JPH07172680A - Sheet after-treatment device having sheet bundle transferring means - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To Prevent a hitch of a sheet bundle on a bin frame when the sheet bundle loaded on a bin is transferred and is pushed out of the bin. CONSTITUTION:A sheet taking out time guide member 5 is arranged on this side of the tip part of a bin group 11, and a width of a sheet taking-out port 1 can be minimized by constituting so as to also serve as a sheet registering time reference wall by swinging a guide member, and a sheet taking-out characteristic and a sheet registering characteristic can be also heightened. When a sheet is registered, a guide 5 is set in a two-dot chain line position, and when a sheet bundle is trasnsferred, the guide 5 is set in a continuous line position.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus provided with a sheet bundle transfer means, and more specifically, it is discharged from an image forming apparatus main body such as a copying machine, a printing machine or a laser beam printer after image formation. The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing device (sorter, stacker, etc.) for sequentially classifying and storing sheet members such as copy sheets in a tray (hereinafter referred to as "bin tray").

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional sheet post-processing apparatus J ₁ (bin moving type) shown in FIG. 17, an operator discharges sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus main body J ₂ and then stores the sheets on a bin tray J _3. The method with the highest operability when taking out is the method of pulling out from the operation part side (X direction), but the reference J ₄ , stapler J ₅ , spiral cam J ₆ are provided on the front side in the X direction of this device. Since the outer cover J _{7 and the} like are interposed, the above method cannot be used. In order to take out the sheet of this device, the operator has to take a detour to the side of the device and pull it out in the direction of the arrow Y, which is a disadvantage for today's devices that aim to improve operability.

[0003]

However, when the sheet bundle can be taken out only from the side surface as in the conventional example, the operability is deteriorated.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the conventional apparatus, and to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus excellent in operability.

Further, when the sheet bundle is further taken out, the sheet bundle can be taken out smoothly without catching the corners of the sheet bundle, and at that time, without enlarging the frame, leaving the frame left (the frame is lost). If it does, the bottle itself can not be supported and cantilevered. The position accuracy of the bottle cannot be guaranteed), so that it can be done.

According to the present invention, at least one or more bins for stacking and accommodating sheets, sheet ejection means for ejecting the sheets to the bin, and a sheet bundle on the bin for transferring in the first direction. One sheet transfer means, a second sheet transfer means for transferring a sheet in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first sheet transfer means, a control means for controlling each operation, and the second sheet It is characterized in that it comprises a sheet guide member, which is provided substantially along the sheet discharge direction of the transfer means, is swingable and guides the sheet, and a drive means for swinging the sheet guide member.

According to the present invention, the effect of the sheet guide member is particularly great, and the corner of the sheet bundle is prevented from being caught when the sheet bundle is transported.

[0008]

EXAMPLE A first example will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the present embodiment, in order to reduce the size of the sorter and reduce the cost, the width of the opening 1 is set according to the small size sheet width. Therefore, a sheet having a major size, for example, A4 or LTR size or smaller is taken out from the opening 1 in the direction of arrow a, and other large size sheets are taken out from the direction of arrow b.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sorter of the present invention is provided with a swing guide 5 on a bin unit 2 which constitutes a bin group. The swing guide 5 is configured to swing smoothly around a fulcrum 16, and via the support plate 15, the bin frame 3
Supported by. Further, the tension spring 17 urges it counterclockwise, and stops by contacting a stopper 18 provided on the bin frame 3. The swing guide 5 is provided with an arm 5b below, and this arm 5b is interlocked with a V-shaped lever 7 provided on the support plate 15. The lever 7 can smoothly rotate around the fulcrum 7b. Therefore, when the lever 7 rotates counterclockwise, the arm 7c of the lever 7 presses the arm 5b of the rocking guide, and the arm 5a of the rocking guide 5 can rotate clockwise.

Next, the movement of the reference rod 25 will be described. The reference rod 25 has an L-shape, and is provided with the accuride rail 13 at the bottom. The accurride rail 13 is fixed to the bin frame 3. A guide pin 14 is fixed to the upper portion of the reference rod and is engaged with a groove 19 formed by a rib of the bin frame 3. Therefore, the reference rod 25 can move smoothly in the arrow direction. Further, the reference rod 25 is provided with the accuride rail 13 on the bottom and the rack 12 on the reflection side. The rack is engaged with a pinion gear 11 of a pulse motor 10 provided in the bin frame 3 and capable of reversing. Therefore, the reference rod 25 is
The Palmo 10 rotates in response to a signal from a pulse motor driver (not shown) to move in the direction of the arrow. The reference rod 25 has a flag 8 at the bottom, and the photo sensor 9 provided in the bin frame 3 can detect the home position. Further, the reference rod 25 is provided with a pressing arm 6 at the bottom end, and the pressing arm 6 presses the other arm 7a of the V-shaped lever 7.

In this embodiment, the reference rods 25 are P ₁ , P ₂ , P
Take ₃ of the three positions. The position P ₁ is the home position of the reference rod, and the movement to P ₂ and P ₃ is controlled by the pulse number of the pulse motor 10. When the pressing lever 6 exceeds P ₂ , it comes into contact with the arm 7a of the V-shaped lever 7 to start rotating the swing guide 5a, and when it reaches P ₁ , the swing guide 5 moves from the position P ₁₁ to the position P ₁₂ . . Conversely, the reference rod 25 is P
_When moving from ₁ to P ₂ , the swing guide 5 moves from P ₁₂ to P ₁₁ .

Next, the movement of the sheet bundle in this embodiment will be described.

When the small sheet size is selected, the reference rod 25 is responsive to the size signal from the copying machine.
Moves from P ₁ to P ₂ , and in conjunction with this, the swing guide 5
Moves from P ₁₂ to P ₁₁ . In this state, the sheets are sequentially discharged from the main body 1 to the bin 11, and when the discharge is completed,
The reference rod 25 retracts from P ₂ to P ₃ , and the aligning rod 24 moves the sheet bundle to a position where it overlaps the reference rod 25, as shown in FIG.

Next, the reference rod 25 pushes up the sheet bundle 26 to the inclined position shown in FIG. 4 while moving from P ₃ to P ₂ . At this time, the swing guide 5 moves the sheet bundle 26
Since it is set so as to overlap with the leading edge corner of the sheet by a sufficient distance l, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the leading edge corner of the sheet wraps around the inside of the bin frame 3 and is caught when the bin frame 3 is taken out. Further, from this state, the aligning rod 24 rotates counterclockwise to push out the sheet bundle to the position shown in FIGS. Therefore, the user can take out the sheet bundle smoothly in the a direction, and the workability can be greatly improved.

By repeating the above operation, a plurality of sets can be stacked in one bin as shown in FIG.

Disturbances and deviations of the sheet bundle pushed out in an inclined state caused by vibrations when bin-shifting,
Since the swing guide 5 can regulate the movement of the sheets, it can be prevented, and the consistency of the sheet bundle can be greatly improved.

Next, the large size will be described.

When the large size is selected, the reference rod 25 is located at the home position P ₁ and the swing guide 5 is located at P ₁₂ according to the size signal from the copying machine. The position P ₁₂ is set at a position where the sheet is aligned in the width direction of the sheet, and the arm 5 of the swing guide is set.
Since the length of a reaches the minimum length of the large size at which the tip end is discharged onto the bin at P ₁₂ , the large size sheet at the time of aligning the sheet has the reference rod 25 and the swing guide. The two points of the arm 5a can be used as a reference for alignment. Therefore, it is possible to prevent misalignment due to rotation of the sheet, which is likely to occur when aligning vertically long sheets, and stacking failure,
The integrity of the sheet can be greatly increased. Further, since the tape 5a 'is sufficiently provided at the tip end h of the arm 5a of the swing guide, even if the sheet is skewed and discharged, it is not caught. Further, in this embodiment, since the movement of the swing guide 5 is taken from the reference rod 25, there is a great merit in terms of cost.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The second embodiment has the same effect as the first embodiment, and further has the effect of improving the take-out property of the sheets, and in particular, the posture of the sorted sheet bundle can be held at the time of taking-out. It is a thing.

Reference numeral 51a is an arm of the swing guide, and a groove 51c is formed on the outer side of the guide surface substantially parallel to the inclination of the group of bins 11. The pitch of the groove portions 51c is the bin 11
According to the pitch. In the present embodiment, the stroke of the reference rod 25 when pushing up the sheet bundle is variable depending on the sheet size, and when the sheet is pushed up, the sheet front end side end portion is the groove portion 5 of the arm 51a of the swing guide 51.
It is set to engage with 1c. Therefore, when the sheet bundle is pushed out to the take-out port 1 by the aligning rod 24 in the same operation as described above, the sheet bundle comes out while being guided by the groove portion 51c for each bin. Even when taking out the fully loaded sheets, the sheets can be taken out while distinguishing them from the sheet bundles in the upper and lower bins. Further, by engaging with the groove portion 51c, it is possible to reduce the air layer of the sheet bundle and further improve the take-out property.

The basic part of the overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The lever 7, the swing guide 5, the accurride rail 13, and the bottom of the reference rod 25 are omitted.

FIG. 12 is an overall view of an image forming apparatus equipped with the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, an automatic document feeder 300 that automatically circulates a document is installed on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body 200.
A sorting device 100 having 20 bin trays 11 is attached.

The image forming apparatus main body 200 uses a well-known electrophotographic method, and although detailed description is omitted here, a document positioned on the platen glass 208 is sensed by an optical system (not shown) by the photosensitive drum 201. Image up,
The image is transferred to the sheet by the developing device 202 and the transfer electrode 203 provided around the photosensitive drum 201, and the fixing device 20
No. 5, it is permanently fixed.

The sorting device 100 is a so-called bin moving type sorter, and bin trays b stacked in the vertical direction are raised or lowered one by one by one rotation of the spiral cams 4 provided on both sides.

The sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus main body 200 passes through a pair of discharge rollers 205, and then the sorting apparatus 10
Sort path 106 by flapper 101 sent to 0
a, the direction to the non-sort path 106b is selected (see FIG. 13). At the time of non-sorting without classifying the sheets, all the sheets pass through the non-sorting path 106b (the flapper 101 is located at the chain line) and the non-sorting tray 11 is used.
It is discharged to 0, and at the time of sorting to sort the sheets,
Sheets that have passed through the sort path 106a (the flapper 101 is in the solid line position) and are discharged by the discharge rollers are accommodated in the bin trays that move up and down in synchronization.

Reference numeral 21 (broken line portion) is an electric stapler for binding sheets, which is attached at a predetermined position facing the bin tray 11. The stapler 21, which is a top view of the sorting apparatus 100, has a position for waiting outside the area of the bin tray 11 and a position for advancing into the cutout portion A formed in the corner of the bin tray 11 to perform the staple binding operation for sheets. Is moved by a drive system (not shown).

As shown in detail in FIG. 14, the bin unit 108 which also holds the bin tray 11 is formed in a box shape in which guide side plates 150 are provided on both sides from the non-sort tray 110 to the base frame 109. The bin tray 11 is a pin (trunnion) 1 fixed on both sides.
03 is inserted in the hole 150a of the guide side plate 150, and the upstream side in the discharge direction is inclined downward. The support plate 111 is provided on the inner side of the base end of the base frame 109.
On the support plate 111, a rotation center shaft 114 having an upper end portion fixed to the upper arm 112 and a lower end portion fixed to the lower arm 113 is mounted on the support plate 111. (Not shown) and a rotation shaft 115 provided on the lower surface of the non-sort tray 108 are rotatably supported.
A fan gear 116 is rotatably arranged on the support plate 111 about a rotation shaft provided on the support plate 111, and the lower arm 113 is provided on the fan gear 116.
Is fixed. Further, a pulse motor 117 is arranged below the support plate 111.
The gear 118 fixed to the output shaft of 17 is the fan-shaped gear 1 described above.
It meshes with 16. An alignment rod 24 is provided at the tip of the lower arm 113 and the tip of the upper arm 112 so as to pass through the notch B formed in each bin tray 11, and the alignment rod 24 is mounted on the fan gear 116. Is configured to swing by the rotation of the. Further, the lower arm 113 is provided with a light shielding plate 120, and the light shielding plate 120 swings integrally with the lower arm 113 to turn on the home position sensor 121 arranged on the back side of the base frame 109. -It is configured to turn off.

Then, the image forming apparatus main body 20 shown in FIG.
A control circuit CPU is attached to 0 and the sorting apparatus 100 to control each operation and perform communication.

Next, the operation of the above-mentioned configuration will be described below with reference to the flowchart (FIG. 16).

(Step 1) First, the operator places the document D on the document table 30 of the automatic document feeder 200 shown in FIG.
Place on 3. Next, after inputting the number of copies n, staple mode (presence / absence), etc. to the operation panel (not shown) of the image forming apparatus, the start key is turned on.

(Step 2) Subsequently, the number of originals D is controlled by the automatic original feeder 200 by circulating the originals or by inputting a numerical value if the operator knows it in advance. The circuit is made to recognize the number of originals N ₁ .

(Step 3) Based on the set number of copies n, the control circuit determines the number of copies N ₂ to be accommodated in one bin. For example, since there are 20 bin trays in this embodiment, {n ₂ = 1 when n = 0 to 20} {N ₂ = 2 when n = 21 to 40} {n = 41 to 60 when n = 41 to 60 N ₂ = 3}.

Then, the maximum number of sheets that can be stored in one bin tray is N ₃ (experimentally obtained in advance and input to the control circuit), and N ₁ × N ₂ <N ₃ is determined.

If the determinations in (Step 4) and (Step 3) are "No", the number of sheets stored in one bin tray exceeds the number of sheets that can be stored. Therefore, some method (warning sound, display) The message is sent to the operator.

If the determinations in (Step 5) and (Step 3) are "Yes", as shown in FIG.
The reference rod 25 waiting at the home position is moved to the position P ₂ which is the reference position for alignment, and the alignment rod 24 is moved from the home position to the standby position suitable for the discharged sheet size.

(Steps 6 and 7) When the above preparation is completed, the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 200 are sorted. Here, when the set number of copies n is larger than the number of bin trays (20), 20 sets are sorted first, and when the number of bins is 20 or less, n sets are sorted. The automatic document feeder 300 feeds the original bundle D from the final page onto the platen glass 208 of the image forming apparatus main body 200 through the path 301 by separating the lower side (FIG. 12). After the originals are stopped, an optical system (not shown) is activated. , Image formation is started. The transferred / fixed sheet passes through the sort path 106a, and the first bin tray 11
-1 (standby at a position facing the paper discharge roller). The sheet discharged to the bin tray 11-1 moves toward the stopper b ′ by its own weight on the bin tray arranged with the stopper b ′ inclined downward.

Then, by the pulse motor 117 that rotates based on the pulse signal corresponding to the sheet size,
The alignment rod 24 located at 19a starts to move by a predetermined amount in the direction of the arrow, and after contacting the sheet side end, moves to the first sheet position where the other side end of the sheet contacts the reference rod 25. Then, the aligning rod 24 prepares to eject the next sheet,
Return to the standby position.

The above is the flow of stacking one sheet on the bin tray. After that, by rotating the spiral cam 22, each bin tray is aligned with the position of the discharge roller pair, and the transfer sheet of the final page of the original is placed on the desired bin tray. Side end is standard rod 25
Then, the rear end is brought into contact with the stopper b ′ to be aligned.

When the transfer of the last page of the original is completed,
The original document on the platen glass 208 passes through the path 302 and is discharged to the uppermost surface of the original document stack D on the original document table 303. However, a partition lever is interposed between the copied original document and the non-copied original document (not shown) to distinguish between them.

The above operation is repeated for the number of originals, and desired copy sheets are aligned and stacked. At this time, the automatic document feeder 300 completes the circulation of the document stack D, and the document stack D is returned to 1 again.
The page is on the top.

(Step 8), where (Step 8)
If the setting mode in 1) is stapling,
The process proceeds to (Step 9), and if there is no staple, the process proceeds to (Step 11).

(Steps 9 and 10) The stapler 21, which has been waiting at the home position, receives the operation start signal from the control circuit CPU, moves to the stapling operation position (broken line position), and staples the trailing edge of the sheet. To do. At this time, the sheets are held at their side ends by the reference rod 25 and the alignment rod 24, so that the deviation of the bundle at the time of stapling is prevented. After staple driving, the stapler 7 returns to the home position and the spiral cam 2
By one rotation of 2, the bin tray is moved by one stage, and the staple binding of the sheets on the next bin tray is performed.

By repeating the above operation, the staple binding of all the sheet bundles is completed.

(Step 11) Next, the alignment reference position P
_The reference rod 25 that was in contact with the side edge of the sheet at ₂ is moved to the position P ₃ by the pulse motor 125. As described above, the movement path of the reference rod 25 is in the direction (step K) away from the sheet bundle side end, so that there is no bundle deviation due to the movement.

(Step 12) Subsequently, the alignment rod 24 is driven by the pulse motor 117 to move from the alignment position by a predetermined amount L.
Move ₁ (L ₁ > K). With the movement of the aligning rod 24, the side edge of the sheet is pressed, and L _{1 is} pushed out toward the front side along the stopper b ′ (second sheet position).

(Step 13), the above (Step 11)
Then, the reference rod 25 retracted to the position P ₃ returns to the position P ₂ while pushing up the rear end of the sheet. The rear end of the sheet is supported by the reference rod 25 and the stopper b ′, and the side end thereof is supported by the aligning rod 24, and the position of the sheet is converted into an inclined shape on the bin tray (third sheet position).

(Step 14) Further, in this state, the aligning rod 24 moves in the direction of the arrow by a predetermined amount L ₂ . A space sufficient for the sheet to pass is provided between the inclined surfaces 3a of the front cover 3 of the sorting apparatus 100, and the sheet side end portion Sa is completely out of the machine due to the movement of the aligning rod 24 L _2. Is pushed out (4th seat position). Since the aligning rod 24 and the reference rod 25 are configured to penetrate all the bin trays, the above operation causes the sheets on all the bin trays to avoid the spiral cam 22, the stapler 21, the cover, and the like owned by the device, and the front side. Is pushed to.

(Step 15), where (Step 1)
If the sorting of the set number of copies n is completed, the operation of the apparatus is ended. On the other hand, if there are remaining copies to be sorted, the operations up to (Steps 5 to 14) are repeated.

The case where a plurality of sheet bundles are stacked on one bin tray will be described below.

In accordance with the same operation as described above, the second sheet in the bin is placed on the bin tray in a slanted form and the fourth sheet.
The first sheet bundle in the bin at the sheet position undergoes an alignment operation and is stacked. After the end of sorting, if the setting mode is stapling, the non-overlapping portion S between the fourth sheet position (first copy in bin) and the first sheet position (second copy in bin)
Since b is stapled by the stapler 21, only the sheet corresponding to the first sheet position (the second copy in the bin) is stapled.

After that, as in (Step 11), the reference rod 25 moves to the position P ₃ , but the rear end corner of the first bundle of sheets in the bin is held by the end 3a of the cover 3, It does not lose its inclined posture. Then, (St
The second sheet in the bin is also pushed out to the fourth sheet position by the operation of ep12-14). 3 stored in the bottle
The operations after the first copy are the same as above, and a plurality of sheet bundles are equally overlapped on one bin tray, and are sorted and stacked by staple binding.

On the other hand, when the setting mode is no stapling, in (Step 14), the pushing amount of the alignment rod 24 to the fourth sheet position is L ₂ for the first copy in the bin, whereas The second copy in the bin is (L ₂ −Δ1 ₂ ) 3 in the bin
By setting the number of copies to be (L ₂ −2 × Δ1 ₂ ) ..., a plurality of sheet bundles are offset by Δ1 ₂ on one bin tray.
Are spatially sorted.

[0056] It should be noted that the space segment using the offset amount Δ1 ₂ is, no no problem also be used as well as actively sorting technique in the staple mode.

If the apparatus is used for the purpose of space-dividing two or more sheet bundles on one bin tray as described above, a part of the sheet corresponding to the fourth sheet position is not necessarily machined. It doesn't matter if it doesn't stick out. It is only necessary to separate the inclined sheet bundle and the non-inclined sheet bundle from each other.

[0058]

As described above, according to the present invention,
This has the effect of making it easier to take out the sheet bundle. Furthermore, by providing the bin unit with a swing guide, the swing guide serves as a guide when taking out the sheet bundle and as a reference surface when aligning the sheets. That is, by changing the position during sheet alignment and during sheet movement (feeding), it is possible to improve the take-out property of the sheet bundle and the sheet alignment with an inexpensive structure.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory diagram of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory diagram of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of FIG. 1.

5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of FIG.

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a partially omitted plan view showing a main part of the present invention in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view showing a main portion of the present invention in an enlarged manner with a part omitted.

10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of FIG.

11 is a front cross-sectional view of another example of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view showing the basic configuration of the entire image forming apparatus of the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view showing the sheet post-processing device of FIG. 12 in enlarged detail.

14 is a perspective view of the device of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a stacked state of a sheet bundle.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5 Swing guide 10 Motor 11 Bin 20 Discharge roller 24 Alignment rod 25 Reference rod

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. At least one bin for stacking and accommodating sheets, a sheet ejecting means for ejecting the sheets to the bin, and a first sheet transfer for transporting a sheet bundle on the bin in a first direction. Means, a second sheet transporting means for transporting a sheet in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first sheet transporting means, a control means for controlling each operation, and a second sheet transporting means A sheet provided with a sheet bundle transfer means, the sheet guide member being provided along the sheet discharge direction and swingable to guide the sheet, and a drive means for swinging the sheet guide member. Aftertreatment device. 2. The sheet guide member has a first position which serves as a reference wall when aligning sheets by the first sheet transporting means, and a sheet bundle by the first sheet transporting means and the second sheet transporting means. 2. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet post-processing apparatus has at least two positions of a second position that serves as a guide for the sheet bundle when the sheet bundle is transported to the front side of the alignment position. 3. The sheet post-processing according to claim 1, wherein the drive means of the sheet guide member is a second sheet transfer means, and the sheet guide member and the second sheet transfer means are interlocked with each other. apparatus. 4. The first position is such that the sheet guide member is
2. The sheet according to claim 1, wherein the second position is located closer to the paper center side than the sheet side end from which the sheet is discharged, and the second position is closer to the paper center side than the sheet side end to which the sheet is discharged. 2 sheet post-processing device. 5. An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.