Post-processing device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus. The post-processing apparatus includes: a mounting plate on which a plurality of recording media are stacked; a sheet discharge tray on which a plurality of recording media are discharged; a transport unit (200) that transports a bundle of the plurality of recording media stacked on the placement plate to the sheet discharge tray; and a single drive unit (300) that drives the transport unit (200), the transport unit (200) including: a gripping unit that grips the plurality of recording media stacked on the placement plate; a gripping section conveying section (210) that moves the gripping section in a state in which the plurality of recording media are gripped in a sheet discharge direction from the placement plate to the sheet discharge tray; and a swing drive mechanism (M2) that reciprocates the grip transport unit (210) in a direction parallel to the sheet discharge direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and particularly to a post-processing apparatus for post-processing a recording medium and an image forming apparatus having the post-processing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Image forming apparatuses, such as MFPs (Multi-Function Peripheral), may include post-processing units. The post-processing unit feeds bundles of paper for which images have been formed by the MFP onto a paper tray. Preferably, the bundles of recording media being fed onto the paper tray are aligned.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent No. 4774362 discloses a sheet material processing apparatus, which includes: a stacking unit for temporarily receiving and stacking sheet material components; a binding unit for binding multiple sheet material components stacked on the stacking unit; a first conveying unit for contacting the rear ends of the multiple sheet material components that have undergone the binding process and conveying the sheet material components to a transfer position; a second conveying unit for receiving the conveying from the first conveying unit after the transfer position and removing the sheet material components from the stacking unit; a drive unit for driving the first and second conveying units by the rotational driving force of a single drive source; and a drive conversion unit for converting the rotational movement of the drive unit into linear reciprocating movement, the drive conversion unit having a cam and a cam follower, and the first conveying unit being set to a stop state for a predetermined time at the transfer position by the shape of the contact portion between the cam and the cam follower.

[0004] However, in the sheet processing apparatus described in Patent No. 4774362, the sheet components are transferred from the first conveying unit to the second conveying unit, so there is a situation where multiple aligned sheet components become misaligned during the transfer.

[0005] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-6195 discloses a sheet gathering device that gathers sheets from a paper discharge port into a bundle at a predetermined position on a tray. The device is characterized by comprising: a paper discharge port; a tray unit for gathering sheets from the paper discharge port; a paper discharge unit for conveying sheets toward a sheet end reference position on the tray unit; a side alignment unit for aligning the paper discharge orthogonal direction of the sheet conveyed by the paper discharge unit with a sheet side reference position; a clamping unit for moving the sheet bundle gathered on the tray unit; a clamping and conveying drive unit for moving the clamping unit along the tray unit; and a control unit for controlling the paper discharge. The unit comprises a side alignment unit and the aforementioned clamping unit. The clamping unit consists of a fixed clamping member that engages with the lowermost sheet of the sheet bundle, a movable clamping member that engages with the uppermost sheet, and a clamping opening and closing drive unit. The clamping opening and closing drive unit causes the movable clamping member to open and close between a standby position retracted from the uppermost sheet and a clamping position engaged with the uppermost sheet. The control unit performs the following actions: after positioning the sheet from the paper discharge port at a predetermined position on the tray unit using the aforementioned paper discharge unit and the aforementioned side alignment unit, the movable clamping member is moved from the standby position to the clamping position using the aforementioned clamping opening and closing drive unit to press the end of the sheet, and then returns to the standby position.

[0006] However, the sheet gathering device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-6195 has the following problems: it requires two drive sources, namely the drive source of the clamping unit and the drive source of the clamping conveying drive unit, which increases the manufacturing cost, and requires synchronous control of the clamping unit and the clamping conveying drive unit, which makes the process cumbersome.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4774362

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-6195 Summary of the Invention

[0009] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a post-processing apparatus that can reduce costs and discharge multiple recording media in an aligned state.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can suppress the cost of post-processing apparatus and enable multiple recording media to be discharged in an aligned state.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a post-processing apparatus includes: an alignment section for stacking a plurality of recording media; a media receiving section for discharging a plurality of recording media; a conveying section for conveying a bundle of the plurality of recording media stacked on the alignment section to the media receiving section; and a single drive section for driving the conveying section, the conveying section including: a gripping section for gripping the plurality of recording media stacked on the alignment section; a gripping section conveying section for moving the gripping section, which is holding the plurality of recording media, in a paper discharge direction from the alignment section toward the media receiving section; and a reciprocating mechanism for reciprocating the gripping section conveying section in a direction parallel to the paper discharge direction.

[0012] According to other aspects of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes the post-processing apparatus described above. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a first perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view schematically representing an example of the internal structure of an MFP.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the post-processing device in this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the post-processing device in this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a side view showing an example of the internal structure of the post-processing device in this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a first top view showing an example of the alignment section of the post-processing device.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a first perspective view showing an example of a conveyor section.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing an example of a holding and conveying section.

[0021] Figure 9 The first figure is an example showing the positional relationship between the guide side plate and the grip.

[0022] Figure 10 The second figure is an example showing the positional relationship between the guide side plate and the grip.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a second perspective view showing an example of a conveyor section.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a first side view of the swing drive mechanism.

[0025] Figure 13 This is the second side view of the swing drive mechanism.

[0026] Figure 14 This is the third side view of the swing drive mechanism.

[0027] Figure 15 This is the fourth side view of the swing drive mechanism.

[0028] Figure 16 The first figure is an example illustrating the relationship between the position of the holding section in the paper discharge direction and its position in the circulation path of the holding section.

[0029] Figure 17 The second figure is an example illustrating the relationship between the position of the holding section in the paper discharge direction and its position in the circulation path of the holding section.

[0030] Figure 18 The third figure is an example illustrating the relationship between the position of the holding section in the paper discharge direction and its position in the circulation path of the holding section.

[0031] Figure 19 The fourth figure is an example of the relationship between the position of the gripping section in the paper discharge direction and the position of the gripping section in the circulation path.

[0032] Figure 20 The fifth figure is an example of the relationship between the position of the holding section in the paper discharge direction and the position of the holding section in the circulation path.

[0033] Figure 21 This is a first side view showing an example of an open mechanism for holding the part.

[0034] Figure 22 This is a second side view showing an example of a holding mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a first perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP according to one embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 1MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus. Here, the X, Y, and Z directions, which intersect each other perpendicularly, are defined. The X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal plane. The direction in the Y direction from the back of MFP 1 toward the front (from the positive side of the Y direction toward the negative side) is called the front direction, and the horizontal direction from the front to the back (from the negative side of the Y direction toward the positive side) is called the back direction.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the internal structure of an MFP. (See reference...) Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 MFP1 includes: a manuscript reading unit 2 for reading manuscripts; an image forming unit 3 for forming an image on paper based on image data; a paper feeding unit 4 for feeding paper to the image forming unit 3; and a post-processing device 100 for performing post-processing on the paper on which the image has been formed.

[0038] The original document reading unit 2 exposes the image of the original document placed on the original document glass 11 using an exposure lamp 13 mounted on a slider 12 that moves below it. The reflected light from the original document is guided by a mirror 14 and two mirrors 15, 15A to a lens 16, and then imaged onto a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor 18.

[0039] The reflected light imaged on the CCD sensor 18 is converted into image data as an electrical signal within the CCD sensor 18. The image data is converted into cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) printing data and output to the image forming unit 3.

[0040] The image forming unit 3 includes image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Here, "Y", "M", "C", and "K" represent yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. An image is formed by driving at least one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. If all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are driven, a full-color image is formed. Printing data for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are input to the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, respectively. Since the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K only process different toner colors, the image forming unit 20Y used to form a yellow image will be described here.

[0041] The image forming unit 20Y includes an exposure device 21Y, a photosensitive drum 23Y, a charged roller 22Y, a developer 24Y, and a primary transfer roller 25Y. The charged roller 22Y, exposure device 21Y, developer 24Y, primary transfer roller 25Y, and drum cleaning blade 27Y are arranged sequentially around the periphery of the photosensitive drum 23Y along its rotation direction. The exposure device 21Y is input with data for printing yellow text. The photosensitive drum 23Y serves as the image carrier. The charged roller 22Y uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 23Y. The primary transfer roller 25Y uses the electric field to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 23Y onto the intermediate transfer belt 30, which serves as the image carrier.

[0042] After being charged by the charged roller 22Y, the photosensitive drum 23Y is irradiated with laser light emitted by the exposure unit 21Y. The exposure unit 21Y exposes the image-corresponding area on the surface of the photosensitive drum 23Y. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 23Y. Next, the developer 24Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 23Y using charged toner. Specifically, toner is placed on the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 23Y using an electric field, thereby forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 23Y. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 23Y is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30, which serves as an image carrier, by the primary transfer roller 25Y using an electric field. Any toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 23Y that is not transferred is removed from the photosensitive drum 23Y by the drum cleaning blade 27Y.

[0043] The intermediate transfer belt 30 is suspended in a non-slack manner by the drive roller 33 and the driven roller 34. If the drive roller 33 is in Figure 2 If the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates counterclockwise, it will rotate counterclockwise at a specified speed as shown in the diagram. Accompanying the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 30, the driven roller 34 rotates counterclockwise.

[0044] Therefore, image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K sequentially transfer toner images onto the intermediate transfer belt 30. The timing of the toner image transfer by image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 is adjusted based on the detection of reference marks marked on the intermediate transfer belt 30. Thus, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 30.

[0045] The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 30 is transferred to the paper by the secondary transfer roller 26, which serves as a transfer component, using an electric field. The paper, conveyed by the timing roller 31, is fed to the gap between the intermediate transfer belt 30 and the secondary transfer roller 26. The paper with the toner image transferred is then conveyed to the fixing roller 32, where it is heated and pressurized. As a result, the toner melts and is fixed onto the paper. The paper is then conveyed to the post-processing unit 100.

[0046] Paper of different sizes is placed in paper feed boxes 35 and 35A respectively. The paper stored in paper feed boxes 35 and 35A is supplied to the conveying path 39 by the take-out rollers 36 and 36A respectively installed in paper feed boxes 35 and 35A, and then conveyed to the timing roller 31 by the paper feed roller 37.

[0047] When forming a full-color image, the MFP1 drives all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K; however, when forming a monochrome image, it drives only one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. Alternatively, two or more of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K can be combined to form an image. Furthermore, an example of the MFP1 using a series configuration of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K is described here, where each of these units forms a four-color toner image on the paper. However, the MFP1 can also form an image in a four-cycle manner, using a single photosensitive drum to sequentially transfer the four-color toner images onto the paper.

[0048] The post-processing unit 100 is disposed in the storage space between the image forming unit 3 and the original document reading unit 2 of the MFP1. The post-processing unit 100 is disposed on a sliding surface 40 in a state that allows it to slide in the X direction. The sliding surface 40 is the upper surface of the top plate of the housing that houses the image forming unit 3.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the post-processing device in this embodiment. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the post-processing device in this embodiment. Figure 5 This is a side view showing an example of the internal structure of the post-processing device in this embodiment. (Refer to...) Figures 3-5 The post-processing device 100 has a main body housing 101. The main body housing 101 has a main body rear portion 140 protruding to the positive side in the X direction. The main body rear portion 140 is a part of the main body housing 101 and includes a portion of the bottom surface 142 of the main body housing 101. The main body rear portion 140 has an operating surface 141 facing upward opposite to the bottom surface 142. A guide groove 144A extending in the X direction is formed on the operating surface 141. The operating part 144 is slidably mounted in the guide groove 144A. The operating part 144 is mounted on the operating surface 141 in a state where it is guided by the guide groove 144A and can slide in the X direction. If the user slides the operating part 144 along the guide groove 144A, the post-processing device 100 slides in the X direction on the sliding surface 40 and is thus extended from the main body of the MFP1.

[0050] The post-processing unit 100 has a paper discharge tray 109 connected to the main housing 101 above the rear part 140 of the main body. Inside the main housing 101, the post-processing unit 100 includes a transport path 108, an infeed roller 105, a transport roller 106, an alignment section 110, a paddle 147, a transport section 200, and a stapler 145. The transport path 108 connects the infeed 103 and the discharge outlet 104. The infeed 103 is an opening formed on the side of the main housing 101 opposite to the side connected to the paper discharge tray 109. The infeed 103 is connected to the transport path 39 of the MFP1. The direction from the infeed 103 towards the discharge outlet 104 is the transport direction of the paper. The infeed roller 105 and the transport roller 106 are sequentially arranged along the transport direction on the transport path 108 between the infeed 103 and the discharge outlet 104. The paper with the image formed by the MFP1 is conveyed through the transport path 39 of the MFP1 and received by the pick-up port 103 of the post-processing unit 100. The paper received by the pick-up port 103 is conveyed by the pick-up roller 105 toward the transport roller 106. The paper conveyed by the transport roller 106 is conveyed toward the discharge port 104.

[0051] A paddle 147 is disposed in the space downstream of the paper conveying direction at the discharge port 104. The paddle 147 is movable in the vertical direction. During the conveying of paper in the conveying path 108, the paddle 147 is positioned above, forming the space downstream of the discharge port 104. Therefore, the leading edge of the paper conveyed by the conveyor roller 106 is conveyed toward the paper discharge tray 109, and the paper is discharged into the space downstream of the discharge port 104. If the trailing edge of the paper conveyed by the conveyor roller 106 passes through the discharge port 104, the paddle 147 moves downward. As the paddle 147 descends, the paper descends toward the alignment section 110. The paddle 147 is driven by a belt and rotates counterclockwise in the figure. As a result, the paper sandwiched between the paddle 147 and the alignment section 110 is conveyed in the direction opposite to the conveying direction. On the alignment section 110, the paper is subjected to a force in the negative X direction by the paddle 147.

[0052] An insertion port 102 is formed on the main housing 101 at a position closer to the front (negative side in the Y direction) than the paper tray 109. If the user inserts the first bundle of multiple overlapping papers into the insertion port 102, staples are driven into the first bundle.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a first top view showing an example of the alignment section of the post-processing unit. (See reference...) Figure 6The alignment portion 110 includes a first alignment portion 110L and a second alignment portion 110R arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the Y direction. The first alignment portion 110L and the second alignment portion 110R have a symmetrical structure in the XZ plane. The reference numerals for the corresponding components of the first alignment portion 110L and the second alignment portion 110R include the same number. To distinguish the components of the first alignment portion 110L from the components of the second alignment portion 110R, the reference numerals for the components of the first alignment portion 110L are prefixed with the letter L, and the reference numerals for the components of the second alignment portion 110R are prefixed with the letter R.

[0054] The first alignment part 110L includes a mounting plate 111L, a side limiting part 112L, a drive motor 113L, and an end limiting part 121L.

[0055] The mounting plate 111L has an upward-facing mounting surface. Paper is mounted on the mounting surface of the mounting plate 111L. An end restrictor 121L is fixed to the end of the mounting plate 111L on the negative side in the X direction. The end restrictor 121L has a restrictor surface facing the positive side in the X direction and perpendicularly intersecting the upper surface of the mounting plate 111L. Multiple sheets of paper stacked on the mounting plate 111L are subjected to force on the negative side in the X direction by a paddle 147. The multiple sheets of paper stacked on the mounting plate 111L abut against the restrictor surface of the end restrictor 121L. The end restrictor 121L aligns the negative side of the second bundle of multiple sheets of paper.

[0056] Side restrictor 112L is disposed on mounting plate 111L, and side restrictor 112R is disposed on mounting plate 111R. Side restrictors 112L and 112R have mutually opposing alignment surfaces. These alignment surfaces are parallel to the X and Z directions. Side restrictor 112L moves in the Y direction by being driven by drive motor 113L. Side restrictor 112R moves in the Y direction by being driven by drive motor 113R. By adjusting the distance between side restrictors 112L and 112R, the Y-direction position of one or more sheets of paper mounted on mounting plates 111L and 111R is determined.

[0057] Therefore, on the mounting plates 111L and 111R, the position of the second bundle of paper placed on the mounting plates 111L and 111R in the Y direction is determined by the end limiting portions 121L and 121R.

[0058] On mounting plates 111L and 111R, the second bundle, whose positions in the X and Y directions have been determined, is stapled by stapler 145.

[0059] A conveying unit 200 is disposed between the mounting plate 111L and the mounting plate 111R. The conveying unit 200 discharges one or more sheets of paper placed on the mounting plates 111L and 111R to the paper discharge tray 109.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a first perspective view showing an example of a conveyor section. (See reference...) Figure 7 The conveying unit 200 includes a gripping conveying unit 210 and a circulation drive mechanism M1. The gripping conveying unit 210 is mounted on the main housing 101 in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction and parallel to the respective mounting surfaces of the mounting plates 111L and 111R. The circulation drive mechanism M1 includes a drive unit 300, a first drive shaft 301, and a second drive shaft 305. The drive unit 300 is a drive source, such as a motor. The first drive shaft 301 has a rotation axis parallel to the Y direction. The rotation axis of the first drive shaft 301 is supported on the main housing 101 in a rotatable state. The first drive shaft 301 is connected to the drive unit 300 via a gear and receives driving force from the drive unit 300 to rotate around the rotation axis. A first gear 303 is fixed to the first drive shaft 301.

[0061] The second drive shaft 305 has a rotation axis parallel to the Y direction. The rotation axis of the second drive shaft 305 is supported on the main housing 101 in a rotatable state. A second gear 307 and a first pulley 309 (see reference) are fixed to the second drive shaft 305. Figure 11 The second gear 307 meshes with the first gear 303. Therefore, the second drive shaft 305 is driven by the driving force of the drive unit 300 transmitted from the first drive shaft 301 via the second gear 307 and the first gear 303, and rotates around the rotation axis.

[0062] The circulating drive mechanism M1 also includes a second pulley 311, an adjusting pulley 313, and a drive belt 315. The second pulley 311 is supported on the guide side plate 251 in a rotatable state about its axis of rotation. The drive belt 315 is suspended between the adjusting pulley 313, the second pulley 311, and the first pulley 309. The adjusting pulley 313 is spring-loaded in a direction that forces the drive belt 315 outwards, preventing slack in the drive belt 315. The first pulley 309 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the second drive shaft 305. The second pulley 311 and the adjusting pulley 313 rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first pulley 309. The second pulley 311 is connected to the drive roller 243 of the circulating conveyor section 240 via a gear. Therefore, the driving force of the drive section 300 is transmitted to the circulating conveyor section 240.

[0063] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing an example of a gripping and conveying section. (See reference) Figure 8The holding and conveying section 210 includes a holding section 211, a circulating conveying section 240, and two guide side plates 251. The circulating conveying section 240 is disposed between the two guide side plates 251. The holding section 211 holds multiple sheets of paper stacked on the mounting plates 111L and 111R. The holding section 211 includes a base 213 and a movable section 231.

[0064] Figure 9 The first figure is an example showing the positional relationship between the guide side panel and the grip. (See also...) Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The base 213 includes a lower clamping portion 214, a drive shaft 215, a base wheel 217, a base force-applying member 219, and a movable bearing 221. The lower clamping portion 214 has an upward-facing surface, i.e., a lower clamping surface. The drive shaft 215 has a shape that extends parallel to the Y direction and is positioned on the negative side of the X direction relative to the lower clamping portion 214 of the base 213.

[0065] The movable part 231 includes an upper clamping part 232, a movable shaft 233, a movable force-applying member 235, a movable boss 237, and a sliding wheel 239. The movable shaft 233 is supported by a movable bearing 221 at the base 213. The movable part 231 is mounted on the movable shaft 233 in a rotatable state about the axis of the movable shaft 233. The upper clamping part 232 has a downward-facing surface, i.e., an upper clamping surface, at a position corresponding to the lower clamping surface of the lower clamping part 214. Therefore, when the movable part 231 rotates about the axis of the movable shaft 233, the distance between the upper clamping surface of the upper clamping part 232 and the lower clamping surface of the lower clamping part 214 changes. The movable part 231 is subjected to force by the movable force-applying member 235 in a direction close to the base 213. Therefore, when no external force is applied, the movable part 231 is rotated about the axis of the movable shaft 233 in a direction close to the base 213 by the force applied by the movable force-applying member 235. When there is no paper between the movable part 231 and the base 213, the movable part 231 is in contact with the base 213. When there is paper between the movable part 231 and the base 213, the paper is clamped by the movable part 231 and the base 213.

[0066] One of the two guide side plates 251, the circulating conveyor section 240, and the other guide side plate 251 are arranged sequentially in the Y direction. The circulating conveyor section 240 includes an annular belt 241, a drive roller 243, a driven roller 245, and a drive bearing 247. The drive roller 243 and the driven roller 245 are fixed at both ends to the two guide side plates 251 in a state where they can rotate about a rotation axis that is arranged at a predetermined distance in the X direction and is parallel to the Y direction. The annular belt 241 is suspended by the drive roller 243 and the driven roller 245 in a non-slack manner. The drive roller 243 is rotated by the driving force of the drive section 300 described later. Along with the rotation of the drive roller 243, the annular belt 241 and the driven roller 245 rotate. The drive bearing 247 extending in the Y direction is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the annular belt 241.

[0067] The drive bearing 247 provides shaft support for the drive shaft 215 of the base 213. Therefore, as the annular belt 241 rotates, the base 213 moves along the outer periphery of the annular belt 241, which is suspended by the drive roller 243 and the driven roller 245. The trajectory of the drive shaft 215 along the outer periphery of the annular belt 241 is called the circulation path. In the upper straight section of the circulation path, the drive shaft 215 moves in the positive X direction. The upper straight section of the circulation path is parallel to the paper discharge direction. In the lower lower section of the circulation path, the drive shaft 215 moves in the negative X direction. In the descending section on the positive X direction of the two ends connecting the straight section and the lower section, the drive shaft 215 moves downward. In the ascending section on the negative X direction of the two ends connecting the straight section and the lower section, the drive shaft 215 moves upward.

[0068] During the movement of the drive shaft 215 in the straight section above the circulation path, the circulation transport unit 240 moves the holding part 211, which holds multiple recording media, toward the paper discharge direction (positive side in the X direction) from the mounting plates 111L and 111R toward the paper discharge tray 109. Therefore, the circulation transport unit 240 moves the holding part 211, which holds multiple recording media, toward the paper discharge direction from the mounting plates 111L and 111R toward the paper discharge tray 109.

[0069] The two guide side plates 251 are symmetrical in the XZ plane. Here, the guide side plate 251 located on the positive side in the Y direction will be described. The guide side plate 251 has a guide groove 253 and a guide surface 255 formed on its inner side opposite to the other guide side plate 251, and a connecting boss 257 extending in the Y direction is formed on its outer side opposite to the inner side.

[0070] A base wheel 217 is provided on the side of the base 213 opposite to the drive shaft 215 and the lower clamping part 214. The base force application member 219 applies force to... Figure 9The drive shaft 215 applies force to the base wheel 217 in a counter-clockwise direction in the Y direction. Therefore, the base wheel 217 is forcefully applied to the sidewall of the guide groove 253 formed in the guide side plate 251 by the base force application member 219. The base wheel 217 at the base bottom 213 moves along the guide groove 253 formed in the guide side plate 251. The guide groove 253 is positioned such that the posture of the base bottom 213, where the drive shaft 215 moves along the circulation path, is such that the lower clamping surface of the lower clamping portion 214 faces upward. Therefore, during the movement of the gripping portion 211 along the circulation path, the posture of the lower clamping surface of the lower clamping portion 214 of the base bottom 213 facing upward is maintained.

[0071] A guide surface 255 is formed at the end of the guide side plate 251 on the negative X-direction side. The guide surface 255 is a plane parallel to the Y-direction and intersecting the X and Z directions. The guide surface 255 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the guide rail groove 253 on the negative X-direction side. A sliding wheel 239 is mounted on the movable part 231 on the side opposite to the upper clamping part 232 relative to the movable shaft 233. The sliding wheel 239 is mounted on the movable part 231 in a state where it can rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the Y-direction.

[0072] During a portion of the contact period as the gripping part 211 moves along the rising portion of the circulation path, the sliding wheel 239 abuts against the guide surface 255. During this contact period, the base 213 maintains the posture of the lower clamping surface of the lower clamping part 214 facing upwards. The distance between the drive shaft 215 and the movable shaft 233 remains constant. Therefore, during the contact period as the drive shaft 215 moves along the circulation path, the movable part 231 overcomes the force of the movable force-applying member 235, in... Figure 9 The movable part 231 rotates clockwise around the movable shaft 233. As a result, the upper clamping surface of the upper clamping part 232 of the movable part 231 moves away from the lower clamping surface of the lower clamping part 214 of the base 213. At the contact position where the holding part 211 abuts against the ends of the plurality of papers positioned on the negative X-direction of the mounting plates 111L and 111R, the distance between the upper clamping surface of the upper clamping part 232 of the movable part 231 and the lower clamping surface of the lower clamping part 214 of the base 213 is at its maximum.

[0073] Figure 10The second figure shows an example of the positional relationship between the guide plate and the gripping part. It shows the gripping part 211 in a contact position where it abuts against the ends of multiple sheets of paper positioned on the mounting plates 111L and 111R in the negative X direction. It also shows the state where the upper clamping surface of the upper clamping part 232 of the movable part 231 is away from the lower clamping surface of the lower clamping part 214 of the base 213. The contact position is the end of the straight section above the circulation path on the negative X direction. Alternatively, the contact position can be the uppermost end of the rising section of the circulation path. Thus, multiple sheets of paper can be positioned between the upper clamping surface of the upper clamping part 232 of the movable part 231 and the lower clamping surface of the lower clamping part 214 of the base 213. Furthermore, if the drive shaft 215 moves in the paper discharge direction along the straight section above the circulation path, the sliding wheel 239 no longer abuts against the guide surface 255. If the sliding wheel 239 does not abut against the guide surface 255, the movable force-applying member 235 applies force to the movable part 231 in a direction close to the base 213. As a result, multiple sheets of paper are held by the upper clamping part 232 of the movable part 231 and the lower clamping part 214 of the base 213.

[0074] During the contact period, the distance between the guide surface 255 and the circulation path is adjusted to shorten the distance between the movable shaft 233 and the guide surface 255. In the contact position, the distance between the guide surface 255 and the guide groove 253 is adjusted to maximize the distance between the upper clamping surface of the upper clamping part 232 of the movable part 231 and the lower clamping surface of the lower clamping part 214 of the base 213.

[0075] Figure 11 This is a second perspective view showing an example of a conveyor section. (See reference...) Figure 11 The conveying unit 200 also includes a swing drive mechanism M2. The swing drive mechanism M2 is positioned on the opposite side of the circulating drive mechanism M1, clamping the holding conveying unit 210. The swing drive mechanism M2 includes a crank gear 261 and a swing arm 281.

[0076] Figure 12 This is a first side view of the swing drive mechanism. (Refer to...) Figure 12 The swing arm 281 includes a base shaft 283, a connecting groove 285, and a guide groove 287. The base shaft 283 has an axis parallel to the Y direction and is fixed to the main housing 101 in a rotatable state. The swing arm 281 is rotatable about the axis of the base shaft 283. The connecting groove 285 of the swing arm 281 is a shape that extends radially relative to the axis of the base shaft 283 and is a through hole in the Y direction. The connecting boss 257 of the guide side plate 251 passes through the connecting groove 285 of the swing arm 281.

[0077] The crank gear 261 has a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft of the crank gear 261 is supported on the main housing 101 in a rotatable state. The crank gear 261 has gears formed on its outer periphery. The crank gear 261 meshes with the first gear 303. Therefore, the driving force of the drive unit 300 is transmitted to the crank gear 261 via the first drive shaft 301 and the first gear 303.

[0078] The crank gear 261 has a crank boss 263 extending in a direction parallel to the Y direction. The crank boss 263 is embedded in the guide groove 287 of the swing arm 281. The guide groove 287 includes two first arcuate portions 288A and a second arcuate portion 288B, and two first straight portions 289A and a second straight portion 289B. The first arcuate portions 288A and the second arcuate portions 288B are arranged in opposite positions to each other, and the two first straight portions 289A and the second straight portions 289B are also arranged in opposite positions to each other. The two first arcuate portions 288A and the second arcuate portions 288B are disposed between the two first straight portions 289A and the second straight portions 289B. The two first arcuate portions 288A and the second arcuate portions 288B are respectively connected to the two first straight portions 289A and the second straight portions 289B. The two first arcuate portions 288A and the second arcuate portion 288B each have a shape equal to the arcuate shape of the trajectory of the crank boss 263. In other words, the two first arcuate portions 288A and the second arcuate portion 288B each have an arcuate shape with a radius equal to the radius of the track of the rotating crank boss. The central angle of each of the two first arcuate portions 288A and the second arcuate portion 288B is less than 180 degrees. The central angle of each of the two first arcuate portions 288A and the second arcuate portion 288B is determined based on the distance that the circulating conveyor 240 reciprocates in a direction parallel to the paper discharge direction.

[0079] exist Figure 12 In the diagram, the rotation trajectory of the crank boss 263 is represented by a dashed line. The rotation center of the crank boss 263 is the rotation center of the crank gear 261. Two first straight sections 289A and a second straight section 289B are arranged in a straight line extending through the base shaft 283, and two arcuate sections 288 are arranged between the two first straight sections 289A and the second straight section 289B.

[0080] exist Figure 12 The image shows the crank boss 263 positioned in the first arcuate portion 288A. The crank gear 261 rotates counterclockwise. While the crank boss 263 is positioned in the first arcuate portion 288A, the swing arm 281 does not rotate about the base shaft 283. Therefore, the gripping conveyor 210 does not move in a direction parallel to the paper discharge direction. If the crank gear 261 rotates further, the crank boss 263 enters the first straight portion 289A.

[0081] Figure 13 This is a second side view of the swing drive mechanism. With the crank boss 263 located in the first straight section 289A, the swing arm 281 rotates clockwise about the axis of the base shaft 283. Simultaneously, the gripping and conveying section 210 moves in the direction opposite to the paper discharge direction (…). Figure 13 (In the direction indicated by the arrow in the diagram) moves. Furthermore, if the crank gear 261 rotates, the crank boss 263 enters the second arc portion 288B.

[0082] Figure 14 This is a third side view of the swing drive mechanism. While the crank boss 263 is located in the second arcuate portion 288B, the swing arm 281 does not rotate about the base axis 283. Therefore, the gripping conveyor portion 210 does not move in a direction parallel to the paper discharge direction. Furthermore, if the crank gear 261 rotates, the crank boss 263 enters the second straight portion 289B.

[0083] Figure 15 This is a fourth side view of the swing drive mechanism. With the crank boss 263 located in the second straight section 289B, the swing arm 281 rotates counterclockwise around the axis of the base shaft 283. Simultaneously, the gripping and conveying section 210 moves in the paper discharge direction (…). Figure 15 Move in the direction indicated by the arrow in the image.

[0084] Thus, the circulating drive mechanism M1 and the oscillating drive mechanism M2 are operated by transmitting driving force from the shared drive unit 300. The circulating drive mechanism M1 transmits the driving force of the drive unit 300 to the gripping part conveyor 210. The gripping part conveyor 210 moves the gripping part 211 along the circulating path. When the gripping part 211 is located in the rising portion of the circulating path, the gripping part conveyor 210 causes the gripping part 211 to grip multiple sheets of paper. In the straight portion above the circulating path, the gripping part conveyor 210 moves the gripping part 211 in the paper discharge direction. When the gripping part 211 is located in the falling portion of the circulating path, the gripping part conveyor 210 causes the gripping part 211 to open multiple sheets of paper. When the gripping part 211 is located in the lower portion of the circulating path, the gripping part conveyor 210 moves the gripping part 211 in the opposite direction to the paper discharge direction.

[0085] The swing drive mechanism M2 causes the gripping conveyor section 210 to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the paper discharge direction. By having the crank boss 263 on the crank gear 261 engage with the connecting groove 285 formed in the swing arm 281, the swing drive mechanism M2 causes the swing arm 281 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around the axis of the base shaft 283. When the swing arm 281 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the axis of the base shaft 283, the swing arm 281 swings, and the gripping conveyor section 210 reciprocates in a direction parallel to the paper discharge direction.

[0086] In this embodiment, the drive unit 300 synchronizes the movement of the gripping part 211 based on the gripping part conveying unit 210 with the reciprocating movement of the gripping part conveying unit 210 based on the swing drive mechanism M2. The drive unit 300 drives the circulation drive mechanism M1 and the swing drive mechanism M2. During the period when the gripping part conveying unit 210 makes the gripping part 211 rotate once along the circulation path, the swing drive mechanism M2 makes the gripping part conveying unit 210 reciprocate once. In this case, the position of the gripping part 211 in the circulation path conveyed by the gripping part conveying unit 210 along the circulation path is synchronized with the position of the gripping part conveying unit 210 reciprocating in a direction parallel to the paper discharge direction via the swing arm 281. The rotation angle of the crank gear 261 and the position of the gripping part 211 in the circulation path are adjusted. The rotation angle of the crank gear 261 is determined by the position of the crank boss 263.

[0087] Figure 16 The first diagram is an example illustrating the relationship between the position of the gripping section in the paper discharge direction and its position in the circulation path of the gripping section. Figure 16 The image shows the gripping and conveying section 210 in its position closest to the paper discharge direction. Additionally, the crank boss 263 of the crank gear 261 is positioned at the first arcuate portion 288A of the swing arm 281 and immediately before entering the first straight portion 289A. In this case, the gripping section 211 is located below along the circulation path of the annular belt 241. Furthermore, the gripping section 211 is in contact with the upper clamping surface of the movable portion 231 and the lower clamping surface of the base 213. The gripping section 211 moves in the circulation path in the direction opposite to the paper discharge direction.

[0088] Figure 17 The second figure is an example illustrating the relationship between the position of the gripping section in the paper discharge direction and its position in the circulation path of the gripping section. Figure 17The image shows the gripping and conveying section 210 moved to the state closest to the side opposite to the paper discharge direction. Additionally, the crank boss 263 of the crank gear 261 is located at the second arcuate portion 288B of the base shaft 283 of the swing arm 281 and immediately before entering the second straight portion 289B. In this case, the gripping section 211 is located on the rising portion on the negative side of the X direction along the circular path of the annular belt 241. Furthermore, the gripping section 211 is in a state where the sliding wheel 239 of the movable section 231 abuts against the guide surface 255 of the guide side plate 251, and the upper clamping surface of the movable section 231 is furthest from the lower clamping surface of the base 213. When the movable section 231 moves in the paper discharge direction, the sliding wheel 239 does not abut against the guide surface 255 when the movable shaft 233 of the movable section 231 is located at the end restriction portion 121L. Thus, by applying force to the movable part 231 through the movable force-applying member 235, the movable part 231 moves toward the lower clamping surface of the base 213 near its upper clamping surface. As a result, the holding part 211 holds one or more pieces of paper placed on the mounting plates 111L and 111R.

[0089] Figure 18 The third figure is an example illustrating the relationship between the position of the holding section in the paper discharge direction and its position in the circulation path of the holding section. Figure 19 The fourth figure is an example of the relationship between the position of the gripping section in the paper discharge direction and the position of the gripping section in the circulation path.

[0090] As described above, the holding and conveying section 210 reciprocates along the paper discharge direction. Figure 18 This shows the state of the end located on the opposite side of the paper discharge direction in the track where the holding and conveying parts reciprocate. Figure 19 This shows the state of the end of the gripping and conveying section located on the paper discharge direction side in the track of the reciprocating movement of the gripping and conveying section.

[0091] exist Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 The image shows the state of the gripping part 211 midway through its movement in the paper discharge direction at the upper part of the circulation path. Figure 19 In the middle, the holding part 211 is located in the ratio Figure 18 The gripping part 211 shown is positioned closer to the paper tray 109. That is, the gripping part conveying part 210 moves in the paper discharge direction, and the gripping part 211 moves in the paper discharge direction while gripping one or more sheets of paper placed on the mounting plates 111L and 111R. Therefore, one or more sheets of paper remain aligned during the paper discharge direction.

[0092] Figure 20 The fifth figure is an example illustrating the relationship between the position of the gripping section in the paper discharge direction and its position in the circulation path of the gripping section. Figure 20In this configuration, the holding part 211 is located in the descending portion of the circulation path closest to the paper discharge tray 109. The holding part conveying part 210, in its reciprocating trajectory, is stopped at its end on the paper discharge direction side of the trajectory for a predetermined period of time. During this period of stop, the holding part 211 moves downwards from the upper straight section of the descending portion of the circulation path. The holding part 211 moves in the descending portion of the circulation path while holding one or more sheets of paper. Therefore, one or more sheets of paper are placed on the paper discharge tray 109 while being held by the holding part 211.

[0093] While the holding and conveying unit 210 stops at the end of its reciprocating trajectory on the paper discharge direction side, the holding unit 211 moves in the opposite direction to the paper discharge direction to the middle of the lower portion of the circulation path. Thus, the holding unit 211 moves to... Figure 16 The location shown.

[0094] At the moment when the holding part 211 moves to the bottom of the descending portion of the circulation path, the holding part 211 holds more than one sheet of paper. The holding part 211 moves from its lower position on the circulation path in the opposite direction to the paper discharge direction. Figure 16 During the opening period at the indicated position, the holding part 211 opens one or more sheets of paper. As a result, one or more sheets of paper are placed in an aligned state on the paper tray 109.

[0095] The transport unit 200 also has a control unit open mechanism M3. Figure 21 This is a first side view showing an example of a holding mechanism. (See reference...) Figure 21 The holding part opening mechanism M3 includes a sliding arm 271 and a connecting member 277. The sliding arm 271 has a sliding shaft 273 and a sliding boss 275. The sliding shaft 273 has an axis extending in the Y direction and is supported on the main body housing 101 in a rotatable state. Therefore, the sliding arm 271 can rotate about the axis of the sliding shaft 273. The sliding boss 275 is cylindrical in shape extending in the Y direction and is fixed to the sliding arm 271 at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the sliding shaft 273 of the sliding arm 271. The crank gear 261 is formed with a cam 265 formed along its outer periphery. The sliding arm 271 is supported by an elastic member such as a spring in the direction of the sliding boss 275 toward the cam 265 of the crank gear 261 about the axial direction of the sliding shaft 273. Figure 21 Force is applied in a clockwise direction. Therefore, as the crank gear 261 rotates, the sliding arm 271 slides on the cam 265 of the crank gear 261 and is guided by the cam 265.

[0096] The sliding arm 271 is connected to the connecting member 277 via a connecting shaft 276 at a connecting portion that is a predetermined distance away from the sliding shaft 273, opposite to the sliding boss 275 and opposite to the sliding shaft 273. The sliding arm 271 and the connecting member 277 are rotatable about the axis of the connecting shaft 276.

[0097] The connecting member 277 has a connecting groove 279 formed at its end opposite to the portion connected to the connecting shaft 276. The connecting groove 279 is a hole that passes through the connecting member 277 in the Y direction. The movable boss 237 of the movable part 231 is inserted into the connecting groove 279. The movable boss 237 is a cylindrical shape extending in the Y direction and is fixed to the movable part 231 at a position separated from the movable shaft 233 by a predetermined distance. The length of the connecting groove 279 in the X direction intersecting the Y direction and in the Y direction is larger than the diameter of the movable boss 237. Therefore, the movable boss 237 can slide along the inner wall of the connecting groove 279.

[0098] Figure 22 This is a second side view showing an example of a holding mechanism. (See reference...) Figure 22 As the crank gear 261 rotates, the sliding boss 275 is pushed upward by the cam 265 formed on the crank gear 261. The sliding arm 271 rotates counterclockwise about the axis of the sliding shaft 273. Simultaneously, the connecting shaft 276 moves downward, so the connecting groove 279 of the connecting member 277 moves downward. As the connecting groove 279 moves downward, the movable boss 237 of the movable part 231 moves downward. As a result, the movable part 231 rotates clockwise about the axis of the movable shaft 233. Consequently, the movable part 231 of the holding part 211 moves away from the base 213.

[0099] During the opening period, the holding part opening mechanism M3 moves the movable part 231 of the holding part 211 away from the base 213. The opening period is the time when the end of the holding part conveying part 210 is located on the paper discharge direction side of the trajectory that moves parallel to the paper discharge direction, and it is also the time when the holding part 211 moves in the lower part of the circulation path in the opposite direction to the paper discharge direction. Therefore, after the holding part 211 has loaded more than one sheet of paper in a state aligned with the paper discharge tray 109, it does not hold more than one sheet of paper and moves in the opposite direction to the paper discharge direction.

[0100] <Correspondence between the constituent elements of the claims and the constituent elements of the embodiments>

[0101] In this embodiment, the mounting plates 111L and 111R correspond to the alignment portion in the claims, the paper tray 109 corresponds to the media receiving portion, the gripping portion conveying portion 210 corresponds to the conveying portion, and the driving portion 300 corresponds to the driving portion. Furthermore, the gripping portion 211 corresponds to the gripping portion, the gripping portion conveying portion 210 corresponds to the gripping portion conveying portion, and the swing drive mechanism M2 corresponds to the reciprocating movement mechanism.

[0102] Additionally, crank gear 261 corresponds to crank gear, and swing arm 281 corresponds to connecting component. Base shaft 283 corresponds to base shaft, connecting boss 257 corresponds to connecting boss, connecting groove 285 corresponds to guide groove, and first arc portion 288A and second arc portion 288B correspond to arc-shaped portions.

[0103] The gripping part 211 is equivalent to the gripping part, the base 213 is equivalent to the base, the movable part 231 is equivalent to the movable part, and the movable force-applying member 235 is equivalent to the force-applying member. The cam 265 is equivalent to the cam formed along the circumference of the crank gear, and the gripping part opening mechanism M3 is equivalent to the gripping part opening mechanism.

[0104] The guide side plate 251 corresponds to the guide section, and the guide surface 255 corresponds to the guide surface of the movable section. The circulating conveying section 240 corresponds to the circulating moving section. The guide rail groove 253 provided by the guide side plate 251 corresponds to the posture determining section.

[0105] The end limiting parts 121L and 121R and the side limiting parts 112L and 112R are equivalent to positioning parts, and the stapler 145 is equivalent to a processing part. MFP1 is equivalent to an image forming apparatus.

[0106] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0107] (Item 1) A post-processing apparatus, comprising:

[0108] Alignment section for stacking multiple recording media;

[0109] The media receiving section allows multiple recording media to be discharged.

[0110] The conveying unit conveys a bundle of multiple recording media stacked at the alignment section to the media receiving section; and

[0111] A single drive unit drives the aforementioned conveyor unit.

[0112] The aforementioned conveying unit includes:

[0113] The holding section holds the plurality of recording media stacked on the alignment section.

[0114] The holding section conveying section moves the holding section, which holds the plurality of recording media, in the paper discharge direction from the alignment section toward the media receiving section; and

[0115] The reciprocating movement mechanism causes the holding and conveying sections to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the paper discharge direction.

[0116] According to this technical solution, by moving the gripping section that holds multiple recording media stacked on the alignment section, the multiple recording media can be discharged into the media receiving section in an aligned state. Furthermore, the gripping section conveying section and the reciprocating mechanism that reciprocates the gripping section conveying section are driven by a single drive unit. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced, thus reducing costs, and the gripping section conveying section and the reciprocating mechanism can be synchronized. As a result, a post-processing apparatus can be provided that can suppress costs and discharge multiple recording media in an aligned state.

[0117] (Item 2) The post-processing apparatus according to Item 1, wherein,

[0118] The aforementioned after-treatment device also includes a crank gear, which transmits driving force from the aforementioned drive unit.

[0119] The reciprocating movement mechanism includes a connecting member that is rotatably mounted on the base shaft and connected to a connecting boss. The connecting boss extends from the gripping and conveying section in a direction perpendicular to both the paper discharge direction and the vertical direction.

[0120] The aforementioned connecting component has a guide groove that guides the crank boss provided on the aforementioned crank gear.

[0121] The aforementioned guide groove has an arc-shaped portion with a radius equal to the track radius of the aforementioned crank boss.

[0122] According to this technical solution, the connecting component does not rotate around the base shaft while the crank boss is guided in the arc-shaped portion of the guide groove. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the holding and conveying parts remain stationary during this period.

[0123] (Item 3) The post-processing apparatus according to Item 2, wherein,

[0124] The aforementioned control unit includes:

[0125] Base;

[0126] The movable part has a variable distance from the aforementioned base; and

[0127] The force-applying component applies force to the movable part toward the base.

[0128] The aforementioned post-processing device also includes a gripping part opening mechanism, which is guided by a cam formed along the circumference of the aforementioned crank gear, and moves the aforementioned movable part away from the aforementioned base.

[0129] According to this technical solution, during the period when the gripping and conveying sections are stopped, the gripping section moves the movable section away from the base. Therefore, no force is applied to the multiple recording media held by the gripping section in the direction of reciprocating movement of the gripping and conveying sections, and the gripping section is no longer holding the multiple recording media. Therefore, paper feeding can be performed while maintaining the alignment of the multiple recording media.

[0130] (Item 4) The post-processing apparatus as described in Item 1, wherein,

[0131] The aforementioned after-treatment device also includes a crank gear, which transmits driving force from the aforementioned drive unit.

[0132] The aforementioned control unit includes:

[0133] Base;

[0134] The movable part has a variable distance from the aforementioned base; and

[0135] The force-applying component applies force to the movable part toward the base.

[0136] The aforementioned post-processing device also includes a gripping part opening mechanism, which is guided by a cam formed along the circumference of the aforementioned crank gear, and moves the aforementioned movable part away from the aforementioned base.

[0137] According to this technical solution, the movable part moves away from the base. Therefore, the drive unit causes the gripping part to stop gripping multiple recording media. Thus, a single drive unit can switch between gripping multiple recording media and releasing multiple recording media.

[0138] (Item 5) The post-processing device according to item 3 or 4, wherein the post-processing device further comprises a guide portion having a guide surface for guiding the movable portion and being disposed at a position separated from the conveying portion by a predetermined distance from the medium receiving portion.

[0139] According to this technical solution, the movable part can be separated from the predetermined part only during the period when the movable part is in contact with the guide surface during the transport of the movable part. Therefore, during the period when the drive unit transports the gripping part, an operation is performed to separate the movable part from the predetermined part before the gripping part grips multiple recording media.

[0140] (Item 6) The post-processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein,

[0141] The aforementioned gripping part conveying part includes a circulating moving part that causes the gripping part to circulate along a circulating path.

[0142] During the period when the aforementioned gripping part is transported by the aforementioned gripping part conveyor to complete one revolution in the aforementioned circular path, the aforementioned reciprocating movement mechanism causes the aforementioned gripping part conveyor to reciprocate once.

[0143] According to this technical solution, while the drive unit drives the gripping unit and the conveying unit, and the gripping unit completes one revolution in the circular path, the reciprocating movement mechanism drives the gripping unit and the conveying unit to reciprocate once. Therefore, the movement of the gripping unit and the movement of the gripping unit and the conveying unit can be synchronized.

[0144] (Item 7) According to the post-processing apparatus described in Item 6, during the movement of the holding part in the circulation path, the end on the upstream side of the paper discharge direction abuts against a plurality of recording media positioned at the alignment part.

[0145] According to this technical solution, during the movement of the holding part in the circulation path, its upstream end in the paper discharge direction abuts against multiple recording media positioned at the alignment part. Therefore, by pressing multiple recording media in the transport direction, multiple recording media are conveyed in the paper discharge direction.

[0146] (Item 8) The post-processing device according to Item 6, wherein the gripping part conveying part includes a posture determining part, which determines the posture of the gripping part in the circulation path.

[0147] According to this technical solution, the posture of the gripping part in the loop path is determined, so that the gripping part can correctly grip multiple recording media.

[0148] (Item 9) The post-processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, further comprising:

[0149] The positioning section positions the plurality of recording media stacked on the alignment section relative to the alignment section; and

[0150] The processing unit processes the multiple recording media that have been positioned by the positioning unit.

[0151] According to this technical solution, multiple recording media placed on the alignment section are aligned, so that multiple recording media can be processed in the correct position.

[0152] (Item 10) An image forming apparatus, wherein the post-processing apparatus described in any one of items 1 to 9 is provided.

[0153] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the invention is not defined by the foregoing description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications equivalent to and within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An aftertreatment device, wherein, Possessing: an alignment portion for stacking a plurality of recording media; a medium receiving portion for discharging the plurality of recording media; a conveying portion that conveys a bundle of the plurality of recording media stacked in the alignment portion to the medium receiving portion; and a single driving portion that drives the conveying portion, the conveying portion includes: a gripping portion that grips the plurality of recording media stacked in the alignment portion; a gripping portion conveying portion that moves the gripping portion in a state of gripping the plurality of recording media in a paper discharge direction from the alignment portion toward the medium receiving portion; and a reciprocating movement mechanism that reciprocates the gripping portion conveying portion in a direction parallel to the paper discharge direction.

2. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing apparatus further possesses a crank gear to which a driving force is transmitted from the driving portion, the reciprocating movement mechanism includes a link member that is rotatably attached to a base shaft and connected to a connection boss that extends from the gripping portion conveying portion in a direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction and a vertical direction, the link member is formed with a guide groove that guides a crank boss provided to the crank gear, the guide groove has a portion in a circular arc shape with a radius equal to a track radius of the crank boss.

3. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the gripping portion includes: a base portion; a movable portion whose distance from the base portion is variable; and a force applying member that applies a force to the movable portion toward the base portion, the post-processing apparatus further possesses a gripping portion opening mechanism that is guided by a cam formed along a circumferential direction of the crank gear and moves the movable portion in a direction away from the base portion.

4. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing apparatus further possesses a crank gear to which a driving force is transmitted from the driving portion, the gripping portion includes: a base portion; a movable portion whose distance from the base portion is variable; and a force applying member that applies a force to the movable portion toward the base portion, the post-processing apparatus further possesses a gripping portion opening mechanism that is guided by a cam formed along a circumferential direction of the crank gear and moves the movable portion in a direction away from the base portion.

5. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the post-processing apparatus further possesses a guide portion that has a guide surface that guides the movable portion and is disposed at a position separated by a prescribed distance from the medium receiving portion with respect to the conveying portion.

6. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gripping portion conveying portion includes a circulating movement portion that circulates the gripping portion along a circulating path, the reciprocating movement mechanism reciprocates the gripping portion conveying portion once during a period in which the gripping portion conveying portion circulates the gripping portion around one turn in the circulating path.

7. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein ​ An end portion on an upstream side of the paper discharge direction of the holding portion abuts against the plurality of recording media positioned at the alignment portion during movement of the holding portion in the circulation path.

8. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The holding portion conveying portion includes a posture determining portion that determines a posture of the holding portion in the circulation path.

9. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Further provided are: a positioning portion that positions the plurality of recording media stacked at the alignment portion with respect to the alignment portion; and a processing portion that processes the plurality of recording media positioned by the positioning portion.

10. An image forming apparatus, wherein The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided.

Images