Post-processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a post-processing device capable of maintaining a good loading state even when a great volume of folded sheets is loaded.SOLUTION: A post-processing device comprises: post-processing means; conveyance means; a sheet discharge tray 1; a shielding member 5 that openably / closably shields a discharge part; and sheet storage means for sequentially stacking and storing, from the lower part, sheets P loaded on the sheet discharge tray 1. The sheet storage means has a box-shaped member 2 with its bottom opened, and a sheet support member 3 that supports the sheets P inside the box-shaped member 2 at the height of the bottom of the box-shaped member 2. The sheet discharge tray 1 has a recess 1a in which the sheet support member 3 loosely fits. When the sheet discharge tray 1 having the sheets P loaded thereon rises and comes close to the sheet support member 3, the sheet support member 3 horizontally moves into a housing of a post-processing device 104. When the sheet discharge tray 1 having the sheets P loaded thereon rises into the box-shaped member 2, the sheet support member 3 horizontally moves from the housing of the post-processing device 104 to fit in the recess 1a, and the sheets P are loaded on the sheet support member 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a printing press, a sheet of paper (also referred to as a recording paper, a sheet, etc.) on which image formation has been performed is conveyed to a post-processing device attached to the image forming apparatus, and after post-processing such as folding or binding is performed, it may be discharged from the post-processing device. The discharged paper is placed on a paper discharge tray provided corresponding to a paper discharge unit having a paper discharge roller.

[0003] In such an apparatus, the paper discharged onto the paper discharge tray is generally sequentially stacked on top of the previously discharged paper. Also, a technique is known in which the paper discharge tray can be moved in the vertical direction according to the stacking amount of the paper, so that a large amount of paper can be stacked.

[0004] By the way, when the discharged papers are stacked, a paper processing device has been proposed that stacks the papers so that the first-discharged paper becomes the top layer (see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a paper pushing-up and inserting means for pushing up the stacked papers and inserting the paper immediately after being discharged behind the paper discharge tray and the paper.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the paper subjected to the folding process, a force may occur that causes the folded portion to try to restore to its original shape, resulting in swelling or opening. On the other hand, by applying the configuration of Patent Document 1, it is expected that problems such as the paper immediately after paper discharge being in an open state or the orientation changing can be prevented.

[0006] However, if the amount of paper stacked increases, the overlapping of the folded parts may disrupt the overall posture, making it difficult to maintain a good stacking state.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a post-processing device that can maintain a good stacking condition even when a large quantity of folded paper is stacked. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the post-processing apparatus of the present invention is: A folding device is incorporated. A post-processing device for performing post-processing on paper transported from an image forming apparatus, comprising: a post-processing means for performing post-processing on the paper; a transport means for transporting the paper to an output unit; an output tray on which the paper discharged from the output unit is placed and which can be raised and lowered; a shielding member that can open and close to shield the output unit; and a unit placed on the output tray. Folded The device comprises a paper storage means for sequentially stacking and storing paper from the bottom, the paper storage means having a box-shaped member with an open bottom, and a paper support member that moves horizontally from inside to outside the housing of the post-processing device at the height of the bottom of the box-shaped member and supports the paper inside the box-shaped member, the output tray having a recess that loosely fits with the paper support member, the paper support member moves horizontally into the housing of the post-processing device when the output tray on which the paper is placed rises and approaches the paper support member, and the paper support member moves horizontally from inside the housing of the post-processing device and fits into the recess, and the paper is placed on the paper support member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a post-processing device that can maintain a good stacking condition even when a large quantity of folded paper is stacked. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the transport path of a post-processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example of a box-shaped member that constitutes a paper storage mechanism. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of a paper support member that constitutes a paper storage mechanism. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the paper support member fitted into the recess of the paper output tray. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of a shielding member. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing steps 1 to 3 of the process of storing paper placed on the output tray into the paper storage means. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing steps 4 to 6 of the process of storing paper placed on the output tray into the paper storage means. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing steps 7 to 9 of the process of storing paper placed on the output tray into the paper storage means. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing steps 10 to 12 of the process of storing paper placed on the output tray into the paper storage means. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing steps 13-14 of the process of storing paper placed on the output tray into the paper storage means. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a detection means for detecting paper in an area that does not overlap with a box-shaped member in the vertical direction. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of changing the inclination angle of the paper placement surface of the output tray. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example where the shielding member is integrated with the paper output tray. [Figure 15] This is a block diagram showing an example of a control system for an image forming system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, the post-processing apparatus and the image forming system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and can be changed within the scope that those skilled in the art can conceive, such as other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, etc., and as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are achieved in any aspect, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

[0012] (Image forming system) FIG. 1 is an external schematic view showing the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 100 in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus 101, an image reading apparatus 102, a folding apparatus 103 incorporated in the image forming apparatus, and a post-processing apparatus 104 according to the present invention described later.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 101 such as a copying machine, a printer, or a printing machine has a configuration capable of forming an image by, for example, an electrophotographic method, forms an electrostatic latent image by optical writing on a latent image carrier, performs visible image processing of the latent image with toner, and transfers and fixes the toner image to paper. Further, as the image forming system 100, for example, an automatic document feeder unit (ADF), a writing unit, an image forming unit, a paper feeding unit, etc. are provided.

[0014] The electrostatic latent image is subjected to visible image processing with a developer supplied from a developing device in the image forming unit to form a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to paper fed from the paper feeding unit. The paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed toward the folding apparatus 103 or the post-processing apparatus​​​The post-processing device 104 is a device for performing post-processing such as sorting, stapling, binding (edge binding, middle binding, etc.), and punching of sheets, and is continuously arranged with respect to the image forming device 101. Further, the post-processing device includes a paper discharge tray 1 and a box-shaped member 2 that constitutes a paper storage means. The sheets discharged from the discharge unit and placed on the paper discharge tray 1 are stacked inside the box-shaped member 2.

[0016] (Post-processing device) FIG. 2 shows a side schematic view of the post-processing device 104 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post-processing device 104 of the present embodiment has an introduction path 105 for receiving the sheet P sent from the folding device 103 of the image forming device 101, and a conveyance path 106 for intermediate stacking of the sheet P, performing binding processing as a sheet bundle, and discharging it to the paper discharge tray 1.

[0017] An entrance sensor 12 is arranged in the introduction path 105 to detect that the sheet P has been carried into the post-processing device 104. A sheet punching unit 13 is disposed downstream of the entrance roller pair 11, and a conveyance roller pair 14 is arranged downstream thereof. Further, the sheet P is conveyed to the conveyance path 106 through the conveyance roller pair 15 arranged downstream thereof.

[0018] A paper discharge roller 16 and a paper discharge sensor 18 are arranged in the conveyance path 106, and the sheet P (hereinafter, also including the state of a sheet bundle) is discharged from the discharge unit 8 to the paper discharge tray 1 by the paper discharge roller 16. When the post-processing device 104 is in the sorting mode, the conveyance roller 15 moves a certain amount in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction by a driving means not shown, whereby the sheet P shifts and is discharged through the paper discharge roller 16.

[0019] The paper discharge roller 16 and the driven roller 17 can be brought into contact with and separated from each other by the operation of a discharge guide provided with the driven roller 17. By selectively bringing the driven roller 17 and the paper discharge roller 16 into contact with and separating from each other, it is possible to set a closed state in which the sheet P is sandwiched and conveyed, or an open state in which it is not sandwiched. After the shift operation is completed, the paper P is gripped and transported by the output roller 16 and the driven roller 17, and discharged from the discharge section 8 to the output tray 1.

[0020] Furthermore, a staple tray 19 and a tapping roller 20 are arranged in the transport path 106, and a stapler unit 21 that moves back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface (main scanning direction) is positioned at the end of the path. In addition, a jogger fence 22 and the like are arranged in the transport path 106 to move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface (main scanning direction) to align the paper P on the staple tray 19.

[0021] In stapling mode, the paper P transported along the transport path 106 is sent to the staple tray 19 by the tapping roller 20, and its widthwise position is aligned by the jogger fence 22. The tapping roller 20 performs a pendulum motion and contacts the upper surface of the paper P, causing the paper P to switch back towards the stapler unit 21, and the rear end of the paper P abuts against the end fence 23, thereby aligning the position of the paper P in the transport direction.

[0022] In this manner, the stack of paper P is moved by the stapler unit 21 in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface (main scanning direction) during edge-stitching mode, and the paper P is stapled at predetermined positions on its edges. After that, it is held and transported by the output roller 16 and the driven roller 17 and ejected into the output tray 1.

[0023] The post-processing device 104 of this embodiment is a post-processing device that performs post-processing on paper P transported from an image forming apparatus 101, and comprises: a post-processing means for performing post-processing on paper P; a transport means for transporting paper P to an discharge unit 8; a paper discharge tray 1 on which the paper P discharged from the discharge unit 8 is placed and which can be raised and lowered; a shielding member 5 that can open and close to shield the discharge unit 8; and a paper storage means for sequentially stacking and storing the paper P placed on the paper discharge tray 1 from the bottom. The paper storage means includes a box-shaped member 2 with an open bottom, and a paper support member 3 that moves horizontally from inside to outside the housing of the post-processing device 104 at the height of the bottom surface of the box-shaped member 2, and supports the paper P inside the box-shaped member 2. The output tray 1 has a recess 1a (see Figure 5) that loosely fits with the paper support member 3. When the output tray 1 on which the paper P is placed rises and approaches the paper support member 3, the paper support member 3 moves horizontally into the housing of the post-processing device 104. When the output tray 1 on which the paper P is placed rises to the inside of the box-shaped member 2, the paper support member 3 moves horizontally out of the housing of the post-processing device 104 and fits into the recess 1a, and the paper P is placed on the paper support member 3.

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a box-shaped member 2 that constitutes a paper storage means. As shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the box-shaped member 2 has a box shape with an open bottom, and is a member in which paper P is stored and stacked. Since the stored paper P is surrounded by the walls of the box-shaped member 2, the stacked paper P is held in place without collapsing, maintaining a good stacked state. Furthermore, because the box-shaped member 2 has a closed top, the top acts as a restraint, compressing the bulge of the paper P, thus enabling the storage of a large quantity of paper P.

[0025] Furthermore, by making the opposing surface 2a open and close when the user operates the device, the paper P stored inside can be removed. Note that the manner in which surface 2a is opened and closed is not limited to that shown in Figure 3. In the configuration where the mounting surface of the output tray 1 is inclined, the raised output tray 1 may interfere with the side surface of the box-shaped member 2. To avoid this, for example, the area shown as 2b in Figure 3(B) can be left open.

[0026] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the paper support member 3 that constitutes the paper storage means. The paper support member 3 moves in the horizontal direction indicated by arrow D3 in Figure 4(A) by the paper support member drive unit 4, which is composed of a motor or the like. As shown in Figure 4(A), the paper support member 3 moves horizontally from inside to outside the housing of the post-processing device 104 at the height of the bottom surface of the box-shaped member 2, and as shown in Figure 4(B), it moves horizontally from outside to inside the housing of the post-processing device 104.

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic top view showing the state in which the paper support member 3 is loosely fitted into the notched recess 1a of the paper output tray 1. Since the output tray 1 has a notched recess 1a, it can move up and down in the vertical direction without interfering with the paper support member 3 located outside the housing of the post-processing device 104.

[0028] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the shielding member 5. The shielding member 5 is moved by a shielding member drive unit 6, which is composed of a motor or the like, in the direction indicated by arrow D5 in Figure 6(A), and shields the opening of the discharge unit 8 so that it can be opened and closed. As shown in Figure 6, if the output tray 1 is shaped to be inclined downward toward the discharge section 8, when the tray is raised with paper P placed on it, there is a risk that the paper P may flow into the post-processing device 104 at the opening of the discharge section 8. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6(B), by moving the shielding member 5 upward to shield the opening of the discharge section 8, it is possible to prevent the paper P from flowing in from the output tray 1. After the output tray 1 separates from the output section 8, the shielding member 5 is moved downward to open the output section 8, allowing subsequent sheets of paper P to be ejected.

[0029] Figures 7 to 11 illustrate the process of storing paper P, which is placed on the output tray 1, into the paper storage means. As an example, Figures 7 to 11 show a configuration in which paper P1 and P2, which have been tri-folded by the folding device 103, are stacked sequentially from the bottom and stored inside the box-shaped member 2.

[0030] Figure 7(A) shows the state in step 1, where the paper P1, which was transported from the folding device 103 to the post-processing device 104, is discharged from the discharge unit 8 to the output tray 1.

[0031] In Figure 7(B), as step 2, the shielding member 5 is raised in the direction indicated by arrow D5 to prevent the paper P1 placed on the output tray 1 from flowing from the output unit 8 into the housing of the post-processing device 104, thereby shielding the output unit 8.

[0032] In Figure 7(C), step 3 shows the state in which the paper P1 is placed inside the box-shaped member 2 by raising the output tray 1 on which the paper P1 is placed in the box-shaped member 2 to the height of the paper support member 3, i.e., inside the box-shaped member 2, in the direction indicated by arrow D1.

[0033] In Figure 8(A), as step 4, when the output tray 1 on which the paper P1 is placed rises into the interior of the box-shaped member 2, the paper support member 3 moves horizontally from inside the housing of the post-processing device 104 in the direction indicated by arrow D3 and fits into the notched recess 1a of the output tray 1.

[0034] Figure 8(B) shows that in step 5, the paper output tray 1 descends in the direction indicated by arrow D1, placing the paper P1 on the paper support member 3.

[0035] Figure 8(C) shows that in step 6, the shielding member 5 is lowered in the direction indicated by arrow D5 to open the discharge section 8, enabling the subsequent paper P2 to be discharged.

[0036] Figure 9(A) shows the state in step 7, where the second sheet of paper P2, which was transported from the folding device 103 to the post-processing device 104, is discharged from the discharge unit 8 to the output tray 1.

[0037] In Figure 9(B), step 8 shows the state in which the output tray 1 is raised in the direction indicated by arrow D5 to prevent the paper P2 placed on the output tray 1 from flowing from the output unit 8 into the housing of the post-processing device 104, thereby shielding the output unit 8.

[0038] Figure 9(C) shows that in step 9, the output tray 1 on which the paper P2 is placed is raised in the direction indicated by arrow D1 to a height close to the box-shaped member 2 and the paper support member 3.

[0039] In Figure 10(A), step 10 shows the state in which, when the output tray 1 on which the paper P2 is placed rises and approaches the paper support member 3, the paper support member 3 moves horizontally into the housing of the post-processing device 104 in the direction indicated by arrow D3. As the paper support member 3 moves, the paper P1 that the paper support member 3 was supporting is placed on top of the paper P2.

[0040] In Figure 10(B), step 11 shows the state in which the paper output tray 1 on which paper P1 and paper P2 are placed is raised in the direction indicated by arrow D1 to the height of the paper support member 3, i.e., inside the box-shaped member 2, thereby placing paper P1 and paper P2 inside the box-shaped member 2.

[0041] In Figure 10(C), as step 12, when the output tray 1 on which paper sheets P1 and P2 are placed rises into the interior of the box-shaped member 2, the paper support member 3 moves horizontally from inside the housing of the post-processing device 104 in the direction indicated by arrow D3 and fits into the notched recess 1a of the output tray 1.

[0042] Figure 11(A) shows that in step 13, the output tray 1 descends in the direction indicated by arrow D1, placing paper P1 and paper P2 on the paper support member 3.

[0043] Figure 11(B) shows step 14, in which the shielding member 5 is lowered in the direction indicated by arrow D5 to open the discharge section 8, enabling the subsequent paper to be discharged.

[0044] As described above, by stacking the folded paper sequentially from the bottom up and storing it in a space restricted by the box-shaped member 2, a good stacking condition can be maintained even when a large quantity of paper is stacked.

[0045] Figure 12 is a top view showing an example of the paper output tray 1. The area that overlaps with the box-shaped member 2 in the vertical direction is indicated by a dashed line (2). The output tray 1 shown in Figure 12 has a detection means 7 installed on the paper placement surface that can detect paper P in an area that does not overlap with the box-shaped member 2 in the vertical direction. Examples of detection means 7 include reflective sensors and the like. By arranging multiple detection means 7 in areas that do not overlap with the box-shaped member 2 in the vertical direction, detection accuracy can be improved.

[0046] When the detection means 7 detects the paper P outside the region (2) that overlaps vertically with the box-shaped member 2, the paper output tray 1 will not be raised as shown in step 3 of Figure 7(C) and step 9 of Figure 9(C). This prevents the box-shaped component 2 from failing to store paper in cases of unfolded paper, mixed paper sizes, or abnormal paper output.

[0047] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a paper output tray 1 equipped with a mechanism for varying the inclination angle of the surface on which the paper P is placed. In the example shown in Figure 13, the output tray 1 is equipped with a tilt angle changing means 1b as a mechanism for varying the tilt angle of the surface on which the paper P is placed. For example, when the output tray 1 is moving up or down, the surface is set to horizontal as shown in Figure 13(B), and when waiting to discharge the paper P, the surface can be set to an angle where the discharge section 8 side is lower than the horizontal direction, as shown in Figure 13(A).

[0048] As shown in Figure 13(A), by tilting the discharge section 8 side so that it is lower in the horizontal direction, the edges of the placed paper P can be brought into contact with the end fence 9 and aligned. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13(B), by making the mounting surface horizontal, it is possible to prevent misalignment when the paper P supported by the paper support member 3 is loaded onto the output tray 1.

[0049] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the output tray 1. As shown in Figure 14, the shielding member 5(1c) can be integrated with the paper output tray 1. In the other examples described above, the shielding member 5 is configured as a member driven by a shielding member drive unit 6, but by integrating it with the paper output tray 1 as in this embodiment, the shielding member drive unit 6 can also be omitted, thereby reducing the number of components.

[0050] As shown in Figure 14(A), the shielding member 5(1c) is formed at a height that does not obstruct the discharge section 8 when the paper output tray 1 is waiting to discharge the paper P. Then, as shown in Figure 14(B), as the paper output tray 1 rises, the shielding member 5(1c) reaches the position of the discharge section 8 and obstructs the discharge section 8, thereby preventing the placed paper P from flowing from the discharge section 8 into the post-processing device 104.

[0051] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system of the image forming system according to this embodiment. The control unit 150 has a CPU, which is an arithmetic processing unit, and functions as a control means for the post-processing unit 104 in this embodiment. The data input terminal RXD and data output terminal TXD of the control unit 150 are connected to the image forming apparatus 101, and data is transmitted and received. For example, data input from input means or the like provided by the image forming apparatus 101 is received.

[0052] Furthermore, commands and signals output from the CPU of the control unit 150 are output to the DCM (DC motor) 161 and STM (stepping motor) 171 via the motor drivers 160 and 170, and the DCM 161 and STM 171 operate based on commands and pulse signals related to ON / OFF and rotation direction (CW (clockwise rotation) / CCW (counterclockwise rotation)) output from the CPU. This controls the operation of the various drive units in the post-processing device 104.

[0053] Furthermore, output signals from sensors (collectively referred to as sensors 181 in the figure) that are installed on the transport path and the output tray as paper detection means are input to the CPU via driver 180. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1. Paper output tray 1a Recess 1b Means for changing the tilt angle 1c Shielding part 2 Box-shaped member 3. Paper support member 4. Paper support member drive unit 5 Shielding member 6. Shielding member drive unit 7. Detection means 8 Discharge section 9 End fence 16 Paper output roller 100 Image Forming Systems 101 Image forming apparatus 103 Folding device 104 Post-processing equipment P Paper [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0055] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-203702

Claims

1. A post-processing device that performs post-processing on paper transported from an image forming apparatus incorporating a folding device, Post-processing means for performing post-processing on the aforementioned paper, A conveying means for transporting the aforementioned paper to the discharge unit, A paper output tray on which the paper ejected from the aforementioned output unit is placed and which can be raised and lowered, A shielding member that can open and close the aforementioned discharge section, The system includes a paper storage means for sequentially stacking and storing folded paper placed on the output tray from the bottom up, The paper storage means includes a box-shaped member with an open bottom, and a paper support member that moves horizontally from inside to outside the housing of the post-processing device at the height of the bottom of the box-shaped member, and supports the paper inside the box-shaped member. The output tray has a recess that loosely fits with the paper support member, When the output tray on which the paper is placed rises and approaches the paper support member, the paper support member moves horizontally into the housing of the post-processing device. A post-processing device characterized in that, when the output tray on which the paper is placed rises to the inside of the box-shaped member, the paper support member moves horizontally from inside the housing of the post-processing device and fits into the recess, and the paper is placed on the paper support member.

2. The output tray has at least one detection means that is installed to detect the paper in a region that does not overlap with the box-shaped member in the vertical direction, The post-processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the output tray is not raised when the detection means detects the paper.

3. The output tray is equipped with a mechanism for varying the inclination angle of the paper placement surface. When the aforementioned paper output tray moves up or down, the aforementioned mounting surface is made horizontal. The post-processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when waiting for the discharge of the aforementioned paper, the aforementioned mounting surface is angled such that the discharge side is lower with respect to the horizontal direction.

4. The post-processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shielding member is integrated with the paper output tray.

5. An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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