Post-processing device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a post-processing device. When protrusions of a medium are generated in the feeding section, there is a possibility of applying an excessive conveying force to the medium toward the alignment section. The post-processing device (30) includes a processing tray (42), an alignment plate (44), a conveying section (50), a feeding section (60), and a pressing section (70). The processing tray (42) mounts a binder (40) and places sheets of paper (P) before binding processing. The alignment plate (44) aligns the ends of multiple sheets of paper (P). The conveying section (50) conveys the sheets of paper (P) toward the alignment plate (44). The feeding section (60) is provided between the conveying section (50) and the alignment plate (44) and feeds the sheets of paper (P) in the conveying direction. The pressing section (70) is provided between the conveying section (50) and the alignment plate (44) and applies a pressing force to the sheets of paper (P) that has a component in the direction opposite to the conveying direction. Before applying the feeding force of the feeding section (60) to the sheets of paper (P), the pressing section (70) applies a pressing force to the sheets of paper (P).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device. Background Art

[0002] The post-processing device of Patent Document 1 includes: a combination tray that accommodates multiple sheets of printed paper; an end guide that aligns the rear ends of the stacks of printed paper accommodated in the combination tray; a sub paddle that conveys the printed paper to the combination tray; and a main paddle that conveys the printed paper conveyed by the sub paddle to the end guide that serves as an alignment unit.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-154413

[0004] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that a part of the medium that is sent into the placement part by the rotation of the conveying part such as the sub paddle cannot resist the conveying force received from the conveying part, and thus protrudes in a direction away from the placement part. When such protrusion of the medium occurs in the feeding part such as the main paddle, compared with when the medium does not protrude, the contact area between the feeding part and the medium increases, and there is a concern that excessive conveying force is generated on the medium toward the alignment part. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The post-processing device according to the present invention for solving the above technical problems is characterized by including: a placement part that can place a medium before post-processing by a post-processing part; an alignment part that aligns the ends of a plurality of the media stacked on the placement part; a conveying part that conveys the medium on the placement part toward the alignment part in a conveying direction; a feeding part that is provided between the conveying part and the alignment part, and the feeding part feeds the medium in the conveying direction, and a pressing part that is provided between the conveying part and the alignment part and applies a pressing force having a component in a direction opposite to the conveying direction to the medium, and before applying the feeding force of the feeding part to the medium, the pressing part applies the pressing force to the medium. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the recording system according to Embodiment 1.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a block diagram of a part of the recording system according to Embodiment 1.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a diagram enlarging a part of the post-processing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of a part of the post-processing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 5It is a top view showing the arrangement relationship between the conveying paddle, the feeding paddle, and the pressing part and the paper in the post-processing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 6 It is a view showing the processing tray, the conveying paddle, and the feeding paddle in the post-processing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 7 It is a top view showing a state of a part of the portion where the feeding paddle and the pressing sheet contact the paper in the post-processing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 8 It is a side view showing the arrangement relationship between the rotation center of the feeding paddle and each blade part in the post-processing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 9 It is a view showing a state where the protrusion of the paper is pressed on the processing tray of the post-processing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 10 It is a view showing a state where the pressing part and the feeding paddle contact the paper in the post-processing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 11 It is a view showing a state where the feeding paddle rotates in reverse after the pressing part presses the paper in the post-processing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 12 It is a view showing a state where the feeding paddle feeds the paper to the alignment part in the post-processing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 13 It is a view showing a state where the protrusion of the paper is pressed on the processing tray of the post-processing device according to Embodiment 2.

[0019] Figure 14 It is a view showing a state where the feeding paddle feeds the paper to the alignment part after the pressing part presses the paper in the post-processing device according to Embodiment 2.

[0020] Figure 15 It is a view showing a state where the protrusion of the paper is pressed on the processing tray of the post-processing device according to Embodiment 3.

[0021] Figure 16 It is a view showing a state where the feeding paddle feeds the paper to the alignment part after the pressing part presses the paper in the post-processing device according to Embodiment 3.

[0022] Figure 17 It is a view showing a state where the protrusion of the paper is pressed in the post-processing device according to Modification 1.

[0023] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the state in which the protrusion of the paper is pressed in the post-processing apparatus according to Modification 2.

[0024] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing the state in which the protrusion of the paper is pressed in the post-processing apparatus according to Modification 3.

[0025] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0026] 1... Recording system, 2... Recording unit, 4... Intermediate unit, 9... Conveying mechanism section, 10... Image forming section, 12... Scanner section, 14... Cartridge housing section, 18... Cartridge, 20... Recording section, 24... Control section, 25... CPU, 26... ROM, 27... RAM, 28... Memory, 30... Post-processing apparatus, 32... Housing, 33... Paper sensor, 35... Lower plate, 35A... Flat section, 35B... Bending section, 36... Discharge section, 37... Pair of conveying rollers, 38... Discharge tray, 39... Discharge roller, 40... Binder, 41... Side aligner, 42... Processing tray, 43... Placing surface, 44... Aligning plate, 45... Opening, 49... Support frame, 50... Conveying section, 52... Conveying paddle, 53... Shaft section, 53A... Outer peripheral surface, 54... Extension section, 54A... Plate section, 54B... Plate section, 54C... Plate section, 58... Conveying motor, 60... Feeding section, 62... Feeding paddle, 63... Shaft section, 64... Rotating shaft, 64A... Outer peripheral surface, 65... Enlarged diameter section, 65A... Outer peripheral surface, 66... Outer peripheral section, 66A... Blade, 66B... Blade, 66C... Blade, 68... Feeding motor, 70... Pressing section, 72... First pressing sheet, 74... Second pressing sheet, 75... Screw, 80... Post-processing apparatus, 82... Pressing section, 84... Air supply unit, 86... Duct, 87... Opening, 88... Fan, 90... Post-processing apparatus, 92... Pressing section, 94... Housing, 95... Opening, 96... Plunger, 100... Post-processing apparatus, 102... Pressing sheet, 104... Pressing sheet, 110... Post-processing apparatus, 120... Post-processing apparatus, C... Rotation center, CL... Center line, E1... First elastic modulus, E2... Second elastic modulus, L1... Length, L2... Length, L3... Length, L4... Length, L5... Length, L6... Length, L7... Length, LA... First length, LB... Second length, P... Paper, PA... Upper paper, PB... Lower paper, Q... Ink, S1... First region, S2... Second region, T... Conveying path, μ1... First coefficient of friction, μ2... Second coefficient of friction. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, the present invention will be briefly described.

[0028] The post-processing device according to the first mode is characterized by comprising: a placement unit capable of placing a medium before post-processing by a post-processing unit; an alignment unit for aligning the ends of a plurality of the media stacked on the placement unit; a conveying unit for conveying the medium on the placement unit toward the alignment unit in a conveying direction; a feeding unit provided between the conveying unit and the alignment unit, the feeding unit feeding the medium in the conveying direction, and a pressing unit provided between the conveying unit and the alignment unit, the pressing unit applying a pressing force having a component in the direction opposite to the conveying direction to the medium, and before applying the feeding force of the feeding unit to the medium, the pressing unit applies the pressing force to the medium.

[0029] According to the first mode, the conveying unit conveys the medium on the placement unit to the alignment unit. The downstream end in the conveying direction of the medium conveyed in the conveying direction by the conveying unit reaches the alignment unit. At this time, since the conveying unit applies a conveying force to the medium, there is a possibility that a part of the medium protrudes in a direction away from the placement unit.

[0030] Here, before applying the feeding force of the feeding unit to the medium, the pressing unit applies the pressing force to the medium. The medium receives the pressing force having a component in the direction opposite to the conveying direction from the pressing unit, so that the protrusion becomes smaller or disappears. The medium after the protrusion becomes smaller or disappears is fed in the conveying direction by the feeding unit. In addition, the downstream end in the conveying direction of the medium is aligned by the alignment unit.

[0031] In this way, since the protrusion of the medium is suppressed, the contact area between the feeding unit and the medium can be reduced, and therefore, the feeding unit can be prevented from applying an excessive conveying force to the medium.

[0032] The post-processing device according to the second mode is characterized in that, in the first mode, the feeding unit has a rotation axis extending in the medium width direction intersecting the conveying direction, and the pressing unit applies the pressing force to a part of the upper medium located at the uppermost layer in the stacking direction among the plurality of the media and at a position below the rotation axis in the stacking direction.

[0033] The upper medium is located above the placement unit in the stacking direction and at a position below the rotation axis.

[0034] Here, according to this mode, the pressing unit applies the pressing force to a part of the upper medium located below the rotation axis in the stacking direction. Thereby, compared with a configuration in which the pressing force is applied to a part of the upper medium located above the rotation axis, the protrusion of the upper medium can be suppressed before the protrusion of the upper medium becomes large.

[0035] The post-processing device according to the third mode is characterized in that, in the second mode, when viewed from above downward in the stacking direction, at least a part of the second region in the medium where the pressing force acts and at least a part of the first region in the medium to which the feeding force is applied are arranged in the width direction of the medium.

[0036] According to this mode, the position where the pressing part contacts the medium and the position where the feeding part contacts the medium are substantially the same position in the conveying direction. Thus, the feeding part contacts the medium whose protrusions have been reduced by the pressing from the pressing part in a short time, and therefore, it is possible to suppress the protrusions from becoming large again in the medium after being pressed by the pressing part.

[0037] The post-processing device according to the fourth mode is characterized in that, in the second mode or the third mode, the feeding part includes a first blade part extending from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft, the pressing part includes a second blade part extending from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft, and when viewed in the width direction of the medium, a second length from the rotation center of the rotating shaft to the front end of the second blade part is shorter than a first length from the rotation center to the front end of the first blade part.

[0038] According to this mode, since the second length is shorter than the first length, the feeding force received by the medium from the pressing part can be made smaller than the feeding force received by the medium from the feeding part, and therefore, it is possible to suppress the pressing part from applying a load exceeding the necessary range to the medium.

[0039] It should be noted that regarding the force applied by the pressing part to the medium, a force having a component in the opposite direction of the conveying direction is defined as the pressing force, and a force having a component in the conveying direction is defined as the feeding force, so as to make a distinction.

[0040] The post-processing device according to the fifth mode is characterized in that, in the fourth mode, when viewed in the width direction of the medium, the pressing part rotates in a first direction to perform a pressing action of applying the pressing force to the medium, and after the pressing action and before the feeding part applies the feeding force to the medium, the pressing part rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction to retract from the medium.

[0041] According to this mode, the pressing portion rotates in the first direction and applies the pressing force to the medium, thereby suppressing an increase in the protrusion of the medium. Further, in a state where the increase in the protrusion of the medium is suppressed, the pressing portion rotates in the second direction and thus retracts from the medium. As a result, compared with a configuration in which the pressing portion continuously rotates in the first direction, it is possible to suppress the feeding force applied by the pressing portion to the medium from being unnecessarily added to the conveying force of the medium, and thus it is possible to suppress the conveying force of the feeding portion to the medium from becoming excessively large.

[0042] The post-processing apparatus according to the sixth mode is characterized in that, in any one of the second mode to the fifth mode, a second coefficient of friction at a contact position between the pressing portion and the medium is smaller than a first coefficient of friction at a contact position between the feeding portion and the medium.

[0043] According to this mode, since the second coefficient of friction is smaller than the first coefficient of friction, the feeding force applied by the pressing portion to the medium is smaller than the feeding force applied by the feeding portion to the medium. As a result, it is possible to suppress an excessive load from being applied to the medium during the feeding of the medium by the feeding portion.

[0044] The post-processing apparatus according to the seventh mode is characterized in that, in any one of the second mode to the fifth mode, a second elastic modulus of the pressing portion is smaller than a first elastic modulus of the feeding portion.

[0045] According to this mode, since the second elastic modulus is smaller than the first elastic modulus, the feeding force applied by the pressing portion to the medium is smaller than the feeding force applied by the feeding portion to the medium. As a result, it is possible to suppress an excessive load from being applied to the medium during the feeding of the medium by the feeding portion.

[0046] The post-processing apparatus according to the eighth mode is characterized in that, in any one of the first mode to the seventh mode, in a state where the pressing portion applies the pressing force to the medium, the feeding portion performs a feeding operation of the medium.

[0047] According to this mode, in a state where the pressing portion is suppressing the protrusion of the medium, the feeding portion performs a feeding operation of the medium. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the feeding portion performs a feeding operation of the medium after the pressing portion separates from the medium, it is possible to suppress an excessive conveying force from being applied to the medium.

[0048] The post-treatment device according to the ninth mode is characterized in that, in any one of the first to eighth modes, the conveying unit is configured to be able to switch between a contact state in contact with the medium and a retracted state retracted from the medium, and the pressing unit applies the pressing force to the medium in the retracted state of the conveying unit.

[0049] When the conveying unit continuously applies a conveying force to the medium, there is a possibility that the protrusion of the medium becomes larger.

[0050] Here, according to this mode, in the retracted state where the conveying unit retracts from the medium, the pressing unit applies the pressing force to the medium, so that the pressing force can be applied to the medium while suppressing the protrusion of the medium. Thus, compared with the configuration in which the pressing force is applied to the medium in the state where the conveying unit applies the conveying force to the medium, the pressing force required to suppress the protrusion of the medium can be reduced.

[0051] The post-treatment device according to the tenth mode is characterized by comprising: a placement unit capable of placing a medium before post-treatment by a post-treatment unit; an alignment unit for aligning the ends of a plurality of the media stacked on the placement unit; a conveying unit for conveying the medium on the placement unit toward the alignment unit in a conveying direction; a feeding unit provided between the conveying unit and the alignment unit, the feeding unit rotating about a rotation axis to feed the medium in the conveying direction; and a pressing unit provided between the conveying unit and the alignment unit, the pressing unit rotating about the rotation axis in the same rotation direction as the feeding unit to apply a pressing force having a component in a direction opposite to the conveying direction to the medium, and the pressing unit is provided at a position ahead of the feeding unit in the rotation direction.

[0052] According to the tenth mode, the conveying unit conveys the medium on the placement unit to the alignment unit. The downstream end in the conveying direction of the medium conveyed in the conveying direction by the conveying unit reaches the alignment unit. At this time, since the conveying unit applies a conveying force to the medium, there is a possibility that a part of the medium becomes a state of protruding in a direction away from the placement unit.

[0053] Here, the pressing unit rotates about the rotation axis of the feeding unit. In addition, the pressing unit is provided at a position ahead of the feeding unit in the rotation direction with respect to the feeding unit. Moreover, the pressing unit applies a pressing force having a component in a direction opposite to the conveying direction to the medium.

[0054] As a result, the protrusions formed on the medium become smaller or disappear. The medium after the protrusions become smaller or disappear is fed in the conveying direction by the feeding unit. In addition, the downstream end of the medium in the conveying direction is aligned by the aligning unit.

[0055] In this way, since the protrusions of the medium are suppressed, the contact area between the feeding unit and the medium can be reduced. Therefore, an excessive conveying force applied by the feeding unit to the medium can be suppressed.

[0056] Embodiment 1

[0057] Next, as an example of the present invention, the post-processing device 30 and the recording system 1 of Embodiment 1 will be specifically described.

[0058] Figure 1 A recording system 1 as an example of a recording device is shown. The recording system 1 is an inkjet device configured to perform recording by ejecting ink Q as an example of a liquid onto a sheet P as an example of a medium. It should be noted that the X-Y-Z coordinate system shown in each figure is an orthogonal coordinate system.

[0059] The X direction is an example of the medium width direction and the device depth direction, and is a horizontal direction. The base end side of the arrow indicating the X direction is set as the -X direction, and the front end side of the arrow indicating the X direction is set as the +X direction.

[0060] The Y direction is an example of the device width direction, and is a horizontal direction. The front end side of the arrow indicating the Y direction is set as the +Y direction, and the base end side of the arrow indicating the Y direction is set as the -Y direction.

[0061] The Z direction is an example of the device height direction, and is a direction orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction. The front end side of the arrow indicating the Z direction is set as the +Z direction, and the base end side of the arrow indicating the Z direction is set as the -Z direction. In the following description, the +Z direction is sometimes referred to as the upper side, and the -Z direction is sometimes referred to as the lower side.

[0062] The A direction is a direction that intersects the Y direction when viewed from the X direction, and is a direction in which the position of the -Y direction is inclined downward toward the -Z direction with respect to the position of the +Y direction. The front end side of the arrow indicating the A direction is set as the +A direction, and the base end side of the arrow indicating the A direction is set as the -A direction. The +A direction is the inclined direction in which the processing tray 42 described later extends. In addition, the +A direction is an example of the conveying direction when the sheet P is conveyed by the conveying unit 50 in the processing tray 42.

[0063] The B direction is a direction orthogonal to the A direction when viewed from the X direction. The front end side of the arrow indicating the B direction is set as the +B direction, and the base end side of the arrow indicating the B direction is set as the -B direction. The +B direction is an example of the stacking direction in which the sheets P are stacked.

[0064] The recording system 1 includes a recording unit 2, an intermediate unit 4, and a post-processing device 30 in this order in the +Y direction. In the recording system 1, the recording unit 2, the intermediate unit 4, and the post-processing device 30 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other. The intermediate unit 4 conveys the paper P fed from the recording unit 2 to the post-processing device 30.

[0065] Note that the recording system 1 is configured to post-process the paper P on which information is recorded in the image forming unit 10 described later. The recording system 1 may also include an operation unit (not shown) operated by a user. The recording information may be sent to the recording system 1 from an external computer.

[0066] In the recording system 1, a path for conveying the paper P from the recording unit 2 to the post-processing device 30 via the intermediate unit 4 is defined as a conveying path T. The conveying path T is provided with a conveying mechanism section 9 ( Figure 2 ).

[0067] The conveying mechanism 9 is provided in the entire recording system 1. The conveying mechanism 9 is configured to include a plurality of roller pairs and a plurality of motors (not shown), and conveys the paper P. Specifically, the conveying mechanism 9 conveys the paper P from the storage box 18 to the recording area of the recording unit 20, and further conveys the paper P from the recording area to the post-processing device 30 via the intermediate unit 4.

[0068] The recording unit 2 records various information on the transported paper P. In addition, as an example, the recording unit 2 includes an image forming unit 10, a scanner unit 12, a cassette storage unit 14, and a transport mechanism (not shown).

[0069] The image forming unit 10 is configured to include a recording unit 20 and a control unit 24. The scanner unit 12 reads information of a document (not shown). The box storage unit 14 has a plurality of storage boxes 18 for storing a plurality of sheets of paper P. As an example, the recording unit 20 is configured as a line print head. In addition, the recording unit 20 has a discharge unit (not shown) composed of a plurality of nozzles. The recording unit 20 records on the paper P by discharging ink Q.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 24 functioning as a computer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 25 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 26 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 27 , and a memory (storage) 28 .

[0071] The control unit 24 can control the operations of each part of the recording system 1. Specifically, the control unit 24 controls the operations of the recording unit 20, the conveying mechanism unit 9, the binder 40, the discharging unit 36, the conveying unit 50, the feeding unit 60, the paper sensor 33, and the side aligner 41 based on the information input from an external device or the information stored in the ROM 26 or the memory 28.

[0072] The ROM 26 stores various data including the program PR executed by the CPU 25. In other words, the ROM 26 is an example of a recording medium that stores the program PR that can be read by a computer. Other examples of recording media include CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), Blu-ray Discs, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories, etc. In addition, an extension of the program PR can be performed in a part of the RAM 27.

[0073] The program PR is a program for causing the CPU 25 to execute various operations in the post-processing device 30 ( Figure 1 ).

[0074] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the post-processing device 30 is configured to include a housing 32, a paper sensor 33, a lower plate 35, a side aligner 41, a discharge tray 38, and a binder 40. Moreover, the post-processing device 30 includes a processing tray 42, an alignment plate 44, a conveying unit 50, a feeding unit 60, a pressing unit 70, and a control unit 24. As an example, the control unit 24 can also function as the control unit of the post-processing device 30. In the post-processing device 30, the paper P is conveyed from the recording unit 20.

[0075] A part of the conveying path T is formed inside the housing 32.

[0076] The paper sensor 33 is provided on the conveying path T. As an example, the paper sensor 33 includes an emitting part and a light-receiving part (not shown). In addition, the paper sensor 33 detects the passing time point of the paper P in the paper sensor 33 and the position of the paper P in the conveying path T by determining whether light from the emitting part is received by the light-receiving part. The information on the passing time point of the paper P detected by the paper sensor 33 and the information on the position of the paper P are sent to the control unit 24.

[0077] The lower plate 35 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the feeding unit 60 described later. The lower plate 35 is made of a plate material having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction and extending in the X direction. The lower plate 35 forms the bottom of the conveying path T in a part of the conveying path T.

[0078] As Figure 4As shown, as an example, the lower plate 35 has a flat plate portion 35A and a bent portion 35B.

[0079] The flat plate portion 35A has a predetermined thickness in the Z direction and is formed as a rectangle whose dimension in the X direction is longer than that in the Y direction.

[0080] The bent portion 35B is a portion formed to be continuous with the +Y-direction end of the flat plate portion 35A and bent so as to be convex toward the +Y direction. A plurality of bent portions 35B are formed at intervals in the X direction. The plurality of bent portions 35B have a function of preventing the shaft portion 63 described later from contacting the paper P and a function of guiding the paper P to the processing tray 42 ( Figure 1 ).

[0081] A support frame 49 is mounted on the -Z direction with respect to the lower plate 35.

[0082] Figure 3 The shown binder 40 is an example of a post-processing unit. That is, in the present embodiment, as an example of post-processing in the post-processing device 30, a binding process of binding a plurality of sheets of paper P is performed. Specifically, the binder 40 binds the paper stack M ( Figure 1 ) by driving a staple (not shown) into the +A-direction end of a plurality of sheets of paper P stacked on the processing tray 42 described later.

[0083] Side aligners 41 are provided on the processing tray 42 described later. In addition, a pair of side aligners 41 are provided at intervals in the X direction. The side aligners 41 are driven in the X direction by a drive mechanism composed of a motor, a pinion, and a rack (not shown). When a plurality of sheets of paper P are stacked on the processing tray 42, the side aligners 41 move in the X direction to align the two end portions of the plurality of sheets of paper P in the X direction. It should be noted that, as an example, after aligning the +A-direction ends of the plurality of sheets of paper P by the alignment plate 44, the side aligners 41 align the two end portions of the plurality of sheets of paper P in the X direction.

[0084] The discharge tray 38 is provided in the housing 32 ( Figure 1 ). The paper stack M bound by the binder 40 is discharged to the discharge tray 38.

[0085] The processing tray 42 is an example of a placement portion capable of placing the paper P before the binding process by the binder 40. Specifically, the processing tray 42 has a placement surface 43 for placing the paper P. The placement surface 43 extends in the A direction and is inclined with respect to the Y direction.

[0086] As an example, the paper P is placed on the placement surface 43 in a state where the dimension in the X direction is longer than the dimension in the A direction. The length in the X direction of the placement surface 43 is longer than the maximum length of the paper P that can be used in the recording system 1. In the processing tray 42, the line passing through the center in the X direction and extending in the A direction is defined as the center line CL( Figure 5 ).

[0087] An opening 45 is formed at the -A direction end of the processing tray 42. The processing tray 42 is connected to the discharge tray 38 through the opening 45. Thus, the paper P or the paper stack M placed on the processing tray 42 is discharged to the discharge tray 38 via the opening 45 by the conveying unit 50 described later.

[0088] Here, among the multiple sheets of paper P placed and stacked on the processing tray 42, the sheet of paper P at the highest position in the B direction, that is, the topmost sheet of paper P, is defined as the upper paper PA( Figure 6 ), and at least one sheet of paper P located in the -B direction with respect to the upper paper PA is defined as the lower paper PB( Figure 6 ). The upper paper PA is an example of the upper medium. It should be noted that when there is no need to distinguish between the upper paper PA and the lower paper PB, it is only described as the paper P.

[0089] The alignment plate 44 is an example of an alignment part that aligns the ends of the multiple sheets of paper P stacked on the processing tray 42. The alignment plate 44 aligns the ends by contacting the +A direction ends of the multiple sheets of paper P. The alignment plate 44 aligning the multiple sheets of paper P means aligning each sheet of paper P in such a way that the +A direction ends of the respective sheets of paper P are arranged on a straight line along the B direction. Specifically, the alignment plate 44 stands upright from the +A direction end of the processing tray 42 along the B direction. As an example, two alignment plates 44 are provided at intervals in the X direction.

[0090] A pair of conveying rollers 37 is provided at the +Y direction end of the lower plate 35. The pair of conveying rollers 37 is rotated by a motor (not shown) to convey the paper P on the conveying path T to the processing tray 42.

[0091] A pair of discharge rollers 39 is provided at the -A direction end of the processing tray 42. The pair of discharge rollers 39 is rotated by a motor (not shown) to discharge the paper stack M to the discharge tray 38.

[0092] As an example, the conveying unit 50 is configured to include a conveying paddle 52, a conveying motor 58 that drives the conveying paddle 52, and gears (not shown). The driving of the conveying motor 58 is controlled by the control unit 24( Figure 2 ).

[0093] The conveying unit 50 conveys the paper P on the processing tray 42 in the +A direction toward the alignment plate 44. It should be noted that when the conveying unit 50 conveys the upper paper PA(Figure 6 ) When the lower sheet PB ( Figure 6 ) has already contacted the alignment plate 44 and thus remains in place.

[0094] The conveying paddle 52 is located in the +Z direction with respect to a portion closer to the -A direction than the center in the A direction in the processing tray 42. In addition, the conveying paddle 52 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the sheet P conveyed to the processing tray 42.

[0095] Figure 6 Each component is schematically shown. The conveying paddle 52 is arranged to be rotatable about the X direction as the axis. As an example, the conveying paddle 52 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 53 and an extension portion 54 provided on the shaft portion 53. As an example, four extension portions 54 are provided at intervals in the X direction with respect to the shaft portion 53.

[0096] The extension portion 54 is composed of a plate portion 54A, a plate portion 54B, and a plate portion 54C. The respective lengths of the plate portion 54A, the plate portion 54B, and the plate portion 54C are of the same degree.

[0097] Both end portions of the shaft portion 53 in the X direction are rotatably supported by a support frame (not shown).

[0098] As an example, the plate portion 54A, the plate portion 54B, and the plate portion 54C are made of rubber and are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 53 such that the angle formed between them is about 60°. The plate portion 54A, the plate portion 54B, and the plate portion 54C extend in different tangential directions on the outer peripheral surface 53A of the shaft portion 53. It should be noted that when discharging the stack of sheets M from the processing tray 42 to the discharge tray 38 ( Figure 1 ), the conveying paddle 52 can also be used for discharging.

[0099] The conveying unit 50 is arranged to be able to switch between a contact state where the conveying unit 50 contacts the sheet P and a retracted state where the conveying unit 50 retracts from the sheet P.

[0100] The contact state of the conveying unit 50 means a state where any one of the plate portion 54A, the plate portion 54B, and the plate portion 54C contacts the sheet P.

[0101] The retracted state of the conveying unit 50 means a state where none of the plate portion 54A, the plate portion 54B, and the plate portion 54C contacts the sheet P.

[0102] The contact state and the retracted state of the conveying unit 50 are switched by the rotation of the conveying paddle 52.

[0103] As Figure 3As shown, the feeding unit 60 is provided between the conveying unit 50 and the alignment plate 44. Further, the feeding unit 60 feeds the sheet P in the +A direction until the +A-direction end of the sheet P conveyed in the +A direction by the conveying unit 50 contacts the alignment plate 44. Moreover, the feeding unit 60 performs the feeding operation of the sheet P in a state where the pressing unit 70 described later applies a pressing force to the sheet P.

[0104] As an example, the feeding unit 60 is configured to include a feeding paddle 62, a feeding motor 68 that drives the feeding paddle 62, and gears (not shown). The driving of the feeding motor 68 is controlled by the control unit 24 ( Figure 2 ). The feeding unit 60 feeds the sheet P to the alignment plate 44 by rotating the feeding paddle 62.

[0105] Specifically, the feeding paddle 62 is located in the +Z direction with respect to a portion in the +A direction that is closer to the +A direction than the center in the A direction in the processing tray 42. Further, the feeding paddle 62 is located in the -Z direction with respect to the conveying roller pair 37. Moreover, the feeding paddle 62 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the sheet P conveyed to the alignment plate 44.

[0106] As Figure 6 shown, the feeding paddle 62 includes a shaft portion 63 that extends in the X direction intersecting the +A direction, and an outer peripheral portion 66 that rotates about the shaft portion 63. As an example, two feeding paddles 62 ( Figure 4 ) are provided at intervals in the X direction.

[0107] The shaft portion 63 extends in the X direction intersecting the +A direction. Both ends of the shaft portion 63 in the X direction are rotatably supported by a support frame 49 ( Figure 4 ). As an example, the shaft portion 63 has a rotating shaft 64 and a diameter-expanded portion 65.

[0108] The feeding paddle 62 rotates about the rotating shaft 64.

[0109] As Figure 8 shown, as an example, when viewed from the X direction, the rotating shaft 64 has a shape in which a part of a cylinder is cut by D. The rotating shaft 64 extends in the X direction. The rotating shaft 64 has an outer peripheral surface 64A on which the pressing unit 70 described later is mounted.

[0110] The diameter-expanded portion 65 is a cylindrical portion in which a part of the rotating shaft 64 in the X direction is enlarged in the radial direction. The diameter-expanded portion 65 has an outer peripheral surface 65A.

[0111] The rotating shaft 64 and the diameter-expanded portion 65 are coaxial and have a common rotation center C.

[0112] As an example, the outer peripheral portion 66 is provided only on the diameter-expanded portion 65. As an example, the outer peripheral portion 66 is made of rubber and can be elastically deformed in the rotational direction of the shaft portion 63. The outer peripheral portion 66 includes vanes 66A, 66B, and 66C that extend outward from the outer peripheral surface 65A.

[0113] The vanes 66A, 66B, and 66C are an example of the first vane portion, and are spaced apart from each other at an angle of about 60° in the circumferential direction of the diameter-expanded portion 65. The vanes 66A, 66B, and 66C extend from the outer peripheral surface 65A in different tangential directions of the outer peripheral surface 65A. In other words, when viewed from the X direction, the vanes 66A, 66B, and 66C extend from the outer peripheral surface 64A. In addition, the vanes 66A, 66B, and 66C have the same length in the extending direction and the X direction, respectively.

[0114] As Figure 3 shown, the pressing portion 70 is provided between the conveying portion 50 and the alignment plate 44 in the A direction, and is configured to apply a pressing force having a component in the -A direction to the paper P, where the -A direction is the opposite direction of the +A direction. Before applying the feeding force based on the feeding portion 60 to the paper P, the pressing portion 70 applies a pressing force to the paper P. In the retracted state of the conveying portion 50 described above, the pressing portion 70 applies the pressing force to the paper P.

[0115] Here, "before applying the feeding force based on the feeding portion 60 to the paper P" may also mean the time in the front-back relationship within one rotation operation of the feeding portion 60. That is to say, it may also be configured as follows: within one rotation operation of the feeding portion 60, the pressing force based on the pressing portion 70 is applied to the paper P before the feeding force based on the feeding portion 60.

[0116] The pressing portion 70 applies the pressing force to a part of the upper paper PA ( Figure 6 ), and is a portion located below the rotation center C ( Figure 6 ) of the shaft portion 63 and closer to the B direction.

[0117] As Figure 5 shown, as an example, the pressing portion 70 has two first pressing sheets 72 and four second pressing sheets 74. In addition, the pressing portion 70 rotates about the rotation shaft 64 in the same rotation direction as the feeding portion 60.

[0118] The two first pressing sheets 72 and the four second pressing sheets 74 are an example of the second blade portion and extend from the outer peripheral surface 64A of the rotating shaft 64. As an example, the two first pressing sheets 72 and the four second pressing sheets 74 are formed by cutting a polyester film. That is to say, the two first pressing sheets 72 and the four second pressing sheets 74 are composed of members capable of elastic deformation. The two first pressing sheets 72 and the four second pressing sheets 74 are both mounted on the outer peripheral surface 64A using screws 75( Figure 4 ).

[0119] The first pressing sheet 72 is arranged at a position more forward than the feeding paddle 62 in the +R direction, which is the rotation direction of the feeding paddle 62. In other words, before the feeding paddle 62 applies a feeding force to the paper P, the first pressing sheet 72 applies a pressing force to the paper P. Here, "more forward relative to the rotation direction" means more forward within one rotation operation of the feeding paddle 62 in the feeding unit 60.

[0120] The two first pressing sheets 72 are located on the central side in the X direction relative to the two feeding paddles 62. In addition, the two first pressing sheets 72 are in a position line-symmetric with respect to the center line CL.

[0121] The four second pressing sheets 74 are grouped in twos, with one group arranged in the +X direction of the feeding paddle 62 in the +X direction and the other group arranged in the -X direction of the feeding paddle 62 in the -X direction. The two groups of second pressing sheets 74 are in a position line-symmetric with respect to the center line CL.

[0122] When observing the pressing portion 70 from above in the B direction, as an example, the length L1 (mm) in the A direction of the first pressing sheet 72 and the length L2 (mm) in the A direction of the second pressing sheet 74 are lengths of the same order. As an example, the length L3 (mm) corresponding to the width of the first pressing sheet 72 in the X direction is longer than the length L4 (mm) corresponding to the width of the second pressing sheet 74 in the X direction. As an example, the length L1 is about half of the length L5 (mm) in the A direction of the blade 66A. As an example, the length L3 is shorter than the length L6 (mm) corresponding to the width of the blade 66A in the X direction.

[0123] It should be noted that in Figure 5 , the illustrations of the blade 66B and the blade 66C are omitted.

[0124] As in Figure 7As shown, when viewed from above in the B direction looking downwards, on the sheet P, the second region S2 where the pressing force from the first pressing sheet 72 acts and the first region S1 of the sheet P to which the feeding force from the blade 66A is imparted are arranged in the X direction. In other words, the blade 66A and the first pressing sheet 72 are positioned such that the first region S1 and the second region S2 overlap within a range of length L7 (mm) in the A direction. It should be noted that the first region S1 and the second region S2 may be formed at the same location or at different locations in the A direction.

[0125] As an example, the region of the sheet P where the pressing force from the second pressing sheet 74 ( Figure 5 ) acts is located in the Y direction at a position substantially the same as that of the second region S2. However, the formation position of the second region S2 can also be deviated in the A direction by the first pressing sheet 72 and the second pressing sheet 74.

[0126] The second friction coefficient μ2 at the contact position between the first pressing sheet 72 of the pressing portion 70 and the sheet P is smaller than the first friction coefficient μ1 at the contact position between the blade 66A of the feeding portion 60 and the sheet P. In other words, the frictional force generated in the second region S2 is smaller than the frictional force generated in the first region S1. The illustration of the first friction coefficient μ1 and the second friction coefficient μ2 is omitted.

[0127] The second elastic modulus E2 of the first pressing sheet 72 and the second pressing sheet 74 of the pressing portion 70 is smaller than the first elastic modulus E1 of the feeding portion 60. The illustration of the first elastic modulus E1 and the second elastic modulus E2 is omitted. It should be noted that the elastic modulus refers to the value represented by F / L as the amount of deflection L (m) of a component when a certain stress F (N) is applied. That is, it means that the smaller the elastic modulus, the easier it is to generate deflection. Examples of the elastic modulus include the tensile elastic modulus, the shear elastic modulus, the bulk elastic modulus, the rigidity ratio, etc. The tensile elastic modulus can also be called Young's modulus.

[0128] As Figure 8 shown, when viewed in the X direction, the second length LB (mm) from the rotation center C of the rotation shaft 64 to the front end of the first pressing sheet 72 is shorter than the first length LA (mm) from the rotation center C to the front end of the blade 66A.

[0129] It should be noted that the feeding paddle 62 is configured to stop rotating at a preset stop position so that when the feeding paddle 62 starts to rotate, the first pressing sheet 72 and the second pressing sheet 74 ( Figure 5 ) come into contact with the sheet P before the blades 66A, 66B, and 66C.

[0130] As Figure 11As shown, regarding the rotation direction of the feeding paddle 62, when observed in the +X direction, as an example, the counterclockwise direction is set as the first direction, and the clockwise direction is set as the second direction. In the following description, the first direction is set as the +R direction and represented by the arrow +R, and the second direction is set as the -R direction and represented by the arrow -R.

[0131] Here, when observed from the X direction, the first pressing sheet 72 and the second pressing sheet 74 of the pressing portion 70 perform a pressing action of applying a pressing force to the paper P by rotating in the +R direction. In addition, the first pressing sheet 72 and the second pressing sheet 74 are configured to retract from the paper P by rotating in the -R direction opposite to the +R direction after this pressing action and before the blade 66A of the feeding portion 60 applies a feeding force to the paper P.

[0132] Next, the operations of the recording system 1 and the post-processing device 30 of the first embodiment will be described. It should be noted that regarding the recording system 1 and the post-processing device 30, for the reference numerals of the components that have been described, refer to Figures 1 to 8 , and the description of individual drawing numbers is omitted.

[0133] As Figure 9 shown, in a state where multiple sheets of lower paper PB are stacked on the processing tray 42, the conveyed upper paper PA is placed on the uppermost lower paper PB. The upper paper PA receives a conveying force from the rotating conveying paddle 52 and thus starts to move toward the alignment plate 44. Moreover, the upper paper PA also receives a conveying force from the feeding paddle 62, so that the front end of the upper paper PA in the +A direction touches the alignment plate 44. In addition, when the upper paper PA further receives a conveying force from the conveying paddle 52, a part of the upper paper PA may protrude in the +B direction.

[0134] It should be noted that after the front end of the upper paper PA in the +A direction theoretically touches the alignment plate 44, the control unit 24 also rotates the conveying paddle 52 and the feeding paddle 62 by a predetermined amount. This is to reliably make the front end of the upper paper PA in the +A direction touch the alignment plate 44. At this time, if the rigidity of the upper paper PA is low, then as described above, a part of the upper paper PA protrudes in the +B direction.

[0135] In a state where the conveying paddle 52 applies a conveying force to the upper paper PA and the feeding paddle 62 is separated from the upper paper PA, protrusion of the upper paper PA is likely to occur.

[0136] Regarding the conveying paddle 52 and the feeding paddle 62, there is a situation where when one of them contacts the upper sheet PA, the other does not contact the upper sheet PA. That is to say, a state may occur in which only the conveying paddle 52 contacts the upper sheet PA and applies a conveying force to it, while the feeding paddle 62 is separated from the upper sheet PA. In this state, when the front end of the upper sheet PA in the +A direction hits the alignment plate 44, sometimes the upper sheet PA may flex upward to form a protrusion. The manner in which the protrusion of the upper sheet PA is formed is not limited to this.

[0137] As Figure 9 shown, the top of the protrusion of the upper sheet PA is likely to be formed between the conveying paddle 52 and the feeding paddle 62. In addition, if the above-mentioned protrusion remains as it is, due to the rotation of the feeding paddle 62, that is, the action of excessive conveying force based on the feeding unit 60, there is a possibility that the above-mentioned protrusion is fed in the +A direction by the feeding paddle 62. More specifically, if the above-mentioned protrusion remains as it is, when the feeding paddle 62 rotates, the contact area between the feeding paddle 62 and the upper sheet PA becomes larger, and there is a possibility that the feeding unit 60 applies excessive conveying force to the upper sheet PA.

[0138] When excessive conveying force is applied to the upper sheet PA, there is a possibility that the above-mentioned protrusion becomes larger. In this case, there is a possibility that the alignment of the sheet P on the processing tray 42 deteriorates further. It should be noted that the predetermined amount of rotation of the above-mentioned conveying paddle 52 and feeding paddle 62, that is, the predetermined amount of rotation of the conveying paddle 52 and feeding paddle 62 after the front end of the upper sheet PA in the +A direction theoretically hits the alignment plate 44, is controlled by the control unit 24 so that the above-mentioned protrusion formed on the upper sheet PA does not exceed the rotation center C ( Figure 8 ) of the rotation axis 64 in the +B direction.

[0139] In view of the above problems, the post-processing device 30 has the following features. That is, as Figure 10 shown, the feeding paddle 62 rotates in the +R direction. In addition, before the blades 66A, blades 66B, and blades 66C, the first pressing sheet 72 and the second pressing sheet 74 ( Figure 5 ) contact the protruding part of the upper sheet PA. As a result, a pressing force having a component in the -A direction acts on the upper sheet PA from the first pressing sheet 72 and the second pressing sheet 74. At this time, due to the rotation of the conveying paddle 52, the plate parts 54A, plate parts 54B, and plate parts 54C ( Figure 9 ) are in a retracted state where they do not contact the upper sheet PA. Therefore, the part of the upper sheet PA where the pressing force acts moves in the -A direction. As a result, the protrusion of the upper sheet PA becomes smaller or disappears.

[0140] As Figure 12As shown, with the protrusions of the upper sheet PA reduced or eliminated, the feeding paddle 62 continues to rotate in the +R direction. As a result, the first pressing sheet 72 and the second pressing sheet 74 are separated from the upper sheet PA. In addition, the vanes 66A, 66B, and 66C come into contact with the upper sheet PA in sequence, and the upper sheet PA is fed to the alignment plate 44. By the +A-direction end of the upper sheet PA coming into contact with the alignment plate 44, the +A-direction end of the upper sheet PA is aligned with the +A-direction end of the lower sheet PB.

[0141] It should be noted that after the protrusions of the upper sheet PA are eliminated, instead of using the feeding paddle 62, the conveying paddle 52 can be used to convey the upper sheet PA.

[0142] That is, as Figure 11 shown, at the timing when the protrusions of the upper sheet PA are almost eliminated, by rotating the feeding paddle 62 in the -R direction, the first pressing sheet 72 and the second pressing sheet 74 are separated from the upper sheet PA. In this state, the conveying paddle 52 ( Figure 9 ) rotates in the +R direction and comes into contact with the upper sheet PA. As a result, the upper sheet PA is conveyed to the alignment plate 44.

[0143] As described above, through the post-processing device 30, the conveying unit 50 conveys the sheet P on the processing tray 42 to the alignment plate 44. The +A-direction downstream end of the sheet P conveyed in the +A direction by the conveying unit 50 reaches the alignment plate 44. At this time, since a conveying force is applied to the sheet P from the conveying unit 50, there is a possibility that a part of the sheet P protrudes in the +B direction away from the processing tray 42.

[0144] Here, before the feeding force based on the feeding unit 60 is applied to the sheet P, the pressing unit 70 applies a pressing force to the sheet P. In other words, the pressing unit 70 presses the protrusions before the feeding unit 60. By the sheet P receiving a pressing force having a component in the -A direction, which is the opposite direction of the +A direction, from the pressing unit 70, the protrusions are reduced or eliminated. The sheet P after the protrusions are reduced or eliminated is fed in the +A direction by the feeding unit 60. In addition, the +A-direction downstream end of the sheet P is aligned by the alignment plate 44.

[0145] In this way, by suppressing the protrusions of the sheet P, the contact area between the feeding unit 60 and the sheet P can be reduced, so that an excessive conveying force applied to the sheet P from the feeding unit 60 can be suppressed.

[0146] The upper medium PA is located above the processing tray 42 and below the rotation shaft 64 in the B direction.

[0147] Here, through the post-processing device 30, the pressing portion 70 applies a pressing force to the lower portion of the upper sheet PA that is located below the rotation axis 64 in the B direction. Thereby, compared with the configuration that applies a pressing force to the upper portion of the upper sheet PA that is located above the rotation axis 64, the protrusion of the upper sheet PA can be suppressed before the protrusion becomes large.

[0148] Through the post-processing device 30, the position where the pressing portion 70 contacts the sheet P and the position where the feeding portion 60 contacts the sheet P are substantially the same position in the +A direction. Thereby, with respect to the sheet P whose protrusion is reduced by the pressing of the pressing portion 70, the feeding portion 60 contacts it in a short time. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the protrusion from becoming large again in the sheet P after being pressed by the pressing portion 70.

[0149] Through the post-processing device 30, since the second length LB is shorter than the first length LA, the feeding force that the sheet P receives from the pressing portion 70 can be made smaller than the feeding force that the sheet P receives from the feeding portion 60. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the pressing portion 70 from applying a load exceeding the necessary range to the sheet P. It should be noted that in the following description, regarding the force applied by the pressing portion 70 to the sheet P, the force having a component in the -A direction is defined as the pressing force, and the force having a component in the +A direction is defined as the feeding force, so as to make a distinction.

[0150] Through the post-processing device 30, the pressing portion 70 rotates in the +R direction to apply a pressing force to the sheet P, thereby suppressing an increase in the protrusion of the sheet P. In addition, in a state where an increase in the protrusion of the sheet P is suppressed, the pressing portion 70 rotates in the -R direction and thus retracts from the sheet P. Thereby, compared with the configuration in which the pressing portion 70 continuously rotates in the +R direction, it is possible to suppress the feeding force applied by the pressing portion 70 to the sheet P from being unnecessarily added to the conveying force of the sheet P. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the conveying force of the feeding portion 60 to the sheet P from becoming excessively large.

[0151] Through the post-processing device 30, since the second coefficient of friction μ2 is smaller than the first coefficient of friction μ1, the feeding force applied by the pressing portion 70 to the sheet P is smaller than the feeding force applied by the feeding portion 60 to the sheet P. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the application of an excessive load to the sheet P during the feeding of the sheet P by the feeding portion 60.

[0152] Through the post-processing device 30, since the second elastic modulus E2 is smaller than the first elastic modulus E1, the feeding force applied by the pressing portion 70 to the sheet P is smaller than the feeding force applied by the feeding portion 60 to the sheet P. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the application of an excessive load to the sheet P during the feeding of the sheet P by the feeding portion 60.

[0153] Through the post-processing device 30, while the pressing portion 70 suppresses the protrusion of the paper P, the feeding portion 60 performs the feeding operation of the paper P. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the feeding portion 60 performs the feeding operation of the paper P after the pressing portion 70 is separated from the paper P, the excessive conveying force acting on the paper P can be suppressed.

[0154] When the conveying force is continuously applied to the paper P by the conveying portion 50, there is a possibility that the protrusion of the paper P becomes larger.

[0155] Here, through the post-processing device 30, in the retracted state where the conveying portion 50 has retracted from the paper P, the pressing portion 70 applies a pressing force to the paper P, so that the pressing force can be applied to the paper P while suppressing the protrusion of the paper P. Thus, compared with the configuration in which the pressing force is applied to the paper P while the conveying portion 50 applies the conveying force to the paper P, the pressing force required to suppress the protrusion of the paper P can be reduced.

[0156] Through the post-processing device 30, the conveying portion 50 conveys the paper P on the processing tray 42 to the alignment plate 44. The downstream end of the paper P in the +A direction conveyed in the +A direction by the conveying portion 50 reaches the alignment plate 44. At this time, since the conveying force is applied to the paper P from the conveying portion 50, there is a possibility that a part of the paper P protrudes in the +B direction away from the processing tray 42.

[0157] Here, the pressing portion 70 rotates around the rotation axis 64 that is the rotation axis of the feeding portion 60. In addition, the pressing portion 70 is provided at a position in front of the feeding portion 60 with respect to the +R direction that is the rotation direction of the feeding portion 60.

[0158] Moreover, the pressing portion 70 applies a pressing force having a component in the -A direction, which is the opposite direction of the +A direction, to the paper P.

[0159] As a result, the protrusion generated on the paper P becomes smaller or disappears. The paper P after the protrusion becomes smaller or disappears is fed in the +A direction by the feeding portion 60. In addition, the downstream end of the paper P in the +A direction is aligned by the alignment plate 44.

[0160] In this way, by suppressing the protrusion of the paper P, the contact area between the feeding portion 60 and the paper P can be reduced. Therefore, the excessive conveying force generated by the feeding portion 60 on the paper P can be suppressed.

[0161] Embodiment 2

[0162] Next, the post-processing device 80 of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that for the parts common to the post-processing device 30 of Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used and their descriptions are omitted.

[0163] As Figure 13As shown, the post-processing device 80 of Embodiment 2 has the following configuration: In the post-processing device 30 of Embodiment 1 ( Figure 3 ), a pressing portion 82 is provided to replace the pressing portion 70 ( Figure 3 ). The configuration other than the pressing portion 82 is the same as that of Embodiment 1.

[0164] The pressing portion 82 is provided between the conveying portion 50 and the alignment plate 44, and applies a pressing force to the sheet P that has a component in the -A direction, which is the opposite direction of the +A direction. Before the feeding force based on the feeding portion 60 is applied to the sheet P, the pressing portion 82 applies a pressing force to the sheet P. Specifically, the pressing portion 82 is constituted by a blowing unit 84.

[0165] The blowing unit 84 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the sheet P. In addition, the blowing unit 84 is located at a position downstream in the +A direction with respect to the conveying paddle 52 and at a position upstream in the +A direction with respect to the feeding paddle 62. The distance between the blowing unit 84 and the feeding paddle 62 in the A direction is shorter than the distance between the blowing unit 84 and the conveying paddle 52 in the A direction.

[0166] Specifically, the blowing unit 84 includes a duct 86, a fan 88, and a motor (not shown) that rotates the fan 88.

[0167] The duct 86 is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape that extends in the X direction. The length of the duct 86 in the X direction is longer than the length of the sheet P in the X direction. When viewed from the X direction, the duct 86 is arranged along the B direction. An opening 87 is formed at the -B direction end of the duct 86. The opening 87 opens in the -B direction toward the sheet P and the processing tray 42. The number of the openings 87 can be either odd or even.

[0168] Inside the duct 86, the air flow generated by the rotation of the fan 88 is blown onto the sheet P through the opening 87. In this way, the blowing unit 84 is configured to be able to eliminate the protrusions of the sheet P by blowing the air flow onto the sheet P.

[0169] Next, the operation of the post-processing device 80 of Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0170] The upper sheet PA receives a conveying force from the conveying paddle 52 and thus starts to move toward the alignment plate 44. At this time, in a state where the +A direction end of the upper sheet PA is in contact with the alignment plate 44, since the upper sheet PA further receives a conveying force, there is a possibility that a part of the upper sheet PA protrudes in the +B direction. Here, the blowing unit 84 blows air onto the protruding portion of the upper sheet PA, and the protrusion of the upper sheet PA is reduced or eliminated by the pushing force.

[0171] As Figure 14As shown, in a state where the protrusions of the upper sheet PA become smaller or are eliminated, the feeding paddle 62 rotates in the +R direction. As a result, the upper sheet PA is fed toward the alignment plate 44. By the contact of the +A-direction end portion of the upper sheet PA with the alignment plate 44, the +A-direction end portion of the upper sheet PA is aligned with the +A-direction end portion of the lower sheet PB.

[0172] In this way, by the post-processing device 80, since the protrusions of the sheet P are suppressed, the contact area between the feeding portion 60 and the sheet P can be reduced. Therefore, an excessive feeding force applied by the feeding portion 60 to the sheet P can be suppressed.

[0173] Embodiment 3

[0174] Next, the post-processing device 90 of Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that, for the parts common to the post-processing devices 30 and 80 of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are assigned and their descriptions are omitted.

[0175] As Figure 15 shown, the post-processing device 90 of Embodiment 3 has the following configuration: In the post-processing device 80 ( Figure 13 ), a pressing portion 92 is provided to replace the pressing portion 82 ( Figure 13 ). The configuration other than the pressing portion 92 is the same as that of Embodiment 2.

[0176] The pressing portion 92 is provided between the conveying portion 50 and the alignment plate 44, and applies a pressing force having a component in the -A direction, which is the opposite direction of the +A direction, to the sheet P. Before applying the feeding force of the feeding portion 60 to the sheet P, the pressing portion 92 applies a pressing force to the sheet P.

[0177] The pressing portion 92 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the sheet P. In addition, the pressing portion 92 is located at a position downstream in the +A direction with respect to the conveying paddle 52 and at a position upstream in the +A direction with respect to the feeding paddle 62. The distance between the pressing portion 92 and the feeding paddle 62 is shorter than the distance between the pressing portion 92 and the conveying paddle 52.

[0178] Specifically, the pressing portion 92 includes a housing 94 having a solenoid (not shown) and a plunger 96. In addition, as an example, the pressing portion 92 is provided at two positions spaced apart in the X direction.

[0179] When viewed from the X direction, the housing 94 extends in the B direction. An opening 95 is formed at the -B direction end portion of the housing 94. The opening 95 opens in the -B direction toward the sheet P and the processing tray 42.

[0180] By switching the energization state of a solenoid (not shown), the plunger 96 switches between the advancing state in the -B direction and the retracted state in the +B direction. Further, the plunger 96 is configured to be able to contact the protruding portion of the sheet P in the advancing state.

[0181] Next, the operation of the post-processing device 90 of Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0182] The upper sheet PA receives a conveying force from the conveying paddle 52 and starts to move toward the alignment plate 44. At this time, in a state where the end portion of the upper sheet PA in the +A direction is in contact with the alignment plate 44, since the upper sheet PA further receives a conveying force, there is a possibility that a part of the upper sheet PA protrudes in the +B direction. Here, in the pressing portion 92, as the plunger 96 advances in the -B direction and contacts the upper sheet PA, the protrusion of the upper sheet PA becomes smaller or is eliminated.

[0183] As Figure 16 shown, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the plunger 96 retracts in the +B direction. In this retracted state, the feeding paddle 62 rotates in the +R direction. Thereby, the upper sheet PA is fed to the alignment plate 44. The end portion of the upper sheet PA in the +A direction is aligned with the end portion of the lower sheet PB in the +A direction by contacting the alignment plate 44.

[0184] In this way, by the post-processing device 90, the protrusion of the sheet P is suppressed, so that the contact area between the feeding portion 60 and the sheet P can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the feeding portion 60 from applying an excessive conveying force to the sheet P.

[0185] The recording system 1 and the post-processing devices 30, 80, 90 according to Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 of the present invention are based on the configurations described above. However, of course, partial configuration changes, omissions, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention of the present application.

[0186] Modification 1

[0187] Figure 17 The post-processing device 100 showing Modification 1 is shown. The post-processing device 100 has a configuration in which a pressing sheet 102 and a pressing sheet 104 are added to the feeding paddle 62 in the post-processing device 30 ( Figure 3 ).

[0188] The pressing sheet 102 and the pressing sheet 104 are an example of a pressing portion and are attached to the rotating shaft 64. As an example, the size and shape of the pressing sheet 102 and the pressing sheet 104 are the same as the size and shape of the first pressing sheet 72 ( Figure 5 ).

[0189] When observing the feeding paddle 62 from the X direction, the pressing sheet 102 is located between the blades 66A and 66B. The pressing sheet 104 is located between the blades 66B and 66C. Thus, it is also possible to configure a plurality of pressing sheets in the rotational direction of the feeding paddle 62 so as to press once in front of the blades 66A, 64B, and 64C respectively.

[0190] Modification 2

[0191] Figure 18 The post-processing device 110 showing Modification 2 is shown. The post-processing device 110 has a configuration in which the arrangement of the air supply unit 84 is changed in the post-processing device 80 ( Figure 13 ).

[0192] The air supply unit 84 is located downstream of the feeding paddle 62 in the +A direction. In addition, the air supply unit 84 suppresses the protrusion of the upper sheet PA by blowing air to a position upstream of the rotation center C of the feeding paddle 62 in the +A direction. Thus, even if the arrangement of the air supply unit 84 is changed, the protrusion of the upper sheet PA can be suppressed.

[0193] Modification 3

[0194] Figure 19 The post-processing device 120 showing Modification 3 is shown. The post-processing device 120 has a configuration in which the arrangement of the air supply unit 84 is changed in the post-processing device 80 ( Figure 13 ).

[0195] The air supply unit 84 suppresses the protrusion of the upper sheet PA by blowing air near the rotation center C of the feeding paddle 62. Thus, it is also possible to blow air to the portion of the upper sheet PA located in the -B direction with respect to the rotation shaft 64.

[0196] Other modifications

[0197] In the post-processing device 30, the pressing portion 70 may also apply a pressing force to a portion of the upper sheet PA different from the portion located below the rotation shaft 64. A part of the first region S1 and a part of the second region S2 may also be arranged in the X direction. That is, it is also possible to have a configuration in which at least a part of the first region S1 and at least a part of the second region S2 are arranged in the X direction. The second length LB may also be equal to or greater than the first length LA.

[0198] In the post-processing device 30, the second coefficient of friction μ2 may also be equal to or greater than the first coefficient of friction μ1. The second elastic modulus E2 may also be equal to or greater than the first elastic modulus E1. The pressing portion 70 may also apply a pressing force to the sheet P in the contact state of the conveying portion 50.

[0199] The number of sheets of the plate portions 54A, 54B, and 54C is not limited to three, and may be one, two, or four or more sheets. Similarly, the number of blades of the blades 66A, 64B, and 64C is not limited to three, and may be one, two, or four or more sheets.

[0200] The conveying unit 50 may also have conveying rollers instead of the conveying paddle 52.

[0201] The post-processing devices 30, 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 may also have a separate control unit different from the control unit 24.

[0202] In addition, when the first pressing sheet 72 and the second pressing sheet 74 apply a pressing force having a component in the -A direction to the sheet PA, the conveying paddle 52 may also be in a contact state.

[0203] Even in this case, by the pressing of the first pressing sheet 72 and the second pressing sheet 74, the above-mentioned protrusion retracts in the -A direction. Therefore, the possibility of an increase in the contact area between the feeding paddle 62 and the upper sheet PA can be reduced. Therefore, the possibility of the feeding paddle 62 applying an excessive conveying force to the upper sheet PA can be reduced, and the deterioration of the alignment of the sheet P on the processing tray 42 can be reduced.

Claims

1. A post-processing device, characterized in that, Comprising: A placement unit capable of placing the medium before post - processing by the post - processing unit; An alignment unit for aligning the ends of a plurality of the media stacked on the placement unit; A conveying unit for conveying the medium on the placement unit towards the alignment unit in the conveying direction; A feeding unit provided between the conveying unit and the alignment unit, the feeding unit feeding the medium in the conveying direction, and A pressing unit provided between the conveying unit and the alignment unit, applying a pressing force having a component in the direction opposite to the conveying direction to the medium. Before applying the feeding force of the feeding unit to the medium, the pressing unit applies the pressing force to the medium, The pressing unit causes the pressing force to act on a protrusion formed when the medium touches the alignment unit and is then subjected to the conveying force of the conveying unit.

2. The post - processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding unit has a rotation axis extending in the medium width direction intersecting with the conveying direction, The pressing unit applies the pressing force to a part of the upper medium located at the uppermost layer in the stacking direction among the plurality of the media and at a position below the rotation axis in the stacking direction.

3. The post - processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When observing from above to below in the stacking direction, at least a part of a second region where the pressing force acts on the medium and at least a part of a first region where the feeding force is applied to the medium are arranged in the medium width direction.

4. The post - processing device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The feeding unit includes a first blade portion extending from the outer peripheral surface of the rotation axis, The pressing unit includes a second blade portion extending from the outer peripheral surface of the rotation axis, When observing in the medium width direction, a second length from the rotation center of the rotation axis to the front end of the second blade portion is shorter than a first length from the rotation center of the rotation axis to the front end of the first blade portion.

5. The post - processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: When observing from the medium width direction, the pressing unit rotates in a first direction to perform a pressing action of applying the pressing force to the medium, After the pressing action and before the feeding unit applies the feeding force to the medium, the pressing unit rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction to retract from the medium.

6. The post - processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A second coefficient of friction at the contact position between the pressing unit and the medium is smaller than a first coefficient of friction at the contact position between the feeding unit and the medium.

7. The post - processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A second elastic modulus of the pressing unit is smaller than a first elastic modulus of the feeding unit.

8. The post - processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In a state where the pressing unit applies the pressing force to the medium, the feeding unit performs the feeding action of the medium.

9. The post - processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying unit is configured to be able to switch between a contact state in contact with the medium and a retracted state retracted from the medium. The pressing unit applies the pressing force to the medium in the retracted state of the conveying unit.

10. A post-processing device, characterized in that, It includes: A placing unit capable of placing the medium before post-processing by the post-processing unit; An aligning unit that aligns the ends of a plurality of the media stacked on the placing unit; A conveying unit that conveys the medium on the placing unit toward the aligning unit in the conveying direction; A feeding unit provided between the conveying unit and the aligning unit. The feeding unit rotates about a rotation axis to feed the medium in the conveying direction; And A pressing unit provided between the conveying unit and the aligning unit. By rotating about the rotation axis in the same rotation direction as the feeding unit, the pressing unit applies a pressing force having a component in the direction opposite to the conveying direction to the medium. The pressing unit is provided at a position ahead of the feeding unit in the rotation direction. The pressing unit applies the pressing force to a protrusion formed when the medium hits the aligning unit and is then subjected to the conveying force of the conveying unit.

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