Post-processing device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a post-processing device capable of performing positioning of a recording medium in post-processing by a post-processing part which stops at a post-processing position other than a stop position, without hindering the movement of the post-processing part passing the stop position or toward the stop position, and to provide an image forming device.SOLUTION: A post-processing device includes: a passage extending in one direction; a post-processing part which moves on a flat surface along the passage, and which stops at a plurality of post-processing positions including a predetermined stop position and performs post-processing with respect to a recording medium; and a positioning part which is the positioning part provided at the stop position and against which an end part of the recording medium abuts when the post-processing part performs post-processing at the post-processing position other than the stop position, and which retreats with respect to the post-processing part when the post-processing part passes the stop position or moves toward the stop position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A post-processing device that aligns and stacks multiple sheets of recording paper and staples (binds) them has been known for some time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this post-processing device, the stapler is configured to be movable from the back to the front of the device body, enabling stapling in multiple positions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-95555 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a post-processing device and an image forming device that can position a recording medium during post-processing by a post-processing unit that stops at a post-processing position other than a stop position without interfering with the movement of the post-processing unit passing through or toward the stop position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, a post-processing device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a passage extending in one direction, a post-processing unit that moves on a plane along the passage and stops at a plurality of post-processing positions including a predetermined stop position to perform post-processing on the recording medium, and a positioning unit that is provided at the stop position and against which an end of the recording medium abuts when the post-processing unit performs post-processing at a post-processing position other than the stop position, and that retracts relative to the post-processing unit when the post-processing unit passes through the stop position or moves toward the stop position.

[0006] A post-processing device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the post-processing device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the positioning unit retracts by rotating about a rotation axis that intersects with the plane.

[0007] A post-processing device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a post-processing device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the positioning unit retracts to a retracted position by coming into contact with the post-processing unit moving from one side to the other in the one direction relative to the stop position.

[0008] A post-processing device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a post-processing device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the positioning unit retracts to another retract position by coming into contact with the post-processing unit moving from the other side to one side in the one direction relative to the stop position.

[0009] A post-processing device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the post-processing device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, further including a biasing unit that biases a restoring force toward the stop position against the positioning unit that is retracted to at least one of the retracted position or the other retracted position.

[0010] A post-processing device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the post-processing device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, further including: a main body; an intervening part that rotates relative to both the main body and the positioning part around a rotation axis that intersects the plane; a first urging part that is part of the urging part and is provided between the positioning part and the intervening part and urging the positioning part, which is retracted to the retracted position, with a restoring force toward the stop position; and a second urging part that is another part of the urging part and is provided between the main body and the intervening part and urging the positioning part, which is retracted to the other retracted position, with a restoring force toward the stop position via the intervening part.

[0011] A post-processing device according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the post-processing device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present disclosure, further including another post-processing unit that moves on the plane along the path and stops at a plurality of positions including the stop position to perform a post-processing different from that of the post-processing unit on the recording medium, wherein the standby position at which the post-processing unit waits when not in use is a position from an end on the other side in one direction of the path in a direction intersecting the one direction, and the other standby position at which the other post-processing unit waits when not in use is a position further to the other side from the end on the other side in one direction of the path, and an initial position when the post-processing unit or the other post-processing unit starts post-processing is a position on the other side of the end on the one direction of the path. the position at one end in the direction of the stop position and different from the post-processing position, the post-processing unit moves to the initial position when the other post-processing unit is waiting at the other waiting position and then performs post-processing, the other post-processing unit moves to the initial position when the post-processing unit is waiting at the waiting position and then performs post-processing, the positioning unit is abutted against the end of the recording medium when the post-processing unit or the other post-processing unit performs post-processing at the post-processing position other than the stop position, and retracts relative to the post-processing unit or the other post-processing unit when the post-processing unit or the other post-processing unit passes through the stop position or moves toward the stop position.

[0012] An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes an image forming means that transports a recording medium and forms an image on the recording medium, and a post-processing device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present disclosure that is arranged downstream of the image forming means in the transport direction of the recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the post-processing device of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the recording medium can be positioned by the positioning unit during post-processing by the post-processing unit that stops at a post-processing position other than the stop position, without interfering with the movement of the post-processing unit passing through or toward the stop position.

[0014] According to the post-processing device of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the space required for the positioning unit to retreat can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the positioning unit is retreated by moving it translationally in a direction intersecting one direction.

[0015] According to the post-processing device of the third aspect of the present disclosure, the positioning unit can be retracted with a simpler configuration than a configuration in which an actuator is used to retract the positioning unit relative to the post-processing device that moves to the other side in one direction.

[0016] According to the post-processing device of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the positioning unit can be retracted with a simpler configuration than a configuration in which an actuator is used to retract the positioning unit relative to a post-processing device that moves to one side in one direction.

[0017] According to the post-processing device of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the positioning unit can be restored to its stop position with a simpler configuration than a configuration in which an actuator is used to restore a positioning unit that has been retracted to a retracted position or another retracted position to its stop position.

[0018] According to the post-processing device of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the structure of the first urging portion and the second urging portion can be simplified compared to a configuration in which both the first urging portion and the second urging portion directly urge against the positioning portion.

[0019] According to the post-processing device of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the recording medium can be positioned by the positioning unit during post-processing by each of the two post-processing units that stop at a post-processing position other than the stop position, without interfering with the movement of each of the two post-processing units passing through or toward the stop position.

[0020] According to the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus can be provided that includes a post-processing device that can position a recording medium with a positioning unit during post-processing by a post-processing unit that stops at a position other than the stop position without interfering with the movement of the post-processing unit passing through or toward the stop position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic plan view showing a binding processing unit of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure for moving staple-containing binding members and staple-less binding members of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a side view illustrating a main part of the staple-containing binding member of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 5] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams for explaining positions at which staple-containing binding members and staple-less binding members of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2 stop. [Figure 6] 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation when a stack of paper sheets is obliquely bound using staple-containing binding members of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation when flat-binding a stack of paper sheets using staple-equipped binding members of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a movable abutting member according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 3 is a schematic diagram of an abutting member of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the front side in the depth direction. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the loading plate to which the movable abutment member is attached, as viewed from below, according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view of the movable abutting member in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the movable abutting member shown in FIG. 10 is rotated in a first direction. FIG. [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the movable abutting member shown in FIG. 10 is rotated in a second direction. FIG. [Figure 14] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a first state for explaining an operation when flat-binding a stack of paper sheets using the staple-free binding member of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 15]10 is an explanatory diagram showing a second state for explaining the operation when flat-binding a stack of paper sheets using the staple-free binding members of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a third state for illustrating the operation when flat-binding a stack of paper sheets using the staple-free binding members of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth state for illustrating the operation when flat-binding a stack of paper-sheets using the staple-free binding members of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, each embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scope necessary for the explanation to achieve the object of the present disclosure will be schematically shown below, and the scope necessary for explaining the relevant parts of the present disclosure will be mainly explained, and the parts for which explanation is omitted will be considered to be publicly known technologies.

[0023] <Image forming device> Fig. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment may include an image forming unit 10, a conveying unit 20, and a post-processing unit 30. In the following description, the X direction shown in Fig. 1 is provisionally defined as the horizontal direction, the Y direction as the depth direction, and the Z direction as the height direction. Here, the image forming unit 10 is an example of an image forming means, and the post-processing unit 30 is an example of a post-processing device.

[0024] The image forming unit 10 may include an image forming unit main body 11, in which an image forming section 12 and two paper storage sections 13 are arranged. A transport path 14 may also be provided within the image forming unit main body 11.

[0025] The image forming unit 12 is for forming an image on a sheet of paper P (or a stack of sheets of paper PB) as an example of a recording medium. The image forming unit 12 can form an image on the sheet of paper P by an electrophotographic method in which a toner image previously attached to a photosensitive drum 15 is transferred onto the sheet of paper P to form an image. The image forming method in the image forming unit 12 is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and it is also possible to use an inkjet method in which an image is formed by ejecting ink onto the sheet of paper P. Furthermore, although the sheet of paper P is generally made of paper, it can also be other materials on which printing can be performed, such as other film-like materials.

[0026] The two paper storage sections 13 each store paper P of different sizes and types in a stacked state. The paper P stored in each paper storage section 13 is supplied one sheet at a time to the image forming section 12. The number of paper storage sections 13 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

[0027] The transport path 14 is used to transport paper P to a desired position within the image forming unit 10, and transports paper P supplied from the paper storage section 13 and on which an image has been formed in the image forming section 12 so as to be discharged outside the image forming unit main body 11. A plurality of transport rolls 16 are disposed at appropriate positions within the transport path 14.

[0028] The transport unit 20 has a transport unit main body 21, and a plurality of transport rolls 22 are arranged inside the transport unit main body 21. The transport unit 20 is arranged to connect the paper discharge outlet of the image forming unit 10 and the paper intake inlet of the post-processing unit 30, and is provided with a transport path 23 inside for transporting the paper P discharged from the image forming unit 10 into the post-processing unit main body 31. A hole punching device (not shown) for punching holes in the paper P can also be arranged inside the transport unit 20.

[0029] <Post-processing device> A post-processing unit 30, which is an example of a post-processing device, is provided downstream of the image forming unit 10 in the transport direction of the paper P, and has a post-processing unit main body 31, within which a binding unit 40 is disposed. The binding unit 40 is for binding a plurality of paper sheets P. A discharge section 32 is attached to the post-processing unit main body 31, to which the paper sheets P or the paper stack PB bound by the binding unit 40 are discharged. A transport path 33 including a plurality of transport rolls 34 is formed within the post-processing unit main body 31, and this transport path 33 transports the paper sheets P transported into the post-processing unit main body 31 to the binding unit 40.

[0030] The binding processing unit 40 may include a stacking plate 41, an abutting member 42, a paddle 43, a tamper 44, an ejection roll 45, and a binding processing device 46. Of these, the stacking plate 41 may be a plate-shaped member on which the sheets P transported from the transport path 33 are stacked. The stacking plate 41 is inclined at an arbitrary angle (for example, approximately 30°) so that the end of the stacking plate 41 on the side where the binding processing device 46 is located is positioned lower in the height direction than the end on the opposite side. In addition, the abutting member (sometimes referred to as an end wall) 42 is provided at the end of the stacking plate 41 on the side where the binding processing device 46 is located. The abutting member 42 abuts the rear ends of the multiple sheets P in the transport direction, thereby aligning the positions of the multiple sheets P in the transport direction. As described above, because the stacking plate 41 is inclined at an arbitrary angle, the sheets P transported onto the stacking plate 41 are likely to move toward the abutting member 42 due to their own weight. The abutting member 42 in this embodiment includes a fixed abutting member 80 and a movable abutting member 90, the details of which will be described later. The paddle 43 is provided on the upper surface of the stacking plate 41 and rotates by receiving a driving force from a drive source (not shown), thereby contacting the surface of the sheets P transported onto the stacking plate 41 and pushing the sheets P toward the abutting member 42. The tamper 44 is movable in a direction transverse to the transport direction of the sheets P along the depth direction (hereinafter, this direction will also be referred to as the "width direction (of the sheets P)"). The tamper 44 operates to pinch both widthwise ends of the sheets P, thereby aligning the widthwise positions of the sheets P (sheet stack PB). The discharge roll 45 is operable to discharge the sheet stack PB after being bound by a binding device 46 (described later) to the discharge section 32.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the binding processing unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1. As described above, the entire binding processing unit 40 is inclined at an arbitrary angle with respect to the horizontal direction. However, in FIG. 2, the plane viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the inclined binding processing unit 40 is defined as the plane. As shown in FIG. 2, the binding processing device 46 of the binding processing unit 40 according to this embodiment is an apparatus capable of performing multiple types of binding processes as an example of post-processing on one or more locations on the end of a plurality of sheets P (i.e., a stack of sheets PB) stacked on the stacking plate 41, the end being closer to the abutting member 42. Accordingly, the binding processing device 46 according to this embodiment can be configured such that a staple-containing binding member 50 that binds a plurality of sheets P using staples and a staple-less binding member 60 that binds a plurality of sheets P without using staples are supported by a movable body support member 70. Here, the staple-containing binding member 50 is an example of a post-processing portion, and the staple-less binding member 60 is an example of another post-processing portion.

[0032] The movable body support member 70 may include a support plate 71 and a guide rail 72 formed on the support plate 71. Of these, the support plate 71 can mainly be a flat plate-shaped member that is long in the depth direction. This support plate 71 may be composed of a main body portion 711 located in the longitudinal center of the support plate 71 and having a guide rail 72 extending in the depth direction formed thereon; an initial portion 712 located on the front side of the support plate 71 in the depth direction and including at least an initial position P1 (see Figure 5) of the staple-containing binding material 50 and the staple-free binding material 60; a first waiting portion 713 located on the rear side of the support plate 71 in the depth direction and extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the main body portion 711 and including at least a first waiting position P2 (see Figure 5) where the staple-containing binding material 50 waits when not in use; and a second waiting portion 714 located on the rear side of the support plate 71 in the depth direction and extending in the same direction as the extension direction of the main body portion 711 and including at least a second waiting position P3 (see Figure 5) where the staple-free binding material 60 waits when not in use. The staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-less binding members 60 move on the plane of the support plate 71. Here, the guide rail 72 is an example of a passage, the first standby position is an example of a standby position, and the second standby position is an example of another standby position.

[0033] The guide rail 72 may be formed as a long hole that penetrates vertically through the surface of the support plate 71. The guide rail 72 may include a main guide path 721 that is provided mainly in the main body portion 711 of the support plate 71 and extends in the depth direction (corresponding to one direction) along one side that constitutes the end face of the sheets P stacked on the stacking plate 41, a curved path 722 that is provided mainly in the initial portion 712 of the support plate 71 and extends in a curved manner from an end portion on the front side of the depth direction of the main guide path 721 (corresponding to one side in the one direction) toward the conveying direction, a first standby path 723 that is provided mainly in the first standby portion 713 of the support plate 71 and extends in a curved manner from a branch path 725 that is formed at an end portion on the rear side of the main guide path 721 toward the conveying direction that intersects with the depth direction, and a second standby path 724 that is provided mainly in the second standby portion 714 of the support plate 71 and extends from the branch path 725 further toward the rear side in the depth direction (corresponding to the other side in the one direction). As described above, the first standby path 723 and the second standby path 724 branch off in different directions from the branch path 725. The vicinity of the end of the first standby path 723 corresponds to the first standby position P2, and the vicinity of the end of the second standby path 724 corresponds to the second standby position P3 (see FIG. 5).

[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the movement structure of the staple-containing binding members and the staple-free binding members of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2, and shows a part of the support plate in perspective to show the structure behind the support plate. FIG. 4 is a side view of the staple-containing binding members of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2. In the binding processing device 46 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-free binding members 60 move along the guide rails 72. Specifically, the staple-containing binding members 50 move along a path defined by the curved path 722, the main guide path 721, the branch path 725, and the first standby path 724 on the guide rails 72. This allows the staple-containing binding members 50 to move back and forth between the first standby position P2 (see FIG. 5) and the initial position P1 (see FIG. 5). As shown particularly in Figures 3 and 4, this staple-containing binding element 50 may include a staple-side insertion pin 51, a staple-side rack 52, a staple-side pinion 53, a staple-side drive unit 54, a staple-side inner wheel 55, and a staple-side outer wheel 56 to achieve its movement.

[0035] The staple-containing side insertion pin 51 is inserted into the guide rail 72 to guide the movement direction of the staple-containing binding member 50. The staple-containing side rack 52 is composed of a rack gear provided on the back side of the support plate 71 along the path along which the staple-containing binding member 50 moves. The staple-containing side pinion 53 is composed of a pinion gear that meshes with the staple-containing side rack 52. The staple-containing side drive unit 54 includes a drive source such as a motor, is fixed to the staple-containing side insertion pin 51, and supplies drive force to the staple-containing side pinion 53.

[0036] Furthermore, one or more, for example, two, staple-side inner wheels 55 are rotatably fixed to the underside of the staple-containing binding member 50, and roll on the inside (conveyance direction side) of the guide rail 72 on the upper surface of the support plate 71 while supporting the staple-containing binding member 50. Furthermore, one or more, for example, two, staple-side outer wheels 56 are rotatably fixed to the underside of the staple-containing binding member 50, and roll on the outside (opposite the conveyance direction) of the guide rail 72 on the upper surface of the support plate 71 while supporting the staple-containing binding member 50. The staple-containing binding member 50 including the above-described configuration moves along the staple-side rack 52 while rolling the staple-side inner wheel 55 and the staple-side outer wheel 56 by operating the staple-side drive unit 54 and rotating the staple-side pinion 53.

[0037] The staple-free binding component 60 moves along a movement path defined by a curved path 722, a main guide path 721, a branch path 725, and a second standby path 724 on the guide rail 72. This allows the staple-free binding component 60 to move back and forth between a second standby position P3 (see FIG. 5) and an initial position P1 (see FIG. 5). The staple-free binding component 60 can also move along the movement path by being provided with a drive structure similar to that of the staple-containing binding component 50. That is, the staple-free binding component 60 can be configured to include a staple-free-side insertion pin 61, a staple-free-side rack 62, a staple-free-side pinion 63, a staple-free-side drive unit (not shown), a staple-free-side inner wheel (not shown), and a staple-free-side outer wheel (not shown). Details of the drive structure are similar to those of the staple-containing binding component 50, and therefore will not be described here. The drive structures of the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-less binding members 60 described above are not limited to those described above as long as they are movable along the guide rails 72, and can be changed to other structures.

[0038] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining positions at which the staple-containing binding members and the staple-less binding members of the binding processing unit shown in Fig. 2 stop. As shown in Fig. 5, the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-less binding members 60 move along guide rails 72 and stop at a plurality of preset positions. The stopping positions include an initial position P1 located on the initial portion 712 when the staple-containing binding member 50 and the staple-free binding member 60 perform the binding operation, a first waiting position P2 where the staple-containing binding member 50 waits so as not to interfere with the movement of the staple-free binding member 60 when the staple-free binding member 60 performs the binding operation, a second waiting position P3 where the staple-free binding member 60 waits so as not to interfere with the movement of the staple-containing binding member 50 when the staple-containing binding member 50 performs the binding operation, a first binding position P4 and a second binding position P5 for flat-stitching two adjacent locations along one side of the paper stack PB that abuts against the abutting member 42, and a third binding position P6 for diagonally stitching one corner of the side of the paper stack PB that abuts against the abutting member 42. Of these, the initial position P1 and the first to third binding positions P4 to P6 are positions where both the staple-containing binding member 50 and the staple-less binding member 60 stop. Note that in the present embodiment, only the third binding position P6, which binds the left corner of the sheet bundle PB (sheets P) in the figure, is illustrated as an example of a position for diagonally binding the sheet bundle PB, but a stop position for binding the right corner of the sheet bundle PB in the figure may be provided separately. Here, the first to third binding positions P4 to P6 are examples of post-processing positions, and the first binding position P4 is also an example of a stop position.

[0039] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation when a stack of paper sheets is diagonally bound using the staple-containing binding members of the binding processing unit shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation when a stack of paper sheets is flat-stitched using the staple-containing binding members of the binding processing unit shown in Fig. 2. Here, to explain an example of a series of binding operations using the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-less binding members 60, a brief explanation will be given using the binding operation using the staple-containing binding members 50 as an example. The staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-less binding members 60 have first standby position P2 and second standby position P3 set as home positions. When performing diagonal binding using the staple-containing binding element 50, as shown in FIG. 6, the staple-free binding element 60 is waiting at the second standby position P3, and the staple-side drive unit 54 is operated to move from the first standby path 723 through the main guide path 721 to the initial position P1 on the curved path 722, and then to the third binding position P6, where it binds a corner of the sheet stack PB. When performing flat binding using the staple-containing binding element 50, as shown in FIG. 7, the staple-free binding element 60 is waiting at the second standby position P3, and the staple-side drive unit 54 is operated to move from the first standby path 723 through the main guide path 721 to the initial position P1 on the curved path 722, and then to the second binding position P5, where it binds a position adjacent to one side of the sheet stack PB. Next, it moves to the first binding position P4, where it similarly binds a position adjacent to one side of the sheet stack PB. After the series of binding operations is completed, the sheet feeder returns to the first standby position P2 and waits for the next operation instruction.

[0040] Next, the structure of the abutting member 42 of the post-processing device according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the abutting member 42 according to this embodiment employs two members, a fixed abutting member 80 and a movable abutting member 90, in order to align the positions of multiple sheets P in the transport direction. Here, the movable abutting member 90 is an example of a positioning portion.

[0041] The fixed abutting member 80 is a member whose cross section is bent into a substantially hook shape, and whose one end is attached to the approximate center of the end of the stacking plate 41 on the side where the binding device 46 is located. The inner central portion of the fixed abutting member 80 bent into a hook shape forms a surface that extends approximately perpendicular to the extension direction of the upper surface of the stacking plate 41, and this surface serves as a first abutting surface 81 (see FIG. 9 ) of the fixed abutting member 80. When one side of the paper sheets P abuts against this first abutting surface 81, the positions of the paper sheets P in the conveyance direction are aligned. Furthermore, the position and size of the fixed abutting member 80, including its depth direction length, are adjusted so as not to interfere with the binding operation and so as not to overlap with the positions where the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-free binding members 60 perform the binding operation, specifically, the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-free binding members 60 stopped at the first and second binding positions P4 and P5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the size is adjusted so that it can be placed in the gap between the first and second binding positions P4 and P5.

[0042] However, as described above, the fixed abutting member 80 has limitations in its position and depth direction length. Therefore, if the position of the sheet stack PB in the transport direction is to be aligned using only the fixed abutting member 80, particularly when the sheets P are large, the sheets P may be tilted at an angle, and the positioning of the sheets P may not be reliably performed, particularly when performing the binding operation. One method for improving this issue is to additionally provide a member similar to the fixed abutting member 80 at a position different from the position where the fixed abutting member 80 is provided. However, due to its structure, the fixed abutting member 80 cannot be provided at a position overlapping with the positions where the staple-containing binding member 50 and the staple-less binding member 60 stop to perform the binding operation (in this embodiment, the first to third binding positions P4 to P6). Therefore, the fixed abutting member 80 must be added at a position other than the positions. In this case, the binding processing unit 40 becomes larger. Therefore, the abutment member 42 in this embodiment is configured to have a movable abutment member 90 positioned at one of the positions where the staple-containing binding member 50 and the staple-less binding member 60 stop to perform the binding operation, specifically at a position corresponding to the first binding position P4.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a movable abutment member according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the abutment member of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the front side in the depth direction. In FIG. 9, the movement trajectory of the staple-containing binding material 50 moving along the guide rail 72 is indicated by a dotted line. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the movable abutment member 90 according to this embodiment may include a substantially annular rotating portion 91 including a rotation axis AR, a first arm 92 extending from a side of the rotating portion 91 in a direction intersecting the rotation axis AR, and a second arm 93 extending from an end of the first arm 92 in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first arm 92 and having a second abutment surface 94 on one surface thereof. As shown in FIG. 9, the rotating portion 91 is rotatably attached to the underside of the loading plate 41 using a mounting bolt 110 (see FIG. 10). 9, the mounting position of the second abutment surface 94 of the movable abutment member 90 attached to the loading plate 41 is adjusted so that its position in the conveying direction is aligned with that of the first abutment surface 81 of the fixed abutment member 80 when viewed from the depth direction (and height direction) (in other words, so that the two are substantially flush with each other). Here, the loading plate 41 to which the movable abutment member 90 is attached is an example of a main body.

[0044] 9, in a state in which the movable abutment member 90 having the above-described configuration can abut and support the paper sheets P against the second abutment surface 94, mainly the second arm 92 portion overlaps with the movement trajectory of the staple-containing binding member 50 (or the staple-less binding member 60). In addition, in a state in which the movable abutment member 90 can abut and support the paper sheets P against the second abutment surface 94, the movable abutment member 90 is also provided such that a portion of the first arm 92 and the second arm 92 overlap with the first binding position P4. In view of this point, the movable abutment member 90 according to this embodiment employs a structure that does not hinder the movement of the staple-containing binding member 50 and the staple-less binding member 60. Specifically, a structure is adopted in which the rotating portion 91 of the movable abutment member 90 is rotatably attached to the underside of the stacking plate 41, thereby enabling the movable abutment member 90 to move between an operating position OP (see FIG. 10) where it can support one side of the sheets P on the stacking plate 41 together with the fixed abutment member 80, and first and second retracted positions EP1 and EP2 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) where the entire movable abutment member 90 is retracted outside the movement trajectories of the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-less binding members 60. Here, "retracted" refers to a position in which the entire movable abutment member 90 does not overlap with the movement trajectories of the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-less binding members 60 that move along the guide rails 72. In addition, the first and second retracted positions EP1 and EP2 move in different directions relative to the operating position OP. Specifically, the first retracted position EP1 is a position where the movable abutting member 90 has rotated in a first direction toward the rear in the depth direction, and the second retracted position EP2 is a position where the movable abutting member 90 has rotated in a second direction toward the front in the depth direction. The first retracted position EP1 is an example of a retracted position, and the second retracted position EP2 is an example of another retracted position. The operating position OP can also be said to be an example of a stop position.

[0045] By providing the above-described configuration, the movable abutment member 90 according to this embodiment does not impede the movement of the stapled binding members 50 and the stapleless binding members 60 passing through or moving toward the first binding position P4. Additionally, during the binding operation using the stapled binding members 50 and the stapleless binding members 60 that stop at binding positions P5 and P6 other than the first binding position P4, the movable abutment member 90 can be set to an operating position OP that supports one side of the sheet stack PB, thereby enabling positioning of the sheet stack PB. Furthermore, the movable abutment member 90 rotates about a rotation axis AR that intersects with the plane of the support plate 71, thereby realizing movement between the operating position OP and the first and second retracted positions EP1 and EP2. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the movable abutment member 90 is moved, for example, in a translational manner along the conveyance direction to move between the operating position and the retracted position, a smaller space is required for the movable abutment member 90 to retract.

[0046] The movement between the operating position OP and the first and second retracted positions EP1, EP2 can also be achieved by a well-known actuator such as a motor. However, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted that allows the movable abutting member 90 to be moved without using an actuator. The movement structure of the movable abutting member 90 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0047] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view from below of a portion of the load plate according to this embodiment to which a movable abutment member is attached. Fig. 11 is a see-through view of the movable abutment member in Fig. 10. Note that Figs. 10 and 11 show a state in which the movable abutment member 90 is located in the operating position OP. In Fig. 11, the first torsion spring S1 is omitted for simplification of the drawing. As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the movable abutment member 90 is rotatably attached to the load plate 41 via an intervening member 100. Here, the intervening member 100 is an example of an intervening portion.

[0048] The intervening member 100 can be configured as a plate-like member that is rotatable relative to both the loading plate 41 and the movable abutment member 90 about a rotation axis AR. Like the movable abutment member 90, the intervening member 100 is attached to the loading plate 41 with a mounting bolt 110 and is rotatable about the rotation axis AR. Furthermore, an intervening member-side interlocking protrusion 103 is provided on the surface of the intervening member 100 adjacent to the movable abutment member 90, at a position adjacent to the rotation axis AR, for moving the intervening member 100 integrally with the movable abutment member 90. When the movable abutment member 90 rotates in the second direction (clockwise in FIG. 10 ), the intervening member-side interlocking protrusion 103 comes into contact with and is pressed by a butt-member-side interlocking protrusion 95 provided on the rotating portion 91, thereby moving the movable abutment member 90 and the intervening member 100 integrally.

[0049] First and second torsion springs S1 and S2 are respectively disposed between the movable abutment member 90 and the interposition member 100, and between the interposition member 100 and the underside of the loading plate 41. The first and second torsion springs S1 and S2 are disposed so that the rotation axis AR is located inside the wound portion of each spring. Here, the first torsion spring S1 is an example of a first biasing portion or biasing portion, and the second torsion spring S2 is an example of a second biasing portion or biasing portion.

[0050] 10, the first torsion spring S1 has one end S11 fixed to a first spring fixing portion 96 provided on the first arm 92 of the movable abutment member 90, and the other end S12 fixed to a second spring fixing portion 101 provided on the interposition member 100. As a result, the first torsion spring S1 is formed so that when the movable abutment member 90 attempts to rotate in a first direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 10) relative to the interposition member 100, a biasing force that resists the rotational force is generated.

[0051] 11, the second torsion spring S2 has one end S21 fixed to a third spring fixing portion 111 provided on the underside of the loading plate 41, and the other end S22 fixed to a fourth spring fixing portion 102 provided on the interposition member 100. As a result, the second torsion spring S2 is formed so that when the interposition member 100 tries to rotate in the second direction (clockwise in FIG. 10) relative to the underside of the loading plate 41, a biasing force that resists the rotational force is generated.

[0052] The first and second torsion springs S1 and S2 can both be set in advance so that they do not generate a biasing force when the movable abutment member 90 is in the operating position OP shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . As a result, the movable abutment member 90 is positioned at the operating position OP when no external force is applied. Note that this positioning method is not limited to this. For example, the movable abutment member 90 may be positioned at the operating position OP by employing a stopper (not shown) provided on the interposition member 100 that prevents the movable abutment member 90 from moving further in the second direction from the operating position OP by the biasing force of the first torsion spring S1, and a stopper (not shown) provided on the underside of the loading plate 41 that prevents the movable abutment member 90 from moving further in the first direction from the operating position OP by the biasing force of the second torsion spring S2. Note that in the present embodiment, two biasing means, i.e., the first and second torsion springs S1 and S2, are used as an example of a specific structure for returning the movable abutment member 90 to the operating position OP. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, regardless of the direction of movement of the movable abutment member 90, a single biasing means can be employed that applies a restoring force toward the operating position OP when the movable abutment member 90 moves in a direction away from the operating position OP.

[0053] FIG. 12 illustrates the state in which the movable abutment member 90 shown in FIG. 10 has rotated in a first direction. When the movable abutment member 90 rotates from the operating position OP by an arbitrary angle in the first direction, specifically toward the rear in the depth direction, it reaches a first retracted position EP1. The second arm 93 of the movable abutment member 90 in this first retracted position EP1 is positioned closer to the conveying direction than the end of the load plate 41 located on the opposite side in the conveying direction. Because the load plate 41 is not present at this first retracted position EP1, the movable abutment member 90 can reach the first retracted position EP1 without coming into contact with the load plate 41. When the movable abutment member 90 is moved to the first retracted position EP1, the interposition member 100 does not move, as shown in FIG. 12. Therefore, the first torsion spring S1, the two ends of which are fixed to the movable abutment member 90 and the interposition member 100, respectively, is compressed against the biasing force of the first torsion spring S1. As a result, a restoring force is applied to the first torsion spring S1 to return the movable abutting member 90 to the operating position OP.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the movable abutment member 90 shown in FIG. 10 rotated in the second direction. When the movable abutment member 90 rotates from the operating position OP by a given angle in the second direction, it reaches the second retracted position EP2. The load plate 41 has a retraction notch 41N at a position corresponding to the end of the load plate 41 so that the movable abutment member 90 does not come into contact with the load plate 41 when in the second retracted position EP2. When the movable abutment member 90 is moved to the second retracted position EP2, the abutment member-side interlocking protrusion 95 of the movable abutment member 90 comes into contact with the interposition member-side interlocking protrusion 103 of the interposition member 100, and the rotation of the movable abutment member 90 is transmitted to the interposition member 100 via the contact portions of the abutment member-side interlocking protrusion 95 and the interposition member-side interlocking protrusion 103, causing the movable abutment member 90 and the interposition member 100 to move integrally. 13, the second torsion spring S2, whose two ends are fixed to the lower surface of the loading plate 41 and the intervening member 100, respectively, is contracted against the biasing force. As a result, a restoring force acts on the second torsion spring S2, which tends to return the intervening member 100 and the movable abutting member 90, which moves integrally with the intervening member 100, to the operating position OP.

[0055] As described above, the movable abutment member 90 according to this embodiment moves between the operating position OP and the first and second retracted positions EP1 and EP2 without using an actuator. To achieve this movement, in the post-processing device according to this embodiment, the movable abutment member 90 is actively brought into contact with the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-free binding members 60 that pass through or move toward the first binding position P4 where the movable abutment member 90 is located, thereby achieving movement of the movable abutment member 90. Therefore, in order to explain the relationship between the movement of the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-free binding members 60 and the movement of the movable abutment member 90, a series of operations for side-stitching the stack of paper-sheets PB using the staple-free binding member 60 will be described below in relation to the movement of the movable abutment member 90. Note that the following description will be given using the operation for side-stitching the stack of paper-sheets PB using the staple-free binding member 60 as an example, but the movable abutment member 90 also moves in a similar manner when the staple-containing binding member 50 is used.

[0056] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a first state for explaining the operation of flat-stitching a stack of paper sheets using the staple-free binding member of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2. When image forming processing is performed in the image forming apparatus 1, first, before the paper sheets P are transported onto the stacking plate 41, an operation is performed to move the staple-free binding member 60 from the second standby position P3 to the initial position P1. When the staple-free binding member 60 moves from the second standby position P3 to the initial position P1, the staple-free binding member 60 passes through the first binding position P4. Therefore, the front end face in the depth direction of the staple-free binding member 60 passing through the first binding position P4 contacts the rear end face in the depth direction of the second arm 92 portion of the movable abutment member 90, which is at the operating position OP. As described above, the movable abutment member 90 is elastically supported at the operating position OP by the first and second torsion springs S1 and S2. 14, the movable abutment member 90 that comes into contact with the staple-free binding member 60 is pushed by the staple-free binding member 60 and rotates from the operating position OP toward the second retracted position EP2. When the movement of the staple-free binding member 60 continues from the state described above and the movable abutment member 90 is pushed until it reaches the second retracted position EP2, the contact between the end face on the front side in the depth direction of the staple-free binding member 60 and the movable abutment member 90 is released, and the rotation of the movable abutment member 90 stops.

[0057] Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a second state for illustrating the operation when flat-stitching a stack of sheets using the staple-free binding member of the binding processing unit shown in Fig. 2. As the movement of the staple-free binding member 60 progresses further from the state described above and the staple-free binding member 60 completes passing through the first binding position P4, as shown in Fig. 15, the movable abutment member 90 is biased by the restoring force of the second torsion spring S2 and returns from the second retracted position EP2 to the operating position OP. Then, the staple-free binding member 60 reaches the initial position P1.

[0058] When the staple-free binding member 60 passes the first binding position P4 and reaches the initial position P1, the sheets P are stacked on the stacking plate 41. At this time, as described above, the movable abutting member 90 has returned to the operating position OP due to the restoring force of the second torsion spring S2. Therefore, the end of the sheets P transported onto the stacking plate 41 (the side opposite the transport direction) abuts against the first abutting surface 81 of the fixed abutting member 80 and the second abutting surface 94 of the movable abutting member 90 due to its own weight and the action of the paddle 43, and the sheets are aligned in the transport direction. When a specific number of sheets P are stacked on the stacking plate 41, the staple-free binding member 60 starts a side-stitching operation. When the side-stitching operation starts, the staple-free binding member 60 first moves from the initial position P1 toward the second binding position P5, performs a binding operation at the second binding position P5, and forms a first stitch BP in the stack of sheets PB. It should be particularly noted here that the movable abutment member 90 remains in the operating position OP even when this binding operation is performed. As a result, the staple-free binding element 60 can perform the binding operation at the second binding position P5 with the end face of the paper stack PB abutted against and supported by both the fixed abutment member 80 and the movable abutment member 90. Therefore, the formation of the first bound portion BP can be performed stably. In the present embodiment, as described above, when the staple-containing binding element 50 and the staple-free binding element 60 perform the binding operation, they are illustrated as moving to the initial position P1 and then to a specific binding position to perform the binding operation. However, the movement to the initial position P1 in this series of operations is optional. For example, after the staple-free binding element 60 has completed passing through the first binding position P4 during the above-described movement process, the staple-free binding element 60 may not move to the initial position P1, but may stop moving toward the front in the depth direction when it reaches the second binding position P5. In this case, if the binding operation is performed using the staple-less binding member 60 at the stage where stacking of the sheets P is completed, the first bound portion BP can be formed.

[0059] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a third state for illustrating the operation when flat-stitching a stack of paper-sheets using the staple-free binding member of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2. When the binding operation at the second binding position P5 is completed, the staple-free binding member 60 then moves from the second binding position P5 toward the first binding position P4. During this movement, the rear end face of the staple-free binding member 60 in the depth direction comes into contact with the front end face in the depth direction of the second arm 92 of the movable abutment member 90, which is at the operating position OP. As shown in FIG. 16, the movable abutment member 90 that has come into contact with the staple-free binding member 60 is pushed by the staple-free binding member 60 and rotates from the operating position OP toward the first retracted position EP1. This rotation releases the support of the end of the stack of paper-sheets PB (the side located on the opposite side in the conveyance direction) by the movable abutment member 90. It should be noted here that the mounting position of the movable abutment member 90 according to this embodiment is adjusted so that when the movable abutment member 90 rotates from the operating position OP toward the first retracted position EP1, it does not come into contact with the stack of paper-sheets PB stacked on the stacking plate 41. Specifically, the movable abutment member 90 is mounted so that when the movable abutment member 90 is in the operating position OP, the depth direction position of the second arm 92 is closer to the front than the depth direction position of the rotation axis AR. By employing such a mounting structure, the second arm 92 of the movable abutment member 90, which rotates when pressed by the end face on the far side in the depth direction of the staple-less binding member 60, rotates while moving away from the end of the stack of paper-sheets PB.

[0060] As the staple-free binding member 60 moves and pushes the movable abutment member 90 toward the rear in the depth direction while reaching the first binding position P4, the staple-free binding member 60 performs the binding operation at the first binding position P4 and forms a second bound portion BP in the stack of paper-sheets PB. When the staple-free binding member 60 performs the binding operation at the first binding position P4, the support of the end portion of the stack of paper-sheets PB by the movable abutment member 90 is released, but because the first bound portion BP has already been formed in the stack of paper-sheets PB at this point, the formation of the second bound portion BP can also be performed stably.

[0061] 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth state for illustrating the operation when flat-stitching a stack of sheets using the staple-free binding member of the binding processing unit shown in FIG. 2. When the binding operation at the first binding position P4 is completed, the stapled stack of sheets PB is transported to the discharge section 32 by the discharge rolls 45, and the staple-free binding member 60 moves to return to the second standby position P3. When moving from the first binding position P4 to the second standby position P3, the movable abutment member 90 is pushed by the staple-free binding member 60 and rotates toward the first retracted position EP1. As the movement of the staple-free binding member 60 progresses and the movable abutment member 90 is pushed until it reaches the first retracted position EP1, contact between the end face of the staple-free binding member 60 on the far side in the depth direction and the movable abutment member 90 is released, and the rotation of the movable abutment member 90 stops. Then, as the movement of the staple-free binding member 60 progresses further from the above-described state and the staple-free binding member 60 completes passing through the first binding position P4, the movable abutment member 90 is biased by the restoring force of the first torsion spring S1 and returns from the first retracted position EP1 to the operating position OP, as shown in Figure 17. Then, the staple-free binding member 60 returns to the second standby position P3.

[0062] With the above-described configuration, the movable abutment member 90 according to the present embodiment can retreat relative to the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-free binding members 60 when the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-free binding members 60 pass through the first binding position P4, or when the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-free binding members 60 perform a binding operation at a binding position other than the first binding position P4. This allows the movable abutment member 90 to position the end of the paper stack PB without interfering with the movement of the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-free binding members 60. Furthermore, since the movable abutment member 90 constituting a part of the abutment member 42 can also be provided at a position where the staple-containing binding members 50 and the staple-free binding members 60 stop (the first binding position P4 in the present embodiment), an increase in the size of the binding unit 40 can be suppressed. Additionally, as described above, the movable abutment member 90 according to the present embodiment employs a structure that allows it to move without using an actuator. This allows the movable abutment member 90 to be retracted with a simpler configuration than when an actuator is used to retract the movable abutment member 90 relative to the staple-containing binding member 50 and the staple-less binding member 60 that reciprocate in the depth direction. Also, compared to a configuration in which an actuator is used to restore the movable abutment member 90 that has retracted to the first and second retracted positions EP1 and EP2 to the operating position OP, the movable abutment member 90 can be restored to the operating position OP with a simpler configuration.

[0063] Although the post-processing device and image forming device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure have been described above, the post-processing device and image forming device according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described configurations and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of maintaining their functions. Specifically, in the post-processing device according to the above-described embodiment, a stapled binding member 50 and a stapleless binding member 60 are used as two post-processing units, but other post-processing units (e.g., post-processing units that perform punching) may be used in combination. For example, two stapled binding members with different staple sizes may be used.

[0064] Furthermore, in the post-processing device according to the above-described embodiment, an example has been given in which the post-processing device includes two post-processing units, the staple-containing binding member 50 and the staple-less binding member 60, but the post-processing unit may include only one post-processing unit. Note that, if the post-processing device has only one post-processing unit, for example, only the staple-containing binding member 50, there is no need to provide the first and second standby units 713, 714 on the movable body support member 70. Note that, in this case, it is preferable to set the standby position (so-called home position) of the staple-containing binding member 50 when not in use as the initial position P1.

[0065] Furthermore, although the above embodiment has been exemplified in which only one movable abutting member 90 is provided at a position corresponding to the first binding position P4, it may be provided at another binding position, for example, at a position corresponding to the second binding position P5, or may be provided at two locations, one corresponding to the first binding position P4 and the other corresponding to the second binding position P5. Furthermore, in the post-processing device according to this embodiment, an example has been given in which two types of members, the fixed abutting member 80 and the movable abutting member 90, are used as the abutting member 42, but the abutting member 42 may also be formed of only one or a plurality of movable abutting members 90.

[0066] Furthermore, although the movable abutment member 90 according to the above embodiment is illustrated as being attached to the underside of the loading plate 41, it may also be attached to another member, for example, a part of the movable body support member 70. Furthermore, the attachment position can also be changed as appropriate within a range in which its function can be maintained.

[0067] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, all of which are included in the technical concept of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. Image forming device 10 Image forming unit (an example of an image forming means) 30 Post-processing unit (an example of a post-processing device) 40 Binding processing unit 41 Loading plate (example of main body) 41N Retraction notch 42 Stop member 46 Binding device 50 Staple binding member (an example of a post-processing section) 60 Stapleless binding member (an example of another post-processing unit) 70 Mobile body support member 71 Support plate 72 Guide rail (an example of a passageway) 80 Fixed abutment member 81 First abutment surface 90 Movable abutment member (an example of a positioning part) 100 Intervening member (an example of an intervening portion) AR rotation axis P Paper (an example of a recording medium) PB paper stack (example of recording medium) P1 initial position P2 First standby position (an example of a standby position) P3 Second standby position (an example of another standby position) P4 First binding position (an example of a post-processing position and a stop position) P5 Second binding position (an example of post-processing position) P6 Third binding position (an example of post-processing position) OP operating position (an example of a stop position) EP1 First evacuation position (an example of an evacuation position) EP2 Second evacuation position (an example of another evacuation position) S1: First torsion spring (an example of a first biasing portion or a biasing portion) S2: Second torsion spring (an example of a second biasing portion or biasing portion)

Claims

1. A passageway extending in one direction; a post-processing unit that moves on a plane along the path and stops at a plurality of post-processing positions including a predetermined stop position to perform post-processing on the recording medium; a positioning unit that is provided at the stop position and against which an end of the recording medium abuts when the post-processing unit performs post-processing at a post-processing position other than the stop position, the positioning unit retracting from the post-processing unit when the post-processing unit passes through the stop position or moves toward the stop position; the positioning unit retracts by rotating around a rotation axis that intersects with the plane. Aftertreatment device.

2. the positioning unit retracts to a retracted position by coming into contact with the post-processing unit, which moves from one side to the other side in the one direction relative to the stop position. The post-treatment device according to claim 1 .

3. the positioning unit retracts to another retract position by coming into contact with the post-processing unit moving from the other side to the one side in the one direction relative to the stop position; The post-treatment device according to claim 2 .

4. further including a biasing unit that biases the positioning unit, which is retracted to at least one of the retracted position and the other retracted position, toward the stop position; The post-treatment device according to claim 3 .

5. a main body; an interposition portion that rotates relatively to both the main body portion and the positioning portion around a rotation axis that intersects with the plane; a first biasing portion that is a part of the biasing portion and is provided between the positioning portion and the interposition portion, and that biases the positioning portion, which is retracted to the retracted position, toward the stop position; a second urging portion that is another part of the urging portion and is provided between the main body portion and the interposition portion, and that urges the positioning portion, which is retracted to the other retracted position, toward the stop position via the interposition portion, The post-treatment device according to claim 4 .

6. further comprising another post-processing unit that moves on the plane along the path and stops at a plurality of positions including the stop position to perform a post-processing different from that of the post-processing unit on the recording medium; a standby position where the post-processing unit is on standby when not in use is a position from the other end of the passage in one direction to a position in a direction intersecting the one direction, another standby position where the other post-processing unit is on standby when not in use is a position further to the other side from the other end of the passage in one direction, an initial position when the post-processing unit or the other post-processing unit starts post-processing is a position on one end side of the passage in one direction and is a position different from the post-processing position; the post-processing unit moves to the initial position while the other post-processing unit is waiting at the other waiting position, and then performs post-processing; the other post-processing unit moves to the initial position while the post-processing unit is waiting at the waiting position and then performs post-processing; the positioning unit is abutted against an end of the recording medium when the post-processing unit or the other post-processing unit performs post-processing at a post-processing position other than the stop position, and is retracted relative to the post-processing unit or the other post-processing unit when the post-processing unit or the other post-processing unit passes through the stop position or moves toward the stop position. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. an image forming means for conveying a recording medium and forming an image on the recording medium; a post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is provided downstream of the image forming device in a conveying direction of the recording medium; Image forming device.

Images