JPH10226456A - Image forming device provided with sheet postprocessor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To resolve troubles in an image forming device including bends or disturbances of sheets stacked on its sheet receiving tray being pulled open for removing jammed sheets by integrating a sheet postprocessor involving a binder for binding plural sheets into the image forming device. SOLUTION: An image forming device is internally provided with a sheet postprocessor, which involves a binder 45 and a sheet receiver having a tray 35 for receiving image-formed sheets. The tray 35 is tilted for improving register of sheets as to register on the tray 35 trailing edges and one-side edges of sheets registered by means of a restriction member 38 for restricting the trailing edges and a width restriction member 40a. The binder 45 is mounted on a support 47 that is movable to a fixed holder 46. The supporter 47 is adapted to be moved in the direction F by an operating piece 53 in the tray 35 linking with the movement of the sheet receiver including the tray 35 being pulled in the direction A, or to be moved back from its operating position on the line C to its non-operating position on the line D.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a plain paper facsimile, etc., which is provided with an apparatus for performing post-processing for binding a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed, for example, stapling. And
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that facilitates handling of the sheet post-processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a copier, a printer, and a plain paper facsimile, a desired image is formed on a sheet.
This is discharged outside the apparatus. in this case,
When there are a plurality of pages on which an image has been formed, post-processing for bundling the sheets into a plurality of pages, for example, a stapling apparatus is sometimes attached to the image forming apparatus.

For example, an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet post-processing apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-9451. As shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 0 denotes a discharge roller 101 that forms a desired image on a sheet and discharges the sheet on which the image is formed from the apparatus 100 main body.
Is provided. A sheet post-processing apparatus 102 is provided in the image forming apparatus 100 so as to be separable so as to face the discharge roller 101.

The sheet post-processing apparatus 102 includes an upper and lower guide plate 103 for receiving and guiding the sheet sent from the discharge roller 101, and a transport roller 10 for transporting the sheet guided by the guide plate 103 to a required position.
4. A first tray 105 for performing sheet post-processing, that is, stapling at the same time as receiving a sheet sent out by the transport roller 104, a regulating plate 106 for regulating and aligning one end of the fed sheet, An alignment belt 107 that feeds the sheets on the tray 105 to the regulating plate 106 and aligns one end of the sheet, and a side edge of the sheet whose one end is aligned by the regulating plate 106, that is, a width direction orthogonal to one end of the sheet. A movable width regulating plate 108 to be aligned, a binding device 1 that binds (bundles) a plurality of sheets regulated by the regulating plate 106 and the width regulating plate 108 with staples.
09, an extruding means for discharging the stapled sheet bundle from the first tray 105, and a second tray 110 for forming the sheet bundle discharged in the direction in which the first tray 105 is extended and discharged after the stapling. .

The pushing means is provided with a regulating plate 106 for regulating one end of the sheet so as to be movable in the sheet feeding direction with respect to the first tray 105, so that the stapled sheet bundle is pushed up on the first tray. And is discharged to the second tray 110. Also, the second tray 11
0 is provided so as to be able to move up and down, and is lowered as the number of sheet bundles on the tray increases, and is raised when the number of sheet bundles disappears.

[0006] The sheet post-processing apparatus 102 is connected via a link mechanism so as to be separable from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. That is, the sheet post-processing device 102
The upper and lower links 111 and 112 are supported on a fulcrum shaft 113 on the image forming apparatus main body side. Accordingly, the sheet post-processing apparatus 102 is separated from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 in the direction of the arrow. This separation is performed when a sheet jam or the like occurs. After the jam has been cleared, the sheet post-processing apparatus 102 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. At this time, a locking means (not shown) is operated, and separation is impossible. The separation is performed by unlocking the locking means.

In addition to the sheet post-processing apparatus shown in FIG. 6, when reproducing an image of an original in a copying machine, if a plurality of copies of the same image are made at the same time, a sorter is required to align the pages. Become. A device in which the sorter is provided with a stapling device is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-20970.
No. 6,009,036. In a copying machine having a sheet post-processing device for performing stapling, a sorter is provided with a well-known binding device. Therefore, in the case of a sheet jam near the sheet discharge unit of the copying machine or a sheet jam on the sorter side, the sorter including the binding device is separated from the copying machine.

[0008]

According to the above prior art, in a sheet post-processing apparatus provided with a binding device for performing stapling or the like, the sheet post-processing apparatus includes an image forming apparatus (including a copying machine, a printer, and the like). Is provided in an external form. Therefore, the entire apparatus including the state in which the two are separated from each other becomes very large, and the installation area becomes large. Also,
Since they can be separated, a device for electrically connecting them is required, and the cost is inevitably increased.

In order to solve such a problem, the entire image forming apparatus including the sheet post-processing apparatus can be made compact by incorporating a sheet post-processing apparatus having a binding device and the like into the image forming apparatus. Further, the area for installing the image forming apparatus can be reduced, and wiring and the like for electrically connecting the image forming apparatuses to each other are not required.

However, it can be expected that the problem here will be that it will be very difficult to jam the sheet or replace the needle in the sheet post-processing device. In other words, since compactness can be achieved and there is no room for space, it is necessary to perform the sheet jam processing in a limited range, and it can be predicted that the operation will be troublesome. In the sheet post-processing apparatus, when staples are performed, it is essential to replenish staples, which are consumables. However, if the limited space is used as described above, the work becomes troublesome. That is natural.

Therefore, by providing the sheet post-processing device so that it can be pulled out, a space for jam processing can be secured. However, when the sheet post-processing device is pulled out including the binding device, the same problem as in the case where the sheet post-processing device is externally attached is caused. Occurs. For this reason, it is conceivable that the binding device is attached to the image forming apparatus main body side, and only a sheet receiving device including a tray or the like for receiving a sheet after image formation and performing stapling is provided so as to be able to be pulled out. In this case, the tray for receiving the sheet after the image formation is provided in an inclined state in order to align the sheets, and when the sheet receiving device including the tray is pulled out in the jam processing or the like, the sheet is caught by the binding device. Therefore, the aligned sheet on which an image has been formed is disturbed. In addition, when the sheet receiving device is mounted after the jam processing, the sheet on the tray may be caught by the binding device and the leading edge may be broken, or the sheet may interfere with the mounting operation and be damaged.

Further, if the binding device is configured to move the operation position for binding sheets each time and to control the movement, the entire binding device becomes large-scale, and the sheet post-processing device including the image device can be used. When the image forming apparatus is built in, that is, incorporated into, the image forming apparatus, the entire image forming apparatus becomes large. That is, the image forming apparatus cannot be made compact. Therefore, if the binding device is always positioned at the operating position, the entire sheet post-processing device becomes very compact and can be accommodated in a limited space in the image forming apparatus. However, when the sheet receiving device is pulled out in the jam processing, the above-described disadvantage cannot be solved.

As described above, even if the sheet post-processing apparatus is built in the image forming apparatus main body and a part thereof, that is, a sheet receiving apparatus including a tray for receiving sheets, is provided so as to be able to be pulled out separately from the binding apparatus, Various adverse effects occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and when a sheet post-treatment apparatus is incorporated in a main body of an image forming apparatus, jam processing of a sheet, and replacement and replenishment of consumable parts consumed by a binding apparatus are performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that simplifies the above.

In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus and a sheet receiving apparatus for binding sheets so that the sheet receiving apparatus can be pulled out. A device that can be eliminated will be provided.

[0016]

An image forming apparatus equipped with a sheet post-processing apparatus for achieving the above object receives a sheet after image formation on a tray, and a plurality of sheets stacked on the tray. In an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet post-processing device constituted by a binding device for binding, a tray for receiving the sheet after forming the image is provided in an inclined state, and the sheet receiving device including the tray is connected to the image forming apparatus. A binding device that is provided so as to be able to be pulled out with respect to the main body and is attached to the image forming apparatus main body side to be received facing the tray, the binding device is positioned at an operation position for bundling the sheets stacked on the tray, In this configuration, the sheet receiving device is provided so as to be movable from the operating position to a non-operating position in which the binding operation is not performed in association with the operation of pulling out the sheet receiving device.

[0017] With this configuration, when the sheet receiving device is pulled out in the jam processing or the like, the binding device is retracted to the non-operation position, so that the sheets on the tray are not caught by the binding device and disturbed. Never. In addition, since the binding device is retracted even at the time of mounting, there is no fear of the sheet being caught and broken or broken. In particular, since the binding device is attached to the image forming apparatus main body side, a large space is secured at the time of jam processing and the jam processing is facilitated. At that time, replacement of consumable parts for bundling sheets becomes easy. In addition, the binding device is always retracted to the non-operation position only in connection with the pull-out operation of the sheet receiving device, and is always in the operation position during the image forming operation. This mechanism and its control are no longer necessary. Therefore, the entire sheet post-processing apparatus can be built in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the entire image forming apparatus can be downsized.

Therefore, in the above-described configuration, if the binding device is configured so as to interlock with the pull-out operation of the sheet receiving device and to be mechanically retracted to the non-operation position, the binding device Not only is the moving mechanism further simplified, but also more compact.

Further, in the above-described configuration, means for detecting the state of pulling out of the sheet receiving device is provided, and the binding device is retracted to the non-operation position in response to the detection operation. The sheet can be retracted from the operation position facing the tray of the sheet receiving device, and there is no danger of the sheet on the tray being caught. In addition, when the attachment of the sheet receiving device is detected, the drive for easily returning the binding device to the operating position can be performed. Therefore, there is no danger that the sheets on the tray are caught by the binding device.

Further, when the binding device is retracted to a non-operating position in conjunction with the pull-out operation of the sheet receiving device, a lock mechanism is provided for locking the state of the binding device. If it is configured to be released mechanically in conjunction with, and to return to the operating position,
The binding device always waits at the operating position during the image forming operation. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the returning operation of the binding device.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a view for facilitating jam clearance in a sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention and replacement of consumable parts of the sheet post-processing apparatus. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a movement state of an operation position (broken line) and a non-operation position of the binding device that forms the processing device. FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views showing an internal structure of an image forming apparatus including a sheet post-processing apparatus including the binding apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in particular, a copying machine, and FIG. FIG. 4 shows the state shown in FIG.
The state of is shown.

First, the structure of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The image forming apparatus 1
A photosensitive member 2 formed in a drum shape is provided therein, and various process means for forming an image are arranged around the photosensitive member 2. That is, a charger 3 for uniformly charging the photoreceptor 2 to a specific polarity, an eraser 4 for removing unnecessary charged charges, and an exposure optical system for exposing reflected light from a document on a document reading unit located above the image forming apparatus. System 5, photoreceptor 2
A developing device 6 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed thereon with toner, a transfer device 7 for transferring a toner image formed on the photoconductor to a sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit as appropriate, and a sheet after transfer And a cleaning device 9 for removing unnecessary toner remaining after transfer, and a static eliminator 10 for removing electric charges remaining on the photoconductor to make a uniform charging potential (almost zero potential). I have.

The exposure optical system 5 irradiates a document placed on a document table 5-1 with an exposure lamp or the like, and reflects a plurality of reflection mirrors 5-2 appropriately disposed on the document. And an imaging lens 5-3 arranged in the optical path formed by the reflection mirror and imaging the reflected light on the surface of the photoreceptor 2. An automatic document feeder 5-4 for automatically transporting a document to the document table is provided on the document table 5-1. The automatic document feeder 5-4 has a conventionally well-known configuration.
The originals on the original placing tray are sequentially sent to the original platen 5-1 upon completion of the exposure scanning one by one, and the original after the exposure is returned to the original placing tray or It is sent to the tray.

The reflected light from the original is exposed on the photoreceptor 2 through the above-described exposure optical system 5 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor 2. After that, the developed image (toner image) is transferred to the sheet sent to the position of the transfer device 7. The sheet is selectively fed from various sheet feeding units 11a to 11c provided so as to protrude to the lower part and right side of the image forming apparatus 1 main body. The paper feeding unit 11 includes an air feeding unit 12 for feeding one sheet of a large number of sheets stored in a tray or a cassette.
The top sheet is adsorbed by the air feeding means,
The sheet is fed to a transfer position facing the photoreceptor 2 via a feed roller 13 disposed opposite to these.

In particular, each paper feed section 11 is provided with an air discharge section 14 for feeding one stacked sheet, and separates the uppermost sheet by separating the stacked sheets. One sheet feeding is ensured. When the sheet is sent out by the feeding roller 13, the sheet is sent to a registration roller 16 before transfer via a conveyance roller 15,
The photoconductor 2 is conveyed to the transfer position in synchronization with the rotation position.

Therefore, the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 2 is transferred to the sheet sent from the paper feeding unit 11 to the transfer position by the operation of the transfer unit 7, It is peeled off from the photoconductor 2.

Then, the transferred sheet is separated from the photosensitive member 2 and is conveyed to a fixing device 18 via a conveying means 17. The fixing device 18 includes a pressure roller and a heat roller maintained at a temperature of more than one hundred degrees, and the sheet carrying the unfixed image is given an appropriate temperature and pressure,
The toner is dissolved and fixed. After the fixing, the sheet is conveyed to a required portion via the conveying roller 19, and the switching path is controlled by the switching gate 20.

The switching gate 20 is controlled to switch between feeding the sheet into the passage 31 of the sheet post-processing apparatus 30 according to the present invention and feeding the sheet into the re-conveying path 21 for performing double-sided copying. The re-conveying path 21 communicates with a switchback path 22 and a reversing path 23 in which the direction of sheet feeding after passing through the switchback path is reversed. Is arranged.

The sheet guided to the re-conveying path 21 passes through the switchback path 22 and the reversing path 23 so that the front and back surfaces of the sheet are reversed, and the image forming surface is directed upward to the intermediate tray 24. Is carried out. A transport roller 25 is disposed in each of the re-transport path 21, the switchback path 22, and the reversing path 23, and a direction switching gate 26 is provided at a confluence of the re-transport path 21, the switchback path 22, and the reversing path 23. The sheet whose feeding direction is reversed is guided to the reversing passage 23.

In the intermediate tray 24, the conveyed sheet is temporarily stored, and at the same time, is fed to the transfer position facing the photoreceptor 2 via the above-described registration roller 16 at the timing of performing double-sided copying. A sheet feeding means 27 for sucking air, a sheet discharging roller 28 for separating sheets stacked on the intermediate tray 24 and feeding one sheet from the lowermost portion, and a sheet feeding roller 29 for sending the sheet to the registration roller 16 are provided. Is provided. Therefore, the intermediate tray 2
The sheet fed from 4 is sent out to the transfer position of the photoreceptor 2 with its image side down, and the image is again transferred to the opposite side where the image is formed, and the image is formed on both sides.

(First Embodiment) In the image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above, the sheet post-processing apparatus 30 according to the present invention is structured to be disposed inside the image forming apparatus 1, and is used when necessary. As shown in FIG. 4, it is provided so that it can be pulled out from the main body along the sheet conveying direction.

The sheet post-processing device 30 has a housing 32 for supporting a passage 31 and the like for guiding a sheet fed to the sheet post-processing device 30 through the switching gate 20. One movable rail member 33a, which is a conventionally known means, is
Are attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, and the fixed rail member 33b for movably holding the rail member 33a and the moving rail member 33a are connected to each other.

In the housing 32, a conveying roller 34 provided corresponding to the passage 31 outside the passage 31 for guiding the sheet on which an image has been formed, and a sheet fed by the conveying roller 34, are subjected to post-processing. For example, a first tray 35 for staple processing, an unloading roller 36 for sending out a sheet sent via the transport roller 34 when staple processing is not required, to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1, a sheet or staple processing after staple processing Is provided with a second tray 37 that receives unnecessary sheets and protrudes from the image forming apparatus 1 main body. Thus, the toner receiving device includes the passage 31 provided in the housing 32, the transport roller 34, the first tray 35, and the like.

The first tray 35 is arranged so as to be inclined so as to receive and align the sheets sent through the conveying rollers 34, and is arranged on the first tray 35 to align the rear end of the sheets. The rear end regulating member 38 is provided. The trailing end regulating member 38 is provided with a pushing mechanism (not shown) for discharging the stapled bundle of sheets to the second tray 37. The push-out mechanism has a conventionally well-known configuration described with reference to FIG. 6, and moves the sheet bundle so as to push up the first tray 35 and discharge it to the second tray 37 after stapling.

The first tray 35 is provided with a rotating sheet aligning paddle 39 having four blades so as to face the surface of the first tray 35. Is sent to the rear end regulating member 38 side, whereby the sheet rear end is aligned with the regulating member 38. Moreover, in order to regulate the width direction of the sheet, a width regulating member 40 movably provided in the width direction is provided. The width regulating member 40 is moved to align the sheet with a fixed width regulating plate 40a fixed and arranged with respect to the first tray 35.

The unloading roller 36 is provided such that the upper roller can be opened relative to the lower roller, and is opened when performing post-processing of the sheet. An opening mechanism (not shown) for opening the upper roller, a solenoid for performing an opening operation, and the like are provided. Therefore, when the sheet post-processing is not required, the sheet sent via the transport roller 34 is directly transferred to the second
The sheet is discharged to the tray 37.

However, when performing the sheet post-processing, since the upper roller is open, the sheet passes through the open position of the discharge roller 36 and is fed into the second tray. When the trailing edge of the sheet passes through the tray 3, the trailing edge of the sheet falls onto the first tray 35, and the tray 3
5 is regulated to the position of the rear end regulating member 38 by sliding on the upper surface 5, and is aligned by the operation of the alignment paddle 39.

The second tray 37 is provided so as to be able to move up and down, and is connected to the elevating mechanism 41. Therefore, it is driven up and down as needed. That is, the elevation is controlled in accordance with the amount of the sheet discharged to the second tray 37. Including this elevating mechanism 41 mechanism, the conveying roller 34, the unloading roller 36,
A drive unit 42 for driving the paddle 39 is provided, and is connected to the drive unit 42 via a clutch or the like, which is a transmission unit (not shown). This drive unit 42
When the sheet receiving device is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 main body side, the sheet receiving apparatus is connected to and driven by the driving mechanism on the image forming apparatus 1 main body side. In other words, since the sheet post-processing device 30 is built in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, a mechanism for connecting the driving force to the driving unit can be easily configured. Further, the driving section 42 may be constituted by a single driving motor.

Further, the sheet post-processing device 30 is provided with a lock mechanism 43 so as to be pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1 when necessary.
Are provided in the housing 32. The lock mechanism 43 includes a rotatable lever. When the lever rotates, the locked state is released, and the housing 32 constituting the sheet post-processing device 30 can be pulled out. That is, it is possible to draw out a sheet receiving device for aligning sheets of the first tray 35 and the like incorporated in the housing and performing post-processing. Also,
When the housing 32 is mounted, the lock mechanism 43 is locked and locked by the locking portion on the image forming apparatus 1 main body side.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the binding device 45 for stapling the sheets arranged on the first tray 35 corresponds to one end of the sheet as shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 is provided on the main body side. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the binding device 45 is provided at a position where a receiving portion 45 a for stapling faces one end of the sheets aligned on the first tray 35. As shown in FIG. 2, the staple receiving portion 45a is normally opened up and down in order to drive a staple, one of which is a fixed portion 45-1, and the other is a moving portion 45-.
It is 2. In FIG. 1A, the binding device 45 is provided at a position where the receiving portion 45a corresponds to one end of the sheet P aligned with the first tray 35.

In FIG. 1, a portion of the first tray 35 corresponding to the binding device 45 is partially cut away. Further, a fixed width regulating plate 40 a that regulates one side edge of the sheet P is provided on the first tray 35 on the binding device 45 side. For the width regulating plate 40a, a previously described width regulating member (not shown) is provided so as to be movable toward the fixed width regulating plate 40a so that the sheet P to be stapled is aligned with the fixed width regulating plate 40a. I have.

Here, the binding device 4 for performing the above stapling
The binding device 45 is provided so that the upper and lower open positions of the receiving portions 45 a of the fifth unit are parallel to the inclined first tray 35. Therefore, when the binding device 45 is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and the casing 32 of the sheet post-processing device 30 is pulled out in the horizontal direction, the sheet on the inclined first tray 35 becomes a hindrance, and the drawing operation is performed. Make it difficult. Further, the sheet in the inclined state at the time of mounting is caught by the receiving portion of the binding device 45, particularly, the upper and lower fixed portions and the moving portion, and the aligned sheets become irregular, or the leading end is broken or damaged at the time of mounting.

In order to eliminate such inconvenience, the binding device 45 is mounted on a movable support 47 movably provided with respect to a fixed holder 46 mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 main body side. I have. That is, the movable support 47 is provided so as to be movable along the inclined direction of the first tray 35 that is particularly inclined. As the moving mechanism,
Between the fixed holder 46 and the moving support 47, compression springs 48 whose ends are respectively locked are interposed, and the moving support 47 is moved upward in FIG.
The sheet P is urged to move toward the sheet P placed on the tray 35 (direction E). Therefore, when the binding device 45
In the stapling operation position (line C position).

The fixed holder 45 is provided with a lock member 49 so as to be rotatable, and a kick spring 50 is provided on a rotation shaft portion thereof.
It is urged to rotate in the direction. The lock member 49 has a lock claw 51 formed substantially at the center thereof.
A release member 52 for releasing the locked state is attached to the end.

When the movable support 47 is moved in the F direction, the lock claw 51 of the lock member 49 is moved to the movable support 47.
As shown in FIG. 1 (b).
The moving support 4 is opposed to the urging force of the compression spring 48.
7 is prevented from moving in the E direction. For this purpose, the moving support 47 is moved to the housing 3 constituting the sheet post-processing device 30.
In order to move the sheet receiving device in the F direction when the sheet receiving device is pulled out, an operating piece 53 having an inclined surface and corresponding to the moving support 47 is integrally formed on the side of the first tray 35 where the stapling process is performed. ing.

Accordingly, when the housing 32 as the sheet receiving device is pulled out, the inclined surface of the operation piece 53 of the first tray 35 and one end of the movable support 47 abut, and the movable support 47 is moved downward in the drawing, that is, F In the direction against the urging force of the compression spring 48. Thereby, the fixing member 46
The lock claw 51 rides on the bent end 47 a of the movable support 47 and is locked by the rotational bias of the lock member 49 provided on the side.

On the other hand, in order to release the locked state in conjunction with the operation of mounting the sheet receiving device on the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, the first tray 35 is provided corresponding to the release member 52 provided on the lock member 49. Is provided with a contact portion 54 that contacts one end of the release member 52. Therefore, when the sheet post-processing apparatus 30 is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, the contact portion 54 of the first tray 35 comes into contact with the release member 52 and is further mounted, thereby preventing the biasing force of the kick spring 50. Then, the lock member 49 is rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow Q direction. Therefore, the moving member 47 is released from the locked state, and tends to move in the direction E by the urging force of the compression spring 48. In this case, the operating piece 53 of the moving support 47
Is released, the movable support 47 returns to the position shown in FIG. As a result, the stapling device 45 that performs stapling is returned to the stapling operation position.

In the apparatus configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 3, if a jam or the like occurs during the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 1, for example, a sheet post-processing apparatus 30 is used to remove the jammed sheet. The first tray 3 that constitutes
5 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1 main body. At this time, since the sheet receiving device is pulled out in the direction A from the state of FIG.
The contact relationship between the contact portion 54 of No. 5 and the release member 52 of the lock member 49 is eliminated. Therefore, the lock member 49 is
In the direction of rotation.

Then, the drawing is continued, and the inclined surface of the operation piece 53 of the first tray 35 comes into contact with the tip of the movable support 47, whereby the movable support 47 is gradually pushed in the F direction. Therefore, when the flat portion of the operation piece 53 finally faces the moving support 47, the lock claw 51 of the lock member 49 is locked to the bent end 47a of the moving support 47, and the moving support 47 is locked, that is, Compression spring 4
8 is locked in the E direction.

Therefore, in conjunction with the pulling-out operation of the sheet receiving device, the binding device 45 moves the line C at the binding position.
Is retracted from the position to the position of the D line which is the non-operation position. Therefore, even when sheets on which an image has been formed are stacked on the first tray 35, the sheets come into contact with the binding device 45, and in particular, the fixing portion 45-1 and the moving portion 45 forming the receiving portion 45 a. Since there is no contact with -2, the drawer can be easily pulled out, and at the same time, there is no danger that the sheet on the tray 35 will be disturbed or torn at the time of pulling out.

In this state, in particular, the sheet receiving device 3
When a sheet jammed near zero is to be removed, the sheet receiving device is pulled out as shown in FIG. 4, so that a large space can be formed in that area, and in particular, the re-conveying passage 21 and the switchback passage 22 can be largely opened. The jam can be easily removed.

When the jam processing or the like is completed, the sheet receiving device is mounted. At this time, since the binding device 45 is located at the retracted position, even if the inclined first tray 35 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1, there may be a portion where the sheet or the like is caught by the binding device 45. Because there is no,
In particular, there is no breakage of the tip on the stapling side or a factor that hinders the mounting operation. Therefore, the mounting operation can be easily performed.

In the mounting operation, the first tray 3
5 comes into contact with the release member 52, the lock member 4 is opposed to the kick spring 50 in the direction opposite to the Q direction.
The rotation of 9 is performed. Thus, at the timing when the lock claw 51 is released from the engagement with the bent end 47a of the movable support 47, the movable support 47 is moved from the retracted position of the line D to the line C position where the binding operation can be performed by the compression spring 48. Automatically recovers. In this case, in particular, the operating piece 5
3 will gradually return along the inclined surface.

As described above, the binding device 45 is mechanically set to the operating position in conjunction with the operation of mounting the sheet receiving device constituting the sheet post-processing device 30, so that the binding device 45 is moved to the operating position. And save the trouble of returning. In addition, the front end of the sheet is not caught at the time of mounting, and the seat is not broken or broken, and the mounting failure does not occur.
In particular, since the binding device 45 is provided on the movable support member 47 so as to follow the tilting method of the first tray 35 that is tilted, there is no need to worry about contact with the leading end of the sheet to be stapled during the movement.

Also, when replenishing the staples of the binding device 45, the binding device 4 is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.
Since 5 remains, replenishment work can be easily performed using the space.

(Second Embodiment) In the embodiment having the above-described structure, the binding device 45 is mechanically moved to the operating position or the position in association with the drawing or mounting operation of the sheet receiving device constituting the sheet post-processing device 30. It is moved to a non-operation position (retreat position). With such a configuration, not only a large-scale device for controlling the movement of the binding device 45 to the binding position each time is not required, but also the binding device 45 is set to the operating position during the image forming operation. I will never forget.

On the other hand, as a mechanism for mechanically moving the binding device 45 to the operating position or the non-operating position in conjunction with the pulling-out and mounting operations, the pull-out operation and the mounting state of the sheet receiving device are detected. A case will be described as a second embodiment in which the binding device 45 is moved to the non-operation position and the operation position in response to the above.

Therefore, the housing 3 of the sheet post-processing device 30
As shown in FIG. 3, a detection sensor 44 for detecting the position of the housing 32 is provided on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 1 to detect the pull-out operation of the image forming apparatus 2. The detection sensor 44 is a well-known micro switch, and is arranged such that an actuator thereof contacts the housing 32. This allows
Whether the sheet receiving device is mounted or pulled out can be easily detected.

A solenoid 55 that operates in connection with the detection operation of the detection sensor 44 is provided on the fixed holder 46 as shown in FIG. The plunger 56 of the solenoid 55 is connected to a movable support 47 movably provided on the fixed holder 46. When the solenoid 55 is energized, the plunger 56 is sucked (moved in the direction F) as indicated by a broken line. Thus, the moving support 47 connected via the plunger 56 is similarly moved in the F direction. Accordingly, the binding device 45 attached to the movable support 47 also moves to the position shown by the broken line in the same manner.

The driving of the solenoid 55 is controlled in response to the detection and mounting of the sheet receiving device by the detection sensor 44 described above.

Therefore, if a sheet jam occurs during the image forming operation by the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is opened in order to process the jammed sheet, and the sheet receiving apparatus is operated as necessary. Drawn out. At this time, when the sheet receiving device is pulled out, the detection sensor 44 detects the state. The solenoid 55 is energized in response to the withdrawal detection. By this energization, the plunger 56 is sucked, and the moving support 47 is moved in the F direction. As a result, the binding device 45 is moved to the line C at the operating position.
From the above position to the position of the line D of the non-operation position.

For this reason, when the sheet receiving device is pulled out, the sheets on the first tray 35 that are inclined are bound by the binding device 45,
Since it is not at the position where the stapling operation is performed, the drawing operation is not hindered, and the sheet is not damaged at the time of drawing. Further, similarly to the first embodiment,
Since the sheet conveyance path can be largely opened by utilizing the space after the sheet receiving device is pulled out, the processing is greatly simplified.

When the jam processing is completed, the sheet receiving device is mounted. However, when the sheet receiving device is mounted, the state is detected by the detection sensor 44. The state is released.
Before that, the binding device 45 does not return to the staple operation position until the first tray 35 of the sheet receiving device is mounted at the binding operation position of the sheet. Will never be done. For this reason, there is no need to worry about folding or tearing of the sheet, poor mounting of the sheet receiving device, and the like.

When the solenoid 55 is de-energized, the binding device 45 returns from the position indicated by the solid line, that is, the line D at the non-operation position, to the line C at the operation position by the urging force of the compression spring 48. Also in the movement of the binding device 45, since the binding device 45 is moved along the inclination direction of the first tray 35, the leading end of the sheet at the staple operation position does not come into contact with the returning operation of the binding device 45. . Therefore, the sheet on the first tray 35 is disturbed,
It will not be irregular.

As described above, by controlling the energization of the solenoid 55 in response to the detection operation of the detection sensor 44,
The binding device 45 is moved to an operation position (C position) and a non-operation position (D position). At this time, when the sheet receiving device is pulled out, if the binding device 45 is retracted to the non-operation position before the sheet receiving device is pulled out, the sheets on the first tray 35 are bound as described above. It will not be disturbed by the device 45 at all.
Conversely, when the sheet receiving device is mounted, the binding device 4
If the sheet 5 is returned to the operating position, the sheets on the first tray 35 will not be disturbed by the binding device 45 at the time of mounting, and the stacked state of the sheets will be returned without being disturbed.

Therefore, if the detection sensor 44 does not detect the mounting or pulling out of the sheet receiving device, but detects the operating state of the lever of the lock mechanism 43, the above-mentioned relationship, that is, the sheet receiving device The binding device 45 is retracted to the non-operation position by unlocking before the drawer, and after the locked state is detected after the upper sheet device is mounted, the binding device 45 is moved to the operation position without disturbing the sheet to the operation position. Can be returned to

In the embodiment of the present invention, the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 3 has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus.
When a device for binding an image-formed sheet is provided in a laser printer, a facsimile machine, or the like, it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as it is.

[0068]

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in the case where a binding device for binding a plurality of sheets is provided, even if the device is attached to the image forming apparatus main body side, it is linked to the drawer of the sheet receiving apparatus. The sheet on the sheet receiving device is not disturbed or broken at the time of pulling out and mounting.

Further, since the sheet receiving device is pulled out, a space is secured at the time of clearing a jam, and the clearing process is facilitated, and the replacement and replenishment of consumables for bundling sheets is also simplified.

Further, if the mechanism is linked to the pull-out operation, not only the structure becomes very simple, but also it is necessary to provide a special driving means for moving the binding device to the operation position or the non-operation position. With a very simple configuration, it is possible to reduce the size and at the same time drastically reduce costs.

Further, according to the present invention, the binding device is attached to the image forming apparatus side, and is moved to the operating position and the non-operating position in relation to the drawer of the sheet receiving device and the mounting operation. Since a mechanism and a control circuit for moving each time for the binding operation are not required, the entire apparatus can be significantly reduced in size and can be easily built in the image forming apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an operation state according to a first embodiment of a sheet binding device provided corresponding to a sheet receiving device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a relationship between an operation position and a non-operation position of the binding device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of the entire image forming apparatus in a state where the sheet post-processing apparatus is incorporated in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a sheet receiving device of the sheet post-processing device is pulled out in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a sheet binding device for describing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a sheet post-processing apparatus showing a conventional example in which a sheet post-processing apparatus is externally attached to an image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Photoreceptor (recording medium) 3 Charger 5 Exposure optical system 6 Developing device 7 Transfer device 8 Peeling device 9 Cleaning device 11 Sheet feeding part 30 Sheet post-processing device 31 Passage 32 Housing (constituting a sheet receiving device) Reference Signs List 33 draw-out rail 34 transport roller 35 first tray (sheet receiving tray) 38 rear end regulating member 40 width regulating member 42 locking mechanism 43 detection sensor (detecting means) 45 binding device 46 fixing holder 47 moving support 48 compression spring 49 Locking member 51 Locking claw 52 Release member 53 Actuating piece 54 Contact part 55 Solenoid 56 Plunger

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A sheet after image formation is received on a tray,
An image forming apparatus including a sheet post-processing device including a plurality of sheet binding devices stacked on the tray, wherein a tray for receiving the sheet after the image formation is provided in an inclined state, The image forming apparatus main body includes a sheet receiving device that can be pulled out of the image forming apparatus main body, and a binding device that is received in opposition to the tray is attached to the image forming apparatus main body side. A sheet post-processing device, wherein the sheet post-processing device is positioned at an operation position for bundling the sheet receiving device, and is movably provided from the operation position to a non-operation position at which the bundling operation is not performed in association with the operation of pulling out the sheet receiving device. Image forming apparatus provided. 2. The sheet post-processing according to claim 1, wherein the binding device is mechanically retracted to a non-operating position so as to interlock with a pull-out operation of the sheet receiving device. An image forming apparatus provided with the device. 3. The sheet post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein a state of pulling out the sheet receiving device is detected, and the binding device is retracted to a non-operation position in response to the detection operation. Image forming device. 4. The binding device according to claim 1, further comprising a lock mechanism for locking a state of the binding device when the binding device is retracted to a non-operating position in conjunction with a pull-out operation of the sheet receiving device. And release it mechanically in conjunction with
An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to return to an operation position.