Sheet processing device

Abstract

To provide: a sheet processing device capable of performing post-processing such as sorting, punching, binding, and the like of sheets subjected to three-fold processing; and a sheet folding device.SOLUTION: A sheet can be conveyed to a device connected to a downstream side by returning into a horizontal state after making a crease on one place of folding positions at two places so as to be a length capable of conveying the sheet with the device connected to the downstream side, and thus it is possible to perform post-processing such as sorting, punching, binding, and the like by the device connected to the downstream side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus that performs post-processing on a sheet and conveys it to a loading tray, a sheet folding apparatus that performs folding processing on a sheet, and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a problem that a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus cannot be directly enclosed in an envelope. In recent years, a technique for performing a triple-fold process so that a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus can be enclosed in an envelope has been proposed. (See Patent Document 1)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, since the sheet subjected to the triple-fold process is loaded on the loading tray of the sheet folding apparatus, post-processing such as sorting of sheets, punching, and binding cannot be performed. The present invention has been made in view of such problems existing in the conventional technology, and by conveying the sheet subjected to the triple-fold process to a device connected downstream, sorting of the sheet subjected to the triple-fold process, punching, and binding are performed. An object is to provide a sheet processing apparatus and a sheet folding apparatus capable of performing post-processing such as

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention, in the three-fold processing of a sheet, makes one of the two folding positions have a length that can be conveyed by a downstream-connected apparatus by returning it to a horizontal state after creasing, enabling conveyance to an apparatus connected downstream of the three-folded sheet, and is characterized in that sorting, punching, and binding processes of the sheet are performed by a downstream-connected sheet processing apparatus.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to perform sorting, punching, and binding on a sheet that has undergone three-fold processing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Figure 11

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] The following embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming system including an image forming apparatus H001, a sheet processing apparatus F001, and a sheet folding apparatus M001 according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the detailed configuration of the sheet processing apparatus F001, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the detailed configuration of the sheet folding apparatus M001.

[0009] [Image forming system] The image forming system shown in FIG. 1 is composed of an image forming apparatus H001, a sheet folding apparatus M001, and a sheet processing apparatus F001. The folding unit inlet M041 (shown in FIG. 7) of the sheet folding apparatus M001 is connected to the main body discharge port H011 of the image forming apparatus H001, and further, the inlet F016 of the sheet processing apparatus F001 is connected to the folding unit discharge port M042 (shown in FIG. 7) of the sheet folding apparatus M001. The sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus H001 is subjected to predetermined post-processing by the sheet folding apparatus M001 and the sheet processing apparatus F001 and then stored in the stack tray F600 or the saddle tray S001. Further, an escape tray F015 for directly storing sheets without performing a binding process is disposed above the stack tray F600.

[0010] [Image forming apparatus] The image forming apparatus H001 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. This image forming apparatus H001 is configured to send a sheet from the paper feeding unit H002 to the image forming unit H005, form an image on the sheet by the image forming unit H005, and then discharge it from the main body discharge port H011. The paper feeding unit H002 stores sheets of a plurality of sizes in the paper feeding cassettes H003 and H004, separates the designated sheets one by one, and feeds them to the image forming unit H005.

[0011] The image forming unit H005 is provided with, for example, an electrostatic drum H006, a laser emitter H007 arranged around it, a developing device H008, a transfer charger H009, and a fixing device H010. The image forming unit H005 forms an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic drum H006 with the laser emitter H007, attaches toner to it with the developing device H008, transfers the image onto a sheet with the transfer charger H009, and heats and fixes it with the fixing device H010 to form an image. The sheet on which the image is thus formed is sequentially carried out from the main body discharge port H011. Also, during double-sided printing, the sheet with the image formed on the front side from the fixing device H010 is reversed front to back via the switchback path H013, then passes through the circulation path H012, and is fed back to the image forming unit H005 again to form an image on the back side of the sheet. This is the double-sided printing path. The sheet thus double-sided printed is reversed front to back by the switchback path H013 and then carried out from the main body discharge port H011.

[0012] In the image reading device H014, the original sheet set on the platen H015 is scanned by the scanning unit H016 and electrically read by a photoelectric conversion element (for example, a CCD). This image data is digitally processed, for example, by the image processing unit, and then transferred to the data storage unit H017, and an image signal is sent to the laser emitter H007. Also, in the original sheet feeder H018, the original sheet stored in the original stacker H019 is fed to the platen H015. Further, in the image forming apparatus H001, the image data read by the scanning unit H016 or the image data transferred from an external network is stored in the data storage unit H020. The image data is transferred from this data storage unit H020 to the buffer memory H022, and is configured such that the data signal is sequentially transferred from this buffer memory H022 to the laser emitter H007.

[0013] From the control panel H021, printing conditions such as image forming conditions, for example, sheet size specification, color / monochrome printing specification, number of printed copies specification, single-sided / double-sided printing specification, enlargement / reduction printing specification, etc. are set. Further, sheet processing conditions are also input and specified simultaneously with the above-mentioned image forming conditions such as single-sided / double-sided printing, enlargement / reduction printing, monochrome / color printing, etc. This sheet processing condition is set, for example, to "printout mode", "staple binding mode", "sorting (jog) mode", "saddle-stitching mode", etc. Note that these processing conditions will be described later.

[0014] [Sheet folding device] In FIG. 7, the configuration of the sheet folding device M001 will be described. In the conveyance path from the folding section inlet M041 to the folding section outlet M042, the folding section inlet roller M003, the folding section horizontal path conveyance roller M004, and the folding section outlet roller M005 are each formed by a pair of rubber rollers. The folding section inlet roller M003 and the folding section horizontal path conveyance roller M004 are connected to the folding section inlet motor M043 by a drive mechanism, and the folding section outlet roller M005 is connected to the folding section outlet motor M044 by a drive mechanism and rotates as the motor rotates.

[0015] A folding section path switching flapper M020 is provided in the folding section horizontal path M021, and the conveyance path of the sheet is switched by the folding section path switching solenoid M048.

[0016] When performing a folding process on the sheet, switch the folding section path switching flapper M020 to the folding section folding path 1 M022 side, and convey the sheet into the sheet folding device M001 by the folding section folding path conveying roller 1 M006 and the folding section folding path conveying roller 2 M007. In the folding section folding path 1 M022, the folding section folding path conveying roller 1 M006 and the folding section folding path conveying roller 2 M007 are each formed by a pair of rubber rollers, and are connected to the folding section folding path 1 conveying motor M045 by a drive mechanism and rotate with the rotation of the motor. Also, a folding section paper stopper M023 is provided in the folding section folding path 1 M022 for positioning the sheet on which the folding process is to be performed, and the position of the folding section paper stopper M023 is moved by driving the paper stopper motor M052.

[0017] The sheet conveyed into the sheet folding device M001 is subjected to a folding process by the folding section folding roller M002. The folding section folding roller M002 is connected to the folding section folding motor M047 by a drive mechanism and rotates with the rotation of the motor. The sheet on which the folding process has been performed drives the folding section folding path switching solenoid M049 to switch the folding section folding path switching flapper M027 to the folding section folding path 4 M028 side and convey it to the folding section folding path 4 M028. In the conveying path of the folding section folding path 4 M028, the folding section folding path conveying roller 3 M008, the folding section folding path conveying roller 4 M009, and the folding section folding path conveying roller 5 M010 are each formed by a pair of rubber rollers, and are connected to the folding section folding path 4 conveying motor M051 by a drive mechanism and rotate with the rotation of the motor.

[0018] When loading the sheet on which the folding process has been performed onto the folding section triple-folded sheet loading tray M040, drive the folding section loading tray switching solenoid M050 to switch the folding section loading tray switching flapper M024 to the folding section triple-folded sheet loading tray M040 side and load the sheet on which the folding process has been performed onto the folding section triple-folded sheet loading tray M040.

[0019] When stacking the sheet that has undergone the folding process onto the stack tray F600 of the sheet processing device F001, the folding part stacking tray switching solenoid M050 is driven to switch the folding part stacking tray switching flapper M024 to the folding part folding path 2M025 side, and the sheet that has undergone the folding process is conveyed to the folding part folding path 2M025. In the conveyance path of the folding part folding path 2M025, the folding part folding path conveyance roller 6M011, the folding part folding path conveyance roller 7M012, the folding part folding path conveyance roller 8M013, the folding part folding path conveyance roller 9M014, and the folding part folding path conveyance roller 10M015 are each formed by a pair of rubber rollers, and are connected to the folding part folding path 2 conveyance motor M046 by a drive mechanism and rotate with the rotation of the motor.

[0020] The sheet folding device M001 is set with a "sheet folding operation" for folding the sheet and a "sheet through-conveyance operation" for conveying the sheet without folding it. These processing conditions will be described later.

[0021] [Sheet processing device] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sheet processing device F001 is provided with a sheet inlet F016 provided on one side of the device frame F014 and an escape tray F015 for accumulating single sheets or relatively thick sheets provided on the outer side opposite thereto. Below this escape tray F015, a vertically movable stack tray F600 for accumulating stapled sheets or sheets in a relatively large quantity is located. Further below this stack tray F600, a saddle tray S001 for accumulating half-stapled or folded sheets is provided.

[0022] [Sheet conveyance path] From the loading inlet F016 of this sheet processing apparatus F001, a conveyance path F004 is arranged that extends substantially linearly from the loading path F002 toward the processing tray outlet F300. A punch unit P001 is provided in the loading path F002, and a punch process is performed on the end face of the sheet and, if necessary, in the middle of the conveyance direction by a punch motor P003 (not shown). Below the punch unit P001 across the loading path F002, a punch waste box P002 for accumulating punch waste generated during the punch process is detachably provided on the apparatus frame F014.

[0023] Downstream of the punch unit P001, a loading roller F003 for conveying the sheet is arranged and conveys the sheet by a loading roller motor F021 (not shown). In the conveyance path F004 downstream of this loading roller F003, a conveyance roller F005 capable of forward and reverse rotation for guiding the sheet to the processing tray F301 or the stack tray F600 downstream thereof is provided. Behind this conveyance roller F005 is the conveyance path outlet F006 of the sheet.

[0024] Downstream of this conveyance path outlet F006, a discharge roller F601 capable of forward and reverse rotation is provided. This discharge roller F601 switches back the sheet to load the sheet into the processing tray F301, discharges the sheet straight to the stack tray F600, or discharges a bundle of sheets that have been stapled in the processing tray F301 from the processing tray F301 to the stack tray F600.

[0025] [Escape path, branch path] Also, the conveyance path F004 branches at a branch position F017 into an escape path F008 for guiding the sheet to an escape tray F015 and a branch path F010 for guiding a relatively long sheet to a saddle processing tray S006 for intermediate stapling or folding processes. At this branch position F017, a path branch position switching gate F007 is provided for selecting whether to convey the sheet straight through the conveyance path F004, convey it to the escape path F008, or switch back on the conveyance path F004 to guide it to the branch path F010.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the above-described branch path F010 is a path that curves downward on the side of the processing tray F301 so as to surround the processing tray F301, and is also used as a standby path where a subsequent sheet waits as a standby sheet (in the present invention, when explaining as a standby path, it is expressed as the standby path F010 for clarity). Further, the escape path F008 is provided with an escape conveyance roller F009 for conveying the sheet and an escape discharge roller F018 for discharging the sheet to the escape tray F015.

[0027] [Stitching processing unit] By the way, a processing tray F301 is provided below the conveyance path exit F006 of the conveyance path F004, and a stitching processing unit F302 for stitching the end face of the sheet bundle temporarily accumulated on the processing tray F301 is located at the lower end side thereof. The stitching processing unit F302 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5.

[0028] [Intermediate stitching processing unit] On the other hand, a relatively long sheet is once conveyed in the direction of the processing tray F301 through the above-described conveyance path F004, conveyed to the downstream side of the branch position switching gate F007, then switched back and conveyed to the branch path F010, and accumulated in the saddle processing tray S006 from the branch path exit S008. An intermediate stitching processing unit S002 for stitching the middle of the sheets accumulated in the saddle processing tray S006 is arranged. As shown in FIG. 2, at the branch path exit S008, an intermediate stitching processing unit switching flapper S010 is provided for biasing the sheet to the left side of the figure every time the sheet is carried into the saddle processing tray S006 from the branch path discharge roller S009 to prevent the collision between the rear end of the preceding sheet and the front end of the next sheet.

[0029] [Saddle processing tray] The saddle processing tray S006 is located with a sheet front stopper S007 that defines the sheet loading position. This sheet front stopper S007 moves in the direction of the illustrated arrow by driving a moving belt stretched over pulleys installed on the upper and lower sides of the saddle processing tray S006 with a sheet front stopper moving motor S015 (not shown). The position of the sheet front stopper S007 stops at positions where the rear end of the sheet can be changed by the above-described stitching processing unit switching flapper S010 when the sheet is loaded into the saddle processing tray S006, at a position where the stitching unit S003 performs stitching at approximately the center in the sheet conveyance direction, and at a position where the folded blade S005 that reciprocates against the pair of folding rollers S004 presses in the stitched position to fold the sheet bundle in half, respectively. Also, above and below the folding rollers S004, there are provided stitching alignment plates S011 that perform an alignment operation by pressing both side edges of the sheet from the sheet width direction each time the sheet is loaded into the saddle processing tray S006.

[0030] [Stitching Unit] In the stitching processing unit S002, for example, staple pins are driven into the sheet bundle by a driver in the stitching unit S003, and an anvil is provided at a position facing this to bend the legs of the staple pins. Since this stitching unit S003 is already widely known, the description here is omitted. However, as the stitching means, not only stapling the staple pins through the sheet bundle, but also a mechanism that applies an adhesive to the center in the sheet conveyance direction and bonds the sheets together to form a bundle may be used.

[0031] [Saddle Tray] The sheet bundle stapled by the above middle stapling unit S003 is discharged to the saddle tray S001 by the folding roller S004 and the folding blade S005 that pushes the sheet bundle into it, while being folded in half, and by the folding sheet bundle discharge roller S013 located downstream of the folding roller S004. The saddle tray S001 is provided with a folding sheet bundle pressing roller S012 that is rotatable at the tip and swings freely to drop the folded sheet bundle that has been folded and discharged with its back side as the tip side onto the saddle tray S001, and a folding sheet bundle pressing lever S014 that presses from above so that the stacked folded sheet bundles do not spread. The folding sheet bundle pressing roller S012 and the folding sheet bundle pressing lever S014 reduce the decrease in stacking performance caused by the folded sheet bundle opening.

[0032] [Branching position and end face stapling part] Here, with reference to FIG. 3, the branching position F017 and the stapling processing unit F302 will be further described. As already described, here, there is an inlet path F002 where the inlet roller F003 is arranged from the inlet F016, a transport path F004 that extends linearly from this to the processing tray F301 direction, an escape path F008 that extends upward in the drawing from this transport path F004, and a branching path F010 that curves downward to guide the sheet to the saddle processing tray S006. At the branching position F017, there is arranged a branching position switching gate F007 that selectively guides the sheet on the inlet path F002 to the escape path F008 or the transport path F004, or guides the sheet that is switchback transported along the transport path F004 to the branching path F010.

[0033] In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the escape path F008 is blocked at the solid line position to guide the sheet from the inlet path F002 to the transport path F004, and at the broken line position, it shows that the sheet transported from the inlet path F002 goes to the escape path F008, and the sheet that is switchback transported along the transport path F004 is guided to the branching path F010.

[0034] In the above-described conveyance path F004, conveyance rollers F005 that rotate forward and backward and come into contact with and separate from each other are arranged immediately before the conveyance path outlet F006, which is the final end. That is, these conveyance rollers F005 convey the sheet toward the processing tray F301 by rotating in one direction in a pressed contact state, and can perform a switchback conveyance in the opposite direction by rotating in the other direction.

[0035] [Regarding Switchback Conveyance] This switchback conveyance is performed by rotating the conveyance roller F005 in the other direction after the entrance sensor F011 arranged immediately after the branch position switching gate F007 of the conveyance path F004 detects the passage of the rear end of the sheet. When rotating in the other direction, the branch position switching gate F007 is moved to a position (the position of the broken line in FIG. 3) that closes the carry-in path F002. As a result, the sheet is conveyed to the standby path F010 and taken over and conveyed by the branch path conveyance roller F012. When the rear end of the sheet reaches a predetermined position, the branch path conveyance roller F012 is stopped, and the sheet is placed in a standby state in the standby path F010.

[0036] By the way, discharge rollers F601 that rotate forward and backward and come into contact with and separate from each other are arranged at the downstream side of the conveyance roller F005 and at the processing tray outlet F300. This discharge roller F601 is composed of a discharge upper roller F603 and a discharge lower roller F604. These rotate in one direction in a mutually pressed contact state and cooperate with the above-described conveyance roller F005 to convey the sheet to the stack tray F600. Further, the discharge roller F601 is also used when discharging in cooperation with the sheet rear end stopper F303, which is also a moving member that pushes out the sheets stacked in the processing tray F301 as a bundle to the stack tray F600.

[0037] [Loading onto the Processing Tray] Here, the conveyance of the sheet onto the processing tray F301 will be described. The conveyance onto this processing tray F301 is performed by conveying the sheet discharged from the conveyance roller F005 to the right side in FIG. 3 of the inclined surface of the processing tray F301 by the reverse rotation of the discharge roller F601 located on the downstream side. The conveyed sheet is transferred by rotating the scraping roller F013 in the counterclockwise direction as shown in the figure. By this transfer, the leading end in the conveyance direction of the sheet abuts against the sheet rear end stopper F303 that serves as the binding reference for the end face and stops. At this time, the scraping roller F013 slides on the sheet, preventing the sheet from buckling after the leading end of the sheet abuts against the sheet rear end stopper F303. In this way, the discharge roller F601 has a function of sending the sheet discharged from the conveyance roller F005 to the sheet rear end stopper F303 of the processing tray F301.

[0038] [Staple Binding Unit Movement and Binding Process] Each time the sheet is discharged from the conveyance roller F005, the rotation of the discharge roller F601 and the scraping roller F013 sends the sheet to the sheet rear end stopper F303 and stacks it on the processing tray F301. Also, in accordance with this stacking operation, the alignment plates F304 are made to abut against both sides in the sheet width direction to align the sheet at the center in the width direction of the processing tray F301. Such stacking and alignment are repeated until the specified number of sheets to be bundled is reached. When the specified number of sheets is reached, this time, the staple binding unit F306 that moves the end face of the processing sheet in the sheet width direction is moved to the desired binding position on the staple binding unit moving table F305. This movement is guided by fitting the staple binding unit moving pin F307 of the staple binding unit F306 into the illustrated groove rail provided in the sheet width direction on the staple binding unit moving table F305.

[0039] Since the binding process of the staple binding unit F306 is already known, the description will be omitted. However, when the staple binding unit F306 stops at the specified binding position, the staple binding motor F309 is rotationally driven to move a driver (not shown) and drive the staple pins into the sheet bundle, and the driven staple pins are bent by an anvil for stitch binding. This binding process is performed at a plurality of positions on the end face at the corner or the end face in the width direction of the sheet bundle.

[0040] [Discharge of the bound sheet bundle] The sheet bundle bound by the staple binding unit F306 is moved in the counterclockwise direction shown in the figure by the moving belt stretched over the pulleys installed on the left and right sides below the processing tray F301. As the sheet rear end stopper F303 connected to this sheet rear end stopper moving belt moves leftward as shown in the figure, the bound end face side of the sheet bundle is pushed out as a moving member toward the stack tray F600. The driving of the sheet rear end stopper moving belt is performed by a sheet rear end stopper moving motor F327 (not shown). Along with this pushing out, the bound sheet bundle is pressed from the front and back by the discharge roller F601 arranged at the outlet of the processing tray F301, and the bound sheet bundle on the stack tray F600 is discharged by the clockwise rotation.

[0041] [Lifting of the stack tray] The stack tray F600 for accumulating the sheet bundles will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, this stack tray F600 is arranged with a substantially the same inclination angle as the processing tray F301, and accumulates the bound sheet bundles discharged from the processing tray F301 and the sheets discharged one by one by the conveying roller F005 and the discharge roller F601 from the conveying path F004.

[0042] On the bottom side of this stack tray F600, a stack tray lifting motor F605 for lifting the stack tray F600 is provided, and this driving is transmitted to the stack tray lifting pinion F606. The stack tray lifting pinion F606 is engaged with the stack tray lifting racks F608 fixed vertically on both sides of the standing surface F607 of the apparatus frame F014. Also, although not particularly shown, the stack tray F600 is guided vertically by the lifting rails provided on the standing surface F607.

[0043] The position of this stack tray F600 or the position of the sheets stacked on this stack tray F600 is detected by a stack tray paper surface sensor F609 provided on the vertical surface F607. When the stack tray paper surface sensor F609 detects, the stack tray lifting motor F605 is driven to rotate the stack tray lifting pinion F606 to lower it. The state in Figure 3 is the state where the upper surface of the stack tray F600 is detected by the stack tray paper surface sensor F609, and it will lower slightly from here to receive the stack of sheets. Therefore, the upper surface of the exit position from the processing tray F301 and the upper surface of the stack tray F600 are positioned with a step difference.

[0044] [Rotary drive of the conveying upper roller] First, the drive of the conveying roller F005 composed of the conveying upper roller F019 and the conveying lower roller F020 is performed by the conveying roller motor F023. This conveying roller motor F023 is composed of a hybrid type stepping motor, and a conveying roller speed detection sensor F024 for detecting the rotational speed of the motor shaft is arranged.

[0045] [Separation and contact of the conveying upper roller] Also, the conveying upper roller F019 is detachably attached to the fixed conveying lower roller F020. This separation and contact is achieved by driving the conveying roller moving arm motor F022, which engages with the rear sector gear attached to the shaft of the arm gear of the conveying upper roller, in forward and reverse directions. It moves in the release direction by one-way rotation and in the pressing contact direction to press against the conveying lower roller F020 by the other rotation. Note that the conveying roller moving arm motor F022 is also composed of a stepping motor, and the position of the conveying upper roller F019 is detected by the conveying roller moving arm sensor F025.

[0046] [Rotary drive of the conveying lower roller, etc.] The rotary drive of the conveying lower roller F020 is performed by the conveying roller motor F023. Also, the conveying roller motor F023 simultaneously rotates the scraping roller F013.

[0047] Since this scraping roller F013 is transmitted via a gear with a one-way clutch, even if the conveyance roller motor F023 rotates forward and backward, it rotates only in the direction of the solid-line arrow in FIG. 4, and rotates to convey the sheet only in the direction of the sheet rear end stopper F303 of the processing tray F301.

[0048] Also, the drive of the conveyance roller motor F023 is transmitted to the branch path conveyance roller F012 that conveys the sheet in the branch path F010.

[0049] With the above configuration, according to the forward and reverse rotation of the conveyance roller motor F023, the conveyance roller F005 and the branch path conveyance roller F012 rotate in one direction of the solid-line arrow direction and the other direction of the broken-line arrow direction (switchback direction) in the figure, and the scraping roller F013 rotates in the direction of the sheet rear end stopper F303 in the solid-line arrow direction. Also, this conveyance roller motor F023 can be set to be able to convey the sheet at a predetermined speed when conveying the sheet to the processing tray F301 side or when performing a switchback conveyance to the branch path F010 side.

[0050] [Rotation drive of discharge upper roller] The drive of the discharge roller F601 composed of the discharge upper roller F603 and the discharge lower roller F604 is performed by the discharge roller motor F614. This discharge roller motor F614 is also composed of a hybrid type stepping motor, and the discharge roller speed detection sensor F611 for detecting the rotation speed of the motor shaft is similarly arranged.

[0051] [Engagement and disengagement of discharge upper roller, etc.] The discharge upper roller F603 is detachably attached to the fixed discharge lower roller F604. This detachment and attachment are achieved by driving the discharge roller moving arm motor F612, which engages with the rear sector gear attached to the shaft of the arm gear of the discharge upper roller, in forward and reverse directions. By rotating in one direction, it moves in the release direction, and by rotating in the other direction, it moves in the pressing direction to press against the discharge lower roller F604. The discharge roller moving arm motor F612 is also composed of a stepping motor, and the position of the discharge upper roller F603 is detected by the discharge roller moving arm sensor F613. In addition, the rotational drive of the discharge lower roller F604 is performed by the discharge roller motor F614.

[0052] [Speed setting of the discharge roller motor] With the above configuration, following the forward and reverse rotations of the discharge roller motor F614, the discharge roller F601 rotates in one direction indicated by the solid arrow in the figure and the other direction indicated by the dashed arrow (the conveyance direction of the sheet from the conveyance roller F005 to the sheet rear end stopper F303 side on the processing tray F301) after the sheet is released from the conveyance roller F005. Also, the speed setting of this discharge roller motor F614 can be changed so as to drive the conveyance roller F005 at a predetermined speed.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the sheet is being conveyed by the conveyance roller F005, such as during the switchback conveyance when performing the standby conveyance described later, since the drive motors are separate and interlocking is difficult, the discharge upper roller F603 is located at a separated position released from the discharge lower roller F604.

[0054] [Standby conveyance, saddle processing tray conveyance] Now, returning to FIG. 3, the standby conveyance for switchback conveyance and waiting in the standby path F010 for, for example, the above-described stapling process will be described. When performing the stapling process with the stapling unit F306 of the processing tray F301, since the speed at which the image-formed sheet of the image forming apparatus H001 is carried in is high and the sheet interval is short, it is necessary to prevent the next sheet from being carried in before the stapling process of the preceding sheet bundle is completed. For this reason, the first or second sheet of the sheets conveyed to the conveyance path F004 through the carry-in path F002 is once switchback conveyed on the conveyance path F004, and the sheet thus switchback conveyed is held in the standby path F010 and made to wait. Then, the standby sheet waiting in the standby path F010 is fed out so as to be superimposed on and sent with the second or third sheet next, thereby ensuring the interval time between the sheet bundles.

[0055] Here, the conveyance from the conveyance path F004 to the standby path F010 by switchback conveyance, holding one or more sheets in this standby path F010 and waiting, and feeding and conveying together with the next sheet of this waiting standby sheet is called "standby conveyance". The sheets for the stapling process that perform this standby conveyance are sheets with a relatively short conveyance direction length, for example, there are many sheets of each size such as A4, B5, and letter. Therefore, the switchback conveyance of these sheets for standby conveyance is performed without greatly protruding beyond the downstream side of the processing tray F301, and the sheets are less likely to bend during this conveyance. Even if they bend somewhat, since the distance to the processing tray F301 is relatively short, the bending is easily corrected by the alignment operation of the alignment plate F304.

[0056] Also, the completion of the above-described stapling process includes not only the completion of the discharging operation of the sheet bundle from the processing tray F301 to the stack tray F600, but also the initial setting operation of the alignment plate F304 on the processing tray F301, the return of the sheet rear end stopper F303 to the initial position, or the initial position setting of each mechanism for receiving the next sheet.

[0057] Next, the saddle processing tray S006 for performing saddle processing on the sheet by the saddle stitching unit S003 and then folding the sheet with the folding roller S004 and the folding blade S005 to form a folded sheet bundle will be described. The conveyance to the saddle processing tray S006 is to once perform a switchback conveyance on the sheet conveyed to the conveyance path F004 via the carry-in path F002 on the conveyance path F004, and then convey the sheet after the switchback conveyance from the branch path F010 to the saddle processing tray S006. Here, conveying the sheet after the switchback conveyance to the saddle processing tray S006 via the branch path F010 is referred to as "saddle processing tray conveyance".

[0058] [Switchback conveyance] In this embodiment, when the sheet performs "standby conveyance" by the conveyance roller F005, when the rear end of the sheet is detected by the entrance sensor F011 disposed at the branch position between the conveyance path F004 and the standby path F010, the sheet is switchback conveyed to the standby path F010 and nipped by the branch path conveyance roller F012 located on the standby path F010, and then the rotation of this branch path conveyance roller F012 is stopped. Also, when performing "saddle processing tray conveyance" in which the saddle processing trays S006 are accumulated on the downstream side of the standby path F010 to perform saddle stitching processing, the sheet switchback conveyed by the conveyance roller F005 is similarly sent to the saddle processing tray S006 without being sent to stop at the branch path conveyance roller F012 of the branch path F010.

[0059] Also, the discharge roller F601 can also rotate forward and backward. After the rear end of the subsequent sheet (the standby sheet waiting on the standby path F010, or the sheet from the carry-in path F002 or the superposed sheets thereof) sent by the conveyance roller F005 is released from the conveyance roller F005, this subsequent sheet is nipped by the discharge roller F601, and then reversed, and these subsequent sheets are conveyed toward the sheet rear end stopper F303 side and stored in the processing tray F301.

[0060] [Discharge of the sheet bundle from the processing tray] Also, as described above, the discharge roller F601 is located at a pressure contact position (the broken line position in FIG. 4) where the upper discharge roller F603 can swing downward and press against the lower discharge roller F604, and a separated position (the solid line position in FIG. 4) where it rises from the lower discharge roller F604. After a predetermined post-treatment is performed on the sheet bundle in the processing tray F301, in order to discharge this sheet bundle to the stack tray F600, first, the sheet rear end stopper F303 is moved to the processing tray outlet F300 side and pushed up. Subsequently, the upper discharge roller F603 is lowered to the pressure contact position, the sheet bundle is nipped together with the lower discharge roller F604, and the sheet bundle is transferred to the processing tray outlet F300 side and discharged in a bundle to the stack tray F600.

[0061] [Sheet Processing Unit] The sheet bundle discharged by the discharge roller F601 is processed in the sheet processing unit of the processing tray F301. The sheet processing in this embodiment includes a stapling process stapled by the stapling unit F306 and a so-called jogging process in which the position on the processing tray F301 is made different by the alignment plate F304 and discharged without being stapled in the stack tray F600. In addition to this, processes such as pasting by gluing and punching the sheet are also included in this sheet processing.

[0062] [Movement of Stapling Unit] Previously, as the sheet processing unit of this invention, the staple binding unit F306 that performs stitch binding on a sheet bundle has been mentioned. Here, the movement of the staple binding unit F306 in the width direction of the sheet bundle will be described with reference to FIG. 5. This figure shows that the staple binding unit F306 that performs stitch binding on the sheet bundle moves on the staple binding unit moving table F305. This staple binding unit moving table F305 is attached to the apparatus frame F014 of the sheet processing apparatus F001, with the upper part shown in the figure as the front side and the lower part as the rear side. Referring also to FIG. 3, a staple binding unit moving groove F311 for guiding the staple binding unit moving pin F307 protruding from the staple binding unit F306 side is provided in a substantially straight line on the staple binding unit moving table F305. A staple binding unit guide pin F308 is engaged with a staple binding unit attitude guide F310 provided on the staple binding unit moving table F305 at the tip side of this staple binding unit F306.

[0063] Also, the staple binding unit F306 is coupled to a staple binding unit moving table belt F313 that is moved by a staple binding unit moving motor F312. As a result, depending on its moving position, the staple binding unit F306 is at the rear corner binding position F314, the multi-binding ranges F316 - F317 in the range closer to the center side than this, and the front corner binding position F315. Further, on the front side, it is controlled to be at the needle replenishment position where the rear of the staple binding unit F306 faces the outside of the apparatus, and also at the manual binding position closer to the front side and at the staple binding unit home position F318 before the start of binding. Therefore, the apparatus of this embodiment has, as one of the sheet processing units, a staple binding unit F306 that performs binding processing at an arbitrary position of the sheet bundle loaded on the processing tray F301. In the sheet processing unit, an alignment plate F304 that is paired in the sheet width direction and aligns the sheets each time they are loaded into the processing tray F301 is arranged.

[0064] [Alignment plate] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an alignment plate F304 that contacts the side edge of the sheet each time the sheet is loaded into the processing tray F301 to align the sheet or change the stacking position of the sheet will be described. FIG. 6 is a view of the processing tray F301 as seen from above, and the alignment plate F304 is composed of a front alignment plate F319 on the front side and a rear alignment plate F320 on the rear side. These each have a front alignment surface F321 and a rear alignment surface F322 that come into contact with and separate from the side edge of the sheet. The contact with and separation from the side edge of the sheet are performed by a front alignment motor F323 and a rear alignment motor F324.

[0065] When performing multi-stitching, the front alignment plate F319 and the rear alignment plate F320 can be aligned with reference to the sheet center, and when performing corner stitching, they can be aligned with reference to one side as shown in FIG. 6, and the alignment reference can be changed depending on the stitching method or the like. Also, as one of the sheet processing units, so-called jog processing is possible, in which the stack of sheets loaded on the processing tray F301 is shifted and discharged to the stack tray F600 to separate the stack of sheets.

[0066] [Separation processing] When performing separation processing, for example, after loading the largest sheet shown in FIG. 6 into the processing tray F301, the front alignment plate F319 located outside the sheet width direction is moved to the position shown in FIG. F325 (front side shift position). As a result, the side edge of the sheet contacts the rear alignment plate F320 where the sheet had been retracted in advance, and the sheet is moved to the position shown in F326 (rear side shift position) and located on the processing tray F301. Conversely, if the rear alignment plate F320 is moved to the front side, the sheet will be located on the front side. Thus, the sheets can be separated.

[0067] [Sheet folding operation] The operation of folding the sheet into three folds by the sheet folding device M001 will be described. FIG. 8(a) shows the operation of conveying the sheet discharged from the upstream image forming device to the sheet folding device M001.

[0068] First, as shown in Fig. 8(a), switch the path switching flapper M020 to the side of the sheet folding device M001, and convey the sheet discharged from the upstream image forming device to the sheet folding device M001. Fig. 9(a) shows the state where the sheet is conveyed to the sheet folding device M001.

[0069] Next, as shown in Fig. 9(b), fold the first folding position M100 by the folding part folding roller M002, and convey the sheet to the folding part folding path M026 as shown in Fig. 9(c) while keeping the state of folding the first folding position M100.

[0070] Next, as shown in Fig. 9(d), switch the folding part folding path switching flapper M027 to the side of the folding part folding path M028, fold the second folding position M101, and convey the triple-folded sheet to the folding part folding path M028.

[0071] Next, as shown in Fig. 9(e), switch the folding part stacking tray switching flapper M024 to the side of the folding part triple-folded sheet stacking tray M040, and stack the triple-folded sheet on the folding part triple-folded sheet stacking tray M040 as shown in Fig. 9(f).

[0072] [Sheet Through Conveying Operation] Describe the operation of directly conveying the sheet through to the downstream side without folding it in the sheet folding device M001. As shown in Fig. 8(b), switch the folding part path switching flapper M020 to the side of the sheet processing device F001, and convey the sheet discharged from the upstream image forming device by the folding part inlet roller M003, the folding part horizontal path conveying roller M004, and the folding part outlet roller M005, and deliver the sheet to the sheet processing device F001 connected to the downstream side.

[0073] [Sheet Triple-Folding Operation] The conventional control in which a sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus H001 is subjected to a triple-fold process by the sheet folding apparatus M001 and discharged to the stacking tray M040 of the sheet folding apparatus M001 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 12. First, the input unit C002 of the image forming apparatus H001 sets the processing content of the sheet (St001), and starts printing (St002). The sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus H001 is conveyed to the sheet folding apparatus M001 by the folding unit horizontal path M021 (St003). When the sheet conveyed to the sheet folding apparatus M001 is not subjected to the folding process (St200), the path switching flapper M020 is switched to the sheet processing apparatus F001 side (St201), and the sheet is conveyed through to the sheet processing apparatus F001 by the inlet roller M003, the horizontal path conveying roller M004, and the outlet roller M005 (St202). When the sheet conveyed to the sheet folding apparatus M001 is subjected to the folding process (St200), the path switching flapper M020 is switched to the sheet folding apparatus M001 side (St004), and the sheet is conveyed to the sheet folding apparatus M001 by the folding path conveying roller 1 M006 and the folding path conveying roller 2 M007 (St005). When stacking the triple-folded sheet on the triple-folded sheet stacking tray M040 (St006), first, the folding roller M002 folds the first folding position M100 (St007). Next, the sheet folded at the first folding position M100 is conveyed to the folding path 3 M026 (St008). Next, the folding roller M002 folds the second folding position M101 (triple-fold means 1) (St009). Thereafter, the stacking tray switching flapper M024 switches the conveyance destination of the triple-folded sheet to the triple-folded sheet stacking tray M040 side (St010), and the triple-folded sheet is stacked on the triple-folded sheet stacking tray M040 (triple-folded sheet stacking tray) (St011).

[0074] In the conventional control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, the triple-folded sheet is stacked on the triple-folded sheet stacking tray M040 without being conveyed to the sheet processing apparatus F001 (St011), so that sorting, punching, binding, etc. of the triple-folded sheet cannot be performed.

[0075] [Post-treatment of the three-fold sheet] After the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus H001 is triple-folded by the sheet folding apparatus M001, control for performing processes such as sorting, punching, and binding on the triple-folded sheet by the sheet processing apparatus F001 connected downstream will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 12. First, the processing content of the sheet is set by the input unit C002 (operation display panel) of the image forming apparatus H001 (St001), and printing is started (St002). The sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus H001 is conveyed to the sheet folding apparatus M001 by the folding unit horizontal path M021 (St003). When performing a folding process on the sheet conveyed to the sheet folding apparatus M001 (St200), the path switching flapper M020 is switched to the sheet folding apparatus M001 side (St004), and the sheet is conveyed to the sheet folding apparatus M001 by the folding path conveying roller 1 M006 and the folding path conveying roller 2 M007 (St005). When conveying the triple-folded sheet to the sheet processing apparatus F001 (St006), first, the second folding position M101 is folded by the folding roller M002 (St012). Next, the folding roller M002 is reversely driven to return the second folding position M101 to the horizontal state (St013). Next, the first folding position M100 is folded by the folding roller M002 (St014) (triple-fold means 2). Thereafter, the conveyance destination of the triple-folded sheet is switched to the folding path 2 M025 side by the stacking tray switching flapper M024 (St015), and the triple-folded sheet conveyed to the folding path 4 M028 is conveyed to the sheet processing apparatus F001 by the folding path 2 M025 and the folding unit horizontal path M021 (St016, St017). The sheet processing apparatus F001 conveys the triple-folded sheet by the conveyance path F004 (St018). When performing a punching process on the triple-folded sheet (St019), the punching unit P001 (punching part) performs a punching process on the triple-folded sheet (St020). When discharging the triple-folded sheet without sorting or binding in a non-sort manner (St021), the triple-folded sheet is discharged to the stack tray F600 (sheet stacking tray) by the discharge roller F601 without passing through the processing tray F301 (St022). When performing sorting or binding processes on the triple-folded sheet (St021), the triple-folded sheet is stored in the processing tray F301 (processing tray) (St023).When performing binding processing on a three-fold sheet (St024), if it is not the last sheet of the bundle for which binding processing is to be performed (St025), wait for the next sheet to be stored in the processing tray F301. If it is the last sheet of the bundle for which binding processing is to be performed (St025), perform binding processing on the sheet bundle by the staple binding unit F306 (binding means) (St026). Then, discharge the bound sheet bundle to the stack tray F600 by the discharge roller F601 (St027). When not performing binding processing on the three-fold sheet stored in the processing tray F301 (St024), discharge the sheet bundle in the processing tray F301 to the stack tray F600 by the discharge roller F601. At this time, when discharging the sheet to the front side of the stack tray F600 (St028), shift the sheet to the front side by moving the rear alignment plate F320 (alignment means) to the front side (St029). When discharging the sheet to the rear side of the stack tray F600 (St028), shift the sheet to the rear side by moving the front alignment plate F319 (alignment means) to the rear side (St030). Then, when reaching the last sheet of the shifted bundle or the number of sheets discharged to the stack tray (St031), discharge the sheet bundle in the processing tray F301 to the stack tray F600 by the discharge roller F601 (St032). If it is not the last sheet of the shifted bundle and the number of sheets discharged to the stack tray has not been reached (St031), wait for the next sheet to be stored in the processing tray F301.

[0076] [Description of Control Configuration] The system control configuration of the above-described image forming apparatus will be described according to the block diagram of FIG. 14. The system of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming control unit C000 of the image forming apparatus H001 and a sheet processing apparatus control unit (CPU) C003 of the sheet processing apparatus F001. The image forming control unit C000 includes a paper feed control unit C001 and an input unit C002. Then, settings of "print mode" and "sheet processing mode" are made from the control panel H021 provided in this input unit C002.

[0077] The sheet processing device control unit (CPU) C003 operates the sheet processing device F001 according to the aforementioned specified sheet processing mode. This sheet processing device control unit (CPU) C003 includes a non-volatile storage unit (ROM) C004 that stores an operation program and a volatile storage unit (RAM) C005 that stores control data. Further, signals such as a stack tray paper surface sensor F609 that detects the paper surface on the stack tray F600 and an entrance sensor F011 that detects the sheet in the conveyance path F004 are input to this sheet processing device control unit (CPU) C003 from various sensor input units C014.

[0078] This sheet processing device control unit (CPU) C003 includes a sheet conveyance control unit C006 that controls a carry-in roller motor F021 in the sheet carry-in path F002, a conveyance roller motor F023 in the conveyance path F004 and the branch path F010, a discharge roller motor F614 at the exit of the processing tray F301, a conveyance roller moving arm motor F612 that raises and lowers the upper conveyance roller F019, and a discharge roller moving arm motor F612 that raises and lowers the upper discharge roller F603. Further, this sheet processing device control unit (CPU) C003 includes a punch control unit C007 that controls a punch motor P003 that performs punching processing on the sheet with the punch unit P001, and a processing tray control unit C008 that controls an alignment plate F304 that performs sheet stacking operations in the processing tray F301. It also includes a staple binding control unit C009 that controls a staple binding motor F309 of a staple binding unit F306 that performs binding processing on the sheet bundle on the processing tray F301, and a stack tray lift control unit C010 that controls a stack tray lift motor F605 that raises and lowers according to the staple-bound sheet bundle or sheet switching back onto the stack tray F600.

[0079] Further, the sheet processing device control unit (CPU) C003 has a saddle processing tray control unit C011 that controls a saddle processing alignment plate S011 that stacks sheets in the saddle processing tray S006 for intermediate binding processing and a sheet front end stopper S007 that regulates the sheet front end, and an intermediate binding control unit C012 that controls an intermediate binding unit S003 that binds the middle of the conveyance direction of the sheet bundle.

[0080] Furthermore, the sheet processing apparatus control unit (CPU) C003 includes a folding / discharging control unit C013 that controls a folding roller S004, a folding sheet bundle discharge roller S013, etc., which fold the sheet bundle after saddle stitching and discharge it to the saddle tray S001. The connection between each of these control units, each sensor for detecting the conveyed sheet, and each drive motor is as described in the manner of each operation mode.

[0081] Also, the sheet processing apparatus control unit (CPU) C003 has a folding control unit C020 that controls a folding unit folding roller M002 for folding the conveyed sheet, a folding unit stacking tray switching flapper M024 that switches the conveyance destination of the folded sheet between the downstream sheet processing apparatus F001 and the folding unit triple-fold sheet stacking tray M040, etc.

[0082] [Explanation of Sheet Processing Modes] The sheet processing apparatus control unit (CPU) C003 configured as described above causes the sheet processing apparatus F001 to execute, for example, a "printout mode", a "staple binding mode", a "sorting (jogging) mode", a "saddle stitching mode", etc. Hereinafter, this processing mode will be described. (1) "Printout Mode" Receives the sheet formed with an image from the main body discharge port H011 of the image forming apparatus H001, and accommodates this sheet in the stack tray F600 by the conveyance roller F005 and the discharge roller F601.

[0083] (2) "Staple Binding Mode" Receives the sheet formed with an image from the main body discharge port H011 into the processing tray F301, aligns the sheets in a bundle, performs binding processing with the end face binding unit F306, and then stores them in the stack tray F600. In this binding process, in order not to stop the discharge of subsequent sheets from the main body discharge port H011, "standby conveyance" is performed in which the previous sheet is conveyed back and temporarily waits in the standby path F010 to become a standby sheet.

[0084] (3) "Separation (Jog) Mode" The sheet formed with an image is received from the main body discharge port H011 into the processing tray F301, separated (jogged) one by one in either the front or rear direction, and stored in the stack tray F600 without binding. Even during this separation (jog), "standby conveyance" is performed to switch back and convey the previous sheet to the standby path F010 for temporary standby as a standby sheet so as not to stop the discharge of subsequent sheets from the main body discharge port H011.

[0085] (4) "Intermediate Binding Mode" The sheet formed with an image is received from the main body discharge port H011 of the image forming apparatus H001 into the saddle processing tray S006, the sheets are aligned in bundles, bound at approximately the center in the receiving and conveying direction of the sheets by the intermediate binding unit S003, folded into a booklet shape, and stored in the saddle tray S001. In this intermediate binding process, the sheets from the main body discharge port H011 are once discharged onto the stack tray F600, and then "saddle processing tray conveyance" is performed to switch back and convey them to the branch path F010 and then to the saddle processing tray S006.

[0086] As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, by making only one of the two folding positions of the three-fold sheet in a folded state, the length of the sheet in the conveying direction becomes longer than the distance between the rollers in the apparatus, so that paper conveyance to a downstream-connected apparatus becomes possible, and it becomes possible to perform post-processing such as sorting, punching, and binding in a downstream-connected apparatus for the three-fold sheet.

[0087] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the present invention, and all technical matters included in the technical idea described in the claims are the subject of the present invention. The above embodiments are shown as preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various alternative examples, correction examples, modification examples, or improvement examples from the content disclosed in this specification, and these are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] Image forming apparatus ··· H001 Paper feeding unit ··· H002 Paper cassette ··· H003 Paper cassette ··· H004 Image forming section ··· H005 Electrostatic drum ··· H006 Laser emitter ··· H007 Developing unit ··· H008 Transfer charger ··· H009 Fuser ··· H010 Main body discharge port ··· H011 Circulation path ··· H012 Switchback path ··· H013 Image reading apparatus ··· H014 Platen ··· H015 Scan unit ··· H016 Data storage section ··· H017 Original document feeder ··· H018 Original document stacker ··· H019 Data storage unit ··· H020 Control panel ··· H021 Buffer memory ··· H022 Sheet processing apparatus ··· F001 Loading path ··· F002 Loading roller ··· F003 Conveyor path ··· F004 Conveyor roller ··· F005 Conveyor path exit ··· F006 Diverging position switching gate ··· F007 Escape path ··· F008 Escape conveyor roller ··· F009 Diverging path / Standby path ··· F010 Inlet sensor ··· F011 Diverging path conveyor roller ··· F012 Scraper roller ··· F013 Device frame ··· F014 Escape tray ··· F015 Loading entrance... F016 Branching position... F017 Escape discharge roller... F018 Upper conveying roller... F019 Lower conveying roller... F020 Loading roller motor... F021 Conveying roller moving arm motor... F022 Conveying roller motor... F023 Conveying roller speed detection sensor... F024 Conveying roller moving arm sensor... F025 Processing tray exit... F300 Processing tray... F301 Stitching processing section... F302 Sheet rear end stopper... F303 Alignment plate... F304 Staple stitching unit moving base... F305 Staple stitching unit... F306 Staple stitching unit moving pin... F307 Staple stitching unit guide pin... F308 Staple stitching motor... F309 Staple stitching unit posture guide... F310 Staple stitching unit moving groove... F311 Staple stitching unit moving motor... F312 Staple stitching unit moving base belt... F313 Corner stitching position on the rear side... F314 Corner stitching position on the front side... F315 Multi-stitching range... F316 Multi-stitching range... F317 Staple stitching unit home position... F318 Front alignment plate... F319 Rear alignment plate... F320 Front alignment surface... F321 Rear alignment surface... F322 Front alignment motor... F323 Rear alignment motor... F324 Front side shift position... F325 Rear side shift position... F326 Seat rear end stopper movement motor... F327 Stack tray... F600 Discharge roller... F601 Upper discharge roller... F603 Lower discharge roller... F604 Stack tray lift motor... F605 Stack tray lift pinion... F606 Vertical surface... F607 Stack tray lift rack... F608 Stack tray paper surface sensor... F609 Discharge roller speed detection sensor... F611 Discharge roller movement arm motor... F612 Discharge roller movement arm sensor... F613 Discharge roller motor... F614 Punch unit... P001 Punch scrap box... P002 Punch motor... P003 Saddle tray... S001 Intermediate binding processing unit... S002 Intermediate binding unit... S003 Folding roller... S004 Folding blade... S005 Saddle processing tray... S006 Sheet front end stopper... S007 Branch path exit... S008 Branch path discharge roller... S009 Intermediate binding processing unit switching flapper... S010 Intermediate binding alignment plate... S011 Pressing roller... S012 Folded sheet bundle discharge roller... S013 Folded sheet bundle pressing lever... S014 Sheet tip stopper moving motor... S015 Image formation control unit... C000 Paper feed control unit... C001 Input unit... C002 Sheet processing apparatus control unit (CPU)... C003 Non-volatile memory unit (ROM)... C004 Volatile memory unit (RAM)... C005 Sheet conveyance control unit... C006 Punch drive control unit... C007 Processing tray control unit... C008 Staple binding control unit... C009 Stack tray lift control unit... C010 Saddle processing tray control unit... C011 Intermediate binding control unit... C012 Folding / discharging control unit... C013 Various sensor input unit... C014 Folding control unit... C020 Sheet folding device... M001 Folding unit folding roller... M002 Folding unit inlet roller... M003 Folding unit horizontal path conveyance roller... M004 Folding unit outlet roller... M005 Folding unit folding path conveyance roller 1... M006 Folding unit folding path conveyance roller 2... M007 Folding unit folding path conveyance roller 3... M008 Folding unit folding path conveyance roller 4... M009 Folding unit folding path conveyance roller 5... M010 Folding unit folding path conveyance roller 6... M011 Folding unit folding path conveyance roller 7... M012 Folding unit folding path conveyance roller 8... M013 Folding unit folding path conveyance roller 9... M014 Folding unit folding path conveyance roller 10... M015 Folding unit path switching flapper... M020 Folding part horizontal path... M021 Folding part folding path 1... M022 Paper stopper for folding part... M023 Stacking tray switching flapper for folding part... M024 Folding part folding path 2... M025 Folding part folding path 3... M026 Folding path switching flapper for folding part... M027 Folding part folding path 4... M028 Inlet sensor for folding part... M030 Outlet sensor for folding part... M031 Timing sensor 1 for folding part... M032 Timing sensor 2 for folding part... M033 Paper discharge sensor for folding part... M034 Three-fold sheet stacking tray for folding part... M040 Inlet for folding part... M041 Outlet for folding part... M042 Inlet motor for folding part... M043 Outlet motor for folding part... M044 Conveyor motor for folding path 1 of folding part... M045 Conveyor motor for folding path 2 of folding part... M046 Folding motor for folding part... M047 Path switching solenoid for folding part... M048 Folding path switching solenoid for folding part... M049 Stacking tray switching solenoid for folding part... M050 Conveyor motor for folding path 4 of folding part... M051 Paper stopper motor... M052 First folding position... M100 Second folding position... M101

Claims

1. A triple-folding means 1 that folds two folding positions of a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus to form a triple-folded state, A triple-folding means 2 that makes one of the two folding positions of the sheet have only a crease, so that the length can be transported to a downstream-connected apparatus, A triple-folded sheet stacking tray for stacking the sheet folded by the triple-folding means 1, A sheet stacking tray for stacking the sheet folded by the triple-folding means 2, Comprising: The sheet folded by the triple-folding means 2 is discharged to a discharge destination different from the sheet folded by the triple-folding means 1. A sheet processing apparatus.

2. The image forming apparatus is provided with an operation display panel Comprising: The folding means of the triple-folded sheet can be switched according to the post-processing content of the triple-folded sheet set on the operation display panel. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. A punch part that performs a punching process on the sheet folded by the triple-folding means 2, Comprising: The punching process is performed on each sheet of the sheet folded by the triple-folding means 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

4. A processing tray that sequentially receives and accumulates the sheets folded by the triple-folding means 2, An aligning means for moving the sheets accumulated in the processing tray to the front side or the back side, Comprising: The discharge position of the sheet folded by the triple-folding means 2 on the sheet stacking tray is made different for each sheet. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

5. A binding means for performing a binding process on the bundle of sheets accumulated in the processing tray, Comprising: A binding process is performed on the bundle of sheets folded by the triple-folding means 2 and stacked on the sheet stacking tray. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 4.

Images