JP4887971B2 - Recording medium stacking apparatus, post-processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording medium stacking apparatus in which recording media on which images are recorded, a post-processing apparatus including the recording medium stacking apparatus, and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a medium storage unit on which a recording medium is loaded. The present invention relates to a recording medium stacking apparatus, a post-processing apparatus, and an image forming apparatus.

In an image forming apparatus such as a printer, FAX, copying machine, or a multi-function machine having a plurality or all of these functions, a recording medium on which an image is recorded is stacked and discharged together, or stapled with a stapler. A clear post-processing device may be used.
As such a post-processing apparatus, a post-processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-69746) is conventionally known.

  In the post-processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, there is a sub-paddle that contacts (lowers) and separates (ups) a recording medium loaded on a compile tray (medium container) and aligns the recording medium by abutting the recording medium. A configuration is described in which the sub-paddle is moved up and down by turning on and off the solenoid. Further, in Patent Document 1, a clamp roller that moves up and down to clamp a bundle of recording media when a bundle of recording media aligned or stapled on a compile tray is discharged to a stacker tray (medium stacking unit). The clamp roller is also moved up and down by turning on and off the solenoid.

JP 2006-69746 A

  However, in the prior art, since the separating member that contacts and separates the recording medium such as the sub-paddle and the clamp roller is moved by the solenoid, when moving to the contacting position or returning to the separated position, The moving speed increases at the contact position or the separation / contact position, and the impact when contacting the recording medium or the stopper increases. As a result, there is a problem that noise and vibration are generated by the impact.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has the following description (O01) as a technical problem.
(O01) To reduce impact caused by a member moved by a solenoid.

(Invention)
Next, the present invention that has solved the above problems will be described. In order to facilitate the correspondence between the elements of the present invention and elements of specific examples (examples) of the embodiments described later, Add the code enclosed in parentheses. The reason why the present invention is described in correspondence with the reference numerals of the embodiments described later is to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and not to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.

(First invention)
In order to solve the above technical problem, a recording medium storage device according to a first aspect of the present invention provides:
A medium container (7) on which a recording medium (S) on which an image is recorded is loaded;
Separation members (91 to 96, 101) that are movable between a contact position that contacts the recording medium (S) loaded in the medium accommodating portion (7) and a separation position that is separated from the recording medium (S). ~ 105),
A tension spring (94c, 106c) for urging the separation member (91-96, 101-105) toward the separation position;
A separation member moving solenoid (94b, 106b) that moves the separation member (91-96, 101-105) between the separation position and the contact position, and when the switch is turned on, The separation member moving solenoid (94b, 106b) for moving the separation member (91-96, 101-105) from the separation position to the contact position against the urging force of the tension spring (94c, 106c) ; ,
The separation member moving solenoid (94b, 106b) is turned on and off a plurality of times while the separation member (91-96, 101-105) moves from the separation position to the contact position. Solenoid control means (CA7) for controlling the separation member moving solenoid (94b, 106b) to move the separation member (91-96, 101-105) to the contact position , wherein the separation member movement The solenoids (94b, 106b) are turned on for a preset time shorter than the time for the separating member (91-96, 101-105) to reach the contact position from the separation position, and the tension spring ( 94c, 106c) during a preset time during which the separation member (91-96, 101-105) generates a moving speed toward the separation position side. Funishi the disjunctive member (91～96,101～105) said solenoid control means to turn on during a preset time to reach the contact position with (CA7),
It is provided with.

(Operation of the first invention)
In the recording medium stacking apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention having the above-described configuration requirements, the recording medium (S) on which an image is recorded is loaded in the medium accommodating portion (7). The tension springs (94c, 106c) direct the separating members (91 to 96, 101 to 105) toward the separated positions where the separating members (91 to 96, 101 to 105) are separated from the recording medium (S). Energize. The separation member moving solenoids (94b, 106b) contact the separation members (91 to 96, 101 to 105), and the separation members (91 to 96, 101 to 105) contact the recording medium (S). It moves between the contact position and the separation position . Further, the separation member moving solenoids (94b, 106b), when turned on, resist the urging force of the tension springs (94c, 106c) and the separation members (91-96, 101-105). ) Is moved from the separated position to the contact position. Accordingly, the separating members (91 to 96, 101 to 105) are brought into contact with and separated from the recording medium (S) loaded in the medium accommodating portion (7). The solenoid control means (CA7) is configured to turn on / off the separation member moving solenoid (94b, 106b) while the separation member (91-96, 101-105) moves from the separation position to the contact position. The separation member moving solenoids (94b, 106b) are controlled so as to execute a plurality of times, and the separation members (91 to 96, 101 to 105) are moved to the contact positions. In addition, the solenoid control means (CA7) is configured so that the separating member moving solenoid (94b, 106b) is moved from the separation position to the contact position from the separation position (91-96, 101-105). Is turned on for a short preset time, and the urging force of the tension springs (94c, 106c) causes the separation member (91-96, 101-105) to move toward the separation position. By turning off for a preset time and turning on for a preset time when the separating member (91 to 96, 101 to 105) reaches the contact position, the separating member (91 to 91) is turned on. 96, 101-105) are moved to the contact position.

  Therefore, in the recording medium accumulating device of the first invention, when the separation member (91 to 96, 101 to 105) moves from the separation position to the contact position, the separation member moving solenoid (94b, 106b) is turned on a plurality of times. The separation member (91-96) is compared with the case where the separation member (91-96, 101-105) is moved from the separation position to the contact position at once by the separation member moving solenoid (94b, 106b). , 101-105) can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the impact generated when the separating member (91 to 96, 101 to 105) is moved, and to reduce noise and vibration.

(Embodiment 1 of the first invention)
Recording medium stacking apparatus of Embodiment 1 of the first invention, Oite the first shot Akira,
The medium accommodating portion (7) having one end alignment wall (41a) with which one end of the recording medium (S) is abutted and aligned;
The separation member (101 to 105) having a medium conveying member (103) for conveying the recording medium (S) loaded in the medium accommodating portion (7) to the one end alignment wall (41a) side;
It is provided with.

(Operation of Form 1 of the First Invention)
In the recording medium stacking apparatus according to the first aspect of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, one end of the recording medium (S) is abutted against the one end alignment wall (41a) of the medium accommodating portion (7), Recording media (S) are arranged. The medium conveying member (103) of the separating member (101 to 105) conveys the recording medium (S) loaded in the medium accommodating portion (7) toward the one end aligning wall (41a). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce an impact or the like when the medium transport member (103) that transports and aligns the recording medium (S) toward the one end aligning wall (41a) is moved to the contact position.

(Form 2 of the first invention)
A recording medium stacking apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the first aspect of the first aspect of the present invention.
A rotating shaft (103b) and a plurality of shafts (103b) supported by the shaft (103b) and intermittently contacting the surface of the recording medium (S) as the shaft (103b) rotates at the contact position. The medium conveying member (103) configured by a paddle-like member (103) having a contact portion (103c);
It is provided with.
(Operation of the second aspect of the first invention)
In the recording medium accumulating device according to the second aspect of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, the contact portion (103c) of the medium conveying member (103) constituted by the paddle-like member (103) is the rotating shaft portion (103b). And in contact with the surface of the recording medium (S) intermittently as the shaft (103b) rotates at the contact position. Therefore, it is possible to reduce an impact or the like when the paddle-like member (103) moves to the contact position.

(Embodiment 3 of the first invention)
A recording medium stacking apparatus according to a third aspect of the first invention is the recording medium accumulating apparatus according to any one of the first invention and the first and second aspects of the first invention.
A medium stacking section (TH1) that is disposed outside the medium storing section (7) and that discharges and stacks a bundle of recording media (S) stacked on the medium storing section (7);
A medium discharge member (82) for discharging the recording medium (S) in the medium storage section (7) to the medium stacking section (TH1);
The separation member (91 to 96) having a medium clamping member (91) for clamping the bundle of recording media (S) between the medium discharge member (82) at the contact position;
It is provided with.

(Operation of the third aspect of the first invention)
In the recording medium stacking apparatus according to the third aspect of the first invention having the above-described structural requirements, the medium stacking section (TH1) is disposed outside the medium storing section (7) and stacked on the medium storing section (7). The bundle of the recording media (S) that has been discharged is discharged and stacked. The medium discharge member (82) discharges the recording medium (S) in the medium storage section (7) to the medium stacking section (TH1). The medium clamping member (91) of the separation member (91 to 96) clamps the bundle of recording media (S) with the medium discharge member (82) at the contact position. Therefore, it is possible to reduce an impact or the like when the medium clamping member (91) moves to the contact position.

(Second invention)
In order to solve the technical problem, the post-processing apparatus of the second invention is:
The recording medium accumulating apparatus according to any one of the first invention and the first to third aspects of the invention is provided.
(Operation of the second invention)
Since the post-processing apparatus according to the second invention having the above-described constituent elements includes the recording medium accumulating apparatus according to any one of the first invention and the first to third aspects, the separating member (91 to 96, 101). ˜105) is moved from the separation position to the contact position, the separation member moving solenoid (94b, 106b) is turned on and off a plurality of times, so that the separation member movement solenoid (94b, 106b) is moved from the separation position at a time. Compared with the case where the separation member (91 to 96, 101 to 105) is moved to the contact position, the moving speed of the separation member (91 to 96, 101 to 105) can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the impact generated when the separating member (91 to 96, 101 to 105) is moved, and to reduce noise and vibration.

(Third invention)
In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus of a third invention
The recording medium accumulating apparatus according to any one of the first invention and the first to third aspects of the invention is provided.
(Operation of the third invention)
The image forming apparatus of the third invention provided with the configuration requirements, is provided with the one of the recording medium stacking apparatus Modes 1 3 of the first invention and the first invention, disjunctive member (91～96,101 ˜105) is moved from the separation position to the contact position, the separation member moving solenoid (94b, 106b) is turned on and off a plurality of times, so that the separation member movement solenoid (94b, 106b) is moved from the separation position at a time. Compared with the case where the separation member (91 to 96, 101 to 105) is moved to the contact position, the moving speed of the separation member (91 to 96, 101 to 105) can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the impact generated when the separating member (91 to 96, 101 to 105) is moved, and to reduce noise and vibration.

The above-described present invention has the following effects (E01) to (E03).
(E01) Impact caused by a member moved by a solenoid can be reduced.
(E02) Noise and vibration generated by the impact can be reduced.
(E03) Since impact and vibration can be reduced, life and reliability can be improved.

Next, specific examples (examples) of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.

Example 1
FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus (tandem digital color copying machine) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus U includes a UI (user interface), an image input apparatus U1, a paper feeding apparatus U2, an image forming apparatus main body U3, and a post-processing apparatus U4.

(User interface UI):
The UI has input keys such as a display UI1, a copy start key UI2 (see FIG. 15), a copy number input key UI3 (see FIG. 15), a numeric keypad UI4, a staple processing setting key UI5, and the like.
(Image input device U1):
The image input device U1 includes an automatic document feeder and an image scanner.
In FIG. 1, in the image input device U1, reflected light from an illuminated original (not shown) is R (red) by an exposure optical system, a CCD (solid-state image sensor) and an image processing circuit (not shown). ), G (green), and B (blue) image data, and input to the image forming apparatus body U3 at a predetermined timing.

(Paper Feeder U2):
The sheet feeding device U2 includes a plurality of sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR3, a sheet feeding path SH1 for taking out the recording sheets S for image recording stored in the sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR3, and conveying them to the image forming apparatus body U3. Have.

(Image forming apparatus body U3):
In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus main body U3 includes an image recording unit (details will be described later) for recording an image on a recording sheet (recording medium) S conveyed from the sheet feeding device U2, a toner dispenser device U3a, and a sheet conveying path. SH2, sheet discharge path SH3, sheet reversal path SH4, sheet circulation path SH5, and the like are provided.
The image forming apparatus main body U3 includes a controller C, laser drive circuits DLy to DLk controlled by the controller C, a power supply circuit E, and the like. The laser drive circuits DLy to DLk whose operations are controlled by the controller C correspond to Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) image data input from the image input device U1. Laser drive signals are output to the toner image forming apparatuses UY, UM, UC, and UK latent image forming apparatuses ROSy, ROSm, ROSc, and ROSk of the respective colors at a predetermined timing. The toner image forming apparatuses UY, UM, UC, UK of the respective colors are movable between a drawing position pulled out in front of the image forming apparatus main body U3 and a mounting position mounted inside the image forming apparatus main body U3. It is supported by.

In FIG. 1, a charging device CCk, a developing device Gk, a cleaner CLk, and the like are disposed around a photosensitive drum (toner image carrier) Pk of a K (black) toner image forming apparatus UK.
Further, around the photosensitive drums Py, Pm, and Pc of other toner image forming apparatuses UY, UM, and UC, chargers CCy, CCm, CCc, and developing units Gy, similar to those around the photosensitive drum Pk, respectively. Gm, Gc, cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, etc. are arranged.

In FIG. 1, photosensitive drums Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk are uniformly charged by chargers CCy, CCm, CCc, and CCk, respectively, and then latent image forming devices ROSy, ROSm, ROSc,
An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the laser beam Ly, Lm, Lc, Lk output from ROSK. The electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums Py, Pm, Pc, Pk are developed by developing units Gy, Gm, Gc,
Gk develops toner images of colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black).

The toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k, and a color image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B. It is formed. The color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is conveyed to the secondary transfer area Q4.
In the case of only black image data, only the K (black) photosensitive drum Pk and the developing device Gk are used, and only a black toner image is formed.
After the primary transfer, residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drums Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk is cleaned by the photosensitive drum cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, and CLk.

The belt module BM includes a belt support roller (Rd, Rt, Rw, Rd, Rt, Rw, belt driving roller Rd, tension roller Rt, walking roller Rw, a plurality of idler rollers (free rollers) Rf, and a backup roller T2a. Rf, T2a) and the primary transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1c, T1k. The intermediate transfer belt B is supported by the belt support rollers (Rd, Rt, Rw, Rf, T2a) so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow Ya.

A secondary transfer unit Ut is disposed below the backup roller T2a. The secondary transfer roller T2b of the secondary transfer unit Ut is disposed so as to be separated and press-contactable (separable) with respect to the backup roller T2a with the intermediate transfer belt B interposed therebetween. The secondary transfer roller T2b is arranged as an intermediate transfer belt. A secondary transfer region Q4 is formed by a region (nip) in pressure contact with B. A contact roller T2c is in contact with the backup roller T2a, and a secondary transfer device (transfer device) T2 is constituted by the rollers T2a to T2c.
A secondary transfer voltage having the same polarity as the toner charging polarity is applied to the contact roller T2c from the power supply circuit controlled by the controller C at a predetermined timing.

Below the belt module BM, a sheet conveyance path SH2 in which a sheet conveyance roller Ra, a registration roller Rr, and the like are arranged is arranged. The recording sheet S fed from the sheet feeding path SH1 of the sheet feeding device U2 is conveyed to the registration roller Rr in the sheet conveying path SH2, and the timing at which the color toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer region Q4. In addition, the sheet is conveyed to the secondary transfer region Q4 through the registration-side sheet guide SGr and the pre-transfer sheet guide SG1.
The registration-side sheet guide SGr is supported by the image forming apparatus main body U3 together with the registration roller Rr.
The color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred to the recording sheet S by the secondary transfer device T2 when passing through the secondary transfer region Q4. Note that in the case of a full-color image, the toner images primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B are secondarily transferred onto the recording sheet S at once.

The intermediate transfer belt B after the secondary transfer is cleaned by a belt cleaner CLB. The secondary transfer roller T2b and the belt cleaner CLB are disposed so as to be separated from (contacted and separated from) the intermediate transfer belt B. When a color image is formed, the unfixed toner of the final color is formed. The image is separated from the intermediate transfer belt B until the image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt B.

  The recording sheet S on which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is a region (fixing region) where the pair of fixing rollers Fh and the pressure roller Fp of the fixing device F are pressed against each other through the post-transfer sheet guide SG2 and the sheet conveying belt BH. Transported to Q5. The toner image on the recording sheet S is heated and fixed by the fixing device F when passing through the fixing region Q5. A switching gate G1 is provided on the downstream side of the fixing device F. The switching gate G1 selectively switches the recording sheet S, which has been transported through the sheet transport path SH2 and heated and fixed in the fixing region Q5, to either the sheet discharge path SH3 or the sheet reversal path SH4. The sheet S conveyed to the sheet discharge path SH3 is discharged to the post-processing device U4 by the sheet conveyance roller Ra, the discharge roller Rh, and the like.

A sheet circulation path SH5 is connected to the sheet reversing path SH4, and a Mylar gate G2 is provided at the connecting portion. The Mylar gate G2 passes the recording sheet S conveyed to the sheet reversing path SH4 once as it is, and conveys the recording sheet S switched back after passing to the sheet circulation path SH5 side. The recording sheet S conveyed to the sheet circulation path SH5 is retransmitted to the transfer area Q4 through the sheet feeding path SH1.
A sheet conveying path SH is constituted by the elements indicated by the symbols SH1 to SH5. Further, a sheet conveying device SU is constituted by the elements indicated by the symbols SH, Ra, Rr, Rh, SG1, SG2, SGr, BH, G1, and G2.

(Post-processing device U4)
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view showing the vertical movement of the discharge clamp roller.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view showing the vertical movement of the sub paddle.
2 and 3, the post-processing device U4 is a sheet carrying-in port 1 through which a recording sheet S copied by the image forming apparatus main body U3 is loaded onto a surface (one side surface of the post-processing apparatus) connected to the image forming apparatus main body U3. Is provided. The recording sheet S carried in from the sheet carry-in port 1 is switched by the switching gates 2 and 3 so that the upper end discharge path SH6 extending upward, the end binding discharge path SH7 extending rightward, and the saddle stitch discharge path extending downward. It is conveyed to one of SH8. The recording sheet S conveyed to the upper end discharge path SH6 is directly discharged from the upper end discharge port P0 to the top tray TH0 by the upper end discharge roller 4 without being subjected to post-processing.

(End binding device)
FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of a rear end portion in the sheet discharging direction of the end binding device according to the first exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a view seen from the direction of arrow V in FIG.
2 and 3, the recording sheet S conveyed through the end binding discharge path SH <b> 7 is discharged to the end binding compile tray 7 by the compile tray discharge roller 6. In the vicinity of the compile tray discharge roller 6, a compile tray discharge sheet sensor SN0 for detecting a recording sheet conveyed through the end binding discharge path SH7 is disposed. The end binding compile tray 7 is arranged so as to be gently inclined with respect to the horizontal, and is configured to accommodate a plurality of sheets.
2 to 4, the edge-binding compile tray (medium container) 7 has a compile tray body 8 on which recording sheets are stacked. A tamper moving recess 9 is formed at the left end of the upper surface of the compile tray main body 8, and a pair of tamper guide grooves 9a and 9b (see FIG. 5) are formed in the tamper moving recess 9.
The compile tray 7 is provided with a compile tray sheet sensor SNc that detects whether or not the sheet S is present.

  4 and 5, the right end portion (base end portion) of a film-like (thin film-like) mylar (sheet lifting member) 11 is fixedly supported at the left end portion of the tamper moving recess 9. The left end portion (front end portion) protrudes above the upper surface of the compile tray main body 8. The rigidity (strength) of the mylar 11 according to the first embodiment is such that when a small number of recording sheets (up to about 5 sheets of plain paper) are stacked on the compile tray main body 8, the recording sheets (or recording sheet bundle) are lifted upward. In a state where a large number of recording sheets are stacked, it is set to such an extent that the tip of the mylar 11 is in close contact with the upper surface of the end binding compile tray 7 due to the elastic deformation due to the weight of the recording sheet bundle. Therefore, even when the number of sheets stored is small, the distance between the uppermost surface of the stored recording sheet bundle and the main paddle (47) described later can be maintained at a predetermined distance by the mylar 11.

(Description of sheet side edge aligning member)
6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG.
In FIG. 6, a tamper drive pulley 16 that can be rotated forward and backward by a tamper drive motor M <b> 1 is supported on the front portion of the lower surface of the tamper moving recess 9. A driven pulley 17 is rotatably supported by a pulley support portion 9c at the rear of the tamper moving recess 9. Between the tamper driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17, a tamper driving timing belt 18 is laid (attached).

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the tamper of the end binding device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of the front tamper, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of the rear tamper.
4 to 7, a pair of front and rear tampers 21 and 22 are arranged in the tamper moving recess 8 to align the front and rear side edges of the sheet loaded on the end binding compilation tray 7. In FIG. 7A, the front tamper 21 has a sheet mounting portion (tamper base) 21a whose upper surface is substantially flush with the upper surface of the compile tray main body 8 and whose rear end (-X end) is inclined downward. And a sheet side end alignment wall 21b that rises upward from the front end of the sheet placement portion 21a. Further, a sheet side edge locking portion 21c protruding inward is formed at the upper end of the sheet side edge aligning wall 21b, and the sheet side edge locking portion 21c is used on the end binding compilation tray 7. The front side edge of the recording sheet is prevented from riding on the front tamper 21 and the curled sheet side edge is prevented from sliding upward.

  7B, similarly to the front tamper 21, the rear tamper 22 has a sheet placement portion (tamper base) 22a, a sheet side end alignment wall 22b, and a sheet side edge locking portion 22c. A large number of ridges 22 d parallel to the upper surface of the compile tray main body 8 are formed on the inner surface of the sheet-side end alignment wall 22 b of the rear tamper 22 (a pressing surface that presses the sheet-side edge). Accordingly, the rear edge of the recording sheet is prevented from riding on the rear tamper 22 by the sheet side edge locking portion 22c and the protrusion 22d.

8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.
Next, the connection between the front tamper 21 and the rear tamper 22 and the tamper driving timing belt 18 will be described. The connection structure between the front tamper 21 and the tamper driving timing belt 18, and the rear tamper 22 and the tamper driving. Since the connection structure with the timing belt is similar, the rear tamper 22 will be described in detail, and the detailed description of the front tamper 21 will be omitted.
7 and 8, two guided pins 26 protrude downward from the lower surface of the sheet placing portion 22a of the rear tamper 22. The guided pin 26 extends downward through the rear tamper guide groove 9b. A cylindrical collar 27 is fitted to the guided pin 26. The tip of the guided pin 26 passes through a pin through hole 28b formed in the upper end wall 28a of the inverted L-shaped tamper bracket 28, and the guide pin 26 has a clip 29 for retaining the tip. Is installed. In FIG. 8, a connecting plate 31 is disposed to face the vertical wall 28 c of the tamper bracket 28. The tamper bracket 28 and the connecting plate 31 are connected by two connecting members 32 with the tamper driving timing belt 18 interposed therebetween.

In FIG. 5, the front tamper 21 is connected to the right side of the tamper driving timing belt 18, and the rear tamper 22 is connected to the left side of the tamper driving timing belt 18. Therefore, by rotating the tamper drive motor M1 (see FIG. 6) forward or backward, the front tamper 21 and the rear tamper 22 can move in a direction toward or away from each other.
The tamper driving motor M1, the tamper driving pulley 16, the driven pulley 17, the tamper driving timing belt 18, the tampers 21 and 22, the guided pin 26, the tamper bracket 28, the connecting plate 31, the connecting member 32, etc. An alignment member 33 is configured. The configuration of the sheet side edge aligning member is not limited to the above configuration, and various conventionally known configurations (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 08-081111 and 8-108965) can be employed. .

(Description of sheet rear end positioning member)
4 and 5, a sheet rear end positioning member 41 is fixedly supported on the rear end side (left end side) of the compilation tray main body 8 in the sheet discharge direction. The sheet rear end positioning member 41 is a rear end positioning wall (end wall, sheet end) formed to rise upward in order to position the rear end in the sheet discharge direction of the recording sheet conveyed to the end binding compile tray 7. Positioning portion) 41a and a sheet guide wall 41b extending from the upper end of the rear end positioning wall (one end alignment wall) 41a to the compile tray main body 8 side. As shown in FIG. 5, the rear end positioning wall 41a is provided at a portion other than the staple position where the staple operation for binding the recording sheet bundle is performed by a stapler described later. The sheet trailing edge guide wall 41b guides the sheet trailing edge downward when the sheet trailing edge moving toward the sheet trailing edge positioning wall 41a for sheet alignment is curled upward, and the curl amount It has a function to reduce
The compile tray 7 is constituted by the compile tray main body 8, the sheet rear end positioning member 41, and the like.
The sheet rear end positioning member 41 according to the first exemplary embodiment is fixedly supported by the compile tray main body 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to employ a rotatable sheet rear end positioning member.

(Description of sheet rear edge alignment member)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a sheet rear end alignment member, FIG. 9A is an explanatory view of a main paddle, FIG. 9B is an explanatory view of a conical paddle, and FIG. 9C is an explanatory view of a rotating brush.
5 and 6, above the sheet rear end positioning member 41, a rear end alignment member support shaft 46 is rotatably supported by a frame (not shown) of the post-processing apparatus U4. The rear end aligning member support shaft 46 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) disposed rearward.
In FIGS. 5 and 6, the rear end aligning member support shaft 46 has three main paddles (X-axis direction) disposed at positions corresponding to the sheet rear end positioning member 41 at intervals in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). A sheet rear end aligning member (sheet end aligning member) 47 is fixedly supported. The main paddle 47 has three flexible sheet contact portions 47a as shown in FIG. 9A, and the upper surface of the recording sheet on the end-binding compilation tray 7 (or the uppermost surface of the recording sheet bundle). The recording sheet is conveyed to the rear end positioning wall 41a side.

The sheet contact portion 47a extends in the tangential direction at a position displaced by 120 ° in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical surface. The number and arrangement position of the sheet contact portions 47a are not limited to 3 sheets / 120 °, but only 1 sheet, 2 sheets / 180 degrees, 4 sheets / 90 degrees, 5 sheets / 72 degrees, 6 sheets / 60 degrees. Arbitrary things such as ° can be adopted. Further, the extending direction of the sheet contact portion 47a is not limited to the tangential direction, and may be a radial direction.
In the main paddle 47 of the first embodiment, when there are many recording sheet bundles stored in the end binding compilation tray 7, the contact pressure between the sheet contact portion 47a and the recording sheet becomes an appropriate pressure. A distance between the main paddle 47 and the end binding compilation tray 7 is set.

5, 6, and 9 </ b> B, a conical paddle 48 is fixed to the front end portion of the rear end alignment member support shaft 46. The conical paddle 48 is a sheet side edge guide rotating member that guides one side edge of the recording sheet moving forward, and has a conical rotation surface whose outer diameter increases toward the front side.
That is, as shown in FIG. 9B, the conical paddle 48 has six triangular fin members 48a extending in the radial direction at positions shifted by 60 ° in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical surface. The outer edge forms a conical surface when rotated. Conical paddle 48
Has a function of directing a downwardly curled portion of the sheet when the sheet curled upward is brought close to the X direction (forward).

A rotating brush 49 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is fixed to the rear end portion (−X side end portion) of the rear end alignment member support shaft 46. In FIG. 9C, the rotating brush 49 has a plurality of brush hairs (linear members) extending in the radial direction at a position shifted by about 60 ° in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical surface. The rotating brush 49 has a function of pressing down the curl at the rear end of the sheet.
In the present invention, the conical paddle 48 and the rotating brush 49 can be omitted.

(Description of stapler guide member)
4 and 5, a stapler guide member 61 is fixedly supported on a frame (not shown) of the post-processing device U4 at the lower left of the sheet rear end positioning member 41. The stapler guide member 61 is formed with a stapler guide portion 62 that extends linearly in the front-rear direction and curves inwardly at both front and rear end portions so as to protrude in an arc shape. A stapler guide groove 62 a is formed in the stapler guide portion 62 along the stapler guide portion 62. Gear teeth 62b (see FIG. 4) are formed on one inner surface of the stapler guide groove 62a.
The front end and the rear end of the stapler guide groove 62 are provided with snap-fit engagement portions (not shown) for preventing the moving staple member described later from moving further to the front end side or the rear end side. ing.

In FIG. 5, two staple position light-shielding sections (staple position detection sections) 63 are provided on the left side of the stapler guide groove 62a corresponding to the staple position where the stapling operation for binding the side edges of the recording sheets is performed. Yes. The staple position light-shielding portion 63 is formed to be long in the front-rear direction along the linear guide groove 62. In addition, a home position light shielding portion (home position detecting portion) 64 is formed at the front end portion of the stapler guide member 61 along the arcuate curved portion of the guide groove 62.
In addition, the staple position light-shielding portion 63 of the first embodiment is set to have a length in the front-rear direction of 12.6 mm. Further, the home position light shielding portion 64 of the first embodiment is formed to be sufficiently longer (for example, about 50 mm) than the staple position light shielding portion 63, and is used for detecting the home position, and the corner (corner) of the sheet bundle. It is also used for detecting the staple position for corner binding for executing corner binding.

(Description of moving staple member)
4 and 5, a moving staple member 70 is disposed on the stapler guide member 61. The moving stapler 70 has a moving carriage 71, and a shaft support portion 71a is formed at the right end (+ Y end) of the moving carriage 71. A roller 72 is rotatably supported on the movable carriage 71, and the movable carriage 71 is configured to be movable on the stapler guide member 61. A guide gear 73 is rotatably supported on the lower surface of the movable carriage 71. The guide gear 73 is fitted in the stapler guide groove 62a and meshes with the gear teeth 62b. A rotation shaft 73a of the guide gear 73 passes through the stapler guide groove 62a, and a stapler drive motor M2 is connected to the lower end portion. A motor support plate M2a is supported on the stapler drive motor M2. A motor support shaft M2b is connected between the right end of the motor support plate M2a and the shaft support 71a. Therefore, the stapler drive motor M2 is configured to be movable integrally with the movable carriage 71.

Therefore, by rotating the stapler drive motor M2 forward / reversely, the guide gear 73 is rotationally driven, and the gear teeth 62 of the stapler guide groove 62a with which the guide gear 73 is engaged.
The movable carriage 71 moves along the stapler guide portion 62 while being guided in the front-rear direction by b. The stapler drive motor M2 according to the first embodiment is configured by a stepping motor that is driven to rotate by a predetermined angle every time a pulse is input. The stapler drive motor M2 of the first embodiment is set to move the movable carriage 71 in the front-rear direction at a moving speed of 31.5 cm / s. Therefore, the moving carriage 71 of the first embodiment is set so that it passes through the staple position light shielding unit 63 from the front end to the rear end in 40 ms and takes 50 ms or more to pass through the home position light shielding unit 64. The movable carriage 71 moves to the staple position with reference to the home position, which is the reference position for starting movement, during staple execution.

  In FIG. 4, a stapler position detection sensor SN <b> 1 is fixedly supported on the lower surface of the movable carriage 71. The stapler position detection sensor SN1 includes an optical sensor having a light emitting unit 74a that emits light and a light receiving unit 74b that can receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit. The stapler position detection sensor SN1 is configured such that when the movable carriage 71 moves to the staple position or the home position, the staple position light shielding unit 63 or the home position light shielding unit 64 enters between the light emitting unit 74a and the light receiving unit 74b. It is arranged at a position to be shielded from light. Accordingly, the movable carriage 71 is moved by the stapler position detection sensor SN1, the staple position light shielding unit 63, and the home position light shielding unit 64 to the staple position (the side edge binding position, the position indicated by the solid line or the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5) and the home. It is possible to move between positions (reference position and corner binding position, position indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 5).

A stapler body 76 is supported on the upper surface of the movable carriage 71. The stapler main body 76 has a needle launching portion 76a for ejecting staple needles 77 for binding the bundle of recording sheets stacked on the end binding compilation tray 7, and a needle folding portion 76b for folding the leading end of the staple needle ejected from the needle launching portion 76a. And have. The needle launching portion 76a is rotatably supported by a needle bending portion 76b by a rotation shaft 76c. Further, the tip end portion 78a of the stapler operating member 78 is pin-connected to the needle launching portion 76a. An eccentric cam 79 rotatably supported by the needle bent portion 76b is loosely fitted to the ring-shaped rear end portion 78b of the stapler operating member 78. Therefore, when the eccentric cam 79 is rotated by a driving device (not shown), the stapler operating member 78 moves in the vertical direction, and the needle launching portion 72a moves in the vertical direction to perform stapling.
A moving staple member 70 is constituted by the members denoted by reference numerals 71 to 79.

(Description of discharge roller, shelf and set clamp paddle)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory perspective view of the discharge roller portion of the end binding compile tray.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the clamp roll and the sub paddle, FIG. 11A is a plan view, and FIG. 11B is a view as seen from the direction of arrow XIB in FIG. 11A.
2, 3, 10, and 11, a discharge roller that is rotatably supported between the front and rear frames U <b> 4 a and U <b> 4 b of the post-processing device U <b> 4 is located in front of the end binding compile tray 7 in the sheet discharge direction. A shaft (stacker tray discharge roller shaft) 81 is provided. The discharge roller shaft 81 is transmitted with a driving force from a stacker tray discharge roller drive motor M4 (see FIG. 16) that can rotate forward and backward via an electromagnetic clutch (not shown), and the discharge roller shaft is turned on and off by the electromagnetic clutch. 81 rotates.
10 and 11, two discharge rollers (stacker tray discharge rollers) 82 are rotatably supported on the discharge roller shaft 81 at intervals in the front-rear direction, and each of the discharge rollers 82 has a roller gear ( A discharge roller gear) 82a.

Further, three set clamp paddles 83 arranged at intervals are fixedly supported on the discharge roller shaft 81. The set clamp paddle 83 has a cylindrical core portion 83a, an elastically deformable sheet pressing portion 83b fixedly supported on the core portion 83a, and a frictional resistance with the recording sheet fixedly supported on the core portion 83a. And a low friction film (low friction member) 83c.
Stacking tray discharge rotating members (81-83) are constituted by the elements denoted by reference numerals 81-83.
Further, the discharge roller shaft 81 is provided with three shelves (sheet lower surface support members) 84 arranged at intervals. The shelf 84 is formed with a guided long hole 84a extending along the sheet discharge direction and through which the discharge roller shaft 81 passes. The shelf 84 is formed with an arc-shaped rack gear 84b (see FIG. 10) extending along the sheet discharging direction.

In FIG. 10, below the discharge roller shaft 81, a drive shaft (discharge roller rotating drive shaft) 86 to which a driving force is transmitted from the stacker tray discharge roller drive motor M4 (see FIG. 16) is disposed. . A discharge roller drive gear 87 that meshes with a roller gear 82a of a discharge roller 82 (see FIG. 11) is fixedly supported on the drive shaft 86. The drive shaft 86 includes a torque limiter 88 and a shelf operating gear (shelf moving gear) 89 that meshes with the rack gear 84 b of the shelf 84 is fixedly supported. Accordingly, the discharge roller 82 rotates forward and backward according to the forward / reverse rotation of the stacker tray discharge roller drive motor M4, and the shelf 84 is guided by the discharge roller shaft 81, so that the sheet lower surface support position shown in FIG. It moves between the storage positions shown in FIG. In the state where the shelf 84 is moved to the seat lower surface support position or the storage position, when the rotation for moving the shelf 84 further forward or backward is transmitted from the drive shaft 86, the torque limiter 88 applies to the shelf operation gear 89. As a result, the drive shaft 86 idles.
The set clamp paddle 83 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the discharge roller shaft 81 when the electromagnetic clutch CL0 (see FIG. 16) is turned on and off, and comes into contact with the upper surface of a sheet bundle on the stacker tray (TH1) described later. A sheet clamp position for suppressing the sheet bundle (see FIG. 2), and a sheet lower surface support position for supporting the lower surface of the recording sheet discharged onto the end binding compile tray 7 with the shelf 84 held at the storage position (see FIG. 3). ).

(Description of clamp roller)
2 and 11, a clamp roller (medium clamping member) 91 is disposed above the discharge roll (medium discharge member) 82. The clamp roller 91 is rotatably supported by a plate spring-like clamp roller support member 92. The left end portion of the clamp roller support member 92 is fixedly supported by a clamp roller lifting shaft 93 that is rotatably supported by the frames U4a and U4b. A clamp roller elevating member 94 is provided at the rear end of the clamp roller elevating shaft 93. The clamp roller elevating member 94 includes an elevating bar 94a connected to the rear end of the clamp roller elevating shaft 93, a clamp roller elevating solenoid (separating member moving solenoid) 94b connected to the right end of the elevating bar 94a, A tension spring 94c connected to the left end of the lift bar 94a. A clamp roller stopper 96 (see FIG. 2) that engages with the clamp roller support member 92 is disposed above the clamp roller support member 92.
The members denoted by the reference numerals 91 to 96 constitute clamping separation members (91 to 96) that come into contact with and separate from the sheet S.

Therefore, when the clamp roller raising / lowering solenoid 94b is OFF, the clamp roller 91 is moved to the upper standby position (separated position, solid line in FIG. 2) by the tension spring 94c and the clamp roller stopper 96 engaged with the clamp roller support member 92. Reference). On the other hand, when the clamp roller elevating solenoid 94b is on, the clamp roller 91 is held at the lower clamp position (contact position, see dotted line in FIG. 2), and the end binding compilation tray is formed by the discharge roll 82 and the clamp roller 91. 7, the upper recording sheet (or recording sheet bundle) is clamped. At this time, the recording sheet is clamped by an appropriate pressure by a plate spring-like clamp roller support member 92, and the recording sheet (or recording sheet bundle) clamped according to the forward or reverse rotation of the discharge roll 82 is used for end binding. It is drawn into the compile tray 7 or discharged from the end binding compile tray 7.
The clamp roller support member 92 is not limited to a plate spring-like configuration. For example, a clamp roller support member having high rigidity and a coil spring that presses the clamp roller support member toward the discharge roll 82 can be used. It is.

(Description of sub paddle)
3 and 11, a sub-paddle support shaft 101 is rotatably supported on the frames U4a and U4b on the lower left side of the clamp roller lifting shaft 93. A plurality of sub-paddle support members 102 are fixedly supported on the sub-paddle support shaft 101 and extend to the right with an interval in the front-rear direction. A sub paddle support arm 102 a is formed at the right end of the sub paddle support member 102. Similarly to the main paddle 47, the sub paddle support arm 102a has a sub paddle (medium conveying member, second sheet end aligning member) 103 formed of a paddle-like member having a shaft portion 103b and three sheet contact portions 103c. It is rotatably supported. The sub paddle 103 conveys the recording sheet on the end binding compile tray 7 to the main paddle 47 side in a state of being in contact with the sheet S. A pulley 104 is supported on the rotation shaft 103 a of the sub paddle 103. A driving pulley 105 is rotatably supported on the sub-paddle support shaft 101 at a position corresponding to the pulley 104. The drive pulley 105 has a pulley portion 105a and a gear portion 105b, and a sub-paddle drive belt SB is mounted between the pulley 104 and the pulley portion 105a.
The members denoted by the reference numerals 101 to 105 constitute sheet aligning / separating members (101 to 105) that contact and separate from the sheet S.

At the rear end of the sub-paddle support shaft 101, a sub-paddle elevating member 106 configured similarly to the clamp roller elevating member 94 is provided. That is, the sub paddle elevating member 106 is disposed above the elevating bar 106a, the sub paddle elevating solenoid (separating member moving solenoid) 106b, the tension spring 106c, and the sub paddle support arm 102a and engages with the sub paddle support arm 102a. A sub-paddle stopper 106d (see FIG. 3).
Accordingly, when the sub paddle elevating solenoid 106b is turned on / off, the sub paddle 103 is moved to the upper standby position (separated position, see solid line in FIG. 3) and the lower sheet pulling position (contact position, (See the dotted line in FIG. 3).

In FIG. 11, on the left side of the sub paddle support shaft 101, a sub paddle drive shaft 111 is rotatably supported by frames U4a and U4b. A driving gear 112 that meshes with the gear portion 105 b of each driving pulley 105 is fixedly supported on the sub-paddle driving shaft 111. Rotation is transmitted to the sub-paddle drive shaft 111 from a post-processing device sheet transport roll drive motor (not shown) that drives the compile tray discharge roll 6, and according to the drive of the post-processing device sheet transport roll drive motor, The rotation is transmitted through the drive gear 112, the gear portion 105b, the pulley portion 105a, the sub paddle drive belt SB, and the pulley 104, and the sub paddle 103 rotates.
In the sheet post-processing apparatus U4 according to the first embodiment, the sub paddle support shaft 101 and the clamp roller support shaft 93 are provided separately. For example, the sub paddle support member 102 and the driving pulley 105 are rotated on the clamp roller support shaft 93. The sub-paddle support shaft 101 is omitted as a structure including a lift bar that can be supported and extended in the front-rear direction and can move integrally with the plurality of sub-paddle support members 102, a sub-paddle lift solenoid connected to the lift bar, and a tension spring. It is also possible to do.
A sheet stacking apparatus (medium stacking apparatus) according to the first embodiment that stacks sheets S as recording media is configured by the members denoted by reference numerals 6 to 112.

(Explanation of stacker tray)
2 and 3, on the right side wall of the post-processing device U4, a stacker tray (medium stacking) that receives the alignment sheet bundle or the edge-bound sheet bundle carried out from the end binding compilation tray 7 by the discharge roller 82 is provided. Part, an end binding discharge tray) TH1 is provided to protrude outward. The stacker tray TH1 includes a tray guide 121 supported on the right side surface of the post-processing device U4, a slider 122 supported by the tray guide 121 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, and a stacker coupled to the slider 122 with screws. A tray main body 123. The slider 122 and the stacker tray main body 123 can be moved up and down by a conventionally known lifting mechanism (not shown) (for example, see the lifting mechanism described in JP-A-7-49082, JP-A-7-300200, etc.). The height sensor (not shown) is configured to move up and down according to the amount of recording sheet bundles on the stacker tray main body 123 (height of the upper surface of the sheet bundle) (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003). -089463 publication etc.).

(Description of saddle stitching device)
2 and 3, the recording sheet bundle is aligned at the lower part of the saddle stitch discharge path SH8, the center part in the sheet conveying direction is bound, and then discharged to the saddle stitch discharge tray TH2 in a folded state. A binding device NTS is arranged. The saddle stitching device NTS is conventionally known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-089462, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-089463, etc.), and various configurations can be adopted, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a discharge device that discharges the sheets stacked on the end binding compile tray to the stacker tray TH1, and shows a state where the sheets are stacked on the end binding compile tray.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a discharge device that discharges the sheets stacked on the end binding compilation tray to the stacker tray TH1, and shows a state in which the sheets stacked on the end binding compilation tray shown in FIG. 12 are discharged to the stacker tray. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12, in the state where a bundle of a plurality of stacked sheets S is discharged to the compile tray 7, after the edge alignment of the sheets by the tampers 21 and 22 is performed, or the table work by the moving stapler 70 is performed. When a discharge signal is output from the compilation tray 7 to the stacker tray TH1, the clamp roller 91 (see FIG. 2) is lowered and the upper surface of the plurality of sheets S is placed on the stacker tray. Press toward the discharge roller 82.

When the stacker tray discharge roller drive motor M4 rotates forward in the state of FIG. 12, the drive shaft 86, the discharge roller drive gear 87, and the shelf operation gear 89 rotate in the direction of the arrow in FIG. At this time, the bundled sheet S sandwiched between the clamp roller 91 and the stacker tray discharge roller 82 is conveyed from the compilation tray 7 to the stacker tray TH1 side, and at the same time, the shelf 84 is supported at the sheet lower surface support position (see FIG. 12). To the storage position (see FIG. 13).
The electromagnetic clutch CL0 (see FIG. 16) is turned on immediately before the completion of discharging the bundled sheets S to the stacker tray TH1, and the set clamp paddle 83 is supported from the clamp position (position shown in FIG. 12) to the lower surface of the sheet. The rotation starts clockwise toward the position (see FIG. 13). Then, simultaneously with the completion of discharging the bundled sheets S to the stacker tray TH1, the sheet S rotates to the sheet lower surface support position (see FIG. 13).

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of a member mounted on a discharge roller shaft that is rotatably supported.
In FIG. 14, a sheet-like spring member 85 is fixed to the upper surface of the central shelf 84 among the three shelves 84 supported on the discharge roller shaft 81 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the discharge roller shaft 81. Yes. The sheet-like spring member 85 lifts the sheet S accommodated in the compile tray 7 and discharges the sheet S by the tamper 21 or 22 or the like.
1 to prevent the side edge of the sheet S from colliding with the side edge surface of the shelf 84 and being unable to slide.

(Description of the control part of Example 1)
FIG. 15 is a block diagram (function block diagram) illustrating functions provided in the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram subsequent to FIG.
15 and 16, the main body controller C has an I / O (input / output interface) for performing input / output of signals to / from the outside and adjustment of input / output signal levels, programs and data for performing necessary processing, and the like. ROM (read-only memory) stored, RAM (random access memory) for temporarily storing necessary data, CPU (central processing unit) that performs processing according to the program stored in the ROM, and It is constituted by a microcomputer having a clock oscillator or the like, and various functions can be realized by executing a program stored in the ROM.

(Signal input element connected to the main body controller C)
An output signal such as the next signal output element UI is input to the main body controller C. UI: User interface The user interface UI sets a display unit UI1, a copy start key UI2, a copy number input key UI3, a numeric keypad UI4, and staple processing to be executed (saddle stitching, corner binding, side edge binding, no binding, etc.). A staple processing setting key UI5 and the like are provided.

(Controlled element connected to main unit controller C)
The main body controller C outputs a control signal for the next controlled element.
CI: Image Scanner Controller The image scanner controller CI is a controller built in the image scanner of the image input apparatus U1 having an automatic document feeder and an image scanner, and is a control output from the main body controller C of the image forming apparatus main body U3. The operation of the image scanner is controlled according to the signal.
CG: Document Conveying Device Controller The document conveying device controller CG is a controller built in an automatic document conveying device (not shown) of the image input device U1 having an automatic document conveying device and an image scanner. The operation of the automatic document feeder is controlled in accordance with a control signal output from the main body controller C.

DLy to DLk: Laser Drive Circuit The laser drive circuits DLy to DLk drive a laser diode (not shown) of a ROS (latent image forming apparatus) to form electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photoreceptors Py to Pk.
D0: main motor drive circuit The main motor drive circuit D0 drives the main motor M0 to drive the image bearing members Py to Pk and developing devices Gy to Gk (not shown), heating rollers Fh, and registration rollers via gears (not shown). Rr, Ra, etc. are driven to rotate.

E: Power supply circuit The power supply circuit E has the following power supply circuit.
E1y to E1k: Power supply circuit for developing bias The power supply circuits for developing bias E1y to E1k apply a developing bias to the developing roller Ga (not shown) of the developing devices Gy to Gk.
E2y to E2k: Charging power supply circuit The charging power supply circuits E2y to E2k apply a charging bias to the charging rollers CRy to CRk.
E3y to E3k: Primary transfer power supply circuit The primary transfer power supply circuits E3y to E3k apply a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k.
E4: Secondary transfer power supply circuit The secondary transfer power supply circuit E4 applies a secondary transfer bias to the secondary transfer contact roller T2c.
E5: Fixing Power Supply Circuit The fixing power supply circuit E5 supplies heating power to the heating roller Fh.

(Function of the main body controller C)
The main body controller C has a program (function realization means) that realizes a function of executing a process according to an output signal from each signal output element and outputting a control signal to each control element. Next, a program (function realization means) for realizing various functions of the main body controller C will be described.
C1: Main motor rotation control means The main motor rotation control means C1 controls the rotation of the photoconductors Py to Pk, the developing roller Ga of the developing device G, the fixing device F, etc. by controlling the main motor drive circuit D1.
C2: Power supply circuit control means The power supply circuit control means C2 includes the following means C2a to C2d, and controls the power supply circuit E to control the developing bias, charging bias, transfer bias, and heater of the heating roller Fh. Control on / off, etc.
C2ay to C2ak: Development bias control means The development bias control means C2ak to C2ak control the development bias applied to the development roller Ga of the development units Gy to Gk by controlling the operation of the development bias power supply circuits E1y to E1k.
C2by to C2bk: Charging bias control means The charging bias control means C2by to C2bk controls the operation of the charging bias power supply circuits E2y to E2k to control the charging bias applied to the charging rollers CRy to CRk.

C2cy to C2ck: primary transfer bias control means The primary transfer bias control means C2cy to C2ck control the transfer bias applied to the primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k by controlling the operation of the transfer power supply circuits E3y to E3k.
C2d: Secondary transfer bias control means The secondary transfer bias control means C2d controls the transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer contact roller T2c by controlling the operation of the transfer power supply circuit E4.
C2e: Fixing power supply control means The fixing power supply control means C2e controls the operation of the fixing power supply circuit E5 to turn on and off the heater of the heating roller Fh.
C3: Job control means The job control means C3 controls the operations of the ROS, the image carriers Py to Pk, the transfer rollers T1y to T1k and T2c, the fixing device F, etc. in accordance with the input of the copy start key UI2. A job (printing operation, copying operation) that is an image recording operation is executed.

(Control unit of post-processing device U4)
CA: Post-Processing Device Controller The post-processing controller CA is a controller built in the finisher (post-processing device) U4, and controls the operation of the finisher U4 according to a control signal output from the main body controller C of the image forming apparatus main body U3. To do.

(Signal input element connected to post-processing device controller CA)
The output signal of the next signal input element is input to the post-processing device controller CA.
SN0: Compile Tray Sheet Discharge Sensor The compile tray sheet discharge sensor SN0 is disposed at the downstream end of the end binding discharge path SH7, and detects that the front end of the recording sheet S discharged to the compile tray 7 has passed. .
SN1: Stapler position detection sensor The stapler position detection sensor SN1 detects whether the staple position light shielding unit 63 or the home position light shielding unit 64 is shielded (ON).
SNc: Compilation tray sheet sensor The compilation tray sheet sensor SNc detects whether or not the sheet S is stored in the compilation tray 7.

(Controlled element connected to the post-processing device controller CA)
DA1: Tamper Drive Circuit The tamper drive circuit DA1 controls the forward / reverse rotation drive of the tamper drive motor M1 to operate the tampers 21 and 22.
DA2: Stapler Stapler Moving Circuit for End Binding The stapler moving circuit DA2 for end binding controls the forward / reverse rotation drive of the stapler drive motor M2 to move the carriage 71 and the stapler body 76.
DA3: Staple Stapler Operation Circuit for End Stitching The stapler operation circuit DA3 for end binding controls the cam operation motor M3 to rotate the eccentric cam 79, and ejects the staple needle 77 from the staple ejecting portion 76a to bind the sheet bundle.

DA4: discharge roller drive circuit The discharge roller drive circuit DA4 controls the forward / reverse rotation drive of the discharge roller drive motor M4 to rotate the discharge roller 82 forward / reversely or to move the shelf 84 to the storage position (see FIG. 3) and the sheet. It is moved between the lower surface support position (see FIG. 2).
DA5: Set Clamp Paddle Actuation Circuit The set clamp paddle actuation circuit DA5 controls on / off of the electromagnetic clutch CL0, and sets the set clamp paddle 83 to the seat clamp position (see FIG. 2) and the seat lower surface support position (see FIG. 3). ).
DA6: Clamp roller lifting / lowering circuit The clamp roller lifting / lowering circuit DA6 controls on / off of the clamp roller lifting / lowering solenoid 94b to move the clamp roller 91 between the standby position and the clamp position.

DA7: Sub Paddle Elevator Circuit The sub paddle elevator circuit DA7 controls the on / off of the sub paddle elevator solenoid 106b to move the sub paddle 103 between the standby position and the seat retract position.
DA8: Post-processing device sheet transport roller drive circuit The post-processing device sheet transport roller drive circuit DA8 controls the post-processing device sheet transport roller drive motor M5, and sheet transport rollers such as the upper end discharge roller 4 and the compile tray discharge roller 6 Drive.
DA9: Stacker tray operation circuit The stacker tray operation circuit DA9 controls the stacker tray operation motor M6 to move the stacker tray TH1 up and down.

DA10: Switching Gate Control Circuit The switching gate control circuit DA10 controls the switching gate operation solenoids SL1 and SL2 to move the switching gates 2 and 3.
DA11: Saddle Stitching Device Control Circuit The saddle stitching device control circuit DA11 controls a control device such as a stapler of the saddle stitching device NTS to perform saddle stitching of the recording sheet bundle.

(Function of the post-processing device controller CA)
CA1: Tamper control means The tamper control means CA1 controls the tamper driving circuit DA1 in accordance with the size of the recording sheet carried into the end binding compile tray 7 to operate the tampers 21 and 22, and thereby the end binding compile tray. 7 align the side edges of the recording sheets carried in.
CA2: Stapling stapler movement control means CA2 The staple binding movement control means CA2 for edge binding staples the stapler moving circuit DA2 for edge binding in response to a user input with the staple processing setting key UI5 of the user interface UI. The member 70 is moved to the home position or the staple position.

CA3: End binding stapler operation control means The end binding stapler operation control means CA3 controls the end binding stapler operation circuit DA3 to rotationally drive the eccentric cam 79 and drive the staple needle 77 from the needle launching portion 76a. Bind a bundle of sheets. The stapler operation control means CA3 for end binding according to the first embodiment is set at the staple position when execution of staple (corner binding or side end binding) is designated by a user input with the staple processing setting key UI5 of the user interface UI. After the movement, the recording sheet bundle loaded on the end binding compilation tray 7 is stapled.

CA4: discharge roller drive control means The discharge roller drive control means CA4 controls the discharge roller drive circuit DA4 to rotate the discharge roller 82 forward and backward so that the recording sheet is discharged to the stacker tray TH1 or drawn to the compile tray 7 side. Or the shelf 84 is moved between the storage position and the seat lower surface support position. The discharge roller drive control means CA4 according to the first embodiment drives the discharge roller 82 to rotate forward to discharge the sheet bundle when discharging the recording sheet bundle aligned or stapled by the end binding compile tray 7 to the stacker tray TH1. At the same time, the shelf 84 is moved to the storage position.
When the first sheet is discharged to the compile tray 7 with no sheets in the compile tray 7, the discharge roller 82 is rotated forward and the discharged recording sheet S is pulled to the main paddle 47 side. Then, the discharge roller 82 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction to pull in the recording sheet, and the shelf 84 is moved to the sheet lower surface support position.

CA5: Set Clamp Paddle Operation Control Unit The set clamp paddle operation control unit CA5 controls the set clamp paddle operation circuit DA5 to set the set clamp paddle 83 to the sheet clamp position (see FIG. 2) and the sheet lower surface support position (see FIG. 3). ). The set clamp paddle operation control means CA5 of the first embodiment holds the set clamp paddle 83 at the sheet clamp position when the shelf 84 is moved to the sheet lower surface support position. Then, the set clamp paddle 83 is moved to the sheet lower surface support position in accordance with the timing at which the trailing end of the recording sheet bundle aligned or stapled and discharged to the stacker tray TH1 passes the discharge roller 82. After the sheet bundle is discharged, the next first recording sheet is carried into the end binding compile tray 7 and the set clamp paddle 83 is moved to the sheet clamp position in accordance with the timing when it is pulled to the main paddle 47 side.

CA6: Clamp roller lifting control means (clamping solenoid control means)
The clamp roller lifting / lowering control means CA6 controls on / off of the clamp roller lifting / lowering solenoid 94b via the clamp roller lifting / lowering circuit DA6, and according to the timing of discharging the aligned or stapled (bound) recording sheet bundle. The clamp roller 91 is moved between the standby position and the clamp position.
CA7: Sub-paddle lift control means (sheet alignment solenoid control means, second sheet edge alignment member control means)
The sub-paddle lift control means CA7 includes a sub-paddle lift control means CA7a and a sub-paddle lift control means CA7b, and controls on / off of the sub-paddle lift solenoid 106b via the sub-paddle lift circuit DA7 so as to compile tray for end binding. 7, the sub paddle 103 is moved between the standby position and the sheet drawing position according to the timing when the recording sheet is carried in, and the recording sheet is conveyed to the main paddle 47 side.

CA7a: Sub-paddle descent control means The sub-paddle descent control means CA7a has sub-paddle descent first time storage means CA7a1, sub-paddle descent interruption time storage means CA7a2, and sub-paddle descent second time storage means CA7a3. The sub-paddle lifting / lowering solenoid 106b is controlled to be turned on / off, and the sub-paddle 103 is moved from the standby position to the sheet retracting position in accordance with the timing when the recording sheet is carried into the end binding compilation tray 7. The sub-paddle lowering control means CA7a according to the first embodiment turns on the sub-paddle elevating solenoid 106b a plurality of times (twice) before the sub-paddle 103 moves from the standby position to the seat retracting position.
CA7a1: Sub-paddle lowering first time storage means When the sub-paddle lowering first time storage means CA7a1 moves (lowers) the sub-paddle 103 from the standby position to the seat retracting position, the sub-paddle lowering solenoid 106b is first turned on to lower it. The sub-paddle lowering first time tk1 is stored. In the first embodiment, the sub-paddle lowering first time tk1 is set to such a time that the sub-paddle 103 does not contact the top surface of the bundle of sheets S.

CA7a2: Sub-paddle descent interruption time storage means The sub-paddle descent interruption time storage means CA7a2 temporarily turns off the sub-paddle elevating solenoid 106b and stores a sub-paddle descent interruption time tkc for temporarily interrupting the descent of the sub-paddle 103. In the first embodiment, the sub-paddle lowering interruption time tkc is set to a time that the moving speed of the sub-paddle 103 is reduced by the spring force of the tension spring 106c and temporarily returned to the standby position side.
CA7a3: Sub-paddle lowering second time storage means The sub-paddle lowering second time storage means CA7a3 turns on the sub-paddle lifting solenoid 106b for the second time when moving (lowering) the sub-paddle 103 from the standby position to the seat retracting position. The sub-paddle lowering second time tk2 for lowering to the retracted position is stored. In the first embodiment, the sub-paddle lowering second time tk2 is set to a time sufficient for the sub-paddle 103 to contact the uppermost surface of the bundle of sheets S.

CA7b: Sub-paddle lift control means The sub-paddle lift control means CA7b has a sub-paddle lift first time storage means CA7b1 and a sub-paddle lift interruption time storage means CA7b2, and turns on the sub-paddle lift solenoid 106b via the sub-paddle lift circuit DA7. The sub-paddle 103 is moved (returned) from the sheet retracting position to the standby position in accordance with the timing when the next recording sheet S is carried into the end binding compilation tray 7 by controlling OFF. The sub-paddle raising control means CA7b according to the first embodiment turns off the sub-paddle raising / lowering solenoid 106b a plurality of times (twice) before the sub-paddle 103 moves from the seat retracting position to the standby position.
CA7b1: Sub-paddle lift first time storage means When the sub-paddle lift first time storage means CA7b1 moves (lifts) the sub-paddle 103 from the seat retracted position to the standby position, the sub-paddle lift solenoid 106b is first turned off and the tension spring is turned off. The sub paddle rising first time tj1 to be raised by 106c is stored. In the first embodiment, the sub paddle rising first time tj1 is set to a time that the sub paddle support arm 102a does not contact the sub paddle stopper 106d.

CA7b2: Sub-paddle lift suspension time storage means The sub-paddle lift suspension time storage means CA7b2 temporarily turns on the sub-paddle lift solenoid 106b and stores the sub-paddle lift suspension time tjc for temporarily halting the sub-paddle 103 lift. In the first embodiment, the sub-paddle lift interruption time tjc is set to a time that allows the sub-paddle lifting / lowering solenoid 106b to reduce the moving speed and temporarily return slightly to the sheet retracting position side.

CA8: Post-processing apparatus sheet conveyance roller control means The post-processing apparatus sheet conveyance roller control means CA8 controls the post-processing apparatus sheet conveyance roller drive circuit DA8 in accordance with the timing when the sheet is carried into the post-processing apparatus U4, and performs recording. Transport the sheet.
CA9: Stacker tray operation control means The stacker tray operation control means CA9 controls the stacker tray operation circuit DA9 to move the stacker tray TH1 up and down according to the amount of recording sheets S stacked on the stacker tray TH1.

CA10: switching gate control means The switching gate control means CA10 causes the recording sheet S carried in from the sheet carry-in port 1 to be fed into the upper end discharge path SH6 and the end binding in response to a user input with the staple processing setting key UI5 of the user interface UI. The switching gates 2 and 3 are controlled so as to be conveyed to either the discharge path SH7 for saddle stitching or the discharge path SH8 for saddle stitching.
CA11: Saddle Stitching Device Control Unit The saddle stitching device control unit CA11 controls the saddle stitching device control circuit DA11 when the saddle stitching is designated by a user input with the staple processing setting key UI5 of the user interface UI. Then, the saddle stitching device NTS performs saddle stitching of the recording sheet bundle.
TM1: Sub-paddle up / down timing timer The sub-paddle up / down timing timer TM1 measures the first sub-paddle descent time tk1, sub-paddle descent interruption time tkc, sub-paddle descent second time tk2, sub-paddle up / down first time tj1, and sub-paddle up / down interruption time tjc. To do.

(Description of Flowchart of Example 1)
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the sub-paddle lifting process of the present invention.
Processing of each ST (step) in the flowchart of FIG. 17 is performed according to a program stored in the ROM of the controller C. This process is executed in a multitasking manner in parallel with other various processes of the image forming apparatus.
The flowchart of the sub-paddle lifting process shown in FIG.

In step ST1 of FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not a job that is an image forming operation has been started. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST2. If no (N), ST1 is repeated.
In ST2, it is determined whether or not the sheet discharge sensor SN0 has detected the presence of a sheet, that is, whether or not the sheet S has been conveyed to the end binding compile tray 7. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST3, and if no (N), ST2 is repeated.
In ST3, it is determined whether or not the sheet discharge sensor SN0 detects the absence of a sheet, that is, whether or not the rear end of the sheet S has passed the position of the sheet discharge sensor SN0. Jesus(
If (Y), the process proceeds to ST4, and if no (N), ST3 is repeated.

In ST4, a sub-paddle lowering process (see a subroutine of FIG. 18 described later) for lowering the sub-paddle 103 to align the sheets S is executed, and the process proceeds to ST5.
In ST5, a sub-paddle ascent process (see a subroutine of FIG. 19 described later) is executed in which the sub-paddle 103 is raised and moved to the standby position so as not to interfere with the next sheet S being stacked on the compilation tray 7. Then, the process proceeds to ST6.
In ST6, it is determined whether or not the sheet S that has passed the sheet discharge sensor SN0 is the final sheet of the job. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST7, and if yes (Y), the process returns to ST1.
In ST7, it is determined whether or not the sheet discharge sensor SN0 detects the presence of the sheet S. If yes (Y), the process returns to ST3, and if no (N), the process returns to ST6.

(Explanation of flowchart of sub-paddle lowering process)
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of the sub-paddle lowering process according to the first embodiment, and is a flowchart of the subroutine of ST4 in FIG.
In ST11 of FIG. 18, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST12.
(1) Turn on the sub-paddle lifting solenoid 106b.
(2) The sub paddle descending first time tk1 is set in the sub paddle ascending / descending time counting timer TM1.
In ST12, it is determined whether or not the sub-paddle ascending / descending time counting timer TM1 has expired, that is, whether or not the sub-paddle descending first time tk1 has elapsed. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST13, and if no (N), ST12 is repeated.

In ST13, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST14.
(1) Turn off the sub-paddle lifting solenoid 106b.
(2) The sub paddle lowering interruption time tkc is set in the sub paddle up / down time measuring timer TM1.
In ST14, it is determined whether or not the sub-paddle up / down time counting timer TM1 has timed up, that is, whether or not the sub-paddle down suspension time tkc has elapsed. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST15, and if no (N), ST14 is repeated.
In ST15, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST16.
(1) Turn on the sub-paddle lifting solenoid 106b.
(2) The sub paddle lowering second time tk2 is set in the sub paddle up / down time measuring timer TM1.
In ST16, it is determined whether or not the sub-paddle ascending / descending time counting timer TM1 has expired, that is, whether or not the sub-paddle descending second time tk2 has elapsed. If NO (N), ST16 is repeated, and if YES (Y), the sub-paddle lowering process of FIG. 18 is terminated and the process returns to the sub-paddle lifting process of FIG.

(Explanation of flowchart of sub-paddle ascent process)
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of the sub-paddle raising process of the first embodiment, and is a flowchart of the subroutine of ST5 in FIG.
In ST21 of FIG. 19, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST22.
(1) Turn off the sub-paddle lifting solenoid 106b.
(2) The sub paddle rising first time tj1 is set in the sub paddle ascending / descending time measuring timer TM1.
In ST22, it is determined whether or not the sub-paddle ascending / descending time counting timer TM1 has timed up, that is, whether or not the sub-paddle rising first time tj1 has elapsed. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST23, and if no (N), ST22 is repeated.

In ST23, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST24.
(1) Turn on the sub-paddle lifting solenoid 106b.
(2) The sub-paddle ascent time tjc is set in the sub-paddle ascent time timer TM1.
In ST24, it is determined whether or not the sub-paddle ascending / descending time counting timer TM1 has expired, that is, whether or not the sub-paddle ascent time tjc has elapsed. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST25, and if no (N), ST24 is repeated.
In ST25, the sub-paddle lifting solenoid 106b is turned off. Then, the sub-paddle ascent process in FIG. 19 is terminated, and the process returns to the sub-paddle elevating process in FIG.

(Operation of Example 1)
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the sheet discharging apparatus according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration. FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating a state where the sheet is not discharged to the compilation tray (the compilation tray is empty), and FIG. FIG. 20C is a diagram illustrating an initial state in which a sheet is ejected to an empty compile tray, and FIG. 20C is a diagram illustrating a state immediately before completion of ejection of a sheet to be ejected to an empty compile tray.
In the image forming apparatus U according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the shelf 84 is moved to the storage position and the set clamp paddle 83 is on the lower surface of the sheet when no image is formed, as shown in FIG. 20A. It has moved to the support position. Since the stacker tray discharge roller drive motor M4 (see FIG. 16) is stopped and the electromagnetic clutch CL0 (see FIG. 16) is off, the drive shaft 86 and the discharge roller shaft 81 in FIG. 20A are also stopped. .

In FIG. 20B, when the job is started, the sheet S is conveyed to the end binding discharge path SH7, and the front end of the sheet is detected by the compile tray sheet discharge sensor SN0, the drive shaft 86 and the discharge roller drive gear 87 are rotated forward. (Rotate in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 20B). At this time, the shelf operating gear 89 attached to the drive shaft 86 also attempts to rotate via the torque limiter 88, but the rack gear 84b with which the shelf operating gear 89 meshes does not move and therefore does not rotate. At this time, the drive shaft 86 idles with respect to the shelf operating gear 89.
As the discharge roller drive gear 87 rotates, the discharge roller 82 that rotates integrally with the discharge roller drive gear 87 rotates in the discharge direction (the arrow direction in FIG. 20B).

In FIG. 20C, when the front end portion of the first sheet S discharged to the compile tray 7 comes into contact with the upper surface of the compile tray 7, the front end portion of the sheet S is set to the set clamp paddle by the forward rotation of the discharge roller 82. It is conveyed to the upper surface of 83.
The electromagnetic clutch CL0 (see FIG. 16) is turned on and the set clamp immediately before the completion of discharging the first sheet to the compile tray 7 (that is, immediately before the discharge roller 82 stops normal rotation). The paddle 83 rotates from the sheet lower surface support position in FIG. 20C to a clamp position (see FIG. 21) that presses the sheet on the upper surface of the stacker tray TH1.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the sheet discharging apparatus according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration. FIG. 21A is a state immediately after the sheet is discharged to the empty compile tray (the first sheet is discharged to the compile tray). FIG. 21B is a diagram showing an initial state in which sheets are discharged to an empty compile tray, and FIG. 20C is a state immediately before completion of discharging of sheets discharged to an empty compile tray. FIG.
In the state of FIG. 21A, the shelf 84 remains moved to the retracted position, and the set clamp paddle 83 has moved to the clamp position. The first sheet S discharged to the compile tray 7 is in a state where the discharge to the compile tray 7 has been completed, that is, a state where it has dropped onto the compile tray 7. At this time, the stacker tray discharge roll drive motor M4 is temporarily stopped.

  In FIG. 21B, the clamp roller 91 has moved to a clamp position (see FIG. 21B) that presses the upper surface of the first sheet S discharged to the compilation tray 7 against the discharge roller 82. With the clamp roller 91 moved to the clamp position (see FIG. 21B), the stacker tray discharge roll drive motor M4 is rotated in the reverse direction. At this time, the first sheet S sandwiched between the clamp roller 91 and the discharge roller 82 is conveyed toward the sheet rear end positioning member 41. Further, the shelf 84 moves from the storage position (see FIG. 21B) toward the seat lower surface support position (see FIG. 22A).

In FIG. 21C, when the shelf 84 moves to the sheet lower surface support position (see FIG. 21C) with the first sheet S being conveyed by the main paddle 47, the stacker tray discharge roll drive motor M4 stops and the drive shaft 86 is moved. The discharge roll drive gear 87 and the shelf operation gear 89 are also stopped.
In the state of FIG. 21C (a state where the drive shaft 86 is stopped), the main paddle 47 continues to rotate and conveys the rear end of the first sheet S to the sheet rear end positioning member 41.
Thereafter, even if the second and subsequent sheets are discharged onto the first sheet of the compile tray 7, the stacker tray discharge roll drive motor M4, the drive shaft 86, the discharge roll drive gear 87, and the shelf operation gear are used. 89 remains stopped and does not rotate. However, when the second and subsequent sheets are discharged to the compilation tray 7, the discharged sheet S is conveyed toward the sheet rear end positioning member 41 by the sub paddle 103 (see FIG. 3).

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the second sheet is discharged to the compile tray and the rear end thereof is conveyed toward the sheet rear end positioning member. FIG. 22A is a second sheet discharged to the compile tray. FIG. 22B is a diagram illustrating a state where the second sheet is discharged to the compilation tray, and FIG. 22C is a diagram illustrating a state where the second sheet is conveyed toward the sheet rear end positioning member. is there.
In FIG. 22A, the second sheet is discharged to the compilation tray 7. When the second and subsequent sheets are discharged to the compile tray 7, the drive shaft 86, the discharge roll drive gear 87, and the shelf operation gear 89 remain stopped.
In a state where the second sheet S is discharged onto the first sheet S of the compile tray 7 (see FIG. 22B), the sub paddle 103 comes into contact with the second sheet S and comes into two sheets. The eye sheet S is conveyed toward the sheet rear end positioning member 41. At this time, in FIG. 22C, when the sub paddle 103 moves from the standby position to the sheet retracting position, the sub paddle elevating solenoid 106b is temporarily turned off, so that the sheet retracting is performed along the locus indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG. Move to position. For this reason, compared with the conventional case where the sheet is moved from the standby position to the sheet retracting position at a time, the moving speed is reduced, and the impact when contacting the outermost surface of the sheet S can be reduced. As a result, generation of noise and vibration can be reduced. Similarly, when the sub-paddle 103 moves from the sheet retracting position to the standby position, the sub-paddle 103 moves to the standby position along the locus indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 22C, so that the moving speed is reduced, and impact, noise, and vibration are reduced. Can be reduced.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the second and subsequent sheets are discharged in a state where the second sheet is discharged to the compilation tray and the rear end thereof is conveyed to the sheet rear end positioning member. FIG. 23B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the first sheet is discharged to the compilation tray, FIG. 23B is a diagram illustrating a state in which a predetermined number of sheets are discharged to the compilation tray and discharged to the sheet rear end positioning member, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the clamp roller contacted the upper surface of a predetermined number of sheets.
In FIG. 23A, the third sheet S is discharged to the compilation tray 7.
When the third and subsequent sheets S are discharged to the compilation tray 7, they are conveyed toward the sheet rear end positioning member 41 by the sub-paddle 103 (see FIGS. 3 and 22C) as in the case of the second sheet S. And aligned.
In FIG. 23B, the rotation of the main paddle 47 stops when a predetermined number of sheets S are discharged to the compilation tray 7 and discharged to the sheet rear end positioning member.
In FIG. 23C, the clamp roller 91 moves to a position in contact with the upper surface of the predetermined number of sheets S in FIG. 23B.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a discharge roller, a shelf, a set clamp paddle, and the like when a predetermined number of sheets stored in a compile tray in a stacked state are discharged to the stacker tray. FIG. 24A is a discharge roller in the state of FIG. FIG. 24B is a diagram showing a state in the middle of discharging a predetermined number of sheets to the stacker tray, FIG. 24B is a diagram illustrating a state immediately before the completion of discharging the predetermined number of sheets to the stacker tray, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where discharge of a sheet to a stacker tray is completed.
In FIG. 24A, the main paddle 47 is stopped. When the drive shaft 86, the discharge roll drive gear 87, and the shelf operation gear 89 are rotated forward, a predetermined number of sheets (bundle sheets) S) sandwiched between the clamp roller 91 and the discharge roller 82 are placed on the stacker tray TH1. It is conveyed toward. At this time, the shelf 84 moves from the seat lower surface support position (see FIG. 23C) toward the storage position (see FIG. 24B).
The electromagnetic clutch CL0 (see FIG. 16) is turned on immediately before the completion of discharging the bundle of sheets S to the stacker tray TH1 (see FIG. 24B), and the set clamp paddle 83 is in the clamp position (position shown in FIG. 24B). ) To the sheet lower surface support position (see FIG. 24C), and starts to rotate clockwise. Then, simultaneously with the completion of discharging the bundled sheets S to the stacker tray TH1 (see FIG. 24C), the sheet S rotates to the sheet lower surface support position (see FIG. 13).

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H08) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) The present invention can be applied to image forming apparatuses and post-processing apparatuses such as copying machines, printers, FAX machines, and multifunction machines. In the present invention, the post-processing apparatus U4 and the image forming apparatus main body U3 are separate units. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image forming apparatus in which the functions of the post-processing apparatus U4 are integrated is also possible. Is possible. Further, the present invention is not limited to the image forming apparatus, and can be applied to any medium stacking apparatus on which a medium to be transported is stacked.
(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the solenoid is repeatedly turned on and off when the sub-paddle 103 is raised and lowered. However, the present invention is not limited to the sub-paddle 103, and can be applied to a configuration for raising and lowering the clamp roller 91. .

(H03) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the solenoid is turned on or off twice when moving up and down using the solenoid is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of times may be three or more.
(H04) In the above embodiment, the on / off timing of the solenoid is controlled using a timer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sensor for detecting that the ascending / descending portion has moved to a predetermined position is disposed. Then, the timing can be controlled by an arbitrary method such as temporarily turning off the solenoid according to the detection result of the sensor.
(H05) In the above embodiment, the shape of the compile tray, the configuration of the stapler, and the like can be arbitrarily changed according to the design or the like.

(H06) In the above embodiment, when the sub paddle 103 descends to the seat retracting position, the sub paddle lowering interruption time tkc is set so as to return to the standby position side by temporarily turning off the solenoid. The moving speed toward the sheet retracting position is reduced by the spring force of the tension spring 106c while continuously moving to the sheet retracting position without returning to the position (the moving speed toward the sheet retracting position is not negative). It is also possible to adjust. The same adjustment is possible when the sheet is lifted from the sheet retracting position to the standby position.
(H07) In the above-described embodiment, the tension spring 106c is used corresponding to the sub-paddle elevating solenoid 106b. Any possible moving speed reduction member can be employed. For example, it is conceivable to use a damper or the like that increases the resistance when the speed exceeds a certain value instead of a spring. Alternatively, it is possible to adjust the gravity center position of the separation member including the sub paddle 103 without using a spring and return the separation member to the separation position by gravity.

(H08) In the above-described embodiment, the solenoid is turned on and moved from the separated position to the contact position. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the solenoid is turned on and moved to the separated position. Is also possible.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus (tandem digital color copying machine) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view showing the vertical movement of the discharge clamp roller. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view showing the vertical movement of the sub paddle. FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of a rear end portion in the sheet discharging direction of the end binding device according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view seen from the direction of arrow V in FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the tamper of the end binding device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of the front tamper, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of the rear tamper. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a sheet rear end alignment member, FIG. 9A is an explanatory view of a main paddle, FIG. 9B is an explanatory view of a conical paddle, and FIG. 9C is an explanatory view of a rotating brush. FIG. 10 is an explanatory perspective view of the discharge roller portion of the end binding compile tray. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the clamp roll and the sub paddle, FIG. 11A is a plan view, and FIG. 11B is a view as seen from the direction of arrow XIB in FIG. 11A. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a discharge device that discharges the sheets stacked on the end binding compile tray to the stacker tray TH1, and shows a state where the sheets are stacked on the end binding compile tray. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a discharge device that discharges sheets stacked on the end binding compile tray to the stacker tray TH1, and shows a state in which the sheets stacked on the end binding compile tray shown in FIG. 12 are discharged to the stacker tray. FIG. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of a member mounted on a discharge roller shaft that is rotatably supported. FIG. 15 is a block diagram (function block diagram) illustrating functions provided in the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 16 is a block diagram subsequent to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the sub-paddle lifting process of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of the sub-paddle lowering process according to the first embodiment, and is a flowchart of the subroutine of ST4 in FIG. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a flowchart of the sub-paddle raising process of the first embodiment, and is a flowchart of the subroutine of ST5 in FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the sheet discharging apparatus according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration. FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating a state where the sheet is not discharged to the compilation tray (the compilation tray is empty), and FIG. FIG. 20C is a diagram illustrating an initial state in which a sheet is ejected to an empty compile tray, and FIG. 20C is a diagram illustrating a state immediately before completion of ejection of a sheet to be ejected to an empty compile tray. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the sheet discharging apparatus according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration. FIG. 21A is a state immediately after the sheet is discharged to the empty compile tray (the first sheet is discharged to the compile tray). FIG. 21B is a diagram showing an initial state in which sheets are discharged to an empty compile tray, and FIG. 21C is a state immediately before completion of discharging of sheets discharged to an empty compile tray. FIG. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the second sheet is discharged to the compile tray and the rear end thereof is conveyed toward the sheet rear end positioning member. FIG. 22A is a second sheet discharged to the compile tray. FIG. 22B is a diagram illustrating a state where the second sheet is discharged to the compilation tray, and FIG. 22C is a diagram illustrating a state where the second sheet is conveyed toward the sheet rear end positioning member. is there. FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the second and subsequent sheets are discharged in a state where the second sheet is discharged to the compilation tray and the rear end thereof is conveyed to the sheet rear end positioning member. FIG. 23B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the first sheet is discharged to the compilation tray, FIG. 23B is a diagram illustrating a state in which a predetermined number of sheets are discharged to the compilation tray and discharged to the sheet rear end positioning member, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the clamp roller contacted the upper surface of a predetermined number of sheets. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a discharge roller, a shelf, a set clamp paddle, and the like when a predetermined number of sheets stored in a compile tray in a stacked state are discharged to the stacker tray. FIG. 24A is a discharge roller in the state of FIG. FIG. 24B is a diagram showing a state in the middle of discharging a predetermined number of sheets to the stacker tray, FIG. 24B is a diagram illustrating a state immediately before the completion of discharging the predetermined number of sheets to the stacker tray, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where discharge of a sheet to a stacker tray is completed.

Explanation of symbols

7: Medium container,
41a ... one end aligned wall,
82: Medium discharge member,
91-96, 101-105 ... separation member,
94b, 106b ... separation member moving solenoid,
103b ... shaft part,
103c ... contact part,
CA7 ... Solenoid control means,
S: Recording medium,
TH1 Medium loading unit.

Claims (6)

A medium accommodating unit on which a recording medium on which an image is recorded is loaded;
A contact member that is movable between a contact position that contacts the recording medium loaded in the medium housing portion and a separation position that is separated from the recording medium;
A tension spring that biases the separation member toward the separation position;
A separation member moving solenoid that moves the separation member between the separation position and the contact position, and when the switch is turned on, the separation member is moved against the urging force of the tension spring. The separation member moving solenoid that moves the separation position to the contact position;
While the separation member moves from the separation position to the contact position, the separation member movement solenoid is controlled so that the separation member movement solenoid is turned on and off a plurality of times. Solenoid control means for moving the separation member moving solenoid to a contact position for a preset time shorter than a time for the separation member to reach the contact position from the separation position. The biasing force of the tension spring is turned off for a preset time during which the separation member moves toward the separation position, and the separation member reaches the contact position. Said solenoid control means for turning on for a time;
A recording medium accumulating apparatus comprising: The medium container having an end-aligned wall that is aligned by being abutted against one end of the recording medium;
The separating member having a medium conveying member for conveying the recording medium loaded in the medium accommodating portion to the one end-aligned wall side;
The recording medium storage device according to claim 1 , further comprising: The paddle-shaped member includes a rotating shaft portion and a plurality of contact portions that are supported by the shaft portion and intermittently contact the surface of the recording medium as the shaft portion rotates at the contact position. The medium conveying member,
The recording medium storage device according to claim 2 , further comprising: A medium stacking unit that is disposed outside the medium storage unit and on which a bundle of recording media stacked on the medium storage unit is discharged and stacked;
A medium discharge member for discharging the recording medium in the medium storage section to the medium stacking section;
The separation member having a medium clamping member that clamps the bundle of recording media with the medium discharge member at the contact position;
Recording medium stacking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a. Post-processing apparatus comprising the recording medium stacking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. An image forming apparatus comprising the recording medium stacking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images