JPH10139253A - Sheet stacking device and image forming device provided with it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent collapse or deformation of bundles of sheets by controlling the level of each bundle after the binding process stored in stackers. SOLUTION: A bundle of sheets bound by a tape heating device is accommodated in stackers 71 and 72 using a carriage 60, and the surface of the uppermost bundle is sensed by a distance sensor, and the result is subjected to a calculation made by a calculating means to determine the level. When the level of measured bundle attains a certain amount, bundle accommodation of the stackers 71 and 72 is stopped so that the bundles are precluded from collapse and deformation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a sheet stacking device,
In detail, it receives multiple sheets and aligns them,
In a bookbinding device that binds a sheet bundle aligned with a tape coated with a heat-soluble adhesive or a stapling device that binds a corner or one side of a sheet with a wire, a binding bundle that has been subjected to a binding process such as a bookbinding process or a stapling process is used. And a sheet stacking device having stacking means for stacking and storing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when bookbinding is performed in a bookbinding apparatus, there is a gluing binder for gluing and binding a sheet bundle aligned in a sheet aligning tray. The bind tape used for this is a hot melt type, which is heated by a heater to glue the sheet bundle.

In the bookbinding apparatus, there is a stacker on which a glued binding bundle (finished bookbinding product) is loaded. When the binding bundle is loaded on this stacker, the bound tape portion gradually rises. A phenomenon occurs. If the swelling becomes large, a problem such as collapse of the bundle during stacking of the bundle or deformation of the bound bundle when left for a long period of time occurred.Conventionally, by detecting the number of sheets in the bound bundle, software Conventionally, the loading amount of the loading means has been controlled.

[0004]

However, in this conventional method, since the stacking amount of the stacker is controlled by the number of sheets, the same control is performed even when different types of paper (thick paper or thin paper) are used. Therefore, the stacking capacity of the stacker must be determined according to the type of paper that has the largest inclination with the same number of sheets so that the stack does not collapse or the bundle deforms. I had to stop loading it.

Conventionally, an on-line apparatus comprising an image forming apparatus by connecting a reading / feeding apparatus, an image forming main body, and a bookbinding apparatus has two or more types of continuous jobs, for example, bookbinding of 50 sheets. 5 books, and 1 more
It is also required to process a plurality of jobs in succession, such as creating 10 books of 5 sheets, but when the binding bundle of two or more types of continuous jobs is stacked on one stacking unit, Since the magnitude of the inclination generated on the surface of the binding bundle loaded on the unit also changes, after the previous job is completed, the user once emptyes the contents of the loading device and then loads the binding bundle of the next job. And the work efficiency of the user is reduced.

[0006]

The invention according to claim 1 is
Loading means for loading sheets, a control means for measuring the height difference of the uppermost sheet surface loaded on the loading means, and controlling the loading amount of sheets loaded on the loading means based on the measurement result; , Is characterized by having.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a binding means for binding a corner or one side of the aligned sheet bundle, and a binding bundle transporting means for receiving the bound bundle and transporting it to the stacking means. It is characterized by.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a height difference detecting means for measuring a height difference of the uppermost sheet surface stacked on the stacking means, and the height difference detecting means detects the height difference based on detection information of the height difference detecting means. It is characterized in that the amount of sheets loaded on the loading means is controlled.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the height difference detecting means includes a reflective sensor for detecting a plurality of positions on the sheet surface, and a calculating means for calculating detection information from the reflective sensor. It is characterized by.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the height difference of the sheets detected by the height difference detecting means reaches a certain predetermined amount, the control is performed such that the stacking of the sheets on the stacking means is stopped. Features.

The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that, when the stacking of the sheets on the stacking means is stopped, a display means for displaying that the stacking has been stopped is provided.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet aligning means for aligning a sheet carried into an apparatus main body, a binding means for binding a corner or one side of the aligned sheet bundle, and a binding means for binding the bound sheet bundle. A binding unit for receiving and transporting the bundle; a stacking unit for stacking the binding bundle conveyed by the binding unit; and a height difference of a topmost bundle stacked on the stacking unit. The height difference detecting means movable along the surface of the uppermost binding bundle, and the detection position of the height difference detecting means is switched according to the size of the binding bundle, and the detection information of the height difference detecting means And control means for controlling a stacking amount of the binding bundle to be stored in the stacking means based on the control information.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the height difference detecting means includes: a reflection type sensor for detecting a plurality of positions of the binding bundle;
Calculating means for calculating detection information from the reflection type sensor;
The sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 7, comprising:

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, when the height difference of the binding bundle detected by the height difference detecting means reaches a certain predetermined amount, the stacking means is controlled to stop loading the binding bundle. It is characterized by the following.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when the stacking of the stapled bundle on the stacking unit is stopped, the display unit displays a message indicating that the stacking has been stopped.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the binding bundle transporting means can move up and down one side of the stacking means and can move along a binding bundle surface in the loading means. And a comb tray provided on the carriage.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the height difference detecting means is provided on the comb tray.

[Operation] Based on the above configuration, the height difference of the uppermost sheet surface of the sheets stacked on the stacking means is measured, and based on the measurement result, the stacking amount of the sheets stacked on the stacking means. Is controlled by the control means.

For example, the height difference between a plurality of positions on the sheet surface is measured, and when the height difference reaches a certain predetermined amount, the loading of the sheets on the loading means is stopped, so that the collapse or deformation of the sheets can be prevented. To prevent

Further, the height difference detecting means moves to a plurality of locations along the surface of the uppermost binding bundle loaded and stored in the stacking means, and measures the height difference of the surface of the binding bundle. The stacking amount of the binding bundle on the stacking unit is controlled based on the detection information of the unit. The amount of movement of the height difference detecting means along the surface of the binding bundle is controlled based on the size of the binding bundle, and a plurality of detection positions of the height difference detecting means are switched in accordance with the binding bundle size, thereby providing various The height difference of the size binding bundle is measured.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

<Embodiment 1> An embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured by connecting a reading / feeding apparatus 201, an image forming apparatus main body 202, a bookbinding apparatus 203, and a sorting and storing apparatus 204 in succession.

The reading / feeding device 201 has a document setting unit 2 on which a document (not shown) is set and an optical system 3 for reading and scanning the document setting unit 2 at the upper part, and a plurality of sheets S of different sizes stacked on the lower part. And paper feed units 9 and 10 for feeding the sheets S, respectively.

The fed sheet S is sent to the sheet transport unit 11
Is conveyed to the sheet conveying path 12 of the image forming apparatus main body 202 downstream. Reference numeral 13 denotes a laser scanner that scans a laser beam based on image information read by the optical system 3, and reference numeral 15 denotes an image forming unit that is scanned by the laser scanner 13 to form a toner image. Image forming unit 1
The sheet S on which the image has been formed by the transfer belt 5
6. The sheet is conveyed to the sheet conveyance path 19 of the downstream bookbinding device 203 by the conveyance roller pair 17.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bookbinding apparatus 203 includes a sheet aligning tray (sheet aligning means) 4 for storing and aligning the sheets S branched and conveyed from the sheet conveying path 19.
1. Abutment member 59 against which the leading end of the sheet abuts, a tape heating device (binding means) 56 for heating the aligned sheet bundle and the bind tape, a handling member 605 for handling a binding bundle as a bookbinding completed product, and this handling A carriage (a binding bundle lifting / lowering means) 60 having a member 605 and capable of moving up and down, and stackers (stacking means) 71 and 72 for storing the binding bundle are provided.

In the sorting and storage device 204, reference numeral 25
Indicates the sheet S conveyed on the sheet conveying path 19 and the conveying path 2
6, an elevator 27 for transmitting the sheet S, and a pair of discharge rollers 29 for discharging the sheet S branched at each branch to the corresponding discharge tray 30. ing. Also, the bookbinding device 2
The binding bundle discharged from the discharge port 339 of 03 is discharged to the outside of the apparatus from the discharge port 32 via the elevator 25 and the transport roller pair 31.

In FIG. 2, a flapper 36 as a branching means is disposed near the downstream side of the carry-in roller pair 20, and the sheet conveying path 19 branches to guide portions 33 and 34. When the flapper 36 is moved to the illustrated position, the sheet S is guided to the guide portions 33 and 34, and when the flapper 36 is switched downward from the illustrated position, the sheet S is conveyed downstream along the sheet conveying path 19 as it is. Is done.

On the downstream side of the guide portions 33 and 34, a sheet aligning tray (sheet aligning means) having an upper guide plate 43 is provided.
Reference numeral 41 is arranged so as to be inclined so that the downstream side becomes lower, and a striking member 59 against which the sheet S abuts is arranged at the leading end side.

On the abutting surface of the abutting member 59,
A pre-heater 300 for pre-heating the leading end of the sheet bundle S1 aligned on the sheet alignment tray 41 is arranged. As the preliminary heater 300, a ceramic heater described later is used. One end of the sheet S conveyed onto the re-sheet alignment tray 41 by the conveying roller pair 39 is moved toward the butting member 59 by a sweeping member 49 formed of a belt rotatable around the upper left end in the drawing as a swing center. They are brought together and aligned.

Further, the alignment in the sheet width direction is performed by the side regulating member 50 being moved to the reference side (not shown). Blower fan 46 arranged above upper guide plate 43
Is to press the sheet S conveyed onto the alignment tray 41 with air to prevent the folded sheet S from bulging.

Reference numeral 53 denotes a clamp member 53 for narrowing a specified number of sheet bundles. Reference numeral 42 denotes an auxiliary guide plate for the sheet bundle, and 55 denotes a stop finger (operates when one sheet bundle is stored and temporarily stores the first few sheets of the next sheet bundle). I have.

Also, a sheet bundle (binding bundle) in which bookbinding has been completed.
The carriage 60 for transferring the Sl has the following components.

That is, the carriage 60 has a housing 601 supported by a rotatable chain or the like so as to be movable up and down, a transport belt 603 provided on the housing 601 so as to be able to rotate forward and reverse, and an attachment to the transport belt 603. The supporting member 602 is supported by supporting the sheet bundle Sl by abutting the trailing end of the sheet bundle Sl conveyed by the auxiliary guide plate 42, and supporting the sheet bundle Sl from the end position of the sheet bundle. The position for receiving the sheet bundle Sl rotatable about the shaft 606 and the belt 6
A sheet bundle support rod 605 and the like supported by a link 607 that bends and expands to a position where the sheet bundle is passed to the position 03 are provided. The sheet bundle support bar 605 is rotatable about a support shaft 606.

The carriage 60 and the conveyor belt 603
Like manner, the stapling bundle transport means for transporting the binding bundle S ₁ is constructed.

After the sheet bundle S ₁ is separated from the tape heating device 56 by the clamp member 53, the sheet bundle rear end support plate 604 is moved to a position where the sheet bundle S ₁ supports the sheet bundle end.
By clamping member 53 is separated from the sheet stack S _1, the sheet end is abutted to and supports the sheet bundle S _1.

Reference numeral 65 denotes a fan for cooling the binding bundle, and flows air in the direction of arrow 66. Reference numerals 71 and 72 denote stackers for storing the binding bundles conveyed by the carriage 60, and reference numeral 70 denotes a guide rail for guiding the stackers 71 and 72 so that they can be pulled out.

The operation when the bind tape 77 is supplied from the first tape reel R1 will be described.

The carriage C for transporting the bind tape 77 includes a tape receiving position C1 for receiving the bind tape 77 from the tape reel R1 and a tape for supplying the bind tape 77 to the tape heating device 56 located at the back contact position H. It can move between the supply position C2.

The tape heating apparatus 56 in the tilt direction downstream side of the sheet align tray 41 is disposed to extend along a line and orthogonal direction of the height direction of the sheet bundle S _1.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the leading end of the sheet bundle S1 clamped by the clamp member 53 is set against the heater surface of the tape heating device 56 positioned at the back contact position H. Is shown. In this case, the sheet bundle S1 is clamped by the clamp member 53 as described above, and linearly moves while being guided by the auxiliary guide plate 42 on the lower surface. The distance between the abutting member 59 and the back contact position H is determined by the sheet bundle S to be bound.
1 is longer than the length dimension.

The tape heating device 56 includes a bind tape 7
7 has a rear heater 56a for heating the same. Side heaters 5 arranged on both sides of the rear heater 56a
1 and 52 have heaters 51a and 52a inside. The heaters 56a, 5la, and 52a are ceramic heaters. Tape guides 86 and 87 are disposed near the side heaters 51 and 52, respectively.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the binding bundle S ₁ conveyed by the clamp member 53 has been moved to the delivery position to the carriage 60 while the lower surface thereof is being guided by the auxiliary guide plate 42.

The sheet bundle support bar 605 of the carriage 60
, While the sea Bokutaba S ₁ at the back abutment position H is bound, it is set in a position to support the lower surface of the sheet bundle S ₁ with the auxiliary guide plate 42 moves in the direction D shown in FIG. Further, the bound binding bundle S ₁ is
When away from the back heater 56a is transported to and between the Sakimizu portion of the sheet bundle S ₁ that is pulled up and back heater 56a, sea Bokutaba rear support plate 604 is moved to rotate.
The auxiliary guide plate 42 and the sheet bundle support rod 60
Numerals 5 each have a comb-like shape so that they can enter each other.

[0044] Figure 8 is a clamp member 53 and the auxiliary guide plate 42 returns to a predetermined position of the matching tray 41, the leading end portion of the sheet bundle S ₁ is strikes the sheet bundle rear end supporting plate 604, the sheet bundle supporting rod 605 Supported by
That is, the sheet bundle S ₁ is shows a state in which passed the sheet bundle supporting rod 605.

In this case, the binding bundle S ₁ is lifted above the track on which the auxiliary guide plate 42 moves by the sheet bundle supporting rod 605, so that the clamp member 53 and the auxiliary guide plate 42 It is possible to return to the alignment tray 41 without rubbing on the lower surface of ₁ .

After the clamp member 53 and the auxiliary guide plate 42 return to the alignment tray 41, the sheet bundle support rod 6
Rotates in the E direction shown in 05 and the sheet bundle support plate 604 Togazu 2, into a horizontal position of the sheet S ₁ as shown in FIG. In this horizontal state, the sheet bundle S ₁ comes into contact with the belt surface of the belt 603 of the transport belt 603.

[0047] explaining how to accommodate the binding bundle S ₁ to the stacker 71 and 72 with reference to FIG. 10.

First, the carriage 60 descends to the loading position. Next, the transport belt 603 moves in the stacker direction with the binding bundle S ₁ placed thereon, temporarily stops, and
02 rises. Then, by the conveying belt 603 returns to the original position, stapling bundle S ₁ is strikes the boost member 602, it is displaced relative position between the conveyor belt 603 (FIG. 10). Next, the transport belt 603 moves again in the stacker direction and completely jumps out of the stacker. Therefore, by the conveyor belt 603 back, it continues to house the S ₁ into the stacker 71. Finally, the carriage 60 returns to the home position and prepares for the second copy.

FIG. 11A shows a state in which several binding bundles S ₁ are stacked on the stackers 71 and 72. Further, distance measuring sensors (elevation difference detecting means) 1001 and 1002 mounted above the stacker include stackers 71 and 72.
And measures the distance to the stacked stapled bundle S ₁ of the surface. The height difference detecting means includes a reflection type sensor for detecting a plurality of positions of the binding bundle, and a calculation means (FIG. 1) 401 for calculating detection information from the reflection type sensor.

Therefore, the sensors 1001, 100
The second output controls the lowering amount control means 400 of the carriage 71 (FIG. 1), are stacked, housed stitching bundle S ₁ at the optimum position. And binding the bundle S ₁ to the stacker 71 and 72 will be loading, storage, swelling gradually the back cover of the part of the binding bundle S _1, slope arise to the binding bundle S _1.

Therefore, before the stacker becomes full, if this inclination, that is, the difference between the high portion and the low portion of the surface of the binding bundle (height difference) becomes a predetermined height or more, the stacker 7
The CPU (control means) 400 controls the storage of the _first bundle S1 to be stopped. In the present embodiment,
Certain allowable height difference of the binding bundle surface binding bundle S ₁ is not deformed or cause collapse of cargo as 20 mm.

[0052] When the housing stapled bundle S ₁ to the stacker 71 (72) is stopped, that this was aborted is adapted to be displayed on the indicator (Fig. 1) 402 as display means.

[0053] Figure 12 detects the height difference of the binding bundle S ₁ stacked-housed in the stacker 71 and 72, the control over the loading, storage of stitching the bundle S ₁ until the loading by the detected data is stopped It shows a flowchart.

When the bookbinding operation is started, first, the distance measuring sensors 1001 and 1002 use the sensors 1001 and 1002, respectively.
The distances L1 and L2 from No. 2 to the top surface of the uppermost binding bundle in the stacker 71 are measured (S301, S302). This is obtained by calculating data (detection information) read by the distance measurement sensors 1001 and 1002 by the CPU 400 and converting the data into data on the distance from the sensor to the reflection object.

Next, the height difference | L1-L2 |
Is calculated (S303), loading and storage are repeated until the value reaches 20 mm (S305), and when the value exceeds 20 mm, the loading and storage is stopped. Thus, the collapsing and binding the bundle S ₁ by loading excessive, thereby preventing the deformation. Alternatively, the CPU 40 determines that the stackers 71 and 72 are full from the data of the distance measurement sensors 1001 and 1002 in S304.
0 even at the time of the decision, to stop the loading, storage of binding the bundle S ₁ to the stacker 71 and 72.

Finally, the indicator 401 provided on the stackers 71 and 72 is turned on (S306), and the binding bundle S
Cancel the loading / storage sequence of ₁ .

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
The height difference between the top of the binding stack S ₁ the uppermost being stacked, housed in the stacker 71 (the surface), the distance measuring sensor 10
01,1002 as measured by, upon reaching a certain amount height difference, since discontinued accommodating the binding bundle S ₁ to the stacker 71 and 72, by stacking excessive binding bundle S ₁ binding bundle S ₁ Load collapse and deformation can be prevented.

<Embodiment 2> When Z-folded paper is used for the sheet S used for bookbinding, the Z-folded portion (below the distance measuring sensor 1003) as shown in FIG. Tilt occurs. In that case, the problem can be solved by attaching three distance measuring sensors (1003, 1004, 1005) as height difference detecting means. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart in that case.

When the bookbinding operation is started, distances L3, L from the sensors to the upper surface of the binding bundle in the stackers 71, 72 are first measured by the distance measuring sensors 1003, 1004, 1005.
4. Measure L5 (S310, S311, S31
2). Next, the height difference | L3-L4 |, | L of the upper surface of the binding bundle
3-L5 |, | L4-L5 | (S313, S
314, S315). This is the distance measurement sensor 1003,1
The data (detection information) read in 004 and 1005 is stored in C
It is calculated by the PU 400 and converted into data on the distance from the sensor to the reflection object. And the value is
For example, the loading / storing operation is repeated until the distance reaches 20 mm (S317), and when the distance exceeds 20 mm, the loading is stopped.

Alternatively, in step S316, the distance measuring sensor 100
The stacker 71,
Loading may also be stopped when the CPU 400 determines that 72 is full.

Finally, the indicator 402 provided on the stackers 71 and 72 is turned on (S318), and the loading / storage sequence is stopped.

[0062] In the present embodiment, a stacker 71 and 72 stitched bundle S ₁ is housed is a bookbinding apparatus has been described as an example, it can be realized in the same sequence also in the stacker stapling device.

When the stacking / storage in the stackers 71 and 72 is stopped, a message indicating that the stacking is stopped may be displayed on a display device (not shown) at the upstream of the image forming apparatus 1.

Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a bookbinding apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 19 denotes a sheet conveying path for conveying a sheet. The transport unit 101
A carry-in port 19a for receiving sheets S from the image forming apparatus main body 202 and a discharge port 19 for discharging sheets to a discharge tray.
b, a plurality of roller pairs 21, the sheet transport path 19, the guide unit 33, and the sheet S
Side (discharge port) and the flapper 1f branching to the sheet conveying path 33 side. Reference numeral 102 denotes a sheet alignment tray for stacking and aligning sheets.

The sheet aligning tray 102 performs upper and lower guides 102a and 102g, a stopper 102d against which the leading end of the sheet S abuts, a propeller 102c made of an elastic body that sweeps the sheet toward the stopper 102d, and laterally aligns the sheet. It comprises a side sweeping means 102b and a gripper 102f which conveys the aligned sheet bundle to the heater 56 (binding means) while nipping.

R1 and R2 are glue tape reels for binding a sheet bundle. This tape reel R1,
Glue tape (bind tape) sent from R2
Is cut to a predetermined length (length of a sheet bundle) by a cutter (not shown), and then supplied to the heater 56.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a binding bundle transport unit. The binding bundle transport unit 104 receives the binding bundle Sa as a binding bundle from the heater 56 and conveys the binding bundle Sa to the stackers 71 and 72 as storage units. Details of the binding bundle transporting means 104 will be described with reference to FIGS.

A carriage 141 forms the skeleton of the binding bundle transporting means 104, and a timing belt 142 is connected to the carriage 141. The timing belt 142 is stretched over a timing pulley 143 and a driven pulley 143a, is driven by a stepping motor (not shown) connected to the timing pulley 143, and moves up and down the binding bundle transport unit 104. .

The four timing pulleys 143 are driven synchronously by the stepping motor, and the four timing belts 142 are synchronously operated by the timing pulleys. Four timing belts 142
Is fixed to a timing belt fixing portion 4la projecting from the carriage 141, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the carriage 141 side is the timing belt 1
With the operation of 42, it moves in the vertical direction in FIG.

Reference numeral 144 denotes a comb-shaped tray constituting a binding bundle transporting means. The comb tray 144 can move in the left and right directions in FIGS. 15 and 16 with respect to the carriage 141. That is, the comb tray 144
Are the driven roller 145, the driving roller 146, and the driven roller 1
48 and the driven roller 147 (the posture thereof is held substantially horizontally), and is moved left and right by the drive roller 146.

The driven roller 145 and the driven roller 148
Are rotatably attached to the carriage 141 by cantilever shafts 145a and 1048a, respectively. Also,
The driven roller 147 has both ends fixed to a through shaft 147 a pivotally supported by the carriage 141. Further, the drive roller 146 is fixed at both ends to a through shaft 146 a pivotally supported by the carriage 141, and is rotationally driven by a drive belt 149 connected to the through shaft 146 a and a stepping motor 150 that drives the drive belt 149. It has become.

As described above, the binding bundle transporting means 104 includes the carriage 141 which can be moved up and down and the tooth tray 14 which cannot move upward along the binding bundle upper surface in the stackers 71 and 72.
And 4.

The binding bundle transport means 10 of the stackers 71 and 72
As shown in FIG. 17, the wall 151 on the fourth side has a plurality of openings 151a extending downward (in the vertical direction) from the upper end in the figure (in this embodiment, three openings in accordance with the number of comb teeth of the comb tray 144). Formed to allow entry of the comb tray 144. 140 is a distance measuring sensor (elevation difference detecting means) 140 for measuring the distance between the reflection object and the sensor.
The distance measuring sensor 140 is attached to the tip of the comb tray 144 (left side in FIG. 15). Distance sensor 1
Numeral 40 measures the distance by utilizing the fact that the angle of the diffused light returning from the reflector changes depending on the distance between the sensor and the reflector.

The storage device SK for stacking and storing the binding bundle Sa is constituted by the binding bundle transport means 104 and the stackers 71 and 72.

Next, the operation of the binding bundle transport means 104 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 18 shows a state in which the binding bundle Sa bound from the gripper 2f has been received on the comb tray 144.

FIG. 19 shows a state where the comb tray 144 is driven by the stepping motor 150 in the left-right direction in the figure, and the comb tray 144 moves to the stackers 71 and 72 by a predetermined amount.

Next, the binding bundle transport means 104 descends with the operation of the timing belt 142 driven by a stepping motor (elevation motor) (not shown).

The lowering amount of the binding bundle transport means 104 is appropriately controlled by measuring the stacking amount of the stackers 71 and 72 (described later).

As shown in FIG. 20, the comb tray 144
Is quickly moved to the right side in the figure by the reverse rotation drive of the stepping motor 150, and the binding bundle Sa is
1, drop to 72.

At this time, the moving speed of the comb tray 144 needs to be at least 100 mm / s, and in the present embodiment, it is set to be 300 mm / s.

Next, as shown in FIG. 21, the binding bundle transporting means 104 is moved up by the timing belt 142 driven by a lifting / lowering motor (not shown) to return to the initial position, thereby storing the binding bundle. Ends one cycle.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 22 to 25, the height difference of the surface of the binding bundle stacked on the stackers 71 and 72 will be described.
A detection method will be described. Note that the binding bundle loaded here includes Z-fold paper.

First, from the state of FIG.
4 moves by x1 (FIG. 22). At this point, the distance measuring sensor 140 measures the distance a to the surface of the binding bundle loaded on the stackers 71 and 72 (S510), and
400 is stored in a memory (not shown). This part
It is a tape portion of the bound binding bundle Sa, and is a portion that rises as the number of stacked products increases.

Next, from the state shown in FIG.
4 moves by x2 (FIG. 23). x2 is set to exactly the middle point of the horizontal length of the sheet size. Also at this point, the distance measuring sensor 140 measures the distance b to the surface of the binding bundle stacked on the stackers 71 and 72 (S51).
1) Store in memory.

Further, from the state shown in FIG.
44 moves by x3 (FIG. 24). Also at this point, the distance measuring sensor 140 measures the distance c to the binding bundle Sa loaded on the stackers 71 and 72 (S512).
Store in memory. This portion swells when the binding bundle Sa includes Z-folded paper.

Then, | ab−, | c
-B | is calculated (S513, S514). The stacking of the binding bundle Sa is continued until the calculated value becomes a predetermined value or more.
The loading on 1, 72 is stopped. In the present embodiment, the allowable height difference of the binding bundle surface where the binding bundle Sa does not cause load collapse or deformation is set to 20 mm.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG.
Since the upper limit e for loading is determined for 1, 72, loading is also stopped at a point where the CPU 400 determines that the stacker is full from the data a, b, and c of the distance measuring sensor.

Finally, the indicator 402 provided on the stackers 71 and 72 is turned on (for example, red) (S51).
8), the loading sequence ends.

Note that a message may be displayed to the user by the indicator 402 when the stacking on the stackers 71 and 72 is stopped.

When the Z-folded paper is not included in the binding bundle Sa, it is only necessary to measure two distances a and c.
In this case, since the binding tape side of the binding bundle Sa rises, the height difference of the binding bundle surface is calculated by calculating a−c by the arithmetic unit 4.
It can be obtained by calculating with 01.

Further, by measuring the distances a, b, and c to the binding bundle Sa with the distance measuring sensor 140, the distance to the uppermost portion of the binding bundle Sa can be determined.
Is controlled appropriately.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a method of switching the moving amounts x2 and x3 of the comb tray 144 in FIGS. 22 to 24 according to the sheet size of the binding bundle Sa. Since x1 and the binding bundle Sa are stacked on the basis of the wall 151, they are always set to 30 mm.

First, in order to execute the bookbinding operation, an input device (not shown) of the copying machine main body connected to the upstream stage of the bookbinding apparatus.
The bookbinding mode is set (S529), and a sheet size used for bookbinding is selected (S530).

Next, when the selected sheet size is A4 (S531), x2 = 105 mm (S532),
x3 = 210 mm (S533) is set. This is A
It is equivalent to four sizes in the horizontal direction and half the length.

If the selected sheet size is B5 (S534), x2 = 91 mm (S535), x
3 = 182 mm (S536) is set. This is B5
It is equivalent to the horizontal length of the size and half its length.

[0098] Since three types of sheets A4, B5 and LTR can be used in the bookbinding apparatus, when the selected sheet is an LTR, x2 = 105 mm (S5
37), x3 = 210 mm (S538).
This corresponds to the horizontal length of the LTR size and half the length.

As described above, by switching the amount of movement x2, x3 of the comb tray 144 according to the sheet size to be used, the height difference of the surface of the stacked binding bundle can be accurately measured.

In the present embodiment, a bookbinding apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be realized with a similar configuration when used in a storage device of a staple apparatus.

[0101]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the sheets are stacked on the stacking means, the height difference of the inclination generated on the surface of the sheets is measured, and the collapse or deformation of the sheets occurs. Since the sheets are stacked until a predetermined height difference is reached, the sheets can be prevented from being collapsed or deformed without being affected by the paper type, for example, thick paper, thin paper, Z-origami, etc., and the stacker can be used most effectively.

Although the position of the sheet and the position of the inclination generated on the surface of the binding bundle that binds the sheet vary depending on the sheet size, the measurement location of the binding bundle is switched according to the sheet size, which also affects the sheet size. Instead, it is possible to accurately measure the height difference of the inclination generated on the surface of the binding bundle, and to prevent collapse and deformation of the binding bundle due to the difference in height.

Further, according to the present invention, since the height difference detecting means is a non-contact detecting means, the non-contact detecting means can detect the uppermost part of the binding bundle without contacting the binding bundle which is a non-detection object, Without damaging the bundle, and even when a plurality of stacking means are arranged, the uppermost part of the binding bundle can be detected by the non-contact detecting means, and the structure of the binding bundle transporting means and thus the storage device can be simplified.

Further, even for two or more types of continuous jobs of the online device, it is not necessary to once take out the binding bundle created in the previous job, and the binding bundle of the next job can be continuously loaded. , The number of accesses to the stacker can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including a bookbinding apparatus having a sheet stacking apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional front view of the bookbinding apparatus having the sheet stacking apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation diagram of stacking sheets on a sheet alignment tray.

FIG. 4 is an operation diagram for conveying a sheet bundle similarly aligned to a tape heating device.

FIG. 5 is an operation diagram for conveying a sheet bundle that is also aligned to a tape heating device.

FIG. 6 is an operation diagram for conveying a sheet bundle that is also aligned to a tape heating device.

FIG. 7 is an operation diagram showing a state in which the binding bundle is delivered to the carriage.

FIG. 8 is an operation diagram showing a state where the binding bundle is delivered to the carriage.

FIG. 9 is an operation diagram showing a state in which the binding bundle is placed on a conveyance belt of a carriage.

FIG. 10 is an operation diagram showing a state where a binding bundle is similarly stored in a stacker from a carriage. .

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a state of a binding bundle and a distance measuring sensor in the same stacker.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart relating to control of a stacking amount of a binding bundle similarly stored in a stacker.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart relating to the control of the stacking amount of the binding bundle similarly stored in the stacker.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional front view of a finishing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the storage device.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the storage device.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the stacker.

FIG. 18 is an operation diagram showing a state in which the binding bundle is stored.

FIG. 19 is an operation diagram showing a storage state of the binding bundle.

FIG. 20 is an operation diagram showing a storage state of the binding bundle.

FIG. 21 is an operation diagram showing a state where the binding bundle is stored.

FIG. 22 is an operation diagram of distance measurement of the binding bundle.

FIG. 23 is an operation diagram of the distance measurement of the binding bundle.

FIG. 24 is an operation diagram of the height difference measurement of the binding bundle.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart related to the operation of measuring the height difference of the binding bundle.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an operation of measuring the amount of movement of the comb tray.

[Explanation of symbols]

S Sheet S ₁ , Sa Binding Bundle as Bookbinding Finished Product 1 Image Forming Unit 15 Image Forming Unit (Image Forming Unit) 41 Sheet Alignment Tray (Sheet Alignment Unit) 56 Tape Heating Device (Binding Unit) 60 Carriage (Binding Bundle Elevating and Transporting) Means) 71, 72 Stacker (stacking means) 104 Binding bundle elevating / lowering transport means 140 Distance measuring sensor 140, 401 Height difference detecting means 141 Carriage 144 Comb tooth tray 141, 144 Binding bundle elevating / lowering transportation means 144 Comb tooth tray 202 Image forming apparatus 203 Bookbinding apparatus as a finishing apparatus (apparatus body) 400 CPU (control means) 401 Computing means 402 Indicator (display means) 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005
Distance measuring sensor (elevation difference detecting means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Daisuke Ishizuka 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc.

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A stacking unit for stacking sheets, and a height difference of a top sheet surface stacked on the stacking unit is measured, and a stacking amount of the sheets stacked on the stacking unit is determined based on the measurement result. A sheet stacking device, comprising: control means for controlling. 2. A binding device for binding a corner or one side of an aligned sheet bundle, and a binding bundle transporting unit for receiving the bound bundle and transporting the bound bundle to the stacking unit. 2. The sheet stacking device according to 1. 3. A height difference detecting means for measuring a height difference of a topmost sheet surface loaded on the loading means, and a sheet loaded on the loading means based on detection information of the height difference detecting means. 2. The sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stacking amount is controlled. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the height difference detecting means includes a reflective sensor for detecting a plurality of positions on the sheet surface, and a calculating means for calculating detection information from the reflective sensor. 3. The sheet stacking device according to 3. 5. The control device according to claim 3, wherein when the height difference of the sheets detected by the height difference detecting means reaches a certain predetermined amount, control is performed so as to stop loading the sheets on the stacking means. Or the sheet stacking device according to 4. 6. The sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a display unit for displaying that the stacking has been stopped when the stacking of the sheets on the stacking unit is stopped. 7. A sheet aligning means for aligning a sheet carried into an apparatus body, a binding means for binding a corner or one side of the aligned sheet bundle, and a binding bundle for receiving and transporting the bound binding bundle. A transport unit, a stacking unit for stacking the binding bundles conveyed by the binding bundle transporting unit, and a height difference measuring unit for measuring a height difference between the uppermost binding bundles stacked on the loading unit. The height difference detecting means movable along the surface of the bundle, and the detection position of the height difference detecting means is switched according to the size of the binding bundle, and based on the detection information of the height difference detecting means, A sheet stacking device, comprising: a control unit configured to control a stacking amount of stapled bundles to be stored. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the height difference detecting means includes a reflection type sensor for detecting a plurality of positions of the binding bundle, and a calculation means for calculating detection information from the reflection type sensor. 8. The sheet stacking apparatus according to 7. 9. The stacking device according to claim 1, wherein when the height difference of the binding bundle detected by the height difference detecting unit reaches a predetermined amount, the stacking unit stops controlling the stacking of the binding bundle. Item 8. The sheet stacking device according to Item 7. 10. The sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising display means for displaying that the stacking has been stopped when the stacking of the binding bundles on the stacking means has been stopped. 11. The binding bundle transporting means includes a carriage that can move up and down on one side of the stacking means, and a comb that is movable along a surface of the binding bundle in the loading means and is provided on the carriage. The sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 7, comprising a tooth tray. 12. The sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said height difference detecting means is provided on said comb tray. 13. A sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image forming section for forming an image on the sheet, wherein the sheet formed by the image forming section is supplied to the sheet stacking apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising: