JP2004099274A - Sheet alignment mechanism and post-processing device having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simply configured sheet alignment mechanism capable of silently and accurately aligning the sheet delivered into a device, and a post-processing device having the sheet alignment mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: The sheet alignment mechanism is configured to have a sheet biasing member for biasing the vicinity of the rear end of the sheet stored in a sheet receiver in a direction substantially perpendicular to a delivery direction, and a sheet holding member, which is a hook-shaped projection projecting in a sheet delivery passage, for pressing the front end of the sheet against the sheet receiver while clamping the rear end of the sheet by moving a predetermined distance toward the sheet delivery direction from the position that does not interrupt the sheet delivery in response to the sheet delivery. The sheet biasing member has a notch that fits to the shape of the sheet holding member moved to a predetermined position and controls the sheet holding member to press the sheet while the sheet is biased by the sheet biasing member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は，搬送され，所定の用紙受け部に収容された用紙を整合する排出する用紙整合機構，及び該機構を有しシートにステイプル処理等の所定の処理を施す後処理装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より，画像形成装置から排出される用紙を複数枚収容する排紙トレイを有し，収容された用紙束に対して所定の後処理（例えば，ステイプル処理，穿孔処理，或いは中折処理）を施した後に，排出する後処理装置が知られている。
このような後処理装置では，更に，収容された用紙束を整合する用紙整合機構を設けたものがある（例えば，特許文献１参照）。
そのような機構を有する後処理装置の概略構成について，図７を参照しつつ説明する。
同図に示す如く，後処理装置Ｘ１には，該後処理装置Ｘ１に併設（連結）される不図示の画像形成装置で画像形成された用紙Ｐが，搬送ローラｒｏ７によって搬入される。（用紙の流れを矢印Ａで示す）
そして，用紙Ｐは，更に，搬送ローラｒｏ１により搬送され，後処理ユニット３０に収容（載置）される。
ここで，前記搬送ローラｒｏ１と前記後処理ユニット３０との間には，該搬送ローラｒｏ１の回動に応じて回転する毛ブラシｒｏ０１’（用紙整合機構の一例に該当）が設けられている。
該毛ブラシｒｏ０１’は，搬送された用紙Ｐの後端部（上側端部）に当接し，図中に矢印Ｙで示す方向に付勢（押さえ込む）し，整合することが可能であるため，用紙Ｐがカール（撓み，或いは反り）の大きいものであったとしても，常に，新たに搬送されてきた用紙を搬送済みの用紙（束）の上面に順次載置することが可能である。このように，前記毛ブラシｒｏ１’を設けることで，搬送済みの用紙（束）が用紙の搬入方向に撓むことによって，新たに搬送されてきた用紙Ｐの搬送を妨害すること，或いは新たに搬送されてきた用紙Ｐが搬送済みの用紙間（正規の順番と異なる位置）に入ることでページ順が狂う（以下，ページ狂いという）ことを防止できる。
一方，前記中間処理ユニット３０では，前記毛ブラシｒｏ０１’により所定位置で整合された用紙束に対し所定の処理（例えば，ステイプル処理）が施された後に，処理済みの用紙束を前記後処理装置Ｘ１の端部に設けられる排出ローラｒｏ６により排出する。（用紙の流れを矢印Ｂで示す）
前記排出ローラｒｏ６の外側には，矢印Ｚ方向に昇降することで該排出ローラｒｏ６に対向する用紙トレイを順次切り替え可能なジョブトレイ５０が設けられる。ここで，該ジョブトレイ５０は，ユーザにより選択された排紙モードに応じて，前記排出ローラｒｏ６（即ち，用紙の排出部）に対向する用紙トレイを適宜切り替えるよう昇降し，前記排出ローラｒｏ６から排出される処理済みの用紙束をそれぞれの用紙トレイに分別して載置することを可能とし，該後処理装置Ｘを使用するユーザの作業効率，或いは使用性を向上させる。
このように，従来公知の後処理装置Ｘ１では，用紙整合機構（即ち，前記毛ブラシｒｏ０１’）を設けることにより，カールの大きい用紙が搬入されてきた場合であっても，その用紙を押さえつつ次の用紙を搬入することが可能であり，搬送される用紙の停滞や，ページ狂いの発生を防止することができる。
【０００３】
【特許文献】
特開２０００−１５９４２１号公報（第４−６頁，第１図）
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら，上述した従来公知の後処理装置Ｘ１においては，前記毛ブラシｒｏ０１を用いるという構成上，使用中には用紙Ｐと該毛ブラシｒｏ１’とが常に接触するために「パリパリ」といった耳障りな騒音が発生する点，及び該毛ブラシｒｏ１’は通常のローラに較べて高価であると共に，経年劣化するため定期的なメンテナンスが必要となる点が問題であった。
更に，前記毛ブラシｒｏ１’によって用紙をスムーズに搬送することは可能であるものの，前記中間処理ユニット上に収容された用紙束を高精度に整合させることができない。
そこで，本発明は，かかる事情を鑑みてなされたものであり，その目的とするところは，簡略な構成にも拘わらず装置内に搬送されてくる用紙を静かに且つ高精度に整合できる用紙整合機構及び該用紙整合機構を具備する後処理装置を提供することにある。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために，本発明は，搬送される用紙を複数枚収容可能な用紙受け部を有し，該用紙受け部に収容された用紙束を整合する用紙整合機構において，前記用紙受け部に収容された用紙の後端近傍を，搬送方向に略垂直な方向に付勢する用紙付勢部材と，用紙の搬送経路に突出する鉤状の突起であって，用紙の搬送に応じて用紙の搬送の妨げにならない位置から用紙の搬送方向に所定量移動することにより，搬送される用紙の後端を挟持しつつ該用紙の先端を前記用紙受け部に対して押圧する用紙押さえ部材と，を具備してなることを特徴とする用紙整合機構として構成される。
これにより，搬送されてきた用紙は，前記用紙付勢手段により付勢されつつ，前記用紙押さえ部材により押圧されることにより整合されるので，整合の際に生ずる騒音を最小限に抑えると共に，高精度な整合が行える。更には，毛ブラシ等の高価な部材を使用する必要が無いため生産コストを押し上げることもない。
ここで，前記用紙付勢部材には，所定位置まで移動された前記用紙押さえ部材の形状に応じた切り欠き部を形成すると共に，前記用紙付勢部材による付勢状態において，前記用紙押さえ部材による押圧が行われるよう制御されることが望ましい。
これにより，用紙受け部に収容された用紙束を，前期用紙付勢部材と，前記用紙押さえ部材とで同時に（オーバーラップして）整合させる構成とすることが可能となり，更に整合精度を向上させることができる。
【０００６】
また，本発明は，搬送される用紙を所定位置に複数枚収容し，収容された用紙束を用紙整合機構で整合し，該用紙整合機構により整合された用紙束に対し所定の後処理を行う後処理装置に，前述した用紙整合機構を設けた後処理装置として捉えたものであってもよい。
【０００７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下添付図面を参照しながら，本発明の実施の形態及び実施例について説明し，本発明の理解に供する。尚，以下の実施の形態及び実施例は，本発明を具体化した一例であって，本発明の技術的範囲を限定する性格のものではない。
ここに，図１は本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘの概略断面図，図２は本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘを構成する中間処理ユニットの受け側ユニットの正面図，図３は本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘを構成する中間処理ユニットの断面図，図４は本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘを模式的に表す概略構成図，図５は本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘに設けられる用紙整合機構の要部拡大図，図６は本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘに設けられる用紙整合機構の処理の流れを示す図，図７は従来公知の後処理装置Ｘ１を模式的に示す概略構成図である。
【０００８】
本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘは，図１に示すような断面の概略構造を有し，図示の右側側面において画像形成装置Ｗと連結される。従って，本後処理装置Ｘの図１に向かって右側の側面には，画像形成装置Ｗから排出される画像形成された用紙を受け入れる用紙入口１１が設けられている。また，前記用紙入口１１に続けて設けられた用紙の搬送路ｒ１の途中には，用紙に穴開け処理を施すパンチ手段７０が設けられており画像形成装置Ｗからの所定の制御指令に従って，用紙に穴開け処理がなされる。
前記搬送路ｒ１は，用紙を上向きに導く搬送路ｒ２と下向きに導く搬送路ｒ３とに分岐しており，いずれの搬送路に用紙を導くかは，揺動可能に設けられた可動ガイドｇ１により切り替えられるよう構成されている。
用紙を上向きに導く前記搬送路ｒ２は，さらに，搬送中の用紙を大型の退避ドラム２１の周面に沿う方向へ導いた後に下側へ向かう前記搬送路ｒ３へ導く搬送路ｒ２２に繋がっている。
そして，前記搬送路ｒ２２へ搬送された用紙は，前記退避ドラム２１の周面に沿った状態で一時退避した後，該退避ドラム２１の回転によって前記搬送路ｒ３へ送り出される。
また，下側へ向かう前記搬送路ｒ３へ導かれた用紙は，前記可動ガイドｇ１の下方（本後処理装置の中央部）に設けられた中間処理ユニット３０に導かれる。
【０００９】
前記中間処理ユニット３０は，図２，図３に示す如く，斜めに傾けて設けられた中間トレイ３１，該中間トレイ３１の上下方向中央付近の所定位置に揺動可能に設けられた第１の用紙端部受け部３２，前記中間トレイ３１に沿って上下に移動可能に設けられた第２の用紙端部受け部３３，前記中間トレイ３１の上下方向中央付近に設けられ用紙にステイプル処理を施す第１及び第２のステイプル手段３４，３５とを具備している。前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３は，無端ベルト３７ａに取付けられており，該無端ベルト３７ａの正転／逆転によって上下に移動するよう構成されている。
また，前記中間処理ユニット３０は，前記中間トレイ３１や前記第１及び第２の用紙端部受け部３２，３３，前記第１及び第２のステイプル手段３４，３５等が設けられている受け側ユニット３０ａと，前記第１のステイプル手段３４に対向する第１のステイプル受け部３４’等が設けられているカバーユニット３０ｂとに区分されており，前記カバーユニット３０ｂが前記受け側ユニット３０ａに対して離接可能に構成されている。
図３は，前記カバーユニット３０ｂが前記受け側ユニット３０ａに対して離間及び近接する状態を表す断面図である。図３に示すように，前記カバーユニット３０ｂは前記受け側ユニット３０ａに回動可能に支持されており，該回動により前記カバーユニット３０ｂが前記受け側ユニット３０ａに対して近接（図３の（ａ）の位置）又は離間（図３の（ｂ）の位置）する位置に移動させることができるよう構成されている。また，前記中間処理ユニット３０は，本後処理装置Ｘの本体から図１に向かって手前方向に引き出し可能に構成されており，前記中間処理ユニット３０を引き出した後，前記カバーユニット３０ｂを前記受け側ユニット３０ａから離間させることにより，前記中間処理ユニット３０のジャム処理やメンテナンス作業等を容易に行うことができる。
図２は，前記中間処理ユニット３０の前記受け側ユニット３０ａを前記用紙入口１１側からみた正面図である。
前記第１のステイプル手段３４は，用紙の幅方向（用紙の搬送方向（図２では上下方向）に直角の方向）に所定間隔で並べて対に配置されたものであり，用紙の端部付近の幅方向中央部へのステイプル処理，及び用紙の搬送方向中央部へのステイプル処理（いわゆる中綴じ）を行う場合に用いられる。また，前記第２のステイプル手段３５は，用紙の幅方向の一方の端部付近に斜め方向に配置されたものであり，用紙のコーナー部へのステイプル処理を行う場合に用いられる。前記第１及び第２のステイプル受け部３４’は，前記第１のステイプル手段３４に対向する位置において前記カバーユニット３０ｂ（図３参照）に設けられている。
【００１０】
図１に示す前記搬送路ｒ３に導かれた用紙は，前記中間処理ユニット３０の上方に設けられた搬送ローラｒｏ１により下側へ搬送され，前記搬送ローラｒｏ１から外れて落下する。この落下してくる用紙は，その一方の面（図１に向かって左側の面）が前記中間トレイ３１により受けられ，その先端部（下側端部）が前記第１又は第２の用紙端部受け部３３，３３のいずれかにより受けられる。これにより，前記中間トレイ３１上に複数重ねて載置（集積）され，収容された用紙（束）は，用紙付勢部材３８（図４参照）等により構成される用紙整合機構（詳細は後述する）により整合された後，前記第１又は第２のステイプル手段３４，３５によってステイプル処理が施される。
前記第１及び第２の用紙端部受け部３２，３３のいずれによって用紙の先端部を受けるかは，前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２の揺動動作によって切り替えられる。即ち，前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２が前記中間トレイ３１に沿う位置（近接する位置，以下，使用位置という）にある場合は，用紙の先端部は前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２により受けられ，前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２がその揺動動作により前記中間トレイ３１から離間した退避位置にある場合は，前記搬送ローラｒｏ１により搬送されてきた用紙の先端部は前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２を通り過ぎて前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２よりも下方に移動して待っている前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３により受けられるよう構成されている。また，小サイズの用紙を受ける場合は，前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３を前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２よりも上側へ移動させて用紙を受けることも可能である。この場合，前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２は前記使用位置にあっても前記退避位置にあってもかまわない。
例えば，用紙の端部付近の所定位置にステイプル処理（いわゆる端部綴じ）を行いたい場合等は，前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２に用紙を積載した状態で前記第１又は第２のステイプル手段３４，３５によりステイプル処理がなされる。また，用紙の搬送方向中央部付近にステイプル処理（いわゆる中綴じ）を行いたい場合等は，前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３を用紙を積載した状態で用紙サイズに応じた位置に移動させ，前記第１のステイプル手段３４によりステイプル処理がなされる。また，用紙のサイズによっては（前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２で直接受けるべきサイズよりも大きい又は小さいサイズ），前記搬送ローラＲｏ１により搬送されてくる用紙を，一旦，前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３により受けて重積させた後，前記第１の用紙端部受け部３３に積み替えることも行われる。この場合，まず，搬送されてくる用紙を，その用紙のサイズに応じた位置（前記第１の用紙端部受け部３３の位置よりも下側又は上側）に移動させた前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３により受け，用紙を積載した前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３を前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２よりも若干上側の位置（例えば，２ｍｍ程度上側）まで移動させた後（この間，前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２は前記退避位置にある），前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２を前記使用位置に揺動させ，さらに，前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３を前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２よりも下側に移動させることにより，前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３に積載された用紙を前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２に積み替える。ここで，前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２は，本用紙処理装置Ｘにおいて多用されるサイズの用紙（例えば，Ａ４Ｙ／ＬＴＹサイズ）が搬送されてきたときにその用紙を直接受けるのに適した位置に配置されており，それよりも大きいサイズの用紙が搬送されてくる場合であって，その用紙を前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２に積載した状態でステイプル処理を施したい場合（即ち，端部綴じを行いたい場合）には，前述した積み替えが行われる。これにより，多用されるサイズの用紙については，前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２により用紙を直接受けることができるので，前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３の移動による位置合わせを行う必要が無く，迅速なステイプル処理が行える。さらに，用紙端部付近の所定位置にステイプル処理（端部綴じ）を施す場合，ステイプル処理を行う位置に中綴じよりも高い精度が要求され，前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３の移動による位置合わせでは十分な位置決め精度を確保することが難しい場合があるが，このような場合でも，移動しない前記第１の用紙端部受け部３２と移動しない前記第１及び第２のステイプル手段３４，３５との位置関係は予め精度高く設定することが可能であるので，十分な位置精度でステイプル処理を施すことが可能となる。
【００１１】
前記中間処理ユニット３０においてステイプル処理が施された用紙（用紙束）に更に２つ折り処理（以下，中折り処理という）を施す場合には，該用紙束は，前記中間処理ユニット３０内からその下側に設けられた中折りユニット４０内の搬送路ｒ５へ送り出され，前記中折り処理を施さない場合には上側の搬送路ｒ４へ送り出される。
前記用紙の前記搬送路ｒ５への送り出しは，前記中間処理ユニット３０の下部に揺動可能に支持された搬送ローラＲｏ２により行われる。前記搬送ローラｒｏ２は，通常は，前記搬送ローラＲｏ２に対向して配置された従動ローラｒｏ２’と離間する位置に退避しており，用紙を前記搬送路ｒ５へ送り出す際に，前記従動ローラｒｏ２’に近接する位置に揺動して前記従動ローラｒｏ２’との間に用紙を挟み，前記搬送ローラｒｏ２の回転力により前記搬送路ｒ５へ用紙を送り出す（搬送する）。
前記中折りユニット４０内の前記搬送路ｒ５に導かれた用紙（用紙束）は，前記中折りユニット４０内の搬送ローラｒｏ３によってさらに搬送されて所定位置に停止させられる。そして，用紙の搬送方向中央部に押し型４１が押し当てられ，用紙が前記押し型４１の押し当て面と反対側において対向配置されて回転する２つの中折り用ローラ４２の間に２つ折りされながら挟まれる。２つの前記中折り用ローラ４２は，互いに対向する方向に付勢されており，この付勢力によって用紙に折り目がつけられる。このようにして中折り処理がなされた用紙は，前記中折り用ローラ４２の回転力によってその折り部が先頭となる方向に搬送され，前記中折り用ローラ４２上方の搬送路ｒ６を経て，前記中折りユニット４０内の排出ローラｒｏ４によって，前記用紙入口１１の反対側の側面に設けられた下段用紙出口１４からその外側に設けられた中折り用紙排出トレイ６０上に排出される。このとき，前記下段用紙出口１４の上方に回動自在に設けられた用紙抑え部材６１により，中折り処理された用紙が抑えられて整合される。
【００１２】
一方，前記中間処理ユニット３０上側の前記搬送路ｒ４への用紙の送り出しは，前記中間トレイ３１に沿って上下に移動可能に設けられた断面Ｔ字形状の用紙送り出し部材３６によって行われる。前記用紙送り出し部材３６は，無端ベルト３７ｂに取付けられており，該無端ベルト３７ｂの正転／逆転によって上下に移動するよう構成されており，前記中間トレイ３１の裏面側（下側）へ退避させることも可能である。また，前記用紙送り出し部材３６と前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３との上下動の範囲は一部で重複しており，前記用紙送り出し部材３６を最下端へ移動させた位置の方が，前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３を最上端へ移動させた位置よりも下側となるよう構成されている。
このように構成された前記用紙送り出し部材３６により，以下のようにして用紙が上側の前記搬送路４へ送り出される。
先ず，前記用紙送り出し部材３６を裏面側へ退避させた状態で，用紙を積載した前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３を最上端まで移動させる。次に，前記用紙送り出し部材３６を最下端から表面側へ移動させ，さらに前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３よりも上側へ移動させることにより前記第２の用紙端部受け部３３に積載された用紙を前記用紙送り出し部材３６上に積み替える。そして，更に前記用紙送り出し部材３６を上側へ移動させることにより，積み替えられた用紙が前記搬送路ｒ４へ送り出される。
このようにして前記搬送路ｒ４に搬送されてきた用紙（用紙束）は，用紙排出手段８０により搬送が引き継がれて，該用紙排出手段８０の具備する排出ローラｒｏ６の回転力により上段用紙出口１３からその外側に複数の用紙トレイを設けて構成されるジョブトレイ５０のいずれかの用紙トレイに排出される。該ジョブトレイ５０は，それぞれ用紙の排出方向に向かって上向くように傾斜して設けられている。さらに，前記ジョブトレイ５０は上下方向に一斉に昇降可能に構成され，その停止位置によって前記上段用紙出口１３から排出される用紙をいずれの前記ジョブトレイ５０で受けるかを順次切り替える。前記ジョブトレイ５０の昇降動作は，指定された順序で重ねた用紙束ごとに複数のトレイに分けて排出するいわゆるソート処理，或いはグループ処理を行う際に行われる。
【００１３】
次に，図４を参照しつつ，当該後処理装置Ｘに設けられる用紙整合機構について説明する。
図４は，当該後処理装置Ｘに設けられる用紙整合機構に関連する部分のみを抽出し，模式的に表した当該後処理装置Ｘの概略構成図である。
同図に示すように，当該後処理装置Ｘに設けられる用紙整合機構は，用紙付勢部材３８と，用紙抑え部材（本実施形態では，前記用紙送り出し部材３６を兼用する）と，を具備して構成される。
ここで，前記用紙付勢部材３８は，所定の揺動軸により装置本体に揺動自在（図中には矢印Ｃにより示す）に支持され，前記搬送ローラｒｏ１による用紙搬入（図中には矢印Ａで示す）に応じて，用紙搬入を妨げない位置（図中には実線で示す）と，搬入された用紙を付勢する位置（図中には破線で示す）と，を適宜切り替えるよう揺動自在（図中には矢印Ｃで示す）である。
また，用紙抑え部材である前記用紙送り出し部材３６は，上述したように用紙の搬送経路に突出する鉤状突起３６ａ（本実施形態では断面Ｔ字形状）を有すると共に，前記無端ベルト３７ｂに取付けられ（図１，２参照），該無端ベルト３７ｂの正転／逆転によって，用紙の搬送に応じて用紙の搬送の妨げにならない位置（図中には破線で示す）から用紙の搬送方向に所定量移動する（図中には矢印Ｄにより示す）まで移動することが可能である。また，所定の処理が施された後の用紙束を排出ローラｒｏ６を介してジョブトレイ５０へと排出する機能も有する（図中には矢印Ｂで示す）。
本実施形態に係る用紙整合機構は，このように構成される両者を連携させ，好適に制御することによって実現される。
このような構成により，前記搬送ローラｒｏ１により用紙Ｐが搬入されるを，搬送される用紙Ｐの後端を挟持しつつ該用紙Ｐの先端を前記第２の用紙受け部３３に対して押圧する
先ず，前記用紙付勢部材３８は，前記搬送ローラｒｏ１により用紙搬入に応じて，用紙搬入を妨げない位置（図中には実線で示す）から，搬入された用紙を付勢する位置（図中には破線で示す）に切り替えられ，前記受け側ユニット３０ａ（つまり，前記中間トレイ３１）に収容される用紙Ｐのカールが矯正される。これにより，搬入される用紙Ｐがカールの大きいものであった場合にも，その用紙Ｐの搬入を妨げることなく，用紙Ｐを前記受け側ユニット３０ａ（つまり，前記中間トレイ３１）に速やかに搬入する共に，該受け側ユニット３０ａに対して密着させることができる。
そして，搬入された用紙Ｐを前記用紙付勢部材３８で密着させた状態で，前記用紙送り出し部材３６を，用紙Ｐの搬送を妨げない位置（図中破線で示す，以下待機位置という）から所定の実線で示す位置まで移動させることによって，用紙Ｐを，該用紙送り出し部材３６に設けられた鉤状突起３６ａ（本実施形態では，Ｔ字形状の右側（下側）部分）により挟持しつつ該用紙Ｐの先端（下端）を前記第２の用紙受け部３３に押圧することができる。
ここで，前記用紙付勢部材３８には，図５に示す如く，所定位置まで移動した前記用紙送り出し部材３６を収容するような切り欠き３８ａを設けることが望ましい。
図５は，用紙搬入方向から見た前記用紙付勢部材３８，前記用紙送り出し部材３６の関係の一例を示す要部拡大図である。
このような切り欠き３８ａを設けることで，前記用紙付勢部材３８が用紙Ｐを付勢している状態で，前記用紙送り出し部材３６が所定位置まで移動した際にも，両者が干渉することが無いため，両者をオーバーラップさせて動作させることが可能となり，より高精度な整合が可能である。
【００１４】
次に，図６を参照しつつ，当該後処理装置Ｘに設けられる用紙整合機構の動作について，各状態に分けて詳説する。
先ず，図６（ａ）は，前記搬送ローラｒｏ１により用紙Ｐが前記受け側ユニット３０ａに搬送され，その搬送に応じたタイミングで前記用紙付勢部材３８が揺動した状態を表しており，用紙Ｐにカール等の紙の撓みがある場合にも，その用紙Ｐは，前期用紙付勢部材３８により前記受け側ユニット３０ａ方向に付勢され，密着している。
次の状態を表す図６（ｂ）では，用紙Ｐを前記用紙付勢部材３８により密着させた状態で，前記用紙送り出し部材３６を，前記待機位置から所定位置まで移動（図中には矢印Ｄで示す）されることにより，用紙Ｐが，該用紙送り出し部材３６設けられる鉤状突起３６ａに挟持された状態で前記第２の用紙受け部３３に押圧されている。
また次の状態を表す図６（ｃ）の状態では，前記用紙付勢部材３８は，新たな用紙Ｐの搬送に備え，用紙Ｐの搬送を妨げない位置に退避するよう揺動される（図中には矢印Ｃで示す）。
更に次の状態を表す図６（ｄ）では，新たな用紙Ｐの搬送に応じて，前記用紙送り出し部材３６を所定位置から前期待機位置に一旦退避させる（図中には矢印Ｄで示す）。ここで，用紙Ｐの搬送が終わったタイミングで前記用紙付勢部材３８が揺動されることで，用紙Ｐが前記受け側ユニット３０ａ方向に付勢された状態である図６（ａ）の状態に戻る。
尚，図６（ｄ）に示す状態において，前記用紙送り出し部材３６が前期待機位置に退避するタイミングとしては，用紙Ｐの後端（上端）が前記搬送ローラｒｏ１を通過したことで前記用紙付勢部材３８が揺動を開始し，用紙Ｐを付勢する直前までの間であればいつでもよい。
このように，本実施形態に係る後処理装置Ｘに設けられ用紙整合機構では，上述した一連の処理を繰り返すことにより，前記中間処理ユニット３０に搬送された用紙Ｐの先端部（下端）を，前記第２の用紙受け部３３に対して高精度に整合させることが可能であり，その後にステイプル処理，或いは中折り処理等の施された用紙束は，縁部の揃った正確に整合のとれたものとすることが可能である。また，その構成についても，高価であり且つ定期的なメンテナンスが要求される毛ブラシにより実現していた従来公知の装置に較べ，揺動自在な用紙付勢部材を設けるという簡略な構成であるため，生産コスト面並びにメンテナンスコスト面でも有利である。更には，動作中に生じる騒音についても，毛ブラシを採用している機構に較べ十分に小さいものである。
【００１５】
【実施例】
前期実施形態に係る後処理装置Ｘでは，前記用紙送り出し部材３６が，用紙を整合させる整合機構（用紙押さえ部材）と，所定処理が施された後の用紙束を装置外に搬出する搬出機構と，を兼ねる形態について説明している。このような形態であれば，無用な部品数の増加を防ぎ，コスト低減に寄与することができる。しかしながら，上述説明した動作を行うものであれば，用紙押さえ部材と，前記用紙送り出し部材と，を個別独立に設けるものであってもよい。
【００１６】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように，本発明によれば，搬入された用紙の後端近傍を，揺動自在な用紙付勢部材により搬送方向に直角な方向から付勢すると共に，その付勢された用紙を搬送方向に移動自在な用紙抑え部材により挟持して押圧するという簡略な構成により，後処理装置に搬入された用紙を高精度に且つ騒音を生じることなく高精度に整合することが可能である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘの概略断面図。
【図２】本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘを構成する中間処理ユニットの受け側ユニットの正面図。
【図３】本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘを構成する中間処理ユニットの断面図。
【図４】本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘを模式的に表す概略構成図。
【図５】本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘに設けられる用紙整合機構の要部拡大図。
【図６】本発明の実施の形態に係る後処理装置Ｘに設けられる用紙整合機構の処理の流れを示す図。
【図７】従来公知の後処理装置Ｘ１を模式的に示す概略構成図。
【符号の説明】
１１…用紙入り口
１３…上段用紙出口
１４…下段用紙出口
２１…退避ドラム
３０…中間処理ユニット
３１…中間トレイ
３２…第１の用紙端部受け部
３３…第２の用紙端部受け部
３４，３５…ステイプル手段
３４’，３５’…ステイプル受け部
３６…用紙送り出し部材（用紙押さえ部材）
３７ａ，３７ｂ…無端ベルト
３７ｃ…ベルト軸
３８…用紙付勢部材
４０…中折りユニット
４１…押し型
４２…中折り用ローラ
５０…ジョブトレイ
６０…中折用紙排出トレイ
６１…用紙抑え部材
８０…用紙排出手段
ｒｏ１，ｒｏ２，ｒｏ３，ｒｏ７…搬送ローラ
ｒｏ４，ｒｏ５，ｒｏ６，ｒｏ８…排出ローラ
ｒｏ１’　…毛ブラシ
ｒ１，ｒ２，ｒ２１，ｒ２２，ｒ３，ｒ４，ｒ５，ｒ６…用紙の搬送路[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet aligning mechanism for aligning and discharging a sheet conveyed and stored in a predetermined sheet receiving unit, and a post-processing apparatus having the mechanism and performing a predetermined process such as a stapling process on a sheet. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a paper ejection tray for accommodating a plurality of sheets ejected from an image forming apparatus has been provided, and predetermined post-processing (for example, stapling, punching, or center folding) has been performed on the accommodated sheet bundle. 2. Description of the Related Art Post-treatment devices that discharge after application are known.
Some of such post-processing apparatuses further include a sheet aligning mechanism that aligns the accommodated sheet bundle (for example, see Patent Document 1).
A schematic configuration of a post-processing apparatus having such a mechanism will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, a sheet P on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus (not shown) provided (connected) to the post-processing apparatus X1 is carried into the post-processing apparatus X1 by the conveying roller ro7. (The flow of paper is indicated by arrow A.)
Then, the sheet P is further transported by the transport roller ro1 and is stored (placed) in the post-processing unit 30.
Here, a bristle brush ro01 ′ (corresponding to an example of a paper alignment mechanism) that rotates according to the rotation of the transport roller ro1 is provided between the transport roller ro1 and the post-processing unit 30.
Since the bristle brush ro01 'abuts on the rear end (upper end) of the conveyed sheet P, it can be urged (pressed) in the direction indicated by the arrow Y in the figure to be aligned. Even if the sheet P has a large curl (bending or warping), it is possible to always place the newly conveyed sheet on the upper surface of the conveyed sheets (bundle). In this way, by providing the bristle brush ro1 ', the transported paper (bundle) bends in the transport direction of the paper, thereby obstructing the transport of the newly transported paper P, or newly disposing the paper P. It is possible to prevent the page order from being disordered (hereinafter, page disorder) due to the transported sheet P entering between the transported sheets (a position different from the regular order).
On the other hand, in the intermediate processing unit 30, after a predetermined processing (for example, staple processing) is performed on the paper bundle aligned at a predetermined position by the bristle brush ro01 ', the processed paper bundle is processed by the post-processing device. The sheet is discharged by a discharge roller ro6 provided at the end of X1. (The flow of paper is indicated by arrow B)
Outside the discharge roller ro6, there is provided a job tray 50 capable of sequentially switching the paper tray facing the discharge roller ro6 by moving up and down in the arrow Z direction. Here, the job tray 50 moves up and down so as to appropriately switch the paper tray facing the discharge roller ro6 (that is, the paper discharge unit) in accordance with the discharge mode selected by the user. It is possible to sort and discharge the discharged sheet bundle on each sheet tray, thereby improving the work efficiency or usability of the user using the post-processing device X.
As described above, in the conventionally known post-processing apparatus X1, by providing the sheet aligning mechanism (that is, the bristle brush ro01 '), even if a sheet having a large curl is carried in, the sheet is held down. It is possible to carry in the next sheet, and it is possible to prevent stagnation of the conveyed sheet and occurrence of page disorder.
[0003]
[Patent Document]
JP-A-2000-159421 (page 4-6, FIG. 1)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventionally-known post-processing apparatus X1, the paper P and the bristle brush ro1 'are always in contact during use because of the configuration in which the bristle brush ro01 is used. And the bristle brush ro1 'is expensive as compared with a normal roller, and deteriorates over time, requiring periodic maintenance.
Further, although the paper can be smoothly transported by the bristle brush ro1 ', the paper bundle stored on the intermediate processing unit cannot be aligned with high accuracy.
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a paper alignment apparatus capable of silently and highly accurately aligning a paper conveyed into an apparatus despite a simple configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism and a post-processing device provided with the sheet aligning mechanism.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a sheet aligning mechanism for aligning a bundle of sheets accommodated in the sheet acceptor, the sheet aligning mechanism having a sheet acceptor capable of accommodating a plurality of conveyed sheets. A sheet urging member for urging the vicinity of the rear end of the sheet accommodated in the paper feeding section in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction, and a hook-shaped protrusion protruding into the sheet conveying path. A sheet pressing member that presses the leading end of the sheet against the sheet receiving portion while nipping the trailing end of the sheet by moving the sheet by a predetermined amount in the sheet conveying direction from a position that does not hinder the sheet conveyance; , Is provided as a sheet alignment mechanism.
Thus, the conveyed sheet is aligned by being pressed by the sheet pressing member while being urged by the sheet urging means, so that noise generated at the time of the alignment is minimized and high Accurate matching can be performed. Further, there is no need to use an expensive member such as a bristle brush, so that the production cost is not increased.
Here, the sheet urging member is formed with a cutout portion corresponding to the shape of the sheet pressing member moved to a predetermined position, and in a state where the sheet pressing member is urged by the sheet pressing member. Desirably, control is performed so that pressing is performed.
This makes it possible to simultaneously (overlap) the sheet bundle accommodated in the sheet receiving portion by the sheet urging member and the sheet pressing member, thereby further improving the alignment accuracy. be able to.
[0006]
Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of sheets to be conveyed are accommodated in a predetermined position, the accommodated sheet bundle is aligned by a sheet alignment mechanism, and a predetermined post-process is performed on the sheet bundle aligned by the sheet alignment mechanism. The post-processing device may be regarded as a post-processing device provided with the above-described paper alignment mechanism.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments and examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide an understanding of the present invention. The following embodiments and examples are mere examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a post-processing apparatus X according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view of a receiving unit of an intermediate processing unit constituting the post-processing apparatus X according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 and FIG. 3 are cross-sectional views of an intermediate processing unit constituting the post-processing apparatus X according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing the post-processing apparatus X according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of a sheet aligning mechanism provided in the post-processing apparatus X according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a sheet aligning mechanism provided in the post-processing apparatus X according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of processing, and FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a conventionally known post-processing apparatus X1.
[0008]
A post-processing apparatus X according to an embodiment of the present invention has a schematic structure of a cross section as shown in FIG. 1, and is connected to an image forming apparatus W on a right side surface in the drawing. Accordingly, a sheet inlet 11 for receiving an image-formed sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus W is provided on the right side of the post-processing apparatus X as viewed in FIG. A punching means 70 for punching a sheet is provided in the middle of a sheet transport path r1 provided following the sheet inlet 11, and according to a predetermined control command from the image forming apparatus W, the sheet is punched. Is perforated.
The transport path r1 is branched into a transport path r2 for guiding the paper upward and a transport path r3 for guiding the paper downward, and which transport path is guided by a movable guide g1 that is swingably provided. It is configured to be switchable.
The transport path r2 that guides the paper upward is further connected to a transport path r22 that guides the paper being transported in the direction along the peripheral surface of the large evacuation drum 21 and then guides the paper to the transport path r3 that travels downward. .
Then, the sheet transported to the transport path r22 is temporarily retracted along the peripheral surface of the retracting drum 21 and then sent out to the transport path r3 by the rotation of the retracting drum 21.
Further, the sheet guided to the conveyance path r3 heading downward is guided to an intermediate processing unit 30 provided below the movable guide g1 (at the center of the post-processing apparatus).
[0009]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the intermediate processing unit 30 is provided with an intermediate tray 31 that is provided at an angle, and a first tray that is swingably provided at a predetermined position near the center of the intermediate tray 31 in the vertical direction. A sheet end receiving portion 32, a second sheet end receiving portion 33 movably provided up and down along the intermediate tray 31, and a staple process for a sheet provided near the center of the intermediate tray 31 in the vertical direction. First and second staple means 34 and 35 are provided. The second sheet end receiving portion 33 is attached to an endless belt 37a, and is configured to move up and down by forward / reverse rotation of the endless belt 37a.
The intermediate processing unit 30 has a receiving side provided with the intermediate tray 31, the first and second sheet end receiving portions 32 and 33, the first and second staple means 34 and 35, and the like. The cover unit 30a is divided into a unit 30a and a cover unit 30b provided with a first staple receiving portion 34 'opposed to the first staple means 34, and the cover unit 30b is It is configured to be detachable.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a state in which the cover unit 30b is separated from and approaches the receiving unit 30a. As shown in FIG. 3, the cover unit 30b is rotatably supported by the receiving unit 30a, and the rotation causes the cover unit 30b to approach the receiving unit 30a (see FIG. The position (a)) or the distance (the position (b) in FIG. 3) can be moved. Further, the intermediate processing unit 30 is configured to be able to be pulled out from the main body of the post-processing device X toward the front in FIG. 1. After the intermediate processing unit 30 is drawn out, the cover unit 30 b is received by the receiving unit. By separating the intermediate processing unit 30 from the side unit 30a, it is possible to easily perform a jam clearance operation, a maintenance operation, and the like of the intermediate processing unit 30.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the receiving unit 30a of the intermediate processing unit 30 as viewed from the paper inlet 11 side.
The first staple means 34 are arranged in pairs at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the paper (the direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 2)). It is used when performing staple processing at the center in the width direction and staple processing (so-called saddle stitching) at the center in the sheet conveyance direction. The second stapling means 35 is disposed obliquely near one end in the width direction of the sheet, and is used when performing a stapling process at a corner of the sheet. The first and second staple receiving portions 34 'are provided on the cover unit 30b (see FIG. 3) at positions facing the first staple means 34.
[0010]
The sheet guided to the transport path r3 shown in FIG. 1 is transported downward by a transport roller ro1 provided above the intermediate processing unit 30, falls off the transport roller ro1. One side (the left side in FIG. 1) of the falling sheet is received by the intermediate tray 31, and the leading end (lower end) is the first or second sheet end. It is received by any of the part receiving parts 33,33. As a result, a plurality of sheets (bundles) stacked (stacked) on the intermediate tray 31 and accommodated are stacked by a sheet aligning mechanism (details will be described later) including a sheet urging member 38 (see FIG. 4). After that, the first or second stapling means 34 and 35 perform stapling.
Which of the first and second sheet end receiving portions 32 and 33 receives the leading end of the sheet is switched by the swinging operation of the first sheet end receiving portion 32. That is, when the first sheet end receiving portion 32 is at a position along the intermediate tray 31 (a position close to, hereinafter referred to as a use position), the leading end of the sheet is the first sheet end receiving portion. 32, when the first sheet end receiving portion 32 is at a retracted position separated from the intermediate tray 31 by its swinging operation, the leading end of the sheet conveyed by the conveying roller ro1 is It is configured to be received by the second sheet end receiving portion 33 that has passed the first sheet end receiving portion 32 and has moved below the first sheet end receiving portion 32 and is waiting. . In the case of receiving a small-sized sheet, the second sheet end receiving portion 33 can be moved above the first sheet end receiving portion 32 to receive the sheet. In this case, the first sheet end receiving portion 32 may be at the use position or the retracted position.
For example, when it is desired to perform staple processing (so-called edge binding) at a predetermined position near the end of a sheet, the first or second sheet is loaded in the first sheet end receiving portion 32. The stapling process is performed by the stapling units 34 and 35. When it is desired to perform staple processing (so-called saddle stitching) near the center of the sheet in the sheet conveyance direction, the second sheet end receiving portion 33 is moved to a position corresponding to the sheet size in a state where sheets are stacked. The first stapling means 34 performs stapling. Further, depending on the size of the sheet (a size larger or smaller than a size to be directly received by the first sheet end receiving portion 32), the sheet conveyed by the conveyance roller Ro1 is temporarily changed to the second sheet. After the sheets are received and stacked by the end receiving portion 33, the first sheet end receiving portion 33 is also reloaded. In this case, first, the conveyed sheet is moved to a position corresponding to the size of the sheet (below or above the position of the first sheet end receiving portion 33). After the second sheet end receiving part 33 loaded with sheets received by the sheet receiving part 33 is moved to a position slightly above the first sheet end receiving part 32 (for example, about 2 mm above). (During this time, the first sheet end receiving portion 32 is at the retracted position), the first sheet end receiving portion 32 is swung to the use position, and further, the second sheet end receiving portion 32 is swung. By moving the section 33 below the first sheet end receiving section 32, the sheets stacked on the second sheet end receiving section 33 are transferred to the first sheet end receiving section 32. Transship. Here, the first sheet end receiving portion 32 is suitable for directly receiving a sheet (for example, A4Y / LTY size) of a size frequently used in the sheet processing apparatus X when the sheet is conveyed. When a sheet of a larger size is conveyed and the stapling process is to be performed while the sheets are stacked on the first sheet end receiving portion 32 ( That is, when edge binding is desired), the above-described reloading is performed. Thus, for a sheet of a size that is frequently used, the sheet can be directly received by the first sheet end receiving section 32, so that it is necessary to perform positioning by moving the second sheet end receiving section 33. And staple processing can be performed quickly. Further, when performing staple processing (edge binding) at a predetermined position near the edge of the paper, a higher accuracy is required than the saddle stitching at the position where the staple processing is performed. Although it may be difficult to secure sufficient positioning accuracy in alignment, even in such a case, the first paper end receiving portion 32 that does not move and the first and second staples 34 that do not move, Since the positional relationship with 35 can be set with high precision in advance, it is possible to perform staple processing with sufficient positional accuracy.
[0011]
When the staple-processed sheet (sheet bundle) in the intermediate processing unit 30 is further subjected to two-fold processing (hereinafter, referred to as “center folding processing”), the sheet bundle is moved from the intermediate processing unit 30 to a position below the intermediate processing unit 30. The sheet is sent to the transport path r5 in the center folding unit 40 provided on the side, and is sent to the upper transport path r4 when the center folding process is not performed.
The paper is sent out to the transport path r5 by a transport roller Ro2 swingably supported below the intermediate processing unit 30. Usually, the transport roller ro2 is retracted to a position separated from a driven roller ro2 ′ disposed opposite to the transport roller Ro2, and when the sheet is sent to the transport path r5, the driven roller ro2 ′ is used. And the paper is sandwiched between the driven roller ro2 'and the paper is sent out (transported) to the transport path r5 by the rotational force of the transport roller ro2.
The sheet (sheet bundle) guided to the transport path r5 in the center folding unit 40 is further transported by the transport roller ro3 in the center folding unit 40 and stopped at a predetermined position. Then, a pressing die 41 is pressed against the center of the paper in the conveying direction, and the paper is folded in two between two rotating center folding rollers 42 which are disposed opposite to the pressing surface of the pressing die 41 and are opposed to each other. While being sandwiched. The two center folding rollers 42 are urged in directions facing each other, and the folds are formed on the sheet by this urging force. The sheet that has been subjected to the half-folding process in this manner is conveyed in the direction in which the folded portion becomes the top by the rotational force of the center-folding roller 42, passes through the conveyance path r6 above the center-folding roller 42, and By a discharge roller ro4 in the center folding unit 40, the sheet is discharged from a lower sheet outlet 14 provided on a side surface opposite to the sheet inlet 11 onto a center folded sheet discharge tray 60 provided outside the sheet outlet tray. At this time, the sheet folded in the middle is suppressed and aligned by a sheet holding member 61 rotatably provided above the lower sheet outlet 14.
[0012]
On the other hand, the feeding of the sheet to the transport path r4 above the intermediate processing unit 30 is performed by a sheet feeding member 36 having a T-shaped cross section provided so as to be vertically movable along the intermediate tray 31. The paper feeding member 36 is attached to the endless belt 37b, and is configured to move up and down by forward / reverse rotation of the endless belt 37b, and is retracted to the back side (lower side) of the intermediate tray 31. It is also possible. The vertical movement ranges of the paper feed member 36 and the second paper end receiving portion 33 partially overlap, and the position at which the paper feed member 36 is moved to the lowermost end is better. The second sheet end receiving portion 33 is configured to be lower than a position where the second sheet end receiving portion 33 is moved to the uppermost end.
The sheet is sent to the upper conveying path 4 by the sheet sending member 36 configured as described above as follows.
First, with the sheet feed member 36 retracted to the back side, the second sheet end receiving portion 33 on which sheets are stacked is moved to the uppermost end. Next, the sheet feeding member 36 is moved from the lowermost end to the front side, and further, is moved above the second sheet end receiving section 33 to be loaded on the second sheet end receiving section 33. The stacked sheets are reloaded on the sheet sending member 36. Then, by further moving the sheet sending member 36 upward, the re-stacked sheets are sent to the transport path r4.
The sheet (sheet bundle) conveyed to the conveyance path r4 in this way is taken over by the sheet discharge means 80, and is rotated by the rotation force of the discharge roller ro6 provided in the sheet discharge means 80, so that the upper paper exit 13 Is discharged to any one of the job trays 50 of the job tray 50 provided with a plurality of paper trays provided outside thereof. The job trays 50 are provided to be inclined so as to face upward in the sheet discharging direction. Further, the job tray 50 is configured so as to be able to move up and down simultaneously in the vertical direction, and sequentially switches which job tray 50 receives the sheet discharged from the upper sheet outlet 13 according to the stop position. The raising / lowering operation of the job tray 50 is performed when a so-called sort process or a group process is performed in which a stack of sheets stacked in a specified order is discharged to a plurality of trays.
[0013]
Next, a paper alignment mechanism provided in the post-processing apparatus X will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the post-processing device X, schematically showing only a portion related to the sheet alignment mechanism provided in the post-processing device X and schematically representing the extracted portion.
As shown in the drawing, the sheet aligning mechanism provided in the post-processing device X includes a sheet urging member 38 and a sheet pressing member (in the present embodiment, the sheet feeding member 36 is also used). It is composed.
Here, the paper urging member 38 is swingably supported by the apparatus main body by a predetermined swing shaft (indicated by an arrow C in the figure), and is carried in by the transport roller ro1 (arrow in the figure). (Indicated by A in FIG. 3), a position that does not hinder the paper loading (indicated by a solid line in the figure) and a position in which the loaded paper is urged (indicated by a broken line in the figure) are appropriately switched. It is freely movable (indicated by arrow C in the figure).
The paper feed member 36, which is a paper holding member, has the hook-shaped protrusion 36a (T-shaped cross section in this embodiment) that protrudes into the paper transport path as described above, and is attached to the endless belt 37b. (See FIGS. 1 and 2). The forward / reverse rotation of the endless belt 37b causes a predetermined amount of movement in a sheet conveyance direction from a position (indicated by a broken line in the drawing) that does not hinder the sheet conveyance in accordance with the sheet conveyance. It is possible to move until it moves (indicated by arrow D in the figure). Further, it has a function of discharging the sheet bundle after the predetermined processing to the job tray 50 via the discharge roller ro6 (indicated by an arrow B in the figure).
The paper aligning mechanism according to the present embodiment is realized by coordinating the two configured as described above and suitably controlling them.
With such a configuration, when the paper P is carried in by the transport roller ro1, the leading end of the paper P is pressed against the second paper receiving portion 33 while nipping the rear end of the transported paper P. First, the paper urging member 38 urges the conveyed paper from a position (indicated by a solid line in the drawing) where the conveyance of the paper is not hindered in response to the conveyance of the paper by the conveyance roller ro1 (in the drawing). Is indicated by a broken line), and the curl of the sheet P stored in the receiving unit 30a (that is, the intermediate tray 31) is corrected. Accordingly, even if the paper P to be carried in has a large curl, the paper P is quickly carried into the receiving unit 30a (that is, the intermediate tray 31) without hindering the carrying of the paper P. At the same time, it can be brought into close contact with the receiving unit 30a.
Then, in a state where the loaded paper P is brought into close contact with the paper urging member 38, the paper feed member 36 is moved from a position where the conveyance of the paper P is not hindered (shown by a broken line in the figure, hereinafter referred to as a standby position). By moving the sheet P to the position shown by the solid line, the sheet P is pinched while being clamped by the hook-shaped protrusion 36a (in this embodiment, the right (lower) portion of the T-shape) provided on the sheet feeding member 36. The leading end (lower end) of the sheet P can be pressed against the second sheet receiving portion 33.
Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the paper urging member 38 is preferably provided with a notch 38a for accommodating the paper feed member 36 moved to a predetermined position.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part showing an example of the relationship between the paper urging member 38 and the paper sending member 36 as viewed from the paper carrying direction.
By providing such a notch 38a, even when the paper feeding member 36 moves to a predetermined position in a state where the paper urging member 38 is urging the paper P, both of them can interfere with each other. Since there is no such operation, the two can be operated while overlapping each other, and more accurate matching is possible.
[0014]
Next, the operation of the sheet alignment mechanism provided in the post-processing apparatus X will be described in detail for each state with reference to FIG.
First, FIG. 6A shows a state in which the sheet P is conveyed to the receiving side unit 30a by the conveying roller ro1, and the sheet urging member 38 swings at a timing corresponding to the conveyance. Even when the paper P has a curl or other bending of the paper, the paper P is urged by the paper urging member 38 in the direction of the receiving unit 30a and is in close contact therewith.
In FIG. 6B showing the next state, the paper feed member 36 is moved from the standby position to a predetermined position in a state where the paper P is brought into close contact with the paper urging member 38 (arrow D in the figure). As a result, the sheet P is pressed by the second sheet receiving portion 33 in a state where the sheet P is sandwiched by the hook-shaped protrusions 36 a provided on the sheet feeding member 36.
In the state of FIG. 6C showing the next state, the sheet urging member 38 is swung so as to retract to a position where the conveyance of the sheet P is not hindered in preparation for the conveyance of a new sheet P (FIG. The inside is indicated by arrow C).
Further, in FIG. 6D showing the next state, the paper feed member 36 is temporarily retracted from a predetermined position to the previous standby position in accordance with the conveyance of new paper P (indicated by an arrow D in the figure). Here, the sheet P is urged in the direction of the receiving side unit 30a by swinging the sheet urging member 38 at the timing when the conveyance of the sheet P is completed, as shown in FIG. 6A. Return to
In the state shown in FIG. 6D, the timing at which the paper feed member 36 retracts to the standby position in the previous period is such that the rear end (upper end) of the paper P has passed through the transport roller ro1 and the paper urging is performed. It may be any time before the member 38 starts swinging and immediately before the sheet P is urged.
As described above, the sheet aligning mechanism provided in the post-processing apparatus X according to the present embodiment repeats the above-described series of processing to remove the leading end (lower end) of the sheet P conveyed to the intermediate processing unit 30. It is possible to align the second sheet receiving portion 33 with high precision, and then a sheet bundle subjected to staple processing or center folding processing can be accurately aligned with its edges aligned. It is possible that In addition, the configuration is simple in that a swingable paper urging member is provided as compared with a conventionally known device which is realized by a bristle brush which is expensive and requires periodic maintenance. It is also advantageous in terms of production cost and maintenance cost. Further, the noise generated during operation is sufficiently small as compared with a mechanism employing a bristle brush.
[0015]
【Example】
In the post-processing apparatus X according to the first embodiment, the sheet feeding member 36 includes an alignment mechanism (sheet pressing member) for aligning sheets, and an unloading mechanism for unloading a sheet bundle after predetermined processing is performed outside the apparatus. , Are also described. With such an embodiment, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary increase in the number of parts and to contribute to cost reduction. However, as long as the above-described operation is performed, the paper pressing member and the paper feeding member may be provided separately and independently.
[0016]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the vicinity of the rear end of a conveyed sheet is urged by a swingable sheet urging member from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and the urged sheet is urged. With a simple configuration in which the paper is held and pressed by a paper holding member that is movable in the transport direction, it is possible to align the paper carried into the post-processing device with high precision and without generating noise.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a post-processing apparatus X according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a receiving side unit of an intermediate processing unit constituting the post-processing apparatus X according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an intermediate processing unit included in the post-processing apparatus X according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a post-processing apparatus X according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of a sheet alignment mechanism provided in the post-processing device X according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a processing flow of a sheet aligning mechanism provided in the post-processing apparatus X according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a conventionally known post-processing apparatus X1.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Paper inlet 13 Upper paper outlet 14 Lower paper outlet 21 Retraction drum 30 Intermediate processing unit 31 Intermediate tray 32 First paper end receiving portion 33 Second paper end receiving portions 34 and 35 ... Staple means 34 ', 35' ... Staple receiving part 36 ... Sheet sending member (sheet holding member)
37a, 37b: Endless belt 37c: Belt shaft 38: Paper biasing member 40: Center folding unit 41: Push mold 42: Roller for center folding 50: Job tray 60: Center folding sheet discharge tray 61: Sheet holding member 80: Sheet Discharge means ro1, ro2, ro3, ro7: transport rollers ro4, ro5, ro6, ro8: discharge rollers ro1 ': bristle brushes r1, r2, r21, r22, r3, r4, r5, r6: paper transport path

Claims (4)

搬送される用紙を複数枚収容可能な用紙受け部を有し，該用紙受け部に収容された用紙束を整合する用紙整合機構において，
前記用紙受け部に収容された用紙の後端近傍を，搬送方向に略垂直な方向に付勢する用紙付勢部材と，
用紙の搬送経路に突出する鉤状の突起であって，用紙の搬送に応じて用紙の搬送の妨げにならない位置から用紙の搬送方向に所定量移動することにより，搬送される用紙の後端を挟持しつつ該用紙の先端を前記用紙受け部に対して押圧する用紙押さえ部材と，
を具備してなることを特徴とする用紙整合機構。In a sheet aligning mechanism having a sheet receiving portion capable of storing a plurality of conveyed sheets and aligning a sheet bundle stored in the sheet receiving portion,
A sheet urging member for urging the vicinity of the rear end of the sheet housed in the sheet receiving section in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction;
A hook-shaped projection that protrudes into the paper transport path and moves a predetermined amount in the paper transport direction from a position that does not hinder the transport of the paper in accordance with the transport of the paper. A sheet pressing member for pressing the leading end of the sheet against the sheet receiving portion while nipping the sheet;
A paper alignment mechanism, comprising: 前記用紙付勢部材には，所定位置まで移動された前記用紙押さえ部材の形状に応じた切り欠き部が形成されてなる請求項１に記載の用紙整合機構。2. The sheet aligning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the sheet urging member is formed with a notch corresponding to a shape of the sheet pressing member moved to a predetermined position. 搬送される用紙を，前記用紙付勢部材による付勢状態において，前記用紙押さえ部材による押圧を行う搬送制御手段を更に具備してなる請求項１或いは２のいずれかに記載の用紙整合機構。3. The sheet aligning mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a conveyance control unit that presses the conveyed sheet by the sheet pressing member in a state where the sheet is urged by the sheet urging member. 搬送される用紙を所定位置に複数枚収容し，収容された用紙束を用紙整合機構で整合し，該用紙整合機構により整合された用紙束に対し所定の後処理を行う後処理装置において，
前記用紙整合機構が，前記請求項１〜３のいずれかに記載の用紙整合機構であることを特徴とする後処理装置。In a post-processing device that stores a plurality of conveyed sheets at a predetermined position, aligns the stored sheet bundle with a sheet alignment mechanism, and performs a predetermined post-process on the sheet bundle aligned by the sheet alignment mechanism.
A post-processing device, wherein the paper alignment mechanism is the paper alignment mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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