Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

In the sorting and discharging process, a first sheet bundle which is not bound is stacked by repeating a plurality of times: after the sheets are conveyed by the first conveying part in the first conveying direction, the sheets are moved in the displacement direction without being conveyed by the second conveying part in the second conveying direction; and discharging the sheets one by one to a displacement position on the stacking portion by a discharging portion; and stacking an unbound second sheet bundle by repeating a plurality of times a process of discharging the sheets one by one by the discharging portion to a position on the stacking portion that is offset from the displacement position toward the upstream side in the displacement direction without conveying the sheets conveyed by the first conveying portion in the second conveying direction by the second conveying portion. Consequently, the productivity of the sorting and discharging process can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus that performs predetermined processing on a sheet and an image forming system including the sheet processing apparatus. Background Art

[0002] With respect to sheet processing devices, there has been known a structure having the functions of performing binding discharge processing and performing sorting discharge processing. In the binding discharge processing, a sheet stack is discharged onto a stacking tray after a process such as binding processing is performed on the sheet stack on a processing tray. In the sorting discharge processing, an unbound sheet stack that has not been subjected to binding processing is discharged onto the stacking tray after each sheet stack is shifted in a shift direction intersecting the conveying direction (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The sorting discharge process is a process that, when sheets on which images have been formed by an imaging device are discharged onto a stacking tray, sorts a plurality of sheet bundles by performing discharge so that sheet bundles, each consisting of a plurality of sheets, are stacked in a state offset from one another. For example, when a ten-sheet bundle, each consisting of five sheets, is discharged, the second sheet bundle is stacked on the first sheet bundle in a state offset from one another, and the third sheet bundle is stacked on the second sheet bundle in a state offset in the opposite direction. By repeating this operation ten times, the ten-sheet bundle can be discharged onto the stacking tray in a sorted state.

[0004] In the binding discharge process, the sheets conveyed to the processing tray are temporarily conveyed in a direction away from the stacking tray (reverse conveyance), and width alignment is performed using an alignment plate in a state in which the rear end of the sheets abuts against the rear end control plate. By repeating this operation, the binding process is performed on the sheet stack formed on the processing tray, and the sheet stack that has undergone the binding process is discharged onto the stacking tray.

[0005] In contrast, in the sorting discharge process, the sheets conveyed to the processing tray are conveyed in the reverse direction. The sheets are then shifted in the shift direction by the alignment plate with their rear ends abutting against the rear end control plate. This process is repeated, and the first sheet bundle, shifted in the shift direction, is discharged onto the stacking tray. Next, the second sheet bundle is shifted on the processing tray in the opposite direction to the shift direction, and discharged to a different position on the stacking tray than the first sheet bundle in the shift direction. This process is then repeated, and multiple sheet bundles are sorted and discharged onto the stacking tray.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-16970 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0010] In a conventional sheet processing apparatus, when performing sorting and discharging processing, the sheets are conveyed in the reverse direction on the processing tray and then moved in the shift direction, so time is required for the reverse conveyance.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a structure capable of improving the productivity of a sorting and discharging process.

[0012] Technical solutions to technical problems

[0013] The sheet processing device of the present invention includes: a first conveying portion configured to convey a sheet along a first conveying direction; a placing portion on which a sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion is placed; a contact portion that causes an upstream edge of the sheet on the placing portion in the first conveying direction to contact the contact portion; a second conveying portion configured to convey a sheet along a second conveying direction, in which the upstream edge of the sheet on the placing portion in the first conveying direction moves toward the contact portion; a shifting portion configured to move in a shifting direction intersecting the first conveying direction while contacting an edge of the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion in the first conveying direction, thereby causing the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion to contact the contact portion. The sheet material handling device is capable of performing a stapling discharge process, wherein the sheet material is stapling-discharging-processing-by-processing-part on the sheet material and the sheet material is stapling-discharging-processing-by-processing-part. The conveyor performs binding processing on the plurality of sheets, and discharges the plurality of sheets subjected to the binding processing onto the stacking portion by the discharge portion, and positions the plurality of sheets at the binding position by repeating the following processing, wherein: after the sheets are conveyed in a first conveying direction by the first conveying portion, the sheets conveyed by the first conveying portion are conveyed in a second conveying direction on the placing portion by the second conveying portion so that the second conveying direction downstream edge of the sheets abuts the abutting portion, and the driving portion drives the shifting portion so that the sheets are moved in the shifting direction and positioned at the binding position; and a sorting and discharging processing, including: stacking the unbound first sheets by repeating the following processing multiple times A sheet stack: after the sheets are conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion, the sheets are not conveyed in the second conveying direction by the second conveying portion, but the driving portion drives the shift portion to move the sheets conveyed by the first conveying portion in the shift direction by the shift portion, and the sheets moved in the shift direction by the shift portion are discharged one by one to the shift position on the stacking portion by the discharge portion; and a second sheet stack that is not bound is stacked by repeating the following process multiple times: the sheets are not conveyed in the second conveying direction by the second conveying portion, but the sheets conveyed by the first conveying portion are discharged one by one to a position on the stacking portion that is offset from the shift position toward the upstream of the shift direction by the discharge portion.

[0014] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the productivity of the sorting and discharging process can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1is a schematic configuration sectional view of an imaging system according to a first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a schematic configuration perspective view of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment in a state where the top cover is removed.

[0019] Figure 4A 1 is a diagram showing an alignment plate on a processing tray according to a first embodiment as viewed in the width direction.

[0020] Figure 4B 1 is a diagram showing the alignment plate according to the first embodiment as viewed from the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction.

[0021] Figure 4C is a perspective view of an alignment plate according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5A is a perspective view of the vicinity of a processing tray in a home position of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, which is at a home position.

[0024] Figure 6A 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the discharge rollers of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment are at a home position as viewed in the width direction.

[0025] Figure 6B 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the in-feed paddle of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment is at a home position as viewed in the width direction.

[0026] Figure 6C 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the rear end drop member of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment is at a home position as viewed in the width direction.

[0027] Figure 7 1 is a perspective view showing the engagement relationship between the rear end drop member and the dial-in paddle according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8A It is a perspective view of the vicinity of the processing tray of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment during sheet discharge.

[0029] Figure 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment when a sheet is discharged.

[0030] Figure 9A1 is a diagram illustrating a state of the discharge rollers of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment when a sheet is discharged, as viewed in the width direction.

[0031] Figure 9B 1 is a diagram showing a state of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment when discharging a sheet, as viewed in the width direction.

[0032] Figure 9C 1 is a diagram showing a state of the trailing end dropping member of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment when a sheet is discharged, as viewed in the width direction.

[0033] Figure 10A It is a perspective view of the vicinity of the processing tray of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment when sheets are fed in.

[0034] Figure 10B 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment when a sheet is fed in. FIG.

[0035] Figure 11A 1 is a diagram showing a state of the discharge rollers of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment when a sheet is fed in, as viewed in the width direction.

[0036] Figure 11B 1 is a diagram showing a state of the sheet feeding paddle when feeding a sheet in the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, as viewed in the width direction.

[0037] Figure 11C 1 is a diagram showing a state of the trailing end dropping member of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment when a sheet is fed in, as viewed in the width direction.

[0038] Figure 12 is a table showing a correspondence relationship between each motor and each component of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control flow of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 15A is a schematic diagram showing main parts of the sheet processing apparatus at a home position of a first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment as viewed from above.

[0042] Figure 15B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus at a home position of the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 16A1 is a schematic diagram showing main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when receiving sheets in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0044] Figure 16B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus at the time of sheet reception in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 17A 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when the upper discharge roller is lowered in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0046] Figure 17B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus during descent of the upper discharge roller in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 18A It is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when conveyance is stopped in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0048] Figure 18B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when conveyance is stopped in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 19A 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main portion of the sheet processing apparatus when the alignment plate is moved in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0050] Figure 19B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when the alignment plate is moved in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 20A It is a schematic diagram showing the main part of the sheet processing apparatus when shifting sheets by the alignment plates in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0052] Figure 20B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when sheets are shifted by an alignment plate in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0053] Figure 21A 1 is a schematic diagram showing main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when sheet shifting is completed in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0054] Figure 21B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when sheet shifting is completed in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0055] Figure 22Ais a schematic diagram showing main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when the alignment plate is retracted in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0056] Figure 22B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when the alignment plate is retracted in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 23A 1 is a schematic diagram showing main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when discharging sheets in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0058] Figure 23B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when a sheet is discharged in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0059] Figure 24A 1 is a schematic diagram showing main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when sheet discharge is completed in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0060] Figure 24B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when sheet discharge is completed in the first shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0061] Figure 25A 1 is a schematic diagram showing main parts of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above in a state where the leading end of a sheet has passed through the discharge rollers in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0062] Figure 25B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus in a state where the leading end of a sheet has passed through the discharge rollers in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0063] Figure 26A It is a schematic diagram showing main parts of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above in a state where the trailing end of a sheet has passed through the pre-process roller in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0064] Figure 26B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus in a state where the trailing end of a sheet has passed through the pre-process roller in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0065] Figure 27A It is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when feeding in sheets in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0066] Figure 27B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus at the time of sheet feeding in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0067] Figure 28A It is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when the return member is lowered in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0068] Figure 28B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when the return member is lowered in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0069] Figure 29A It is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when the rear end dropping member, the incoming paddle, and the returning member are raised in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0070] Figure 29B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when the rear end dropping member, the incoming paddle, and the returning member are raised in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0071] Figure 30A It is a schematic diagram of main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when shifting sheets by the alignment plate in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0072] Figure 30B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when sheets are shifted by the alignment plates in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0073] Figure 31A is a schematic diagram of main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when sheet shifting is completed in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0074] Figure 31B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when sheet shifting is completed in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0075] Figure 32A is a schematic diagram of main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when the registration plate is retracted in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0076] Figure 32B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when the alignment plate is retracted in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0077] Figure 33A It is a schematic diagram showing main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when discharging sheets in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment as viewed from above.

[0078] Figure 33Bis a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus at the time of sheet discharge in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0079] Figure 34A It is a schematic diagram of main parts of the sheet processing apparatus when sheet discharge is completed in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0080] Figure 34B is a schematic configuration sectional view of the sheet processing apparatus when sheet discharge is completed in the second shift discharge process according to the first embodiment.

[0081] Figure 35 is a schematic configuration sectional view of an imaging system according to a second embodiment.

[0082] Figure 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0083] Figure 37A is a schematic diagram of a sheet processing apparatus according to a second embodiment viewed from above.

[0084] Figure 37B is a schematic diagram of a sheet processing apparatus according to a second embodiment as viewed from the side.

[0085] Figure 38A is a schematic diagram of a first example of a sheet-nipping position between the incoming belt and the outgoing belt according to the second embodiment.

[0086] Figure 38B is a schematic diagram of a second example of a sheet-nipping position between the incoming belt and the outgoing belt according to the second embodiment.

[0087] Figure 38C is a schematic diagram of a third example of the sheet-nipping position between the incoming belt and the outgoing belt according to the second embodiment.

[0088] Figure 39A 1 is a schematic diagram of another example of the support structure of the infeed belt according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which the number of sheets on the processing tray is small.

[0089] Figure 39B 1 is a schematic diagram of another example of the support structure of the infeed belt according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which the number of sheets on the processing tray increases.

[0090] Figure 40 is a perspective view of a portion of a driving structure according to a second embodiment.

[0091] Figure 41A 1 is a side view of the first driving structure, showing a state in which the nip pressure of the pre-process roller according to the second embodiment is in effect.

[0092] Figure 41B is a side view of the first driving mechanism, showing a state in which the nip pressure of the pre-process roller is released according to the second embodiment.

[0093] Figure 42 is a perspective view of a portion of a driving structure according to a second embodiment.

[0094] Figure 43 1 is a perspective view of a driving structure of a dial-in belt and a rear end drop member according to a second embodiment.

[0095] Figure 44A is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the discharge roller according to the second embodiment, and is a view illustrating a state in which the discharge roller is in a retracted position.

[0096] Figure 44B is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the discharge roller according to the second embodiment, and is a view illustrating a state in which the discharge roller is in a contact position.

[0097] Figure 45A 1 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the dial-in belt and the rear end drop member according to the second embodiment, and is a view illustrating a state in which the dial-in belt and the rear end drop member are in the first position.

[0098] Figure 45B 1 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the dial-in belt and the rear end drop member according to the second embodiment, and is a view illustrating a state in which the dial-in belt and the rear end drop member are in the second position.

[0099] Figure 46A 1 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the dial-in belt and the rear end drop member according to the second embodiment, and is a view illustrating a state in which the dial-in belt and the rear end drop member are in the second position.

[0100] Figure 46B 1 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the dial-in belt and the rear end drop member according to the second embodiment, and is a view illustrating a state in which the dial-in belt and the rear end drop member have returned from the second position to the first position.

[0101] Figure 47 is a diagram for explaining another example of the support structure of the discharge roller according to the second embodiment.

[0102] Figure 48 is a table showing a correspondence relationship between each motor and each component of the sheet processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0103] Figure 49 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0104] Figure 50Ais a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state in which the leading end of a sheet has reached the pre-process roller in the direct discharge mode according to the second embodiment.

[0105] Figure 50B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which the leading end of a sheet has reached the pre-process roller in the direct discharge mode according to the second embodiment.

[0106] Figure 51A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state after the leading end of a sheet has passed through the pre-process rollers in the direct discharge mode according to the second embodiment.

[0107] Figure 51B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as seen from the side, illustrating a state after the leading end of a sheet has passed through the pre-process roller in the direct ejection mode according to the second embodiment.

[0108] Figure 52A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which a sheet is nipped between a discharge roller and a discharge belt in a direct discharge mode according to the second embodiment.

[0109] Figure 52B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which a sheet is nipped between a discharge roller and a discharge belt in a direct discharge mode according to the second embodiment.

[0110] Figure 53A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which sheets have been discharged onto the stack tray in the direct discharge mode according to the second embodiment.

[0111] Figure 53B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which sheets have been discharged onto the stack tray in the direct discharge mode according to the second embodiment.

[0112] Figure 54A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state in which the leading end of a sheet has reached the pre-process roller in the shift mode (productivity priority) according to the second embodiment.

[0113] Figure 54B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which the leading end of a sheet has reached the pre-process roller in the shift mode (prioritizing productivity) according to the second embodiment.

[0114] Figure 55A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state after the leading end of a sheet has passed through the pre-process roller in the shift mode (productivity priority) according to the second embodiment.

[0115] Figure 55B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as seen from the side, illustrating a state after the leading end of a sheet has passed through the pre-process roller in the shift mode (priority on productivity) according to the second embodiment.

[0116] Figure 56A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state in which sheets are shifted in the shift mode (productivity priority) according to the second embodiment.

[0117] Figure 56B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which sheets are shifted in the shift mode (productivity priority) according to the second embodiment.

[0118] Figure 57A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which sheet shifting is completed in the shift mode (productivity priority) according to the second embodiment.

[0119] Figure 57B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which sheet shifting is completed in the shift mode (prioritizing productivity) according to the second embodiment.

[0120] Figure 58A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which sheets have been discharged onto the stack tray in the shift mode (prioritizing productivity) according to the second embodiment.

[0121] Figure 58B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as seen from the side, illustrating a state in which sheets have been discharged onto the stack tray in the shift mode (productivity priority) according to the second embodiment.

[0122] Figure 59A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state in which the leading end of a sheet has reached the pre-process roller in the shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0123] Figure 59B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as seen from the side, illustrating a state in which the leading end of a sheet has reached the pre-process roller in the shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0124] Figure 60A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state after the trailing end of a sheet has passed through the pre-process roller in the shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0125] Figure 60Bis a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as seen from the side, illustrating a state after the trailing end of the sheet has passed through the pre-process roller in the shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0126] Figure 61A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state in which a sheet is nipped between an infeed belt, an ejection roller, and an ejection belt in a shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0127] Figure 61B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as seen from the side, illustrating a state in which a sheet is nipped between an infeed belt, an ejection roller, and an ejection belt in a shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0128] Figure 62A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state in which a sheet is caused to abut against a rear end regulating member in a shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0129] Figure 62B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which a sheet is caused to abut against a rear end regulating member in a shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0130] Figure 63A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state in which sheets are shifted in a shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0131] Figure 63B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which sheets are shifted in a shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0132] Figure 64A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state in which sheet shifting is completed in the shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0133] Figure 64B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which sheet shifting is completed in the shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0134] Figure 65A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which sheets have been discharged onto the stack tray in the shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0135] Figure 65B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as seen from the side, illustrating a state in which sheets have been discharged onto the stack tray in the shift mode (alignment priority) for large-size sheets according to the second embodiment.

[0136] Figure 66A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which the leading end of a sheet has reached the pre-process roller in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0137] Figure 66B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which the leading end of a sheet has reached the pre-process roller in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0138] Figure 67A 1 is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which sheets are caused to abut against a rear end regulating member in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0139] Figure 67B 1 is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which sheets are caused to abut against a rear end regulating member in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0140] Figure 68A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state in which side ends in the sheet width direction are regulated in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0141] Figure 68B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which side ends in the sheet width direction are regulated in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0142] Figure 69A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which the trailing end of a sheet is pressed and the next sheet can be received in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0143] Figure 69B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as seen from the side, illustrating a state in which the trailing end of a sheet is pressed and the next sheet can be received in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0144] Figure 70A 1 is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which a second sheet is caused to abut against a rear end regulating member in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0145] Figure 70B 1 is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which a second sheet is caused to abut against a rear end regulating member in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0146] Figure 71A 1 is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which side ends of two sheets in the width direction are regulated in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0147] Figure 71B 1 is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which side ends of two sheets in the width direction are regulated in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0148] Figure 72A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which binding processing is performed on a plurality of sheets in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0149] Figure 72B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which binding processing is performed on a plurality of sheets in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0150] Figure 73A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which a sheet bundle subjected to the binding process is nipped between the feed belt, the discharge roller, and the discharge belt in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0151] Figure 73B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which a sheet bundle subjected to the binding process is nipped between the infeed belt, the discharge roller, and the discharge belt in the binding mode according to the second embodiment.

[0152] Figure 74A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which a sheet bundle subjected to the binding process in the binding mode has been discharged onto the stack tray according to the second embodiment.

[0153] Figure 74B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as seen from the side, illustrating a state in which a sheet bundle subjected to the binding process in the binding mode has been discharged onto the stack tray according to the second embodiment.

[0154] Figure 75A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state in which a sheet is nipped between a discharge roller and a discharge belt in a sheet discharge operation according to the second embodiment.

[0155] Figure 75B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which a sheet is nipped between a discharge roller and a discharge belt in a sheet discharge operation according to the second embodiment.

[0156] Figure 76Ais a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from above, illustrating a state where descent of the stack tray starts in a sheet discharging operation according to the second embodiment.

[0157] Figure 76B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state where descent of the stack tray starts in a sheet discharging operation according to the second embodiment.

[0158] Figure 77A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state in which the trailing end of a sheet is guided to a position below a discharged sheet feeding belt in a sheet discharging operation according to the second embodiment.

[0159] Figure 77B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which the trailing end of a sheet is guided to a position below a discharged sheet feeding belt in a sheet discharging operation according to the second embodiment.

[0160] Figure 78A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state in which the stack tray has moved upward in a sheet discharging operation according to the second embodiment.

[0161] Figure 78B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which the stack tray has moved upward in a sheet discharging operation according to the second embodiment.

[0162] Figure 79A is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus viewed from above, illustrating a state in which the trailing ends of sheets stacked on the stack tray are pressed by a discharged sheet feeding belt in a sheet discharging operation according to the second embodiment.

[0163] Figure 79B is a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus as viewed from the side, illustrating a state in which the trailing ends of sheets stacked on the stack tray are pressed by the ejected sheet feeding belt in the sheet ejecting operation according to the second embodiment.

[0164] Figure 80 is a schematic configuration sectional view of a sheet processing apparatus according to a first example of the third embodiment.

[0165] Figure 81 is a schematic configuration sectional view of a sheet processing apparatus according to a second example of the third embodiment.

[0166] Figure 82A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to a third example of the third embodiment, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of the sheet processing apparatus at a home position in a first shift discharge process.

[0167] Figure 82Bis a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to a third example of the third embodiment, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of the sheet processing apparatus during descent of the upper discharge roller in the first shift discharge process.

[0168] Figure 82C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to a third example of the third embodiment, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of the sheet processing apparatus when sheets are shifted by an alignment plate in a first shift discharge process.

[0169] Figure 83A is a schematic diagram of a discharge arm and a second rear end drop member according to a third example of the third embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second rear end drop member is in an upper position.

[0170] Figure 83B is a schematic diagram of a discharge arm and a second rear end drop member according to a third example of the third embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second rear end drop member is in a lower position.

[0171] Figure 84A It is a perspective view of the vicinity of the discharge dial paddle according to the first embodiment.

[0172] Figure 84B is a perspective view of the discharge and dial-in paddle according to the first embodiment.

[0173] Figure 85 It is a perspective view showing a state in which a bundle of unbound sheets moving in a shift direction is formed on the stack tray.

[0174] Figure 86 is a perspective view of a shift mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0175] <First embodiment>

[0176] Will refer to Figures 1 to 34B The first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 A schematic configuration of the imaging system of this embodiment is described.

[0177] Imaging system

[0178] Figure 1is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of an imaging system according to this embodiment. Imaging system 1000A includes an imaging device 100, a punch unit 150, and a sheet processing device 200A. Imaging device 100 is a copier, printer, fax machine, or multifunctional device having multiple functions, and forms an image on a sheet such as paper or plastic. In this embodiment, an electrophotographic printer is employed, and the sheet with the toner image formed thereon is discharged through first discharge section 101 or second discharge section 102. Note that imaging device 100 may also be an inkjet imaging device.

[0179] In the imaging device of this embodiment, a toner image is formed on a sheet in the imaging unit 103, though detailed illustration is omitted. Simply put, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum by charging and exposing the drum surface. A developing unit then develops this electrostatic latent image into a toner image using a developer. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred to the sheet and further heated and pressurized in the fixing unit, thereby fixing it to the sheet. The sheet with the fixed toner image is then delivered to the first discharge unit 101 or the second discharge unit 102 via the conveying path 104.

[0180] The imaging device 100 of this embodiment includes an imaging device body 110, which includes an imaging unit 103, a conveying path 104, a first discharge unit 101, and a second discharge unit 102; and an image reading unit 120, which is disposed above the imaging device body 110. The image reading unit 120 reads an image on a document and transmits the image signal obtained by reading to the imaging device body 110. The imaging device body 110 includes a first housing 111, in which the imaging unit 103 is disposed; and a second housing 112, in which a portion of the conveying path 104, the first discharge unit 101, and the second discharge unit 102 are disposed, and the second housing 112 is disposed above the first housing 111. The image reading unit 120 is disposed above the second housing 112. Furthermore, the second housing is provided with an operation panel (not shown) to receive user input of commands (printing conditions, mode settings, etc.) for the imaging device 100, the punch unit 150, and the sheet processing device 200.

[0181] In this embodiment, as a result of this configuration, an internal space 130 is provided, which is surrounded by the first housing portion 111, the second housing portion 112, and the image reading portion 120. Furthermore, a configuration is employed in which sheets are discharged from the first discharge portion 101 or the second discharge portion 102 into the internal space 130. Furthermore, the punch unit 150, the sheet processing device 200A, and the like are attachable and detachable relative to the internal space 130. Although the imaging system 1000A is constructed by attaching the punch unit 150 and the sheet processing device 200A in this embodiment, a configuration in which only one of them is attached or a device that performs different sheet processing can also be attached.

[0182] The punch unit 150 is connected to the first discharge section 101 and is capable of receiving sheets discharged from the first discharge section 101 and performing a punching process on the sheets. The sheet processing apparatus 200A is connected to the sheet discharge section of the punch unit 150, receives sheets discharged from the punch unit 150, and is capable of performing predetermined processing, such as stapling, on the sheets. The details of this will be described later. Note that sheets can be conveyed to the sheet processing apparatus 200A without being punched by the punch unit 150, and sheets can be discharged without performing predetermined processing in the sheet processing apparatus 200A. Note that sheets discharged from the second discharge section 102 are discharged onto a sheet placement surface 160 disposed above the punch unit 150 and the sheet processing apparatus 200A.

[0183] In the internal space 130, Figure 1 Guide rails 131 are provided in the left-right direction of the sheet discharge section 101, and the punch unit 150 and the sheet processing device 200 are attachable and detachable along the guide rails 131 in the directions of arrows α1 and α2. Note that the sheet processing device 200A can also be directly connected to the first discharge section 101 by omitting the punch unit 150. Furthermore, by configuring the punch unit 150 and the sheet processing device 200A to be attachable and detachable as described above, sheet jam clearance is enabled.

[0184] For example, if a sheet is jammed in the first discharge section 101, the punch unit 150 and the sheet processing device 200A are pulled out in the direction of arrow α1 to expose the first discharge section 101. Furthermore, if a sheet is jammed in the punch unit 150, only the sheet processing device 200A is pulled out in the direction of arrow α1 to expose the punch unit 150. When attaching the punch unit 150 and the sheet processing device 200A to the imaging device 100, each is pushed in the direction of arrow α2. As described above, in this embodiment, since the sheet processing device 200A is disposed in the internal space 130 of the imaging device 100, there is a need to reduce the size of the sheet processing device 200A.

[0185] [Sheet processing device]

[0186] Will refer to Figures 2 to 11C The configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 200A of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The overall configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 200A will be described.

[0187] [Overall Structure of Sheet Processing Apparatus]

[0188] The sheet processing apparatus 200A includes a conveying path 210A, pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A serving as a first conveying portion, a processing tray 220 serving as a placement portion, an upper discharge roller (gripping member) 230A and a lower discharge roller 230B serving as a pair of discharge rotating members (discharge portion), an infeed paddle 240A serving as a second conveying portion, a rear end drop member 250A serving as a sheet drop portion, an aligning portion 270A serving as a first shift portion and a second shift portion, a return member 280, a rear end regulating member 290 serving as an abutment portion, a stacking tray 300 serving as a stacking portion, a discharged sheet infeed paddle (sheet pressing paddle) 320A serving as an infeed portion, etc. Sheets received from the image forming apparatus 100 or the punch unit 150 are conveyed to the conveying path 210A.

[0189] Depending on the sheet processing mode, sheets conveyed from the conveying path 210A are either discharged directly onto the stacking tray 300 or placed on the processing tray 220. Note that direct discharge onto the stacking tray 300 means that the sheets are discharged onto the stacking tray 300 without being conveyed in the reverse direction on the processing tray 220 to a position where stapling processing can be performed. In other words, the sheet processing apparatus 200A has a mode for discharging sheets onto the stacking tray 300 that have been stapling-processed by the stapling unit 400, and a mode for discharging sheets onto the stacking tray 300 without stapling processing by the stapling unit 400. In this embodiment, the alignment of the sheets can be performed by the alignment section 270A without placing the sheets on the processing tray 220. Alternatively, the sheets can be aligned on the processing tray 220, and stapling can be performed on the sheets placed on the processing tray 220 by the stapling unit 400. Furthermore, the sheet or sheet bundle placed on the processing tray 220 can be discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B serving as a pair of discharge rotating members. A detailed description will be given below of the configuration of each component.

[0190] [Transmission Path]

[0191] The conveying path 210A is a path for conveying a sheet in a first conveying direction (predetermined direction), and includes an upper guide 2101 that guides the upper surface of the conveyed sheet and a lower guide 2102 that guides the lower surface of the sheet. In the conveying path 210A, pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A serving as a first conveying portion (a pair of conveying rotating members), and upstream rollers (entrance rollers) 213a and 213b are provided. These roller pairs are arranged in a direction opposite to the sheet conveying direction (first conveying direction, Figure 2 The arrow β direction (left and right direction) intersects the sheet width direction ( Figure 3 Separation in the direction of arrow γ).

[0192] The pre-process rollers 211A and 212A are a pair of conveying rotating members and serve as the first conveying section for conveying sheets. At least one of the rollers rotates while holding the sheets. At least one of the upstream rollers 213a and 213b rotates while holding the sheets. The upstream rollers 213a and 213b are located at the entrance of the sheet processing device 200A and receive sheets conveyed from the upstream side of the sheet processing device 200A and convey the received sheets to the conveyance path 210A. The sheets that have passed through the conveyance path 210A then reach the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A.

[0193] The pre-process rollers 211A and 212A form a pre-process nip 211a that can clamp and convey a sheet. The sheet is then clamped and conveyed in the first conveying direction in the pre-process nip 211a and ejected from the conveying path 210A. As will be described later, the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A can be in or out of contact with each other, or their clamping pressure can be varied.

[0194] [Handling Tray]

[0195] The processing tray 220, serving as a placement portion, is positioned downstream of the conveyor path 210A in the sheet conveying direction (the first conveying direction) and vertically below the conveyor path 210A. Furthermore, the processing tray 220 is tilted relative to a horizontal surface so that its upstream side in the first conveying direction is lower than its downstream side. Sheets conveyed downstream in the first conveying direction by the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A are temporarily placed on the processing tray 220. Furthermore, multiple sheets can be stacked and supported on the processing tray 220, and alignment and movement (displacement) of the sheets in the width direction are performed on the processing tray 220 by an alignment portion 270A. Furthermore, a rear end control member 290, serving as an abutment portion, is positioned at the upstream end of the processing tray 220 in the first conveying direction, with the upstream edge (the rear end) of the sheet placed on the processing tray 220 in the first conveying direction abutting against this abutment portion. Note that a portion of the processing tray 220 (e.g., the downstream end in the first conveying direction) may protrude vertically upward beyond the conveyor path 210A.

[0196] Furthermore, a stapling unit 400, serving as a processing unit, is provided upstream of the processing tray 220 in the first conveying direction. The stapling unit 400 performs a predetermined stapling process (sealing process) on the sheet bundle that has been aligned in the width direction and has its rear end regulated on the processing tray 220. The stapling unit 400 can change the stapling position on the sheet bundle and moves according to the stapling position. Note that the predetermined process may be a process other than stapling, such as punching. As will be described later, the sheet or sheet bundle placed on the processing tray 220 is discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by the upper discharge rollers 230A and the lower discharge rollers 230B.

[0197] [Dial in paddle]

[0198] The in-feed paddle 240A, serving as the second conveying portion, conveys the sheet in the second conveying direction, wherein the upstream edge of the sheet on the processing tray 220 in the first conveying direction moves toward the rear end regulating member 290 (reverse conveyance). The in-feed paddle 240A includes a paddle portion 2401 serving as a rotating member, a paddle arm 2402 serving as a support portion for supporting the paddle portion 2401, and a swing fulcrum 2403 that swingably supports the paddle arm 2402. In other words, the paddle arm 2402 is capable of swinging in the vertical direction about the swing fulcrum 2403, and the paddle portion 2401 is rotatably provided at the distal end of the paddle arm 2402.

[0199] The dial-in paddle 240A constructed in this manner is capable of swinging around the swing fulcrum 2403 between a return position, in which the paddle portion 2401 abuts against the upper surface of the sheet on the processing tray 220 and is capable of conveying the sheet in the second conveying direction, and an upper retracted position, in which the paddle portion 2401 is retracted upward from the return position. In the first conveying direction, the swing fulcrum 2403 is provided at an upstream position of the pre-processing clamping portion 211a, which serves as a clamping position where the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A clamp the sheet, and is located above the pre-processing clamping portion 211a in the vertical direction. In addition, the paddle arm 2402 is provided so as to extend from the swing fulcrum 2403 downstream in the first conveying direction, and the paddle portion 2401 is provided at its distal end portion. In addition, as Figure 3 As shown, the incoming paddles 240A are provided as a pair on both sides in the width direction of an upper discharge roller 230A to be described later.

[0200] [Rear end drop member]

[0201] A pair of rear end drop members 250A, serving as sheet dropping portions, are provided on both sides of the pair of infeed paddles 240A. Specifically, the pair of rear end drop members 250A are provided on both sides of the infeed paddles 240A in the width direction, and as will be described later, move in the up-down direction in conjunction with the infeed paddles 240A. As a result, the rear end drop members 250A abut against the upper surface of the sheet on the upstream side in the first conveying direction, thereby operating to drop the upstream end (rear end) of the sheet toward the processing tray 220. Note that the rear end drop members 250A may be configured to be operated by a drive system different from that of the infeed paddles 240A.

[0202] The rear end drop member 250A constructed in this manner includes a pivot shaft 2501 serving as a pivot center (located at a position downstream of the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A serving as a pair of conveying rollers in the first conveying direction), is arranged to extend upstream from the pivot shaft 2501 in the first conveying direction, and is pivotable about the pivot shaft 2501 between an upper position above the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A and a lower position below the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A. The rear end drop member 250A pivots from the upper position to the lower position, and thereby abuts against a sheet conveyed by the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A from above, causing the sheet to drop onto the processing tray 220 below.

[0203] [Return to widget]

[0204] The return member 280 further conveys the sheet, which has been conveyed toward the rear end regulating member 290 by the infeed paddle 240A as described above, toward the rear end regulating member 290 and causes the rear end of the sheet to abut against the rear end regulating member 290, thereby regulating the position of the rear end of the sheet. The return member 280 constructed in this manner comprises a knurled belt 281. By rotating the knurled belt 281, the sheet conveyed upstream in the first conveying direction by the infeed paddle 240A is further infeeded, causing the rear end to abut against the rear end regulating member 290. The return member 280 is movable between an abutting position, where it can abut against the sheet, and a retracted position, where it retracts upward from the abutting position. The return member 280 moves to the abutting position when conveying a sheet toward the rear end regulating member 290 and to the retracted position when conveying a sheet from the processing tray 220 toward the stacking tray 300.

[0205] [Ejection Roller]

[0206] The upper discharge roller (upper discharge rotary member) 230A and the lower discharge roller (lower discharge rotary member) 230B constitute a pair of discharge rotary members and a discharge portion, and convey the sheet conveyed downstream in the first conveying direction by the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A to the downstream side in the first conveying direction of the processing tray 220 to discharge the sheet. The upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B are movable to: a nip position in which the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A is nipped between the upper discharge rollers and the lower discharge roller; a separation position in which the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B are separated from each other; and a retracted position in which the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B are further separated from each other than at the separation position. In this embodiment, the upper discharge roller 230A is movable to a clamping position (contact position) where a sheet is clamped between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B, and to a retracted position where the upper discharge roller 230A is retracted upward from the clamping position. At the clamping position, the upper discharge roller 230A clamps the sheet together with the lower discharge roller 230B. In other words, the upper discharge roller 230A functions as a clamping member that clamps the sheet together with the lower discharge roller 230B at the clamping position. The two upper discharge rollers 230A and the two lower discharge rollers 230B are spaced apart in the width direction of the sheet. In this embodiment, they are positioned inwardly of the pair of paddles 240A in the width direction.

[0207] The upper ejection roller 230A and the lower ejection roller 230B clamp a sheet or a stack of sheets at a clamping position, and convey the clamped sheet or stack of sheets by, for example, the rotation of the lower ejection roller 230B. It should be noted that the upper ejection roller 230A is a driven roller that rotates according to the rotation of the lower ejection roller 230B, but may also be configured to be driven. That is, in the present embodiment, the upper ejection roller 230A is configured as a driven rotating member, and the lower ejection roller 230B is configured as a driving rotating member. In addition, although the upper ejection roller 230A serves as a clamping member that can clamp a sheet together with the lower ejection roller 230B at a clamping position, these clamping members may be different rotating members (such as belts) instead of rollers, and may be abutting members (such as rod members) that abut the sheet without rotating.

[0208] In addition, the lower discharge roller 230B may be a rotating member other than a roller, such as a belt. In the case of using an endless belt instead of the lower discharge roller 230B serving as the lower discharge rotating member, for example, the belt is stretched by a plurality of rollers, and the outer peripheral surface of the belt stretched by one of the plurality of rollers abuts against a clamping member (such as the upper discharge roller 230A), thereby forming a discharge clamping portion 230a (see the lower discharge roller 230A to be described later). Figure 8B In this case, the rotation axis of the lower discharge rotating member is the rotation axis of the roller that tensions the belt at the position where the discharge nip 230a is formed.

[0209] The upper ejection roller 230A is capable of pivoting around the pivot shaft 2301 between a clamping position and a retracted position. In other words, the upper ejection roller 230A is capable of moving up and down between the clamping position and the retracted position. The upper ejection roller 230A is arranged at the distal end of the ejection arm 2302 serving as a support portion. The pivot shaft 2301 is coaxially arranged with the above-mentioned swing fulcrum 2403 and is arranged upstream of the pre-processing clamping portion 211a (where the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A clamp the sheet) in the first conveying direction and at a position above the pre-processing clamping portion 211a in the vertical direction. In addition, the ejection arm 2302 is arranged to extend downstream from the pivot shaft 2301 in the first conveying direction, and the upper ejection roller 230A is arranged at the distal end of the ejection arm. The pivot shaft 2301 is not necessarily provided coaxially with the swing fulcrum 2403 , but in this embodiment, the pivot shaft of the upper discharge roller 230A and the pivot shaft of the in-paddle 240A are arranged coaxially.

[0210] In the first conveying direction, the pivot shaft 2301 is provided upstream of the discharge nip (which clamps the sheet between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B in the clamping position). In addition, in the retracted position, the upper discharge roller 230A is located vertically above the pre-process nip 211a (which clamps the sheet between the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A), and the pivot shaft 2301 is located vertically above the center of the upper discharge roller 230A in the retracted position.

[0211] Since the positional relationship between the upper discharge roller 230A, the pivot shaft 2301, and the pre-processing nip 211a is defined as described above, the upper discharge roller 230A allows the sheet having passed through the pre-processing nip 211a to move toward the stacking tray 300 when in the retracted position. Figure 2 The sheet can be clamped between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B as a result of the upper discharge roller 230A moving to the clamping position.

[0212] [Alignment]

[0213] Apart from Figure 2 and Figure 3 In addition, reference will be made to Figures 4A to 4C The following describes the alignment section 270A serving as a shifting section. The alignment section 270A moves in a shifting direction (widthwise) intersecting the first conveying direction, thereby contacting the first conveying direction edge of the sheet being conveyed downstream in the first conveying direction by the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A. The alignment section 270A configured in this manner includes a pair of alignment plates 271A, which serve as a first shifting section and a second shifting section and are disposed opposite each other in the shifting direction.

[0214] A pair of alignment plates 271A are provided further downstream of the downstream end portion in the first conveying direction of the conveying path 210A, and align the sheets in the width direction by abutting against the edges in the width direction of the sheets by moving in the width direction. In the present embodiment, these alignment plates are provided on both sides in the width direction of the sheets placed on the processing tray 220, and each is capable of moving in the width direction. In addition, the pair of alignment plates 271A are provided to extend from the upstream side to the downstream side in the first conveying direction relative to the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B. It is to be noted that the pair of alignment plates 271A are constructed in the same manner. The pair of alignment plates 271A are driven by a front side (F side) alignment plate moving motor MT16 and a rear side (R side) alignment plate moving motor MT17 (see Figure 12) is driven to move in the shift direction. In this pair of alignment plates 271A, in the first shift discharge process (non-returning shift discharge process) and the second shift discharge process (returning shift discharge process) to be described later, the alignment plate on the upstream side in the shift direction serves as the first shift portion, and the alignment plate on the downstream side in the shift direction serves as the second shift portion. In addition, the motor that drives the first shift portion serves as the first drive portion, and the motor that drives the second shift portion serves as the second drive portion.

[0215] The alignment plate 271A is formed so that its width in the vertical direction is greater on the downstream side of the first conveying direction. That is, the alignment plate 271A includes a first plate portion 2701 on the downstream side of the first conveying direction and a second plate portion 2702 formed upstream of the first conveying direction and continuous with the first plate portion 2701. The first plate portion 2701 has a larger area in the vertical direction than the second plate portion 2702, so that it can abut the sheet even if the leading end of the conveyed sheet is curled up or down. Conversely, the second plate portion 2702 is formed so that its height in the vertical direction is smaller than that of the first plate portion 2701, so that it does not interfere with the rear end drop member 250A even if the rear end drop member 250A is in a lower position. In addition, the upper edge of the second plate portion 2702 is tilted so that the upstream side in the first conveying direction is lower.

[0216] Furthermore, the first plate portion 2701 is formed to extend from the upstream side to the downstream side of the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B in the first conveying direction. As a result, even when sheets are discharged through the first shift discharge process (described later), at least the first plate portion 2701 can abut against the sheets. Furthermore, the second plate portion 2702 is positioned on the processing tray 220 and is formed to be continuous with the first plate portion 2701 in the first conveying direction. As a result, at least the second plate portion 2702 can abut against sheets placed on the processing tray 220 through the second shift discharge process (described later).

[0217] In addition, if Figures 4A to 4C As shown, the first plate portion 2701 includes a curling pressing portion 2703 and a supporting portion 2704. The curling pressing portion 2703 is provided on the discharge clamping portion 230a (see the later-described Figure 8B The discharge nip is located downstream of the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B (where the sheet is clamped) and vertically above the discharge nip 230a, and presses the leading end of the sheet that is curled upward. In this embodiment, the curl pressing portion 2703 is a portion extending from the upper end of the first plate portion 2701 toward the inner side in the width direction (the side that contacts the sheet). Figure 4BThe protrusion 2705 protrudes from the right side of the curling sheet, and by abutting against the edge of the curled sheet in the width direction, the front end of the sheet can be pressed. In addition, the concave-convex portion 2705 is provided below the curl pressing portion 2703, and depending on the curling state, the width edge of the sheet is caught by the concave-convex portion 2705, and the front end of the curled sheet can be pressed.

[0218] The support portion 2704 is provided downstream of the discharge nip portion 230a (i.e., the position where the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B clamp the sheet) in the first conveying direction and vertically below the discharge nip portion 230a, and supports the sheet from below. In this embodiment, the support portion 2704 extends from the lower end portion of the first plate portion 2701 toward the inner side in the width direction (the side that contacts the sheet). Figure 4B In addition, as Figure 4A and Figure 4C As shown, an inclined portion 2704a that is inclined toward the downstream and downward direction is formed at the downstream end of the support portion 2704 in the first conveying direction. Therefore, the sheet supported by the support portion 2704 can be smoothly guided onto the stacking tray 300. Furthermore, since the sheet downstream of the discharge nip 230a in the first conveying direction is supported by the support portion 2704, the area of ​​contact between the pair of alignment plates 271A and the side edges of the sheet can be increased compared to a case where the sheet is not supported.

[0219] [Stacking Pallets]

[0220] The stacking tray 300 serving as the stacking portion stacks the sheets discharged onto the stacking tray by the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B as described above. The stacking tray 300 is disposed downstream of the processing tray 220 in the first conveying direction and below the processing tray 220 in the vertical direction so as to be able to move up and down. In addition, the stacking tray 300 is tilted relative to the horizontal surface so that the upstream side thereof in the first conveying direction is lower than the downstream side. For example, the stacking tray 300 constructed in this manner is supported so as to be able to move in the vertical direction along rails arranged in the vertical direction, and is moved by the stacking tray lifting motor MT20 ( Figure 12 ) is driven to move up and down.

[0221] At the upstream end of the stacking tray 300 in the first conveying direction, there are provided: a standing surface 310a, which serves as a stack-side regulating device for regulating the upstream end (rear end) of the sheets or sheet bundles stacked on the stacking tray 300 in a predetermined direction; and a rear end presser 310b, which presses the rear end of the sheets abutting against the standing surface 310a. The rear end presser 310b is tilted upward toward the downstream side in the first conveying direction, and even if the rear end of the sheet is curled, the rear end can be pressed by the rear end presser 310b.

[0222] In addition, the discharged sheet pushing paddle 320A is provided coaxially with the rotation shaft 230B1 of the lower discharge roller 230B (see the discharge sheet pushing paddle 320A to be described later). Figure 84A and Figure 84B ). Note that the discharged sheet is fed into the rotating shaft 3201 of the paddle 320A (see Figure 2 and will be described later Figure 84A and Figure 84B ) is not necessarily coaxial with the rotation axis 230B1. As long as the rotation axis 3201 of the discharged sheet feeding paddle 320A is vertically arranged between the discharge nip portion 230a of the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B serving as a pair of discharge rotating members (see the later-described Figure 8B ) and the vertical surface 310a provided on the upstream side of the stacking tray 300 in the first conveying direction as a stacking side abutment portion. Figure 2 As shown, the rotation shaft 3201 of the discharged sheet pushing paddle 320A is arranged in the vertical direction between the first conveying direction downstream end portion of the processing tray 220 and the upper end portion of the standing surface 310 a.

[0223] The stacking tray 300 is capable of moving up and down between a first stacking position and a second stacking position located below the first stacking position by means of the stacking tray lifting motor MT20. The second stacking position is a position in which the downward movement of the stacking tray 300 is switched to an upward movement when sheets are discharged onto the stacking tray 300. When the sheets are discharged, the stacking tray 300 moves up and down, the discharged sheet dialing paddle 320A rotates, and the sheets on the stacking tray 300 are conveyed (dialed) along a third conveying direction, wherein the upstream edge of the sheet in the first conveying direction moves toward the upright surface 310a. In addition, the upper surface of the sheet or the sheet bundle consisting of a plurality of sheets on the stacking tray 300 is pressed by the discharged sheet dialing paddle 320A.

[0224] [Structure around the discharge paddle]

[0225] Here, we will refer to Figure 84A and Figure 84B The configuration around the discharged sheet pushing-in paddle 320A serving as the pushing-in portion of the present embodiment will be described. Figure 84A 2 is a perspective view showing the lower discharge roller 230B and the driving element of the discharged sheet pushing paddle 320A in the extracting state.

[0226] The lower discharge roller 230B is driven by the discharge roller motor MT14 via a drive transmission mechanism 2300. In the illustrated example, the drive transmission mechanism 2300 is composed of a pulley and a belt, and transmits the rotational drive of the drive shaft of the discharge roller motor MT14 to the rotational shaft 230B1 of the lower discharge roller 230B. Simultaneously, the discharged sheet-in paddle 320A is driven by the infeed motor MT15 via the drive transmission mechanism 3200. In the illustrated example, the drive transmission mechanism 3200 is composed of a pulley and a belt, and transmits the rotational drive of the drive shaft of the infeed motor MT15 to the rotational shaft 3201 of the discharged sheet-in paddle 320A.

[0227] The rotating shaft 3201 of the discharged sheet diverting paddle 320A can extend through the interior of the rotating shaft 230B1 of the lower discharge roller 230B, and two discharged sheet diverting paddles 320A can be arranged on one rotating shaft 3201, located on two opposite sides of the rotation axis direction of the lower discharge roller 230B. The rotating shaft 230B1 of the lower discharge roller 230B is rotatably supported by the rotating shaft 3201 of the discharged sheet diverting paddle 320A via a bearing. Therefore, the lower discharge roller 230B and the discharged sheet diverting paddle 320A can be independently driven by different motors. It should be noted that the drive transmission mechanisms 2300 and 3200 can be composed of different drive transmission components such as multiple gears, rather than pulleys and belts.

[0228] like Figure 84B As shown, the discharged sheet diverting paddle 320A includes a fixed portion 3202 fixed to the rotating shaft 3201 and a plate-shaped paddle portion 3203 provided on the fixed portion 3202. The paddle portion 3203 extends from the fixed portion 3202 fixed to the rotating shaft 3201 in a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft 3201. Furthermore, the paddle portion 3203 is formed from an elastic member such as rubber. The discharged sheet diverting paddle 320A configured in this manner rotates as the rotating shaft 3201 rotates, diverting sheets onto the stacking tray 300 as described above. Furthermore, when the paddle portion 3203 abuts against a sheet on the stacking tray 300 due to rotation, the paddle portion 3203 elastically deforms to reliably divert the sheet and press the rear end of the sheet.

[0229] [Drive structure of each part]

[0230] Next, we will refer to Figures 5A to 11C The drive structure of the upper discharge roller 230A, the paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A is described. In this embodiment, the upper discharge roller 230A, the paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A are configured to operate in conjunction. Figure 5A As shown, the drive structure 600 for them includes a processing upper motor 610 (MT12, Figure 12), a drive transmission mechanism 611, a rotating shaft 612, and a cam mechanism 613. The upper processing motor 610 can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, and the drive of the upper processing motor 610 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 612 via the drive transmission mechanism 611. In this embodiment, the drive transmission mechanism 611 is composed of a gear train, but a different drive transmission structure may also be used, such as a structure in which the drive is transmitted via a belt.

[0231] The rotating shaft 612 is disposed to extend in the width direction above the upper discharge roller 230A, the paddle 240A, and the rear drop member 250A. Furthermore, the cam mechanism 613 is configured to operate in response to the rotation of the rotating shaft 612. The cam mechanism 613 includes a first cam member 620 and a second cam member 630 that rotate together with the rotating shaft 612. The first cam member 620 is disposed between the pair of upper discharge rollers 230A and moves the upper discharge rollers 230A. Each second cam member 630 is disposed adjacent to each of the pair of paddles 240A and moves the paddle 240A and the rear drop member 250A.

[0232] like Figure 6A As shown, a groove portion 621 is defined on the inner side of the first cam member 620, and the protrusion 2303 provided on the discharge arm 2302 of the upper discharge roller 230A can enter the groove portion. The outer peripheral surface of the groove portion 621 (that is, the inner peripheral surface of the first cam member 620) serves as an inner cam surface 622. The inner cam surface 622 is a cam surface whose distance from the rotation center of the rotation shaft 612 varies depending on the phase in the rotation direction. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the first cam member 620 serves as an outer cam surface 623. The outer cam surface 623 is also a cam surface whose distance from the rotation center of the rotation shaft 612 varies depending on the phase in the rotation direction.

[0233] In addition to the above-described protrusion 2303, the discharge arm 2302 of the upper discharge roller 230A further includes an abutment portion 2304 capable of abutting against the outer cam surface 623 of the first cam member 620. The first cam member 620 changes the abutment position (phase) between the inner cam surface 622 and the protrusion 2303 by rotating together with the rotation shaft 612, separates them to change the abutment position (phase) between the outer cam surface 623 and the abutment portion 2304, and by separating them, pivots the upper discharge roller 230A about the pivot shaft 2301 from the clamped position to the retracted position as described below.

[0234] like Figure 6BAs shown, a groove 631 is provided on the inner side of the second cam member 630, into which the first protrusion 2404 provided on the paddle arm 2402 of the dial-in paddle 240A can enter. The outer peripheral surface of the groove 631 (i.e., the inner peripheral surface of the second cam member 630) serves as an inner cam surface 632. The inner cam surface 632 is a cam surface whose distance from the rotation center of the rotation shaft 612 changes depending on the phase in the rotation direction. The second cam member 630 rotates together with the rotation shaft 612 to change the contact position (phase) between the inner cam surface 632 and the first protrusion 2404, thereby causing the dial-in paddle 240A to pivot about the swing fulcrum 2403 between the return position and the upper retracted position as described below.

[0235] In addition, if Figure 6C and Figure 7 As shown, the support portion 2406, which swings along with the paddle arm 2402 of the in-feed paddle 240A about the swing fulcrum 2403 and supports the end of the rotation axis 2401a of the paddle portion 2401, is provided with a second protrusion 2405 that can enter the engagement recess 2502 defined in the rear end drop member 250A. The engagement recess 2502, by abutting or separating with the second protrusion 2405, causes the rear end drop member 250A to pivot about the pivot axis 2501 between an upper position and a lower position in conjunction with the pivoting of the in-feed paddle 240A. The driving of the upper discharge roller 230A, the in-feed paddle 240A, and the rear end drop member 250A will be described in detail below.

[0236] [Original Location]

[0237] first, Figures 5A to 6C The home position (HP) of the upper discharge roller 230A, the paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A is shown. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the upper discharge roller 230A, the incoming paddle 240A, and the rear end drop member 250A are positioned at the retracted position, the upper retracted position, and the upper position, respectively.

[0238] In this state, if Figure 6A As shown, the protrusion 2303 of the upper discharge roller 230A abuts against a portion of the inner cam surface 622 of the first cam member 620 at a small distance from the center of the rotation shaft 612 , and thus the upper discharge roller 230A is supported by the first cam member 620 .

[0239] In addition, if Figure 6B As shown, the dial-in paddle 240A is supported by the second cam member 630 because the first protrusion 2404 of the dial-in paddle 240A abuts against a portion of the inner cam surface 632 of the second cam member 630 that is closer to the center of the rotation shaft 612 .

[0240] In addition, if Figure 6C As shown, since the engagement recess 2502 of the rear end drop member 250A abuts against the second protrusion 2405 of the dial-in paddle 240A, the rear end drop member 250A is supported by the dial-in paddle 240A via the second protrusion 2405 .

[0241] [Lowering the upper discharge roller]

[0242] Next, we will refer to Figures 8A to 9C The operation of moving the upper discharge roller 230A from the original position (retracted position) to the clamping position is described. In the process, the upper motor 610 is driven to rotate the rotation shaft 612 in the first direction ( Figure 9A and Figure 9B When the first cam member 620 rotates (counterclockwise in the direction of the rotation axis) to move the upper ejection roller 230A downward from the home position, the first cam member 620 also rotates in the same direction, and the protrusion 2303 moves along the inner cam surface 622. The inner cam surface 622 is formed so that the movement in the counterclockwise direction from the home position increases the distance from the center of the rotation shaft 612. Therefore, as a result of this operation, the upper ejection roller 230A moves downward.

[0243] Next, when the upper discharge roller 230A moves to the nip position and contacts the lower discharge roller 230B, as shown in FIG. Figure 9A As shown, the inner cam surface 622 of the first cam member 620 is separated from the protrusion 2303, and the outer cam surface 623 is in contact with the abutment portion 2304. By causing the outer cam surface 623 to abut against the abutment portion 2304 as described above, the upper discharge roller 230A is pressed toward the lower discharge roller 230B, and a predetermined nip pressure is applied between these rollers.

[0244] At this time, the second cam member 630 also rotates together with the rotating shaft 612, but as shown in FIG. Figure 9B As shown, the distance from the position where the inner cam surface 632 abuts the first protrusion 2404 to the center of the rotation shaft 612 is substantially equal to the distance at the original position. Therefore, even if the second cam member 630 rotates, the dial-in paddle 240A remains in the original position. Since the dial-in paddle 240A remains in the original position, Figure 9C As shown, the rear end drop member 250A also remains in the original position. That is, in this state, as Figure 8B As shown, the upper discharge roller 230A moves to the clamping position, but the dial-in paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A remain in their original positions.

[0245] In the case of moving the upper discharge roller 230A upward, the upper motor 610 is driven to rotate the rotation shaft 612 in a second direction ( Figure 9A and Figure 9BThen, the first cam member 620 rotates in the same direction together with the rotating shaft 612, the protrusion 2303 moves along the inner cam surface 622, and the upper discharge roller 230A moves upward. Then, a return Figure 6A The original position is shown.

[0246] Here, in the dial-in paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A, when Figure 9B and Figure 9C The status returns to Figure 6B and Figure 6C In the cam member 630, the first protrusion 2404 moves along the inner cam surface 632 of the second cam member 630. The inner cam surface 632 is defined so that the distance from the center of the rotation shaft 612 to the position where the inner cam surface 632 abuts the first protrusion 2404 remains unchanged. Therefore, the dialing paddle 240A remains in its original position. Since the dialing paddle 240A remains in its original position, the rear end drop member 250A also remains in its original position.

[0247] [Dial-in paddle and lowering of rear end drop member]

[0248] Next, we will refer to Figures 10A to 11C The operation of moving the paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A from the original position (upper retracted position and upper position) to the return position and lower position is described. When the upper motor 610 is driven to rotate the shaft 612 in the second direction (the second direction) opposite to the first direction, the upper motor 610 is driven to rotate the shaft 612 in the second direction (the second direction) opposite to the first direction. Figure 11A and Figure 11B When the first cam member 620 is rotated in the clockwise direction (in the clockwise direction) to move the dial-in paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A downward from the original position, the first cam member 620 is also rotated in the same direction, and the protrusion 2303 moves along the inner cam surface 622. The inner cam surface 622 is formed so that the distance from the center of the rotation shaft 612 does not change even when it is rotated clockwise from the original position. Figure 11A As shown, the upper discharge roller 230A remains in the original position.

[0249] At the same time, the second cam member 630 also rotates in the same direction as the rotation shaft 612, and the first protrusion 2404 moves along the inner cam surface 632. The inner cam surface 632 is formed so that as it rotates clockwise from the original position, the distance from the center of the rotation shaft 612 changes. Therefore, as a result of this operation, the dial-in paddle 240A moves downward and moves to the return position.

[0250] At this time, the rear end drop member 250A also moves downward together with the paddle 240A. In this embodiment, the rear end drop member 250A includes a positioning portion 2503, which is positioned at the lower position by engaging with the upper guide 2101 of the conveying path 210A when pivoting from the upper position to the lower position. The positioning portion 2503 is provided at the upper end portion of the protrusion 2504, which is provided to protrude upward from the distal end (the upstream end in the first conveying direction) of the rear end drop member 250A. The protrusion 2504 also has the function of controlling the front end of the sheet conveyed toward the pre-processing clamping portion 211a on the upstream side in the first conveying direction when the rear end drop member 250A is in the lower position.

[0251] The positioning portion 2503 is an engagement portion provided at the upper edge of the protrusion 2504 that is engageable with the upper guide 2101 and restricts further descent of the rear end drop member 250A by abutting against the upper surface of the upper guide 2101. In this state, the engagement recess 2502 is defined so as to be separated from the second protrusion 2405. Therefore, the rear end drop member 250A is released from engagement with the in-paddle 240A and is positioned in the lower position by the positioning portion 2503.

[0252] Therefore, even when the dial-in paddle 240A has reached the return position, the rear end drop member 250A does not move further downward due to the engagement between the positioning portion 2503 and the upper guide 2101, and is positioned at the lower position. Figure 10B As shown, the incoming paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A move to the return position and the lower position, and the upper discharge roller 230A is positioned at the original position.

[0253] It should be noted that in Figures 1 to 10B Omitted Figure 11C . The protrusion 2504 and the positioning portion 2053 shown above are shown in FIG. The protrusion 2504 and the positioning portion 2053 configured in this manner may be omitted, and in this case, a different positioning mechanism may be provided to position the rear end drop member 250A in the lower position. For example, positioning may be performed by engaging the engagement recess 2502 and the second protrusion 2405 in the lower position.

[0254] When the paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A are moved upward, the upper motor 610 is driven to rotate the rotation shaft 612 in the first direction ( Figure 11A and Figure 11BThen, the second cam member 630 rotates in the same direction together with the rotating shaft 612, the first protrusion 2404 moves along the inner cam surface 632, and the dial-in paddle 240A moves upward. At this time, the second protrusion 2405 engages with the engagement recess 2052 again, and the rear end drop member 250A also moves upward due to this engagement. Then, the dial-in paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A return to Figures 5A to 6C Original position shown.

[0255] Here, in the upper discharge roller 230A, when Figure 11A The status returns to Figure 6A In the state of being moved, the protrusion 2303 moves along the inner cam surface 622 of the first cam member 620, but the inner cam surface 622 is formed so that the distance from the center of the rotation shaft 612 at the position where the inner cam surface 622 abuts the protrusion 2303 does not change. Therefore, the upper discharge roller 230A remains in the original position.

[0256] In this embodiment, when the rotation axis 612 moves from the original position to Figures 6A to 6C When the counterclockwise rotation of the upper discharge roller 230A is performed, the upper discharge roller 230A moves downward, and the dial-in paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A remain in the original position. In contrast, when the rotation shaft 612 is rotated from the original position along the Figure 6A and Figure 6C When rotating in the clockwise direction, the upper discharge roller 230A is maintained at the original position, and the dial-in paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A move downward.

[0257] In addition, when the upper discharge roller 230A is in Figure 9A In the clamping position shown, when the rotation axis 612 is along Figures 9A to 9C When the upper discharge roller 230A rotates in the clockwise direction, the upper discharge roller 230A moves upward, and the paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A remain in their original positions. In contrast, when the rotating shaft 612 is in the state where the paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A are in the return position and the lower position, Figures 11A to 11C When the upper discharge roller 230A rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the upper discharge roller 230A remains at the original position, and the dial-in paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A move upward.

[0258] Figure 12 The relationship between each motor and each component is shown. Figure 12 The columns shown in indicate, from the left, the number, motor name, driven part, operation, operation direction in forward rotation, and operation direction in reverse rotation. Figure 12 In the embodiment, the upper processing motor MT12 is the upper processing motor 610 described above. Figure 12It can be seen that the transport motor MT11 drives any one of the upstream rollers (entrance rollers) 213 a and 213 b , any one of the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A, the paddle 240A, and the return member 280 .

[0259] Furthermore, the process upper motor MT12 moves the incoming paddle 240A, the rear end drop member 250A, and the upper discharge roller (gripping member) 230A upward and downward. In this embodiment, in addition, there are provided a return lifting motor MT13 for lifting and lowering the return member 280, a discharge roller motor MT14 for driving the lower discharge roller 230B, an in-feed motor (sheet presser motor) MT15 for driving the discharged sheet in-feed paddle (sheet pressing (stacking pressing) paddle) 320A, an F-side alignment plate moving motor MT16 for moving the front alignment plate 271A in the width direction (lateral movement), an R-side alignment plate moving motor MT17 for moving the rear alignment plate 271A in the width direction (lateral movement), an STP moving motor MT18 for moving the staple unit (STP) 400 to change the binding position, an STP motor MT19 for driving the staple unit 400 to bind the sheet stack, and a stacking tray lifting motor MT20 for lifting and lowering the stacking tray 300.

[0260] [Control Structure of Sheet Processing Device]

[0261] Will refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The control configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 200A will be described. Figure 13 2 is a block diagram illustrating each motor and each sensor included in the sheet processing apparatus 200A. Signals from each of these sensors are input to the control section 203, which serves as a control device, and each motor is controlled by the control section 203. The control section 203 is communicably connected to the control section included in the image forming apparatus 100 and performs overall control of the sheet processing apparatus 200A.

[0262] The control unit 203 constructed in this manner includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The CPU controls each component while reading a program corresponding to a control sequence stored in the ROM. The RAM also stores working data and input data, and the CPU executes control based on the aforementioned program, etc., by referring to the data stored in the RAM.

[0263] Figure 13 Each motor shown is as described above. Figure 2Describe each sensor. First, the entrance sensor SN11 is set in the conveying path 210A, and detects the front end of the sheet conveyed to the conveying path 210A. The processing upper HP sensor SN12 detects the home positions of the input paddle 240A, the rear end drop member 250A, and the upper discharge roller (clamping member) 230A. The return lift HP sensor SN13 detects the home position (the position retracted from the processing tray 220) of the return member 280. The processing tray sheet detection sensor SN14 detects whether there is a sheet on the processing tray 220. The paddle HP sensor (sheet presser HP sensor) SN15 detects the home position of the discharged sheet input paddle 320A.

[0264] The F-side alignment plate HP sensor SN16 and the R-side alignment plate HP sensor SN17 respectively detect that the front alignment plate 271A and the rear alignment plate 271A are in a position (home position) separated in the width direction from the sheet placed on the processing tray 220. The stapler movement HP sensor SN18 detects that the staple unit 400 is in the home position. The sheet detection sensor SN19 detects the topmost sheet placed on the stacking tray 300. The stacking tray encoder sensor SN20 detects the position of the stacking tray 300 in the lifting direction. The stacking tray lower limit position detection sensor SN21 detects the lower limit position of the stacking tray 300. The control section 203 performs each control described later based on the signal of each of these sensors.

[0265] Next, we will refer to Figure 14 The control flow for each mode of this embodiment is described. In this embodiment, there are provided: a direct discharge mode in which sheets delivered to the sheet processing apparatus 200A are discharged onto the stacking tray 300 as is without performing a predetermined process; a shift mode in which sheets delivered to the sheet processing apparatus 200A are shifted in the width direction (shift operation) and then discharged onto the stacking tray 300 so that the sheets discharged onto the stacking tray 300 are sorted; and a stapling mode in which sheets delivered to the sheet processing apparatus 200A are subjected to stapling as a predetermined process and then discharged onto the stacking tray 300. The user selects each of these modes via the operation panel of the imaging apparatus 100 or a PC connected via a network or the like.

[0266] In this embodiment, the user's manual mode setting and automatic setting according to the sheet type (sheet length) can be performed, and the first shift discharge processing or the second shift discharge processing described later can be appropriately set in the shift mode according to the user's desired final product.

[0267] In the stapling mode, which serves as a stapling discharge process, a sheet conveyed downstream in the first conveying direction by the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A is conveyed in the second conveying direction by the paddle 240A on the processing tray 220, causing the downstream edge (rear end) of the sheet in the second conveying direction to abut against the rear end control member 290, that is, the rear end of the sheet is controlled. Then, the alignment section 270A (a pair of alignment plates 271A) is driven by the F-side alignment plate moving motor MT16 and the R-side alignment plate moving motor MT17. The sheet, which has been brought into contact with the rear end control member 290 by the alignment section 270A, is moved in the sheet width direction (the same direction as the shift direction) and positioned at the stapling position. In other words, alignment processing is performed. In this embodiment, center alignment is performed by striking the sheet from both sides of the sheet width direction using the pair of alignment plates 271A. By repeating the operation of controlling the rear end of the sheet and the aforementioned alignment processing, a sheet bundle is formed on the processing tray 220. Then, the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle positioned at the binding position, and the sheet bundle subjected to the binding process is discharged by the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B onto the stacking tray 300. In the shift mode described below, a shift operation is performed on sheets that are not subjected to the binding process by using the pair of alignment plates 271A, the F-side alignment plate moving motor MT16, and the R-side alignment plate moving motor MT17 used in the alignment process for forming the sheet bundle in the binding mode.

[0268] In addition, in the shift mode, there are cases where a shift operation is performed on a sheet (a first sheet, a small-sized sheet) whose length in the sheet conveying direction (the first conveying direction) is a first length, and a case where a shift operation is performed on a sheet (a second sheet, a large-sized sheet) whose length in the first conveying direction is a second length greater than the first length. A small-sized sheet is, for example, a sheet whose length in the first conveying direction is equal to or less than a predetermined length, and a large-sized sheet is, for example, a sheet whose length in the first conveying direction is greater than a predetermined length. The predetermined length is, for example, the so-called A4 longitudinal dimension when A4-sized paper is conveyed in the longitudinal direction (the longitudinal direction becomes the direction of the conveying direction). In addition, in the shift mode, a productivity priority mode that prioritizes productivity and an alignment priority mode that prioritizes sheet alignment can be selected and executed. In addition, in either shift mode, the sheet can be shifted in both the direction from the rear side to the front side and the direction from the front side to the rear side (both directions are shift directions).

[0269] The productivity priority mode as the non-returning shift discharge processing and the first shift discharge processing is a mode in which: by driving the F-side alignment plate moving motor MT16 and the R-side alignment plate moving motor MT17, the alignment portion 270A (a pair of alignment plates 271A) causes the sheet conveyed downstream in the first conveying direction by the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A to move (shift) in the shift direction without performing the conveyance in the second conveying direction by the dial-in paddle 240A, and is discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B.

[0270] The alignment priority mode as the switchback shift discharge process and the second shift discharge process is a mode in which: the sheet conveyed downstream in the first conveying direction by the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A is conveyed in the second conveying direction by the paddle 240A on the processing tray 220 so that the downstream edge of the sheet in the second conveying direction abuts against the rear end regulating member 290 (regulates), and then the sheet is moved (shifted) in the shift direction by the aligning portion 270A (a pair of alignment plates 271A) by driving the F-side alignment plate moving motor MT16 and the R-side alignment plate moving motor MT17 without performing the binding process by the stapler 400, and is discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B. A detailed description of this point will be given below.

[0271] When control starts, the control section 203 determines which of the direct discharge mode, the shift mode, and the stapling mode is selected as the discharge mode (S1). If the direct discharge mode is selected, the sheets conveyed to the sheet processing apparatus 200A are discharged one by one as they are onto the stacking tray 300 without executing a predetermined process (S2).

[0272] In S1, when the shift mode is selected, it is determined whether the sheet size is a large-size sheet or a small-size sheet (S3). In the case of a small-size sheet, it is determined whether productivity is prioritized (S4). In the case of productivity, the sheet discharged from the conveying path 210A is discharged onto the stacking tray 300 without being conveyed in the second conveying direction by performing a shift operation by the alignment portion 270A on the processing tray 220 (S5). In the case of not prioritizing productivity in S4, the sheet discharged from the conveying path 210A is shifted onto the processing tray 220, undergoes a shift operation by the alignment portion 270A on the processing tray 220, and is discharged onto the stacking tray 300 (S6). In the case of a large-size sheet in S3, the process also proceeds to S6.

[0273] When the stapling mode is selected in S1, the sheet discharged from the conveying path 210A is conveyed along the second conveying direction on the processing tray 220 by the infeed paddle 240A, and the downstream edge of the sheet in the second conveying direction is brought into contact with the rear end control member 290. That is, the rear end of the sheet is controlled. Then, after the rear end of the sheet is controlled, positioning (alignment) at the stapling position is performed by the alignment portion 270A (a pair of alignment plates 271A) by driving the F-side alignment plate moving motor MT16 and the R-side alignment plate moving motor MT17. By repeating the above-mentioned rear end control and alignment operations of the sheets, a sheet stack is formed on the processing tray 220 (S7). Then, the stapling process is performed on the sheet stack (S8). Then, the sheet stack that has undergone the stapling process is discharged onto the stacking tray 300 (S9).

[0274] Will refer to Figures 15A to 34B The operation of the sheet processing apparatus 200A in the first shift discharge process and the second shift discharge process in the above-described shift mode will be described.

[0275] [First Shift Ejection Process (Productivity Priority Mode)]

[0276] First, refer to Figures 15A to 24B The first shift discharge process in the shift mode (productivity priority mode) is described. Figure 15A and Figure 15B As shown, in a state where the sheet S has not yet been conveyed to the conveying path 210A, the upper discharge roller 230A, the paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A are each located at their home positions. In addition, the pair of alignment plates 271A are located at their home positions where they are most separated from each other.

[0277] Next, if Figure 16A and Figure 16B As shown in FIG. 2 , when the sheet S is conveyed to the entrance of the conveying path 210A, the pair of alignment plates 271A moves closer to each other from the home position and stands by at the receiving position for receiving the sheet. Furthermore, in this state, the upper discharge roller 230A, the incoming paddle 240A, and the rear end drop member 250A are also each in the home position.

[0278] Next, if Figure 17A and Figure 17BAs shown, when the downstream end (front end) of the sheet S in the first conveying direction passes through the pre-processing nip 211a of the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A and the front end of the sheet S passes through the lower discharge roller 230B, the upper discharge roller 230A begins to move downward. For example, when the front end of the sheet S reaches a position 10 mm downstream of the nip position where the sheet is held between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B, the upper discharge roller 230A moves downward so that the gap between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B is 2 mm. In other words, positioning is performed at the separated position, in which the upper discharge roller 230A is closer to the lower discharge roller 230B than in the retracted position, and the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B are separated from each other. That is, when the sheet is conveyed from the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A in the first conveying direction, the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B are positioned in the retracted position, and then before the sheet is moved in the shifting direction by the alignment portion 270A, the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B are positioned in the separated position. At this time, the paddle 240A and the rear end drop member 250A are still positioned in their original positions.

[0279] Next, if Figure 18A and Figure 18B As shown, when the upstream end (rear end) of the sheet S in the first conveying direction has passed through the pre-processing nip 211a of the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A, the upper discharge roller 230A moves downward to the clamping position, and the sheet is clamped by the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B. Furthermore, the rotation of the lower discharge roller 230B is stopped. For example, when the rear end of the sheet S reaches a position 10 mm downstream of the pre-processing nip 211a, the upper discharge roller 230A is positioned in the clamping position. Thus, the sheet S is clamped between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B, and conveyance is stopped.

[0280] In this state, if Figure 19A and Figure 19B As shown, the upper discharge roller 230A is moved upward to the separated position, and the pair of alignment plates 271A are moved to positions corresponding to the size of the sheet S in the width direction. Thus, the sheet S is clamped from both sides in the width direction (both sides in the shift direction). It should be noted that since the sheet S is clamped by the pair of alignment plates 271A, even when the upper discharge roller 230A is moved upward to the separated position, deviation of the sheet S in the first conveying direction or the second conveying direction is suppressed.

[0281] Then, if Figure 20A and Figure 20B As shown, in a state where the sheet S is clamped by a pair of alignment plates 271A, the sheet S moves in the shift direction. That is, the shift operation is performed. After the shift operation is completed, as shown in FIG. Figure 21A and Figure 21B As shown, the upper discharge roller 230A moves downward to the clamping position, and the sheet S is clamped again between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B. When the sheet S is clamped between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B, as shown in FIG. Figure 22A and Figure 22B The pair of alignment plates 271A shown are retracted from the sheet S. In this example, since the shifting direction is from the rear side to the front side, the rear alignment plate of the pair of alignment plates 271A serves as the first shifting portion, and the front alignment plate serves as the second shifting portion. Furthermore, the rear alignment plate moving motor MT17 serves as the first drive portion, and the front alignment plate moving motor MT16 serves as the second drive portion. Conversely, in the case where the shifting direction is from the front side to the rear side, the front alignment plate of the pair of alignment plates 271A serves as the first shifting portion, and the rear alignment plate serves as the second shifting portion. Furthermore, the front alignment plate moving motor MT16 serves as the first drive portion, and the rear alignment plate moving motor MT17 serves as the second drive portion.

[0282] Next, if Figure 23A and Figure 23B As shown, the lower discharge roller 230B is rotated, and the sheet S sandwiched between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B is discharged onto the stacking tray 300. After the sheet S is discharged onto the stacking tray 300, as shown in FIG. Figure 24A and Figure 24B As shown, the sheet S is further pushed in by the discharged sheet pushing paddle 320A, and the rear end of the sheet S is further pressed. At this time, the pair of alignment plates 271A moves to the receiving position to receive the next sheet.

[0283] In the case of the above-described productivity priority mode, since the operation of conveying the sheets S in the second conveying direction on the processing tray 220 (switchback conveyance) is not performed, the shifting operation of the sheets S can be performed faster than in the case of the processing tray 220. Note that the productivity priority mode is preferably applied to small-sized sheets, but can also be executed for large-sized sheets, that is, it can be executed for all sheets that are shifted and discharged without being subjected to stapling processing.

[0284] [Second shift discharge process (alignment priority mode)]

[0285] Next, we will refer to Figures 25A to 34BThe second shift discharge process (alignment priority mode) in the shift mode will be described. Note that although the alignment priority mode can be executed for small-sized sheets, the case where it is executed for large-sized sheets will be described here. The state in which the sheet S has not yet been conveyed to the conveying path 210A and the state in which the sheet S has been conveyed to the entrance of the conveying path 210A are the same as those described for the first shift discharge process. Figures 15A to 16B Same status as shown in .

[0286] In the second shift discharge process, as Figure 25A and Figure 25B As shown in FIG. 1 , even when the downstream end (front end) of the sheet S in the first conveying direction has passed through the pre-processing nip 211 a of the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A and the front end of the sheet S has passed through the lower discharge roller 230B, the upper discharge roller 230A does not move downward. That is, in this state, the upper discharge roller 230A, the paddle 240A, and the rear end drop member 250A are still positioned at their original positions.

[0287] Next, if Figure 26A and Figure 26B As shown, after the upstream end (rear end) of the sheet S in the first conveying direction has passed through the pre-processing nip 211a of the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A, the lowering of the paddle 240A is started. Figure 27A and Figure 27B As shown, the incoming paddle 240A is positioned at the return position, the rear end drop member 250A is positioned at the lower position, the sheet S is dropped onto the processing tray 220, and is transported in the second transport direction by the incoming paddle 240A.

[0288] In addition, if Figure 28A and Figure 28B As shown, the return member 280 (knurled belt 281) also moves downward, and the sheet S is conveyed along the second conveying direction by the paddle 240A and the return member 280, and the rear end of the sheet S abuts the rear end control member 290. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 29A and Figure 29B As shown, the dial-in paddle 240A, the rear end drop member 250A and the return member 280 move upward. Figure 30A and Figure 30B As shown, only one of the pair of alignment plates 271A is located on the upstream side in the displacement direction ( Figure 30A The alignment plate 271A (first shift portion) on the upper side of the sheet S moves toward the sheet S, and the sheet S is moved in the shift direction by the alignment plate 271A. That is, in the second shift discharge process, the sheet S is not clamped by the pair of alignment plates 271A, but the shift operation of the sheet S is performed by moving the alignment plate 271A on the upstream side of the shift direction in the shift direction. At the start of the shift operation, the downstream side ( Figure 30A Alignment plate 271A (on the lower side of the sheet S) stands by at a receiving position and moves from this receiving position in a shifting direction according to the amount of displacement of sheet S. It should be noted that during the shifting operation performed by alignment plate 271A, the knurled belt 281, while in a rotating state, can come into contact with the upper surface of the sheet. As a result, the shifting operation is performed with the rear end of the sheet abutting against rear end regulating member 290, thereby stabilizing the behavior of the sheet.

[0289] As described above, the alignment plate 271A on the downstream side in the shift direction does not move from the receiving position toward the sheet S side, so that the shift operation can be performed in a state where a plurality of sheets are placed on the processing tray 220 in the second shift discharge process. In other words, this is because, when the shift operation is performed on the second and subsequent sheets, if the alignment plate 271A on the downstream side moves from the receiving position toward the sheet side, the first sheet is also pushed and moved by the alignment plate 271A on the downstream side, and there is a possibility that the alignment of the first sheet will be disturbed.

[0290] When the shifting operation of the sheet S is completed, as shown in FIG. Figure 31A and Figure 31B As shown, the upper discharge roller 230A moves downward to the clamping position, and the sheet S is clamped between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B. When the sheet S is clamped between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B, as shown in FIG. Figure 32A and Figure 32B The pair of alignment plates 271A is shown retracted from the sheet S. Although the case where the second shift discharge process is performed on one sheet S will be described in this example, in the case where the second shift discharge process is performed on a plurality of sheets more than two, the upper discharge roller 230A moves upward from this state, and the shift operation is performed on the second and subsequent sheets in a manner similar to that of the above-described sheet S.

[0291] When the sheet subjected to the shift operation is discharged, in a state where the upper discharge roller 230A is positioned at the nip position, that is, in Figure 32A and Figure 32B In the state of the sheet S sandwiched between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B, the sheet S is discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by rotating the lower discharge roller 230B. Figure 33A and Figure 33B After the sheet S is discharged onto the stacking tray 300, as shown in FIG. Figure 34A and Figure 34B As shown, the sheet S is further pushed in by the discharged sheet pushing paddle 320A, and the rear end of the sheet S is further pressed. At this time, the pair of alignment plates 271A moves to the receiving position to receive the next sheet.

[0292] As described above, in alignment priority mode, the sheet S undergoes alignment and shifting operations on the processing tray 220, thereby improving the alignment of the sheet S compared to the productivity priority mode. It should be noted that in alignment priority mode, since the sheet is temporarily placed on the processing tray 220, processing takes longer than in productivity priority mode. However, in the case of large-sized sheets, even processing in the imaging device 100 takes time. Therefore, when the alignment priority mode is executed for large-sized sheets, the shifting operation can be performed at a productivity suitable for the productivity of the imaging device 100, and the alignment of the sheet can be further improved. It should be noted that the productivity priority mode described above can be executed even for large-sized sheets.

[0293] In the present embodiment described above, when the stapling mode, the first shift ejection process, and the second shift ejection process are executed, each process is executed by the front alignment plate moving motor MT16 and the rear alignment plate moving motor MT17 as a common drive source, and the common alignment plate 271A. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a different alignment plate and drive source are required for each process, costs can be reduced.

[0294] It should be noted that in the above-described example, in the first shift discharge process and the second shift discharge process, the shift operation is performed in a state where the upper discharge roller 230A is separated from the lower discharge roller 230B. It should be noted that the shift operation can be performed in a state where the clamping pressure between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B is reduced. That is, in the above-described example, the drive structure 600 for moving the upper discharge roller 230A serves as a discharge rotating member moving member that moves the upper discharge roller 230A to a clamping position, a separation position, and a retracted position. It should be noted that the drive structure 600 can be used as a discharge rotating member clamping pressure switching mechanism for switching the clamping pressure for clamping the sheet between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B between a first clamping pressure and a second clamping pressure lower than the first clamping pressure. In addition, the shift operation can be performed in a state where the clamping pressure is set to the second clamping pressure. The first nip pressure is a nip pressure in the case where the sheet is discharged by the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B.

[0295] In addition, in the above-described example, in the first shift discharge process, the shift operation is performed after the sheet has passed through the pre-processing clamping portion 211a of the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A. However, the shift operation can be performed while the sheet is in the pre-processing clamping portion 211a. Either of the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A can be movable to a clamping position for clamping the sheet and a separation position in which they are separated from each other, and the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A can be moved to the separation position during the shift operation in the first shift discharge process. In addition, the clamping pressure between the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A can be switched between a first clamping pressure and a second clamping pressure lower than the first clamping pressure, and can be set to the second clamping pressure during the shift operation in the first shift discharge process. The mechanism for switching the clamping pressure of the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A and moving them to the clamping position and the separation position can be similar to that of the second embodiment. Furthermore, the pair of alignment plates 271A can be used to shift a small-sized sheet after the rear end of the sheet has passed through the pre-processing nip 211a, and the pair of alignment plates 271a can be used to shift a large-sized sheet after the front end of the sheet has passed through the discharge nip 230a and before the rear end of the sheet passes through the pre-processing nip 211a. Therefore, the portion of the large-sized sheet that abuts the pair of alignment plates 271a is closer to the center of gravity of the sheet, thereby reducing the force that rotates the sheet during the shifting operation.

[0296] In addition, in the above-described example, when the first shift discharge process is executed, the sheet S is shifted by moving the pair of alignment plates 271A in the shift direction in a state where the sheet S is located between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B and the upper discharge roller 230A is positioned in the separated position (or the second nip pressure state). Furthermore, similarly, when the second shift discharge process is executed, the sheet S is shifted by moving the pair of alignment plates 271A in the shift direction in a state where the sheet S is located between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B and the upper discharge roller 230A is positioned in the separated position (or the second nip pressure state). In addition, when the binding mode is executed, when alignment in the sheet width direction is performed on the sheet S on the processing tray 220, alignment in the sheet width direction is similarly performed by moving a pair of alignment plates 271A along the shifting direction when the sheet S is located between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B and the upper discharge roller 230A is positioned in the separation position (or the second clamping pressure state).

[0297] That is, in the first shift discharge process, when the sheet S is shifted by using the pair of alignment plates 271A, it is necessary to perform a clamping release on the member that clamps the sheet S (or it is necessary to change the clamping pressure to the second clamping pressure), and the clamping release mechanism (a mechanism for moving the upper discharge roller 230A to the clamping position and the separation position) is used not only in the first shift discharge process but also in the second shift discharge process and the stapling mode. Therefore, in the first embodiment described above, the clamping release mechanism is more versatile than in the second embodiment described later, and therefore, the stapling mode, the first shift discharge process, and the second shift discharge process can be performed at a lower cost.

[0298] [Forming a Sheet Bundle by Shift Discharge Processing]

[0299] Here, in this embodiment, a process will be described in which sheets are shifted one by one in the shift direction and discharged onto the stack tray 300 without performing binding processing, thereby forming a sheet bundle consisting of a plurality of unbound sheets. Figure 85 As shown, there is a case where a plurality of unbound sheet bundles are discharged onto the stacking tray 300 while being shifted relative to each other in the shift direction (this will be referred to as sorting discharge processing). This sorting discharge processing is as follows. First, after the sheets are conveyed in the first conveying direction by the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A, the sheets conveyed by the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A are moved in the shift direction by the pair of alignment plates 271A by driving the front (F-side) alignment plate moving motor MT16 and the rear (R-side) alignment plate moving motor MT17, without conveying the sheets conveyed by the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A in the second conveying direction by the paddle 240A. Next, the sheets moved in the shift direction by the pair of alignment plates 271A are repeatedly discharged one by one to the shifted positions on the stacking tray 300 by the upper discharge rollers 230A and the lower discharge rollers 230B multiple times, thereby stacking the first unbound sheet bundle. Next, the sheets moved in the shift direction by the pair of alignment plates 271A are repeatedly discharged one by one by the upper discharge rollers 230A and the lower discharge rollers 230B to positions offset upstream from the shifted positions on the stacking tray 300 in the shift direction, without being conveyed in the second conveying direction by the paddle 240A, thereby stacking the unbound second sheet bundle. Note that the term "stacking a sheet bundle" herein refers to forming a sheet bundle on the stacking tray 300, and even in the case of a single sheet bundle as in this embodiment, forming a sheet bundle on the stacking tray 300 by discharging a plurality of sheets one by one onto the stacking tray 300 is also referred to as "stacking a sheet bundle."

[0300] It is to be noted that in the sorting discharge processing, the second sheet bundle can be stacked by discharging the sheets onto the stacking tray 300 while moving the sheets one by one in the direction opposite to the shifting direction of the first sheet bundle by the pair of alignment plates 271A, or the second sheet bundle can be stacked by discharging the sheets onto the stacking tray 300 while maintaining the same position in the shifting direction in which the sheets are conveyed by the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A without moving the sheets one by one in the direction opposite to the shifting direction of the first sheet bundle (the same as the direct discharge mode). In short, as long as the first sheet bundle and the second sheet bundle are stacked as shown in FIG. Figure 85 Alternatively, before the first sheet bundle, the sheet bundle may be stacked on the stacking tray 300 while maintaining the position of the sheet bundle in the shift direction conveyed by the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A without moving the sheet bundle in the direction opposite to the shift direction of the first sheet bundle. The first sheet bundle may then be moved in the shift direction and stacked on the stacking tray 300.

[0301] It should be noted that when stacking the second sheet bundle on the stacking tray 300, the sheets can be discharged onto the stacking tray 300 while maintaining their positions in the shift direction conveyed by the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A without moving the sheets in the direction opposite to the shift direction of the first sheet bundle. It is possible to discharge the sheets after width alignment is performed by the pair of alignment plates 271A before the sheets are discharged by the upper discharge rollers 230A and the lower discharge rollers 230B. Therefore, the alignment of the second sheet bundle on the stacking tray 300 is improved. Alternatively, it is also possible to discharge the sheets onto the stacking tray 300 after width alignment is performed on the sheets one by one by the pair of alignment plates 271A in the case of only the direct discharge mode.

[0302] Examples of the above-mentioned sorting and discharge processing include sorting processing and grouping processing. For example, in the case of ten sheet bundles each consisting of five sheets, sorting processing is a process of stacking the sheet bundles on the stacking tray 300 while shifting each sheet bundle. In addition, grouping processing is a process of stacking ten copies of the first page, ten copies of the second page, ... and ten copies of the fifth page on the stacking tray 300 while shifting each other. The sorting processing and grouping processing can be selected by the user, for example, using the operation panel of the imaging device 100 or an external terminal such as a personal computer (PC) connected to the imaging device via a network or the like. Then, a command for the selected processing is sent from the imaging device 100 to the sheet processing device 200A, and the sheet processing device 200A executes the processing.

[0303] Furthermore, when jobs of different contents are successively input to the imaging system 1000A, the sorting and discharge processing includes a process of stacking the sheet bundles on the stacking tray 300 while shifting the sheet bundles for each job. For example, consider a case where person A inputs a sheet bundle consisting of ten sheets as the first job, and then person B inputs a sheet bundle consisting of five sheets as the second job. In this case, the sheet bundle of the first job is shifted in the shifting direction and stacked on the stacking tray 300, and then the sheet bundle of the second job is stacked on the stacking tray 300 without shifting the sheet bundle or after shifting the sheet bundle in the direction opposite to the shifting direction.

[0304] In addition, as a process for shifting and discharging sheets without performing stapling, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned switchback shift discharge process (alignment priority mode) and sorting discharge process can be performed. In addition, the sorting discharge process includes the above-mentioned non-switchback shift discharge process (productivity priority mode).

[0305] In the non-returning shift discharge process, the sheets are shifted one by one and discharged onto the stacking tray 300. At this time, if a sheet bundle is formed simply by stacking the shifted sheets on the stacking tray 300, there is a possibility that the alignment of the sheets on the stacking tray 300 will be deteriorated. In addition, even if an attempt is made to push in the sheets using the ejection sheet pushing paddle 320A after the sheet bundle is formed on the stacking tray 300, only the top sheet of the sheet bundle is pushed in, which may deteriorate the alignment of the sheets. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 24A and Figure 24B As described above, when the sheet is discharged onto the stack tray 300 , the sheet is pulled in by the discharged sheet pulling-in paddle 320A.

[0306] That is, when a shifted sheet bundle is formed on the stacking tray 300 (stack portion) without performing the stapling process, a sheet bundle consisting of multiple sheets is formed on the stacking tray 300 by repeatedly performing the shift discharge process and the push-in process on the multiple sheets. The shift discharge process is a process in which the sheets are shifted by the aligning portion 270A and discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B. This is the non-returning shift discharge process described above. The push-in process is a process in which the sheets discharged onto the stacking tray 300 are conveyed in the third conveying direction by the discharged sheet push-in paddle 320A.

[0307] Furthermore, when the shift discharge process and the infeed process are repeated, the infeed paddle 320A remains at a position pressing the upper surface of the sheet fed into the stacking tray 300 until the next sheet is discharged (until the rear end of the sheet passes the nip of the discharge roller 230). Then, when the next sheet is discharged onto the stacking tray 300, the infeed paddle 320A rotates to feed the sheet, thereby further pressing the rear end of the sheet. As a result, it is possible to suppress the sheet already fed into the stacking tray 300 from being shifted by the next sheet.

[0308] As a result, when a bundle of unbound sheets moving in the shifting direction is formed on the stacking tray 300, the alignment of the sheet bundle can be improved. That is, by ejecting a sheet onto the stacking tray 300 in a shifted state and further inserting the sheet by the ejected sheet inserting paddle 320A, the sheet ejected onto the stacking tray 300 can be brought into contact with the upright surface 310a provided at the upstream end of the stacking tray 300 in the first conveying direction. Furthermore, by repeating this operation for each sheet, the alignment of the sheet bundle ejected onto the stacking tray 300 can be improved.

[0309] It should be noted that this operation can also be performed by the switchback shift discharge process. That is, normally, when the switchback shift discharge process is performed, the sheet bundle is formed on the processing tray 220 and then discharged onto the stacking tray 300. However, the sheets may be discharged onto the stacking tray 300 after being shifted one by one on the processing tray 220. In this case, as described above with reference to Figure 34A and Figure 34B As described above, by performing the dial-in process for each sheet discharged onto the stack tray 300 , the alignment of the bundle of sheets discharged onto the stack tray 300 can also be improved.

[0310] In addition, when a second sheet bundle is formed on the stacking tray 300 or in the direct discharge mode, by performing the above-mentioned dial-in processing on the sheets discharged one by one onto the stacking tray 300, the alignment of the second sheet bundle or the alignment of the sheet bundle formed by discharge in the direct discharge mode can also be improved.

[0311] <Second embodiment>

[0312] Will refer to Figures 35 to 79B The second embodiment is described. The imaging system 1000 of this embodiment has a schematic configuration similar to that of the imaging system 1000A of the first embodiment. That is, Figure 35As shown, the imaging system 1000 of this embodiment includes an imaging device 100, a punch unit 150, and a sheet processing device 200. The configurations of the imaging device 100 and the punch unit 150 are the same as those of the first embodiment. It should be noted that the sheet processing device 200 differs from the sheet processing device 200A of the first embodiment in the following ways. Since the other components and functions are similar to those of the first embodiment described above, the sheet processing device 200 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0313] [Sheet processing device]

[0314] Will refer to Figures 36 to 49 The configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 200 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 36 、 Figure 37A and Figure 37B The overall configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 200 will be described.

[0315] [Overall Structure of Sheet Processing Apparatus]

[0316] The sheet processing device 200 includes a conveying path 210, a processing tray 220 serving as a placement portion, a discharge roller (gripping member) 230, a dial-in portion 240 serving as a second conveying portion, a rear end drop member 250 serving as a sheet drop member, a discharge belt (stack output belt) 260, an alignment portion 270 serving as a shifting portion, a return member 280, a rear end control member 290, a stacking tray 300, a standing surface 310, a discharged sheet dial-in belt (sheet pressing belt 320), and the like. It should be noted that the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260 correspond to a discharge portion and a pair of discharge rotating members. Sheets received from the imaging device 100 or the punch unit 150 are conveyed to the conveying path 210.

[0317] Depending on the sheet processing mode, sheets conveyed from the conveying path 210 are either discharged directly onto the stacking tray 300 or placed onto the processing tray 220. It should be noted that direct discharge onto the stacking tray 300 means that the sheets are discharged onto the stacking tray 300 without being conveyed in the reverse direction on the processing tray 220 to a position where stapling processing can be performed. In other words, the sheet processing apparatus 200 has a mode for discharging sheets that have been stapling-processed by the stapling processing unit 400 onto the stacking tray 300, and a mode for discharging sheets that have not been stapling-processed by the stapling processing unit 400 onto the stacking tray 300. In this embodiment, the alignment of the sheets can be performed by the alignment section 270 without placing the sheets on the processing tray 220. Alternatively, the sheets can be aligned on the processing tray 220, and stapling can be performed on the sheets placed on the processing tray 220 by the stapling processing unit 400. In addition, the sheet or the sheet bundle placed on the processing tray 220 can be discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by the discharge belt 260 etc. A detailed description will be given below of the configuration of each component.

[0318] [Transmission Path]

[0319] The conveying path 210 is a path for conveying a sheet in a predetermined direction (first conveying direction), and a pre-processing roller 211 serving as a first rotating member, a conveying belt 212 serving as a second rotating member, an upstream roller 213 serving as a third rotating member, and a knurled belt 214 are provided in the conveying path 210. Each of them is arranged in pairs in a direction opposite to the sheet conveying direction (predetermined direction, Figure 37A The arrow β direction (left and right direction) intersects the sheet width direction ( Figure 37A Separated in the direction of arrow γ (up and down direction).

[0320] The conveyor belt 212 is an endless belt that extends along the entire length of the conveyor path 210 in a predetermined direction. It supports the lower surface of the sheet received by the sheet processing device 200. The conveyor belt 212 is wound around a pair of rollers 212a and 212b and is driven to rotate by one roller 212a. An upstream roller 213 is provided at the upstream end of the conveyor belt 212 in the predetermined direction. At the entrance to the conveyor path 210, the sheet is sandwiched between the upstream roller 213 and the conveyor belt 212, thereby conveying the sheet.

[0321] The pre-processing roller 211 is arranged at the downstream end of the conveyor belt 212 in a predetermined direction, and the pre-processing roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212 form a pre-processing clamping portion 211a that can clamp and convey the sheet. In addition, the pre-processing roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212 correspond to the first conveying portion and a pair of conveying rotating members. Then, the sheet is clamped in the pre-processing clamping portion 211a and conveyed in a predetermined direction, and the sheet is discharged from the conveying path 210. In this embodiment, the pre-processing roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212 constitute a pair of conveying rotating members and a conveying device. As will be described later, the pre-processing roller 211 can change the abutment pressure (clamping pressure) on the conveyor belt 212.

[0322] Similar to the conveyor belt 212, the pre-processing roller 211 is driven to rotate. However, since the conveyor belt 212 is driven to rotate, the pre-processing roller can be configured not to be driven to rotate but to rotate with the movement of the conveyor belt 212. In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of rollers and a conveyor belt constitute the conveyor path 210, but the conveyor path can be configured so that a plurality of spherical members are arranged above the conveyor belt so as to be able to rotate in any direction. In the case of such a configuration, as will be described later, even when the sheet is in the conveyor path, it is possible to shift the sheet without adjusting the clamping pressure, such as reducing the clamping pressure of the pre-processing roller 211.

[0323] The knurled belt 214 has a rotation axis coaxially disposed with the downstream roller 212a of the tensioned conveyor belt 212, and is capable of rotating together with the roller 212a. The knurled belt 214 configured in this manner is disposed so as to protrude further downstream than the downstream end of the conveyor belt 212 in the predetermined direction, and is configured to prevent the rear end (upstream end in the predetermined direction) of the sheet from being retained in the pre-processing nip 211a when the sheet is discharged through the pre-processing roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212.

[0324] [Handling Tray]

[0325] The processing tray 220 is arranged downstream of the conveying path 210 in the sheet conveying direction and below the conveying path 210 in the vertical direction. In addition, the processing tray 220 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane so that its upstream side in the predetermined direction is lower than the downstream side. On the processing tray 220, sheets conveyed from the conveying path 210 can be placed, and a plurality of sheets can be stacked and supported, and alignment in the width direction of the sheets and movement in the width direction (displacement of the sheets) are performed on the processing tray 220 by the alignment portion 270. In addition, a rear end control member 290 is provided at the upstream end of the processing tray 220 in the predetermined direction, and serves as a control device and a control processing side control device to control the upstream end (rear end) of the sheet placed on the processing tray 220 in the predetermined direction.

[0326] Furthermore, a stapling unit 400, serving as a processing unit, is provided upstream of the processing tray 220 in a predetermined direction. The stapling unit 400 performs a predetermined stapling process on the sheet stack that has been aligned in the width direction and controlled at the rear end on the processing tray 220. The stapling unit 400 can change the stapling position on the sheet stack and move according to the stapling position. Note that the predetermined process may be a process other than stapling, such as punching. The sheets or sheet stack placed on the processing tray 220 are discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by the discharge rollers 230, the feeder 240, and the discharge belt 260, which will be described later.

[0327] [Discharge belt]

[0328] The discharge belt (lower rotating member) 260 and the discharge roller (upper rotating member) 230 constitute a pair of discharge rotating members (a pair of discharge rotating members) and a discharge section to clamp and convey the sheet. The discharge belt 260 is tensioned on at least two tensioning rollers 261 and 262. That is, in this embodiment, the discharge belt 260 is tensioned on two tensioning rollers 261 and 262, but the discharge belt 260 can be tensioned on three or more tensioning rollers. In addition, in this embodiment, the three discharge belts 260 are arranged at positions separated along the width direction of the sheet. Of the three discharge belts 260, the middle discharge belt 260 is arranged at a position where the discharge belt 260 can clamp the sheet together with the dial-in section 240 described below, and the discharge belts 260 on both sides are respectively arranged at positions where the discharge belt 260 can clamp the sheet together with the discharge roller 230.

[0329] The discharge belt 260 is arranged along a predetermined direction and rotates when the tension roller 261 is driven to rotate. The tension roller 261 is used to drive the discharge belt 260, thereby conveying the sheet or sheet bundle on the processing tray 220 toward the stacking tray 300. Specifically, the tension roller 261 is a drive roller that drives the discharge belt 260. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the tension roller 261 corresponds to the rotation axis of the discharge belt 260, which serves as the lower discharge rotating member. It should be noted that a different rotating member (e.g., a discharge roller) may be used in place of the discharge belt as long as it can convey the sheet or sheet bundle on the processing tray 220 toward the stacking tray 300.

[0330] [Dial-in Department]

[0331] The dial-in portion 240, which functions as a transfer device, a processing-side conveying device, and a dropping member, transfers the sheet placed on the processing tray 220 toward the rear end regulating member 290. The dial-in portion 240 is movable between a first position, in which the sheet is vertically positioned above the pre-processing clamping portion 211 a where the sheet is clamped between the pre-processing roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212, and a second position, in which the dial-in portion 240 is able to abut against the upper surface of the sheet placed on the processing tray 220 and transfer the sheet toward the rear end regulating member 290.

[0332] The dial-in portion 240, at the second position, sandwiches the sheet placed on the processing tray 220 together with the discharge belt 260. The position where the dial-in portion 240 sandwiches the sheet together with the discharge belt 260 is located upstream in a predetermined direction from a position where the sheet is sandwiched between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260, which will be described later. That is, at the second position, the dial-in portion 240 is located in the predetermined direction between the pre-process roller 211 and a position (discharge nip) where the sheet is sandwiched between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260, which will be described later.

[0333] The dial-in unit 240, configured in this manner, can be driven to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. Therefore, as described above, it can convey the sheets on the processing tray 220 toward the rear end regulating member 290, that is, upstream in a predetermined direction, and can, together with the discharge belt 260, convey the sheets placed on the processing tray 220 downstream in a predetermined direction. Specifically, the dial-in unit 240 includes a dial-in belt 240a, which will be described later, and can be driven to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. Furthermore, in the second position, the dial-in unit 240 abuts against the sheets on the processing tray 220. In this state, the dial-in belt 240a is rotated in the forward direction, conveying the sheets toward the rear end regulating member 290. Conversely, the reverse rotation of the dial-in belt 240a conveys the sheets or sheet stack on the processing tray 220 toward the stacking tray 300.

[0334] The sheet or sheet stack placed on the processing tray 220 is clamped between the discharge rollers 230 and the discharge belt 260 (described later) for discharge onto the stacking tray 300. However, there is a possibility that the sheet stack cannot be discharged reliably solely through the conveyance of the discharge rollers 230 and the discharge belt 260. Conventionally, the discharge of the sheet stack is assisted by moving the rear end regulating member 290 toward the side where the sheet stack is discharged. However, this configuration is not adopted in this embodiment, and the rear end regulating member 290 does not move in the direction in which the sheet stack is discharged. Therefore, in this embodiment, to assist the discharge of the sheet stack, the sheet stack placed on the processing tray 220 is conveyed toward the stacking tray 300 by the dial-in unit 240.

[0335] In particular, in this embodiment, since the dial-in portion 240 is positioned between the pre-processing roller 211 and the discharge clamp in the predetermined direction at the second position, it is easier to transmit drive to the sheet on the processing tray 220. That is, the downstream side of the sheet on the processing tray 220 in the predetermined direction droops from the processing tray 220 toward the stacking tray 300. Therefore, when the sheet is clamped in the discharge clamp, the downstream side of the discharge clamp in the predetermined direction droops, and the upstream side floats. Therefore, in this embodiment, the upstream side (floating) of the sheet on the processing tray 220 in the discharge clamp is pressed by the dial-in portion 240, so that the drive of the dial-in portion 240 can be effectively transmitted to the sheet, and the discharge of the sheet can be effectively assisted.

[0336] Furthermore, in the second position, the dial-in portion 240, together with the discharge belt 260, clamps the sheet or sheet stack placed on the processing tray 220. Specifically, the dial-in portion 240 presses the upper surface of the sheet at a position opposite the discharge belt 260, with the sheet or sheet stack positioned therebetween. This increases the force exerted by the discharge belt 260 on the sheet or sheet stack. Furthermore, by arranging the dial-in portion 240 to contact the sheet as close as possible to the discharge clamp, the assistance provided by the dial-in portion 240 can be maintained for a longer period of time.

[0337] The dial-in section 240 includes a dial-in belt 240a, which serves as a transfer belt, and at least two rollers 240b and 240c, which tension the dial-in belt 240a. Specifically, in this embodiment, the dial-in belt 240a is tensioned by the two rollers 240b and 240c, but three or more rollers may be used to tension the dial-in belt 240a. In the dial-in section 240, the tensioned surface of the dial-in belt 240a, which is tensioned by the two rollers 240b and 240c at the second position, can contact the sheet placed on the processing tray 220. In other words, the dial-in section 240 can contact the sheet on the processing tray 220 with a large contact area, thereby more easily transmitting the drive in the conveying direction to the sheet. In other words, by increasing and stabilizing the surface in contact with the sheet, conveying efficiency is improved, and contact pressure can be reduced. As a result, damage to the sheet during conveyance can be reduced.

[0338] Here, in this embodiment, the relationship between the contact position of the dial-in belt 240a and the discharge belt 260 is as follows: Figure 38A That is, in the second position, the incoming belt 240a is configured to clamp the sheet together with the portion of the discharge belt 260 that is stretched between the two tension rollers 261 and 262. It is noted that the relationship between the contact position between the incoming belt 240a and the discharge belt 260 can be as shown in FIG. Figure 38B and Figure 38C Set as shown in .

[0339] That is, Figure 38BAs shown in FIG, at the second position, the incoming belt 240a can hold the sheet together with the tension roller 262 on the upstream side in the predetermined direction among the two tension rollers 261 and 262, with the discharge belt 260 located therebetween. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Figure 38C As shown in the figure, at the second position, with respect to the dial-in belt 240a, the portion of the dial-in belt 240a stretched between the two rollers 240b and 240c can clamp the sheet together with the tensioning roller 262 on the upstream side in a predetermined direction among the two tensioning rollers 261 and 262, with the discharge belt 260 located between them.

[0340] Note that the dial-in portion 240 may be a different rotating member, such as a roller, instead of a belt. For example, in the case of a roller, the roller may hold the sheet together with a portion of the discharge belt 260 stretched between two tension rollers 261 and 262, or the roller may hold the sheet together with the tension roller 262 located upstream in a predetermined direction of the two tension rollers 261 and 262, with the discharge belt 260 positioned therebetween. Note that, in terms of ensuring a sufficient contact area with the sheet on the processing tray 220, the dial-in portion 240 is preferably formed of a belt, as in this embodiment.

[0341] The dial-in portion 240 is pivoted between a first position and a second position about a pivot shaft 242, serving as a first pivot axis, by a dial-in pivot mechanism 241, which serves as both a moving device and a first pivoting device. In other words, the dial-in portion 240 is movable up and down between the first and second positions. The dial-in pivot mechanism 241 includes a dial-in arm 243, serving as a first supporting member for the dial-in portion 240, and a pivot shaft 242, which pivotally supports the dial-in arm 243. The dial-in portion 240, supported at the distal end of the dial-in arm 243, is pivotable about the pivot shaft 242.

[0342] Here, the dial-in portion 240 preferably moves in the vertical direction, and it is possible to consider configuring the mechanism for moving the dial-in portion 240 between the first and second positions as a linear motion mechanism. However, it should be noted that employing a linear motion mechanism, for example, due to the vertical arrangement of the motor and shaft for linear motion, may increase the vertical size of the device. As described above, the sheet processing device 200 of this embodiment is disposed within the internal space 130 of the imaging device 100, so an increase in vertical size is undesirable. Therefore, in this embodiment, a pivoting mechanism 241 is employed that pivots the dial-in portion 240 about a pivot shaft 242. It should be noted that in sheet processing devices that can maintain vertical size, a linear motion mechanism can be employed as the mechanism for raising and lowering the dial-in portion 240. Furthermore, by maximizing the distance between the pivot shaft 242 and the dial-in portion 240 to increase the pivot radius, the dial-in portion 240 can be moved as much in the vertical direction as possible.

[0343] In the contact position, the pivot shaft 242 is positioned in a predetermined direction downstream of the discharge nip portion that clamps the sheet between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260. This increases the pivoting trajectory (pivot radius) of the dial-in portion 240 and allows for near-linear motion. Furthermore, in the first position, the dial-in portion 240 is vertically positioned above the pre-processing nip portion 211a that clamps the sheet between the pre-processing roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212, and the pivot shaft 242 is vertically positioned above the dial-in portion 240 in the first position.

[0344] As will be described later, the pivot shaft 232 of the discharge roller 230 is positioned upstream of the discharge nip, and the pivot direction is preferably 232 in relation to the sheet conveyed from the pre-processing nip 211a. Figure 37B In the counterclockwise direction. On the contrary, as described above, for the pivot shaft 242 of the dial-in portion 240, it is necessary to increase the pivot radius, and the second position is preferably located upstream of the discharge clamping portion in the predetermined direction. From this point of view, in the present embodiment, the pivot shaft 242 is located downstream of the discharge clamping portion in the predetermined direction, and the pivot direction of the dial-in portion 240 is set to be opposite to the pivot direction of the discharge roller 230, that is, set to Figure 37B In addition, their rotational trajectories are set to overlap when viewed in the width direction.

[0345] That is, the pivot trajectory of the dial-in arm 243 supporting the dial-in portion 240 is closer to the pivot axis 232 (second pivot axis) of the discharge roller 230 than the pivot axis 242. Conversely, the pivot trajectory of the discharge arm 233 supporting the discharge roller 230, described later, is located closer to the pivot axis 242 (first pivot axis) of the dial-in portion 240 than the pivot axis 232. Furthermore, when viewed in the sheet width direction, which intersects the sheet conveying direction, the pivot trajectory of the dial-in arm 243 partially overlaps with the pivot trajectory of the discharge arm 233. Therefore, in this embodiment, the discharge rollers 230 and the dial-in portion 240 are arranged at positions offset in the width direction. Specifically, two discharge rollers 230 are arranged on opposite sides in the width direction, and one dial-in portion 240 is positioned between the two discharge rollers 230. As a result of this arrangement, the pivot radius of the dial-in portion 240 can be increased, and the dial-in portion 240 can contact the sheet on the processing tray 220 at a position upstream in a predetermined direction from the discharge nip.

[0346] In this embodiment, in order to increase the pivot radius of the dial-in portion 240, as shown in FIG. Figure 35The pivot shaft 242 is shown arranged above the discharge port 201 of the sheet processing device 200. A flange 202 is provided at the discharge port 201 of the sheet processing device 200 to prevent fingers and the like from entering the stapler unit 400. In particular, in this embodiment, since the length of the processing tray 220 is reduced to reduce costs, fingers and the like can easily reach the stapler unit 400. However, the flange 202 is provided to prevent fingers and the like from reaching the stapler unit 400 from the discharge port 201. Even if the flange 202 is not provided in this manner, a safety switch or the like would need to be provided, for example, to detect the entry of a finger and the like and automatically stop the operation of the stapler unit 400, which would increase costs.

[0347] For this reason, the eaves portion 202 is provided above the discharge port 201. In the present embodiment, by providing the eaves portion 202, the pivot shaft 242 of the dial-in portion 240 can be provided near the discharge port 201. As a result, the pivot shaft 242 can be separated from the dial-in portion 240 that moves above the processing tray 220, thereby increasing the pivot radius of the dial-in portion 240 and making the moving direction of the dial-in portion 240 as straight as possible.

[0348] The dialing unit 240 moves in a direction as linear as possible to minimize the change in the angle of the tension surface of the dialing belt 240a between the first and second positions. Specifically, in the second position, to ensure a sufficient contact area between the dialing belt 240a and the sheet, the tension surface of the dialing belt 240a is arranged to be approximately parallel to the sheet placement surface of the processing tray 220 or the upper surface of the sheet on the processing tray 220. Note that "approximately parallel" means, for example, that the angle of the tension surface relative to the upper surface of the sheet is within a range of ±5°. If the pivot radius of the dialing unit 240 is small, the tension surface of the dialing belt 240a will become erected when the dialing unit 240 moves to the first position, thus increasing the vertical dimension of the dialing unit 240 in the first position. In this case, the device size increases to ensure space for this dimension. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pivot radius of the dialing unit 240 is increased.

[0349] It should be noted that when the number of sheets placed on the processing tray 220 increases, the position at which the dial-in belt 240a contacts the sheets becomes higher. Therefore, in the case of a mechanism in which the angle of the tensioning surface of the dial-in belt 240a does not change, the contact area between the dial-in belt 240a and the sheets changes according to the number of sheets supported. Therefore, a mechanism capable of changing the angle of the dial-in belt 240a may be additionally provided. For example, Figure 39A and Figure 39BAs shown, by coupling rollers 240b and 240c, which tension dial-in belt 240a, via arm 240d, and providing a pivot axis 240e on roller 240c, located upstream in the predetermined direction, dial-in belt 240a is configured to pivot about pivot axis 240e relative to dial-in arm 243. Furthermore, by providing a compression spring or a torsion spring to urge roller 240b, located downstream in the predetermined direction, toward the sheet, the tension surface of dial-in belt 240a is configured so that its angle changes in accordance with the surface of the sheet. As a result, regardless of the number of sheets supported on processing tray 220, the tension surface of dial-in belt 240a can maintain contact with the upper surface of the sheet over a wide contact area.

[0350] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dial-in portion 240 also functions as a dropping member that causes the rear end (upstream end in a predetermined direction) of a sheet conveyed from the pre-process rollers 211 to drop toward the processing tray 220. Specifically, while the pre-process rollers 211 and the conveyor belt 212 are conveying the sheet, the dial-in pivot mechanism 241 positions the dial-in portion 240 at the first position. Conversely, after the upstream end (rear end) of the sheet in the predetermined direction has passed through the pre-process nip 211a of the pre-process rollers 211 and the conveyor belt 212, the dial-in pivot mechanism 241 moves the dial-in portion 240 from the first position to the second position, causing the sheet to drop toward the processing tray 220. As a result, the rear end of the sheet is prevented from remaining in the pre-process nip 211a. It should be noted that the timing for starting the movement of the dial-in portion 240 from the first position to the second position may be before the upstream end in the conveying direction of the sheet passes through the pre-processing nip 211a, or the movement to the second position may be completed after the upstream end in the predetermined direction of the sheet has passed through the pre-processing nip 211a and the sheet can be dropped onto the processing tray 220. In addition, the same applies to the movement timing of the rear end dropping member 250 to be described later.

[0351] In particular, in this embodiment, while the sheet is being conveyed by the pre-processing rollers 211 and the conveyor belt 212, the dial-in unit 240 is positioned in the first position. That is, the dial-in unit 240 is on standby above the pre-processing nip 211a. Therefore, the dial-in unit 240 can be easily brought into contact with the upper surface of the trailing end of a sheet that has passed through the pre-processing nip 211a and pressed further downward, allowing the trailing end of the sheet to be more reliably dropped onto the processing tray 220. Furthermore, the dial-in unit 240, which also serves as a sheet trailing end dropper, includes a dial-in belt 240a, which is tensioned by two rollers 240b and 240c, as described above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tensioned surface of the dial-in belt 240a is brought into contact with the upper surface of the sheet when dropping the trailing end of the sheet. Consequently, compared to, for example, a roller-type dial-in unit, a larger contact area with the sheet can be ensured, allowing the trailing end of the sheet to be dropped more reliably.

[0352] [Rear end drop member]

[0353] The dial-in portion 240 is located at the center in the sheet width direction, and there is a possibility that the rear end of the sheet cannot be sufficiently dropped by the dial-in portion 240. Therefore, in this embodiment, a rear end dropping member 250 serving as an upstream end dropping member is also provided. The rear end dropping members 250 are provided as a pair on both sides of the dial-in portion 240. That is, a pair of rear end dropping members 250 are arranged on both sides of the dial-in portion 240 in the sheet width direction intersecting the sheet conveying direction, and move in the up-down direction in conjunction with the dial-in portion 240 to drop the upstream end (rear end) of the sheet toward the processing tray 220 by abutting against the upper surface of the upstream side (upstream side in the sheet conveying direction) of the sheet in the predetermined direction after the upstream end of the sheet in the predetermined direction has passed through the pre-processing clamping portion 211a.

[0354] The pair of rear end drop members 250 configured in this manner are each plate-shaped and pivotally supported by a pivot shaft 242, similar to the dial-in portion 240. They also pivot vertically together with the dial-in portion 240 via a dial-in pivot mechanism 241. When the dial-in portion 240 is in the first position, the distal ends of the pair of rear end drop members 250 are positioned above the pre-processing clamping portion 211a, similar to the dial-in portion 240. Furthermore, when the dial-in portion 240 is in the second position, the surfaces of the pair of rear end drop members 250 that come into contact with the sheet (the lower surfaces of the distal ends) are positioned above the surface of the dial-in portion 240 that comes into contact with the sheet. Furthermore, if the sheet placed on the processing tray 220 is curled, the lower surfaces of the distal ends of the rear end drop members 250 come into contact with the upper surface of the curled portion. Furthermore, if the rear end of the sheet bundle is tilted during discharge, the lower surfaces of the distal ends of the rear end drop members 250 come into contact with the upper surface of the tilted portion. It should be noted that the rear drop member 250 can be configured so that, in its second position, it is positioned opposite the discharge belt 260 with the sheet or sheet stack interposed therebetween, it abuts the upper surface of the sheet or sheet stack placed on the processing tray 220, similar to the dial-in portion 240. As described above, when the rear drop member 250 is positioned to sandwich the sheet together with the discharge belt 260, in the second position, the rear drop member 250 presses the upper surface of the sheet or sheet stack on both sides of the dial-in portion 240 in the width direction. This allows the sheet or sheet stack to be more reliably pressed toward the discharge belt 260, and thus the sheet or sheet stack can be more reliably conveyed. It should be noted that the distal ends of the pair of rear drop members 250 are formed as curved portions 251, which are curved so as to be substantially parallel to the upper surface of the sheet on the processing tray 220 in the second position. The pivotal trajectory of the pair of rear drop members 250 is similar to the pivotal trajectory of the dial-in portion 240 and the dial-in arm 243.

[0355] [Return to widget]

[0356] The return member 280 further conveys the sheet conveyed toward the rear end regulating member 290 by the dial-in portion 240 as described above, causing the rear end of the sheet to abut against the rear end regulating member 290, thereby regulating the position of the rear end of the sheet. The return member 280 configured in this manner is composed of a knurled belt 281. By rotating the knurled belt 281, the return member 280 further conveys the sheet conveyed upstream by the dial-in portion 240 in a predetermined direction, causing the rear end of the sheet to abut against the rear end regulating member 290. The return member 280 is movable to an abutting position, where it can abut against the sheet, and a retracted position, where it retracts upward from the abutting position. As will be described in detail later, the return member 280 moves to the abutting position when conveying a sheet toward the rear end regulating member 290 and to the retracted position when conveying a sheet on the processing tray 220 toward the stacking tray 300.

[0357] [Ejection Roller]

[0358] The discharge roller 230, together with the discharge belt 260, constitutes a pair of discharge rotary members (a pair of discharge rotary members) and a discharge section. The discharge roller 230, serving as the upper discharge rotary member, can move to a contact position where it contacts the upper surface of a sheet placed on the processing tray 220, and a retracted position where it retracts upward from the contact position. At the contact position, the discharge roller 230 clamps the sheet together with the discharge belt 260. In other words, the discharge roller 230 functions as a clamping member that clamps the sheet together with the discharge belt 260 at the contact position. The two discharge rollers 230 are spaced apart in the sheet width direction, and as described above, each discharge roller 230 can clamp the sheet together with its corresponding discharge belt 260 at the contact position.

[0359] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two discharge rollers 230 are spaced apart in the width direction. That is, in a pair of rear end drop members 250, one discharge roller 230 is provided between the rear end drop member 250 and the dial-in portion 240 on one side, and between the rear end drop member 250 and the dial-in portion 240 on the other side. These two discharge rollers 230, respectively, clamp a sheet at a contact position with the discharge belts 260 on either side in the width direction. The discharge belts 260 then rotate, thereby conveying the sheet or sheet stack clamped between the discharge rollers 230 and the discharge belts 260. If a sheet or sheet stack is clamped and conveyed between the discharge rollers 230 and the discharge belts 260 at separate positions in the width direction as described above, the sheet or sheet stack is less likely to skew during conveyance. In addition, at this time, since the sheet or sheet stack is clamped between the discharge belt 260 and the dial-in portion 240 located in the center in the width direction and thereby assists in the discharge of the sheet or sheet stack, the conveying force can be transmitted to the sheet at three positions in the width direction during the discharge of the sheet or sheet stack, and the sheet or sheet stack can be discharged more reliably while suppressing skew.

[0360] The discharge roller 230 is a driven roller that rotates as the discharge belt 260 rotates, but it may be driven. That is, in this embodiment, the discharge roller 230 is configured as a driven rotating member, and the discharge belt 260 is configured as a driving rotating member. In addition, although the discharge roller 230 serves as a clamping member capable of clamping the sheet together with the discharge belt 260 at a contact position, these clamping members may be rotating members such as belts instead of rollers, or may be a contact member such as a rod member that abuts the sheet without rotating.

[0361] The discharge roller 230 is arranged to oppose, at a contact position, the tension roller 261 located on the downstream side of the tension rollers 261 and 262 that tension the discharge belt 260, with the discharge belt 260 interposed therebetween. As a result, at the contact position, the sheet can be clamped between the discharge roller 230 and the tension roller 261 with the discharge belt 260 interposed therebetween, and the sheet can be more reliably clamped and conveyed.

[0362] The discharge roller pivot mechanism 231, which serves as a second pivoting device, enables the discharge roller 230 to pivot between a contact position and a retracted position about a pivot shaft 232, which serves as a second pivot axis. In other words, the discharge roller 230 can move up and down between the contact position and the retracted position. The discharge roller pivot mechanism 231 includes a discharge arm 233, which serves as a second supporting member for the discharge roller 230, and a pivot shaft 232, which pivotally supports the discharge arm 233. The discharge roller pivot mechanism 231 is capable of pivoting the discharge roller 230, which is supported at the distal end of the discharge arm 233, about the pivot shaft 232. The detailed structure of the discharge roller pivot mechanism 231 will be described later.

[0363] In the contact position, the pivot shaft 232 is arranged upstream in a predetermined direction from the discharge nip that clamps the sheet between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260. In addition, in the retracted position, the discharge roller 230 is positioned vertically above the pre-process nip 211a that clamps the sheet between the pre-process roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212, and the pivot shaft 232 is positioned vertically above the discharge roller 230 in the retracted position.

[0364] Since the positional relationship among the ejection roller 230, the pivot shaft 232, and the pre-processing nip 211a is defined as described above, the ejection roller 230 allows the sheet having passed through the pre-processing nip 211a to move toward the stacking tray 300 when in the retracted position. Figure 37B The discharge roller 230 pivots in the direction of arrow R2 (counterclockwise) and moves downward from the retracted position toward the contact position. At this point, the discharge arm 233 enters the path of the sheet that has passed through the pre-processing clamping portion 211a and guides the sheet downward. Specifically, when the discharge arm 233 guides the sheet that has passed through the pre-processing clamping portion 211a, the discharge roller 230 stops at a guiding position between the contact position and the retracted position in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the discharge roller 230 moves from the guiding position to the contact position further downward, thereby clamping the sheet between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260.

[0365] [Alignment]

[0366] The alignment portion 270 serving as an alignment device and a shift portion includes a pair of alignment plates 271 serving as a first shift portion and a second shift portion. The pair of alignment plates 271 is provided further downstream of the downstream end portion (predetermined direction downstream end portion) in the sheet conveying direction of the conveying path 210, and aligns the sheet in the width direction by moving in the sheet width direction intersecting the sheet conveying direction and abutting against the edge in the sheet width direction. In the present embodiment, these alignment plates are provided on both sides in the width direction of the sheet placed on the processing tray 220, and each is capable of moving in the width direction. In addition, the pair of alignment plates 271 are constructed in the same manner. The pair of alignment plates 271 are driven by a front side (F side) alignment plate moving motor MT5 and a rear side (R side) alignment plate moving motor MT6 (see Figure 49 ) is driven to move in the displacement direction.

[0367] Furthermore, the pair of alignment plates 271 includes a first abutting portion 272 and a second abutting portion 273. The first abutting portion 272 is capable of abutting against the widthwise edge of a sheet that is hanging down from the conveying path 210 toward the processing tray 220 at a position further downstream of the downstream end portion of the conveying path 210 in the sheet conveying direction. In other words, the first abutting portion 272 is provided at a position where, in a state where the leading end (downstream end in a predetermined direction) of a sheet conveyed in the conveying path 210 has passed through the pre-processing gripping portion 211a and the trailing end has not yet passed through the pre-processing gripping portion 211a, the first abutting portion 272 is capable of abutting against the widthwise edge of the sheet when the sheet is hanging down from the conveying path 210 to the pre-processing gripping portion 211a. It should be noted that although it has been disclosed in this embodiment that the first abutment portion 272 is arranged further downstream of the downstream end portion of the conveying path 210 in the sheet conveying direction, the first abutment portion 272 can be set to extend not only to a position further downstream of the downstream end portion of the conveying path 210 in the sheet conveying direction, but also to a position upstream of the pre-processing clamping portion 211a in the sheet conveying direction, and abut against the edge in the sheet width direction while extending beyond the pre-processing clamping portion 211a.

[0368] The second abutment portion 273 is provided to extend from the lower portion of the first abutment portion 272 downstream of the first abutment portion 272 in the sheet conveying direction. The second abutment portion 273 is configured to abut the widthwise edge of a sheet placed on the processing tray 220 when the downstream end of the sheet placed on the processing tray 220 protrudes further toward the stacking tray 300 (the stacking tray side) than the downstream end of the processing tray 220 in the sheet conveying direction. In other words, the second abutment portion 273 is provided at a position where it can abut the widthwise edge of the sheet placed on the processing tray 220. The processing tray 220 is typically shorter than the sheets placed thereon, and even sheets placed on the processing tray 220 with their rear ends regulated as described above have their front ends drooping toward the stacking tray 300. The second abutment portion 273 is formed at a position where it can abut the widthwise edge of the sheet placed on the processing tray 220.

[0369] Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the second abutment portion 273 can, together with the first abutment portion 272, abut against the widthwise edge of a sheet that has descended from the conveyor path 210 to the processing tray 220. As described above, the discharge roller 230 pivots from the retracted position to the guiding position. As will be described in detail later, the discharge roller 230 and the discharge arm 233 begin pivoting toward the guiding position at a timing that matches the sheet being discharged from the conveyor path 210, abutting against the leading end and upper surface of the sheet being discharged from the conveyor path 210 and functioning as a guide for guiding the sheet downward. Furthermore, as described above, the sheet is guided downward by the discharge roller 230 and the discharge arm 233, with the widthwise edge of the sheet abutting against the first abutment portion 272 and the second abutment portion 273.

[0370] Here, the first abutment portion 272 is located vertically above the second abutment portion 273. Furthermore, the pair of alignment plates 271 includes a notch portion 274 that is cut out so as not to interfere with the rear end drop member 250. Specifically, the pair of alignment plates 271 includes a second abutment portion 273 that is elongated in the predetermined direction, a first abutment portion 272 that extends upward from an upstream portion of the second abutment portion 273 in the predetermined direction, and a notch portion 274 formed above a downstream portion of the second abutment portion 273 in the predetermined direction. As described above, since the rear end drop member 250 pivots about the pivot shaft 242 located downstream of the discharge nip portion in the predetermined direction, the downstream portions of the pair of alignment plates 271 are notched out to prevent interference with the rear end drop member 250.

[0371] At the same time, as described above, the first abutting portion 272 is provided above the upstream portion in the predetermined direction of the second abutting portion 273 so as to be able to abut against the widthwise edge of the sheet material hanging down from the conveying path 210. Furthermore, the second abutting portion 273 is formed so as to also exist below the cutout portion 274 so that the widthwise edge of the sheet material hanging down from the conveying path 210 can abut against the second abutting portion 273.

[0372] As will be described in detail later, the clamping pressure of the pre-processing roller 211 is set to approximately 0 when the widthwise edges of the sheets hanging from the conveying path 210 are abutted, and thus, even when the sheets are in the conveying path 210, sheet alignment or sheet movement (displacement) in the widthwise direction can be achieved by the pair of alignment plates 271. Furthermore, as described above, the second abutting portion 273 abuts the widthwise edges of the sheets hanging from the conveying path 210 together with the first abutting portion 272, and enables sheet alignment or sheet movement in the widthwise direction. Furthermore, the second abutting portion 273 is movable in the widthwise direction along the sheet placement surface of the processing tray 220 so as to abut the widthwise edges of the sheets placed on the processing tray 220, and is formed to be longer than the first abutting portion 272 in a predetermined direction so as to have a larger contact area with the widthwise edges of the sheets on the processing tray 220.

[0373] [Stacking Pallets]

[0374] As described above, the stacking tray 300 stacks the sheets discharged thereon by the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260. The stacking tray 300 is arranged on the downstream side of the predetermined direction of the processing tray 220 and below the processing tray 220 in the vertical direction, and is capable of moving up and down. In addition, the stacking tray 300 is inclined relative to the horizontal surface so that its upstream side in the predetermined direction is lower than the downstream side. For example, the stacking tray 300 constructed in this manner is supported so as to be able to move in the vertical direction along a rail provided in the vertical direction, and is moved by the lifting motor MT9 ( Figure 48 ) is driven to move up and down.

[0375] At the upstream end in the predetermined direction of the stacking tray 300, a vertical surface 310 is provided. This vertical surface serves as a stack-side regulating device that regulates the upstream end (rear end) in the predetermined direction of the sheets or sheet bundles stacked on the stacking tray 300. Furthermore, at the downstream end in the predetermined direction of the processing tray 220, a discharged sheet diverting belt 320 is provided. This discharged sheet diverting belt is an endless belt that serves as a diverting portion and is provided so that at least a portion thereof protrudes further downstream than the vertical surface 310 in the predetermined direction and further downward than the sheet placement surface of the processing tray 220. The discharged sheet diverting belt 320 is an endless belt and is a knurled belt similar to the aforementioned return member 280.

[0376] The stacking tray 300 can be moved up and down by the lifting motor MT9 between a first stacking position and a second stacking position located below the first stacking position. The first stacking position is a position where sheets on the stacking tray can come into contact with the discharged sheet feeding belt 320. Furthermore, the second stacking position is a position where the downward movement of the stacking tray 300 is switched to an upward movement when sheets are discharged onto the stacking tray 300.

[0377] As will be described in detail later, when a sheet or a sheet bundle is discharged, the stacking tray 300 moves up and down, and the upper surface of the rear end side of the sheet or sheet bundle on the stacking tray 300 comes into contact with the discharged sheet input belt 320. Therefore, the rear end of the sheet or sheet bundle on the stacking tray 300 is pressed by the discharged sheet input belt 320, and even when the sheet or sheet bundle is subsequently discharged, the sheet or sheet bundle already stacked on the stacking tray 300 can be suppressed from shifting.

[0378] In addition to the aforementioned function of pressing the rear end of a sheet or a stack of sheets on the stacking tray 300, the ejected sheet-in belt 320 is also driven to rotate so as to convey (input) a sheet or a stack of sheets composed of a plurality of sheets on the stacking tray 300 toward the upright surface 310 in a third conveying direction, thereby causing the rear end of the sheet or the stack of sheets to abut against the upright surface 310 to align the rear end of the sheet or the stack of sheets. The ejected sheet-in belt 320 configured in this manner is arranged coaxially with the tension roller 261 that drives the ejection belt 260, which serves as a driving rotation member. In other words, the roller that drives the ejected sheet-in belt 320 is also provided on the drive shaft 261a of the tension roller 261, and the ejection belt 260 and the ejected sheet-in belt 320 rotate synchronously.

[0379] It should be noted that the rotation axis of the ejected sheet diverting belt 320 is not necessarily coaxial with the drive shaft (rotation axis) 261a of the tension roller 261. Also, in the case of the present embodiment, as long as the rotation axis of the ejected sheet diverting belt 320 is provided in the vertical direction at the ejection nip portion 230a (see FIG. 2 ) between the ejection roller 230 and the ejection belt 260 serving as a pair of ejection rotating members, Figure 38A , etc.) and the first conveying direction upstream end of the stacking tray 300. In addition, the discharged sheet feeding belt 320 may be driven separately from the discharge belt 260, similar to the above-described first embodiment.

[0380] [Sheet Processing Device Driving Structure]

[0381] Next, we will refer to Figures 40 to 48 A driving configuration 500 of each component of the sheet processing apparatus 200 is described. Figure 40 The drive mechanism 500 is shown as a structure for changing the clamping pressure of the pre-process roller 211, driving the conveyor belt 212, etc., and raising and lowering the discharge roller 230. The conveyor motor MT1 transmits drive via the transmission belt 501 to the drive shaft 502 that drives the roller 212a of the conveyor belt 212. Since the roller for driving the knurled belt 214 is also provided on the drive shaft 502, the knurled belt 214 is also driven and rotated by the conveyor motor MT1.

[0382] In addition, the drive of the transport motor MT1 is transmitted to the pre-process roller 211 and the return member 280 via a transmission mechanism not shown. Therefore, the pre-process roller 211, the transport belt 212, the knurled belt 214 and the return member 280 are synchronously driven to rotate by the transport motor MT1.

[0383] The lifting motor MT3 is connected to the pivot shaft 232 of the discharge roller 230. By driving the lifting motor MT3, the discharge roller 230 moves up and down between the contact position and the retracted position as described above. In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the clamping pressure of the pre-processing roller 211 can be changed by driving the lifting motor MT3. In other words, the lifting motor MT3 also serves as a clamping pressure adjustment device (a conveying rotary member clamping pressure switching mechanism) capable of adjusting the clamping pressure of the sheet between the pre-processing roller 211 serving as the first rotating member and the conveyor belt 212 serving as the second rotating member. The pre-processing roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212 correspond to a first conveying portion and a pair of conveying rotary members that convey the sheet along a first conveying direction (predetermined direction).

[0384] Figure 41A and Figure 41B This configuration is shown. The pre-process roller 211 is held by a roller holder 511, and the roller holder 511 is movable in the vertical direction, that is, in directions approaching and moving away from the portion of the conveyor belt 212 stretched around the roller 212a. The roller holder 511 is urged toward the conveyor belt 212 by a torsion spring 512 serving as an urging device. Furthermore, the torsion spring 512 is supported by the pivot shaft 232 of the discharge roller 230 and pivots together with the pivot shaft 232.

[0385] Specifically, one end of the torsion spring 512 abuts the roller retaining portion 511, and the portion of the other end of the torsion spring 512 that straddles the pivot shaft 232 abuts the protrusion 233a provided on the discharge arm 233 that supports the discharge roller 230. Thus, the torsion spring 512 is elastically tensioned and arranged between the roller retaining portion 511 and the protrusion 233a. When the pivot shaft 232 and the discharge arm 233 pivot together, the position of the portion of the other end of the torsion spring 512 that abuts the protrusion 233a changes, and the torsion spring 512 pivots together with the pivot shaft 232 about the pivot shaft 232. Consequently, the force with which the torsion spring 512 pushes against the roller retaining portion 511 changes, and the clamping pressure of the pre-processing roller 211 can be changed.

[0386] Figure 41A 2 shows a state in which the discharge roller 230 is positioned at the retracted position. In this state, the roller holding portion 511 is pushed by the torsion spring 512, and the pre-processing roller 211 abuts against the conveyor belt 212 at a predetermined clamping pressure (first pressure). In contrast, Figure 41BThe discharge roller 230 is shown as it moves downward toward the contact position. When the lift motor MT3 is driven to pivot the pivot shaft 232 in the direction that moves the discharge roller 230 downward toward the contact position, the torsion spring 512 also pivots with it. The torsion spring 512 then releases its pressure on the roller retaining portion 511, and the clamping pressure of the pre-process roller 211 on the conveyor belt 212 reaches approximately zero (a second pressure lower than the first pressure). In other words, the pre-process roller 211 is in contact with the conveyor belt 212 due to its own weight.

[0387] As described above, in this embodiment, the nip pressure of the pre-process roller 211 on the conveyor belt 212 can be changed as the discharge roller 230 is moved up and down by driving the elevating motor MT3. Therefore, as will be described later, when the alignment operation is performed by the alignment section 270 while a portion of the sheet is still in the conveyor path 210, the nip pressure of the pre-process roller 211 can be reduced to approximately 0 by lowering the discharge roller 230. If the nip pressure of the pre-process roller 211 is approximately 0, the sheet can be moved in the width direction even when it is nipped between the pre-process roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212.

[0388] It should be noted that if Figure 40 As shown, a mark 513 is provided at the end of the pivot shaft 232, and the mark 513 can be detected by the gripping member HP position detection sensor SN2. The gripping member HP position detection sensor SN2 is a photo interrupter including a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and when the mark 513 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion, it detects that the discharge roller (gripping member) 230 is positioned in the retracted position, that is, the home position.

[0389] like Figure 42 As shown, the lifting motor MT3 is coupled to the pivot shaft 242 of the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 via a transmission belt 514 and an electromagnetic clutch CL1. That is, the transmission belt 514 is wound around a pulley 515 provided on the pivot shaft 232 of the discharge roller 230 and a pulley 516 drivably coupled to the electromagnetic clutch CL1 via a gear or the like. The electromagnetic clutch CL1 is coupled to the pivot shaft 242. Figure 43 、 Figure 44A As shown in FIG. 5 , the coupling between the electromagnetic clutch CL1 and the pivot shaft 242 is established by engagement between a lifting lever 517 provided on the electromagnetic clutch CL1 and a protrusion 518 provided so as to protrude from the pivot shaft 242 .

[0390] Specifically, the lift rod 517 is fixed to the output shaft of the electromagnetic clutch CL1 and swings about the pivot center of the pivot shaft 242 as the output shaft rotates. The protrusion 518 is positioned below the lift rod 517 so that it can engage with the lift rod 517. Therefore, when the lift rod 517 swings, it engages with the protrusion 518, causing the pivot shaft 242 provided with the protrusion 518 to pivot. In this embodiment, as will be described later, since the dial-in arm 243 and the rear end drop member 250 are urged upward by the tension spring 252, the protrusion 518 is also urged to abut against the lift rod 517 positioned above. Therefore, when the lift motor MT3 is driven in the forward direction with the electromagnetic clutch CL1 engaged, the engagement between the lift rod 517 and the protrusion 518 causes the dial-in member 240 and the rear end drop member 250 to move downward. On the contrary, when the lift motor MT3 is driven in the reverse direction, the lift rod 517 swings upward, and the protrusion 518 moves upward following the lift rod 517 through the tension spring 252. That is, by driving the lift motor MT3 in the reverse direction, the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 can be moved upward.

[0391] In summary, when the electromagnetic clutch CL1 is in the on state, since the drive from the pulley 516 is coupled to the pivot shaft 242 side, the pivot shaft 242 is pivoted by the drive of the lift motor MT3, and the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 move up and down. Conversely, when the electromagnetic clutch CL1 is in the off state, the drive transmission between the pulley 516 and the pivot shaft 242 is disconnected, so even if the lift motor MT3 is driven, the pivot shaft 242 does not pivot, and in this case only the discharge roller 230 moves up and down.

[0392] It should be noted that the rear end drop member 250 is provided with a tension spring 252. The tension spring 252 is coupled at one end to the distal end of the rear end drop member 250 and at the other end to a frame (not shown) on the upper surface of the device, and pushes the rear end drop member 250 upward, that is, toward the first position. As a result, the rear end drop member 250 is pushed upward.

[0393] Here, as Figure 43As shown, the pivot shaft 242 is arranged around a drive shaft 244 for driving a dial-in belt 240a, which will be described later, so as to be relatively rotatable relative to the drive shaft 244. The drive shaft 244 is not coupled to the electromagnetic clutch CL1, and the pivot shaft 242 is capable of rotating independently of the drive shaft 244. Furthermore, the pivot shaft 242 includes a first portion 242a to which the root portion (supported portion, which is not necessarily the end portion of the member and may include a portion protruding toward the opposite side of the member's distal end relative to the supported portion) of the rear end drop member 250 is fixed, and a second portion 242b to which the root portion (supported portion, which is not necessarily the end portion of the member and may include a portion protruding toward the opposite side of the member's distal end relative to the supported portion) of the dial-in arm 243 of the dial-in portion 240 is fixed, and the first portion 242a and the second portion 242b are coupled to each other so as to be rotatable together. Therefore, when the rear end drop member 250 is moved upward by the urging force of the tension spring 252 , the dial-in arm 243 moves upward together with the rear end drop member 250 .

[0394] For example, if the electromagnetic clutch CL1 is turned off after the dial-in portion 240 and the rear drop member 250 have been moved to the second position, the rear drop member 250 and the dial-in portion 240 are quickly moved upward to the first position by the tension spring 252. In other words, the dial-in portion 240 and the rear drop member 250 can be moved upward simply by turning off the electromagnetic clutch CL1, without driving the elevating motor MT3. For example, to receive the next sheet, upward movement due to the urging force of the tension spring 252, achieved by turning off the electromagnetic clutch CL1, is faster than movement achieved by driving the elevating motor MT3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the next sheet can be quickly received on the processing tray 220, improving productivity.

[0395] Here, we will refer to Figures 44A to 46B The lifting and lowering operations of the discharge roller 230, the dial-in portion 240, and the rear end drop member 250 are described. First, Figure 44A and Figure 45A FIG. 2 shows a state in which the discharge roller 230 is located at the retracted position and the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 are located at the first position. Figure 44A When driving the lifting motor MT3 while the electromagnetic clutch CL1 is still closed, Figure 44B Only the ejection roller 230 is shown moving downward from the retracted position toward the contact position.

[0396] On the contrary, when Figure 45A When the magnetic clutch CL1 is connected and the lifting motor MT3 is driven, Figure 45BThe discharge roller 230 is shown to move downward toward the contact position, and the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 are also moved downward toward the second position. Figure 46A When the electromagnetic clutch CL1 is closed in the state of Figure 46B As shown, while the discharge roller 230 is maintained at the contact position, the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 are moved upward by the tension spring 252. As described above, in this embodiment, by controlling the on / off timing of the electromagnetic clutch CL1, the timings of raising and lowering the discharge roller 230, the dial-in portion 240, and the rear end drop member 250 can be made different.

[0397] It should be noted that if Figure 47 As shown, the pivot shaft 233B may be provided in the middle of the discharge arm 233A of the discharge roller 230 so that the distal end of the discharge arm can pivot relative to the pivot shaft 233B and can be urged downward by a spring. In this case, even if the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 move downward after the discharge roller 230 moves downward, the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 can still contact the sheets on the processing tray 220.

[0398] That is, when the electromagnetic clutch CL1 is turned on and the lifting motor MT3 is driven while the discharge roller 230 is in the contact position, the discharge roller 230 moves downward from the contact position. Figure 47 In the configuration shown, if the discharge roller 230 attempts to move further downward, the distal end side of the discharge arm 233A pivots about the pivot shaft 233B, thereby allowing the movement of the discharge roller 230. Therefore, even if the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 move downward after the discharge roller 230 moves downward, the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 can move downward to a position where they come into contact with the sheets on the processing tray 220.

[0399] like Figure 42 As shown, the drive of the transport motor MT2 can be transmitted to the drive shaft 244 for driving the dial-in belt 240a via the transmission belt 520. A pulley 521 is provided on the drive shaft 244 at a position sandwiched between the dial-in arms 243, and a drive belt 522 is wound around the pulley 521 and the roller 240c ( Figure 43) is wound around the transmission motor MT2. When the transmission motor MT2 is driven, the drive shaft 244 rotates via the transmission belt 520, and the roller 240c is driven to rotate via the pulley 521 and the drive belt 522 provided on the drive shaft 244. Furthermore, the dial-in belt 240a, which is stretched by the roller 240c, is driven to rotate. As described above, since the drive shaft 244 is rotatable relative to the pivot shaft 242, the drive of the transmission motor MT2 causes the drive shaft 244 to rotate idly relative to the pivot shaft 242.

[0400] The drive shaft 244 and the tension roller 261 that rotates the discharge belt 260 are coupled via a drive transmission unit 523. The drive transmission unit 523 includes a pulley 523a provided on the drive shaft 244, a first intermediate pulley 523b, a first transmission belt 523c wound around the pulleys 523a and 523b, a second intermediate pulley 523d ​​that rotates integrally with the first intermediate pulley 523b, an electromagnetic clutch CL2, a pulley 523e drivably coupled to the electromagnetic clutch CL2 via gears, etc., a second transmission belt 523f wound around the second intermediate pulley 523d ​​and the pulley 523e, and a drive shaft 523g drivably coupled to the electromagnetic clutch CL2. The tension roller 261 is provided on the drive shaft 523g.

[0401] Therefore, when the transport motor MT2 is driven, the first and second transport belts 523c and 523f rotate. Furthermore, when the electromagnetic clutch CL2 is on, the drive of the transport motor MT2 is transmitted to the drive shaft 523g, the tension roller 261 rotates, and the discharge belt 260 is driven to rotate. Conversely, when the electromagnetic clutch CL2 is off, even when the transport motor MT2 is driven, the drive is not transmitted to the drive shaft 523g, and the discharge belt 260 does not rotate.

[0402] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive shaft 523g is also coupled to the roller 321 that drives the discharged sheet input belt 320. Specifically, the roller 321 is provided on the drive shaft 523g and rotates together with the tension roller 261 as the drive shaft 523g rotates. Therefore, when the electromagnetic clutch CL2 is on and the transport motor MT2 is driven, the roller 321 rotates, and the discharged sheet input belt 320 is also driven to rotate. Conversely, when the electromagnetic clutch CL2 is off, the discharged sheet input belt 320 does not rotate even when the transport motor MT2 is driven.

[0403] Figure 48 The relationship between each motor and each component is shown. Figure 48The columns shown in indicate, from the left, the number, the motor name, whether a clutch is provided between the motor and the driven component driven by the motor, the driven component, operation, the state and operation direction of the clutch during forward rotation, the state and operation direction of the clutch during reverse rotation, and remarks. Figure 48 In the embodiment, the transmission motors MT1 and MT2 and the lifting motor MT3 are as described above. Figure 48 It can be seen that the transport motor MT1 drives the roller (transport roller) 212a for driving the transport belt 212, the pre-process roller 211, and the return member 280. That is, in this embodiment, the same drive source is used for the transport belt 212, the pre-process roller 211, and the return member 280.

[0404] In addition, the transport motor MT2 drives the drive shaft 244 for driving the infeed belt 240a, the tension roller 261 for driving the discharge belt 260, and the drive shaft 523g for driving the discharged sheet infeed belt 320. That is, in this embodiment, the same drive source is used for the infeed belt 240a, the discharge belt 260, and the discharged sheet infeed belt 320. Furthermore, the lifting motor MT3 raises and lowers the discharge roller (clamping member) 230, changes the clamping pressure of the pre-processing roller 211, and raises and lowers the infeed portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250. That is, in this embodiment, the same drive source is used for raising and lowering the discharge roller 230, raising and lowering the infeed portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250, and changing the clamping pressure of the pre-processing roller 211.

[0405] In addition to these, in the present embodiment, there are also provided a lifting motor MT4 for lifting and lowering the return member 280, an alignment plate moving motor MT5 for moving the front alignment plate 271 in the width direction, an alignment plate moving motor MT6 for moving the rear alignment plate 271 in the width direction, an STP moving motor MT7 for moving the staple unit 400 to change the staple position, an STP pressing motor MT8 for driving the staple unit 400 to bind the sheet bundle, and a lifting motor MT9 for lifting and lowering the stacking tray 300.

[0406] [Control Structure of Sheet Processing Device]

[0407] Reference will be made to the above Figure 49 and Figure 14 A control configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 200 will be described. Figure 49 1 is a block diagram illustrating driving elements (such as a motor and a clutch) and sensors included in the sheet processing apparatus 200. Signals from each of these sensors are input to a control section 203 serving as a control device, and each driving element is controlled by the control section 203. The control section 203 is communicably connected to a control section included in the image forming apparatus 100 and performs overall control of the sheet processing apparatus 200.

[0408] The control unit 203 constructed in this manner includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The CPU controls each part while reading a program corresponding to the control sequence stored in the ROM. In addition, the RAM stores working data and input data, and the CPU performs control based on the program described above, etc., with reference to the data stored in the RAM.

[0409] Figure 49 Each motor, clutch, etc. shown in FIG is as described above. In contrast, reference will be made to Figure 37B Describe each sensor. First, the entrance sensor SN1 is provided in the conveying path 210, and detects the leading end of the sheet conveyed to the conveying path 210. As described above, the clamping member HP position detection sensor SN2 is provided around the pivot shaft 232, and detects that the discharge roller (clamping member) 230 is in the retracted position (home position). The dial-in portion HP position detection sensor SN3 is provided around the pivot shaft 242, and detects that the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 are in the first position (home position). The knurled belt HP position detection sensor SN4 detects the position (home position) of the return member 280 retracted from the processing tray 220.

[0410] The front alignment plate HP position detection sensor SN5 and the rear alignment plate HP position detection sensor SN6 detect that the front alignment plate 271 and the rear alignment plate 271, respectively, are in a position (home position) separated from the sheets placed on the processing tray 220 in the width direction. The stapler HP position detection sensor SN7 detects that the stapler unit 400 is in the home position. The stacking tray HP position detection sensor SN8 detects the home position of the stacking tray 300. The stacking tray lower limit position detection sensor SN9 detects the lower limit position of the stacking tray 300. The processing tray sheet presence detection sensor SN10 detects whether there are sheets on the processing tray 220. The control unit 203 performs various controls, which will be described later, based on the signals from each of these sensors.

[0411] Next, we will refer to the above Figure 14 The control flow for each mode of this embodiment is described. In this embodiment, there are provided: a direct discharge mode in which sheets delivered to the sheet processing device 200 are discharged onto the stacking tray 300 as is without undergoing a predetermined process; a shift mode in which sheets delivered to the sheet processing device 200 are shifted in the width direction (shift operation) and discharged onto the stacking tray 300; and a stapling mode in which sheets delivered to the sheet processing device 200 undergo stapling as a predetermined process and are discharged onto the stacking tray 300. Each of these modes is selected by the user.

[0412] Furthermore, in the shift mode, the shift operation can be performed on large-sized sheets whose length in the sheet conveying direction (predetermined direction) exceeds a predetermined length, and on small-sized sheets whose length in the predetermined direction is equal to or less than the predetermined length. For example, the predetermined length is the so-called A4 longitudinal dimension when feeding A4-sized paper in the longitudinal direction (the longitudinal direction serves as the conveying direction). Furthermore, in the shift mode, a productivity-priority mode prioritizing productivity and an alignment-priority mode prioritizing sheet alignment can be used.

[0413] The productivity priority mode serving as the first mode (first shift discharge processing) is a mode in which, with the sheets hanging down from the conveying path 210 toward the processing tray, alignment in the sheet width direction is performed by the alignment section 270. The alignment priority mode serving as the second mode (second shift discharge processing) is a mode in which, with the sheets placed on the processing tray 220, alignment in the sheet width direction is performed by the alignment section 270 for sheets that are not subjected to the binding processing by the binding unit 400.

[0414] When control is started, the control section 203 determines which of the direct discharge mode, the shift mode, and the stapling mode is selected for the discharge mode (S1). When the direct discharge mode is selected, the sheets delivered to the sheet processing apparatus 200 are discharged one by one onto the stacking tray 300 as they are without performing a predetermined process (S2).

[0415] In S1, when the shift mode is selected, it is determined whether the sheet size is large or small (S3). In the case of small size, it is determined whether productivity is given priority (S4). In the case of productivity, the shift operation is not performed on the processing tray 220, and the shift operation is performed while a portion of the sheet remains in the conveying path 210, and the sheet discharged from the conveying path 210 is discharged onto the stacking tray 300 (S5). In the case of not giving priority to productivity in S4, the sheet discharged from the conveying path 210 is transferred to the processing tray 220, subjected to the shift operation on the processing tray 220, and discharged onto the stacking tray 300 (S6). In the case of large size in S3, the process also proceeds to S6.

[0416] When the stapling mode is selected in S1, the sheets discharged from the conveying path 210 are fed onto the processing tray 220 and aligned, thereby forming a sheet bundle on the processing tray 220 (S7). Then, stapling processing is performed on the sheet bundle (S8). Then, the sheet bundle subjected to the stapling processing is discharged onto the stacking tray 300 (S9).

[0417] Will refer to Figures 50A to 74B The operation of the sheet processing apparatus 200 in each of the above-described modes is described.

[0418] [Direct discharge mode]

[0419] Will refer to Figures 50A to 53B Describes direct discharge mode. Figure 50A and Figure 50B As shown, in a state where the sheet S is conveyed to the conveying path 210, the discharge roller 230 is positioned at the retracted position, and the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 are respectively positioned at the first position. Figure 51A and Figure 51B As shown, the sheet S is discharged from the pre-processing nip 211a between the pre-processing roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212 at the downstream end of the conveying path 210 in the predetermined direction. In this state, the discharge roller 230 is also positioned at the retracted position, and the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 are also respectively positioned at the first position.

[0420] When the sheet S is conveyed a predetermined amount from the pre-processing gripping portion 211a, as shown in FIG. Figure 52A and Figure 52B As shown, the discharge roller 230 moves downward to the contact position, and the sheet S is clamped between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260. At this time, the rear end of the sheet S has not yet passed through the pre-processing clamping portion 211a. Therefore, the sheet S is clamped in the discharge clamping portion 230a between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260 and in the pre-processing clamping portion 211a. It is to be noted that, as described above, when the discharge roller 230 moves downward to the contact position, the clamping pressure of the pre-processing roller 211 becomes approximately 0. Therefore, the sheet S is mainly clamped and conveyed by the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260, and as shown in FIG. Figure 53A and Figure 53B As shown, the food is directly discharged onto the stacking tray 300 without being placed on the processing tray 220 .

[0421] [Shift Mode (Productivity Priority)]

[0422] Will refer to Figures 54A to 58B Describe the productivity priority mode (non-return shift discharge processing) in the shift mode. Figure 54A and Figure 54B As shown, in a state where the sheet S is conveyed to the conveying path 210, the discharge roller 230 is positioned at the retracted position, and the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 are respectively positioned at the first position. Figure 55A and Figure 55BAs shown, after the downstream end (front end) of the sheet S in the sheet conveying direction has passed through the pre-processing nip 211a between the pre-processing roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212, and the upstream end (rear end) of the sheet S in the sheet conveying direction has passed through the nip between the upstream roller 213 serving as the third rotating member and the conveyor belt 212, the nip pressure of the pre-processing roller 211 is changed from the first pressure (first nip pressure) to the second pressure (second nip pressure). That is, the nip pressure is changed to approximately 0. It should be noted that the start timing of the change from the first pressure to the second pressure may be before the upstream end in the sheet conveying direction passes through the nip between the upstream roller 213 and the conveyor belt 212, and the change to the second pressure may be completed after the upstream end in the sheet conveying direction has passed through the nip between the upstream roller 213 and the conveyor belt 212.

[0423] In this embodiment, after the rear end of the sheet S passes the entry sensor SN1 on the conveying path 210, the discharge roller 230 begins to move downward toward the guide position. As a result, the clamping pressure of the pre-processing roller 211 becomes approximately zero. Furthermore, after the rear end of the sheet S passes the entry sensor SN1 on the conveying path 210, the front and rear alignment plates 271 each begin to move toward the widthwise edges of the sheet S. In this state, the sheet S droops from the conveying path 210 toward the processing tray 220, and the widthwise edges of the drooping portions abut against the first abutment portions 272 of the alignment plates 271, thereby performing widthwise alignment. At this time, since the clamping pressure of the pre-processing roller 211 is approximately zero, the alignment plates 271 smoothly perform sheet alignment. In other words, when the alignment portion 270 performs widthwise alignment on the sheet drooping from the conveying path 210, the clamping pressure of the pre-processing roller 211 is adjusted to approximately zero.

[0424] Next, when the sheet S is further conveyed, as shown in FIG. Figure 56A and Figure 56B As shown, the leading end of the sheet S is guided downward by the discharge arm 233 of the discharge roller 230, which has been moved to the guiding position (in the process of moving). Then, at the timing when the leading end of the sheet S passes the downstream end of the discharge belt 260 in the predetermined direction, the upper surface of the sheet S is pressed by the discharge roller 230. It should be noted that at this time, the conveyance of the sheet S is performed by the conveyor belt 212 because the clamping pressure of the roller 211 before processing is approximately 0. Since the sheet S rests on the conveyor belt 212 due to its own weight and a certain contact area is ensured between the sheet S and the conveyor belt 212, the sheet S can be conveyed downstream in the predetermined direction by the conveyor belt 212.

[0425] like Figure 56A and Figure 56BAs shown, the widthwise leading edge of the sheet S is pressed downward by the discharge rollers 230, and the widthwise edge of the leading edge of the sheet S abuts the second abutting portion 273 of the alignment plate 271. Furthermore, the trailing edge of the sheet S has not yet passed through the pre-processing nip 211a. In productivity-prioritized mode, in this state, the first abutting portion 272 and the second abutting portion 273 of the pair of alignment plates 271 abut against the widthwise edge of the sheet, and the sheet S is displaced in the desired direction. In other words, in productivity-prioritized mode of this embodiment, without placing the sheet S on the processing tray 220, the first abutting portion 272 and the second abutting portion 273 of the pair of alignment plates 271, which are separated in a predetermined direction, abut against the widthwise edge of the sheet S while the sheet S is hanging from the conveying path 210. At this time, the first abutting portion 272 abuts against the portion of the sheet S that has hung and bent from the conveying path 210, and the second abutting portion 273 abuts against the leading edge of the sheet S. Then, the sheet S is shifted in the width direction (shift direction) by moving the pair of alignment plates 271 in a desired direction.

[0426] When the movement of the sheet S in the width direction (shift operation) is completed, as shown in FIG. Figure 57A and Figure 57B As shown, the discharge roller 230 moves downward from the guide position to the contact position, and the sheet S is sandwiched between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260. Then, the sheet S is mainly conveyed by the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260, and as shown in FIG. Figure 58A and Figure 58B As shown, the sheet S is discharged onto the stack tray 300. At this time, the sheet S discharged onto the stack tray 300 is pulled in by the discharged sheet pulling-in belt 320, and the rear end of the sheet S is further pressed.

[0427] In the case of the productivity priority mode configured as described above, since there is no operation of placing the sheet S on the processing tray 220, the shifting operation of the sheet S can be performed more quickly than on the processing tray 220. In addition, during the shifting operation, since the alignment plate 271 is brought into contact with the sheet S in a state in which the sheet S is drooping and bent, the alignment and shifting operations of the sheet can be performed in a state in which the rigidity of the sheet S is high, and the alignment and shifting operations can be performed in a state in which bending is less likely to occur in the sheet.

[0428] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by moving the discharge roller 230 to the guide position, the leading end of the sheet S is pressed downward so as to more reliably abut against the second abutment portion 273 of the alignment plate 271. By abutting the alignment plate 271 against the two widthwise edges of the sheet S separated in a predetermined direction, the shifting operation of the sheet S can be performed in a more stable state. That is, the sheet can be shifted in the width direction while suppressing skew during the shifting operation.

[0429] It should be noted that the productivity priority mode is preferably applicable to small-sized sheets, but can also be executed for large-sized sheets. In addition, for example, when the predetermined length of the sheet is short, the shift operation can be performed by only making the first abutting portion 272 abut the widthwise edge of the sheet.

[0430] In addition, in the above-mentioned example, in the first shift discharge process, the shift operation is performed in a state where the clamping pressure of the pre-processing roller 211 is set to a second clamping pressure lower than the first clamping pressure. It should be noted that the shift operation can be performed in a state where the pre-processing roller 211 is separated from the conveyor belt 212. For example, the structure for moving the pre-processing roller 211 by the lifting motor MT3 can be used as a conveyor rotating member moving member, which is used to move the pre-processing roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212 from a clamping position in which the sheet is clamped between the pre-processing roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212 to a separated position in which the pre-processing roller 211 and the conveyor belt 212 are separated from each other. In addition, the shift operation can be performed in a state where the pre-processing roller 211 is in the separated position.

[0431] [Shift mode (alignment priority)]

[0432] Will refer to Figures 59A to 65B The alignment priority mode (return shift discharge processing) in the shift mode is described. Note that although the alignment priority mode can be executed for small-sized sheets, the case where the alignment priority mode is executed for large-sized sheets will be described here. Figure 59A and Figure 59B As shown, in a state where the sheet SL is conveyed to the conveying path 210 , the discharge roller 230 is positioned at the retracted position, and the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 are respectively positioned at the first position.

[0433] like Figure 60A and Figure 60B As shown, when the rear end of the sheet SL passes through the pre-processing nip 211a, the discharge roller 230, the dial-in portion 240, and the rear end drop member 250 begin to move downward. It should be noted that the timing for the discharge roller 230, the dial-in portion 240, and the rear end drop member 250 to begin descending may be before the rear end of the sheet SL passes through the pre-processing nip 211a. In either case, the timing is set so that the rear end of the sheet SL passes through the pre-processing nip 211a as the rear end of the sheet SL is dropped toward the processing tray 220 by the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250.

[0434] like Figure 61A and Figure 61BAs shown, the discharge roller 230 moves downward to the contact position, and the infeed portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 move downward to the second position. As a result, the sheet SL discharged from the conveying path 210 is clamped between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260, and the infeed portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 cause the rear end of the sheet to drop toward the processing tray 220, thereby placing the sheet on the processing tray 220. At this time, the sheet SL is also clamped between the infeed belt 240a of the infeed portion 240 and the discharge belt 260.

[0435] Next, if Figure 62A and Figure 62B As shown, the incoming belt 240a and the outgoing belt 260 rotate in opposite directions, and the sheet SL placed on the processing tray 220 is conveyed toward the rear end regulating member 290. At this time, the return member 280 moves downward, and the knurled belt 281 of the return member 280 abuts against the upper surface of the rear end side of the sheet SL. Then, the knurled belt 281 rotates, further conveying the sheet SL, and causing the rear end of the sheet SL to abut against the rear end regulating member 290. As a result, the sheet SL is aligned in a predetermined direction.

[0436] Next, if Figure 63A and Figure 63B As shown, while the ejection roller 230 moves upward to the retracted position and the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 move upward to the first position, the return member 280 moves upward, thereby retracting these members from the upper surface of the sheet SL. In this state, the alignment and shifting operation of the sheet SL in the width direction is performed by moving the front and rear alignment plates 271 in the width direction (shifting direction). At this time, since the sheet SL is placed on the processing tray 220, the sheet SL abuts the second abutting portion 273 of the alignment plate 271. The second abutting portion 273 is arranged to extend from the lower portion of the first abutting portion 272 to a position downstream of the first abutting portion 272 in the predetermined direction, and abuts the widthwise edge of the sheet SL in a relatively wide area in the predetermined direction. In addition, when the front end of the sheet SL placed on the processing tray 220 protrudes further toward the stacking tray 300 than the downstream end of the processing tray 220 in the predetermined direction, the second abutting portion 273 abuts the widthwise edge of the sheet SL.

[0437] When the shifting operation of the sheet SL is completed, as shown in FIG. Figure 64A and Figure 64B As shown in FIG. 1 , the discharge roller 230 moves downward to the contact position, and the sheet SL is sandwiched between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260. Then, by rotating the discharge belt 260 in the forward direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 65A and Figure 65BAs shown, the sheet SL is discharged from the processing tray 220 onto the stacking tray 300. At this time, the sheet S discharged onto the stacking tray 300 is pulled in by the discharged sheet pulling-in belt 320, and the rear end of the sheet S is further pressed.

[0438] As described above, in the alignment priority mode, since the sheet SL undergoes the alignment and shifting operations on the processing tray 220, the alignment of the sheet SL can be improved more than in the productivity priority mode. Specifically, in the alignment priority mode, the shifting operation is performed by placing the sheet SL on the processing tray 220, causing the rear end of the sheet SL to abut against the rear end regulating member 290, and further causing the entire second abutting portion 273 in a predetermined direction to abut against the widthwise edge of the sheet SL. The entire length of the second abutting portion 273 in the predetermined direction is greater than the total length of the first abutting portion 272 and a portion of the second abutting portion that abut against the sheet in the productivity priority mode, and in the alignment priority mode, the alignment plate 271 can abut against the widthwise edge of the sheet over a wider area.

[0439] In addition, although the shifting operation is performed in a state where the sheet SL is drooping from the conveying path 210 in the productivity priority mode, in the alignment priority mode, since the shifting operation is performed in a state where the sheet SL is placed on the processing tray 220, the shifting operation of the sheet SL can be performed in a more stable state. In addition, since the front end of the sheet SL protrudes further toward the stacking tray 300 side than the processing tray 220, the front end side of the sheet SL droops onto the stacking tray 300 and bends. Therefore, the shifting operation of the sheet SL can be performed in a state with higher rigidity than in a state where the sheet SL is not bent. For the above reasons, in the alignment priority mode, the alignment of the sheet SL can be improved compared to the productivity priority mode.

[0440] Note that in alignment priority mode, since the sheet is temporarily placed on processing tray 220, this processing takes longer than in productivity priority mode. However, even with large-sized sheets, processing in imaging device 100 takes time. Therefore, when alignment priority mode is executed for large-sized sheets, the shifting operation can be performed at a productivity suitable for the productivity of imaging device 100, further improving sheet alignment. Note that the productivity priority mode described above can be executed even with large-sized sheets.

[0441] [Binding Mode]

[0442] Will refer to Figures 66A to 74B Describes the binding mode. Figure 66A and Figure 66BAs shown, in the state where the first sheet S1 is conveyed to the conveying path 210, the discharge roller 230 is positioned at the retracted position, and the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 are respectively positioned at the first position. When the rear end of the sheet S1 passes through the pre-processing gripping portion 211a, similar to the above Figure 60A and Figure 60B , the discharge roller 230, the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 begin to move downward, and similarly to Figure 61A and Figure 61B , the discharge roller 230 moves downward to the contact position, and the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 move downward to the second position. That is, the sheet S1 discharged from the conveying path 210 is placed on the processing tray 220, and the sheet S1 is clamped between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260, and also between the dial-in belt 240a of the dial-in portion 240 and the discharge belt 260. It should be noted that the timing of starting the descent of the discharge roller 230, the dial-in portion 240, and the rear end drop member 250 may be before the rear end of the sheet S1 passes through the pre-processing nip 211a.

[0443] Next, if Figure 67A and Figure 67B As shown, the infeed belt 240a and the discharge belt 260 rotate in opposite directions, and the sheet S1 placed on the processing tray 220 is conveyed toward the rear end regulating member 290. At this time, the return member 280 moves downward, and the knurled belt 281 of the return member 280 abuts the upper surface of the rear end side of the sheet S1. Then, the knurled belt 281 rotates, and the sheet S1 is further conveyed, so that the rear end of the sheet S1 abuts the rear end regulating member 290. As a result, the sheet S1 is aligned in a predetermined direction.

[0444] Next, if Figure 68A and Figure 68B As shown, while the discharge roller 230 is moved upward to the retracted position and the dial-in portion 240 and the rear end drop member 250 are moved upward to the first position, the return member 280 is moved upward, thereby retracting these members from the upper surface of the sheet S1. In this state, the sheet S1 is aligned in the width direction by moving the front and rear alignment plates 271 in the width direction. At this time, since the sheet S1 is placed on the processing tray 220, it abuts the second abutment portion 273 of the alignment plate 271. This is the same as in the alignment priority mode.

[0445] Next, if Figure 69A and Figure 69BAs shown, in order to prepare the second sheet, the return member 280 moves downward, and the rear end of the sheet S1 is clamped between the knurled belt 281 and the processing tray 220. As a result, even when the second sheet is conveyed onto the processing tray 220, the first sheet S1 is suppressed from being deflected. In this state, the second sheet S2 discharged from the conveying path 210 is placed on the sheet S1 placed on the processing tray 220 in a manner similar to the above-described placement of the first sheet S1 on the processing tray 220.

[0446] Then, if Figure 70A and Figure 70B As shown, the infeed belt 240a and the discharge belt 260 each rotate in opposite directions, thereby conveying the second sheet S2 placed on the processing tray 220 toward the rear end control member 290. At this time, the return member 280 temporarily moves upward and then moves downward at the timing when the rear end of the sheet S2 reaches the return member 280. Then, the knurled belt 281 of the return member 280 abuts the upper surface of the rear end side of the sheet S2. By rotating the knurled belt 281, the sheet S2 is further conveyed, so that the rear end of the sheet S2 abuts the rear end control member 290. As a result, the sheet S2 is aligned in a predetermined direction. If the sheet placed on the processing tray 220 is the second sheet or a subsequent sheet, the discharge belt 260 is not rotated, and only the infeed belt 240a is rotated in the opposite direction, so that the rear end of the sheet abuts the rear end control member 290, similar to the first sheet. Note that, when the rear end of the first sheet is brought into contact with the rear end regulating member 290 , only the feed belt 240 a may be rotated without rotating the discharge belt 260 .

[0447] Next, if Figure 71A and Figure 71B As shown, while the discharge roller 230 is moved upward to its retracted position and the infeed portion 240 and the rear drop member 250 are each moved upward to their first positions, the return member 280 is moved upward, thereby retracting these members from the upper surface of the sheet S2. In this state, the sheets S2 are aligned in the width direction by moving the front and rear alignment plates 271 in the width direction. As described above, the operation of placing sheets on the processing tray 220 and aligning the sheets on the processing tray 220 is performed for the number of sheets based on the input job information, thereby forming a sheet stack ST on the processing tray 220.

[0448] After forming the sheet stack ST, as shown in FIG. Figure 72A and Figure 72B As shown in FIG. 1 , the binding unit 400 is driven, and thus the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle ST. After the binding process is performed, as shown in FIG. Figure 73A and Figure 73BAs shown, the front and rear alignment plates 271 are retracted from the widthwise edges of the sheet bundle ST, the discharge roller 230 moves downward to the contact position, and the dial-in portion 240 moves downward to the second position. As a result, the sheet bundle ST is clamped between the discharge roller 230 and the dial-in belt 240a and the discharge belt 260. Then, by driving the discharge belt 260 and the dial-in belt 240a, as shown in FIG. Figure 74A and Figure 74B As shown, the sheet bundle ST is discharged from the processing tray 220 onto the stacking tray 300 .

[0449] As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to conveyance by the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260, the sheet stack ST is also discharged by driving the infeed belt 240a. In particular, because the infeed belt 240a is configured so that the tensioned surface of the belt contacts the upper surface of the sheet stack ST, the force exerted on the sheet stack ST is greater. Consequently, the sheet stack ST can be more reliably discharged from the processing tray 220.

[0450] To increase the sheet conveying force, it is possible to increase the contact pressure (clamping pressure) of the discharge roller 230 on the discharge belt 260. However, in this case, it is necessary to ensure the strength of the structure supporting the discharge roller 230, which increases the size of the device. Furthermore, if the discharge roller 230 is strongly contacted with the sheet, print-through may occur. Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the discharge roller 230, the dial-in belt 240a is also used to assist in sheet discharge by contacting the sheet.

[0451] Therefore, there is no need to unnecessarily increase the nipping pressure of the discharge roller 230, thereby suppressing an increase in the size of the apparatus and also preventing the occurrence of strike-through. Furthermore, the infeed belt 240a has the function of conveying sheets on the processing tray 220 toward the rear end regulating member 290, and the rotational direction of the infeed belt 240a is switched only when conveying sheets toward the rear end regulating member 290 and when discharging sheets. Therefore, the apparatus can be reduced in size compared to a case where separate components having corresponding functions are provided.

[0452] [Sheet Discharge Operation]

[0453] Will refer to Figures 75A to 79B The sheet discharge operation onto the stacking tray 300 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 75A and Figure 75B As shown, the sheet S is pinched and conveyed between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260, and is thus discharged onto the stacking tray 300. At this time, the stacking tray 300 is in the first stacking position. The first stacking position is the home position when no sheet is stacked on the stacking tray 300, and is a position determined according to the number of stacked sheets when sheets are stacked.

[0454] Next, the stacking tray 300 moves downward from the first stacking position toward the second stacking position so that the stacking tray 300 reaches the second stacking position after the downstream end (front end) in the predetermined direction of the sheet S discharged by the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260 contacts the sheet placement surface 301 of the stacking tray 300 or the sheet placed on the sheet placement surface 301. Figure 76A and Figure 76B As shown, after the rear end of the sheet S has passed through the discharge nip 230a between the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260, the stacking tray 300 begins to move downward from the first stacking position toward the second stacking position. The discharged sheet diverting belt 320 is wound around the roller 321 in a curved state. Therefore, when the stacking tray 300 is in the first stacking position, the discharged sheet diverting belt 320 is slightly pushed upward by the sheets placed on the stacking tray 300. Even when the stacking tray 300 moves downward from the first stacking position to the second stacking position in this state, the sheet pressing effect of the sheet pressing belt 320 continues for a predetermined period starting from the start of the stacking tray 300's descent, because the discharged sheet diverting belt 320 contacts the sheets on the stacking tray 300 until the curvature of the discharged sheet diverting belt 320 is released.

[0455] When the sheet S is discharged from the discharge nip 230a, as shown in FIG. Figure 77A and Figure 77B As shown, the discharged sheet input belt 320 abuts the upstream end (rear end) of the sheet S discharged by the discharge roller 230 and the discharge belt 260 while rotating, and thus guides the rear end of the sheet S toward the stack tray 300 .

[0456] As described above, the ejection sheet dialing belt 320 is a knurled belt, and the roller that drives the ejection sheet dialing belt 320 is also provided on the drive shaft 261a of the tensioning roller 261 that drives the ejection belt 260. Therefore, the ejection sheet dialing belt 320 rotates synchronously with the ejection belt 260. In addition, the ejection sheet dialing belt 320 is provided so that at least a portion thereof protrudes further downstream than the upright surface 310 in a predetermined direction and further downward than the sheet placement surface of the processing tray 220. Therefore, by the rotation of the ejection sheet dialing belt 320, the rear end of the sheet S that has passed through the ejection clamping portion 230a is guided to the stacking tray 300 by being dialed out by the ejection sheet dialing belt 320. That is, as Figure 77B As shown in the sheet trajectory indicated by the dotted line and the broken line in FIG, the rear end of the sheet S is pulled out by the ejected sheet pulling-in belt 320. As a result, the rear end of the sheet S is less likely to remain in the ejection nip 230a.

[0457] Next, after the upstream end of the sheet S is discharged onto the sheet placement surface 301 or onto the sheet placed on the sheet placement surface 301 in a predetermined direction, the stacking tray 300 moves upward from the second stacking position to the first stacking position so that the stacking tray 300 reaches the first stacking position. Figure 78A and Figure 78B As shown, after the rear end of the sheet S is discharged onto the stacking tray 300, the stacking tray 300 starts to move upward from the second stacking position toward the first stacking position. As the stacking tray 300 moves upward from the second stacking position to the first stacking position, the discharged sheet feeding belt 320 presses the upper surface of the rear end of the sheet S discharged onto the stacking tray 300.

[0458] Next, if Figure 79A and Figure 79B As shown, the ejected sheet diverting belt 320 conveys the sheets S on the stacking tray 300, which has been moved upward from the second stacking position to the first stacking position, toward the upright surface 310, which serves as a stack-side regulating member. Specifically, the ejected sheet diverting belt 320 rotates, diverting the sheets S on the stacking tray 300, and thereby causing the trailing end of the sheets S to abut against the upright surface 310. At this point, the ejected sheet diverting belt 320 can be configured to abut against the upper surface of the sheets S while rotating, or it can be configured to rotate after abutting against the upper surface of the sheets S. That is, when the stacking tray 300 moves upward from the second stacking position to the first stacking position, the rotation of the ejected sheet diverting belt 320 can be initiated at least before the stacking tray 300 reaches the first stacking position, or it can be initiated after the stacking tray 300 has reached the first stacking position. In either case, the rotation of the ejected sheet diverting belt 320 is stopped at a timing after the trailing end of the sheets S has abutted against the upright surface 310.

[0459] In this embodiment, as described above, the upper surface of the sheet S ejected onto the stacking tray 300 is pressed by the ejected sheet diverting belt 320. Furthermore, to this end, the stacking tray 300 is configured to be movable upward and downward between a first stacking position and a second stacking position, and the timing of its descent from the first stacking position and its ascent from the second stacking position are controlled according to the ejection of the sheets, as described above. Furthermore, the upper surface of the trailing end of the sheet ejected onto the stacking tray 300 is pressed by the ejected sheet diverting belt 320, which is positioned at the downstream end of the processing tray 220 in a predetermined direction.

[0460] Thus, even if the next sheet is ejected onto the sheet S placed on the stacking tray 300, the sheet S can be prevented from shifting. It should be noted that, depending on the angle of the stacking tray 300, the ejected sheet diverter belt 320 may press the rear end of the previously ejected sheet S after the front end of the next sheet has already made contact. That is, if the sheet placement surface 301 of the stacking tray 300 is tilted relative to the horizontal surface so that the downstream side in a predetermined direction is higher, and this angle is large, even if the front end of the next sheet makes contact with the upper surface of the already placed sheet, the sheet is less likely to shift. Therefore, in this case, the next sheet can be ejected so that the front end of the next sheet makes contact with the sheet S before the stacking tray 300, on which the sheet S is placed, reaches the first stacking position.

[0461] In either case, in this embodiment, the ejected sheet pushing-in belt 320 has both a function of pressing the rear end of the sheet S ejected onto the stacking tray 300 and a function of pushing out the sheet S so that the rear end of the sheet S does not remain in the ejection nip 230 a. Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, the cost can be reduced more than in the case of providing mechanisms having these functions separately.

[0462] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, even when executing the stapling mode, the first shift discharge process, and the second shift discharge process, each process is executed by the front alignment plate moving motor MT5 and the rear alignment plate moving motor MT6, which serve as a common drive source, and the common alignment plate 271. Therefore, compared to a configuration requiring different alignment plates and drive sources for each process, costs can be reduced, and furthermore, productivity can be improved for predetermined sheets by using the first shift discharge process. Note that, similar to the first embodiment, the first shift discharge process can also be applied to all sheets that are shifted and discharged without executing the stapling process.

[0463] In the case of this embodiment described above, even when a shifted sheet bundle is formed on the stacking tray 300 (stack portion) without performing the stapling process, a sheet bundle consisting of multiple sheets is formed on the stacking tray 300 by repeatedly performing the shift discharge process and the push-in process on multiple sheets. Similar to the first embodiment, the shift discharge process is a non-returning shift discharge process, but the switch-back shift discharge process also includes the case where sheets are discharged one by one from the processing tray 220. Furthermore, as described above, the push-in process is a process in which the sheets discharged onto the stacking tray 300 are conveyed in the third conveying direction by the discharged sheet push-in belt 320. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when an unbound sheet bundle is formed on the stacking tray 300 by moving in the shift direction, the alignment of the sheet bundle can be improved.

[0464] <Third embodiment>

[0465] The third embodiment will be described. The present invention is also applicable to Figure 80 、 Figure 81 and Figures 82A to 83B Note that similar components to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0466] Figure 80 The illustrated sheet processing apparatus is a device in which the upper and lower discharge rollers 230A and 230B are removed from the mechanical configuration of the first embodiment, and a pusher member 291 is added as a discharge section. In this sheet processing apparatus, a sheet S, which is conveyed in a first conveying direction (from right to left in the figure) by pre-process rollers 211A and 212A (a first conveying section) and placed on a processing tray 220, is conveyed in a second conveying direction (from left to right in the figure) by a paddle 240A and a knurled belt 281 of a return member 280 (collectively referred to as a second conveying section), causing the rear end of the sheet S to abut against a rear end regulating member 290, which serves as an abutment section. The sheets S are then aligned widthwise by a pair of alignment plates 271A, the next sheet S is received, and the above-described operation is repeated to form a sheet bundle, which is then bound by a stapling unit 400. Then, the push-out member 291 engages with the rear end (upstream end in the first conveying direction) of the sheet bundle and moves in the first conveying direction, thereby discharging the sheet bundle onto the stack tray 300 .

[0467] When the sheet processing device constructed in this manner performs the first shift discharge processing (non-return shift discharge processing), the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A convey the sheet S along the first conveying direction, and when the rear end of the sheet S has passed through the pre-processing clamping portion 211a of the pre-processing rollers, the sheet S is shifted in the shift direction by a pair of alignment plates 271A (at this time, the paddle 240A can be moved slightly downward so that the rear end side of the sheet S abuts against the pair of alignment plates 271A), and then the sheet S is discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by the pushing member 291.

[0468] In addition, when the second shift discharge process (return shift discharge process) is executed, the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A convey the sheet S in the first conveying direction, and when the rear end of the sheet S has passed through the pre-process nip 211a of the pre-process rollers and the sheet S is placed on the processing tray 220, the paddle 240A and the knurled belt 281 convey the sheet S in the second conveying direction so that the rear end of the sheet S abuts against the rear end regulating member 290 serving as an abutment portion. Then, the sheet S is shifted in the shift direction by the pair of alignment plates 271A and then discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by the push-out member 291.

[0469] Figure 81The illustrated sheet processing apparatus incorporates a pusher member 291 into the mechanical configuration of the first embodiment. In this sheet processing apparatus, a sheet S, which is conveyed in a first conveying direction (from right to left in the figure) by pre-process rollers 211A and 212A (a first conveying portion) and placed on a processing tray 220, is conveyed in a second conveying direction (from left to right in the figure) by a paddle 240A and a knurled belt 281 of a return member 280 (collectively referred to as a second conveying portion), causing the rear end of the sheet S to abut against a rear end regulating member 290, which serves as an abutment portion. A sheet bundle is then formed by aligning the sheets S widthwise using a pair of alignment plates 271A, receiving the next sheet S, and repeating the above operation. The bundle is then bound by the binding unit 400. Then, the pushing member 291 engages with the rear end of the sheet stack (the upstream end in the first conveying direction) and moves in the first conveying direction to push it out, and by moving the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B to the clamping position in this state and rotating at least one of the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B, the sheet stack is discharged onto the stacking tray 300.

[0470] In the case where the sheet processing device constructed in this manner performs the first shift discharge processing (non-returning shift discharge processing), the sheet S is conveyed by the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A along the first conveying direction to be transferred to the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B, and when the rear end of the sheet S has passed through the pre-processing clamping portion 211a of the pre-processing roller, the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B are moved to the separation position, and the sheet S is shifted in the shift direction by a pair of alignment plates 271A, and then the sheet S is discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by moving the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B to the clamping position and rotating them.

[0471] Furthermore, in the case of executing the second shift discharge process (switching shift discharge process), the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A convey the sheet S in the first conveying direction, and when the rear end of the sheet S has passed through the pre-process nip 211a of the pre-process rollers and the sheet S is placed on the processing tray 220, the paddle 240A and the knurled belt 281 convey the sheet S in the second conveying direction, thereby causing the rear end of the sheet S to abut against the rear end regulating member 290 serving as an abutment portion. Then, with the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B in the separated position, the sheet S is shifted in the shift direction by the pair of alignment plates 271A and then discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by the push-out member 291. At this time, the sheet S can be discharged onto the stacking tray 300 only by the pushing member 291; or the sheet S can be pushed halfway by the pushing member 291 and then discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by the upper ejection roller 230A and the lower ejection roller 230B.

[0472] In the above Figure 80 and Figure 81 In the sheet processing apparatus shown in the figure, the alignment of the stapling process, the first shift discharge process, and the second shift discharge process can also be realized at low cost by using the common alignment plate 271A.

[0473] in addition, Figures 82A to 83B The sheet processing device shown is a device in which a second rear end drop member 234 that moves in conjunction with the movement of the upper discharge roller 230A is added to the mechanical structure of the first embodiment. The second rear end drop member 234 is pivotally provided on the pivot shaft 2301 of the upper discharge roller 230A. Figure 82A As shown, when the upper ejection roller 230A is in the retracted position, the distal end (end on the upstream side in the first conveying direction) of the second rear end drop member 234 is positioned above the lower surface of the ejection arm 2302 in the vertical direction. Figure 82B As shown, as the upper ejection roller 230A moves toward the gripping position, the distal end of the second rear end drop member 234 pivots in a direction moving away from the ejection arm 2302 (ie, moving closer to the processing tray 220).

[0474] As described above, the second rear end drop member 234 operates in conjunction with the pivoting of the upper discharge roller 230A. Figure 83A and Figure 83B Describe the institution. Figure 83A and Figure 83B 2 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the discharge arm 2302 supporting the upper discharge roller 230A and the second rear end drop member 234. The pivot shaft 234a of the second rear end drop member 234 is coaxially arranged with the rotation shaft 230A1 of the upper discharge roller 230A and is relatively rotatable relative to the rotation shaft 230A1. Therefore, even when the upper discharge roller 230A rotates, the pivot shaft 234a does not rotate. The pulley 234b is fixed to the pivot shaft 234a, and when the pulley 234b rotates, the pivot shaft 234a also rotates, and the second rear end drop member 234 also pivots, and the root end of the second rear end drop member (the supported portion, which is not necessarily the end of the member and may include a portion protruding to the opposite side of the member distal end relative to the supported portion, the end on the downstream side of the first conveying direction) is fixed to the pivot shaft 234a.

[0475] On the upstream side of the discharge arm 2302 in the first conveying direction, pulley 234c is fixed coaxially with the pivot shaft 2301. Pulley 234c is rotatable relative to the pivot shaft 2301 and does not rotate even when the pivot shaft 2301 rotates. An endless belt 234d is wound around pulleys 234b and 234c. When the discharge arm 2302 pivots about the pivot shaft 2301, the relative position of pulley 234b relative to pulley 234c changes, causing belt 234d to rotate. The rotation of belt 234d also causes pulley 234b to rotate. Furthermore, the pivot shaft 234a rotates together with pulley 234b, causing the second rear end drop member 234 to swing in the vertical direction.

[0476] exist Figure 83A , the upper ejection roller 230A is located at the home position, and at this time, the second rear end drop member 234 is in a posture that is substantially parallel to the ejection arm 2302. This position will be referred to as the upper position of the second rear end drop member 234. When the ejection arm 2302 pivots downward about the pivot shaft 2301 to move the upper ejection roller 230A from this position to the clamping position, as shown in FIG. Figure 83B As shown, the belt 234d travels in the direction of arrow P, and the pulley 234b and the rear end drop member 234 rotate around the pivot shaft 234a in the direction of arrow Q. That is, the distal end of the rear end drop member 234 is moved from Figure 83A The upper position shown moves to Figure 83B As described above, the second rear end drop member 234 moves in conjunction with the pivoting of the ejection arm 2302 so as to be positioned at the upper position when the upper ejection roller 230A is in the home position, and to be positioned at the lower position when the upper ejection roller 230A is in the clamping position.

[0477] The second rear end dropping member 234, which operates as described above, can position the side edge of the rear end side of the sheet S so as to more easily abut against the pair of alignment plates 271A by pressing the rear end side of the sheet S from above when performing the first shift discharge process. In addition, since the sheet S is bent at the rear end side of the sheet relative to the discharge nip 230a and the sheet S is shifted by the pair of alignment plates 271A abutting against the bent portion, the shift operation can be performed in a state where the sheet S has a higher rigidity.

[0478] Figure 82A The figure shows a state where the upper discharge roller 230A is in the retracted position and receives a sheet. Since the distal end of the second rear end drop member 234 is positioned vertically above the lower surface of the discharge arm 2032, the leading end of the sheet S does not enter the gap between the discharge arm 2302 and the second rear end drop member 234 and become stuck. When the leading end of the sheet S has passed through the gap between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B, as shown in FIG. Figure 82BAs shown, the upper ejection roller 230A moves to the gripping position to convey the sheet S until the rear end of the sheet S passes through the pre-processing gripping portion 211a. At this point, in conjunction with the movement of the upper ejection roller 230A, the second rear end drop member 234 moves from the upper position to the lower position, thereby dropping the rear end of the sheet S downward from the top. As described above, during the first shift ejection process, the rear end drop member 250A does not operate. Therefore, by providing the second rear end drop member 234 configured in this manner, the sheet S can be reliably dropped onto the processing tray 220 during the first shift ejection process. Furthermore, during the shifting operation of the sheet S performed by the pair of alignment plates 271A, which will be described below, the alignment plates 271A can be reliably brought into contact with the sheet S.

[0479] When the sheet S is dropped onto the processing tray 220 by the second rear end dropping member 234, as shown in FIG. Figure 82C As shown, the upper discharge roller 230A moves to the separation position, and the sheet S is moved in the shift direction by a pair of alignment plates 271A. Figure 82C In the embodiment, although the second rear end drop member 234 does not abut the upper surface of the sheet S when the upper discharge roller 230A is in the separated position, the upper surface of the sheet can be pressed by the second rear end drop member 234 to a degree that does not apply a load to the shifting operation performed by the pair of alignment plates 271A.

[0480] Note that in the first embodiment described above, a configuration is employed in which the rear end drop member 250A cannot be moved to the lower position when the upper ejection roller 230A is moved downward to the clamping position or the separation position. In this case, provision of the second rear end drop member 234 allows for more stable execution of the first shift ejection process. However, the rear end drop member 250A may be provided in a separate drive system, and the rear end drop member 250A may be positioned in the lower position during the sheet shifting operation. Furthermore, if the second rear end drop member 234 is provided in a drive system different from the drive system for pivoting the upper ejection roller 230A, the rear end drop member 250A may be omitted.

[0481] The second rear end dropping member 234 is pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft 2301 of the upper discharge roller 230A, but may be mounted on a separate member or may be configured to be independently movable. In other words, the second rear end dropping member 234 may be configured such that, during the sheet shifting operation performed by the pair of alignment plates 271A, the rear end of the sheet can drop downward to a position where the side edge of the rear end of the sheet can abut against the pair of alignment plates 271A.

[0482] As mentioned above, in Figures 80 to 83BIn the case of the present embodiment shown, even when a shifted sheet bundle is formed on the stacking tray 300 (stack portion) without performing the stapling process, a sheet bundle consisting of a plurality of sheets is formed on the stacking tray 300 by repeatedly performing the shift discharge process and the push-in process on the plurality of sheets. Similar to the first embodiment, the shift discharge process is a non-returning shift discharge process, and also includes the case where sheets are discharged one by one from the processing tray 220 in the case of the return shift discharge process. In addition, as described above, the push-in process is a process in which the discharged sheet push-in paddle 320A conveys the sheets discharged onto the stacking tray 300 in the third conveying direction. It should be noted that the discharged sheet push-in paddle 320A can be replaced with the discharged sheet push-in belt 320 described in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the alignment of the sheet bundle can also be improved when an unbound sheet bundle is formed on the stacking tray 300 that moves in the shift direction.

[0483] In addition, although each of the above embodiments has been described as an example in which the pair of alignment plates 271A (271) moves in a state where both edges in the width direction of the sheet are clamped in the first shift discharge process (non-returning shift discharge process), the following operation is also applicable. The following (1) to (5) describe the operation of the pair of alignment plates in a state where the sheet has been conveyed in the first conveying direction by the roller 211A before being processed and the shift operation performed by the pair of alignment plates 271A can be started. As described above, the alignment plate on the upstream side in the shift direction is referred to as the first shift portion, and the alignment plate on the downstream side in the shift direction is referred to as the second shift portion.

[0484] (1) The first shifting portion and the second shifting portion are moved in a direction approaching each other to first clamp the edge of the sheet in the width direction of the sheet, and then the first shifting portion and the second shifting portion are moved simultaneously in the shifting direction to shift the sheet. (2) The first shifting portion is moved in the shifting direction while the second shifting portion is stopped, so that the sheet abuts the second shifting portion. Then, the first shifting portion and the second shifting portion are moved simultaneously in the shifting direction to shift the sheet. (3) The moving speed of the first shifting portion is set to be higher than the moving speed of the second shifting portion, and both the first shifting portion and the second shifting portion are moved in the shifting direction. Before completing the shifting operation, a state of clamping the sheet between the first shifting portion and the second shifting portion is adopted, and in this state, the shifting of the sheet is completed. (4) The second shifting portion is moved toward the side of the first shifting portion while the first shifting portion is stopped, so as to abut the edge of the sheet on the abutting side of the second shifting portion. Then, the first displacement portion is moved in the displacement direction so that the two edges of the sheet are clamped by the first displacement portion and the second displacement portion. In this state, the first displacement portion and the second displacement portion are moved in the displacement direction to displace the sheet. (5) With the first displacement portion stopped, the second displacement portion is moved toward the first displacement portion so that the sheet abuts the first displacement portion. Then, the first displacement portion and the second displacement portion are moved in the displacement direction to displace the sheet.

[0485] In addition, although each of the above embodiments has been described in which the shift direction is both from the rear side to the front side and from the front side to the rear side, and both of the pair of alignment plates 271A (271) move in the shift direction, one of the alignment plates 271A may be fixed and the other may be movable toward the fixed alignment plate. In this case, the movable alignment plate serves as the first shifting portion, and the drive motor for moving the first shifting portion serves as the first drive portion. In this case, in the binding process, the width alignment of the sheets is performed by moving the sheets toward the fixed alignment plate using the movable alignment plate serving as the first shifting portion, and the position determined in this manner serves as the binding position. In addition, in the first shift discharge process and the second shift discharge process, the sheets are also unilaterally shifted and discharged onto the stacking tray 300 by moving the sheets toward the fixed alignment plate using the movable alignment plate serving as the first shifting portion. Then, the sheets that are unilaterally shifted and discharged and the sheets that are directly discharged can be combined to sort the sheets discharged onto the stacking tray 300.

[0486] <Fourth embodiment>

[0487] Will refer to Figure 86The fourth embodiment is described. In each of the above embodiments, the case where the sheet is moved in the shift direction by the alignment plate has been described. In contrast, in this embodiment, the sheet is shifted by moving the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A in the shift direction while the sheet is clamped by the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A, which serve as the first conveying portion and a pair of conveying rotating members. The other elements and functions are similar to those in each of the above embodiments. Therefore, in the following description, the elements for moving the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A in the shift direction will be described, and the description and illustration of the other elements and functions will be omitted.

[0488] like Figure 86 As shown in FIG. 1 , the sheet processing apparatus of this embodiment includes a shift mechanism (rotating member shift mechanism) 700 that moves the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A in a shift direction. The shift mechanism 700, serving as a shift portion, includes a bracket 701, a rack 702, a pinion 703, and a motor 704, and shifts the sheet in a shift direction that intersects the first conveying direction.

[0489] The bracket 701 supports the rotation axis 211A1 of the pre-processing roller 211A and the rotation axis 212A1 of the pre-processing roller 212A. A rack 702 is fixed to the bracket 701, and the rack 702 is engaged with a pinion 703. The pinion 74 is assembled to the drive shaft of a motor (stepping motor) 704 that can rotate in the forward and reverse directions. The motor 704 is attached to a motor attachment table 706 fixed to the device frame 705. Therefore, by rotating the motor 704 in the forward and reverse directions, the pre-processing rollers 211A and 212A can be moved along the rotation axis 211A1 and 212A1 together. Figure 86 The device is shifted by a specified amount in either the left or right direction (see arrows).

[0490] The shift mechanism 700 constructed in this manner shifts the sheets in the shift direction by moving the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A while the sheets are clamped by the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A. In this embodiment, even when a shifted sheet bundle is formed on the stacking tray 300 (stack portion) without performing the stapling process, a sheet bundle consisting of multiple sheets is formed on the stacking tray 300 by repeatedly performing the shift discharge process and the dial-in process on the multiple sheets, similar to each of the above embodiments. However, the shift discharge process of this embodiment shifts the sheets by the shift mechanism 700 and discharges the sheets shifted by the shift mechanism 700 onto the stacking tray 300 via the upper discharge rollers 230A and lower discharge rollers 230B (or the discharge rollers 230 and the discharge belt 260, or the pusher member 291). In this embodiment, even when an unbound sheet bundle is formed on the stacking tray 300 and shifted in the shift direction, the alignment of the sheet bundle can be improved.

[0491] It should be noted that although the pair of conveying rotating members that shift the sheet by the shift mechanism 700 is the pre-process rollers 211A and 212A, the pair of conveying rotating members may be the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B. In this case, the sheet is shifted in the shift direction by moving the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B in the shift direction while the sheet is sandwiched between the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B.

[0492] It should be noted that when the upper ejection roller 230A and the lower ejection roller 230B are shifted as described above, when the ejection sheet input paddle 320A (or the ejection sheet input belt 320) is shifted together with the upper ejection roller 230A and the lower ejection roller 230B, there is a possibility that the ejection sheet pressed by the ejection sheet input paddle 320A (or the ejection sheet input belt 320) on the stacking tray 300 is offset.

[0493] Therefore, when the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B are displaced, the rotation axes of the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B and the rotation axis of the discharged sheet push-in paddle 320A (or the discharged sheet push-in belt 320) can move relative to each other in the rotation axis direction. Therefore, even when the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B move in the displaced direction, the discharged sheet push-in paddle 320A (or the discharged sheet push-in belt 320) does not move in the displaced direction. Therefore, even when the upper discharge roller 230A and the lower discharge roller 230B are displaced to displace the sheets, the discharged sheets pressed by the discharged sheet push-in paddle 320A (or the discharged sheet push-in belt 320) on the stacking tray 300 can be prevented from shifting.

[0494] <Other embodiments>

[0495] Although each of the above embodiments employs a configuration in which the sheet processing device 200 or 200A is disposed within the internal space 130 of the imaging device 100, the sheet processing device of this embodiment may be, for example, attached to a side surface of the imaging device. Furthermore, the sheet processing device may be controlled by a control unit included in the sheet processing device.

[0496] In addition, the disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0497] (Structure 1)

[0498] A sheet material processing device comprising:

[0499] a first conveying portion configured to convey the sheet along a first conveying direction;

[0500] a placement portion on which the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion is placed;

[0501] an abutting portion, causing an upstream edge of the sheet on the placing portion in the first conveying direction to abut against the abutting portion;

[0502] a second conveying portion configured to convey the sheet along a second conveying direction, in which an upstream edge of the sheet on the placement portion in the first conveying direction moves toward the abutting portion;

[0503] a shift portion configured to move in a shift direction intersecting the first conveying direction while abutting against one edge of the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion in the first conveying direction, thereby shifting the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion in the shift direction;

[0504] a driving portion configured to drive the displacement portion to move the displacement portion along a displacement direction;

[0505] a processing section configured to perform binding processing on a plurality of sheets positioned at binding positions by being conveyed in a second conveying direction by a second conveying section so that second conveying direction downstream edges of the sheets abut against an abutting section and then being moved in a shifting direction by a shifting section;

[0506] a stacking portion provided downstream in the first conveying direction of the placing portion and on which the sheets conveyed by the first conveying portion are stacked; and

[0507] a discharge portion configured to discharge the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion onto the stacking portion,

[0508] Among them, the sheet material processing device is capable of performing:

[0509] a binding discharge process in which a binding process is performed on the plurality of sheets by a processing portion, and the plurality of sheets subjected to the binding process are discharged onto a stacking portion by a discharge portion, and the plurality of sheets are positioned at a binding position by repeating the following process, wherein: after the sheets are conveyed in a first conveying direction by a first conveying portion, the sheets conveyed by the first conveying portion are conveyed in a second conveying direction on a placing portion by a second conveying portion so that a downstream edge of the sheet in the second conveying direction abuts against an abutting portion, and the shifting portion is driven by a driving portion so that the sheets are moved in a shifting direction and positioned at the binding position; and

[0510] Sorting and discharge processing, including:

[0511] The unbound first sheet bundle is stacked by repeating the following process a plurality of times: after the sheets are conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion, the sheets are not conveyed in the second conveying direction by the second conveying portion, but the sheets conveyed by the first conveying portion are moved in the shift direction by the shift portion by the driving portion, and the sheets moved in the shift direction by the shift portion are discharged one by one to the shift position on the stacking portion by the discharging portion; and

[0512] The unbound second sheet bundle is stacked by repeating the following process a plurality of times: without conveying the sheets in the second conveying direction by the second conveying portion, the sheets conveyed by the first conveying portion are discharged one by one by the discharge portion to a position on the stacking portion shifted upstream from the shift position in the shifting direction.

[0513] (Structure 2)

[0514] According to the sheet processing apparatus of configuration 1,

[0515] wherein the discharge portion is a pair of discharge rotary members, at least one of the pair of discharge rotary members rotates while gripping the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion,

[0516] The sheet processing device further includes a discharge rotary member moving member configured to move at least one of the pair of discharge rotary members between a clamping position and a separation position, wherein the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion along the first conveying direction is clamped by the pair of discharge rotary members, and the pair of discharge rotary members are separated from each other at the separation position, and

[0517] In the sorting and discharging process, the sheet transported by the first transport portion in the first transport direction is located between a pair of discharge rotary members and the pair of discharge rotary members are positioned at separate positions by the discharge rotary member moving member, so that the sheet is moved in the shift direction by the shift portion.

[0518] (Construction 3)

[0519] According to the sheet processing device of configuration 2,

[0520] wherein the discharge rotary member moving member is capable of moving at least one of the pair of discharge rotary members to a retracted position in which the pair of discharge rotary members are further separated from each other than at the separated position, and

[0521] Among them, in the sorting and discharging process, when the sheet is conveyed from the first conveying part along the first conveying direction, the discharge rotating member moving member positions a pair of discharge rotating members at the retracted position, and then before the sheet is moved along the shifting direction by the shifting part, the discharge rotating member moving member positions a pair of discharge rotating members at the separation position.

[0522] (Structure 4)

[0523] The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3,

[0524] wherein the displacement unit is a first displacement unit,

[0525] wherein the driving unit is a first driving unit,

[0526] The sheet material processing device further comprises:

[0527] a second shifting portion movable in a shifting direction in a state of abutting against the other edge, in the first conveying direction, of the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion; and

[0528] a second driving portion configured to drive the second displacement portion to move the second displacement portion along a displacement direction;

[0529] Here, in the sorting and discharging process, the first shift portion and the second shift portion move in the shift direction while sandwiching the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion from both sides in the shift direction.

[0530] (Structure 5)

[0531] The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4,

[0532] Among them, the sheet processing device is also capable of performing a folding shift discharge process, in which after the sheet is conveyed by the first conveying part along the first conveying direction, the sheet conveyed by the first conveying part along the first conveying direction is conveyed by the second conveying part along the second conveying direction on the placing part so that the second conveying direction downstream edge of the sheet abuts the abutment part, and the shift part is driven by the driving part to move the sheet conveyed by the first conveying part along the first conveying direction along the shift direction through the shift part, and the sheet moved by the shift part along the shift direction is discharged onto the stacking part through the discharge part without performing the binding process through the processing part.

[0533] (Structure 6)

[0534] According to the sheet processing device described in configuration 5,

[0535] In which, without performing binding processing on the sheets transported by the first transport portion along the first transport direction, the sheets are shifted along the shift direction and the sheets are discharged, a sorting discharge processing is performed on the first sheet having a first length in the first transport direction, and a return shift discharge processing is performed on the second sheet having a second length greater than the first length in the first transport direction.

[0536] (Structure 7)

[0537] The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6,

[0538] wherein the discharge portion is a pair of discharge rotary members, at least one of the pair of discharge rotary members rotates while gripping the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion, and

[0539] The displacement portion is provided so as to extend from an upstream side to a downstream side in the first conveying direction relative to the pair of discharge rotary members.

[0540] (Structure 8)

[0541] According to the sheet processing device described in Configuration 7,

[0542] Among them, the shifting portion includes a curling pressing portion, which is arranged at a position downstream of a clamping position where a sheet is clamped by a pair of discharge rotating members in the first conveying direction and above the clamping position in the vertical direction, and is configured to press the front end of the sheet conveyed along the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion and curled upward.

[0543] (Structure 9)

[0544] The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8,

[0545] wherein the discharge portion is a pair of discharge rotary members, at least one of the pair of discharge rotary members rotates while gripping the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion, and

[0546] Among them, the sheet processing device also includes a dial-in portion, which has a rotating shaft arranged in the vertical direction between a clamping portion of a pair of discharge rotating members and a stacking side abutment portion arranged on the upstream side of the first conveying direction of the stacking portion, and is configured to convey the sheet discharged onto the stacking portion along the third conveying direction by rotating in contact with the upper surface of the sheet discharged onto the stacking portion, and in the third conveying direction, the upstream edge of the sheet in the first conveying direction moves toward the stacking side abutment portion.

[0547] (Structure 10)

[0548] An imaging system comprising:

[0549] an image forming apparatus including an image forming portion configured to form an image on a sheet; and

[0550] The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9,

[0551] Among them, the sheet processing apparatus can perform a stapling discharge process and a sorting discharge process on sheets on which images have been formed by the image forming portion.

[0552] (Structure 11)

[0553] A sheet material processing device comprising:

[0554] a first conveying portion configured to convey the sheet along a first conveying direction;

[0555] a placement portion on which the sheet transported by the first transport portion along the first transport direction is placed;

[0556] a processing section configured to perform binding processing on a sheet bundle consisting of a plurality of sheets placed on the placement section;

[0557] a stacking portion arranged downstream of the placing portion in the first conveying direction and on which the sheets conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion are stacked;

[0558] a shifting portion configured to shift the sheet along a shifting direction intersecting the first conveying direction;

[0559] a pair of discharge rotary members configured to discharge the sheet bundle subjected to the stapling process performed by the processing section and the sheets shifted in the shift direction by the shift section without performing the stapling process, onto the stacking section; and

[0560] The dial-in portion includes a rotation axis provided in a vertical direction between a clamping portion of a pair of discharge rotating members and a stacking-side abutment portion provided on an upstream side of the stacking portion in the first conveying direction, and is configured to convey the sheet discharged onto the stacking portion in a third conveying direction by rotating in contact with an upper surface of the sheet discharged onto the stacking portion, wherein an upstream edge of the sheet discharged onto the stacking portion moves toward the stacking-side abutment portion in the third conveying direction.

[0561] In which, when a shifted sheet bundle is formed on the stacking portion without performing a stapling process, a sheet bundle consisting of a plurality of sheets is formed on the stacking portion by repeatedly performing a shift discharge process and a dial-in process on the plurality of sheets, in which the sheets are shifted by the shift portion in the shift discharge process and the sheets shifted by the shift portion are discharged onto the stacking portion by a pair of discharge rotating members, and in which the sheets discharged onto the stacking portion are conveyed by the dial-in portion along a third conveying direction in the dial-in process.

[0562] (Structure 12)

[0563] According to the sheet processing device of configuration 11,

[0564] The rotation axis of the dial-in portion is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the lower discharge rotary member positioned on the lower side of the pair of discharge rotary members.

[0565] (Structure 13)

[0566] According to the sheet processing device of configuration 11 or 12,

[0567] The paddle is configured to extend from the rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and to rotate by the rotation of the rotation axis.

[0568] (Structure 14)

[0569] According to the sheet processing device of configuration 11 or 12,

[0570] The dial-in portion is an endless belt that is arranged around the rotation shaft and configured to rotate by rotation of the rotation shaft.

[0571] (Structure 15)

[0572] The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 11 to 14,

[0573] The shift portion includes an alignment plate configured to move the sheet transported by the first transport portion in the first transport direction in the shift direction by abutting against one edge of the sheet transported by the first transport portion in the first transport direction.

[0574] (Structure 16)

[0575] The sheet material processing apparatus according to configuration 15 includes:

[0576] an abutting portion for causing an upstream edge of the sheet on the placing portion in the first conveying direction to abut against the abutting portion; and

[0577] The second conveying portion is configured to convey the sheet in a second conveying direction, in which an upstream edge of the sheet on the placement portion in the first conveying direction moves toward the abutting portion.

[0578] wherein the sheet processing apparatus is capable of performing a non-returning shift discharge process, in which: after the sheet is conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion, a non-returning shift operation is performed, the non-returning shift operation being to move the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion in the shift direction by the shift portion without conveying the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion in the second conveying direction by the second conveying portion; and discharge the sheet moved in the shift direction by the shift portion onto the stacking portion by a pair of discharge rotating members; and

[0579] Among them, the shift discharge process is a non-returning shift discharge process.

[0580] (Structure 17)

[0581] The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 11 to 14,

[0582] The shift portion is a rotating member shift mechanism configured to shift the sheet in a shift direction by shifting the pair of conveying rotating members in a state where the sheet is clamped by the pair of conveying rotating members configured to convey the sheet.

[0583] (Structure 18)

[0584] According to the sheet processing apparatus of configuration 17,

[0585] Among them, the pair of conveying rotating members constitutes the first conveying portion.

[0586] (Structure 19)

[0587] A sheet material processing device comprising:

[0588] a first conveying portion configured to convey the sheet along a first conveying direction;

[0589] a placement portion on which the sheet transported by the first transport portion along the first transport direction is placed;

[0590] a processing section configured to perform binding processing on a sheet bundle consisting of a plurality of sheets placed on the placement section;

[0591] a stacking portion arranged downstream in the first conveying direction of the placing portion, and on which the sheets conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion are stacked;

[0592] a shifting portion configured to shift the sheet in a shifting direction intersecting the first conveying direction;

[0593] a discharge section configured to discharge, onto the stacking section, a sheet bundle subjected to the stapling process performed by the processing section and sheets shifted in the shift direction by the shift section without performing the stapling process; and

[0594] The dial-in portion has a rotation axis provided in a vertical direction between an end portion of the placing portion downstream in the first conveying direction and a stacking-side abutment portion provided on an upstream side of the stacking portion in the first conveying direction, and is configured to convey the sheet discharged onto the stacking portion in a third conveying direction by rotating in contact with an upper surface of the sheet discharged onto the stacking portion, wherein an upstream edge of the sheet discharged onto the stacking portion moves toward the stacking-side abutment portion in the third conveying direction.

[0595] In the case where a shifted sheet bundle is formed on the stacking portion without performing the binding process,

[0596] A sheet bundle consisting of a plurality of sheets is formed on a stacking portion by repeatedly performing a shift discharge process in which the sheets are shifted by the shift portion and discharged onto the stacking portion by the discharge portion and a dial-in process on the plurality of sheets, wherein the sheets are shifted by the shift portion and discharged onto the stacking portion by the discharge portion, and the sheets discharged onto the stacking portion are conveyed by the dial-in portion along a third conveying direction in the dial-in process.

[0597] (Structure 20)

[0598] According to the sheet processing apparatus of configuration 19,

[0599] The discharge unit is a pair of discharge rotating members configured to clamp and discharge the sheet.

[0600] (Structure 21)

[0601] According to the sheet processing apparatus of configuration 19,

[0602] The discharge portion is a push-out member configured to push the sheets on the placement portion toward the stacking portion.

[0603] Industrial Applicability

[0604] The sheet processing apparatus and the image forming system according to the present invention are suitable for a sheet processing apparatus that performs predetermined processing on a sheet and an image forming system including such a sheet processing apparatus.

[0605] Reference Signs List

[0606] 200, 200A: Sheet processing device

[0607] 211, 211A, 212A: pre-processing rollers (first conveying section, a pair of conveying rotating members)

[0608] 220: Processing tray (placement part)

[0609] 230: discharge roller (discharge portion, discharge rotating member)

[0610] 230A: Upper discharge roller (discharge portion, discharge rotating member)

[0611] 230A1: Rotating axis

[0612] 230B: Lower discharge roller (discharge portion, discharge rotating member)

[0613] 230B1: Rotary axis

[0614] 240: dial-in unit (second transmission unit)

[0615] 240A: Paddle (second transmission part)

[0616] 260: discharge belt (discharge portion, discharge rotating member)

[0617] 270, 270A: Alignment portion (displacement portion)

[0618] 271, 271A: Alignment plate

[0619] 280: Return component

[0620] 281: Knurled belt (second conveying part)

[0621] 290: rear end control member (abutment portion)

[0622] 291: Pushing member (discharge portion)

[0623] 300: Stacking Pallets

[0624] 310: Vertical surface

[0625] 320: Discharge sheet feeding belt (feeding portion)

[0626] 320A: Discharge sheet into the paddle (input part)

[0627] 400: Binding unit (processing unit)

[0628] 700: Shift mechanism (shift unit)

[0629] 3201: Rotation axis

Claims

1. A sheet material processing device comprising: a first conveying portion configured to convey the sheet along a first conveying direction; a placement portion on which the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion is placed; an abutting portion, causing an upstream edge of the sheet on the placing portion in the first conveying direction to abut against the abutting portion; a second conveying portion configured to convey the sheet along a second conveying direction, in which an upstream edge of the sheet on the placement portion in the first conveying direction moves toward the abutting portion; a shift portion configured to move in a shift direction intersecting the first conveying direction while abutting against one edge of the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion in the first conveying direction, thereby shifting the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion in the shift direction; a driving portion configured to drive the displacement portion to move the displacement portion along a displacement direction; a processing section configured to perform binding processing on a plurality of sheets positioned at binding positions by being conveyed in a second conveying direction by a second conveying section so that second conveying direction downstream edges of the sheets abut against an abutting section and then being moved in a shifting direction by a shifting section; a stacking portion provided downstream in the first conveying direction of the placing portion and on which the sheets conveyed by the first conveying portion are stacked; as well as a discharge portion configured to discharge the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion onto the stacking portion, Among them, the sheet material processing device is capable of performing: a binding discharge process in which a binding process is performed on the plurality of sheets by a processing portion, and the plurality of sheets subjected to the binding process are discharged onto a stacking portion by a discharge portion, and the plurality of sheets are positioned at a binding position by repeating the following process, wherein: after the sheets are conveyed in a first conveying direction by a first conveying portion, the sheets conveyed by the first conveying portion are conveyed in a second conveying direction on a placing portion by a second conveying portion so that a downstream edge of the sheet in the second conveying direction abuts against an abutting portion, and the shifting portion is driven by a driving portion so that the sheets are moved in a shifting direction and positioned at the binding position; and Sorting and discharge processing, including: The unbound first sheet bundle is stacked by repeating the following process a plurality of times: after the sheets are conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion, the sheets are not conveyed in the second conveying direction by the second conveying portion, but the sheets conveyed by the first conveying portion are moved in the shift direction by the shift portion by the driving portion, and the sheets moved in the shift direction by the shift portion are discharged one by one to the shift position on the stacking portion by the discharging portion; and The unbound second sheet bundle is stacked by repeating the following process a plurality of times: without conveying the sheets in the second conveying direction by the second conveying portion, the sheets conveyed by the first conveying portion are discharged one by one by the discharge portion to a position on the stacking portion shifted upstream from the shift position in the shifting direction.

2. The sheet material processing device according to claim 1, in, The discharge portion is a pair of discharge rotary members, at least one of which rotates while pinching the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion. The sheet processing device further includes a discharge rotary member moving member configured to move at least one of the pair of discharge rotary members between a clamping position and a separation position, wherein the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion along the first conveying direction is clamped by the pair of discharge rotary members, and the pair of discharge rotary members are separated from each other at the separation position, and In the sorting and discharging process, the sheet transported by the first transport portion in the first transport direction is located between a pair of discharge rotary members and the pair of discharge rotary members are positioned at separate positions by the discharge rotary member moving member, so that the sheet is moved in the shift direction by the shift portion.

3. The sheet material processing device according to claim 2, in, The discharge rotary member moving member is capable of moving at least either one of the pair of discharge rotary members to a retracted position in which the pair of discharge rotary members are further separated from each other than at the separated position, and Among them, in the sorting and discharging process, when the sheet is conveyed from the first conveying part along the first conveying direction, the discharge rotating member moving member positions a pair of discharge rotating members at the retracted position, and then before the sheet is moved along the shifting direction by the shifting part, the discharge rotating member moving member positions a pair of discharge rotating members at the separation position.

4. The sheet material processing device according to claim 1, in, The displacement portion is a first displacement portion, wherein the driving unit is a first driving unit, The sheet material processing device further comprises: a second shifting portion movable in a shifting direction in a state of abutting against the other edge, in the first conveying direction, of the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion; and a second driving portion configured to drive the second displacement portion to move the second displacement portion along a displacement direction; Here, in the sorting and discharging process, the first shift portion and the second shift portion move in the shift direction while sandwiching the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion from both sides in the shift direction.

5. The sheet material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The sheet processing device is also capable of performing a folding shift discharge process, in which after the sheet is conveyed by the first conveying part along the first conveying direction, the sheet conveyed by the first conveying part along the first conveying direction is conveyed by the second conveying part along the second conveying direction on the placing part so that the second conveying direction downstream edge of the sheet abuts against the abutment part, and the shift part is driven by the driving part to move the sheet conveyed by the first conveying part along the first conveying direction along the shift direction through the shift part, and the sheet moved by the shift part along the shift direction is discharged onto the stacking part through the discharge part without performing the binding process through the processing part. The sheet material processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein: When the sheets are shifted in the shift direction and discharged without performing binding processing on the sheets transported by the first transport portion along the first transport direction, a sorting discharge processing is performed on a first sheet having a first length in the first transport direction, and a return shift discharge processing is performed on a second sheet having a second length greater than the first length in the first transport direction.

7. The sheet material processing device according to claim 1, in, The discharge portion is a pair of discharge rotary members, at least one of which rotates while gripping the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion, and The displacement portion is provided so as to extend from an upstream side to a downstream side in the first conveying direction relative to the pair of discharge rotary members.

8. The sheet material processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The shifting portion includes a curling pressing portion, which is arranged at a position downstream of a clamping position where a sheet is clamped by a pair of discharge rotating members in the first conveying direction and above the clamping position in the vertical direction, and is configured to press the leading end of the sheet that is conveyed by the first conveying portion along the first conveying direction and curled upward.

9. The sheet material processing device according to claim 1, in, The discharge portion is a pair of discharge rotary members, at least one of which rotates while gripping the sheet conveyed in the first conveying direction by the first conveying portion, and Among them, the sheet processing device also includes a dial-in portion, which has a rotating shaft arranged in the vertical direction between a clamping portion of a pair of discharge rotating members and a stacking side abutment portion arranged on the upstream side of the first conveying direction of the stacking portion, and is configured to convey the sheet discharged onto the stacking portion along the third conveying direction by rotating in contact with the upper surface of the sheet discharged onto the stacking portion, and in the third conveying direction, the upstream edge of the sheet in the first conveying direction moves toward the stacking side abutment portion.

10. An imaging system comprising: An image forming device including an image forming portion configured to form an image on a sheet; as well as The sheet processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Among them, the sheet processing apparatus can perform a stapling discharge process and a sorting discharge process on sheets on which images are formed by the image forming portion.

Images