Patting device, post-processing device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A flapping device includes a contact portion that comes into contact with a medium from one side in an intersecting direction that intersects a conveying direction of the medium, and a flapping portion that comes into contact with the medium from the other side in an intersecting direction that intersects the conveying direction of the medium. A contact and separation part which is close to and separated from the contact part in the intersecting direction; and displacement parts which are supported by the contact separation parts in a manner so as to be displaceable in the intersecting direction via force application parts at positions offset from each other in the conveying direction, the contact separation parts being close to the contact parts so as to flap the media in contact with the contact parts from the other side in the intersecting direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a paper post-processing device, which includes a paper alignment component that can be moved to align the ends of multiple sheets of paper placed on an arrangement tray in a state where the multiple sheets of paper are placed on the arrangement tray. The paper post-processing device is characterized in that, in order to prevent the ends of the papers from being stuck in at least one of the ends of the paper alignment component or the moving path of the paper alignment component, at least one of the ends of the paper alignment component or the end edges of the moving path of the paper alignment component is formed to be lower than the surface of the arrangement tray.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses a paper post-processing device in an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an intermediate tray, which accumulates paper after the paper is fed in one by one from the image forming apparatus and temporarily aligned in a bundle by a paper end alignment member for post-processing such as stapling. The paper post-processing device in the image forming apparatus is characterized in that the paper end alignment member includes an offset mechanism, which offsets the paper bundle in a direction orthogonal to the paper feeding direction when the paper is discharged from the intermediate tray to the paper loading tray.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-219885

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-002519

[0006] The following beating device can be considered, comprising: a contact portion, which contacts the medium from one side in a cross direction intersecting with the conveying direction of the medium; a contact and separation portion, which approaches and separates from the contact portion in the cross direction; and a displacement portion, which is supported on the contact and separation portion so as to be displaceable along the cross direction via a force-applying portion, and the contact and separation portion approaches the contact portion, thereby beating the medium in contact with the contact portion from the other side in the cross direction.

[0007] In this beating device, when the single displacement portion is supported by the contact and separation portion via the biasing portion, misalignment of the medium may occur depending on the length of the medium. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to suppress misalignment of a medium regardless of the length of the medium, as compared to a case where a single displacement portion is supported on a contact and separation portion via a biasing portion.

[0009] The first method comprises: a contact portion that contacts the medium from one side in a cross direction intersecting with the conveying direction of the medium; a contact and separation portion that approaches and separates from the contact portion in the cross direction; and a displacement portion that is supported on the contact and separation portion via force-applying portions at positions offset from each other in the conveying direction so as to be displaceable along the cross direction, the contact and separation portion approaches the contact portion, thereby slapping the medium in contact with the contact portion from the other side in the cross direction.

[0010] The second method comprises: a contact portion that contacts the medium from one side in a cross direction that intersects with the conveying direction of the medium; and a slapping portion that slaps the medium in contact with the contact portion from the other side in the cross direction, and has an action portion that performs a slapping action and a plurality of displacement portions that are supported on the action portion so as to be displaceable along the cross direction via force-applying components and contact the medium when performing the slapping action, and the number of the displacement portions that contact the medium is different according to the length in the conveying direction.

[0011] According to a third aspect, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the displacement portions extend in the conveying direction and are supported by the contacting and separating portion via the biasing portions arranged at positions offset from each other in the conveying direction.

[0012] A fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the displacement portion is supported by a common contact and separation portion.

[0013] The fifth embodiment is any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the contact and separation portion has a cylindrical portion formed as a tube extending along the cross direction, and the displacement portion has an axis extending in the cross direction toward a side separated from the contact portion and inserted into the contact and separation portion with the force-applying portion installed on the outer periphery.

[0014] A sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a tapered portion is formed at an end portion of the displacement portion on the side in the conveying direction where the medium is carried in.

[0015] Mode 7: In any one of Modes 1 to 6, the displacement portion includes a first displacement portion arranged at a position close to the side for transporting the medium in the conveying direction, and a second displacement portion arranged at a position further away from the side for transporting the medium than the first displacement portion and including the end portion.

[0016] A post-processing device according to an eighth aspect includes: the beating device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects; and a processing unit that processes the media aligned by the beating device.

[0017] An image forming apparatus according to a ninth aspect includes: an image forming unit for forming an image on a medium; and the tapping device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects for aligning the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the first aspect, compared with a case where a single displacement portion is supported by the contact and separation portion via the biasing portion, misalignment of the medium can be suppressed.

[0020] According to the second aspect, compared with a case where a single displacement portion hits the medium regardless of the length of the medium, misalignment of the medium can be suppressed.

[0021] According to the third aspect, compared with a structure in which the displacement portion is supported by the contact and separation portion via a single biasing portion, misalignment of the medium can be suppressed.

[0022] According to the fourth aspect, compared with a structure in which a plurality of displacement portions are independently supported by the contact and separation portion, misalignment of the medium can be suppressed.

[0023] According to the fifth aspect, compared with a structure in which the displaceable portion is supported by the contact and separation portion only via the urging portion, the direction of the beating by the displaceable portion is stabilized.

[0024] According to the sixth aspect, the medium is less likely to get caught in the displacement portion compared to a structure having an end portion that is perpendicular to the medium and consists only of a surface along the medium when the medium is transported into the beating device.

[0025] According to the seventh aspect, compared with a structure having an end portion perpendicular to the medium and consisting only of a surface along the medium, a long medium is less likely to be caught in the second displacement portion.

[0026] According to the eighth aspect, post-processing is performed in a media-aligned state.

[0027] According to the ninth aspect, the media on which images are formed are aligned. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0029] Figure 1 is a front view showing an overall outline of the image forming system of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 is a side sectional view of the alignment portion of the first embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 is a side sectional view showing a state in which the displacement portion contacts the other side of the recording medium in the alignment portion of the first embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 is a side sectional view of a state in which the displacement portion contacts the other side of the other recording medium in the alignment portion of the first embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the displacement portion is in contact with the other side of the recording medium, as viewed from the contact portion side;

[0034] Figure 6 is a side sectional view of an alignment portion of a second embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 It is a plan cross-sectional view of an alignment portion according to a third embodiment.

[0036] Explanation of symbols

[0037] 100-image forming system, 200-image forming device, 220-paper feeding section, 240-image forming section, 260-discharge section, 300-post-processing device, 400, 600, 700-alignment section (an example of a beating device), 402-panel, 403-opening section, 404-bracket, 410, 610, 710-contact section, 420, 620, 720-beating section, 430, 630, 730-contact and separation section (an example of a contact and separation section, an action section), 440, 640, 740-displacement section, 450, 650, 750-first displacement section (an example of a displacement section), 460, 660, 760-second displacement section (an example of a displacement section), 480-support section, P, Q-recording medium (an example of a medium). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] (Structure of the first embodiment)

[0039] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] Image Forming System

[0041] First, the configuration of the image forming system 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0042] In addition, the arrow UP shown in the figure indicates the top of the image forming system, and the arrow DO indicates the bottom of the image forming system. Furthermore, the arrow LH shown in the figure indicates the left of the image forming system, and the arrow RH indicates the right of the image forming system. Furthermore, the arrow FR shown in the figure indicates the front of the image forming system, and the arrow RR indicates the rear of the image forming system. These directions are specified for ease of explanation, and the system structure is not limited to these directions. In addition, in various directions of the image forming system, the term "image forming system" is sometimes omitted. That is, for example, "the top of the image forming system" is sometimes simply referred to as "the top."

[0043] Furthermore, in the following description, “upper and lower directions” may sometimes be used to mean “the upper and lower directions” or “either of the upper and lower directions”. “Left and right directions” may sometimes be used to mean “the right and left directions” or “either of the right and left directions”. In addition, “left and right directions” may also be referred to as lateral, transverse, and horizontal directions. “Front and rear directions” may sometimes be used to mean “the front and rear directions” or “either of the front and rear directions”. In addition, “front and rear directions” may also be referred to as lateral, transverse, and horizontal directions. Furthermore, the upper and lower directions, left and right directions, and front and rear directions are directions that intersect each other (specifically, directions that are orthogonal).

[0044] In the drawings, a symbol with an "X" placed between "○" indicates an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the page. In the drawings, a symbol with a "·" placed between "○" indicates an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the page. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the various components shown in the drawings in the vertical, left-right, and front-back directions may differ from the actual dimensional ratios.

[0045] Figure 1 The image forming system 100 shown forms an image on a recording medium P and includes an image forming apparatus 200 and a post-processing apparatus 300. Hereinafter, each component of the image forming system 100 (specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 and the post-processing apparatus 300) will be described.

[0046] <<Image forming device>>

[0047] Image forming apparatus 200 forms an image on recording medium P. Image forming apparatus 200 includes a paper feed unit 220, an image forming unit 240, and a discharge unit 260. Image forming apparatus 200 may be, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms an image on recording medium P using toner.

[0048] The paper feed unit 220 performs processes such as feeding the recording medium P, for example.

[0049] The image forming section 240 performs various processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer to a recording medium P, and fixing.

[0050] The discharge unit 260 performs various processes such as a process of discharging the recording medium P on which an image is formed, and a process of supplying the recording medium P to the post-processing device 300 when a post-processing process is required after the discharge.

[0051] Furthermore, as an example of the image forming apparatus 200, it is not limited to the aforementioned electrophotographic image forming apparatus 200. For example, an inkjet image forming apparatus 200 may also be used, and various image forming apparatuses 200 can be used. In the inkjet image forming apparatus 200, for example, an ejection unit (not shown) ejects ink droplets onto a recording medium P, thereby forming an image on the recording medium P.

[0052] <<Post-processing device>>

[0053] Figure 1 The post-processing device 300 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that performs post-processing on the recording medium P on which the image is formed by the image forming device 200. Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the post-processing apparatus 300 includes a post-processing apparatus main body 13, a discharge unit 11, a first post-processing unit 15, a conveying mechanism 30, a pre-processing unit 18, and a second post-processing unit 90. Hereinafter, the components of the post-processing apparatus 300, specifically the post-processing apparatus main body 13, the discharge unit 11, the first post-processing unit 15, the conveying mechanism 30, the pre-processing unit 18, and the second post-processing unit 90, will be described.

[0054] <<Post-processing device main body 13, discharge unit 11, and first post-processing unit 15>>

[0055] Figure 1 The post-processing device main body 13 shown is a portion where various components of the post-processing device 300 are installed. Specifically, the post-processing device main body 13 is composed of a frame formed in a box shape (for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape).

[0056] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, for example, the first post-processing unit 15, the transport mechanism 30, the pre-processing unit 18, and the second post-processing unit 90 are provided inside the post-processing apparatus body 13. The discharge unit 11 is provided on the right side of the post-processing apparatus body 13.

[0057] The discharge unit 11 is disposed on an upper portion of the right side surface of the post-processing apparatus main body 13. The recording medium P that has been post-processed by the first post-processing unit 15 is discharged to the discharge unit 11.

[0058] Here, post-processing refers to processing performed on the recording medium P on which an image is formed. An example of post-processing performed by the first post-processing unit 15 is stapling, in which a plurality of recording media P are bound together using a stapler. However, this post-processing is not limited to stapling. Examples of such post-processing include cutting, in which the recording medium P is cut, and punching, in which a hole is punched in the recording medium P. Any post-processing performed on the recording medium P on which an image is formed is acceptable.

[0059] <<<Conveying mechanism 30>>>

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the conveying mechanism 30 is a mechanism for conveying the recording medium P to the discharge section 11 or the pre-processing section 18 described later. Specifically, the conveying mechanism 30 includes a first path 31, a second path 32, a third path 33, conveying rollers 34, 35, and 36, a first detection section 37, a second detection section 38, and a conveying roller 39. When the recording medium P is conveyed to the discharge section 11, the conveying mechanism 30 conveys the recording medium P, which has passed through the first path 31, to the discharge section 11 by rotating the conveying rollers 35 of the second path 32 in the forward direction. On the other hand, when the recording medium P is conveyed to the pre-processing section 18, the conveying mechanism 30 conveys the recording medium P, which has passed through the first path 31, to the pre-processing section 18 by rotating the conveying rollers 35 of the second path 32 in the reverse direction.

[0061] The third path 33 is a transport path for transporting the recording medium P from the second path 32. Transport rollers 36 and a second detector 38 are arranged on the third path 33. The second detector 38 detects the end (e.g., leading end) of the recording medium P transported on the third path 33.

[0062] The plurality of transport rollers 36 are provided to be capable of forward and reverse rotation, and can switch back the recording medium P on the third path 33. As the plurality of transport rollers 36 rotate forward, the recording medium P is transported to the pre-processing unit 18 described later.

[0063] The recording medium P that has returned on the third path 33 is then conveyed to the second path 32 by the reverse rotation of the conveying roller 36. The conveying roller 36 can control the conveying speed of the recording medium P. Furthermore, the conveying roller 36 can control the timing of conveying the recording medium P to the second path 32 based on the detection result of the second detection unit 38.

[0064] The transport mechanism 30 transports the recording medium P transported from the image forming apparatus 200 via the first path 31 , the second path 32 , and the third path 33 in this order to the pre-processing unit 18 .

[0065] The transport roller 39 is a component that transports each of the plurality of recording media P transported from the transport mechanism 30 .

[0066] In this embodiment, the transport roller 39 transports the recording medium P downward. Specifically, the transport roller 39 includes a driving roller 39A and a driven roller 39B, and this pair of rollers sandwiches and transports the recording medium P. The driving roller 39A is positioned on the discharge portion 11 side (to the right in this embodiment) relative to the driven roller 39B. The driven roller 39B is positioned on the opposite side of the discharge portion 11 relative to the driving roller 39A (to the left in this embodiment).

[0067] <<<Pre-processing unit 18>>>

[0068] The pre-processing unit 18 pre-processes the recording media P conveyed by the conveying mechanism 30. Pre-processing is the process of adjusting the vertical and front-to-back orientations of the plurality of recording media P before processing by the post-processing unit. The pre-processing unit 18 includes a loading unit 20, a guide unit 40, a support unit 480, a contact unit 75, and an alignment unit 400.

[0069] <<<<Loading section 20>>>>

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, the loading section 20 is loaded with recording medium P. In this embodiment, the loading section 20 is configured as a plate-like body extending obliquely upward (obliquely upward to the right in this embodiment) when viewed in a front cross-section. The loading section 20 has a loading surface facing obliquely upward (obliquely upward to the left in this embodiment) and is located at a position opposite the lower portion of the conveyor roller 39. In the loading section 20, the recording medium P, to which a conveying force is applied by the conveyor roller 39, is loaded on the loading surface with one end (hereinafter referred to as the lower end D2) of the recording medium P facing downward. A perforation (not shown) is formed in the loading section 20 for the knife 94 to pass through.

[0071] <<<<Guide portion 40>>>>

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the guide portion 40 is a component that guides the recording medium P transported by the transport roller 39. In this embodiment, the guide portion 40 is formed of a plate-like body that extends diagonally upward (in this embodiment, diagonally upward to the right). The guide portion 40 has a guide surface that faces diagonally downward (in this embodiment, diagonally downward to the right) and is opposite to the loading surface of the loading section 20. The guide portion 40 guides the recording medium P to the loading surface of the loading section 20 via this guide surface. A perforation (not shown) is formed in the guide portion 40 for the knife 94 to pass through.

[0073] <<<<Supporting portion 480>>>>

[0074] like Figure 1As shown, the support portion 480 is a structural portion that supports the lower end D2 of the recording medium P loaded on the loading surface of the loading portion 20. The support portion 480 is arranged on the left obliquely lower side relative to the loading portion 20. The lower ends D2 of the plurality of recording media P loaded on the loading surface of the loading portion 20 abut against the support portion 480, thereby aligning the lower ends D2. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, support portion 480 is movable in the vertical direction according to the size of the recording medium. In this embodiment, recording medium Q is used in addition to recording medium P. Recording medium Q is, for example, shorter than recording medium P in both the front-to-back and vertical directions. When recording medium Q is used, support portion 480 moves upward in the vertical direction to support the lower end of recording medium Q.

[0075] <<<<Contact portion 75>>>>

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, the contact portion 75 presses the upper end D1 of the recording medium P downward, causing the lower end D2 to contact the support portion 480. This aligns the upper end D1 of the recording medium P (in other words, the vertical position of the recording medium P). The upper end D1 is the end of the recording medium P opposite to the lower end D2.

[0077] In this embodiment, the contact portion 75 moves from a non-contact position (not shown) in which it is out of contact with the recording medium P loaded on the loading surface of the loading portion 20, thereby pressing downwardly against the upper end D1 of the recording medium P. This non-contact position is also where the contact portion 75 is separated from the transport path of the recording medium P being transported toward the loading surface. Furthermore, after the contact portion 75 brings the lower end D2 of the recording medium P into contact with the support portion 480, it returns to the non-contact position.

[0078] <<<<Alignment section 400>>>>

[0079] The alignment unit 400 is a structural unit that aligns the side ends of the recording medium P in a state where the surface portion is loaded on the loading unit 20 and the lower end D2 is loaded on the support unit 480, and is arranged below the conveying roller 39. The alignment unit 400 is an example of a beating device. Figure 2 As shown, the alignment unit 400 includes a panel 402, a bracket 404, a contact unit 410, and a tapping unit 420. The up-down direction is an example of a conveying direction of the medium.

[0080] Panel 402 is a rectangular plate extending in the front-to-back direction and is disposed on the back side of loading section 20. The front-to-back direction is an example of a cross direction. Panel 402 has an opening 403. Opening 403 is a long hole extending in the front-to-back direction and is a through hole extending through panel 402 in the thickness direction (left-right direction).

[0081] like Figure 2As shown, bracket 404 has an L-shaped structure comprising a main portion 404A extending in the vertical direction and branch portions 404B fixed to the upper end of main portion 404A and extending in the front-to-back direction. Branch portions 404B of bracket 404 are located on the upper end of panel 402, while the main portion is located on the rear end. A portion of branch portion 404B slidably enters opening 403, and bracket 404 is guided by the edge of opening 403 in panel 402, enabling reciprocating movement of bracket 404 in the front-to-back direction relative to panel 402. Furthermore, alignment unit 400 includes a moving portion 490 that reciprocates bracket 404 in the front-to-back direction relative to panel 402. Moving portion 490 is primarily composed of a drive portion 492 fixed to the back surface of panel 402 and a conversion portion 494 that converts the rotational motion of drive portion 492 into reciprocating motion in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the conversion unit 494 is composed of a pinion 494A attached to the rotating shaft of the motor serving as the drive unit 492 and a rack 494B formed on the branch portion 404B and meshing with the pinion 494A.

[0082] The contact portion 410 is an elongated plate-shaped member extending in the vertical direction and fixed to the panel 402. The contact portion 410 has a flat contact surface 410A facing rearward in the front-to-back direction. The contact surface 410A contacts the side edge of the recording medium P loaded on the loading section 20. The contact portion 410 has a predetermined height h in the horizontal direction. For example, the horizontal height of the contact portion 410 is set to a height that provides a margin relative to the thickness of the number of recording media P that can be loaded on the loading section 20.

[0083] [Slapping Department]

[0084] The beating portion 420 is an elongated structure extending vertically and movable in the front-to-back direction while supported by the bracket 404. The beating portion 420 strikes the side ends of the recording medium P. The beating portion 420 includes a contact and separation portion 430 and a displacement portion 440. Here, beating refers to repeated contact with the target surface from a constant direction.

[0085] 〔〔Contact and separation section〕〕

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown, the contact and separation portion 430 is a structure in which a plurality of cylindrical bodies extending in the front-to-back direction are fixed to an elongated plate-shaped body extending in the vertical direction. The contact and separation portion 430 is an example of an operating portion. The contact and separation portion 430 approaches and separates from the contact portion 410 in the front-to-back direction. Specifically, the contact and separation portion 430 is fixed to the bracket 404 and approaches and separates from the contact surface 410A of the contact portion 410 in the front-to-back direction as the bracket 404 reciprocates in the front-to-back direction based on the rotation of the drive unit 492. The contact and separation portion 430 includes a plate-shaped portion 432 and a cylindrical portion 434.

[0087] The plate-like portion 432 is an elongated plate-like body extending in the vertical direction and serves as the main body of the contact and separation portion 430. The plate-like portion 432 is positioned further rearward in the front-to-back direction than the main body 404A of the bracket 404. The plate-like portion 432 includes fixing portions 436. In this embodiment, the plate-like portion 432 includes four fixing portions 436. The fixing portions 436 protrude forward in the front-to-back direction from the main body 404A of the bracket 404. The fixing portions 436 are fixed to the main body 404A of the bracket 404, thereby enabling the plate-like portion 432 to move along with the bracket 404.

[0088] like Figure 3 As shown, the cylindrical portion 434 is a cylindrical body that protrudes from the front-to-back front end of the plate-like portion 432 in the front-to-back direction. Multiple cylindrical portions 434 are arranged vertically and spaced apart from each other. The cylindrical portions 434 are integrally formed with the plate-like portion 432, and a through-hole shared with the plate-like portion 432 is formed in the hollow portion of the cylindrical portion 434. Specifically, a through-hole extending in the front-to-back direction is formed in the contact and separation portion 430 at the location where the cylindrical portion 434 is disposed. In this embodiment, four cylindrical portions 434 are disposed vertically and spaced apart from each other.

[0089] 〔〔Displacement Unit〕〕

[0090] like Figure 2 As shown, the displacement portion 440 has a rod-like portion extending forward and backward from a vertically elongated plate-like portion. The displacement portion 440 is a striking member that strikes the side edge of the recording medium P from the side opposite to the contact portion 410. The displacement portion 440 includes a first displacement portion 450 and a second displacement portion 460.

[0091] The first displacement portion 450 and the second displacement portion 460 have the same basic structure. Therefore, the first displacement portion 450 will be mainly described first, and then the structure unique to the second displacement portion 460 will be described.

[0092] The first displacement portion 450 is disposed on the upper side of the contact and separation portion 430 in the vertical direction, and taps the upper side of the recording medium P or the side end of the recording medium Q loaded on the loading portion 20 .

[0093] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 4 , the first displacement portion 450 includes a first flat plate portion 452 and a first rod-shaped portion 454. The first rod-shaped portion 454 is an example of a shaft. Figure 3As shown, the first flat plate portion 452 is a long plate extending in the vertical direction, and has a plurality of annular grooves 456 formed at positions separated from each other in the vertical direction and opening toward the rear in the front-rear direction. The first flat plate portion 452 has one end 452A, the other end 452B, a front end 452C, and a rear end 452D, and as shown Figure 5 As shown, it has a first convex portion 452E and a second convex portion 452F.

[0094] One end portion 452A is the upper end portion in the vertical direction. The other end portion 452B is the lower end portion in the vertical direction and constitutes the end portion opposite to one end portion 452A. The front end portion 452C is formed flat and is the surface portion facing the contact portion 410. The rear end portion 452D is the surface portion opposite to the front end portion 452C and is formed with an annular groove 456 that opens rearward in the front-rear direction.

[0095] like Figure 5 As shown, the first protrusion 452E is a protrusion that protrudes from the main body extending in the vertical direction to the left in the horizontal direction (upper in the vertical direction in the figure) while being separated in the vertical direction (left-right direction in the figure). The second protrusion 452F is a protrusion that protrudes from the main body to the right in the horizontal direction (lower in the vertical direction in the figure) while being separated in the vertical direction (left-right direction in the figure). The protrusion amount of each of the first protrusion 452E and the second protrusion 452F is determined according to the number of recording media P that can be loaded into the loading unit 20.

[0096] The first rod-shaped portion 454 is in the shape of a rod sharing a center with the annular groove 456, extends from the rear end portion 452D of the first flat portion 452 toward the rear in the front-to-rear direction, and is formed with a groove on the outer periphery of the rear end side in the front-to-rear direction. In addition, a retaining ring 442 described later is installed in the groove. The first rod-shaped portion 454 is configured corresponding to the cylindrical portion 434 of the contact and separation portion 430. The first rod-shaped portion 454 has a length in the front-to-rear direction that is longer than the length (the height of the cylinder) of the cylindrical portion 434 in the front-to-rear direction and an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow portion of the cylindrical portion 434. In the present embodiment, the first rod-shaped portion 454 is formed integrally with the first flat portion 452.

[0097] like Figure 3As shown, coil spring 470 is a compression coil spring having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of first rod-shaped portion 454 and an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the through-hole in cylindrical portion 434 of contact and separation portion 430. Coil spring 470 is positioned between contact and separation portion 430 and first flat plate portion 452 of first displacement portion 450, and biases first displacement portion 450 relative to contact and separation portion 430. Coil spring 470 is an example of a biasing member. The front end of coil spring 470 in the front-to-back direction is positioned in annular groove 456. Furthermore, the rear end of coil spring 470 in the front-to-back direction contacts the front end of contact and separation portion 430, thereby being positioned. When coil spring 470 is attached to the outer circumference of first rod-shaped portion 454 and retaining ring 442 is installed in the groove of first rod-shaped portion 454 with first rod-shaped portion 454 inserted into cylindrical portion 434 of contact and separation portion 430, coil spring 470 remains in a compressed and deformed state (initial mounting state). In the present embodiment, a coil spring 470 is attached to each of the two first rod-shaped portions 454 of the first displacement portion 450 .

[0098] According to the above configuration, the first displacement portion 450 is supported by the contacting and separating portion 430 in the front-rear direction via the coil spring 470 .

[0099] Next, the second displacement portion 460 will be described. The second displacement portion 460 has a basic structure equivalent to that of the first displacement portion 450. Figure 2 As shown, the second displacement portion 460 is disposed below the contact and separation portion 430 in the vertical direction and at a position offset from each other in the vertical direction by a distance GP relative to the first displacement portion 450, and slaps the lower side of the recording medium P loaded on the loading portion 20 (refer to FIG. Figure 3 ) The second displacement portion 460 is not arranged at the position where the side end portion of the recording medium Q is struck.

[0100] The second displacement portion 460 includes a second flat portion 462 and a second rod-shaped portion 464. The second flat portion 462 corresponds to the first flat portion 452, the second rod-shaped portion 464 corresponds to the first rod-shaped portion 454, and the annular groove 466 corresponds to the annular groove 456. These portions are designed to have the same shape and function. The second flat portion 462 includes one end 462A, another end 462B, a front end 462C, and a rear end 462D. The other end 462B and the rear end 462D are designed to have the same shape and function as the other end 452B and the rear end 452D, respectively.

[0101] The second displacement portion 460 has a tapered portion facing upward in the vertical direction at the corner between the one end portion 462A and the front end portion 462C. Furthermore, in addition to the above, the second displacement portion 460 is supported in the front-to-rear direction by the contacting and separating portion 430 via the coil spring 470 and the retaining ring 442.

[0102] As described above, the slapping portion 420 includes the contact and separation portion 430 and the displacement portion 440 .

[0103] Furthermore, the alignment unit 400 is configured as described above.

[0104] <<<Second post-processing unit 90>>>

[0105] Figure 1 The second post-processing unit 90 shown is a component that performs post-processing on the recording media P loaded on the loading surface of the loading unit 20. The second post-processing unit 90 is an example of a processing unit. In this embodiment, the second post-processing unit 90 performs post-processing by stapling and folding a plurality of recording media P.

[0106] like Figure 1 As shown, the second post-processing unit 90 includes a stapling unit 91, a pair of folding rollers 92 and 93, a knife 94, and a discharge roller 96. The stapling unit 91 is a so-called stapler that staples the plurality of recording media P loaded on the loading surface of the loading unit 20 into the middle of the plurality of recording media P in the vertical direction to thereby bind the plurality of recording media P.

[0107] The pair of folding rollers 92 and 93 are arranged side by side along an obliquely upper right side and an obliquely lower right side with respect to the perforation of the loading surface of the loading portion 20. The folding rollers 92 and 93 rotate independently.

[0108] The blade 94 is longer than the length of the recording medium P in the front-to-back direction, and has a tapered front end.

[0109] The blade 94 presses the recording medium P, thereby bending the recording medium P. Specifically, the blade 94 moves obliquely downward to the right, perpendicular to the guide portion 40, with its tip pressed against the vertical center portion of the plurality of recording media P, which will become the fold. The blade 94 then presses the center portion between the pair of folding rollers 92 and 93, whereby the plurality of recording media P is sandwiched between the pair of folding rollers 92 and 93 and bent.

[0110] The pair of folding rollers 92 and 93 rotate, thereby conveying the folded recording medium P to the discharge rollers 96. The discharge rollers 96 convey the plurality of recording media P folded by the pair of folding rollers 92 and 93 and the blade 94, and discharge them to a discharge unit (not shown).

[0111] The post-processing performed by the second post-processing unit 90 is not limited to the aforementioned processing. For example, the post-processing may be only one of a binding process for binding a plurality of recording media P and a folding process for folding a plurality of recording media P. Furthermore, the post-processing may be a cutting process for cutting the recording media P or a perforating process for perforating the recording media P, as long as the process is performed on the recording media P on which an image is formed.

[0112] Effects

[0113] When the post-processing device 300 performs post-processing, the alignment unit 400 aligns the front-back position of the recording medium P or the recording medium Q loaded on the loading unit 20. Figure 3 In the following, the state of alignment of the recording medium P is described. Figure 4 , the state of alignment of the recording medium Q is described. Furthermore, position P1, position P2, position P1U, position P2U, and position P2L are all absolute positions relative to the alignment portion 400. They are arranged from the rear toward the front in the front-to-back direction and are determined according to the size of the recording medium P or the recording medium Q. Specifically, position P1 is the position of the contact and separation portion 430 before the recording medium P is struck, and position P2 is the position of the first displacement portion 450 and the second displacement portion 460 before the recording medium P is struck. Furthermore, position P1U is the position of the contact and separation portion 430 before the recording medium Q is struck, position P2U is the position of the first displacement portion 450 before the recording medium Q is struck, and position P2L is the position of the second displacement portion 460 when the first displacement portion 450 is located at position P2U.

[0114] like Figure 3 As shown, when aligning the recording medium P, the recording medium P is set along the contact portion 410. Next, the drive portion 492 (refer to Figure 2 ) moves the bracket 404 so that the contact and separation portion 430 is located at position P1 and the first displacement portion 450 and the second displacement portion 460 are located at position P2. Furthermore, the operation of the drive unit 492 causes the bracket 404 to reciprocate in the front-to-back direction, and the contact and separation portion 430 begins its tapping action. As a result, the contact and separation portion 430 causes the first displacement portion 450 and the second displacement portion 460 to repeatedly press, or tap, the side ends of the recording medium P via the coil spring 470. The first displacement portion 450 and the second displacement portion 460 repeatedly press against the side ends of the recording medium P, compressing and deforming the coil spring 470 while aligning the recording medium P in the front-to-back direction.

[0115] like Figure 4 As shown, when aligning the recording medium Q, the recording medium Q is set along the contact portion 410. Next, the drive portion 492 (refer to Figure 2) moves the bracket 404 so that the contact and separation portion 430 is located at position P1U, the first displacement portion 450 is located at position P2U, and the second displacement portion 460 is located at position P2L. Furthermore, the operation of the drive unit 492 causes the bracket 404 to reciprocate in the front-to-back direction, and the contact and separation portion 430 begins its tapping action. As a result, the contact and separation portion 430 causes the first displacement portion 450 to repeatedly press, or tap, the side ends of the recording medium Q via the coil spring 470. The first displacement portion 450, repeatedly pressing the side ends of the recording medium Q, compresses and deforms the coil spring 470, aligning the recording medium Q in the front-to-back direction.

[0116] On the other hand, because the recording medium Q is shorter in the vertical direction than the recording medium P, the second displacement portion 460 does not contact the recording medium Q. Consequently, the coil spring 470 between the contacting and separating portion 430 and the second displacement portion 460 does not receive a reaction force from the recording medium Q, and instead repeats a back-and-forth reciprocating motion in accordance with the flapping action of the contacting and separating portion 430 while maintaining its initial mounting state.

[0117] In this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the alignment portion 400 includes: a contact portion 410, which contacts the recording medium Q from the front side in the front-to-back direction; a contact and separation portion 430, which approaches and separates from the contact portion 410 in the front-to-back direction; and a displacement portion 440, which is supported on the contact and separation portion 430 at positions offset from each other in the up-down direction so as to be displaceable in the front-to-back direction via coil springs 470, and the contact and separation portion 430 approaches the contact portion 410, thereby slapping the recording medium in contact with the contact portion 410 from the rear side in the front-to-back direction.

[0118] In other words, the alignment portion 400 includes: a contact portion 410, which contacts the recording medium Q from the front side in the front-to-back direction; a slapping portion 420, which slaps the recording medium Q in contact with the contact portion 410 from the front side in the front-to-back direction, and has a contact and separation portion 430 that performs a slapping action, and a first displacement portion 450 and a second displacement portion 460 that are supported on the contact and separation portion 430 so as to be displaceable in the front-to-back direction via a coil spring 470 and that contacts the recording medium Q when performing the slapping action, and the number of the first displacement portion 450 and the second displacement portion 460 that contact the recording medium is different according to the length in the up-down direction.

[0119] According to this structure, compared with a case where a single displacement portion having a size capable of slapping from the upper part to the lower part of the recording medium P is supported on the contact separation portion via multiple force-applying portions separated in the upper and lower directions, or a case where the single displacement portion slaps the recording medium, poor alignment of the recording medium Q is suppressed regardless of the length of the recording medium.

[0120] Furthermore, in the alignment unit 400 of this embodiment, the first displacement unit 450 and the second displacement unit 460 are respectively arranged along the conveying direction ( Figure 3 The contact and separation portion 430 extends in the vertical direction and is supported by coil springs 470 arranged at positions offset from each other in the conveying direction. This configuration can suppress misalignment of the recording medium compared to a configuration in which the displacement portion is supported by the contact and separation portion via a single coil spring.

[0121] Furthermore, in the alignment unit 400 of this embodiment, the first displacement unit 450 and the second displacement unit 460 are supported by the common contact and separation unit 430. This configuration can suppress misalignment of the recording medium compared to a configuration in which a plurality of displacement units are independently supported by the contact and separation unit.

[0122] Furthermore, in the alignment portion 400 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the contact and separation portion 430 has a cylindrical portion 434 formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-back direction, and the first displacement portion 450 and the second displacement portion 460 have a coil spring 470 (see FIG. 1 ) installed on the outer periphery and extending toward the side separated from the contact portion 410 in the front-to-back direction. Figure 3 ) is inserted into the first rod-shaped portion 454 of the contact and separation portion 430. According to this structure, compared with a structure in which the displacement portion is supported on the contact and separation portion only via a coil spring, the flapping direction is restricted, so the flapping direction based on the first displacement portion 450 and the second displacement portion 460 is stable.

[0123] Furthermore, in the alignment unit 400 of this embodiment, the second displacement unit has a tapered portion formed at the corner between the one end portion 462A and the front end portion 462C. This configuration makes it less likely that the recording medium will become stuck in the second displacement unit 460, compared to a configuration having an end portion that contacts the recording medium when the recording medium P is transported into the alignment unit 400 and that consists solely of a surface along the recording medium.

[0124] Furthermore, in the alignment section 400 of this embodiment, the displacement section 440 includes a first displacement section 450 disposed at a position closer to the upper side in the vertical direction, and a second displacement section 460 disposed at a position further away from the lower side in the vertical direction than the first displacement section 450 and including a corner portion between one end 462A and a front end 462C. This configuration makes it less likely that a long recording medium will become caught in the second displacement section 460, compared to a configuration having an end portion that is perpendicular to the recording medium and consists only of a surface along the recording medium.

[0125] The post-processing device 300 of this embodiment includes an alignment unit 400, and a first post-processing unit 15 and a second post-processing unit 90 for processing the recording media aligned by the alignment unit. With this configuration, post-processing is performed with the recording media aligned.

[0126] [Structure of the Second Embodiment]

[0127] The following, according to Figure 1 and Figure 6 An example of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0128] This embodiment has the same basic structure as the first embodiment, but the alignment unit 600 of this embodiment is installed in a different position than the alignment unit 400 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the alignment unit 600 of this embodiment is a structure (swinging accumulator) that aligns recording media with images formed thereon by tapping them within the image forming apparatus 200.

[0129] like Figure 6 As shown, the alignment portion 600 includes a contact portion 610 and a tapping portion 620. The tapping portion 620 includes a contact and separation portion 630 and a displacement portion 640 (a first displacement portion 650 and a second displacement portion 660). These components have the same functions as those in the first embodiment.

[0130] When the recording medium P or Q is transported to the left side in the horizontal direction (the lower side in the vertical direction in the figure), the alignment unit 600 aligns the recording medium P or Q and then uses a reversing mechanism (not shown) to transport the recording medium P or Q to the right side in the horizontal direction (the upper side in the vertical direction in the figure). This reversing mechanism is used, for example, when forming images on both sides of the recording medium P or Q.

[0131] (Effect)

[0132] The image forming apparatus 200 according to this embodiment includes an image forming unit 240 that forms an image, and an alignment unit 600 that aligns recording media on which images are formed by the image forming unit 240. With this configuration, the recording media on which images are formed are aligned.

[0133] (Structure of the third embodiment)

[0134] The following, according to Figure 1 and Figure 7 An example of a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0135] This embodiment has the same basic structure as the first embodiment, but the alignment unit 700 of this embodiment is installed in a different position than the alignment unit 400 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the alignment unit 700 of this embodiment is a structure (side pressers, side fences) that taps and aligns recording media with images formed thereon in the discharge unit 260 of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0136] like Figure 7As shown, the alignment portion 700 includes a contact portion 710 and a tapping portion 720. The tapping portion 720 includes a contact and separation portion 730 and a displacement portion 740 (a first displacement portion 750 and a second displacement portion 760). These components have the same functions as those in the first embodiment.

[0137] When the recording medium P or Q with an image formed thereon is discharged from the discharge unit 260, the alignment unit 700 taps the recording medium P or Q to align it. The recording medium P or Q aligned by the alignment unit 700 is discharged from the discharge unit 260 from the right side in the left-right direction (the upper side in the vertical direction in the figure).

[0138] (Effect)

[0139] The image forming apparatus 200 according to this embodiment includes an alignment unit 700 for aligning recording media, and a discharge unit 260 for discharging the recording media aligned by the alignment unit 700. With this configuration, the discharged recording media are aligned.

[0140] (Variation)

[0141] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can adopt various other embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0142] The contact portion 410 is fixed to the panel 402, but is not limited thereto. For example, the contact portion 410 may be supported so as to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the panel 402. In this case, for example, it is preferable to drive the contact portion 410 (see FIG. 4 ). Figure 2 ) moves in the front-to-rear direction along with the linear movement of the bracket 404.

[0143] The displacement portions extend in the conveying direction and are supported relative to the contacting and separating portion via the biasing portions arranged at positions offset from each other in the conveying direction.

[0144] In the alignment unit 400, the first displacement unit 450 and the second displacement unit 460 are respectively arranged along the conveying direction ( Figure 3 The contact and separation portion 430 is supported by coil springs 470 that are arranged at positions offset from each other in the conveying direction, but this is not essential.

[0145] In the alignment portion 400 , the first displacement portion 450 and the second displacement portion 460 are supported by the common contact and separation portion 430 , but this is not essential.

[0146] like Figure 2As shown, the contact and separation portion 430 has a cylindrical portion 434 formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-back direction, and the first displacement portion 450 and the second displacement portion 460 have a first rod-shaped portion 454 extending in the front-to-back direction toward the side separated from the contact portion 410 and inserted into the contact and separation portion 430 with a coil spring 470 installed on the outer periphery, but this is not necessary.

[0147] In the alignment portion 400, the second displacement portion 460 is configured to have a tapered portion at the corner between the one end portion 462A and the front end portion 462C. However, this is not essential. For example, the first displacement portion 450 may be formed with a tapered portion instead of the second displacement portion 460, or both the first displacement portion 450 and the second displacement portion 460 may be formed with tapered portions. In other words, neither the first displacement portion 450 nor the second displacement portion 460 may have a tapered portion.

[0148] In the alignment portion 400, the displacement portion 440 includes a first displacement portion 450 disposed at a position closer to the upper side in the vertical direction, and a second displacement portion 460 disposed at a position further away from the lower side in the vertical direction than the first displacement portion 450 and including a corner portion between the one end portion 462A and the front end portion 462C, but these are not essential.

[0149] While the alignment unit is described as being applied to post-processing device 300 immediately following image forming apparatus 200, the interior of image forming apparatus 200, and discharge unit 260 within image forming apparatus 200, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the alignment unit may be applied to paper feed unit 220 or a manual insertion unit (not shown) of image forming apparatus 200.

[0150] Recording medium Q is, for example, shorter than recording medium P in both the front-to-back direction and the vertical direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, recording medium Q may be shorter than recording medium P in either the front-to-back direction or the vertical direction, or recording medium Q may be a recording medium in which the orientation of recording medium P is rotated.

[0151] <Note> (1)

[0153] A beating device comprising:

[0154] a contact portion that contacts the medium from one side in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction of the medium;

[0155] a contact and separation portion that approaches and separates relative to the contact portion in the intersecting direction; and

[0156] The displacement parts are supported on the contact and separation parts via force applying parts at positions offset from each other in the conveying direction so as to be displaceable in the cross direction. The contact and separation parts approach the contact part, thereby tapping the medium in contact with the contact part from the other side in the cross direction. (2)

[0158] A beating device comprising:

[0159] a contact portion that contacts the medium from one side in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction of the medium; and

[0160] The slapping portion slaps the medium in contact with the contact portion from the other side in the cross direction, and comprises an action portion that performs the slapping action and a plurality of displacement portions that are supported on the action portion so as to be displaceable along the cross direction via force-applying components and that contact the medium when performing the slapping action, and the number of the displacement portions that contact the medium varies depending on the length in the conveying direction. (3)

[0162] The beating device according to (1) or (2), wherein

[0163] The displacement portions each extend in the conveying direction and are supported by the contacting and separating portion via the biasing portions disposed at positions offset from each other in the conveying direction. (4)

[0165] The beating device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0166] The displacement portions are supported by a common contact and separation portion. (5)

[0168] The beating device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein

[0169] The contact and separation portion includes a cylindrical portion formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the intersecting direction.

[0170] The displacement portion includes a shaft body that extends in the intersecting direction toward a side away from the contact portion and is inserted into the contact and separation portion with the urging portion attached to an outer circumference thereof. (6)

[0172] The beating device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein

[0173] The displacement portion has a tapered portion formed at an end portion in the conveying direction on the side into which the medium is carried. (7)

[0175] The beating device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0176] The displacement portion includes a first displacement portion disposed near the side for carrying in the medium in the conveying direction, and a second displacement portion disposed further away from the side for carrying in the medium than the first displacement portion and including the end portion. (8)

[0178] A post-processing device comprising:

[0179] The beating device according to any one of (1) to (7); and

[0180] A processing unit processes the media aligned by the beating device. (9)

[0182] An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0183] an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium; and

[0184] The beating device according to any one of (1) to (7) aligns the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit.

[0185] According to (1), compared with a case where a single displacement portion is supported by the contact and separation portion via the biasing portion, misalignment of the medium can be suppressed.

[0186] According to (2), compared with a case where a single displacement portion hits the medium regardless of the length of the medium, misalignment of the medium can be suppressed.

[0187] According to (3), compared with a structure in which the displacement portion is supported relative to the contact and separation portion via a single biasing portion, misalignment of the medium can be suppressed.

[0188] According to (4), compared with a structure in which a plurality of displacement portions are independently supported by the contact and separation portion, misalignment of the medium can be suppressed.

[0189] According to (5), compared with a structure in which the displacement portion is supported on the contact and separation portion only via the biasing portion, the direction of the beating by the displacement portion is stabilized.

[0190] According to (6), the medium is less likely to get caught in the displacement portion compared to a structure having an end portion that is orthogonal to the medium and consists only of a surface along the medium when the medium is transported to the beating device.

[0191] According to (7), compared with a structure having an end portion perpendicular to the medium and consisting only of a surface along the medium, a long medium is less likely to be caught in the second displacement portion.

[0192] According to (8), post-processing is performed in the media alignment state.

[0193] According to (9), the media alignment with the image is formed.

[0194] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and explanation. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. It is obvious that various modifications and variations are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily explain the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technical personnel in this field can understand the present invention through various modifications optimized for specific uses of the assumed various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A beating device comprising: a contact portion that contacts the medium from one side in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction of the medium; a contact and separation portion that approaches and separates relative to the contact portion in the intersecting direction; and The displacement parts are supported on the contact and separation parts via force applying parts at positions offset from each other in the conveying direction so as to be displaceable in the cross direction. The contact and separation parts approach the contact part, thereby tapping the medium in contact with the contact part from the other side in the cross direction.

2. A beating device comprising: a contact portion that contacts the medium from one side in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction of the medium; and The slapping portion slaps the medium in contact with the contact portion from the other side in the cross direction, and comprises an action portion that performs the slapping action and a plurality of displacement portions that are supported on the action portion so as to be displaceable along the cross direction via force-applying components and that contact the medium when performing the slapping action, and the number of the displacement portions that contact the medium varies depending on the length in the conveying direction.

3. The beating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The displacement portions each extend in the conveying direction and are supported by the contacting and separating portion via the biasing portions disposed at positions offset from each other in the conveying direction.

4. The beating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The displacement portions are supported by a common contact and separation portion.

5. The beating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The contact and separation portion includes a cylindrical portion formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the intersecting direction. The displacement portion includes a shaft body that extends in the intersecting direction toward a side away from the contact portion and is inserted into the contact and separation portion with the urging portion attached to an outer circumference thereof.

6. The beating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The displacement portion has a tapered portion formed at an end portion in the conveying direction on the side into which the medium is carried.

7. The beating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The displacement portion includes a first displacement portion disposed near the side where the medium is carried in in the conveying direction, and a second displacement portion disposed further away from the side where the medium is carried in than the first displacement portion and including an end portion.

8. A post-processing device comprising: The beating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and A processing unit processes the media aligned by the beating device.

9. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium; and The beating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 aligns the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming portion.

Images