JP6639768B2 - Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system using the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet with an image formed, an improvement of a punch mechanism.

Generally, this kind of sheet processing apparatus is known as an apparatus for storing a stack tray after processing the sheet connected to the image formed on the sheet discharge outlet of the image forming apparatus is temporarily held, processing mechanism There are known a binding mechanism for binding a bundle of sheets, a punch mechanism for punching punch holes, a folding mechanism for folding, and a stamping mechanism for stamping.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-158, a sheet on which an image is formed by being connected to a discharge port of an image forming apparatus is guided from a carry-in path to a processing tray, collected in a bundle, bound, and then stored in a stack tray on the downstream side. An apparatus is disclosed. According to the document, a punch unit that punches a punch hole in a sheet is arranged in a carry-in path, a sheet sent to a carry-in port is temporarily stopped, and a punching process is performed. A guiding punch mechanism has been proposed.

Further, sheet processing apparatus sheet processing (binding processing) which is carried from the upstream side in the same time as the applied manual binding mechanism for binding processing of the sheet bundle the operator has set the manual setting unit provided in the outer casing An apparatus equipped with is proposed in, for example, Patent Document 2.

Japanese Patent No. 5010526 JP 2005-096392 A

As mentioned above, processing device you stored on the stack tray after the binding process to guide the processing unit binding the sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus are already known. A unit for arranging a punch unit in a sheet carrying-in path by such an apparatus and punching a punch hole in a sheet to be guided to a binding processing unit is also known from Patent Document 1 mentioned above. Further, a mechanism for providing a manual setting unit for inserting a sheet bundle into an outer casing and binding the set sheet bundle is also known in Patent Document 2 and the like.

The present invention has a task and processing for perforating punch holes in the sheet over preparative, to constitute a sheet processing apparatus capable processing is that processes stapled sheet bundle to the compact in degrees Tsu isolation portion.

To solve the above problem, a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention, a transport path for transporting the sheet over bets, side to one side in the sheet width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the sheet is transported in the transport path An apparatus frame having a frame, an opening formed in a cover disposed on the one side of the side frame in the sheet width direction, and the sheet processing apparatus disposed on the one side of the side frame; A set surface for supporting the lower surface of the sheet bundle inserted from the outside through the opening, and an end of the sheet bundle inserted through the opening disposed on the one side of the side frame and abutting against the set surface. loading a set portion having a restricting surface for restricting the position of the seat, are arranged in a position different from the setting section, the sheet conveyed from the conveying path by That the stacking means, together it is possible to bind the set sheet bundle to the set portion, a binding means capable of binding the sheet bundle stacked on the stacking means, is disposed on the transport path Rutotomoni A punch unit having a punch member for punching a sheet, the punch unit being attached to the apparatus frame so as to be movable in the sheet width direction , wherein the punch unit is most moved to the one side in the sheet width direction. , The one end of the punch unit in the sheet width direction is located on the one side relative to the side frame in the sheet width direction, and the sheet is conveyed in the conveyance path. in the sheet width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction, the mounting portion, the sheet bundle is set in the mounting portion Sheet set region is a region is disposed so as to overlap with the moving region of the end of the punch unit, characterized in that.

The present invention allows the apparatus to be compact .

FIG. 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 sheet post-processing apparatus in the image forming system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of a route of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a manual feed setting unit in the sheet post-processing apparatus of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of a punch unit in the apparatus of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a shift mechanism of the punch unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the punch unit is moved from the state of FIG. 6 to the front side of the apparatus. The movement locus of the staple unit and the 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. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a differential unit of a binding unit in the apparatus of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a stack tray elevating mechanism in the apparatus of FIG. 2. FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the sheet bundle discharging means, in which FIG. 7A shows a state in which the sheet bundle is located at a binding position on the processing tray, and FIG. 7B shows a state in which the sheet bundle is being transferred from the processing position to the downstream side. (C) shows a state immediately before the sheet bundle is carried out to the stack tray on the downstream side. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a staple unit, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an eco-binding unit; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration in the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a binding processing discharge operation in the apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of a jog sorting / discharging mode. 2A and 2B show a flow of a paper discharge mode in the apparatus of FIG. 1, FIG. 2A shows an operation flow of a bookbinding processing paper discharge mode, and FIG.

[Image forming apparatus]
The 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 installed on an installation surface (for example, a floor surface). Further, inside the apparatus housing, a paper feeding unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper discharging unit 4, and a data processing unit 5 are incorporated.

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

  Note that the large-volume cassette 2d and the manual feed tray 2e are connected to the above-described paper feed path 6, and the large-capacity cassette 2d is configured by an optional unit that stores sheets of a large size 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 emitting device 10 that emits an optical beam to the photosensitive member, a developing device 11 (developer), and a cleaner (non-conductive). (Shown) is disposed around the rotating photoconductor. The illustrated one shows a monochrome printing mechanism, in which a latent image is optically formed on a photosensitive drum 9 by a light emitting device, and toner ink is attached to the latent image by a developing device 11.

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

  The above-described scanner unit A2 includes a platen 17 on which an image document is placed, a carriage 18 reciprocating along the platen, a light source mounted on the carriage, and reflected light from the document on the platen to the photoelectric conversion unit 19. It comprises a reducing optical system 20 (combination of mirror and lens) for guiding. Reference numeral 21 denotes a second platen (running platen), which reads an image of a sheet sent from the feeder unit A3 by the carriage 18 and the reduction optical system 20 described above. The photoelectric conversion unit 19 electrically transfers the image data to the image forming unit 3 after the photoelectric conversion.

  The feeder unit A3 is composed of a paper feed tray 22, a paper feed path 23 for guiding sheets sent from the paper feed tray to the traveling platen 21, and a paper discharge tray 24 for storing documents read by the platen.

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

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

  In the present invention, the sheet post-processing apparatus B does not need to have all the above-described functions, and may be appropriately configured according to the apparatus specifications (design specifications). Also in this case, a processing section (first processing section B1) for aligning and stacking sheets, and first and second binding means (a staple binding unit 47 and a stapleless binding unit 51 described later) are provided in the processing section. A stack configuration for storing after binding processing by the selected binding means is required.

  FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration of the sheet post-processing apparatus B. The sheet post-processing apparatus B includes a carry-in port 26 connected to the sheet discharge port 16 of the image forming apparatus A, and a storage unit (a first stack tray 49 and a second stack tray 61 described later) after post-processing the sheet carried in from the carry-in port. , In the third stack tray 71).

  The illustrated apparatus transfers the sheet 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”), and from the second processing unit B2 to the second stack tray 61 ( The sheet is transferred from the third processing section B3 to a third stack tray 71 (hereinafter, referred to as a "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 collating and stacking sequentially fed sheets and performing binding processing, a first tray (first storage unit; hereinafter, referred to as a first storage unit). (Similarly) 49. The second processing unit B2 is disposed at a path exit 62 (end of a second switchback path described below) branched from the sheet carry-in path 28, sorts and accumulates sequentially fed sheets, performs binding processing, and then performs folding processing. It is stored in two trays (second storage section; the same applies hereinafter) 61. The third processing unit B3 is incorporated in the sheet carry-in path 28, and moves the sheet to be carried in a direction (a direction orthogonal to the direction perpendicular to the present embodiment) that intersects the carrying direction (the carrying direction of the sheet carried in the sheet carrying-in path 28). After sorting by offsetting by a predetermined amount, the sheets are stored in a third tray (third storage section; the same applies hereinafter) 71. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.

"Equipment housing"
As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet post-processing apparatus B includes an apparatus housing 27, a sheet carry-in path 28 which is built in the apparatus housing, and has a carry-in port 26 and a paper discharge port 35, and a sheet fed 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 for storing sheets sent from each processing unit 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 discharge port 16 of the image forming apparatus A and the carry-in port 26 of the sheet post-processing apparatus B are viewed from the installation surface. Are linked.

  The housing 27 of the device shown in FIG. 2 includes a device frame 70 and an outer cover 73. The device frame 70 forms a skeleton of a box-type device as shown in the figure, and includes a front side frame 70f located at the front in the state of FIG. 1, a rear side frame 70r located at the back, It is composed of a stay member 70s (connection reinforcing member) for connecting the both side frame frames. A sheet carry-in path 28, a processing tray 37, a stack tray 49, and the like, which will be described later, are attached between the left and right side frame frames.

  The exterior cover 73 includes a front cover 73f that covers the front side frame 70f, and a rear cover 73r that covers the rear side frame. The device housing 27 is not limited to the shape shown in the drawing, but may be of a suitable form in design. Of course, the device frame 70 is not limited to the left and right frames and the connecting stay structure, and various frame structures such as a monocoque structure can be adopted. It is.

"Sheet loading path"
The sheet carry-in path 28 is configured by a straight path that traverses the apparatus housing 27 in a substantially horizontal direction, and has a carry-in port 26 that is continuous with the paper discharge port (main body discharge port) 16 of the image forming apparatus A, and a device through the carry-in port. It has a paper discharge port 35 located on the opposite side across. The sheet carry-in path 28 includes a conveying roller 29 (sheet conveying means such as a roller and a belt) for conveying the sheet from the carry-in port 26 to the paper discharge port 35, and a paper discharge roller 36 disposed in the paper discharge port 35. (May be a belt), an entrance sensor S1 for detecting the leading and trailing edges of the sheet conveyed into the route, and a paper discharge sensor S2 for detecting the leading and trailing edges of the sheet at the route paper outlet.

  The above-described sheet carry-in path 28 is connected so as to distribute and transfer the sheet from the carry-in port 26 to the first processing section B1 and the second processing section B2, and the second processing section B2 is located on the upstream side in the path sheet discharging 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 port 26 is transported toward the second processing unit B2, and is then disposed on the downstream side of the path discharge port 35. The route is configured to guide to the processing unit B1.

  Further, a third discharge path (printout discharge path) 30 for guiding a 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 above-described sheet carry-in path 28. The sheet is guided to a third tray (overflow tray) 71. A third processing section B3 is built in the sheet carry-in path 28, and this processing section sorts the sheets conveyed on the path by offsetting in a direction orthogonal to the sheet discharging direction. That is, the third processing section B3 is built in the sheet carry-in path 28, and the sheets that have been jog-sorted in this processing section are stored in the third tray 71.

  In the sheet carry-in path 28, as shown in FIG. 2, downstream of the carry-in entrance 26, a "third discharge path 30," a "second discharge path 32," and a "first discharge path 31" are arranged in this order. 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 conveyance direction and guide each sheet to each processing unit.

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

  The first path switching means 33 is composed of a flapper guide for changing the sheet conveyance direction, and is connected to a driving means (an electromagnetic solenoid, a mini motor, or the like) not shown. The switching unit 33 selects whether to guide the sheet from the carry-in port 26 to the third discharge path 30 or the first and second discharge paths 31 and 32. The second path switching means 34 selects whether to guide the sheet sent from the carry-in port 26 to the second processing section B2 or to guide the sheet to the first processing section B1 on the downstream side. Drive means (not shown) is also connected to the second path switching means 34. Further, a punch unit 100 for punching a punched hole in the carried-in sheet is arranged in the sheet carrying-in path 28.

[First processing unit]
The first processing unit B1 includes a processing tray 37 disposed downstream of the sheet carry-in path 28 for collating and stacking the sheets sent from the paper discharge port 35, and a binding processing mechanism for binding and processing 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 sheet discharge port 35, and a sheet is conveyed between the sheet discharge port 35 and the processing tray from the sheet discharge port. A first paper discharge path (first switchback path) 31 that reverses the direction and guides the sheet onto the tray is formed.

  A sheet carrying mechanism for carrying a sheet from the paper outlet to the tray between the paper outlet 35 and the processing tray 37; a positioning mechanism for positioning the sheet at a predetermined binding position in the processing tray 37; A sheet bundle unloading mechanism that unloads 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 bridge-supports the sheet sent from the paper discharge port 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 bridge and support the leading end on the uppermost sheet of the first tray 49 on the downstream side and the rear end on the processing tray 37. I have.

[Second processing unit]
In the above-described sheet carry-in path 28, a second paper discharge path (second switchback path) 32 is branched and connected to the upstream side of the first paper discharge path (first switchback path) 31. To guide the sheet to the second processing section B2. The second processing unit B2 sorts and accumulates the sheets sent from the sheet carry-in path 28, binds the central portion, and performs inward folding (hereinafter, referred to as "magazine finishing"). A second tray 61 is arranged downstream of the second processing section B2, and stores a sheet bundle subjected to bookbinding processing.

  The second processing unit B2 includes a guide member 66 for stacking sheets in a bundle, a regulating stopper 67 for positioning the sheet at a predetermined position on the guide member (the leading end regulating stopper shown in the drawing), and a stopper for positioning. A stapling device 63 (saddle stapling unit) for binding the central portion of the sheet thus formed, and a folding mechanism (folding roll pair 64 and folding blade 65) for folding the sheet bundle at the central portion after the binding process. .

  As described in JP-A-2008-184324, JP-A-2009-051644, and the like, the saddle-stitched staple unit 63 has a sheet center portion (line) in which a sheet bundle is sandwiched between a head unit and an anvil unit. ), And a mechanism for performing the binding process by moving the position along the line is adopted. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the folding mechanism adopts a configuration in which the fold of the sheet bundle is inserted into the folding roll pair 64 pressed against each other by the folding blade 65 and folded by rolling the roll pair. Such a mechanism is also disclosed in JP-A-2008-184324, JP-A-2009-051644, and the like.

  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 that guides the sheet to the second processing unit B2 is arranged in the vertical direction, and aligns and accumulates the sheets. The guide member 66 is arranged in a substantially vertical direction. 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, the apparatus can be made slimmer.

  A second tray 61 is disposed downstream of the second processing unit B2, and stores a sheet bundle folded in a magazine. The illustrated second tray 61 is disposed below the first tray 49. In this case, the first tray 49 is set at a height position at which the sheets on the tray can be easily taken out, because the use frequency of the first tray 49 is higher than the use frequency of the second tray 61.

"Third processing unit"
In the sheet carry-in path 28, a third paper discharge path 30 is formed upstream of the first paper discharge path 31 and the second paper discharge path 32, and guides sheets from the carry-in port 26 to the third tray 71. A roller shift mechanism (not shown) for offsetting a sheet to be conveyed by a predetermined amount in the orthogonal direction is disposed in a path for guiding the sheet from the carry-in port 26 to the third tray 71 (a carry-in path or a third paper discharge path). ing.

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

[Configuration of manual feed set section]
The apparatus housing 27 guides the sheets from the sheet carry-in path 28 to the processing tray 37, performs post-processing, and stores the sheets in the stack tray 49, and inserts a sheet bundle created outside into the outer cover 73. A manual setting section 77 for performing the binding process is provided. This manual feed setting unit 77 is convenient when a binding processing mechanism is provided on the exterior of the sheet post-processing device B when the operator bundles and binds the image-read original sheets, for example. For this reason, a mechanism is provided in which a sheet bundle arranged by an operator is set in a part of a casing, and a binding process is performed by a stapling device or another binding processing device built in the casing.

  The manual feed setting unit 77 arranged for the above purpose includes a slit-shaped opening 77a, a set surface 77b and a regulating surface 77c, and a binding processing unit for binding a sheet bundle set on the set surface is disposed inside the apparatus. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a slit-shaped opening 77a is arranged in the front cover 73f, and a set surface 77b and a regulating surface 77c are arranged in the side frame 70f so that the sheet bundle S can be inserted from the outside. . The illustrated apparatus is arranged at a position supporting the sheet bundle at a position adjacent to the processing tray 37 described with reference to FIG. 2 on the same plane.

  This is because the binding processing unit 47 (stapler unit), which can be moved along the edge of the processing tray 37 to be described later, is moved to a setting surface 77b located at a position adjacent to the processing tray 37 and is manually set. This is for binding the bundle. For this reason, the setting surface 77b is arranged so as to form the same plane as the paper loading surface 47a of the processing tray.

  The slit-shaped opening 77a is formed in the front cover 73f so that a sheet bundle can be inserted into the setting surface 77b (the same plane as the processing tray). The front cover 73f (whole or part) in which the slit-shaped opening 77a is formed is hingedly connected to the apparatus frame 70 so as to be openable and closable.

  The sheet bundle S manually inserted from the slit-shaped opening 77a is inserted into the binding position along the setting surface 77b, and the end face abuts and is regulated against the regulation surface 77c at the binding position. As a result, the sheet bundle S inserted from the outside is positioned at a predetermined binding position by the lower surface thereof being supported by the set surface 77b and the end surface being abutted and regulated by the regulating surface 77c. A stapling device (binding unit) 47 is provided inside the setting surface 77b and the regulating surface 77c, and the illustrated device can move between the binding position of the processing tray 37 and the binding position of the setting surface 77b. And is moved by a driving mechanism having a shift motor.

[Binding process operation of manual feed set section]
The binding processing operation will be described below. In an operation mode in which the binding process is not performed on the processing tray 37 (post-processing in the second and third processing units B2 and B3 described above), the control unit 95 described later causes the binding unit 47 to wait at or near the manual binding position. Let it. In the illustrated device, the home position of the binding unit 47 is set to the manual binding position Mp where the binding position is located on the front side of the side frame 70f.

[Punch unit]
A description will be given of a punch unit 100 that is arranged in the sheet carry-in path 28 and punches a punch hole in a sheet sent from the carry-in entrance 26. The punch unit 100 arranges a plurality of punch members 101a to 101e at predetermined intervals in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction of the sheet carry-in path 28, and punches a selected number of holes in the sheet.

  FIG. 5 shows the overall configuration of the punch unit 100. The punch unit 100 includes a unit frame 102, a plurality of punch members 101a to 101e arranged vertically movable on the unit frame, a driving cam 103 for vertically moving (reciprocating in the punching direction) each punch member, and The drive motor M7 drives the drive cam.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a waste box, which is disposed below the punch member 101 and stores perforated waste paper pieces. The waste box 104 is slidably mounted on the guide rail 105 on the device frame 70 (different from the unit frame). Reference numeral 106 denotes a rotary operation member, which forcibly rotates the drive cam 103 when a jam occurs in the punch member 101 or when an abnormality occurs in the drive motor M7, and separates (peels off) the punch member 101 that has cut into the sheet. ). For this reason, the rotation operation member 106 is constituted by a manual rotation knob connected to the rotation shaft 107 of the drive cam 103.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the unit frame 102 includes an upper frame 102a and a lower frame 102b each having a predetermined length in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction of the carry-in path 28. In the upper frame 102a, a plurality of punch members 101a to 101e are arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction (hereinafter referred to as "conveying orthogonal direction") so as to be able to reciprocate (vertically move) in the punching direction. . A punched hole (die) is formed in the lower frame 102b at a position facing each punch portion 101. A drive rotation shaft 107 is disposed on the unit frame 102, and a drive cam 103 for moving the punch members 101 up and down is attached to the rotation shaft. A drive motor M7 is connected to the drive rotation shaft 107 via a transmission mechanism.

  The illustrated drive cam 103 is constituted by a cylindrical cam member which is axially mounted on the drive rotation shaft 107 and corresponds to the plurality of punch members 101, and each punch member is connected to this cam member by a connection pin. The punch member 101 moves up and down in the punching direction by rotating the drive rotation shaft 107 by a predetermined angle. At this time, the first groups 101b and 101d (for example, two-hole punching) of the plurality of punch members move up and down in the punching direction at the first rotation angle of the driving rotary shaft 107, and the second groups 101a, 101c, and the like at different second rotation angles. 101e (for example, three-hole drilling) moves up and down in the drilling direction.

  Therefore, the control means 95 described later causes the punch members 101b and 101d of the first group to make a punching motion when the drive rotary shaft 107 reciprocates in a preset angle range, and the punch members 101a of the second group when reciprocates in different angle ranges. , 101c, and 101e.

  The waste box 104 is disposed below the punch member 101, is supported by a guide rail 105 provided on the apparatus frame, and is attached to and detached from the apparatus front side (the front cover 73f in the figure). That is, the above-described front cover 73f is hingedly connected to the apparatus frame 70 so as to be openable and closable, and the dust box 104 is taken out of the apparatus with the front cover opened.

  A drive motor M7 is connected to the drive rotation shaft 107 via a speed reduction mechanism (gear transmission mechanism), and the rotation shaft 107 is rotated so that an operator can manually rotate the drive motor M7. The member is disposed on the front side of the side frame 70f through an opening 70x provided in the side frame 70f. The above-mentioned front cover 73f is disposed on the front side of the apparatus so as to be openable and closable, and the rotation operation member 106 can be operated in the open state. In this cover open state, the drive power is not supplied (cut off) to the drive motor M7.

[Shift mechanism of punch unit]
The above-mentioned punch unit 100 is attached to the apparatus frame 70 so as to be movable in position. For example, the upper frame 102a of the unit frame slides through the opening 70x provided in the side frame 70f on the guide rail 108 by being attached to the stay member 70s connecting the side frame frames 70f and 70r of the device frame 70. It is movably fitted. The rack 109 is formed integrally with a part of the upper frame 102a, and the entire unit frame is moved from the state of FIG. 6 to the state of FIG. 7 by the shift motor M8 and the drive pinion 110 mounted on the apparatus frame side.

  The configuration in which the punch unit 100 can be moved in the transport orthogonal direction in this manner is such that the sheet carried into the carry-in path 28 has (1) a dimensional error of the sheet size and (2) a positional deviation of the sheet in the image forming unit. As a result, the position is shifted in the transport orthogonal direction. If a punch hole is punched without correcting the positional deviation amount, the finish quality is remarkably inferior. In order to correct the positional deviation of the carry-in sheet, it is necessary to either move the punch unit 100 in the conveyance orthogonal direction or move the sheet in the orthogonal direction.

  According to the present invention, the punch unit 100 is moved in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction in accordance with the sheet sent to the sheet carry-in path 28, and the movement direction is set in the same direction (the front side of the apparatus) as the manual feed setting unit 77 described above. It is characterized in that it is set and that the moving area of the punch unit 100 and the sheet setting area of the manual feed setting unit 77 overlap each other in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance.

[Shift control of punch unit]
The above-described punch unit 100 moves the side edge of the sheet that has entered the carry-in path 28 to a perforated hole position that conforms to the reference. This is to prevent the perforated hole position from being displaced for each sheet due to the dimensional error of the sheet and the positional deviation of the sheet carried into the carry-in port, as described above. The method is as follows: (1) A sensor array for submitting the side edge of the sheet is arranged in the carry-in path 28, and the moving amount of the unit is determined based on the sheet size information sent from the image forming apparatus A and the array signal detecting the sheet edge. And move the position. Alternatively, (2) a sensor for detecting the sheet side edge is provided in the unit, and the unit is moved in the conveyance orthogonal direction at the timing when the sheet enters the carry-in path, and the sensor detects the sheet side edge. Then, the movement amount of the unit is determined from the detection signal and the sheet size information, and the position is moved. Alternatively, (3) a plurality of sensors corresponding to the sheet size are arranged in the unit, and the unit is moved in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction at the time when the sheet enters, and the side edge of the sheet is detected. At the same time, the sheet size is determined from the detected sensor, and the sheet is moved in the unit conveyance orthogonal direction.

  The illustrated apparatus employs the method (3) described above. Thereby, the amount of movement of the unit can be set to a minimum, and the apparatus can be made compact. For this reason, sensors S3 (for example, JISB5 vertical), S4 (A4 vertical), S5 (B5 horizontal), and S6 (A4 horizontal, A3 vertical) for detecting the side edge of the sheet are arranged in the unit frame 102 for each size. Have been. In the drawing, S1 is an entrance sensor arranged in the sheet carry-in path 28, and S2 is an exit sensor (sheet discharge sensor). HpS shown is a home position sensor attached to the unit frame 102.

  The control means 95, which will be described later, detects the timing at which the leading edge of the sheet has entered the carry-in path 28 with the entrance sensor S1, and moves the punch unit 100 from the home position in a predetermined direction based on the detection signal. Then, a detection signal from the sensor that has detected the sheet side edge is received, which sensor has transmitted the signal is discriminated, the sheet size and the side edge are recognized, and a punching position according to the size is determined. Then, the punch unit 100 is moved to the punching position. For this reason, the shift motor M8 is configured such that an encoder for detecting the amount of rotation is connected to the rotating shaft, or is formed of a stepping motor.

  In particular, the control means 95 shown moves the punch unit 100 to the outside of the sheet (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 7) based on the signal detected by the entrance sensor S1 to detect the leading edge of the sheet, and detects the side edge of the sheet. Next, the unit is stopped by being overrun by a predetermined amount and moved toward the seat center (in the direction of arrow B). Then, the side edge of the sheet is detected again, and based on the detection signal, the unit is moved to the sheet center side by a predetermined amount and positioned at the punching position. After the punch unit 100 is moved to the position outside the sheet (from the small size to the large size), the punch unit 100 is moved to the sheet center side to detect the sheet side edge. Thus, it is possible to eliminate a position error due to a back crash in the driving mechanism.

  In the present invention, therefore, the transporting orthogonal direction moving area (FIG. 6; Px) of the punch unit 100 and the sheet setting area (FIG. 6; Sx) of the setting surface 77a of the manual feed setting section are separated by a distance in the sheet transport direction of the carry-in path 28. Are placed at different positions separated by. At the same time, the moving area Px of the punch unit 100 and the set area Sx of the set surface are arranged at different positions forming the step Y.

  That is, the area Px and the area Sx are arranged at different positions (interval X) in the sheet conveyance direction, and at the same time, arranged at different positions (step Y) in the height direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. At the same time, the region Px and the region Sx are arranged at positions overlapping each other in the sheet width direction (overlap amount z). This makes the device small and compact by the amount of overlap.

"Configuration of the first processing unit"
The configuration of the sheet loading mechanism, the sheet positioning mechanism, the binding processing mechanism, and the sheet bundle unloading mechanism of the first processing unit B1 will be described.

"Sheet loading mechanism"
As shown in FIG. 3, between the discharge port 35 and the processing tray 37, reverse transport mechanisms 41 and 42 for switch-back transporting the sheet from the discharge port in the discharge direction and the opposite direction to the discharge, and the sheet tray. A guide mechanism (sheet guide member) 44 for guiding the sheet to the side and a squeezing rotary member 46 for guiding the sheet to the leading end regulating means are arranged.

  The reversing transport mechanism includes an elevating roller 41 that moves up and down between an operating position for engaging with a sheet carried in on the processing tray and a standby position that is separated, and a paddle rotator 42 that transports the sheet in a direction opposite to the sheet ejection. The lifting roller 41 and the paddle rotating body 42 are attached to a swing bracket 43.

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

  A drive motor (not shown) is connected to the elevating roller 41 and the paddle rotator 42, and the drive is transmitted so that the elevating roller 41 rotates in the forward / reverse rotation direction and the paddle rotator 42 rotates in the reverse rotation direction (opposite to the paper discharge). ing. A driven roller 48 that is in pressure contact with the elevating roller 41 is disposed on the processing tray 37, and nips a single sheet or a bundle of sheets to carry it out downstream.

  A guide mechanism for guiding the rear end of the sheet conveyed onto the processing tray toward the regulating means 38 is disposed between the elevating roller 41 and a squeezing rotary member 46 described later. A sheet guide member 44 which moves up and down from the dotted line to the solid line is retracted to the position indicated by the dotted line when the sheet is carried out from the sheet discharge port 35, and the rear end of the sheet passes through the sheet discharge port 35. Later, the trailing edge of the sheet is guided onto the processing tray. For this reason, a drive mechanism (not shown) is connected to the sheet guide member 44 and moves up and down in accordance with the timing at which the sheet trailing end is guided from the sheet discharge port 35 onto the processing tray.

"Seat positioning mechanism"
Positioning mechanisms 38 and 39 for positioning the sheet at a predetermined binding position are disposed on the processing tray 37, and the illustrated one is a sheet edge regulating means 38 which abuts and regulates the trailing edge of the sheet, and a sheet side edge is a reference ( It comprises side edge aligning means 39 for positioning 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 which abuts and regulates the rear end of the sheet. The side edge aligning member 39 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, but the illustrated apparatus discharges the sheet from the sheet carry-in path 28 based on the center, and positions the sheet based on the same center based on the binding mode, or based on the one side side. Position.

"Side alignment means"
As shown in FIG. 9, 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 disposed so as to face a pair of right and left sides. I do. Then, the pair of side edge aligning means 39 is disposed on the processing tray 37 so as to be able to reciprocate at a predetermined stroke. This stroke is set based on the size difference between the maximum size sheet and the minimum size sheet and the offset amount by which the aligned sheet bundle is moved (offset conveyed) in one of the left and right directions.

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

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the side edge aligning means 39 is composed of a right edge aligning member 39F (apparatus front side) and a left edge aligning member 39R (apparatus rear side). The regulating surfaces 39x engaged with the ends are 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 sides, and a side edge aligning means 39 having a regulating surface 39x engaged with a sheet side edge is slidably fitted on the upper surface of the tray from the slit. ing.

  Each side edge alignment member 39F, 39R is slidably supported by a plurality of guide rollers 80 (may be rail members) on the back side of the tray, and a rack 81 is integrally formed. Alignment motors M1 and M2 are connected to the left and right racks 81 via pinions 82. The left and right aligning motors M1 and M2 are formed of stepping motors, and the position sensors (not shown) detect the positions of the left and right side edge aligning members 39F and 39R. , And 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 by a pulley.

  In such a configuration, the control unit 95 described later moves the left and right side edge alignment members 39F and 39R to 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. Then, in the case of “multiple binding”, the sheet is carried into the processing tray 37, and the aligning operation is started at a timing when the sheet end hits the rear end regulating means 38. In this alignment operation, the left and right alignment motors M1 and M2 are rotated in the opposite direction (approaching direction) by the same amount.

  Then, the sheets carried into the processing tray 37 are positioned with reference to the sheet center and are stacked in a bundle. The sheets are aligned and stacked in a bundle on the processing tray 37 by repeating the sheet loading operation and the aligning operation. At this time, sheets of different sizes are positioned with reference to the center. Further, in the case of "corner binding", the sheet is carried into the processing tray 37, and the aligning operation is started at a timing when the sheet end abuts on the rear end regulating means 38. This alignment operation makes the amount of movement of the alignment plate on the side of the binding position different from that of the alignment plate on the side opposite to the binding position. Then, the moving amount is set so that the sheet corner is located at a preset binding position.

"Binding mechanism"
In the processing tray 37, binding processing mechanisms 47 and 60 that perform binding processing of a sheet bundle accumulated on the paper loading 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 unit; the same applies to “staple unit” and the like hereinafter) that binds a sheet bundle with staples, and a second binding unit 51 (second binding) that binds without a staple. (E.g., “eco-binding unit” and the like hereinafter) 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 rear end of the sheet conveyed from the paper discharge port 35, and the binding mechanism includes the processing tray 37 as shown in FIG. The stapling unit (first binding unit) 47 and the eco-binding unit (second binding unit) 51 that can move along the rear end of the paper mounting surface 37a.

  FIG. 8 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 in the drawing. The first binding unit 47 and the second binding unit 51 reciprocally move to the binding position Cp1.

  Therefore, the first binding unit 47 moves at a predetermined stroke SL1 along the first traveling rail 53 and the second traveling rail 54 formed on the device frame 27b, and the second binding unit 51 is similarly disposed on the device frame 57. It is arranged so as to move with a stroke SL2 along the first guide rod 56a and the second guide rod 56b (see FIG. 12).

  FIG. 9 illustrates the sheet carried into the processing tray 37 and the movement strokes of the first and second binding units 47 and 51. Sheets of different sizes from the maximum size sheet to the minimum size sheet are carried into the processing tray 37 on a center basis. A pair of left and right side edge aligning members 39F and 39R align the sheet based on the binding side edge (the left side edge in the figure) of the sheet (so that sheets of different sizes match). Therefore, the left and right alignment members 39F and 39R are connected to different drive motors M1 and M2, respectively, and a control unit 95 described later sets the amount of movement of the left and right alignment members 39F and 39R according to the sheet size.

  Note that the control means 95, which will be described later, aligns sheets based on a center in a binding process other than the binding process of a sheet corner, for example, in a multi-binding mode which will be described later. In this case, the right and left aligning members 39F and 39R move the sheet by the same amount from the standby position toward the sheet center to position the sheet at the binding position.

  Referring to FIG. 9, 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 first position and the binding position Cp1. That is, the first binding unit 47 reciprocates between the standby position Wp1 and the binding position Cp1 along the traveling rails 53, 54 (guide grooves, guide rods, etc.), and the second binding unit 51 guides the guide rods 56a, 56b ( Along the guide groove) between the standby position Wp2 and the binding position Cp1.

Then, 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 satisfy the following relationship with this position.
(1) The first standby position Wp1 and the second standby position Wp2 are set on opposite sides of the set binding position Cp1.
(2) The first standby position Wp1 is outside the maximum size sheet to be stapled on the processing tray, or a stapling position farthest from the set stapling position Cp1 on the processing tray (a multi-stitch position Ma or a manual stapling position described later). Mp; maximum remote binding position).
(3) The second standby position Wp2 is set outside the sheet side edge that matches the set binding position (outside the sheet placement area on the sheet placement surface).
(4) The first stroke length SL1 between the first standby position Wp1 and the set binding position Cp1 is set to be longer (longer) than the second stroke length SL2 between the second standby position Wp2 and the set binding position Cp1. I do.

  By setting the first standby position Wp1 and the second standby position Wp2 on opposite sides of the set binding position Cp1 as described above, when one unit approaches, the other unit moves away (reciprocal retreat approach). motion). By setting SL1> SL2, the binding processing position of the first binding unit 47 (multiple binding position Ma described later) can be set relatively freely. On the other hand, the second binding unit 51 performs a binding process only at a preset binding position. Thus, the total movement stroke length of the first and second binding units 47 and 51 can be set small, and the size of the apparatus can be reduced.

  When the first binding unit 47 is at the set binding position Cp1, the control unit 95 described later determines that the second binding unit is at the standby position Wp2 when the first binding unit 47 is at the set binding position Cp1, and that the first binding unit is at the standby position Wp1 when the second binding unit 51 is at the set binding position Cp1. The two units are reciprocally moved so as to be located at.

  The reciprocal position movement of the first and second binding units 47 and 51 can be performed by either (1) making the rotation amounts different according to the movement strokes by independent drive motors, or (2) making the first binding unit use the same drive source. Either the moving amount of the second binding unit 51 or the moving amount of the second binding unit 51 is made different.

  FIG. 10 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 area of the first unit (horizontal direction in FIG. 10), and a timing belt 59 (a toothed belt) is stretched 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 this pinion. The differential means 74 is constituted by a gear mechanism having a transmission ratio suitable for the stroke difference between the first and second strokes SL1 and SL2, a slip clutch mechanism, or a combination of these two mechanisms.

"Staple moving mechanism"
As shown in FIG. 3, the staple unit is attached to a staple device frame (chassis frame) 27b fixed to the side frame frames 70f and 70r through an opening 70x provided in the side frame frame 70f of the device frame 70. 47 is mounted movably with a predetermined stroke. A first traveling rail 53 and a second traveling rail 54 are arranged on the device frame 27b. A running rail surface 53x is formed on the first running rail 53, and a running cam surface 54x is formed on the second running rail 54. The running rail surface 53x and the running cam surface 54x cooperate with each other to form a staple unit 47 (hereinafter referred to as this item). In this case, the “moving unit” is supported so as to be able to reciprocate at a predetermined stroke, and at the same time, its angular posture is controlled.

  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 (running 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 by the apparatus frame 27b, and one of the pulleys is connected to the drive motor M3. Accordingly, the staple unit 47 reciprocates with the stroke SL1 by the forward / reverse rotation of the drive motor M3.

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

  From the above configuration, the moving unit 47 is movably supported by the sliding roller 47x and the guide roller 47y on the bottom frame 27b. At the same time, the first rolling roller 83 travels along the rail surface 53x and the cam surface 54x while rotating along the traveling cam surface 54x while the first rolling roller 83 rotates along the traveling rail surface 53x.

"Stack tray elevating mechanism"
The sheet post-processing apparatus B is provided with the first tray 49 on the exterior cover 73 as shown in FIG. The first tray 49 is configured to move up and down according to the amount of stacked sheets. For this reason, guide rollers 85 are provided at the upper and lower portions at the base end of the first tray 49 as shown in FIG. 11, and these guide rollers are fitted and supported by elevating guides 86 provided on the apparatus frame 27. . The base end of the first tray 49 is connected to an elevating belt 87, and the elevating belt is supported by a pair of pulleys 88a and 88b. An elevating motor M4 is connected to one of the pulleys (drive pulley) 88a. Therefore, by controlling the rotation of the lifting motor M4, the first tray 49 moves up and down in accordance with the amount of stacked sheets.

"Sheet bundle unloading mechanism"
A sheet bundle unloading mechanism that unloads the bound sheet bundle toward the first tray 49 on the downstream side is disposed in the processing tray 37 described above. As means for conveying the sheet bundle to the downstream side, there are a method of conveying the sheet bundle by a pair of rollers which press against each other (a discharge roller means), and a conveyor for extruding the rear end of the sheet by an extruding member moving from the upstream side to the downstream side along the tray surface. Means are known. The illustrated device employs both means.

  FIG. 12 shows a sheet bundle unloading mechanism, in which the extrusion protrusion 38 is transferred from the binding position (processing position) located on the upstream side along the processing tray 37 to the stack tray (first tray) 49 on the downstream side, and the extrusion protrusion is moved. Conveyor means is constituted by the conveyer belt 38v and the drive motor M6. A driven roller 48 is disposed on the processing tray 37 at the carry-out port (boundary between the paper loading surface 37a and the first tray 49), and the elevating roller 41 that is in pressure contact with the driven roller is disposed to face the above-described configuration. The unloading roller means is constituted by 48 and the lifting roller 41.

  Accordingly, the processing tray 37 is provided with the 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 the discharge roller means 48 and 41 for nipping and discharging the sheet bundle. . FIG. 12A 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 unloading roller means 48 and 41 are in the operating state. FIG. 6B shows a state in which the sheet bundle is being transferred from the processing position to the downstream side, and the sheet bundle is sent to the downstream side by the movement of the position of the extrusion protrusion 38 and the rotation of the carry-out roller means 48 and 41. FIG. 9C 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 (low-speed) moved downstream by the rotation of the carry-out roller means 48 and 41. At). At this time, the extrusion protrusion 38 waits at the illustrated position, and returns (retreats) to the initial position.

"Staple Unit Configuration"
The configuration of the above-described staple 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.

  The drive cam 47d has a staple head 47b and an anvil member 47c opposed to the binding position, and the staple head 47b is biased by the drive cam 47d with an urging spring (not shown) from the upper standby position to the lower staple position (anvil member). ). A needle cartridge 52 is detachably mounted on the unit frame.

  A linear blank needle is stored in the needle cartridge 52, and the needle is supplied to the staple head 47b by a needle feed mechanism. The staple head portion 47b contains therein a former member for bending straight needles into a U-shape and a driver for pressing the bent needles into a sheet bundle. With such a configuration, the drive cam 47d is rotated by the drive motor M4 to accumulate energy in the urging spring. When the rotation angle reaches a predetermined angle, the staple head portion 47b vigorously descends toward the anvil member 47c. With this operation, the staple is bent into a U-shape and then inserted into the sheet bundle with a driver. The tip is bent by the anvil member 47c and stapled.

  Further, a needle feed mechanism is built in between the needle cartridge 52 and the staple head 47b, and a sensor (empty sensor) for detecting the absence of a needle is arranged in the 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 has a structure in which staple needles connected in a band shape to a box-shaped cartridge are stacked and housed in a stacked manner, and a structure in which staples are housed 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 the staples are empty, a warning signal is issued. It has become. Further, the staple control circuit controls the drive motor M4 so as to execute the stapling operation by the staple signal, and when the staple head moves from the standby position to the anvil position and returns to the standby position again, the "operation end signal" Is transmitted.

"Structure of stapleless binding unit"
The configuration of the stapleless binding unit 51 will be described with reference to FIG. As a stapleless binding unit that binds a sheet bundle without using metal needles, a unit that presses the sheet bundle from the front and back with a pressing member having an uneven surface that meshes with each other to bind the sheets together (press-bind binding device) Means for forming a slit-shaped cut in the sheet bundle to fold and bind the sheets together (cut-folding device; see JP-A-2011-256008); and means for binding with a vegetable resin string ( A resin string binding device) and the like are known. These binding methods are known as eco-binding methods because they are bound using a sheet bundle without using metal needles. Hereinafter, a press binding mechanism will be described as an example.

  As a press binding mechanism, unevenness is formed on the pressing surfaces 51b and 51c which can be pressed and separated from each other, and the sheets are deformed and bound by pressing the sheet bundle from both sides. FIG. 13B shows a press bind unit 51 in which a movable frame member 51d is pivotally supported on a base frame member 51a so as to be swingable, and both frames are swingably pressed and separated by a support shaft 51x. A follower roller 60a is disposed on the movable frame member 51d, and the follower roller engages with a drive cam 60b disposed on the base frame member 51a.

  A drive motor M5 arranged on the base frame member 51a is connected to the drive cam 60b via a speed reduction mechanism. The drive cam 60b rotates by rotation of the motor, and the cam surface (the eccentric cam shown in the figure) moves the movable frame. It is configured to swing the member 51d.

  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. A biasing spring (not shown) is arranged between the base frame member 51a and the movable frame member 51d, and biases the two pressing surfaces in a direction away from each other.

  As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 13B, the upper pressing surface 51b and the lower pressing surface 51c are formed with a protrusion on one side and a concave groove on the other side. The protrusions and the concave grooves are formed in a ridge (rib) shape having a predetermined length. Therefore, the sheet bundle sandwiched between the upper pressing surface 51b and the lower pressing surface 51c is deformed into a corrugated plate shape and comes into close contact with each other. 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 pressing surfaces 51b and 51c are at the pressing position or the separated position.

  The press bind unit (eco-binding unit; second binding unit) 51 configured as described above includes first and second guide rods 56a and 56b (grooves) disposed on the device frame 57 attached to the side frame 70r. (Which may be present), and is located at the set binding position Cp1 of the sheets stacked on the processing tray 37 located between the side frame frames 70f and 70r and the rear side of the side frame frame 70r as described above. It reciprocates with the located second standby position Wp.

[Description of control configuration]
The control configuration in the image forming system of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming system illustrated in FIG. 14 includes a control unit 90 of the image forming apparatus A (hereinafter, referred to as “main body control unit”) and a control unit 95 of the sheet post-processing apparatus B (hereinafter, referred to as “binding processing control unit”). . The main body control section 90 includes a print control section 91, a paper feed control section 92, and an input section 93 (control panel).

  Then, “image forming mode” and “post-processing mode” are set from the input unit 93 (control panel). In the image forming mode, mode settings such as color / monochrome printing, double-sided / single-sided printing, and image forming conditions such as sheet size, sheet quality, number of printouts, enlargement / reduction printing, and the like are set. The “post-processing mode” is set to, for example, “print-out mode”, “staple binding mode”, “eco-binding mode”, “jog sorting mode”, or the like. The illustrated apparatus is provided with a “manual binding mode”, in which the sheet bundle binding processing operation is executed offline 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, the sheet thickness information of a sheet on which an image is formed, and the like to the binding process control unit 95 by data transfer. At the same time, the main body control unit 90 transfers a job end signal to the binding processing control unit 95 every time image formation is ended.

  The above-described post-processing mode will be described. In the “print-out mode”, the sheet from the paper output 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 port 35 are collected and aligned on a processing tray, and the bundle of sheets is bound and then stored in a stack tray 49. In this case, the sheet on which an image is to be formed is specified by the operator as a sheet having the same paper thickness and the same size in principle. In this 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 by image formation in the image forming apparatus A are offset and stacked, and a group in which sheets stacked without offset are stacked. And a sheet bundle that is not offset is stacked.

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

  Therefore, in the manual binding mode, the binding processing control unit 95 and the main body control unit 90 are controlled offline. However, when the manual binding mode and the staple binding mode are executed at the same time, the mode is set so that one of them has priority.

[Binding control unit]
The binding processing control unit 95 operates the sheet post-processing device 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). The control CPU 95 is connected to a ROM 96 and a RAM 97, and executes a paper discharge operation described later using a control program stored in the ROM 96 and control data stored in the RAM 97. Therefore, the control CPU 95 is connected to the drive circuits of all the drive motors described above, and controls the start, stop, and forward / reverse rotation of each motor.

[Output mode]
The control section (main body control section) 90 of the image forming apparatus A sets a post-processing (finishing processing) mode of the sheet on which the image is formed simultaneously with the image forming condition. The illustrated apparatus is set to “staple binding mode”, “eco binding mode”, “jog sorting mode”, “bookbinding finishing mode”, “printout mode”, “interruption mode”, and “manual binding mode”. The operation of each mode will be described below.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an operation flow of stapling or eco-binding a sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray 37 of the first processing unit B1 and storing the bundle in the first tray 49 on the downstream side. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet discharge mode in which sheets are jog-sorted for each set. The sheet is offset in the sheet discharge orthogonal direction by a jog mechanism (roller shift mechanism; not shown) of the third processing unit (sheet carrying path) B3. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an operation flow of storing the sheet on the downstream third tray 71 later. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a bookbinding processing discharge mode in which the second processing unit B2 performs bookbinding finishing of a sheet.

"Staple binding mode and eco-binding mode in the first processing unit"
Referring to FIG. 15, the post-processing mode is set on the control panel 93 or the like of the image forming apparatus A (St01). The control unit 95 of the sheet post-processing apparatus B moves the second binding unit 51 when the eco-binding process is designated based on the post-processing mode setting information (St02) (St05). When the staple binding process is designated, the first binding unit 47 is moved (St06).

  When executing the staple binding process, the first binding unit 47 is moved to the set binding position Cp1, and the second binding unit 51 is moved to the second standby position Wp2. When this unit position is set as the home position, each unit is moved 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 port 26, and conveys it to the downstream side (St09). At this time, when the punching process is designated (St10), the control means 95 temporarily stops the sheet at the punching position (St11). Then, the punch unit 100 is moved in the direction perpendicular to the paper ejection, and a side edge of the sheet is detected by a sensor to determine a predetermined punching position. Then, the punch unit 100 is stopped and a punching operation is performed (St13).

  When the punching process is not specified, the control means 95 receives the carry-in side sheet and conveys the sheet 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 sheet discharge port 35 on the sheet loading surface of the processing tray 37 (St07 to St15). Then, when the jog end signal is received from the image forming apparatus A (St16), 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 a binding process (St17).

  Upon receiving the binding processing end signal from the first (or second) binding unit 47 or 51, the control means 95 stores the sheet bundle bound by the sheet bundle unloading means in the first tray 49 on the downstream side (St18). . Then, the stacking height is detected by a sheet-level detection sensor (not shown) arranged on the first tray 49, and when it exceeds a predetermined angle, the first tray 49 is moved down (St20). Next, the control unit 95 determines whether there is a next job (St21), and completes the operation.

  The jog sorting / discharge mode will be described with reference to FIG. The control means 95 temporarily stops the sheet (St22 to St24) sent to the carry-in entrance 26 of the sheet carry-in path 28 at the punching position when the punching process is designated (St25) (St26). I do. Then, the punch unit 100 is moved in the direction perpendicular to the paper ejection (St27), the side edge of the sheet is detected by a sensor, a predetermined punching position is determined, the punch unit 100 is stopped, and the punching operation is performed (St28). )

  Next, the control means 95 rotates the roller unit in the paper discharge direction to carry out the sheet from the third paper discharge path 30 to the third tray 71 (St29) (St30). When the sheet is an even-numbered page (St31, St32), the roller unit is stopped (St33), and the sheet is moved by a preset offset amount in the sheet ejection orthogonal direction while the sheet is nipped (St34). Thereafter, the control means 95 rotates the roller unit again in the sheet discharging direction (St35). At this time, the first path switching unit 33 shifts the sheet from the carry-in port 26 to the third discharge path 30 in the guiding direction, and the sheet is stacked on the third tray 71 (St36).

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

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

26 Carry Inlet 27 Device Housing 28 Sheet Transport Path 37 Processing Tray 47 Binding Means 49 Stack Tray 70 Device Frame 70f Side Frame (Front Side)
70r Side frame (rear side)
73f Front cover (open / close cover)
73r rear cover 77 manual feed setting portion 77a slit-shaped opening 100 punch unit 101 punch member (101a to 101e)
102 Unit frame 103 Drive cam 104 Debris box 105 Guide rail 106 Rotary operation member 107 Rotary shaft 108 Guide rail 109 Rack 110 Pinion M7 Drive motor M8 Shift motor (shift means)

Claims (8)

A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet, comprising:
A conveyance path for conveying the sheet,
An apparatus frame having a side frame on one side in a sheet width direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction in which a sheet is conveyed in the conveyance path,
An opening formed in a cover arranged on the one side of the side frame in the sheet width direction, and an opening formed on the one side of the side frame in the sheet width direction, and from outside the sheet processing apparatus; A set surface that supports the lower surface of the sheet bundle inserted through the opening, and an end of the sheet bundle inserted through the opening is disposed on the one side of the side frame in the sheet width direction. A setting portion having a regulating surface that regulates the position of the sheet by abutting;
A loading unit that is disposed at a position different from the setting unit and that loads the sheet transported from the transport path;
A binding unit capable of binding the sheet bundle set in the setting unit and binding the sheet bundle stacked in the stacking unit;
The Rutotomoni disposed conveying path, wherein attached to position movable in the apparatus frame in the seat width direction, it has a punch unit having a punching member for perforating the sheet, and
In a state where the punch unit is moved most to the one side in the sheet width direction, the end of the one side of the punch unit in the sheet width direction is more than the side frame in the sheet width direction. Located on one side,
In the sheet width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the sheet is transported in the transport path, the set portion, a sheet set region is a region where the sheet bundle is set in the set section is the end of the punch unit Are arranged to overlap the moving area of
A sheet processing apparatus, characterized in that: Having a detecting means for detecting a sheet edge,
The punch unit moves to a punching position for punching a sheet, based on a detection result of the edge of the sheet transported to the transport path by the detection unit .
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: The binding unit is configured to be movable between a first position for binding the sheet bundle set in the setting unit and a second position for binding the sheet bundle stacked on the stacking unit.
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. The punch unit has a jam release member that is operated when the jam release operation is performed,
The jam release member is disposed so as to overlap with the sheet setting area of the setting unit in the sheet width direction.
The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein: The punch unit ,
The punch member for punching a sheet,
A moving means for reciprocating the punch member by rotating the punch member in a punching direction when punching a sheet and in a direction opposite to the punching direction,
Has,
The jam release member is a member that rotates the moving unit,
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein: The cover is an opening / closing cover that makes the jam release member operable in the open state.
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that. The set unit is set with a sheet bundle manually inserted from outside the apparatus through the opening .
The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet,
A processing unit that processes a sheet sent from the image forming apparatus;
Composed of
Wherein the processing unit, an image forming system, which is a sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images