Sheet post-processing device and image formation system

Abstract

To automatically store and spread a relay guide plate into and out of a device.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing device 3 which connects with an image formation apparatus, and the sheet post-processing device comprises: a relay guide plate 52 which guides a sheet discharged from the image formation apparatus to the sheet post-processing device 3; movable means (guide plate movable means 55) which connects with the relay guide plate 52, and stores the relay guide plate 52 into the sheet post-processing device 3 and also spreads it out of the device; and switching means (relay guide plate moving lever 53) which places the movable means in a spread state to spread the relay guide plate 52 out of the device when the sheet post-processing device connects with the image formation apparatus and in a storage state to store the relay guide plate 52 in the device when not connecting, wherein the switching means is arranged on a connection plane of the sheet post-processing device 3 with the image formation apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In an image forming system, a relay guide plate is used to transfer paper between the image forming device and the paper post-processing device. A technique for storing the relay guide plate inside the paper post-processing device to deal with cases where the guide plate is forgotten to be removed and to save space in the paper post-processing device has been devised and is already known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a relay guide plate is stored and deployed inside and outside the machine for the purpose of saving space when collecting a paper post-processing device. However, there were problems such as damage to the guide plate if the tray was forgotten to be stored, and paper transport problems if the tray was forgotten to be unfolded. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An object of the present invention is to automate the storage and deployment of relay guide plates inside and outside the aircraft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a paper post-processing device connected to an image forming device, comprising: a relay guide plate for guiding the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus to a paper post-processing apparatus; a movable member connected to the relay guide plate, for storing the relay guide plate inside the paper post-processing device and deploying the relay guide plate outside the device; a switching means for switching the movable means to a deployed state in which the relay guide plate is deployed outside the image forming apparatus when the movable means is connected to the image forming apparatus, and to a stored state in which the relay guide plate is stored inside the image forming apparatus when the movable means is not connected to the image forming apparatus, The switching means is disposed on a connection surface of the sheet post-processing device with the image forming device. Effect of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, the storage and deployment of the relay guide plate inside and outside the machine can be automated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a paper post-processing device. [Diagram 3] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a relay guide plate movable mechanism. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a state of a relay guide plate when connected to an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 5] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a movable mechanism of a relay guide plate. [Figure 6] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a relay guide plate angle changing mechanism. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a relay guide plate storage mechanism. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating another configuration example of the relay guide plate movable mechanism. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a detailed configuration example of a relay guide plate deployment / retraction mechanism linked to the connection release lever illustrated in FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings for explaining the embodiment of the present invention, components such as members and components having the same function or shape are denoted by the same reference numerals as far as they can be distinguished, and the description thereof will be omitted after the first description.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 and a paper post-processing device 3. The image forming apparatus 2 and the paper post-processing device 3 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. In the image forming system 1, after the image forming device 2 forms an image on a sheet, the sheet post-processing device 3 receives the sheet from the image forming device 2 and performs various post-processing on the received sheet. The various post-processing is, for example, an end binding process, a center folding process, etc. The center folding process includes a saddle stitching process. The sheet post-processing device 3, which performs such various post-processing, has a discharge mode, an end binding mode, and a center folding mode as operation modes.

[0009] The image forming device 2 has a known configuration, and can be configured as an electrophotographic color image forming device, for example. The image forming device 2 has, for example, a control unit, an image creating unit, an optical writing unit, a paper feed unit, a paper feed transport path, an image reading unit, an intermediate transfer unit, a fixing unit, a paper discharge transport path, a double-sided transport path, and the like (none of which are shown), and forms an image on one or both sides of a sheet of paper.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the sheet post-processing device 3. As shown in FIG. The paper post-processing device 3 is provided with a first transport path Pt1 for receiving the paper discharged from the image forming device 2 and discharging the paper to a first paper discharge tray 10, a second transport path Pt2 branching off from the first transport path Pt1 for performing end binding processing and the like on the paper stack, and a third transport path Pt3 connected to the second transport path Pt2 for performing saddle stitching and center folding processing on the paper stack 6. Each of the transport paths Pt1 to Pt3 is formed by, for example, a guide member (not shown) or the like.

[0011] In the first transport path Pt1, an entrance roller 11, transport rollers 12, 13, and a discharge roller 14 are arranged in this order from the upstream to the downstream of the first transport path Pt1. The entrance roller 11, the transport rollers 12, 13, and the discharge roller 14 are rotated by a motor to transport the paper. An entrance sensor 15 is arranged upstream of the entrance roller 11. The entrance sensor 15 detects that the paper has been carried into the paper post-processing device 3. A branch claw 17 is arranged downstream of the transport roller 12. The branch claw 17 selectively guides the paper to either the part downstream of the branch claw 17 in the first transport path Pt1 or the second transport path Pt2 by rotating and switching its position. The branch claw 17 is driven by, for example, a motor or a solenoid.

[0012] In the discharge mode, the paper fed from the image forming device 2 to the first transport path Pt1 is transported by the entrance rollers 11, transport rollers 12 and 13, and the paper discharge rollers 14, and discharged to the first paper discharge tray 10. On the other hand, in the end binding mode and the center folding mode, the paper fed to the first transport path Pt1 is transported by the entrance rollers 11 and the transport rollers 12, has its traveling direction changed by the branch claw 17, and is transported to the second transport path Pt2.

[0013] In the second transport path Pt2, transport rollers 20, 21, and 22, a paper stacking section 23, a first paper alignment section 24, and an end binding processing section (first binding processing section) 25 are arranged. The transport rollers 20, 21, and 22 are driven by a motor to transport the paper. The first paper alignment section 24 is driven by a motor. In addition, the branching claws 26 and 27 are arranged downstream of the paper stacking section 23. The branching claws 26 and 27 selectively guide the paper to either the portion downstream of the branching claw 17 in the first transport path Pt1 or the third transport path Pt3 by rotating to switch their positions. The branching claws 26 and 27 are driven by, for example, a motor or a solenoid.

[0014] In the end binding mode, the sheets are sequentially loaded on the sheet stacking section 23. As a result, a sheet bundle 6 is formed in which a plurality of sheets 5 are stacked. At this time, the rear end of the sheet abuts against a first movable reference fence (not shown) provided on the sheet stacking section 23, and the sheet transport direction position is aligned, and the width direction position is aligned by the first sheet alignment section 24. Here, the sheet stacking section 23, the first sheet alignment section 24, and the first movable reference fence configure a first bundling section 28 as a bundling section that stacks a plurality of sheets to form a sheet bundle. The first bundling section 28 also includes a motor that drives the first sheet alignment section 24 and a motor that drives the first movable reference fence.

[0015] The bundle of sheets with the stapled ends is returned to the first transport path Pt1 by the first movable reference fence, and then transported by the transport rollers 13 and the discharge rollers 14 to be discharged onto the first discharge tray 10. Here, the discharge rollers 14 discharge the bundle of sheets stapled by the end staple processing unit 25. On the other hand, in the center-folding mode, the sheet transported to the second transport path Pt2 is transported to the third transport path Pt3 by transport rollers 20, 21, and 22 and the first movable reference fence.

[0016] The third conveying path Pt3 is provided with conveying rollers 31 and 32 and a saddle stitching folding section 33. The conveying rollers 31 and 32 are driven by a motor to convey the paper. The saddle stitching folding section 33 has a center folding section 34, a saddle stitching processing section (second stitching processing section) 35, and a second bundling section 36. The paper conveyed to the third conveying path Pt3 is sequentially stacked on the second bundling section 36 by the conveying rollers 31 and 32. This forms a paper bundle in which multiple papers are stacked. That is, the second bundling section 36 stacks multiple papers conveyed by the conveying section 51 to form a paper bundle. At this time, the front end of the paper abuts against the second movable reference fence 37, and the paper conveying direction position is aligned, and the width direction position is aligned by the second paper alignment section (not shown). The stack of sheets is then stapled (saddle-stitched) near the center in the sheet transport direction by saddle stitching process 35. The saddle-stitched stack of sheets is returned to the center-folding position by second movable reference fence 37. Second movable reference fence 37 is driven by a motor.

[0017] The paper stack positioned at the folding position is folded (center-folded) at the center in the paper transport direction by the folding section 34. In the folding section 34, a blade 38 facing the center in the paper transport direction of the paper stack at the folding position moves from right to left in FIG. 1, folding the center in the paper transport direction of the paper stack and pushing it between a pair of pressure rollers 39, 40. The blade 38 is driven by a motor. The folded paper stack is then pressed from above and below by the pair of pressure rollers 39, 40. The pair of pressure rollers 39, 40 are driven by a motor, and the paper stack folded in this way is discharged onto a second paper discharge tray 42 by the pressure rollers 39, 40 and a paper discharge roller 41. The paper discharge roller 41 is driven by a motor.

[0018] Next, a relay guide plate movable mechanism installed in the above-mentioned sheet post-processing device will be described. In one embodiment of the present invention, the paper post-processing device 3 is configured so that a switching means (e.g., a relay guide plate moving lever) switches the relay guide plate to an extended state when connected to the image forming device, and switches the relay guide plate to a stored state when the connection is released.

[0019] Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the relay guide plate movable mechanism. The relay guide plate moving mechanism includes a relay guide plate 52, a guide plate moving means 55, and a relay guide plate moving lever 53 as a switching means. The relay guide plate 52 guides the paper discharged from the image forming device 2 to the paper post-processing device 3 . Guide plate moving means (also referred to as "moving means") 55 is connected to intermediate guide plate 52, and stores intermediate guide plate 52 inside sheet post-processing device 3 and deploys it outside the device.

[0020] The relay guide plate moving lever 53 is a switching means for switching (changing the state) the guide plate moving means 55 between the deployed state and the stored state. Here, the deployed state is a state in which the relay guide plate 52 is deployed outside the apparatus when the image forming apparatus 2 and the paper post-processing apparatus 3 are connected. The stored state is a state in which the relay guide plate 52 is stored inside the apparatus when they are not connected. The relay guide plate moving lever 53 is disposed on a connection surface of the paper post-processing device 3 with the image forming device 2 (a connection surface where the paper post-processing device 3 is connected to the image forming device 2). At least a portion of the relay guide plate moving lever 53 protrudes from the connection surface to the outside of the machine, and is provided so that the portion is pushed by the image forming device 2 when the paper post-processing device 3 is connected to the image forming device 2.

[0021] When the intermediate guide plate moving lever 53 provided on the paper post-processing device 3 is pressed, the guide plate movable means 55 operates, and the intermediate guide plate 52 is deployed outside the paper post-processing device 3 to be able to receive paper transported from the image forming device 2. 4 shows the state of the relay guide plate 52 when it is connected to the image forming apparatus. This mechanism can prevent paper transport problems caused by forgetting to attach the relay guide plate 52.

[0022] In addition, when the connection with the image forming device 2 is released by moving the machine or the like after being connected, the relay guide plate moving lever 53 returns to its original position, the guide plate moving means 55 operates, and the relay guide plate 52 is stored inside the machine, preventing the relay guide plate 52 from being deformed. The intermediate guide plate moving lever 53 is supported at a rotation center 54 and is connected to a guide plate moving means 55 by a rotation fulcrum 56 around which it rotates.

[0023] In this way, the switching means and the movable means can prevent the relay guide plate from being left on or off, thereby preventing transport problems and damage to the machine. Furthermore, since the switching means operates when the image forming apparatus is connected, a special operation for moving the relay guide plate is not required.

[0024] Next, the maintenance of the attitude of the switching means will be described. When the sheet post-processing device 3 is not connected to the image forming device 2, it is desirable to maintain the relay guide plate 52 in the housed state. The relay guide plate moving lever 53 serving as a switching means is preferably configured to maintain its posture by a position holding means, and when not connected to the image forming device 2, the switching means is exposed from the image forming device connection surface of the paper post-processing device 3.

[0025] 5 shows a detailed configuration example of the movable mechanism of the intermediate guide plate 52. The intermediate guide plate 52 is connected to a guide plate movable means 55, and the guide plate movable means 55 is configured to be located on the outer periphery of the first transport path Pt1. The relay guide plate position maintaining means (also referred to as "position maintaining means") 57 has a function of maintaining the relay guide plate moving lever 53 in the stored state. As an example of the relay guide plate position maintaining means 57, a configuration in which a compression spring is provided below the rotation center of the relay guide plate moving lever 53, a compression spring is provided above the rotation center of the relay guide plate moving lever 53, and a torsion spring is provided at the rotation center of the relay guide plate moving lever 53 can be considered. In this way, when the image forming apparatus is not connected, the switching means is exposed, so that the relay guide plate can be automatically stored.

[0026] In addition, in the paper post-processing device 3, it is preferable that the guide plate moving means 55 is disposed on the outer periphery of the paper transport path. In this way, the moving means does not block the paper transport path, and the paper transport is not hindered.

[0027] As described above, the paper post-processing device 3 of this embodiment prevents damage to the machine caused by moving the paper post-processing device 3 with the relay guide plate 52 deployed, and prevents transport failure caused by forgetting to attach the relay guide plate. This improves transport quality.

[0028] Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, a relay guide plate angle changing mechanism will be described. 6 shows a configuration example of the relay guide plate angle change mechanism. The relay guide plate angle change mechanism (also called the "posture change mechanism") 68 changes the angle of the relay guide plate 52. The angle of the relay guide plate 52 is, for example, the angle between the first transport path Pt1 and the relay guide plate 52, or the angle between the relay guide plate 52 and the side surface of the paper post-processing device 3 on which the relay guide plate 52 is deployed.

[0029] The relay guide plate 52 is connected to the guide plate moving means 55, and its posture (angle) is maintained by the relay guide plate angle changing mechanism 68. When the guide plate moving means 55 is moved leftward by the relay guide plate moving lever 53 and the relay guide plate 52 is moved leftward in conjunction therewith, the postures of the relay guide plate 52 and the relay guide plate angle changing mechanism 68 change to an angle close to parallel to the first transport path Pt1. The relay guide plate angle change mechanism 68 may be considered as, for example, a torsion spring that tends to open outward.

[0030] In this way, it is preferable that the angle of the relay guide plate 52 be changeable between the deployed state and the stored state by the relay guide plate angle changing mechanism 68. In this way, the angle required in the unfolded state is unnecessary in the stored state, so that the storage space for the relay guide plate can be reduced, resulting in space saving.

[0031] Embodiment 3. In this embodiment, a relay guide plate storing mechanism will be described. 7 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the relay guide plate storage mechanism. The relay guide plate storage mechanism stores the relay guide plate 52 inside the sheet post-processing device 3. The relay guide plate 52 is connected to the first transport path Pt1 at a rotation fulcrum 58, and to the guide plate moving means 55 at a rotation fulcrum 59. The relay guide plate moving lever 53 is connected to the guide plate moving means 55 at a rotation fulcrum 56, and when the relay guide plate moving lever 53 rotates in the CCW (counterclockwise) direction, the relay guide plate 52 is pulled from the rotation fulcrum 59. However, since it is connected to the stationary paper transport path at the rotation fulcrum 58, the tip of the upper relay guide plate 52 rotates counterclockwise, and the lower relay guide plate 52 rotates clockwise, and is stored inside the apparatus.

[0032] In this way, relay guide plate 52 is connected to the paper transport path, and when guide plate moving means 55 operates, the side of relay guide plate 52 that is not connected to the paper transport path is rotated and stored. In this way, the paper transport surface of the intermediate guide plate will not be scratched by contact with other parts, and damage to the paper can be prevented.

[0033] Embodiment 4. In this embodiment, another example of switching the state of the relay guide plate will be described. Another configuration example of the relay guide plate movable mechanism is shown in Fig. 8. The relay guide plate movable mechanism of this embodiment is a configuration example in which a disconnection lever 60 is used to disconnect the paper post-processing device 3 from the image forming device 2. The disconnection lever 60 is connected to the guide plate moving means 55 through a connecting mechanism 61, and the relay guide plate 52 is connected to the guide plate moving means 55. When the disconnection lever 60 is operated with the relay guide plate 52 in the deployed state, the guide plate moving means 55 moves leftward through the connecting mechanism 61, and the relay guide plate 52 is stored. When connecting to the image forming apparatus, the disconnection lever 60 is operated again (turned clockwise) to deploy the relay guide plate 52.

[0034] In the paper post-processing device 3 of this embodiment, the connection release lever 60 functions as a connection operation part (also called a "connecting device") that is operated when connecting and disconnecting with the image forming device 2. The connection operation part and the connecting mechanism are a switching means that switches the guide plate movable means 55 between the deployed state and the stored state.

[0035] FIG. 9 shows a detailed configuration example of the relay guide plate deployment / retraction mechanism linked to the connection release lever 60 described with reference to FIG. The disconnection lever 60 is configured to rotate about a rotation center 63. The disconnection lever 60 has a rotation center 65 that connects to the linking mechanism 61 at the end opposite to the rotation center 63. The connecting mechanism 61 has a rotation center 64 at the end opposite to the rotation center 65, which is connected to the guide plate moving means 55. The connecting mechanism 61 may be configured to expand and contract like a tension spring. The state shown on the left side of Figure 9 is the state in which the relay guide plate 52 is unfolded, and at this time the rotation center 65 side of the disconnection lever 60 is positioned in the 12 o'clock direction (top of the figure) relative to the rotation center 63, and is in a state in which it is connected to the image forming device 2.

[0036] The state shown on the right side of Figure 9 is the state in which the relay guide plate 52 is stored. By rotating the connection release lever 60 in the CCW direction from the deployed state about the rotation center 63, the connecting mechanism 61 is pulled, the guide plate moving means 55 is operated, and the relay guide plate 52 moves to the left and is stored inside the aircraft.

[0037] In this way, the relay guide plate is connected to a coupling device with the image forming apparatus through a coupling mechanism, and the relay guide plate can be deployed and stored by operating the coupling device when coupling or detaching from the image forming apparatus. In this way, the relay guide plate 52 can be deployed and stored together with the image forming apparatus 2 by connecting (docking) it therewith.

[0038] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Within the scope of the present invention, the elements of the above-described embodiments can be modified, added, or converted into contents that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art. In addition, two or more of the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined.

[0039] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A paper post-processing device connected to an image forming device, a relay guide plate for guiding the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus to a paper post-processing apparatus; a movable member connected to the relay guide, for storing the relay guide plate inside the paper post-processing device and deploying it outside the device; a switching means for switching the movable means to a deployed state in which the relay guide plate is deployed outside the image forming apparatus when the movable means is connected to the image forming apparatus, and to a stored state in which the relay guide plate is stored inside the image forming apparatus when the movable means is not connected to the image forming apparatus, The sheet post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the switching means is disposed on a connection surface of the sheet post-processing device that is connected to the image forming device. <2> Further, a position holding means is provided for holding the attitude of the switching means, The position holding means holds the switching means in a position exposed from the connection surface when the switching means is not connected to the image forming apparatus. The above-mentioned <1> 2 is a sheet post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <3> The movable means is disposed on the outer periphery of the paper transport path. The above-mentioned <1> or <2> 2 is a sheet post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <4> The relay guide plate may be further provided with a position change mechanism that changes an angle of the relay guide plate between the deployed state and the stored state. The above-mentioned <1> from <3> 13. The sheet post-processing device according to claim 12, wherein the sheet post-processing device is a sheet processing device. <5> The relay guide plate is connected to a paper transport path, The movable means rotates the side of the relay guide plate that is not connected to the paper transport path to store it. The above-mentioned <1> from <4> 13. The sheet post-processing device according to claim 12, wherein the sheet post-processing device is a sheet processing device. <6> The switching means is a connection operation unit that is operated when connecting or disconnecting the image forming apparatus; A connecting mechanism that connects the connecting operation unit and the movable means, The relay guide plate is deployed or retracted via the connecting mechanism by operating the connecting operating portion. The above-mentioned <1> from <5> 13. The sheet post-processing device according to claim 12, wherein the sheet post-processing device is a sheet processing device. <7> an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet; The above <1> from <6> a sheet post-processing device according to any one of the preceding claims; The image forming system includes: [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 2. Image forming device 3 Paper post-processing device 52 Relay guide plate 53 Relay guide plate moving lever 54 Rotation Center 55 Guide plate moving means (moving means) 56, 58, 59 Rotational fulcrum 57 Relay guide plate position holding means 60 Disconnect lever 61 Connection mechanism 63, 64, 65 Rotation center [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0041] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-212411 A

Claims

1. A paper post-processing device connected to an image forming device, a relay guide plate for guiding the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus to a paper post-processing apparatus; a movable member connected to the relay guide, for storing the relay guide plate inside the paper post-processing device and deploying it outside the device; a switching means for switching the movable means to a deployed state in which the relay guide plate is deployed outside the image forming apparatus when the movable means is connected to the image forming apparatus, and to a stored state in which the relay guide plate is stored inside the image forming apparatus when the movable means is not connected to the image forming apparatus, The sheet post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the switching means is disposed on a connection surface of the sheet post-processing device that is connected to the image forming device.

2. Further, a position holding means is provided for holding the attitude of the switching means, The position holding means holds the switching means in a position exposed from the connection surface when the switching means is not connected to the image forming apparatus.

2. The sheet post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet post-processing device is a sheet processing device.

3. The movable means is disposed on the outer periphery of the paper transport path.

3. The sheet post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet post-processing device is a sheet processing device.

4. The relay guide plate may be further provided with a position change mechanism that changes an angle of the relay guide plate between the deployed state and the stored state.

3. The sheet post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet post-processing device is a sheet processing device.

5. The relay guide plate is connected to a paper transport path, The movable means rotates the side of the relay guide plate that is not connected to the paper transport path to store it.

3. The sheet post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet post-processing device is a sheet processing device.

6. The switching means is a connection operation unit that is operated when connecting or disconnecting the image forming apparatus; A connecting mechanism that connects the connecting operation unit and the movable means, The relay guide plate is deployed or retracted via the connecting mechanism by operating the connecting operating portion.

3. The sheet post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet post-processing device is a sheet processing device.

7. an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet; A paper post-processing device according to claim 1 or 2, An image forming system comprising:

Images