Post-processing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A post-processing apparatus includes: a first path that receives a recording medium on which an image is formed and guides the recording medium to a discharge unit; a second path which branches from the first path, receives the recording medium of the first path, empties the first path, and guides the post-processed recording medium to a retention unit in which the recording medium is temporarily retained; and a third path which branches from the second path, can be used when the recording medium of the first path and the recording medium of the second path are superimposed on each other by using the first path and the second path, and into which the tip of the recording medium advancing from the first path to the second path enters.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, patent document 1 discloses a paper post-processing device, which comprises: a first conveying path, which guides the conveyed paper to the first post-processing unit; a conveying standby path, which has a first standby path branched from a branch point of the first conveying path and a second standby path continuously formed on the first standby path and merged with the first conveying path, and makes the paper conveyed to the first post-processing unit stand by on the first standby path and the second standby path; a second conveying path branched from the branch point of the first standby path, and guides the paper conveyed to the first standby path to the second post-processing unit; a first path switching unit, which is provided at the branch point of the first conveying path, and switches the first conveying path to the first standby path or the first post-processing unit side and is connected; and a second path switching unit, which is provided at the branch point of the first standby path, and switches the first standby path to the second standby path or the second conveying path and is connected.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-184177 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Here, consider the case of processing recording media of different sizes while stacking recording media using a path within an apparatus for post-processing recording media with images formed thereon. If a large recording medium is stacked on a path used for stacking small recording media, the length of the path within the apparatus must be ensured to accommodate the large recording media, resulting in an increased size of the apparatus.

[0005] The present invention aims to achieve miniaturization of an apparatus in which a large recording medium is stacked on a path where a small recording medium is stacked, by extending the path within the apparatus according to the large recording medium.

[0006] The invention described in Option 1 is a post-processing device, which includes: a first path that receives a recording medium with an image formed thereon and guides it to a discharge section; a second path that branches off from the first path and is used to receive the recording medium from the first path, thereby clearing the first path and guiding the recording medium undergoing post-processing to a retention section where it is temporarily retained; and a third path that branches off from the second path and can be used when the first path and the second path are used to perform an action of superimposing the recording medium from the first path and the recording medium from the second path on each other, and is for the front end of the recording medium advancing from the first path to the second path to enter.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the post-processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the third path has a portion that overlaps with the second path in a height direction.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the post-processing device described in claim 2, characterized in that the portion of the third path is located in an area divided by a portion on the receiving side of the recording medium on the first path and the second path.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is the post-processing device described in claim 3, characterized in that when the interior of the device is divided by the second path and a virtual extension line of the second path, the third path is provided on the side where the retention portion is located.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is the post-processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when the second path is divided into a first portion on the side of the retention portion and a second portion on the side opposite to the retention portion at the position where the second path branches off from the third path,

[0011] An angle formed between the third path and the first portion is smaller than an angle formed between the third path and the second portion.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is the post-processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the recording medium satisfies a predetermined condition indicating an outer shape, the front end portion enters the third path.

[0013] The invention described in Scheme 7 is a post-processing device, which comprises: a first path that receives a recording medium with an image formed thereon and guides it to a discharge section; a second path that branches off from the first path and is used to receive the recording medium in the first path, thereby clearing the first path and guiding the recording medium undergoing post-processing to a retention section where it is temporarily retained; and a third path that can be used when the first path and the second path are used to perform an action of superimposing the recording medium in the first path and the recording medium in the second path when the recording medium is retained in the retention section, and branches off from the second path at a position where it does not interfere with the recording medium in the retention section and is used for the front end of the recording medium advancing from the first path to the second path to enter.

[0014] The invention described in claim 8 is the post-processing device described in claim 7, characterized by comprising: a switching member provided at a position where the third path branches off from the second path, and switching the direction in which the recording medium advances.

[0015] The invention described in Option 9 is the post-processing device described in Option 8, characterized in that the switching component guides the recording medium to the third path when performing the superposition action, and switches the direction of advance of the recording medium from the third path to the retention section when completing the superposition action.

[0016] The invention described in claim 10 is an image forming apparatus including the post-processing apparatus described in claim 1 or 7.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the device can be miniaturized compared to a device that performs a superimposition operation on a large recording medium on a path for superimposing small recording media and extends the path within the device according to the large recording medium.

[0019] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the height dimension of the device can be suppressed compared to a case where the third path does not have a portion overlapping with the second path in the height direction.

[0020] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the third path can be easily arranged in the device compared to a configuration in which the portion without the third path is located in the area divided by the portion on the receiving side of the recording medium on the first path and the second path.

[0021] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, compared to a case where the third path is not provided on the side where the retention portion is located when the interior of the device is divided by the second path and the virtual extension line of the second path, the recording medium that is superimposed using the third path can smoothly enter the retention portion.

[0022] According to the fifth scheme of the present invention, compared with a case where there is no structure in which the angle formed by the third path and the first part is smaller than the angle formed by the third path and the second part when the second path is divided into the part on the retention portion side, i.e., the first part, and the part on the side opposite to the retention portion, i.e., the second part, at the position where the second path branches off from the third path, the recording medium can smoothly enter the third path.

[0023] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the device can be miniaturized compared to a case where the third path is not provided for the tip end to enter when the recording medium satisfies the predetermined condition indicating the outer shape.

[0024] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the device can be miniaturized compared to a device that performs a superimposition operation of a large recording medium on a path for superimposing small recording media and extends the path within the device according to the large recording medium.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the structure can be simplified compared to a configuration without a switching member provided at a position where the third path branches from the second path and switches the direction in which the recording medium advances.

[0026] According to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, compared to a configuration in which there is no switching component for guiding the recording medium to the third path when performing the superposition action and for switching the direction of the recording medium's advance from the third path to the retention portion when the superposition action is finished, post-processing and superposition actions can be performed in parallel.

[0027] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the device can be miniaturized compared to a device that performs a superimposition operation of a large recording medium on a path for superimposing small recording media and extends the path within the device according to the large recording medium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of transmission of a recording medium;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of transmission of a recording medium;

[0032] Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a second example of transmission of a recording medium;

[0033] Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a second example of transmission of a recording medium;

[0034] Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a second example of transmission of a recording medium;

[0035] Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a second example of transmission of a recording medium;

[0036] Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a second example of transmission of a recording medium;

[0037] Figure 9 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a second example of transmission of a recording medium;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a third example of transmission of a recording medium;

[0039] Figure 11 is a flow chart showing an example of gate control;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the first path, the second path, and the third path. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] <Image Forming Apparatus 100 >

[0043] First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0044] In addition, the arrow UP shown in the figure indicates the top of the device, and the arrow DO indicates the bottom of the device. Furthermore, the arrow LH shown in the figure indicates the left side of the device, and the arrow RH indicates the right side of the device. Furthermore, the arrow FR shown in the figure indicates the front of the device, and the arrow RR indicates the rear of the device. These directions are specified for the convenience of explanation, and the device structure is not limited to these directions. In addition, for each direction of the device, the term "device" is sometimes omitted. That is, for example, sometimes "the top of the device" is simply expressed as "above", and sometimes "the bottom of the device" is simply expressed as "below".

[0045] In the following description, "upper and lower directions" may be used to mean "both upper and lower directions," "either upper or lower direction," or "height direction." The height direction here refers to the directions of arrows UP and DO.

[0046] Sometimes, the term "left-right direction" is used to mean "both the right and the left" or "either the right or the left." It can also be referred to as lateral, transverse, or horizontal.

[0047] Sometimes, the term "front-back direction" is used to mean "both the front and rear directions" or "either the front and rear directions." Furthermore, the term "front-back direction" can also refer to lateral, transverse, and horizontal directions. Furthermore, the up-down, left-right, and front-back directions are directions that intersect one another, specifically, directions that are orthogonal.

[0048] In addition, the symbol "X" written in "○" in the figure represents an arrow pointing from the front side to the back side of the paper. In addition, the symbol "·" written in "○" in the figure represents an arrow pointing from the back side to the front side of the paper.

[0049] Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the parts shown in the drawings in the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-back direction may be different from the actual dimensional ratios.

[0050] Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 100 shown is a recording medium P (refer to Figure 2 ) is a device for forming an image on Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 101 and a post-processing device 102. Hereinafter, each unit of the image forming apparatus 100, specifically, the image forming unit 101 and the post-processing device 102 will be described.

[0051] <Image Forming Unit 101>

[0052] Figure 1 The image forming section 101 shown is a component that forms an image on a recording medium P. As the image forming section 101 , for example, an electrophotographic image forming section that forms an image on the recording medium P using toner is used.

[0053] In an electrophotographic image forming unit, for example, charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing processes are performed to form an image on a recording medium P. Specifically, in an electrophotographic image forming unit, for example, charging, exposure, development, and transfer processes are performed to form an image on a transfer member, and after the image is transferred from the transfer member to the recording medium P, the image is fixed on the recording medium P, thereby forming an image on the recording medium P.

[0054] Furthermore, an example of an image forming unit is not limited to the aforementioned electrophotographic image forming unit. For example, an inkjet image forming unit may be used, and various image forming units can be used. In an inkjet image forming unit, for example, an ink jet ejection unit ejects ink droplets onto a recording medium P to form an image on the recording medium P.

[0055] <Post-processing device 102>

[0056] Figure 1 The illustrated post-processing device 102 is a device that performs post-processing, which is a process performed on the recording medium P on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 101 , and includes a first post-processing unit 103 and a second post-processing unit 104 .

[0057] Furthermore, the post-processing device 102 includes a control unit 105 that controls each unit. The control unit 105 includes, for example, a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM.

[0058] As a post-processing step, the first post-processing unit 103 of the post-processing device 102 performs a stapling process for binding a plurality of recording media P using a stapler, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, other post-processing steps may be performed such as a cutting process for cutting the recording media P or a punching process for punching holes in the recording media P, as long as the process is performed on the recording media P on which an image is formed.

[0059] As post-processing, the second post-processing unit 104 of the post-processing device 102 performs binding or folding, for example, on the center portion in the conveying direction of the plurality of recording media P to create a booklet.

[0060] Furthermore, the post-processing device 102 includes: a receiving unit 111 that receives the recording medium P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 101; and a first discharge unit 112 that discharges the recording medium P that has been post-processed by the first post-processing unit 103 on the recording medium P received by the receiving unit 111.

[0061] Furthermore, the post-processing device 102 includes a second discharge unit 113 that discharges the recording medium P received by the receiving unit 111 and subjected to post-processing by the second post-processing unit 104 .

[0062] The first discharge unit 112 is an example of a discharge unit.

[0063] In the post-processing device 102, the receiving unit 111 and the first discharge unit 112 are located on the upper side of the device, and the second discharge unit 113 is located on the lower side of the device. Furthermore, the receiving unit 111 is located on the left side of the post-processing device 102, and the first discharge unit 112 and the second discharge unit 113 are located on the right side of the post-processing device 102.

[0064] The post-processing device 102 includes a first path 10, which is a path that conveys recording media P received by a receiving unit 111 to a first discharge unit 112, and a second path 20 that branches off from a branch point 14 of the first path 10, extends downward, and conveys the recording media P to a second post-processing unit 104. To further explain, as described above, the recording media P that travels along the second path 20 toward the second post-processing unit 104 undergoes post-processing in the second post-processing unit 104 and is discharged as a booklet to the second discharge unit 113.

[0065] Furthermore, the post-processing device 102 includes, in addition to the first path 10 and the second path 20 , a third path 30 that branches off from the branch point 23 of the second path 20 and extends obliquely downward.

[0066] To further explain, in this embodiment, the third path 30 is positioned on the image forming unit 101 side, i.e., the receiving unit 111 side, relative to the second path 20, to effectively utilize the internal layout of the post-processing device 102 and to mitigate the degree of curvature of the recording medium P during transport along the third path 30. However, the position of the third path 30 is not limited to this; a configuration in which the third path 30 is positioned on the side opposite the image forming unit 101 side relative to the second path 20 is also conceivable. This allows the leading end of the recording medium P transported through the third path 30 to protrude from the exterior surface of the post-processing device 102, thereby accommodating recording media P that are longer in the transport direction.

[0067] In addition, Figure 1 In FIG, the path of the recording medium P is indicated by a thick line.

[0068] The first path 10 is provided with a conveying roller 11, a conveying roller 12 located closer to a first discharge portion 112 than the conveying roller 11, and a first detection portion 13 located between the conveying rollers 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the conveying roller 12 is provided at a branch point 14 of the first path 10.

[0069] The first detection unit 13 detects an end portion (for example, a leading end portion) of the recording medium P conveyed on the first path 10 .

[0070] The transport roller 11 can control the transport speed of the recording medium P. Furthermore, the transport roller 11 can control the transport timing of the recording medium P in the first path 10 based on the detection result of the first detection unit 13 .

[0071] The transport roller 12 can rotate forward and reverse, and can switch back the recording medium P on the first path 10. Specifically, the transport roller 12 rotates forward, and the recording medium P is discharged to the first discharge portion 112. Furthermore, the transport roller 12 rotates reversely, and the recording medium P that has switched back on the first path 10 is transported to the second path 20.

[0072] Switching back here refers to switching the conveying direction or traveling direction of the recording medium P to the opposite direction. Specifically, the leading end of the recording medium P, which was traveling in one direction, switches direction and moves in the opposite direction, becoming the trailing end. The leading end and trailing end of the recording medium P before switching back become the trailing end and leading end, respectively, after switching back.

[0073] The second path 20 is provided with a conveying roller 21 and a second detection unit 22 located on the branch point 14 side of the first path 10 with respect to the conveying roller 21 .

[0074] The second detection unit 22 detects an end portion (for example, a leading end portion) of the recording medium P conveyed on the second path 20 .

[0075] The transport roller 21, like the transport roller 12 of the first path 10, can rotate forward and reverse, and can switch back the recording medium P on the second path 20. Specifically, the transport roller 21 rotates forward, transporting the recording medium P downward. Furthermore, the transport roller 21 rotates reversely, allowing the recording medium P, having switched back on the second path 20, to return to the first path 10 from the branch point 14.

[0076] This operation of returning the recording medium P on the second path 20 to the first path 10 is performed at the timing when the first detection unit 13 detects the recording medium P received by the receiving unit 111. As a result, the preceding recording medium P on the second path 20 and the following recording medium P on the first path 10 overlap on the first path 10. Multiple overlapping bundles of recording media P can be transported on the second path 20, and by repeating this operation, a larger number of bundles can be formed.

[0077] Thus, the post-processing device 102 according to this embodiment can perform a stacking operation, which is an operation of stacking the recording media P sequentially received by the receiving unit 111 to form a bundle of multiple sheets. The bundle of recording media P stacked in this stacking operation is transferred to the second post-processing unit 104 and post-processed there.

[0078] To further explain, the recording medium P received by the receiving unit 111 is discharged from the first path 10 to the first discharge unit 112 without undergoing a superimposing operation and without undergoing post-processing by the second post-processing unit 104 .

[0079] Furthermore, when the recording medium P received by the receiving unit 111 is post-processed by the second post-processing unit 104 after the superimposition operation, it is conveyed from the first path 10 to the second path 20, post-processed by the second post-processing unit 104, and discharged as a booklet to the second discharge unit 113.

[0080] In addition, for the recording medium P received by the receiving unit 111, the following methods can also be considered: a method of discharging it to the first discharge unit 112 after performing a superimposing action, or a method of discharging it to the second discharge unit 113 after performing post-processing by the second post-processing unit 104 in a single sheet state without performing a superimposing action.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recording medium P received by the receiving unit 111 is transmitted to the second post-processing unit 104 from the first path 10 via the second path 20, but the following modification can also be considered, that is, adding a path not shown for transmitting the recording medium P received by the receiving unit 111 directly to the second path 20 without passing through the first path 10.

[0082] The third path 30 is provided with a chute 31 , a stopper 32 , a gate 33 , and a motor 34 for driving the gate 33 .

[0083] The motor 34 is a dedicated drive source for driving only the gate 33 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the motor 34 may also serve as a drive source for driving the conveying roller 21 .

[0084] The chute 31 is a plate-shaped member that guides the recording medium P after entering the third path 30 and holds the recording medium P on its upper surface. The chute 31 is composed of a first member 31a and a second member 31b. The portion where the first member 31a and the second member 31b connect is formed into a smooth arc shape.

[0085] The stopper 32 is a component that defines the moving end of the recording medium P after entering the third path 30. It is located at the end of the second component 31b that is away from the first component 31a. The presence of the stopper 32 in the third path 30 makes the third path 30 a finite path, not a traversable path. Therefore, after entering the third path 30, the recording medium P is reversed and ejected from the third path 30.

[0086] Here, when the recording medium P enters the third path 30, the rear end of the recording medium P is held by the transport roller 21. While the recording medium P entering the third path 30 is held by the transport roller 21, the front end of the recording medium P is positioned so as not to contact the stopper 32. Furthermore, if the recording medium P entering the third path 30 is no longer held by the transport roller 21, the stopper 32 prevents the recording medium P from falling out of the third path 30.

[0087] The gate 33 is provided at the branch point 23 of the second path 20 and switches the direction in which the recording medium P travels along the second path 20. The recording medium P travels in two directions: one to the third path and the other to the paper loading section 411.

[0088] In this embodiment, the shutter 33 is rotatable about a rotation axis 33a. More specifically, the shutter 33 receives a driving force from the motor 34 to rotate about the rotation axis 33a, thereby changing its posture and changing the direction in which the recording medium P advances.

[0089] Such a change in posture includes a posture of blocking the second path 20 (refer to Figure 1 ) is changed to a posture that does not block the second path 20 and is changed from a posture that does not block the second path 20 to a posture that blocks the second path 20 (refer to Figure 1 That is, the former is a case where the recording medium P is guided from the second path 20 to the paper loading portion 411, and the latter is a case where the recording medium P is guided to the third path 30.

[0090] So, in Figure 1 In the illustrated position where the gate 33 blocks the second path 20, the recording medium P from the first path 10 advances toward the third path 30. On the other hand, when the gate 33 does not block the second path 20, the recording medium P from the first path 10 advances straight along the second path 20 toward the paper loading portion 411 of the second post-processing unit 104.

[0091] The shutter 33 is an example of a switching member.

[0092] Next, the configuration of the second post-processing unit 104 will be described. As described above, the recording media P are conveyed to the second post-processing unit 104 via the second path 20, saddle-stitched, and the resulting booklet is ejected to the second ejection unit 113. The phrase "bundle of recording media P" or even simply "bundle" also includes a bundle consisting of a single sheet of recording media P.

[0093] like Figure 1 As shown, the second post-processing unit 104 is provided with an editing tray 41, a guide plate 42, a feed roller 43, an end guide 44, a paper alignment unit 45, a stapler 46, a folding knife 47, and a folding roller 48. The operation of each component of the second post-processing unit 104 is controlled by a control unit 105. For example, the opening and closing mechanism of the end guide 44, the operation of the folding knife 47, and the folding roller 48 are controlled by the control unit 105.

[0094] The editing tray 41 is loaded with recording media P, which are sequentially conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100. This creates a bundle of one or more recording media P sheets. The number of sheets in the bundle of recording media P is determined by the settings of the executed print process. In this specification, the term "sheet bundle" also includes a bundle consisting of a single sheet of recording media P.

[0095] The edit tray 41 includes a plate-shaped paper loading portion 411 having a size corresponding to the recording medium P.

[0096] The paper loading portion 411 is a member for loading a bundle of recording media P to be saddle-stitched. The second path 20 guides the recording media P to the paper loading portion 411 .

[0097] The paper loading section 411 is an example of a storage section that temporarily stores recording media that have undergone post-processing.

[0098] The guide plate 42 is disposed at a position facing the edit tray 41 and guides the recording medium P fed from the transport roller 43 . The guide plate 42 is disposed along the edit tray 41 with a gap therebetween.

[0099] The transport roller 43 delivers the recording medium P conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 to the edit tray 41. When printing is performed on a plurality of recording media P, the transport roller 43 delivers the recording media P a number of times corresponding to the number of printed sheets.

[0100] The end guide 44 includes a contact portion 441 on which the lower end portion of the bundle of recording media P contacts, and an opening and closing mechanism 442 that can pressurize and hold the recording media P whose lower end portion contacts the contact portion 441 .

[0101] The contact portion 441 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction A. Thus, the position of the recording media P can be changed according to the processes performed on the bundle of recording media P, namely, the stapling process and the folding process.

[0102] The opening and closing mechanism 442 is configured to be movable in a direction intersecting the vertical direction A and capable of changing the storage width for storing recording media P. Specifically, the opening and closing mechanism 442 is movable in the thickness direction of the bundle of recording media P. More specifically, the opening and closing mechanism 442 can be selected between a closed state and an open state. The closed state allows the opening and closing mechanism 442 to move in a direction narrowing the storage width during post-processing, thereby clamping and pressurizing the bundle of recording media P. The open state allows the opening and closing mechanism 442 to move in a direction widening the storage width, without clamping the bundle of recording media P, and thus allowing the recording media P to be inserted and removed.

[0103] The paper alignment member 45 is a presser that presses, or compresses, the bundle of paper loaded on the editing tray 41 to align the bundle. The paper alignment member 45 can be configured to press the bundle from above, thereby aligning the bundle vertically in conjunction with the abutment portion 441 of the end guide 44. The paper alignment member 45 can align the recording media P as they are being conveyed to the editing tray 41, or after a predetermined number of recording media P, specified in the print process settings, have been loaded onto the editing tray 41.

[0104] The stapler 46 performs binding processing on the paper bundle loaded on the editing tray 41. In this embodiment, the binding processing using staples to bind the paper bundle is described, but the binding processing may also be performed by using a mechanism that presses the paper bundle together instead of staples.

[0105] The folding knife 47 presses the bundle of recording media P. The folding knife 47 is arranged at a position facing the edit tray 41 .

[0106] The folding knife 47 has a protrusion 471 configured to be able to advance and retract toward the edit tray 41 across the width of the recording medium P. When the protrusion 471 is in the retracted position, the folding knife 47 is positioned so as not to contact the bundle loaded on the edit tray 41. Furthermore, when the protrusion 471 is advanced toward the edit tray 41, the folding knife 47 passes through the opening of the edit tray 41 and reaches the folding roller 48 provided on the back side of the edit tray 41. Therefore, when the folding knife 47 is advanced toward the edit tray 41 with the protrusion 471 loaded on the edit tray 41, it contacts the surface of the bundle and presses the bundle toward the opening of the edit tray 41. As a result, the bundle of recording medium P is bent at the location pressed by the protrusion 471 of the folding knife 47, forming a bent portion.

[0107] Next, various examples of transferring the recording medium P in the post-processing device 102 will be described.

[0108] In the description of various transfer examples, in consideration of the switchback, the leading end of the recording medium P when received by the receiving unit 111 of the post-processing device 102 is referred to as the first end P1, and the trailing end is referred to as the second end P2. Furthermore, to distinguish between the recording media P during the superimposition operation, a letter is appended after "P" so that the recording medium PB is transferred after the recording medium PA.

[0109] Furthermore, in the drawings illustrating various transport examples, the first path 10, the second path 20, and the third path 30 for transporting the recording medium P are indicated by dotted lines, and the transported recording medium P is indicated by solid lines.

[0110] Hereinafter, a first transfer example, a second transfer example, and a third transfer example of the recording medium P will be described.

[0111] <Transmission Example 1>

[0112] First, a first conveyance example will be described. The first conveyance example is an example in which the recording medium P is conveyed to the first discharge unit 112 via the first path 10 .

[0113] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining a first example of transfer of the recording medium P, and shows the transfer of the recording medium P in time series.

[0114] In the first transmission example, Figure 2 As shown, the recording medium P received by the receiving unit 111 of the post-processing device 102 is transported on the first path 10, and is then post-processed by the first post-processing unit 103. The post-processed recording medium P further advances in the first path 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, the recording medium P is discharged from the first discharge portion 112. In the first conveying example, the recording medium P is not switched back.

[0115] In the first conveyance example, a single recording medium P is discharged from the first discharge section 112 after undergoing post-processing by the first post-processing section 103. However, this is not limiting. Specifically, a case is also conceivable where the recording medium P is discharged from the first discharge section 112 without undergoing post-processing by the first post-processing section 103.

[0116] Furthermore, it is also possible to consider the case where the recording media P is discharged in a bundle from the first discharge unit 112. That is, in the first conveying example, the stacking operation using the second path 20 is not performed, but it is also possible to consider the case where a plurality of recording media P are discharged from the first discharge unit 112 by performing the stacking operation.

[0117] <Second Transmission Example>

[0118] Next, the second transport example will be described. In the second transport example, the recording media PA and PB are discharged to the second discharge unit 113 via the first path 10 and the second path 20, and a superimposition operation is performed on the recording media PA and PB.

[0119] Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a diagram for explaining a second transfer example on the recording media PA and PB, and is a diagram showing the transfer in time series.

[0120] In the second transmission example, Figure 4 As shown, when the leading end of the recording medium PA is the first end P1 and the trailing end is the second end P2, the recording medium PA received by the receiving unit 111 of the post-processing device 102 temporarily stops when the second end P2 reaches the position of the conveying roller 12. In other words, the recording medium PA stops at the position where the second end P2 passes the branch point 14.

[0121] Furthermore, the first end portion P1 of the recording medium PA is positioned outside the apparatus from the first discharge portion 112 .

[0122] Afterwards, the recording medium PA is switched back, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the recording medium PA is transmitted from the branch point 14 to the second path 20. The second end P2 of the recording medium PA becomes the front end, and the first end P1 becomes the rear end.

[0123] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated case, the second end P2 of the recording medium PA is located on the transport roller 21 of the second path 20 , and the first end P1 is located on the transport roller 12 of the first path 10 .

[0124] exist Figure 5 In the case shown, the gate 33 of the third path 30 is in a position to block the second path 20. Therefore, if the recording medium PA is Figure 5 If the state shown in FIG. 1 further advances on the second path 20, then Figure 6 As shown, the vehicle is separated from the second path 20 by the gate 33 and guided to the third path 30 .

[0125] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated case, the recording medium PA is held by the transport roller 21. The second end P2 of the recording medium PA is away from the stopper 32 of the third path 30.

[0126] The second end portion P2 of the recording medium PA is located on the third path 30, and the first end portion P1 is located on the transport roller 21 of the second path 20. The third path 30 is a transport path that can be used when performing a superimposing operation.

[0127] To further explain, Figure 6 In the case shown, the recording medium PA is transferred from the first path 10 to the second path 20 and the third path 30, and the first path 10 is in an idle state. That is, since the next recording medium PB of the recording medium PA can be transferred, Figure 6 As shown, the recording medium PB is received by the receiving unit 111 , and a first end portion P1 serving as a leading end portion travels along the first path 10 .

[0128] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, first ends P1 of recording medium PA and recording medium PB overlap in first path 10. Second ends P2 of recording medium PA are located in second path 20, and second ends P2 of recording medium PB are located in first path 10.

[0129] When the succeeding recording medium PB passes through the branch point 14 of the first path 10, the preceding recording medium PA returns from the second path 20 to the first path 10 via the branch point 14, thereby performing a superimposition operation.

[0130] exist Figure 8 In the case shown, the recording medium PA and the recording medium PB are superimposed on the first path 10. Figure 4 The first end portion P1 of the recording medium PA and the recording medium PB is positioned outside the apparatus from the first discharge portion 112 in the same manner as in the case of FIG.

[0131] The superimposed recording medium PA and recording medium PB are switched back. Figure 9 In the case shown, the first path 10 enters the second path 20 from the branch point 14. The gate 33 of the third path 30 is in a position to block the third path 30. Therefore, Figure 9As shown, the recording medium PA and the recording medium PB do not proceed along the third path 30 at the branch point 23 of the second path 20 , but proceed along the second path 20 and are transferred to the second post-processing unit 104 .

[0132] Here, consider the case where the beam of the recording medium P has already been transferred to the second post-processing unit 104 when the above-mentioned superposition operation of the recording medium PA and the recording medium PB is performed. Figure 6 The state in which the beam of recording medium P is transferred to the second post-processing unit 104 is shown in FIG. Figure 6 Provide explanation.

[0133] exist Figure 6 In the state shown, when the recording medium PA does not use the third path 30 when retreating from the first path 10, the second end P2 of the recording medium PA is not located on the third path 30 but on the second path 20. Therefore, depending on the length of the recording medium P in the second post-processing unit 104 or the length of the recording medium PA, the second end P2 of the recording medium PA may interfere with the recording medium P in the second post-processing unit 104.

[0134] As a countermeasure to prevent such interference, the following measures can be considered: limiting the length of the recording media P, PA, and PB processed by the post-processing device 102 to a short length, or increasing the path length of the second path 20 of the post-processing device 102. In this case, the use of the post-processing device 102 is limited, or the device becomes larger.

[0135] Therefore, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the third path 30 can be used when the superimposition operation of the recording media PA and PB is performed using the first path 10 and the second path 20, thereby preventing restrictions on applications and enlargement of the device.

[0136] By having the leading end portion, ie, the second end portion P2, of the preceding recording medium PA enter the third path 30, the superimposition operation can be performed even when the recording media PA and the recording media PB are long and the beam of the recording media P has been transferred to the post-processing device 102.

[0137] <Transmission Example 3>

[0138] Figure 10 This is a diagram for explaining a third example of transfer of the recording medium P. Figure 10 The second transmission example corresponds to the case where the superimposition operation is performed on the recording media PA and PB. Figure 6 .

[0139] Figure 10The sizes of the recording media PA and PB in the third transport example shown are smaller than those in the second transport example. Therefore, even if a bundle of recording media P is already loaded on the paper loading section 411, the recording media PA that is switched back on the first path 10 and transported to the second path 20 will not interfere with the recording media P on the paper loading section 411, even if it is not guided to the third path 30.

[0140] Therefore, in the third transmission example, the gate 33 is not changed to a position that blocks the second path 20. Figure 10 As shown, the gate 33 is in a posture of blocking the third path 30 .

[0141] In addition, except for the case where the size of the recording medium P in the paper loading section 411 is small, even in the case where the size is large as in the second conveying example, it is considered to perform control not to guide it to the third path 30 when there is no interference with the recording medium P in the paper loading section 411.

[0142] Figure 11 1 is a flowchart showing a control example of the gate 33 .

[0143] exist Figure 11 In the control example shown, if the control unit 105 (refer to Figure 1 )Receive indicates the transmission of recording medium P (reference Figure 2 ) signal, it is determined whether to implement the control of superimposing action on the recording medium P to be transferred, i.e., superimposing control (step S101).

[0144] When superimposition control is executed ("Yes" in step S101), the control unit 105 (refer to Figure 1 ) It is determined whether the recording medium PA to be transferred is larger than a predetermined size (step S102). The predetermined size mentioned here is determined based on the path length of the post-processing device 102. As an example, it is larger than A4 size and does not include B5 size.

[0145] When the recording medium PA to be transferred is larger than a predetermined size ("Yes" in step S102), the control unit 105 (refer to Figure 1 ) The motor 34 is driven to switch the gate 33 so that the second path 20 is blocked by the gate 33 and the recording medium PA moves forward on the third path 30 (step S103). When the recording medium PA is larger than a predetermined size, this is an example of a case where the recording medium satisfies the predetermined condition indicating the outer shape.

[0146] After that, the superimposition operation starts (step S104).

[0147] If the superimposition operation is completed (step S105), the control unit 105 (refer to Figure 1 ) drives the motor 34 to switch the shutter 33 so that the shutter 33 blocks the third path 30 and the recording medium P advances on the second path 20 (step S106). As a result, the beam of recording medium P is transferred to the second post-processing unit 104.

[0148] The bundle of the recording medium P that has been conveyed is saddle-stitched by being post-processed in the second post-processing section 104 and then discharged to the second discharge section 113 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 )(Step S108), a series of processing is completed.

[0149] When the superimposition control is not performed (No in step S101) and the recording medium PA to be transferred is not larger than a predetermined size (No in step S102), the control unit 105 (refer to Figure 1 ) Enters step S106 and switches the gate to the second path 20 so that the recording medium PA is not guided to the third path 30.

[0150] Figure 12 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship among the first path 10 , the second path 20 , and the third path 30 .

[0151] like Figure 12 As shown, the first path 10 has an overlapping portion ΔH in the height direction, i.e., the direction of arrows UP and DO, where it overlaps with the second path 20. The overlapping portion ΔH is the portion where the range H1 of the first path 10 and the range H2 of the second path 20 in the height direction overlap.

[0152] In more detail, when the first path 10 is divided at the branch point 14, the receiving part 111 side is set as the receiving side part 10A, and the first discharge part 112 side is set as the discharge side part 10B, the overlapping part ΔH is located in the diagonal area 106 divided by the receiving side part 10A of the first path 10 and the second path 20.

[0153] The overlapping portion ΔH is an example of a portion where the position in the height direction overlaps with the second path. The region 106 is an example of a divided region.

[0154] Furthermore, when the interior of the post-processing device 102 is partitioned by the second path 20 and the virtual extension line 24 extending downward from the second path 20, the third path 30 is located on the side where the paper loading section 411 of the post-processing device 102 is located. Since the third path 30 and the paper loading section 411 are located on the same side relative to the second path 20 and the virtual extension line 24 of the second path 20, the curled state of the recording medium P when entering the third path 30 does not hinder its entry into the paper loading section 411.

[0155] To further explain, consider the case where the second path 20 is divided at the branch point 23 into a first portion 20A on the side of the paper loading section 411 and a second portion 20B on the side opposite the paper loading section 411. Comparing the angle θa formed between the third path 30 and the first portion 20A of the second path 20 and the angle θb formed between the third path 30 and the second portion 20B of the second path 20, the angle θa is smaller than the angle θb. In other words, θa < θb. Furthermore, the third path 30 can be roughly identified as a circular arc, not an S-shaped shape, and therefore has relatively few points of curvature change.

[0156] <Note> (((1)))

[0158] A post-processing device comprising:

[0159] A first path receives a recording medium having an image formed thereon and guides the recording medium to a discharge portion;

[0160] a second path branching from the first path and configured to receive the recording medium in the first path, empty the first path, and guide the recording medium undergoing post-processing to a storage portion where the recording medium is temporarily stored; and

[0161] The third path branches off from the second path and can be used when the first path and the second path are used to perform an operation of overlapping the recording medium of the first path and the recording medium of the second path, and is for the front end of the recording medium advancing from the first path to the second path to enter. (((2)))

[0163] The post-processing device according to (((1))) is characterized in that

[0164] The third path has a portion that overlaps with the second path in a height direction. (((3)))

[0166] The post-processing device according to (((2))) is characterized in that

[0167] The portion of the third path is located in an area divided by a portion of the first path on the receiving side of the recording medium and the second path. (((4)))

[0169] The post-processing device according to (((3))) is characterized in that

[0170] When the interior of the device is divided by the second path and a virtual extension line of the second path, the third path is provided on the side where the retention portion is located. (((5)))

[0172] The post-processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))) is characterized in that

[0173] When the second path is divided into a first portion on the side of the retention portion and a second portion on the side opposite to the retention portion at a position where the third path branches,

[0174] An angle formed between the third path and the first portion is smaller than an angle formed between the third path and the second portion. (((6)))

[0176] The post-processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))) is characterized in that

[0177] When the recording medium satisfies a predetermined condition indicating an outer shape, the front end portion enters the third path. (((7)))

[0179] A post-processing device comprising:

[0180] A first path receives a recording medium having an image formed thereon and guides the recording medium to a discharge portion;

[0181] a second path branching from the first path and configured to receive the recording medium in the first path, empty the first path, and guide the recording medium undergoing post-processing to a storage portion where the recording medium is temporarily stored; and

[0182] The third path can be used when the recording medium is retained in the retention section and the first path and the second path are used to perform an operation of overlapping the recording medium in the first path and the recording medium in the second path. The third path branches off from the second path at a position where it does not interfere with the recording medium in the retention section and is used for the front end of the recording medium advancing from the first path to the second path to enter. (((8)))

[0184] The post-processing device according to (((7))) is characterized by comprising:

[0185] The switching member is provided at a position where the third path branches off from the second path, and switches the direction in which the recording medium moves. (((9)))

[0187] The post-processing device according to (((8))) is characterized in that

[0188] The switching member guides the recording medium to the third path when the superimposing operation is performed, and switches the advancing direction of the recording medium from the third path to the accumulation portion when the superimposing operation is completed. (((10)))

[0190] An image forming apparatus includes the post-processing apparatus described in (((1))) or (((7))).

[0191] According to the invention of (((1))), the device can be miniaturized compared to a case where a path in an apparatus for superimposing a large recording medium on a path for superimposing a small recording medium is extended according to the large recording medium.

[0192] According to the invention of (((2))), the height dimension of the device can be suppressed compared to a case where the third path does not have a structure in which the third path has a portion overlapping with the second path in the height direction.

[0193] According to the invention of (((3))), the third path in the device can be easily configured compared to a structure in which the portion without the third path is located in the area divided by the portion on the receiving side of the recording medium on the first path and the second path.

[0194] According to the invention of (((4))), compared to a case where the third path is provided on the side where the retention portion is located when the interior of the device is divided by the second path and the virtual extension line of the second path, the recording medium that can perform the superimposition operation using the third path can smoothly enter the retention portion.

[0195] According to the invention of (((5))), the recording medium can smoothly enter the third path from the second path, compared to a case where there is no structure in which the angle between the third path and the first part is smaller than the angle between the third path and the second part when the second path is divided into the first part on the retention portion side and the second part on the side opposite to the retention portion at the position where the second path branches off from the third path.

[0196] According to the invention of (((6))), the device can be miniaturized compared to a case where the device does not have a structure for allowing the front end portion to enter the third path when the recording medium satisfies the predetermined condition indicating the outer shape.

[0197] According to the invention of (((7))), the device can be miniaturized compared to a case where a path in an apparatus for superimposing a large recording medium on a path for superimposing a small recording medium is extended according to the large recording medium.

[0198] According to the invention (((8))), the structure can be simplified compared to a structure without a switching member provided at a position where the third path branches from the second path and switches the direction in which the recording medium advances.

[0199] According to the invention of (((9))), compared with a structure in which there is no switching component for guiding the recording medium to the third path when performing the superposition action and switching the direction of the recording medium's advance from the third path to the retention portion when ending the superposition action, post-processing and superposition actions can be performed in parallel.

[0200] According to the invention of the present invention (((10))), the device can be miniaturized compared to a device that performs a superimposition operation of a large recording medium on a path for superimposing a small recording medium by extending the path within the device according to the large recording medium.

[0201] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and explanation. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. It is obvious that various modifications and variations are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily explain the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technical personnel in this field can understand the present invention through various modifications optimized for specific uses of the assumed various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

[0202] Explanation of symbols

[0203] 10-1st path, 10A-part on the receiving side, 14, 23-branching point, 20-2nd path, 20A-1st part, 20B-2nd part, 24-virtual extension line, 30-3rd path, 33-gate, 100-image forming device, 101-image forming part, 102-post-processing device, 104-2nd post-processing part, 106-area, 111-receiving part, 112-1st discharge part, 411-paper loading part, P, PA, PB-recording medium, P1-1st end part, P2-2nd end part, ΔH-overlapping part, θa, θb-angles.

Claims

1. A post-processing device comprising: A first path receives a recording medium having an image formed thereon and guides the recording medium to a discharge portion; a second path branching from the first path and configured to receive the recording medium in the first path, empty the first path, and guide the recording medium undergoing post-processing to a storage portion where the recording medium is temporarily stored; and The third path branches off from the second path and can be used when the first path and the second path are used to perform an operation of overlapping the recording medium of the first path and the recording medium of the second path, and is for the front end of the recording medium advancing from the first path to the second path to enter.

2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third path has a portion that overlaps with the second path in a height direction.

3. The post-processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The portion of the third path is located in an area divided by a portion of the first path on the receiving side of the recording medium and the second path.

4. The post-processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the interior of the device is divided by the second path and a virtual extension line of the second path, the third path is provided on the side where the retention portion is located.

5. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: When the second path is divided into a first portion on the side of the retention portion and a second portion on the side opposite to the retention portion at a position where the third path branches, An angle formed between the third path and the first portion is smaller than an angle formed between the third path and the second portion.

6. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: When the recording medium satisfies a predetermined condition indicating an outer shape, the front end portion enters the third path.

7. A post-processing device comprising: A first path receives a recording medium having an image formed thereon and guides the recording medium to a discharge portion; a second path branching from the first path and configured to receive the recording medium in the first path, empty the first path, and guide the recording medium undergoing post-processing to a storage portion where the recording medium is temporarily stored; and The third path can be used when the recording medium is retained in the retention section and the first path and the second path are used to perform an operation of overlapping the recording medium in the first path and the recording medium in the second path. The third path branches off from the second path at a position where it does not interfere with the recording medium in the retention section and is used for the front end of the recording medium advancing from the first path to the second path to enter.

8. The post-processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: have: The switching member is provided at a position where the third path branches off from the second path, and switches the direction in which the recording medium moves.

9. The post-processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The switching member guides the recording medium to the third path when the superimposing operation is performed, and switches the advancing direction of the recording medium from the third path to the accumulation portion when the superimposing operation is completed. 10 . An image forming apparatus comprising the post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 .

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