Post-processing apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

To suppress deviation of a position where an edge part collected inside a collection box is accumulated, as compared with a case where the position is not changed inside the collection box while the edge part of a cut recording medium is collected in the collection box.SOLUTION: The post-processing device includes a cutting unit that cuts an edge portion of a recording medium to be transported, a collection box that is disposed below the cutting unit and collects the edge portion by dropping the edge portion of the recording medium cut by the cutting unit, and a blowing unit that blows gas into the collection box.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The image forming device described in Patent Document 1 includes an image forming means for forming an image on recording paper, a conveying means for conveying the recording paper output from the image forming means by holding it in close contact with a belt conveying member, a cutting means for cutting the recording paper conveyed by the conveying means, and a housing that holds the conveying means and the cutting means as a single unit and whose position is adjustable relative to the image forming means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-208823 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some post-processing devices in image forming apparatuses have a function of cutting the edges of sheet-like recording media, and the cut edges fall down and are collected in a collection box.

[0005] Here, the edges collected in the collection box pile up inside the collection box, but the positions at which the edges collected in the collection box always fall are the same. In other words, the positions at which the edges collected in the collection box pile up are uneven inside the collection box.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to prevent the position where the collected edges of the cut recording media are piled up inside the collection box from becoming uneven, compared to when the edges remain collected in the collection box and their position is not changed inside the collection box. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The post-processing device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a cutting unit that cuts the edges of a recording medium being transported, a collection box that is positioned below the cutting unit and collects the edges as they fall after being cut by the cutting unit, and a blowing unit that blows gas into the inside of the collection box.

[0008] A post-treatment device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the post-treatment device described in the first aspect, characterized in that it includes at least one processor, and the processor changes the wind pressure of the gas blown by the blowing section.

[0009] A post-processing device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the post-processing device according to the second aspect, characterized in that the processor periodically increases the wind pressure of the gas blown by the blowing unit.

[0010] A post-processing device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the post-processing device described in the first aspect, a through hole is formed in the side panel of the recovery box, and the blowing section blows gas into the inside of the recovery box through the through hole.

[0011] A post-processing device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the post-processing device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the through-hole is formed in a lower portion of the side plate.

[0012] A post-processing device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the post-processing device according to the first aspect, characterized in that the cutting section cuts an edge of the recording medium on which a toner image has been formed.

[0013] A post-processing device according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the post-processing device described in the sixth aspect, it further comprises a heating unit that heats a toner image formed on a recording medium whose edges have been cut, and the blowing unit has a suction fan that sucks in gas around the heating unit and a duct that guides the gas sucked in by the suction fan into the inside of the recovery box.

[0014] An after-treatment device according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the after-treatment device according to the seventh aspect, characterized in that the heating unit is disposed below the recovery box.

[0015] An image forming system according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising an image forming device that forms an image on a recording medium, an intermediary conveying section that conveys the recording medium on which the image has been formed by the image forming device, and a post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 that cuts the edges of the recording medium conveyed by the intermediary conveying section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] In the post-processing device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the position of the collected edges inside the collection box from becoming uneven, compared to when the edges of the cut recording medium remain collected in the collection box without changing their position inside the box.

[0017] In the post-processing device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the accumulation position of the collected edges inside the collection box can be prevented from becoming uneven, compared to when the wind pressure of the gas blown inside the collection box is always constant.

[0018] In the post-processing device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the accumulation of collected edges inside the collection box can be prevented from becoming uneven, compared to when the wind pressure of the gas blown into the inside of the collection box becomes irregularly strong.

[0019] In the post-processing device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the collected edges from accumulating unevenly inside the collection box, compared to when gas is blown into the inside of the collection box from an opening above the box.

[0020] In the post-processing device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the accumulation position of the collected edges inside the collection box can be prevented from becoming uneven, compared to when the through holes are formed only in the upper part of the side plate.

[0021] In the post-processing device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the position of the collected edges inside the collection box from becoming uneven, compared to when the edges of the cut recording medium remain collected in the collection box without changing their position inside the collection box.

[0022] In the post-processing device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed compared to when a fan that sucks in gas around the heating unit and a fan that blows gas into the inside of the collection box are separately provided.

[0023] In the post-processing device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the power required for the suction fan can be reduced compared to when the heating unit is disposed above the collection box.

[0024] In the image forming system according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, an increase in maintenance collection can be suppressed compared to when gas remains stagnant inside the collection box of the post-processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the post-processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a cutting section of the post-processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a collection box and a cooling unit of the post-processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a collection box and the like of the post-processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a collection box and the like of the post-processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a cooling unit, a collection box, and a gloss fixing unit of the post-processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a gloss fixing unit of the post-processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are block diagrams showing the hardware configuration and functional configuration of a control unit of a post-processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the collection box of the post-processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] An example of a post-processing device and an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. Note that arrow H shown in each figure indicates the vertical direction, i.e., the up-down direction of the device. Arrow W is perpendicular to arrow H and is horizontal, indicating the width direction of the device. Arrow D is perpendicular to arrows H and W and is horizontal, indicating the depth direction of the device.

[0027] (Overall configuration of image forming system 160) As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 160 includes an image forming apparatus 10, a post-processing device 50, and an intermediary conveyance unit 48. The image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus that forms a toner image on a recording medium P by electrophotography. On the other hand, the post-processing device 50 is an apparatus that removes the edge portion Pe of the recording medium P on which the toner image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 10, and imparts a glossy finish to the toner image. The post-processing device 50 is an apparatus that obtains a photographic print image without margins. In addition, the intermediary conveyance unit 48 is an apparatus that conveys the recording medium P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 10 toward the post-processing device 50.

[0028] The relay conveyance section 48 is placed above the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 and the post-processing apparatus 50 are arranged in this order from one side to the other in the width direction. Here, the width direction is the left-right direction relative to the user when the user is standing in front of the apparatus.

[0029] (Image forming apparatus 10) As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a medium storage unit 14 and a transport unit 16. The medium storage unit 14 stores a recording medium P. The transport unit 16 transports the recording medium P stored in the medium storage unit 14. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes an image forming unit 20 that forms an image on the recording medium P transported from the medium storage unit 14 by the transport unit 16. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a toner storage unit 11 that stores toner. The medium storage unit 14, the image forming unit 20, and the toner storage unit 11 are arranged in this order from bottom to top.

[0030] [Medium storage section 14] 1, the medium storage unit 14 includes a plurality of storage members 26 that can be pulled out from the device body 10a of the image forming device 10 toward the front in the depth direction. Furthermore, the medium storage unit 14 includes a delivery roll 30 that delivers the recording medium P loaded in the storage members 26 to a transport path 28. In this embodiment, five storage members 26a to 26e are provided. Photo paper for outputting photographs is loaded in the storage members 26d and 26e. Standard-sized plain paper such as A4 size or A3 size is loaded in the storage members 26a to 26c.

[0031] [Transport unit 16] 1, the transport unit 16 includes a plurality of transport rolls 32 that transport the recording medium P, which has been sent out from the storage member 26 by the delivery roll 30, along a transport path 28. Furthermore, the transport unit 16 includes a sorting member 24 that sorts the recording media P discharged from the device main body 10a.

[0032] [Image forming unit 20] 1, the image forming section 20 includes image forming units 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K as four forming sections for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between Y, M, C, and K, the terms Y, M, C, and K may be omitted.

[0033] The image forming unit 18 for each color includes an image carrier 36, a charging member 38 that charges the surface of the image carrier 36, and an exposure device 42 that irradiates the image carrier 36 with exposure light. Furthermore, the image forming unit 18 for each color includes a developing device 40 that develops an electrostatic latent image formed by the exposure device 42 irradiating the charged image carrier 36 with exposure light.

[0034] The image forming unit 20 also includes an endless transfer belt 22 that rotates in the direction of arrow A in the figure. The image forming unit 20 also includes a primary transfer roll 44 that transfers the toner images formed by the image forming units 18 of each color onto the transfer belt 22. The image forming unit 20 also includes a secondary transfer roll 46 that transfers the toner images transferred onto the transfer belt 22 onto a recording medium P. The image forming unit 20 also includes a fixing device 34 that applies heat and pressure to the recording medium P onto which the toner image has been transferred to fix the toner image onto the recording medium P.

[0035] [Toner storage section 11] As shown in FIG. 1, the toner storage unit 11 includes a storage member 12Y that stores yellow (Y) toner and a storage member 12M that stores magenta (M) toner. The toner storage unit 11 also includes a storage member 12C that stores cyan (C) toner and a storage member 12K that stores black (K) toner. The storage members 12K, 12C, 12M, and 12Y are aligned in this order from one side (left side in the drawing) to the other side (right side in the drawing) in the width direction. Furthermore, the capacity of the storage member 12K, which stores black toner, which is used in large quantities, is larger than the capacity of the other storage members 12.

[0036] (Action of image forming device) In the image forming apparatus 10, an image is formed as follows. First, the charging member 38 for each color, to which a voltage is applied, uniformly charges the surface of the image carrier 36 for each color to a predetermined negative potential. Next, based on image data input from the outside, the exposure device 42 for each color irradiates the charged surface of the image carrier 36 for each color with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image.

[0037] As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the surface of the image carrier 36 of each color. The developing device 40 of each color then develops this electrostatic latent image, making it visible as a toner image. The primary transfer roll 44 of each color transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier 36 of each color onto the transfer belt 22.

[0038] Therefore, the recording medium P sent from one of the storage members 26 to the transport path 28 by the delivery roll 30 is sent to the transfer position T where the transfer belt 22 and the secondary transfer roll 46 come into contact. At the transfer position T, the recording medium P is transported between the transfer belt 22 and the secondary transfer roll 46, so that the toner image on the surface of the transfer belt 22 is transferred to the recording medium P.

[0039] The toner image transferred to the recording medium P is fixed to the recording medium P by the fixing device 34. Then, the recording medium P with the fixed toner image is sorted by the sorting member 24. If the recording medium P is plain paper, it is sorted by the sorting member 24 and discharged to the outside of the device main body 10a from the discharge port 25a. On the other hand, if the recording medium P is photo paper, it is sorted by the sorting member 24 and discharged from the discharge port 25b below the discharge port 25a. Then, the relay conveyance section 48 receives the recording medium P discharged from the discharge port 25b.

[0040] Here, when the toner image formed on the transfer belt 22 is transferred to the recording medium P, in order to prevent the toner from adhering to the secondary transfer roll 46, margins (white edges) called edge portions Pe are provided on the four edges of the recording medium P.

[0041] (Relay transport unit 48) The relay conveyance unit 48 is detachable from the device body 10a of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the relay conveyance unit 48 receives the recording medium P discharged from the discharge port 25b of the image forming apparatus 10 and conveys it to the post-processing device 50.

[0042] Specifically, the relay conveyance section 48 includes a plurality of conveyance rolls 48a. The recording medium P is conveyed to the post-processing device 50 by the plurality of conveyance rolls 48a.

[0043] (Post-processing device 50) 1 and 2, the post-processing device 50 includes a cutting unit 60 that cuts and removes four (four sides) edge portions Pe of the recording medium P. The post-processing device 50 also includes a gloss fixing unit 80 that imparts a glossy finish to the toner image formed on the recording medium P, and a cooling unit 110 that cools the gloss fixing unit 80.

[0044] Furthermore, the post-processing device 50 is equipped with a transport unit 90 that transports the recording medium P. The post-processing device 50 is also equipped with a collection box 100 that collects the edge portion Pe cut by the cutting unit 60. The post-processing device 50 is also equipped with a discharge unit 98 into which the recording medium P is discharged. The post-processing device 50 is also equipped with a control unit 130 that controls each of the components. Each of these components is provided inside the device main body 50a.

[0045] The cutting unit 60, collection box 100, gloss fixing unit 80, and discharge unit 98 are arranged in this order from top to bottom in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the collection box 100, gloss fixing unit 80, and cooling unit 110 are arranged in the width direction.

[0046] 2, the conveying unit 90 is disposed at the rear side in the depth direction relative to the cutting unit 60, the collection box 100, and the gloss fixing unit 80. Furthermore, the discharge unit 98 is disposed at the front side in the depth direction relative to the gloss fixing unit 80. Here, the depth direction refers to the direction relative to the user when the user is standing in front of the device.

[0047] [Cutting section 60] As shown in FIG. 1, the cutting section 60 is disposed so as to receive the recording medium P, on which a toner image is formed and which is transported by the relay transport section 48, from one side in the width direction.

[0048] 3, the cutting unit 60 includes a transport roll 62 that receives the recording medium P transported in the width direction without changing the transport direction of the recording medium P (hereinafter referred to as the "medium transport direction"). The cutting unit 60 also includes a pair of first cutters 64 that rotate and cut the edge portion Pe of the recording medium P transported by the transport roll 62. The cutting unit 60 also includes a transport roll 66 on whose shaft the first cutter 64 is attached and that applies a transport force in the width direction to the recording medium P whose edge portion Pe is cut.

[0049] The cutting section 60 is also configured so that the first cutter 64 and the transport roll 66 can move axially as a unit, and is provided with an adjustment mechanism 68 that adjusts the cutting position.

[0050] Furthermore, downstream of the adjustment mechanism 68 in the medium transport direction, a transport roll 70 is disposed which transports the recording medium P, whose edge portion Pe has been cut by the first cutter 64, in the width direction and determines the position of the recording medium P in the width direction. This transport roll 70 comes into contact with the recording medium P when transporting the recording medium P in the width direction, and moves away from the recording medium P when transporting the recording medium P toward the back side in the depth direction.

[0051] Furthermore, the cutting unit 60 is provided with transport rolls 72 for transporting the recording medium P toward the rear in the depth direction. The cutting unit 60 is also provided with a pair of second cutters 74 that rotate and cut the edge portion Pe of the recording medium P transported toward the rear in the depth direction by the transport rolls 72.

[0052] Furthermore, the cutting section 60 has a second cutter 74 attached to its shaft and a transport roll 76 that applies a transport force in the depth direction to the recording medium P whose edge portion Pe is to be cut. The transport roll 72 is configured to be separated from the recording medium P when transporting the recording medium P in the width direction, and to be in contact with the recording medium P when transporting the recording medium P toward the back side in the depth direction.

[0053] Furthermore, for adjustment of the cutting position, the cut edge of the fixed image is detected by a cutting position detection sensor 78 arranged upstream of the transport roll 62 in the medium transport direction. The cutting position detection sensors 78 are arranged on the IN side (the front side of the device) and OUT side (the back side of the device) where they can distinguish between image and non-image areas before the recording medium P enters the cutting mechanism.

[0054] 3 transport the recording medium P supplied from the image forming apparatus 10 from one side to the other in the width direction through the relay transport section 48. The first cutter 64 then cuts the edge portion Pe of the recording medium P being transported, and the cut edge portion Pe is collected in the collection box 100.

[0055] Furthermore, the transport rolls 72 and 76 transport the recording medium P toward the rear in the depth direction. Then, the second cutter 74 cuts the edge portion Pe of the recording medium P being transported, and the cut edge portion Pe is collected in the collection box 100.

[0056] [100 collection boxes, etc.] The collection box 100 is box-shaped and open at the top, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is located below the cutting section 60 and above the gloss fixing section 80. Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the collection box 100 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0057] 2, a maintenance door 51 that opens the interior of the post-processing device 50 from the front side in the depth direction is provided on the device body 50a. When the interior of the device body 50a is opened by this maintenance door 51, the collection box 100 can be attached to and detached from the device body 50a from the front side in the depth direction.

[0058] 4 and 5, the post-processing device 50 is provided with guide sections 104 that guide the edge section Pe cut by the second cutter 74 toward the collection box 100. Specifically, a pair of guide sections 104 are provided, and each guide section 104 is disposed on the inner side in the depth direction of the second cutter 74 and on the outer side in the width direction of the pair of second cutters 74. Here, the outer side in the width direction refers to the side away from the center of the recording medium P being transported in the width direction.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the guide portion 104 has a guide surface 104a facing the second cutter 74, and the edge portion Pe cut by the second cutter 74 comes into contact with the guide surface 104a and is folded back, so that the edge portion Pe is collected in the collection box 100.

[0060] On the other hand, the edge portion Pe cut by the first cutter 64 falls as it is and is collected in the collection box 100, as shown in FIG.

[0061] 4, the edge portion Pe cut by the first cutter 64 on the front side in the depth direction is collected and stacked at a corner portion 100a on the front side in the depth direction and on one side in the width direction of the collection box 100. Also, the edge portion Pe cut by the first cutter 64 on the rear side in the depth direction is collected and stacked at a corner portion 100b on the rear side in the depth direction and on one side in the width direction of the collection box 100.

[0062] Furthermore, the edge portion Pe cut by the second cutter 74 on one side in the width direction is collected and stacked in a corner portion 100a of the collection box 100. The edge portion Pe cut by the second cutter 74 on the other side in the width direction is collected and stacked in a corner portion 100c on the other side in the width direction at the rear side in the depth direction of the collection box 100.

[0063] In this way, the edge portions Pe cut by the first cutter 64 are collected and stacked at the corner portions 100a and 100b of the collection box 100. On the other hand, the edge portions Pe cut by the second cutter 74 are collected and stacked at the corner portions 100b and 100c of the collection box 100. In this way, the amount of edge portions Pe collected at the corner portion 100b of the collection box 100 is greater than the amount of edge portions Pe collected at the corner portions 100a and 100c.

[0064] 7, through holes 102a are formed in a vertical line in the side plates 102 that form the corner portions 100b of the recovery box 100. Specifically, a plurality of through holes 102a are formed in a vertical line in the butt joints of the pair of butted side plates 102 and in the lower portions of the side plates 102.

[0065] [Transport unit 90] 2, the conveying unit 90 is disposed on the rear side in the depth direction relative to the collection box 100. The conveying unit 90 includes a plurality of conveying rolls 92 that receive the recording medium P sent out by the cutting unit 60 and convey it toward the gloss fixing unit 80. The axial direction of the plurality of conveying rolls 92 is the width direction.

[0066] [Gloss fixing unit 80] 8, the glossy fixing unit 80 includes an endless fixing belt 82, a heating roll 84 around which the fixing belt 82 is wound, a peeling roll 88, and a control roll 86 that controls the walk. The heating roll 84 rotatably supports the fixing belt 82, and has a halogen lamp 84a in its hollow interior that heats a certain region of the nip N. The glossy fixing unit 80 is an example of a heating unit.

[0067] Furthermore, the gloss fixing unit 80 includes a pressure roll 85 that sandwiches the fixing belt 82 and is pressed against the heating roll 84 to form a nip N. The heating roll 84 is driven to rotate by a drive source (not shown), causing the fixing belt 82 to rotate in the direction of arrow C in the figure.

[0068] A heat sink 94 is provided inside the fixing belt 82 to forcibly cool the recording medium P that is in close contact with the fixing belt 82. This heat sink 94 is cooled by a cooling fan 112 (see FIG. 7). To assist in the close contact between the conveyed recording medium P and the fixing belt 82, biasing rolls 94a and 94b that bias the recording medium P toward the fixing belt 82 are disposed opposite the heat sink 94 across the fixing belt 82. Small-diameter tension rolls 96a and 96b that apply a certain tension to the fixing belt 82 are disposed between the control roll 86 and the heating roll 84.

[0069] In this configuration, the recording medium P conveyed by the conveying unit 90 enters the nip portion N. Then, the toner image formed on the recording medium P is embedded in the image receiving layer of the recording medium P due to heat and pressure. This gives the toner image on the surface of the recording medium P a glossy appearance.

[0070] (Cooling section 110) 1, the cooling unit 110 is disposed on one side in the width direction of the collection box 100 and the gloss fixing unit 80. The cooling unit 110 includes a cooling fan 112 and a duct 116. The cooling unit 110 is an example of a blowing unit, and the cooling fan 112 is an example of a suction fan.

[0071] The cooling fan 112 is a so-called suction fan, and as shown in Figure 7, is arranged on one side of the gloss fixing section 80 in the width direction. The cooling fan 112 sucks in the air heated by the gloss fixing section 80, thereby cooling the gloss fixing section 80. Specifically, the cooling fan 112 sucks in the air heated by the gloss fixing section 80, thereby cooling the heat sink 94 (see Figure 8) of the gloss fixing section 80. Air is an example of a gas.

[0072] 7, the duct 116 is disposed so as to straddle in the vertical direction between the gloss fixing unit 80 and the recovery box 100. Specifically, one end of the duct 116 opens toward the cooling fan 112, and the other end of the duct 116 opens toward a corner portion 100b of the recovery box 100.

[0073] In this configuration, air sucked in by cooling fan 112 flows inside duct 116 and is discharged toward corner 100b of collection box 100. Furthermore, the air discharged toward corner 100b is blown into the interior of collection box 100 through through-hole 102a. In other words, cooling unit 110 blows air into the interior of collection box 100.

[0074] (Discharge section 98) 1, the discharge unit 98 is disposed below the gloss fixing unit 80. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the discharge unit 98 is disposed on the front side of the gloss fixing unit 80 in the depth direction.

[0075] When the inside of the apparatus main body 50a is opened by the maintenance door 51, the recording medium P discharged to the discharge section 98 can be taken out from the apparatus main body 50a.

[0076] (control unit 130) The control unit 130 controls the cooling fan 112 based on an operation signal from the gloss fixing unit 80. Specifically, the control unit 130 operates the cooling fan 112 while the gloss fixing unit 80 is operating. Furthermore, the control unit 130 changes the wind pressure of the air blown into the inside of the collection box 100 by the cooling fan 112 at predetermined time intervals. The control unit 130 is an example of a processor.

[0077] -Hardware configuration of control unit 130- 9A, the control unit 130 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 131, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 132, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 133, a storage 134, and a communication interface 135. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 136 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0078] The CPU 131 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 131 reads a program from the ROM 132 or the storage 134 and executes the program using the RAM 133 as a work area. The CPU 131 controls each component and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program stored in the ROM 132 or the storage 134.

[0079] In this embodiment, for example, the ROM 132 or the storage 134 stores a control program for controlling the air pressure of the cooling fan 112 based on the operating time of the gloss fixing unit 80.

[0080] The RAM 133 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 134 is configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various programs including an operating system, and various data.

[0081] The communication interface 135 is an interface that allows the control unit 130 to communicate with the cutting unit 60, gloss fixing unit 80, conveying unit 90, cooling unit 110, etc., and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0082] When executing the above operating programs, the control unit 130 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions. The functional configuration of the control unit 130 that enables the control unit 130 to realize various functions will be described below.

[0083] -Functional configuration of the control unit 130- 9(B), the control unit 130 has a receiving unit 130a, an operating unit 130b, a measuring unit 130c, and an adjusting unit 130d. Each functional configuration is realized by the CPU 131 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 132 or the storage 134. The control of each unit by the control unit 130 will be explained below together with the operation.

[0084] (action) Next, a description will be given of the operation of post-processing device 50. Note that each step performed by post-processing device 50 is executed by control unit 130 controlling each unit.

[0085] When the receiving unit 130a of the control unit 130 receives an instruction to impart gloss to the surface of the recording medium P, the control unit 130 operates each unit. Specifically, the operating unit 130b of the control unit 130 operates the cutting unit 60, the conveying unit 90, the gloss fixing unit 80, and the cooling unit 110.

[0086] 1 is conveyed in the width direction by the conveying rolls 62. Specifically, a sensor (not shown) or the like detects that the leading edge of the recording medium P has reached, for example, the vicinity of the conveying rolls 62. When this occurs, the conveying rolls 70 shown in FIG. 3 are brought into contact with the recording medium P, and the conveying rolls 72 are brought into a separated state away from the recording medium P.

[0087] Furthermore, the transport rolls 62, 66, 70, and the first cutter 64 rotate, and the recording medium P is transported in the width direction. Then, the edge portion Pe of the recording medium P passing through the first cutter 64 is cut by the first cutter 64.

[0088] The cut edge portion Pe falls and is collected in the collection box 100 (see FIG. 2), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. Specifically, the edge portion Pe cut by the first cutter 64 falls and is collected in the corner portions 100a and 100b of the collection box 100.

[0089] After the edge portion Pe is cut by the first cutter 64, the conveyance of the recording medium P is temporarily stopped at a predetermined position in the cutting unit 60. Then, in the cutting unit 60 shown in Fig. 3, the conveyance roll 70 is set to a separated state where it is separated from the recording medium P, and the conveyance roll 72 is set to a contact state where it is in contact with the recording medium P. Furthermore, the conveyance roll 72, the conveyance roll 76, and the second cutter 74 rotate to convey the recording medium P toward the back in the depth direction.

[0090] Furthermore, the edge portion Pe of the recording medium P passing through the second cutter 74 is cut by the second cutter 74. The cut edge portion Pe is collected in the collection box 100. Specifically, the edge portion Pe cut by the second cutter 74 comes into contact with the guide surface 104a of the guide portion 104 and is folded back, as shown in FIG. 5. As a result, the edge portion Pe is collected in the corner portions 100b and 100c of the collection box 100, as shown in FIG. 4. The edge portion Pe cut by the first cutter 64 is also collected from the corner portion 100b.

[0091] In this way, the cut edges Pe are collected at the corners 100a, 100b, and 100c of the collection box 100. In other words, the collected edges Pe are accumulated unevenly inside the collection box 100. Furthermore, the amount of edges Pe collected at the corner 100b of the collection box 100 is greater than the amount of edges Pe collected at the corners 100a and 100c.

[0092] After the edge portion Pe is cut by the second cutter 74, the conveying unit 90 shown in FIG.

[0093] 8, the toner constituting the toner image is heated to approximately 120 to 150°C and melted by the heat from the halogen lamp 84a and the pressure from the pressure roll 85. The toner image is then embedded in the image receiving layer of the recording medium P, which has been softened by the heat. After that, even after passing through the nip N, the recording medium P is transported in a state of being in close contact with the fixing belt 82. During this transport, the recording medium P is forcibly cooled by the heat sink 94, and the smoothness of the surface of the fixing belt 82 is transferred to the surface of the recording medium P, i.e., to the image receiving layer, resulting in a glossy appearance of the toner image on the surface of the recording medium P.

[0094] Furthermore, the conveyed recording medium P is cooled to a temperature below the melting point of the toner (for example, about 40°C to 80°C) near the peeling roll 88. Then, the recording medium P reaches the peeling roll 88 and is peeled off from the fixing belt 82 due to its own stiffness (rigidity). Furthermore, the recording medium P peeled off from the fixing belt 82 is discharged to a discharge section 98 shown in FIG. 2.

[0095] The following mainly describes the control of the cooling unit 110 by the control unit 130 and the edge portion Pe collected by the collection box 100.

[0096] As described above, when the receiving unit 130a of the control unit 130 receives an instruction to impart a glossy finish to the surface of the recording medium P, the operating unit 130b of the control unit 130 operates each unit. As a result, the gloss fixing unit 80 and the cooling unit 110 shown in FIG. 7 are operated. As the gloss fixing unit 80 operates, the air around the gloss fixing unit 80 is heated. On the other hand, as the cooling unit 110 operates, the cooling fan 112 sucks in the air heated by the gloss fixing unit 80. As a result, the gloss fixing unit 80 is cooled. Specifically, as the cooling fan 112 sucks in the air heated by the gloss fixing unit 80, the heat sink 94 (see FIG. 8) of the gloss fixing unit 80 is cooled.

[0097] Furthermore, the measurement unit 130c of the control unit 130 measures the time since the gloss fixing unit 80 started operating. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 130d of the control unit 130 receives the measured time from the measurement unit 130c and changes the air suction force of the cooling fan 112. Specifically, the adjustment unit 130d of the control unit 130 receives the measured time from the measurement unit 130c. The adjustment unit 130d then increases the air suction force of the cooling fan 112 at predetermined time intervals (periodically). For example, each time the recording medium P enters the gloss fixing unit 80, the adjustment unit 130d increases the suction force by at least two times the normal suction force before the recording medium P entered the gloss fixing unit 80. Then, when the recording medium P is ejected from the gloss fixing unit 80, the adjustment unit 130d returns the suction force to the normal suction force.

[0098] Meanwhile, the air sucked in by the cooling fan 112 flows inside the duct 116, is discharged toward the corner portion 100b of the collection box 100, and is blown through the through-holes 102a into the inside of the collection box 100. In other words, the cooling unit 110 blows air into the inside of the collection box 100.

[0099] As air is blown into the interior of the collection box 100, the edge portions Pe that have been collected and piled up at the corner portions 100a, 100b, and 100c of the collection box 100 fly up inside the collection box 100. Specifically, the air suction force of the cooling fan 112 is periodically increased by the adjustment unit 130d of the control unit 130. This periodically increases the wind pressure of the air blown into the interior of the collection box 100. As a result, the way the edge portions Pe fly up varies periodically.

[0100] (summary) As described above, according to the post-processing device 50, the cooling unit 110 blows air into the interior of the collection box 100. Then, the edge portions Pe collected and piled up in the collection box 100 fly up inside the collection box 100. This reduces the deviation in the piled up position of the collected edge portions Pe inside the collection box 100 compared to when the cut edge portions Pe remain collected in the collection box and are not moved inside the collection box.

[0101] Furthermore, according to post-processing device 50, adjustment unit 130d of control unit 130 changes the air suction force of cooling fan 112. In other words, adjustment unit 130d of control unit 130 changes the wind pressure of the air blown into the inside of collection box 100 by cooling unit 110. This reduces the deviation in the accumulation position of collected edge portions Pe inside collection box 100 compared to when the wind pressure blown into the inside of the collection box is always constant.

[0102] Furthermore, in post-processing device 50, adjustment unit 130d of control unit 130 periodically increases the air suction force of cooling fan 112. In other words, adjustment unit 130d of control unit 130 periodically increases the wind pressure of the air blown into the inside of collection box 100 by cooling unit 110. This reduces the uneven accumulation of collected edges Pe inside collection box 100 compared to when the wind pressure of the air blown into the inside of the collection box increases irregularly.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the post-processing device 50, the cooling unit 110 blows air into the inside of the collection box 100 through the through-holes 102a of the side plate 102. This reduces the uneven accumulation of the collected edge portions Pe inside the collection box 100 compared to when air is blown into the inside of the collection box from an opening at the top of the collection box.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the post-processing device 50, the through-holes 102a are formed in the lower portions of the side plates 102. Compared to when through-holes are formed only in the upper portions of the side plates, the edges Pe are more effectively lifted up, which reduces the uneven accumulation of the collected edges Pe inside the collection box 100.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the post-processing device 50, the cutting section 60 cuts off the edge portion Pe of the recording medium P on which the toner image is formed. As a result, the edge portion Pe collected and piled up in the collection box 100 is blown up inside the collection box 100. This suppresses deviation in the pile position of the collected edge portion Pe inside the collection box 100 compared to when the cut edge portion Pe remains in its collected state in the collection box without changing its position inside the collection box.

[0106] Furthermore, according to post-processing device 50, cooling unit 110 has cooling fan 112 and duct 116 that guides air sucked by cooling fan 112 into recovery box 100. This reduces the number of parts compared to when a fan that sucks air around the gloss fixing unit and a fan that blows air into the recovery box are separately provided.

[0107] Furthermore, in the post-processing device 50, the gloss fixing unit 80 is located below the collection box 100. The heated air rises, which reduces the power required for the cooling fan 112 compared to when the gloss fixing unit is located above the collection box.

[0108] Furthermore, the image forming system 160 is provided with a post-processing device 50 having a cooling unit 110 that blows air into the inside of the collection box 100. This reduces the uneven accumulation of the edge Pe in the collection box compared to when the air inside the collection box in the post-processing device is stagnant, thereby reducing the increase in maintenance collection.

[0109] While 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 various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the above embodiment, air is blown into the interior of the collection box 100, but any gas may be used, such as nitrogen.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the adjustment unit 130d of the control unit 130 changes the wind pressure of the air blown into the inside of the collection box 100 by the cooling unit 110. For example, the strength may be alternately increased and decreased at regular intervals, or the adjustment unit may change the wind pressure of the air in response to an external instruction.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the adjustment unit 130d of the control unit 130 periodically increases the wind pressure of the air blown into the interior of the collection box 100 by the cooling unit 110. However, the wind pressure of the air blown into the interior of the collection box may also be increased irregularly. In this case, the effect achieved by periodically increasing the wind pressure will not be achieved.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the cooling unit 110 blows air into the inside of the collection box 100 through the through-hole 102a of the side plate 102. However, the cooling unit may blow air into the inside of the collection box from an opening above the collection box. In this case, the effect achieved by blowing air into the inside of the collection box 100 through the through-hole 102a of the side plate 102 will not be achieved.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the cooling unit 110 blows air into the inside of the collection box 100 through the through-holes 102a of the side plate 102. However, the cooling unit may blow air into the inside of the collection box from a plurality of locations.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the through-hole 102a is formed in the lower portion of the side plate 102. However, the through-hole may be formed in the upper portion of the side plate. In this case, the effect achieved by forming the through-hole 102a in the lower portion of the side plate 102 is not achieved.

[0115] Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the depth of the front portion of the recovery box 200 in the depth direction may be greater than the other portions, as shown in Fig. 10. This is as long as the recovery box 200 does not interfere with the gloss fixing unit 80.

[0116] Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the image forming system 160 may be configured with a single device or may be configured with multiple devices.

[0117] (((1))) a cutting unit that cuts an edge of the recording medium being conveyed; a collection box disposed below the cutting unit, into which the edge cut by the cutting unit falls and into which the edge is collected; a blowing unit that blows gas into the inside of the collection box; A post-processing device comprising:

[0118] (((2))) at least one processor; The processor changes the wind pressure of the gas blown by the blowing unit. The post-processing device according to (((1))).

[0119] (((3))) the processor periodically increases the wind pressure of the gas blown by the blowing unit. The post-processing device according to (((2))).

[0120] (((4))) A through hole is formed in the side plate of the recovery box, The blowing unit blows gas into the inside of the collection box through the through-hole. The post-processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0121] (((5))) The through hole is formed in a lower portion of the side plate. The post-processing device according to (((4))).

[0122] (((6))) the cutting unit cuts the edge of the recording medium on which the toner image is formed. The post-processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))).

[0123] (((7))) a heating unit that heats the toner image formed on the recording medium whose edge has been cut; The blowing unit has a suction fan that sucks gas around the heating unit, and a duct that guides the gas sucked by the suction fan into the recovery box. The post-processing device according to (((6))).

[0124] (((8))) The heating unit is disposed below the collection box. The post-processing device according to (((7))).

[0125] (((9))) an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium; an intermediate transport unit that transports a recording medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus; a post-processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((8))) that cuts an edge of the recording medium conveyed by the relay conveyance unit; An image forming system comprising:

[0126] In the post-processing device according to (((1))), it is possible to prevent the position of the collected edges inside the collection box from becoming uneven, compared to when the edges of the cut recording medium remain in the collected state in the collection box without changing their position inside the collection box.

[0127] In the post-treatment device according to (((2))), it is possible to prevent the position where the collected edges accumulate inside the collection box from becoming uneven, compared to when the wind pressure of the gas blown into the inside of the collection box is always constant.

[0128] In the post-treatment device according to (((3))), it is possible to prevent the position where the collected edges accumulate inside the collection box from becoming uneven, compared to when the wind pressure of the gas blown into the inside of the collection box becomes irregularly strong.

[0129] In the post-processing device according to (((4))), it is possible to prevent the collected edges from accumulating unevenly inside the collection box, compared to when gas is blown into the inside of the collection box from an opening above the box.

[0130] In the post-processing device according to (((5))), it is possible to prevent the position at which the collected edges accumulate inside the collection box from becoming uneven, compared to when the through holes are formed only in the upper part of the side plate.

[0131] In the post-processing device according to (((6))), it is possible to prevent the position of the collected edges inside the collection box from becoming uneven, compared to when the edges of the cut recording medium remain in the collected state in the collection box without changing their position inside the collection box.

[0132] In the post-processing device according to (((7))), the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed compared to when a fan that sucks in gas around the heating unit and a fan that blows gas into the inside of the recovery box are separately provided.

[0133] In the post-processing device according to (((8))), the power required for the suction fan can be reduced compared to when the heating unit is disposed above the recovery box.

[0134] In the image forming system according to (((9))), an increase in maintenance collection can be suppressed compared to when gas remains stagnant inside the collection box of the post-processing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 10 Image forming device 48 Relay Transport Section 50 Aftertreatment device 60 Cut section 80 Glossy fixing unit (an example of a heating unit) 100 Collection Box 102 Side panel 102a Through hole 110 Cooling section (an example of a spraying section) 112 Cooling fan (example of suction fan) 116 Duct 130 Control unit (an example of a processor) 160 Image forming system P Recording medium Pe edge

Claims

1. a cutting unit that cuts an edge of the recording medium being conveyed; a collection box disposed below the cutting unit, into which the edge cut by the cutting unit falls and into which the edge is collected; a blowing unit that blows gas into the inside of the collection box; A post-processing device comprising:

2. at least one processor; The processor changes the wind pressure of the gas blown by the blowing unit. The post-treatment device according to claim 1 .

3. the processor periodically increases the wind pressure of the gas blown by the blowing unit. The post-treatment device according to claim 2 .

4. A through hole is formed in the side plate of the recovery box, The blowing unit blows gas into the inside of the collection box through the through-hole. The post-treatment device according to claim 1 .

5. The through hole is formed in a lower portion of the side plate. The post-treatment device according to claim 4 .

6. the cutting unit cuts the edge of the recording medium on which the toner image is formed. The post-treatment device according to claim 1 .

7. a heating unit that heats the toner image formed on the recording medium whose edge has been cut; The blowing unit has a suction fan that sucks gas around the heating unit, and a duct that guides the gas sucked by the suction fan into the recovery box. The post-treatment device according to claim 6 .

8. The heating unit is disposed below the collection box. The post-treatment device according to claim 7 .

9. an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium; an intermediate transport unit that transports a recording medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus; a post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which cuts an edge of the recording medium conveyed by the relay conveyance section; An image forming system comprising:

Images