JP3740302B2 - Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus. More specifically, for example, perforation of sheets discharged from an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or an LBP, stacking alignment of sheets, binding processing of the aligned sheets, and the like. The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus for performing sheet processing and the like, and particularly to a sheet processing apparatus improved so as to perform good alignment processing and production of discharged sheet bundles, and an image forming apparatus including the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of sheet processing apparatus, an image formed and carried-in sheet is punched as necessary and discharged onto an alignment tray using only gravity, and then aligned in the transport direction. There is a sheet processing apparatus that binds aligned sheets. As a means for aligning sheets on the alignment tray, for example, as shown in FIG. 28, an elastic rotating member pivotally attached to the free end of a swing lever 193 that is swingable on the processing tray 130 between a solid line position and a chain line position. 192 moves and rotates to the upper surface of the sheet when aligning the sheets, and abuts the sheet against the abutting member 131 for alignment.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the conventional apparatus, since the sheet is dropped on the processing tray only by gravity and is allowed to settle, the alignment time is determined by the sheet dropping time, and the sheet cannot be aligned very quickly or is elastic. When the rotating member 192 is moved to align the sheets, the elastic rotating member 192 is rotated regardless of the discharge information of the apparatus main body (image forming apparatus main body) that carries (discharges) the sheet to the sheet processing apparatus. Thus, since the sheet is aligned in the conveyance direction, it is predicted that the sheet will be caught.
[0004]
For example, a large (large size) sheet, particularly a weak sheet, is likely to bend. Therefore, the elastic rotating member 192 tries to align the sheet even when the deflection is occurring. When the sheet is caught in the trailing end stopper 131 as an abutting member, or when the sheet is inclined, the elastic rotating member that rotates only in the conveying direction does not necessarily provide good sheet alignment. There wasn't.
[0005]
The present invention includes a sheet processing apparatus and a sheet processing apparatus that achieves both good alignment processing and high productivity while suppressing sheet entanglement in a conveyance direction regulating member at the time of alignment of discharged sheets in the conveyance direction. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is a sheet discharging means for discharging a sheet;
Above By sheet discharge means An alignment tray on which discharged sheets are placed;
Sheet A conveyance direction regulating member for regulating an end of the sheet,
Transfer the sheet placed on the alignment tray to the conveying direction regulating member side, Sheet First alignment means for aligning the sheet in the conveyance direction by bringing the end of the sheet into contact with the conveyance direction regulating member;
First driving means for driving the first matching means;
From the sheet discharging means Sheets discharged toward the alignment tray By the first alignment means Performing the operation of dropping and stabilizing on the alignment tray, The rotation interval and the number of rotations of the first aligning unit according to the sheet discharge information relating to the sheet discharged to the alignment tray Control means for controlling
It is characterized by providing.
[0007]
In the invention according to claim 2, the control means performs a first mode in which the first alignment means is continuously driven by the driving means and a second mode in which the driving is intermittently performed on one sheet. It is controllable.
[0008]
In the invention according to claim 3, the control means performs a first mode in which the first alignment means is continuously driven by the driving means and a second mode in which the driving is intermittently performed on one sheet. It is controllable.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the sheet discharge information is a sheet size.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the paper discharge information is in the page order of the discharge sheet.
[0011]
The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the paper discharge information relates to presence / absence of processing on a discharged sheet.
[0012]
The invention according to claim 7 is a second alignment means for aligning in a direction intersecting the sheet conveyance direction;
Second driving means for driving the second matching means, and the control means starts the matching operation by the second matching means after a predetermined time after starting the matching action by the first matching means. The second drive means is controlled.
[0013]
In the invention according to claim 8, the first alignment means includes transfer means for transferring the sheet end portion to the conveyance direction regulating member by transferring to the conveyance direction regulating member, and the second alignment means is at least One has a pair of alignment walls configured to be movable so as to transfer the sheet in a direction crossing the conveying direction.
[0014]
In the invention according to claim 9, the control means ends the sheet aligning operation by the first aligning means after a predetermined time after the sheet aligning operation by the second aligning means.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 10 is characterized by comprising punch means for forming perforated holes in the sheet conveyed to the alignment tray.
[0016]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a binding means for binding the sheet bundle discharged to the alignment tray.
[0017]
[Action]
Based on the above configuration, the sheet discharged to the alignment tray by the sheet discharge unit is transported in the sheet conveyance direction by the discharge unit, and the sheet end is brought into contact with the conveyance direction regulating member to align the sheets. The aligning unit performs the alignment operation at least once after the sheet comes into contact with the conveyance direction regulating member, and aligns the sheet that has fallen and settled on the alignment tray.
[0018]
In addition, the alignment unit is driven continuously or intermittently according to the discharge information of the discharged sheet, for example, the sheet size, so that the large-sized (large size) sheet is continuously controlled in the conveyance direction. Generation | occurrence | production of the winding of a sheet | seat by abutting on a member is suppressed.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the same according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
First, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, here, an image forming apparatus including a sheet processing apparatus will be described.
[0021]
FIG. 25 is an overall cross-sectional view schematically showing a schematic configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus (copying apparatus) system including a sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0022]
In the apparatus configuration shown in this figure, the image forming apparatus (copying apparatus) 300 includes an original placing table 401 such as a platen glass for reading an original document D that is automatically fed, a light source 402, a lens system 403, and the like. The image reading sheet 400, the image forming sheet P paper feeding unit 500, the image forming unit 600, and the image-formed sheet P that has been formed and discharged from the discharge roller pair 302 are processed and stacked. A sheet processing apparatus 1 and the like are provided.
[0023]
The paper feeding unit 500 is provided with cassettes 501 and 502 on which sheets P are placed and detachably attached to the apparatus main body, and a deck 504 disposed on the pedestal 503. The image forming unit 600 is provided with a cylindrical photosensitive drum 601, a primary charger 602 around it, an exposure unit 603, a developing unit 604, a transfer charger 605, a separation charger 606, a cleaner 607, and the like. At the same time, a fixing device 608 is disposed on the downstream side of the image forming unit 600 via the conveyance device 301.
[0024]
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 300 having the above configuration will be described.
[0025]
When a sheet feeding signal is output from the control device 310 in the apparatus main body, sheet P feeding is started from the cassettes 501 and 502 or the deck 504 of the sheet feeding unit 500. On the other hand, the image of the document D placed on the document placement table 401 is read with light from the light source 402 and irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 601 through the lens system 403. The photosensitive drum 601 is charged in advance by a primary charger 602, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the drum surface by irradiation of reading light, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by toner of the developing device 604. As a result, a corresponding toner image is formed.
[0026]
The sheet P fed from the sheet feeding unit 500 is fed to the image forming unit 600 with the skew corrected by the registration rollers 505 and at the same time. Next, in the image forming unit 600, after the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 601 is transferred onto the sheet P by the transfer charger 605, the sheet P on which the toner image is transferred is transferred by the separation charger 606. It is charged with the opposite polarity and separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 601.
[0027]
Thereafter, the sheet P is conveyed to the fixing device 608 by the conveying device 301, and the transferred image is permanently fixed by the fixing device 608. Then, the sheet P on which the image is formed in this way is discharged to the sheet processing apparatus 1 side by the discharge roller pair 302.
[0028]
Next, the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
[0029]
<Overview of the entire sheet processing apparatus>
First, the main components of the sheet processing apparatus will be described.
[0030]
FIG. 1 is an overall cross-sectional view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0031]
In the configuration of the sheet processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “finisher”) 1 shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes an inlet roller pair that receives the sheet P discharged from the discharge roller pair 302 of the image forming apparatus 300, and 3 denotes an acceptance. A first conveyance roller pair 31 conveys the sheet P, and 31 is a sheet wrinkle detection sensor on the entrance side for detecting the passage of the sheet P. Reference numeral 50 denotes a punch unit that punches holes near the rear end of the conveyed sheet. Reference numeral 5 denotes a relatively large-diameter roller (hereinafter referred to as “buffer roller”) arranged in the course of conveyance, and the sheet P is conveyed against the roll surface by the pressing rollers 12, 13, and 14 disposed around the outside. .
[0032]
Reference numeral 11 denotes a first switching flapper that selectively switches between the non-sort path 21 and the sort path 22. A second switching flapper 10 switches between the sort path 22 and the buffer path 23 for temporarily storing sheets P. Reference numeral 33 denotes a sensor that detects the sheet P in the non-sort path 21, and reference numeral 32 denotes a sensor that detects the sheet P in the buffer path 23.
[0033]
Reference numeral 6 denotes a second conveying roller pair of the sort path 22, and 129 temporarily accumulates the sheets P, aligns the accumulated sheets P, and staples the staple unit 101 (binding means) with the stapler 101. This is a processing tray unit including an intermediate tray (hereinafter referred to as “processing tray”) 130 provided for performing the above-described processing. On the discharge end side of the processing tray (first stacking tray) 130, one discharge roller constituting a bundle discharge roller pair (transfer means), here, a lower discharge roller 180a as a fixed side is disposed. Reference numeral 7 denotes a first discharge roller pair which is arranged in the sort path 22 and discharges the sheet P onto the processing tray (first stacking tray) 130, and 9 is arranged in the non-sort path 21 to place the sheet P on the sample tray. 201 is a second discharge roller pair for discharging onto 201.
[0034]
180b is supported by the swing guide 150, and when the swing guide 150 comes to the closed position, the sheet P on the processing tray 130 is pressed against the lower discharge roller 180a in a stack tray. (Second stacking tray) An upper discharge roller for discharging a bundle onto the 200. Reference numeral 40 denotes a bundle stacking guide that supports the rear end (rear end with respect to the bundle discharge direction) edge of the sheet bundle stacked on the stack tray 200 and the sample tray 201. Also serves as.
[0035]
<Detailed description of staple unit>
Next, the staple unit (binding means) 100 constituting one of the main parts of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 (a rear view corresponding to the main section).
[0036]
A stapler (binding means) 101 is fixed on the moving table 103 via a holder 102.
[0037]
The moving table 103 has a pair of stud shafts 104 and 105 fixed in parallel to the trailing edge of the sheets stacked on the processing tray 130. The moving rollers 106 and 107 are rotatably assembled, and each of the rolling rollers 106 and 107 is moved into a series of hole-shaped guide rails that are similarly drilled and formed in parallel with the fixed base 108. Engageable.
[0038]
Each of the rolling rollers 106 and 107 has flanges 106a and 107a each having a diameter larger than the hole width of the series of hole-shaped guide rails, while three on the lower surface side of the moving table 103 that holds the stapler 101. The moving table 103 moves on the fixed table 108 along a series of hole-shaped guide rails.
[0039]
Here, as is apparent from FIG. 2, the series of hole-shaped guide rails are branched from the main guide rail hole portion, the left end guide rail hole portion which is branched from the left end portion side of the portion, and the right end portion side. And a right end guide rail hole portion parallel to each other. Accordingly, when the stapler 101 is positioned on the left end side due to the rail shape of each part, the rolling roller 106 is in the left end portion of the rail hole portion, and the rolling roller 107 is in the left end portion of the rail hole portion. It is moved and maintained in a right-tilt posture in a state where it is tilted to the right by a predetermined angle, and when it is positioned in the middle part, each of the rolling rollers 106 and 107 are both in the rail hole portion and are not inclined. The rolling roller 107 is moved into the right end portion of the rail hole portion and the rolling roller 106 is moved into the right end portion of the rail hole portion, respectively. The left tilting posture in a state inclined by a predetermined angle toward the side is maintained, and the posture changing action is performed by an operating cam (not shown).
[0040]
The staple unit 100 is provided with a position sensor (not shown) that detects the home position of the stapler 101. In the normal case, the stapler 101 stands by at the home position on the left end side.
[0041]
<Detailed explanation of stapler moving mechanism>
Next, the moving mechanism of the stapler 101 will be described in detail.
[0042]
One rolling roller 106 of the moving table 103 is integrally provided with a pinion gear 106b below the flange 106a and a belt pulley 106c integrally therewith. The pinion gear 106b is connected via a drive belt stretched between the output pulley of the drive motor M100 on the table surface and the belt pulley 106c, and is fixed to the fixed table 108 along the rail hole. The moving table 103 is movable in the sheet width direction together with the stapler 101 in response to the forward / reverse rotation of the drive motor M100.
[0043]
The stud shaft that extends downward from the lower surface of the movable table 103 is provided with a stopper tilting roller. The stopper tilting roller will be described in detail later, but the rear end stopper 131 and the stapler of the processing tray 130 will be described later. In order to avoid the collision with 101, the rear end stopper 131 is rotated.
[0044]
<Detailed explanation of rear end stopper>
Next, the trailing edge stopper 131 that abuts and supports the trailing edge of the sheet P on the processing tray 130 will be described in detail.
[0045]
The trailing edge stopper 131 is formed so as to rise perpendicularly to the stacking surface of the processing tray 130, and has a bumping support surface 13la that bumps and supports the trailing edge of the sheet P. The bumping support surface Is pivotable downward on the lower surface side of the processing tray 130 around the pivot pin as indicated by an arrow. The main link having a cam surface that is pressed by the stopper tilting roller 112 abutting is positioned to abut against the abutting plate, and is a tension spring about an axis fixed to a frame or the like (not shown). The upper end pin is slidably connected to the other end long hole of the connecting link pivotally supported by the pin to the rear end stopper 131. is there.
[0046]
Therefore, in this case, the rear end stopper 131 that is in an interference relationship with the stapler 101 with the movement of the moving table 103 is shown in the drawing by the stopper tilting roller of the moving table 103 pressing the cam surface of the main link. The position is swung to the non-interference position indicated by the two-dot chain line, thereby avoiding contact with the stapler 101. Then, after the stapling process, which will be described later, is finished, the rear end stopper 131 also returns to the original state when the movable table 103 returns to the home position. Here, a plurality (three in this case) of the stopper tilting rollers are arranged in the moving direction of the moving base 103 in order to keep the rear end stopper 131 in the avoidance position during the operation of the stapler 101. Yes.
[0047]
Further, a staple stopper (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) having a support surface having the same shape as the abutting support surface 13la of the rear end stopper 131 is attached to both side surfaces of the holder 102 that holds the stapler 101. Thus, even when the trailing edge stopper 131 is in the avoidance position, the trailing edge of the sheet can be supported.
[0048]
<Overview of processing tray unit>
Next, the processing tray unit 129 including the processing tray 130 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0049]
The processing tray unit 129 includes a processing tray 130, a rear end stopper 131, an aligning unit 140, a swing guide 150, a drawing paddle 160, and a bundle discharge roller pair 180.
[0050]
In this case, the processing tray 130 is inclined by positioning the downstream side (upper left side in the drawing) upward and the upstream side (lower right side in the drawing) downward with respect to the sheet bundle discharge direction. The above-mentioned rear end stopper 131 is disposed at the lower end portion on the upstream side, and the aligning means 140 that occupies its left and right positions and includes a retraction paddle 160 described later is disposed at the intermediate portion. In addition, a swing guide 150 including a pull-in paddle 160 and a bundle discharge roller pair 180, which will be described later, is disposed at an upper end portion on the downstream side, specifically, an upper region portion of the unit configuration. .
[0051]
Then, the sheet P discharged from the first discharge roller pair 7 has its trailing edge pushed against the abutting support surface 13la of the trailing edge stopper 131 by its own weight and the action of a pull-in paddle 160 described later. Slide on the processing tray 130 until it is hit.
[0052]
Further, as described above, one lower discharge roller 180a constituting the bundle discharge roller pair 180 is disposed at the upper end portion of the processing tray 130, and the lower surface front end portion of the swing guide 150 is disposed at the lower end of the swing guide 150. The other upper discharge roller 180b that is detachably contacted with the lower discharge roller 180a is disposed, and each of these discharge roller pairs 180a and 180b can be rotated forward and backward by a drive motor M180. .
[0053]
<Detailed description of alignment means>
Next, the matching means 140 constituting the other main part of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0054]
A pair of aligning members 141 and 142 constituting the aligning means 140 are disposed on the surface of the processing tray 130 so as to face each other independently on a lower part and an upper part (corresponding to both side edges of the sheet P) in the drawing, The first alignment member 141 on one lower side and the second alignment member 142 on the other upper side are perpendicular to the surface of the processing tray 130 for pressing and supporting the sheet-side end surface. Each alignment surface 14la, 142a and a rack gear portion for supporting the back surface of the sheet are provided, and each rack gear portion is formed in the vertical direction (corresponding to the width direction of the sheet P) opened in the processing tray 130 surface. It is arranged on the lower surface side through a pair of parallel guide grooves.
[0055]
That is, in summary, the alignment surfaces are arranged on the upper surface side of the processing tray 130 so as to face each other, and the rack gear portions are assembled on the lower surface side so as to be movable in the alignment direction.
[0056]
Each rack gear portion is meshed with individual pinion gears driven by respective drive motors (not shown) M141 and M142 so as to be able to rotate in the forward and reverse directions. The members 141 and 142 can be moved in the alignment direction. Here, for the first and second alignment members 141 and 142, position sensors (not shown) for detecting the respective home positions are arranged. In a normal case, the first alignment member 141 is at the lower end. And the second alignment member 142 stand by at each home position position set at the upper end.
[0057]
<Detailed explanation of swing guide>
Next, the swing guide 150 will be described in detail.
[0058]
As described above, the swing guide 150 is located at the front end of the lower surface corresponding to the downstream side (left side in FIG. 3), and pivots the upper discharge roller 180b that contacts the lower discharge roller 180a of the bundle discharge roller pair 180. At the same time, it is pivotally supported by a support shaft 151 at the rear end of the lower surface corresponding to the upstream side (the right side in FIG. 3), and is swingable by the control drive of the rotary cam 152 by the drive motor Ml50. Here, the closed state in which the upper discharge roller 180b is brought into contact with the lower discharge roller 180a is the home position, and a position sensor (not shown) for detecting this is provided.
[0059]
In a normal case, when each individual sheet P is discharged onto the processing tray 130, the upper discharge roller 180b is spaced apart from the lower discharge roller 180a and the swing guide 150 is swung upward. The sheet P is discharged and aligned, and the pull-in paddle operation described below can be performed without any trouble. When discharging onto the stack tray 200, the state is changed to a closed state (the upper discharge roller 180b comes into contact with the lower discharge roller 180a and the swing guide 150 swings downward).
[0060]
<Detailed description of retractable paddle>
The pull-in paddle (alignment means, first alignment means) 160 is above the processing tray 130, is fixed to the drive shaft 161, and is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 3 at an appropriate timing by the drive motor (drive means) Ml60. The length of each paddle is set to be slightly longer than the distance to the surface of the processing tray 130, and the home position is determined from the first discharge port pair 7. The position is set so as not to obstruct the discharge of the sheet P onto the processing tray 130 (solid line position in FIG. 3).
[0061]
Then, when the sheet P is discharged onto the processing tray 130 in this state, the pull-in paddle 160 is driven to rotate counterclockwise, so that the sheet P discharged onto the processing tray 130, and thus, The sheet P is pulled in until the trailing edge of the sheet P is abutted against the abutting support surface 13la of the trailing edge stopper 131, and then the home position detected by the HP position sensor (PI14) in FIG. At the position, the paddle 160 stops in a timely manner.
[0062]
The pull-in paddle 160 detects the home position by a paddle home position sensor (PI14) shown in FIG. 26, and its control changes according to the sheet discharge information of the image forming apparatus main body. The sheet discharge information is the sheet size, the number of sheets, sheet processing such as stapling and punching, and the signal of the paddle home position sensor (PI14) in each case is schematically shown in the timing chart of FIG. The pull-in paddle control differs depending on the sheet size as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0063]
[For large sheets]
In FIG. 29, when the trailing edge of the first sheet P discharged from the first discharge roller 7 is discharged, the pull-in paddle 160 makes one rotation to make the sheet fall and settle. The paddle 160 that is pulled in for a certain period of time until it reaches the processing tray 130 and the sheet P no longer bends stops, and then rotates three times to be positioned at a fixed position in the conveying direction on the processing tray 130 (S3... Operation A).
[0064]
The control of the pull-in paddle 160 for the second and subsequent sheets is performed in order to position the sheet at a fixed position in the fall direction and the conveyance direction. 3 It rotates (S4 ... operation B). However, when sheet processing such as stapling and punching is performed, the alignment becomes poor, and therefore, the last paddle is pulled in and the paddle is rotated a number of times five times (S6, operation C).
[0065]
[For small sheets]
In order to ensure high productivity, the first to third sheets are simultaneously ejected from the buffer roller 5, and at this time, the pull-in paddle 160 rotates once (S8... Operation D), and then the last sheet is a large sheet. The same operation (operation B) as in the case of 卜 is performed. At the time of sheet processing such as stapling and punching, the pull-in paddle 160 rotates only four times continuously (S10... Operation E). The reason for one rotation less than the case of a large sheet is to shorten the sheet alignment time and ensure high productivity.
[0066]
The control of the paddle (first aligning means) 160 and the aligning members (second adjusting means) 141, 142 is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 30. The pull-in paddle 160, which is the aligning means in the conveying direction, rotates first, and the sheet The trailing edge of the sheet is abutted against the abutting support surface 13la of the trailing edge stopper 131 to correct the skew of the sheet (FIG. 31).
[0067]
Next, the sheets are aligned by alignment members 141 and 142 aligned in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction (FIG. 32). This control is such that the sheet P can be aligned even when the sheet P is inclined, and when the sheet is skewed by the pull-in paddle 160, the sheet bounces due to the elasticity of the sheet, and the sheet is further inclined. Therefore, the pull-in paddle 160 rotates again after a predetermined time aligned as described above (FIG. 33).
[0068]
As another example, even when the processing tray 130 is reversely inclined at a certain fixed angle α as shown in FIG. 34 or when it is horizontal as shown in FIG. Is obtained.
[0069]
<Detailed explanation of stack tray and sample tray>
Next, the stack tray 200 and the sample tray 201 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0070]
The stack tray 200 and the sample tray 201 are selectively used depending on the situation. The stack tray 200 disposed below is selected when receiving a sheet bundle for copy output, printer output, and the like, and is disposed above. The sample tray 201 is selected when receiving a sheet for sample output, interrupt output, stack tray overflow output, function output, job mixed load output, or the like.
[0071]
The stack tray 200 and the sample tray 201 are respectively held by the tray base plates 202 and 203, and stepping motors M200 and M201 fixed to the base plates 202 and 203 via the attachment frame plates 204 and 205, respectively. By using this, it is possible to independently run independently in the up and down direction. In this case, since both are configured in almost the same mode, here, mainly on the stack tray 200 side. Only mention.
[0072]
That is, a pair of frames 250 and 250 are provided in the vertical direction at both ends of the sheet processing apparatus 1, and the rack gear members 251 that also serve as guide rails in the vertical direction with respect to the frames 250 and 250, respectively. 251 is attached to the rear end portion extended from one side of the tray base plate 202 (corresponding to the left end side with respect to the sheet width direction) and the mounting frame plate facing this (similarly corresponding to the right end side) By using a pair of guide rollers 206 and 207 that are rotatably provided at the rear end portion extended from 204, the guide rollers 206 and 207 are inserted into the corresponding guide rail portions, The stack tray 200 is held so that it can be moved up and down, and the regulating member 208 is engaged with the folded edge of one frame 250. In Rukoto, to restrain rattling of the seat width direction so as to regulate.
[0073]
On the other hand, the rotation output of the stepping motor M200 is transmitted to the pulley 212 of the drive shaft 213 via the timing belt 211. The drive shaft 213 is provided with a ratchet wheel 215 that is urged by a spring 216 so as to be only slidable in the axial direction. The ratchet wheel 215 is engaged with the drive gear 214 on the shaft in one direction. I'm allowed. The drive gear 214 is meshed with one of idler gears 218 and 218 disposed at both ends of the driven shaft 217, and the idler gears 218 and 218 are respectively connected to the drive gear 214 via the elevating gears 219 and 219, respectively. The rack gear members 251 and 251 are engaged with each other. That is, the stack tray 200 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction via a drive system composed of these gear trains.
[0074]
In addition, the ratchet wheel 215 that is unidirectionally engaged with the drive gear 214 on the drive shaft 213 is when the stack tray 200 is lowered, and the drive system may be damaged, for example, with foreign matter or the like interposed therebetween. Here, the spring 216 is given a required biasing force, and only when the stack tray 200 is lifted, the spring 216 has a biasing force corresponding to a preset condition. In the case of this idling condition, that is, when an abnormality occurs, a clock slit or the like formed in the flange portion of the idler gear 218 is immediately stopped in order to immediately stop the driving of the stepping motor M200. It is made to detect with sensor S201. The sensor S201 is also used for step-out detection during normal operation.
[0075]
Next, sensor arrangements for controlling the raising / lowering positions of the stack tray 200 and the sample tray 201 will be described.
[0076]
The sensor S202 is a sensor for detecting the stacking area of the sample tray 201, and is located in a range belonging to the area from the rising limit position detection sensor S203a of the sample tray 201 to the processing tray sheet surface detection sensor S205. Detect.
[0077]
The sensor S203b is a sensor for detecting that a predetermined number of sheets P are discharged from the second discharge roller pair 9 onto the sample tray 201. Here, the non-sorted sheet surface detection sensor S204 to the sheet S It is arranged at a position equivalent to 1000 sheets.
[0078]
The sensor S203c is a sensor for detecting that a predetermined number of sheets P are discharged from the processing tray 130 onto the sample tray 201. Similarly, the sensor S203c is equivalent to 2000 sheets stacked from the sheet surface detection sensor S205. Placed in position.
[0079]
The sensor S203d is a sensor for limiting the height of the stacking amount when the stack tray 200 receives the sheet P from the processing tray 130, and is arranged at a position corresponding to 2000 sheets stacked from the sheet surface detection sensor S205. .
[0080]
The sensor S203e is a sensor that sets the lower limit position of the stack tray 200.
[0081]
The stack tray 200 and the sample tray 201 are provided with sheet presence / absence detection sensors 206a and 206b, respectively.
[0082]
Of these sensors, only the sheet surface detection sensors S204 and S205 are set to a light transmission type that detects the presence or absence of light by transmitting light from one side edge of the sheet P to the other side edge. Here, as the sheet surface detection method, the state in which the trays 200 and 201 are raised from below the sheet surface detection sensors S204 and S205 to a position covering them is initial, and the optical axis of the sensor after the sheets are stacked Is repeated until the sensor optical axis is covered again.
[0083]
<Detailed description of punch unit>
Next, the punch unit 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0084]
The punch unit 50 includes a punching means 60 and a lateral registration detecting means 80.
[0085]
The punching means 60 includes a predetermined number of punches, in this case, a pair of left and right punch members 61 and a die member 62 combined with each punch member 61 in the left-right direction (corresponding to the width direction of the sheet). The interlocking gears 64 and 65 on the shaft are meshed with each other and can be rotated in synchronization with directions indicated by arrows B and C by driving the punching motor 66. It is configured and normally stands by at the home position.
[0086]
In this state, after detecting the trailing edge of the sheet P to which the sheet detection sensor 31 (see FIGS. 1 and 8) is introduced, the punching motor 66 is driven at a predetermined timing, whereby the punch protrusion of the punch member 61 is performed. The piece 6la and the die hole 62b of the die member 62 are meshed and engaged to punch a desired punch hole in a corresponding portion of the sheet P. In this case, the rotational speed of the punch member 61 and the die member 62 is matched with the rotational speed of the pair of transport rollers 3 (see FIG. 1), and hence the transport speed in the direction of arrow A of the sheet P. Can be punched simultaneously.
[0087]
On the other hand, a punch casing 63 that holds the punch member 61 and the die member 62 includes guide rollers 68 and 68 that are positioned at the upper and lower positions and are rotatably supported by support shafts 69 and 69. Each guide roller 68, 68 is fitted into each guide rail 67, 67 parallel to the width direction of the sheet P to enable movement in the corresponding direction, and as shown in FIG. A rack gear 63a formed on the side face meshes with a pinion gear 70 that is rotationally driven by a punching means moving motor (not shown), and further, a punching means initial position detection sensor 71 having a light receiving portion 7la on the end face is arranged. is there.
[0088]
For this reason, the punching means 60 is moved in the directions of arrows D and E (width direction of the sheet P) perpendicular to the conveyance direction A of the sheet P by driving of the punching means moving motor, and the punching means initial position detection sensor is accompanied with the movement. 71, the punching means initial position defining portion 52 on the apparatus main body side can be detected. In this case, the punching means initial position is several mm before the sheet reference position corresponding to the skew of the sheet P or the displacement amount of the lateral registration. Set to the side.
[0089]
Further, the lateral register detecting means 80 is provided on the one end side of the punching means 60, and meshed with a pinion gear 82 that is driven to rotate by a lateral register moving motor (not shown) on the side edge rack gear 8la. Similarly, it has a sensor arm 81 that can move in the directions of arrows D and E (the width direction of the sheet P) orthogonal to the conveyance direction A of the sheet P, and on one end side of the sensor arm 81 that is close to the sheet P, The lateral side having a light receiving portion 83a for detecting one side edge of the sheet P by allowing one side edge of the sheet P to move in the directions of arrows D and E (width direction of the sheet P) orthogonal to the detection conveyance direction A. A registration detection sensor 83 is provided, and a lateral registration initial position detection sensor 85 having a light receiving portion 85a parallel to the light receiving portion 83a is provided on the other end side.
[0090]
For this reason, as in the case of the punching means 60, the lateral registration detection means 80 moves in the directions of arrows D and E (the width direction of the sheet P) perpendicular to the conveyance direction A of the sheet P by driving the lateral registration movement motor. In accordance with the movement, the lateral regi- nal initial position detecting sensor 85 can detect the lateral regi- nal initial position defining portion 63b corresponding to the corresponding end surface of the punch casing 63. The detection sensor 83 can be set.
[0091]
When detecting the side edge of the sheet P, the sheet detection sensor 31 detects the leading edge of the sheet P and then drives the punching means moving motor at a predetermined timing to detect the punching means 60 and the lateral registration. When the sensor 83 is moved and the light receiving portion 83a of the lateral registration detection sensor 83 is blocked by the side edge of the sheet P, this is detected and stopped. That is, this allows the punching position for the sheet P to be aligned with the sheet end.
[0092]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control of the rotation interval and the rotation speed of the paddle 160 is optimized according to the state of the sheet discharged to the processing tray 130.
[0093]
The control is performed in order to make the sheet discharged from the first discharge port-roller pair (discharge means) 7 fall and settle, and is rotated until the deflection of the dropped sheet is eliminated by the elasticity of the sheet. By performing the three stages, the second stage that is not performed and the third stage that is rotated a predetermined number of times in order to be positioned on the processing tray 130 at the fixed position in the transport direction, it is possible to align the weak sheets.
[0094]
In order to improve the sheet alignment wall, the paddle operation is controlled when the paddle 160 rotates continuously and when it rotates intermittently.
[0095]
Normally, the continuous rotation of the paddle 160 has an advantage that the alignment time in both conveyance directions can be shortened. However, in this case, since the sheet is always in contact with the conveyance regulating member, a weak sheet is weak. Once the deflection is generated, the deflection is promoted by the rotation of the elastic rotating member, so that there is a problem that the sheet is caught.
[0096]
In order to solve this problem, in the embodiment, even when the paddle 160 is rotated intermittently, even when the deflection occurs, a time for eliminating the deflection due to the elasticity of the sheet can be obtained, and the sheet can be prevented from being caught. . As described above, even when the sheet is positioned at a fixed position in the conveyance direction, it is possible to cope with any sheet by rotating the paddle 160 continuously or intermittently depending on the characteristics of the sheet.
[0097]
Further, based on sheet discharge information (for example, sheet discharge information from an image forming apparatus main body connected to the sheet processing apparatus) for a sheet to be loaded (discharged) into the sheet processing apparatus. The driving operation of the paddle 160 is controlled, and the discharge information includes driving of an elastic rotating member for aligning the sheets according to the sheet discharge size, page processing, sheet processing such as punching or binding processing. By changing the time, the sheet alignment can be improved.
[0098]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, after the sheet discharged to the alignment tray is brought into contact with the conveyance direction regulating member by the alignment unit, the alignment unit is changed so as to perform at least one alignment operation. Therefore, it is possible to optimize the alignment operation in the conveying direction of the sheet discharged onto the alignment tray and to achieve high productivity.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is also a rear view of the stapler.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal side view of a swing guide and a processing tray, similarly;
FIG. 4 is also an explanatory diagram of a knurled ring portion.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the stack tray moving mechanism.
FIG. 6 is also a sensor arrangement diagram around the stack tray.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the punch unit.
FIG. 8 is a lateral register sensor moving mechanism diagram of the punch unit, similarly.
FIG. 9 is an operation diagram of the sheet processing apparatus in the non-sort mode in the same manner.
FIG. 10 is an operation diagram of the sheet processing apparatus in the staple sort mode.
FIG. 11 is an operation diagram of the sheet processing apparatus in the staple sort mode.
FIG. 12 is an operation diagram of the sheet processing apparatus in the staple sort mode.
FIG. 13 is an operation diagram of the sheet processing apparatus in the staple sort mode.
FIG. 14 is an operation diagram of the sheet processing apparatus in the staple sort mode.
FIG. 15 is an operation diagram of the sheet processing apparatus in the staple sort mode.
FIG. 16 is an operation diagram of the sheet processing apparatus in the staple sort mode.
FIG. 17 is an operation diagram of the sheet processing apparatus in the staple sort mode.
FIG. 18 is an operation diagram of the sheet processing apparatus in the sort mode, similarly.
FIG. 19 is an operation diagram of the sheet processing apparatus in the sort mode in the same manner.
FIG. 20 is also a stack diagram of sheet bundles in the sort mode.
FIG. 21 is a plan view of a processing tray showing a sheet bundle aligning operation in the same manner.
FIG. 22 is a plan view of a processing tray showing a sheet bundle aligning operation in the same manner.
FIG. 23 is a plan view of a processing tray showing a sheet bundle aligning operation in the same manner.
FIG. 24 is a plan view of the processing tray showing the sheet bundle aligning operation in the same manner.
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing an outline of an image forming apparatus main body including a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a processing tray and a paddle part of the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a timing chart showing output signals from the HP sensor of the paddle.
FIG. 28 is a side view of a processing tray and an elastic rotating member in a conventional sheet processing apparatus.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the paddle operation of the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart of the paddle operation in the same manner.
FIG. 31 is a plan view showing the alignment operation of the skewed sheet in the same manner.
FIG. 32 is a plan view showing the alignment operation of the skewed sheet in the same manner.
FIG. 33 is a plan view showing a skewed sheet alignment operation in the same manner.
FIG. 34 is a side view showing another example of the processing tray and the paddle.
FIG. 35 is a side view showing another example of the processing tray and the paddle.
[Explanation of symbols]
P sheet
M160 paddle motor (drive means)
M141 Reference wall moving motor (drive means)
M142 Alignment wall moving motor (drive means)
1 Sheet processing equipment
7 First discharge roller pair (sheet discharge means)
50 Punch unit (punch means)
100 Staple unit (binding means)
130 processing tray (first loading means)
131 Rear end stopper (conveying direction regulating member)
140 Alignment means (second adjustment means)
141 Front alignment member (alignment means)
142 Back alignment member (alignment means)
160 Pull-in paddle (alignment means, first alignment means, transfer means)
200 stack tray
201 Sample tray
300 Image forming apparatus main body
302 Main body discharge roller pair (main body discharge means)
600 Image forming unit (image forming means)
310 Control Device (Control Unit) of Image Forming Apparatus Main Body

Claims (12)

Sheet discharge means for discharging the sheet;
An alignment tray on which the sheets discharged by the sheet discharging means are placed;
A conveyance direction regulating member for regulating an end of the sheet ;
A first aligning means for aligning the sheets placed on the alignment tray is transferred to the conveying direction regulating member side and the end portion of the sheet is brought into contact with the conveying direction regulating member of the sheet in the conveying direction,
First driving means for driving the first matching means;
The sheet discharged from the sheet discharge means toward the alignment tray is dropped and settled on the alignment tray by the first alignment means, and according to the discharge information regarding the sheet discharged to the alignment tray. Control means for controlling the rotation interval and the rotation speed of the first alignment means ;
A sheet processing apparatus comprising:   The control means can control a first mode in which the first alignment means is continuously driven and a second mode in which the first alignment means is intermittently driven by the driving means with respect to one sheet. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so as to change a driving time of the first alignment unit in accordance with sheet discharge information regarding the sheet discharged to the alignment tray.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sheet discharge information is a sheet size.   4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sheet discharge information is a page order of the discharge sheet.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sheet discharge information relates to presence / absence of processing for the discharged sheet. Second alignment means for aligning in a direction intersecting the sheet conveyance direction;
Second driving means for driving the second alignment means,
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the second driving unit to start the alignment operation by the second alignment unit after a predetermined time after the alignment operation by the first alignment unit is started. Sheet processing device.   The first alignment means has transfer means for transferring to the conveyance direction regulating member and transferring the sheet end to the conveyance direction regulating member, and at least one of the second alignment means intersects the sheet in the conveyance direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a pair of alignment walls configured to be movable so as to be transported in a moving direction.   9. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit ends the sheet alignment operation by the first alignment unit after a predetermined time after completion of the sheet alignment operation by the second alignment unit.   The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising punch means for forming perforated holes in the sheet conveyed to the alignment tray.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a binding unit that binds the sheet bundle discharged to the alignment tray. A sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
An image forming unit that forms an image on the conveyed sheet;
A main body discharging means for discharging the image-formed sheet to the sheet processing apparatus;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that transmits sheet discharge information of a sheet discharged by the main body discharge unit to the sheet processing apparatus.

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