JPH1111783A - Aftertreatment device for image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an aftertreatment device for an image forming device that can flexibly cope with demands on the users' side without excessively enlarging the size of the device. SOLUTION: An aftertreatment device for an image forming device is provided with an aftertreatment device body 2 having paper conveying mechanism for conveying image-formed paper P, and three trays 13-15 for stacking and storing the paper P conveyed by the paper conveying means 4. Three trays 13-15 are removably fitted to a tray support member 12. A stapler 22 for stapling the center part of the paper P, a folding knife and pairs of folding rollers 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b for folding the paper P with the stapled positions as a boundary are integrated into two trays 14, 15 excluding the tray 13.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus for an image forming apparatus for performing predetermined post-processing on an image-formed sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine thereof is provided with a post-processing apparatus for performing predetermined post-processing on an image-formed sheet in response to a request from a user. Is provided as a standard or option. For example, JP-A-7-157178,
JP-A-6-72064 and Patent Application Publication 5-5
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05154 discloses a post-processing apparatus provided with both an edge binding mechanism for binding an end portion of an image-formed sheet and a saddle binding mechanism for binding a central portion of the image-formed sheet.

[0003]

However, the above 3)
Each of the post-processing devices described in the two publications has been considered mainly with respect to a binding mechanism that binds a sheet, particularly a saddle stitching mechanism, and other post-processing mechanisms, for example, a punching mechanism that punches a file hole in a sheet. Also, no consideration is given to a folding mechanism that folds a sheet in various ways. Therefore, if a user using a post-processing apparatus having only a binding mechanism needs to perform post-processing other than the binding processing, a special machine that satisfies the required functional specifications must be purchased separately or There is no other choice but to replace the post-processing device with all the functions, which increases the equipment introduction cost.

Therefore, if all post-processing functions are incorporated from the beginning, or a space for incorporating various post-processing mechanisms is secured inside the apparatus in advance, the cost of the post-processing apparatus increases and the size of the apparatus increases. Causes an increase in size. In particular, in the case of the post-processing apparatus described in the above publication, the sheet storage position differs between the edge binding process and the saddle stitching process, or the paper storage position differs between the saddle stitching process and the center folding process. Therefore, when processing large paper such as A3 size, the size of the apparatus is significantly increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image which can flexibly respond to a user's request without unnecessarily increasing the size of the apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing apparatus for a forming apparatus.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to achieve the above-mentioned object, and comprises a post-processing apparatus main body having a sheet conveying means for conveying an image-formed sheet, and a sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying means. In a post-processing apparatus having an image forming apparatus including a plurality of trays for stacking and storing the stacked sheets, at least one of the plurality of trays described above is detachably mountable to a post-processing apparatus main body. Further, a configuration is adopted in which a predetermined post-processing mechanism is incorporated in the detachable tray.

In the post-processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, a predetermined post-processing mechanism is incorporated in a tray detachably mountable to the main body of the post-processing apparatus. In such a case, it is possible to easily cope with the situation simply by mounting the tray incorporating the saddle stitching mechanism in the main body of the post-processing apparatus.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a first embodiment of a post-processing device of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The post-processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
The post-processing apparatus main body 2 includes an elevator tray 3 connected to a side wall of the post-processing apparatus main body 2. Inside the post-processing apparatus main body 2, a paper transport mechanism 4 for transporting a paper on which an image is formed by an image forming means (not shown) is incorporated. The paper transport mechanism 4 has two transport roll pairs 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b, and one discharge roll pair 7a, 7b. Conveyance roll pair 5
a, 5b and 6a, 6b are held in a pressed state. One of the pair of discharge rolls 7a and 7b is attached to the tip of the swing arm 8, and one of the discharge rolls 7a is changed to another discharge roll in accordance with the swing operation of the swing arm 8. 7b.

In addition, a stapler 9 for binding an end of an image-formed sheet is incorporated in the post-processing apparatus main body 2. Also, the discharge roll pair 7a, 7b
A paper support plate 10 is disposed between the paper support plate 10 and the stapler 9, and a paddle member 11 is disposed adjacent to the paper support plate 10.

On the other hand, the elevator tray section 3 is provided with a tray supporting member 12 which is mounted on the side wall portion of the post-processing apparatus main body 2 so as to be vertically movable, and is detachably attached to the tray supporting member 12 by, for example, a hook structure or screw fastening. It comprises three trays 13 to 15 which are attached as possible. Here, for example, assuming that the image forming apparatus is a multifunction machine having three functions such as a copier, a printer, and a facsimile machine, the uppermost tray (hereinafter, referred to as a first tray) 13 operates as a copier. Tray for storing the paper on which the image has been formed,
A second tray 14 is a tray for storing image-formed sheets when operated as a printer and a facsimile machine, and a lowermost tray (hereinafter, referred to as a third tray) 1.
Reference numeral 5 can be selectively used as a tray for stacking image-formed sheets to be subjected to post-processing, which will be described later.

Further, of the above-mentioned three trays 13 to 15, the following second and third trays 14 and 15 incorporate the following post-processing mechanism. That is, the third tray 1
A support member 17 is swingably attached to 5 via a pivot 16. The support member 17 swings at a predetermined timing when the third tray 15 described later is used, and when the first and second trays 13 and 14 are used, the upper surface of the support member 17 is It is arranged lower than the sheet stacking surface of the three trays 15. A folding knife 18 is attached to the free end side of the support member 17. The folding knife 18 is provided so as to move up and down so as to protrude and retract from the upper surface of the support member 17.

On the other hand, on the second tray 14, two pairs of folding rolls 19a, 19b and 20a, 20b, a pair of discharge rolls 21a, 21b, and a stapler 2 for saddle stitching are provided.
2 are incorporated. Also, the second tray 14 includes
As shown in FIG. 2, a roll drive system 23 for rotating and driving each roll pair is incorporated. Furthermore, the second
A sub-tray 14a (see FIG. 1) is provided at a lower portion of the tray 14 corresponding to a sheet discharge position by the discharge roll pair 21a, 21b.

The roll drive system 23 includes a drive motor 24 serving as a common drive source and a driving force of the drive motor 24 for each of the roll pairs 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b, 21a, 21a.
21b, a double-sided timing belt 25 for transmitting to the
It has idle gears 26a to 26c for stretching the double-sided timing belt 25 along a predetermined path. A drive gear 27 is provided on an output shaft of the drive motor 24. On the other hand, the driven gear 2 is attached to the folding roll 19a and the folding roll pair 20a, 20b, respectively.
8 and 29 are provided coaxially, and the discharge roll 21
The driven gear 30 is also provided coaxially in a. The double-sided timing belt 25 is stretched through the drive gear 27 of the drive motor 24, the idle gears 26a to 26c, and the driven gears 28 to 30 described above.

In addition, folding roll 19b and folding roll 2
Gears 31 and 32 are provided at 0b in a coaxial state. Three large and small gears 33 to 35 are arranged between the two gears 31 and 32, and a driving force is transmitted from the folding roll 20 b to the folding roll 19 b by these gear trains. In FIG. 2, a double-sided timing belt 25 is used as a power transmission mechanism for rotating each roll by the driving force of the driving motor 24.
However, it is also possible to employ, for example, a chain transmission mechanism using a chain (not shown).

The lower folding roll pair 19a, 19b
As for the supporting structure, the other folding roll 19b is supported so as to be able to approach and separate from the other folding roll 19a.
On the other hand, as a supporting structure of the upper folding roll pair 20a, 20b, both folding rolls 20a, 20b are supported by the coil spring 36 in a pressure-contact state with each other. On the other hand, as a supporting structure of the discharge roll pair 21a, 21b, one discharge roll 21a is supported so as to be able to approach and separate from the other discharge roll 21b.

Here, the above-described stapler 22 has a third
The center stapling is performed by driving two staples into the central portion of the sheets stacked on the tray 15 at a predetermined interval, for example. Therefore, at the time of the stapling operation, the driving of the stapler 22 applies a force for pressing the binding position of the sheet (stapling position of the staple) downward. Therefore, a pair of clinch plates 37 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A are provided on the third tray 15 in order to support the binding position of the sheet from below during the stapling operation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the folding roll pairs 19a and 19b are divided into a plurality (six in the example in the figure) in order to avoid positional interference with the stapler 22. Stapler 22 between the rolls
Is arranged. Further, one folding roll 19a is attached to a common support shaft 38, and the other folding roll 19a is
b is attached to a support shaft 39 divided at the position of the stapler 22. Also, the shape of the upper edge of the folding knife 18 is formed such that portions corresponding to the positions of the folding rolls 19a and 19b and the position of the clinch plate 37 in the axial direction of the support shafts 38 and 39 are respectively recessed. ing. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3C, the upper folding roll pair 20a, 20b
1 is formed in an elongated columnar shape having a uniform thickness from one end to the other end.

Next, the operation of the post-processing apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described. First, when the sheets on which images are formed are stored (stacked) in the first tray 13, FIG.
As shown in (a), the first tray 13 is arranged at the sheet discharge opening of the discharge roll pair 7a, 7b on the post-processing apparatus main body 2 side by the raising and lowering operation of the tray support member 12. As a result, the sheet P on which an image has been formed is transported by the rotation of the two pairs of transport rolls 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and is further driven by the rotation of the pair of discharge rolls 7a, 7b. It is discharged to the tray 13.

On the other hand, the sheet on which the image has been formed is
4 or the third tray 15, FIG.
As shown in (c), the second tray 14 or the third tray 15 is arranged at the sheet discharge opening of the discharge roll pair 7a, 7b on the post-processing apparatus main body 2 side by the raising and lowering operation of the tray support member 12. As a result, the sheet P on which the image is formed is conveyed by the rotation of the two pairs of conveying rolls 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b in the same manner as described above, and further, the pair of discharge rolls 7a, 7
b, the second tray 14 or the third tray 1
It is discharged to 5.

Here, when performing the edge stapling when each of the trays 13 to 15 is used, one of the discharge rolls 7a is retracted upward by the swinging operation of the swing arm 8, and the transport roll pair 5a , 5b, and 6a, 6b, the image-formed sheets P are stacked one by one on a predetermined tray, for example, the first tray 13. At this time, the position of the paper P is aligned by the paddle member 11 and a tamper mechanism (not shown), and the stapling is performed by driving the stapler 9 at the stage where the specified number of papers P are stacked, thereby stapling the end of the paper P to perform the edge binding. Do. Thereafter, one of the ejection rolls 7a is pressed against the uppermost surface of the sheet P by the swinging operation of the swing arm 8, and in this state, the sheet P is ejected to the first tray 13 by rotationally driving the pair of ejection rolls 7a and 7b. .

Next, the sheet on which the image has been formed is transferred to the third tray 1.
Next, other post-processing operations performed when the sheets are stacked on the stack 5 will be described. First, when using the third tray 15, FIG.
As shown in (a), the sheets P are aligned and stacked one by one on the third tray 15 in a state where one of the discharge rolls 7a is retracted upward similarly to the above-described edge binding operation. Next, FIG.
As shown in (b), the discharge roll 7a is lowered by the swinging operation of the swing arm 8, whereby the discharge roll 7
The paper P on the third tray 15 is clamped by a and 7b. Next, by lowering the tray support member 12 (see FIG. 1) by a predetermined amount, as shown in FIG.
The uppermost surface of the sheet P on the third tray 15 is
a, 19b are brought close to the lower peripheral surface.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6A, the supporting member 17 is swung about the pivot 16 on the third tray 15 side, whereby the central portion of the sheet P is folded.
9a and 19b and the supporting member 17 sandwich the same. In this state, as shown in FIG. 6B, the discharge roll pair 7a, 7b
In this state, the stapler 22 is driven and a staple is driven into the center of the sheet P to perform saddle stitching. Then, the stapler 22 moves to FIG.
As shown in (c), the sheet P is retracted in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7A, one of the discharge rolls 7a is retracted upward by the swing operation of the swing arm 8. Thereby, the clamp state of the sheet P by the discharge roll pair 7a, 7b is released. Subsequently, FIG.
As shown in (b), the folding knife 18 protrudes from the tip of the support member 17, and the central part (binding position) of the sheet P is folded by the folding knife 18 to the folding roll pair 1.
It is pushed between 9a and 19b. At this time, FIG.
In the roll drive system 23 shown in FIG. 5, the double-sided timing belt 25 moves around by the drive of the drive motor 24, and each roll 19
a, 19b, 20a, 20b, 21a, and 21b are rotationally driven. Therefore, the sheet P pressed between the folding roll pair 19a and 19b is sent in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

At this time, in the width direction of the sheet P (the depth direction in the figure), the folding roll pair 19a, 19b
Since it is divided into a plurality as shown in (b),
By passing between the rolls, a discontinuous fold is formed in the paper P, and the fold is formed by the upper folding roll pair 2
At the stage where the sheet P has passed between 0a and 20b, a continuous fold is formed on the sheet P. Then, the sheet P thus folded in half
Is guided between the pair of discharge rolls 21a and 21b, and is driven by the rotation of the pair of discharge rolls 21a and 21b.
As shown in the figure, the sheet is discharged to the sub-tray 14a of the second tray 14.

Here, for example, when only the end binding function by the stapler 9 is required as a request from the user side, the apparatus manufacturer side sets the second and third trays 13 and 15 in the elevator tray section 3 as tray supporting members. By removing the tray from the tray 12 and mounting the same normal (default) tray as the first tray 13, it is possible to respond to a request from the user.

On the other hand, if the user requests both the end binding function by the stapler 9 and the saddle stitching function by the slapper 22, for example, the apparatus manufacturer side requires the tray support member as shown in FIG. 12 to 1
By attaching the third trays 13 to 15, it is possible to respond to a request from the user. Further, even if the initial request from the user side requires only the edge binding function, and the user wants to add the edge binding function due to a change in the usage status or the like, the user side request described above can be obtained by replacing the tray. Can be flexibly handled.

As described above, in the post-processing apparatus of the first embodiment, the tray support member 12 of the elevator tray section 3
, Three trays 13 to 15 are detachably mounted on the second tray 14 and the third tray 15 among the three trays 13 to 15. 18 and a pair of folding rolls 19 a, 19 b, 20 a, 20 b, and a folding mechanism for the sheet are incorporated.
Even if the saddle stitching mechanism and folding mechanism are not built in from the beginning, and the space for installing them is not secured in advance, it is possible to flexibly respond to various requests from the user only by changing the tray. It becomes possible.

Further, only the minimum necessary post-processing function, which is assumed in advance, such as the stapler 9 for edge binding, as shown in FIG. The multifunction of the post-processing device can be realized without increasing the component mounting space of the post-processing device body 2 at all.

Further, with the specified number of sheets P stacked on the third tray 15, the end stapling process by the stapler 9 in the post-processing device main body 2 and the saddle stitching process by the stapler 22 in the second tray 14 are performed. Since both can be performed, the size of the apparatus can be reduced as compared with a conventional apparatus in which both the edge binding mechanism and the saddle stitching function are incorporated in the post-processing apparatus main body.

By the way, when various sizes of sheets are saddle-stitched by the stapler 22 provided on the second tray 14, the one discharge roll 7a is retracted upward as shown in FIG. When the sheets P are stacked one by one on the third tray 15, for example, when the sheet P is A3 size, even if the center of the sheet P matches the binding position by the stapler 22, If the A4 size paper is smaller than that, the central portion of the paper is greatly shifted from the binding position by the stapler 22.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, FIG.
As shown in (a), after sheets P smaller in size than the previous one are aligned and stacked on the third tray 15, one of the discharge rolls 7 a is lowered by the swing operation of the swing arm 8. Then, the paper P is clamped by the discharge roll pairs 7a and 7b, and from this state, the rotation of the discharge roll pairs 7a and 7b causes the paper P to be fed by a predetermined amount corresponding to the size as shown in FIG. 8B. I decided that. Also, when sending out the paper P by the discharge roll pair 7a, 7b,
The discharge roll pair 7a, 7b is slid in the depth direction in the figure, whereby the position of the sheet P is shifted by a predetermined amount in a direction orthogonal to the sheet feeding direction.

Accordingly, for example, when the stapler 22 is set to the standard (standard) position of the A3 size paper, when the stapler 22 binds the A4 size paper P smaller than the standard size, the above-described operation is performed. A4 size paper can be moved from the solid line position in FIG. 8C to the two-dot chain line position by the paper feeding operation by the discharge roll pairs 7a and 7b. As a result, if the paper size is A3, A
In any of the four cases, the central portion of each size paper can be matched with the binding position of the stapler 22. From this, when handling paper of a size other than the standard size, various settings can be made by appropriately setting the paper feed amount and the shift amount by the discharge roll pair 7a and 7b in a form corresponding to the size of the paper to be actually handled. The stapling position of the stapler 22 with respect to the sheet of the size can be appropriately adjusted.

In the first embodiment, the three trays 13 to 15 are detachably mounted on the tray support member 12 as a configuration of the elevator tray section 3, and a user's request is dealt with by rearrangement of the trays. However, in addition to this, for example, the post-processing device main body 2
The tray support member 12 may be detachable with respect to, and the entire tray may be replaced together with the tray support member 12. In addition, the mounting order and combination of the trays, and further, the mounting quantity can be arbitrarily changed according to the usage situation on the user side.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing a second embodiment of the post-processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The post-processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that two pairs of folding rolls 19a and 19
b and 20a, 20b, and a pair of discharge rolls 21a,
21b and a module component including a saddle stapler 22 are incorporated in a module housing 42, and the module housing 42 is mounted on the pivot 4 provided on the third tray 15.
3, so as to be swingably supported. A folding knife 18 is provided inside the third tray 15 so as to be able to move up and down at a position facing the pair of folding rolls 19a and 19b without providing the support member 17 as in the first embodiment. .

In the case of performing the saddle stitching process and the folding process in the post-processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment having the above configuration, first, as shown in FIG. In the retracted state, the third tray 15 is moved by the paddle member 11 (see FIG. 9) and a tamper mechanism (not shown).
The sheets P are stacked one by one on the sheet. Next, FIG.
As shown in (b), the discharge roll 7a is lowered by the swinging operation of the swing arm 8, whereby the discharge roll 7
The paper P on the third tray 15 is clamped by a and 7b. Next, as shown in FIG. 10C, the module housing 42 is swung (down) about the pivot 43 in the direction of the arrow in the figure.
Then, the sheet P is moved from the module housing 42 to the third
It is sandwiched between the trays 15.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 11A, the movement of the sheet P is prevented by the pair of discharge rolls 7a and 7b, the module housing 42 and the third tray 15, so that the stapler 22 is in this state. Is driven to drive a staple into the center of the sheet P to perform saddle stitching. afterwards,
The stapler 22 retracts in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 11 in preparation for the entry of the sheet P as shown in FIG. Then, FIG.
As shown in (c), one of the discharge rolls 7a is retracted upward by the swinging operation of the swing arm 8, whereby the clamped state of the sheet P by the pair of discharge rolls 7a and 7b is released.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG.
The folding knife 18 protrudes above the tray 15, and the projecting operation of the folding knife 18 causes the central portion (the binding position) of the sheet P to be folded.
Is pushed between the pair of folding rolls 19a and 19b. Thereafter, as in the case of the first embodiment, the sheet P passes between the upper folding roll pair 20a and 20b and reaches the discharge roll pair 21a and 21b, and the discharge roll pair 21a and 2b.
1b discharges to the tray section 42a of the module housing 42.

In the case of handling paper of a size smaller than the standard size, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), when the papers P are aligned and stacked one by one on the third tray 15 as in the first embodiment. As shown in ()), the sheet P is clamped by the pair of discharge rolls 7a and 7b by the swing operation of the swing arm 8, and from this state, the sheet P is rotated by the rotation of the pair of discharge rolls 7a and 7b so that the sheet P is moved by a predetermined amount corresponding to the size. And the discharge roll pair 7a, 7b is slid in the depth direction in the figure to shift the position of the sheet P by a predetermined amount in a direction orthogonal to the sheet feed direction. As a result, for example, the A3 size is set as the standard size, and the smaller A
Even in the case of handling the four-size paper P, the A4-size paper can be moved from the solid line position in FIG. 12C to the two-dot chain line position by the paper feed operation by the above-described discharge roll pair 7a, 7b. It is possible to match the center portion of the paper of various sizes with the binding position of the stapler 22.

As described above, also in the second embodiment, the tray portion of the elevator tray portion 3 (the module housing 4
Since the sheet saddle stitching mechanism and the sheet folding mechanism are incorporated in 2), the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, an appropriate gap is secured between the second tray 14 and the module housing 42, and the gap portion is used as a sheet accommodating space in the tray portion 42b.
Is formed integrally with the module housing 42, the tray portion 42b can be used as a catch tray, and the convenience on the user side is very good.

In each of the first and second embodiments, the paper folding mechanism using the folding knife 18 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG.
8 and a pair of clamp rolls 4 inside the third tray 15.
4 a and 44 b and a stopper 45 may be provided.

In the folding mechanism shown in FIG. 14, a predetermined number of sheets P are stacked on the third tray 15 and, for example, the swinging operation of the supporting member 17 causes the folding roll pair 19a on the second tray 14 side. , 19b and the pair of clamp rolls 44a, 44b on the third tray 15 side. In this state, as shown in FIG. 15A, the folding roll pairs 19a and 19b and the clamp roll pairs 44a and 44b are driven to rotate in the arrow direction in the figure, so that both ends of the sheet P are drawn in the arrow direction in the figure. As a result, the central portion of the sheet P is bent in a convex shape. At this time, clamp roll pair 4
Since the stopper 45 is present between the stoppers 4a and 44b, the central portion of the sheet P is inevitably bent so as to protrude toward the pair of folding rolls 19a and 19b by the contact with the stopper 45. As shown in (b), it is taken in between the folding roll pairs 19a and 19b and folded as described above.

FIG. 16 is a schematic side view showing a third embodiment of the post-processing apparatus according to the present invention. In the third embodiment, the configuration of the post-processing apparatus main body 2 is the same as that of the above-described first and second embodiments, and the configuration of the elevator tray unit 3 is different. That is, in the elevator tray section 3, the tray module 46 is detachably attached to the tray support member 12, and the tray module 4
6, four folding rolls 47a to 47d are provided. A first sheet chute 48 and a second sheet chute 49 are formed inside the tray module 46, and abutment pieces 50 and 51 are movably inserted into these sheet chute 48 and 49, respectively. Are located. Further, below the folding rolls 47b and 47c, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, a direction changing plate 52 for changing the sheet feeding direction is provided.

In the post-processing device having the above configuration,
By appropriately setting the positions of the abutting pieces 50 and 51 according to the length "L" of the paper to be handled, four types of folding operations can be performed. First, FIG.
As shown in (a), the abutting piece 50 is arranged so that the length of advance of the sheet to the first sheet chute section 48 becomes 1 / 2L, and the sheet is sent to the second sheet chute section 49. When the abutment piece 51 is arranged so that the advance length becomes 1 / 4L, and the direction of the direction change plate 52 is set so that the sheet fed by the folding rolls 47b and 47c is guided to the second sheet chute 49. The paper is folded in the following procedure.

That is, when the leading end of the sheet fed by the folding rolls 47a and 47b advances to the first sheet chute portion 48 and strikes the abutting piece 50, the sheet is bent at a point 1/2 L from the leading end of the sheet. Then, the bent portion is taken in between the folding rolls 47b and 47c and is folded.
Next, the sheet fed by the folding rolls 47b and 47c is guided to the second sheet chute 49 by the direction change plate 52, where the folding position of the sheet is determined by the abutting piece 5.
1, the sheet bends again at a point 1/4 L from the folding position, and the bent portion is folded by the folding rolls 47 c and 47 c.
It is taken in during 47d and folded. As a result, the sheet is folded into a size of 1 / 4L and discharged.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18 (b), the abutting piece 50 is arranged so that the length of advance of the sheet to the first sheet chute portion 48 becomes 1 / 3L, and the second sheet The abutment piece 51 is arranged so that the length of the sheet advanced to the chute section 49 is 1 / 3L, and the folding roll 47 is provided.
When the direction of the direction change plate 52 is set so that the sheet fed by b and 47c is guided to the second sheet chute 49, the sheet is folded as follows.

That is, when the leading edge of the sheet fed by the folding rolls 47a and 47b advances to the first sheet chute portion 48 and hits the abutting piece 50, the sheet is bent at a point 1 / 3L from the leading edge of the sheet. Then, the bent portion is taken in between the folding rolls 47b and 47c and is folded.
Next, the sheet fed by the folding rolls 47b and 47c is guided to the second sheet chute 49 by the direction change plate 52, where the folding position of the sheet is determined by the abutting piece 5.
1, the sheet bends again at a point 1 / 3L from the folding position, and the bent portion is folded by the folding rolls 47c, 47c.
It is taken in during 47d and folded. Thereby, the sheet is folded into a size of 1 / 3L and discharged.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18C, the length of advance of the sheet to the first sheet chute 48 is 2
The abutting piece 50 is arranged so as to be / 3L, and the length of advance of the sheet to the second sheet chute 49 is 1
When the abutting piece 51 is arranged so as to be / 3L and the direction of the direction change plate 52 is set so as to guide the sheet fed by the folding rolls 47b and 47c to the second sheet chute 49, the following sheet is obtained. It is folded in such a procedure.

That is, when the leading edge of the sheet sent by the folding rolls 47a and 47b advances to the first sheet chute portion 48 and hits the abutting piece 50, the sheet is bent at a point 2 / 3L from the leading edge of the sheet. Then, the bent portion is taken in between the folding rolls 47b and 47c and is folded.
Next, the sheet fed by the folding rolls 47b and 47c is guided to the second sheet chute 49 by the direction change plate 52, where the folding position of the sheet is determined by the abutting piece 5.
1, the sheet bends again at a point 1 / 3L from the folding position, and the bent portion is folded by the folding rolls 47c, 47c.
It is taken in during 47d and folded. Thereby, the sheet is folded into a size of 1 / 3L and discharged. However, in the case of FIG. 18B, the sheet is folded in three in a substantially Z-shape, whereas in the case of FIG. 18C, the sheet is folded in a bag shape.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18D, the abutting piece 50 is arranged so that the length of the sheet advanced to the first sheet chute 48 becomes 1 / 2L, and the folding rolls 47b, 47c and the folding roll 4
When the direction of the direction change plate 52 is set so as to guide the sheet between 7c and 47d, the sheet is folded in the following procedure.

That is, when the leading edge of the sheet fed by the folding rolls 47a and 47b advances to the first sheet chute portion 48 and strikes the abutting piece 50, the sheet is bent at a point 1/2 L from the leading edge of the sheet. Then, the bent portion is taken in between the folding rolls 47b and 47c and is folded.
Next, the sheet fed by the folding rolls 47b and 47c is guided between the folding rolls 47c and 47d by the direction change plate 52 and discharged as it is. As a result, the sheet is folded into a size of 1 / 2L and discharged.

As described above, according to the post-processing apparatus of the third embodiment, a variety of sheets can be diversified by the folding mechanism incorporated in the tray module 46 without the need to previously incorporate the folding mechanism inside the post-processing apparatus main body 2. Can be folded. Accordingly, for the user who needs various folding functions, the above-described tray module 4 is provided in the elevator tray section 3.
By mounting a normal (default) tray instead of the tray module 46 for a user who does not need such a folding function, it is possible to flexibly respond to each user request.

In the above-described first to third embodiments, the configuration in which the saddle stitching mechanism and the folding mechanism are incorporated in the tray portion detachable from the post-processing apparatus main body 1 has been described as an example. As another post-processing mechanism, for example, a punching mechanism for files can be incorporated in the tray portion.

In the first to third embodiments, the post-processing apparatus main body 2 is fixed, and the tray supporting member 12 is moved up and down with respect to the post-processing apparatus main body 2, thereby forming the sheet discharge destination. In addition to this, the tray support member 12 in which three trays 13 to 15 are mounted in multiple stages is fixed as shown in FIG. A configuration in which the post-processing apparatus main body 2 is moved up and down with respect to 12 may be adopted.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 19, the image formed on the side wall portion of the post-processing apparatus main body 2 on the side opposite to the pair of delivery rolls 53a and 53b for sending out the sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming means (not shown). Paper take-in sections G1, G2, G3 for taking in used paper are provided at three upper and lower positions. Of these, the paper feed unit G1 at the uppermost position
From the first transport route R1 by an appropriate number of roll pairs.
Is formed, a second transport route R2 is formed from the middle sheet take-up section G2 by the above-described carry roll pair 5a, 5b and a, 6b, and a suitable number of sheets are also provided from the lowermost sheet take-up section G2. The third transport route R3 by the roll pair of
Are formed. Then, the first and third transport routes R1 and R3 join the second transport route R2 just before the transport roll pairs 5a and 5b, whereby the paper taken in from any of the paper intake units G1 to G3 is used. Even if there is, the second transport route R2 is finally transported as a common route.

The pitch between the uppermost sheet take-up section G1 and the middle sheet take-up section G2 is set to "A", and the middle sheet take-up section G2 and the lowermost sheet take-up section G3 are connected to each other. When the pitch between the first tray 13 and the second tray 14 is set to “A”, the pitch between the first tray 13 and the second tray 14 is set to “A” in a form corresponding to these pitches. 1
5 is set to “B”.

In the post-processing apparatus having the above-described structure, as shown in FIG. 19, the post-processing apparatus main body 2 is arranged in a state where the lowermost sheet take-in section G3 faces the pair of delivery rolls 53a and 53b. Is the delivery roll pair 53a, 53b
The paper P sent out from the paper feeding unit G3 reaches the second transport route R2 through the third transport route R3, and then passes between the transport roll pairs 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b. It is discharged to the first tray 13.

In the case where the tray for discharging paper is switched from the first tray 13 to the second tray 14 from the state shown in FIG. 19, the post-processing apparatus main body 2 is lowered by the above-mentioned B dimension. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20A, the middle sheet take-up portion G2 faces the sending roll pair 53a, 53b, and the sheet P sent out by the sending roll pair 53a, 53b is used as it is. From the take-in section G2, it advances to the second transport route R2, and then passes between the transport roll pairs 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b, and the second tray 1
It is discharged to 4.

Further, from the state shown in FIG. 20A, the tray from which the paper is discharged is changed from the second tray 14 to the third tray 15.
In the case of switching to, the post-processing apparatus main body 2 is lowered by the A dimension. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20B, the middle sheet take-up unit G1 faces the delivery roll pair 53a, 53b, so that the delivery roll pair 53a, 53b.
The sheet P sent out by the sheet 53b is sent to a sheet receiving section G1.
From the first transport route R1 to the second transport route R
2 and then the transport roll pairs 5a, 5b and 6a,
6b, and is discharged to the third tray 15.

Incidentally, the switching of the sheet discharge destination tray from the second tray 14 to the first tray 13 is realized by raising the post-processing apparatus main body 2 by the above-mentioned B dimension, and the sheet discharge destination tray is switched to the first tray. When switching from the third tray 15 to the second tray 14, the post-processing apparatus body 2 is
This is realized by raising the size. Further, the trays from which the paper is discharged are changed from the first tray 13 to the third tray 15,
Alternatively, switching from the third tray 15 to the first tray 13 is realized by lowering or raising the post-processing apparatus main body 2 by the above-mentioned A + B dimension.

On the other hand, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 21, a tray support member 1 in which three trays 13 to 15 are mounted in multiple stages is provided.
2 is fixed, and the post-processing apparatus main body 2 is fixed to the fixing unit 2.
a and the movable part 2b, and the movable part 2b is vertically moved between the tray support member 12 and the fixed part 2a.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 21, an appropriate number of roll pairs are arranged on the fixing portion 2a of the post-processing apparatus main body 2, and the first to the first rolls having a common paper inlet G by these transport roll pairs. Third transport routes R1 to R3 are formed. On the other hand, a common transport route R is formed inside the movable portion 2b by the transport roll pairs 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b described above. Also, the first transport route R1
The pitch between the exit portion of the second transfer funnel R2 and the exit portion of the second transport funnel R2 is "A", and the pitch between the exit portion of the second transport route R2 and the exit portion of the third transport route R3 is "B". In this case, the pitch between the first tray 13 and the second tray 14 is set to “A” in a form corresponding to these pitches, and the pitch between the second tray 14 and the third tray 15 is set to “B”. Is set to

In the post-processing apparatus having the above-described structure, first, as shown in FIG. 21, the post-processing apparatus main body 2 is moved in a state where the entrance of the common transport route R faces the exit of the first transport route R1. When the unit 2b is disposed, the image-formed sheet P taken in from the sheet inlet G is guided to the common transport route R through the first transport route R1,
Thereafter, the sheet is discharged to the first tray 13 after passing between the pair of transport rolls 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b.

In order to switch the tray from which the sheet is to be discharged from the first tray 13 to the second tray 14 from the state shown in FIG. 21, the movable portion 2b of the post-processing apparatus main body 2 is lowered by the B dimension. As a result, as shown in FIG. 22A, the entrance portion of the common transport route R faces the exit portion of the second transport route R2. The completed paper P is guided to the common transport route R through the second transport route R2,
After that, the paper is discharged to the second tray 14 after passing between the transport roll pairs 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b.

Further, from the state shown in FIG. 22 (a), the sheet discharge destination tray is changed from the second tray 14 to the third tray 15
In the case of switching to (2), the movable section 2b of the post-processing apparatus main body 2 is lowered by the A dimension. As a result, FIG.
As shown in (b), the entrance portion of the common transport route R faces the exit portion of the third transport route R3. , To the common transport route R through the third transport route R3, and then to the transport roll pairs 5a, 5b and 6
The paper passes between a and 6b and is discharged to the third tray 15.

Incidentally, also in this configuration example, when switching the sheet discharge destination tray from the second tray 14 to the first tray 13, the movable portion 2b of the post-processing apparatus main body 2 is raised by the above-mentioned B dimension. When the tray for discharging the paper is switched from the third tray 15 to the second tray 14, this is realized by raising the movable portion 2b of the post-processing apparatus main body 2 by the A dimension. Further, when switching the paper discharge destination tray from the first tray 13 to the third tray 15, or from the third tray 15 to the first tray 13, the movable section 2b of the post-processing apparatus main body 2 is lowered or moved by the above A + B dimension. It is realized by raising.

As described above, the tray support member 12 is fixed and the mechanism for switching the tray to which the sheet is to be discharged by moving the post-processing apparatus main body 2 up and down is adopted. The three trays 13 to 15 mounted on the support member 12 are always kept immovable. This makes it possible to prevent the tray from suddenly moving or the user from hitting the moved tray when the user reaches for the purpose of removing the paper from the tray. It is excellent in operability and safety.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 21, for example, among three transport routes R1 to R3 formed in the fixed portion 2a of the post-processing apparatus main body 2, a file punching process is performed in the middle of the first transport route R1. If a mechanism (not shown) is incorporated, the first tray 13 can be used as a discharge tray for punching.

As a mechanism for switching the tray by moving the post-processing device main body 2 up and down, in addition to the above-described two configuration examples, for example, as shown in FIG.
The transport route R formed on the fixed portion 2a side of the post-processing device main body 2 can be switched between three directions such as upward, lateral, and downward, and the movable portion 2b is moved up and down in accordance with the switching operation of the transport route R. As shown in FIG. 23 (b), a conveyance route R is formed vertically on the fixed portion 2a side of the post-processing apparatus main body 2, while a chute guide S is formed on the movable portion 2b side so as to protrude toward the conveyance route R side. When the movable section 2b is moved up and down to switch the tray to which the paper is to be discharged, the sheet sent along the transport route R is taken into the movable section 2b by the chute guide S at an arbitrary position. Various modes can be adopted.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention, at least one of the trays can be attached to and detached from the post-processing apparatus main body, and a predetermined post-processing mechanism is incorporated in the tray. Even if it is not necessary to install all post-processing mechanisms from the beginning as described above, and even if the space for installing them is not reserved in advance, simply installing the necessary post-processing mechanisms in the tray allows various Can be flexibly handled.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a first embodiment of a post-processing device of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a roll drive system inside a tray.

FIG. 3 is a partial structural explanatory view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a tray switching operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a post-processing operation inside the tray in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the post-processing operation inside the tray in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of the post-processing operation inside the tray in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (part 4) of the post-processing operation inside the tray in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing a second embodiment of the post-processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a post-processing operation inside the tray in the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the post-processing operation inside the tray in the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of the post-processing operation inside the tray in the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of another folding mechanism.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a main part for explaining the operation of another folding mechanism.

FIG. 16 is a schematic side view showing a third embodiment of the post-processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the folding mechanism according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic side view showing a configuration example of a tray switching mechanism.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the tray switching mechanism.

FIG. 21 is a schematic side view showing a configuration example of another tray switching mechanism.

FIG. 22 is an operation explanatory view of another tray switching mechanism.

FIG. 23 is a view showing a modification of the tray switching mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Post-processing apparatus, 2 ... Post-processing apparatus main body, 3 ... Elevator tray part, 4 ... Paper conveyance mechanism, 12 ... Tray support member,
13-15: tray, 18: folding knife, 19a, 19
b, 20a, 20b: folding roll pair, 22: stapler (for saddle stitching), P: paper

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a post-processing apparatus main body having a sheet conveying means for conveying an image-formed sheet; and a plurality of trays for stacking and storing the sheets conveyed by the sheet conveying means. In the post-processing device, at least one of the plurality of trays may be detachable from the main body of the post-processing device, and a predetermined post-processing mechanism may be incorporated in the detachable tray. Characteristic post-processing device of the image forming apparatus. 2. An end binding mechanism for binding an end portion of the sheet on which the image has been formed is incorporated in the post-processing apparatus main body, and a tray detachably mounted on the post-processing apparatus main body.
2. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a saddle stitching mechanism for binding a central portion of the image-formed sheet. 3. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a folding mechanism for folding the image-formed sheet into at least two is incorporated in a tray detachable from the post-processing apparatus main body. Post-processing device of the image forming apparatus.