Post-processing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

It allows for easy removal of even thin paper or small scraps of paper. [Solution] The device includes a cutting unit that cuts the conveyed paper in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction to generate waste, and a paper processing unit that can process the conveyed paper and also processes and deforms the area of ​​the paper that is cut by the cutting unit and becomes waste.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses, a post-processing apparatus is used that performs cutting processing such as cutting edges of a sheet on which an image has been formed by an image forming unit, or dividing the sheet into a plurality of regions. The post-processing apparatus includes a cutting unit having an upper blade and a lower blade arranged above and below the conveyed sheet, and a scrap box for storing cutting scraps generated by cutting is disposed below the cutting unit.

[0003] In such a post-processing apparatus, in order to smoothly collect the cutting scraps generated by cutting into the scrap box, it has been considered to promote the falling of the cutting scraps. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a post-processing apparatus including a vertical cover body on the side of the rubbing surface of the upper blade, and a horizontal cover body provided to protrude from the upper blade toward the vertical cover body. In this post-processing apparatus, the horizontal cover body descends together with the upper blade, thereby pushing the air in the space surrounded by the upper blade, the horizontal cover body and the vertical cover body downward to promote the falling of the cutting scraps. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-205309 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] However, as described in Patent Document 1 above, simply blowing air from above is insufficient, especially when the paper thickness of sheets such as thin paper is thin or the size of the shredded material is small. If static electricity builds up on the shredded material, it may stick to the cutting blade when cutting CDs. It is conceivable that the air will not reach the shredded material stuck to the cutting blade, making it difficult for it to fall off easily. If such shredded material does not fall properly, the transported material will stick to the cutting section and be finely shredded during the next cut, and carried downstream in the transport path during paper transport, potentially causing paper jams and interrupting operation.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a post-processing device and an image forming apparatus that can easily remove paper scraps, even thin paper or small pieces of scrap paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the post-processing apparatus of the present invention is A cutting unit that cuts the transported paper in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, generating waste, A paper processing unit capable of processing the transported paper, and processing and deforming the area of ​​the paper that will be cut by the cutting unit and become waste, It adopts a configuration that includes the following.

[0008] One aspect of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is: The post-processing apparatus with the above configuration, An image forming apparatus main body that forms an image on the aforementioned paper and discharges the paper with the image formed on it to the post-processing device, It adopts a configuration that includes the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, even thin paper or small pieces of paper scraps can be easily dropped. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus having a post-processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing the main part configuration of a CD cutting unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the upper blade showing the position of the air blowing unit in the CD cutting unit, viewed from the FD direction. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is a diagram showing the guillotine cutter and the falling path when cutting the leading end of a sheet, and Figure 5B is a diagram showing the guillotine cutter and the falling path when cutting the trailing end of a sheet. [Figure 6] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams showing an example of deformed cutting waste. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the blade part of a sheet processing unit that forms the deformed cutting waste shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 8] Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams showing examples of cutting waste being blown by air. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a plan view showing an example of a product from which cutting waste is generated. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a plan view showing a state in which small pieces that are cutting waste are generated in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a state in which cutting waste is generated by the cutting unit in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a plan view showing an example of a product from which cutting waste is generated. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a plan view showing an example of a sheet including a product from which cutting waste is generated. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a plan view showing the cutting waste portion and the product in the sheet shown in Figure 13. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus main body 10 that forms an image on a sheet as a sheet, and a post-processing apparatus 20 that performs a cutting process on the sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus main body 10.

[0013] Note that the image forming apparatus 1 in the present invention may include both a case where the image forming apparatus main body 10 and the post-processing apparatus 20, which are configured as separate bodies, are connected, and a case where they are configured as a single unit.

[0014] <Image Forming Apparatus Main Body 10> The image forming apparatus main body 10 forms an image on a sheet in accordance with an operation instruction input from the operation display unit 18 or an image forming instruction received from a PC (Personal Computer) or the like via a communication network. The image forming apparatus main body 10 conveys the sheet after image formation to the post-processing apparatus 20.

[0015] The image forming apparatus main body 10 includes a paper feeding unit 15, an image reading unit 16, an image forming unit 17, an operation display unit 18, and the like.

[0016] The paper feeding unit 15 includes a plurality of paper feeding trays T1 to T3 capable of storing sheets different in size, type (paper type), basis weight, and the like, and supplies the sheets stored in the designated paper feeding trays T1 to T3 to the image forming unit 17.

[0017] The image reading unit 16 reads a document and generates image data. Specifically, the image reading unit 16 reads reflected light that is emitted from a light source and reflected by the document using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device ) image sensor or the like.

[0018] The image forming unit 17 forms an image on the paper. The image forming unit 17 charges the photoreceptor in the charging unit and scans the photoreceptor with a laser beam emitted by the exposure unit based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by the developing unit, the developed toner image is transferred to the paper by the transfer unit, and the toner image is fixed to the paper by the fixing unit, thereby forming an image on the paper.

[0019] The operation display unit 18 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and includes a display unit that displays various screens, and an operation unit composed of a touch panel and various keys stacked on the display unit. The operation display unit 18 outputs operation signals input by touch operation or key operation to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 (see Figure 2).

[0020] <Post-processing device 20> The post-processing device 20 functions as a cutting machine that performs cutting on paper. The post-processing device 20 cuts the paper fed in from the image forming apparatus main unit 10 as needed, and discharges the resulting products into the output trays T11, T12, or card tray T13.

[0021] The post-processing device 20 includes a transport path D1, a cutting unit 26, a sensor 27, a waste bin 29, etc. A long paper transport path D2 is provided that branches off from the transport path D1 and merges with it downstream. The long paper transport path D2 is used as a buffer when transporting long paper.

[0022] The cutting unit 26 performs cutting operations by applying various processing to the transported paper before cutting it. The cutting unit 26 processes and cuts the paper according to the cutting mode described later, using the CPU 21 and the like. The cutting unit 26 comprises modules (26a, 26b, 26c) that perform predetermined processing on the paper, and a CD cutting unit 100.

[0023] The modules (26a, 26b, 26c) can be installed in multiple slots 261-263 (see Figure 2) located at multiple positions along the paper transport path D1.

[0024] Multiple slots 261 to 263 are fitted with different modules (26a to 26c), which perform different processing on the paper for each module. The modules (26a to 26c) fitted in slots 261 to 263 are connected to a drive source that is driven by a control unit including the CPU 21.

[0025] The modules to be installed in slots 261 to 263 are the first FD cutting unit 26a, the second FD cutting unit 26b, and the paper processing unit 26c. The modules installed in slots 261 to 263 can be changed as appropriate to modules that have functions corresponding to paper processing, and transport slots that only transport may also be installed. In other words, each of the FD cutting units 26a, 26b, and paper processing unit 26c is detachable from the main body of the post-processing device 20, and the arrangement order of each module can also be changed. Furthermore, the CD cutting unit 100 may also be modularized and detachable from the main body of the post-processing device 20.

[0026] The first FD cutting unit 26a and the second FD cutting unit 26b are cutting machines (slitters) that cut paper along the paper feed direction. The first FD cutting unit 26a is equipped with a slitter that cuts both ends (back and front) that are separated in a direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction. The second FD cutting unit 26b is equipped with a gutter slitter that cuts the margins between adjacent sheets of paper (outputs) in a direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction. Further details about the first FD cutting unit 26a and the second FD cutting unit 26b will be described later.

[0027] The paper processing unit 26c performs processing such as perforations, creases, and cuts (cutting) on ​​the transported paper. In particular, when the transported paper is cut to form the final product, the paper processing unit 26c has a paper deformation function that processes the area on the paper that will be cut by the CD cutting unit 100 and become scrap (hereinafter referred to as the "scrap area"), thereby deforming the scrap area of ​​the paper. Details of the paper processing unit 26c will be described later.

[0028] The CD cutting unit 100 is equipped with a guillotine cutter 101 that cuts the paper along a direction perpendicular to the transport direction (Cross Direction).

[0029] The first FD cutting unit 26a, the second FD cutting unit 26b, the paper processing unit 26c, and the CD cutting unit 100 are used or not used depending on the cutting mode. In addition, the first FD cutting unit 26a, the second FD cutting unit 26b, and the paper processing unit 26c change the module to be processed as appropriate depending on the cutting mode. In this embodiment, the function of the paper processing unit 26c is an essential function, and if the paper processing unit 26c is not used, the CD cutting unit 100 is configured to execute the paper deformation function of the paper processing unit 26c. The cutting mode is a cutting control mode determined based on the type of cutting, paper size, thickness, type, basis weight, etc., for processing the paper to form the final product.

[0030] The sensor 27 detects shredded paper waste at a predetermined position in the depth direction (Z direction shown in Figure 1) within the waste bin 29 and outputs the detection result to the CPU 21 (see Figure 2). In other words, the sensor 27 detects when a certain amount of shredded paper waste has accumulated in the waste bin 29.

[0031] The waste bin 29 is located below the cutting unit 26 and collects the cutting waste generated by the cutting operation of the cutting unit 26 and that falls from the cutting unit 26. The user opens the door of the post-processing device 20, removes the waste bin 29, and disposes of the cutting waste inside the waste bin 29.

[0032] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus main unit 10 includes a CPU 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, storage unit 14, paper feeding unit 15, image reading unit 16, image forming unit 17, operation display unit 18, communication I / F (Interface) 19, etc.

[0033] The CPU 11 reads the program stored in the ROM 12, loads it into the RAM 13, and controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus body 10 in cooperation with the loaded program. The ROM 12 is composed of non-volatile semiconductor memory and stores the system program, various processing programs that can be executed on the system program, and various data.

[0034] The CPU 11, along with the ROM 12, RAM 13, and storage unit 14, constitutes a control unit and controls the image formation process on the paper. The control unit controls the cutting unit 26 via the control unit of the post-processing device 20 in accordance with the cutting mode, and generates the paper as a predetermined output. In particular, the control unit controls the paper processing unit 26c in a normal mode to form perforations, creases, or cuts, or in a paper deformation mode to execute paper deformation functions.

[0035] RAM13 is composed of volatile semiconductor memory and forms a work area that temporarily stores programs, input or output data, and parameters read from ROM12 during various processes executed by CPU11.

[0036] The storage unit 14 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or non-volatile semiconductor memory, and stores various types of data.

[0037] The communication interface 19 consists of a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, etc., and transmits and receives data between the post-processing unit 20 and the PC.

[0038] The post-processing device 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a storage unit 24, a sheet conveyance unit 25, a cutting unit 26, a sensor 27, a communication I / F 28, and the like.

[0039] The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 are the same as the CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13, except that the control target of the CPU 21 is the post-processing device 20. The CPU 21, together with the ROM 22, the RAM 23, the storage unit 24, and the like, constitutes a control unit, controls the cutting unit 26 in accordance with a cutting mode, and generates a sheet as a predetermined product.

[0040] The storage unit 24 is configured by an HDD, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, or the like, and stores various types of data.

[0041] The sheet conveyance unit 25 conveys the sheet carried in from the image forming apparatus main body 10 until the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge trays T11 and T12 or the card tray T13. The communication I / F 28 is configured by an NIC, a modem, or the like, and transmits and receives data to and from the image forming apparatus main body 10.

[0042] <Cutting Unit 26> <CD Cutting Unit 100> Here, a detailed configuration of the CD cutting unit 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view illustrating a main part configuration of the CD cutting unit 100, and FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an upper blade illustrating a position of an air blowing unit in the CD cutting unit.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the CD cutting unit 100 includes a guillotine cutter 101, an upstream guide unit 103, a downstream guide unit 104, a scrap guide unit 105, a conveyance guide 107, and an air blowing unit 130.

[0044] The guillotine cutter 101 includes an upper blade 101a provided above the conveyance path D1 to extend along the CD direction of the conveyance path D1, and a lower blade 101b disposed below the conveyance path D1 to extend along the CD direction of the conveyance path D1. The CD direction of the conveyance path D1 is a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction (FD direction).

[0045] The guillotine cutter 101 cuts the paper in the transport path D1 at a cutting position where it is sandwiched between the blades of the upper blade 101a and the lower blade 101b, as the upper blade 101a moves downward relative to the fixed lower blade 101b.

[0046] The air blower unit 130 blows air from above towards the cutting position of the paper by the upper blade 101a and the lower blade 101b, promoting the fall of the paper scraps generated during cutting. The air blower unit 130 has a fan that blows air from above towards the cutting position of the CD cutting unit. The fan is of a high static pressure type, so it can blow air more effectively.

[0047] The air blower unit 130 is configured, for example, by positioning a fan to blow air from above the cutting position of the paper towards the cutting position with the lower blade 101b and the side of the upper blade 101a. The air blower unit 130 blows air at the timing when the upper blade 101a descends and cuts the paper with its lower end 101b. This makes it easier for the generated paper scraps to fall. Alternatively, the air blower unit 130 may be provided adjacent to the upper blade 101a in the FD direction, as in the air blower unit 130-1.

[0048] In the air blowing section 130, for example, the fan blows air perpendicular to the top surface of the paper. The fan is of a high static pressure type, which allows for more effective airflow. The air blowing section 130 may be arranged in multiple positions, for example, close to or adjacent to the upper blade 101a in the FD direction and spaced apart in the CD direction, as shown in air blowing section 130-1 in Figure 4.

[0049] Figures 5A and 5B show the fall paths of the paper scraps when both ends in the paper transport direction are cut. Figure 5A shows the guillotine cutter and fall path when the leading end of the paper is cut, and Figure 5B shows the guillotine cutter and fall path of the CD cutting unit for the trailing end of the paper.

[0050] The CD cutting unit 100 cuts the conveyed paper by shearing a predetermined area of ​​the paper from above and below with the upper blade 101a and the lower blade 101b, generating cutting waste. The cutting waste here consists of small or thin pieces that are easily stuck to the upper blade 101a or the lower blade 101b after cutting due to the static electricity generated during conveying. If the cutting waste is long or relatively heavy, it will fall smoothly due to its own weight without sticking to the upper blade 101a, the lower blade 101b, etc.

[0051] When paper scraps are generated at the leading edge of the paper, they fall downwards along path X1, as shown in Figure 5A. When paper scraps are generated at the trailing edge of the paper, they fall downwards along path X2, as shown in Figure 5B. During cutting, the air blower 130 blows air onto the cutting area, making it easier for the generated paper scraps to fall downwards.

[0052] Returning to Figure 3, the upstream guide section 103 is provided on the upstream side of the lower blade 101b in the FD direction, and the downstream guide section 104 is provided on the downstream side of the lower blade 101b in the FD direction.

[0053] The upstream guide section 103 is a long member that extends in the CD direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and is configured to swing via a variable mechanism 103c, allowing it to change between a position for transporting paper and a position that forms a drop path for dropping shredded paper. For example, the variable mechanism 103c has a rotating shaft R1 that pivots the upstream guide section 103, and a motor that rotates the rotating shaft R1, and the variable mechanism 103c swings the upstream guide section 103 under the control of the CPU 21.

[0054] The downstream guide section 104 is an elongated member extending in the CD direction, comprising a transport guide section 104a and a drop path forming section 104b. The downstream guide section 104 includes a variable mechanism 104c that swings the downstream guide section 104 so that either the transport guide section 104a or the drop path forming section 104b is in a functional position.

[0055] The downstream guide section 104 is installed below the transport path D1, downstream of the lower blade 101b in the FD direction, with its longitudinal direction aligned with the CD direction.

[0056] The downstream guide section 104 is configured to swing around the rotation axis R2. The downstream guide section 104 functions in one of three positions: a "conveyor guide position" (shown in Figure 2) which functions as a paper transport guide, a "path formation position" which forms a transport path (fall path) for shredded waste, or a "retraction position" which avoids the movement of the upper blade 101a. The "conveyor guide position" is the position in which the transport guide section 104a of the downstream guide section 104 is arranged parallel to the transport path D1. The "path formation position" is the position in which the downstream guide section 104 rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle from the "conveyor guide position" so that a space is formed in the transport path D1 downstream of the lower blade 101b that serves as a transport path for shredded waste.

[0057] Furthermore, the "retracted position" is a position in which the rotation angle of the downstream guide section 104 is smaller than that of the "path formation position," and the transport guide section 104a is retracted from the transport path D1. The variable mechanism 104c includes, for example, a rotating shaft R2 that pivots the downstream guide section 104, and a motor that rotates the rotating shaft R2, and swings the downstream guide section 104 under the control of the CPU 21.

[0058] The waste guide section 105 is positioned opposite the upstream guide section 103 across the transport path D1.

[0059] The waste guide section 105 is a long member comprising a transport guide surface 105a and a waste guide surface 105b. The waste guide section 105 includes a variable mechanism 105c that swings the waste guide section 105 so that either the transport guide surface 105a or the waste guide surface 105b is in a functional position, and a blower guide surface 105f that guides the air from the blower section 130.

[0060] The waste guide section 105 is installed above the transport path D1, upstream of the upper blade 101a in the FD direction, with its longitudinal direction aligned with the CD direction. The waste guide section 105 is positioned approximately opposite the upstream guide section 103.

[0061] The waste guide section 105 can swing around the rotation axis R3 and be displaced to one of the following positions: "conveying guide position", "waste guide position", or "jam processing position".

[0062] The "convey guide position" is the position in which the conveyor guide surface 105a of the waste guide section 105 is arranged parallel to the conveyor path D1 so as to function as a conveyor guide for paper. The "waste guide position" is the position in which the waste guide section 105 is rotated by a predetermined angle counterclockwise from the "convey guide position" to form a guard above the lower blade 101b that covers the lower blade 101b in order to suppress the scattering of cut waste. The "jam processing position" is the position in which the waste guide section 105 is rotated by a predetermined angle clockwise from the "convey guide position" to form a space for jam processing upstream of the lower blade 101b in order to enable jam processing when a jam occurs.

[0063] The variable mechanism 105c includes a rotating shaft R3 that pivotally supports the scrap guide section 105, and a motor that rotates the rotating shaft R3. The variable mechanism 105c is controlled by the CPU 21 and oscillates the scrap guide section 105 as described above.

[0064] The air blower guide surface 105f is formed by bending the upper part of the debris guide surface 105b by a predetermined angle. When the debris guide section 105 is converted to the "debris guide position", the air blower guide surface 150f becomes roughly parallel to the surface where the upper blade 101a rubs against the lower blade 101b, and guides the air blown from the air blower section 130 downwards.

[0065] The transport guide 107 is fixed in a position that is roughly opposite to the downstream guide section 104 across the transport path D1.

[0066] Next, the modules (26a to 26c) attached to each slit 261 to 263 of the cutting section 26 will be described in detail.

[0067] <First FD cutting section 26a, second FD cutting section 26b> The first FD cutting unit 26a and the second FD cutting unit 26b, together with the paper processing unit 26c, are modules that can be detachably installed in slots 261 to 263, and perform their functions by being appropriately mounted in any of slots 261 to 263. The first FD cutting unit 26a and the second FD cutting unit 26b, together with the paper processing unit 26c, are driven and controlled via the CPU 21 according to the control mode.

[0068] The first FD cutting unit 26a and the second FD cutting unit 26b each have a cutter capable of cutting in the transport direction, i.e., the FD direction, and are positioned with their blades facing the FD direction to cut the transported paper along the FD direction. The cutter can be configured in any way as long as it has the function of cutting in the FD direction.

[0069] The first FD cutting unit 26a, for example, when cutting a sheet of paper Y1 (see Figure 9), is equipped with a pair of cutters positioned to cut both ends of the sheet of paper Y.

[0070] The second FD cutting unit 26b has a cutter that performs cutting (dobbing) that generates scraps in the paper that have a width in the CD direction and extend in the FD direction. The cutters are provided in pairs, spaced apart in the CD direction to have a predetermined width. For example, when the second FD cutting unit 26b forms multiple elongated scraps by forming two slits of a predetermined width in the center of the paper, it is preferable to have a configuration that includes a cutter set for each slit. With this configuration, when the paper is transported to the second FD cutting unit 26b, cutting can be performed without stopping the transport of the paper.

[0071] <Paper processing section 26c> The paper processing unit 26c is a module that has the function of processing paper and using this function to process the paper and deform the processed portion. The paper processing unit 26c has, for example, one of the following functions as a paper processing function: perforation formation, crease formation, or cut formation. Using this function, it processes and deforms the area that will become the paper scraps, thereby deforming the generated paper scraps themselves. The paper processing unit 26 deforms the paper scraps themselves to make them easier to drop.

[0072] The paper processing unit 26c may include, for example, a perforation module for forming perforations in the paper, a crease module for forming folds in the paper, or a cut-out (cutting) module for forming notches. The paper processing unit 26c may also be a module having two or more of the functions of perforation, crease formation, or cut formation as its paper processing function.

[0073] If the paper processing unit 26c is a perforation forming module, it forms perforations on the paper at predetermined positions in the CD direction or FD direction. If the paper processing unit 26c is a creasing forming module, it forms creasing on the paper at predetermined positions in the CD direction or FD direction. If the paper processing unit 26c is a cut forming (cutting) module, it forms cuts on the paper at predetermined positions in the CD direction or FD direction, or cuts the paper in the CD direction or FD direction.

[0074] The paper processing unit 26c can be installed in any of the slots 261, 262, or 263, and will function when installed. However, in this embodiment, it is installed in slots 261 to 263 before the CD cutting unit 100 generates paper scraps.

[0075] The paper processing unit 26c is driven by the control unit, and when driven in paper deformation mode, it processes the areas of the paper that will become shredded waste, generating deformed shredded waste.

[0076] The paper waste KR, which is deformed by the paper processing unit 26c, is less likely to stick to the upper blade 101a due to the deformation, and even if it does stick, it is more likely to fall off when exposed to airflow.

[0077] The paper processing unit 26c processes the area of ​​the paper that will become shredded waste if the basis weight or thickness of the paper is less than a predetermined value. The predetermined value for the basis weight of the paper is a value that is smaller than the fall path when the paper falls, and is defined to make it easier for the paper to fall through the fall path, and is a value that is too large to make it difficult for the paper to fall through the fall path. The predetermined value for the thickness of the paper is a thickness that is heavy enough that the paper does not stick to the upper blade 101a even when charged with static electricity, and is a thickness that does not stick to the upper blade 101a even when charged with static electricity.

[0078] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C show examples of deformed paper scraps, and Figure 7 shows an example of the blade portion of the paper processing unit that forms the deformed paper scraps shown in Figure 6A.

[0079] Figure 6A shows the cut waste KR1 with perforations 51 formed, Figure 6B shows the cut waste KR2 with creases 52 formed, and Figure 6C shows the cut waste KR3 with notches 53 formed.

[0080] For example, when forming perforations 51 in the paper cutting waste area of ​​the paper (see cutting waste KR1 in Figure 6A), the perforation forming module is applied to the paper processing unit 26c.

[0081] For example, when the paper processing unit 26c is to form a crease 52 in the paper waste area (see paper waste KR2 in Figure 6B), a crease module is applied. Also, when the paper processing unit 26c is to form a notch 53 (see paper waste KR3 in Figure 6C), a notch forming module or the like is applied.

[0082] If the paper processing unit 26c is a perforation forming module, perforations are formed in the paper waste area in the CD direction or FD direction. If the paper processing unit 26c is a crease forming module, creases are formed in the paper waste area in the CD direction or FD direction. The perforations 51, folds 52, and cuts 53 are processed so that they pass through the center of the areas that become the paper waste KR1 to KR3, thereby deforming the paper.

[0083] Each of the perforations 51, folds 52, and cuts 53 is formed by processing so that they pass through the center in the FD direction and extend in the CD direction in the region that becomes the cutting waste KR1 to KR3.

[0084] If the paper processing unit 26c is, for example, a perforation forming module, it has a rotating blade 265 with perforation forming teeth that rotate in the CD direction, arranged at predetermined intervals around its outer circumference, as shown in Figure 7.

[0085] The rotary blade 265 has a rotation axis that extends in the transport direction, allowing it to form perforations 51 in the CD direction on the paper. In this case, if the CD direction is longer than the FD direction in the cut waste, the rotary blade 265 can form perforations 51 at multiple locations in the cut waste area of ​​the paper simply by moving it in the CD direction.

[0086] Furthermore, if the paper processing unit 26c is a crease forming module having a crease forming unit, it has corners that extend vertically in the CD direction, and a crease is formed in the paper by sandwiching the paper between the corners and pressing them together. Also, if it is a notch forming module equipped with a cutter, notches are appropriately formed in the paper cutting waste area.

[0087] Processed areas such as perforations 51, folds 52, and cuts 53 are formed in the CD direction in areas of the paper that will become trimming waste. In this case, when the paper processing unit 26c is transported to a position where it can be processed, multiple processed areas can be formed in multiple areas at once simply by positioning the rotating blade 265 in the center in the FD direction and moving it in the CD direction. This allows for efficient formation of processed areas in each region.

[0088] Although these processed areas were described as being formed in the CD direction in the area that becomes paper scraps, the formation direction may also be the FD direction. If the formation direction is the FD direction, the deformation processing, which is the process of forming processed areas in the area arranged in the FD direction, can be performed without stopping the paper transport, and the cutting process can be performed efficiently.

[0089] Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C show examples of blown-air-blown cutting waste. Figure 8A shows the state in which conventional cutting waste K falls due to the blowing of air after cutting, and Figure 8B shows the state in which the cutting waste K is stuck to the upper blade 101a after cutting. Figure 8C shows the state in which the deformed cutting waste KR is blown-air-blown according to this embodiment.

[0090] As shown in Figure 8A, in conventional devices, the cutting waste K generated after cutting is blown downwards by air from above, but sometimes the cutting waste K does not fall and sticks to the moving upper blade 101a, as shown in Figure 8B. In contrast, when the image forming apparatus 1 forms cutting waste KR2 (see Figure 6B) with folds 52 as deformed cutting waste, the entire cutting waste KR2 becomes bent, and the folds create air resistance.

[0091] As a result, as shown in Figure 8C, even if the cutting waste KR2 is likely to stick to the upper blade 101a due to static electricity, the cutting waste KR2 will easily fall off when exposed to airflow from above at the fold 52. Furthermore, even if perforations 51 or notches 53 are formed in the cutting waste, these will create air resistance when air is blown onto them, making it easier for the cutting waste to fall.

[0092] Furthermore, the formation of perforations 51, folds 52, and notches 53 makes it less likely for the paper to stick to the upper blade 101a, allowing it to fall off easily. In this way, even thin paper or small pieces of cut paper can be easily dropped, preventing jams caused by cut paper remaining in the transport path.

[0093] <Cutting example 1> Here, we will explain an example of paper that generates trimming waste when forming an output product in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0094] Figure 9 is a plan view showing an example of a product that generates cutting scraps, and Figure 10 is a plan view showing the state in which small pieces of cutting scraps are generated in Figure 9.

[0095] In the image forming apparatus 1, for example, an image is formed on paper Y1, and a cutting process is performed in the cutting unit 26 to form three deliverables that extend in the transport direction, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0096] In the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1, paper (paper Y1 shown in Figure 9) is transported from the main body of the image forming apparatus 10. In the cutting section 26, the first cutting section 26a in slot 261 cuts the slits K1-1 and K1-2 in paper Y1 to form slits K1-1 and K1-2. In addition, the second cutting section 26b in slot 262 cuts the dove slits K2-1 and K2-2 to form dove slits K2-1 and K2-2.

[0097] Next, in the cutting section 26, the paper processing section 26c in the slot 263 is divided by the length L (mm) of the leading edge and the length L (mm) of the trailing edge of the paper Y1, and processes the area that will become the small piece of paper scrap KR. For example, the paper processing section 26c is designed to form a deformed piece of paper scrap KR2 (see Figure 8B) having a fold 52.

[0098] For example, the length L (mm) of the cutting portion at the tip is shorter than the length L1 in the FD direction of the path X1 (see Figure 11) from which the cutting debris generated by the CD cutting portion 100 can fall. The length of the cutting portion at the rear end is the same as that of path X1, in the F direction of path X2. Cut the material so that its length is smaller than the length in the D direction.

[0099] Figure 11 shows the state in which cutting debris is generated by the cutting section in an image forming apparatus. Figure 11 also shows a schematic side view and a plan view of the cutting debris KR2.

[0100] As a result, when the paper Y1 is cut into CD pieces and small pieces of scraps KR2 are generated in the CD cutting section 100 shown in Figure 11, the scraps KR2 are blown by the air blower section 130 and fall nicely into the path X1 without sticking to the upper blade 101a.

[0101] <Cutting example 2> Figure 12 is a plan view showing an example of a product that generates cutting scraps. As shown in Figure 12, when forming a product that is 10L (mm) shorter in the FD direction than the paper Y2 and trimmed by L (mm) on both sides of the trailing end L (mm), the trimmed portion K3 in the FD direction is trimmed by CD at intervals of length L so that it passes through the path X1. When forming this product, no small pieces of trimming waste are generated, so the paper processing unit 26c does not need to be used.

[0102] <Cutting example 3> Figure 13 is a plan view showing an example of a sheet of paper containing the resulting waste material, and Figure 14 is a plan view showing the waste material and the resulting product in the sheet of paper shown in Figure 13.

[0103] When processing the paper Y3 shown in Figure 13, the cutting unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 1 cuts the slits K1-1 and K1-2 with the first FD cutting unit 26a, and cuts the dove slits K2-1 and K2-2 with the second FD cutting unit 26b.

[0104] Next, in the paper processing section 26c, deformation processing is performed to form perforations, creases, or notches in each region that will become cutting waste (small pieces) KR at intervals of length L (mm) from the tip. Here, deformation processing is performed in three locations in the CD direction and multiple times (10 times in this case) in the FD direction.

[0105] Subsequently, the CD cutting unit 100 performs CD cutting 10 times consecutively at a section of length L in the FD direction. This produces the output shown in Figure 14. In this way, the image forming apparatus 1 makes it easier for the cutting waste KR to fall off by processing the portion of the paper Y3 that will become the cutting waste KR before cutting.

[0106] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

[0107] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be noted that the above description illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, the description of the configuration of the apparatus and the shape of each part is merely an example, and it is clear that various modifications and additions to these examples are possible within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0108] The post-processing device and image display device according to the present invention have the effect of easily dropping even thin paper or small pieces of scrap paper, and are useful as devices for printing presses and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Image forming apparatus 10 Image forming apparatus main unit 14 Storage section 15 Paper feed section 16 Image reading unit 17 Image forming unit 18 Operation display section 20 Post-processing equipment 24 Memory section 25 Paper transport section 26 Cutting section 26a First cutting section 26b Second cutting section 26c Paper processing department 27 Sensors 29 Waste bin 51 perforations 52 folds 53 Cut section 100 CD cutting section 101 Guillotine Cutter 101a Upper blade 101b Lower blade 130 Air blower (fall acceleration unit) Slots 261, 262, 263 265 rotary blades X Falling path (falling section) Y1, Y2, Y3 paper

Claims

1. A cutting unit that cuts the transported paper in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, generating waste, A paper processing unit capable of processing the transported paper, and processing and deforming the area of ​​the paper that will be cut by the cutting unit and become waste, Having, Post-processing equipment.

2. The device has a blower that blows air from above toward the cutting position of the cutting section, thereby promoting the fall of the scraps generated at the cutting position. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The paper processing unit forms perforations or creases in the area. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The paper processing unit processes the area based on at least one of the basis weight and paper thickness of the paper. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The paper processing unit processes the area when the basis weight or paper thickness of the paper is less than a predetermined value. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The paper processing unit performs the formation of the perforations or creases in the area before the cutting unit cuts the paper. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 3.

7. The paper processing unit performs the processing of the area in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction or extending in the transport direction. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The cutting unit is configured to cut the leading edge of the paper multiple times in a row at predetermined intervals in the transport direction to generate a series of continuous scraps. The predetermined interval is smaller than the length of the path through which the debris falls in the transport direction. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The paper processing unit processes the area that will become waste so that it passes through the center of the area. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned air blowing unit is a fan that blows air perpendicular to the upper surface of the paper. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 2.

11. The aforementioned fan is of a high static pressure type. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The aforementioned fan is driven at the time the paper is cut. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 10.

13. A post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, An image forming apparatus main body that forms an image on the aforementioned paper and discharges the paper with the image formed on it to the post-processing device, An image forming apparatus having the following features.

Images