Recording material processing device and image forming system

Abstract

The recording material processing device and image forming system of the present invention reduce the load acting on the recording material when aligning the recording material, compared with a case where a contact member in contact with the recording material does not move relative to a member having a function of supporting the contact member when aligning the recording material. The recording material processing device includes: a support portion that supports the recording material from below; a propulsion member that propels the recording material from the side of the recording material supported by the support portion; and a contact member mounted on the propulsion member, which contacts the edge of the recording material as the propulsion member propels the recording material, and is configured to be movable in a direction opposite to the propulsion direction of the propulsion member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording material processing device and an image forming system. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a process of aligning the positions of the end faces of the sheet medium by causing an alignment member to contact and separate from the end faces of the sheet medium parallel to the discharge direction of the sheet medium after the sheet medium discharged from the discharge unit is completely loaded on the tray.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-240295 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When aligning the recording material, the alignment may be performed by, for example, pressing the edge of the recording material from the side thereof to move the recording material to a predetermined position.

[0008] However, when aligning the recording material, a load is applied to the recording material. If the load is large, the recording material may fluctuate and deform, or when the load is released, the recording material may bounce and the alignment may be disturbed. Furthermore, if the load applied to the recording material is large, the edge of the recording material may break.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to reduce the load acting on a recording material when aligning the recording material, compared to a case where a contact member in contact with the recording material does not move relative to a member having a function of supporting the contact member when aligning the recording material.

[0010] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0011] The invention described in Technical Solution 1 is a recording material processing device, comprising: a supporting portion, which supports at least one recording material from below; a propulsion component, which propels the recording material from the side of the recording material supported by the supporting portion; and a contact member, which is installed on the propulsion component, contacts the edge of the recording material as the propulsion component propels the recording material, and is configured to be able to move in a direction opposite to the propulsion direction of the propulsion component.

[0012] The invention described in Technical Solution 2 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein in a direction horizontal to the vertical direction of the recording material supported by the supporting part, the contact member is arranged at a position closer to the recording material side than the propulsion member, and at least one elastic member is arranged between the contact member and the propulsion member.

[0013] The invention described in Technical Solution 3 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 2, wherein the elastic members are provided in plurality, and the plurality of elastic members are arranged in such a manner that their positions in the direction in which the edge portion of the recording material supported by the supporting portion extends are different from each other.

[0014] The invention described in claim 4 is the recording material processing device according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member is a coil spring, and a portion of the contact member located below the central axis of the coil spring contacts the recording material.

[0015] The invention described in Technical Solution 5 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein at least two hole portions are provided on the propulsion component for the protrusions provided on the contact member to enter, and when the propulsion component is pushed toward the recording material, a predetermined contact portion of the contact member contacts the recording material, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion located on the side close to the contact portion of the two holes is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion located on the side away from the contact portion.

[0016] The invention described in Technical Solution 6 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 5, wherein the hole portion located on the side close to the contact portion is formed by a long hole, and the hole portion located on the side away from the contact portion is formed by a round hole.

[0017] The invention described in Technical Solution 7 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the contact member is arranged at a position closer to the recording material side than the propulsion member, and a plurality of coil springs are arranged between the contact member and the propulsion member, and the plurality of coil springs are arranged in a manner such that their positions in the direction in which the edge portion of the recording material supported by the support portion extends are different from each other, and the recording material processing device also includes: a receiving portion that receives the recording material that moves with the propulsion of the propulsion member; and a plurality of coil springs that support the receiving portion and whose positions in the direction in which the edge portion extends are different from each other, and in the recording material processing device, the angle formed by the line connecting the respective center axes of the plurality of coil springs arranged on the propulsion member side and the edge portion is greater than the angle formed by the line connecting the respective center axes of the plurality of coil springs arranged on the receiving portion side and the edge portion.

[0018] The invention described in Technical Solution 8 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 1, further comprising a receiving portion, wherein the receiving portion has a contact member that contacts the recording material that moves as the propulsion component propels the recording material toward the recording material, and receives the recording material. The at least one recording material includes a loaded recording material that has been loaded on the supporting portion, and a new recording material that is loaded on the loaded recording material. When the new recording material is loaded on the loaded recording material in a state where the new recording material is offset from the position of the loaded recording material, the contact member arranged on the receiving portion is configured to contact the loaded recording material, and the propulsion component propels the new recording material toward the new recording material from the opposite side of the receiving portion that clamps the new recording material.

[0019] The invention described in claim 9 is the recording material processing device according to claim 1, wherein the pushing member is movable in the vertical direction.

[0020] The invention described in claim 10 is the recording material processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a lower edge portion of the contact member is located below a lower edge portion of the urging member.

[0021] The invention described in Technical Solution 11 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 1, and is further provided with an accumulation section, which accumulates a plurality of other recording materials that move toward the support section during the period from when the propulsion section starts to propel the recording material supported by the support section to when the propulsion section returns to its original position.

[0022] The invention described in Technical Solution 12 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 1, wherein when comparing the thickness of the part of the propulsion component facing the contact member in the propulsion direction and the thickness of the contact member in the propulsion direction, the thickness of the contact member is smaller than the thickness of the propulsion component.

[0023] The invention described in Technical Solution 13 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 1 or 12, wherein the portion of the propulsion component facing the contact member is formed in a manner extending in a unidirectional direction and has an end on the downstream side of the unidirectional direction, and the contact member is formed in a manner extending in the unidirectional direction and extends to a position closer to the downstream side of the unidirectional direction than the end of the propulsion component.

[0024] The invention described in Technical Solution 14 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 13, wherein the contact member has a downstream side portion located more downstream in the one-way direction than the end portion of the propulsion member, and an upstream side portion located more upstream than the end portion, and a wide portion is provided in the downstream side portion, the width of which in the vertical direction is greater than the width of the upstream side portion in the vertical direction.

[0025] The invention described in Technical Solution 15 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 1, and also includes a processor, which changes the position of at least a part of the contact member, that is, the position in the up and down direction, based on information related to the recording material supported by the support part, or based on information related to the position of the support part in the up and down direction.

[0026] The invention described in claim 16 is the recording material processing device according to claim 1, wherein the contact member is provided to be rotatable around a rotation axis along the advancing direction.

[0027] The invention described in Technical Solution 17 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 16, and also includes a processor, which sets the rotation angle of the contact member centered on the rotation axis based on information related to the recording material supported by the support part, or based on information related to the position of the support part in the up and down directions.

[0028] The invention described in technical solution 18 is a recording material processing device, comprising: a supporting portion, which supports the recording material from below; a moving component, which moves the recording material supported by the supporting portion in a direction intersecting the vertical direction; a configuration member, which is configured at a position downstream of the recording material moved by the moving component in the moving direction of the recording material; and a contact member, which is configured between the recording material moved by the moving component and the configuration member, and is installed on the configuration member in a state capable of moving toward the configuration member side, and contacts the edge of the recording material moved by the moving component.

[0029] The invention described in claim 19 is a recording material processing device according to claim 18, wherein at least one elastic member is provided between the configuration member and the contact member.

[0030] The invention described in Technical Solution 20 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 19, wherein the elastic member is provided in plurality, and the plurality of elastic members are arranged in a manner such that their positions in the direction in which the edge portion contacted by the contact member extends are different from each other.

[0031] The invention described in Technical Solution 21 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 18, wherein the recording material includes loaded recording material that has been loaded on the supporting portion, and when the contact member is placed on the loaded recording material, the contact member is configured in contact with the loaded recording material, and the configuration member is configured in a non-contact state with the loaded recording material.

[0032] The invention described in Technical Solution 22 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 18, wherein the recording material includes loaded recording material that has been loaded on the supporting portion, and when the contact member is placed on the loaded recording material, the lower edge portion of the contact member contacts the loaded recording material, and the thickness of the lower edge portion of the contact member is smaller than the thickness of the upper edge portion of the contact member.

[0033] The invention described in Technical Solution 23 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 18, wherein the recording material includes loaded recording material that has been loaded on the supporting portion, and when the contact member is placed on the loaded recording material, the lower edge portion of the contact member contacts the loaded recording material, and the lower edge portion is arranged along the surface of the loaded recording material, and the lower edge portion makes line contact with the loaded recording material.

[0034] The invention described in Technical Solution 24 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 18, wherein the moving component includes at least: a propulsion component that propels the recording material from the side of the recording material supported by the supporting portion; and a contact member that is installed on the propulsion component in a state capable of moving in a direction opposite to the propulsion direction of the propulsion component, and contacts the edge of the recording material as the propulsion component is propulsed.

[0035] The invention described in claim 25 is the recording material processing device according to claim 24, wherein an elastic member is provided between the contact member and the urging member.

[0036] The invention described in Technical Solution 26 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 18, wherein the moving component moves the recording material supported by the supporting part in the direction intersecting with the vertical direction, i.e., the cross direction, and when comparing the thickness of the part of the configuration member facing the contact member in the cross direction and the thickness of the contact member in the cross direction, the thickness of the contact member is smaller than the thickness of the configuration member.

[0037] The invention described in Technical Solution 27 is a recording material processing device according to Technical Solution 18, wherein the portion of the configuration member facing the contact member is formed in a manner extending in a unidirectional manner and has an end on the downstream side in the unidirectional direction, the contact member is formed in a manner extending in the unidirectional direction and extends to a position closer to the downstream side in the unidirectional direction than the end of the configuration member, the contact member has a downstream side portion located more downstream in the unidirectional direction than the end of the configuration member, and an upstream side portion located more upstream than the end, and a wide portion whose width in the vertical direction is greater than the width of the upstream side portion in the vertical direction is provided in the downstream side portion.

[0038] The invention described in Technical Solution 28 is an image forming system, comprising an image forming device for forming an image on a recording material, and a recording material processing device for processing the recording material, wherein the recording material processing device comprises a recording material processing device according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 27.

[0039] [Effects of the Invention]

[0040] According to the invention of claim 1 , the load acting on the recording material during the alignment of the recording material can be reduced compared to a case where the contact member in contact with the recording material during the alignment of the recording material does not move relative to the member having the function of supporting the contact member.

[0041] According to the invention of claim 2, the contact member can be moved in the direction opposite to the propulsion direction of the propulsion member, and at the same time, the contact member can be urged in the propulsion direction.

[0042] According to the invention of claim 3 , the contact member can be supported by the elastic member at a plurality of locations different from each other in the direction in which the edge portion of the recording material extends.

[0043] According to the invention of claim 4 , the contact member can be brought into contact with the recording material in a state where the surface of the contact member that is in contact with the recording material faces obliquely downward.

[0044] According to the invention of claim 5 , compared with a case where the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion located closer to the contact portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion located farther from the contact portion, the amount of movement of the contact portion in the direction opposite to the propulsion direction of the propulsion member can be increased.

[0045] According to the invention of technical solution 6, compared with the case where the hole portion located on the side close to the contact portion is composed of a round hole and the hole portion located on the side far from the contact portion is composed of a long hole, the movement amount of the contact portion in the direction opposite to the propulsion direction of the propulsion component can be increased.

[0046] According to the invention of technical solution 7, compared with the case where the angle formed by the line connecting the central axes of the multiple coil springs arranged on the propulsion component side and the edge portion is smaller than the angle formed by the line connecting the central axes of the multiple coil springs arranged on the receiving portion side and the edge portion, the movement of the contact member in the direction opposite to the propulsion direction of the propulsion component can be increased while suppressing the movement on the receiving portion side.

[0047] According to the invention of claim 8, the position of the recording material newly loaded on the already loaded recording material can be aligned.

[0048] According to the invention of claim 9, the positional relationship between the propulsion member and the recording material can be changed.

[0049] According to the invention of claim 10 , compared with a case where the lower edge of the contact member is located above the lower edge of the propulsion member, interference between the recording material and the propulsion member is less likely to occur.

[0050] According to the invention of technical solution 11, compared with the case where no storage section is provided, the processing efficiency in the functional section located upstream of the support section can be improved, and the storage section accumulates a plurality of other recording materials that move toward the support section from the time the propulsion part starts to propel until the propulsion part returns to its original position.

[0051] According to the invention of claim 12, compared with a case where the thickness of the contact member is larger than the thickness of the urging member, the contact member is easily deformed, and the load acting on the recording material from the contact member can be reduced.

[0052] According to the invention of claim 13, when the contact member moves at an angle relative to the propulsion member, it is possible to prevent the front end of the contact member from getting caught on the propulsion member.

[0053] According to the invention of claim 14, damage to the contact member can be reduced compared to a case where the wide portion is not provided on the downstream side portion of the contact member.

[0054] According to the invention of claim 15 , the contact member can more reliably contact the edge of the recording material, compared with a configuration in which the position of at least a portion of the contact member, that is, the position in the vertical direction cannot be changed.

[0055] According to the invention of claim 16, the positional relationship between the contact member and the recording material on the support portion can be changed.

[0056] According to the invention of claim 17, compared with a case where the rotation angle is not set, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a problem such as the recording material supported by the support portion not coming into contact with the contact member.

[0057] According to the invention of claim 18, the load acting on the recording material when aligning the recording material can be reduced compared to a case where the contact member in contact with the recording material does not move relative to a member having a function of supporting the contact member when aligning the recording material.

[0058] According to the invention of claim 19, the contact member can be moved toward the placement member side, and at the same time, the contact member can be urged toward the side opposite to the placement member side.

[0059] According to the invention of claim 20, the contact member can be supported by the elastic member at a plurality of locations different from each other in the direction in which the edge portion of the recording material extends.

[0060] According to the invention of claim 21, it is possible to avoid the configuration member from being in contact with the loaded recording material when the contact member is configured to be in contact with the loaded recording material.

[0061] According to the invention of claim 22, compared with a case where the thickness of the lower edge of the contact member is greater than the thickness of the upper edge of the contact member, it is easier to cause the contact member to tip over with the lower edge of the contact member as a fulcrum.

[0062] According to the invention of claim 23, compared with a case where the lower edge of the contact member is not in line contact with the loaded recording material, movement of the lower edge of the contact member in a state of contacting the loaded recording material can be less likely to occur.

[0063] According to the invention of claim 24, compared with a case where the contact member provided on the moving part cannot move, the load acting on the recording material when aligning the recording material can be reduced.

[0064] According to the invention of claim 25 , the contact member can be moved in a direction opposite to the propulsion direction of the propulsion component, while at the same time, the contact member can be urged in the propulsion direction.

[0065] According to the invention of claim 26, compared with a case where the thickness of the contact member is larger than the thickness of the configuration member, the contact member is easily deformed, and the load acting on the recording material from the contact member can be reduced.

[0066] According to the invention of claim 27, damage to the contact member can be reduced compared to a case where no wide portion is provided on the downstream side portion of the contact member.

[0067] According to the invention of technical solution 28, the load acting on the recording material when aligning the recording material can be reduced compared to the case where the contact member in contact with the recording material does not move relative to the member having the function of supporting the contact member when aligning the recording material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system.

[0069] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of the first post-processing device.

[0070] Figure 3 is from Figure 2 A diagram showing the first loading section as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow III.

[0071] Figure 4 is from Figure 3 A diagram showing the first propulsion member and the like as viewed in the direction indicated by arrow IV.

[0072] Figure 5 is from Figure 4 A diagram showing the first propulsion member and the contact member when viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow V.

[0073] Figure 6 is from Figure 3 A diagram showing the supporting portion, the first propulsion member, and the contact member when viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow VI.

[0074] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing another arrangement example of the support portion, the paper, the first urging member, and the contact member.

[0075] Figure 8 is from Figure 7 A diagram showing the supporting portion, paper, first propulsion member, second propulsion member, and contact member as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow VIII.

[0076] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining an example of processing when paper sheets are loaded in an alternating manner.

[0077] Fig.10 is from Fig. 9 A diagram showing the supporting portion, paper, second propulsion member, and contact member as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow X.

[0078] Fig.11 (A) Fig.11 (B) is a diagram illustrating the moving mechanism.

[0079] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit.

[0080] Fig.13 (A) Fig.13 (B) is a diagram showing other configuration examples such as contact components.

[0081] Fig.14 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of a contact member, etc.

[0082] Fig.15 It is a figure which shows the state of a support part.

[0083] Fig.16 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another positional relationship between paper and the contact member.

[0084] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 3: Paper handling device

[0086] 300: Support

[0087] 610: First propulsion member

[0088] 620: Second propulsion member

[0089] 700: Contact components

[0090] P: Paper

[0091] PB: Marginal DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system 1 .

[0094] Figure 1 The illustrated image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 that forms an image on a sheet P as an example of a recording material, and a sheet processing apparatus 3 that performs a predetermined process on the sheet P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0095] Here, the image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on the paper P using an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

[0096] In the paper processing device 3 as an example of a recording material processing device, there are provided a conveying device 10 for conveying the paper P output from the image forming device 2 to the downstream side, and a backing paper supplying device 20 for supplying backing paper such as thick paper or window paper P to the paper P conveyed by the conveying device 10.

[0097] The paper processing device 3 is provided with a folding device 30 that performs a folding process such as inner trifolding (C-folding) or outer trifolding (Z-folding) on ​​the paper P conveyed from the conveying device 10 .

[0098] Furthermore, the paper processing device 3 is provided with a first post-processing device 40 , which is provided on the downstream side of the folding device 30 and performs perforation, end binding, center binding, etc. on the paper P.

[0099] Incidentally, a first post-processing device 40 is provided on the downstream side of the folding device 30, and the first post-processing device 40 processes a stack of paper sheets (an example of a stack of recording materials) including multiple paper sheets P on which images are formed by the image forming device 2, or processes each paper sheet P separately.

[0100] Furthermore, the paper processing device 3 is provided with a second post-processing device 500 , which is provided on the downstream side of the first post-processing device 40 and further processes the bundle of paper sheets that have been subjected to center folding or center binding.

[0101] Furthermore, the paper sheet processing apparatus 3 is provided with a control unit 100 that controls each functional unit of the paper sheet processing apparatus 3 .

[0102] Fig.12 It is a diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 100 .

[0103] The control unit 100 includes a CPU (=Central Processing Unit) 111 as an example of a processor, a ROM (=Read Only Memory) 112 storing basic software or BIOS (=Basic Input Output System) etc., and a RAM (=Random Access Memory) 113 used as a work area. The control unit 100 is a so-called computer.

[0104] In the present embodiment, the CPU 111 executes a program stored in the ROM 112 or the like, thereby executing various predetermined processes.

[0105] Here, the program executed by CPU 111 can be provided to the paper processing device 3 in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (tape, disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), an optical magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor memory, etc.

[0106] Furthermore, the program executed by the CPU 111 may be provided to the paper processing apparatus 3 using a communication method such as the Internet.

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (such as a central processing unit (CPU)), or a special-purpose processor (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device, etc.).

[0108] Furthermore, the actions of the processors may be performed not only by one processor but also by cooperation of multiple processors located at physically distant locations. Furthermore, the order of the actions of the processors is not limited to the order described in this embodiment but may also be changed.

[0109] Reference Figure 1 Let's explain further.

[0110] The first post-processing device 40 is provided with a punching unit 41 for punching holes in the paper P and an end-stitching stapler unit 42 for stapling the ends of a bundle of paper.

[0111] Furthermore, a first loading section 43 for loading the paper P that has passed through the end-stitching stapler unit 42 and a second loading section 45 for loading the paper P that has not been processed in the first post-processing device 40 or the paper P that has only been perforated are provided. The first loading section 43 and the second loading section 45 are open to the outside of the device, and the operator manually removes the paper P loaded on the first loading section 43 or the second loading section 45.

[0112] Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 is provided with a middle binding unit 44 for middle-folding and middle-binding a bundle of paper sheets to produce a double-page booklet.

[0113] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of the first post-processing device 40 .

[0114] The first post-processing device 40 is provided with a receiving port 49 for receiving the paper P conveyed from the folding device 30 .

[0115] A punching unit 41 is provided after the receiving port 49 . The punching unit 41 performs two-hole or four-hole punching (punching) on ​​the paper P conveyed to the first post-processing device 40 .

[0116] Furthermore, a first paper transport path R1 is provided from the receiving port 49 to the end-stitching stapler unit 42 for transporting the paper P received by the receiving port 49 to the end-stitching stapler unit 42 .

[0117] Furthermore, a second paper transport path R2 is provided at the first branch portion B1 . The second paper transport path R2 branches off from the first paper transport path R1 and is used to transport the paper P to the second loading portion 45 .

[0118] Furthermore, a third paper conveying path R3 is provided at the second branch portion B2 . The third paper conveying path R3 branches off from the first paper conveying path R1 and is used to convey the paper P to the intermediate binding unit 44 .

[0119] Furthermore, a switching gate 70 is provided for switching (setting) the conveyance destination of the paper P to any one of the first to third paper conveyance paths R1 to R3 .

[0120] The end-stitch stapler unit 42 is provided with a paper stacking section 60 for stacking only a required number of paper sheets P to form a paper bundle.

[0121] The paper stacking unit 60 is provided with a support plate 67 which is arranged to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and supports the conveyed paper P from below. In the present embodiment, a bundle of paper is generated on the support plate 67 .

[0122] Furthermore, the end-stitching stapler unit 42 is provided with a stapling processing device 50 that performs stapling (end-stitching) on ​​the end portions of the bundle of paper sheets generated in the paper stacking unit 60 .

[0123] Furthermore, the end-stitch stapler unit 42 is provided with a discharge roller 61 which is rotationally driven to deliver the bundle of sheets generated in the sheet stacking section 60 to the first loading section 43 provided outside the apparatus.

[0124] Furthermore, a movable roller 62 is provided which can move to a position away from the discharge roller 61 and a position in pressure contact with the discharge roller 61 .

[0125] Here, when the process by the edge-stitching stapler unit 42 is performed, first, the conveyed paper P is received at the receiving port 49 .

[0126] Thereafter, the paper P is transported along the first paper transport path R1 and reaches the end-stitching stapler unit 42 .

[0127] Then, the paper P is conveyed above the support plate 67 and then falls onto the support plate 67. The paper P is supported from below by the support plate 67 and slides on the support plate 67 by the tilting and rotating member 63 applied to the support plate 67.

[0128] Thereafter, the paper P abuts against an end guide 64 installed at the end of the support plate 67. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the end of the support plate 67 is provided with an end guide 64 extending upward in the figure, and the paper P moving on the support plate 67 abuts against the end guide 64.

[0129] Thus, in the present embodiment, the movement of the paper P is stopped. Thereafter, the above operation is performed every time the paper P is conveyed from the upstream side, and a stack of paper in which the paper P is aligned is generated on the support plate 67 .

[0130] In addition, in the present embodiment, a paper width position aligning member 65 is provided for aligning the positions of the bundle of paper sheets in the width direction.

[0131] In this embodiment, whenever the paper P is supplied onto the support plate 67 , the ends (sides) of the paper P in the width direction are pressed by the paper width position alignment member 65 , thereby aligning the positions of the paper P (bundle of paper) in the width direction.

[0132] When a predetermined number of sheets P are loaded on the support plate 67 , the binding processing device 50 performs binding of the end portions of the bundle of sheets.

[0133] Thereafter, in the present embodiment, the movable roller 62 is pushed toward the discharge roller 61, and the bundle of paper sheets is sandwiched between the movable roller 62 and the discharge roller 61. Thereafter, the discharge roller 61 is driven to rotate, and the bundle of paper sheets is conveyed to the first loading portion 43.

[0134] In addition, the binding processing device 50 is configured to be able to face away from the reading Figure 2 To the side of the reader or close to the reader Figure 2 In this embodiment, the paper P can be bound at multiple locations by moving to one side of the reader.

[0135] Furthermore, the stapling process by the stapling device 50 may not be performed. In this case, the paper P in a state where the stapling process is not performed is sent from the paper stacking portion 60 to the first loading portion 43 .

[0136] Figure 3 is from Figure 2 A diagram showing the first loading portion 43 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow III.

[0137] The first loading section 43 is provided with a support section 300 for supporting the paper P from below. The support section 300 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction. In addition, the paper P may be supported not only by the support section 300, but also by other parts having an angle with the support section 300, such as Figure 2 The paper P is supported together with the side surfaces of the frame of the first post-processing device 40 and the like.

[0138] Furthermore, a propulsion member 600 for propulsing the paper P from the side of the paper P supported by the support portion 300 is provided in the first loading portion 43. The propulsion member 600 corresponds to the propulsion means in this embodiment.

[0139] Here, in the present embodiment, a first propulsion member 610 and a second propulsion member 620 are provided as the propulsion member 600 .

[0140] The first pushing member 610 pushes the paper P from one side of the paper P, and the second pushing member 620 pushes the paper P from the other side of the paper P.

[0141] like Figure 5 As shown, the first pushing member 610 includes a rotating shaft 612, an arm portion 613 that rotates around the rotating shaft 612, and a pushing portion 614 that pushes the paper P from the side of the paper P when the arm portion 613 rotates and is located below. In addition, in the present embodiment, the side of the pushing portion 614 that is close to the rotating shaft 612 is set as the rotating shaft 610A side, and the front end side is set as the front end 610B side.

[0142] Incidentally, the first pushing member 610 and the second pushing member 620 each move in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the paper P (the width direction of the paper P), and push the paper P from the side of the paper P.

[0143] Here, when the paper P is loaded into the first loading section 43, the paper P is loaded into the first loading section 43. Figure 3 The material is transported in the direction indicated by arrow 3A.

[0144] In the present embodiment, the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 each move in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0145] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the first pushing member 610 and the second pushing member 620 are respectively moved in directions intersecting the vertical direction, and push the paper P from the side of the paper P.

[0146] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a contact member 700 that comes into contact with the paper P is mounted on each of the first urging member 610 and the second urging member 620 .

[0147] Here, Figure 5 The rotation axis 612 shown in FIG. 6 is arranged along the propulsion direction of the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 .

[0148] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first propulsion member 610 , the second propulsion member 620 , and the contact member 700 are respectively provided to be rotatable around the rotation axis 612 along the propulsion direction.

[0149] More specifically, the first pushing member 610, the second pushing member 620, and the contact member 700 are respectively configured to be able to move in a direction with the rotation axis 612 as the center. Figure 4 Rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 4A.

[0150] Contact member 700 (see Figure 3 ) is installed at a portion of the first propulsion member 610 located on the paper P side and at a portion of the second propulsion member 620 located on the paper P side, and contacts the edge portion PB of the paper P as the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 propel the paper P toward the paper.

[0151] Incidentally, the contact member 700 is provided at a position closer to the paper P than the urging member 600 , and comes into contact with the edge portion PB of the paper P as the first urging member 610 and the second urging member 620 urge the paper P.

[0152] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described later, the contact member 700 can move in the direction opposite to the direction of the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the contact member 700 propels the paper P in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and after contacting the paper P, moves toward the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 disposed on the side of the paper P. The surfaces of the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 located at the same position in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the paper P are connected to each other via the coil spring KB (refer to Figure 5 ) and withstand the impact of the contact component 700.

[0153] Figure 4 is from Figure 3 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the first propulsion member 610 and the like when viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow IV. Figure 4 In the figure, the support portion 300 is omitted.

[0154] The first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 are provided so as to protrude from the device body 40A of the first post-processing device 40 .

[0155] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a moving mechanism 730 for moving the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 is provided.

[0156] In this embodiment, the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 can be moved by the moving mechanism 730. Figure 3 The rotation center indicated by the symbol 3X is the center direction Figure 4 In other words, in this embodiment, the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 can rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow 4A. Figure 5 The device rotates about the rotation axis 612 shown in FIG.

[0157] In addition, in this embodiment, the first propulsion member 610 (see Figure 4 ), the second propulsion member 620 is capable of moving in the upward and downward directions.

[0158] The first loading section 43 is open to the outside, and when the operator removes the paper P loaded on the supporting section 300 , the first pushing member 610 and the second pushing member 620 are located in the upper direction and are retracted from the paper P to be removed.

[0159] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 can be moved to the left and right sides of the vehicle body by the moving mechanism 730. Figure 4 Movement in the direction indicated by arrow 4X.

[0160] Incidentally, in this embodiment, as described above, the first urging member 610 and the second urging member 620 can be moved relative to the paper P (in Figure 4 Movement of the edge portion PB (not shown in the figure).

[0161] In the present embodiment, the contact member 700 is located closer to the paper P (at the position of the first urging member 610 and the second urging member 620). Figure 4 side of the device.

[0162] Figure 5 is from Figure 4 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first propulsion member 610 and a corresponding contact member 700 viewed from the direction indicated by an arrow V. In the present embodiment, the second propulsion member 620 side is configured similarly to the first propulsion member 610 side.

[0163] The contact member 700 is provided with two protrusions 740 that protrude toward the first propulsion member 610 . In the present embodiment, the contact member 700 is inclined around the portion where the protrusions 740 are provided (described later).

[0164] In other words, in the present embodiment, the two protrusions 740 are structures that serve as axes, and in the present embodiment, the contact member 700 is inclined around each of the axes.

[0165] In the present embodiment, the protrusions 740 include a front end side protrusion 741 located on the front end 610B side of the first propulsion member 610 and a root side protrusion 742 located on the root 610A side (rotation shaft 610A side) of the first propulsion member 610 .

[0166] Here, the two protrusions 740 are arranged at positions different from each other in the longitudinal direction of the contact member 700 .

[0167] Furthermore, the first urging member 610 is provided with two holes 750 into which the protrusions 740 provided on the contact member 700 enter.

[0168] Furthermore, the contact member 700 of this embodiment includes a root side end portion 700A located on the root 610A side of the first propulsion member 610 and an opposite side end portion 700B located on the opposite side to the root side end portion 700A (on the front end 610B side of the first propulsion member 610 ).

[0169] In the present embodiment, the distance L2 between the tip-side protrusion 741 as the other protrusion 740 and the opposite-side end 700B is greater than the distance L1 between the root-side protrusion 742 as one of the protrusions 740 and the root-side end 700A.

[0170] Here, in this embodiment, the hole portion 750 located on the front end 610B side of the first propulsion member 610 , that is, the front end side hole portion 751 is formed by a long hole. Here, the long hole is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the contact member 700 .

[0171] On the other hand, the hole portion 750 located on the root portion 610A side of the first propulsion member 610, that is, the root side hole portion 752, is formed of a circular hole.

[0172] Here, in the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the front end side hole portion 751 of one of the two hole portions 750 (the cross-sectional area on a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the hole portion 750 ) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the root side hole portion 752 of the other hole portion 750 .

[0173] In the present embodiment, when the first urging member 610 is urged toward the paper P, a predetermined contact portion (described later) of the contact member 700 comes into contact with the paper P.

[0174] In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tip-side hole portion 751 located on the side close to the contact portion among the two hole portions 750 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the root-side hole portion 752 .

[0175] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a coil spring KB as an example of an elastic member is provided between the contact member 700 and the first propulsion member 610 .

[0176] In addition, in this specification, although the coil spring KB is described as an example, as the elastic member, members such as a leaf spring and rubber can be cited in addition to the coil spring KB.

[0177] In this embodiment, a plurality of coil springs KB are provided.

[0178] Specifically, in the present embodiment, two coil springs KB are provided: a front end side coil spring KB1 provided on the front end 610B side of the first propulsion member 610 , and a root side coil spring KB2 provided on the root 610A side of the first propulsion member 610 .

[0179] In the present embodiment, a front end side coil spring KB1 is provided around the front end side protrusion 741 , and a root side coil spring KB2 is provided around the root side protrusion 742 .

[0180] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a restricting screw 220 is provided for restricting the movement of the contact member 700 in a direction away from the first propulsion member 610 .

[0181] Incidentally, a restricting screw 220 is provided for restricting the movement of the contact member 700 in a direction away from the first thrust member 610 to prevent the contact member 700 from being separated.

[0182] The restricting screws 220 are respectively attached to the front end portion of the front end side protrusion 741 and the front end portion of the root side protrusion 742 .

[0183] When the contact member 700 is about to move in a direction away from the first thrust member 610 , the head 221 of the restricting screw 220 abuts against the first thrust member 610 . Thus, the contact member 700 is prevented from being separated from the first thrust member 610 .

[0184] In this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, in comparison, when the contact member 700 is directed toward the paper P (refer to Figure 3 ) in the case of the thickness in the advancing direction when being pushed, the thickness W5 of the contact member 700 is smaller than the thickness W6 of the pushing portion 614.

[0185] In other words, when comparing the thickness W6 of the portion of the first propulsion member 610 facing the contact member 700 in the propulsion direction with the thickness W5 of the contact member 700 in the propulsion direction, the thickness W5 of the contact member 700 is smaller than the thickness W6 of the first propulsion member 610 .

[0186] In other words, in this embodiment, when comparing the edge portion PB of the paper P (see Figure 3 ) extending in a direction intersecting the direction in which the contact member 700 extends, the thickness W5 of the contact member 700 is different from the thickness W6 of the pushing portion 614. In this embodiment, the thickness W5 of the contact member 700 is smaller than the thickness W6 of the pushing portion 614.

[0187] The contact member 700 and the pusher 614 move along the edge PB ( Figure 3 When comparing the thickness in the direction intersecting the extending direction, the thickness W5 of the contact member 700 is smaller than the thickness W6 of the pushing portion 614.

[0188] Here, the thickness refers to the thickness of the main body portion formed in a plate shape, and does not refer to the thickness of a portion where the thickness is locally increased due to the presence of a protrusion or the thickness is locally decreased due to the presence of a recess.

[0189] For example, in this embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, a protrusion 614A is provided in the pushing portion 614, and a thickness W6 of the pushing portion 614 refers to the thickness of a portion other than the protrusion 614A.

[0190] Similarly, the contact member 700 is also provided with a protrusion 740 , and the thickness W5 of the contact member 700 refers to the thickness of the portion excluding the protrusion 740 .

[0191] Fig.13 (A) Fig.13 (B) is a diagram showing another configuration example of the contact member 700, etc. Fig.13 As shown in (A), in the above-described configuration example, the protruding portion 614B is also provided in the pushing portion 614, and the thickness W6 of the pushing portion 614 refers to the thickness of the portion excluding the protruding portion 614B.

[0192] In addition, in the above-described configuration example, no Figure 5 In the protrusion 614A shown in FIG. 1 , the head 221 of the restricting screw 220 abuts against the side surface 614X of the plate-shaped pushing portion 614 .

[0193] Moreover, in Fig.13 In the configuration example shown in (A), the contact member 700 is provided with Figure 5 The protrusion 789 is not shown in the figure, and the thickness W5 of the contact member 700 refers to the thickness of the portion other than the protrusion 789.

[0194] Fig.13 (B) is from Fig.13 FIG. 6 is a diagram of the pusher 614 when viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow XIIIB in (A). In the pusher 614, when facing the contact member 700 (refer to Fig.13 A plurality of recesses 700Y are provided on the surface on the (A) side.

[0195] The thickness W6 of the pushing portion 614 refers to the thickness of the portion where the recessed portion 700Y is not provided. In other words, the thickness W6 of the pushing portion 614 refers to the thickness of the pushing portion 614 assuming that the recessed portion 700Y is not provided.

[0196] Figure 6 is from Figure 3 The figure is a diagram when observing the support part 300, the first propulsion member 610, and the contact member 700 in the direction indicated by the arrow VI.

[0197] In the present embodiment, whenever the paper P is conveyed to the supporting portion 300 , the first pushing member 610 pushes toward the paper P, thereby pressing the contact member 700 against the edge PB of the paper P.

[0198] In addition, in this case, the second propulsion member 620 (in Figure 6 The second urging member 620 (not shown) is also pushed toward the paper P, so that the contact member 700 provided on the side of the second urging member 620 is pressed against the edge portion PB of the paper P.

[0199] When the contact member 700 is pressed against the edge portion PB of the paper P, a predetermined contact portion 780 of the contact member 700 comes into contact with the paper P in the present embodiment.

[0200] Here, in this embodiment, the front end side hole portion 751 (see Figure 5 ) is located on a side close to the contact portion 780. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the front end side hole portion 751 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the root side hole portion 752.

[0201] Therefore, in this embodiment, compared with the case where the cross-sectional area of ​​the tip end side hole portion 751 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the root side hole portion 752, the contact portion 780 (see Figure 6 ) becomes easier to move.

[0202] Incidentally, the side of the contact member 700 where the contact portion 780 is located becomes easy to retreat to the first urging member 610 side. In this embodiment, the area of ​​the contact portion 780 is a part of the contact member, but it can also be configured so that more areas of the contact member are in contact with the paper P. In this case, the contact portion 780 is larger than the contact portion 780. Figure 6 Become bigger, when from Figure 6When viewed in the direction of , when the two holes are covered, the hole portion located closer to the center of the contact portion becomes the side closer to the contact portion.

[0203] Moreover, in Figure 6 , a state in which the first propulsion member 610 and the contact member 700 are viewed from the upstream side in the propulsion direction of the first propulsion member 610 is shown.

[0204] Thus, when the first propulsion member 610 and the contact member 700 are viewed from the upstream side in the propulsion direction of the first propulsion member 610 , in the present embodiment, the contact member 700 is larger than the first propulsion member 610 .

[0205] More specifically, in the present embodiment, in the protruding direction of the first propulsion member 610 , the end portion 701 of the contact member 700 is located downstream of the front end portion 611 of the first propulsion member 610 in the protruding direction of the first propulsion member 610 .

[0206] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the width of the contact member 700 is greater than the width of the first urging member 610 .

[0207] More specifically, in the present embodiment, when comparing the widths in a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the first thrust member 610 , the width W2 of the contact member 700 is larger than the width W1 of the first thrust member 610 .

[0208] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lower edge portion 709 of the contact member 700 is located below the lower edge portion 610E of the first propulsion member 610 .

[0209] Moreover, in this embodiment, when the first propulsion member 610 propels the paper P, Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the plurality of coil springs KB are arranged at positions different from each other in the direction in which the edge portion PB extends.

[0210] More specifically, in this case, the base-side coil spring KB2 is located on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the paper P, and the leading-side coil spring KB1 is located on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the paper P.

[0211] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in order to avoid interference between the first urging member 610 , the contact member 700 , and the support portion 300 , a recess 300B is formed in the upper surface 300A of the support portion 300 .

[0212] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the position of the paper P is shifted relative to the first urging member 610. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the paper P can be moved relative to the first urging member 610, that is, the paper P can be moved in the vertical direction.

[0213] The relative movement of the paper P with respect to the first propulsion member 610 is performed by, for example, moving the support portion 300 up and down.

[0214] More specifically, for example, the movement of the paper P relative to the first pushing member 610 , that is, the movement of the paper P in the up-down direction, is performed by moving the supporting portion 300 up-down to move the loading position of the paper P upward or downward.

[0215] In addition, in this embodiment, an elastic member is provided between the contact member 700 and the first propulsion member 610. In addition, an elastic member may be provided between the contact member 700 and the first propulsion member 610, and furthermore, the rotation shaft 612 (see Figure 5 ) is equipped with springs to double absorb the impact.

[0216] On the other hand, as a comparative example, even if the spring is provided only on the rotating shaft 612 and the contact member 700 and the first pushing member 610 are integrally formed into an integrated contact movable portion (not shown), the contact portion can be pushed relative to the paper P. However, in the case of an integrated contact movable portion, the impact received on the side of the paper is not absorbed on the side of the paper but absorbed by the rotating shaft 612 as a rotation fulcrum, so the rigidity of the contact movable portion becomes necessary. In this case, the load on the rotating shaft 612 becomes large, so it is not suitable.

[0217] Reference Fig.14 (Diagram for explaining the structure of the contact member 700, etc.), the support portion 300, the first propulsion member 610, and the contact member 700 are further explained. Fig.14 The status shown in Figure 6 The same state as shown in .

[0218] like Fig.14 As shown, the propulsion portion 614 provided on the first propulsion member 610 is formed in a manner extending in a single direction and has an end portion 614E on the downstream side in the single direction. More specifically, the propulsion portion 614 is formed in a manner extending toward the downstream side in the conveying direction of the paper P and has an end portion 614E on the downstream side in the conveying direction.

[0219] More specifically, a portion of the first propulsion member 610 that faces the contact member 700 is formed to extend in one direction, and further has an end portion 614E on the downstream side in the one direction.

[0220] The contact member 700 is also formed to extend toward the downstream side in the one direction. Furthermore, the contact member 700 is formed to extend to a position further downstream in the one direction than the end portion 614E of the first propulsion member 610 .

[0221] The contact member 700 includes a downstream portion 785 located on the downstream side of the end portion 614E of the first propulsion member 610 in one direction, and an upstream portion 786 located on the upstream side of the end portion 614E.

[0222] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the downstream portion 785 is provided with a wide portion 785A.

[0223] The width of the wide portion 785A in the vertical direction is a width H1, which is larger than a width H2 of the upstream portion 786 in the vertical direction.

[0224] Here, in the present embodiment, when the paper P is taken out from the first loading unit 43 , there is a possibility that the paper P hits the front end of the contact member 700 . In other words, the paper P may hit the downstream side portion 785 of the contact member 700 .

[0225] More specifically, for example, when taking out the paper P, sometimes Figure 4 The paper P is taken out in the direction indicated by the arrow 4B, and at this time, the paper P sometimes touches the downstream side portion 785 of the contact member 700.

[0226] In this case, if the wide portion 785A is provided as shown in the present embodiment, damage to the contact member 700 is less likely to occur compared to a case where the wide portion 785A is not provided.

[0227] More specifically, if the wide portion 785A is provided, the region where stress is generated in the contact member 700 becomes wider, and thus the contact member 700 is less likely to be damaged.

[0228] In addition, Fig.14 In the embodiment, the structure of the first propulsion member 610 side located on one side of the paper P is described, but as described above, in this embodiment, the first propulsion member 610 side and the second propulsion member 620 side have the same structure, and the wide width portion 785A is also provided on the second propulsion member 620 side.

[0229] In addition, when excessive force is applied, there is a possibility that the contact member 700 moves extremely obliquely with respect to the propulsion portion 614 of the propulsion member 610 in such a manner that only the downstream side portion 785 approaches. However, even if the contact member 700 moves extremely obliquely, since the downstream side portion 785 extends to a position downstream of the propulsion member 610, the end of the contact member 700 does not abut against the propulsion member 610. When abutting, the contact member 700 becomes difficult to move, and further, when the rigidity of the contact member 700 is lower than that of the propulsion member 610, the contact member 700 may be broken. By the way, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the contact member 700 from moving extremely obliquely with respect to the propulsion portion 614 of the propulsion member 610, two protrusions 740 are provided, or the shape of the spring is a coil spring KB1, so that the contact member 700 becomes difficult to move obliquely in the case of general use.

[0230] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the support portion 300 , the paper P, the first urging member 610 , and the contact member 700 .

[0231] In the configuration example, Figure 6 Compared to the state shown in , the supporting portion 300 is lowered, and a portion of the contact member 700 closer to the lower edge portion 709 is in contact with the paper P.

[0232] More specifically, in the above-described arrangement example, a portion of the contact member 700 that is located below the front end side coil spring KB1 comes into contact with the paper P.

[0233] Incidentally, in the above-described arrangement example, the portion of the contact member 700 that is located below the central axis C of the front end side coil spring KB1 contacts the paper P.

[0234] Figure 8 is from Figure 7 The figure is a diagram when the supporting portion 300, the paper P, the first propulsion member 610, the second propulsion member 620, and the contact member 700 are viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow VIII.

[0235] exist Figure 7 , Figure 8 In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 1 , a portion of the contact member 700 located below the front end side coil spring KB1 contacts the paper P. FIG.

[0236] In this case, if Figure 8 As shown, the contact member 700 is inclined, and the contact member 700 covers the edge portion PB of the paper P.

[0237] When the portion of the contact member 700 located below the front end coil spring KB1 contacts the paper P, the surface of the contact member 700 pressing the paper P faces obliquely downward. In this case, the contact member 700 covers the edge PB of the paper P.

[0238] In this case, a load also acts on the paper P from above the edge portion PB. Incidentally, in this case, a load acts not only from the side of the paper P but also from above the paper P, and a load that presses the paper P from above acts on the paper P.

[0239] Next, a description will be given of a processing example when the paper sheets P are staggered and loaded. In other words, a description will be given of a processing example when the paper sheets P are loaded with an offset.

[0240] In this embodiment, if Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 2A , each time a predetermined number of sheets of paper P are loaded, the loading positions in the width direction of the paper P are shifted to load the paper P, so that the paper P can be loaded in a staggered manner.

[0241] More specifically, the paper P loaded at a first position and the paper P loaded at a second position different from the first position in the width direction of the paper P may be loaded alternately.

[0242] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, new paper P can be loaded onto paper P already loaded on the supporting portion 300 , that is, the loaded paper PX, and further, the new paper P can be loaded in a state where the position is shifted relative to the loaded paper PX.

[0243] Thus, when the sheets P are staggered, Fig. 9 As shown, for example, the first propulsion member 610 propels the paper P, while another propulsion member, namely the second propulsion member 620 receives the paper P that is pressed and moved by the first propulsion member 610 .

[0244] Here, the contact member 700 is pressed against the edge portion PB of the paper P on the side where the paper P is pressed, that is, on the side of the first urging member 610 .

[0245] Furthermore, the position of the second urging member 620 side, which is the receiving side of the paper P, is fixed, and the paper P moves toward the fixed second urging member 620 side, and the movement of the paper P is stopped by the second urging member 620 side.

[0246] Furthermore, on the second urging member 620 side, the contact member 700 provided on the second urging member 620 side is arranged to contact the upper surface of the loaded paper PX.

[0247] Here, in the present embodiment, the second propulsion member 620 side functions as a receiving portion, and in the present embodiment, the second propulsion member 620 side receives the paper P that has moved along with the propulsion of the first propulsion member 610 .

[0248] More specifically, the contact member 700 installed on the second urging member 620 receives the paper P.

[0249] More specifically, in the present embodiment, the edge portion PB of the moving paper P contacts the contact member 700 , the movement of the paper P is restricted, and the paper P stops at a predetermined position.

[0250] In this case, in the present embodiment, the contact member 700 is supported by the front end side coil spring KB1 and the root side coil spring KB2 disposed between the contact member 700 and the second propulsion member 620 .

[0251] In addition, Fig. 9 In the figure, the first pushing member 610 pushes the paper P and the second pushing member 620 receives the paper P. However, when the paper P is loaded after the loading position of the paper P is changed to another loading position, the second pushing member 620 pushes the paper P and the first pushing member 610 receives the paper P.

[0252] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the loading position of the paper P is changed by moving the supporting portion 300 in the width direction of the paper P.

[0253] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the loading position of the paper P may be changed by other methods, such as moving the discharge port that discharges the paper P toward the first loading unit 43 in the width direction of the paper P.

[0254] Here, in this embodiment, if Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first pushing member 610 that is the side for pressing the paper P is arranged below the second pushing member 620 that is the side for receiving the paper P.

[0255] Furthermore, the first pushing member 610 as a side pressing the paper P is Figure 6 or Figure 7 The state configuration shown in .

[0256] In this case, on the first propulsion member 610 side, as described above, the contact portion 780 (see Figure 6 , Figure 7 ) is in contact with the paper P.

[0257] On the other hand, regarding the second pushing member 620 side as the side receiving the paper P, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, the contact member 700 is arranged above the loaded paper PX.

[0258] More specifically, in the present embodiment, the contact member 700 provided on the second urging member 620 side is placed on the loaded paper PX. More specifically, the contact member 700 provided on the second urging member 620 side is arranged in contact with the loaded paper PX.

[0259] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the second pushing member 620 is arranged above the loaded paper PX and is arranged in a non-contact state with the loaded paper PX.

[0260] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when a new paper P is loaded on the already loaded paper PX, the first urging member 610 urges the new paper P from the opposite side of the second urging member 620 sandwiching the new paper P toward the new paper P as indicated by arrow 9A.

[0261] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the contact member 700 provided on the second urging member 620 side comes into contact with the loaded paper PX, the lower edge portion 709 of the contact member 700 comes into contact with the loaded paper PX.

[0262] Here, although the description is omitted in the above, in the present embodiment, the thickness D1 of the lower edge portion 709 of the contact member 700 is smaller than the thickness D2 of the upper edge portion 710 of the contact member 700 .

[0263] More specifically, the contact member 700 of the present embodiment is formed in a plate shape and is arranged along the conveying direction of the paper P. In the plate-shaped contact member 700 , the thickness D1 of the lower edge portion 709 is smaller than the thickness D2 of the upper edge portion 710 .

[0264] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, when comparing the thicknesses in the moving directions of the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 , the thickness of the lower edge portion 709 is smaller than the thickness of the upper edge portion 710 .

[0265] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Fig. 9 As shown, in a lower portion 700F located on the lower side of the contact member 700 , the thickness decreases toward the lower edge portion 709 .

[0266] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the surface of the contact member 700 facing the second propulsion member 620 is tapered, and the thickness of the contact member 700 gradually decreases toward the lower edge portion 709 in the lower portion 700F of the contact member 700 .

[0267] More specifically, in this embodiment, the lower portion of the surface of the contact member 700 facing the second propulsion member 620 is inclined so as to gradually move away from the second propulsion member 620 as it moves downward. As a result, the thickness of the contact member 700 decreases as it moves toward the lower edge 709 in the lower portion 700F.

[0268] More specifically, the tapered surface TM is provided at the lower portion of the surface of the contact member 700 facing the second propulsion member 620 , and the thickness of the contact member 700 decreases toward the lower edge portion 709 in the lower portion 700F.

[0269] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the tapered surface TM is provided at a portion of the contact member 700 that does not contact the base-side coil spring KB2 and the tip-side coil spring KB1 .

[0270] Incidentally, in this embodiment, when the tapered surface TM, the root side coil spring KB2, and the front end side coil spring KB1 are projected in the direction indicated by the arrow 9X in the figure, there is no overlap between the tapered surface TM and the root side coil spring KB2, and between the tapered surface TM and the front end side coil spring KB1.

[0271] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, when the tapered surface TM, the root side coil spring KB2, and the front end side coil spring KB1 are projected in the thickness direction of the contact member 700 and toward the surface 9Z parallel to the contact member 700, there is no overlap between the tapered surface TM and the root side coil spring KB2, and between the tapered surface TM and the front end side coil spring KB1.

[0272] Thus, in the present embodiment, while giving the contact member 700 a tapered shape, deformation of the contact member 700 can be suppressed.

[0273] Here, when the tapered surface TM exists at the portion of the contact member 700 where the base-side coil spring KB2 and the tip-side coil spring KB1 contact, the thickness of the contact member 700 is small at the portion where the tapered surface TM is formed, so the contact member 700 is easily deformed.

[0274] On the other hand, when the tapered surface TM is present at the portion of the contact member 700 that does not contact the base-side coil spring KB2 and the tip-side coil spring KB1 as described above, deformation of the contact member 700 can be suppressed.

[0275] Fig.10 is from Fig. 9 The figure is a diagram when the supporting portion 300, the paper P, the second propulsion member 620, and the contact member 700 are viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow X.

[0276] In the present embodiment, as described above, the second pushing member 620 as the side for receiving the paper P is arranged above the loaded paper PX.

[0277] Furthermore, as described above, in the present embodiment, the contact member 700 is placed on the loaded paper PX, and further, the lower edge portion 709 of the contact member 700 is in contact with the loaded paper PX.

[0278] Here, in the present embodiment, the lower edge portion 709 is arranged along the surface of the loaded paper PX, and the lower edge portion 709 is in line contact with the loaded paper PX.

[0279] Moreover, in this embodiment, when the lower edge portion 709 contacts the loaded paper PX, the parallelism between the lower edge portion 709 and the loaded paper PX is higher than the parallelism between the lower edge portion 610E of the second urging member 620 and the loaded paper PX.

[0280] Here, in the present embodiment, the first urging member 610 that presses one side of the paper P is, for example, Figure 6 The state configuration shown.

[0281] Furthermore, the second pushing member 620 as a side receiving the paper P is Fig.10 In the illustrated configuration, the second urging member 620 is disposed along the loaded paper PX, compared to the first urging member 610 .

[0282] Incidentally, in this embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown, the angle formed by the line L11 connecting the central axes C2 of the leading end coil spring KB1 and the base end coil spring KB2 provided on the first urging member 610 and the edge PB of the paper P is an angle α.

[0283] In contrast, Fig.10 As shown, the angle formed by the line L21 connecting the central axes C21 of the leading end side coil spring KB1 and the base side coil spring KB2 provided on the second urging member 620 side and the edge PB of the paper P is the angle β.

[0284] In the present embodiment, the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 are arranged so that the angle α is larger than the angle β.

[0285] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second propulsion member 620 (see Fig.10 ) side, the newly supplied paper P (at Fig.10The load (not shown) acts on the second propulsion member 620 side. At this time, in the present embodiment, the load is borne by the two coil springs KB, the front end side coil spring KB1 and the root side coil spring KB2.

[0286] In contrast, in the first propulsion member 610 (see Figure 6 ) side, the load caused by the reaction from the paper P is also borne by the coil spring KB. At this time, in this embodiment, the load is mainly borne by the front end side coil spring KB1.

[0287] Here, the second propulsion member 620 (see Fig.10 ) side, as described above, the load is borne by two coil springs KB, so the load acting on each coil spring KB becomes smaller. In this case, the contact member 700 arranged on the second propulsion member 620 side becomes difficult to move, making the positioning of the paper P by the contact member 700 more stable.

[0288] Furthermore, if the contact member 700 is configured to be difficult to move, the loaded paper PX located below the contact member 700 and in contact with the contact member 700 becomes difficult to move.

[0289] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the paper P is pressed against the contact member 700 that functions as a receiving portion for receiving the paper P, the contact member 700 is easily moved at the lower edge portion 709 (see Fig. 9 ) is the center and rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 9F.

[0290] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the lower edge 709 of the contact member 700 contacts the loaded paper PX and is not easily moved by the resistance force from the paper P. On the other hand, the portion of the contact member 700 located above the lower edge 709 is pressed by the new paper P and is easily tilted in the direction indicated by the arrow 9F.

[0291] In this case, the loaded paper PX located below the contact member 700 becomes less likely to move. Also, in this case, positional deviation of the loaded paper PX due to movement of the lower edge portion 709 of the contact member 700 is less likely to occur.

[0292] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the contact member 700 is provided with the tapered surface TM, thereby making it easier for the contact member 700 to fall down.

[0293] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the tapered surface TM is provided on the surface of the contact member 700 on the side where the contact member 700 tilts, so that the contact member 700 tilts more easily.

[0294] On the other hand, in the first propulsion member 610 (refer to Figure 6 ) side, the load caused by the reaction from the paper P is mainly borne by the front end side coil spring KB1.

[0295] In this case, the amount of contraction of the front end side coil spring KB1 increases, and the contact member 700 moves greatly. In this case, the load acting on the paper P from the first urging member 610 side is reduced.

[0296] Here, if the load acting on the paper P is large, the paper P may wave and deform, or when the load is released, the paper P may bounce and the alignment may be disturbed. In addition, if the load acting on the paper P is large, the edge PB of the paper P may be broken.

[0297] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the load acting on the paper P is reduced, and a problem that would otherwise occur if a large load were applied to the paper P is less likely to occur.

[0298] Here, there are also many variations in the size of the paper P, and there may be paper P that is larger than a predetermined value.

[0299] In this case, the paper P having a volume greater than the prescribed value is excessively pressed by the first urging member 610 or the second urging member 620 . In this case, there is a possibility that the paper P is deformed or the paper P is disordered.

[0300] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the contact member 700 is retracted from the paper P when there is a paper P larger than a predetermined value.

[0301] Incidentally, when there is a sheet of paper P larger than a predetermined value, the contact member 700 moves in a direction opposite to the thrust direction of the first thrust member 610 and the second thrust member 620 .

[0302] This suppresses excessive load from acting on the paper P, thereby suppressing deformation of the paper P and disorder of the paper P.

[0303] In the present embodiment, the movement amount (the retreat amount from the paper P) of the contact member 700 provided on the pushing side is greater than the movement amount of the contact member 700 provided on the receiving side.

[0304] In this case, the paper P can be positioned more accurately on the receiving side, and the load applied by the paper P can be relieved on the pushing side.

[0305] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 8As shown, when both the first and second urging members 610 and 620 are urged relative to the paper P, the movement amount (the amount of retreat from the paper P) of the contact member 700 is increased, and the load acting on the paper P is reduced.

[0306] When both the first and second propulsion members 610 and 620 are propulsed relative to the paper P, the load due to the reaction from the paper P is mainly received by the front end side coil spring KB1 .

[0307] In this case, the contact member 700 moves greatly, and the load acting on the paper P from the first urging member 610 and the second urging member 620 is reduced.

[0308] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an accumulation portion is provided to accumulate the paper P conveyed from the upstream side during the process of aligning the paper P using the first urging member 610 and the second urging member 620 .

[0309] More specifically, in the present embodiment, during the period from when one or both of the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 start to propel until the propulsion member 600 returns to its original position, new paper P is sometimes transported from the upstream side toward the support portion 300. In this case, in the present embodiment, the new paper P is temporarily accumulated in the accumulation portion.

[0310] Specifically, in this embodiment, the paper stacking unit 60 (see Figure 2 ) functions as an accumulation section, and multiple new sheets of paper P are accumulated in the paper stacking section 60 from the time when the one or two propulsion members 600 start to propel until the propulsion members 600 return to their original positions.

[0311] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, a plurality of sheets of paper P that have arrived at the paper stacking unit 60 from the time when one or two of the pushing members 600 start pushing until the pushing members 600 return to their original positions are accumulated in the paper stacking unit 60 .

[0312] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the propelled propelling member 600 returns to its original position, the plurality of sheets of paper P accumulated in the paper stacking unit 60 are conveyed to the first loading unit 43 .

[0313] Here, for example, if a plurality of sheets of paper P are not accumulated in the paper stacking unit 60, it is necessary to make the image forming apparatus 2 (see Figure 1 ) in the image forming process is temporarily stopped.

[0314] More specifically, during the alignment process of the paper P by the first loading unit 43 , the transportation of the paper P to the first loading unit 43 is delayed. In this case, the image forming apparatus 2 is affected and needs to temporarily stop the image forming process.

[0315] On the other hand, when a plurality of sheets of paper P are accumulated in the paper stacking unit 60 as in the present embodiment, the influence on the image forming apparatus 2 is reduced compared to the case where the sheets of paper P are not accumulated, and the processing efficiency of the entire image forming system 1 can be improved.

[0316] In addition, in the above description, the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 both have the function of pressing the paper P and the function of receiving the paper P, but one of the propulsion members 600 can also have only the function of pressing the paper P, and the other propulsion member 600 can have only the function of receiving the paper P.

[0317] Incidentally, in the above description, both the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 have the function of advancing and retreating relative to the paper P. However, this is not limiting, and only one of the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 may be given the function of advancing and retreating relative to the paper P, and the other propulsion member 600 may not be given the function of advancing and retreating, and the other propulsion member 600 may be provided in a fixed state.

[0318] In this case, since the fixed propulsion member 600 has no propulsion function, it can be understood as a member disposed downstream of the paper P moving in the width direction, rather than as a propulsion member.

[0319] Incidentally, the push member 600 provided in a fixed state can be understood as a member arranged at a downstream side in the paper moving direction of the paper P that is moved by being pressed by another push member 600 .

[0320] Incidentally, in this case, the pushing member 600 on the side pressing the paper P can be understood as a moving member that moves the paper P supported by the supporting portion 300 in the width direction of the paper P.

[0321] Furthermore, the pushing member 600 provided in a fixed state can be understood as a member arranged at a position downstream in the paper moving direction relative to the paper P moved by the moving means.

[0322] Furthermore, in this case, on the side of the arrangement member, the contact member 700 provided on the side of the arrangement member is used to receive the paper P moved by the moving means.

[0323] Here, in this case, the contact member 700 is arranged between the paper P moved by the moving means and the arrangement member.

[0324] Furthermore, instead of providing a member such as the contact member 700 , a wall portion along the vertical direction may be provided on the side receiving the paper P so that the paper P abuts against the wall portion.

[0325] The process related to the loading of the paper P will be further described.

[0326] In this embodiment, the CPU 111 (see Fig.12 ) Based on information about the paper P supported by the supporting portion 300, the position of at least a portion of the contact member 700, that is, the position in the up-down direction is changed.

[0327] In other words, the CPU 111 sets the rotation axis 612 ( Figure 5 ) is the rotation angle of the contact member 700 centered at the set rotation angle. Then, the CPU 111 rotates the contact member 700 so that the contact member 700 is arranged at the set rotation angle.

[0328] Here, the information about the paper P placed on the supporting portion 300 is input by the user via an operation panel (not shown), for example. The CPU 111 acquires the information about the paper P by acquiring the information input by the user.

[0329] Here, in this embodiment, when the paper P loaded on the supporting portion 300 is a specific paper P such as thin paper, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown in reference numeral 15A of the diagram showing the state of the support unit 300 , the CPU 111 lowers the support unit 300 compared to the case where the paper P is not a specific paper.

[0330] In other words, when the paper P loaded on the supporting portion 300 is specific paper P such as thin paper, the CPU 111 increases the amount of descent of the supporting portion 300 compared to when the paper P is not specific paper P.

[0331] More specifically, in this embodiment, when Fig.15 When the sensor S shown in FIG. 1 detects the uppermost sheet of the sheets P loaded on the supporting portion 300 , the CPU 111 lowers the supporting portion 300 .

[0332] At this time, in the present embodiment, when the paper P placed on the supporting portion 300 is a specific paper P, the lowering amount when the lowering is performed is increased.

[0333] Although the description is omitted in the above, in this embodiment, Fig.15 As shown, a sensor S is provided to detect the uppermost paper P among the papers P placed on the supporting portion 300 .

[0334] In this embodiment, when the papers P are sequentially loaded onto the supporting portion 300 , the top paper P among the papers P reaches the detection position of the sensor S. Thus, the top paper P among the papers P loaded onto the supporting portion 300 is detected by the sensor S.

[0335] In this embodiment, as described above, when the uppermost paper P is detected by the sensor S, the support unit 300 is lowered. At this time, in this embodiment, when the paper P loaded on the support unit 300 is a specific paper P, the lowering amount of the support unit 300 is increased.

[0336] In other words, when the paper P placed on the supporting portion 300 is a specific paper P, the CPU 111 increases the amount of descent of the supporting portion 300 per time.

[0337] In this case, a decrease in the number of sheets of paper P that can be processed per unit time is suppressed.

[0338] Here, in this embodiment, when the paper P loaded on the support unit 300 is specific paper P such as thin paper, the support unit 300 may be lowered more frequently, and the number of paper P that can be processed per unit time may decrease.

[0339] More specifically, when the paper P loaded on the support 300 is a specific paper P such as thin paper, curling etc. tends to occur on the paper P. In this case, the loading height of the paper P on the support 300 tends to be larger than that of the paper P which is less likely to curl etc.

[0340] In other words, when the same number of papers P are loaded on the supporting portion 300 , when specific papers P such as thin paper are loaded, the loading height of the papers P tends to be greater than when papers P other than the specific papers P are loaded.

[0341] In this case, the sensor S tends to frequently detect the paper P, and accordingly, the frequency of the support portion 300 descending increases.

[0342] Here, it takes time to lower the support unit 300. In addition, in the process of lowering the support unit 300, it is necessary to temporarily stop the processing in the image forming apparatus 2 or the processing in the paper processing apparatus 3.

[0343] In this case, the number of sheets of paper P that can be processed per unit time decreases, and the processing efficiency decreases.

[0344] On the other hand, if the amount of each descent of the support unit 300 is increased as in the present embodiment, the frequency of descent of the support unit 300 is reduced, and a decrease in processing efficiency due to descent of the support unit 300 can be suppressed.

[0345] On the other hand, when the lowering amount of the support portion 300 is increased, the position of the paper P placed on the support portion 300 is lowered, and it becomes difficult for the contact member 700 to contact the paper P, or the contact member 700 no longer contacts the paper P.

[0346] More specifically, when the descending amount of the support portion 300 is increased, the contact member 700 and the paper P are moved, for example, Fig.15 In this case, it becomes difficult for the contact member 700 to contact the paper P, or the contact member 700 no longer contacts the paper P.

[0347] On the other hand, when the position of at least a part of the contact member 700, that is, the position in the vertical direction is changed based on the information about the paper P as described above, the contact member 700 and the paper P are Fig.16 (A diagram showing another positional relationship between the paper P and the contact member 700) is shown in the state configuration.

[0348] In other words, when the rotation angle of the contact member 700 is set based on the information related to the paper P as described above, the contact member 700 and the paper P are Fig.16 The state configuration shown.

[0349] Incidentally, when the rotation angle of the contact member 700, that is, the rotation angle from a predetermined reference (not shown) is set based on information related to the paper P, the contact member 700 and the paper P are, for example, Fig.16 Configure as shown.

[0350] More specifically, in the present embodiment, when the information on the paper P supported by the support portion 300 indicates that the paper P is specific, the rotation angle of the contact member 700 is set so that the front end portion 700X of the contact member 700 is disposed further downward.

[0351] In this case, the contact member 700 is Fig.16 More specifically, the contact member 700 is arranged on the side of a specific sheet P.

[0352] In this case, the contact of the contact member 700 with the specific paper P is ensured.

[0353] Here, in this embodiment, as described above, the case where the vertical position of the contact member 700 is changed based on the information about the paper P is described. In other words, the case where the rotation angle of the contact member 700 is set based on the information about the paper P is described.

[0354] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the vertical position of the contact member 700 may be changed based on information about the vertical position of the support portion 300. In other words, the rotation angle of the contact member 700 may be set based on information about the vertical position of the support portion 300.

[0355] In this case, when the CPU 111 obtains information indicating that the support portion 300 is located at a position lower than the normal position (predetermined position), it changes the position of the contact member 700 in the up and down directions and configures the contact member 700 in such a manner that the front end portion 700X of the contact member 700 is located further downward.

[0356] In other words, when the CPU 111 acquires information indicating that the support portion 300 is located below the normal position, it sets a new rotation angle for the rotation angle of the contact member 700 so that the tip portion 700X of the contact member 700 is located further downward.

[0357] In addition, Fig.16 In the example shown, the state in which the paper P is pressed from both sides using two contact members 700 is shown. Figure 8 , a state in which the paper P is pressed from both sides using two contact members 700 is shown.

[0358] However, it is not limited to this. Fig. 9 In the offset loading mode shown in , the position of the contact member 700 in the vertical direction can also be set based on the information about the paper P or the information about the position of the support portion 300 .

[0359] In other words, Fig. 9 In the loading mode using offset shown in FIG. 8 , the rotation angle of the contact member 700 may be set based on information about the paper P or information about the position of the support portion 300 .

[0360] In addition, the following example is shown in the above, namely: by setting the rotation angle of the contact member 700, when the amount of descent of the support portion 300 is increased, the position of the paper P placed on the support portion 300 is suppressed to be lowered, and the contact member 700 becomes difficult to contact the paper P or the contact member 700 no longer contacts the paper P. However, the width may be expanded like the wide portion 785A to absorb the amount of contact due to the increased descent, or the amount of increased descent may be suppressed in a manner that is originally fully converging within the width of the wide portion 785A.

[0361] Furthermore, for paper materials that require a lot of force when aligning the paper with the contact member, the amount of descent of the support portion 300 may be controlled so that the area in contact with the contact member is always increased, or so that the portion of the contact member close to the portion supported by the coil spring is always in contact with the paper P. Specific examples of paper materials that require a lot of force when aligning the paper with the contact member include thick paper or paper with a high density.

[0362] Moreover, depending on the quality of the paper, for paper A that requires less force to align the paper, in addition to the tray movement, the rotation angle is also set, thereby controlling the number of tray movements to be reduced. For paper B that requires less force to align the paper than paper A, only the tray movement can be used.

[0363] Fig.11 (A) Fig.11 (B) is a diagram for explaining the moving mechanism 730 (refer to Figure 4 )’s picture.

[0364] Fig.11 (A) is a top view of the moving mechanism 730. Fig.11 (B) is from Fig.11 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a portion of the moving mechanism 730 as viewed in the direction of arrow XIB in (A).

[0365] In the present embodiment, as described above, the moving mechanism 730 for moving the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 is provided.

[0366] like Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 7A , the moving mechanism 730 is provided with a guide member 910 . The guide member 910 is arranged along the advancing and retreating directions of the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 to guide the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 .

[0367] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first moving mechanism 921 for moving the first propulsion member 610 is provided. Also, a second moving mechanism 922 for moving the second propulsion member 620 is provided.

[0368] The first moving mechanism 921 is provided with an endless belt member 921A having a portion along the forward and backward direction of the first propulsion member 610. Furthermore, a first drive motor M101 for moving the belt member 921A is provided.

[0369] In the present embodiment, the first pushing member 610 is fixed to the belt member 921A. In the present embodiment, the first pushing member 610 moves forward and backward in the width direction of the paper P by driving the first driving motor M101.

[0370] Similarly, the second moving mechanism 922 is also provided with a ring-shaped belt member 922A having a portion along the advance and retreat direction of the second propulsion member 620, and a second driving motor M102 for moving the belt member 922A. By driving the second driving motor M102, the second propulsion member 620 advances and retreats along the width direction of the paper P.

[0371] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Fig.11 As shown in (A), a rotating mechanism 950 is provided.

[0372] The rotating mechanism 950 rotates the first propulsion member 610 around the base 610A of the first propulsion member 610 and rotates the second propulsion member 620 around the base 620A of the second propulsion member 620 .

[0373] The rotating mechanism 950 is provided with a support member 951 that extends along the advancing and retreating directions of the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 and supports the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 from below.

[0374] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism 950 is provided with a vertical movement mechanism 952 for moving the supporting member 951 vertically.

[0375] The vertical movement mechanism 952 is provided with a third drive motor M103. The vertical movement mechanism 952 is provided with a rotating member 954, which is rotated by the third drive motor M103 and has one end 954A that moves up and down. In this embodiment, the one end 954A of the rotating member 954 is attached to the support member 951.

[0376] In this embodiment, when the third driving motor M103 is driven, Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 5B , when the rotating member 954 is rotated, the supporting member 951 moves up and down, and accordingly, the first propulsion member 610 and the second propulsion member 620 move up and down.

[0377] Here, in this embodiment, Figure 8As shown in , when the first and second urging members 610 and 620 are used to press the paper P from both sides of the paper P, the third driving motor M103 is driven to lower the first and second urging members 610 and 620 to the sides of the paper P supported by the supporting portion 300 .

[0378] Next, in the present embodiment, the first driving motor M101 and the second driving motor M102 are driven to move the first urging member 610 and the second urging member 620 toward the paper P.

[0379] Moreover, in order to Fig. 9 The first pushing member 610 and the second pushing member 620 are arranged in this manner, and the third driving motor M103 is driven in the same manner. As a result, the first pushing member 610 is lowered to the side of the paper P supported by the supporting portion 300 .

[0380] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, while the first pushing member 610 is descending, the movement of the second pushing member 620 is restricted by the loaded paper PX, and the second pushing member 620 is located above the loaded paper PX.

[0381] Then, the first driving motor M101 is driven to propel the first propulsion member 610 toward the paper P.

Claims

1. A recording material processing device, comprising: A support portion, supporting at least one recording material from below; a pushing member that pushes the recording material from a side of the recording material supported by the supporting portion; as well as a contact member, mounted on the propelling member, contacting the edge of the recording material as the propelling member propels the recording material, and arranged to be movable in a direction opposite to the propelling direction of the propelling member, The propulsion member is provided with at least two holes into which the protrusions provided on the contact member enter. When the urging member urges the recording material, the predetermined contact portion of the contact member contacts the recording material. The cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion located closer to the contact portion among the two hole portions is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion located farther from the contact portion.

2. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The contact member is disposed at a position closer to the recording material than the urging member in a direction parallel to the vertical direction of the recording material supported by the supporting portion. At least one elastic member is disposed between the contact member and the propulsion component.

3. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The elastic member is provided with a plurality of The plurality of elastic members are arranged so that their positions in the direction in which the edge of the recording material supported by the supporting portion extends are different from each other.

4. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The elastic member is a coil spring, A portion of the contact member located below the central axis of the coil spring contacts the recording material.

5. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hole portion located on a side close to the contact portion is formed by a long hole, and the hole portion located on a side far from the contact portion is formed by a round hole.

6. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The contact member is disposed at a position closer to the recording material than the urging member. A plurality of coil springs are provided between the contact member and the propulsion component, The plurality of coil springs are arranged so that their positions in the direction in which the edge of the recording material supported by the support portion extends are different from each other. The recording material processing device further comprises: a receiving portion for receiving the recording material moved along with the advancement of the advancement member; as well as A plurality of coil springs support the receiving portion and are located at different positions in the direction in which the edge portion extends. An angle formed by a line connecting central axes of the plurality of coil springs provided on the propulsion member side and the edge portion is larger than an angle formed by a line connecting central axes of the plurality of coil springs provided on the receiving portion side and the edge portion.

7. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving portion having a contact member that contacts the recording material that moves as the propulsion member propels the recording material toward the recording material, and receives the recording material. The at least one recording material includes a loaded recording material already loaded on the supporting portion and a new recording material loaded on the loaded recording material. When the new recording material is loaded on the loaded recording material in a state where the new recording material is offset relative to the loaded recording material, the contact member provided on the receiving portion is configured to contact the loaded recording material, and the pushing component pushes the new recording material toward the new recording material from the opposite side of the receiving portion that clamps the new recording material.

8. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the urging member is movable in an up-and-down direction. 9 . The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a lower edge portion of the contact member is located below a lower edge portion of the urging member.

10. The recording material processing device according to claim 1 is further provided with a storage section, which stores a plurality of other recording materials moved toward the supporting section during the period from when the propulsion member starts to propel the recording material supported by the supporting section to when the propulsion member returns to its original position.

11. A recording material processing device according to claim 1, wherein when comparing the thickness of a portion of the propulsion component facing the contact member in the propulsion direction with the thickness of the contact member in the propulsion direction, the thickness of the contact member is smaller than the thickness of the propulsion component.

12. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 11, wherein The portion of the propulsion member facing the contact member is formed to extend in one direction and has an end portion on the downstream side in the one direction. The contact member is formed to extend in the one direction, and extends to a position on the downstream side in the one direction relative to the end portion of the propulsion member.

13. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein The contact member has a downstream portion located on the downstream side of the end portion of the propulsion member in the one direction, and an upstream portion located on the upstream side of the end portion. The downstream portion is provided with a wide portion whose width in the vertical direction is larger than the width in the vertical direction of the upstream portion.

14. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processor, The processor changes the position of at least a portion of the contact member, that is, the position in the vertical direction, based on information about the recording material supported by the supporting portion or based on information about the position of the supporting portion in the vertical direction. 15 . The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the contact member is provided so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis along the advancing direction.

16. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a processor, The processor sets a rotation angle of the contact member about the rotation axis based on information about the recording material supported by the supporting portion or based on information about a position of the supporting portion in a vertical direction.

17. A recording material processing device, comprising: A support portion for supporting the recording material from below; A moving member that moves the recording material supported by the supporting portion in a direction intersecting the vertical direction; a configuration member configured at a position downstream of the recording material moved by the moving member in a recording material moving direction; as well as a contact member disposed between the recording material moved by the moving member and the configuration member, mounted on the configuration member in a state movable toward the configuration member, and contacting an edge of the recording material moved by the moving member, The portion of the configuration member facing the contact member is formed to extend in one direction and has an end portion on the downstream side in the one direction. The contact member is formed so as to extend in the one direction and extends to a position downstream of the end of the arrangement member in the one direction. The contact member has a downstream portion located on the downstream side of the end portion of the configuration member in the one direction, and an upstream portion located on the upstream side of the end portion. The downstream portion is provided with a wide portion whose width in the vertical direction is larger than the width in the vertical direction of the upstream portion.

18. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one elastic member is provided between the arranging member and the contact member.

19. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein The elastic member is provided with a plurality of The plurality of elastic members are arranged so that their positions in the direction in which the edge portion with which the contact member contacts extends are different from each other.

20. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein The recording material includes a loaded recording material that has been loaded on the supporting portion, When the contact member is placed on the loaded recording material, the contact member is arranged in contact with the loaded recording material, and the arrangement member is arranged in a non-contact state with the loaded recording material.

21. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein The recording material includes a loaded recording material that has been loaded on the supporting portion, When the contact member is placed on the loaded recording material, the lower edge of the contact member contacts the loaded recording material. The thickness of the lower edge portion of the contact member is smaller than the thickness of the upper edge portion of the contact member.

22. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein The recording material includes a loaded recording material that has been loaded on the supporting portion, When the contact member is placed on the loaded recording material, the lower edge of the contact member contacts the loaded recording material. The lower edge portion is arranged along the surface of the loaded recording material, and the lower edge portion is in line contact with the loaded recording material.

23. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the moving member comprises at least: a pushing member that pushes the recording material from a side of the recording material supported by the supporting portion; as well as The contact member is mounted on the urging member in a state of being movable in a direction opposite to the urging direction of the urging member, and comes into contact with the edge of the recording material as the urging member is urged.

24. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein an elastic member is provided between the contact member and the urging means.

25. The recording material processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein The moving member moves the recording material supported by the supporting portion in the direction intersecting the vertical direction, that is, the intersecting direction. When comparing the thickness of a portion of the arrangement member facing the contact member in the intersecting direction with the thickness of the contact member in the intersecting direction, the thickness of the contact member is smaller than the thickness of the arrangement member.

26. An image forming system comprising an image forming device for forming an image on a recording material, and a recording material processing device for processing the recording material, the recording material processing device comprising the recording material processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

Images