Sheet processor and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a novel-structured sheet transport device excellent in the ability of alignment in an abutment direction.SOLUTION: A sheet processor comprises a placing unit (17) on which a sheet is placed, an abutment member (18) that aligns the sheet with an end thereof abutting against the placing unit, a pair of orthogonal aligning members (22a, 22b) that align the sheet in an orthogonal direction to an abutment direction in which the sheet end abuts against the abutment member, and orthogonal-direction moving means (23) that moves at least one of the pair of orthogonal aligning members in the orthogonal direction between a spaced position and a contact position with respect to the sheet. At least one of the pair of orthogonal aligning members has a convex-shaped portion (30) protruding toward the sheet in a surface facing the sheet at a portion facing an upstream point in the abutment direction of the sheet abutting against the abutment member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a sheet processing device has been known that has a loading section on which a sheet is loaded, a stop member that abuts the sheet edge on the loading section to align it, a pair of orthogonal alignment members that align the sheet in a direction orthogonal to the abutting direction in which the sheet abuts against the abutting member, and an orthogonal movement means that moves at least one of the pair of orthogonal alignment members in the orthogonal direction between a separation position and a contact position with respect to the sheet.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes such a sheet processing apparatus in which the alignment surfaces of the alignment members are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the conveyance direction Y at the time of introduction (impingement direction) so that the distance downstream is greater than the distance upstream in the conveyance direction Y at the time of introduction. This sheet processing apparatus is configured so that the alignment surfaces move while maintaining the predetermined angle when moved by the moving means, and a force FY in the conveyance direction Y at the time of introduction and a force FX in the width direction X perpendicular to the conveyance direction Y at the time of introduction act on the sheet. This is said to provide excellent alignment in the conveyance direction when the leading edge of the paper impinges on the stopper and is aligned. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a sheet transport device having a novel structure that is excellent in alignment in the striking direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a sheet processing device having a loading section for loading sheets, a stop member that stops the end of the sheet on the loading section to align it, a pair of orthogonal alignment members that align the sheet in a direction orthogonal to the stop direction in which the sheet stops against the stop member, and an orthogonal movement means for moving at least one of the pair of orthogonal alignment members in the orthogonal direction between a separation position and a contact position with respect to the sheet, wherein at least one of the pair of orthogonal alignment members has a convex portion that protrudes toward the sheet on the opposing surface portion facing the sheet at a point upstream in the stop direction of the sheet that has stopped against the stop member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet transport device having a novel structure that is excellent in alignment in the striking direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an electrical component of the image forming system. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a conveying path of the inner finisher. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the inner finisher. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the inner finisher. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the inner finisher. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the inner finisher. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the inner finisher. [Figure 11] An explanatory diagram of the movement of the inner finisher. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a mechanism for aligning in the width direction using a jogger fence. [Figure 13] An explanatory diagram of the problem to be solved by this embodiment [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a problem to be solved by the present embodiment. [Figure 15] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of the alignment operation by the jogger fence of the embodiment. [Figure 16] An explanatory diagram of the jogger fence widthwise deviation b [mm]. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the setting of the height α of the convex portion. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the setting of the height α of the convex portion. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the setting of the inclination angle e of the rake shape portion. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which a leaf spring part is provided instead of a convex portion. [Figure 21] 21 is an explanatory diagram of the alignment operation of the jogger fence shown in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the setting of the height α of the convex portion. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example in which the jogger fence is rotatable. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a matching operation in the configuration example of FIG. 23. [Figure 25] An example of a configuration in which the jogger fence can be swung. [Figure 26] An explanatory diagram of a problem caused by overfeeding. [Figure 27] This is a configuration example in which the jogger fence protrudes upstream of the paper discharge roller in the paper transport direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus and a post-processing device will be described. First, an overview of the image forming apparatus system will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example configuration of an image forming system 1 comprising an inner finisher 100, which is a post-processing device, and an image forming apparatus 300. The inner finisher 100 is a post-processing device that is placed inside the body of the image forming apparatus to avoid an increase in installation area. The present invention can also be applied to a connection mode with a post-processing device that is placed outside the image forming apparatus 300. FIG. 1(a) shows an example configuration of an image forming system 1 in which the image forming apparatus 300 and the inner finisher 100 are connected. Paper (sheets) on which images have been formed from the image forming apparatus 300 are received by the inner finisher 100 and post-processing such as binding is performed.

[0009] 1(b) shows an example of the configuration of an image forming system 1 in which an image forming apparatus 300, an inner finisher option device 200, and an inner finisher 100 are connected. Paper sheets on which images have been formed from the image forming apparatus 300 are subjected to punching and other processes by the inner finisher option device 200, and are then received by the inner finisher 100, where post-processing such as binding is performed. The inner finisher option device 200 is an optional device that the user can purchase and choose whether or not to install.

[0010] Instead of or in addition to the inner finisher option device 200 that performs punching and other processes, it is also possible to connect an inner finisher option device 400 that performs folding and other processes. The inner finisher option device 200 and the inner finisher option device 400 are optional and therefore detachable, and the I / F parts of the optional devices are configured to be detachable in hardware, for example, by using a relay connector or a drawer connector.

[0011] 2 and 3 are functional block diagrams of the image forming system 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming system 1 without the inner finisher option. The flow of paper is indicated by dashed lines, and the flow of communication signals is indicated by solid lines. The image forming device 300 is a device that forms images on paper using a known electrophotographic process. This image forming device 300 includes a display unit 301 that notifies the user of the status of various devices and operation details, an operation unit 302 that the user uses to set the mode, number of copies, etc., a paper feed unit 303 that stocks paper and separates and feeds each sheet, and an image creation unit 304 that forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum and transfers the image to paper. The image forming device 300 also includes a fixing unit 305 that fixes the image transferred to paper, and a control unit 306 that controls each of these blocks.

[0012] The inner finisher 100 receives processing instructions from the control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 300 via a communication line 307 to the inner finisher control unit 102, and the inner finisher processing unit 101 performs the specified processing on the specified paper. The linked control units (306, 102) are connected by a communication line (307) to enable the exchange of information. This allows the exchange of information on the mode, paper size, timing, etc., enabling system operation.

[0013] 3 is a functional block diagram of the image forming system 1 when options are installed. The inner finisher option device 200 receives processing instructions from the inner finisher control unit 102 via the communication line 103 to the control unit 202, and performs the specified processing on the specified paper in the inner finisher option device processing unit 201. Other points are the same as those in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2.

[0014] 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the electrical equipment of the image forming system 1. As shown in the figure, the inner finisher 100 is equipped with a CPU 110 and is connected to various motors and various sensors via an I / F (interface). The CPU 110 is a computing means and controls the overall operation of the inner finisher 100.

[0015] The various motors include a transport motor 111, a paper discharge motor 112, a jogger drive motor 113, and a staple drive motor 114. The various sensors include a transport sensor 115, a paper discharge sensor 116, and a staple movement home position sensor 117.

[0016] An inner finisher option device 200 and an inner finisher option device 400, which are optional devices for the inner finisher 100, are connected to the CPU 110 of the inner finisher 100 via an I / F, and the inner finisher 100 controls their operations.

[0017] The inner finisher option device 200 includes a punch motor 210, a punch movement motor 211, a pre-punch sensor 212, a cover open / close sensor 213, and a punch unit home position sensor 214. The inner finisher option device 400 includes a folding motor 410, an entrance sensor 411, and a folding sensor 412.

[0018] The CPU 110 in the inner finisher 100 is connected to the control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 300 via an I / F, and controls the inner finisher 100 in response to processing signals from the image forming apparatus 300. Since the inner finisher 100 is also an optional device, it has a detachable hardware configuration similar to the inner finisher optional device 200 and the inner finisher optional device 400.

[0019] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the transport path of the inner finisher 100. The entrance roller 11 is the most upstream roller of the inner finisher, the transport roller 12 is the second roller of the inner finisher, and the shift roller 13 is a roller that shifts paper widthwise within the inner finisher. The return roller 14 transports and strikes paper toward the reference fence 18, the striking roller 15 transports paper toward the reference fence 18, and the discharge roller 16a is the most downstream roller of the inner finisher. The staple tray 17 is a tray that temporarily stacks paper for binding and corresponds to a sheet placement section. The reference fence 18 is a fence that strikes the trailing edge of paper during binding and aligns the transport direction, and corresponds to a stop member. The stapler 19 is a device that performs the binding process. The discharge tray 20 is a tray that discharges paper and can also discharge stacks of paper after binding. The end fence 21 is a fence against which the trailing edge of the discharged paper is abutted and aligned.

[0020] The inner finisher 100 has a mode (shift discharge mode) in which it transports and discharges the paper directly to the paper discharge tray 20, and a mode (staple mode) in which it staples the paper using a stapler 19. In the shift discharge mode, the paper transported from the image forming device 300 is received by the entrance rollers 11, transported to the paper discharge rollers 16a, and discharged to the paper discharge tray 20.

[0021] In the staple mode, the paper conveyed from the image forming device 300 is received by the entrance roller 11, conveyed to the shift roller 13, and then switched back and conveyed on the staple tray 17 by the striking roller 15 and the return roller 14, and the paper is conveyed to the reference fence 18. This operation is repeated a predetermined number of times, and when the last sheet is conveyed to the reference fence 18, the stapler 19 staples the stack of paper to bind it, and the stack of paper is discharged by the return roller 14 and the paper discharge roller 16a to the paper discharge tray 20.

[0022] 6 to 11 are explanatory diagrams of the movement of paper P in the inner finisher in staple mode. In Fig. 6, paper P transported from the image forming device 300 is received and transported into the inner finisher 100. In Fig. 7, paper P is not shifted, and paper discharge driven roller 16b remains in the pressure release position, transporting paper P toward paper discharge tray 20. In Fig. 8, after paper P passes through shift roller 13, striking roller 15 strikes paper P, causing paper P to switch back toward reference fence 18.

[0023] In FIG. 9, the sheets P are conveyed by the striking rollers 15 and return rollers 14 until they strike the reference fence 18, where they are aligned in the conveyance direction (the striking direction). After striking the reference fence, the sheets are pinched by the jogger fences 22, where they are aligned in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the striking direction). A pair of jogger fences 22 are provided, and correspond to perpendicular direction alignment members. This will be described in detail later. In FIG. 10, the processes shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 are repeated for multiple sheets P, and the sheets P are stacked on the staple tray 17, and staples are driven into the sheet stack Pt by the stapler 19. At this time, the sheet discharge driven roller 16b moves to the nip position. In FIG. 11, the sheet stack Pt with the staples driven into it is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 20 by the sheet discharge roller 16a.

[0024] Next, the alignment members of the inner finisher 100, which are a characteristic feature of this embodiment, will be described. In this embodiment, at least one of the pair of orthogonal alignment members (jogger fences (22a, 22b)) has a convex portion that protrudes toward the sheet on the surface facing the sheet, which faces the upstream part of the sheet in the abutting direction (the conveying direction for abutting) of the sheet abutting against the abutting member (reference fence 18). This allows the jogger fences 22a, 22b to abut from the upstream side during alignment, thereby improving the alignment quality of the sheet stack Pt in the conveying direction.

[0025] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of a mechanism for aligning the width direction using jogger fences (22a, 22b) of this embodiment. The front jogger fence 22a and the rear jogger fence 22b are held by a jogger fence paper width direction movement shaft 23. The jogger fence paper width direction movement shaft 23 is a sliding shaft used when moving the jogger fence in the paper width direction. Each jogger fence is equipped with a paper lower surface support shape portion 24. This paper lower surface support shape portion 24 supports the lower surface of the paper when aligning a stack of paper, and also functions as a loading portion on which paper P is placed.

[0026] Each jogger fence is driven back and forth along a jogger fence paper width direction movement shaft 23 by, for example, a jogger drive motor 113 (see FIG. 4). This drive can be achieved, for example, by meshing a pinion provided on the drive shaft of the jogger drive motor 113 with a rack provided on each jogger fence to transmit the driving force. Each jogger fence has a convex portion 30 on the upstream side in the conveying direction (the opposite side in the conveying direction from the reference fence 18) that abuts against the upstream side of the jogger fence to enable alignment. The convex portion 30 has a shape that extends from the bottom end to the top end of the jogger fences (22a, 22b), and the length of the paper P in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the same length as the jogger fences (22a, 22b).

[0027] 13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams of the problem to be solved by this embodiment. In a post-processing device (e.g., a binding device), the mechanism and control method for aligning the width direction of the sheets P, which is a direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction, using alignment plates has the following problem. While the alignment plates (22a, 22b) are ideally parallel to each other as shown in FIG. 13(a), due to component play and the relationship between the component centers of gravity, the alignment plates may open with the rear end open toward the transport direction, as shown in FIG. 13(b). When an alignment operation is performed on the sheets P in this state, the edge of the alignment plate on the reference fence 18 side comes into contact with the sheets P and pushes them in, as shown from left to right in FIG. 14. This pushing applies a force F to the sheets P from the downstream side of the alignment plate, shifting the sheets P upstream in the transport direction with each alignment operation. This results in a problem of poor alignment in the transport direction.

[0028] 15 is an explanatory diagram of the alignment operation by the jogger fence of this embodiment. When the jogger fence alignment operation of this embodiment is performed, the presence of the convex portion 30 allows the jogger fence to abut against and align the sheets P from the upstream side. This prevents a force acting on the stack of sheets Pt toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction, preventing misalignment in the conveyance direction.

[0029] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of the amount of widthwise deviation b [mm] of the jogger fence caused by backlash in the jogger fence. As shown in Figure 16, the amount of widthwise deviation b [mm] of the jogger fence caused by backlash can be calculated using the following formula, assuming that the amount of jogger fence angle deviation c [deg.] caused by backlash and the distance between the leading and trailing ends of the jogger fence and the sheet P that come into contact during alignment is L [mm]. b=L tan(c) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the distance L [mm] between the leading and trailing ends of the jogger fence and the paper P when they come into contact during alignment can be shown as in Figure 16(a) if the length of the jogger fence in the transport direction is longer than the length of the paper, and can be shown as in Figure 16(b) if the length of the jogger fence in the transport direction is shorter than the length of the paper.

[0030] 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the setting of the height α of the convex portion 30 of the jogger fence. If the height α of the convex portion 30 of the jogger fence from the jogger fence surface is set so that α > b [mm], it becomes possible to abut and align the sheet P from the upstream side of the jogger fence, taking into account the backlash of the jogger fence. Because the backlash of the jogger fence can cause the sheet P to tilt from the upstream side toward the abutting side, it is optimal to provide the convex portion 30 on the jogger fence with a height α [mm] that takes into account the amount of backlash b [mm] calculated using the above formula, although this is not always the case.

[0031] Furthermore, since the quality of the paper width direction alignment by the jogger fence can be improved by making the paper contact position of the jogger fence as long as possible in the conveying direction, it is preferable to set the conveying direction length L of the jogger fence as long as possible within the range that allows alignment of the paper size to be aligned. Furthermore, by calculating the required height α of the convex portion 30 using the above formula, even if the length of the jogger fence in the conveying direction is set to be as long as possible, the height of the convex portion 30 can be set to the minimum required height in accordance with the length of the conveying direction. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the jogger fence in the stroke direction, preventing the device from becoming larger.

[0032] Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram of setting the height α of the convex portions when multiple convex portions (31, 32) are provided on the jogger fence. As shown in Fig. 18, in order to improve the alignment quality for each paper size to be aligned, the height α of the convex portion can be set by a formula using the distance L between the leading and trailing ends where the jogger fence and the paper P come into contact, and multiple convex portions can be provided on the jogger fence surface. The subscript 1 for the distance L and height α indicates that it relates to the convex portion 31 for the small size, and the subscript 2 indicates that it relates to the convex portion 32 for the large size.

[0033] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the setting of the scoop inclination angle e when a scoop 34 is provided on the convex portion 33 of the jogger fence. As shown in FIG. 19, a scoop 34 inclined toward the reference fence 18 may be added to the convex portion 33 of the jogger fence. By setting the scoop inclination angle e [deg.] relative to the jogger fence angle deviation c [deg.] (see FIG. 16) so that e > c [deg.], the jogger fence can abut and align from the upstream side even when aligning a paper size that is shorter than the convex portion in the conveyance direction. Furthermore, if a paper size shorter than the convex portion in the conveyance direction is introduced, without a scoop, the paper may get caught on the convex portion of the jogger fence during paper ejection (see FIG. 11). However, adding the scoop 34 prevents this.

[0034] FIG. 20 shows a configuration in which a convex portion is realized on the upstream side of the alignment surface of the jogger fence using a leaf spring component 40. The length of the leaf spring component 40 in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the paper P is the same length as the jogger fences (22a, 22b). The leaf spring component may be replaced with other elastic materials such as a pressure spring, sponge, rubber, or elastic resin material. In this configuration, as with the configuration in FIG. 17, by setting the height α of the convex portion using the above-mentioned calculation formula that takes into account the distance L between the leading and trailing ends where the jogger fence and the paper P come into contact, the paper P can be abutted and aligned from the upstream side of the jogger fence, preventing misalignment in the transport direction.

[0035] Fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the alignment operation of the jogger fence shown in Fig. 20. As shown in the alignment operation in Fig. 21, as shown in the center diagram on the left and right, even if control is performed to further push the jogger fence after the leaf spring portion on the upstream side of the fence makes contact during the alignment operation, the excessive pushing amount can be absorbed by the elasticity of leaf spring component 40. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to stabilize not only alignment in the transport direction but also alignment operation in the paper width direction.

[0036] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of setting the height α of the convex portion of the elastic member when multiple elastic members (41, 42) are provided on the jogger fence. As shown in FIG. 22, multiple elastic members such as leaf springs may be provided on the jogger fence surface. By setting the height α of the convex portion and the distance L between the leading and trailing ends where the jogger fence and the paper P contact using a formula and attaching two or more elastic members to the jogger fence, it is possible to improve the paper width direction alignment quality for each paper size, as with the configuration in FIG. 18. The subscript 1 for the distance L and height α indicates that it relates to the convex portion of the elastic member 41 for small sizes, and the subscript 2 indicates that it relates to the convex portion of the elastic member 42 for large sizes.

[0037] If the convex portion contacts the sheet during sheet alignment and then further compresses it, the elastic members located at positions L1 and L2 will each compress differently. The spring's restoring force F [N] is expressed as F = kx, where k [N / m] is the spring constant and x [m] is the amount of compression from the natural length. If the spring constant k is set to the same at each location, the difference in the amount of compression will result in a difference in the restoring force, which could result in poor alignment quality in the paper width direction. To avoid this, the elastic members located at positions L1 and L2 can be set to have a spring constant k corresponding to the respective amount of compression, and the restoring force F generated by each spring can be set to the same or to be smaller at each location. This can further improve alignment quality in the paper width direction.

[0038] As another configuration that functions similarly to the leaf spring assembly 40 of FIG. 20, configuration examples shown in FIGS. 23 to 25 are described. FIG. 23 shows a configuration example in which the jogger fence is rotatable, and FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of the alignment operation using the configuration example of FIG. 23. As shown in FIG. 23, a rotation fulcrum 50 is provided on the sheet lower surface support shape portion 24 of the jogger fence, and the jogger fence is rotatable relative to a slider 51 held by the jogger fence sheet width direction movement shaft 23. A torsion spring 52 contacts the sheet from the upstream side of the jogger fence, maintaining an aligning position. Specifically, the torsion spring 52 is engaged at both ends with the engaging portion 24a of the sheet lower surface support shape portion 24 and the engaging portion 51a of the slider 51, and applies a rotation force in a direction that opens the front end in the conveying direction, as shown in FIG. 23(a). A stopper 53 is provided to resist this rotation force and lock the upstream side in a rotated position with the desired protrusion amount α. FIG. 23(b) shows a configuration in which the front jogger fence 22a is rotatable, but the rear jogger fence 22b has a similar configuration in which it can be rotated in the opposite direction.

[0039] By allowing the jogger fences to rotate around the rotation fulcrum 50 as in the alignment operation shown in Figure 24, it is possible to align each jogger fence so that it is parallel to the paper length direction even if overfeed occurs during the alignment operation with the jogger fences, which prevents paper buckling when aligning with the jogger fences and paper bouncing when retracting after the alignment operation, making it possible to stabilize the alignment operation in the paper width direction. With this configuration, the rotation mechanism is completed on the underside of the jogger fences, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the jogger fences.

[0040] Figure 25 shows an example of a configuration in which the jogger fence can swing. In this example, a swing fulcrum 60, such as a hinge, is provided downstream of the jogger fence to allow the jogger fence to swing. Even if overfeed occurs during alignment with the jogger fences, each jogger fence can be aligned parallel to the paper length. This prevents paper buckling during alignment with the jogger fences and paper bounce when retracting after alignment, thereby stabilizing alignment in the paper width direction. The system includes a spring 61 that applies a rotational force in a direction that narrows the rear end in the conveyance direction (opens the front end), and a stopper 62 that resists this rotational force and locks the upstream side in a rotational position with the desired protrusion amount α. This configuration eliminates the need for additional components in the height direction of the jogger fence, allowing for a more compact jogger fence in the height direction.

[0041] The configurations in Figures 23 and 25 both rotate around an axis as a fulcrum, but the amount of rotation required is only the amount that makes it parallel to the paper transport direction as shown in Figure 15 (until the set convex height α [mm] of the jogger fence is removed).

[0042] FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a problem caused by overfeeding that can be prevented by the configurations shown in FIGS. Figure 26 shows the behavior of paper P when it is overfed. As shown in the center left and right figures, overfeeding occurs when the jogger fence aligns the paper at intervals narrower than the paper width. If this occurs when the jogger fence pushes the paper in farther than the paper width, depending on the thickness, number of sheets, and stiffness of the paper P when aligning with the jogger fence, the paper P may buckle, and when retracting after the alignment operation, the paper may bounce, as shown in the right figure, making the paper's behavior unstable and raising concerns about a decrease in the quality of the paper P's widthwise alignment.

[0043] FIG. 27 shows a configuration example in which jogger fences 22a and 22b protrude upstream of the paper discharge roller 16 in the paper transport direction. As shown in Figure 27(c), first portions (22a1, 22b1) of the jogger fences (22a, 22b) downstream of the paper discharge roller 16 in the paper transport direction (the direction of arrow A in Figures 27(a) and 27(b)) face the side edge of the paper in the staple tray 17. Second portions (22a2, 22b2) of the jogger fences (22a, 22b) as extended portions extended upstream of the upstream end of the staple tray in the paper transport direction upstream of the paper discharge roller 16 in the paper transport direction face the side edge of the paper located upstream of the paper discharge roller 16a in the paper transport direction.

[0044] The portion of the paper P located upstream of the paper discharge roller 16a in the paper transport direction indicated by arrow A in Figures 27(a) and (b) protrudes from the staple tray 17 and hangs down due to its own weight, as shown in Figure 27(b). In order to face the side edge of this hanging paper, the second portions (22a2, 22b2) of the jogger fences (22a, 22b) have a shape that protrudes downward beyond the paper discharge roller 16a. This allows the second portions (22a2, 22b2) of the jogger fences to come into contact with the side edge of the portion of the paper P that protrudes from the staple tray 17 and hangs down, thereby aligning the paper P.

[0045] As shown by the dashed lines in Figure 27(a), the paper discharge roller 16a is longer in the paper width direction than the paper discharge driven roller 16b and the return roller 14, and the outer end of the paper discharge roller 16a in the width direction is positioned outside the paper discharge driven roller 16b and the return roller 14. Therefore, depending on the width of the paper, the jogger fences (22a, 22b) may interfere with the paper discharge roller 16a. Therefore, recesses (22b3, 22a3) are formed in the lower parts of the jogger fences (22a, 22b) to avoid interference with the paper discharge roller 16a.

[0046] As shown in Figure 27(c), the convex portions 30 in the above-described embodiment are provided in the second portions (22a2, 22b2). This makes it possible for the jogger fences (22a, 22b) to abut against and align the sheets P from the upstream side in the sheet transport direction. This prevents force from acting on the stack of sheets Pt toward the upstream side in the transport direction, preventing misalignment in the transport direction.

[0047] The embodiment in which a plurality of convex portions (31, 32) are provided (FIG. 18) and the embodiment in which a plurality of elastic members (41, 42) are provided (FIG. 22) can also be applied to the jogger fences (22a, 22b) shown in FIG. 27. When these embodiments are applied to the jogger fences (22a, 22b), the convex portion 31 or the elastic member 41 is provided in the first portion 22a1, and the convex portion 32 or the elastic member 42 is provided in the second portion (22a2, 22b2).

[0048] The embodiment (FIG. 19) in which the inclined convex portion 33 is provided can also be applied to the jogger fences (22a, 22b) shown in FIG. 27. In this case, the inclined convex portion 33 is formed from the first portion (22a1, 22b1) to the second portion (22a2, 22b2). When the embodiment (FIG. 20) in which the leaf spring component 40 is provided is applied to the jogger fences (22a, 22b) shown in FIG. 27, the portion of the convex portion with height α is provided so as to be located in the second portion (22a2, 22b2).

[0049] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and unless otherwise specifically limited in the above description, various modifications and variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. For example, a conveying device is used to place sheets on the placement section, but sheets that have moved under their own weight may also be placed on the placement section. The placement section is composed of a placement tray, but placement may also be performed using only the lower support shape portion of the jogger fence. Furthermore, while multiple sheets are stacked on the placement section and aligned to a predetermined reference position and orientation within the sheet processing device, after which post-processing such as stapling is performed, the present invention can also be applied to a sheet processing device dedicated to alignment that discharges the sheets without any additional processing after alignment. Furthermore, while multiple sheets are stacked on the placement section, the present invention can also be applied to a sheet processing device that loads only one sheet on the placement section. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a sheet processing device that aligns sheets to a predetermined reference position and orientation within the sheet processing device, after which pre-processing such as folding is performed and the sheets are discharged.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, both of the pair of orthogonal direction alignment members are moved by the orthogonal movement means, but only one of them may be moved. Furthermore, while a convex portion protruding toward the center in the orthogonal direction is provided on both orthogonal direction alignment members, it may be provided on only one of them. Various variations can be achieved by combining these.

[0051] There are three variations depending on which of the pair of alignment members moves. That is, there are variations in which only the front jogger fence 22a moves, only the rear jogger fence 22b moves, and both jogger fences move. Furthermore, there are three variations depending on whether or not there is a convex portion. That is, there are variations in which only the front jogger fence 22a is provided, only the rear jogger fence 22b is provided, and both jogger fences are provided. In summary, there are a total of nine variations in the 3 x 3 pattern.

[0052] In any of the variations, regardless of the angle relationship between the sheet-facing surfaces of the two alignment members, when at least a portion of the sheet-facing surface of the moving alignment member comes into contact with the sheet and begins to push the sheet, the sufficient condition for solving the problem is that this portion is on the upstream side, for the following reasons.

[0053] Whether only one alignment member or both are moving, the moving alignment member begins to contact the sheet that has shifted in the perpendicular direction. Consider the case where the sheet is not in contact with the other alignment member at the time of contact initiation. In this case, the sheet rotates around the imaginary center of friction between the upper surface of the sheet on or below the loading table and the underside of the sheet being pushed, due to the moment of the pushing force of the sheet after contact initiation. Because this imaginary center is downstream of the point where the alignment member contacts and pushes the sheet, this moment rotates the downstream side of the sheet toward the abutting alignment member. When the sheet is shifted in the perpendicular direction while continuing to be pushed and rotated, if the sheet contacts a part of the other alignment member, the subsequent rotational movement of the sheet is determined by the upstream / downstream positional relationship between the contact point of the other alignment member and the pushing point, and the magnitude of the frictional force between the contact point and the pushing point. If the contact point is further upstream (hereinafter referred to as Pattern 1), the moment of rotation around the contact point will move the downstream side of the sheet closer to the abutting alignment member. Conversely, if the contact point is further downstream (hereinafter referred to as Pattern 2), the moment of rotation around the contact point will move the downstream side of the sheet away from the abutting alignment member. Pattern 2 does not usually occur. By the time the sheet contacts a portion of the mating alignment member, the sheet has rotated to a certain extent due to continued pressure. This amount of rotation makes it easy to achieve the posture accuracy and backlash tolerance of the mating alignment member and the backlash tolerance of the moving alignment member to an extent that does not cause Pattern 2. As a result, regardless of the angular relationship between the sheet-facing surfaces of the two alignment members, it can be said that a sufficient condition for solving the problem is that when at least a portion of the sheet-facing surface of the moving alignment member contacts the sheet and begins to push the sheet, this portion is upstream.

[0054] The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most favorable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] The above description is merely an example, and the present invention exhibits unique effects for each of the following aspects. In the description of the aspects, the reference numerals in parentheses following the names of components indicate examples of the corresponding members, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. (Aspect 1) In a sheet processing device (100) having a placement section (17) on which a sheet is placed, a stop member (18) that abuts against the sheet end on the placement section to align it, a pair of orthogonal alignment members (22a, 22b) that align the sheet in a direction orthogonal to the abutting direction in which the sheet abuts against the abutting member, and an orthogonal movement means (23) that moves at least one of the pair of orthogonal alignment members in the orthogonal direction between a separation position and a contact position with respect to the sheet, at least one of the pair of orthogonal alignment members has a convex portion (30, 31, 32, 40, 41, 42) that protrudes toward the sheet on the opposing surface portion facing the sheet at a location upstream in the abutting direction of the sheet abutting against the abutting member. According to this aspect 1, by providing a convex portion on the alignment surface of the orthogonal alignment member, it becomes possible to abut against and align the sheets from the upstream side of the orthogonal alignment member during the alignment operation. This makes it possible to prevent a force acting on the sheet or sheet stack toward the upstream side in the abutting direction, thereby preventing misalignment in the sheet conveyance direction. In other words, it is possible to improve the alignment quality in the sheet abutting direction.

[0056] (Aspect 2) In the sheet processing device described in aspect 1, the protrusion amount (α) of the convex portion is greater than the amount by which the surface portion is displaced in the perpendicular direction away from the sheet when the perpendicular direction alignment member tilts from the abutting direction due to play or the like. In aspect 2, if the height of the convex portion is set using the above calculation formula, it becomes possible to align the sheets by abutting them from the upstream side of the orthogonal aligning member, taking into account the backlash of the orthogonal aligning member (improving the alignment quality in the sheet abutment direction). Also, even if the abutment direction length of the orthogonal aligning member is set to be as long as possible to improve the alignment quality in the sheet abutment direction, by calculating the necessary height of the convex portion using the calculation formula, it is possible to set the minimum necessary height of the convex portion in accordance with the abutment direction length setting of the orthogonal aligning member, so it is possible to reduce the size of the orthogonal aligning member in the stroke direction, and prevent the device from becoming larger.

[0057] (Aspect 3) In the sheet processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the convex portion has an inclined surface (34) whose protrusion amount becomes smaller on the abutting member side than on the tip end portion. According to aspect 3, by adding a shape inclined in the direction opening toward the abutting member to the convex portion of the alignment portion of the orthogonal direction alignment member, it is possible to prevent the sheet from getting caught on the convex portion of the orthogonal direction alignment member during sheet conveyance (improving the alignment quality in the abutting direction of the sheet, and preventing defects such as scratches caused by the sheet getting caught on the convex portion during conveyance after alignment). Also, even if a sheet size that is shorter than the convex portion in the abutting direction arrives, it can be aligned by abutting from the upstream side of the orthogonal direction alignment member (improving the alignment quality in the abutting direction of the sheet).

[0058] (Aspect 4) In the sheet processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the convex portions (31, 32, 41, 42) are provided at a plurality of positions different from one another in the abutting direction. According to aspect 4, by providing two or more convex portions on the orthogonal alignment member and using different convex portions for alignment for each sheet size, the sheet width direction alignment quality for each sheet size can be improved (improved sheet width direction alignment quality).

[0059] (Aspect 5) In the sheet processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the convex portion is formed of an elastic member (40, 41, 42) that is deformable in the orthogonal direction. According to aspect 5, by providing an elastic member such as a leaf spring on the alignment surface of the orthogonal alignment member, it is possible to abut against and align sheets from the upstream side of the orthogonal alignment member during alignment. This prevents force from acting on the sheet or sheet stack toward the upstream side in the abutting direction, thereby preventing misalignment in the sheet abutting direction. Furthermore, even if overfeed occurs during alignment with the orthogonal alignment member, the overfeed can be absorbed by an elastic member such as a leaf spring, pressure spring, or elastic resin. This prevents sheet buckling during alignment with the orthogonal alignment member and sheet bounce when retracted after the alignment operation, making it possible to stabilize the alignment operation in the sheet width direction (improving alignment quality in the sheet abutting direction and the sheet width direction).

[0060] (Aspect 6) In the sheet processing device described in aspect 5, the convex portions are formed at multiple different locations in the abutting direction by elastic members (40, 41, 42) that are deformable in the perpendicular direction, and the elastic members at the multiple locations have different elastic forces from each other. According to the sixth aspect, the convexity amount α of the elastic member of the orthogonal alignment member varies depending on the mounting position, and the amount of spring compression during overfeed differs between the upstream and downstream sides of the orthogonal alignment member in the abutting direction. If the elastic force is set to the same at each location, the difference in the amount of compression will result in a difference in the restoring force, which will deteriorate the alignment quality in the sheet width direction. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic member arranged at each location is set to an elastic force corresponding to the respective amount of compression, and the restoring force generated by each spring is set to be the same or small at each location. This makes it possible to further improve the alignment quality in the sheet width direction (improved sheet width direction alignment quality).

[0061] (Aspect 7) In the sheet processing device described in any one of aspects 1 to 6, a pair of orthogonal alignment members (22a, 22b) have extension portions (22a2, 22b2) that extend upstream in the abutting direction from a point that is the upstream end of the placement portion (17) in the abutting direction, and the extension portions (22a2, 22b2) are provided with the convex portions (31, 32, 41, 42). According to the seventh aspect, the pair of orthogonal alignment members (22a, 22b) can be brought into contact with the side edges of the sheet portion that protrudes from the upstream end in the abutting direction of the mounting portion (17), thereby aligning the sheet. Furthermore, when performing the alignment operation, the orthogonal alignment members can be brought into contact with the sheets from the upstream side to align them.

[0062] (Aspect 8) In a sheet processing device (100) having a loading section (17) on which a sheet is placed, a stop member (18) that abuts against the sheet end on the loading section to align it, a pair of orthogonal alignment members (22a, 22b) that align the sheet in a direction orthogonal to the abutting direction in which the sheet abuts against the abutting member, and an orthogonal movement means (23) that moves at least one of the pair of orthogonal alignment members in the orthogonal direction between a separation position and a contact position with respect to the sheet, at least one of the pair of orthogonal alignment members is capable of rotating about a rotation fulcrum (50, 60) that is parallel to the perpendicular direction of the upper surface of the sheet abutting against the abutting member. (Aspect 9) In the sheet processing apparatus described in aspect 8, the rotatable orthogonal direction alignment member rotates from a first position in which it abuts the sheet abutting against the abutting member first from a point upstream in the abutting direction to a second position in which it is parallel to the opposing edge of the sheet by movement by the orthogonal direction movement means. According to aspects 7 and 8, the orthogonal alignment members can abut against the sheets from the upstream side during the alignment operation to align them. This prevents a force acting on the sheets or sheet stack toward the upstream side in the abutting direction, thereby preventing misalignment in the sheet abutting direction. Furthermore, even if overfeed occurs during the alignment operation with the orthogonal alignment members, each orthogonal alignment member can be rotated so that it is parallel to the length direction of the sheet. This prevents sheet buckling during alignment with the orthogonal alignment members and sheet bounce when retracted after the alignment operation, thereby stabilizing the alignment operation in the sheet width direction (improving the alignment quality in the sheet abutting direction and the sheet width direction).

[0063] (Aspect 10) In a sheet processing device (100) having a loading section (17) on which sheets are placed, a stop member (18) that stops the end of the sheet on the loading section to align it, a pair of orthogonal alignment members (22a, 22b) that align the sheet in a direction orthogonal to the stopping direction in which the sheet stops against the stop member, and an orthogonal direction movement means (23) that moves at least one of the pair of orthogonal alignment members in the orthogonal direction between a separation position and a contact position with respect to the sheet, the pair of orthogonal alignment members change their position from a first position in which they stop the sheet stopping against the stop member from an upstream position in the stopping direction, to a second position in which they are parallel to the opposing side of the sheet by movement by the orthogonal direction movement means. According to aspect 10, even if overfeeding occurs during the alignment operation using the orthogonal alignment members, the elasticity and rotation of the orthogonal alignment members make it possible to align each orthogonal alignment member so that it is parallel to the sheet length direction.This prevents the sheet from buckling during alignment using the orthogonal alignment members and from bouncing when retracting after the alignment operation, making it possible to stabilize the alignment operation in the sheet width direction (improving alignment quality in the sheet abutment direction and the sheet width direction).

[0064] (Aspect 11) In an image forming system (1) having an image forming device (300) that forms an image on a sheet-shaped recording medium, and a post-processing device (100) that performs post-processing on the sheet after the image has been formed by the image forming device, a sheet processing device according to any one of aspects 1 to 10 is used as the post-processing device. According to the eleventh aspect, the effects described in the first to tenth aspects can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1: Pattern 1: Image forming system 11: Entrance roller 12: Transport roller 13: Shift roller 14: Return roller 15: Hitting Roller 16a: Paper ejection roller 16b: Paper discharge driven roller 17: Staple tray 18: Reference fence 19: Stapler 20: Paper output tray 21: End fence 22: Jogger Fence 22a: Jogger fence in front 22b: Back Jogger Fence 23: Jogger fence axis for moving paper widthwise 24:Paper bottom support shape part 24a: Locking part 30: Jogger fence convex part 31:Convex shape part 33:Convex shape part 34:Shape part 40: Leaf spring parts 41: Elastic member 42: Elastic member 50: Pivot point 51: Slider 52: Torsion spring 51a: Locking part 53: Stopper 60: Swing fulcrum 61: Spring 62: Stopper 100: Inner Finisher 101: Inner finisher processing section 102: Inner finisher control unit 103: Communication line 110:CPU 200: Inner finisher optional device 201: Inner finisher optional device processing section 202: Control unit 210: Punching motor 211: Punch movement motor 212: Pre-punch sensor 213: Cover open / close sensor 214: Perforation unit home position sensor 300: Image forming device 301:Display section 302:Operation unit 303:Paper feed section 304: Imaging section 305: Fixing part 306: Control section 307: Communication line 400: Inner finisher optional device 410: Folding motor 411: Inlet sensor 412: Folding sensor FX:Force FY:force L: distance X: Width direction Y: Transport direction at introduction [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0066] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-8597

Claims

1. a placement section for placing a sheet; abutting member that abuts against and aligns the sheet end portion in the loading section; a pair of orthogonal direction alignment members that align the sheets in a direction orthogonal to the abutting direction in which the sheets abut against the abutting members; a sheet processing apparatus including an orthogonal direction moving means for moving at least one of the pair of orthogonal direction alignment members in the orthogonal direction between a separation position and a contact position with respect to the sheet, A sheet processing apparatus characterized in that at least one of the pair of orthogonal alignment members has a convex portion protruding toward the sheet on the opposing surface portion that faces the sheet at a location upstream in the abutting direction of the sheet abutting against the abutting member.

2. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, A sheet processing apparatus characterized in that the protrusion amount of the convex portion is greater than the amount by which the surface portion is displaced in the direction away from the sheet in the perpendicular direction when the perpendicular direction alignment member is tilted from the abutting direction due to play or the like.

3. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, The sheet processing apparatus is characterized in that the convex portion has an inclined surface whose protrusion amount becomes smaller on the abutting member side than on the tip end portion.

4. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, The sheet processing apparatus is characterized in that the convex portions are provided at a plurality of different positions in the abutting direction.

5. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, The sheet processing apparatus is characterized in that the convex portion is formed of an elastic member that is deformable in the perpendicular direction.

6. 6. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 5, A sheet processing apparatus characterized in that the convex portions are formed of elastic members that can deform in the perpendicular direction at multiple different locations in the abutting direction, and the elastic members at the multiple locations have different elastic forces from one another.

7. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, the pair of orthogonal direction alignment members each have an extension portion that extends upstream in the abutting direction from a location that is an upstream end of the placement portion in the abutting direction, The sheet processing apparatus is characterized in that the extension portion is provided with the convex portion.

8. a placement section for placing a sheet; abutting member that abuts against and aligns the sheet end portion in the loading section; a pair of orthogonal direction alignment members that align the sheets in a direction orthogonal to the abutting direction in which the sheets abut against the abutting members; a sheet processing apparatus including an orthogonal direction moving means for moving at least one of the pair of orthogonal direction alignment members in the orthogonal direction between a separation position and a contact position with respect to the sheet, 10. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the pair of orthogonal aligning members is capable of rotating about a rotation fulcrum that is parallel to a direction perpendicular to an upper surface of the sheet abutting against the abutting member.

9. 9. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 8, The sheet processing apparatus is characterized in that the rotatable orthogonal direction alignment member rotates from a first position in which it abuts against the sheet hitting the abutment member from an upstream point in the abutment direction, to a second position in which it is parallel to the opposing edge of the sheet by movement by the orthogonal direction movement means.

10. a placement section for placing a sheet; abutting member that abuts against and aligns the sheet end portion in the loading section; a pair of orthogonal direction alignment members that align the sheets in a direction orthogonal to the abutting direction in which the sheets abut against the abutting members; a sheet processing apparatus including an orthogonal direction moving means for moving at least one of the pair of orthogonal direction alignment members in the orthogonal direction between a separation position and a contact position with respect to the sheet, A sheet processing apparatus characterized in that the pair of orthogonal direction alignment members change their posture from a first posture in which they first abut against the sheet hitting the abutting member from an upstream point in the abutting direction to a second posture in which they are parallel to the opposing sides of the sheet by movement by the orthogonal direction movement means.

11. an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet-like recording medium; an image forming system having a post-processing device for performing post-processing on a sheet after an image has been formed by the image forming device, 11. An image forming system, comprising: a sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 as said post-processing apparatus;

Images