Medium processing apparatus and corresponding image forming system

Abstract

A medium processing apparatus includes a conveyor, a stacker, an aligner that aligns a front end of a medium on the stacker in a conveying direction of the conveyor, a pressing member that is disposed adjacent to the aligner, and a shifter that moves the medium on the stacker in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. The pressing member includes a movable portion that is movable in a thickness direction of the medium, and a fixed portion. The movable portion includes a guide surface that guides the medium, and a protruding portion that protrudes from the guide surface toward a stacking surface of the stacker. The protruding portion has a shape in which a cross-sectional shape in the conveying direction of the medium and a cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the medium become smaller in area as the protruding portion protrudes from the guide surface. At least an outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the medium is in a circular arc shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a media processing apparatus and an image forming system. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a media processing apparatus (post-processing apparatus) was known, which included a mechanism for performing post-processing such as binding, folding, and punching on media such as paper on which images have been formed by an image forming apparatus.

[0003] As a post-processing device for binding, there is a device that stacks the delivered media on the stacking surface of a stacker (binding tray), aligns the media by having the ends come into contact with an aligner (reference baffle), and drives the needles to a specified position to perform the binding process.

[0004] Stacking failures can occur when the stacked medium is a sheet or rolled sheet with low stiffness, which may result in changes in the binding position and deterioration of the appearance of the bound sheet bundle.

[0005] On the other hand, a known configuration is provided in which a pressing member is provided to improve the alignment accuracy of the sheet bundle, and the sheet bundle stacked on the stacker is pressed in the thickness direction by the pressing member to maintain the posture of the sheet bundle (e.g., see Patent Documents (PTL) 1 and 2).

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus in which a roller is provided so as to move forward and backward from the sheet pressing surface of the pressing member. In order to prevent the sheet from bending when the pressing member separates from the sheet during the stacking of subsequent sheets, subsequent sheets can be stacked while the pressing member is constantly pressing the sheet bundle through the rolling of the roller.

[0007] Patent document 2 discloses a device that prevents sheet damage by forming the corner of the end face of the pressing member that contacts the sheet bundle into a curved surface.

[0008] List of cited references Patent documents [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-240844 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H8-137151 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues Some post-processing units have a shifting function that can perform a "shifting action" to move the sheet bundles on the stacker in a direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction. Since the shifting action is performed while the sheet bundles are being pressed down by pressing components, the pressing components may impede the movement of the sheets during the shifting action.

[0010] For example, the pressing member of the device described in Patent Document 1 has a roller that can only rotate in the sheet conveying direction. Therefore, the roller that does not rotate in the displacement direction becomes a resistance during the displacement operation. In addition, in the pressing member of the device described in Patent Document 2, since the contact part of the pressing member is a flat surface, the contact part also becomes a resistance during the displacement operation.

[0011] As mentioned above, in conventional pressing components, there is a problem that the sheet displacement is hindered, causing the sheet to warp and become skewed, resulting in sheet alignment failure.

[0012] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a media processing device that can perform a displacement operation without skew even when the pressing component is pressing the medium.

[0013] Solution to the problem Herein, the present invention provides a media processing apparatus mounted on an image forming apparatus. The media processing apparatus includes: a conveyor, a stacker, an aligner, a pressing member, and a shifter. The conveyor conveys media discharged from the image forming apparatus. The stacker has a stacking surface for stacking the media conveyed by the conveyor. The aligner aligns the leading edges of the media on the stacker along the conveying direction of the conveyor. The pressing member is disposed adjacent to the aligner and presses the media on the stacker. The shifter moves the media on the stacker in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. The pressing member includes: a movable portion movable in the thickness direction of the media; and a fixing portion supporting the movable portion. The movable portion includes: a guide surface guiding the media; and a protrusion protruding from the guide surface onto the stacking surface of the stacker and abutting against the media stacked on the stacker. The protrusion has the following shape: the cross-sectional shape in the direction of transport of the medium and the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the direction of transport of the medium decrease in area as it protrudes from the guide surface, and at least the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the direction of transport of the medium is arc-shaped.

[0014] Hereinafter, the present invention further provides an image forming system, comprising: an image forming device for forming an image on a medium; and the aforementioned medium processing apparatus for post-processing the medium on which the image has been formed by the image forming device.

[0015] Effects of the present invention According to the present invention, a media processing apparatus can be provided that can perform a displacement operation without skew even when the pressing member is pressing the medium. Attached Figure Description

[0016] A more complete understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure and its many accompanying advantages and features can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of an image forming system.

[0018] [Figure 2] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It means Figure 1A and Figure 1B A block diagram of an example image forming system.

[0019] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of an image forming system.

[0020] [Figure 4] Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are schematic top and side views illustrating an example of a media processing apparatus.

[0021] [Figure 5] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 5D and Figure 5E This is an explanatory diagram of the process of ejecting a sheet from an image forming apparatus in a shifting sheet ejection mode.

[0022] [Figure 6] Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 6D , Figure 6E and Figure 6F This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of handling the sheet ejected from the image forming apparatus in binding mode.

[0023] [Figure 7] Figure 7A and Figure 7B These are top and side views that schematically illustrate an example of a post-processing unit including optional devices.

[0024] [Figure 8] Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C and Figure 8D This is an explanatory diagram of the punching process of the sheet ejected from the image forming apparatus.

[0025] [Figure 9] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a schematic top view and a perspective view illustrating an example of a media processing device.

[0026] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 This is a top view schematically illustrating an example of a media processing device.

[0027] [Figure 11] Figure 11A and Figure 11B These are schematic top and side views illustrating an example of a media processing apparatus.

[0028] [Figure 12] Figure 12A and Figure 12B These are schematic top and side views illustrating an example of a media processing apparatus.

[0029] [Figure 13] Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the pressing component of the media processing device in this embodiment pressing the media.

[0030] [ Figure 14 ] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pressing component included in the media processing apparatus of this embodiment.

[0031] [ Figure 15 ] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pressing component included in the media processing apparatus of this embodiment.

[0032] [ Figure 16 ] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pressing component included in the media processing apparatus of this embodiment.

[0033] [Figure 17] Figure 17A , Figure 17B and Figure 17C This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pressing component included in the media processing apparatus of this embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 18] Figure 18A , Figure 18B and Figure 18C This is an illustration of the process of loading media onto a stacker.

[0035] [Figure 19] Figure 19A and Figure 19B This is an explanatory diagram of the shifting operation in the media processing apparatus of this embodiment.

[0036] [Figure 20] Figure 20A and Figure 20B This is an explanatory diagram of the displacement operation in a media handling device equipped with a comparative example pressing component.

[0037] The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting its scope. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. Furthermore, throughout several views, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar parts. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In describing the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, specific terminology has been used for clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology chosen, and it should be understood that each particular component includes all technical equivalents that have similar functionality, operate in a similar manner, and achieve similar results.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0040] Hereinafter, the media processing apparatus and image forming system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, etc., can be made within the scope conceived by those skilled in the art. Any method that achieves the desired effect of the present invention is included within the scope of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an example of the structure of an image forming system having a post-processing device as a media processing device and an image forming device.

[0042] Image forming apparatus 300 is, for example, an apparatus for forming an image on a medium by a known electrophotographic process.

[0043] In the following description, the medium processed by the image forming apparatus 300, the post-processing apparatus 100 and the optional apparatus 200 will be described as a sheet, but the medium is not limited to paper, and may also be a sheet of plastic, cloth, metal or the like.

[0044] Figure 1A This is an example of the structure of an image forming apparatus equipped with a post-processing device (internal trimmer) 100 as a media processing device. After image forming processing is performed in the image forming apparatus 300, the sheet material discharged is conveyed to the post-processing device 100 for post-processing such as binding.

[0045] Figure 1B This is a structural example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a post-processing unit 100 and an optional unit 200. The sheet material that has undergone image forming processing and is discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 is conveyed to the optional unit 200. After post-processing such as punching and folding, it is conveyed to the post-processing unit 100 for post-processing such as binding. Furthermore, the optional unit 200 is a device that the user can appropriately select to install or not install.

[0046] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It means including Figure 1A and Figure 1B The diagram shows an example of a system comprising an image forming apparatus 300, a post-processing apparatus 100, and an optional apparatus 200. In the diagram, the flow direction of the communication signal is indicated by solid lines, and the flow direction of the sheet is indicated by dashed lines.

[0047] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A block diagram of the image forming system.

[0048] The image forming apparatus 300 includes: a display unit 301 for notifying the user of the status and operation of various devices; an operation unit 302 for the user to perform setting operations and inputs such as mode and number of copies; a sheet feeder 303 for storing sheets and feeding sheets individually one by one; an image forming unit 304 for forming a latent image on a photoreceptor and transferring the image to the sheet; a fixing unit 305 for fixing the image transferred to the sheet; and a controller 306 for controlling the above-mentioned parts.

[0049] The display unit 301 and the operation unit 302 also serve as display components and operation input components of the post-processing device 100.

[0050] The post-processing device 100 includes a controller 102 and a processing unit 101.

[0051] The controller 306 of the image forming apparatus 300 sends processing instructions to the controller 102 via the communication line 307 to execute the processing specified by the processing unit 101 on the sheet. Information exchanged via the communication line 307 may include, for example, the type and mode of processing performed on the sheet, the size of the sheet, and the processing timing. This configuration enables the system to operate.

[0052] Figure 2B yes Figure 1B A block diagram of the image forming system.

[0053] The configurations of the image forming apparatus 300 and the post-processing apparatus 100 are similar. Figure 2A The configuration in [the system / system].

[0054] Optional device 200 includes controller 202 and processing unit 201.

[0055] The controller 102 of the post-processing unit 100 sends processing instructions to the controller 202 via the communication line 103 to execute the processing specified on the sheet by the optional device processing unit 201. The information exchanged via the communication line 103 includes, for example, information such as the type and mode of the processing performed on the sheet, the size of the sheet, and the processing timing, which is the same as the information in the communication line 307. This configuration enables the system to operate.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of an image forming system.

[0057] The controller 102 of the post-processing unit 100 is connected to the controller 306 of the image forming apparatus 300 via I / F 102b. The control of the post-processing unit 100 is performed according to the processing signals from the image forming apparatus 300.

[0058] The central processing unit (CPU) 102a is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the post-processing unit 100.

[0059] Figure 3 This indicates a configuration that includes an optional device 200 for performing a punching process and an optional device 400 for performing a folding process as optional devices.

[0060] The controller 202 of the optional device 400 is connected to the CPU 102a of the post-processing device 100 via I / F 202a, and the optional device 200 is connected to the CPU 102a of the post-processing device 100 via I / F 402a. Its operation is controlled by the controller 102 of the post-processing device 100.

[0061] The post-processing unit 100, optional unit 200 and optional unit 400 are detachable units, and the I / F (102b, 202a, 402a) are also configured to be detachable in hardware via relay connectors, drawer connectors, etc.

[0062] The controller 102 of the post-processing unit 100 is connected to a conveyor motor 111, a paper discharge motor 112, a staple drive motor 113, a conveyor sensor 114, a paper discharge sensor 115, and a staple movement home position (HP) sensor 116.

[0063] The controller 202 of the optional device 200 is connected to a punching motor 221, a punching moving motor 222, a punching front sensor 223, a cover opening and closing sensor 224, and a punching unit HP sensor 225.

[0064] The controller 402 of the optional device 400 is connected to a folding motor 411, an inlet sensor 412, and a folding sensor 413.

[0065] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a diagram illustrating the apparatus structure and operation of a main body for post-processing a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus 300 in a media processing apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as a "post-processing apparatus") 100 to which the present invention is applied.

[0066] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The post-processing apparatus 100 shown is an apparatus that performs binding processing as post-processing, including a binder (binding device) as a post-processing unit.

[0067] Figure 4A This is a plan view of the post-processing unit 100. Figure 4B This is a side view viewed from the Y direction.

[0068] Figure 4A The dashed line in the diagram represents the reference position at the center of the sheet in the width direction for conveying and discharging. Figure 4B In the diagram, a portion of the sheet conveying path is represented by a dashed line.

[0069] The post-processing unit 100 is located near the inlet where the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 enters, such as... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, it includes: an inlet roller 11 located on the upstream side of the conveying path; a conveying roller 12 located on its downstream side; a shifting roller 13 that displaces the sheet in the post-processing device in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction (width direction); and a discharge roller 16 located on the downstream side and disposed near the discharge tray 20 on which the sheet is placed.

[0070] Additionally, a reference baffle 18 is provided for the front end of the sheet material to abut during the binding process in the sheet material conveying direction, and an end baffle 21 is provided for the rear end of the sheet material to abut during the sheet material discharge direction in the binding process. The end edges of the sheet material conveying direction that abut against the reference baffle 18 and the end baffle 21 are aligned.

[0071] Additionally, a return roller 14 is provided to convey and abut the sheet toward the reference baffle 18, and a striking roller 15 is provided to convey the sheet toward the reference baffle 18.

[0072] The reference baffle 18 is a component that aligns the front end of the sheet loaded on the binding tray 17 in the sheet transport direction, and is also referred to below as the "aligner".

[0073] like Figure 4A As shown, the post-processing apparatus 100 includes a pair of slow-push baffles 22 (22a, 22b) that align the end edges of the sheet P in the width direction and displace the sheet P in the width direction. The slow-push baffles, acting as displacement devices, can be moved according to the size and position of the sheet. By clamping the sheet P between the slow-push baffles 22a and 22b in the direction indicated by arrow F in the figure, the end edges of the sheet are aligned in the width direction.

[0074] The post-processing apparatus 100 also includes a binding device (stapler) 19 for performing binding processing, and a stacker (hereinafter also referred to as a "binding tray") 17 for stacking the sheets that are conveyed until the binding processing is performed on a stacking surface.

[0075] In addition to the "binding mode" which performs binding processing on the sheet material ejected from the image forming apparatus 300, the post-processing apparatus 100 also has a "sheet ejection mode" and a "shifting sheet ejection mode," in which the sheet material ejected from the image forming apparatus 300 is conveyed and ejected without binding processing. The user can appropriately select and set any of the modes.

[0076] In the "sheet discharge mode" and "shifting sheet discharge mode", the post-processing device 100 loads the sheet discharged from the image forming device 300 by the inlet roller 11, conveys the sheet to the sheet discharge roller 16, and then discharges the sheet to the sheet discharge tray 20.

[0077] Reference Figures 5A to 5D Describe the process of the displaced sheet ejection mode.

[0078] Figures 5A to 5D This is a side view of the post-processing apparatus 100, illustrating the transport path of the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 and the post-processing flow. In the figure, the transport path of the sheet P is indicated by dashed lines. The transport direction of the sheet P is indicated by arrow D1. Figure 5E Is with Figure 5B The top view of the post-processing device 100 corresponding to the state.

[0079] First, such as Figure 5A As shown, the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 is received by the inlet roller 11 and loaded into the post-processing apparatus 100.

[0080] Next, as Figure 5BAs shown, after the paper discharge driven roller 16b is in the clamping pressure released state and the rear end of the sheet P passes through the conveying roller 12, the sheet P is conveyed while being shifted in the width direction by the shifting roller 13. Figure 5E The plan view shown is used as an example to indicate that sheet P faces one direction (upper side). Figure 5B This indicates the inward (inner) displacement state. An arrow indicates the position relative to the center of the conveyor. Figure 5E In the plan view, the shift roller 13 can also perform the function of moving the sheet P relative to the conveyor center ( Figure 5E The dotted line in the middle is pointing downwards. Figure 5B (For the front side) Displacement action.

[0081] The displacement direction of sheet P can be switched for each sheet or for multiple sheets. Sorting can be performed by shifting sheet P in units of a predetermined number of sheets and shifting the sheet discharge position.

[0082] Next, as Figure 5C As shown, after the sheet P is shifted, the paper discharge driven roller 16b moves to the clamping position, and the sheet P is conveyed toward the paper discharge tray 20.

[0083] like Figure 5D As shown, the conveyed sheet P is discharged to the paper discharge tray 20 via the paper discharge roller 16.

[0084] On the other hand, in the "binding mode", the post-processing unit 100 receives and loads the sheet material discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 through the inlet roller 11, conveys the sheet material to the shift roller 13, and then discharges the sheet material to the binding tray 17. The sheet material is zigzag-turned by the action of the tapping roller 15 and the return roller 14, and the sheet material is conveyed until the end edge of the sheet material abuts the reference baffle 18. After multiple sheets of material are conveyed in the same way, the binding unit 19 performs binding processing on the sheet bundle, and the bound sheet bundle is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 20 by the rotation of the sheet discharge roller 16.

[0085] Reference Figures 6A to 6F The process of the binding method is explained.

[0086] Figures 6A to 6F This is a side view of the post-processing apparatus 100, illustrating the transport path of the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 and the post-processing flow. In the figure, the transport path of the sheet P is indicated by dashed lines. The transport direction of the sheet P is indicated by arrows D1 and D2.

[0087] First, such as Figure 6A As shown, the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 is received by the inlet roller 11 and loaded into the post-processing apparatus 100.

[0088] Next, as Figure 6BAs shown, without causing the sheet P to deviate, the sheet P is conveyed toward the stacker (binding tray) 17 while the paper feed driven roller 16b is in the pressure release position.

[0089] Next, as Figure 6C As shown, after the sheet P is discharged onto the binding tray 17 by the shifting roller 13, the sheet P is tapped by the tapping roller 15, causing the sheet P to zigzag toward the reference baffle 18.

[0090] Next, as Figure 6D As shown, sheet P is conveyed by the striking roller 15 and the return roller 14 until the end of sheet P abuts against the reference baffle 18.

[0091] The width-direction edge of the sheet P that abuts against the reference baffle 18 is aligned by slowly pushing the baffle 22 (see reference). Figure 4A ).

[0092] Make the first sheet P in Figure 6D The device is in standby mode as shown, and the same process is performed on subsequent sheet P. Figures 6A to 6D The actions shown.

[0093] like Figure 6E As shown, multiple sheets P are stacked sequentially on the binding tray 17, forming a sheet bundle in an aligned state. Binding is performed on the sheet bundle by the binding device 19. The binding device 19 is a binder that inserts needles into predetermined positions on the sheet bundle during the binding process. The paper feed follower roller 16b moves to the clamping position.

[0094] like Figure 6F As shown, the bound sheet bundle is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 20 via the sheet discharge roller 16.

[0095] Figures 7A to 8D This is a diagram illustrating the structure and operation of a media processing apparatus (post-processing apparatus) 100 to which the present invention is applied, the apparatus including an optional device 200 for performing a punching process.

[0096] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The post-processing apparatus 100 shown is an apparatus that performs binding processing as post-processing, including a binder (binding device) as a post-processing unit.

[0097] Figure 7A This is a plan view of the post-processing unit 100 and the optional unit 200. Figure 7B This is a side view viewed from the Y direction.

[0098] Figure 7A The dashed line in the diagram represents the reference position as the center of the width direction of the sheet to be conveyed and discharged. Figure 7B In the diagram, part of the sheet's conveying path is represented by a dashed line.

[0099] The optional device 200 includes a detection device 211 for detecting the end of the sheet, a punching device 212 with a punching pin 213, and a punching chip hopper 214 for accumulating punching chips.

[0100] Even in a configuration with the optional device 200 for performing punching, punching is not always necessary, and the sheet can be fed to the main body of the post-processing unit 100 without performing punching.

[0101] Reference Figures 8A to 8D The process of punching is explained.

[0102] Figure 8B and Figure 8D This is a side view of the post-processing apparatus 100 and the optional apparatus 200, illustrating the transport path of the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 and the post-processing flow. In the figure, the transport path of the sheet P is indicated by dashed lines. The transport direction of the sheet P is indicated by arrows. Figure 8A and Figure 8C Is with Figure 8B and Figure 8D Plan view of the post-processing device 100 and optional device 200 corresponding to the state.

[0103] First, such as Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 is conveyed to the inlet roller 11 of the post-processing apparatus 100 via the optional device 200. During the conveying of the sheet P in the post-processing apparatus 100, the end of the conveyed sheet P is detected by the detection device 211, and the position of the sheet P in the width direction is detected.

[0104] Next, the punching device 212 moves in the width direction of the sheet P according to the detected end position of the sheet P.

[0105] Sheet P stops at the position where the punching is performed, such as Figure 8C and Figure 8D As shown, punching is performed by a punching pin 213 located in the punching device 212.

[0106] The falling punching chips Ps accumulate in the punching chip hopper 214.

[0107] After punching, the sheet P is conveyed by the conveyor of the post-processing unit 100 to perform the predetermined post-processing.

[0108] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the post-processing apparatus 100 using the present disclosure.

[0109] The post-processing device 100 is, for example, a device that performs binding processing as post-processing, and has a binder (binding device) as a post-processing mechanism.

[0110] The post-processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a main body 100a that performs post-processing on the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 and a manual binding unit 100b.

[0111] Figure 9A This is a plan view of the post-processing unit 100. Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram of its appearance. Figure 9A The dotted line in the figure represents the reference position in the width direction of the sheet being conveyed and discharged in the main body 100a.

[0112] exist Figure 9A In the example, the position where the binding device is configured during the binding process in the main body 100a (main body processing position) is represented by H, and the position where the binding device is configured during the binding process in the manual binding section 100b (manual processing position) is represented by M.

[0113] When the user presses Figure 9B When the start button 24 is pressed, the manual binding action begins. When the start button 24 is pressed, the binding process is automatically performed on the inserted bundle of sheets (hereinafter also referred to as "sheets").

[0114] In this binding device, the binding position during manual binding can be set to the original position (HP).

[0115] In addition, such as Figure 9A As shown, the housing 25 of the manual binding part 100b is provided with a stop 25a for restricting the X-direction end edge of the sheet material that is manually inserted into the slit part 27 and a stop 25b for restricting the Y-direction end edge of the sheet material.

[0116] When the sheet is manually inserted into the slit 27, the front end on the binder side in the X direction is stopped by the stop 25a, and the front end on the device inside side in the Y direction is stopped by the stop 25b, thus achieving positioning.

[0117] exist Figure 9B In the example shown, the slit 27 is set at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal direction so that the sheet is placed on a plane that is approximately the same as the paper tray 20. However, the shape of the slit 27 is not limited to this and it can also be set horizontally.

[0118] The positional relationship between the paper tray 20 and the slit 27 is not particularly limited as long as the binder can perform both the binding process of the main body 100a and the binding process of the manual binding section 100b.

[0119] According to this embodiment, the post-processing apparatus 100 can simultaneously perform a sheet discharge operation, in which the sheet conveyed by the conveyor in the main body 100a is discharged without post-processing, and a manual processing operation (manual binding operation) in which the sheet inserted into the slit portion 27 is post-processed in the manual binding portion 100b. The paper discharge operation without post-processing includes a shifting paper discharge operation.

[0120] The sheet ejection or sheet displacement action can be started during the manual processing action.

[0121] The post-processing device 100 may include a binder that serves as a plurality of processing mechanisms.

[0122] Figure 10 This is a top view of an example of a post-processing device 100 that is a stapler equipped with a stapled device (stitched stapler) 19 that uses needles for stapled processing and a needleless stapler (needleless stapler) 26 that does not use needles for stapled processing.

[0123] exist Figure 10 In the post-processing apparatus 100 shown, a needleless binding device 26, which performs binding without needles, is disposed at the opposite end in the Y direction, relative to the position where the needled binding device 19 is located, via a reference line. However, the positional relationship between the needled binding device 19 and the needleless binding device 26 is not limited to this; it can also be... Figures 6A to 6F The needleless binding device 26 is positioned at the location of the needled binding device 19 shown. Figure 10 The needleless binding device 26 shown is positioned with a needle binding device 19.

[0124] exist Figure 10 In the post-processing apparatus 100 shown, in binding mode, the binding process is performed by either the needle-attached binding device 19 or the needleless binding device 26, and the binding process is similar to... Figures 6A to 6F The actions shown are the same.

[0125] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This illustrates an example of a post-processing device 100 that includes a needleless binding device 26.

[0126] Figure 11A It's a floor plan. Figure 11B This is a side view viewed from the Y direction.

[0127] exist Figure 11A and Figure 11B In the post-processing apparatus 100 shown, the needleless binding device 26 performs binding processing in binding mode. The binding processing action is similar to... Figures 6A to 6F The actions shown are the same.

[0128] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a diagram illustrating a post-processing apparatus 100 as a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] Figure 12A This is a top view of the post-processing unit 100. Figure 12B It is a side view.

[0130] The post-processing apparatus 100, which is a media processing apparatus in this embodiment, includes a binder (binding device) for performing binding processing as post-processing.

[0131] exist Figure 12A middle, Figure 12A The dotted line in the figure represents the reference position as the center of the width direction of the sheet to be conveyed and discharged.

[0132] The media processing apparatus (post-processing apparatus 100) of this embodiment is a media processing apparatus 100 mounted on the image forming apparatus 300, including: a conveyor for conveying media (sheet P) discharged from the image forming apparatus 300; a stacker (binding tray) 17 having a stacking surface for stacking the media conveyed by the conveyor; an aligner (reference baffle) 18 for aligning the front ends of the media stacked on the stacker 17 along the conveying direction of the conveyor; a pressing member 23 disposed adjacent to the aligner 18 for pressing the media on the stacker 17; and a shifter (slow push baffle 22) for moving the media on the stacker 17 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction.

[0133] The pressing member 23 includes a movable part 23b that can move in the thickness direction of the medium, and a fixed part 23a that supports the movable part 23b.

[0134] The movable part 23b includes a guide surface 23d for guiding the medium, and a protrusion 23c that protrudes from the guide surface 23d toward the stacking surface of the stacker 17 and abuts against the loaded medium.

[0135] The protrusion 23c has the following shape: the cross-sectional shape in the direction of transporting the medium and the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the direction of transporting the medium have smaller areas as they protrude from the guide surface 23d, and the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in at least the direction orthogonal to the direction of transporting the medium is arc-shaped.

[0136] The post-processing device 100 of this embodiment has a "binding mode", a "paper output mode" and a "paper shifting mode", and the user can appropriately select and set any of them.

[0137] Figures 5A to 5D The actions shown are performed in "shift paper feed mode". Figures 6A to 6FThe action shown is performed in "binding mode", where the sheet P, as the medium, is discharged into the paper tray 20.

[0138] Furthermore, the post-processing device 100 of this embodiment can perform a shifting operation, which refers to using a pair of slow-pushing baffles 22a and 22b, which act as shifters, to hold the sheet P stacked on the binding tray 17, causing the sheet P to move in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the sheet P (the width direction of the sheet P) (see reference). Figure 19A ).

[0139] The shifting action is performed while the sheet P stacked on the binding tray 17 is pressed by the pressing member 23.

[0140] Figure 13A and Figure 13B This diagram illustrates the action of the pressing member 23 of the post-processing apparatus 100 in this embodiment pressing the sheet P, which serves as the medium, and is a cross-sectional view in the direction of medium transport.

[0141] Figure 13A This indicates that sheet P is not loaded on binding tray 17. Figure 13B This indicates that multiple sheets P are loaded on the binding tray 17 and their ends are aligned by the aligner (reference baffle) 18.

[0142] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, the pressing member 23 has a movable part 23b that can move up and down in the thickness direction of the medium and a fixed part 23a that supports the movable part 23b so that it can move. The movable part 23b has: a guide surface 23d for guiding the conveying medium; and a protrusion 23c that protrudes from the guide surface 23d toward the loading surface of the stacking part 17 and abuts against the surface of the loaded medium.

[0143] The fixing part 23a is, for example, supported and fixed to the aligner 18.

[0144] like Figure 13B As shown, when sheet P is conveyed and stacked, movable part 23b moves (rises) in the direction of the arrow (upward). When the stacked sheet P is discharged, pressing part 23 descends by its own weight to a position where protrusion 23c abuts against the stacked surface.

[0145] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the pressing member 23 included in the post-processing device 100 of this embodiment.

[0146] Figure 14 (A) is a cross-sectional view in the direction of medium transport. Figure 14 (B) is a top view viewed from the mounting surface side of the stacker 17. Figure 14 (C) is a side view of the medium transport direction. Figure 14(D) is a side view viewed from the side of the paper tray 20.

[0147] In this embodiment, the protrusion 23c is a hemispherical component disposed on the guide surface 23d, having the following shape: the cross-sectional shape in the medium conveying direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveying direction decrease in area as it protrudes from the guide surface 23d, and the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the medium conveying direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveying direction is arc-shaped.

[0148] Because the protrusion 23c abuts against the sheet P in a very small contact area at the apex of the hemispherical shape, it does not become a resistance to the movement of the sheet P relative to the media transport direction and in a direction orthogonal to the media transport direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "displacement operation direction"). Therefore, even when the pressing member 23 is pressing the sheet P, the displacement operation can be performed without deviation. As a result, misalignment of the sheet bundle composed of multiple sheets P can be prevented.

[0149] The protrusion 23c is preferably a component with high sliding properties. Preferably, the coefficient of friction between the protrusion 23c and the medium is less than the coefficient of friction between the medium and the medium.

[0150] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the pressing member 23 included in the post-processing device 100 of this embodiment.

[0151] Figure 15 (A) is a cross-sectional view in the direction of medium transport. Figure 15 (B) is a top view viewed from the mounting surface side of the stacker 17. Figure 15 (C) is a side view of the medium transport direction. Figure 15 (D) is a side view viewed from the side of the paper tray 20.

[0152] The pressing member 23 of this embodiment has a rotatable rotating member 230, and the protrusion 23c is formed by the portion of the rotating member 230 that protrudes from the guide surface 23d.

[0153] The rotating component 230 of the pressing component 23 in this embodiment is a spherical component that can rotate in the direction of medium delivery and in a direction orthogonal to the direction of medium delivery.

[0154] By enabling the protrusion 23c to rotate, the resistance to the medium can be further reduced, and this resistance will not become a barrier to the movement of the sheet P in the medium conveying direction and the displacement direction. Therefore, even when the pressing member 23 is pressing the sheet P, the displacement action can be performed without skew, and misalignment of the sheet bundle composed of multiple sheets P can be prevented.

[0155] In this embodiment, the protrusion 23c has the following shape: the cross-sectional shape in the medium conveying direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveying direction have smaller areas as the protrusion from the guide surface 23d increases, and the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the medium conveying direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveying direction is arc-shaped.

[0156] The portion of the rotating component 230 that protrudes from the opening 23f of the guide surface 23d constitutes the protrusion 23c.

[0157] When the exposed area of ​​the rotating component 230 is large, stacking failure may occur, which may become an obstacle to the conveying medium. Therefore, the volume exposed from the guide surface 23d of the rotating component 230 is preferably half or less of the overall volume of the rotating component 230.

[0158] The movable part 23b has a space for accommodating the rotating component 230.

[0159] The movable part 23b has a wall surface that defines the space for housing the rotating component 230, and has a support part 23e that supports the rotating component 230 so that it can rotate. The support part 23e is, for example, a three-point convex component, which can be integrally formed with the movable part 23b or installed as another component. The support part 23e is preferably made of a material with high sliding properties. Since the support part 23e is a component with high sliding properties, the resistance when the rotating component 230 rotates can be reduced, and as a result, the resistance of the protrusion 23c to the medium can also be reduced.

[0160] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the pressing member 23 included in the post-processing device 100 of this embodiment.

[0161] Figure 16 (A) is a cross-sectional view in the direction of medium transport. Figure 16 (B) is a top view viewed from the mounting surface side of stacker 17.

[0162] Rotating component 230 and Figure 15 The example shown is the same.

[0163] The pressing member 23 of this embodiment has a plurality of protrusions 23c. The plurality of protrusions 23c are portions of the plurality of rotating members 230 that protrude from the guide surface 23d.

[0164] By setting multiple protrusions 23c, the number of contact points with the medium is increased, enabling more reliable pressing of the medium.

[0165] The number and position of the protrusions 23c can be appropriately selected according to the function and structure of the post-processing device 100.

[0166] In this embodiment, an example of providing multiple rotating members 230 is described as an example of forming multiple protrusions 23c. However, it is also possible to do so as follows: Figure 14 The arrangement of multiple hemispherical components on the guide surface 23d as shown can also be achieved by combining the protrusion 23c formed by the rotating component 230 with the hemispherical components to form multiple hemispherical components.

[0167] Figures 17A-17C This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the pressing member 23 included in the post-processing device 100 of this embodiment.

[0168] Figure 17A It is a cross-sectional view of the medium transport direction. Figure 17B This is a side view of the media transport direction. Figure 17C This is a side view taken from the side of the paper tray 20.

[0169] The rotating component 230 of the pressing component 23 in this embodiment has a dome-shaped part that protrudes from the guide surface 23d and can rotate in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the medium.

[0170] The rotating component 230 has a drum shape (roller shape) and is mounted on the movable part 23b via the rotating shaft 23g in a manner that allows it to rotate in the displacement direction.

[0171] The protrusion 23c is formed by the portion of the rotating component 230 that protrudes from the guide surface 23d. The protrusion 23c contacts the medium-carrying surface of the stacker in a line contact manner, and its two ends in the conveying direction are tapered, so it will not become a resistance to the movement of the conveyed medium.

[0172] By allowing the protrusion 23c to rotate in the displacement direction, the resistance to the medium can be further reduced, preventing it from becoming a barrier to the movement of the sheet P in the displacement direction. Therefore, even when the pressing member 23 is pressing the sheet P, the displacement action can be performed without skew, preventing misalignment of the paper bundle composed of multiple sheets P.

[0173] In this embodiment, the protrusion 23c has the following shape: the cross-sectional shape in the medium conveying direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveying direction have smaller areas as they protrude from the guide surface 23d, and the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveying direction is an arc shape. Since the rotating component 230 can be a roller-shaped component, the design is simple.

[0174] When the exposed area of ​​the rotating component 230 is large, stacking failure may occur, which may become an obstacle to the conveying medium. Therefore, the volume exposed from the guide surface 23d of the rotating component 230 is preferably half or less of the overall volume of the rotating component 230.

[0175] Figures 18A-18C This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of conveying a medium to the stacker 17 of the post-processing apparatus 100 in this embodiment, aligning the ends of the medium by the aligner 18, and stacking them.

[0176] Figure 18A This indicates the state in which the front-end curled sheet P is conveyed to the vicinity of the pressing component 23.

[0177] Figure 18B This indicates that the front end of the sheet P abuts against the protrusion 23c of the pressing member 23 and the movable part 23b moves upward. The protrusion 23c that the sheet P abuts against has high sliding properties, and when the protrusion 23c is composed of a rotating member 230, the resistance is even smaller, so it does not hinder the movement of the sheet P.

[0178] Figure 18C This indicates that the front end of sheet P is aligned by abutting against the aligner 18 and stacked on the stacker 17. The pressing component 23 corrects the curling of sheet P, which will not hinder the subsequent conveying and loading of sheet P, thereby preventing poor loading.

[0179] Figures 19A to 20B This is an explanatory diagram of the shifting action in the post-processing unit. Figure 19A and Figure 19B This is an example of the post-processing apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure. Figure 20A and Figure 20B This is a comparative example.

[0180] Figure 19A and Figure 20A This is a plan view of the post-processing unit 100. Figure 19B and Figure 20B This is a side view of the pressing component 23 inside the post-processing device, viewed from the direction of the sheet discharge tray 20.

[0181] The post-processing unit 100 holds the sheet P loaded on the stacker 17 by a pair of slow-push baffles (22a, 22b) that act as movers, and moves the slow-push baffles 22 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the sheet P (the displacement direction indicated by arrow S), thereby enabling the sheet P to be displaced.

[0182] exist Figure 19A In the plan view, the shifter can move the sheet P in the vertical direction relative to the center of the conveyor (dotted line in the figure).

[0183] In the comparative example post-processing apparatus 100 shown in Figure 20, the protrusion 231 of the pressing member 23 that contacts the sheet P is composed of a roller that can only rotate in the medium conveying direction. Therefore, as Figure 20BAs shown, during the displacement of sheet P, the protrusion 231 obstructs the displacement of sheet P, and deflection W may occur. Furthermore, if any pressing member 23 obstructs the movement of sheet P, sheet P rotates around the pressing member 23, as... Figure 20A The skewness shown indicates a problem with the sheet alignment.

[0184] In contrast, in the post-processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment shown in FIG19, the protrusion 23c of the pressing member 23 that contacts the sheet P has the following shape: the cross-sectional shape in the medium conveying direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveying direction have smaller areas as they protrude from the guide surface 23d, and at least the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveying direction is an arc shape. Therefore, during the displacement operation of the sheet P, the protrusion 23c will not become an obstacle to the movement of the sheet P.

[0185] have Figure 14 The post-processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment, which includes the pressing member 23 shown in FIG17, can perform a displacement operation without deviation even when the pressing member 23 is pressing the sheet P, thus preventing sheet misalignment.

[0186] The aspects of this disclosure are as follows: Aspect 1 A media processing apparatus is mounted on an image forming apparatus. The media processing apparatus includes: a conveyor for conveying media discharged from the image forming apparatus; a stacker having a stacking surface for stacking the media conveyed by the conveyor; an aligner for aligning the leading ends of the media on the stacker along the conveying direction of the conveyor; a pressing member disposed adjacent to the aligner for pressing the media on the stacker; and a shifter for moving the media on the stacker in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. The pressing member includes: a movable portion movable in the thickness direction of the media; and a fixing portion supporting the movable portion. The movable portion includes: a guide surface for guiding the media; and a protrusion protruding from the guide surface onto the stacking surface of the stacker and abutting against the media stacked on the stacker. The protrusion has a shape in which the cross-sectional shape in the conveying direction of the media and the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the media have smaller areas as they protrude from the guide surface, and the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in at least the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the media is arc-shaped.

[0187] Aspect 2 The media processing apparatus according to aspect 1 further includes a plurality of protrusions comprising the protrusions.

[0188] Aspect 3 In the media processing apparatus according to aspect 1 or 2, the pressing member includes a rotatable rotating member, and the protrusion is an exposed portion of the rotating member that protrudes from the guide surface.

[0189] Aspect 4 In the media processing apparatus according to aspect 3, the rotating component is a spherical component capable of rotating in the medium conveying direction and in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveying direction.

[0190] Aspect 5 In the media processing apparatus according to aspect 3, the exposed portion of the rotating member is dome-shaped, and the rotating member is capable of rotating in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the medium.

[0191] Aspect 6 In the media processing apparatus according to any one of aspects 3 to 5, the volume of the exposed portion of the rotating member is half or less of the overall volume of the rotating member.

[0192] Aspect 7 In the media processing apparatus according to aspect 1 or 2, the protrusion is a hemispherical component disposed on the guide surface.

[0193] Aspect 8 An image forming system includes: an image former for forming an image on a medium; and a medium processing apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 7 for post-processing the medium on which the image has been formed by the image former.

[0194] The above embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention. Therefore, many additional modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings. For example, within the scope of the invention, elements and / or features of different illustrative embodiments can be combined with and / or substituted for each other.

[0195] This patent application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-199318, filed with the Japan Patent Office on November 24, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0196] List of reference numerals 17. Stacker (binding tray) 18. Aligner (Reference Baffle) 19. Binding device (needle binding device) 22. Shifter (slowly push the baffle) 23 Pressing component 23a Fixing part 23b Movable part 23c Protrusion 23d guiding surface 23e Support section 23f opening 26. Binding device (needleless binding device) 27. Slit section 100 Media processing device (post-processing device) 230 Rotating component 300 Image forming apparatus

Claims

1. A media processing apparatus mounted on an image forming apparatus, the media processing apparatus comprising: A conveyor for conveying the medium discharged from the image forming apparatus; A stacker having a stacking surface for stacking the medium conveyed by the conveyor; An aligner that aligns the front ends of the medium on the stacker along the conveying direction of the conveyor; A pressing component, configured adjacent to the aligner, presses the medium on the stacker; and A shifter moves the medium on the stacker in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The pressing component includes: The movable part is capable of moving in the thickness direction of the medium; and The fixed part supports the movable part. The movable part includes: A guiding surface guides the medium; and A protrusion, extending from the guide surface of the stacker, abuts against the medium stacked on the stacker; and The protrusion has the following shape: the cross-sectional shape in the direction of transport of the medium and the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the direction of transport of the medium decrease in area as it protrudes from the guide surface, and at least the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the direction of transport of the medium is arc-shaped.

2. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of protrusions including the protrusion.

3. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, in, The pressing component includes a rotatable rotating component, and The protrusion is the exposed portion of the rotating component that protrudes from the guide surface.

4. The media processing apparatus according to claim 3, in, The rotating component is a spherical component that can rotate in the direction of transport of the medium and in a direction orthogonal to the direction of transport of the medium.

5. The media processing apparatus according to claim 3, in, The exposed portion of the rotating component is dome-shaped, and the rotating component can rotate in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the medium.

6. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in, The volume of the exposed portion of the rotating component is half or less of the overall volume of the rotating component.

7. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, in, The protrusion is a hemispherical component disposed on the guide surface.

8. An image forming system, comprising: Image former, which forms an image on a medium; and The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 performs post-processing on the medium in which an image has been formed by the image generator.

Images