JPH0270662A - Sheet processor device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate the possibility of generating a jam, caused by stamping action, by providing a device filling two or more sheets, arranged on a tray, on this tray and a stamper stamping on this tray a surface of the sheet on the tray. CONSTITUTION:A sheet, discharged from a picture forming processor, is received to a sheet receiving tray 150, arranged by a straightening device 180, field in every two or more sheets by a filing device 190 and stamped in the sheet surface by a stamper 200A. Since the action of such as arranging, filing and stamping the sheet is performed on the same tray 150 receiving the sheet, a jam of the sheet following its stamping action is not generated at all.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a sheet processing device that performs alignment, bookbinding, etc. of sheets such as image-transferred paper discharged from an image forming processing device such as a copying machine.

[Conventional technology]

Sheets on which images have been transferred, such as copied sheets, may be aligned and bound in multiple sheets.

In addition, a stamp such as "secret" or "circulation" may be stamped on the sheet to which the image has been transferred.

Conventionally, such sheet alignment and binding operations have been performed separately from stamp operations.

As a means of automatically stamping, for example,
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-15150, there was a copying machine in which a stamper was provided at a position beyond the fixing device within the main body of the copying machine, and a stamp was stamped there. There has also been a stamp unit separate from the bookbinding means, which is configured to stamp the surface of a plurality of sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus and bound into a book.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, since sheet alignment, binding operations, and stamp operations were performed separately, separate installation spaces were required for each operating device, making it difficult to save space. Moreover, especially in the case of the former stamper, since the stamp is stamped while conveying the copy sheet, there is a risk that the position of the stamp may shift due to sheet skew or the like, which may cause a jam.

Therefore, the present invention can save space by saving the installation space for a sheet aligning device, sheet binding device, and stamper, and can also stamp a sheet at a fixed position, and prevent jams due to the stamp operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet processing apparatus in which there is almost no fear of occurrence of such occurrence.

[Means to solve the problem]

In accordance with the above objects, the present invention includes a tray for receiving sheets ejected from an image forming apparatus, a device for aligning sheets received on the tray, and a device for aligning a plurality of aligned sheets on the tray. device for binding on a tray,
The present invention also provides a sheet processing apparatus characterized in that it is equipped with a stamper that stamps a stamp on the surface of the sheet on the tray.

[Function] According to the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention, the sheet discharged from the image forming processing apparatus is received by the sheet receiving tray,
The sheets are aligned by an alignment device, bound by a binding device in units of multiple sheets, and a stamper stamps the sheet surface. Such alignment, binding, and stamping are performed on the same tray that received the sheets.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which a sheet processing device (hereinafter referred to as "finisher unit") (50), which is an embodiment of the present invention, is attached to a copying machine as an example of an image forming device.

The copying machine main body (1) shown in FIG. 1 is placed on a desk (45), and a circulating automatic document feeder (30
) (hereinafter referred to as RDH) is attached. Inside the copying machine body (1), there is a photosensitive drum (2) that can be rotated in the direction of arrow (a), an optical system (3), a charger (4), a developing device (5), and a transfer charger. (6)
, a cleaning device (7), an eraser lamp (8), and other image forming elements are arranged. Since these devices and copying processes are well known, their explanation will be omitted.

Copy paper is stored in automatic paper feed cassettes (10) and (11), and is selectively fed one sheet at a time from either of the cassettes (10) and (11).
) is conveyed to the transfer section (2a) in synchronization with the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum (2). After the transfer, the copy paper is transferred to the fixing device (17) via the conveyor belt (16).
), where the toner is fixed, and then discharged from a pair of discharge rollers (18).

At this time, the copy paper is detected by a sensor (SEI) (see FIG. 2) provided immediately before the pair of ejection rollers (18).

The RDH (30) generally includes a document tray (31), a paper feed belt (32), a pair of paper feed rollers (33), a reversal guide plate (34), a conveyance belt (35), and a reversal roller (36).
, a pair of discharge rollers (37). RDH(
30) is a system in which the original is conveyed in a circular manner starting from the last page, and the original is placed on the tray (31) with the back side of the last page facing down, and the last page is pulled out by rotation of the paper feed belt (32). The paper is then fed from the paper feed roller pair (33) via the reversing guide plate (34) between the conveyor belt (35) and the document table glass (9). Next, conveyor bell 1-(
35), the document is set at a predetermined position on the document table glass (9), and is irradiated with light by an optical system (not shown). After image exposure, the original is moved to the original platen glass (35) using the transport bell) (35).
9) It is conveyed from above to the right in Figure 1, and is moved to the reversing roller (36
) is discharged from the pair of discharge rollers (37) onto the document placed on the tray (31) with the image side facing up.

The number of originals and the number of copies can be entered using input means (numeric keys) on the operation panel (not shown), and each time the copying of the - group of originals is completed, the output tray (80) is opened as described below. In order to perform shift, stapling, and stamp processing, the copying operation is interrupted and the documents on the shaft group are conveyed in a circular manner for the set number of copies as described above.

The finisher unit (50) selectively stores the copy sheets ejected from the copying machine main body (1) onto the ejection tray (80), or stores and aligns the sheets in the stable tray (150) and aligns them with the stapler. 190). Therefore, when copying a plurality of copies using the RDI (30) and performing stable processing and stamp processing at the same time, the copying machines are sequentially accommodated in the stable tray (150), and After the copying end signal is issued after the original has been sent from the copying machine main body (1) and the alignment of the final copy sheet is completed, the stapler (190),
Activate the standber (20OA) to sharpen the copy paper and stamp it. The compacted copies are stored in a packet or stack basket (220).

[Finisher unit configuration]

Next, regarding the configuration of the finisher unit (50),
This will be explained with reference to FIG. 2 and subsequent figures.

This finisher unit (50) generally includes rollers (60) and (61) for receiving copy paper, a switching member (70) for switching the conveyance path, a paper ejection tray (80), and a group of - A shift block (90) that shifts the paper ejection tray (80) in a direction perpendicular to the paper ejection direction each time a copy sheet for the original is stored, and a paper ejection tray (80).
) and a stable tray having a stable function and a stamp function. (150), tray (
A bucket (220) for stacking and accommodating a stack of copy sheets ejected from a tray (150) and a packet (2) from a tray (150).
Guide plate (20) that guides the stack of copy paper while letting it fall under its own weight.
15).

The copy paper receiving section is composed of a driving roller (60), a driven roller (61), and guide plates (62) and (63) opposing the ejection roller pair (18). Further, the switching member (70), the guide plates (64), (69), <91), and the paper output tray (
A sensor (S
E3) is installed.

The switching member (70) has a beak shape and is rotatably attached to the support shaft (71) as a fulcrum, and is rotated from the solid line position to the dotted line position in FIG. 2 by turning on a solenoid (not shown). When in the solid line position, the top surface (70a) guides the copy paper toward the output tray (80), and when switched to the dotted line position, the curved surface (70b) guides the copy paper toward the stable tray (150). Guide.

As shown in Fig. 3, copy paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray (80) using an ejection roller (95) and a ball (67), which is mounted coaxially with the ejection roller (95). The paddle (99) aligns the ejected copy sheets. The paddle (99) is a flexible blade member provided radially, and when rotated in the direction of arrow (b), the paper output tray (99) is
80) A back plate (75) applies a biasing force in the opposite direction to the direction of ejection to the rear end of the copy paper discharged upward, and fixes the rear end of the copy paper.
Align it by touching it.

By the way, in this unit, the paper ejection tray (80) is shifted at a predetermined timing to sort the copy sheets. Therefore, the paddle (99), which is in constant contact with the trailing edge of the ejected copy paper, is moved It is necessary to shift in conjunction with the shift operation so as not to disturb the alignment of the paper. Therefore, the paddle (99) and the discharge roller (95) are configured to be integrally shiftable. That is, the paddle (99) and the discharge roller (95) are fixed to a pipe-shaped shaft (96),
The shaft (96) is loosely fitted to a support shaft (98) rotatably mounted on a frame (not shown).

The support shaft (98) is moved by the arrow (b) by a transport motor (not shown).
The groove (98a) has ring-shaped stoppers (97) fixed to both ends of the shaft (96).
A protrusion (not shown) provided on the holder is engaged with the holder. Therefore, the paddle (99) and the discharge roller (95) are rotationally driven in the direction of arrow (b) integrally with the support shaft (98) via the shaft (96), and can be shifted in the direction of arrow (C). It is. In this shift operation, the stopper (97) engages with the notch (91a) of the lower guide plate (91), and as explained below, the lower guide plate (91) moves along with the shift block (90) at the arrow mark (C).
) direction. In addition, the paddle (99) and discharge roller (95) are connected to the lower guide plate (91).
) are located in the notches (91b) and (91c), respectively.

On the other hand, the ball (67) is rotatably pressed against the discharge roller (95) by its own weight. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ball (67) is located in the opening (64a) formed in the upper guide plate (64), and is inserted into the protrusion (64b) cut and raised from the opening (64a). Movement is prevented by a fixed holder (65). The ball (67) is the holder (65)
It can be driven by the rotation and shift of the ejection roller (95) within, and the copy paper is sandwiched between the ejection roller (95) and delivered onto the paper ejection tray (80).

As shown in FIG. 2, the paper discharge tray (80) has a plurality of protrusions (80a) on its surface extending in the paper discharge direction, and is mounted on the shift frame (100) via a holding plate (85). installed. The rear end of the paper output tray (80) is attached to the fixed back plate (7).
5), and the actuator (86) of the sensor (SE3) is located directly above it. The actuator (86) is rotatably attached to the shaft (88) integrally with the lever (87), and the lower end of the lever (87) normally blocks the optical axis of the sensor (SE3). Paper ejection tray (
80) When the number of sheets of copy paper stored above increases and the top surface of the copy paper pushes up the actuator (86), the lever (87) moves along with the actuator (86) around the shaft (88) as shown in FIG. Rotate clockwise and press the lever (
87) opens the optical axis of the sensor (SE3).

As a result, the upper surface level of the copy paper is detected, and the nilevate block (130), which will be described in detail below, is operated to lower the paper discharge tray (80).

[Shift block]

The shift frame (on which the paper output tray (80) is attached)
100), as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the support shaft (132) is attached to the horizontal guide portion (131a) of the lifting frame (131).
) can be shifted in the direction of arrow (C) by being guided by a guide roller (133) rotatably provided. Inside this horizontal guide portion (131a) is a cam (12) shown in FIG.
0) is installed, and the pin (122) fixed to the upper edge of the cam (120) is inserted into the elongated hole (1) of the shift frame (100).
00a). The cam (120) is moved by a shift motor (not shown) with the support shaft (121) as the fulcrum.
) direction, and recesses (120a) and (120b) are formed on the outer circumferential surface at 180 degree rotationally symmetrical positions.

Further, the actuator (125) of the sensor (SE8) comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cam (120), and the actuator (125) moves into the recess (120) based on the rotation of the cam (120).
a), every time it falls to (120b), the sensor (SE8)
It works.

In the above configuration, when the RDH (30) finishes copying the - group of originals and the copy sheet of the final original is stored on the paper ejection tray (80), a shift motor (not shown) is activated. The cam (120) is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow (d), and the actuator (125) moves to the next recess (120a).
) or (120b), the shift motor is turned off.

That is, the cam (120) rotates intermittently by 180' every time a predetermined number of copy sheets are stored on the paper ejection tray (80), and rotates intermittently by 180' each time a predetermined number of copy sheets are stored on the paper ejection tray (80).
) along with the paper output tray (80) in the direction of arrow (c), i.e.
Reciprocating movements (shifts) are repeated in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the copy paper is ejected.

Further, a fixed back plate (75) and a movable back plate (110) are installed at the back of the shift frame (100). The fixed back plate (75) is fixed to the main body frame of the finish+ unit (50), and regulates the rear end of the copy paper stored on the paper ejection tray (80). Movable back plate (11
0) is installed to shift the ejection roller (95), sensor (SE3), and its actuator (86) in conjunction with the ejection tray (80), and the lower guide plate (9
1) is also fixed to this movable back plate (110).

Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the movable back plate (1
10) is the three pins (76) fixed to the fixed back plate (75).
) is formed in this movable back plate (110) through a long hole (110a
), it is possible to shift in the direction of arrow (C). In addition, the pin (101) fixed to the shift frame (100) is connected to the elongated hole (134a) of the guide plate (134) fixed to the horizontal guide part (131a) of the lifting frame (131) and the fixed back plate (75). Opening (75a)
A long hole (
llOb). Therefore, the movable back plate (110
) is shifted in the direction of arrow (C) together with the shift frame (100) and the paper discharge tray (80) by engagement of the pin (101) and the elongated hole (110b). And a movable back plate (11
0), the horizontal elongated hole (110a) is connected to the pin (76).
). On the other hand, when the shift frame (100) moves up and down together with the paper output tray (80) due to the operation of the nilevate block (130), which will be described in detail below, the pin (101) is guided by the elongated hole (110b). , the movable back plate (110) maintains a constant height position and does not move up or down. That is, the ejection roller (95) and the actuator (86) have a constant height.

[Nilevate block] The Nilevate block (130) is the shift block (
90) to raise and lower the paper discharge tray (80).

As shown in FIG. 6, the elevating frame (131) that shiftably supports the shift frame (100) has rollers (136) rotatably mounted on both sides that support the main body frame (
a guide frame (140) fixed to (not shown);
140), it is possible to move up and down. In addition, this elevating frame (131) also has a support shaft (
pinion (13B) fixed to (J, 38)
) is installed. This pinion (138), (13
8) is engaged with racks (140a), (140a) formed on the lifting guide frames (140), (140), and is rotationally driven by a lifting motor (not shown) capable of forward and reverse driving;
Based on this rotation, the elevating frame (131) moves up and down together with the shift frame (100) and the paper discharge tray (80).

In the above configuration, when the number of copies discharged and stored on the paper discharge tray (80) increases and the top surface of the copy paper lifts the actuator (86) and the sensor (Se3) operates, the lifting motor rotates in the normal direction. Driven. As a result, the elevating frame (131) descends together with the shift frame (100) and the paper discharge tray (80). The lowering operation is performed on the paper output tray (
80), the upper surface of the copy paper passes through the actuator (86), and when the lever (87) again blocks light from the sensor (Se2), the forward rotation of the lifting motor is stopped, thereby stopping the operation. In this way, the ejection tray (80) is intermittently lowered depending on the amount of copy paper stored, so that the height at which the trailing edge of the copy paper falls onto the ejection tray (80) is lowered by the ejection roller. (95) and the ball (67) to the detection position of the top surface of the copy paper of the actuator (86), plus the amount of descent during forward rotation of the lift motor. will be maintained. Coupled with the alignment effect of the paddle (99) on the copy paper, the alignment of the copy paper on the paper discharge tray (80) is made good.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, Nilevate block (130
) Sensors (Se5) and (Se2) are installed below. These sensors (Se5) and (Se2) operate when the optical axis is blocked by the corner (13lb) of the lowered elevating frame (131). When the sensor (Se5) operates, it means that the paper ejection tray (80) is full of copy paper, and outputs an unaccommodating signal to the copying machine main body (1).
If necessary, a message indicating that the copy paper should be removed from the paper output tray (80) is displayed.

In addition, the lifting frame (131) is a stamper (200A).
In order to operate the sensor (Se
2) descend until it is detected.

[Stamp function]

Here, the stamp function will be explained.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the stamper (200A) stamps predetermined characters such as "Secret n, ++ Circulation" on the copy paper stored in the stable tray (150), which will be described in detail below. It is for stamping.

This stamper is provided so as to face a stamp holder (300) provided at the negative end (copy paper alignment reference side) of a substrate (151) of a stable tray (150), which will be described later. 131). The stamp (200) constituting the stamper (20OA) has its printing surface (200a) facing the direction of arrow (e), and the pin (201) is inserted into the guide hole (209) of the frame (not shown).
It is installed so that it can be moved in the direction of arrow (e) while being guided by. Links (202) and (203) connected by a pin (204) are connected to this stamp (200),
The link (203) is rotatably supported by a frame (not shown) with a pin (205), and is supported by a torsion coil spring (206).
) is constantly biased upward.

The horizontal guide part (131a) of the elevating frame (131)
) is fixed with a projecting piece (135), and the elevating frame (13
1) presses the pin (204) to move the stamp (200) in the direction of arrow (e), and the stable tray (150)
Print on the copy paper inside. The printing operation is performed using a stapler (190
) is controlled so that it is performed immediately after the binding operation.
When the sensor (SE6) operates simultaneously with printing, the lifting motor is driven in reverse, and the lifting frame (131)
rises and returns. Then, the links (202) and (203), which are no longer pressed by the protrusion (135), rotate upward by the spring force of the torsion coil spring (206), and the stamp (200) returns to its initial position. Become.

Note that the stamper is not limited to the above-mentioned ones,
If desired, other configurations may be used, for example, the stamp may be driven by a solenoid.

[Stable tray]

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the stable tray (150) includes a substrate (151), a guide plate (155), and a stopper (160), and is installed upright with a slight inclination. There is.

On the negative side of the base (151) is the stamp (200).
A stamp holder (300) is provided opposite to.

The stamp holder is made of a soft elastic material with a low coefficient of friction μ against the copy paper and has a smooth surface so that there is no problem in receiving the copy paper into the tray (150), aligning it, and discharging the paper from the tray. The surface height is made to substantially match the tray surface height so as not to protrude above the tray surface.

To explain the stamp holder in more detail, in the illustrated example, a polyester sheet (302) generally known as a Mylar sheet is adhered to a soft sponge (301).

Note that the stamp holder is not limited to the one described above, and if necessary, it can be made of silicone rubber, a rubber material and a mylar sheet attached to it, or a suitable soft material coated with a low friction coefficient paint. In short, it is made of a soft material that allows clear stamping without being affected by the slight inclination of the stamper (200A), the curl of the copy paper, the thickness of the stack of copy paper, etc. do it. The coefficient of friction between the sheets is approximately 0.3 to 0.7,
Since it is usually about 0.4, the coefficient of friction μ between the surface of the stamp holder and the copy paper in contact therewith is preferably about 0.4 or less, and more preferably about 0.3 or less. The μ between the Mylar sheet (302) and the copy paper is approximately 0.
．． It is 2 to 0.3.

The stopper (160) is for regulating the lower part of the copy paper stored in the stable tray (150), and is attached to the support shaft (
161), and is connected to a discharge solenoid (not shown). This stopper (160) is normally connected to the guide plate (15) when the discharge solenoid is turned off.
5) to close the bottom of the stable tray (150). When the discharge solenoid is turned on, the stopper (160) moves in the direction of the arrow (
f) direction to open the bottom of the stable tray (150).

Further, at the bottom of the stable tray (150), there is a paddle wheel (180) for aligning the stored copy sheets.
A stapler (190) for binding a plurality of copies, a guide roller (195), and a sensor (S ET ) for detecting the presence or absence of copies are installed. The paddle wheel (180) is attached to a support shaft (181) as shown in FIG.
A flexible blade member (182) is attached radially around the periphery of the blade, and is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow (g). As a result, the blade member (182) comes into sliding contact with the copy paper, and while the copy paper fed into the staple tray (150) by its own weight is dropped one by one to the stopper lower end regulating portion (160a),
It is biased in one direction so as to come into contact with a side plate (not shown) and aligned.

The stapler (190) is shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is of a known electric type.
An electric stapler made by MAX is used here, and the staple holder is installed on the same plane as the stopper (160), and the stack of copy sheets accommodated and aligned in the stable tray (150) is placed on the same plane as the stopper (160). Bind the corners. Note that staplers other than those in this example can be used as appropriate.

The guide roller (195) is rotatably attached to the lower part of a lever (196) that is swingably attached to the guide plate (155), and prevents the leading end of the stack of sheets from bulging during storage. The upper part of the guide plate (155) is connected to the switching member (
70), and guides the copy paper to the stable tray (150) with the guide plate (69). Directly above the stable tray (150) is a conveyor roller (16) for feeding the copy paper into the stable tray (150).
5), (166), and a sensor (SE4) for detecting the fed copy paper.

Furthermore, a regulation lever (156) is provided on the guide plate (155).
, (157) and a copy paper static elimination brush (158) are installed. The regulation levers (156) and (157) are '/
By turning on (SLI) and (SL2), it can enter the stable tray (150) and rotate to the dotted line position in Figure 1, thereby preventing the copy paper from falling. control and prevent page alignment from being disordered. Therefore, the regulation levers (156) and (157) are set in a position that corresponds to the size of copy paper that can be stapled, and that regulates the upper end of the copy paper stored in the stable tray (150). There is.

Next, a configuration for discharging stapled copy paper from the stable tray (150) will be described.

A protrusion (211) is attached to the frame (210) installed in the finisher unit (50) at a position facing the lower part of the copy paper stored in the stable tray (150), as shown in FIG. In addition, a long hole (160b) corresponding to the protrusion (211) is formed in the stopper (160).

Therefore, after the stapling process, the stopper (160) moves with the arrow (
When the bottom of the stable tray (150) is opened by rotating in the f) direction, the protruding piece (211) protrudes from the elongated hole (160b) and restricts the lower part of the copy paper. This is a stopper (
When the copy paper is opened, the bottom of the copy paper is the stopper (160)
This is to prevent the lower end regulating portion (160a) from moving in the direction of arrow (f) and causing an ejection failure. Therefore, the regulating surface of the protruding piece (211) is an inclined surface so as to guide the copy paper in the ejection direction.

Further, the stapled copy paper is guided by a guide plate (215) and discharged to a packet or stack basket (220) (see FIG. 1), as shown in FIG. 1θ. At this time, the copy paper is attached to the fixing device (17) in the copying machine main body (1).
Because of the heating caused by the heating, it tends to curl in the direction of the arrow (h) in the center of Figure 2, and if it is simply guided by the guide plate (215), there is a risk that it will be stored in the stack basket (220) in a disordered state. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, a protrusion (216) can be installed at the center of the guide plate (215) if necessary. As a result, the copy paper is ejected in a state in which it is stiffened in the ejection direction, and its alignment within the stack basket (220) is improved.

[Packet part]

The stack basket (220) that constitutes the bucket section is
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, the rear wall R1 extends below the guide plate (215), and the entire car is supported on a cantilever.

The upper end fl of the car front wall Fl' is provided so as to be lower than the copy paper discharge end S1 of the guide plate (215) by a distance H.

This distance H is such that the copy paper stack P to be accommodated is placed in the basket (
220) when it was loaded into the capacity car cup,
The upper surface of the uppermost copy sheet bundle P (in the illustrated example, the curled and upwardly curved rear end PI) is set to be at a lower position than the discharge end S1 of the guide plate (215).

In addition, the depth I of the basket (220) is such that the stack of copy sheets P guided by the guide plate is loaded into the basket in a stable alignment state without becoming rounded, and is accommodated therein. It is assumed that the stack of copy sheets can be easily removed later.

In the illustrated example, the depth I is approximately 60 mm.

By providing a stack basket in this way,
The copy paper bundle P is thrown into the basket while advancing slightly downward from the guide plate (215), collides with the front wall Fl of the basket, falls as it is, and is loaded into the basket. When a predetermined amount of copy paper stacks (in the case of the illustrated example, the amount of the car's storage capacity) is loaded and accommodated in the basket, the following copy paper stacks are placed on the tray (150 ), it passes through due to the falling energy, flies out of the cage, and falls. In this case, since the falling distance is short, there is almost no risk of damage to the bundle of copy sheets, but another accommodation packet may be provided outside the basket (220). Even if the basket (220) becomes full, there is no risk of the copy paper stacks colliding or stopping in the basket, so the copying operation of the copying machine can be continued.

Further, a packet (230) as shown in FIG. 12 may be provided.

The packet is also in the form of a basket, but the upper end of the front wall F2 is formed to open outward. Initially, it is in the position shown by the imaginary line in the figure, and at this time, the upper end f2 of the front wall F2 is at the same height as the discharge end S2 of the guide plate (215''),
A portion R3 of the rear wall R2 extends below the guide plate, rests on the fulcrum member (231), and further extends so that the rear end portion is attached to the spring (231).
2) is connected and supported to the finisher unit frame. Thus, the cage (230) appears to be supported on a cantilever.

When the copy paper bundle P is thrown into the basket, the front end of the copy paper bundle P collides with the front wall F2 and falls as it is, and is loaded into the basket. As the stack of copy sheets is loaded, the basket (230) moves down about the fulcrum member (231) while resisting the spring (232). As shown by the solid line in the figure, when the basket (230) is fully loaded with copy paper bundles, the upper end f2 of the front wall of the basket is already at a lower position than the discharge end S2 of the guide plate (215').

Thus, the succeeding copy paper stack P passes over the basket (230) and falls out of the basket. Therefore, the copying operation of the copying machine can be continued.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 1O, the guide plate (21
5), when the protrusion (216) is provided in the above-mentioned protrusion (216), the height of the copy paper ejection end of the guide section made of these members is equal to the above-mentioned protrusion (216).
6), the guide +, 1i2 (21
5) at the copy paper ejection end.

(Operating mode) The finisher unit (50) having the above configuration is
It can operate in non-stable mode, staple mode, and stapler stamp mode.

The non-stable mode is an operation mode in which copy sheets discharged from the copying machine main body (1) are stored and accommodated on the paper discharge tray (80). At this time, the switching member (70)
The copy paper is held at the solid line position in the figure, and the copy paper is ejected by the ejection roller (95).
, are discharged from the ball (67) onto the paper discharge tray (80), and are aligned based on the rotation of the paddle (99). Then, each time the sensor (SE3) detects the top surface of the stored copy paper, the nilevate block (130) operates as described above, and the nip part of the ejection roller (95L ball (67) and the top surface of the copy paper The height of is held approximately constant.

The shift operation of the paper output tray (80) by the shift block (90) requires that the number of copies be set to "2" or more;
Alternatively, use the RDH (30) to increase the number of copies to “2”.
It will be executed automatically if you set it to ``°'' or higher.

At this time, one copy process is completed and the sensor (SE2)
When the ejection of the final copy sheet is detected, the paper ejection tray (8
0) is shifted left and right, and the copy sheets are sorted by number of copies.

Stable mode means that the copy paper ejected from the copying machine main body (1) is stored on the stable tray (150), aligned with the paddle wheel (180), and then
0) is operated to staple a stack of copy sheets, and the bound stack of copy sheets is stored in the stack basket (220). At this time, the switching member (70) is set to the dotted line position in FIG.
) into the stable tray (150) and is aligned based on the rotation of the paddle wheel (180).

Then, when the alignment of the final copy sheet with respect to the - group of documents is completed, the stapler (190) is driven.

Stamp mode means that the stamper (200A) is placed on the first page of copy paper stored in the stable tray (150).
This refers to an operation mode in which a stamp is stamped in the above-mentioned mode, and in the above description, it can be executed together with the stapling mode, and the stamping operation is performed immediately after the stapling process. In this case, operate the Nilevate block (130) to lower the elevating frame (131) together with the paper ejection tray (80) until its corner (131b) is detected by the sensor (SE6), and then
Stamp (200) with the linked action of 02) and (203)
Move and print. At this time, the stamp holder (300
) supports the back side of the copy paper stack and contributes to clear stamping.

According to the finisher unit (50), (1) operations such as aligning copy sheets, stapling, and stamping can be performed in one stable tray (150), so these operations can be performed separately or in one. (2) In addition, since the stamp can be stamped in a stationary state aligned on the tray (150), the position of the stamp does not shift. (3) Since the tray (150) is equipped with a stamp holder (300) made of a soft elastic material, the stamper installation is not affected by errors, curling of paper, paper storage capacity of the tray (150), etc. , the stamper can be stamped clearly, and the effect is great especially when using a small number of stamps. (5) The stamp holder (300) is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, has a smooth surface, and is placed at approximately the same height as the tray surface, so that the stamp holder (300) has a smooth surface and is placed at approximately the same height as the tray surface. Receiving copy paper, aligning copy paper on the tray, and ejecting copy paper from the tray are performed without any problems. (6) Packets (220) and (230) do not need to be equipped with lifting devices, sensors, etc. (6) When the packets (220) and (230) are loaded with a predetermined amount of copy paper stacks, the following copy paper stacks are stacked with the top copy paper of the capacity. Since it is designed so that it passes over the bundle and moves out of the packet, there is no jamming caused by collisions of copy sheets in the packet section, so the copying machine can continue to operate, and the copying process is done efficiently. (6) Since the packets (220) and (230) are shallow, the stack of copy sheets is stably stacked and accommodated here, and the stack of copy sheets accommodated in the packets is Easy to take out. In addition, since the storage capacity of the stack of copy sheets is small, even when the packets are supported by the finisher unit, the load on the finisher unit body is small, and it is possible to give a light appearance.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, it is possible to save space by saving the installation space of a sheet alignment device, a sheet binding device, and a stamper, and also to stamp a sheet at a fixed position. It is possible to provide a sheet processing device in which there is almost no possibility of jamming occurring.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a copying machine and a finisher unit (sheet processing device) attached thereto, and FIG. 2 is a configuration of a guide section that guides copy paper into a packet. 1 is a schematic sectional view of the finisher unit shown in a slightly modified state, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ejection roller and shift block, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the ejection of copy sheets to the paper ejection tray. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the rear side of the shift block, Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the Nilevate block, Figure 7 is a perspective view of the shift cam, and Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the shift block.
The figure is a perspective view of the paddle wheel in the stable tray, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a part of the stable tray and the stamper,
Figure 1O is a perspective view of a guide plate with a protrusion provided for guiding copy sheets from the stable tray to the stack basket, Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of how to use the stack corner shown in Figure 1,
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the stack corner. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Copying machine main body, 50... Finisher unit, P... Copy paper stack, 150... Stable tray, 280... Aligning paddle wheel, 190... Stapler, 200A... Stamper, 200... Stamp, 300... Stamp holder, 220.230... Stack basket, 215.215''... Guide plate, 216... Projection, 232... Spring, 31. 32...Copy paper discharge end, Fl, F2...Front wall of stack basket, fLf2...
Top of front wall. Applicant: Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. 1 Figure 230...Stack basket 215''...Guide plate S2...Copy paper discharge end F2...Front wall f2 of stack basket...Top end of front wall

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A tray that receives sheets ejected from an image forming apparatus, a device that aligns the sheets received on the tray, and a device that binds the aligned sheets on the tray. , and a stamper for stamping the surface of the sheet on the tray on the tray.