JP6412628B2 - Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system using the same - Google Patents

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet binding processing apparatus that binds sheets sent from an image forming apparatus, and binds and stacks image-formed sheets and selects one of different binding processing means to perform binding processing. Regarding improvements.

  In general, this type of binding processing apparatus guides sheets that have been imaged by an image forming apparatus onto a processing tray from a sheet carry-in path, stacks and stacks sheets, forms a sheet bundle, and then performs binding processing with a staple needle. A sheet binding processing apparatus that stacks the bound sheet bundle on a stack tray is known.

  In recent years, there has been a demand in the market for a sheet binding processing apparatus that uses a plurality of binding processing units. For example, not only the staple processing is performed on the sheet bundle but also high pressure is applied to the sheet bundle without using the staple needle. There is also known a new sheet binding processing apparatus using a so-called non-staple unit that performs a binding process on a sheet bundle by the above-described method.

  In Patent Document 1, as a new sheet binding apparatus, a staple unit and a non-staple unit are both provided so as to be movable with respect to a sheet bundle stacked on a processing tray, and a preset binding position is set. Discloses a sheet binding processing apparatus configured to perform the binding process.

JP 2012-027118 A

  The apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 places both units at a preset binding position in a state in which the edge of the sheet bundle is guided into each of the opening of the staple unit for performing the binding process and the opening of the non-staple unit. It is configured to move and perform binding processing. For this reason, when the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle by one unit, the opening of the other unit interferes with the sheet, and the posture of the sheet bundle is lost.

  Such a problem such as the collapse of the sheet bundle is particularly noticeable when a binding processing unit having a low binding processing capability and a narrow opening is arranged among a plurality of binding processing units. In addition, when there is a processing capability difference between the binding processing units, the processing number of the binding processing unit having a high processing capability in the processing number is limited to a small processing number of the binding processing unit having a low binding processing capability. There was a problem that the processing ability could not be demonstrated.

  In a sheet binding processing apparatus including a plurality of binding processing units, when one binding processing unit performs binding processing on a sheet bundle, the other binding processing unit interferes with the sheet to change the posture of the sheet bundle. The issue is to prevent it from collapsing. Furthermore, it is an object to prevent a binding processing unit having a high processing capability from being limited by a binding processing unit having a low processing capability with respect to the processing number.

  In order to solve the above problems, a sheet bundle binding device according to the present invention includes a stacking unit on which sheets conveyed in the conveyance direction are stacked, and a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the sheet bundle stacked on the stacking unit. A first regulating unit that regulates a position of the sheet bundle in the intersecting direction by contacting the end part; and a contact of the sheet bundle loaded on the stacking unit with the end part in the conveying direction, The sheet bundle moves from one side of the apparatus to the other side and moves from the other side to the one side by moving in the intersecting direction with second regulating means for regulating the position in the transport direction. An end portion of the sheet bundle on one side that is in contact with the first restricting means, and an end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction that is in contact with the second restricting means. The first binding means for binding the corner portion of the sheet bundle using a needle and the end portion of the one side sheet bundle that is configured to be movable and in contact with the first restriction means, and the second restriction means A second binding means for binding the corner portion of the sheet bundle including the end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction in contact with the means without using a needle, and a control means. The binding means is formed with an opening, is stacked in the stacking means and binds a sheet bundle positioned in the opening, and has a lower processing capability than the first binding means with respect to the number of processed sheets, and the control The means includes: an end portion of the one side sheet bundle that is in contact with the first restricting means; and an end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction that is in contact with the second restricting means. The corner portion of the sheet is bound by the first binding means. In this case, the second binding means is located in a region outside the sheet bundle, where the sheet bundle is not located in the opening, and the one side sheet bundle in contact with the first regulating means. In the case where the corner portion of the sheet bundle including the end portion and the end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction that is in contact with the second regulating means is bound by the second binding means, the first binding is performed. The means is located on the other side of the one end of the sheet bundle and on the other side of the second binding means.

  With such a configuration, when the first binding unit binds the sheet bundle, the second binding unit does not interfere with the sheet bundle and the posture of the sheet bundle is not lost. Further, the number of sheets bound by the first binding unit is not limited by the binding processing capability of the second binding unit having a low processing capability.

1 is an explanatory diagram of an overall configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an overall configuration of a post-processing device in the image forming system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of the path of the apparatus of FIG. The movement trajectory of the staple unit and eco-binding means. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement relationship between an alignment position and a staple unit in the apparatus of FIG. 2. Binding means slide mechanism diagram Explanatory drawing of 1st Embodiment of the differential means in the apparatus of FIG. Explanatory drawing of 2nd Embodiment of the differential means in the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet bundle carrying-out mechanism in the apparatus of FIG. 2. 1 shows a binding means according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a configuration explanatory view of a staple unit, and (b) is a configuration explanatory view of an eco binding unit. The block diagram which shows the control structure in the apparatus of FIG. The binding processing paper discharge operation | movement flowchart. Jog sorting paper discharge mode in the apparatus of FIG. 1 shows a paper discharge operation mode in the apparatus of FIG. 1, in which (a) is a bookbinding processing paper discharge mode, and (b) is a printout paper discharge mode.

[Image forming system]
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail according to the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus B that performs a binding process, a folding process, and other post-processing on a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus A, and an image forming system including the same.

  The image forming apparatus A forms an image on a sheet based on image reading from a copying machine, facsimile apparatus, printer apparatus, printing apparatus, or the like or image data transferred from the outside. That is, the image forming apparatus A is configured as an image forming unit such as an output terminal of a computer network, a copying machine system, or a facsimile system, and forms an image on a sheet based on data read by an image reading unit in the system (stand-alone). Configuration) and a configuration (network configuration) for forming an image on a sheet based on image data created or image-read in a computer network are employed. The image forming apparatus A and the sheet post-processing apparatus B will be described in this order in accordance with FIG.

[Image forming apparatus]
An image forming apparatus A in the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The illustrated image forming apparatus A shows an electrostatic printing mechanism, and includes an image forming unit A1, a scanner unit A2, and a feeder unit A3. The apparatus housing 1 is provided with installation legs 25 that are installed on an installation surface (for example, a floor surface). In the apparatus housing, a paper feed unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper discharge unit 4, and a data processing unit 5 are incorporated.

  The sheet feeding unit 2 includes cassette mechanisms 2 a to 2 c that store sheets of a plurality of sizes for image formation. The sheet feeding unit 2 feeds a sheet having a size designated by the main body control unit 90 to the sheet feeding path 6. For this reason, a plurality of cassettes 2a to 2c are detachably disposed in the apparatus housing 1, and each cassette has a built-in separation mechanism for separating the internal sheets one by one and a sheet feeding mechanism for feeding out the sheets. The paper feed path 6 is provided with a transport roller 7 for feeding sheets supplied from the plurality of cassettes 2a to 2c to the downstream side, and a registration roller pair 8 for aligning the leading edges of the sheets at the path end. .

  Note that a large-capacity cassette 2d and a manual feed tray 2e are connected to the paper feed path 6 described above, and the large-capacity cassette 2d is configured by an optional unit that stores a large amount of sheets to be consumed. A special sheet such as a cardboard sheet, a coating sheet, or a film sheet, which is difficult to separate and feed, can be supplied.

  The image forming unit 3 shows an electrostatic printing mechanism as an example, and includes a photosensitive member 9 (drum, belt), a light emitter 10 that emits an optical beam to the photosensitive member, a developing device 11 (developer), and a cleaner (not used). Is disposed around the rotating photoreceptor. The illustrated one shows a monochrome printing mechanism, in which a latent image is optically formed on the photosensitive drum 9 by a light emitter, and toner ink is attached to the latent image by a developing device 11.

  A sheet is fed from the paper feed path 6 to the image forming unit 3 in accordance with the timing of image formation on the photosensitive member 9, and the image is transferred onto the sheet by the transfer charger 12. ) Fix at 13. A paper discharge roller 15 and a paper discharge port 16 are arranged in the paper discharge path 14 and convey the sheet to a sheet post-processing apparatus B described later.

  The above-described scanner unit A2 includes a platen 17 on which an image original is placed, a carriage 18 that reciprocates along the platen, a light source mounted on the carriage, and reflected light from the original on the platen to the photoelectric conversion means 19. It is composed of a reducing optical system 20 (a combination of a mirror and a lens) for guiding. 21 is a second platen (traveling platen), and reads the image of the sheet sent from the feeder unit A3 by the carriage 18 and the reduction optical system 20 described above. Although the photoelectric conversion means 19 has undergone photoelectric conversion, the image data is electrically transferred to the image forming unit 3.

  The feeder unit A3 includes a paper feed tray 22, a paper feed path 23 that guides a sheet fed from the paper feed tray to the travel platen 21, and a paper discharge tray 24 that stores a document read on the platen.

  The image forming apparatus A is not limited to the above-described mechanism, and can employ a printing mechanism such as an offset printing mechanism, an inkjet printing mechanism, or an ink ribbon transfer printing mechanism (such as thermal transfer ribbon printing or sublimation ribbon printing).

[Sheet post-processing equipment]
The sheet post-processing device B is a device for post-processing the sheet carried out from the paper discharge port 16 of the image forming apparatus A. (1) A function for stacking and storing the image-formed sheets (first and third processing units B1) , B3; printout mode), (2) a function of storing the image-formed sheets separately (third processing unit B3; jog sorting mode), and (3) collecting and stacking the image-formed sheets A function for binding processing (first processing unit B1; binding processing mode), and (4) a function for aligning and binding sheets on which images have been formed and then folding and binding (second processing unit B2; bookbinding) Processing mode).

  In the present invention, the sheet post-processing apparatus B does not have to have all the functions described above, and may be appropriately configured according to the apparatus specifications (design specifications). In this case as well, a processing unit (first processing unit B1) for aligning and stacking sheets, a first binding unit (needle binding unit 47 to be described later) having a high processing capacity with respect to the number of processed sheets, and a first There is a need for a stack configuration that includes second binding means (a needle-less binding unit 51 described later) having a lower processing capacity than the binding means and that is stored after the binding process is performed by the selected binding means.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration of the sheet post-processing apparatus B. The sheet post-processing apparatus B performs a post-processing on a carry-in port 26 connected to the paper discharge port 16 of the image forming apparatus A and a sheet loaded from the carry-in port (a first stack tray 49 and a second stack tray 61 described later). In the third stack tray 71). The apparatus shown in the figure transfers sheets sent to the sheet carry-in path 28 from the first processing unit B1 to the first stack tray 49.
(Hereinafter referred to as “first tray”) from the second processing unit B2 to the second stack tray 61.
(Hereinafter referred to as “second tray”), the sheet is transferred from the third processing unit B3 to the third stack tray 71 (hereinafter referred to as “third tray”).

The first processing unit B1 is disposed at a path exit (sheet discharge port) 35 of the sheet carry-in path 28, and after sequentially stacking and stacking the sequentially fed sheets, a first stack tray (first storage unit) 49. The second processing unit B2 is disposed at a path exit 62 (second switchback path end described later) branched from the sheet carry-in path 28, and after sequentially aligning and stacking sequentially fed sheets, the folding process is performed. It is stored in a two-stack tray (second storage unit) 61. The third processing unit B3 is incorporated in the sheet carry-in path 28, and after the sheets to be conveyed are separated by being offset by a predetermined amount in the orthogonal direction, are stored in the third stack tray (third storage unit) 71.
Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.

"Device housing"
As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet post-processing apparatus B includes an apparatus housing 27, a sheet carry-in path 28 having a carry-in port 26 and a paper discharge port 35 built in the apparatus housing, and a sheet sent from this path. A first processing unit B1, a second processing unit B2, a third processing unit B3, and first, second, and third trays 49, 61, and 71 that store sheets sent from the processing units are provided. ing. The illustrated apparatus housing 27 is disposed at substantially the same height as the housing 1 of the image forming apparatus A located on the upstream side, and the sheet discharge port 16 of the image forming apparatus A and the carry-in port 26 of the sheet post-processing apparatus B from the installation surface. Are concatenated.

"Sheet carry-in route"
The sheet carry-in path 28 is configured by a straight path that crosses the apparatus housing 27 in a substantially horizontal direction. A paper discharge port 35 is provided which is located on the opposite side across. In the sheet carry-in path 28, a conveyance roller 29 (a sheet conveyance unit such as a roller or a belt) that conveys a sheet from the carry-in port 26 toward the paper discharge port 35, and a paper discharge roller 36 disposed in the paper discharge port 35. (It may be a belt), an inlet sensor S1 for detecting the leading and trailing edges of the sheet carried into the path, and a sheet discharge sensor S2 for detecting the leading and trailing edges of the sheet at the path sheet discharge port.

  The above-described sheet carry-in path 28 is connected so as to distribute and transfer the sheet from the carry-in entrance 26 to the first processing unit B1 and the second processing unit B2, and the second processing unit B2 is disposed downstream on the upstream side in the path discharge direction. The first processing unit B1 is connected to the side. The substantially straight-shaped sheet carry-in path 28 is branched so that the sheet from the carry-in entrance 26 is transferred toward the second processing unit B2, and is then disposed on the downstream side of the path discharge port 35. The route configuration guides the processing unit B1.

  Further, a third paper discharge path (printout paper discharge path) 30 for guiding the sheet not subjected to post-processing in the first and second processing units B1 and B2 to the third tray 71 is connected to the sheet carry-in path 28 described above. The sheet is guided to a third tray (overflow tray) 71. The sheet carry-in path 28 incorporates a third processing unit B3, and this processing unit performs jog sorting that separates the sheets transported along the path by offsetting them in the sheet discharge orthogonal direction. That is, the third processing unit B 3 is built in the sheet carry-in path 28, and the sheets sorted by the processing unit are stored in the third tray 71.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the third sheet discharge path 30, the second sheet discharge path 32, and the first sheet discharge path 31 are arranged in the sheet carry-in path 28 on the downstream side from the carry-in entrance 26. The first path switching means 33 and the second path switching means 34 are arranged at the illustrated positions. Further, the second paper discharge path 32 and the first paper discharge path 31 are configured as switchback paths that reverse the sheet conveying direction and guide each processing unit.

  The third paper discharge path 30 guides the sheet sent from the carry-in entrance 26 to the third tray, and the second paper discharge path 32 guides the sheet sent from the carry-in entrance 26 to the second tray 61. The paper discharge path 31 guides the sheet discharged from the carry-in entrance 26 to the first tray 49. Then, the sheet guided to the third tray 71 is subjected to jog sorting processing by the third processing unit B3 in the carry-in route, and the sheet guided to the second tray 61 is bound by the second processing unit B2, and the first tray 49 is processed. The sheet guided to is subjected to a binding process in the first processing unit B1.

  The first path switching means 33 is composed of a flapper guide that changes the sheet conveyance direction, and is connected to driving means (such as an electromagnetic solenoid and a mini motor) not shown. The switching means 33 selects whether to guide the sheet from the carry-in entrance 26 to the third paper discharge path 30 or to the first and second paper discharge paths 31 and 32. The second path switching means 34 selects whether the sheet sent from the carry-in entrance 26 is guided to the second processing unit B2 or to the first processing unit B1 on the downstream side. The second path switching means 34 is also connected with driving means (not shown). A punch unit 50 that punches punch holes in the loaded sheet is disposed in the sheet loading path 28.

"First processing part"
The first processing unit B1 includes a processing tray 37 that is arranged on the downstream side of the sheet carry-in path 28 and that stacks and stacks the sheets sent from the paper discharge port 35, and a binding processing mechanism that binds the stacked sheet bundle. Is done. As shown in FIG. 2, a step is formed in the sheet discharge port 35 of the sheet carry-in path 28, and a processing tray 37 is disposed below the step, and the sheet is conveyed from the sheet discharge port between the sheet discharge port 35 and the processing tray. A first paper discharge path (switchback path) 31 that reverses the direction and guides the sheet onto the tray is formed.

  Between the paper discharge port 35 and the processing tray 37, a sheet carry-in mechanism for carrying a sheet from the paper discharge port onto the tray, a positioning mechanism for positioning the sheet at a predetermined binding position on the processing tray 37, and A sheet bundle carrying-out mechanism for carrying out the bound sheet bundle to the first tray 49 on the downstream side is arranged. Each configuration will be described later.

  Note that the processing tray 37 shown in FIG. 2 bridges and supports the sheet sent from the sheet discharge outlet 35 with the first tray 49 on the downstream side. In other words, the sheet sent from the paper discharge port 35 is configured to support the leading end of the sheet on the uppermost sheet of the first tray 49 on the downstream side and the trailing end of the sheet on the processing tray 37 by bridging. Yes.

"Second processing part"
A second paper discharge path (second switchback path) 32 is branched and connected to the sheet carry-in path 28 on the upstream side of the first paper discharge path (first switchback path) 31. The sheet is guided to the second processing unit B2. The second processing unit B2 aligns and collects the sheets sent from the sheet carry-in path 28, binds the center portion, and performs inward folding (hereinafter referred to as “magazine finishing”). A second tray 61 is arranged on the downstream side of the second processing unit B2, and stores the sheet bundle that has been bound.

  The second processing section B2 includes a guide member 66 for stacking sheets in a bundle, a restriction stopper 67 (the illustrated one is a tip restriction stopper) for positioning the sheet at a predetermined position on the guide member, and positioning by the stopper. A staple device 63 (saddle stitching staple unit) for binding the central portion of the sheet, and a folding processing mechanism (folding roll pair 64 and folding blade 65) for folding the sheet bundle at the central portion after the binding processing. .

  The saddle stitching stapling unit 63 has a central portion (line) in a state in which a sheet bundle is sandwiched between a head unit and an anvil unit as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2008-184324 and 2009-051644. ), And a binding mechanism is used. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the folding processing mechanism employs a configuration in which a fold of a sheet bundle is inserted into a pair of folding rolls 64 that are in pressure contact with each other by a folding blade 65 and folded by rolling of the roll pair. Such mechanisms are also disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2008-184324 and 2009-051644.

  The illustrated first processing unit B1 and the sheet carry-in path 28 are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, and the second paper discharge path 32 for guiding the sheet to the second processing unit B2 is arranged in the vertical direction, and the sheets are collected and aligned. The guide member 66 is disposed in a substantially vertical direction. Thus, the apparatus can be slimmed by arranging the sheet carry-in path 28 in the direction crossing the apparatus housing 27 and arranging the processing paths (parts) 32 and B2 in the vertical direction.

  A second tray 61 is disposed on the downstream side of the second processing unit B2, and stores a sheet bundle folded in a magazine shape. The illustrated second tray 61 is disposed below the first tray 49. This is because the first tray 49 has a height position at which the sheet on the tray can be easily taken out because the device specification is higher than the usage frequency of the second tray 61.

"3rd processing part"
A third paper discharge path 30 is formed on the upstream side of the first paper discharge path 31 and the second paper discharge path 32 in the sheet carry-in path 28, and guides the sheet from the carry-in entrance 26 to the third tray 71. A roller shift mechanism (not shown) that offsets the sheet to be conveyed by a predetermined amount in the orthogonal direction is arranged in the path for guiding the sheet from the carry-in entrance 26 to the third tray 71 (carry-in path or third discharge path). ing.

  Then, the sheet in the orthogonal direction of the sheet carried out to the third tray 71 is shifted (offset) and stored on the tray so as to divide the sheet from the carry-in entrance 26 into each part. Since various mechanisms are known for the jog sorting mechanism, description thereof is omitted.

"Configuration of the first processing unit"
Each configuration of the sheet carry-in mechanism, the sheet positioning mechanism, the binding processing mechanism, and the sheet bundle carry-out mechanism of the first processing unit B1 will be described.

"Sheet loading mechanism"
As shown in FIG. 3, between the paper discharge port 35 and the processing tray 37, reverse conveying mechanisms 41 and 42 for switching back the sheet from the paper discharge port in the paper discharge direction and the opposite direction of the paper discharge, and the sheet in the tray. A guide mechanism (sheet guide member) 44 that guides the sheet to the side and a scraping rotator 46 that guides the sheet to the leading edge regulating means are arranged.

  The reversing and conveying mechanism includes an elevating roller 41 that moves up and down between an operating position that engages with a sheet that is loaded onto the processing tray and a separated standby position, and a paddle rotating body 42 that transfers the sheet in the direction opposite to the paper discharge. The elevating roller 41 and the paddle rotating body 42 are attached to a swing bracket 43.

  A swing bracket 43 is disposed on the apparatus frame 27a so as to be swingable about a rotation shaft 36x (the sheet discharge roller shaft is shown), and the rotation shafts of the lifting roller 41 and the paddle rotating body 42 are supported by bearings on the bracket. ing. The swinging bracket 43 is connected to a lifting motor (not shown), and moves up and down between an operating position where the mounted lifting roller 41 and the paddle rotating body 42 are engaged with the sheet and a standby position separated from the sheet.

  A driving motor (not shown) is connected to the paddle rotating body 42 and the lifting roller 41 is connected to the paddle rotating body 42, and the driving is transmitted so that the lifting roller 41 rotates in the forward / reverse direction and the paddle rotating body 42 rotates in the reverse direction (the direction opposite to the paper discharge). ing. The processing tray 37 is also provided with a driven roller 48 that is in pressure contact with the elevating roller 41 and nips a single sheet or a bundle of sheets and carries the sheet downstream.

  A guide mechanism for guiding the trailing edge of the sheet carried on the processing tray toward the regulating means 38 is disposed between the raising and lowering roller 41 and a scraping rotary body 46 described later. The guide member 44 is configured to move up and down from the dotted line state to the solid line state. The guide member 44 is retracted to the dotted line position when the sheet is carried out from the discharge port 35, and the rear end of the sheet has passed through the discharge port 35. Later, the rear end of the sheet is guided onto the processing tray. For this reason, a driving mechanism (not shown) is connected to the sheet guide member 44 and moves up and down in accordance with the timing for guiding the sheet rear end from the sheet discharge port 35 onto the processing tray.

"Sheet positioning mechanism"
Positioning mechanisms 38 and 39 for positioning the sheet at a predetermined binding position are arranged on the processing tray 37. The illustrated mechanism is a sheet end regulating means 38 that abuts and regulates the trailing end of the sheet, and a sheet side edge as a reference ( The side edge aligning means 39 is positioned at the center reference and one side reference) position.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet end regulating means 38 is constituted by a stopper member that abuts and regulates the rear end of the sheet. The side edge aligning member 39 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. In the illustrated apparatus, the sheet is discharged from the sheet carry-in path 28 with the center reference, and positioned with the same center reference according to the binding mode, or with the one side reference. Position.

"Side edge alignment means"
As shown in FIG. 5, the side edge alignment plates 39F and 39R protrude upward from the paper loading surface 37a of the processing tray 37, have a regulating surface 39x that engages with the side edge of the sheet, and are arranged so as to face each other on the left and right sides To do. The pair of side edge aligning means 39 is arranged on the processing tray 37 so as to be reciprocable with a predetermined stroke. This stroke is set by the size difference between the maximum size sheet and the minimum size sheet and the offset amount by which the sheet bundle after alignment is moved (offset transported) in either the left or right direction.

  That is, the moving strokes of the left and right side edge aligning means 39F and 39R are set by the moving amount for aligning different size sheets and the offset amount of the aligned sheet bundle. In the offset movement of the side edge alignment plates 39F and 39R, a sheet conveyed on the basis of the center is moved by a predetermined amount when corner binding is performed, and is moved by a predetermined amount to the left when right corner binding is performed and to the left side when left corner binding is performed. This offset movement is performed either when the sheets are carried into the processing tray 37 one by one (for each carried-in sheet) or when the sheets are moved in a bundle for binding processing after the sheets are aligned in a bundle. Is adopted.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the side edge aligning means 39 is composed of a right edge aligning member 39F (device front side) and a left edge aligning member 39R (device rear side). The regulating surface 39x that engages with the end is supported by the processing tray 37 so as to move in the approaching direction or the separating direction. The processing tray 37 is provided with a slit groove (not shown) penetrating the front and back, and a side edge aligning means 39 having a regulating surface 39x that engages with the sheet side edge is slidably fitted from the slit to the upper surface of the tray. ing.

  The side edge aligning members 39F and 39R are slidably supported by a plurality of guide rollers 80 (which may be rail members) on the back side of the tray, and a rack 81 is integrally formed. Alignment motors M 1 and M 2 are connected to the left and right racks 81 via pinions 82. The left and right alignment motors M1 and M2 are stepping motors. The position sensors (not shown) detect the positions of the left and right side edge alignment members 39F and 39R, and the alignment members are moved in either direction to the left or right based on the detected values. The position can be moved by a designated movement amount.

  Instead of using the illustrated rack-pinion mechanism, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the side edge alignment members 39F and 39R are fixed to a timing belt and connected to a motor that reciprocates the belt with a pulley.

  With such a configuration, the control unit 95, which will be described later, places the left and right side edge alignment members 39F and 39R at a predetermined standby position (sheet width size + α position) based on sheet size information provided from the image forming apparatus A or the like. Wait. In the case of “multiple binding”, the sheet is carried onto the processing tray 37 and the alignment operation is started at the timing when the sheet end hits the trailing edge regulating means 38. In this alignment operation, the left and right alignment motors M1 and M2 are rotated in the opposite direction (approach direction) by the same amount.

  Then, the sheets carried into the processing tray 37 are positioned with reference to the sheet center and stacked in a bundle. By repeating the sheet carrying-in operation and the aligning operation, the sheets are collected in a bundle on the processing tray 37. At this time, sheets of different sizes are positioned based on the center reference. In the case of “corner binding”, the sheet is carried onto the processing tray 37, and the alignment operation is started at the timing when the sheet edge hits the trailing edge regulating means 38. This alignment operation makes the movement amount of the alignment plate on the binding position side different from the movement amount of the alignment plate on the opposite side of the binding position. Then, the movement amount is set so that the sheet corner is positioned at a preset binding position.

"Binding mechanism"
In the processing tray 37, binding processing mechanisms 47 and 60 for binding the sheet bundle accumulated on the paper placement surface 37a are arranged. The processing tray 37 is positioned at a predetermined binding position on the paper loading surface 37a by a positioning mechanism (sheet end regulating means 38 and side edge aligning means 39). The binding processing mechanisms 47 and 51 include a first binding unit 47 (first binding means; the same applies to “staple unit” and the following) for binding a sheet bundle with staples, and a second binding unit 51 (second binding) for stapleless binding. Means; “eco-binding unit” and the like) are selectively arranged at the binding position.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the processing tray 37 is provided with binding processing mechanisms 47 and 51 for binding the trailing end portion of the sheet carried from the paper discharge port 35. The binding mechanism is shown in FIG. The staple unit (first binding unit) 47 and the eco-binding unit (second binding unit) 51 are movable along the rear end of the paper loading surface 37a.

  FIG. 4 shows a staple unit (first binding unit) 47 and an eco-binding unit (second binding unit) 51 arranged on the processing tray. In the illustrated apparatus, a binding position Cp1 is set at a sheet corner located on the left side of the drawing. The first binding unit 47 and the second binding unit 51 are reciprocally moved to the binding position Cp1.

  For this reason, the first binding unit 47 moves with a predetermined stroke SL1 along the first traveling rail 53 and the second traveling rail 54 formed on the apparatus frame 27b. Similarly, the second binding unit 51 is disposed on the apparatus frame 57. The first guide rod 56a and the second guide rod 56b (see FIG. 10) are arranged so as to move with the stroke SL2.

  FIG. 5 shows the movement strokes of the sheets carried into the processing tray 37 and the first and second binding units 47 and 51. The processing tray 37 carries different size sheets from the maximum size sheet to the minimum size sheet on the basis of the center. The pair of left and right side edge aligning members 39F and 39R aligns the sheet with reference to the binding side edge of the sheet (the left edge in the figure) so that sheets of different sizes match. For this reason, the left and right alignment members 39F and 39R are connected to different drive motors M1 and M2, respectively, and the control means 95 described later sets the movement amounts of the left and right alignment members 39F and 39R according to the sheet size.

  Note that the control unit 95 described later aligns sheets based on the center reference in a binding process other than the sheet corner binding process, for example, in a multi-binding mode described later. In this case, the left and right alignment members 39F and 39R are moved to the sheet center by the same amount from the standby position, thereby positioning the sheet at the binding position.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the first binding unit 47 is in the first stroke SL1 between the standby position Wp1 (first standby position) and the binding position Cp1, and the second binding unit 51 is in the standby position Wp2 (second standby position). And the second stroke SL2 between the binding position Cp1. That is, the first binding unit 47 reciprocates between the standby position Wp1 and the binding position Cp1 along the running rails 53 and 54 (guide grooves, guide rods, etc.), and the second binding unit 51 is guided by the guide rods 56a and 56b ( It may reciprocate between the standby position Wp2 and the binding position Cp1 along the guide groove).

The binding position Cp1 is set at the sheet corner (hereinafter referred to as “set binding position”), and the first standby position Wp1 and the second standby position Wp2 have the following relationship with respect to this position.
(1) Setting is performed so that the first standby position Wp1 and the second standby position Wp2 are located on the opposite sides with the set binding position Cp1 interposed therebetween.
(2) The first standby position Wp1 is the outside of the maximum size sheet to be bound on the processing tray, or the binding processing position farthest from the set binding position Cp1 on the processing tray (a multi-binding position Ma or a manual binding position described later) Mp: maximum remote binding position).
(3) The second standby position Wp2 is set outside the sheet side edge aligned with the set binding position (outside the sheet placement area of the paper placement surface).
(4) The first stroke length SL1 between the first standby position Wp1 and the set binding position Cp1 is set larger (longer) than the second stroke length SL2 between the second standby position Wp2 and the set binding position Cp1. To do.

  Thus, by setting the first standby position Wp1 and the second standby position Wp2 to the opposite sides with respect to the set binding position Cp1, when one unit approaches, the other unit moves away (reciprocal retreat approach). Operation). Further, by setting SL1> SL2, the binding processing position (multi-binding position Ma described later) of the first binding unit 47 can be set relatively freely. On the other hand, the second binding unit 51 performs the binding process only at a preset binding position. As a result, the total movement stroke length of the first and second binding units 47 and 51 can be set small, and the apparatus can be miniaturized.

  The control means 95, which will be described later, is configured such that when the first binding unit 47 is at the set binding position Cp1, the second binding unit is at the standby position Wp2, and when the second binding unit 51 is at the set binding position Cp1, the first binding unit is at the standby position Wp1. Both units are reciprocally moved so that they are positioned at. That is, when a sheet is bound by one binding unit, the position of the other binding unit is set to the outside (outside) of the sheet carry-in area of the sheet (sheet bound by one binding unit) carried into the processing tray 37, that is, the processing tray. 37 is set to the outside of the sheet (a state in which the sheet bound by one binding unit does not enter the opening of the other binding unit). With such a configuration, when the first binding unit 47 performs the binding process, the opening of the second binding unit 51 does not interfere with the sheet bundle and the posture of the sheet bundle is not lost. Further, the number of sheets to which the first binding unit 47 performs the binding processing is not limited by the binding processing capability of the second binding unit 51 having a low processing capability.

  The reciprocal position movement of the first and second binding units 47 and 51 can be achieved by (1) varying the amount of rotation in accordance with the movement stroke with independent drive motors, or (2) using the same drive source for the first binding unit. Either one of the methods of making the movement amount of 47 and the second binding unit 51 different is adopted.

  FIG. 6 shows a mode in which the first binding unit 47 and the second binding unit 51 are moved differently by the same drive source. A pair of left and right pulleys 58a and 58b are arranged on the device frame 27b along the movement region (left and right direction in FIG. 6) of the first unit, and a timing belt 59 (toothed belt) is bridged between both pulleys. A drive motor M3 (stepping motor) is connected to the pulley 58a.

  A transmission pinion 75 is connected to the other pulley 58b via a differential means (transmission means) 74, and a rack 76 fixed to the frame of the second binding unit 51 is engaged with the pinion. And the differential means 74 is a gear mechanism (the following first embodiment) having a transmission ratio adapted to the stroke difference between the first and second strokes SL1 and SL2, or a slip clutch mechanism (the second embodiment below), It is composed of a combination of these two mechanisms.

“First Embodiment of Differential Unit”
FIG. 7 shows a first embodiment of the differential means 74, and when the drive motor M3 rotates by a transmission mechanism whose perspective structure is shown in FIG. 6, the first binding unit 47 is moved at the first stroke SL1 by the rotation amount. The transmission ratio is varied so that the second binding unit 51 reciprocates linearly in the second stroke SL2.

  For example, in the illustrated apparatus, the second stroke length SL2 is set to 1/5 of the first stroke length SL1, and the gear ratio of the gear G1 connected to the drive motor M3 and the gear The gear ratio of the gear G3 that meshes with the rack via G2 is set to 5 times. In FIG. 7B, a transmission gear G1 is provided in a pulley (driven pulley) 58b connected to the drive motor M3, and the gear G2 driven by this gear is coaxial with the rack 76 and the gear G3 engaged with the rack 76. It is connected so as to rotate integrally. The gear ratio between the gear G1 and the gears G2 and G3 is set so as to coincide with the stroke ratio of the first and second stroke lengths SL1 and SL2.

  Accordingly, when the drive motor M3 is rotated by a predetermined amount, the first binding unit 47 moves between the first strokes SL1, and at the same time, the second binding unit moves between the second strokes SL2. The moving direction is set in the same direction.

“Second Embodiment of Differential Unit”
As shown in the perspective configuration of FIG. 6, the timing belt 59 of the first binding unit 47 is connected to the drive motor M3. At this time, as described above, the movement stroke SL1 of the first binding unit 47 is set longer than the movement stroke SL2 of the second binding unit 51. Therefore, in the differential means 77 shown in FIG. 8, the slip clutch means 78 is arranged in the transmission means of the second binding unit 51 having a short moving distance.

  FIG. 8A shows an example of a slip clutch mechanism. A transmission gear G4 is provided integrally with the pulley shaft 58x of the timing belt 59 that is connected to the drive motor M3 and reciprocates the first binding unit 47, and the gear G5 that meshes with this gear is integrally attached to the transmission rotation shaft 79. It has been. A transmission pinion G6 is rotatably fitted to the outer periphery of the transmission rotating shaft 79. A rack 76 fixed to the second binding unit 51 is connected to the transmission pinion G6 so as to be engaged.

  Thus, the load torque transmitted from the clutch spring 73 to the transmission pinion G6 exceeds a predetermined value between the transmission rotation shaft 79 connected to the drive motor M3 and the transmission pinion G6 loosely fitted on the rotation shaft. Sometimes, a sliding motion is provided between the transmission rotating shaft 79 and the transmission pinion G6.

  As shown in FIGS. 8B, 8C, and 8D, the free ends 73a and 73b of the clutch spring 73 are engaged with protrusions G6a and G6b provided on the transmission pinion G6 side. The clutch spring 73 and the transmission rotating shaft 79 are frictionally engaged. The frictional relationship is that when the load torque of the transmission pinion G6 exceeds a predetermined value, the spring relaxes and slips between the transmission rotation shaft 79 and the transmission pinion G6, and when the load torque is less than the predetermined value, FIG. The rotation is transmitted in the state of b). When the load torque acting on the second binding unit 51 exceeds a predetermined value, slip occurs between the transmission rotation shaft 79 and the transmission pinion G6 during the rotation in the direction of the arrows in FIGS.

  In such a configuration, when the first binding unit 47 is moved from the set binding position Cp1 to the standby position Wp1 by the rotation of the drive motor M3, the clutch spring 73 interlocks the second binding unit 51 in the state of FIG. 8B. It moves from the standby position Wp2 toward the set binding position Cp1. When the second binding unit 51 reaches the set binding position Cp1 and hits a locking stopper (not shown), a load torque close to infinity acts on the transmission pinion G6. When this load torque is exceeded, the clutch spring 73 slides with a gap (gap) formed between the clutch spring 73 and the transmission rotating shaft 79. Then, the first binding unit 47 moves toward the standby position Wp1 by the rotation of the drive motor M3 thereafter.

  The transmission rotation and sliding rotation by the clutch spring 73 perform the same interlocking action when the first binding unit 47 is moved from the standby position Wp1 to the set binding position Cp1 (rotation in the opposite direction of the motor). Thus, the first binding unit 47 reciprocates between the first strokes SL1 by forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor M3, and reciprocates between the second strokes SL2 by interlocking the second binding unit 51 at the initial stage of the movement. Thereafter, the rotation of the drive motor M3 is transmitted only to the first binding unit 47.

"Movement mechanism of staple unit"
As shown in FIG. 3, a staple unit 47 is mounted on an apparatus frame (chassis frame) 27b so as to be movable at a predetermined stroke. A first traveling rail 53 and a second traveling rail 54 are disposed on the device frame 27b. A travel rail surface 53x is formed on the first travel rail 53, and a travel cam surface 54x is formed on the second travel rail 54. The travel rail surface 53x and the travel cam surface 54x cooperate with each other to form a staple unit 47 (hereinafter referred to as this section). In this case, the "moving unit" is supported so as to be able to reciprocate with a predetermined stroke, and its angular attitude is controlled at the same time.

  The first traveling rail 53 and the second traveling rail 54 are formed with a rail surface 53x and a traveling cam surface 54x so as to reciprocate within the moving range of the moving unit (see FIG. 5). A timing belt 59 connected to a drive motor (travel motor) M3 is fixed to the moving unit 47 (staple unit). The timing belt 59 is wound around a pair of pulleys 58a and 58b pivotally supported on the apparatus frame 27b, and a drive motor M3 is connected to one of the pulleys. Therefore, the staple unit 47 reciprocates at the stroke SL1 by forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor M3.

  The travel rail surface 53x and the travel cam surface 54x are spaced apart from each other by a parallel interval portion (span I1) parallel to each other, a narrow swing interval portion (span I2), and a narrower interval swing interval portion (span I3). Is formed. The relationship is span I1> span I2> span I3. In span I1, the swing angle is changed so that the unit is in a posture parallel to the rear edge of the seat, in span I2, the unit is inclined to the left or right, and in span I3, the unit is further inclined.

  The moving unit 47 is engaged with the first and second traveling rails 53 and 54 as follows. As shown in FIG. 3, the moving unit 47 includes a first rolling roller 83 (rail fitting member) engaged with the traveling rail surface 53x and a second rolling roller 84 (engaged with the traveling cam surface 54x). Cam follower member). At the same time, the moving unit 47 has sliding rollers 85 (ball-shaped sliding rollers 85a and 85b are formed at two locations) that engage with the support surface of the frame 27b. Further, the moving unit 47 is formed with a guide roller 86 that engages with the bottom surface of the bottom frame portion frame to prevent the moving unit 47 from floating from the bottom frame frame 27b.

  From the above configuration, the moving unit 47 is supported by the bottom frame frame 27b so as to be movable by the sliding roller 85 and the guide roller 86. At the same time, the first rolling roller 83 travels along the traveling rail surface 53x, and the second rolling roller 84 travels along the rail surface 53x and the cam surface 54x while rotating along the traveling cam surface 54x.

  Therefore, the distance between the traveling rail surface 53x and the cam surface 54x is such that the parallel interval portion (span I1) is formed at the aforementioned multi-binding position Ma1, Ma2 and the manual binding position Mp. In the span I1, as shown in FIG. 4, the moving unit 47 is held in a posture orthogonal to the sheet edge without swinging. Accordingly, at the multi-binding position and the manual binding position, the sheet bundle is bound by a staple needle parallel to the sheet edge.

  Further, as for the distance between the traveling rail surface 53x and the cam surface 54x, the swing interval (span I2) is formed at the right corner binding position Cp2 and the left corner binding position Cp1. As shown in FIG. 4, the moving unit 47 is held in a right tilt angle posture (for example, right 45 ° tilt) and a left tilt angle posture (for example, left 45 ° tilt).

  Further, the interval between the traveling rail surface 53x and the cam surface 54x is the swing interval (span I3) formed at the needle loading position. The span I3 is formed at an interval shorter than the span I2, and in this state, the moving unit 47 is held in a right inclination angle posture (for example, 60 degree inclination) as shown in FIG. The reason for changing the angle of the moving unit 47 at the needle loading position is to make the unit posture coincide with the angle direction in which the needle cartridge 52 is attached to the unit, and the angle is set in relation to the opening / closing cover arranged in the exterior casing.

  When the angular orientation of the moving unit is deflected by the traveling rail surface 53x and the traveling cam surface 54x, the traveling cam surface is provided by providing a second traveling cam surface or a stopper cam surface in order to shorten the moving length. It is preferable from the compactness of the layout that the angle is deflected in cooperation with

  The illustrated stopper cam surface will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom frame frame 27b has a right corner binding position Cp2 on the front side of the apparatus, and a part of the moving unit (the illustrated one is a sliding roller 85) for changing the unit posture at the manual binding position Mp. Engaging stopper surfaces 27c and 27d are arranged at the illustrated positions. Accordingly, it is necessary to correct the inclination of the unit inclined at the needle loading position at the manual binding position Mp. However, changing the angle only by the cam surface and the rail surface described above makes the movement stroke redundant.

  Therefore, when the moving unit 47 is locked by the stopper surface 27c and advanced to the manual binding side, the unit returns from the inclined state to the original state. When the moving unit 47 is returned in the opposite direction from the manual binding position, the stopper surface 27d tilts the unit (forcibly) toward the corner binding position.

"Configuration of staple unit"
The configuration of the above-described staple unit (first binding unit) will be described with reference to FIG. The staple unit 47 is configured separately from the sheet post-processing apparatus B. A box-shaped unit frame 47a, a drive cam 47d pivotally supported by the frame, and a drive motor M4 for rotating the drive cam are mounted on the unit frame 47a.

  In the drive cam 47d, a staple head 47b and an anvil member 47c are arranged opposite to the binding position, and the staple head 47b is biased to the drive cam 47d by an urging spring (not shown) from the upper standby position to the lower staple position (anvil member). ) Up and down. A needle cartridge 52 is detachably attached to the unit frame.

  A linear blank needle is stored in the staple cartridge 52, and the staple is fed to the staple head 47b by a staple feed mechanism. In the staple head portion 47b, a former member for bending a straight needle into a U shape and a driver for press-fitting the bent needle into the sheet bundle are incorporated. With such a configuration, the drive cam 47d is rotated by the drive motor M4 and stored in the urging spring. When the rotation angle reaches a predetermined angle, the staple head portion 47b moves downward toward the anvil member 47c. With this operation, the staple is folded into a U-shape and inserted into the sheet bundle with a screwdriver. Then, the tip is bent and stapled by an anvil member 47c.

  Further, a needle feed mechanism is built in between the staple cartridge 52 and the staple head 47b, and a sensor (empty sensor) for detecting the absence of the needle is disposed in this needle feed section. Alternatively, a cartridge sensor (not shown) for detecting whether or not the needle cartridge 52 is inserted is disposed in the unit frame 47a.

  The illustrated needle cartridge 52 employs a structure in which staple needles connected in a strip shape to a box-shaped cartridge are stacked and stored, and a structure in which the staple needles are stored in a roll shape. The unit frame 47a is provided with a circuit for controlling the above-described sensors and a circuit board for controlling the drive motor M4. When the staple cartridge 52 is not stored or when the staple is empty, a warning signal is issued. It has become. The staple control circuit controls the drive motor M4 to execute a stapling operation in response to a staple needle signal. When the staple head moves from the standby position to the anvil position and returns to the standby position, the “operation end signal” is displayed. ”Is transmitted.

"Configuration of the needleless binding unit"
The configuration of the second binding unit (needleless binding unit) 51 will be described with reference to FIG. As a needleless binding means for binding a sheet bundle without using a metal needle, a means for pressing the sheet bundle from the front and back with a pressing member having concave and convex surfaces meshing with each other to bind the sheets together (press bind binding apparatus) And means for forming slit-like cuts in the sheet bundle to fold and bind the sheets together (notch folding device; see JP 2011-256008 A), and means for binding with a vegetable resin string ( Resin string binding devices) are known. These binding methods are known as eco binding binding methods because they are bound using sheet bundles without using metal needles. Hereinafter, a press binding mechanism will be described as an example.

  As the press binding mechanism, the pressing surfaces 51b and 51c, which can be pressed against and separated from each other, are formed with concave and convex surfaces, and the sheet bundle is pressed from the front and back to deform and bind the sheets. FIG. 9B shows a press bind unit 51. A movable frame member 51d is pivotally supported on a base frame member 51a, and both frames are pivotally supported by a support shaft 51x. A follower roller 60 is disposed on the movable frame member 51d, and a drive cam 68 disposed on the base frame member 51a is engaged with the follower roller.

  A drive motor M5 disposed on the base frame member 51a is connected to the drive cam 68 via a speed reduction mechanism. The drive cam 68 is rotated by the rotation of the motor, and a movable frame is formed on the cam surface (the illustrated eccentric cam). The member 51d is configured to swing.

  The lower pressing surface 51c is disposed on the base frame member 51a, and the upper member pressing surface 51b is disposed on the movable frame member 51d. Although not shown, an urging spring is disposed between the base frame member 51a and the movable frame member 51d, and is urged in a direction in which the pressure surfaces are separated from each other.

  As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 8B, the upper pressure surface 51b and the lower pressure surface 51c are formed with protrusions on one side and recessed grooves that match with the protrusions on the other side. The protrusions and the recessed grooves are formed in a rib shape having a predetermined length. Therefore, the sheet bundle sandwiched between the upper pressure surface 51b and the lower pressure surface 51c is deformed into a corrugated plate shape and comes into close contact. A position sensor (not shown) is disposed on the base frame member 51a (unit frame), and is configured to detect whether the upper and lower pressure surfaces 51b and 51c are in the pressure position or the separated position.

  The press bind unit (eco-binding unit; second binding unit) 51 configured as described above is movable to the first and second guide rods 56a and 56b (may be grooves) arranged on the apparatus frame 57. And reciprocates between the set binding position Cp1 of the sheets stacked on the processing tray 37 and the second standby position Wp as described above.

"Sheet bundling mechanism"
The processing tray 37 is provided with a sheet bundle carrying-out mechanism for carrying out the bound sheet bundle toward the first tray 49 on the downstream side. As a means for conveying the sheet bundle to the downstream side, a method of conveying with a pair of rollers in pressure contact with each other (carrying-out roller means), and a conveyor that pushes out the trailing edge of the sheet with an extrusion member that moves from the upstream side to the downstream side along the tray surface. Means are known. The illustrated apparatus employs both means.

  FIG. 10 shows the sheet bundle carrying-out mechanism, and the extrusion protrusion 38 that moves from the binding position (processing position) positioned upstream along the processing tray 37 to the downstream stack tray (first tray) 49, and moves the extrusion protrusion. The conveyor belt 38v and the drive motor M6 constitute a conveyor means. The processing tray 37 is provided with a follower roller 48 (boundary between the paper loading surface 37a and the first tray 49) and a lift roller 41 that is in pressure contact with the follower roller in the above-described configuration. 48 and the raising / lowering roller 41 constitute the carry-out roller means.

  Accordingly, the processing tray 37 is provided with conveyor means 38 and 38v for transferring the sheet bundle so as to push the sheet bundle from the upstream side to the downstream side, and carry-out roller means 48 and 41 for nipping and carrying the sheet bundle. . FIG. 10A shows a state in which the sheet bundle is located at the binding position on the processing tray. At this time, the conveyor means 38 and 38v and the carry-out roller means 48 and 41 are placed in an operating state. FIG. 4B shows a state in the middle of transferring the sheet bundle from the processing position to the downstream side, and the sheet bundle is sent to the downstream side by the position movement of the extrusion protrusion 38 and the rotation of the carry-out roller means 48 and 41. FIG. 7C shows a state immediately before the sheet bundle is carried out to the first tray 49 on the downstream side. The sheet bundle on the processing tray is gradually lowered (low speed) by the rotation of the carry-out roller means 48 and 41. Sent). At this time, the push-out protrusion 38 stands by at the illustrated position and returns (retreats) to the initial position.

"Configuration of folding roll means"
A folding roll means 64 for folding the sheet bundle and a folding blade 65 for inserting the sheet bundle at the nip position of the folding roll means are provided at the folding position Y arranged on the downstream side of the second processing section B2. .

  The pair of folding rolls 64a and 64b is formed of a material having a relatively large friction coefficient such as a rubber roller. This is because the sheet is bent and transferred by a soft material such as rubber, and may be formed by lining the rubber material.

  The pair of folding rolls 64a and 64b is located on the curved or bent protruding side of the guide member 66, and a folding blade 65 having a knife edge is provided at a position facing the sheet bundle supported by the guide member. .

"Sheet fold finish mode"
In this mode, the image forming apparatus A forms an image on the sheet, and the sheet post-processing apparatus B finishes the booklet. The sheet sent to the sheet carry-in path 28 is guided to the sheet discharge roller 36, where the control CPU 95 discharges the sheet at the timing when the sheet rear end passes the path switching piece based on the signal detected by the sheet sensor S1. The roller 36 is stopped. Then, the paper discharge roller 36 is reversed. Then, the sheet that has entered the sheet carry-in path 28 is reversed in the conveyance direction and is guided to the second paper discharge path 32 from the path switching piece. And it guides to the guide member 66 with the conveyance roller arrange | positioned in this path | route.

  The control CPU 95 moves the restriction stopper 67 at the timing when the sheet is carried into the guide member 66 from the second paper discharge path 32. Then, the entire sheet is supported by the guide member 66.

  Therefore, when receiving the job end signal, the control CPU 95 moves the restriction stopper 67 and positions and sets the center of the sheet at the binding position. Then, the control CPU 95 operates the saddle stitching stapling device 63 to staple one or more places in the center of the sheet. In response to this operation completion signal, the control CPU 95 moves the restricting stopper 67 to position and set the center of the sheet at the folding position Y, and after folding the sheet bundle, the sheet bundle is carried out to the second stack tray 61.

[Description of control configuration]
A control configuration in the image forming system of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming system shown in FIG. 11 includes a control unit 90 (hereinafter referred to as “main body control unit”) of the image forming apparatus A and a control unit 95 (hereinafter referred to as “binding processing control unit”) of the sheet post-processing apparatus B. . The main body control unit 90 includes a print control unit 91, a paper feed control unit 92, and an input unit 93 (control panel).

  Then, an “image forming mode” and a “post-processing mode” are set from the input unit 93 (control panel). The image forming mode sets mode settings such as color / monochrome printing, duplex / single-sided printing, and image forming conditions such as sheet size, sheet paper quality, number of printouts, and enlarged / reduced printing. The “post-processing mode” is set to, for example, “print-out mode”, “staple binding processing mode”, “eco-binding processing mode”, “jog sorting mode”, or the like. The apparatus shown in the figure is provided with a “manual binding mode”, and in this mode, the sheet bundle binding processing operation is executed off-line separately from the main body control unit 90 of the image forming apparatus A.

  Further, the main body control unit 90 transfers the post-processing mode, the number of sheets, the number of copies information, the sheet thickness information of the sheet on which an image is formed, and the like to the binding processing control unit 95. At the same time, the main body control unit 90 transfers a job end signal to the binding processing control unit 75 every time image formation is completed.

  The above-described post-processing mode will be described. In the “print-out mode”, the sheet from the paper discharge port 35 is stored in the stack tray 49 via the processing tray 37 without performing the binding process. In this case, the sheets are stacked and stacked on the processing tray 37, and the stacked sheet bundle is carried out to the stack tray 49 by a jog end signal from the main body control unit 90.

  In the “staple binding processing mode”, the sheets from the paper discharge outlet 35 are stacked on the processing tray and aligned, and the sheet bundle is bound and stored in the stack tray 49. In this case, the sheet to be imaged is in principle designated by the operator to a sheet of the same paper thickness and the same size. As the staple binding processing mode, one of “multiple binding”, “right corner binding”, and “left corner binding” is selected and designated. Each binding position is as described above.

  The “jog sorting mode” is divided into a group in which sheets formed with an image formed by the image forming apparatus A are offset and stacked, and a group in which sheets are stacked without being offset. Sheet bundles that are not offset are stacked.

"Manual binding mode"
The exterior casing is provided with a manual setting unit for setting a sheet bundle to be bound by an operator on the front side of the apparatus. A sensor for detecting the set sheet bundle is arranged on the set surface of the manual feed setting unit, and a binding processing control unit 95 described later moves the stapler unit 47 to the manual binding position by a signal from the sensor. When the operator depresses the operation switch, the binding process is executed.

  Therefore, in this manual binding mode, the binding processing control unit 95 and the main body control unit 90 are controlled off-line. However, when the manual binding mode and the staple binding mode are executed simultaneously, the mode is set so that either one has priority.

[Binding control unit]
The binding process control unit 95 operates the sheet post-processing apparatus B according to the post-processing mode set by the image formation control unit 90. The illustrated binding processing control unit 95 includes a control CPU (hereinafter simply referred to as control means). A ROM 96 and a RAM 97 are connected to the control CPU 95, and a paper discharge operation described later is executed using a control program stored in the ROM 96 and control data stored in the RAM 97. For this reason, the control CPU 95 is connected to the drive circuits of all the drive motors described above to start, stop, and forward / reversely control each motor.

[Paper operation mode]
The control unit (main body control unit) 90 of the image forming apparatus A sets a post-processing (finishing processing) mode of the sheet on which an image is formed simultaneously with the image forming conditions. The illustrated apparatus is set to “staple binding mode”, “eco-binding mode”, “jog sorting mode”, “bookbinding finishing mode”, “print-out mode”, “interrupt mode”, and “manual binding mode”. The operation in each mode will be described below.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an operation flow of stapling or eco-binding the sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray 37 of the first processing unit B1 and storing it in the first tray 49 on the downstream side. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet discharge mode in which the sheet is jog-divided for each part, and is offset in the sheet discharge orthogonal direction by the jog mechanism (roller shift mechanism; not shown) of the third processing unit (sheet carry-in path) B3. It is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement flow accommodated in the 3rd tray 71 of downstream later. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a bookbinding processing paper discharge mode in which the second processing unit B2 finishes bookbinding.

“Staple binding mode and eco-binding mode in the first processing unit”
Referring to FIG. 12, the post-processing mode is set on the control panel 93 of the image forming apparatus A (St01). Based on the post-processing mode setting information, the control unit 95 of the sheet post-processing apparatus moves the binding unit when stapling processing is designated (St04). The binding unit is also moved when the eco-binding process is denied (St05).

  When performing stapling processing, the first binding unit 47 is moved to the set binding position Cp1, and the second binding unit is moved to the second standby position Wp2. When this unit position is set as a home position, each unit moves after confirming whether it is home.

  Next, the image forming apparatus A forms an image and discharges the sheet (St07, St08). The sheet post-processing apparatus B receives the image forming sheet sent to the carry-in entrance 26 and conveys it to the downstream side (St09). At this time, when punching is designated (St10), the control means 95 temporarily stops the sheet at the punching position (St11). Then, the punch unit 50 is moved in the sheet discharge orthogonal direction, the side edge of the sheet is detected by the sensor and the predetermined punching position is determined, and then the punch unit 50 is stopped to execute the punching operation (St13).

  When punching processing is not designated, the control means 95 accepts the carry-in side sheet and conveys it to the path paper discharge port. Then, it is carried into the processing tray 37 and positioned at a predetermined position by the positioning means (St15). The control means 95 stacks and stores the sheets sent to the paper discharge port 35 on the paper placement surface of the processing tray 37 (St07 to St15). When the jog end signal is received from the image forming apparatus A (St <b> 16), the control unit 95 transmits a binding processing instruction signal to the first binding unit 47 or the second binding unit 51. Then, the first binding unit 47 or the second binding unit 51 executes the binding process (St17).

  When receiving the binding processing end signal from the first (or second) binding unit 47, 51, the control means 95 stores the sheet bundle that has been subjected to the binding process by the sheet bundle carrying-out means in the first tray 49 on the downstream side (St18). . The stacking height is detected by a paper level detection sensor (not shown) arranged on the first tray 49, and when it exceeds a predetermined angle, the first tray 49 is lowered (St20). Next, the control means 95 determines whether there is a next job (St21) and completes the operation.

  The jog sorting paper discharge mode will be described with reference to FIG. When punching is designated for the sheet sent to the carry-in entrance 26 of the sheet carry-in passage 28, the control means 95 temporarily stops the sheet at the punching position (St25). Then, the punch unit 50 is moved in the sheet discharge orthogonal direction, the side edge of the sheet is detected by a sensor and a predetermined punching position is determined, and then the punch unit 50 is stopped to execute the punching operation (St27).

  Next, the control means 95 rotates the roller unit in the paper discharge direction in order to carry out the sheet from the third paper discharge path 30 to the third tray 71 (St30). When the sheet is an even page, the roller unit is stopped (St33), and the sheet is moved by an offset amount set in advance in the sheet discharge orthogonal direction with the sheet nipped (St34). Thereafter, the control means 95 again rotates the roller unit in the paper discharge direction (St35). At this time, the first path switching means 33 is shifted in the direction of guiding the sheet from the carry-in entrance 26 to the third paper discharge path 30, and the sheets are stacked on the third tray 71 (St36).

  The bookbinding processing paper discharge mode will be described with reference to FIG. The sheet on which an image is formed in the same manner as described above is guided to the sheet carry-in path 28. The sheet is guided from the carry-in entrance 26 to the second processing unit B2, and is abutted and regulated by the leading end regulating stopper 67. At this time, the control means 95 has previously received information on the sheet discharge direction size from the image forming apparatus A and has set the position of the leading edge regulating stopper 67.

  The sheets accumulated in the second processing unit B2 are bound by moving the binding unit (saddle stitching unit) to the center of the sheet in response to a job end signal from the image forming apparatus A. The sheet bundle is moved to the folding position when the binding process such as one or two places is completed, and the folding roll 64 is rotated. When the folding blade 65 enters the folding direction and rotates the folding roller 64 by a predetermined amount, the folding blade 65 is retracted. Then, the folding processing sheet is sent out in the paper discharge direction by the paper discharge roller 69 on the downstream side and stored in the second tray 61.

  In this embodiment, the present invention has been described using a sheet post-processing apparatus B including a stapler unit (first binding unit) 47 and eco-binding means (second binding unit) 51 having different binding processing capabilities in the number of processed sheets. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a sheet post-processing apparatus including a plurality of binding processing units having the same binding processing capability in the number of processed sheets.

  In this embodiment, a sheet post-processing apparatus including a stapler unit that performs binding processing on a sheet bundle using a needle and eco-binding means (second binding unit) that performs binding processing on the sheet bundle without using a needle. Although the present invention has been described using the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a sheet post-processing apparatus including two or more stapler units having different numbers of sheets that can be bound.

A image forming apparatus B sheet post-processing apparatus B1 first processing unit B2 second processing unit B3 third processing unit 26 carry-in port 28 sheet carry-in path 30 printout discharge path (third discharge path)
31 First switchback path (first discharge path)
32 Second switchback path (second discharge path)
35 Paper discharge port 36 Paper discharge roller 37 Processing tray 38 Sheet edge regulating means 39 Side edge aligning means 41 Lift roller (reverse conveying mechanism)
42 Paddle rotating body (reversing transport mechanism)
47 Stapler unit (first binding means)
48 driven roller 49 first stack tray (first storage section)
51 Eco-binding means (second binding means) (second binding unit)
53 1st traveling rail 54 2nd traveling rail 56a 1st guide rod 56b 2nd guide rod 61 2nd stack tray (2nd storage part)
71 Third stack tray (third storage)
74 Differential means (transmission means)

Claims (9)

A processing apparatus for processing a sheet,
Stacking means for stacking sheets conveyed in the conveying direction;
First regulating means for regulating a position of the sheet bundle in the intersecting direction by contacting an end portion in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the sheet bundle stacked on the stacking means;
A second restricting means for restricting a position of the sheet bundle in the transport direction by contacting an end portion of the sheet bundle stacked on the stacking means in the transport direction;
The sheet on the one side, which is configured to move from one side of the apparatus to the other side and to move from the other side to the one side by moving in the intersecting direction, and is in contact with the first regulating means. A first binding means for binding a corner portion of the sheet bundle using a needle, including an end portion of the bundle and an end portion of the sheet bundle in the conveyance direction, which is in contact with the second regulating means;
An end portion of the sheet bundle on one side that is configured to be movable and that is in contact with the first restricting means, and an end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction that is in contact with the second restricting means, A second binding means for binding the corner portion of the sheet bundle without using a needle;
Control means, and
The second binding means is formed with an opening, is stacked in the stacking means and binds a sheet bundle positioned in the opening, and has a lower processing capacity than the first binding means with respect to the number of processed sheets. ,
The control means includes
A corner portion of the sheet bundle, including an end portion of the one side sheet bundle that is in contact with the first restricting means, and an end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction that is in contact with the second restricting means. Is bound by the first binding means, the second binding means is located in a region outside the sheet bundle, where the sheet bundle is not located in the opening,
A corner portion of the sheet bundle, including an end portion of the one side sheet bundle that is in contact with the first restricting means, and an end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction that is in contact with the second restricting means. Is bound by the second binding means, the first binding means is positioned on the other side of the one end of the sheet bundle and on the other side of the second binding means. ,
A sheet processing apparatus.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first binding unit is capable of binding a plurality of ends of the sheet bundle in the transport direction, which are in contact with the second restriction unit.   The control means includes an end portion of the sheet bundle on one side that is in contact with the first restricting means, and an end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction that is in contact with the second restricting means. The corner portion of the sheet bundle is bound by the second binding means, and the first binding means is positioned on the other side of the other end of the sheet bundle. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The second binding means is configured to move in the intersecting direction,
The control means includes an end portion of the sheet bundle on one side that is in contact with the first restricting means, and an end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction that is in contact with the second restricting means. When the corner portion of the sheet bundle is bound by the first binding means, the second binding means is arranged on the one side with respect to the one end of the sheet bundle and on the one side than the first binding means. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is positioned on one side.   The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a distance that the first binding unit can move is longer than a distance that the second binding unit can move.   The second restricting means restricts the position of the sheet bundle in the transport direction by contacting an upstream end of the sheet bundle stacked on the stacking means in the transport direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge unit configured to move the sheet bundle stacked on the stacking unit in the transport direction and discharge the sheet bundle from the stacking unit. The sheet processing apparatus according to 1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet,
Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet;
A stacking unit for stacking sheets conveyed in the conveying direction from the image forming unit;
First regulating means for regulating a position of the sheet bundle in the intersecting direction by contacting an end portion in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the sheet bundle stacked on the stacking means;
A second restricting means for restricting a position of the sheet bundle in the transport direction by contacting an end portion of the sheet bundle stacked on the stacking means in the transport direction;
The sheet on the one side, which is configured to move from one side of the apparatus to the other side and to move from the other side to the one side by moving in the intersecting direction, and is in contact with the first regulating means. A first binding means for binding a corner portion of the sheet bundle using a needle, including an end portion of the bundle and an end portion of the sheet bundle in the conveyance direction, which is in contact with the second regulating means;
An end portion of the sheet bundle on one side that is configured to be movable and that is in contact with the first restricting means, and an end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction that is in contact with the second restricting means, A second binding means for binding the corner portion of the sheet bundle without using a needle;
Control means, and
The second binding means is formed with an opening, is stacked in the stacking means and binds a sheet bundle positioned in the opening, and has a lower processing capacity than the first binding means with respect to the number of processed sheets. ,
The control means includes
A corner portion of the sheet bundle, including an end portion of the one side sheet bundle that is in contact with the first restricting means, and an end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction that is in contact with the second restricting means. Is bound by the first binding means, the second binding means is located in a region outside the sheet bundle, where the sheet bundle is not located in the opening,
A corner portion of the sheet bundle, including an end portion of the one side sheet bundle that is in contact with the first restricting means, and an end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction that is in contact with the second restricting means. Is bound by the second binding means, the first binding means is positioned on the other side of the one end of the sheet bundle and on the other side of the second binding means. ,
An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet;
A sheet processing apparatus that stacks and binds sheets sent from the image forming apparatus,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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