Post-processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a post-processing device which can prevent sheets loaded on loading means from collapsing when performing a shift operation, and which does not increase the time required for the shift operation.SOLUTION: A post-processing device includes loading means 55 on which sheets are discharged and loaded, moving means for moving the loading means in a direction orthogonal to the sheet discharge direction, and movable alignment members 500a and 500b. A direction orthogonal to the sheet discharge direction is defined as the shift operation direction, and an operation in which the loading means moves from one side to the other along the shift operation direction is defined as a shift operation. The alignment members are capable of horizontal movement along the shift operation direction, and a predetermined position in the shift operation direction when horizontal movement is performed is defined as the stop target position. The alignment members are vertically movable between a standby position, where they do not contact the loaded sheets, and an alignment position, where they can contact the sheets loaded on the loading means and moved in the shift operation direction. When the shift operation is performed, both the horizontal movement to the stop target position and the vertical movement to the alignment position are completed before the shift operation is finished.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Post-processing devices are known that receive sheets on which images have been formed by an image forming apparatus and perform post-processing on the sheets, and discharge the sheets on which post-processing has been performed onto a stacking unit such as a tray.

[0003] In some cases, the stack of sheets discharged from the post-processing device is subjected to a next process, such as a punching machine. For this reason, the post-processing device is required to load the sheets on a loading means in a sorted state. Conventionally, in order to perform sorting, a loading means such as a tray is shifted. However, there is a problem in that the stacked sheets are distorted when the tray is shifted.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a paper output tray device that performs a tray shift operation by slowing down the moving speed of the paper output tray just before the end of its movement. According to Patent Document 1, even if the tray shift operation of the paper output tray is performed at high speed, it is possible to prevent the stack of recording papers placed on the paper output tray from collapsing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional discharge tray devices, the tray shift operation is performed by slowing down the moving speed of the discharge tray, which increases the time required for the shift operation and reduces productivity.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing device that can prevent the paper stacked in the stacking means from collapsing when performing a shift operation, does not increase the time required for the shift operation, and prevents a decrease in productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the post-processing device of the present invention comprises: A stacking means for stacking the paper sheets; a moving means for moving the stacking means in a direction perpendicular to a paper discharge direction; A movable alignment member, A direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction is defined as a shift operation direction, and an operation of the stacking means moving from one side to the other along the shift operation direction is defined as a shift operation. The alignment member is capable of horizontal movement along the shift operation direction, and a predetermined position in the shift operation direction when the alignment member moves horizontally is set as a stop target position, and the alignment member is capable of vertical movement to a standby position where the alignment member does not come into contact with the stacked sheets and an alignment position where the alignment member can come into contact with the sheets that are stacked on the stacking means and moved in the shift operation direction, and when the stacking means performs the shift operation, the horizontal movement to the stop target position and the vertical movement to the alignment position are completed before the shift operation is completed. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a post-processing device can be provided that can prevent the paper loaded in the stacking means from collapsing when performing a shift operation, does not increase the time required for the shift operation, and prevents a decrease in productivity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the sheet media post-processing device as seen obliquely from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a sheet media post-processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main components of the sheet media aligning device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a partial view of an alignment member (alignment member) as viewed from the image forming apparatus side. [Figure 6] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating an example of movement of an alignment member during a shift operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of horizontal movement of the alignment member, (B) is a schematic side view illustrating an example of vertical movement of the alignment member, and (C) is a schematic side view illustrating another example of vertical movement of the alignment member. [Figure 8A] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which the aligning member is in a standby position. FIG. [Figure 8B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example when the alignment member is in an alignment position. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a control block of the post-processing device. [Figure 10A] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a flow. [Figure 10B] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another example of the flow. [Figure 10C] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another example of the flow. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams for explaining an example of an alignment position when a shift operation is repeated. [Figure 12] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a position of an alignment member. FIG. [Figure 13] 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of an operation panel when adjusting a stop target position, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of a corresponding stop target position. [Figure 14] 13 is an example of a screen of the operation panel when instructing the operation of the aligning member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a post-processing device and an image forming system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can be modified within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can imagine, such as other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, etc., and any aspect is included in the scope of the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0011] The post-treatment device of the present invention comprises: A stacking means for stacking the paper sheets; a moving means for moving the stacking means in a direction perpendicular to a paper discharge direction; A movable alignment member, A direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction is defined as a shift operation direction, and an operation of the stacking means moving from one side to the other along the shift operation direction is defined as a shift operation. The alignment member is capable of horizontal movement along the shift operation direction, and a predetermined position in the shift operation direction when the alignment member moves horizontally is set as a stop target position, and the alignment member is capable of vertical movement to a standby position where the alignment member does not come into contact with the stacked sheets and an alignment position where the alignment member can come into contact with the sheets that are stacked on the stacking means and moved in the shift operation direction, and when the stacking means performs the shift operation, the horizontal movement to the stop target position and the vertical movement to the alignment position are completed before the shift operation is completed. It is characterized by:

[0012] An image forming system of the present invention includes the post-processing device of the present invention and an image forming device that forms an image on paper, the post-processing device receiving paper from the image forming device.

[0013] In this embodiment, the paper may be referred to as a recording medium, a medium, etc. Also, as the paper, a sheet medium is preferably used. The sheet medium includes copying paper, transfer paper, recording paper, cover, insert paper (partition paper), computer form, special paper, OHP sheet, etc., but these are hereinafter represented by "paper".

[0014] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system 100. The image forming system 100 has a function of forming an image on a sheet P and performing post-processing on the sheet P on which the image has been formed. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming system 100 is made up of an image forming device 50 and a post-processing device 51. The post-processing device may also be called a media processing device, a media post-processing device, a sheet media post-processing device, etc.

[0015] The image forming device 50 forms an image on a sheet P, and discharges the sheet P on which the image has been formed to a post-processing device 51. The image forming device 50 includes a tray for storing the sheet P, a conveying unit for conveying the sheet P stored in the tray, and an image forming unit for forming an image on the sheet P conveyed by the conveying unit.

[0016] The image forming unit may be of an inkjet type that forms an image using ink, or of an electrophotographic type that forms an image using toner. A well-known device can be used as the image forming device 50, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0017] The paper on which the image is formed by the image forming device 50 is discharged from the image forming device 50 and sent to the post-processing device 51. The post-processing device 51 performs post-processing such as stapling, stamping, punching, etc. on the paper, although it is not particularly limited. The post-processing performed by the post-processing device 51 is not particularly limited and can be selected as appropriate. In addition, whether or not to perform post-processing by the post-processing device 51 can be selected for each paper or each bundle of papers.

[0018] Paper that has been post-processed in the post-processing device 51 or paper that has not been post-processed is discharged and stacked (may also be referred to as being placed) on a stacking means provided in the post-processing device 51. In the post-processing device 51, when discharging paper, sorting may be performed. By sorting, a stack of sorted paper is stacked on the stacking means. Among experts such as copy businesses, the sorted and stacked stack of paper may be subjected to the next process, for example, a punch machine. For this reason, stacking in a sorted state with high accuracy is required. According to the post-processing device of this embodiment described in the following example, it is possible to meet such a demand and sort paper while suppressing collapse.

[0019] The post-processing device 51, which performs post-processing on paper, is configured to allow the user to select various processing modes (post-processing) from an operation panel 110 of the image forming device 50. The operation panel 110 is an example of an operation unit provided outside the post-processing device 51. The operation panel 110 may be provided in the image forming device 50, in the post-processing device 51, or separately from the image forming device 50 and the post-processing device 51.

[0020] One of the post-processing options that can be selected from the operation panel 110 is a sorting mode in which a stack of paper is sorted by copy. In the sorting mode, processing is executed by specifying, for example, the paper size and the number of copies to be sorted. The sorting mode may also be called a shift mode.

[0021] By operating the keys on the operation screen, a work instruction for post-processing is transmitted to the control means including the CPU. Then, a signal for performing post-processing is sent between the image forming device 50 and the post-processing device 51 and the control means, and the post-processing is carried out.

[0022] The user can select whether or not to perform post-processing in the post-processing device 51. Sheets that have been post-processed because post-processing execution has been selected, or sheets that have not been post-processed because post-processing execution has not been selected, can be aligned in a sorted state on a tray by a sorting function and / or an alignment function.

[0023] 2 is a partial perspective view of post-processing device 51 of this embodiment seen from diagonally above, and is a schematic diagram showing an example of a case where discharged sheets are stacked. Post-processing device 51 of this embodiment has a stacking means on which discharged sheets are stacked, and as the stacking means, for example, tray 55 is used.

[0024] The post-processing device 51 of this embodiment has a moving means for moving the tray 55 in a direction (shift operation direction d) perpendicular to the paper discharge direction (discharge direction a). By moving the tray 55 in this manner, a sorting function is exerted, and the papers can be sorted on the tray.

[0025] In this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction is defined as the shift operation direction d. The operation of the tray 55 moving from one side to the other along the shift operation direction d is defined as the shift operation. The direction in which the tray 55 moves from one side to the other is also referred to as the shift direction. In other words, the shift operation direction is defined as bidirectional, and the shift direction is defined as unidirectional. For the sake of explanation, the shift operation direction and the shift direction are distinguished. The shift operation direction may be referred to as the horizontal direction, the left-right direction, the paper width direction, etc. The tray 55 may be configured to move in the vertical direction (up and down), but this vertical direction is distinguished from the shift operation direction.

[0026] The moving means for moving the tray 55 may be called a tray moving means, etc. The moving means may be, for example, a shift motor.

[0027] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of post-processing device 51. Post-processing device 51 is used in combination with image forming device 50, and paper on which an image is formed by image forming device 50 reaches post-processing device 51. Post-processing device 51 receives paper, and the received paper is post-processed as necessary and discharged to tray 55.

[0028] 4 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet media alignment device 150. The sheet media alignment device 150 may be referred to as an alignment means or the like. The post-processing device 51 of this example has the sheet media alignment device 150, and the sheet media alignment device 150 has a movable alignment member.

[0029] The alignment member moves to a predetermined position when the tray 55 performs a shift operation, and by staying at that predetermined position, the stack of sheets of paper is prevented from collapsing, thereby aligning the stack of sheets of paper loaded on the tray 55. Details will be described later. In this example, an example will be described in which the sheet media alignment device 150 uses an alignment member. The sheet media alignment device 150 may not use the alignment member, but other means may use the alignment member. Also, in this example, an example is given in which the sheet media alignment device 150 has an alignment function, but the alignment function is not essential to the present invention.

[0030] The sheet media alignment device 150 in this example has alignment members 500a and 500b as an example of an alignment member, and has, for example, an alignment function. As partially shown in Figure 2, the alignment members 500a and 500b can align the sheets of paper loaded on the tray 55, thereby achieving the alignment function.

[0031] The post-processing device 51 of this embodiment can align the sheets on the tray 55 in the discharge direction a by using the alignment function of the sheet media aligning device 150. This alignment function can be selected as appropriate, and for example, when discharging the sheets to the tray 55, the alignment members 550a, 500b are held in a predetermined position, and the sheets are discharged between the alignment members 550a, 500b, so that the stack of sheets can be stacked in a predetermined position. Another alignment function is, for example, to align both ends of the sheets by moving the alignment members 500a, 500b inward in the shift operation direction d after discharging the sheets to the tray 55.

[0032] In this embodiment, the mode in which the tray 55 performs the shift operation is also referred to as the shift mode, sorting mode, etc. When the tray 55 performs the shift operation (when the shift mode is executed), the sheets are loaded in a sorted state with the position shifted by a predetermined number of sheets in the shift operation direction d. By performing the shift operation, a sorting function is exhibited, and the sheets or stacks of sheets can be loaded with the position shifted by a predetermined number of sheets or copies. By loading the sheets or stacks with the position shifted by a predetermined number of sheets or copies in this manner, convenience is improved when removing the sheets from the tray 55 and performing subsequent processing. This sorting function is performed by a moving means that moves the tray 55 in the shift operation direction d.

[0033] The shift operation may be performed once or multiple times. The movement of the tray 55 from one side to the other side is counted as one operation. Basically, after the tray 55 moves from one side to the other side and the shift operation is completed, the next shift operation moves the tray 55 from the other side to one side, that is, moves in the opposite direction to the shift direction in the previous shift operation.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, the post-processing device 51 has a tray 55 that can be raised and lowered as a stacking means, and a proof tray 14 as a fixed tray at the top of the device. Paper taken in by the entrance roller pair 1 is transported along the respective transport paths according to the post-processing mode. An entrance sensor 36 and the entrance roller pair 1 are provided near the paper delivery point with the image forming device 50.

[0035] A punch unit 15 that punches holes is provided downstream of the inlet roller pair 1, and a transport roller pair 2a is provided downstream of the punch unit 15. A branching claw 8a is provided downstream of the transport roller pair 2a. The paper is selectively guided by the branching claw 8a to a transport path toward the proof tray 14 or a transport path that advances approximately horizontally. When the paper is transported toward the proof tray 14, it is transported by a transport roller pair 60 and discharged to the proof tray 14 by a paper discharge roller pair 62.

[0036] Another branch claw 8b is provided downstream of the branch claw 8a, and the paper is selectively guided by this branch claw 8b to a non-staple route E or a staple route F. The positions of the branch claws 8a and 8b can be switched by, for example, on / off control of a solenoid.

[0037] The paper guided to the non-staple route E is transported by the transport roller pair 2b and discharged onto a tray 55 by the paper discharge rollers 3 as a discharge means. A return roller 121 is provided so as to overlap with or below the lower portion of the pair of paper discharge rollers (a pair of rollers including the upper roller 3a). The return roller 121 is an example of a return means, and returns the paper to an end fence 131 to align the rear end.

[0038] The paper discharge rollers 3 have an upper roller 3a and a lower roller 3b. The lower roller 3b is rotatably supported at the free end of a support member 66. The support member 66 is supported on the upstream side in the paper discharge direction a and is provided so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. The lower roller 3b abuts against the upper roller 3a by its own weight or a biasing force. The paper is sandwiched between the two rollers and discharged.

[0039] When the stapled paper stack is to be discharged, the support member 66 is rotated upward and returned at a predetermined timing. This timing is determined based on a detection signal from the paper discharge sensor 38. The paper discharge sensor 38 is disposed immediately upstream of the paper discharge rollers 3.

[0040] The paper guided to the staple route F is transported by the transport roller pair 2c. A branching claw 8c is provided downstream of the transport roller pair 2c. The paper is selectively guided by the branching claw 8c to the staple route G or the evacuation route H. The position of the branching claw 8c can also be switched by on / off control of a solenoid.

[0041] The paper guided to the staple main route G passes through the conveying roller pair 4, is detected by the paper discharge sensor 37, and is stacked on the staple tray by the paper discharge roller pair 68. In this case, the beating roller 5 aligns each sheet in the vertical direction (paper conveying direction) in the figure, and the jogger fence 9 aligns each sheet in the horizontal direction (paper width direction perpendicular to the discharge direction a).

[0042] The post-processing device 51 of this embodiment includes an internal alignment means for aligning the paper in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction (the lateral direction described above) before the paper is discharged to the tray 55. The jogger fence 9 is an example of an internal alignment member that the internal alignment means has. The internal alignment means can improve the quality, for example, when performing stapling. The internal alignment means may also be called a jogger drive mechanism.

[0043] At the end of a job, i.e., between the last sheet of a stack of sheets and the first sheet of the next stack of sheets, the stapler 11 is driven by a staple signal from the control means to perform binding processing. If the distance between sheets discharged from the image forming device 50 is short and the next sheet arrives while the stapling processing is being performed, the next sheet is guided to the evacuation route H and temporarily evacuated. The sheet guided to the evacuation route H is transported by the transport roller pair 16.

[0044] The stapled stack of sheets is immediately sent to the paper discharge roller 3 via the guide 69 by the discharge belt 10 having the discharge claw 10a, and is discharged to the tray 55. The discharge claw 10a is adapted to be detected at a predetermined position by the sensor 39.

[0045] The post-processing device 51 of this embodiment can perform post-processing, which is its original function, and can also align and sort the sheets stacked on the tray 55. Examples of this aligning function include aligning the ends in the discharge direction a and the ends in the shift operation direction d. The ends in the discharge direction a can be aligned, for example, by the return roller 121 that abuts against the end fence 131. The ends in the shift operation direction d can be aligned, for example, by the alignment members 500a, 500b as alignment members.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 3, the post-processing device 51 has a tray 55 on which the sheets S discharged from the paper discharge roller 3 are stacked. The post-processing device 51 has a tray lifting means for lifting and lowering the tray 55, and a positioning means for controlling the position of the tray 55 in the lifting direction. The post-processing device 51 has a tray moving means as a sorting means for reciprocating the tray 55 in the shift operation direction d (Fig. 2).

[0047] The sheet media alignment device 150 has alignment members 500a, 500b and a drive means for driving the alignment members. The alignment function of the sheet media alignment device 150 can be selected as appropriate. For example, the sheet media alignment device 150 may align the positions of the sheets by contacting the alignment members 500a, 500b with the sheets stacked on the tray 55 so as to sandwich the end of the sheets parallel to the discharge direction (side end of the sheets).

[0048] 3, the upper surface of tray 55 in this example is inclined so that the height of the upper surface increases as it advances in the paper discharge direction a. End fence 131, which is a vertical surface, is located at the lower base end of the inclined surface of tray 55. In this way, paper discharged onto tray 55 moves toward end fence 131 under its own weight, making it possible to align the positions of the paper ends in the paper discharge direction a.

[0049] 2, the paper discharged from the paper discharge roller 3 enters between the alignment members 500a and 500b waiting at the receiving position, and slides along the incline on the tray 55 by gravity. In this case, the alignment members 500a and 500b can align the position of the paper in the paper width direction with respect to the paper on the tray 55.

[0050] When the return roller 121 is provided, the rear end of the paper is aligned and aligned by the function of the return roller 121 causing the rear end to abut against the end fence 131. The paper on the tray 55 whose rear end has been aligned is aligned in the shift operation direction d by the alignment operation of the alignment members 500a, 500b.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, a sheet medium registration device 150, which is an example of a registration means, includes, for example, stepping motors 200 and 201, a drive shaft 505, a movable plate 506, a feeler 507, and a sensor 300.

[0052] The stepping motor 201 controls movement in the left-right direction (horizontal direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction). The stepping motor 200 controls movement in the up-down direction. The drive shaft 505 is connected to a pulley of the stepping motor 200. The movable plate 506 is connected to the drive shaft 505. The filler 507 indicates the rotation state of the drive shaft 505. The sensor 300 detects the filler 507.

[0053] The sheet media alignment device 150 has alignment members 500a, 500b. The sheet media alignment device 150 moves the alignment members 500a, 500b up and down so that the distance between them becomes wider and narrower. For example, the sensor 300 detects the filler 507 when the alignment members 500a, 500b are in a lowered position. By using the sensor 300, the filler 507, etc., the vertical positions and rotation angles of the alignment members 500a, 500b can be detected.

[0054] Fig. 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a main part of the sheet media alignment device 150. As shown enlarged in Fig. 5, the sheet media alignment device 150 is configured to pinch and press down the bases of the alignment members 500a, 500b with a movable plate 506. Depending on the position of the movable plate 506, the alignment members 500a, 500b are prevented from hanging down more than a predetermined level, but are freely movable upward.

[0055] The shift operation is performed, for example, at the following timing. For example, if the first stack of paper bundles loaded on tray 55 is designated as paper bundle (1), a shift operation is performed after a predetermined number of sheets constituting paper bundle (1) are discharged, and the subsequent paper bundles are then loaded. In this way, for example, a shift operation is performed when switching the paper bundle to be discharged.

[0056] The paper sheets discharged to the tray 55 may be in a bundle, or may be a single sheet instead of a bundle. For example, when the post-processing device 51 performs a staple process or the like, a plurality of sheets are stapled together and discharged to the tray 55 in a bundle. In this case, after a bundle of a predetermined number of sheets is discharged, a shift operation is performed to stack the subsequent bundles of sheets.

[0057] In such sorting, for example, the shift operation is performed with the alignment members 500a, 500b positioned at the standby position. The alignment members, which are an example of an alignment member, can move up and down between a standby position where they do not come into contact with the papers loaded on the tray 55 and an alignment position where they can come into contact with the papers loaded on the tray 55 and moving in the shift operation direction d (specifically, the shift direction). Therefore, by performing the shift operation with the alignment members 500a, 500b positioned at the standby position, it becomes easier to prevent the alignment members 500a, 500b from coming into contact with the papers loaded on the tray 55.

[0058] When performing a shift operation, when the tray 55 moves in the shift direction and then stops, the sheets of paper stacked above the tray 55 may move in the shift direction due to inertia. For example, if the friction between the sheets of paper is small, the sheets of paper stacked above may move after the tray 55 stops, causing the stack of sheets to collapse. If the stack of sheets of paper stacked on the tray 55 collapses, the advantage of performing the shift operation is lost, and convenience is reduced.

[0059] To address this problem, the movement speed of the tray 55 may be reduced just before the end of the shift operation. In this case, the time required for the shift operation increases, resulting in a decrease in productivity. In the prior art, it has not been possible to prevent the stack of sheets P placed on the tray 55 from collapsing while preventing a decrease in productivity when performing the shift operation.

[0060] Therefore, in this embodiment, when performing a shift operation, before the shift operation ends, the alignment members (for example, the alignment members 500a and 500b) are moved horizontally to the stop target position and then moved vertically to the alignment position. This makes it possible to prevent the paper from colliding with the alignment members 500a and 500b and collapsing the placed paper even if the paper moves in the shift direction due to the shift operation.

[0061] When performing the shift operation, the operation of moving the alignment members 500a, 500b from the standby position to the alignment position is performed within the time of the shift operation. Therefore, even if the alignment members 500a, 500b are moved in this manner, the time required for the shift operation does not increase. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in productivity. In addition, when performing the shift operation, there is no need to reduce the moving speed of the tray 55, making it possible to prevent an increase in the time required for the shift operation and to prevent a decrease in productivity. According to this embodiment, even when the shift operation is performed, it is possible to prevent the sheets stacked on the tray 55 from collapsing and to prevent a decrease in productivity.

[0062] The features of the post-processing device of this embodiment will be outlined below. In this embodiment, the alignment member (e.g., the alignment member) can move horizontally along the shift operation direction, and a predetermined position in the shift operation direction when the alignment member moves horizontally is set as the stop target position. The alignment member can move vertically between a standby position where it does not come into contact with stacked sheets, and an alignment position where it can come into contact with sheets that are stacked on the stacking means (e.g., tray 55) and move in the shift operation direction. When the stacking means performs a shift operation, the alignment member finishes its horizontal movement to the stop target position and finishes its vertical movement to the alignment position before the shift operation ends.

[0063] 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of this embodiment. (A) shows a state before the shift operation, in which the alignment members 500a and 500b are not positioned at the stop target position and are positioned at the standby position. (B) shows a state in which the alignment member 500a has moved horizontally to the stop target position. (C) shows a state in which the alignment member 500a has moved vertically to the alignment position. FIG. 6 may be a schematic diagram viewed from the discharge source side (inside the device) in the paper discharge direction a, or may be a schematic diagram viewed from the discharge destination side (outside the device) in the paper discharge direction a.

[0064] In Fig. 6(A), both the alignment members 500a and 500b are not positioned at the stop target position and are positioned at the standby position. When not performing the shift operation, the positions of the alignment members 500a and 500b in the shift operation direction are not particularly limited. The alignment members 500a and 500b may be positioned at the stop target position or at a position other than the stop target position.

[0065] In FIG. 6(B), the alignment member 500a at the destination (left side in the figure) in the shift operation direction moves horizontally to a target stopping position along the shift operation direction. The white arrow in the figure indicates the movement of the alignment member 500a. As described above, in the shift operation, the tray 55 moves in the shift operation direction d. In this example, as shown by the black arrow in the figure, the tray 55 moves from the right side to the left side in the figure. As described above, the direction in which the tray 55 moves in the shift operation direction is referred to as the shift direction, and the shift operation direction and the shift direction are described separately.

[0066] When the alignment member 500a moves to the target stop position, the stepping motor 201 operates. As described above, the stepping motor 201 controls the movement in the shift operation direction. The shift operation direction d is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction a, and may also be called the left-right direction.

[0067] In FIG. 6(C), the alignment member 500a that has moved to the target stop position moves vertically from the standby position to the alignment position. The white arrow in the figure indicates the vertical movement of the alignment member 500a. When the alignment member 500a moves from the standby position to the alignment position, the stepping motor 200 operates. As described above, the stepping motor 200 controls the movement in the vertical direction. The alignment position may be called the alignment position or the like.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 6(C), even if the movement of tray 55 ends and the paper moves in the shift direction, the paper hits alignment member 500a located at the alignment position, preventing the paper from becoming distorted. When the movement of tray 55 ends, that is, when tray 55 stops, the paper does not necessarily have to come into contact with the alignment member. If the paper does not come into contact with the alignment member when tray 55 stops, the paper is not distorted.

[0069] The timing to start the shift operation can be appropriately selected, as will be described in detail later in the flow chart. The shift operation may be started in the state shown in Fig. 6(A), in the state shown in Fig. 6(B), or in the state shown in Fig. 6(C). In this embodiment, it is sufficient that the alignment member (the aligning member) finishes moving horizontally to the target stop position and finishes moving vertically to the alignment position before the shift operation ends.

[0070] The number of alignment members (e.g., alignment members) can be appropriately selected. As in the above example, it is preferable that two alignment members are provided, one on one side and the other side in the shifting direction, and when the loading means performs a shifting operation, the alignment member provided on the side to which the loading means moves to the alignment position.

[0071] Two alignment members are provided, one on one side in the shift operation direction and the other on the other side, and the alignment member provided on the side to which the loading means is moved (for example, the alignment member provided on one side) moves to the alignment position, making it easier to move the alignment member to the target stopping position in the horizontal direction. For example, when there is one alignment member, the target stopping position may be close in some cases and far away in other cases, resulting in a large movement distance. In contrast, when there are two alignment members, it is only necessary to move the alignment member on the side closer to the target stopping position, thereby reducing the movement distance. Also, the configuration can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0072] When two alignment members are provided, it is preferable that each of the alignment members can move horizontally independently. In this case, for example, when one alignment member moves to a target stopping position, the other alignment member does not need to move in the same direction. This prevents the sheet media alignment device 150 from becoming large. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the alignment members 500a and 500b can move horizontally independently. Although the vertical movements may be independent of each other, the device configuration is simplified if the alignment members 500a, 500b move in conjunction with each other between the standby position and the alignment position, as in the example shown in FIG. 6.

[0073] 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams for explaining the positional transition of the alignment members (e.g., alignment members 500a and 500b). (A) is a schematic diagram of the alignment members 500a and 500b as viewed from above. (B) is an example of a schematic diagram of the alignment members 500a and 500b as viewed from the side, and (C) is another example of a schematic diagram of the alignment members 500a and 500b as viewed from the side.

[0074] As shown in (A), in this example, both the alignment members 500a and 500b have their own stop target positions. In the figure, for the sake of explanation, positions other than the stop target positions are shown by dashed lines. Although both the alignment members 500a and 500b may move to the stop target positions, basically, during the shift operation, either the alignment members 500a or 500b moves to the stop target position.

[0075] The target stop position is the stopping position or a guide for the stopping position when the paper moves in the shift direction and contacts the alignment member when the tray 55 stops during the shift operation. The paper may move in the opposite direction to the shift direction in reaction to colliding with the alignment member, so the paper may not necessarily stay at the target stop position. Also, the paper may not move in the shift direction when the tray 55 stops, so the paper may not necessarily stay at the target stop position. For these reasons, it is referred to as the target stop position.

[0076] Before performing the shift operation, the positions of the alignment members 500a, 500b in the shift operation direction are not particularly limited and may be located at any position. Therefore, if the alignment members 500a, 500b are located at the stop target position before performing the shift operation, there is no need to move the alignment members 500a, 500b horizontally along the shift operation direction. In this way, even if the alignment members 500a, 500b are already located at the stop target position when performing the shift operation and the alignment members 500a, 500b are not moved horizontally along the shift operation direction, this is also included in the end of the horizontal movement to the stop target position before the shift operation ends.

[0077] (B) is an example of the standby position and alignment position (which may be referred to as the alignment position) of the alignment members 500a, 500b. (C) is another example of the standby position and alignment position of the alignment members 500a, 500b. (B) and (C) have different manners of vertical movement, but both are included in the vertical movement. (B) is an example in which the alignment members 500a, 500b move up and down, for example, in the vertical direction, which is a linear movement. (C) is an example in which the alignment members 500a, 500b move up and down by rotating. (C) will also be described in Figures 8A and 8B below.

[0078] When the shift operation is performed when the alignment members 500a and 500b are located at the standby position, the alignment members 500a and 500b do not come into contact with the paper loaded on the tray 55. When the shift operation is performed when the alignment members 500a and 500b are located at the alignment position, the alignment members 500a and 500b can come into contact with the paper loaded on the tray 55 and moved in the shift direction. If the paper moves in the shift direction when the tray 55 stops after the shift operation, the alignment members 500a and 500b are likely to come into contact with the paper. By the paper coming into contact with the alignment members 500a and 500b, the paper can be held at or near the stop target position. Even if the paper moves in the shift direction when the tray 55 stops, there may be cases where the paper does not come into contact with the alignment members 500a and 500b. In this case, it is assumed that the paper will not collapse. For this reason, it is expressed that, at the alignment position, the alignment members 500a and 500b are capable of coming into contact with the paper sheets stacked on the tray 55 and moving in the shift direction.

[0079] In (B) and (C), for the sake of convenience, the placement surface of tray 55 is horizontal on the paper. It is preferable that the placement surface of tray 55 is inclined as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 and Figs. 8A and 8B described later.

[0080] Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram of the alignment members 500a and 500b as viewed from the side, showing an example of the alignment member 500b in the standby position. Fig. 8B is a schematic diagram of the alignment members 500a and 500b as viewed from the side, showing an example of the alignment member 500b in the alignment position. The example shown in Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B explains Fig. 7(C).

[0081] As shown by R2 in the figure, the alignment members 500a, 500b can rotate around the drive shaft 505. In this example, the vertical movement of the alignment members (alignment members 500a, 500b) from the standby position to the alignment position is a rotational movement. In this case, the vertical movement of the alignment members 500a, 500b can be performed without complicating it. Furthermore, when rotating in this manner, it becomes easier to respond to changes in the inclined surface or height of the tray 55.

[0082] When the alignment members 500a, 500b rotate from the standby position to the alignment position, the extent to which they rotate can be appropriately selected and is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B. For example, the angle of rotation may be adjusted according to the height of the stack of paper P placed on the tray 55. The angle of rotation may be adjusted according to the inclination angle of the placement surface of the tray 55, the height of the tray 55, etc.

[0083] 8A, the standby positions of the alignment members 500a and 500b may be selected as appropriate as long as the alignment members 500a and 500b at the standby positions do not interfere with the stack of sheets P when the tray 55 performs a shift operation.

[0084] 9 is a hardware configuration diagram for explaining an example of a control block of the post-processing device in this embodiment. The post-processing device 51 in this embodiment has, for example, a CPU 700, a ROM 710, a clock 720, sensors 730, a motor driver 750, stepping motors 200 and 201, a shift motor 740, and the like.

[0085] The CPU 700, for example, exchanges signals with the image forming apparatus 50 and controls the post-processing device 51. The CPU 700 receives a clock signal from a clock 720 and executes control shown in a flowchart described below, for example. The CPU 700 not only exchanges signals with the image forming apparatus 50, but also receives information from sensors 730 and outputs the information to a motor driver 750.

[0086] The motor driver 750 controls the stepping motors 200 and 201 and the shift motor 740. The stepping motor 201 controls the left-right movement of the alignment members 500a and 500b, and the stepping motor 200 controls the up-down movement of the alignment members 500a and 500b. The shift motor 740 controls the shift operation of the tray 55.

[0087] 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams showing examples of a control flowchart of this embodiment. As described above, the post-processing device 51 of this embodiment moves the alignment member (e.g., the aligning member) to a stop target position and then to the alignment position before the shift operation is completed. For this reason, in the control flowchart, a process of moving the alignment member to the alignment position is performed in a process upstream of the time point at which the shift operation is completed. For this reason, the time point at which the shift operation is started can be changed as appropriate, and for example, the time points at which the shift operation is started are different in FIGS. 10A to 10C.

[0088] 10A will be described. In this example, the flow starts when the image forming apparatus finishes discharging the paper. The post-processing apparatus performs post-processing on the paper on which the image forming apparatus has formed an image. The paper or stack of paper that has been post-processed by the post-processing apparatus is sequentially discharged to tray 55. However, it is possible to set whether or not to perform post-processing in the post-processing apparatus, and paper or stack of paper that has been post-processed and paper or stack of paper that has not been post-processed may be discharged to tray 55 together.

[0089] It is determined whether or not the mode is the shift mode (S100). If the mode is the shift mode, the shift operation is performed. On the other hand, if the mode is not the shift mode, the shift operation is not performed. The shift mode may be called a sorting mode or the like. The setting of whether or not to enter the shift mode can be set by, for example, the operation panel 110.

[0090] In the shift mode (YES in S100), the alignment member at the destination in the shift direction is moved left and right (horizontally) to the target stopping position (S101). In the example of FIG. 6, the alignment member at the destination in the shift direction corresponds to alignment member 500a when the direction of the black arrow in the figure is the shift direction.

[0091] After the alignment members move horizontally to the target stop position, the alignment members start moving vertically from the standby position to the alignment position (S102), and then the movement of the alignment members from the standby position to the alignment position is completed (S103).

[0092] In this example, after the alignment member moves to the alignment position, the shift operation starts (S104). By starting the shift operation, the tray 55 starts moving in the shift direction. Then, the shift operation ends (S105).

[0093] In this example, when the shift operation ends, the alignment member at the destination in the shift direction has already finished moving to the alignment position. Therefore, even if the paper placed on the tray 55 moves in the shift direction when the tray 55 stops, it is possible to prevent the paper from collapsing against the alignment member.

[0094] After the shift operation is completed, it is determined whether the job is completed (S106). If the job is completed, the flow processing is terminated. If the job is not completed, the processing from S101 onwards is repeated.

[0095] In this example, S102 is performed after S101. That is, after the horizontal movement of the alignment member is completed, the vertical movement is started. The alignment member may move vertically while moving horizontally, but by starting the vertical movement after the horizontal movement of the alignment member is completed, it is possible to further prevent the alignment member from contacting the paper on the tray.

[0096] FIG. 10B will be described. Differences from FIG. 10A will be mainly described. In this example, the timing of starting the shift operation is different from the example shown in FIG. 10A. In this example, as in the example shown in FIG. 10A, in the shift mode, S101 is performed and the alignment member at the destination in the shift direction is moved horizontally to the target stopping position. Next, S102 is performed and the alignment member starts to move vertically from the standby position to the alignment position.

[0097] In this example, the shift operation is started before the alignment member finishes moving to the alignment position. That is, as shown in the flow, the process of S104 is executed before S103. As a result, after the shift operation is started (S104), the alignment member finishes moving to the alignment position (S103). Then, the shift operation is finished (S105).

[0098] In this way, in this example, even if the timing at which the shift operation starts is different from the example shown in Fig. 10A, the alignment member at the destination in the shift direction has already moved to the alignment position at the time the shift operation ends, so that the paper P can be prevented from being distorted by the shift operation.

[0099] Fig. 10C will be described. Differences from Fig. 10A will be mainly described. In this example, the timing of starting the shift operation is different from the example shown in Fig. 10A. In this example, as in the example shown in Fig. 10A, in the shift mode, S101 is performed and the alignment member at the destination in the shift direction is moved left and right (moved horizontally) to the target stopping position.

[0100] In this example, the shift operation is started before the alignment member starts moving from the standby position to the alignment position. That is, as shown in the flow, the process of S104 is executed before S102. As a result, after the shift operation is started (S104), the alignment member starts moving from the standby position to the alignment position and ends (S102, S103). Then, the shift operation ends (S105).

[0101] In this way, in this example, even if the timing at which the shift operation starts is different from the example shown in Fig. 10A, the alignment member at the destination in the shift direction has already moved to the alignment position at the time the shift operation ends, so that the paper P can be prevented from being distorted by the shift operation.

[0102] The reasons for illustrating the three control flowcharts in Figs. 10A to 10C are as follows. The time required from the start to the end of the shift operation and the time required for the alignment member to move up and down from the standby position to the alignment position depend on the motor rotation speed and gear ratio of the shift mechanism and the vertical movement mechanism of the alignment member. Therefore, which of the time required from the start to the end of the shift operation and the time required for the alignment member to move up and down from the standby position to the alignment position is longer depends on the situation. Therefore, from the viewpoint of shortening the operation time of the entire system as much as possible, the control flowcharts illustrated in Figs. 10A to 10C are not limited to any one of them. For this reason, the control flowcharts are illustrated as above.

[0103] Next, an example of the alignment position of the alignment member when the shifting operation is repeated will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the alignment position of the alignment member when the shift operation is repeated, and is a diagram viewed from the same direction as Fig. 6. Fig. 11(A) is an example when the discharge of the second stack of paper Ps(2) is completed and the next shift operation is performed. (A) shows the state at the time when the shift operation is completed, and shows the state where the alignment member 500a has already moved to the alignment position.

[0104] If the second stack of sheets Ps(2) is loaded on the tray 55 and then a shift operation is performed, the second stack of sheets Ps(2) will move in the shift direction when the tray 55 stops. Therefore, the alignment member 500a moves to the stop target position and to the alignment position, thereby preventing the second stack of sheets Ps(2) from moving in the shift direction and becoming disorganized when the shift operation is completed.

[0105] At this time, the alignment position for preventing the second paper stack Ps(2) from collapsing can be appropriately selected, but for example, it is preferable that it is a position that does not contact the first paper stack Ps(1) (the lower paper stack). If the alignment position is close to the first paper stack Ps(1), the alignment member 500a may come into contact with the first paper stack Ps(1) and collapse when the shift operation is performed. Therefore, it is preferable that the alignment position for preventing the second paper stack Ps(2) from collapsing is a position that does not contact the first paper stack Ps(1) and maintains a certain distance. In a paper stack, the paper stack stacked at the top is easier to move than the paper stack stacked at the bottom, so if the movement of the paper stack stacked at the top of the second paper stack Ps(2) can be stopped, the second paper stack Ps(2) can be prevented from collapsing.

[0106] 11(B) is an example of the case where the discharge of the third stack of paper Ps(3) is completed and the next shift operation is performed. In this example, the shift direction is reversed between (A) and (B). (B) shows the state at the time when the shift operation is completed, and shows the state where the alignment member 500b has already moved to the alignment position. In (B), the alignment member 500b is moved to the alignment position.

[0107] In (B), similarly to (A), the alignment position for preventing the third paper stack Ps(3) from collapsing is preferably a position that does not contact the second paper stack Ps(2) (the lower paper stack). In this case, when the shift operation is performed, the alignment member 500b can be prevented from contacting the second paper stack Ps(2), and the second paper stack Ps(2) can be prevented from collapsing.

[0108] Next, a preferred embodiment for the position of the other alignment members in the example shown in FIG. 6 will be described. When the loading means (tray 55) performs a shift operation, it is preferable that the other alignment member 500b provided on the side from which the movement originates remains outside the position of the edge of the paper in the shift operation direction d when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the shift operation direction d, even before the loading means performs the shift operation. The term "viewed from a direction perpendicular to the shift operation direction d" refers to the view shown in FIG.

[0109] Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining the outer position, and shows the state before the shift operation. Fig. 12 shows the shift direction (black arrow) in Fig. 6(A), and also shows the position of the edge of the paper before the shift operation with a dashed line. In the illustrated example, the area surrounded by both end faces of the paper is the inner side, and the area outside the position of the edge of the paper is the area that is out of the inner side in the shift operation direction d.

[0110] In the illustrated example, when the tray 55 shifts, the alignment member 500b remains outside the position (dashed line) of the edge of the paper before the tray 55 shifts. This makes it possible to prevent another alignment member 500b provided on the side of the movement source from interfering with the paper.

[0111] Next, an example of adjustment of the stop target position will be described. It is preferable that the stop target position is adjustable in the shift operation direction. By making the stop target position adjustable, the alignment accuracy can be improved. By improving the alignment accuracy, the variation in the position of the edge between the sheets of paper can be reduced. Also, it becomes easier to position the edge of the sheet of paper at the target position.

[0112] The target stopping position can be appropriately adjusted taking into consideration, for example, the amount of movement of tray 55 during the shift operation (which may also be referred to as the shift movement amount), the width of the paper, the shape of the alignment member, etc.

[0113] In Fig. 6(B), the position of the alignment member 500a at the destination in the shift direction can be adjusted arbitrarily with respect to the position of the stack of paper P after the shift operation, which is the target stopping position. This allows settings to be made according to the situation, thereby improving alignment accuracy.

[0114] The method of setting the stop target position is not limited and can be selected appropriately. For example, the stop target position may be adjusted by the operation panel 110. By adjusting the stop target position by the operation panel, convenience is improved and alignment accuracy can be improved. For example, the stop target position can be adjusted each time according to the width of the paper, etc.

[0115] FIG. 13(A) is an example of a screen 111 of an operation panel 110 for adjusting the stop target position. In this example screen, a button 112 with a numerical value displayed thereon is displayed, and by pressing the button 112, the stop target position can be adjusted according to the numerical value. In the example shown, the stop target position can be selected in stages within a range of -2 to +2, but this is not limited to this. The number of numerical values ​​that can be selected can be changed as appropriate, and the number of stages can be changed as appropriate. The numerical values ​​to be displayed can be changed as appropriate. Also, it may be possible to specify the numerical value.

[0116] Fig. 13(B) is a schematic diagram for explaining the adjustment of the stop target position according to the button 112 displayed in Fig. 13(A). The squares in the figure show the stop target positions. As shown in the figure, the stop target position relative to the shift operation direction can be changed according to the numerical value of the button 112.

[0117] Although not particularly limited, for example, "±0" can be set to the shift movement amount + paper width / 2 with the center of the discharge port in the shift operation direction d as the reference. With this "±0" as the reference, the stop target position can be changed in stages, for example, from -2 to +2 with respect to the shift operation direction d. In this way, by making it possible to adjust the stop target position through the operation panel 110, convenience is improved. The target stopping positions can be set separately for the alignment members 500a and 500b.

[0118] Next, the ON / OFF of the operation of the alignment members will be described. It is preferable to be able to select whether to operate (ON) or not (OFF) the alignment members (e.g., alignment members 500a, 500b) described above. If the amount of shift movement of tray 55, the form of movement of tray 55 (speed, distance, deceleration, etc.), the type of paper, the amount of paper loaded, etc. will not cause the paper to collapse, the operation of the alignment members may be turned OFF. By turning it OFF when it is not necessary, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0119] When the loading means performs a shift operation, it is preferable that whether or not to move the alignment member to the stop target position and to the alignment position can be set by an operation unit (e.g., operation panel 110) provided outside the post-processing device. In this way, being able to switch ON / OFF on the operation panel 110 improves convenience. Also, it becomes easier to select ON / OFF depending on the situation, which makes it easier to reduce power consumption.

[0120] 14 is an example of a screen 111 of the operation panel 110 for selecting ON / OFF of the operation of the alignment member. In the example of the screen 111 shown in the figure, a button 113 for selecting ON or OFF is provided. ON / OFF can be selected by pressing the button. If ON is selected, the alignment member moves to the stop target position and to the alignment position when the tray 55 performs a shift operation. If OFF is selected, the alignment member does not move to the stop target position and to the alignment position when the tray 55 performs a shift operation.

[0121] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A stacking means for stacking the paper sheets; a moving means for moving the stacking means in a direction perpendicular to a paper discharge direction; A movable alignment member, A direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction is defined as a shift operation direction, and an operation of the stacking means moving from one side to the other along the shift operation direction is defined as a shift operation. The alignment member is capable of horizontal movement along the shift operation direction, and a predetermined position in the shift operation direction when the alignment member moves horizontally is set as a stop target position, and the alignment member is capable of vertical movement to a standby position where the alignment member does not come into contact with the stacked sheets and an alignment position where the alignment member can come into contact with the sheets that are stacked on the stacking means and moved in the shift operation direction, and when the stacking means performs the shift operation, the horizontal movement to the stop target position and the vertical movement to the alignment position are completed before the shift operation is completed. A post-processing device comprising: <2> The alignment members are provided in two numbers, and are provided on one side and the other side in the shift operation direction, When the loading means performs the shifting operation, the alignment member provided on the side of the destination of the loading means moves to the alignment position. Characterized by <1> The post-processing device according to claim 1 . <3> The alignment members are each capable of horizontal movement independently. Characterized by <2> The post-processing device according to claim 1 . <4> When the stacking means performs the shifting operation, the other alignment member provided on the movement origin side remains outside the position of the edge surface of the paper before the stacking means performs the shifting operation in the shifting operation direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the shifting operation direction. Characterized by <2> or <3> The post-processing device according to claim 1 . <5> The stop target position is adjustable in the shift operation direction. Characterized by <1> from <4> 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1 , <6> The vertical movement of the alignment member from the standby position to the alignment position is a rotational movement. Characterized by <1> from <5> 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1 , <7> When the loading means performs the shift operation, whether or not to move the alignment member to the stop target position and to the alignment position can be set by an operation unit provided outside the post-processing device. Characterized by <1> from <6> 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1 , <8> The stack of sheets is provided with an internal alignment means for aligning the stack of sheets in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction before the stack of sheets is discharged to the stacking means. Characterized by <1> from <7> 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1 , <9> <1> from <8> and an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper, The post-processing device receives the paper from the image forming device. 1. An image forming system comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 50 Image forming device 51 Aftertreatment device 100 Image forming system 110 Operation Panel 150 Sheet media alignment device 200 Stepping motor for left and right movement 201 Stepping motor for vertical movement 300 Sensors 500 Alignment material 505 Drive shaft 506 Movable plate 507 Filler [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0123] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4338739

Claims

1. A stacking means for stacking the paper sheets; a moving means for moving the stacking means in a direction perpendicular to a paper discharge direction; A movable alignment member, A direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction is defined as a shift operation direction, and an operation of the stacking means moving from one side to the other along the shift operation direction is defined as a shift operation. The alignment member is capable of horizontal movement along the shift operation direction, and a predetermined position in the shift operation direction when the alignment member moves horizontally is set as a stop target position, and the alignment member is capable of vertical movement to a standby position where the alignment member does not come into contact with the stacked sheets and an alignment position where the alignment member can come into contact with the sheets that are stacked on the stacking means and moved in the shift operation direction, and when the stacking means performs the shift operation, the horizontal movement to the stop target position and the vertical movement to the alignment position are completed before the shift operation is completed. A post-processing device comprising:

2. The alignment members are provided in two numbers, and are provided on one side and the other side in the shift operation direction, When the loading means performs the shifting operation, the alignment member provided on the side of the destination of the loading means moves to the alignment position. The post-processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The alignment members are each capable of horizontal movement independently. The post-processing device according to claim 2 .

4. When the stacking means performs the shifting operation, the other alignment member provided on the movement origin side remains outside the position of the edge surface of the paper before the stacking means performs the shifting operation in the shifting operation direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the shifting operation direction. The post-processing device according to claim 2 .

5. The stop target position is adjustable in the shift operation direction. The post-processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The vertical movement of the alignment member from the standby position to the alignment position is a rotational movement. The post-processing device according to claim 1 .

7. When the loading means performs the shift operation, whether or not to move the alignment member to the stop target position and to the alignment position can be set by an operation unit provided outside the post-processing device. The post-processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The stack of sheets is provided with an internal alignment means for aligning the stack of sheets in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction before the stack of sheets is discharged to the stacking means. The post-processing device according to claim 1 .

9. A post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, The post-processing device receives the paper from the image forming device.

1. An image forming system comprising:

Images