JP2023141358A - Sheet processing device and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a sheet processing device that can control the behavior of a saddle-stitched bundle of sheets and perform more accurate alternate stacking.
[Solution] A binding processing means such as a post-processing unit 103 that performs saddle stitching on sheets, a loading container 1 that loads stacked papers 2 such as a bundle of saddle-stitched sheets, and a stacked paper 2 to a bottom surface 1c of the stacked container. A pair of left and right conveyance paths such as conveyance paths 4a and 4b for discharging, a discharge means such as a conveyance roller 5 for discharging the stacked paper 2 to the lower side of the stacking container, and an arm 3 that lifts the stacked paper 2 loaded on the stacking container. A post-processing device 102 having a lifting member such as By repeating the operation of discharging the loaded paper 2 to the lower side, retracting the lifting member to the outside of the loading container, and lowering the loaded paper 2, the left and right direction of the loaded paper 2 is changed and the loaded paper 2 is moved below the loading container. Load from.
[Selection diagram] Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming system.

In order to simply load a large quantity of saddle-stitched paper bundles at low cost, a configuration (saddle-stitched folding booklet discharge device) is developed in which the paper bundles are alternately conveyed through two conveyance paths and stacked with the fold positions of the paper bundles staggered. known (see Patent Document 1).
In addition, in order to ensure that the first page of paper is always the top layer even if the paper ejected from the image forming apparatus is stacked, slide members are placed on both sides of the paper ejection tray and moved up and down to sequentially record the paper. A technique (paper processing device) for discharging paper to the lower layer side is known (see Patent Document 2).

The invention described in Patent Document 1 is certainly similar to the present invention in that the paper bundles are alternately stacked from two left and right paper discharge ports by changing the direction of the paper bundles.
However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is difficult to control the behavior of the paper bundle during free fall, and the stacking is unstable.

The invention described in Patent Document 2 is similar to the present invention in that the paper is ejected from the bottom.
However, the invention described in Patent Document 2 has a problem in that when stacking a bundle of saddle-stitched sheets, a large amount cannot be stacked because the fold position swells.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing device that can control the behavior of a saddle-stitched bundle of sheets and perform more accurate alternate stacking.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a saddle stitching processing unit that performs saddle stitching on sheets on which images are formed, a loading container that loads the saddle stitched sheet bundle, and a saddle stitched sheet bundle that is loaded with the saddle stitched sheet bundle. a pair of left and right conveyance paths for discharging the saddle-stitched sheet bundle onto the bottom surface of the loading container or onto the saddle-stitched sheet bundle stacked on the bottom surface of the loading container; A sheet processing device comprising: a discharging means; and a lifting member for lifting the saddle-stitched sheet bundle loaded in the loading container, the lifting member lifting the saddle-stitched sheet bundle in the loading container. By lifting the saddle-stitched sheet bundle and conveying it to either of the pair of left and right conveyance paths, the saddle-stitched sheet bundle is discharged to the lower side of the saddle-stitched sheet bundle lifted by the lifting member, and the lifting member By repeating the operation of retracting the saddle-stitched sheet bundle to the outside of the loading container and unloading the saddle-stitched sheet bundle, the right and left direction of the saddle-stitched sheet bundle is changed and the saddle-stitched sheet bundle is transferred to the loading container. This is a sheet processing device that loads sheets from below.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet processing device that can control the behavior of a saddle-stitched sheet bundle and perform more accurate alternate stacking.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system configured by connecting an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus capable of performing binding processing and the like. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a post-processing device explained in an example in which a plurality of sheets of paper are saddle-stitched. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a stacking unit for stacking items alternately from the bottom. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the 3D shape and positional relationship of the loading unit. (a) to (f) are explanatory diagrams illustrating arm operations (1) to (4) when a saddle-stitched bundle of sheets is discharged from the lower right opening of the stacking container. 12 is a flowchart showing the order of operations when stacking N copies alternately. (a) to (c) are diagrams illustrating states in which sheets are stacked in a stacking container with various paper discharge patterns. (a) is a diagram illustrating the state of stacked paper stacked on a stacking container, corresponding to the first half of one embodiment in FIG. 6, and (b) is a flowchart corresponding to the first half of one embodiment. (a) is a diagram illustrating the state of stacked paper stacked on a stacking container, corresponding to the latter half of the embodiment in FIG. 6, and (b) is a flowchart corresponding to the latter half of the embodiment. (a) is a plan view of a first modification of the arm shape and drive operation, and (b) is a front view of (a). (a) is a plan view of a second modified example of the shape and drive operation of the arm, and (b) is a front view of (a).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention, including examples, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Throughout each embodiment, each example, etc., components (members and components) having the same function, shape, etc. will be explained by using the same reference numerals once explained, unless there is a risk of confusion. omitted.

An image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system configured by connecting an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus capable of performing a plurality of types of binding processes.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 101 that forms an image on a sheet of paper, etc., and receives the paper, etc. on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 101, performs punch processing, edge stitching, center binding, etc. The sheet is connected to a post-processing device 102, which serves as a sheet stacking device and discharges the sheets to a plurality of stacking sections after performing various processing such as binding processing.

In the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention, a post-processing unit 103 included in a post-processing apparatus 102 sends a sheet bundle, which is saddle-stitched at the center and folded in half, to a stacking unit 104 configured as a sheet stacking device located at the lower part of the machine. This is a technology in which the products are transported and stacked from the bottom with the folds alternated between the left and right positions.

With reference to FIG. 2, the post-processing device will be described using an example in which a plurality of sheets of paper are saddle-stitched. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a post-processing unit explained in an example in which a plurality of sheets of paper are saddle-stitched, and an outline of the operations of "sheet conveyance", "stapling", and "folding in half" will be explained.
The configuration and operation related to "paper transport" shown in FIG. 2 are as follows. A sheet of paper on which an image has been formed in the image forming apparatus 101 of FIG. The paper is discharged to a movable paper discharge tray 206. As shown in FIG. 2, when the paper P on which the image has been formed is about half discharged to the outside of the post-processing device 102, the striking roller 203 and the opening/closing guide plate 204 are lowered as shown by dotted lines, and the paper is transferred to the staple tray 207. Further, the paper discharge roller 205 reverses rotation to switch the paper back to the stapler 212, and abuts against the reference fence 213 to align the paper in the paper conveyance direction 215.

The configuration and operation related to "stapling" shown in FIG. 2 are as follows. When the above paper transport is repeated and the paper transport for the number of sheets to be bound is completed, the paper stack is aligned perpendicularly to the paper transport direction 215 by the alignment jogger 211, and the stapler 212 performs the binding process on the center of the paper stack. .

The configuration and operation related to "bifold" shown in FIG. 2 are as follows. By moving the reference fence 213 along the paper conveyance direction 215 via the moving belt 214, the paper bundle is sent to a folding means consisting of a folding blade 210, a folding roller 208, and an opening 209. When the binding position of the paper bundle reaches the folding position, the paper bundle is pushed into the folding roller 208 by the folding blade 210 and folded into two. Thereafter, the stack of sheets is conveyed to the stacking unit 104, the detailed configuration of which is shown in FIG. 3, with the fold position at the leading edge.

At this time, the sheet bundle, which is conveyed to the stacking unit 104 with the fold position as the leading edge, has its conveyance path switched by the branching claw 8 disposed at the most upstream side of the stacking unit 104 shown in FIG. That is, when the branching claw 8 changes its angle by a drive source (for example, a combination of a solenoid and a spring, not shown), the saddle-stitched stack of sheets is conveyed to either the right conveyance path 4a or the left conveyance path 4b. It can be switched as much as possible.

The configuration of the stacking unit 104 for stacking items alternately from below will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a stacking unit for stacking items alternately from the bottom. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the 3D shape and positional relationship of the loading unit 104. The components shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are arranged symmetrically, as will be described later, and therefore, the structure on the right side of the loading unit 104 will be mainly described to avoid redundant explanation.
The stacking unit 104 includes a stacking container 1, a pair of left and right substantially L-shaped arms 3, a drive source 6B that independently moves each arm 3 in the vertical direction Z, and a stack of saddle-stitched sheets in the stacking container 1. It is provided with a pair of left and right conveyance paths 4a and 4b for discharging to the bottom surface.
The loading unit 104 also includes transport rollers 5 disposed on the downstream side of each transport path 4a and 4b, a drive source 6A that independently drives each transport roller 5, and a pair of right and left front parts of each arm 3 in FIG. It includes slide rails 7 and the like arranged on the side wall surface and the back wall surface.

The loading container 1 is a container surrounded by a substantially box-shaped wall, and has an opening with an open front as shown in FIG. It has a 1a shape. In addition, a paper discharge port 11 is formed at the lower part of the left and right side walls of the loading container 1 to receive the saddle-stitched bundle of sheets 2 discharged by the conveyance roller 5, and as shown in FIG. A groove 1b is formed so that there is no interference even when the parts move up and down. Note that the saddle-stitched bundle of sheets in the stacking container 1 will also be referred to as stacked sheets 2 hereinafter.
Each arm 3 has a substantially L-shape along the lower corner of the loading container 1, and a protrusion 9 is formed to protrude substantially perpendicularly from a portion forming a right angle. Each arm 3 has a protruding portion 3a formed to be able to protrude into the inside of the loading container 1 in order to contact the stacked paper 2 and lift the stacked paper 2 from below, and a protrusion 3a that moves each arm 3 in the vertical direction Z. In order to do this, a drive transmission section 3b to which the driving force of the drive source 6B is transmitted is integrally formed on the outside of the loading container 1.

The elevating mechanism for moving the arm 3 in the vertical direction Z uses a rack and pinion mechanism as an example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. That is, the elevating mechanism for the arm 3 includes a pinion 6Ba fixed to the output shaft of the drive source 6B, a rack 6Bb that constantly engages with the pinion 6Ba and moves the arm 3 in the vertical Z direction, and a rack 6Bb that guides the rack 6Bb in the vertical Z direction. It mainly consists of a guide member (not shown). The drive source 6B is composed of, for example, an electric motor such as a DC motor, and is fixed to the frame of the loading unit 104. A rack 6Bb is connected near the upper end of the drive transmission section 3b of the arm 3.
Further, around the loading container 1, there is a home position detection sensor (not shown) that detects the home position or lower limit position of the arm 3, and an upper limit position detection sensor (not shown) that detects the upper limit position of the arm 3. is installed.
Furthermore, in consideration of the change in the posture of the arm 3 shown in FIG. 5(c), which will be described later, the connection between the upper end of the drive transmission section 3b of the arm 3 and the lower end of the rack 6Bb is equipped with a spherical bearing or a cylindrical bearing. The connection may be made via a link.

The drive of each arm 3 is controlled by an independent drive source 6B, and is set in advance by a control unit including a CPU (not shown) as a control means based on signals from an arm passing sensor and a paper detection sensor (not shown). The configuration is such that each arm 3 can be driven and a bundle of sheets can be transported at the same timing.

A pair of left and right conveyance rollers 5 are discharge members that convey a saddle-stitched bundle of sheets (loaded sheets 2) to the bottom surface of the stacking container 1. The drive of each conveyance roller 5 is controlled by an independent drive source 6A, and the control section drives each conveyance roller 5 at a preset timing based on signals from an arm passage sensor and a paper detection sensor (not shown). and is configured to be able to transport a bundle of sheets.
The drive mechanism for each conveyance roller 5 includes a drive pulley (not shown) fixed to the output shaft of a drive source 6A (for example, an electric motor), and a driven pulley (not shown) attached to the shaft of the conveyance roller 5 serving as a drive roller. (not shown) and an endless belt 22 wound between the driving pulley and the driven pulley. The drive source 6A is composed of, for example, an electric motor such as a stepping motor, and is fixed to the frame of the loading unit 104.

Slide rails 7 are arranged on the front side and the back side of each arm 3 in the figure, respectively. The slide rail 7 has a substantially D-shape, and protrusions 9 formed at the corners of each arm 3 move along grooves 7c formed in the slide rail 7. The groove 7c of the slide rail 7 has a path 7a for vertically raising the arm 3 straightly, and a path 7b for lowering the arm 3 while retracting the protrusion 3a of the arm 3 to the outside of the loading container 1 and opening it. .

A fullness detection sensor 12 is installed on the upper surface of the loading container 1, and when the height of the stacked papers 2 loaded in the loading container 1 reaches the height of the fullness detection sensor 12, it is detected that the upper limit of loading has been reached. Detect.

Referring to FIG. 5, the driving operation of the arm 3 when discharging a saddle-stitched bundle of sheets from the lower right opening will be described. 5(a) to 5(f) are explanatory diagrams illustrating arm operations (1) to (4) when a saddle-stitched stack of sheets is discharged from the lower right opening 1a of the loading container 1. It is. Note that the driving operation of the arm when discharging the saddle-stitched bundle of sheets from the lower left opening is also the same as that described later.
Before the paper is ejected, the protrusion 3a of the arm 3 is stopped at the bottom surface 1c of the loading container 1, as shown in FIG. 5(a). This stop position is the home position of the arm 3.

Operation (1)
When the saddle stitching process is started on the upstream side of the post-processing device 102 shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. The right arm 3 moves along the path 7a of the slide rail 7 to the upper end, lifts the right side of the loaded paper 2, and stops. Then, the branching claw 8 shown in FIG. 3 is switched to carry the saddle-stitched paper bundle into the right conveyance path 4a, and the output is carried out at the lower right side of the loading container 1 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5(f). The paper bundle is discharged from the paper slot 11. At this time, the left arm 3 is stopped at its home position to close the left paper discharge port 11, and the discharged paper bundle hits the inner part of the left arm 3 and is aligned in the conveying direction.

Operation (2)
Two switching claws 10a and 10b installed on the slide rail 7 are always urged in one direction by a spring or the like so as to close the path 7a. As shown in FIG. 5(e), when the arm 3 passes, the L-shaped corner protrusion 9 of the arm 3 pushes up the switching pawl 10b and closes the path 7b. After the arm 3 rises, the path 7a is blocked again by the biasing force (torque) applied to the switching claw 10b, and when the arm 3 descends as shown in FIG. from there to route 7b.

Operation (3)
When the paper ejection is completed, the arm 3 is lowered. The L-shaped upper end, which is the drive transmission part 3b of the arm 3, moves only in the vertical direction by the drive source 6B shown in FIG. , opens outward using the upper end of the drive transmission section 3b of the L-shaped arm 3 as a fulcrum. As shown in FIG. 5(c), when the arm 3 is fully opened, the arm 3 completely retreats to the outside of the loading container 1 and lowers the stacked paper 2 that has been lifted onto the ejected/loaded stack of paper. .

Operation (4)
When the arm 3 reaches the lower end of the slide rail 7, the path of the arm is switched from the path 7b to the path 7a, similar to the operation (2) above, and the arm 3 is raised to the home position.

By repeating the operations (1) to (4) above, the stack of sheets can be stacked in order from the bottom. Furthermore, since the sheets are aligned in the conveyance direction each time the operation (1) is performed, the stacking consistency of the sheet bundle can be improved.

Referring to FIG. 6, an explanation will be given of the operation order when N parts are alternately stacked. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the sequence of operations when N parts are alternately stacked.
Here, N can be set by the user, and the loading states when N=1 and 3 are respectively shown in FIGS. 7(b) and 7(c). On the left and right sides of FIG. 6, there are perspective views representative of each operation with some components omitted, and the ranges corresponding to the above operations (1) to (4) are shown in parentheses.

First, in step S1, the post-processing device 102 receives a processing signal for saddle stitching selected by the user and for alternately stacking every N copies, and the saddle stitching process for the first copy is started. At this time, the number n of ejected sheets and the number m of left/right switching to be counted during the subsequent repeat step are initially set as n=0 and m=0. Next, steps S2 to S5 corresponding to operations (1) to (3) above are executed.

In operation (4), when the arm 3 reaches the lower end in step S6, the number n of discharged sheets is counted up (n=n+1). Next, in step S7, it is determined whether the number of discharged copies n (0≦n≦N) has reached N. If n<N, the process returns to step S2, the arm is raised again, and steps S2 to S7 are repeated. If n=N, the N fold positions of the stacked sheets 2 are aligned, so the process branches to step S8, the arm 3 is stopped at the home position, and the left/right switching number m is counted up (m=m+1). Further, in step S9, it is determined whether the total number of discharged sheets N×m has reached the number of printed copies. If not, the number of discharged sheets n is returned to n=0, the process branches to step S10, the transport paths 4a, 4b and the arm 3 are switched left and right, and operations (1) to (4) are repeated again. If the total number of copies to be printed has been reached, printing is completed.
Note that "HP" shown in step S8 in FIG. 6 indicates the above-mentioned "home position". The operation in FIG. 6 includes steps S1 to S10, the details of which are as described above.

With reference to FIG. 7, the states in which paper sheets are stacked in a stacking container with various paper discharge patterns will be described. FIGS. 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams showing the state in which sheets are stacked in a stacking container in various discharge patterns.
If you continue to load from one side, the bulge on the fold side will become bulky as shown in Figure 7(a), making it impossible to increase the loading capacity. Therefore, after the operation (4) above, by switching the conveyance paths 4a, 4b and the arm 3 left and right and performing the operations (1) to (4) above, the direction of the fold position can be changed as shown in FIG. 7(b). It is possible to load a larger amount while keeping the loading surface level by alternating loading. In addition, as explained in Figure 6, the timing for switching left and right can be set, so for example, as shown in Figure 7(c), three copies can be stacked in different orientations, making it easier for users to distribute printed materials. It is also possible to automatically sort the number of copies.

One embodiment of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8(a) is a diagram illustrating the state of stacked papers loaded in a loading container, corresponding to the first half of an embodiment in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8(b) is a flowchart corresponding to the first half of an embodiment. It is. FIG. 9(a) is a diagram illustrating the state of stacked papers loaded in a loading container, corresponding to the latter half of an embodiment in FIG. 6, and FIG. 9(b) is a flowchart corresponding to the latter half of an embodiment. It is.
In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a case will be described in which, for example, three copies of printed matter with a discharge number of 12 copies are stacked alternately (N=3) as stacked paper 2.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), the number of discharged sheets of the stacked sheets 2 stacked on the bottom surface 1c of the stacking container 1 is n=3. Further, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the operation flow for obtaining the number of copies n=3 of the stacked paper 2 in FIG. 8(a) includes three loops of operations from step S2 to step S7, and in step S6, Let n=n+1.

As shown in FIG. 9B, after three loops of operations from step S2 to step S7 in FIG. m) number of times, and steps S2 to S7 in FIG. 8(b) and step S10 are performed in a loop of 4 times for left and right switching. Then, when m=4, N×m=3×4 in step S9, so paper ejection and printing are completed.

With reference to FIG. 10, a first modification example different from the arm shape and drive operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described. FIG. 10(a) is a plan view of a first modification of the arm shape and drive operation, and FIG. 10(b) is a front view of FIG. 10(a).
In the first modification, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the claw portion of the arm 3A rotates horizontally around the shaft portion 3Aa, which is also a joint, and retreats to the outside of the loading container 1, and lifts the container. This is for lowering the bound paper bundle 2.

Referring to FIG. 11, a second modification different from the shape and drive operation of the arm of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the first modification shown in FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 11(a) is a plan view showing a second modification of the arm shape and driving operation, and FIG. 11(b) is a front view of FIG. 11(a).
In the second modification, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the claw portion of the arm 3B is bent and retreated to the outside of the loading container 1, and the saddle-stitched stack of sheets 2 that had been lifted is lowered.

It can be said that the embodiment and the like described above substantially have the following aspects and effects.
That is, the first aspect includes a binding processing unit such as the post-processing unit 103 that performs saddle stitching on sheets on which images have been formed, a loading container such as the loading container 1 that loads the saddle stitched sheet bundle, and a saddle stitching unit. a pair of left and right conveyance paths such as a conveyance path 4a and a conveyance path 4b for discharging the saddle-stitched sheet bundle, such as the sheet bundle 2, to a bottom surface such as the bottom surface 1c of the stacking container; and a pair of left and right conveyance paths such as a conveyance path 4a and a conveyance path 4b, and A post-processing device 102, etc., which has a discharging means such as a conveyance roller 5 for discharging the sheet to the lower side of the stacking container, and a lifting member such as an arm 3 that lifts the saddle-stitched sheet bundle loaded on the stacking container. In the sheet processing apparatus, the lifting member lifts the saddle-stitched sheet bundle in the loading container, and the saddle-stitched sheet bundle is conveyed to one of the pair of left and right conveyance paths. , by repeating the operation of ejecting the saddle-stitched sheet bundle lifted by the lifting member to the lower side, retracting the lifting member to the outside of the loading container, and lowering the saddle-stitched sheet bundle, The sheet processing device stacks the saddle-stitched sheet bundle from below on the stacking container by changing the left and right direction of the saddle-stitched sheet bundle.

With this configuration, according to the first aspect, it is possible to provide a sheet processing device that can control the behavior of a saddle-stitched sheet bundle and perform more accurate alternate stacking.

In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the lifting member has an abutting member such as an arm 3, which is arranged one each on the left and right sides of the loading container and abuts against the saddle-stitched sheet bundle; and lifting one side of the saddle-stitched sheet bundle, ejecting the saddle-stitched sheet bundle from a conveyance path such as the conveyance path 4a or conveyance path 4b on the lifted side, and abutting it against the lifting member on the opposite side. Characterized by consistency.
With this configuration, according to the second aspect, the sheets are aligned in the conveying direction each time they are discharged, so that sheet stacking consistency is improved.

In a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the lifting member has a driving source such as a driving source 6B that moves the lifting member up and down, and two paths such as an ascending and descending path 7a and a path 7b. a guide member such as a slide rail 7 having a support member such as a protrusion 9 that is fitted with the guide member to move the lifting member along the guide member; It is composed of a branching member such as a branching claw 8 that guides the saddle-stitched sheet bundle to the ascending route, and the branching member switches the saddle-stitched sheet bundle to a descending route. The present invention is characterized in that the saddle-stitched sheet bundle is lowered at a distance and moved below the saddle-stitched sheet bundle that has been stacked again.
With this configuration, according to the third aspect, the two operations of lifting straight up and retracting and lowering can be performed using only the vertical movement drive source, and costs can be suppressed.

In a fourth aspect, in the aspect described in any one of the first to third aspects, each time one copy of the saddle-stitched sheet bundle is discharged to the stacking container, one of the pair of left and right conveyance paths is selected. It is characterized by switching to one side.
With this configuration, according to the fourth aspect, by alternating the positions of the bulging folds on the left and right sides, it is possible to load a large amount while keeping the loading surface horizontal.

In a fifth aspect, in the aspect described in any one of the first to third aspects, each time a plurality of copies of the saddle-stitched sheet bundle are discharged to the stacking container, one of the pair of left and right conveyance paths is provided. It is characterized by switching to one side.
With this configuration, according to the fifth aspect, printed matter can be automatically sorted into arbitrary numbers of copies so that users can easily distribute printed matter.

A sixth aspect provides an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and the sheet according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, which is capable of performing at least saddle stitching on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus. This image forming system is characterized in that it is connected to a processing device.
With this configuration, according to the sixth aspect, the effects of the sheet processing apparatus described in any one of the first to fifth aspects are achieved.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and unless specifically limited in the above explanation, the present invention described in the claims Various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the spirit. For example, the technical matters described in the above embodiments, examples, modifications, etc. may be combined as appropriate.

The effects appropriately described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferred effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. It's not a thing.

1 Loading container 2 Loading paper (an example of a saddle-stitched sheet bundle)
3 Arm (an example of a lifting member, an example of a butting member)
3a Projection portion 3b Drive transmission portion 4a Conveyance path (an example of one of the pair of left and right conveyance paths)
4b Conveyance path (an example of one of the pair of left and right conveyance paths)
5 Conveyance roller (an example of ejection means, ejection member)
6A Drive source 6B Drive source 8 Branch claw (an example of branch member)
9 Projection (example of support member)
10a, 10b Switching claw 11 Paper outlet 12 Full detection sensor 100 Image forming system 101 Image forming device 102 Post-processing device (an example of a sheet processing device)
103 Post-processing unit (an example of binding processing means)
104 Loading unit (sheet loading device)
215 Paper conveyance direction (sheet conveyance direction)
X: Left/right/lateral direction Y: Front/back/depth Z: Up/down/vertical direction

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-192162 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-203702

Claims (6)

a binding processing unit that performs saddle stitching on sheets on which images are formed;
a loading container for loading the saddle-stitched sheet bundle;
a pair of left and right conveyance paths for discharging the saddle-stitched sheet bundle to a bottom surface of the loading container;
a discharge means for discharging the saddle-stitched sheet bundle onto the bottom surface or onto the saddle-stitched sheet bundle stacked on the bottom surface;
a lifting member that lifts the saddle-stitched sheet bundle loaded in the loading container;
A sheet processing apparatus having:
The saddle-stitched sheet bundle in the loading container is lifted by the lifting member, and the saddle-stitched sheet bundle is conveyed to one of the pair of left and right conveyance paths, so that the sheet bundle is lifted by the lifting member. By repeating the operation of ejecting the saddle-stitched sheet bundle to the lower side, retracting the lifting member to the outside of the stacking container, and lowering the saddle-stitched sheet bundle, the saddle-stitched sheet bundle can be removed. A sheet processing device that stacks the saddle-stitched sheet bundle from below in the stacking container while changing the left and right directions. The lifting member has an abutting member that is disposed on each side of the loading container, and that abuts against the saddle-stitched sheet bundle, and lifts one side of the saddle-stitched sheet bundle. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the saddle-stitched sheet bundle is discharged from a conveyance path on one side and aligned by abutting against the lifting member on an opposite side. The lifting member is
a drive source that moves the lifting member up and down;
a guide member having two paths, ascending and descending;
a support member that engages with the guide member to move the lifting member along the guide member;
constituted by a branching member that guides the movement of the guide member to the other path,
The saddle-stitched sheet bundle is lifted up on the ascending route, switched to the descending route by the branching member, and the saddle-stitched sheet bundle is lowered away from the saddle-stitched sheet bundle on the descending route, and then stacked again. 3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus moves the sheet processing apparatus to a position below the saddle-stitched sheet bundle. The sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each time one copy of the saddle-stitched sheet bundle is discharged to the stacking container, the sheet is switched to one of the pair of left and right conveyance paths. Processing equipment. The sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each time a plurality of copies of the saddle-stitched sheet bundle are discharged to the stacking container, the conveyance path is switched to one of the pair of left and right conveyance paths. Processing equipment. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet is connected to a sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is capable of performing at least saddle stitching on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus. An image forming system characterized by:

Images