Tapping device, post-processing device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

Compared to a configuration in which retraction is performed only in the intersecting direction with respect to the stacking direction of the medium, the configuration is compact in the intersecting direction.SOLUTION: A tapping device is provided with a loading section, which has a plate-like shape extending from one end to the other end and having a notch formed in the one end, and loads a medium on a loading surface, which is one of the plate surfaces; a support section, which is arranged on the other end side and supports the medium loaded on the loading surface; and a tapping section, which is arranged on one end side of the loading section, and switches between a tapping position, at which a moving member reciprocates along the loading surface to tap an end of the one end side of the medium, and a retraction position, at which the moving member is retracted to the back side of the loading section from the loading surface through the notch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beating device, a post-processing device, and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a paper sheet aligning device, a post-processing device, and an image forming apparatus that can perform highly accurate alignment processing on a plurality of sheets of paper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-105589 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a hitting device that has a more compact configuration in the intersecting direction relative to the media stacking direction, compared to a configuration that retracts only in the intersecting direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The first embodiment of the hitting device is plate-shaped, extending from one end to the other end with a notch formed at the one end, and comprises a loading section for loading media onto one of the plate surfaces, which is the loading surface; a support section arranged on the other end side for supporting the media loaded onto the loading surface; and a hitting section arranged on one end side of the loading section, which can be switched between a hitting position where a moving member moves back and forth along the loading surface to hit the edge of the one end side of the media, and a retracted position where the moving member is retracted through the notch to the back side of the loading section rather than the loading surface.

[0006] The beating device of the second aspect is the beating device of the first aspect, wherein the beating portion is retracted by rotating the moving member in one direction.

[0007] The beating device of a third aspect is the beating device of the second aspect, further comprising a restricting member that restricts the rotation direction of the moving member.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the beating device is the beating device of the third aspect, wherein the regulating member regulates rotation of the moving member on the side away from the other end of the loading section.

[0009] The fifth embodiment of the beating device is the second embodiment of the beating device, wherein the beating section has a linear motion member that is arranged on the rear side of the loading section and causes the moving member to move linearly along the loading surface, and a conversion member that is arranged at one end of the loading section and converts the linear motion of the moving member caused by the linear motion member into rotational motion.

[0010] A sixth aspect of the hitting device is the fifth aspect of the hitting device, wherein the hitting portion returns the moving member to the hitting position by rotating the moving member in the other direction opposite to the one direction.

[0011] The seventh aspect of the impact device is the sixth aspect of the impact device, wherein the impact portion is a biasing member supported at one end by the linear motion member and at the other end by the moving member, and the biasing member biases the moving member to maintain the retracted position when the moving member is positioned on the retracted position side, and biases the moving member to maintain the hitting position side when the moving member is positioned on the hitting position side.

[0012] A post-processing device according to an eighth aspect includes the beating device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and a processing section that processes the media aligned by the beating device.

[0013] An image forming apparatus according to a ninth aspect includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium, and a tapping device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects that aligns the medium on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the first aspect, the configuration is more compact in the intersecting direction than a configuration in which the media are retracted only in the intersecting direction relative to the stacking direction.

[0015] According to the second aspect, the configuration on the back side of the stacking unit is more compact than in a configuration in which the moving member retreats along the stacking direction of the media.

[0016] According to the third aspect, unintentional rotation is suppressed compared to a configuration in which the moving member rotates freely.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect, the moving member is prevented from unintentionally tipping over during the hitting operation, compared to a configuration in which the moving member rotates in a direction away from the other end of the loading section.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect, the retraction space for the moving member is more compact than in a configuration in which the moving member is retracted by only rotating the moving member.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect, the moving member is rotated only when retracting, and thus the moving member can be returned from the retracted position to the striking position with a simpler configuration.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect, retraction and return are performed by a single biasing member.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect, the media are post-processed in a collected state.

[0022] According to the ninth aspect, media on which images are formed are prepared. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing an overall outline of an image forming system according to the present disclosure; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pre-treatment unit of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams showing the reed tamper of the present embodiment when the moving member is moved to a standby position and when the moving member is moved to an alignment position. [Figure 4]1A is a perspective view showing one of the moving members of the present embodiment, showing the relationship between the moving member and the recording medium before it is struck at the alignment position, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the relationship between the moving member and the recording medium after it is struck at the alignment position. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams showing variations in switching between the standby position and the retracted position of the movable member of this embodiment. A first specification (A) is a specification in which the movable member moves along the stacking direction of the recording media. A second specification (B) is a specification in which the movable member rotates. A third specification (C) is a specification in which the movable member rotates in a direction different from that of (B). A fourth specification (D) is a specification in which the movable member has a structure that converts linear motion into rotational motion. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a moving member of a fourth specification of the present embodiment is at a standby position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an end view of the moving member according to FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a moving member of a fourth specification of the present embodiment is in a retracted position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an end view of the moving member according to FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the rotation prevention structure in the standby position. [Figure 11] (A) is a perspective view showing a state in which a movable member of the fourth specification is arranged at a standby position. (B) is a perspective view showing a state in which the movable member has moved in the M1 direction from the state of (A). (C) is a perspective view showing a state in which the movable member has rotated from the state of (B). (D) is a perspective view showing a state in which the movable member has further rotated from the state of (C) and is arranged at a retracted position. [Figure 12] 11(A) is a perspective view showing a state in which the movable member of the fourth specification has moved in the M2 direction from the state of FIG. 11(D). FIG. 11(B) is a perspective view showing a state in which the movable member rotates while moving in the M2 direction from the state of FIG. 11(A). FIG. 11(C) is a perspective view showing a state in which the movable member has further rotated while moving in the M2 direction from the state of FIG. 11(B), resulting in the movable member being disposed at the standby position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] (Configuration of this embodiment) An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] <Image forming system> First, a description will be given of the configuration of an image forming system 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0026] Note that the arrow UP shown in the figure indicates the top of the image forming system, and the arrow DO indicates the bottom of the image forming system. Also, the arrow LH shown in the figure indicates the left of the image forming system, and the arrow RH indicates the right of the image forming system. Also, the arrow FR shown in the figure indicates the front of the image forming system, and the arrow RR indicates the rear of the image forming system. These directions are defined for the convenience of explanation, and the system configuration is not limited to these directions. Note that in each direction of the image forming system, the term "image forming system" may be omitted. For example, "above the image forming system" may be simply referred to as "above."

[0027] Additionally, arrow M1 shown in the figure is a direction having both arrow UP and arrow RH components, and indicates a specific direction in which recording media P are transported. Arrow M2 indicates the opposite direction to arrow M1. Arrow L1 is a direction having both arrow UP and arrow LH components, and indicates a specific direction in which recording media P are stacked. Arrow L2 indicates the opposite direction to arrow L1. Arrows M1 and M2 are perpendicular to arrows L1 and L2.

[0028] Furthermore, the dimensional ratios between the parts shown in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensional ratios.

[0029] 1 is a system that forms an image on a recording medium P, and includes an image forming apparatus 200 and a post-processing apparatus 300. Each section of the image forming system 100 (specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 and the post-processing apparatus 300) will be described below. The recording medium P is an example of a medium.

[0030] <<Image forming device>> The image forming apparatus 200 is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium P. The image forming apparatus 200 includes a paper feed section 220, an image forming section 240, and a discharge section 260. As the image forming apparatus 200, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium P using toner is used.

[0031] The paper feed unit 220 performs processes such as supplying the recording medium P, for example.

[0032] The image forming unit 240 performs various processes, such as charging, exposure, development, transfer onto the recording medium P, and fixing.

[0033] The discharge section 260 performs, for example, a process of discharging the recording medium P on which an image has been formed, and if there is a post-processing process after the discharge, a process of supplying the recording medium P to the post-processing device 300, and the like.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 200 is not limited to the electrophotographic type described above, but may be, for example, an inkjet type, and various other types of image forming apparatuses 200 can be used. In the inkjet type image forming apparatus 200, for example, an image is formed on the recording medium P by ejecting ink droplets from an ejection unit (not shown) onto the recording medium P.

[0035] <<Post-processing device>> 1 is a device that performs post-processing on recording media P on which an image has been formed by image forming apparatus 200. Specifically, post-processing device 300 includes post-processing device main body 13, discharge section 11, first post-processing section 15, conveying mechanism 30, pre-processing section 18, and second post-processing section 90. Below, each section of post-processing device 300, specifically post-processing device main body 13, discharge section 11, first post-processing section 15, conveying mechanism 30, pre-processing section 18, and second post-processing section 90, will be described.

[0036] <<Post-processing device main body 13, discharge unit 11, and first post-processing unit 15>> The post-processing device main body 13 is a portion where each component of the post-processing device 300 is provided. Specifically, the post-processing device main body 13 is configured as a housing formed in a box shape (for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape).

[0037] In this embodiment, for example, the first post-processing unit 15, the conveying mechanism 30, the pre-processing unit 18, and the second post-processing unit 90 are provided inside the post-processing device main body 13. The discharge unit 11 is provided on the right side surface of the post-processing device main body 13.

[0038] The discharge section 11 is disposed at the upper part on the right side surface of the post-processing device main body 13. To the discharge section 11, the recording medium P that has been subjected to post-processing in the first post-processing section 15 is discharged.

[0039] Here, post-processing refers to processing performed on the recording medium P on which an image has been formed. The post-processing performed by the first post-processing unit 15 includes a binding process in which multiple sheets of the recording medium P are bound together using a stapler. However, the post-processing is not limited to the binding process. The post-processing may also be, for example, a cutting process in which the recording medium P is cut, or a punching process in which holes are made in the recording medium P, as long as it is processing performed on the recording medium P on which an image has been formed.

[0040] <<<Transport mechanism>>> As shown in FIG. 1 , the transport mechanism 30 is a mechanism that transports the recording medium P to the discharge unit 11 or the pre-processing unit 18. The transport mechanism 30 has a first path 31, a second path 32, a third path 33, transport rolls 34, 35, and 36, a first detector 37, a second detector 38, and a transport roll 39. When the recording medium P is transported to the discharge unit 11, the transport mechanism 30 transports the recording medium P that has passed through the first path 31 to the discharge unit 11 by rotating the transport roll 35 of the second path 32 in the forward direction. On the other hand, when the recording medium P is transported to the pre-processing unit 18, the transport mechanism 30 transports the recording medium P that has passed through the first path 31 toward the pre-processing unit 18 by rotating the transport roll 35 of the second path 32 in the reverse direction.

[0041] The third path 33 is a transport path that transports the recording medium P from the second path 32. A transport roll 36 and a second detection unit 38 are arranged on the third path 33. The second detection unit 38 detects an end (for example, a leading end) of the recording medium P transported on the third path 33.

[0042] The plurality of transport rolls 36 are capable of rotating forward and backward, and are capable of switching back the recording medium P on the third path 33. The recording medium P is transported to the pre-processing unit 18 by the forward rotation of the plurality of transport rolls 36.

[0043] Furthermore, by the transport roll 36 rotating in the reverse direction, the recording medium P switched back in the third path 33 is transported to the second path 32. The transport roll 36 can control the transport speed of the recording medium P. Furthermore, the transport roll 36 can control the transport timing at which the recording medium P is transported to the second path 32 based on the detection result of the second detection unit 38.

[0044] The conveying mechanism 30 conveys the recording medium P, which has been conveyed from the image forming apparatus 200 through the first path 31, the second path 32, and the third path 33 in this order, to the pre-processing section .

[0045] The transport roll 39 is a component that transports each of the multiple recording media P transported from the transport mechanism 30.

[0046] In this embodiment, the transport rolls 39 transport the recording medium P downward. The transport rolls 39 have a drive roll 39A and a driven roll 39B, and transport the recording medium P sandwiched between the pair of rolls. The drive roll 39A is disposed on the discharge section 11 side (the right side in this embodiment) of the driven roll 39B. The driven roll 39B is disposed on the opposite side of the drive roll 39A from the discharge section 11 (the left side in this embodiment).

[0047] <<<Preprocessing section>>> As shown in Fig. 1, the pre-processing unit 18 performs pre-processing on the recording media P transported by the transport mechanism 30. Pre-processing refers to aligning the vertical and front-to-rear edges of multiple recording media P prior to processing by the second post-processing unit 90. The pre-processing unit 18 has a stacking unit 20, a guide unit 40, a support unit 42, a side tamper 44, and a lead tamper 50. The pre-processing unit 18 is an example of a beating device.

[0048] <<<<Loading section>>>> As shown in FIG. 1, the stacking unit 20 stacks recording media P. In this embodiment, the stacking unit 20 is a plate-like body tilted with respect to the vertical direction in a front cross-sectional view. The stacking unit 20 has a stacking surface LS divided into upper and lower portions that are tilted with respect to the upward vertical direction, and is provided below the transport rolls 39. In the stacking unit 20, the recording media P transported by the transport rolls 39 are stacked on the stacking surface LS with one end (hereinafter referred to as the lower end D2) of the recording media P facing downward.

[0049] 2, the stacking section 20 has a first stacking section 22 and a second stacking section 24. The stacking surface LS is divided into the first stacking section 22 corresponding to the lower side and the second stacking section 24 corresponding to the upper side, and these are arranged on a common imaginary plane. In other words, when the recording media P are loaded on the stacking section 20, the recording media P are loaded flat on the stacking surface 20.

[0050] The first stacking section 22 is a plate-like body having a notch 22A in part of the center in the front-rear direction, and constitutes the lower part of the stacking section 20. The recording media P are stacked at their lower ends D2 on the stacking surface of the first stacking section 22 (the stacking surface LS on the lower side of the stacking section 20).

[0051] The second stacking section 24 is a plate-like body having a notch 24A at its end in the direction of arrow M1, and constitutes the upper part of the stacking section 20. The second stacking section 24 is disposed higher than the first stacking section 22. The upper ends D1 of the recording media P are loaded on the loading surface of the second stacking section 24 (the loading surface LS on the upper side of the stacking section 20). The second stacking section 24 is an example of a stacking section. The upper end D1 is the end of the recording media P opposite the lower end D2.

[0052] <<<<Information Department>>>> As shown in FIG. 1, the guide unit 40 is a component that guides the recording medium P transported by the transport roll 39. In this embodiment, the guide unit 40 is configured as a plate-like body that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. This guide unit 40 has a guide surface that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction and faces the loading surface LS of the loading unit 20. In the guide unit 40, the guide surface guides the recording medium P to the loading surface LS of the loading unit 20. A passage hole (not shown) through which the knife 94 passes is formed in the guide unit 40.

[0053] <<<<Support part>>>> 1, the support portion 42 is a component that supports the lower ends D2 of the recording media P stacked on the stacking surface LS of the stacking unit 20. The support portion 42 is disposed below the stacking unit 20. The lower ends D2 of the multiple recording media P stacked on the stacking surface LS of the stacking unit 20 abut against the support portion 42, thereby aligning the lower ends D2.

[0054] 2, the support unit 42 can move and stop in the directions of arrows M1 and M2 depending on the size of the recording medium P. In this embodiment, the support unit 42 moves inside the notch 22A of the first stacking unit 22.

[0055] <<<<Side Tamper>>>> As shown in FIG. 1, the side tamper 44 is a component that aligns the side edges of the recording medium P when the surface portion is placed on the stacking portion 20 and the bottom end D2 is placed on the support portion 42, and is disposed below the transport roll 39. The side tamper 44 has a pair of contact and separation portions (not shown). The pair of contact and separation portions are disposed facing each other and spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction. When one contact and separation portion repeatedly approaches and separates from the other contact and separation portion, the pair of contact and separation portions strike the side edges of the recording medium P, aligning the side edges of the recording medium P.

[0056] <<<<Lead Tamper>>>> As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the lead tamper 50 is disposed above the stacking unit 20 and is configured to perform a hitting operation. The lead tamper 50 includes a moving member 60, and hits the upper end D1 of the recording medium P downward, causing the lower end D2 to abut against the support unit 42. This aligns the upper end D1 of the recording medium P (in other words, the vertical position of the recording medium P). The lead tamper 50 is an example of a hitting unit.

[0057] 3, the moving member 60 of the lead tamper 50 repeatedly comes into contact with the recording medium P loaded on the loading surface LS of the loading unit 20 as it moves back and forth in the directions of arrows M1 and M2, thereby pushing the upper end D1 of the recording medium P downward. In other words, the moving member 60 pushes the upper end D1 of the recording medium P downward by hitting the upper end D1 of the recording medium P. The moving member 60 is moved back and forth in the directions of arrows M1 and M2 by a slide mechanism such as the linear motion panel 52 described below, for example.

[0058] The lead tamper 50 can be switched between an alignment position AP and a standby position WP. The alignment position AP is a position where the movable member 60 strikes the top end D1 of the recording medium P by moving back and forth along the stacking surface LS. The standby position WP is a position on the arrow M1 side of the alignment position AP, and is a position where the movable member 60 waits. The top end D1 of the recording medium P is an example of an end on one end side of the medium. The alignment position AP is also an example of a striking position. Details of the lead tamper 50 will be described later.

[0059] <<<Second Post-Processing Unit 90>>> 1, the second post-processing unit 90 is a component that performs post-processing on the recording media P stacked on the stacking surface LS of the stacking unit 20. The second post-processing unit 90 is an example of a processing unit. In this embodiment, the second post-processing unit 90 performs post-processing by binding multiple sheets of recording media P and folding the multiple sheets of recording media P.

[0060] 1 and 2, the second post-processing section 90 has a binding section 91, a pair of folding rolls 92 and 93, a knife 94, and a discharge roll 96. The binding section 91 is a so-called stapler, and binds the multiple recording media P loaded on the loading surface LS of the loading section 20 by driving staples into the vertical center of the multiple recording media P.

[0061] The pair of folding rolls 92, 93 are arranged diagonally downward and diagonally upward to the right of the passage hole of the loading surface LS of the loading unit 20. The folding rolls 92, 93 each rotate. As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, three sets of folding rolls 92, 93 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction.

[0062] The knife 94 is longer than the length of the recording medium P in the front-rear direction, and is tapered toward the tip.

[0063] The knife 94 pushes in the recording media P, thereby folding the recording media P. Specifically, the knife 94 moves diagonally downward to the right, perpendicular to the guide unit 40. Next, the knife 94 presses its tip against the vertical center portion of the multiple sheets of recording media P, which will become the fold portion. Then, the knife 94 pushes the center portion between the pair of folding rolls 92, 93, so that the multiple sheets of recording media P are sandwiched between the pair of folding rolls 92, 93 and folded.

[0064] As the pair of folding rolls 92, 93 rotate, the folded recording medium P is transported to the discharge roll 96. Furthermore, the discharge roll 96 transports the multiple sheets of recording medium P folded by the pair of folding rolls 92, 93 and the knife 94, and discharges them to a discharge section (not shown).

[0065] The post-processing performed by the second post-processing unit 90 is not limited to the above-described processes. The post-processing may be, for example, only one of a binding process for binding multiple sheets of recording media P and a folding process for folding multiple sheets of recording media P. The post-processing may also be a cutting process for cutting the recording media P or a punching process for punching holes in the recording media P, and may be any process performed on the recording media P on which an image has been formed.

[0066] (Explanation of main parts) Next, the main parts of this embodiment will be described. The lead tamper 50 can be switched between a standby position WP and a retracted position EP. The retracted position EP is a position where the moving member 60 is retracted to the rear side (arrow L2) of the stacking unit 20 from the stacking surface LS through the cutout 24A of the second stacking unit 24. In other words, the retracted position EP is a position where the moving member 60 is retracted to the rear side of the stacking unit 20 from the stacking surface LS so as not to interfere with the movement of the recording media P on the stacking surface LS of the stacking unit 20.

[0067] 5, there are four variations in the switching between the standby position WP and the retracted position EP of the lead tamper 50. The specifications of each variation will be described below.

[0068] 5A, in the first specification, the lead tamper 50 switches between the standby position WP and the retracted position EP by sliding the moving member 60 along the stacking direction of the recording media P. Specifically, when retracting, the lead tamper 50 slides the moving member 60 in the direction of arrow L2 from the standby position WP on the stacking surface LS side of the stacking unit 20 to the retracted position EP on the back side of the stacking surface LS. Furthermore, when returning to the standby position WP, the lead tamper 50 slides the moving member 60 in the direction of arrow L1 from the retracted position EP to the standby position WP. Returning refers to switching from the retracted position EP to the standby position WP, or from the retracted position EP to the alignment position AP via the standby position WP.

[0069] 5(B), the lead tamper 50 switches between a standby position WP and a retracted position EP by rotating the moving member 60 about the rotation axis RC. Specifically, when retracting, the lead tamper 50 rotates the moving member 60 about the rotation axis RC from the standby position WP on the loading surface LS side of the loading section 20 to the retracted position EP on the side indicated by arrow M2 (approaching the recording medium P). Furthermore, when returning to the standby position WP, the lead tamper 50 rotates the moving member 60 about the rotation axis RC from the retracted position EP to the standby position WP on the side indicated by arrow M1 (away from the recording medium P).

[0070] 5(C), the lead tamper 50 switches between a standby position WP and a retracted position EP by rotating the moving member 60 about the rotation axis RC. Specifically, when retracting, the lead tamper 50 rotates the moving member 60 about the rotation axis RC from the standby position WP on the loading surface LS side of the loading section 20 to the retracted position EP on the side indicated by arrow M1 (away from the recording medium P). Furthermore, when returning to the standby position WP, the lead tamper 50 rotates the moving member 60 about the rotation axis RC from the retracted position EP to the standby position WP on the side indicated by arrow M2 (approaching the recording medium P).

[0071] In the fourth specification shown in FIG. 5(D), the lead tamper 50 is switched between the standby position WP and the retracted position EP by sliding the moving member 60 while rotating it.

[0072] As described above, the lead tamper 50 moves the moving member 60 to each position by switching between the alignment position AP and the retracted position EP via the standby position WP.

[0073] Next, a specific example of the fourth specification of this embodiment will be described.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6, in the fourth specification, the lead tamper 50 includes a fixed panel 58, a linear motion panel 52, a moving member 60, a second spring 54, and a stopper 56.

[0075] The fixed panel 58 is disposed in the direction of arrow L2 from the loading surface LS along the front-rear direction and the direction of arrow M1, and is a plate-like member fixed to the second loading section 24. A drive mechanism (not shown) is attached to the fixed panel 58. For example, the drive mechanism includes a motor with a pinion attached to a shaft.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 10, the fixed panel 58 has a standing portion 58A that stands up when part of the plate-like portion is bent in the direction of the arrow L1.

[0077] 6, the linear motion panel 52 is a plate-like body extending in the front-rear direction and in the directions of arrows M1 and M2. The linear motion panel 52 is disposed between the second stacking section 24 and the fixed panel 58. The linear motion panel 52 is movable relative to the fixed panel 58 in the directions of arrows M1 and M2 by a drive mechanism (not shown). For example, a rack (not shown) formed on the linear motion panel 52 meshes with a pinion of the fixed panel 58, causing the drive mechanism to function, and the linear motion panel 52 is movable relative to the fixed panel 58. The linear motion panel 52 is an example of a linear motion member.

[0078] When the linear moving panel 52 is caused by the drive mechanism to slide a first amount of movement along the loading surface LS relative to the fixed panel 58, the lead tamper 50 switches between a standby position EP and an alignment position AP. When the linear moving panel 52 is caused by the drive mechanism to slide a second amount of movement different from the first amount of movement along the loading surface LS relative to the fixed panel 58, the lead tamper 50 switches between a standby position EP and a retracted position EP.

[0079] 7, the linear moving panel 52 rotatably supports a moving member 60 (described later) with a pair of support walls 52B protruding from the surface on the arrow L1 side. In other words, the linear moving panel 52 is movable relative to the fixed panel 58 together with the moving member 60. Furthermore, the linear moving panel 52 has a groove 52A formed on the surface on the arrow L2 side.

[0080] 4A and 4B, the moving member 60 is a block-shaped structure having a plurality of projections and recesses, and is rotatably supported on the linear motion panel 52. The moving member 60 strikes the upper end D1 of the recording medium P while facing the upper end D1. As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of moving members 60 are arranged in the notches 24A at the upper end of the second stacking section 24, above the lead tamper 50, and spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction.

[0081] The moving member 60 includes a main body 61, a contact portion 62, a first spring 63, a first rod 66, a second rod 64, a third rod 65, and a rotation stopper 67. Unless otherwise specified, the following description of the moving member will be given assuming that the reed tamper 50 is located in the standby position WP.

[0082] The main body 61 is a block-like member that is flat in the vertical direction and has a plurality of through-holes that extend in the direction of arrow M1. The main body 61 is supported by the linear motion panel 52 via a first rod 66 (described later) and moves in the direction of arrow M1 or arrow M2.

[0083] The contact portion 62 is disposed below the main body 61 and is configured to come into contact with the upper end D1 of the recording medium P. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the contact portion 62 has a contact surface 62A, an arm portion 62B, and a shaft 62C. The contact surface 62A is a rectangular surface that faces the upper end D1 of the recording medium P and can come into contact with the upper end D1. The arm portions 62B extend in the direction of arrow M1 from the rear surface of the contact surface 62A and are inserted into through-holes in the main body 61, and are disposed as a pair spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The arm portions 62B also have protrusions 62B1 that can catch on the edges of the through-holes when inserted into the through-holes in the main body 61. The shaft 62C is an axial body that extends in the direction of arrow M1 from the rear surface of the contact surface 62A and is disposed between the pair of arm portions 62B. The shaft 62C is movable inside the through hole of the main body 61 while being inserted through the through hole, and guides the movement of the contact portion 62 in the directions of the arrows M1 and M2.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 6 , the first spring 63 has one end supported by the main body 61 and the other end supported by the contact portion 62. The first spring 63 is an elastic body disposed in a compressed state between the main body 61 and the contact portion 62. In this embodiment, the first spring 63 is a compression coil spring. The first spring 63 is disposed so that the shaft 62C is inserted therethrough to prevent it from falling off, and urges the contact portion 62 toward the main body 61 in the direction of arrow M2. As shown in FIG. 4A , before the recording medium P is struck at the alignment position AP, the protrusion 62B1 of the contact portion 62 is caught on the edge of the through-hole in the main body 61, and the first spring 63 urges the contact portion 62. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4B , the first spring 63 is compressed as the contact portion 62 pushes the upper end D1 of the recording medium P in the direction of arrow M2 at the alignment position AP.

[0085] 7, the first rod 66 is a pair of bars extending forward and backward from both front-rear end portions of the main body 61. The first rod 66 is disposed in the direction of arrow L1 further from the groove 52A of the linear motion panel 52. The first rod 66 is rotatably supported by the support wall 52B of the linear motion panel 52. The first rod 66 functions as a rotation center when the moving member 60 is retracted and returned.

[0086] 6, the second rods 64 are a pair of bars extending forward and backward from both front-rear end portions of the main body 61. The second rods 64 are formed on the arrow L2 side of the through-hole of the main body 61 and the loading surface LS.

[0087] 7, the second rod 64 is formed in the directions of arrows M1 and L1 further than the first rod 66. The second rod 64 protrudes forward or rearward from the main body 61 further than the first rod 66. A groove 64A is formed on each end of the second rod 64, extending around the entire circumference of the second rod 64. The second rod 64 converts the linear movement accompanying the retraction of the moving member 60 into rotation, in cooperation with the linear movement panel 52 and a stopper 56, which will be described later.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 6, the third rod 65 is a pair of rods extending forward and backward from both front-rear direction end portions of the main body 61. The third rod 65 is formed on the arrow L2 side of the second rod 64. The front-rear direction length of the third rod 65 is set to be shorter than the front-rear direction length of the second rod 64 and longer than the front-rear direction length of the first rod 66. The third rod 65 converts the linear movement accompanying the return of the moving member 60 into rotation in cooperation with the linear movement panel 52 and a stopper 56 described later.

[0089] Next, a configuration for restricting the rotation of the movable member 60 will be described. The rotation stopper 67 is plate-shaped with its thickness extending in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 10, the rotation stopper 67 extends in the directions of arrows L2 and M2 from the end of the main body 61 on the arrow L2 side. The rotation stopper 67 is formed in the center of the main body 61 in the front-to-rear direction and faces the upright portion 58A of the fixed panel 58. As a result, the rotation stopper 67 comes into contact with the upright portion 58A at the alignment position AP and the standby position WP, thereby stopping the rotation of the movable member 60 in the direction of arrow M2. The rotation stopper 67 is an example of a restricting member.

[0090] The length of the rotation stopper 67 is set so as to provide a gap CL between the rotation stopper 67 and the upright portion 58A of the moving member 60 at the standby position WP.

[0091] The moving member 60 is constructed as described above.

[0092] 7, the second spring 54 is an elastic body having one end supported in the groove 64A of the second rod 64 in the moving member 60 and the other end supported in the groove 52A of the linear motion panel 52. The second spring 54 is an example of a biasing member. In this embodiment, the second spring 54 is a tension coil spring.

[0093] The second spring 54 biases the second rod 64 of the moving member 60 in the directions of arrows L2 and M2 so that a clockwise moment about the first rod 66 acts on the second rod 64 of the moving member 60 at the standby position WP. In other words, the second spring 54 works together with the rotation stopper 67 to maintain the moving member 60 at the standby position WP.

[0094] 9, the second spring 54 biases the second rod 64 of the moving member 60 in the directions of arrows L2 and M1 so that a counterclockwise moment about the first rod 66 acts on the second rod 64 of the moving member 60 at the retracted position EP. In other words, the second spring 54 works together with the rotation stopper 67 to maintain the moving member 60 at the retracted position EP.

[0095] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the stopper 56 is a member that extends in the front-rear direction. The stopper 56 is fixed to a fixed panel 58. The stopper 56 stops the movement of the moving member 60 in the direction of arrow M1. Specifically, the stopper 56 has rails 57 that protrude from both ends in the front-rear direction. The stopper 56 is an example of a conversion member.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 9, the rail 57 is formed with a linear motion surface 57A, an outer inclined surface 57B, and an inner inclined surface 57C.

[0097] The linear motion surface 57A faces the fixed panel 58 in the direction of the arrow M1, and is a surface formed at a position on the arrow L2 side of the loading surface LS of the second stacking section 24. As shown in Fig. 11(D) , when the moving member 60 is retracted, the linear motion surface 57A comes into contact with the third rod 65 to stop the rotation of the moving member 60.

[0098] 9, the outer inclined surface 57B extends from the linear motion surface 57A in the directions of arrows M2 and L2, and faces the second stacking section 24. The outer inclined surface 57B is a portion that comes into contact with the second rod 64 when the movable member 60 switches from the standby position WP to the retracted position EP.

[0099] The inner inclined surface 57C extends from the linear motion surface 57A in the directions of arrows M2 and L2 and faces the linear motion panel. The inner inclined surface 57C is a portion that comes into contact with the third rod 65 when the movable member 60 returns from the retracted position EP to the standby position WP.

[0100] The stopper 56 is thus formed.

[0101] The fourth specification lead tamper 50 is constructed as described above.

[0102] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described using the fourth specification.

[0103] [Retreating from standby position WP to evacuation position] The retraction from the standby position WP to the retracted position EP will be described with reference to Figure 11. As shown in Figure 11A, the moving member 60 is located at the standby position WP.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 11B, when the linear motion panel 52 moves in the direction of arrow M1 relative to the fixed panel 58, one of the second rods 64 of the moving member 60 comes into contact with the outer inclined surface 57B of the stopper .

[0105] 11C, the linear motion panel 52 further moves in the direction of arrow M1 relative to the fixed panel 58. With this movement, the contact portion 62 of the movable member 60 rotates toward the recording medium P, and the third rod 65 rotates toward the linear motion surface 57A of the stopper 56, based on the contact point between the second rod 64 and the outer inclined surface 57B.

[0106] Then, when the linear panel 52 moves further in the direction of arrow M1 relative to the fixed panel 58, the third rod 65 comes into contact with the linear surface 57A of the stopper 56, causing the rotation of the moving member 60 to stop, resulting in the state shown in Figure 11D.

[0107] With the above, the retraction from the standby position WP to the retracted position EP is completed.

[0108] [Return from the evacuation position to the standby position] Next, the return from the retracted position EP to the standby position WP will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0109] First, as shown in FIG. 11D, it is assumed that the moving member 60 is in the retracted position.

[0110] 12A, when the linear motion panel 52 moves further in the direction of arrow M2 relative to the fixed panel 58, the third rod 65 of the moving member 60 moves along the linear motion surface 57A of the stopper 56 in the direction of arrow M1.

[0111] 12(B), when the linearly moving panel 52 further moves in the direction of arrow M2 relative to the fixed panel 58, the third rod 65 moves from the linearly moving surface 57A to an undefined position on the inner inclined surface 57C. In this undefined position, as the fixed panel 58 further moves in the direction of arrow M2, the second spring 54 is pulled, and the second rod 64 rotates so as to approach the outer inclined surface 57B.

[0112] Then, as shown in Figure 12(C), when the linear panel 52 moves further in the direction of arrow M2 relative to the fixed panel 58, the third rod 65, which was in an undefined position, moves from the inner inclined surface 57C in the direction of arrow L2, and the rotation of the movable member 60 stops.

[0113] This completes the return from the retracted position EP to the standby position WP.

[0114] The pre-processing unit 18 of this embodiment is plate-shaped, extending from one end in the direction of arrow M2 to the other end in the direction of arrow M1, with a notch 24A formed at the one end, and comprises a second loading section 24 for loading recording media P on one of the plate surfaces, which is a loading surface LS, a support section 42 arranged on the other end side for supporting the recording media P loaded on the loading surface LS, and a lead tamper 50 arranged on one end side of the second loading section 24, which can be switched between an alignment position AP where a movable member 60 moves back and forth along the loading surface LS to strike the edge of the one end side of the recording medium P, and a retracted position EP where the movable member 60 is retracted through the notch 24A to the back side of the second loading section 24 relative to the loading surface LS.

[0115] According to this configuration, the configuration is more compact in the direction of the arrow M1 than a configuration in which the device is retracted only when it protrudes from the loading section 20 in the direction of the arrow M1.

[0116] In the pre-treatment unit 18 of this embodiment, the lead tamper 50 is retracted by rotating the moving member 60 in one direction.

[0117] According to this configuration, the configuration on the back side of the loading section 20 becomes more compact than in a configuration in which the moving member 60 retreats while sliding along the direction of the arrow L2.

[0118] The pre-treatment section 18 of this embodiment also includes an upright section 58A of the fixed panel 58 that regulates the rotation direction of the moving member 60.

[0119] According to this configuration, unintentional rotation is suppressed compared to a configuration in which the moving member 60 rotates freely.

[0120] In the pre-treatment section 18 of this embodiment, the upright section 58A of the fixed panel 58 restricts the rotation of the moving member 60 on the side away from the other end of the loading section 20.

[0121] According to this configuration, compared to a configuration in which the moving member 60 rotates in a direction away from the other end of the loading section 20, the moving member 60 is prevented from unintentionally tipping over during the hitting operation.

[0122] In addition, in the pre-treatment section 18 of this embodiment, the lead tamper 50 has a linear motion panel 52 that is arranged on the back side of the loading section 20 and causes the moving member 60 to move linearly along the loading surface LS, and a stopper 56 that is arranged at one end of the loading section 20 and converts the linear motion of the moving member 60 caused by the linear motion panel 52 into rotational motion.

[0123] According to this configuration, the retraction space for the moving member 60 is more compact than in a configuration in which the moving member 60 is retracted by only rotating the moving member 60.

[0124] In the pre-treatment unit 18 of this embodiment, the lead tamper 50 returns the moving member 60 to the alignment position AP or the standby position WP by rotating the moving member 60 in the other direction opposite to the one direction.

[0125] According to this configuration, the moving member 60 is returned from the retracted position EP to the alignment position AP or the standby position WP with a simpler configuration than a configuration in which the moving member 60 is rotated only when retracting.

[0126] In addition, in the pre-treatment unit 18 of this embodiment, the lead tamper 50 is provided with a second spring 54, one end of which is supported by the linear panel 52 and the other end of which is supported by the movable member 60, and the second spring 54 urges the movable member 60 to maintain the retracted position EP when the movable member 60 is positioned on the retracted position EP side, and urges the movable member 60 to maintain the standby position WP when the movable member 60 is positioned on the standby position WP side.

[0127] According to this configuration, the retraction and return of each moving member 60 is performed by a single second spring 54 .

[0128] Furthermore, the post-processing device 300 of this embodiment includes the above-mentioned pre-processing unit 18 and a second post-processing unit 90 that processes the recording media P prepared in the pre-processing unit 18.

[0129] According to this configuration, post-processing is performed on the recording media P in a state where they are all aligned.

[0130] The image forming apparatus 200 of this embodiment includes an image forming section 240 that forms an image on a recording medium P, and the pre-processing section 18 that aligns the recording medium P on which the image has been formed by the image forming section 240.

[0131] According to this configuration, the recording media P on which the images are formed are prepared.

[0132] (Variation) Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments and that the present disclosure can take on various other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0133] The pre-processing unit 18 may be applied to a post-processing unit 300 subsequent to the image forming apparatus 200, the interior of the image forming apparatus 200, and a discharge unit 260 in the image forming apparatus 200. The pre-processing unit 18 may be applied to, for example, a paper feed unit 220 of the image forming apparatus 200 or a manual feed unit (not shown).

[0134] Although the lead tamper 50 is configured to retract to the retracted position EP by rotating the moving member 60 in one direction, this is not limiting. For example, the lead tamper 50 may rotate the moving member 60 in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the lead tamper 50 may retract the moving member 60 by sliding it from the standby position WP to the retracted position EP along the stacking direction of the recording medium P.

[0135] Although the pre-treatment unit 18 is provided with a rotation stopper 67 that restricts the rotation direction of the moving member 60 included in the lead tamper 50, the present invention is not limited to this. The pre-treatment unit 18 is also applicable to the lead tamper 50 of the second specification in FIG. 5(B) and the third specification in FIG. 5(C).

[0136] Although the lead tamper 50 is configured to return to the alignment position AP or the standby position WP by rotating the moving member 60 in the other direction, this is not limiting. For example, the lead tamper 50 may return to the alignment position AP or the standby position WP by rotating the moving member 60 in one direction.

[0137] Although the reed tamper 50 is provided with the second spring 54, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reed tamper 50 does not have to be provided with the second spring 54.

[0138] (Addendum) (((1))) a loading section that is a plate-like member extending from one end to the other end and having a notch formed at the one end, and that allows media to be loaded on one of the plate surfaces, that is, a loading surface; a support portion disposed on the other end side and supporting the media loaded on the loading surface; a hitting unit disposed on one end side of the loading unit, the hitting unit being switchable between a hitting position where a moving member moves back and forth along the loading surface to hit the end portion on the one end side of the medium, and a retracted position where the moving member is retracted to a rear side of the loading unit from the loading surface through the cutout; A beating device comprising: (((2))) The hitting unit is retracted by rotating the moving member in one direction. The beating device according to (((1))). (((3))) a restricting member that restricts the rotation direction of the moving member; The beating device according to (((2))). (((4))) the restricting member restricts rotation of the moving member on a side away from the other end of the loading section; The beating device according to (((3))). (((5))) The hitting unit is a linear motion member disposed on the rear side of the loading section and causing the moving member to move linearly along the loading surface; a conversion member disposed at one end of the loading section and converting the linear motion of the moving member caused by the linear motion member into rotational motion; The beating device according to any one of (((2))) to (((4))). (((6))) The striking unit returns to the striking position by rotating the moving member in the other direction opposite to the one direction. The beating device according to (((5))). (((7))) The hitting unit is a biasing member having one end supported by the linearly moving member and the other end supported by the moving member, the biasing member biasing the moving member to maintain the retracted position when the moving member is located on the retracted position side, and biasing the moving member to maintain the striking position when the moving member is located on the striking position side; A beating device according to (((6))). (((8))) A beating device according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))), a processing unit that processes the media aligned by the beating device; A post-processing device comprising: (((9))) an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium; a hitting device according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))) that aligns the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0139] According to (((1))), the configuration is more compact in the intersecting direction than a configuration in which the media are retracted only in the intersecting direction relative to the stacking direction of the media. According to (((2))), the configuration on the rear side of the stacking section becomes more compact compared to a configuration in which the moving member retreats along the stacking direction of the media. According to (((3))), unintentional rotation is suppressed compared to a configuration in which the moving member rotates freely. According to (((4))), the moving member is prevented from unintentionally tipping over during the hitting operation, compared to a configuration in which the moving member rotates in a direction away from the other end of the loading section. According to (((5))), the retraction space for the moving member is more compact than in a configuration in which the moving member is retracted only by rotating the moving member. According to (((6))), the structure is simpler than the structure in which the moving member is rotated only when retracting, and the moving member is returned to the striking position from the retracted position. According to (((7))), retraction and return are performed by a single biasing member. According to (((8))), the media is post-processed in its entirety. According to (((9))), the image-formed medium is prepared. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 13 Aftertreatment device main body 18 Pre-treatment unit (example of beating device) 20 Loading section 22 First loading section 24 Second loading section (an example of a loading section) 30 Conveying mechanism 42 Support part 44 Side tamper 50 Reed tamper (example of a smashing part) 52 Linear motion panel (an example of a linear motion component) 54 Second spring (an example of a biasing member) 56 Stopper (an example of a conversion component) 57 Rail 57A Linear Surface 57B Outside slope 57C Inner slope 58 Fixed Panel 58A Standing section 60 Moving parts 67 Rotation stopper (an example of a restricting member) 90 Second post-processing unit (an example of a processing unit) 100 Image forming system 200 Image forming device 220 Paper feed section 240 Image forming unit 260 Discharge section 300 After-treatment device P Recording medium AP alignment position (example of striking position) EP evacuation position WP standby position

Claims

1. a loading section that is a plate-like member extending from one end to the other end and having a notch formed at the one end, and that allows media to be loaded on one of the plate surfaces, that is, a loading surface; a support portion disposed on the other end side and supporting the media loaded on the loading surface; a hitting unit disposed on one end side of the loading unit, the hitting unit being switchable between a hitting position where a moving member moves back and forth along the loading surface to hit the end portion on the one end side of the medium, and a retracted position where the moving member is retracted to a rear side of the loading unit from the loading surface through the cutout; A beating device comprising:

2. The hitting unit is retracted by rotating the moving member in one direction. The beating device according to claim 1 .

3. a restricting member that restricts the rotation direction of the moving member; The beating device according to claim 2 .

4. the restricting member restricts rotation of the moving member on a side away from the other end of the loading section; 4. The beating device according to claim 3.

5. The hitting unit is a linear motion member disposed on the rear side of the loading section and causing the moving member to move linearly along the loading surface; a conversion member disposed at one end of the loading section and converting the linear motion of the moving member caused by the linear motion member into rotational motion; The beating device according to claim 2 .

6. The striking unit returns to the striking position by rotating the moving member in the other direction opposite to the one direction.

6. The beating device according to claim 5.

7. The hitting unit is a biasing member having one end supported by the linearly moving member and the other end supported by the moving member, the biasing member biasing the moving member to maintain the retracted position when the moving member is located on the retracted position side, and biasing the moving member to maintain the striking position when the moving member is located on the striking position side; 7. The beating device according to claim 6.

8. A beating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a processing unit that processes the media aligned by the beating device; A post-processing device comprising:

9. an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium; The beating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which aligns the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images