JP5417990B2 - Paper processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, or a sheet processing apparatus that efficiently performs post-processing on a sheet on which an image is created by a printing machine.

Various paper post-processing devices that automatically perform processing such as sorting / punching / stapling on paper discharged from image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers have been provided. High productivity and high quality are required for the binding quality.
In order to achieve high productivity and high quality regarding the stapling productivity and binding quality in such a sheet post-processing apparatus, various techniques have been conventionally proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for improving the alignment state at the time of binding by a pressing member that is movable in the thickness direction of a bundle of sheets stacked on a staple tray.

However, in practice, paper that is image-formed and discharged is often provided with curls that are bent in the transport direction, and the state is often different in the width direction. Therefore, a plurality of press devices in the width direction are provided in order to obtain good alignment accuracy for various curled sheets.
In addition, in order to stack the sheets effectively, it is necessary to press the paper at a plurality of positions, and because the control is performed by a separate motor to press the paper at the plurality of positions, it causes a high cost. It was. Here, we aim to reduce costs by reducing the number of motor parts.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost paper processing apparatus in consideration of the above-described situation, by operating a plurality of paper pressing mechanisms with a single power source, reducing the number of power sources used. is there.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention described in claim 1 includes a stacking tray for stacking sheets on which image formation has been performed, and a stapler for binding a plurality of sheets stacked on the stacking tray. a moving device for moving the stapler to bind the plurality of sheets in different positions, a sheet processing apparatus and a plurality of paper pressing device for pressing the trailing end of the sheet, from one power source the driving force has a drive transmitting device for transmitting the paper pressing device of the multiple, in the sheet processing apparatus for operating a plurality of paper pressing device by the driving force from said single power source,
The drive transmission device is provided with a driving force blocking mechanism that blocks a driving force from the one power source to the plurality of sheet pressing devices, and the driving force blocking mechanism is configured so that the driving force with respect to the plurality of sheet pressing devices is It is controlled to be able to be cut off at any timing with respect to each sheet pressing device .
The invention according to claim 2 moves together with the stapler a stapler protection member that prevents the sheet pressing member that presses the sheet from entering the movable range of the stapler when the plurality of sheet pressing devices are operated. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, which is provided at a location .

The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 uses an electromagnetic clutch as the driving force cutoff mechanism.
The invention described in Claim 4 is provided with a power source that can be used by switching one of the forward and reverse rotation as the power source, the paper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein using the one-way clutch as the driving force disconnection mechanism Features a processing device.

The invention according to claim 5 includes an interlocking member that moves in association with the movement of the stapler and interlocks with the drive transmission device, and controls transmission of the driving force to the sheet pressing device. A sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mechanism for moving an arrangement of a gear for transmitting the driving force by moving the stapler as a mechanism for controlling transmission of the driving force to the plurality of sheet pressing devices. a, wherein the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein blocks the transmission of the driving force by removing the engagement of the gears for transmitting the driving force by the movement of the arrangement of the gears.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the case where the amount of rotation required from the drive transmission device is different in order to return the sheet pressing member of each of the plurality of pressing devices that are operated at the same time to start operation, 7. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet pressing member that has returned to the starting position and the sheet pressing member that has returned to the starting position are aligned with each other. 8. To do.

  According to the present invention, since a plurality of paper pressing mechanisms can be operated by one power source, the number of power sources used can be reduced, so that a low-cost paper processing apparatus can be provided. Become.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram according to an embodiment of a sheet processing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. It is a perspective view which shows the drive mechanism of a jogger fence and a return roller. It is an enlarged block diagram of the rear end fence part vicinity. It is a perspective view centering on a stapler. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a bound sheet bundle is discharged by a discharge belt. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electrical system of the paper processing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a vertical mechanism of a paper discharge tray. It is a perspective view which shows a staple tray. It is the top view seen from the paper press surface of the staple tray of FIG. It is explanatory drawing seen from the side surface (H direction) of FIG. 9 (B). It is the schematic which shows the time of the boss | hub moving by rotation of a timing pulley. It is explanatory drawing which shows each stop position in the 1st control action of the staple tray of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a sheet | seat gets over the guide part of a rear-end fence. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st control operation. It is explanatory drawing which shows each position of control action typically. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd control action of a control member. It is a flowchart which shows a 3rd control operation. It is explanatory drawing seen from the paper press surface of the modification of the staple tray of FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a paper pressing device according to the present invention. It is the schematic which shows the stapler protection member which protects a stapler. It is a perspective view which shows 4th Embodiment for operating a several paper pressing apparatus. It is detail drawing which shows the structure of the drawing near side of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram according to an embodiment of a sheet processing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a driving mechanism for the jogger fence and the return roller. FIG. 3 is an enlarged configuration diagram in the vicinity of the rear end fence portion. FIG. 4 is a perspective view centering on the stapler. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the bundle of sheets after binding is discharged by the discharge belt. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the electrical system of the paper processing apparatus of FIG.

In FIG. 1, a copier C, which is an image forming apparatus, is provided with a sheet processing device F connected to the copier C on the downstream side. A paper discharge sensor 36, an entrance roller 1, and a branching claw 8 are provided at the entrance of the paper discharge conveyance path for receiving the image-formed paper from the copying machine C, and the paper going in the direction of the paper discharge tray 12 by this branching claw 8. And the paper going in the direction of the stapler (staple unit) 11 is divided.
On the side of the transport path in the direction of the paper discharge tray 12, a plurality of upper transport roller pairs 2, a paper discharge sensor 38, a paper discharge tray discharge roller pair 3, and a moving roller 7 that brings the paper stacked on the paper discharge tray 12 to one side. By detecting the positions of the paper lever 13 and the paper lever 13 that move up and down in contact with the upper surface of the paper discharge tray 12 or the top surface of the paper stacked on the paper discharge tray 12, Paper surface sensors 32 and 33 for detecting the height of the uppermost surface are arranged.
On the side of the conveying path in the direction of the staple device 11, a plurality of lower conveying roller pairs 4, a paper discharge sensor 37, a paper feed roller 6a as a discharge roller, a fur brush roller 6b disposed coaxially with the paper feed roller 6a, and the like Is arranged. The lower conveyance roller pair 4 is driven by a conveyance motor 54 (FIG. 6) described later, and the paper discharge tray 12 is appropriately moved up and down (up and down direction in FIG. 1) by a vertical motor 51 and a shift motor 52 (FIG. 6) described later. It can move left and right (in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 1, that is, a direction orthogonal to the paper discharge direction to the paper discharge tray 12).

As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the stapler 11 is provided on the lower side of the stapling tray 21 arranged in an inclined manner, and in the vicinity of the stapling tray 21, the sheets discharged on the stapling tray 21 are aligned. The jogger fence 9 movable in the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction (paper width direction) and the upper surface of the paper ejected on the staple tray 21 to transport the paper downward to be described later. As shown in FIG. 3, the return roller 5 that abuts against the end fence 19, the discharge belt 10 for discharging the bundle of sheets bound on the staple tray 21 to the discharge tray 12, and the rear end of the sheet as shown in FIG. A rear end fence 19 for abutting each other is disposed. Reference numeral 39 denotes a discharge belt home sensor for detecting the home position of the discharge belt 10.
As shown in FIG. 2, the jogger fence 9 is reciprocated in the width direction of the sheet by the jogger motor 26 via the jogger belt 49, and the return roller 5 is brought into contact with and separated from the upper surface of the sheet by the return solenoid 30 (FIG. 6). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sheet is rotated counterclockwise and is brought into contact with the upper surface of the sheet so as to convey the sheet to the rear end fence 19 side.

As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge roller 6a and the brush roller 6b are rotated counterclockwise by the brush roller belt 47 shown in FIG. A rear end fence 19 having a reference surface (abutment surface) W for abutting and vertically aligning the rear end of the paper is provided below the jogger fence 9.
That is, the rear end fence 19 is formed to be bent substantially parallel to the reference surface W extending substantially vertically from the lower end of the staple tray 21 and from the upper end of the reference surface W to the paper placement surface 21 a of the staple tray 21. And a bending guide portion 19A formed by bending in a direction away from the upper portion. The lower end of the sheet conveyed downward by the bending guide portion 19 </ b> A is guided into the rear end fence 19.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the stapler 11 is driven via the stapler belt 50 by the stapler moving motor 27 and moves in the sheet width direction indicated by the arrow L. Although the sheet width direction of the stapler 11 is not shown in the drawing, strictly speaking, one pulley of the discharge belt 10 is disposed below the center of the staple tray 21, so that it is lowered at the center to avoid this. Thus, the stapler 11 is moved in the paper width direction.
Further, the rear end fence 19 has fixed pieces 19a and 19b whose positions are fixed, and movable pieces 19c and 19d that move together when the stapler 11 moves. The fixed pieces 19a and 19b are connected to the staple tray 21. It arrange | positions at intervals in the center part of a lower end, and the movable pieces 19c and 19d are each arrange | positioned at both ends. Reference numeral 22 denotes a stapler home sensor for detecting the home position of the stapler 11.

By the way, even if the paper discharge sensor 37 issues an ON command to the return solenoid 30 and operates the return roller 5 immediately after detecting the rear end of the paper, the return roller 5 can hit the rear edge of the paper at that timing. It is arranged at such a position.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the sheet bundle bound by the stapler 11 is engaged with the discharge claw 10 a provided on the discharge belt 10 at the rear end, and the rotation of the discharge belt 10 driven by the discharge motor 57. Therefore, the paper is conveyed upward and discharged in the direction of the paper discharge tray 12.

Here, the electrical system of the sheet processing apparatus of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, signals from the switches and sensors in the sheet processing apparatus are input to the CPU 70 via the I / O interface 60. In accordance with the input signal, the CPU 70 moves the vertical motor 51, shift motor 52, branch solenoid 53, return solenoid 30, transport motor 54, paper discharge motor 55, stapler motor 56, discharge motor 57, stapler moving motor 27, jogger. The motor 26 and the drive motor 116 are driven.
The pulse signal generated by driving the carry motor 54 is input to the CPU 70 and counted, and the return solenoid 30 is controlled according to this count. The paper alignment control means is constituted by the CPU 70 and various operation programs that operate the CPU 70.

Next, in the paper processing apparatus of FIG. 1, the operation when the non-staple mode in which stapling is not performed is selected by the selection button on the operation panel (not shown) of the copier C will be described.
The paper discharged from the copying machine C is received by the entrance roller 1, guided to the transport path in the direction of the paper discharge tray 12 by the branch claw 8, sent by the upper transport roller pair 2, and the paper discharge tray discharge roller The paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 12 by the pair 3. Then, the paper is moved in the direction opposite to the paper discharge direction by the shift roller 7, and the paper discharge direction is aligned and stacked on the paper discharge tray 12.
The paper discharge tray roller pair 3 is decelerated when the paper discharge sensor 38 detects the trailing edge of the paper, and the paper can be prevented from popping out to improve the stackability. Further, as the copied sheets are sequentially ejected, the paper surface lever 13 is raised (swings clockwise in FIG. 1), and this is detected by the paper surface sensor 33. The paper tray 12 is lowered and always kept at an appropriate height. In the sort and stack modes, the output tray 12 is shifted left and right (direction orthogonal to the output direction: direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 1) by the shift motor 52 in accordance with a partition signal output from the control panel of the apparatus main body. And sort until the end of the job. At the end of the job, the paper discharge tray 12 is lowered about 30 millimeters so that it is easy to remove the sheet bundle from the paper discharge tray 12.

Next, a case where the staple mode is selected by a selection button on an operation panel (not shown) of the copying machine C will be described. When the staple mode is selected, as shown in FIG. 2, the jogger fences 9 and 9 move from the home position, and stand by at a standby position 7 mm away from the paper side end of the selected or detected paper size. To do.
The sheet discharged from the copying machine C is received by the entrance roller 1, guided to the transport path in the direction of the stapler 11 by the branch claw 8, and transported by the lower transport roller pair 4 (driven by the transport motor 54). When the trailing edge of the paper passes through the paper discharge sensor 37 (at this time, the leading edge of the paper is inserted between the jogger fences 9 and 9), the jogger fences 9 and 9 are inside 5 mm from the standby position, that is, the paper Each is moved in the direction approaching both side ends and stopped (this position is referred to as a temporary alignment position).

Further, the paper discharge sensor 37 detects that when the trailing edge of the paper passes, and inputs the signal to the CPU 70. The CPU 70 counts the pulse signal generated by driving the carry motor 54 from the time of receiving this signal, After the predetermined pulse signal is counted, the return solenoid 30 is turned on. When the return solenoid 30 is turned on and off, the support arm performs a pendulum movement. When the return roller 5 is turned on, the support roller is brought into contact with the paper and conveyed downward, and the lower end (rear end) of the paper is returned to the rear end fence 19. Abutting against the reference surface W, the paper is vertically aligned (alignment in the paper transport direction).
Each time the paper stored in the staple tray 21 passes the entrance sensor 36 (or the paper discharge sensor 37), the signal is input to the CPU 70, and the number of papers is counted. When the paper is conveyed downward by the return roller 5, both side edges of the paper are slightly guided by the jogger fences 9 and 9 because they have a clearance of about 2 millimeters from the jogger fences 9 and 9.
After a predetermined time has elapsed after the return solenoid 30 is turned off, the jogger fences 9 and 9 are further moved inward by 2 mm from the temporary alignment position by the jogger motor 26 and stopped once. Alignment in the orthogonal direction) ends.

Thereafter, the jogger fences 9 and 9 return by 7 millimeters in a direction away from the sheet side end and wait for the next sheet. This operation is performed up to the last page. On the final page, jogging (sheet alignment) is performed again inward by 7 mm, and the jogger fences 9 and 9 are prepared for the stapling operation while pressing both side edges of the sheet bundle.
Thereafter, the stapler 11 operates after a predetermined time, and the binding process is performed. At this time, if a plurality of bindings are designated, after the binding process at one place is completed, the stapler moving motor 27 is driven, and the stapler 11 is moved to an appropriate position along the rear end of the sheet, so that the second place is bound. Processing is performed.
When the binding process is completed, the discharge motor 57 is driven to drive the discharge belt 10. At this time, the paper discharge motor 55 is also driven, and the discharge roller pair 3 starts rotating to receive the sheet bundle lifted by the discharge claw 10a. At this time, the jogger fence 9 is controlled so that the operation varies depending on the size and number of sheets stacked on the staple tray 21.

For example, when the number of sheets to be bound is smaller than a predetermined number or the paper size is smaller than the predetermined size, the trailing edge of the sheet bundle is hooked and conveyed by the discharge claw 10a while the sheet bundle is pressed by the jogger fence 9. Then, according to the detection result of the discharge belt home sensor 39, the jogger fence 9 is retracted 2 millimeters after a predetermined pulse, and the restriction of the paper by the jogger fence 9 is released. It is set after passing the tip of the jogger fence 9 after the collision).
When the number of sheets to be bound is larger than the predetermined number or the paper size is larger than the predetermined size, the jogger fence 9 is retracted in advance by 2 millimeters and discharged. In any case, when the sheet bundle finishes passing through the jogger fence 9, the jogger fence 9 further moves 5 millimeters and returns to the standby position to prepare for the next sheet. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the binding force of the paper according to the distance between the side edge of the paper and the jogger fence 9. The above series of operations is repeated until the last job.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the vertical mechanism of the paper discharge tray. Here, the vertical mechanism of the paper discharge tray 12 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the paper discharge tray 12 is supported by two vertical lift belts 48. The vertical lift belt 48 is driven by a vertical motor 51 via a gear train and a timing belt, and the paper discharge tray 12 is raised or lowered by normal rotation or reverse rotation of the vertical motor 51.
The home position of the paper discharge tray 12 and the height at the time of movement are detected by a paper surface lever 13 that can rotate in the vertical direction, and paper surface sensors 32 and 33 that detect the position of the paper surface lever 13, and according to the detection result. Thus, the paper discharge tray 12 is moved to a predetermined position. Further, when the paper on the paper discharge tray 12 reaches the maximum load capacity, this is detected by the lower limit sensor 34.
Further, when the shift roller 7 is pushed up by the paper discharge tray 12 when the paper discharge tray 12 is raised, the upper limit switch 31 is turned off, and the upper and lower motors 51 stop rotating so that the paper discharge tray 12 is driven by overrun. System damage is prevented.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a staple tray. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the staple tray of FIG. 8 viewed from the sheet pressing surface. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram viewed from the side surface (H direction) of FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the time when the boss is moved by the rotation of the timing pulley. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing each stop position in the first control operation of the staple tray of FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the sheet gets over the guide portion of the rear end fence.
The restriction pressing member 100 is substantially T-shaped when viewed from the side as shown in FIG. 10 and has a width that can be inserted into the gap between the fixing pieces 19a and 19b shown in FIG. 4 (see FIG. 8). ). The leading end portion of the regulation pressing member 100 is provided with a paper regulation pressing surface 100a that is substantially parallel to the paper stacking surface 21a (see FIG. 8) of the staple tray 21, and further, in the direction away from the paper stacking surface 21a. An inclined paper guide surface 100b is provided.

Further, the guide arm portions 100d and 100d protrude from both sides of the restricting pressing member 100, and the guide arm portions 100d and 100d are guide shafts attached to the bracket 115 as shown in FIG. 9B and FIG. 125, 125 to guide. The restriction pressing member 100 is supported so as to be movable in the axial direction of the guide shaft 125, that is, in the left-right direction (arrow M direction) in FIG. 9B.
The restriction pressing member 100 has one end hooked on the hooking portion 122 of the bracket 115 and the other end hooked on the hooking portion 123 of the restriction pressing member 100 by the tension spring 120 in the left direction of FIG. Thus, it is biased toward the staple tray 21.
A drive motor 116 capable of rotating forward and backward is attached to the bracket 115, and the driving force of the drive motor 116 is transmitted to the timing pulley 118 via the timing belt 117 as shown in FIG. 9B. A boss 119 protrudes upward from the timing pulley 118, and the boss 119 rotates around the rotation center of the timing pulley 118. The boss 119 changes its position as it rotates. The abutting portion 100 c formed on the restricting pressing member 100 abuts on the boss 119 and is always pressed against the staple tray 21 by the urging force of the tension spring 120.

The timing pulley 118 rotates counterclockwise, the displacement of the boss 119 in the X-axis direction becomes negative (that is, moves to the left in FIG. 9B), and the urging force of the tension spring 120 causes the regulating pressing member 100 to The boss 119 moves to the displaced position. That is, the restricting pressing member 100 also moves in the left (or right) direction in FIG. 9B while the contact portion 100c of the restricting pressing member 100 is pressed in accordance with the displacement of the boss 119 by the urging force of the tension spring 120.
When the timing pulley 118 rotates the boss 119 from the state of FIG. 9B in the counterclockwise direction (forward direction) by 120 °, the boss 119 is displaced to a position where the regulation pressing member 100 contacts the paper stacking surface 21 a of the staple tray 21. To do. Further, the position in contact with the sheet stacking surface 21a of the staple tray 21 is maintained during the range in which the boss 119 is rotated by 60 °.
That is, the restriction pressing member 100 is maintained at the position where it comes into contact with the sheet stacking surface 21a of the staple tray 21 by the urging force of the tension spring 120 with the boss 119 separated from the contact portion 100c. Next, when the boss 119 is rotated in the clockwise direction (reverse direction) within a range of 120 ° to the home position, the boss 119 comes into contact with the contact portion 100c and resists the biasing force of the tension spring 120 as shown in FIG. (B) It moves to the right direction and the control pressing member 100 returns to the home position shown to FIG. 9 (B).

Referring further to FIG. 9, first, the regulation pressing member 100 in the stationary state is maintained at the same place because it is supported by the boss 119 even though it is pulled to the left by the tension spring 120. During operation, the timing pulley 118 rotates and the position of the boss 119 changes to move the position where the restricting pressing member 100 is supported by the boss 119 to the left, so that the position where the boss 119 holds the restricting pressing member 100 changes. The pressing member 100 moves to the left side. Even when the restriction pressing member 100 moves, the boss 119 is in contact with the right end of the opening of the restriction pressing member 100.
However, when the leading end of the restricting pressing member 100 is in a state of pressing the paper, the operation of the restricting pressing member 100 is restricted by the surface of the paper. Can be moved by. At this time, although the restricting pressing member 100 does not move, a state in which the operation of the boss 119 continues is generated, and the boss 119 is separated from the restricting pressing member 100.
As shown in a simplified manner in FIG. 11, the timing pulley 118 rotates and the restricting pressing member 100 moves. Since the leading end is not in contact with the paper, the boss 119 is in contact with the regulating pressing member 100.

When a plurality of press members 601 that are operated at the same time have different amounts of rotation required to return to the starting position, alignment is performed with the press member 601 that has returned to the starting position. When the mechanisms of the plurality of presser devices are different, the amount of rotation required to return the presser member 601 to the same position as the start position may be different.
For example, when using the presser devices 601-1 (A) and 601-2 (B) and the base motor is moved by a certain amount between A and B, the presser device 601-1 (A) operates as a presser. After returning to the reference position, it may be considered that the presser device 601-2 (B) is in the middle of operation.
In such a case, the drive force transmitted to the presser device 601-1 (A) is cut first, and the drive force is transmitted only to the presser device 601-2 (B), so that the presser device 601-2. Only (B) can be returned to the reference position, and both of the next presser device 601-1 (A) and the presser device 601-2 (B) can perform a target operation.
In addition, since the contact portion (guide groove) 100c into which the boss 119 of the restriction pressing member 100 enters is not restricted in the rightward movement of the restriction pressing member 100 in FIG. 9B, the restriction pressing member 100 is The position is regulated by the boss 119 until it comes into contact with the sheet bundle, but the sheet bundle is pressed by the urging force of the tension spring 120 when it comes into contact with the upper surface of the lower end of the sheet bundle.
Then, after performing the pressing operation, the regulating pressing member 100 is returned to stop positions A1, A2, and A3 described later before the next sheet P is discharged by the movement of the boss 119 in the right direction in FIG. 9B. It is. The alignment state and the pressing operation of the series of sheets P in the thickness direction improve the alignment state of the sheets P on the staple tray 21.

Here, pressing (pressing) of the rear end of the sheet bundle in the staple tray 21 in FIG. 8 and an appropriate sheet guide mechanism to the rear end fence 19 will be described. The guide when the sheet discharged to the staple tray 21 falls downward is performed before the trailing edge of the sheet arrives at the trailing edge fence 19, and the sheet bundle is pressed by the sheet discharged to the staple tray 21. This is performed after arrival at the rear end fence 19 and before the stapling operation.
Next, the stop (guide) position of the restriction pressing member 100 will be described. When the distance between the discharge roller 6a and the fur brush roller 6b and the front end of the bending guide portion 19A formed by bending the rear end fence 19 is increased, as shown in FIG. The trajectory is not guided inside the bending guide portion 19 </ b> A of the rear end fence 19, but falls over the bending guide portion 19 </ b> A and falls outside the rear end fence 19.
Therefore, the regulating pressing member 100 located between the discharge roller 6a and the front end portion of the bending guide portion 19A of the rear end fence 19 is applied. As described above, the inclined paper guide surface 100b of the restricting pressing member 100 has a slope, and the inclined paper guide surface 100b guides the paper P that is dropped into the rear edge fence 19.

As shown in FIG. 12, the sheet regulation pressing surface 100 a of the regulation pressing member 100 and the inclined sheet guide surface 100 b connected thereto are formed over almost the entire area between the discharge roller 6 a and the fur brush roller 6 b and the rear end fence 19. . That is, it is disposed over the entire area in the transport direction at the lower part of the staple tray 21 so as to cover the space between the discharge roller 6a and fur brush roller 6b and the rear end fence 19.
As shown in FIG. 12, the restriction pressing member 100 is switched to the stop (guide) positions indicated by A1, A2, and A3. When the sheet processing apparatus becomes movable and the sheet is discharged to the staple tray 21 by the discharge roller 6a, the restriction pressing member 100 (the sheet restriction pressing surface 100a thereof) is in a first stop (guide) position indicated by A1 ( The position where the boss 119 is rotated 90 ° from the home position), the second stop (guide) position indicated by A2 (the position where the boss 119 is rotated 60 ° from the home position), and the third stop (guide) indicated by A3 The position is moved to the position (home position of the boss 119) in accordance with the number of stacked sheets.

Then, the sheet P falling on the staple tray 21 is guided by both the inclined sheet guide surface 100b and the sheet regulation pressing surface 100a. When the number of stacked sheets is small (for example, less than 35), the restricting pressing member 100 takes the first stop (guide) position A1 that is closest to the bottom surface of the staple tray 21.
The second stop (guide) position A2 where the distance from the first stop (guide) position A1 to the bottom surface of the staple tray 21 is long is when the number of stacked sheets is medium (for example, 35 sheets or more and less than 70 sheets). Set to Further, the third stop (guide) position A3 having the longest distance from the bottom surface of the staple tray 21 is set when the number of stacked sheets is large (for example, from about 70 to about 100 sheets).
After the sheet P is guided to the trailing edge fence 19 at each stop (guide) position, the regulating pressing member 100 is moved forward by a predetermined amount (moved in a direction approaching the staple tray 21), and the sheet regulating pressing surface 100a takes the sheet bundle. Press the top surface to improve the stackability of the paper.
Since the stop (guide) position of the restricting pressing member 100 is switched according to the number of sheets stacked, the time required for the pressing operation can always be kept constant regardless of the number of sheets stacked. Even if the processing speed CPM (copy / minute) is high, it can be handled one by one.

In addition, since the stop (guide) position of the restricting pressing member 100 is switched according to the number of stacked sheets, the bottom stacking distance (length) L (see FIG. 12) at the bottom of the rear end fence 19 is always maintained regardless of the size. An appropriate paper guide width according to the number of stacks can be obtained.
Note that switching of the restriction pressing member 100 to the stop (guide) positions indicated by A1, A2, and A3 uses a stepping motor (here, a stepping motor) as the drive motor 116 to control the rotation angle of the timing pulley 118. The position of the restriction pressing member 100 may be detected by a sensor to control the drive motor.
The regulating pressing member 100 functions as a regulating pressing member that regulates and presses by each control operation described later, or a regulating member that performs regulation only, or a pressing member that performs only pressing. Are called according to the function.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the first control operation. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing each position of the control operation. Next, a first control operation for regulating and pressing with the staple tray of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 8 to FIG. 12, the flowchart of FIG. 14, and FIG.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart relating to the control of the restriction pressing member. The sheet discharge signal of the main body is counted, and the restriction (guide) position and the pressing position of the restriction pressing member 100 are controlled by the number of stacks. In the first control operation, since the maximum number of sheets to be loaded is 100, the restriction position is controlled in three stages.

This will be specifically described below. First, the presence / absence of a main body discharge signal is checked (S1). If there is no main body discharge signal (NO in S1), the process returns. If there is a main body discharge signal (YES in S1), the number of sheets conveyed through the conveyance path is counted by the sheet discharge sensor 37 (FIG. 1) (S3), and 35 sheets are discharged to the staple tray 21. If it is less than (NO in S4) and the first sheet (YES in S5), the drive motor 116 is driven to rotate the boss 119 by 90 ° in the forward direction from the home position, thereby moving the regulating pressing member 100 to the home position. It is made to stand by from HP at the 1st regulation (guide) position A1 (refer to Drawing 12 and Drawing 15 (A)) (S6).
In the second and subsequent sheets (NO in S5), the restricting pressing member 100 is kept at the position A1 by an operation described later, and therefore the process of S6 is not performed. Then, the sheet is discharged from the discharge roller 6a to the staple tray 21 while being guided by the restriction pressing member 100 at the first restriction (guide) position A1.
As described above, the paper is guided in the direction of the rear end fence 19 by the brush roller 6b and is conveyed in the direction of the rear end fence 19 by the brush roller 6b even if there is a curl or the like at the rear end. The fence 19 hits the reference plane W of the fence 19 and is vertically aligned.
Next, if the paper discharge is completed, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the paper discharge sensor 37 detected the paper trailing edge (YES in S7), the drive motor 116 is driven to further move the boss 119 from the home position. By rotating 90 ° in the forward direction, the restricting pressing member 100 is moved in the direction of the upper surface of the paper in the staple tray 21 and moved to the first pressing position R1 (see FIG. 15A).

A pressing operation is performed on the upper surface of the rear end of the sheet discharged to the staple tray 21 by the movement of the restricting pressing member 100 (S8), and then the restricting pressing member is rotated by 90 ° in the reverse direction from the home position. 100 is moved in the reverse direction (in the direction away from the upper surface of the sheet) and waits at the first restriction (guide) position A1 (S9). If the job is not completed (NO in S10), the process returns. If the job is completed (YES in S10), the process moves to the home position HP and waits (S2).
That is, until the number of sheets discharged to the staple tray 21 is less than 35 (NO in S4), the sheets are guided to the rear end fence 19 by the restriction pressing member 100 which is kept waiting at the first restriction (guide) position A1. The sheet is moved from the first regulation (guide) position A1 to the first pressing position R1 (see FIG. 15A), and the pressing operation on the sheet is repeated (S1 to S10).
If the number of sheets is 35 or more and less than 70 sheets (YES in S4, NO in S11), for example, at the time of the 35th sheet after completion of sheet discharge, a predetermined time after the sheet trailing edge sensor detects the sheet trailing edge. After the elapse (YES in S12), the boss 119 is rotated 90 ° in the forward direction to perform a pressing operation on the upper surface of the rear end of the paper with the regulating pressing member 100 (S13), and then the boss 119 is rotated 120 ° in the reverse direction. As a result, the restricting pressing member 100 is moved in the reverse direction (in the direction away from the upper surface of the sheet), and waits at the second restricting (guide) position A2 (see FIGS. 12 and 15A) (S14).

If the number is 36 or more and less than 70, the boss 119 is rotated 90 degrees in the forward direction to perform a pressing operation on the upper surface of the rear end of the sheet by the regulating pressing member 100, and then the boss 119 is moved 90 in the reverse direction. By rotating, the restricting pressing member 100 is moved in the reverse direction to return to the second restricting (guide) position A2. Similarly, the sheet is guided to the rear end fence 19 at the second restriction (guide) position A2. If the job is not completed (NO in S10), the process returns. If the job is completed (YES in S10), the process moves to the home position HP and waits (S2).
When the number of sheets is 70 or more and less than 100 sheets (YES in S11, NO in S15), after the completion of sheet discharge, for example, when the number of sheets is 70, the sheet discharge sensor 37 detects the trailing edge of the sheet and a predetermined time has elapsed (S16). YES), by rotating the boss 119 by 90 ° in the forward direction, the restricting pressing member 100 performs a pressing operation on the upper surface of the rear end of the sheet (S17), and then by restricting the boss 119 by rotating by 150 ° in the reverse direction. The pressing member 100 is moved in the reverse direction (the direction away from the upper surface of the sheet), and the regulating pressing member 100 is put on standby at the third regulating (guide) position A3 (see FIGS. 12 and 15A) (S18).

If the number is 71 or more and less than 100, the restricting pressing member 100 performs a pressing operation on the upper surface of the rear end of the sheet by rotating the boss 119 by 90 ° in the forward direction, and then the boss 119 is rotated by 90 in the reverse direction. By rotating, the restricting pressing member 100 is moved in the reverse direction to return to the third restricting (guide) position A3. Similarly, the sheet is guided to the rear end fence 19 at the third regulation (guide) position A3. If the number of stacks exceeds 100 (YES in S15), the stack is prohibited (S19) and the process returns.
Note that these regulation (guide) positions A1, A2, and A3 are set such that the distance from the sheet placement surface 21a is A1 <A2 <A3, and the pressing positions are also set to R1 <R2 <R3.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a second control operation of the regulating member. Next, the second control operation will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 8 to FIG. 12, the flowchart of FIG. 16, and FIG. In the second control operation, it functions as a regulating member that performs only regulation.
FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of the second control operation of the restricting member. In this example, the restriction position of the restriction member 100 is changed in two stages, and control is performed so that the value is suitable for the number of stacks. The presence / absence of the main body discharge signal is checked (S21). If there is no discharge signal (NO in S21), the process returns. If there is a paper discharge signal (YES in S21), the paper is carried into the post-processing apparatus as described above, so the paper discharge sensor 37 counts the number of sheets (S23), and then the number of sheets is 50 sheets. It is determined whether or not this is the case (S24).
If it is less than 50 sheets (NO in S24), the restriction member 100 (jogger fence 9, rear end fence 19) is moved from the home position HP to the first restriction (guide) position A1 (see FIG. 15B). If the job is not completed (NO in S26), the process returns. If the job is completed (YES in S26), the process moves to the home position HP and waits (S22).

If it is 50 sheets or more (YES in S24), the restricting member 100 (jogger fence 9, rear end fence 19) is moved away from the sheet stacking surface of the staple tray 21 from the first restricting (guide) position A1. If the job is not completed (NO in S26), the process returns to the home position HP and waits if the job is completed (YES in S26). (S22) Return.
Therefore, the sheet can be guided by the regulating member 100 according to the number of stacked sheets. The number of 50 is not necessarily limited to this. Further, the restriction position of the restriction member 100 may be set in three stages as in the first control operation, or may be set in more stages.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the third control operation. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram viewed from the sheet pressing surface of a modified example of the staple tray of FIG. Next, the third control operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 8 to 12, and flowcharts of FIG. 17 and FIG. 15C. In this third control operation, it functions as a pressing member that performs only pressing.
FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of the third control operation of the pressing member. In this example, the pressing position of the pressing member 100 (distance from the sheet stacking surface 21a of the staple tray 21) is changed in two stages, and the operation is controlled until the sheet bundle is pressed.
As shown in FIG. 14B, the pressing member 100 is provided with a spring back mechanism, and the pressure fluctuation is reduced by changing the pressing (pressing) position according to the number of stacks.
The presence / absence of the main body discharge signal is checked (S31), and if there is no discharge signal (NO in S31), the process returns. If there is a paper discharge signal (YES in S31), the paper is carried into the post-processing apparatus as described above, so the paper discharge sensor 37 counts the number of sheets (S33), and then the number of sheets is 50. It is determined whether or not the number is more than one (S34).

If it is less than 50 sheets (NO in S34), the pressing member 100 (jogger fence 9, rear end fence 19) is moved from the home position HP to the first pressing position R1 (see FIG. 18C), and the sheet bundle is moved. Is pressed (S35). Thereafter, the vehicle is retracted to the home position HP (S32) and the process returns. Accordingly, this operation (S31 to S35) is repeated in the range of less than 50 sheets.
If it is 50 sheets or more (YES in S34), the pressing member 100 (jogger fence 9, rear end fence 19) is moved from the home position HP to the second pressing position R2 (see FIG. 15C). The sheet bundle is pressed (S36). Thereafter, it is retracted to the home position HP (S32). This operation is repeated. The number of 50 is not necessarily limited to this. Further, the pressing position of the pressing member 100 may be set in three stages as in the first control operation, or may be set in more stages.

FIG. 18 is a plan view seen from the sheet pressing surface of a modification of the staple tray of FIG. In the staple tray shown in FIG. 8, only the center of the sheet is restricted and pressed. However, the staple tray shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 8 may be modified.
In this modified example, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the upper portion of the sheet regulating pressing surface 100a is extended to a position exceeding the fixed pieces 19a and 19b (FIG. 4), and further in the orthogonal direction and the sheet. It extends substantially parallel to the loading surface and is formed in a substantially T shape as shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 100e denotes an inclined paper guide surface similar to 100b (FIG. 12), and 100f denotes an upper paper regulation pressing surface formed flush with the paper regulation pressing surface 100a. The modification of FIG. 18 is arranged on the staple tray 21 as shown in FIG. 8, and the configuration added to the staple tray 21 of FIG. 8 in this modification is shown by a one-dot chain line.
In such a modification, since the areas of the paper guide portion, the paper regulating portion, and the paper pressing portion are further increased in addition to the staple tray 21 as shown in FIG. Accurately aligned. Since FIG. 18 is the same as FIG. 9 except for the above description, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and other descriptions are omitted.
In some cases, a plurality of staple tray pressing units of the sheet post-processing apparatus described above are used in the sheet width direction in order to handle curled sheets. The present invention provides a suitable arrangement of the sheet pressing unit .

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the sheet presser according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 19, by providing the paper in the back, center, and near side in the width direction of the paper, the vicinity of the paper edge where the paper curl becomes large can be pressed , and the stackability can be further improved.
In FIG. 19, the driving force from the forward / reverse motor 623, which is the driving source, is transmitted to the shaft 624 by the gears 621 and 622, and the gear 615, 615-2 and 615-3 are simultaneously transmitted by the shaft 624 to the gear. 614-1, 614-2, and 614-3.
Thereafter, the sheet pressing member is linearly moved by the gear belts 611-1, 611-2, and 611-3 spanned between the pulleys 612-1, 612-2, 612-3 and 613-1, 613-2, and 613-3. The pressing operation is performed by 601-1, 601-2, and 601-3.
The sheet pressing members 601-1, 601-2, and 601-3 function in the same manner as the sheet pressing member 100 described above. At this time, it is also possible to use a mechanism of the sheet hold-down device shown in FIG 18 the mechanism after the gear 615 with some or all of the plurality of paper pressing device.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing a stapler protection member that protects the stapler. As a first embodiment for operating a plurality of sheet pressing devices, a stapler protection member 501 is provided on the back surface of the stapler 11 as shown in FIG. Thus, when the stapler 11 performs front and back binding, the stapler protection member 501 does not reach the movable portion of the stapler 11 because the stapler protection member 501 operates the stapler 11, so that the stapler 11 can be stapled.
As shown in FIG. 20, the rear end fence 19 is provided with an elastic guide pressing member 431 that directs the end portion of the sheet bundle toward the fixing portion 11 a of the stapler 11. Although not shown, the rear end fence 19 is formed with a notch from the lower end, and a guide pressing member 431 is disposed near one end of the notch. When the stapler 11 is stapled, other than the notch is provided. The movable portion 11b is disposed so as to pass through a portion near the end.

By this guide pressing member 431, the sheet bundle is pressed and pressed in advance in the direction of the fixing portion 11 a of the stapler 11. Therefore, when the movable portion 11b of the stapler 11 staples the sheet bundle, it can eliminate the problem of stapling while moving the sheet bundle by rotating in the direction of arrow b in FIG. Staples can be accurately stapled.
20, the example in which the movable portion 11b of the stapler 11 is disposed on the left side has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the movable portion 11b of the stapler 11 is disposed on the right side and the fixed portion 11a. The guide pressing member 431 is disposed on the side of the rear end fence 19 that faces the sheet placement surface 21 a of the staple tray 21.
When performing such an operation, the boss 119 (FIG. 9B) can rotate even when the paper pressing member 100 hits the stapler protection member 501 by using the paper pressing device of the mechanism shown in FIG. It is possible to operate without applying a load to the presser device.
In the sheet processing apparatus, the stapler protection member 501 that prevents the sheet pressing member 100 that presses the sheet from entering the movable range of the stapler 11 when the sheet pressing apparatus is operated is provided at a position where the stapler protection member 501 moves together with the stapler 11. Even if the presser member 100 at the stapler binding position is operated, the presser member 100 hits the stapler protection member 501 before it hits the stapler 11 and stops halfway, so that the stapler 11 can be stapled without interfering with the stapler 11 in operation.

Further, by attaching the stapler protection member 501 to the operation portion of the stapler 11, it is possible to stop the presser only at the position where the stapler 11 has moved. According to the use of the stapler protection member 501, the staple member and the stapling operation can be performed without providing a component such as a clutch in order to control the presser operation by the drive unit when operating the plurality of sheet pressing members 100. Interference with can be prevented.
In the paper processing apparatus, a safety mechanism is provided so that the paper presser member 100 is not damaged even when the stapler protective member 501 is pressed by the paper presser member 100, so that the paper presser member 100 stops when it hits the stapler protective member 501. It is possible to prevent a load exceeding a certain level from being applied, and to prevent damage to parts.
As a second embodiment for operating a plurality of sheet pressing devices, an electromagnetic clutch is used for the gears 614-1 and 614-3 in FIG. 19 to control the operation of the clutch and the operation of the motor. Any paper pressing member of the three paper pressing devices can be operated. Accordingly, when the stapler is at the front side for performing front binding with the stapler, it is possible to prevent the stapler and the paper pressing member 601 from interfering with each other by not operating the front paper pressing member 601.

As described above, according to the sheet treatment apparatus, the driving force of the sheet pressing apparatus can be controlled from the outside at an arbitrary timing by using the electromagnetic clutch as the driving force blocking mechanism that blocks the driving force. Therefore, even when the amount of motor rotation required from the start of operation to the original position is different after the mechanism of the plurality of sheet pressing devices is different, the operation timing of the plurality of sheet pressing devices is not shifted by operating the electromagnetic clutch. Can function.
As a third embodiment for operating a plurality of sheet pressing devices, a one-way clutch that transmits a driving force in the reverse direction to the gears 614-1 and 614-3 in FIG. 19 is used. At this time, by providing a mechanism as shown in FIG. 18 to the presser mechanism, for example, when the motor is rotated in the forward direction, the center and the back side operate, and when the motor rotates in the reverse direction, the center and the near side operate. In other words, the operation of the stapler 11 and the presser member 100 does not interfere with each other under the condition that stapling is not performed at the center position.
In this way, the paper processing apparatus includes a power source that can be used by switching between forward and reverse rotation as a power source, and uses a one-way clutch as a driving force cutoff mechanism, so that the rotation direction of driving by the power source can be changed. Can change the operation of the paper presser. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a paper processing apparatus that does not require a complicated mechanism.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment for operating a plurality of presser devices. FIG. 22 is a detailed view showing the configuration on the near side of FIG. A gear 616 and a belt 617 are added to the drive transmission portion of FIG. 19, and the gear 616-3 is moved upward by lifting the gear support member 632 by the transmission member 631 extending from the stapler 11 and following the drive system. Yes.
When the gear 618-3 is lifted, a gap with the gear 618-3 is vacant, and when the gear is disengaged, transmission of the driving force is interrupted. When the transmission member 631 disappears, the gear loses its support, and the gear 618 and the gear 616 are connected to transmit the driving force. Therefore, when the stapler 11 moves, the driving force can be transmitted. Even if the other sheet pressing apparatus has the same mechanism, even if the stapler 11 moves, the sheet pressing member does not operate in the sheet pressing apparatus immediately adjacent to the stapler 11 and the stapler 11 and the sheet pressing member 601 do not interfere with each other.

In FIG. 22, a transmission member 631 that is an interlocking member that interlocks with the drive transmission device and follows the movement of the stapler 11 extends. The gear support member 632 is lifted upward by the transmission member 631, and the gear 616-3 is lifted. This mechanism prevents the gears 618-3 from being connected.
In the normal state, since the gear support member 632-3 is in a lowered state, the transmission member in which the gear 616-3 and the gear 618-3 are engaged with each other is connected from the stapler 11. When the driving force of the presser device is interrupted by 631, the presser device in front of the stapler 11 is not operated. By linking the movement of the stapler 11 back and forth with the operation of the presser device , the operation of the presser device can be controlled based on the position of the stapler 11.
As a method for interlocking the movement of the stapler 11 and the presser operation , a mechanism for interlocking the stapler 11 and the movement for interrupting the gear for transmitting the drive is provided to interlock the movement of the stapler 11 with the presser device . A mechanism can be provided.

As described above, in the paper processing apparatus , when the amount of rotation necessary to return to the place where the plurality of presser members that are operated at the same time are moved is different, Take alignment. Since the mechanisms of the plurality of devices are different, this is the position of the presser member at the time of starting the operation, and it operates from the reference of the position when the presser member is moved (hereinafter referred to as the home position position). Even if the input rotation amount required for returning to the home position is different, the operation can be performed. As a result, it is possible to create a device having a mechanism in which a plurality of press devices are optimized for each press location .

C image forming device, F paper processing device, P paper (paper, paper material), 11 stapling device, 12 paper discharge tray, 19 trailing edge fence, 21 staple tray, 21a paper stacking surface, 37 paper discharge sensor, 100 regulating pressure Member (regulating member, pressing member), 100a sheet regulating pressing surface, 100b inclined sheet guide surface, 601 presser device (pressing member), 612 drive transmission device (pulley), 613 drive transmission device (pulley), 614 drive transmission device ( Gear), 615 Drive transmission device (gear), 621 Drive transmission device (gear), 622 Drive transmission device (gear), 623 Drive source (motor capable of forward / reverse)

JP-A-11-130338

Claims (7)

A stacking tray for stacking paper on which image formation has been performed;
A stapler for binding a plurality of sheets stacked on the stacking tray;
A sheet processing apparatus comprising: a moving device that moves the stapler to bind the plurality of sheets at different positions;
A plurality of sheet pressing devices for pressing the trailing edge of the sheet, and a drive transmission device for transmitting a driving force from one power source to the plurality of sheet pressing devices.
In a paper processing apparatus that operates the plurality of paper pressing devices by the driving force from the one power source,
In the drive transmission device, a driving force blocking mechanism for blocking the driving force from the one power source to the plurality of sheet pressing devices is provided, and the driving force blocking mechanism is configured to provide the driving force to the plurality of sheet pressing devices. Is controlled so as to be able to be cut off at an arbitrary timing with respect to each sheet pressing device.   The stapler protecting member for preventing the sheet pressing member that presses the sheet from entering the movable range of the stapler when the plurality of sheet pressing devices are operated is provided at a position where the stapler protecting member moves together with the stapler. The paper processing apparatus as described.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an electromagnetic clutch is used as the driving force blocking mechanism. The sheet processing according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the one power source includes the one power source that can be used by switching between forward and reverse rotation, and a one-way clutch is used as the driving force cutoff mechanism. apparatus. The move in association with the movement of the stapler, and comprises an interlocking member interlocked with said drive transmission device, said driving force according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controlling the transmission to the sheet hold-down device Paper processing equipment. As a mechanism for controlling transmission of the driving force to the plurality of sheet pressing devices, a mechanism for moving the arrangement of the gear for transmitting the driving force by movement of the stapler is provided. 3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission of the driving force is cut off by disengaging the gear for transmitting the driving force.   When the necessary amount of rotation from the drive transmission device is different in order to return the paper pressing member of each of the plurality of pressing devices to be operated simultaneously to return to the starting position, the paper that has returned to the starting position when operating first is different. 7. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is aligned with the sheet pressing member that starts to operate later and returns to the position.

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