Sheet processing device

Abstract

To provide a sheet processing device which enables a user to take out a sheet in a loading unit easily when paper jam occurs.SOLUTION: A sheet processing device according to an embodiment has a processing unit, a guide member, and a loading unit. The processing unit processes a sheet. The guide member guides the sheet. The loading unit includes a loading surface and a holding unit. The loading surface is disposed so as to face the guide member. The sheet may be loaded on the loading surface. The holding unit may be held by a user. The loading unit may move to the opposite side of the guide member. The loading unit is configured to support the sheet when moving to the opposite side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sheet processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A sheet processing apparatus includes a processing unit, a guide member, and a stacking unit. The processing unit performs stapling processing and / or folding processing on a predetermined position of a sheet. The guide member guides the sheet. The stacking unit stacks the sheet. When a paper jam occurs during the operation of the sheet processing apparatus, it may be difficult to take out the sheet on the stacking unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus capable of easily taking out the sheet on the stacking unit when a paper jam occurs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a processing unit, a guide member, and a stacking unit. The processing unit processes the sheet. The guide member guides the sheet. The stacking unit has a stacking surface and a gripping portion. The stacking surface is arranged to face the guide member. The stacking surface can stack the sheet. The gripping portion can be gripped by a user. The stacking unit is movable to the side opposite to the guide member. The stacking unit is configured such that the sheet is supported when moving to the opposite side.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. And the overlapping description of these components may be omitted.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 is arranged in a workplace. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus main body 100 and a sheet processing apparatus 200. The image forming apparatus main body 100 and the sheet processing apparatus 200 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0009] The image forming apparatus main body 100 will be described. The image forming apparatus main body 100 forms an image on a sheet P (recording medium) using a recording agent. The sheet P is, for example, plain paper or label paper. A specific example of the recording agent is toner. The toner is either toner used as a decolorable recording agent or toner used as a non-decolorable recording agent.

[0010] For example, the image forming apparatus main body 100 is a multifunction machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus main body 100 includes a display unit 15, an operation unit 14, an image reading unit 16, a printer unit 17, a sheet storage unit 18, a paper discharge roller 19, and a first control unit 80.

[0011] The display unit 15 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 15 displays various information regarding the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the sheet processing apparatus 200. The operation unit 14 has a plurality of buttons. The operation unit 14 receives user operations. The operation unit 14 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation performed by the user to the first control unit 80 of the image forming apparatus main body 100. The display unit 15 and the operation unit 14 may be configured as an integrated touch panel.

[0012] The image reading unit 16 reads the image information to be read as the brightness and darkness of light. The image reading unit 16 outputs the read image information to the printer unit 17. The sheet storage unit 18 stores the sheet P used for image formation. The sheet storage unit 18 supplies the stored sheet P to the printer unit 17.

[0013] The printer unit 17 forms an image on a sheet based on the image information generated by the image reading unit 16 or the image information received via a communication path. The printer unit 17 includes an image forming unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing device. The image forming unit forms an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum based on the image information. The image forming unit attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a visible image. The transfer unit transfers the visible image onto the sheet. The fixing device heats and presses the toner to fix the visible image onto the sheet. The paper discharge roller 19 is disposed near the paper discharge port of the image forming apparatus main body 100. The paper discharge roller 19 sends out the sheet P on which the image is formed to the sheet processing apparatus 200.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus main body 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, a memory 82, an auxiliary storage device 83, etc. connected by a bus. The image forming apparatus main body 100 functions as a device including a display unit 15, an operation unit 14, an image reading unit 16, a printer unit 17, a sheet storage unit 18, and a communication unit 84 by executing a program.

[0015] The CPU 81 functions as a first control unit 80 by executing programs stored in the memory 82 and the auxiliary storage device 83. The first control unit 80 controls the operations of each part of the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the sheet processing apparatus 200. The auxiliary storage device 83 is configured to include a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The auxiliary storage device 83 stores information. The communication unit 84 is configured to include a communication interface for connecting the own device to an external device. The communication unit 84 communicates with an external device via the communication interface.

[0016] The sheet processing apparatus 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet processing apparatus 200 performs post-processing on the sheet P on which an image has been formed. For example, the post-processing is staple processing or saddle stitching processing, etc. The sheet processing apparatus 200 includes a staple mechanism 20, a saddle stitching mechanism 30, and a second control unit (control unit) 90.

[0017] The staple mechanism 20 includes a standby tray 21, a processing tray 22, and a stapler 23. The stapler 23 performs staple processing on the peripheral portions of a plurality of sheets P. Hereinafter, a plurality of sheets P are referred to as a sheet bundle. The stapled sheet P is conveyed by a conveyance belt 24. The sheet P conveyed by the conveyance belt 24 is discharged to a movable tray 27.

[0018] The sheet processing apparatus 200 includes a movable tray 27, an upper tray 26, and a lower tray 28. The stapled sheet P is discharged onto the movable tray 27. The non-stapled sheet P is discharged onto the upper tray 26. The lower tray 28 is located at the lower part of the sheet processing apparatus 200. The sheet P processed by the saddle folding mechanism 30 is discharged onto the lower tray 28.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the saddle folding mechanism 30 in the sheet processing apparatus 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the saddle folding mechanism 30 is provided at the lower part of the sheet processing apparatus 200. The saddle folding mechanism 30 includes a stacking unit 31 and a post-processing unit 40 (processing unit). The post-processing unit 40 includes a stapling unit 41, a folding unit 42, and a doubling unit 45.

[0020] The stacking unit 31 is provided at the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the sheet P in the conveyance path of the sheet P. The sheet P is stacked on the stacking unit 31. The stacking unit 31 includes a bed 32 and a stacker 35. The bed 32 has a stacking surface 33 that supports the surface of the sheet P.

[0021] As a local coordinate system of the saddle folding mechanism 30, the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction of the orthogonal coordinate system are defined as follows. The X-direction is the normal direction of the stacking surface 33 of the bed 32. The +X direction is the direction in which the sheet P is placed on the bed 32. The +X direction is inclined upward from the horizontal direction. The Z-direction is the conveyance direction of the sheet P in the saddle folding mechanism 30. The -Z direction is the direction in which the sheet P travels through the conveyance path toward the stacking unit 31. The -Z direction is inclined downward from the horizontal direction. The Y-direction is the horizontal direction.

[0022] The bed 32 is substantially plate-shaped. The bed 32 can place the sheet P on the loading surface 33 facing the +X direction. The bed 32 is on both sides in the Z direction with the folding unit 42 in between. The sheet P placed on the loading surface 33 is supported by the stacker 35. The stacker 35 supports the -Z direction tip of the sheet P conveyed to the loading part 31. The stacker 35 is movable along the Z direction. For example, the stacker 35 is driven by a moving mechanism arranged in the -X direction of the bed 32.

[0023] The stapler part 41 processes the sheet P at a position in the +Z direction from the position where the sheet P is supported by the stacker 35. The stapler part 41 is in the +Z direction of the folding unit 42. The stapler part 41 performs stapling processing on a predetermined position of the sheet P. For example, the predetermined position of the sheet P is the central part in the Z direction of the sheet P.

[0024] The folding unit 42 processes the sheet P at a position in the +Z direction from the position where the sheet P is supported by the stacker 35. The folding unit 42 bends the central part of the sheet P in the Z direction to form a fold on the sheet P. The folding unit 42 has a pair of folding rollers 44 and a blade 43.

[0025] The pair of folding rollers 44 is in the +X direction of the bed 32. The pair of folding rollers 44 is arranged in the Z direction. The rotation axes of the pair of folding rollers 44 extend in the Y direction. The pair of folding rollers 44 are driving rollers. However, one of the pair of folding rollers 44 may be a driven roller. The pair of folding rollers 44 are each displaceable in the Z direction. The pair of folding rollers 44 are displaceable in the Z direction to approach and separate from each other. The displacement of the pair of folding rollers 44 in the Z direction is interlocked with each other. The pair of folding rollers 44 contact each other to form a nip N.

[0026] The blade 43 is flat. The blade 43 is parallel to the XY plane. The blade 43 is tapered in the +X direction. The blade 43 is movable in the X direction through between the beds 32 on both sides in the Z direction. The blade 43 forms a fold extending in the Y direction on the sheet P in cooperation with a pair of folding rollers 44 by pushing the sheet P into the nip N.

[0027] The doubling unit 45 is in the +X direction of the pair of folding rollers 44. The doubling unit 45 doubles the fold of the sheet P.

[0028] For example, the saddle folding mechanism 30 can perform a binding process on a stack of sheets. The binding process is a process of stapling and saddle folding a stack of sheets stacked on the stacking unit 31.

[0029] In the binding process, first, a stapling process is performed on the stack of sheets. The stacker 35 moves the stack of sheets in the +Z direction to align the central portion of the stack of sheets in the Z direction with the position of the stapling portion 41. The stapling portion 41 performs a stapling process on the stack of sheets.

[0030] Subsequently, a saddle fold is performed on the stack of sheets that has been stapled. The stacker 35 moves the stack of sheets in the -Z direction to align the central portion of the stack of sheets in the Z direction with the position of the blade 43. The blade 43 moves in the +X direction and pushes the central portion of the stack of sheets between a pair of folding rollers 44. The stack of sheets is saddle-folded at the central portion in the Z direction. A fold extending in the Y direction is formed on the end side in the +X direction of the saddle-folded stack of sheets. The doubling unit 45 doubles the fold of the stack of sheets. Thus, the binding process of the stack of sheets is completed. The bound stack of sheets is discharged to the lower tray 28.

[0031] The saddle folding mechanism 30 can perform saddle folding on one or more sheets P stacked on the stacking unit 31 without stapling the one or more sheets P instead of performing bookbinding processing. The one or more sheets P are a single sheet P or a bundle of sheets. In this case, the stacker 35 directly conveys the one or more sheets P from the stacking position to the folding unit 42. Thereafter, in the same manner as saddle folding in bookbinding processing, creases are formed on the one or more sheets P all at once. The sheet P on which the creases are formed is discharged to the lower tray 28.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet processing apparatus 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, a memory 92, an auxiliary storage device 93, etc. connected by a bus. The sheet processing apparatus 200 functions as an apparatus including a stapling mechanism 20, a saddle folding mechanism 30, and a communication unit 94 by executing a program.

[0033] The CPU 91 functions as a second control unit 90 by executing programs stored in the memory 92 and the auxiliary storage device 93. The second control unit 90 controls the operations of each part of the sheet processing apparatus 200. The auxiliary storage device 93 is configured to include a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The auxiliary storage device 93 stores information. The communication unit 94 is configured to include a communication interface for connecting the own apparatus to an external apparatus. The communication unit 94 communicates with an external apparatus via the communication interface.

[0034] The stacking unit 31 in the sheet processing apparatus 200 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the stacking unit 31 in the sheet processing apparatus 200 of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view of the stacking unit 31 of the embodiment as viewed from the +Y direction. FIG. 6 is a view including the VI-VI cross section of FIG. 5. Note that FIG. 5 shows a state in which the stacking unit 31 has not been moved to the side opposite to the guide member 50 (a state in which the stacking unit 31 is in the restricted position). As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the sheet processing apparatus 200 includes a processing unit 40, a guide member 50, and a stacking unit 31.

[0035] The processing unit 40 processes the sheet P. The processing unit 40 performs staple processing and / or folding processing on a predetermined position of the sheet P.

[0036] The guide member 50 guides the sheet P. The guide member 50 faces the central portion of the stacking surface 33 in a direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "Y direction") orthogonal to each of the normal direction and the vertical direction of the stacking surface 33. In the sheet P stacked on the stacking unit 31, portions on both sides of the guide member 50 in the Y direction are exposed in the +X direction.

[0037] The guide member 50 has a longitudinal length along the vertical direction. The portion of the guide member 50 facing the stacking surface 33 extends along the Z direction. For example, at least a part of the guide member 50 may be formed by bending a plate-like member. A part of the guide member 50 may be fixed to the main body portion (for example, the housing 10) of the sheet processing apparatus 200.

[0038] The stacking unit 31 has a stacking surface 33 and a gripping portion 34. The stacking surface 33 is arranged to face the guide member 50. The stacking surface 33 can stack the sheet P.

[0039] The stacking unit 31 is movable to the side opposite to the guide member 50. The stacking unit 31 is configured such that the sheet P is supported when moving to the opposite side.

[0040] The stacking unit 31 is rotatably supported at the vertical end portion around an axis along the Y direction. The stacking unit 31 further includes a rotation shaft member 55 extending in the Y direction. The rotation shaft member 55 is provided on both sides of the lower end portion of the bed 32 in the Y direction. The rotation shaft member 55 protrudes outward in the Y direction from both end portions of the lower end portion of the bed 32 in the Y direction. The rotation shaft member 55 may be rotatably supported with respect to the housing 10.

[0041] The rotation center C of the loading part 31 is arranged on the lower end side of the loading part 31 in the vertical direction. The rotation center C of the loading part 31 corresponds to the center of the rotation shaft member 55 as viewed from the Y direction.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the rotation center C of the loading part 31 is arranged at a position overlapping at least the motor 71 which is a heavy object among the drive units 70 for driving the sheet processing apparatus 200. The sheet processing apparatus 200 further includes a drive unit 70. The drive unit 70 is arranged on the lower end side of the loading part 31 in the vertical direction. The rotation center C of the loading part 31 is arranged at a position overlapping the motor 71 as viewed from the Y direction.

[0043] For example, the drive unit 70 includes a motor 71, a power transmission mechanism 72, and a case 73. The motor 71 is the heaviest heavy object among the components of the drive unit 70. For example, the power transmission mechanism 72 may include a plurality of gears and links. The case 73 covers the motor 71 and the power transmission mechanism 72. For example, the configuration mode of the drive unit 70 can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the sheet processing apparatus 200 further includes a restricting member 60 and a biasing member 65. The restricting member 60 restricts the movement of the loading part 31 to the opposite side at the restricting position by contacting the loading part 31. The biasing member 65 biases the loading part 31 so that the loading part 31 is held at the restricting position.

[0045] A pair of restricting members 60 are provided in the Y direction. The restricting member 60 may be fixed to the housing 10. The restricting member 60 includes a protruding portion 61 protruding in a mountain shape (V shape) toward the inside in the Y direction in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6.

[0046] The protruding portion 61 has a first inclined surface 62 and a second inclined surface 63. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, the first inclined surface 62 is inclined so as to be located inward in the Y direction from the +X direction end to the -X direction end (the tip of the protruding portion 61) of the first inclined surface 62. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, the second inclined surface 63 is inclined so as to be located outward in the Y direction from the +X direction end (the tip of the protruding portion 61) to the -X direction end of the second inclined surface 63.

[0047] For example, the biasing member 65 is a coil spring. Note that the biasing member 65 may be configured to include a leaf spring, a spiral spring, or the like. For example, the configuration mode of the biasing member 65 can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0048] A pair of biasing members 65 are provided in the Y direction. The biasing member 65 is provided on the upper portion of the lower bed 32 among the beds 32 on both sides in the Z direction. The inner end portion of the biasing member 65 in the Y direction may be supported by a support member 66 provided on the -X direction side of the bed 32. The outer end portion of the biasing member 65 in the Y direction may be fixed to the inner end portion of the moving member 67 in the Y direction.

[0049] The outer end portion of the moving member 67 in the Y direction is in contact with the first inclined surface 62 of the restricting member 60 by the biasing force of the biasing member 65 in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. Thereby, when the stacking portion 31 is not moved to the side opposite to the guide member 50 (for example, when there is no paper jam), the stacking portion 31 is held at the restricted position.

[0050] The sheet processing apparatus 200 further includes a positioning portion 68 for positioning the stacking portion 31. The positioning portion 68 is provided so as to be able to perform positioning of the stacking portion 31 in the X direction. A pair of positioning portions 68 are provided in the Y direction. The positioning portion 68 may be provided on the housing 10. The positioning portion 68 may be formed by bending a part of the housing 10.

[0051] The positioning portion 68 is in contact with the loading surface 33 in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. By contacting the positioning portion 68, the movement of the loading portion 31 in the -X direction is restricted. When the loading portion 31 is not moved to the side opposite to the guide member 50 by the contact of the positioning portion 68 and the biasing force of the biasing member 65, the loading portion 31 is held at the restricted position.

[0052] The sheet processing apparatus 200 is configured to be rotatable integrally with the loading portion 31 and further includes a stacker 35 (hereinafter also referred to as the "lower end support portion 35") that supports the lower end of the sheet. The lower end support portion 35 supports the -Z direction tip of the sheet P conveyed to the loading portion 31. A plurality (for example, four) of the lower end support portions 35 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. Note that the number of the lower end support portions 35 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, the lower end support portion 35 is formed in a shape that extends in a direction away from the loading surface 33 when viewed from the Y direction and then bends upward in the vertical direction. At least a part of the plurality of lower end support portions 35 may be formed in the same shape as each other. The plurality of lower end support portions 35 are arranged at positions overlapping each other when viewed from the Y direction.

[0054] The lower end support portion 35 is configured to be movable along the vertical direction. The lower end support portion 35 is configured to be movable along the Z direction. For example, the lower end support portion 35 is driven by a moving mechanism arranged in the -X direction of the bed 32.

[0055] The rotation center C of the loading portion 31 is arranged below the lower end E of the movement range of the lower end support portion 35 in the vertical direction. The lower end E of the movement range of the lower end support portion 35 corresponds to the base end (root portion) of the portion where the lower end support portion 35 extends from the loading surface 33. The rotation center C of the loading portion 31 is arranged in the -X direction and -Z direction of the lower end E of the movement range of the lower end support portion 35 when viewed from the Y direction.

[0056] The gripping portion 34 can be gripped by the user. The gripping portion 34 is disposed at the upper end side of the loading portion 31 in the vertical direction and at the central portion in the Y direction. The gripping portion protrudes toward the side opposite to the guide member 50 at the upper end side of the bed 32 when viewed from the Y direction. The gripping portion is formed such that the width in the Y direction decreases as it goes in the -X direction when viewed from the Z direction.

[0057] For example, the user of the sheet processing apparatus 200 grips the gripping portion 34 and pulls the gripping portion against the biasing force of the biasing member 65 (moves it in the -X direction). Then, the moving member 67 moves inward in the Y direction and gets over the tip of the protruding portion 61 of the restricting member 60. Thereby, the loading portion 31 can be moved to the side opposite to the guide member 50.

[0058] Next, the operation of the loading portion 31 of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory view of the loading portion 31 of the embodiment. FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory view of the loading portion 31 of the embodiment following FIG. 7.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a view showing a state where the loading portion 31 is held at the restricted position. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 7, during the operation of the sheet processing apparatus 200, paper jams may occur when the sheet P gets caught between the loading portion 31 and the guide member 50.

[0060] In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the user rotates the loading portion 31 in the direction of arrow R (moves the loading portion 31 to the side opposite to the guide member 50) by pulling the gripping portion 34. Thereby, the user can put a hand between the loading portion 31 and the guide member 50.

[0061] For example, when the loading portion 31 is moved to the side opposite to the guide member 50, the lower end of the sheet P is supported by the lower end support portion 35. Thereby, since the posture of the sheet P on the loading portion 31 changes, the sheet P can be easily taken out when a paper jam occurs.

[0062] The sheet processing apparatus 200 of the embodiment includes a processing unit 40, a guide member 50, and a stacking unit 31. The processing unit 40 processes the sheet P. The guide member 50 guides the sheet P. The stacking unit 31 has a stacking surface 33 and a gripping portion 34. The stacking surface 33 is arranged to face the guide member 50. The stacking surface 33 can stack the sheet P. The gripping portion 34 can be gripped by the user. The stacking unit 31 is movable to the side opposite to the guide member 50. The stacking unit 31 is configured such that the sheet P is supported when moving to the opposite side. For example, when a paper jam occurs during the operation of the sheet processing apparatus, the sheet may not be supported even when the stacking unit is moved to the side opposite to the guide member. In this case, since the posture of the sheet on the stacking unit does not change, it is highly likely that the sheet is difficult to take out. On the contrary, in the embodiment, when a paper jam occurs, the sheet P is supported when the stacking unit 31 is moved to the side opposite to the guide member 50. As a result, the posture of the sheet P on the stacking unit 31 changes, so that the sheet P is easy to take out. Therefore, the sheet P on the stacking unit 31 can be easily taken out when a paper jam occurs.

[0063] The stacking unit 31 is rotatably supported at the vertical end along an axis along the Y direction orthogonal to each of the normal direction and the vertical direction of the stacking surface 33. Thereby, when a paper jam occurs, by rotating the stacking unit 31 at the vertical end, the sheet P on the stacking unit 31 can be easily taken out.

[0064] The rotation center C of the stacking unit 31 is arranged on the lower end side of the stacking unit 31 in the vertical direction. Thereby, when a paper jam occurs, by rotating the stacking unit 31 at the lower end in the vertical direction, the sheet P on the stacking unit 31 can be easily taken out.

[0065] The rotation center C of the loading unit 31 is arranged at a position overlapping at least the motor 71 which is a heavy object among the drive units 70 for driving the sheet processing apparatus 200. Thereby, when paper jams occur, by rotating the loading unit 31 at a position overlapping with the heavy object, the rotation operation can be performed more stably, so that the sheet P on the loading unit 31 can be taken out more easily.

[0066] The sheet processing apparatus 200 further includes a restricting member 60 and a biasing member 65. The restricting member 60 holds the movement of the loading unit 31 to the opposite side at a restricted position by contacting the loading unit 31. The biasing member 65 biases the loading unit 31 so that the loading unit 31 is held at the restricted position. Thereby, when the loading unit 31 is not moved to the side opposite to the guide member 50, the loading unit 31 can be stably held at the restricted position.

[0067] The sheet processing apparatus 200 further includes a lower end support portion 35 that is configured to be rotatable integrally with the loading unit 31 and supports the lower end of the sheet P. Thereby, when a paper jam occurs, when the loading unit 31 is moved to the side opposite to the guide member 50, the lower end of the sheet P is supported by the lower end support portion 35. Therefore, since the posture of the sheet P on the loading unit 31 is likely to change, the sheet P on the loading unit 31 can be taken out more easily when a paper jam occurs.

[0068] The lower end support portion 35 is formed in a shape that extends in a direction away from the loading surface 33 when viewed from the Y direction and then bends and extends upward in the vertical direction. Thereby, when a paper jam occurs, when the loading unit 31 is moved to the side opposite to the guide member 50, the lower end of the sheet P is supported by the bent portion of the lower end support portion 35. Therefore, since the posture of the sheet P on the loading unit 31 is likely to change, the sheet P on the loading unit 31 can be taken out more easily when a paper jam occurs.

[0069] The lower end support portion 35 is configured to be movable along the vertical direction. Thereby, even when the lower end support portion 35 is moved along the vertical direction to process the sheet P, since the lower end of the sheet P is supported by the lower end support portion 35, the sheet P on the stacking portion 31 can be taken out more easily when paper jams occur.

[0070] The rotation center C of the stacking portion 31 is disposed below the lower end E of the movement range of the lower end support portion 35 in the vertical direction. Thereby, when a paper jam occurs, by rotating the stacking portion 31 below the lower end E of the movement range of the lower end support portion 35, the sheet P on the stacking portion 31 can be easily taken out.

[0071] The gripping portion 34 is disposed at the upper end side of the stacking portion 31 in the vertical direction and at the central portion in the Y direction. Thereby, compared with the case where the gripping portion 34 is at the lower end side of the stacking portion 31 in the vertical direction, it becomes easier for the user to grip the gripping portion 34. Therefore, the sheet P on the stacking portion 31 can be taken out more easily when a paper jam occurs.

[0072] Next, a modified example will be described. The stacking portion of the embodiment is rotatably supported at the vertical end portion about an axis along the Y direction orthogonal to each of the normal direction of the stacking surface and the vertical direction. On the contrary, the stacking portion may be movably supported in the direction along the Y direction and / or in the direction intersecting the Y direction. For example, the stacking portion may be movable to the side opposite to the guide member. For example, the movement mode of the stacking portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0073] The rotation center of the stacking portion of the embodiment is disposed on the lower end side of the stacking portion in the vertical direction. On the contrary, the rotation center of the stacking portion may be disposed on the upper end side of the stacking portion in the vertical direction. For example, the arrangement mode of the rotation center of the stacking portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0074] The rotation center of the loading part in the embodiment is arranged at a position overlapping at least the motor, which is a heavy object among the drive units for driving the sheet processing apparatus. On the other hand, the rotation center of the loading part may be arranged at a position overlapping a part different from the heavy object of the drive unit. For example, the rotation center of the loading part may be arranged at a position overlapping a component different from the drive unit. For example, the arrangement mode of the rotation center of the loading part with respect to the drive unit can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0075] The sheet processing apparatus of the embodiment further includes a restricting member and a biasing member. The restricting member restricts the movement of the loading part to the opposite side at the restricting position by contacting the loading part. The biasing member biases the loading part so that the loading part is held at the restricting position. On the other hand, the sheet processing apparatus may not include the restricting member and / or the biasing member. For example, the installation mode of the restricting member and the biasing member can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0076] The sheet processing apparatus of the embodiment further includes a lower end support part that is configured to be rotatable integrally with the loading part and supports the lower end of the sheet. On the other hand, the lower end support part may be configured to be rotatable separately from the loading part. For example, the lower end support part may be configured to be non-rotatable. For example, the sheet processing apparatus may not include the lower end support part. For example, the configuration mode of the lower end support part can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0077] The lower end support part of the embodiment is formed in a shape that extends in a direction away from the loading surface when viewed from the Y direction and then bends upward in the vertical direction and extends. On the other hand, the lower end support part may be formed in a shape that extends in a direction away from the loading surface when viewed from the Y direction. For example, the lower end support part may not have a portion that bends upward in the vertical direction and extends. For example, the shape of the lower end support part can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0078] The lower end support portion of the embodiment is configured to be movable along the vertical direction. In contrast, the lower end support portion may be configured to be immovable along the vertical direction. For example, the movement mode of the lower end support portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0079] The rotation center of the loading portion of the embodiment is arranged below the lower end of the movement range of the lower end support portion in the vertical direction. In contrast, the rotation center of the loading portion may be arranged at or above the lower end of the movement range of the lower end support portion in the vertical direction. For example, the arrangement mode of the rotation center of the loading portion with respect to the movement range of the lower end support portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0080] The gripping portion of the embodiment is arranged on the upper end side of the loading portion in the vertical direction and at the central portion in the Y direction. In contrast, the gripping portion may be arranged on the lower end side of the loading portion in the vertical direction. For example, the gripping portion may be arranged at the end portion in the Y direction. For example, the arrangement mode of the gripping portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0081] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the loading portion has a loading surface and a gripping portion. The loading surface is arranged to face the guide member. The loading surface can load the sheet. The gripping portion can be gripped by the user. The loading portion is movable to the side opposite to the guide member. The loading portion is configured such that the sheet is supported when moving to the opposite side. Thereby, the sheet on the loading portion can be easily taken out when paper jamming occurs.

[0082] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

[0083] (Appendix 1) A processing unit that processes a sheet, a guide member that guides the sheet, a loading part that is arranged to face the guide member and has a loading surface on which the sheet can be loaded and a gripping part that can be gripped by a user, and is movable to the side opposite to the guide member and is configured such that the sheet is supported when moving to the opposite side, A sheet processing apparatus.

[0084] (Appendix 2) The loading part is rotatably supported at the vertical end along an axis along a direction orthogonal to each of the normal direction and the vertical direction of the loading surface. The sheet processing apparatus according to Appendix 1.

[0085] (Appendix 3) The rotation center of the loading part is arranged on the lower end side of the loading part in the vertical direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to Appendix 2.

[0086] (Appendix 4) The rotation center of the loading part is arranged at a position overlapping at least a motor which is a heavy object among the drive units for driving the sheet processing apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus according to Appendix 2 or 3.

[0087] (Appendix 5) A limiting member that contacts the loading part to hold the movement of the loading part to the opposite side at a limiting position, and a biasing member that biases the loading part so that the loading part is held at the limiting position. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4.

[0088] (Appendix 6) The sheet processing apparatus further includes a lower end support part that is configured to be rotatable integrally with the loading part and supports the lower end of the sheet. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 2 to 4.

[0089] (Appendix 7) The lower end support portion is formed in a shape that extends in a direction away from the loading surface as viewed from the orthogonal direction and then bends and extends upward in the vertical direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 6.

[0090] (Supplementary Note 8) The lower end support portion is configured to be movable along the vertical direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 6 or 7.

[0091] (Supplementary Note 9) The rotation center of the loading portion is disposed below the lower end of the movement range of the lower end support portion in the vertical direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 8.

[0092] (Supplementary Note 10) The gripping portion is disposed at the upper end side of the loading portion in the vertical direction and at the central portion in the orthogonal direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 4.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0093] 31... Loading portion, 33... Loading surface, 34... Gripping portion, 40... Post-processing portion (processing portion), 50... Guide member, 60... Limiting member, 65... Biasing member, 70... Driving unit, 71... Motor, 200... Sheet processing apparatus, C... Rotation center, P... Sheet

Claims

1. A processing unit that processes a sheet, A guide member that guides the sheet, A loading surface that is arranged to face the guide member and on which the sheet can be loaded, and a gripping portion that can be gripped by a user, and a loading portion that is movable to the side opposite to the guide member and is configured such that the sheet is supported when moving to the opposite side. A sheet processing apparatus.

2. The loading portion is rotatably supported at an end in the vertical direction about an axis along a direction orthogonal to each of the normal direction and the vertical direction of the loading surface. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. The rotation center of the loading portion is arranged on the lower end side of the loading portion in the vertical direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 2.

4. The rotation center of the loading portion is arranged at a position overlapping at least a motor, which is a heavy object, among drive units for driving the sheet processing apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 2 or 3.

5. A limiting member that holds the movement of the loading portion to the opposite side in a limiting position by contacting the loading portion, An urging member that urges the loading portion so that the loading portion is held in the limiting position. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

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