Medium processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a medium processing device capable of performing a shift operation without causing skew even in a state where a pressing member presses a medium.SOLUTION: There is provided a medium processing device 100 including: conveying means for conveying a medium discharged from an image forming apparatus; stacking means 17 for stacking the medium; an alignment member 18 for aligning a leading edge of the medium in a conveying direction; a pressing member 23 for pressing the medium; and shifting means 22. The pressing member 23 includes: a movable portion 23b movable in a thickness direction of the medium; and a fixed portion 23a for supporting the movable portion 23b. The movable portion 23b has a guide surface 23d, and a protruding portion 23c that comes into contact with the stacked medium. The protruding portion 23c has a shape in which a cross-sectional shape in the medium conveying direction and a cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction each has an area that decreases toward a direction protruding from the guide surface 23d, and an outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in at least a direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction is an arc.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a media processing device (post-processing device) that includes a means for performing post-processing such as binding, folding, punching, etc. on media such as paper on which an image has been formed by an image forming device. Post-processing devices that perform binding processing include devices that load the transported media onto the loading surface of a loading means (staple tray), align the edges by pressing them against an alignment member (reference fence), and perform the binding processing by having the binding processing means (stapler) drive a staple into the specified position.

[0003] When the loaded media is weak paper or curled paper, loading errors may occur, which may cause the binding position to vary and result in a poor appearance of the bound stack of papers. In response to this, a configuration is known in which a pressing member is provided to improve the alignment accuracy of the paper stack, and this pressing member presses the paper stack loaded on the stacking means in the thickness direction, thereby maintaining the posture of the paper stack (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a device that provides rollers that are capable of advancing and retreating from the paper pressing surface of a pressing member, in order to prevent bending or the like from occurring in the paper when the pressing member separates from the paper when stacking subsequent paper, and that enables subsequent paper to be stacked in a state in which the pressing member is always pressing the stack of paper due to the rolling of the rollers.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a device that can prevent damage to the sheets by making the corners of the end face of the pressing member that comes into contact with the stack of sheets into curved surfaces. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Some post-processing devices are equipped with a shift function that can execute a "shift operation" that moves the stack of sheets on the stacking means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction. Since the shift operation is performed while the stack of sheets is pressed by a pressing member, there is a risk that the pressing member will hinder the movement of the sheets during the shift operation.

[0007] For example, the pressing member of the device described in Patent Document 1 has rollers that can rotate only in the paper transport direction, so the rollers that do not rotate in the shift direction create resistance during the shift operation. Also, the pressing member of the device described in Patent Document 2 has a flat contact area, so it also creates resistance during the shift operation. In this manner, the conventional pressing member has a problem in that the shifting movement of the paper is hindered, causing the paper to bend and become skewed, leading to poor alignment of the paper.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An object of the present invention is to provide a media processing device that can perform a shift operation without causing skew even when a pressing member is pressing against the media. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the media processing device of the present invention is a media processing device mounted on an image forming device, and includes: transport means for transporting media discharged from the image forming device; stacking means for stacking the media transported by the transport means on a stacking surface; an alignment member for aligning the leading ends of the media stacked on the stacking means in the transport direction; a pressing member disposed near the alignment member for pressing down the media on the stacking means; and shift means for moving the media on the stacking means in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, the pressing member being arranged to press down the media. The device is equipped with a movable part that is movable in the thickness direction of the body, and a fixed part that supports the movable part, wherein the movable part has a guide surface that guides the medium, and a protrusion that protrudes from the guide surface toward the loading surface of the loading means and abuts the loaded medium, and the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion in the medium transport direction and the cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction each have an area that decreases in the direction protruding from the guide surface, and at least the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction is arc-shaped. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a media processing device that can perform a shift operation without causing skew even when a pressing member is pressing against the media. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the image forming system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a side view, respectively, that show an example of a media processing device. [Diagram 5] 11 is an explanatory diagram of a flow of discharging a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus in a shift discharge mode. FIG. [Figure 6]11 is an explanatory diagram of a flow of processing a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus in a staple mode. FIG. [Figure 7] 1A is a plan view and FIG. 1B is a side view showing an example of a post-processing device equipped with an optional device. [Figure 8] 5 is an explanatory diagram of a flow of punching processing of a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] 1A is a schematic plan view and FIG. 1B is an external perspective view illustrating an example of a media processing device. [Figure 10] 1A is a plan view and FIG. 1B is a side view illustrating an example of a media processing device. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of a media processing device. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a side view, respectively, that show an example of a media processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 13] 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of a pressing member provided in the media processing device of the embodiment pressing a medium. [Figure 14] 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a pressing member included in the media processing device of the embodiment. [Figure 15] 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a pressing member included in the media processing device of the embodiment. [Figure 16] 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a pressing member included in the media processing device of the embodiment. [Figure 17] 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a pressing member included in the media processing device of the embodiment. [Figure 18] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing a flow of media being loaded onto a loading unit. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a shift operation in the media processing device of the present embodiment. [Figure 20] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of a shift operation in a media processing device equipped with a conventional pressing member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The media processing device and image forming system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown below, and other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, and other changes can be made within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can conceive, and any aspect is within the scope of the present invention as long as it provides the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic external view illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming system including a post-processing device as a media processing device and an image forming device. The image forming apparatus 300 is, for example, an apparatus that forms an image on a medium by a known electrophotographic process. In the following description, the medium processed by the image forming device 300, the post-processing device 100, and the optional device 200 will be described as paper, but the medium is not limited to paper media and may be, for example, a sheet made of plastic, cloth, or metal.

[0014] 1A shows an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus equipped with a post-processing device (inner finisher) 100 as a media processing device. Paper that has undergone image formation processing in the image forming apparatus 300 and has been discharged is transported to the post-processing device 100, where post-processing such as binding is performed.

[0015] 1(B) is a configuration example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a post-processing device 100 and an optional device 200. After image formation processing is performed in the image forming apparatus 300 and the paper discharged is transported to the optional device 200 where post-processing such as punching and folding is performed, the paper is then transported to the post-processing device 100 where post-processing such as binding is performed. The optional device 200 is a device that the user can select whether to install or not as appropriate.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a system including the image forming apparatus 300, the post-processing apparatus 100, and the option apparatus 200 shown in Fig. 1. In the figure, the flow of communication signals is indicated by solid lines, and the flow of paper is indicated by dashed lines.

[0017] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the image forming system of FIG. Image forming apparatus 300 is equipped with a display unit 301 that informs the user of the status of various devices and operation details, an operation unit 302 that allows the user to set and input settings such as mode and number of copies, a paper feed unit 303 that stocks paper and separates and feeds it one sheet at a time, an image creation unit 304 that forms a latent image on a photosensitive member (not shown) and transfers the image to paper, a fixing unit 305 that fixes the image transferred to the paper, and a control unit 306 that controls each of these blocks. The display unit 301 and the operation unit 302 also function as a display unit and an operation input unit of the post-processing device 100 .

[0018] The post-processing device 100 includes a control unit 102 and a processing unit 101 . A control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 300 issues a processing instruction to the control unit 102 via a communication line 307, and the processing unit 101 performs the specified processing on the specified paper. Information exchanged via the communication line 307 includes, for example, the type and mode of processing to be performed on the paper, the size of the paper, processing timing, etc. Such a configuration enables the system to operate.

[0019] FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the image forming system of FIG. The configurations of the image forming apparatus 300 and the post-processing apparatus 100 are similar to those shown in FIG. The option device 200 includes a control unit 202 and a processing unit 201 . A processing instruction is sent from the control unit 102 of the post-processing device 100 to the control unit 202 via the communication line 103, and the specified processing is carried out on the specified paper in the optional device processing unit 201. Information exchanged via the communication line 103 is similar to the information on the communication line 307, and includes, for example, the type and mode of processing to be carried out on the paper, the size of the paper, processing timing, etc. Such a configuration enables the system to operate.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming system. The control unit 102 of the post-processing device 100 is connected to a control unit 306 of the image forming device 300 via an I / F 102b. The post-processing device 100 is controlled in response to a processing signal from the image forming device 300. The CPU 102 a is a calculation means and controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 100 .

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a configuration including, as optional devices, an optional device 200 that performs a punching process and an optional device 400 that performs a folding process. The control unit 202 of the optional device 200 is connected to the CPU 102a of the post-processing device 100 via an I / F 202a, and the optional device 400 is connected to the CPU 102a of the post-processing device 100 via an I / F 402a, and the operation of each is controlled by the control unit 102 of the post-processing device 100.

[0022] The post-processing device 100, the option device 200, and the option device 400 are detachable devices, and the I / Fs (102b, 202a, 402a) are also configured to be detachable in terms of hardware using relay connectors, drawer connectors, etc.

[0023] A conveying motor 111, a paper discharge motor 112, a staple drive motor 113, a conveying sensor 114, a paper discharge sensor 115, and a staple movement HP sensor 116 are connected to the control unit 102 of the post-processing device 100.

[0024] A punch motor 221 , a punch movement motor 222 , a pre-punch sensor 223 , a cover open / close sensor 224 , and a punch unit HP sensor 225 are connected to the control unit 202 of the option device 200 .

[0025] A folding motor 411 , an entrance sensor 412 , and a folding sensor 413 are connected to the control unit 402 of the option device 400 .

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a main body of a media processing device (hereinafter also referred to as a “post-processing device”) 100 to which the present invention is applied, which performs post-processing on paper discharged from an image forming device 300. The post-processing device 100 shown in FIG. 4 is a device that performs binding processing as post-processing, and includes binding means (binding device) as the post-processing means. FIG. 4A is a plan view of the post-processing device 100, and FIG. 4B is a side view seen from the Y direction. The dashed line in Fig. 4A indicates a reference position that is the center in the width direction of the paper that is transported and ejected, and in Fig. 4B, a part of the transport path of the paper is indicated by a dashed line.

[0027] The post-processing device 100 is provided near the entrance where paper discharged from the image forming device 300 is brought in, and as shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), it is equipped with an entrance roller 11 located at the most upstream side of the transport path, a transport roller 12 located downstream of that, a shift roller 13 that shifts the paper in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction (width direction) within the post-processing device, and a paper discharge roller 16 located at the most downstream side and provided near the paper discharge tray 20 on which the paper is placed.

[0028] The sheet feeder also includes a reference fence 18 against which the leading edge of the sheet in the transport direction strikes during binding processing, and an end fence 21 against which the trailing edge of the discharged sheet in the discharge direction strikes. The edges of the sheets that strike the reference fence 18 and the end fence 21 are aligned in the transport direction. In addition, a return roller 14 that conveys the paper toward the reference fence 18 and strikes it thereagainst, and a striking roller 15 that conveys the paper toward the reference fence 18 are provided. The reference fence 18 is a member that aligns the leading edge side of the paper loaded on the loading means 17 in the transport direction, and is hereinafter also referred to as the "alignment member."

[0029] As shown in Fig. 4A, the post-processing device 100 is also provided with a pair of jogger fences 22 (22a, 22b) that can align the widthwise edges of the paper P and shift the paper P in the width direction. The jogger fences, which are shifting means, can be displaced according to the size and position of the paper. The jogger fences 22a and 22b sandwich the paper P from the direction indicated by the arrow F in the figure, thereby aligning the widthwise edges of the paper.

[0030] Furthermore, the post-processing device 100 is equipped with a binding device (stapler) 19 that performs binding processing, and a loading means (hereinafter also referred to as a "staple tray") 17 that stacks the transported paper sheets on a loading surface until the binding processing is performed.

[0031] The post-processing device 100 has a "staple mode" in which the paper discharged from the image forming device 300 is stapled, as well as a "paper discharge mode" and a "shift paper discharge mode" in which the paper discharged from the image forming device 300 is directly conveyed and discharged without being stapled. The user can select and set any of the modes as appropriate.

[0032] In the “paper discharge mode” and the “shift paper discharge mode”, the post-processing device 100 receives the paper discharged from the image forming device 300 by the entrance rollers 11 , transports the paper to the paper discharge rollers 16 , and then discharges the paper to the paper discharge tray 20 .

[0033] The flow of the shift discharge mode will be described with reference to FIG. 5(A) to (D) are side views of post-processing device 100, and are diagrams for explaining the transport path of paper discharged from image forming device 300 and the flow of post-processing. In the drawings, the transport path of paper P is indicated by a dashed line. Also, the transport direction of paper P is indicated by an arrow D1. FIG. 5(E) is a plan view of post-processing device 100 corresponding to the state of FIG. 5(B).

[0034] First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 is received by the inlet rollers 11 and conveyed into the post-processing apparatus 100.

[0035] Next, as shown in Fig. 5(B), the paper discharge driven roller 16b is in a nip pressure release state, and after the rear end of the paper P passes through the transport roller 12, the paper P is transported while being shifted in the width direction by the shift roller 13. The plan view shown in Fig. 5(E) shows, as an example, a state in which the paper P is shifted in the direction indicated by the arrow (upward, toward the rear in Fig. 5(B)) with respect to the transport center. In the plan view of Fig. 5(E), the shift roller 13 can also perform an operation of shifting the paper P downward (toward the front in Fig. 5(B)) with respect to the transport center (dash line in the figure). The shift direction of the paper P can be switched for each sheet or for multiple sheets, and the paper P can be shifted in units of a predetermined number of copies to shift the paper discharge position, thereby enabling sorting processing.

[0036] Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, after the shifting of the sheet P is completed, the sheet discharge driven roller 16b is moved to the nip position, and the sheet P is transported toward the sheet discharge tray 20. The conveyed paper P is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 20 by the paper discharge rollers 16, as shown in FIG. 5(D).

[0037] On the other hand, in the "staple mode", the post-processing device 100 receives and carries in the paper discharged from the image forming device 300 by the entrance rollers 11, transports the paper to the shift rollers 13, and then discharges the paper onto the staple tray 17, switches it back by the action of the tapping rollers 15 and the return rollers 14, and transports the paper until the end of the paper hits the reference fence 18. After transporting multiple papers in the same manner, the binding device 19 staples the paper stack, and the stapled paper stack is discharged to the paper discharge tray 20 by the rotation of the paper discharge rollers 16.

[0038] The flow of the staple mode will be described with reference to FIG. 6(A) to 6(F) are side views of post-processing device 100, and are diagrams for explaining the transport path and post-processing flow of paper discharged from image forming device 300. In the drawings, the transport path of paper P is indicated by a dashed line. Also, the transport direction of paper P is indicated by arrows D1 and D2.

[0039] First, as shown in FIG. 6A, the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 is received by the inlet rollers 11 and conveyed into the post-processing apparatus 100. Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the paper P is not shifted, and the paper discharge driven roller 16b is kept in the pressure release position, and the paper P is conveyed toward the stacking means (staple tray) 17. Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, after the sheet P is discharged onto the staple tray 17 by the shift roller 13, the sheet P is struck by the striking roller 15 and switched back toward the reference fence 18.

[0040] Next, as shown in FIG. 6(D), the paper P is conveyed by the striking roller 15 and the return roller 14 until the end of the paper P abuts against the reference fence 18. When the paper sheet P hits the reference fence 18, its widthwise edge is aligned by a jogger fence 22 (see FIG. 4(A)). The first sheet P is made to wait in the state shown in FIG. 6(D), and the operations shown in FIGS. 6(A) to 5(D) are similarly performed for the succeeding sheets P.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 6(E), a plurality of sheets P are sequentially piled up on the staple tray 17 and stacked as a sheet bundle in an aligned state. The sheet bundle is stapled by the binding device 19. The binding device 19 is a stapler, and staples are driven into a predetermined position of the sheet bundle during the stapling process. The paper discharge driven roller 16b moves to the nip position.

[0042] The stapled bundle of sheets is discharged onto the discharge tray 20 by the discharge rollers 16 as shown in FIG. 6(F).

[0043] 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating the configuration and operation of a media processing device (post-processing device) 100 to which the present invention is applied, the media processing device being equipped with an optional device 200 that performs punching processing. The post-processing device 100 shown in FIG. 7 is a device that performs binding processing as post-processing, and includes binding means (binding device) as the post-processing means. FIG. 7A is a plan view of the post-processing device 100 and the option device 200, and FIG. 7B is a side view seen from the Y direction. The dashed line in Fig. 7A indicates a reference position that is the center in the width direction of the paper being transported and ejected, and in Fig. 7B, a part of the paper transport path is indicated by a dashed line.

[0044] The option device 200 includes a detection device 211 that detects the edge of a sheet, a punch device 212 that includes a punch pin 213, and a punch waste hopper 214 that accumulates punch waste. Even if the optional device 200 that performs punching is installed, punching is not necessarily required, and it is also possible to transport the paper to the post-processing device 100 main body without punching.

[0045] The flow of the punching process will be described with reference to FIG. 8(B) and 8(D) are side views of the post-processing device 100 and the optional device 200, and are diagrams for explaining the transport path of paper discharged from the image forming device 300 and the flow of post-processing. In the figures, the transport path of paper P is indicated by a dashed line. Also, the transport direction of paper P is indicated by an arrow. Figures 8(A) and 8(C) are plan views of the post-processing device 100 and the optional device 200 corresponding to the states of Figures 8(B) and 8(D).

[0046] 8(A) and 8(B), the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 is delivered to the inlet rollers 11 of the post-processing apparatus 100 via the option apparatus 200. While the paper P is being transported in the post-processing apparatus 100, the edge of the transported paper P is detected by the detection device 211, and the position of the paper P in the width direction is detected. Next, the punching device 212 moves in the width direction of the paper P in accordance with the detected end position of the paper P.

[0047] The paper sheet P stops at a position where holes are to be punched, and as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, punch pins 213 provided in a punching device 212 punch holes therein. The dropped punch scraps Ps are accumulated in a punch scrap hopper 214. After punching, the paper P is transported by the transport means of the post-processing device 100, and a predetermined post-processing is performed.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a post-processing device 100 to which the present invention is applied. The post-processing device 100 is, for example, a device that performs binding processing as post-processing, and includes binding means (binding device) as the post-processing means. The post-processing device 100 of this embodiment includes a main body section 100a that performs post-processing on sheets discharged from the image forming device 300, and a manual binding section 100b. Fig. 9(A) is a plan view of the post-processing device 100, and Fig. 9(B) is a schematic external view. Note that the dashed line in Fig. 9(A) indicates a reference position that is the center in the width direction of the paper that is transported and discharged in the main body 100a.

[0049] In Figure 9 (A), an example of a position (main body processing position) where the binding device is placed during binding processing in the main body section 100a is shown as H, and an example of a position (manual processing position) where the binding device is placed during binding processing in the manual binding section 100b is shown as M.

[0050] The manual binding operation is started when the user presses the start button 24 shown in Fig. 9(B). When the start button 24 is pressed, the binding process is automatically performed on the inserted stack of sheets (hereinafter, simply referred to as "sheets"). The binding device can also set the binding position when performing manual binding as a home position (HP).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 9(A), the housing 25 of the manual binding unit 100b is provided with a stopper 25a for regulating the X-direction edge of the paper manually inserted into the slit portion 27, and a stopper 25b for regulating the Y-direction edge of the paper. When paper is manually inserted into slit portion 27, the leading end on the binding means side in the X direction is stopped by stopper 25a, and the leading end on the device interior side in the Y direction is stopped by stopper 25b, and thus positioned.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 9 (B), the slit portion 27 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction so that the paper is placed on approximately the same plane as the paper output tray 20, but the configuration of the slit portion 27 is not limited to this and may be arranged horizontally. The positional relationship between the discharge tray 20 and the slit portion 27 is not particularly limited as long as the binding means can perform both the binding process in the main body portion 100a and the binding process in the manual binding portion 100b.

[0053] The post-processing device 100 according to the present invention can simultaneously perform a paper discharge operation in the main body 100a for discharging paper conveyed by a conveying means without performing post-processing, and a manual processing operation (manual binding operation) in the manual binding unit 100b for performing post-processing on paper inserted into the slit unit 27. The paper discharge operation for discharging paper without performing post-processing includes a shift paper discharge operation. It is possible to start a paper discharge operation or a shift paper discharge operation during a manual processing operation, and it is also possible to start a manual processing operation during a paper discharge operation or a shift paper discharge operation.

[0054] The post-processing device 100 can be provided with a binding device as a plurality of processing devices. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a post-processing device 100 that has, as binding means, a staple-containing binding device (staple-containing stapler) 19 that performs binding processing using staples, and a staple-free binding device (staple-free stapler) 26 that performs binding processing without using staples.

[0055] 10, a stapleless binding device 26 that performs binding processing without using staples is disposed on the other end side in the Y direction via the reference line with respect to the position where the stapled binding device 19 is disposed. Note that the positional relationship between the stapled binding device 19 and the stapleless binding device 26 is not limited to this, and the stapleless binding device 26 may be disposed at the position of the stapled binding device 19 shown in FIG. 6, and the stapled binding device 19 may be disposed at the position of the stapleless binding device 26 shown in FIG.

[0056] In the post-processing device 100 shown in FIG. 10, in the staple mode, the binding process is performed by either the staple binding device 19 or the stapleless binding device 26, and the operation of the binding process is similar to the operation shown in FIGS. 6(A) to (F).

[0057] FIG. 11 shows an example of a post-processing device 100 equipped with a stapleless binding device 26 . FIG. 11(A) is a plan view, and FIG. 11(B) is a side view seen from the Y direction. In the post-processing device 100 shown in Fig. 11, in the staple mode, the binding process is performed by the stapleless binding device 26. The operation of the binding process is similar to the operation shown in Figs. 6(A) to (F).

[0058] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a post-processing device 100 as a media processing device according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12A is a plan view of the post-processing device 100, and FIG. 12B is a side view. The post-processing device 100 serving as a media processing device of this embodiment includes a binding means (binding device) that performs binding processing as post-processing. In FIG. 12A, the dashed line indicates a reference position that is the center in the width direction of the paper being transported and discharged.

[0059] The media processing device (post-processing device 100) of this embodiment is a media processing device 100 mounted on an image forming device 300, and includes a transport means for transporting media (paper P) discharged from the image forming device 300, a loading means (staple tray) 17 for loading the media transported by the transport means on a loading surface, an alignment member (reference fence) 18 for aligning the leading edge of the media loaded on the loading means 17 in the transport direction, a pressing member 23 arranged near the alignment member 18 for pressing the media on the loading means 17, and a shift means (jogger fence 22) for moving the media on the loading means 17 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The pressing member 23 includes a movable portion 23b that is movable in the thickness direction of the medium, and a fixed portion 23a that supports the movable portion 23b. Movable portion 23a has guide surface 23d that guides the medium, and protrusion 23c that protrudes from guide surface 23d toward the loading surface of loading means 17 and comes into contact with the loaded medium. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 23c in the medium transport direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction each have an area that decreases in the direction in which it protrudes from the guide surface 23d, and at least the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction is arc-shaped.

[0060] The post-processing device 100 of this embodiment has a "stapling mode," a "paper discharge mode," and a "shift paper discharge mode," and the user can appropriately select and set any one of the modes. In the "shift discharge mode", the operation shown in FIG. 5 is executed, and in the "stapling mode", the operation shown in FIG.

[0061] In addition, the post-processing device 100 of this embodiment can perform a shift operation in which the paper P loaded on the staple tray 17 is held by a pair of jogger fences 22a, 22b, which serve as a shifting means, and moved in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the paper P (the width direction of the paper P) (see Figure 19 (A)). The shift operation is performed in a state where the sheets P stacked on the staple tray 17 are pressed by the pressing member 23.

[0062] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view in the medium transport direction for explaining the operation of the pressing member 23 provided in the post-processing device 100 of this embodiment for pressing the sheet P which is a medium. Figure 13(A) shows a state in which no paper P is stacked on the staple tray 17, and Figure 13(B) shows a state in which multiple papers P are stacked on the staple tray 17 and their edges are aligned by an alignment member (reference fence) 18.

[0063] 13(A) and 13(B), the pressing member 23 includes a movable part 23b that can move up and down in the thickness direction of the medium, and a fixed part 23a that movably supports the movable part 23b. The movable part 23a includes a guide surface 23d that guides the transported medium, and a protruding part 23c that protrudes from the guide surface 23d toward the loading surface of the loading means 17 and comes into contact with the surface of the loaded medium. The fixed portion 23 a is supported and fixed to, for example, the alignment member 18 .

[0064] 13B, when the paper sheets P are transported and stacked, the movable part 23b moves (rises) in the direction of the arrow (upward). When the stacked paper sheets P are discharged, the pressing member 23 descends due to its own weight to a position where the protruding part 23c abuts against the stacking surface.

[0065] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the pressing member 23 included in the post-processing device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 14(A) is a cross-sectional view in the medium transport direction, Figure 14(B) is a plan view seen from the loading surface side of the loading means 17, Figure 14(C) is a side view in the medium transport direction, and Figure 14(D) is a side view seen from the paper output tray 20 side.

[0066] In this embodiment, the protrusion 23c is a hemispherical member arranged on the guide surface 23d, and the cross-sectional shape in the medium transport direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction each have an area that decreases in the direction protruding from the guide surface 23d, and the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the medium transport direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction are arc-shaped.

[0067] Since the protrusion 23c abuts against the paper P at an extremely small contact area of ​​the apex of the hemispherical shape, it does not provide resistance that impedes the movement of the paper P in the medium transport direction and in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "shift operation direction"). Therefore, even when the pressing member 23 is pressing the paper P, it is possible to perform the shift operation without causing skew. This makes it possible to prevent misalignment of a paper stack consisting of multiple papers P.

[0068] The protrusion 23c is preferably a member having high slidability. The coefficient of friction between the protrusion 23c and the medium is preferably smaller than the coefficient of friction between the media themselves.

[0069] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the pressing member 23 included in the post-processing device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 15(A) is a cross-sectional view in the medium transport direction, Figure 15(B) is a plan view seen from the loading surface side of the loading means 17, Figure 15(C) is a side view in the medium transport direction, and Figure 15(D) is a side view seen from the paper output tray 20 side.

[0070] The pressing member 23 of this embodiment includes a rotatable rotating member 230, and the protruding portion 23c is configured by a portion of the rotating member 230 that is exposed from the guide surface 23d.

[0071] Furthermore, the rotating member 230 provided in the pressing member 23 of this embodiment is a spherical member, and is rotatable in the medium transport direction and in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction. By making the protrusion 23c rotatable, the resistance to the medium can be made smaller, and the resistance does not impede the movement of the paper P in either the medium transport direction or the shift operation direction. Therefore, even when the pressing member 23 is pressing the paper P, the shift operation can be performed without causing skew, and misalignment of a paper stack consisting of multiple papers P can be prevented.

[0072] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 23c in the medium transport direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction each have an area that decreases in the direction in which it protrudes from the guide surface 23d, and the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the medium transport direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction are arc-shaped.

[0073] A part of the rotating member 230 exposed from the opening 23f of the guide surface 23d constitutes the protrusion 23c. If the exposed area of ​​the rotating member 230 is large, it may become an obstacle to the transported media and result in poor loading, so it is preferable that the volume of the rotating member 230 exposed from the guide surface 23d be less than half the overall volume of the rotating member 230.

[0074] The movable portion 23b has a space for accommodating the rotating member 230. The wall surface of the movable part 23b that defines the space for accommodating the rotating member 230 has a support part 23e that rotatably supports the rotating member 230. The support part 23e is, for example, a three-point convex member, and may be formed integrally with the movable part 23b or may be attached as a separate member. The support part 23e is preferably made of a material with high slidability. By making the support part 23e a member with high slidability, the resistance during rotation of the rotating member 230 can be reduced, and as a result, the resistance of the protrusion part 23c against the medium can also be reduced.

[0075] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the pressing member 23 included in the post-processing device 100 of this embodiment. 16A is a cross-sectional view in the medium transport direction, and FIG. 16B is a plan view of the loading means 17 as viewed from the loading surface side. The rotating member 230 is similar to the example shown in FIG.

[0076] The pressing member 23 of this embodiment has a plurality of protruding parts 23c. The plurality of protruding parts 23c are formed by the portions of the plurality of rotating members 230 that are exposed from the guide surface 23d. Providing a plurality of protruding portions 23c increases the number of points of contact with the medium, making it possible to hold the medium more reliably.

[0077] The number and positions of the protruding portions 23c can be appropriately selected depending on the function and configuration of the post-processing device 100. As an example of forming multiple protrusions 23c, the present embodiment shows an example in which multiple rotating members 230 are provided, but it may also be an embodiment in which multiple hemispherical members are arranged on guide surface 23d as shown in FIG. 14, or an embodiment in which protrusions 23c formed by rotating members 230 are combined with hemispherical members.

[0078] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the pressing member 23 included in the post-processing device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 17(A) is a cross-sectional view in the medium transport direction, Figure 17(B) is a plan view seen from the loading surface side of the loading means 17, Figure 17(C) is a side view in the medium transport direction, and Figure 17(D) is a side view seen from the paper output tray 20 side.

[0079] The rotating member 230 included in the pressing member 23 of this embodiment is a member in which the portion exposed from the guide surface 23d is vaulted, and is rotatable in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction. The rotating member 230 has a drum shape (roller shape) and is attached to the movable portion 23b via a rotating shaft 23g so as to be rotatable in the shift direction. The protruding portion 23c is formed by a portion of the rotating member 230 exposed from the guide surface 23d. The protruding portion 23c abuts against the medium placement surface of the loading means in a line contact manner, and both ends in the transport direction are tapered, so that it does not provide resistance that impedes the progress of the transported medium.

[0080] By making the protrusion 23c rotatable in the shift direction, the resistance to the medium can be made smaller, and the resistance in the shift operation direction does not impede the movement of the paper P. Therefore, even when the pressing member 23 is pressing the paper P, the shift operation can be performed without causing skew, and misalignment of a paper stack consisting of multiple papers P can be prevented.

[0081] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 23c in the medium transport direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction each have an area that decreases toward the direction protruding from the guide surface 23d, and the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction is arc-shaped. The rotating member 230 can be a roller-shaped member, making it easy to design.

[0082] If the exposed area of ​​the rotating member 230 is large, it may become an obstacle to the transported media and result in poor loading, so it is preferable that the volume of the rotating member 230 exposed from the guide surface 23d be less than half the overall volume of the rotating member 230.

[0083] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow in which media are transported to stacking means 17 included in post-processing device 100 of this embodiment, and the edges of the media are aligned by alignment member 18 and stacked. FIG. 18A shows a state in which the paper sheet P with a curled leading end has been conveyed to the vicinity of the pressing member 23. In FIG.

[0084] 18B shows a state in which the leading edge of the paper P abuts against the protruding portion 23c of the pressing member 23, and the movable portion 23b moves upward. The protruding portion 23c that the paper P abuts against has high sliding properties, and when the protruding portion 23c is configured as the rotating member 230, the resistance is smaller, so that the movement of the paper P is not impeded.

[0085] 18(C) shows a state in which the leading edge of the paper P hits the alignment section 18, whereby the paper P is aligned and loaded on the loading means 17. Any curl in the paper P is straightened by the pressure of the pressing member 23, so that the paper P does not become an obstacle to the transport and loading of the following paper P, and loading failures are prevented.

[0086] 19 and 20 are explanatory diagrams of the shift operation in the post-processing device, with FIG. 19 showing an example of a post-processing device 100 according to the present invention and FIG. 20 showing a conventional example. 19(A) and 20(A) are plan views of post-processing device 100, and FIGS. 19(B) and 20(B) are side views of pressing member 23 inside the post-processing device as viewed from the discharge tray 20 side.

[0087] The post-processing device 100 holds the paper P loaded on the loading means 17 with a pair of jogger fences (22a, 22b) which serve as shifting means, and can shift the paper P by moving the jogger fences 22 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the paper P (the shift direction indicated by the arrow S). The shifting means can shift the paper P vertically with respect to the center of conveyance (indicated by the dashed line in the plan view of FIG. 19A).

[0088] In the conventional post-processing device 100 shown in Fig. 20, the protruding portion 231 of the pressing member 23 that comes into contact with the paper P is composed of a roller that can rotate only in the medium transport direction. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 20(B), the protruding portion 231 may impede the movement of the paper P during the shift operation of the paper P, causing bending W. Furthermore, if either one of the pressing members 23 impedes the movement of the paper P, the paper P will rotate around that pressing member 23, causing skew as shown in Fig. 20(A), resulting in poor paper alignment.

[0089] In contrast, in the post-processing device 100 of this embodiment shown in Figure 19, the protrusion 23c of the pressing member 23 that abuts against the paper P has a cross-sectional shape in the medium transport direction and a cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction that each have an area that decreases in the direction protruding from the guide surface 23d, and the outer periphery of at least the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction is arc-shaped, so that the protrusion 23c does not hinder the movement of the paper P when the paper P is shifted.

[0090] The post-processing device 100 of this embodiment, which is equipped with the pressing member 23 illustrated in Figures 14 to 17, can perform a shift operation without causing skew even when the pressing member 23 is pressing the paper P, thereby preventing poor paper alignment.

[0091] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A media processing device installed in an image forming device, a conveying unit that conveys a medium discharged from the image forming apparatus; a stacking means for stacking the medium transported by the transporting means on a stacking surface; an alignment member that aligns a leading edge of the medium loaded on the loading means in a transport direction; a pressing member disposed adjacent to the alignment member and pressing the media on the stacking means; a shift means for shifting the medium on the stacking means in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the pressing member includes a movable portion that is movable in a thickness direction of the medium and a fixed portion that supports the movable portion; the movable portion has a guide surface that guides the medium, and a protrusion that protrudes from the guide surface toward a loading surface of the loading means and abuts against the loaded medium, The protrusion is a media processing device characterized in that its cross-sectional shape in the media transport direction and in the direction perpendicular to the media transport direction each have an area that decreases in the direction in which it protrudes from the guide surface, and at least the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the media transport direction is arc-shaped. <2> The above-mentioned projections are preferably provided in a plurality of portions. <1> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <3> The pressing member includes a rotatable rotating member, The protruding portion is a portion of the rotating member that is exposed from the guide surface. <1> or <2> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <4> The rotating member is a spherical member and is rotatable in a medium transport direction and in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction. <3> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <5> The rotating member is a member having a vaulted shape at a portion exposed from the guide surface, and is rotatable in a direction perpendicular to a medium transport direction. <3> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <6> The volume of the rotating member exposed from the guide surface is equal to or less than half of the entire volume of the rotating member. <3> from <5> 2 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <7> The protrusion is a semi-spherical member disposed on the guide surface. <1> or <2> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <8> an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium; A method for performing post-processing on a medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit <1> from <7> and a media processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 17 Loading means (staple tray) 18 Matching material (reference fence) 19 Binding means (staple binding device) 22 Shifting means (jogger fence) 23 Pressing member 23a Fixed part 23b Moving part 23c Protrusion 23d Guide Surface 23e Support part 23f opening 26 Binding means (staple-free binding device) 27 Slit section 100 Media processing device (post-processing device) 230 Rotating members 300 Image forming device [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0093] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-240844 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-137151

Claims

1. A media processing device installed in an image forming device, a conveying unit that conveys a medium discharged from the image forming apparatus; a stacking means for stacking the medium transported by the transporting means on a stacking surface; an alignment member that aligns a leading edge of the medium loaded on the loading means in a transport direction; a pressing member disposed adjacent to the alignment member and pressing the media on the stacking means; a shift means for shifting the medium on the stacking means in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the pressing member includes a movable portion that is movable in a thickness direction of the medium and a fixed portion that supports the movable portion; the movable portion has a guide surface that guides the medium, and a protrusion that protrudes from the guide surface toward a loading surface of the loading means and abuts against the loaded medium, A media processing device characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion in the media transport direction and the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the media transport direction each have an area that decreases in the direction in which it protrudes from the guide surface, and at least the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the media transport direction is arc-shaped.

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

3. The pressing member includes a rotatable rotating member, 3. The media processing device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is a portion of the rotating member that is exposed from the guide surface.

4. 4. The media processing device according to claim 3, wherein the rotating member is a spherical member and is rotatable in a direction in which the media is transported and in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the media is transported.

5. 4. The media processing device according to claim 3, wherein the rotating member has a portion exposed from the guide surface that is vault-shaped and is rotatable in a direction perpendicular to the media transport direction.

6. 4. The media processing device according to claim 3, wherein a volume of the rotating member exposed beyond the guide surface is equal to or less than half the overall volume of the rotating member.

7. 3. The media processing device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is a semi-spherical member disposed on the guide surface.

8. an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium; 3. An image forming system comprising: the medium processing device according to claim 1, which performs post-processing on the medium on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit.

Images