JP7459597B2 - Sheet post-processing equipment and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing device and an image forming system.

In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet-like medium, a sheet post-processing device is known that performs an alignment process to align the edges of the medium on which an image has been formed, and also performs a binding process. Also known is an image forming system that connects an image forming apparatus and a sheet post-processing device.

The binding process is performed, for example, by stacking multiple sheets with images formed on them on a processing tray, aligning the edges, and using staples or the like. To prevent the user's fingers from touching the staple unit while the staples are binding the stack of sheets, a protective cover may be provided to block entry into the space where the staple unit is located.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a technique is known in which a safety switch is activated to stop operation of a unit when a protective cover is opened for a certain period of time or more (for example, Patent Document 1).

If the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 were to be applied to a sheet post-processing device, a dedicated actuator (driving means) would be required to open and close the protective cover. In other words, the number of parts required to coordinate the operations of the protective cover and the stapler would increase. Furthermore, if a protective cover is provided, it would be necessary to provide a space in which to retract the protective cover when it is opened (when access to the unit's placement space is released). The protective cover is important from the perspective of increasing protection for the user, but as a result, issues arise in terms of miniaturizing the entire device.

The present invention aims to provide a sheet post-processing device that is compact and provides protection for the user.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a sheet post-processing device that performs post-processing on a sheet conveyed to a space sandwiched in the vertical direction, and which a first cover member movable between a shielding position for blocking entry from the outside into the provided first opening and an open position for allowing entry from the outside into the first opening; a sheet aligning means that is provided and movable in the width direction of the sheet to be conveyed and that aligns at least an edge of the sheet in the width direction; and after performing post-processing on the sheet that has been aligned by the sheet aligning means. processing means, and the first cover member is moved between the shielding position and the open position in conjunction with movement of the sheet aligning means in the width direction.

According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both miniaturization and user protection.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an image forming system. FIG. 2 is a top view and a rear side view of the post-processing device. FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of the post-processing device for explaining the operation in a shift mode. FIG. 3 is a top view of the post-processing device for explaining the operation in shift mode. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a shift mode. FIG. 11 is a side view of the post-processing device for explaining the operation in a staple mode. FIG. 6 is a top view showing the operation transition of the post-processing device in a stapling mode. 11A to 11C are top views showing the operation transition of the post-processing device in a staple mode. 11A to 11C are top views showing the operation transition of the post-processing device in a staple mode. 11A to 11C are top views showing the operation transition of the post-processing device in a staple mode. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation in staple mode. 10A to 10C are left side views illustrating an example of the operation of the protective cover in the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are left side views illustrating an example of the operation of the protective cover in the first embodiment. It is a left side view showing an example of operation of a protective cover in a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an open state of the protective cover of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a closed state by the protective cover of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a closed state of the protective cover of the second embodiment. It is a perspective view of the protective cover of a third embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of operation in staple mode. FIG. 13 is a left side view showing an example of a protective cover in a fourth embodiment. It is a side view which shows the example of operation|movement of a protective cover in 4th embodiment.

Hereinafter, a sheet post-processing device and an image forming system according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Further, in the following description, a paper medium (paper) is exemplified as an example of a sheet as a sheet-like medium, but sheets made of plastic, cloth, metal, etc., for example, are also applicable. Moreover, in the following description, the same reference numerals are given to each equivalent part, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate.

<Overall composition>
1 is a diagram showing an outline of an image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a post-processing apparatus 200 having a sheet stacking function and a sheet binding function, and an image reading apparatus 300.

The image forming device 100 is an indirect transfer tandem type image forming unit that forms a color image, and functions as an image forming section that forms an image on one side of a sheet. Note that an image can also be formed on the opposite side (the other side) of the side on which the image has already been formed by inverting the sheet and transporting it again to the image forming section. The image forming device 100 has an image creating section 110 in which four color image creating stations 111 are arranged, and an optical writing section 113 provided adjacent to and below the image creating section 110. The image forming device 100 has a paper feed section 120 provided below the image creating section 110, and a paper feed transport path 130 that guides the sheet picked up by the paper feed section 120 to be transported to the secondary transfer section 140 and the fixing section 150. The image forming apparatus 100 has a paper discharge path 160 that guides the sheet on which the image has been fixed so that it can be transported to the post-processing device 200, and a double-sided transport path 170 that reverses (switches back) the sheet on which the image has been formed on one side and guides it to the paper feed transport path 130 so that an image can be formed on the other side.

The image forming station 111 of the image forming section 110 includes a photosensitive drum for each color of YMCK, a charging unit, a developing unit, a primary transfer unit, a cleaning unit, a static eliminating unit, etc. arranged along the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum. has. The image forming section 110 includes an intermediate transfer belt 112 to which an image formed on a photoreceptor drum is transferred by a primary transfer unit, and an optical writing section 113 that writes an image for each color onto the photoreceptor drum. The optical writing section 113 is arranged below the image forming station 111, and the intermediate transfer belt 112 is arranged above the image forming station 111. The intermediate transfer belt 112 is an endless belt rotatably supported by a plurality of support rollers. One support roller 114 of the rollers that support the intermediate transfer belt 112 constitutes a secondary transfer section 140 . In the secondary transfer section 140, the sheet is conveyed via the intermediate transfer belt 112 to a position where a secondary transfer roller 115 and a support roller 114, which serve as secondary transfer means, are facing each other, and the image on the intermediate transfer belt 112 is transferred. Secondary transfer is performed on the surface of the sheet. Note that as such an image forming process, a known process other than the above may be employed.

The paper feed unit 120 includes a paper feed tray 121, a pickup roller 122, and a paper feed conveyance roller 123, and sends out the sheet picked up from the paper feed tray 121 upward along a paper feed conveyance path 130. The fed-out sheet has an image transferred thereto by a secondary transfer section 140, and is then sent to a fixing section 150. The fixing unit 150 includes a fixing roller and a pressure roller, and as the sheet passes through a nip between them, heat and pressure are applied to fix the toner on the sheet.

Downstream of the fixing unit 150, a paper discharge path 160 and a double-sided conveying path 170 are provided, and a branching member, a branching claw 161, switches the sheet to one of the conveying paths, thereby selecting the conveying path when the sheet is conveyed to the post-processing device 200 side or when the sheet is conveyed to the double-sided conveying path 170. A branching conveying roller 162 is provided immediately adjacent to the branching claw 161 on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction, and applies a conveying force to the sheet.

The post-processing device 200 performs predetermined processing (for example, alignment processing and binding processing) on the sheets on which images have been formed, which are conveyed from the image forming device 100, and accumulates them on a paper output tray 204, which serves as sheet storage means located at the most downstream position. The details will be described later. Note that when the image reading device 300 is provided as shown in FIG. It is installed in a space that would normally be used as a sheet ejection destination. This makes it possible to utilize space effectively and promote space saving.

The control unit 260 arranged in the post-processing device 200 is a board that includes, for example, a central processing unit, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, etc., and is a unit that operates each piece of hardware through software processing. The control unit 260 as a control unit inputs a detection signal indicating the presence or absence of a sheet from a sensor installed on each conveyance path, controls the conveyance of the sheet within the post-processing device 200 based on the detection signal, and performs the sheet conveyance control in the post-processing device 200, as described below. Controls the operation of each unit. Note that the image forming system 1 is controlled by the control unit provided in the image forming apparatus 100 communicating with the control unit 260; however, instead of this, the post-processing device 200 Each unit within the system may be controlled.

The image reading device 300 optically scans the document set on the contact glass to read the image on the document surface. The configuration and functions of the image reading device 300 itself may be publicly known.

The image forming apparatus 100 configured as described above generates image data to be used for writing based on the document data read from the image reading device 300 or the print data transferred from an external personal computer or the like. Then, the optical writing unit 113 optically writes onto each photosensitive drum based on the image data, and the images formed for each color at each imaging station 111 are transferred sequentially to the intermediate transfer belt 112. As a result, a color image in which four color images are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 112. Meanwhile, a sheet is fed from the paper feed tray 121 in response to image formation. The sheet stops once at the registration roller position just before the secondary transfer unit 140, is sent out in time with the leading edge of the image on the intermediate transfer belt 112, is secondarily transferred by the secondary transfer unit 140, and is fed to the fixing unit 150.

The sheet on which the image has been fixed in the fixing unit 150 is conveyed to the paper ejection path 160 side by the switching operation of the branch claw 161 in the case of single-sided printing or after double-sided printing of double-sided printing, and in the case of double-sided printing. It is transported to the double-sided transport path 170 side. The sheet conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 170 is reversed, then sent to the secondary transfer section 140 again, an image is formed on the other side, and the sheet is conveyed to the paper discharge path 160. The sheets conveyed to the sheet discharge path 160 are conveyed to the post-processing device 200, where they undergo predetermined processing such as binding, or are discharged to the sheet discharge tray 204 without any processing.

<Post-processing device>
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the post-processing device 200. Further, FIG. 3 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the post-processing device 200. 2 and 3 show the basic configuration applied to each embodiment described below.

The post-processing device 200 includes, from the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, an entrance roller pair 202, a paper surface detection sensor 211 (see FIG. 3), a trailing edge reference fence 210, a sheet discharge roller pair 203 as a discharge roller serving as a conveyance means, and a sheet bundle. A pair of jogger fences 205 and 206 on the back side and the front side serve as sheet alignment means for aligning side edges (ends) in the width direction, a rear end guide 208 (see FIG. 3) as a rear end guide means, and a post-processing means. It has a stapling unit 209 as a certain binding means, and a leading edge stopper 207 as leading edge aligning means for aligning the leading edges of sheets in the conveyance direction. Further, the post-processing device 200 has a paper discharge tray 204 as a sheet storage unit below each of these units.

In the sheet receiving section of the post-processing device 200, a guide plate 201 is arranged to receive a sheet from the discharge transport path of the image forming device 100, and an entrance roller pair 202 is arranged on the most upstream side of the guide plate 201 in the sheet transport direction. Also, a discharge roller pair 203 is provided on the most downstream side of the guide plate 201 in the sheet transport direction. The entrance roller pair 202 and the discharge roller pair 203 are rotated by the entrance motor, so that the sheet is transported along the guide plate 201 within the post-processing device 200.

The paper discharge operation of the post-processing device 200 includes a shift mode in which the sheet is shifted to a different position in the width direction of the sheet for each job and then discharged, a straight discharge mode in which the sheet is discharged as is, and a straight discharge mode in which multiple sheets are bound. There are three modes: a stapling mode in which the paper is ejected using a stapling mode; Since the operation in the straight paper discharge mode is simply to normally discharge paper to the paper discharge tray 204, the explanation will be omitted, and the structure and operation of each part in the shift mode and staple mode will be explained below.

<Shift mode>
The shift mode will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 is a side view of the post-processing device 200 for explaining the operation in the shift mode, and Fig. 5 is a top view. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation in the shift mode.

In the shift mode, when a sheet is ejected (transported), the ejection (accumulation) position of the sheet is shifted every predetermined number of sheets in a direction intersecting the sheet transport direction (depth (Y) direction in FIG. 4). By placing a predetermined number of sheets (bundles) at different positions, the sheets can be sorted.

A pair of paper discharge rollers 203 provided at the most downstream end of the guide plate 201 is driven back and forth by a shift motor in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction (depth (Y) direction in FIG. 4) in the shift mode. In other words, when sorting sheets in the shift mode, the paper ejection roller pair 203 alternately repeats an operation of being moved in a direction different from the sheet transport direction and not being moved while transporting the sheets for each predetermined number of sheets (job). controlled as follows. Due to this movement of the paper ejection roller pair 203, the sheet is ejected to a position on the paper ejection tray 204 that is shifted from the previous position. As a result, when the sheets discharged from the post-processing device 200 are stacked on the paper discharge tray 204, the discharge position is alternately shifted every predetermined number of sheets, and the sheets (bundle) are sorted. Note that a known mechanism may be used as the shift mechanism itself for shifting the paper ejection roller pair 203.

Next, the operation in the shift mode will be explained using the flowchart of FIG. Note that the flowchart in FIG. 6 and the flowcharts shown in the subsequent drawings are realized by each unit operating based on a control signal from the control section 260.

First, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the jogger fences 205 and 206 are supported by a jogger fence support member 206A (see FIG. 13, etc.) in the space above the paper output tray 204 by driving force from a jogger fence moving motor. has been done. These jogger fences 205 and 206 are moved outward, which is a direction in which they are separated from each other (S601). This destination position is referred to as a "standby position." The direction in which the jogger fences 205 and 206 are moved to the standby position corresponds to a direction that intersects with the sheet conveyance direction. After the jogger fences 205 and 206 are moved to the standby position, the leading edge stopper 207 is moved to a prescribed waiting position (sheet receiving position) by the driving force from the leading edge stopper drive motor (S602). It is desirable that the sheet discharge receiving position of the leading end stopper 207 is the length of the sheet discharged from the sheet trailing edge receiving portions 205B and 206B as the trailing edge stoppers of the jogger fences 205 and 206 plus 25 mm.

Then, the discharge tray 204 rises due to the driving force of the discharge tray lift motor (S603). When the paper surface detection sensor 211 detects that the top surface of the discharge tray 204 or the top surface of the sheets stacked on the discharge tray 204 has risen to the position of the jogger fences 205, 206 (sheet stacking position) (S604: YES), the rise of the discharge tray 204 is stopped and the paper surface detection sensor 211 retreats into the rear end reference fence 210 (S605). The paper surface detection sensor 211 is configured to be OFF when the height of the discharge tray 204 is below the jogger fences 205, 206 and ON when the height is equal to or greater than the height of the jogger fences 205, 206. The height of the discharge tray 204 can be detected by switching ON/OFF in the paper surface detection sensor 211.

After the movement of each unit is completed, the sheet is ejected from the paper ejection roller pair 203 to the paper ejection tray 204 (S606), and at the timing when the trailing edge of the sheet in the transport direction comes out of the paper ejection roller pair 203, the sheet is waiting at the upper part. The rear end guide 208 is lowered from above toward the paper discharge tray 204 (S607). The trailing edge guide 208 prevents the trailing edge of the discharged sheet in the conveying direction from falling from the pair of paper discharge rollers 203 and remaining therein. This can prevent the occurrence of a jam in which the trailing edge of the previous sheet collides with the leading edge of the next sheet when the next sheet is ejected.

After the rear end guide 208 is lowered, the leading end stopper 207 moves from the standby position to the upstream side in the transport direction (S608). Then, the leading edge stopper 207 and the trailing edge reference fence 210 push the ends of the sheet in the conveying direction in opposite directions, thereby aligning the sheet in the conveying direction. After the alignment is completed, the leading end stopper 207 and the trailing end guide 208 are moved to the standby position again (S609).

After the alignment is complete, the paper surface detection sensor 211 returns (moves) from the retracted position to a position where it detects the top surface of the discharge tray 204 or the top surface of the sheets stacked on the discharge tray 204 (S610), and the discharge tray 204 is lowered to a position (sheet stacking position) equivalent to the thickness of the stacked sheets by detecting the height (S611-S613). This keeps the distance from the nip of the discharge roller pair 203 to the top sheet on the discharge tray 204 constant, making it possible to stack multiple sheets. After the discharge tray 204 has been lowered, the paper surface detection sensor 211 is moved to the retracted position. The discharge tray 204 may be lowered for multiple sheets instead of one sheet at a time.

If all print jobs are not completed (S614: NO), the process returns to S606. When all print jobs are completed (S614: YES), the paper discharge tray 204 is lowered to the lowest initial position (S615), and the jogger fences 205, 206 and the leading end stopper 207 are also moved to the initial position (S616).

<Staple mode>
The operation of the staple mode will be explained using FIGS. 7 to 12. Note that FIG. 7 is a side view of the post-processing apparatus 200 for explaining the stapling mode, and FIGS. 8 to 11 are top views showing each operation transition in the stapling mode. Further, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation in the staple mode. In the following, explanation will be given along the flowchart of FIG. 12.

Staple mode is a mode in which sheets are stapled together in batches of a specified number and then discharged.

In the stapling mode, first, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the paper output tray 204, jogger fences 205, 206, and leading end stopper 207 are moved from the initial position to the specified sheet receiving position, and the stapling unit 209 is also moved to the initial position. position to a specified stapling position (S1201 in FIG. 12). Note that the sheet receiving position of the paper discharge tray 204 is such that the top surface of the paper discharge tray 204 or the top surface of the sheet on the paper discharge tray 204 is approximately 30 mm below the bottom surfaces of the jogger fences 205 and 206. Further, the sheet receiving positions of the jogger fences 205 and 206 are such that the position of the inner surface of the sheet aligning section 261 is 7 mm outside the width of the paper to be discharged. The leading end stopper 207 is at a position retracted (standby) downstream from the sheet trailing end receiving portions 205B, 206B of the jogger fences 205, 206 by about 25 mm plus the length of the sheet to be ejected in the sheet ejecting direction.

The paper surface detection sensor 211 causes the paper discharge tray 204 to retreat into the rear end reference fence 210 when the movement of the paper discharge tray 204 is completed (S1202). In the staple mode, when the paper surface detection sensor 211 is located at the detection position, the top surface of the paper output tray 204 or the top surface of the sheet on the paper output tray 204 is 30 mm or less from the bottom surface of the jogger fences 205 and 206. It has a detection section separate from the shift mode detection section that turns ON when the height is greater than 30 mm and turns OFF when the height exceeds 30 mm, and enables height detection by switching between ON and OFF.

After each unit has completed moving, the sheet is discharged from the discharge roller pair 203 to the discharge tray 204 (S1203), and at the timing when the rear end of the sheet leaves the discharge roller pair 203, the rear end guide 208, which was waiting at the top as a rear end guide means, is lowered (moved downward) toward the discharge tray 204 (S1204). With this operation, if the rear end of the sheet is caught on the discharge roller pair 203 without falling off the discharge roller pair 203, the top surface of the rear end of the sheet is pressed to remove it from the discharge roller pair 203, allowing the next sheet to be discharged without colliding with the rear end of the discharged sheet, preventing a jam from occurring.

After the trailing edge guide 208 has been lowered, the leading edge stopper 207 moves the sheet to the alignment position indicated by the dotted line in the opposite direction (X direction) to the sheet ejection direction indicated by the arrow as shown in FIG. 205B and 206B), and the sheet aligning sections 261 of the jogger fences 205 and 206 are moved close to each other to sandwich the sheet, thereby adjusting the position of the sheet in the paper ejection direction and the width direction. Alignment is performed (S1205). After the alignment is completed, the jogger fences 205 and 206, the leading end stopper 207, and the trailing end guide 208 are moved to the sheet receiving position again (S1206).

The above alignment operation is repeated from the first sheet to the last sheet (S1207: NO loop), and when alignment of the last sheet is completed (S1207: YES), the leading edge stopper 207 is retracted from between the jogger fences 205, 206 (S1208). Then, the jogger fences 205, 206, while sandwiching the sheets in the width direction, move the sheet stack to the installation position (stapling position) of the staple unit 209 while maintaining their relative positions (sandwiching position) (see FIG. 10).

After the jogger fences 205 and 206 are moved to the staple installation position, the staple unit 209 performs the binding process (S1210). As shown in the example of FIG. 10, the staple unit 209 can change the lengthwise position of the sheet stack according to the position of the aligned end of the sheet stack, thereby allowing the binding position of the sheet stack to be changed as desired.

After the stapling process by the stapling unit 209 is completed, the jogger fences 205 and 206 are moved to the position where the sheets were aligned in the width direction (S1211), and then the leading end stopper 207 is also moved to the alignment position in the sheet conveyance direction. will be moved. After the movement of the jogger fences 205, 206 and the end stopper 207 is completed, the jogger fences 205, 206 are moved as shown in FIG. They are moved away from each other (S1212). After the sheet bundle falls, the jogger fences 205, 206 and the leading end stopper 207 are moved to the sheet receiving position described above (returning to the state of S1201). After the sheet bundle falls from the jogger fences 205 and 206, the paper surface detection sensor 211 is returned (moved) from the retreated position (S1213).

When the paper surface detection sensor 211 detects the height, the paper ejection tray 204 is lowered by the thickness of the loaded sheet bundle (the upper surface of the paper ejection tray 204 or the topmost surface of the sheets on the paper ejection tray 204). is moved to a predetermined position) (S1214 to S1216). As a result, the distance from the bottom of the jogger fences 205 and 206 to the topmost sheet on the paper discharge tray 204 is kept constant, so that a large number of sheet bundles can be stacked. Note that the movement of the jogger fences 205 and 206 to the sheet receiving position may not be performed in S1213, but may be performed immediately before S1217.

If all print jobs have not been completed (S1217: NO), the process returns to S1202. When all print jobs are completed (S1217: YES), the paper discharge tray 204 is lowered to the lowest position (initial position), and other members and units are also moved to the specified initial position (S1218).

First Embodiment
A first embodiment in which, in the staple mode described above, a staple unit 209 is arranged in conjunction with the movement of the jogger fence 206 to block entry from outside into the space 270 sandwiched vertically will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14.

The first protective cover 215 as the first cover member according to this embodiment is a member that blocks intrusion from the outside into the space 270 when the staple unit 209 is performing the binding operation. More specifically, the first protective cover 215 is a member that blocks intrusion into the space 270 from the first opening 271 provided on the opposite side of the movement direction of the jogger fences 205 and 206 from the side where the staple unit 209 is provided. In S1209 and S1210 already described, the sheet stack Pt in which the alignment of the final sheet has been completed is moved to the installation position of the staple unit 209 while being sandwiched between the jogger fences 205 and 206, and the binding process is performed. At this time, the X-direction view of the space 270 in which the staple unit 209 is installed is shown in Figures 13 to 15. Note that, as shown in Figure 13 and the like, the first opening 271 is provided in a direction intersecting the sheet conveying direction.

First, when the jogger fences 205 and 206 are moved in S1209, the sheet guide rotating body 206C as a cover contact portion provided on the jogger fence 206 comes into contact with the underside of the first protective cover 215 and moves from the position where it was supporting the first protective cover 215 so as not to descend. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the first protective cover 215 tilts so as to block the opening (first opening 271) on the front side of the device, which is the entrance to the space 270. At this time, even if the tip of the rotating part of the first protective cover 215 reaches the lowest point inside the space 270, the surface portion of the first protective cover 215 is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the jogger fences 205 and 206. This inclination is an upward inclination toward the first opening 271. The first opening 271, which is the opening on the front side of the post-processing device 200, is an entrance path through which the user's fingers enter when removing the sheet stack Pt stacked on the paper output tray 204.

When the state shown in FIG. 13 is reached, an interlock pressing member 215A as a switch pressing portion that is part of the first protective cover 215 presses (activates) an interlock switch 213, which is a switch that acts as an operation limiting means and is disposed inside the post-processing device 200. The interlock switch 213 is a so-called safety switch. The control unit 260 is configured so that the staple unit 209 can perform the binding operation only while the interlock switch 213 is pressed (activated). In other words, the staple unit 209 is controlled so as not to operate when the interlock switch 213 is not pressed.

After that, in S1211, when the jogger fences 205, 206 are moved to the sheet alignment position, as shown in FIG. 14, the sheet guide rotator 206C as the cover contact portion comes into contact with the first protective cover 215 and reaches a position where it rotates while pushing up and supporting the underside of the first protective cover 215 (an open position that allows entry into the first opening 271 from the outside). As the sheet guide rotator 206C moves while rotating, friction with the first protective cover 215 is reduced.

When the first protective cover 215 is pushed up, the interlock pressing member 215A included in the first protective cover 215 rotates about the rotation axis and enters a state in which the interlock switch 213 is not pressed. That is, when the first protective cover 215 is rotated to a state where the entry path is opened (open position), the stapling unit 209 becomes inoperable.

Thereafter, in S1212, the jogger fences 205 and 206 are moved away from each other so as to drop the sheet bundle Pt onto the paper discharge tray 204. This state is illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, when the jogger fence 206 is moved to the maximum extent toward the entrance (first opening 271), the first protective cover 215 is held at the position that opens the first opening 271 to the maximum extent. It becomes a state.

As described above, when the first protective cover 215 is in a position (open position) where the sheet guide rotator 206C supports the underside so as to push up (as in Figures 14 and 15), the surface portion rotates toward the inner space of the post-processing device 200 (upward) to open the first opening 271 as an entrance. In this state, the interlock pressing member 215A is not pressing the interlock switch 213, so the staple unit 209 cannot operate. On the other hand, when the sheet guide rotator 206C is in a position (shielding position) where it does not support the surface portion of the first protective cover 215, the first opening 271 is in a closed state, so the staple unit 209 can operate.

The first protective cover 215 is disposed inside the post-processing device 200 and is formed with dimensions that do not protrude from the inside to the outside of the post-processing device 200 even when the above-described opening and closing operations are performed.

As described below, a drive means for driving the first protective cover 215 separately can be provided and the first protective cover 215 can be moved in conjunction with the movement of the jogger fence 206. However, as with the first protective cover 215 according to this embodiment, the jogger fence 206 that moves in the internal space during the binding process is used as the drive source. In this manner, if the first protective cover 215 is opened and closed by the movement of the jogger fence 206, the drive means can be used for both, and if the jogger fence 206 can be moved, the first protective cover 215 can be pushed up to open the entrance.

Figure 16 is a view of the first protective cover 215 from the entrance side until the transition to S1209 or when the processing from S1212 onwards is executed. Figure 17 is a view of the first protective cover 215 from S1210 to S1212 as seen from the entrance side.

In FIG. 16, the first protective cover 215 is supported in the raised position (open position), and the entrance (first opening 271) is open. On the other hand, in FIG. 17, the first protective cover 215 is in the lowered position (shielding position) and closes the entrance.

As shown in FIG. 17, the opening (first opening 271) of the post-processing device 200 is closed by lowering the first protective cover 215, preventing the user from inserting his or her fingers into the interior of the post-processing device 200 while the staple unit 209 is operating, thereby improving protection for the user.

In addition, when the first protective cover 215 is raised, it rotates toward the inside (upward) of the post-processing device 200, so there is no need to secure installation space for the post-processing device 200 for the opening and closing range of the first protective cover 215, which allows for space saving.

The first protective cover 215 can be raised and lowered by rotating around a rotation axis inside the post-processing device 200. Therefore, the opening and closing range of the first protective cover 215 overlaps with the operating range of the jogger fence 206. Therefore, a slit 215B is provided in the first protective cover 215.

The slits 215B are provided so as to correspond to the positions of the two jogger fence support members 206A supporting the jogger fence 206, and when the first protective cover 215 is moved to the raised position (open position), the slits 215B are Collision with the fence support member 206A can be avoided. Thereby, the first protective cover 215 can be opened and closed to the inside of the post-processing device 200, improving user protection, and making the post-processing device 200 more compact.

Note that the slit 215B is a gap that does not allow the user's (person's) fingers to enter.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of a cover means for blocking intrusion from outside into the space 270 sandwiched vertically by the staple unit 209 disposed in conjunction with the movement of the jogger fence 206 in the staple mode will be described with reference to FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the second protective cover 215D without the slit 215B. The second protective cover 215D is rotatably held between the jogger fence support members 206A, which are two support members of the jogger fence 206.

<Third embodiment>
Next, in the stapling mode, the stapling unit 209 is arranged in conjunction with the movement of the jogger fence 206, and a third embodiment of the cover means for blocking entry from the outside into the space 270 sandwiched in the vertical direction will be described. This will be explained using FIGS. 19 and 20.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the third protective cover 215E according to this embodiment. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of operation according to this embodiment in staple mode. Note that differences from the flowchart explained using Figure 12 will be mainly explained, and detailed explanations of common processes will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, in the third protective cover 215E, a protrusion provided at an eccentric position of the cam 214 is rotated by the drive of the protective cover drive device 216, which is a drive source, and the protrusion of the cam 214 is pressed down by the interlock. It has a configuration in which the interlock switch 213 is pushed or released by rotating the member 215A. When the protrusion of the cam 214 presses the interlock press member 215A (moves downward), the interlock press member 215A presses the interlock switch 213 with the support portion 215F of the third protective cover 215E as the center of rotation. Rotate it away from the position. Then, the surface portion is raised to open the first opening 271. For example, the state is as shown in FIG. 16 described in the first embodiment. Further, when the cam 214 releases the interlock pressing member 215A (moves upward), the interlock pressing member 215A depresses the interlock switch 213 with the support portion 215F of the third protective cover 215E as the center of rotation. rotated into position. The surface portion is then raised to close (shield) the opening. For example, the state is as shown in FIG. 17 described in the first embodiment.

The operational flow illustrated in the flowchart in FIG. 20 is similar to the processes in S1201 to S1207 and S2001 to S2007 in the flowchart in FIG. 12 already described. The processes in S1208 to S1210 and S2009 to S2011 are also similar. Furthermore, the processes in S1211 to S1218 and S2013 to S2021 are also similar. Therefore, the processes in S2008 and S2012 will be mainly described.

In S2007, the alignment of the last sheet is completed (S2007: YES), and until the leading end stopper 207 is retracted from between the jogger fences 205 and 206 (S2009), the control unit 260 drives the protective cover as a cover driving means. The device 216 is operated to rotate the cam 214 and release the interlock push member 215A. As a result, the third protective cover 215E closes (shields) the opening (2008).

When the third protective cover 215E is rotated downward in S2008, the interlock pressing member 215A is rotated to a position where the interlock switch 213 is pressed down, so that the stapling unit 209 becomes operable. Thereafter, in S2011, stapling processing is performed by the stapling unit 209.

When the binding process in S2011 is completed, the control unit 260 operates the protective cover driving device 216 in conjunction with the movement of the jogger fence 206, rotates the cam 214, and presses the interlock pressing member 215A. . As a result, the third protective cover 215E opens the opening, and the interlock pressing member 215A rotates to the position where the interlock switch 213 is pressed. That is, the stapling unit 209 becomes operable.

<Fourth embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment for blocking intrusion from the outside into the space 270 in which the staple unit 209 is disposed in the post-processing device 200 will be described.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the post-processing device 200 of FIG. 16 viewed from the left side. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the post-processing device 200 attaches a second cover member to the side surface of the sheet discharged (transported) from the paper discharge roller pair 203 (see FIG. 7, etc.) in the discharge direction (X direction). A horizontal cover 217 is provided. The horizontal cover 217 is a part of the casing, and has a shielding position and a second opening 272 provided on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction of the space 270 in the first embodiment to block entry into the space 270 from the second opening 272. It is configured to be movable to an open position that allows entry into the space 270 from the second opening 272, and when the post-processing device 200 operates in shift mode or straight paper ejection mode, it can be moved to the open position. It is possible to pass sheets larger than the paper discharge tray 204.

Furthermore, a staple cover 219 as a third cover member is also provided on the side surface where the second opening 272 is provided. The staple cover 219 is a part of the housing, and has a shielding position where it blocks entry into the space 270 from the third opening 273 provided for maintenance of the staple unit 209, and a shielding position where it blocks entry into the space 270 from the third opening 273. The stapling unit 209 is configured to be movable to an open position that allows access to the stapling unit 209, and is moved to the open position when performing maintenance such as replacing the "staple" used in the stapling unit 209 or replacing broken parts. will be moved.

Figure 22 is a side view of the post-processing device 200. As shown in Figure 22, the side cover 217 is provided with a side cover pressing member 217A. When the side cover 217 is closed (moved to the shielding position), the side cover pressing member 217A is configured to press the side cover interlock switch 218. When the side cover interlock switch 218 is pressed, electricity can be passed to the staple unit 209. In other words, when the side cover 217 is open, the side cover interlock switch 218 prevents the staple unit 209 from operating.

The staple cover 219 is also provided with a staple cover pressing member 219A. When the staple cover 219 is closed (moved to the shielding position), the staple cover pressing member 219A is configured to press the staple cover interlock switch 220. When the staple cover interlock switch 220 is pressed, electricity can be passed to the staple unit 209. In other words, when the side of the staple cover 219 is open, the staple cover interlock switch 220 prevents the staple unit 209 from operating.

As described above, the post-processing device 200 has a configuration that limits the operation of the stapling unit 209 as a binding means, and includes a plurality of switches (interlock switch 213, side cover interlock switch 218, staple cover interlock switch 218, staple cover interlock switch 218, etc.) as operation restriction means. switch 220). When either switch is pressed, the stapling unit 209 is not energized. Therefore, the control unit 260 cannot control the stapling unit 209.

During this time, the entry route from the outside to the space inside the post-processing device 200, which is the space in which the stapling unit 209 operates, is opened, so even if the user inserts his/her fingers into the space 270 and works, the user cannot without compromising its protection.

Note that the above-mentioned multiple switches (interlock switch 213, side cover interlock switch 218, staple cover interlock switch 220) must be in a state where each cover member prevents entry into the space 270 from the outside. The format is not limited as long as it generates a trigger for controlling the stapling unit 209 so that it does not start. For example, a sensor may be used as a detection means for determining that the stapling unit 209 is in an operable (activated) state when each cover member disposed in each of the openings is in a shielding position.

The aspects described in each of the above embodiments may be combined.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist of the invention. All technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims are covered by the present invention. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

1: Image forming system 100: Image forming apparatus 110: Image forming section 120: Paper feeding section 200: Post-processing device 204: Paper discharge trays 205, 206: Jogger fences 205B, 206B: Sheet trailing edge receiving section 207: Leading edge stopper 208 : Trailing edge guide 209 : Stapling unit 210 : Trailing edge reference fence 211 : Paper surface detection sensor 250 : Control section 251 : Sheet alignment section 252 : Sheet stacking section 261 : Sheet alignment section 262 : Sheet stacking section 300 : Image reading device

JP 2002-087693 A

Claims (9)

In a sheet post-processing device, a sheet is conveyed to a vertically sandwiched space and post-processed,
a first cover member movable between a blocking position for blocking intrusion from the outside into a first opening provided in a direction intersecting a sheet conveying direction in the space and an open position for allowing intrusion from the outside into the first opening;
a sheet alignment means provided in the space and movable in a width direction of the sheet to be conveyed, for aligning at least an end portion of the sheet in the width direction;
a post-processing unit for performing post-processing on the sheet aligned by the sheet alignment unit;
Equipped with
The first cover member is moved between the covering position and the opening position in conjunction with the movement of the sheet aligning means in the width direction.
A sheet post-processing device comprising: an operation limiting means for limiting the operation of the post-processing means;
the operation limiting means limits the operation of the post-processing means before the first cover member is moved to the open position by the movement of the sheet aligning means.
The sheet post-processing device according to claim 1 . The operation limiting means is a switch that limits the operation of the post-processing means,
the switch is activated before the first cover member is moved to the open position by the movement of the sheet aligning means, thereby limiting the operation of the post-processing means.
The sheet post-processing device according to claim 2 . movable between a shielding position that blocks entry from the outside into a second opening provided on the downstream side of the sheet conveyance direction in the space and an open position that allows entry into the second opening from the outside; comprising a second cover member;
The operation restriction means restricts the operation of the post-processing means when the second cover member is moved from the shielding position to the open position.
The sheet post-processing device according to claim 2 or 3. a third cover member that is movable between a blocking position that blocks intrusion from the outside into a third opening that is different from the first opening and the second opening and that is provided for maintenance of the post-processing means and an open position that allows intrusion from the outside into the third opening,
the operation limiting means limits the operation of the post-processing means when the third cover member is moved from the covering position to the open position.
The sheet post-processing device according to claim 4 . A cover driving means for moving the first cover member between the closed position and the open position is provided.
The sheet post-processing device according to claim 1 . When the first cover member is located at the shielding position, the first cover member is inclined outward with respect to a moving direction of the sheet aligning means.
The sheet post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The sheet alignment means has a cover contact portion that contacts the first cover member,
As the sheet aligning means moves toward the first opening, the cover contact portion contacts the first cover member to move the first cover member from the shielding position to the open position.
A sheet post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet; and a sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, that performs post-processing on the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus.