CN101295154B - Paper discharge apparatus, image forming apparatus and paper discharge method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a using paper discharging device, an image forming device and a using paper discharging method; wherein, the using paper discharge device comprises a discharge part used for discharging the using paper, a wall part which is arranged on the lower surface of the discharge part, a pallet which is used for receiving the discharged using paper and a pressing part which is arranged on the wall part; the pressing part clamps the using paper between the pressing part and the pallet by facing closely to the pallet; the using paper is kept and carries out linear moving at the same time.

Description

Paper discharge device, image forming device, and paper discharge method

technical field

The present invention relates to a paper discharge device, an image forming apparatus, and a paper discharge method, and more particularly, to a paper discharge device, an image forming apparatus, and a paper discharge method including a movable paper discharge tray.

Background technique

In recent years, many image forming apparatuses have been manufactured that include a paper discharge tray for loading paper after image formation by an image forming unit so that paper can be separated for each job and discharged. For such a plurality of paper discharge trays, there are cases where at least one paper discharge tray is provided in a movable type, for example, in the paper discharge device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-284773. Thereby, it is possible to set the amount of paper for storage and discharge to a large capacity.

In a paper discharge device having a movable paper discharge tray as described above, when discharging paper to the paper discharge tray, the leading end of the discharged paper slides on the paper discharge tray to contact the upper surface of the discharged paper. Therefore, there is a problem in that the discharged sheets are moved due to such sliding contact, and the sheets cannot be stacked on the sheet discharge tray. In particular, in the case of a stapled sheet bundle, since the binding portion protrudes, the protruding portions interfere with each other. Therefore, every time the subsequent paper bundle is discharged, the discharged paper bundle is pushed out from the paper discharge tray, thereby hindering alignment and stacking.

In contrast, in the paper discharge device disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-284773, in order to arrange and stack the discharged paper, the base end of the movable paper discharge tray is provided with a A plurality of pressing members that press the rear end of the discharged paper. The pressing member is provided on a rotation shaft that is driven to rotate about a direction perpendicular to the paper ejection direction. When the rotation shaft is driven to rotate, the pressing member also rotates, thereby pressing the rear end of the paper.

However, in the above-mentioned structure, since the pressing member is provided on the rotating shaft, the pressing action is limited to the vicinity of the position of the rotating shaft, so that the height of the tray when the movable discharge tray is on standby is not high relative to each operation. At the same time, it is difficult to perform a pressing action. In addition, since a drive device for driving the rotating shaft is required, there is room for improvement in the problems that the structure of the paper pressing mechanism is complicated and the cost of the device increases.

In addition, the rotation angle of the pressing member that rotates and presses the paper changes according to the height of the uppermost paper of the loaded paper. When the height of the paper is high and the rotation angle is small, the paper pressing surface of the pressing member may touch the paper in a manner of pressing out the paper.

Contents of the invention

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a paper discharge method, a paper discharge device, and an image forming apparatus including the paper discharge device with a simple structure without depending on the tray height during standby.

In order to achieve the above object, in one aspect of the present invention, a paper discharge device is provided, which includes: a discharge part for discharging paper; a wall member provided under the discharge part; a tray for The above-mentioned paper is received and discharged; and the pressing member is provided on the above-mentioned wall member. Simultaneously, it moves linearly along the lifting direction of the pallet independently or in conjunction with the lifting motion of the pallet.

Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including: a paper storage unit for storing paper; forming an image on paper; a discharge unit for discharging the above-mentioned paper on which the above-mentioned image is formed from a discharge port; a wall member provided under the above-mentioned discharge unit; a tray for receiving the above-mentioned discharged above-mentioned paper; and a pressing member , arranged on the above-mentioned wall member, the above-mentioned pressing member is relatively close to the above-mentioned tray, and the above-mentioned paper is clamped between the above-mentioned pressing member and the above-mentioned tray, and the lifting movement relative to the tray is independent while holding the above-mentioned paper. Or move linearly along the lifting direction of the pallet in linkage.

In addition, in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paper discharge method, the paper discharge method comprising the steps of: discharging paper from a discharge port; receiving the discharged paper through a tray; making the received paper and the pressing member arranged on the above-mentioned wall member faces the above-mentioned tray, clamps the above-mentioned paper between the above-mentioned pressing member and the surface of the above-mentioned tray, and holds the above-mentioned paper. At the same time, it moves linearly along the lifting direction of the pallet independently or in conjunction with the lifting motion of the pallet.

Description of drawings

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus including a paper discharge device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the paper post-processing device 120 related to the same embodiment;

3A is a perspective view of the vicinity of the discharge tray 166 of the first post-processing unit 160 according to the same embodiment;

3B is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the discharge tray 166 of the first post-processing unit 160 according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the pressing member 1 according to the same embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the structure near the pressing member 1 according to the same embodiment viewed from the side;

5B is a cross-sectional view of the structure near the pressing member 1 according to the same embodiment viewed from the back;

6A is a cross-sectional view of the structure near the pressing member 1 when the pressing member 1 according to the same embodiment is on standby, viewed from the side;

6B is a cross-sectional view of the structure near the pressing member 1 when the pressing member 1 according to the same embodiment is on standby, viewed from the back;

7A is a cross-sectional view of the structure near the pressing member 1 when the pressing member 1 according to the same embodiment is moved upward from the side;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the structure near the pressing member 1 when the pressing member 1 according to the same embodiment is moved upward as viewed from the back;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the structure near the pressing member 1 according to the same embodiment as viewed from the side when the pressing member 1 rotates;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a control system for controlling the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment;

10A is a perspective view of the vicinity of the paper discharge tray 166 of the first post-processing unit 160 when the paper discharge tray 166 is raised and the rear end of the paper P is pressed by the pressing member 1 according to the same embodiment;

10B is a cross-sectional view of a schematic structure near the paper discharge tray 166 of the first post-processing unit 160 when the paper discharge tray 166 is raised and the rear end of the paper P is pressed by the pressing member 1 according to the same embodiment;

11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of the vicinity of the pressing member 1 when the paper discharge tray 166 is raised according to the same embodiment;

Fig. 12A is a cross-sectional view of a part of Fig. 3B related to the same embodiment;

Fig. 12B is a plan view of the schematic structure observed from the top of Fig. 3B related to the same embodiment;

13A is a front view of a schematic structure of a paper discharge tray 166 including a rib member (rib) 20 according to the same embodiment when a large amount of paper is loaded, as seen from the front;

Fig. 13B is a sectional view along the B-B' line of Fig. 13A;

Fig. 13C is a sectional view along line C-C' of Fig. 13B;

Figure 13D is a sectional view along the D-D' line of Figure 13B;

14A is a perspective view of a state where the tray standby position of the paper discharge tray 166 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is high;

14B is a cross-sectional view of the state where the tray standby position of the paper discharge tray 166 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is high;

FIG. 15A is a front view showing a schematic structure of a conventional paper discharge tray 166 loaded with a large amount of paper as viewed from the front; and

Fig. 15B is a cross-sectional view along line B-B' of Fig. 15A.

Detailed ways

first embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 . 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus including a paper discharge device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The image forming apparatus main body 110 can form monochrome images and color images, and the image forming apparatus main body 110 is connected to the paper post-processing apparatus 120 . The image forming apparatus main body 110 includes a paper storage unit 112 for storing paper, and an image forming unit 113 for forming an image on the paper. The image forming unit 113 includes a rotating transfer drum unit 114 , a charging unit 115 around it, an image exposing unit 116 , a developing unit 117 , a transferring unit 118A, a static eliminating unit 118B, and a cleaning unit 119 . The surface of the transfer drum 114 is charged by the charging unit 115 , then exposed and scanned by laser light from the image exposure unit 116 , reversely developed by the developing unit 117 to form a toner image on the surface of the transfer drum 114 .

The paper supplied from the paper storage unit 112 is arranged at the transfer position of the image forming unit 113 , and the toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 118A. Then, the paper that has been destaticized by the destaticizing unit 118B is conveyed and discharged from the paper discharge unit 111 , and is then input to the paper post-processing device 120 .

The cleaning unit 119 removes toner remaining on the surface of the transfer drum unit 114 after the above-described image forming process. As a result, preparations for the next image forming process are complete.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the paper post-processing device 120 . The paper post-processing device 120 is configured to include a puncher unit 130 for performing post-processing such as punching processing, and a device for distributing the paper to either the second post-processing unit 150 or the first post-processing unit 160 . Paper branching unit 140, second post-processing unit 150 for performing post-processing such as stapling processing and center folding processing, and performing paper discharge from normal printing processing, paper sorting, and binding at the end of a paper bundle The first post-processing unit 160 for post-processing such as processing. The paper post-processing device 120 conveys the paper to the second post-processing unit 150 or the second post-processing unit 150 in response to a user's input instruction to the operation panel of the image forming apparatus main body 110 or a printing instruction from a PC connected to the image forming apparatus 100 through a LAN. any one of the post-processing units 160, and perform post-processing.

The paper discharged from the paper discharge unit 111 constituted by a plurality of conveying rollers is fed to the puncher unit 130 provided on the downstream side in the paper conveying direction. The punch unit 130 includes a punch 131 for punching paper. In the present embodiment, the punch unit 130 functions as a part of the configuration of the paper post-processing device 120 .

The paper discharged from the punch unit unit 130 is fed to the paper branching unit 140 provided on the downstream side in the paper conveying direction. The paper branching section 140 includes a branching member 141 for deflecting the paper conveying direction, a second conveying path 142 as a paper conveying path leading to the second post-processing section 150, and a second conveying path 142 as a paper conveying path leading to the first post-processing section. 160 is the first transport path 143 of the paper transport path. The branching unit 141 deflects and guides the paper to either the second conveyance path 142 or the first conveyance path 143 according to the post-processing of the paper selected based on the user's printing instruction.

When the center folding process and the stapling process are performed, the paper deflected to the second conveyance path 142 by the branching member 141 passes through a stapler 151 and an anvil 152 to undergo two stapling processes at the center. Then, the bound paper bundle is folded twice at the center by folding blades 153 and folding rollers 154 . The folded sheet bundle is discharged to a stack tray 156 by discharge rollers 155 .

On the other hand, when performing post-processing such as paper discharge from normal printing processing, paper sorting, and binding at the end of a bundle of paper, the paper is deflected to the first conveyance path 143 by the branching member 141 and conveyed to The first post-processing unit 160 . The first post-processing unit 160 includes a branching unit 161 that switches the conveyance path according to the selected post-processing, a roof tray 162 that sequentially loads normal printing paper, and a processing unit for loading a bundle of paper to be bound. A tray 163, a stapler 164 for stapling paper, a standby tray 165 for temporarily accumulating conveyed paper in order to ensure the time required for stapling and paper conveyance, and a tray for loading stapling and sorting. The output tray 166 of the paper bundle is used. The paper input from the first conveyance path 143 is deflected by the branching member 161 and guided in any one of the two directions of the upper and lower directions.

Although the inside of the first post-processing unit 160 is not illustrated or described with reference numerals, in addition to the above-mentioned components, various transport rollers or other devices that contact or transport the paper may be provided. These devices are driven by electromechanical devices such as various electric motors or solenoids. Furthermore, these electromechanical devices are controlled by a control system including a microprocessor or the like which will be described later. As the first post-processing unit 160, for example, the structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication (Japanese Patent Application Publication) No. 2007-76862 may be adopted.

During normal printing in which no special post-processing is performed other than the processing in the punch unit 130 , the paper is diverted from the conveyance path by the branching member 141 and guided to the first conveyance path 143 . Then, the paper can also be deflected to the upper side by the branching member 161, and the paper can be discharged to the top tray 162 by the transport roller. In addition, there is also a case where the paper loaded on the standby tray 165 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 166 by being deflected downward by the branching member 161 .

When stapling at the end of a paper bundle or sorting at the number of printed copies is performed without performing stapling or center folding, the paper is guided to the first conveyance path 143 by the branching member 141 . Then, it is deflected downward by the branching member 161, and is discharged to the standby tray 165 by the transport roller.

The standby tray 165 is constituted by a pair of intermediate standby tray members (not shown) movable left and right, and receives paper in a state in which the standby tray members are closed. This standby tray 165 adjusts the flow direction of the paper conveyance path by temporarily storing the sheets that are sequentially conveyed, and ensures the output of the paper or the end binding of the paper bundle by ensuring the downstream of the paper conveyance path described later. It takes time, so that post-processing of used paper proceeds smoothly. Furthermore, the intermediate standby tray rollers 167 adjust the sheets stored on the standby tray 165 .

When a predetermined amount of paper is stored on the standby tray 165 , the intermediate standby tray member opens, and the bundle of paper slides down to the processing tray 163 by its own weight or by the operation of the drop assisting member that forcibly drops. On the processing tray 163 , an adjustment process is performed on the sheet bundle so that the vertical and horizontal ends thereof are aligned by an adjusting member (not shown).

When stapling a sheet bundle, if a predetermined number of sheets are adjusted and stored on the processing tray 163 , the stapling process is performed by the stapler 164 . The sheet bundle that has been stapled by the stapler 164 is output and loaded on the paper output tray 166 .

When only the sorting process is performed, the aligned sheet bundle is delivered to the processing tray 163 and loaded on the output tray 166 , and the binding process by the stapler 164 is not performed. The paper discharge tray 166 is moved up and down in the direction of the arrow in the figure by a lift motor, a gear, a belt, etc. not shown in the figure.

Next, the vicinity of the discharge tray 166 of the first post-processing unit 160 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B . FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the discharge tray 166 of the first post-processing unit 160 . 3B is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the first post-processing unit 160 near the discharge tray 166 . In addition, in each figure, it demonstrates so that the same code|symbol may be attached|subjected to the same place.

A conveyance belt 50 and a plurality of discharge rollers 30 are provided as conveyance means for conveying the paper P on the processing tray 163 that has been subjected to the sorting process or the stapling process to the paper discharge tray 166 . The discharge roller 30 is rotationally controlled by the drive unit, and the discharge roller 30 rotates when the paper P is discharged to the movable paper discharge tray 166 . The roller 60 rotates in the opposite direction when the adjusted paper is guided toward the stapler 164 and when the stapled paper P is ejected.

The paper P conveyed by the conveyor belt 50 is discharged from the discharge port 70 to the paper discharge tray 166 . The discharged paper P is accommodated in a paper discharge tray 166 raised and lowered in the direction of the hollow arrow by a drive unit (not shown).

A shutter 10 is provided as a wall member in the vicinity of the discharge port 70, and the shutter 10 moves up and down in a direction parallel to the hollow arrow independently or in conjunction with the movement of the discharge tray 166 (in the direction of the hollow arrow). . The baffle 10 is composed of a plurality of plate-shaped members having predetermined intervals, and the plurality of plate-shaped members are integrally raised and lowered. The flapper 10 is controlled to rise and fall so that the discharged paper P does not flow back to the discharge port 70 due to the movement of the paper discharge tray 166 to a height near the discharge port 70 .

The shutter 10 is provided with a first sensor 80 for detecting the top of the paper P received by the discharge tray 166, and for pressing the end of the paper P on the side of the shutter 10 (hereinafter referred to as the end of the paper P). rear end) of the pressing part 1. A pair of first sensors 80 are provided on two plate-shaped members forming a central portion of the shutter 10 . The first post-processing unit 160 controls the height position of the discharge tray 166 based on the detection result of the first sensor 80 . A pair of pressing members 1 are provided on the shutter 10 to sandwich a pair of first sensors 80 .

The paper discharge tray 166 has a predetermined inclination angle in order to secure the paper P discharged from the discharge port 70 on the tray and make it hit the flapper 10 for adjustment. The paper output tray 166 is provided with a second sensor 90 for detecting the presence or absence of paper on the tray, and a character-eight-shaped rib member 20 which will be described later. The second sensor 90 is a weight sensor, and when the useful paper P is discharged on the paper discharge tray 166 , it can be detected by the second sensor 90 .

Next, main parts of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8 . FIG. 4 shows an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the pressing member 1 . A recess 11 is provided on the baffle 10 . An opening 15 is provided at the bottom of the recess 11 . The pressing member 1 protruding from the opening 15 includes a head portion 1 a protruding from the surface of the shutter 10 and a pressing portion 1 b.

The pressing member 1 can move vertically (in the direction of the hollow arrow) within the recess 11 within the range where the uppermost portion of the head 1a and the lowermost portion of the pressing portion 1b touch the upper limit and the lower limit of the opening 15, respectively. As will be described later, the pressing member 1 is easily rotated when it is pressed against the head 1 a by paper, and the portion protruding from the surface of the shutter 10 can be accommodated in the recess 11 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the paper discharged to the paper discharge tray 166 from being hindered by the pressing member 1 and changing the discharge falling trajectory.

The pressing portion 1 b has an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the discharge tray 166 . The pressing portion 1b of the pressing member 1 moves in the vertical direction while maintaining the above-mentioned angle, except when the pressing member 1 is rotated. In addition, as will be described later, the pressing member 1 is biased downward. As a result, the rear end of the paper on the tray can be pressed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tray surface only by raising the paper discharge tray 166 or lowering the flapper 10 . In addition, the pressing effect may be promoted by providing a member with a high friction coefficient (for example, rubber) on the surface of the pressing portion 1b.

5A and 5B are respectively a cross-sectional view showing the structure near the pressing member 1 viewed from the side and a cross-sectional view showing the structure near the pressing member 1 viewed from the back. The baffle 10 is configured to include a baffle surface 10a, a baffle back 10b, and a guide groove 14 which is a gap provided between the baffle surface 10a and the baffle back 10b.

A first guide pin (upper guide pin) 2 and a second guide pin (lower guide pin) 3 are provided on a portion of the pressing member 1 located inside the guide groove 14 . The guide groove 14 has a gap in which the first guide pin 2 and the second guide pin 3 can slide, in addition to the later-described pressing member rotating portion. By sliding the first guide pin 2 and the second guide pin 3 provided on the pressing member 1 in the guide groove 14, the pressing portion 1b maintains a predetermined angle substantially parallel to the surface of the discharge tray 166, and at the same time, the pressing member 1 can move upward and downward. direction to move.

One end of a coil spring (urging member) 4 is connected to the lowermost part of the portion of the pressing member 1 located inside the guide groove 14 . The other end of the coil spring 4 is connected to the rear lower portion of the flap surface portion 10a. Accordingly, when the pressing member 1 moves in the vertical direction, the pressing member 1 is biased downward.

6A and 6B are cross-sectional views respectively showing a configuration in the vicinity of the pressing member 1 when the pressing member 1 is on standby, viewed from the side and the back. A first limiter (stopper) 12 for receiving the first guide pin 2 and preventing it from moving downward, and a second stopper for receiving the second guide pin 3 and preventing it from moving downward are provided in the guide groove 14 13, so that the lower limit of the downward movement of the pressing part 1 can be determined.

7A and 7B are cross-sectional views showing the structure of the vicinity of the pressing member 1 when the pressing member 1 moves upward, viewed from the side and the back, respectively. The guide groove 14 has a shape in which the gap in the width direction becomes narrower toward the front end. Therefore, when the width of the guide groove 14 is equal to the length in the longitudinal direction of the first guide pin 2 , the upper limit of the upward movement of the pressing member 1 can be determined by stopping the upward movement of the first guide pin 2 .

Moreover, the length of the coil spring 4 in the longitudinal direction is extended compared with FIG. 6 . The characteristic of the coil spring 4 is that the restoring force increases in proportion to the extension length. That is, in the state of FIG. 7 , the downward force of the pressing member 1 is stronger than that of the state of FIG. 6 . As the paper loading height increases, the height of the uppermost paper changes, making it difficult to maintain the orderliness of the paper bundle. According to the above configuration, since the pressing force by the pressing member 1 increases as the paper loading height increases, the above problems can be suppressed.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the structure near the pressing member 1 viewed from the side when the pressing member 1 is turned. A space that expands in the thickness direction and is equal to or larger than the space required for the guide pin to slide is provided in the lower side portion of the guide groove 14 . As a result, when pressure is applied to the head portion 1a of the pressing member 1, the second guide pin 3 moves to the side of the shutter rear surface 10b around the first guide pin 2 supported by the first stopper 12 as an axis, thereby enabling The pressing member 1 is rotated.

As the pressing member 1 rotates, the pressing member 1 can house the portion (the head portion 1a and the pressing portion 1b) protruding from the apron surface portion 10a in the apron surface portion 10a. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the rear end portion of the discharged paper falling onto the tray from being obstructed by the pressing member 1 and changing the discharge and drop track.

As shown in the figure, the coil spring 4 connected to the pressing member 1 is inclined toward the side of the shutter rear surface 10b. The length of the coil spring 4 is slightly longer than when the pressing member 1 is on standby (see FIG. 6A ). Therefore, a force returning from the state of FIG. 8 to the state of FIG. 6 acts on the coil spring 4 .

That is, when the discharged paper hits the head portion 1a of the pressing member 1, even with a slight force such as a collision of the paper (especially a bundle of paper), the pressing member 1 can rotate to accommodate the protruding portion in the position. inside the baffle surface portion 10a. And, when the pressure applied to the head portion 1a is released, the restoring force of the coil spring 4 can return to the state where the head portions 1a and 1b of the pressing member 1 protrude from the baffle surface portion 10a (see FIG. 6 ). .

Next, the operation of pressing the paper will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 . FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control system for controlling the image forming apparatus 100 . In FIG. 9, the control circuit 170 is a control circuit for controlling the image forming apparatus main body 110, for example, it is constituted by a microprocessor including a CPU, and controls various parts in response to the operation of the operation unit 171 so as to form an image.

The operation unit 171 includes various keys 172 and a touch panel display unit 173 . For example, the number of copies and the like are instructed using the buttons 172 , and the paper size, paper type, and staple instructions are performed by operating the touch panel of the display unit 173 .

Furthermore, the control circuit 180 is a control circuit for controlling the paper post-processing device 120, and is constituted by, for example, a microprocessor including a CPU. The control circuit 180 communicates information with the control circuit 170 of the main body 110 of the image forming apparatus, and controls various components for post-processing of paper so that the operation of image forming is linked with the operation of the post-processing device 120 .

Furthermore, the control circuit 180 controls a motor 181 for raising and lowering the discharge tray 166 , a motor 182 for driving the flapper 10 , and a motor 183 for driving the conveyor belt 50 . That is, the control circuit 180 constitutes a paper discharge tray control unit for controlling the lifting of the paper discharge tray 166, a shutter control unit for controlling the raising and lowering of the shutter 10, and a discharge control unit for controlling the discharge of paper from the conveyor belt 50. department.

Also, detection results from the first sensor 80 and the second sensor 90 may be input to the control circuit 180 . The control circuit 180 raises and lowers the discharge tray 166 in response to the detection results of the first sensor 80 and the second sensor 90 . Furthermore, the control circuit 180 includes a counter 184 that operates in response to the detection result of the second sensor 90 .

10A is a perspective view of the vicinity of the paper discharge tray 166 of the first post-processing unit 160 when the paper discharge tray 166 is raised and the rear end of the paper P is pressed by the pressing member 1 . 10B is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration near the paper discharge tray 166 of the first post-processing unit 160 when the paper discharge tray 166 is raised and the rear end of the paper P is pressed by the pressing member 1 .

The sorted paper P or the stapled paper bundle are discharged to the paper discharge tray 166 by the rotation of the conveyance belt 50 . At this time, the paper discharge tray 166 receives the discharged paper P at the height of the standby position (see FIG. 3 ) where it does not contact the pressing member 1 . Due to the inclination provided by the paper discharge tray 166 , the paper P caught by the paper discharge tray 166 slides toward the stopper 10 , and the rear end of the paper P hits the stopper 10 to adjust the paper conveyance direction. At this time, the rear end of the paper P is located between the paper discharge tray 166 and the pressing member 1 .

The motor 182 for driving the conveyor belt 50 is a stepping motor that operates in synchronization with pulse power. The drive pulses are counted by a counter not shown, and when a predetermined count is reached, the ejection tray 166 or the flapper 10 is controlled to be raised and lowered. Thereby, the operation timing of the operation of clamping and holding the rear end portion of the paper P (clamping operation) and the operation of separating from the rear end portion (release operation) can be preferably realized.

The sensor 90 provided on the paper discharge tray 166 detects that the paper P has been discharged to the paper discharge tray 166 , and the counter 184 of the control circuit 180 starts counting operation. Then, as shown in FIG. 10 , the control circuit 180 lifts the paper discharge tray 166 so that the vertically movable pressing member 1 and the paper discharge tray 166 press downward and sandwich the rear end of the paper P. Thereby, the paper P after adjustment can be kept in order.

11A and 11B show cross-sectional views of the vicinity of the pressing member 1 when the paper discharge tray 166 is raised. FIG. 11A shows a state where the rear end portion of the paper P is held by the pressing member 1 and the paper discharge tray 166 . FIG. 11B shows a state where the paper discharge tray 166 is further raised to a height position at which the rear end of the paper P touches the first sensor 80 .

Since the pressing member 1 that pushes downward can slide in the flapper 10, the paper discharge tray 166 rises while the paper P is held by the pressing member 1 and the tray surface. When the tray is raised and the rear end of the paper P comes into contact with the first sensor 80 , the uppermost surface of the paper loaded on the paper discharge tray 166 can be detected. The detection result is input to the control circuit 180 .

When the subsequent paper is discharged, the rear end of the paper P is pressed toward the tray by the pressing member 1 until the subsequent paper touches or slides against the paper P already on the tray 166 . Thereby, it is possible to suppress the damage to the regularity due to the offset and the like that occur when the paper that is discharged later comes into sliding contact and lifts up the paper that has already been held on the tray.

When the subsequent discharged paper is received by the paper discharge tray 166 and slides to the side of the baffle plate 10, the paper discharge tray 166 descends and is controlled so that the subsequent paper and the paper P come to the pressing part 1 and the movable paper discharge. between pallets. By repeating this series of operations, it is possible to receive newly discharged paper while ensuring the order of the paper loaded on paper discharge tray 166 .

The counter 184 has the function of sequentially counting the number of sheets of paper discharged from the main body 110 of the image forming apparatus, and when the number of sheets of paper loaded on the paper discharge tray 166 reaches a preset number, an alarm is issued. and so on to notify the user. That is, it is used to notify that the tray 166 is in a full state.

Then, when paper is discharged, as shown in FIG. 3A , paper discharge tray 166 stands by at a height position near first sensor 80 (hereinafter referred to as a standby position). As the amount of paper loaded on the paper discharge tray 166 increases, control is performed to lower the standby position of the paper discharge tray 166 so that the uppermost surface of the used paper does not exceed the height position of the first sensor 80 (hereinafter referred to as the first height position). ).

That is, every time paper is discharged, paper discharge tray 166 is temporarily lowered and then raised again. And, when the rear end portion of the paper is pressed by the pressing member 1, and then the upper surface of the paper on the paper discharge tray 166 is detected by the sensor 80, the paper discharge tray 166 stops at this position, and the upper surface of the paper is always in the first height position. Therefore, before the upper surface of the paper is detected by the first sensor 80, since the pressing member 1 arranged below the first sensor 80 always presses the rear end of the loaded paper, the error of the first sensor 80 can be prevented. detection.

Next, the figure-eight rib member 20 provided on the discharge tray 166 will be described (see FIG. 3 ). Fig. 12A is a cross-sectional view showing part of Fig. 3B. Fig. 12B is a schematic configuration diagram of the portion shown in Fig. 12A viewed from above.

The first post-processing section 160 includes: a discharge section (delivery roller 30 and delivery belt 50) for discharging the paper P from the discharge port 70 in the discharge direction (black arrow); Below the outlet 70; a discharge tray 166 for receiving the discharged paper P, which has an inclination to slide down to the side of the flapper 10 and moves upward along the flapper 10; 166 extends from the side of the flapper 10 in the discharge direction to support the paper P so that the end of the paper P on the paper discharge tray 166 on the side opposite to the flapper has an upwardly convex curved portion.

As shown in FIG. 12A , the rib member 20 has a shape having a hill near the front end of the sheet discharge tray 166 and gradually decreasing in height as it approaches the flapper 10 side. Accordingly, the inclination angle of the loaded paper can be increased without increasing the inclination angle of the paper discharge tray 166 .

If the inclination angle of the tray is too extreme, when the moving paper discharge tray 166 is controlled to rise to the highest position, the portion of the front end of the tray protruding from the uppermost part of the paper post-processing device 120 increases, so there is a gap for the device. The problem of increased space. By providing the rib member 20, the above-mentioned problem can be avoided, and the inclination angle of the loaded paper can be increased.

And, as shown in FIG. 12B , a pair of rib members 20 are provided in a figure-eight shape (or a V-shape). The pair of rib members 20 are extended so that the interval gradually increases in a figure-eight shape from a position facing the two conveying rollers 30 at the center of the conveying paper during discharge. The rib member 20 is provided substantially line-symmetrically with respect to a straight line 190 extending from the middle of the two conveyance rollers 30 in the sheet discharge direction. In addition, a pair of rib members 20 is provided between two straight lines 191 extending from the two pressing members 1 in the paper ejection direction. Preferably, at least one end of the pair of rib members 20 on the baffle 10 side is located between the pressing members 1 , that is, between the two straight lines 191 .

The center of the paper P on the paper discharge tray 166 is supported by a pair of rib members 20 so that the center of gravity of the paper P on the paper discharge tray 166 is located between the two rib members 20 . Thus, as will be described later, the paper P has a semicircular columnar (semi-conical) shape protruding upward along the straight line 190 and is loaded on the tray. In fact, since the pair of rib members 20 are arranged in a figure-eight shape whose distance gradually expands as they move away from the vicinity of the baffle 10 , the semicircular column formed by the above-mentioned paper P also has a semicircular shape as it moves away from the vicinity of the baffle 10 . A shape that expands horizontally.

One end of the pair of rib members 20 on the baffle 10 side is provided between the two pressing members 1 . Thus, when the paper is pressed by the pressing member 1 , the semi-conical bending of the paper P formed by the rib member 20 can be promoted.

FIG. 15A is a front view showing a schematic configuration when a large amount of paper is loaded on conventional paper discharge tray 166 not including rib member 20 , viewed from the front. Fig. 15B is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' in Fig. 15A. The discharge tray 166 has a shape that is inclined at 38° with respect to the horizontal direction of the surface of the discharge tray 166 on the side of the shutter, and changes to 24° at a predetermined position separated from the shutter.

Conventional paper discharge tray 166 has a predetermined upward slope (inclination) with respect to the paper discharge direction, and holds discharged paper while holding it on the tray, and loads sequentially discharged paper. The paper blocked by the paper discharge tray 166 is regulated and loaded by hitting against the wall surface 125 such as the shutter 10 of the first post-processing unit 160 .

However, if only the above-mentioned conventional structure is used, when a large amount of paper is loaded on the paper discharge tray 166, the part surrounded by the dotted ellipse which is the front end of the paper loaded on the upper part will be different from that of the paper used. The paper discharge direction forms a downhill portion. Thus, there is a problem that the discharged paper slips down the downhill portion and cannot be secured on the paper discharge tray 166 .

That is, when an image is formed in the image forming apparatus main body 110, etc. or when it is conveyed in the paper post-processing device 120, the paper is always processed/conveyed by rollers having a longitudinal direction in a direction perpendicular to the paper conveying direction. . As a result, especially insufficient rigidity (hardness) causes a disadvantage of curling (buckling) about an axis perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction. Hereinafter, such a phenomenon of paper curling (buckling) is referred to as a looper (looper) phenomenon.

13A is a front view showing a schematic structure when a large amount of paper is loaded on paper discharge tray 166 including rib member 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front. Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' in Fig. 13A. Paper discharge tray 166 has a shape that is inclined at 38° with respect to the horizontal direction of the surface of paper discharge tray 166 on the fence side, and changes to 24° at a predetermined position separated from the fence.

A pair of rib members 20 are provided on the surface of the paper discharge tray 166 . As shown in FIG. 13B , the rib member 20 has an inclination of 35° with respect to the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 13A , paper is loaded on the tray through a pair of rib members 20 so that the paper is formed and loaded in an upwardly convex bow shape with the axis parallel to the paper conveyance direction. That is, at least a part of the end portion on the side opposite to the paper wall surface 125 side includes an upwardly convex curved portion.

Thereby, the looping phenomenon in which the loaded paper is curled (bucked) around the direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction can be prevented. As shown in FIG. 13B , the section of the paper can be prevented from maintaining an upward inclination, and the above-mentioned downhill portion can be formed at the dotted ellipse portion in the figure which is the front end of the paper loaded on the top. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the discharged paper from slipping without being secured on the tray.

Also, FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view along C-C' in the vicinity of the wall surface 125 in FIG. 13B. Fig. 13D is a cross-sectional view along D-D' in Fig. 13B.

As shown in FIG. 13C, since it is the starting part of the extended rib member 20, the height of the rib member is almost zero. Also, the width of the rib member is narrower than that of FIG. 13A . Thereby, since the effect by the rib member 20 is almost non-existent, the cross-sectional shape of the vicinity of the wall surface 125 of the sheet bundle is substantially flat.

As shown in FIG. 13D , the height of the rib member is higher than that in FIG. 13C and lower than that in FIG. 13A because it is the middle portion of the extended rib member 20 . Also, the width of the rib member is wider than that of FIG. 13C and narrower than that of FIG. 13A. Accordingly, since the effect of the rib member 20 is greater than that of the vicinity of the wall surface 125, the cross-sectional shape of the sheet bundle has an upwardly convex bow shape. However, compared to FIG. 13A , since there is no height of the rib member 20 , the bow shape is shallower.

As shown in FIG. 13A, since it is the terminal part of the extended rib member 20, the height of a rib member is the largest. Thus, the rib member 20 can have a deep arc shape, and since the rib member 20 has a wide width, an arc shape with a large radius of curvature can be obtained.

As described above, the bundle of papers loaded on the discharge tray 166 through the rib member 20 has a shape in which the bow shape gradually becomes more and more close to the front end if the paper discharge direction (black arrow) is defined as the front end. get darker. As a result, since at least the vicinity of the rear end of the bundle of paper has a flat shape, it is possible to suppress the flow of the loaded bundle of paper in the lateral direction (direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction).

In this embodiment, although the tray whose surface inclination changes from 38° to 24° is used as an example, even if a flat tray whose inclination does not change at 32° is used, as long as it includes a rib member 20, the effect described in this embodiment can also be exerted.

In addition, in the present embodiment, although the rib member 20 is described using a pair of rod-shaped protrusions, for example, by providing the central part of the tray as it moves away from the wall surface 125 side, the width direction expands and has a shape larger than the discharge tray 166. The integral part with the specified inclination of the inclination can also exert the effect described in this embodiment. This member may have a shape having a concave portion at the center.

second embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic structure of the paper discharge device according to this embodiment is based on the foregoing first embodiment. However, in the paper discharge device according to this embodiment, since the discharge ports for discharging paper are different, the standby position of the movable paper discharge tray and the height position of the shutter are also different.

Next, the normal post-processing unit of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14 . In addition, the same symbols are assigned to the structures that are the same as or based on the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, symbols are also omitted for unimportant parts.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing a state where the tray standby position of the paper discharge tray 166 is high. 14B is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the paper discharge tray 166 in a state where the tray standby position is high.

When the content of the job (JOB) is different, the paper discharge tray 166 is controlled to rise to the vicinity of the discharge port 70, and waits at a tray standby position for receiving the discharged paper P. At this time, in order to prevent the paper P discharged from the tray from flowing back into the discharge port 70 , the flapper 10 is controlled to rise as the paper discharge tray 166 rises. The baffle plate 10 is composed of a plurality of plate-shaped members having predetermined intervals, and the plurality of plate-shaped members are integrally raised and lowered.

FIG. 14 shows how the paper on the standby tray 165 (see FIG. 2 ) is discharged to the paper discharge tray 166 by the intermediate standby tray roller 167 . In this case, the shutter 10 is controlled to rise up to a position where paper can be inserted between the tray surface and the pressing member 1 at the tray standby position as the movable discharge tray 166 is raised. The paper P received by the paper discharge tray 166 slides down toward the fence 10 due to the inclination of the tray, hits the fence 10 , and is adjusted. The rear end of the paper P is located between the pressing member 1 and the tray surface.

As shown in the figure, since the paper discharge tray 166 does not move up and down and the flapper 10 is controlled to descend, the rear end of the paper P is sandwiched between the pressing member 1 and the tray surface of the paper discharge tray 166 . As a result, the paper P is held after being adjusted on the tray, and it is possible to prevent the paper P from coming into contact with the paper to be discharged later and becoming irregular.

As described above, when the paper discharge tray 166 is controlled to rise or the flapper 10 is controlled to descend, the pressing member 1 can sandwich and hold the paper P between the paper discharge tray 166 . That is, the pressing member 1 linearly moves toward the paper discharge tray 166 so as to hold the paper P between the pressing member 1 and the paper discharge tray 166 .

other embodiments

The present invention is not limited to the structures shown in the above-mentioned various embodiments, and the above-mentioned embodiments can be appropriately changed within the range not departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following embodiments are possible.

(a) In the above-mentioned embodiment, although a coil spring is used as a unit for urging the "pressing member" of the present invention downward, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the self-weight of the pressing member is used, a spring can be generated. The downward force that presses the paper against the tray can also exhibit the effects described in the above-mentioned embodiments. In addition, the coil spring should just be an elastic body, for example, a damper etc. can also be used.

(b) In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the paper discharge tray 166 is controlled to rise or the flapper 10 is controlled to descend, so that the pressing member 1 can hold and hold the paper P between the paper discharge tray 166, but this The invention is not limited to this. For example, the paper P may be sandwiched by controlling the rise of the paper discharge tray 166 and the control of the fall of the flapper 10 . Furthermore, the paper P may be sandwiched by controlling the upward movement of the paper discharge tray 166 and by controlling the upward movement of the flapper 10 at a rate slower than that of the paper discharge tray 166 .

reference sign

P paper 1 press parts

1a head 1b pressing part

2 The first guide pin 3 The second guide pin

4 helical springs 10 baffles

10b back side of baffle 10a front side of baffle

11 concave part 12 first limiter

13 second limiter 14 guide groove

15 Opening part 16 Movable paper discharge tray

20 rib parts 30 discharge rollers

50 conveyor belt 60 rollers

70 outlet 80 first sensor

90 second sensor 110 image forming device main body

111 Paper discharge department 112 Paper storage department

113 Image forming department 114 Transfer drum department

115 electrification department 116 image exposure department

117 Developing Department 118A Transfer Printing Department

118B Static Elimination Department 119 Cleaning Department

120 paper post-processing device 125 wall

130 perforating machine unit 131 perforating machine

140 paper branching part 141 branching parts

142 The second conveying path 143 The first conveying path

150 second post-processing unit 151 stapler

152 anvil 153 folding knife

154 folding rollers 155 discharge rollers

156 stacking trays 160 first post-processing department

161 branch components 162 top tray

163 processing trays 164 finishers

165 standby trays 166 output trays

170 Control Circuit 171 Operation Department

172 buttons 173 display unit

180 control circuit 181 electric motor

182 motor 183 motor

184 counters 190 straight lines

191 Straight lines

Claims (20)

1. A paper discharge device, comprising: a discharge part for discharging paper; a wall member disposed below the discharge portion; a tray for receiving the discharged paper; and A pressing member is provided on the wall member, and the pressing member clamps the paper between the pressing member and the tray by facing toward the tray, and while holding the paper, It moves linearly along the lifting direction of the pallet independently or in conjunction with the lifting motion of the pallet. 2. The paper discharge device according to claim 1, wherein: the tray moves up with respect to the discharge portion, and The pressing member moves toward the tray as the tray rises, holds the paper between the tray, and then moves up the tray to make a straight line in the direction of the tray's ascending movement. move. 3. The paper discharge device according to claim 1, wherein: the wall member moves up and down in a direction approaching/separating from the discharge portion, and The pressing member is moved toward the tray by the downward movement of the wall member, and after contacting the paper, further descends through the wall member, so that the pressing member descends along with the wall member. The paper is moved linearly in a direction opposite to the moving direction, and the paper is held between the pressing member and the tray. 4. The paper discharge device according to claim 3, wherein: the tray has an inclined surface to allow the paper to slide off, and The wall member rises to prevent the paper that has slid down the inclined surface of the tray from entering the discharge unit. 5. The paper discharge device according to claim 4, wherein: the discharge unit discharges the paper with one end of the paper as a leading end, and The inclined surface of the tray causes the paper to slide down toward the other end side of the paper. 6. The paper discharge device according to claim 1, wherein: The pressing member includes a pressing portion facing the surface of the tray, and the pressing portion is substantially parallel to the surface of the tray. 7. The paper discharge device according to claim 1, wherein: The pressing member is urged by the urging member in a direction opposite to the direction of the linear movement. 8. The paper discharge device according to claim 7, wherein: The urging member is a coil spring. 9. The paper discharge device according to claim 8, wherein: The lower end of the coil spring is fixed, the upper end of the coil spring is connected to the pressing member, and the pressing member is biased downward. 10. The paper discharge device according to claim 1, wherein: The pressing member includes a head as a portion of the pressing member on a side opposite to the tray, the wall member includes a recess, and when pressure is applied to the head, at least A part is accommodated in the recess. 11. The paper discharge device according to claim 10, further comprising: a void disposed inside said wall part; an opening provided at the bottom of the recess of the wall member and connected to the void; and an upper guide pin and a lower guide pin are arranged in a row along the linear movement direction of the pressing member at a portion of the pressing member located in the gap, Wherein, the pressing member performs the linear movement when the upper guide pin and the lower guide pin slide in the gap. 12. The paper discharge device according to claim 11, wherein: The gap includes a pressing member rotation space that is greater than or equal to the space required for the lower guide pin to slide, and The lower guide pin moves in a direction away from the tray in the pressing member rotation space, so that the pressing member rotates. 13. An image forming apparatus comprising: The paper storage unit is used for storing paper; an image forming unit for forming an image on the paper conveyed from the paper storage unit; a discharge section for discharging the paper on which the image is formed from a discharge port; a wall member disposed below the discharge portion; a tray for receiving the discharged paper; and A pressing member is provided on the wall member, and the pressing member clamps the paper between the pressing member and the tray by facing toward the tray, and while holding the paper, It moves linearly along the lifting direction of the pallet independently or in conjunction with the lifting motion of the pallet. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: the tray moves up with respect to the discharge portion, and The pressing member moves toward the tray as the tray rises, holds the paper between the tray, and then moves up the tray to make a straight line in the direction of the tray's ascending movement. move. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: the wall member moves up and down in a direction approaching/separating from the discharge portion, and The pressing member is moved toward the tray by the downward movement of the wall member, and after contacting the paper, further descends through the wall member, so that the pressing member descends along with the wall member. The paper is moved linearly in a direction opposite to the moving direction, and the paper is held between the pressing member and the tray. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: the tray has an inclined surface to allow the paper to slide off, and The wall member rises to prevent the paper that has slid down the inclined surface of the tray from entering the discharge unit. 17. A method of discharging paper, comprising: Discharge the paper from the discharge port; receiving the discharged paper through a tray; sliding the received paper toward a wall member provided below the discharge port; and A pressing member provided on the wall member faces toward the tray, sandwiches the paper between the pressing member and the surface of the tray, and holds the paper while moving up and down relative to the tray. The movement is carried out linearly along the lifting direction of the pallet independently or in linkage. 18. The paper discharge method according to claim 17, wherein: the tray moves up with respect to the discharge portion, and The pressing member moves toward the tray as the tray rises, holds the paper between the tray, and then moves up the tray to make a straight line in the direction of the tray's ascending movement. move. 19. The paper discharge method according to claim 17, wherein: the wall member moves up and down in a direction approaching/separating from the discharge portion, and The pressing member is moved toward the tray by the downward movement of the wall member, and after contacting the paper, further descends through the wall member, so that the pressing member descends along with the wall member. The paper is moved linearly in a direction opposite to the moving direction, and the paper is held between the pressing member and the tray. 20. The paper discharge method according to claim 19, wherein: the tray has an inclined surface to allow the paper to slide off, and The wall member rises to prevent the paper that has slid down the inclined surface of the tray from entering the discharge unit.

Images