastically pressed against the sheet in a surface contact state .

  As in the present invention, the presser means is provided with a plurality of press contact portions that press-contact the aligned sheets when moved to the press position, and the plurality of press contact parts are aligned with the movement of the press means to the press position. After at least a part of the sheet comes into contact with the sheet, the sheet is elastically brought into surface contact. Accordingly, the aligned sheets can be reliably pressed, and the aligned state of the sheets can be maintained even if the subsequent sheet is conveyed. Further, it is possible to reduce the sound when pressing the sheet.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 100 is an image forming apparatus, 101 is an image forming unit 1 and the like. Is an image forming apparatus main body. A sheet processing apparatus 3 that performs processing such as stapling on a sheet that is selectively conveyed after an image is formed by the image forming unit 1 is provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 101. An image reading device 2 is attached above the device 3.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is an in-machine discharge type in which a discharge space P for discharging a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 1 is provided between the image reading apparatus 2 and the sheet processing apparatus 3. .

  Here, the image reading apparatus 2 that reads a document image includes a scanner unit 21 that is an image reading unit and an ADF (automatic document feeding unit) 22. The ADF 22 separates a plurality of documents stacked on the document stacking tray 23 one by one by a feeding roller 24 and a separation pad (not shown) when the scanner unit 21 optically reads the document description information. It is conveyed and passed through the document reading position 25. The ADF 22 can be opened and closed rearward around a hinge (not shown) at the rear of the apparatus, and is opened and closed when a document is placed on the document table glass 26.

  The scanner unit 21 includes an optical carriage 27 that reads an image of a document placed on a platen glass while scanning it in a horizontal direction along a guide shaft (not shown). Document information read by the optical carriage 27 is provided. Are photoelectrically converted by the CCD 28. Note that when the original is read by the ADF 22, the optical carriage 27 stops at a predetermined position and reads the original being conveyed.

  The image forming apparatus main body 101 includes an image forming unit 1 that forms an image (toner image) by an electrophotographic method, a sheet feeding unit 5 that feeds a sheet to the image forming unit 1, a fixing unit 12, a first and a first unit. Two-sheet discharge sections 16A and 19A are provided.

  Here, the image forming unit 1 exposes the surface of the photoconductive drum 10 and the process cartridge 9 including the photoconductive drum 10 and a charging roller, a developing device, a toner container, and the like (not shown) to statically place the photoconductive drum on the photoconductive drum. And a laser scanner 11 for forming an electrostatic latent image.

  Further, the sheet feeding unit 5 includes a sheet feeding cassette 4 that stores a plurality of sheets S used for image formation in a stacked state, and a pickup roller that feeds the sheet S stored in the sheet feeding cassette 4. 6.

  The first sheet discharge unit 16A includes a first flapper 13, a first sheet discharge roller 16, and a face-up conveyance path 15. The second sheet discharge unit 19A includes a second flapper 18, a second sheet discharge A roller 19 and a face-down conveyance path 14 are provided.

  The second flapper 18 discharges the sheet after image formation to the sheet processing apparatus 3 and the sheet stacking unit 20 provided in the sheet discharge space P as shown in FIG. Switching to the sheet discharge position is possible. The first flapper 13 switches between a position shown in FIG. 1 where the sheet after image formation is discharged face-up onto the sheet discharge tray 17 and a discharge position where the sheet after image formation is directed toward the face-down conveyance path 14. It is possible.

  Further, the sheet processing apparatus 3 performs processing such as stapling on a sheet selectively guided by switching the second flapper 18. As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate stacking unit 34 for processing the sheet, the intermediate transport roller 32 for transporting the sheet to the intermediate stacking unit 34, and the contact for discharging the sheet processed in the intermediate stacking unit 34. A separable discharge roller pair 33 is provided.

  In addition, the sheet processing apparatus 3 includes a first alignment reference wall 37 that abuts the rear end of the sheet conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit 34 and aligns the end of the sheet in the conveyance direction. Further, an alignment roller 36 that conveys the sheet conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit 34 toward the first alignment reference wall 37 and abuts the rear end of the sheet on the first alignment reference wall 37 is provided. The first alignment reference wall 37 and the alignment roller 36 constitute a first alignment unit.

  Reference numeral 31 denotes an entrance roller that conveys the sheet conveyed to the sheet processing apparatus 3 to the intermediate conveyance roller 32 by switching the second flapper 18. 35 is a paper discharge tray for stacking sheets discharged by the paper discharge roller pair 33 after processing such as stapling, and 43 is a sheet provided above the intermediate stacking section 34 and conveyed by the intermediate conveyance roller 32. Is a conveyance guide that guides to the intermediate stacking unit 34.

  Next, an operation at the time of image formation of the image forming apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described.

  In the case of forming an image on a sheet, first, a document is set on the document stacking tray 23 of the ADF 22, and then the copy button is pressed, and the document is conveyed to the document reading position 25 by the paper feed roller 24 of the ADF 22. Then, the original is irradiated with light from a light source (not shown), the reflected light is read by the optical carriage 27, and the image signal read in this way is photoelectrically converted by the CCD 28, and then the laser scanner of the image forming unit 1. 11 for transfer.

  Next, when the image signal is input in this way, the laser scanner 11 irradiates the photosensitive drum 10 with laser light corresponding to the image signal, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10. Is done. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing unit (not shown) and visualized as a toner image, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 10 in this way is rotated with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 10. It is conveyed to a transfer nip portion between the photosensitive drum 10 and the transfer roller 10a.

  On the other hand, the sheets S used for image formation are separated and fed one by one from the sheet feeding cassette 4 by the pickup roller 6 and the separation roller pair 7, and then fed to the transfer nip portion along the conveyance guide 8. . As a result, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 10 is transferred to the sheet S by the transfer roller 10a.

  Then, the sheet S on which the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 10 in this manner is conveyed to the fixing unit 12 and is heated and pressed in the fixing unit 12 to fix the toner image on the surface.

  Here, when the processing on the sheet S is unnecessary and the sheet is discharged face up, the first flapper 13 is set to the sheet discharge position shown in FIG. As a result, the sheet S after the toner image is fixed is conveyed along the face-up conveyance path 15, and the first sheet discharge roller 16 faces the sheet discharge tray 17 in a face-up state, that is, the surface on which the toner image is formed. It is discharged in the state toward

  On the other hand, when processing on the sheet is unnecessary and the sheet is discharged face down, the first flapper 13 is set to a discharge position where the sheet S is directed toward the face up conveyance path 14. The second flapper 18 is set at a sheet discharge position for discharging the sheet to the sheet discharge stacking unit 20 provided in the sheet discharge space P.

  As a result, after the toner image is fixed, the sheet S is conveyed along the face-down conveying path 14 and then the second sheet discharge roller 19 forms a face-down state, that is, a toner image on the sheet discharge stacking unit 20. It is discharged with the surface facing downward.

  In addition, when it is set to perform a process such as stapling on the sheet after image formation, or when it is set to eject the sheet from the sheet processing apparatus 3 without performing the process, the second is performed. The flapper 18 is previously switched to the position shown in FIG.

  By such switching of the second flapper 18, the sheet S is conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit 34 via the entrance roller 31 and the intermediate conveyance roller 32 that is a sheet conveyance unit. 2 is supported such that the upper roller 33a can be separated from the lower roller 33b. When the sheet S is conveyed to the intermediate stacking portion 34 in this way, the discharge roller pair 33 is separated, so that the sheet S is not discharged by the discharge roller pair 33.

  Thereafter, the sheets conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit 34 are aligned one by one in the conveying direction and the width direction, as will be described later, and the aligned sheet bundle is subjected to a stapling process. Then, after the stapling process is finished, the separated discharge roller pair 33 comes into contact, and is discharged to the discharge tray 35 by the discharge roller pair 33.

  On the other hand, when the sheet is discharged from the sheet processing apparatus 3 but is not stapled, the sheet S conveyed by the intermediate conveyance roller 32 is discharged by the discharge roller 33 without being temporarily stored in the intermediate stacking unit 34. It is discharged to the tray 35.

  Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the intermediate stacking unit 34 that is a sheet stacking unit that stacks the sheets to be processed includes a second alignment reference wall 41 that aligns the positions in the width direction of the sheets. . In addition, first to third joggers 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c that move the sheet in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction (hereinafter, referred to as a width direction) and make contact with the second alignment reference wall 41 are provided. Further, a stapler 42 for binding the aligned sheet bundle is provided. The second alignment reference wall 41 and the first to third joggers 40a, 40b, and 40c constitute a second alignment portion.

  The first to third joggers 40a, 40b, and 40c include sheet alignment surfaces 40a1, 40b1, and 40c1 that are in contact with the side edges of the sheet S1. Here, in the present embodiment, the first and second joggers 40a and 40b have a U-shape so that the seat can be supported from below. Further, in order to discharge the stapled sheet to the stacking tray 35, the sheet can be retracted to a position where the lower surface supporting the sheet from below is outside the sheet width.

  The third jogger 40c upstream of the paper discharge roller pair 33 is moved in the width direction in conjunction with the first jogger 40a by a not-shown interlocking mechanism, whereby the first and third joggers 40c are moved. The joggers 40a and 40c can align sheets in synchronization. Further, the second jogger 40 b disposed on the second alignment reference wall 41 side is fixed at a position where the sheet alignment surface is flush with the second alignment reference wall 41.

  The aligning roller 36 is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the intermediate stacking unit 34. When the aligning roller 36 is lowered, the aligning roller 36 contacts the surface of the sheet on the intermediate stacking unit 34, and the sheet S1 is aligned at the rear end position in the sheet conveying direction. It is made to face the reference wall 37. Further, when the sheet is lifted, the sheet is retracted to a position where there is no problem in carrying the sheet into the intermediate stacking unit 34.

  In the present embodiment, the first and second matching portions dedicated to each direction are provided for matching in two directions orthogonal to each other as the matching portion. However, for example, the alignment in two directions may be performed by one alignment unit provided with a transfer member that obliquely transfers the sheet S1 toward the binding position of the stapler that is the binding means.

  Further, the intermediate stacking section 34 includes a first pressing member 38 and a second pressing member 39 as shown in FIG. Here, the first pressing member 38 is rotatably held by a fulcrum 38b provided on the upstream side of the nip position of the intermediate conveying roller 32, and is indicated by an arrow A by an urging member such as a spring (not shown). Is biased in the direction.

  When the sheet is conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit 34, the first pressing member 38 is pressed by the conveyed sheet and rotates upward, and retracts to a position that does not hinder the conveyance of the sheet. When the sheet is not conveyed, the lower surface 38 a that is in contact with the sheet protrudes from the first alignment reference wall 37 at a position above the stacking surface 34 a of the intermediate stacking unit 34 by a predetermined distance.

  The second pressing member 39 can be rotated by a fulcrum 39b and is held at a position in contact with the leading end of the sheet on the downstream side of the nip position of the intermediate conveying roller 32. It is biased in the direction of B.

  When the sheet is conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit 34, the second pressing member 39 is also pressed by the conveyed sheet and rotates upward, and retracts to a position that does not hinder the conveyance of the sheet. When the sheet is not conveyed, the lower surface 38a of the first pressing member 38 is positioned below the lower surface 39a of the second pressing member.

  In FIG. 5, 70 is provided downstream of the intermediate conveyance roller 32, and presses the upper surface in the vicinity of the side edge of the sheet after the side edges are aligned as will be described later, thereby pushing out the preceding sheet by the succeeding sheet. It is a pressing unit for preventing.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pressing unit 70 includes a base member 71 that is a pressing means that can move downward, a press-contact member 72 that is attached to the lower end of the base member 71 and forms a press-contact portion, And a link member 75.

  Here, the base member 71 is guided by the rail 90 extending in the vertical direction in the vertical direction. In addition, the pressure contact member 72 is configured by a substantially elliptical elastic body having a hollow structure, and a plurality of, in this embodiment, two places are attached to the lower end of the base member 71. The lower surface 72a of the pressure contact member 72 constitutes a pressing surface that presses the sheet. By disposing a plurality of the press contact members 72 at a predetermined interval in the transport direction, the pressing state of the preceding sheet is not disturbed even if a moment is generated by sliding contact during the transport of the subsequent sheet. In the present embodiment, the press contact member 72 has a plurality of press contact members arranged at predetermined intervals so as to resist a moment caused by sliding contact. A pressure contact member may be provided.

  The link member 75 is pivotally supported on a frame (not shown) of the sheet processing apparatus 3 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 75a. The link member 75 is urged by a spring 76 shown in FIG. 5 is stopped in the state of FIG.

  The link member 75 is connected to the solenoid 73 (the pin 73a thereof) via the joint 74. When the joint 74 is pulled by turning on the solenoid 73, the link member 75 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation shaft 75a. It comes to move. FIG. 5 shows a state when the solenoid 73 is OFF.

  Further, the link member 75 has a cam hole 75b, and the boss 71a of the base member 71 is fitted into the cam hole 75b. When the link member 75 is in the position shown in FIG. 5, the base member 71 is biased upward by fitting with the link member 75 and stopped at the position shown in FIG. 5.

  Next, a sheet processing operation in the sheet processing apparatus 3 including the pressing unit 70 configured as described above will be described.

  When the sheet is conveyed to the sheet processing apparatus 3, the sheet conveyed by the entrance roller 31 is discharged to the intermediate stacking unit 34 by the intermediate conveyance roller 32. Note that before the sheet is conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit 34, the first to third joggers 40a to 40c are moved to a position where the sheet alignment surface is wider by a predetermined amount than the sheet conveyance area. Accordingly, the sheet is conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit 34 without hitting the first to third joggers 40a to 40c, and the lower surface of the sheet is supported by the first to third joggers 40a to 40c.

  Further, at the latest, before the trailing edge of the sheet comes off from the intermediate conveyance roller 32, the pair of paper discharge rollers 33 are separated and stop rotating. Accordingly, the sheet that has passed through the intermediate conveyance roller 32 is stacked on the intermediate stacking unit 34.

  When the sheets are stacked on the intermediate stacking unit 34, the base member 71 is positioned outside the width of the sheet S1, that is, outside the sheet conveyance range, as shown in FIG. There is no collision.

  Then, after the sheet S1 is stacked on the intermediate stacking portion 34 in this way, first, the first jogger 40a and the third jogger 40c interlocked with the first jogger 40a are moved in the direction of the arrow R shown in FIG. Move in the direction.

  At this time, as described above, the second jogger 40 b is fixed at a position where the sheet alignment surface is flush with the second alignment reference wall 41. When the sheet S1 is moved by the first and third joggers 40a and 40c in this way, the side end of the sheet S1 comes into contact with the sheet alignment surface of the second jogger 40b and the second alignment reference wall 41, thereby the sheet. The positions in the width direction of S1 are aligned. At this time, the base member 71 is moved to an upper position, which is a retracted position where the press contact member 72 does not hinder the sheet alignment by the first and third joggers 40a and 40c.

  Next, when the alignment of the side edge positions of the sheet S1 is completed, the alignment roller 36 is lowered and comes into contact with the surface of the sheet S1, and then the sheet S1 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow T, thereby the sheet S1. The rear end is brought into contact with the first alignment reference wall 37. As a result, the rear end position of the sheet S1 is regulated, and alignment in the transport direction of the sheet S1 is performed.

  Then, after such alignment of the sheet S1 in the width direction and the conveyance direction is completed, the solenoid 73 is activated. As a result, the pressing member 72 integrally moves with the base member 71 in the direction of the arrow Q shown in FIG. 6 and presses the upper surface near the side end of the aligned sheet S1 as shown in FIG. Move to position.

  Here, by pressing the side end portion of the preceding sheet S1 by the base member 71 in this way, the succeeding sheet S2 subsequently conveyed to the intermediate stacking portion 34 is obstructed by the lifting of the trailing end of the preceding sheet S1. It can be reliably transported and stacked on the intermediate stacking section 34 without any problem. At this time, since the preceding sheet S1 is urged by the press contact member 72 attached to the base member 71, there is no deviation due to friction with the succeeding sheet S2.

  On the other hand, the succeeding sheet S2 thus transported to the intermediate stacking unit 34 is then aligned by the first to third joggers 40a to 40c. At this time, the base member 71 receives the sheet, and the arrow in FIG. Avoid in the direction of P.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the base member 71 moves above the stacking surface 34a of the intermediate stacking unit 34, and the subsequent sheet S2 does not collide with the base member 71 (the press contact member 72). Such an operation is repeated until a predetermined number of sheets to be stapled is reached.

  Thereafter, when the alignment of the final sheet is completed, the first and third joggers 40a and 40c are moved to a position where they abut against the end surface of the sheet and are completely aligned. Bind. Finally, the first and second joggers 40a and 40b shown in FIG. 4 are completely retracted to a position where the lower surface is wider than the width of the sheet, and the discharge roller pair 33 is brought into contact with each other to convey the sheet bundle. As a result, the sheet bundle is discharged and stacked on the stacking tray 35.

  Next, the sheet pressing operation by the pressing unit 70 will be described.

  For example, until the sheet is conveyed to the intermediate stacking section 34, the base member 71 is in the separated position as shown in FIG. 5 described above, and the lower surface 72a constituting the pressing surface for pressing the sheet of the pressing member 72 at this time. And a sheet stacking surface 34a of the intermediate stacking unit 34 has a predetermined gap.

  When the sheet S1 is transported from this state and the sheet S1 collides with the first pressing member 38 and the second pressing member 39, the first pressing member 38 and the second pressing member 39 are moved to the sheet S1 as shown in FIG. It is pushed by and turns.

  Thereafter, when the sheet S1 is further conveyed and the rear end of the sheet S1 passes the intermediate conveyance roller 32, the rear end of the sheet S1 is connected to the first presser 38 and the second presser 38 as shown in FIG. It is wiped off to the intermediate stacking portion side by the pressing means 39.

  Further, when the sheet S1 is conveyed, as shown in FIG. 8B, the first presser means 38 and the second presser means 39 are completely lowered, and the first presser means 38 and the second presser means 39 restricts the lifting of the trailing edge of the sheet S1. Thereafter, as described in the alignment sequence, alignment by the first to third joggers 40a to 40c and the alignment roller 36 is performed on the sheet.

  Next, when the alignment by the joggers 40a to 40c and the alignment roller 36 is completed as described above, the solenoid 73 is first turned ON, whereby the link member 75 is counterclockwise via the pin 73a and the joint 74 as shown in FIG. Rotate in the direction. Along with this, the base member 71 connected to the link member 75 via the boss 71a and the cam hole 75b starts to descend, and part of the lower surface 72a of the pressure contact member 72 (tip portion) eventually comes into contact with the sheet S1. .

  As described above, the pressure contact member 72 is constituted by a substantially elliptical elastic body having a hollow structure. Therefore, when the base member 71 is further lowered, the pressure contact member 72 is further lowered. Is pressed against the sheet S1 while being gradually crushed.

  Here, after a part of the sheet S1 comes into contact with the sheet S1 in this way, the pressure contact member 72 is pressed into contact with the sheet S1 while being gradually crushed, so that the sound when the pressure contact member 72 contacts the sheet S1 is reduced. That is, as in the present embodiment, the press-contact member 72 is configured by a substantially elliptical elastic body having a hollow structure, and after partly contacting, press-contacting the sheet S1 while gradually crushed, The volume of sound when the pressure contact member 72 contacts the sheet S1 can be reduced.

  Next, when the descent of the base member 71 is completed, as shown in FIG. 10, the pressure contact member 72 is pressed against the sheet S1 in an elastically deformed state. Here, the pressure contact member 72 is deformed and elastically pressed against the sheet S1, so that even if the base member 71 is slightly inclined or the sheet S1 is uneven, for example, uneven contact with the sheet S1 is caused. Can be absorbed.

  That is, when the pressure contact member 72 is elastically pressed against the sheet S1, the pressure contact member 72 can come into surface contact with the sheet S1, and thus the sheet S1 can be pressed with the same pressure.

  Further, as described above, the press contact member 72 is provided at two locations on the lower surface of the base member 71. By having two press contact members 72 in this way, at two locations T1 and T2 shown in FIG. The sheet can be pressed. For this reason, after that, even if the succeeding sheet S2 is conveyed and the pushing force in the rotation direction indicated by the arrow T3 is applied by the succeeding sheet S2, the sheet S1 can be stably pressed without rotating.

  In this way, by configuring the pressure contact member 72 to partially contact the aligned sheet S1 in accordance with the movement of the base member 71 to the pressing position, it is configured to elastically contact the sheet S1. The aligned sheet S1 can be securely pressed. Further, it is possible to reduce a sound when the sheet S1 is pressed.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, the sheet pressing unit 70 is configured to move vertically in the vertical direction, so that the installation space can be reduced as compared with the conventional example in which the sheet pressing unit is moved along an arcuate movement trajectory. Therefore, the entire apparatus can be downsized.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 described above indicate the same or corresponding parts.

  In FIG. 12, 201 is a pressure contact member, and this pressure contact member 201 is attached to the base member 71 via an elastic joint member 200 which is an elastic member such as a spring. Then, by attaching the pressure contact member 201 to the base member 71 via the elastic joint member 200 in this manner, the pressure contact member 201 can be moved in accordance with the sheet S1.

  Thereby, for example, even when the base member 71 is slightly inclined or the aligned sheet S1 has irregularities, the press contact member 201 does not come into contact with each other, and the sheet S1 can be pressed with a stable force.

  Also in the present embodiment, since the sheet S1 is pressed at two locations, the sheet S1 can be stably pressed without rotating. Furthermore, by using such a suspension structure, it is possible to reduce the volume of sound generated at the time of contact.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 13, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 described above indicate the same or corresponding parts.

  In FIG. 13, 302 is a pressure contact member, 301 is a lower base member which is a holding member holding the pressure contact member 302, and the lower base member 301 is a base member via an elastic joint member 300 which is an elastic member such as a spring. 71 is attached. That is, in this embodiment, the press contact member 302 is attached to the base member 71 via the lower base member 71 and the elastic joint member 300.

  Then, by attaching the pressure contact member 302 to the base member 71 via the lower base member 71 and the elastic joint member 300 in this way, the pressure contact member 302 can be moved in accordance with the sheet S1. Thereby, even when the base member 71 is slightly inclined or the sheet S1 is uneven, the pressure contact member 201 can press the sheet S1 with a stable force without coming into contact with each other.

  Also in the present embodiment, since the sheet S1 is pressed at two locations, the sheet S1 can be stably pressed without rotating. Furthermore, by using such a suspension structure, it is possible to reduce the volume of sound generated at the time of contact.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus including a sheet processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure explaining the structure of the said sheet processing apparatus. The top view of the said sheet processing apparatus. The perspective view of the said sheet processing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an intermediate stacking unit provided in the sheet processing apparatus. The perspective view explaining the structure of the press unit provided in the said intermediate stacking part. The 1st figure explaining sheet pressing operation by the above-mentioned press unit. The 2nd figure explaining sheet press operation by the above-mentioned press unit. The 3rd figure explaining the sheet | seat pressing operation by the said pressing unit. FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram illustrating a sheet pressing operation by the pressing unit. FIG. 6 is a top view for explaining a sheet pressing operation by the pressing unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an intermediate stacking unit provided in a sheet processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an intermediate stacking unit provided in a sheet processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sheet pressing unit provided in a conventional sheet processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming part 3 Sheet processing apparatus 32 Intermediate conveyance roller 34 Intermediate stacking part 36 Alignment roller 37 First alignment reference wall 38 First pressing member 39 Second pressing member 40 Jogger 41 Second alignment reference wall 70 Press unit 71 Base member 72 Pressure contact member 100 image forming apparatus 200 elastic joint member 201 pressure contact member 300 elastic joint member 301 lower base member 302 pressure contact member S sheet

Claims (6)

A sheet processing apparatus comprising: a sheet stacking unit on which sheets to be processed are stacked; and a sheet transport unit configured to transport a sheet to the sheet stacking unit, and processing the aligned sheets after being transported to the sheet stacking unit In
An alignment unit that moves the sheet conveyed to the sheet stacking unit in a width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction of the sheet conveying unit and aligns the position shifted from the conveyed position in the width direction ;
A retracted position which does not interfere with the alignment of the sheet by the aligning unit, the time of the subsequent sheet by the sheet conveying means is conveyed to the sheet stacking means, the sheet is aligned by the alignment unit, for subsequent sheet conveyed comprising a pressing position for pressing the shift portion in the width direction, and pressing means movable in a,
The presser means is provided with a plurality of press contact portions along the sheet conveying direction that press-contact the sheets aligned by the aligning portion when the press means moves to the pressing position, and the plurality of press contact portions are hollow. A sheet processing apparatus comprising: an elastic member having a portion, wherein at least a part of the sheet is in contact with the sheet aligned by the aligning portion and then elastically pressed against the sheet in a surface contact state . A sheet processing apparatus comprising: a sheet stacking unit on which sheets to be processed are stacked; and a sheet transport unit configured to transport a sheet to the sheet stacking unit, and processing the aligned sheets after being transported to the sheet stacking unit In
An alignment unit that moves the sheet conveyed to the sheet stacking unit in a width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction of the sheet conveying unit and aligns the position shifted from the conveyed position in the width direction;
A retracted position that does not interfere with the alignment of the sheet by the aligning unit, and a subsequent sheet conveyed by the aligning unit when the subsequent sheet is conveyed to the sheet stacking unit by the sheet conveying unit A pressing position for pressing a portion displaced in the width direction, and a pressing means movable to
The pressing means is provided with a plurality of pressure contact portions along the sheet conveying direction that press-contact the sheets aligned by the alignment portion when the pressing means moves to the pressing position, and the plurality of pressure contact portions are features and to Resid over preparative processing apparatus that is attached through an elastic member to the pressing means. A sheet processing apparatus comprising: a sheet stacking unit on which sheets to be processed are stacked; and a sheet transport unit configured to transport a sheet to the sheet stacking unit, and processing the aligned sheets after being transported to the sheet stacking unit In
An alignment unit that moves the sheet conveyed to the sheet stacking unit in a width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction of the sheet conveying unit and aligns the position shifted from the conveyed position in the width direction;
A retracted position that does not interfere with the alignment of the sheet by the aligning unit, and a subsequent sheet conveyed by the aligning unit when the subsequent sheet is conveyed to the sheet stacking unit by the sheet conveying unit A pressing position for pressing a portion displaced in the width direction, and a pressing means movable to
The presser means is provided with a plurality of press contact portions along the sheet conveying direction that press-contact the sheets aligned by the aligning portion when the press means moves to the press position, and the plurality of press contact portions are held held by members, and the holding member that is attached via an elastic member, wherein the to Resid over preparative processing apparatus to said pressing means. The pressing means, the sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to move substantially perpendicular to the aligned sheet. The alignment unit includes a first alignment unit that aligns a sheet conveyance direction end of the sheet conveyed to the sheet stacking unit;
According to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that and a second matching unit for matching the ends of the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction of the conveyed sheet to said sheet stacking means Sheet processing device. An image forming unit for forming an image, the image is characterized in that a sheet processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 for processing the by the image forming unit the image has been formed sheet Forming equipment.

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