Sheet processing device

Abstract

To provide a sheet processing device capable of inhibiting a sheet from getting caught when the sheet moves.SOLUTION: The sheet processing device includes: a guide; a support; a stacker; and a gate. The guide has a transport surface along a sheet transport direction. The support, together with the guide, forms a transport path for the sheet. The stacker has a stack surface that supports a surface of the sheet transported through the transport path. The gate is configured to be able to receive the sheet into the stacker. The gate has a first extension portion and a second extension portion. The plurality of first extension portions are arranged at intervals in directions perpendicular to both a normal direction of the stack surface and the transport direction. The second extension portion is arranged so as to block the space between two adjacent first extension portions in the perpendicular direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sheet processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A sheet processing apparatus includes a guide, a support portion, a stacker, and a gate. The guide has a conveyance surface along the conveyance direction of the sheet. The support portion forms a conveyance path for the sheet together with the guide. The stacker has a stack surface that supports the surface of the sheet conveyed through the conveyance path. The gate is configured to be able to receive the sheet into the stacker. When the leading edge of the sheet catches on the gate when moving the sheet, there is a possibility that a jam or the like of the sheet may occur.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus capable of suppressing catching during sheet movement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The sheet processing apparatus of the embodiment includes a guide, a support, a stacker, and a gate. The guide has a conveying surface along the conveying direction of the sheet. The support, together with the guide, forms a conveying path for the sheet. The stacker has a stacking surface that supports the surface of the sheet being conveyed through the conveying path. The gate is configured to accept the sheet into the stacker. The gate has a first extension and a second extension. The first extension is arranged in a plurality at intervals in directions perpendicular to the normal direction of the stacking surface and the conveying direction, respectively. The second extension is arranged to close the space between two adjacent first extensions in the perpendicular directions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of the sheet processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of the area around the stack inlet gate in the sheet processing apparatus of the embodiment. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the first and second extended portions of the gate of the embodiment. [Figure 6] A first diagram illustrating the operation of the support portion of the embodiment, based on the support state of the first and second extended portions. [Figure 7] A second diagram illustrating the operation of the support portion of the embodiment, based on the support state of the first and second extended portions. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing the first and second extended portions of the first modified example. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing the first and second extended portions of the second modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The sheet processing apparatus of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted.

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 is placed in a workplace. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus body 100 and a sheet processing apparatus 200. The image forming apparatus body 100 and the sheet processing apparatus 200 are placed adjacent to each other.

[0009] The main body 100 of the image forming apparatus will now be described. The image forming apparatus body 100 forms an image on a sheet P (recording medium) using a recording material. The sheet P is, for example, plain paper or label paper. A specific example of the recording material is toner. The toner is either a toner used as a decolorizing recording material or a toner used as a non-decolorizing recording material.

[0010] For example, the image forming apparatus main unit 100 is a multifunction device. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus main unit 100 includes a display unit 15, an operation unit 14, an image reading unit 16, a printer unit 17, a sheet storage unit 18, a paper discharge roller 19, and a first control unit 80.

[0011] The display unit 15 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 15 displays various information related to the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the sheet processing apparatus 200. The operation unit 14 has multiple buttons. The operation unit 14 receives user input. The operation unit 14 outputs a signal corresponding to the user's input to the first control unit 80 of the image forming apparatus body 100. The display unit 15 and the operation unit 14 may be configured as an integrated touch panel.

[0012] The image reading unit 16 reads the image information to be read as brightness and darkness. The image reading unit 16 outputs the read image information to the printer unit 17. The sheet storage unit 18 stores the sheet P used for image formation. The sheet storage unit 18 supplies the stored sheet P to the printer unit 17.

[0013] The printer unit 17 forms an image on a sheet based on the image information generated by the image reading unit 16 or the image information received via a communication path. The printer unit 17 includes an image forming unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing device. The image forming unit forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum based on the image information. The image forming unit attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a visible image. The transfer unit transfers the visible image onto the sheet. The fixing device heats and presses the toner to fix the visible image onto the sheet. The paper discharge roller 19 is disposed near the paper discharge port of the image forming apparatus main body 100. The paper discharge roller 19 sends out the sheet P on which an image has been formed to the sheet processing apparatus 200.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus main body 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, a memory 82, an auxiliary storage device 83, etc. connected by a bus. The image forming apparatus main body 100 functions as a device including a display unit 15, an operation unit 14, an image reading unit 16, a printer unit 17, a sheet storage unit 18, and a communication unit 84 by executing a program.

[0015] The CPU 81 functions as a first control unit 80 by executing programs stored in the memory 82 and the auxiliary storage device 83. The first control unit 80 controls the operations of each part of the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the sheet processing apparatus 200. The auxiliary storage device 83 includes a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The auxiliary storage device 83 stores information. The communication unit 84 includes a communication interface for connecting the own device to an external device. The communication unit 84 communicates with an external device via the communication interface.

[0016] The sheet processing apparatus 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet processing apparatus 200 performs post-processing on the imaged sheet P. For example, the post-processing is staple processing or saddle stitching processing or the like. The sheet processing apparatus 200 includes a staple mechanism 20, a saddle stitching mechanism 30, and a second control unit (control unit) 90.

[0017] The staple mechanism 20 includes a standby tray 21, a processing tray 22, and a stapler 23. The stapler 23 performs staple processing on the peripheral portions of a plurality of sheets P. Hereinafter, the plurality of sheets P are referred to as a sheet bundle. The stapled sheet P is conveyed by a conveyance belt 24. The sheet P conveyed by the conveyance belt 24 is discharged to a movable tray 27.

[0018] The sheet processing apparatus 200 includes a movable tray 27, an upper tray 26, and a lower tray 28. The stapled sheet P is discharged to the movable tray 27. The non-stapled sheet P is discharged to the upper tray 26. The lower tray 28 is located at the lower part of the sheet processing apparatus 200. The sheet P processed by the saddle stitching mechanism 30 is discharged to the lower tray 28.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the sheet processing apparatus 200 of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, a saddle stitching mechanism 30 is provided at the lower part of the sheet processing apparatus 200. The saddle stitching mechanism 30 includes a stacker 31 and a post-processing unit 40. The post-processing unit 40 includes a stapling unit 41, a folding unit 42, and a double-folding unit 45.

[0020] The stacker 31 is provided at the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the sheet P in the conveyance path of the sheet P. Sheets P are stacked on the stacker 31. The stacker 31 includes a bed 32 and a stacker body 35. The bed 32 has a stacking surface 33 that supports the surface of the sheet P.

[0021] The X, Y, and Z directions of the Cartesian coordinate system are defined as follows for the local coordinate system of the saddle folding mechanism 30. The X direction is the normal direction to the stacking surface 33 of the bed 32. The +X direction is the direction in which the sheet P is placed on the bed 32. The +X direction is inclined upward from the horizontal direction. The Z direction is the transport direction of the sheet P in the saddle folding mechanism 30. The -Z direction is the direction in which the sheet P moves toward the stacker 31 through the transport path. The -Z direction is inclined downward from the horizontal direction. The Y direction is the horizontal direction.

[0022] The bed 32 is roughly plate-shaped. The bed 32 can place sheets P on a stacking surface 33 facing the +X direction. The bed 32 is located on both sides in the Z direction, flanking the folding unit 42. The sheets P placed on the stacking surface 33 are supported by the stacker body 35. The stacker body 35 supports the leading edge in the -Z direction of the sheets P that have been transported to the stacker 31. The stacker body 35 is movable along the Z direction. For example, the stacker body 35 is driven by a moving mechanism located in the -X direction of the bed 32.

[0023] The stapling section 41 processes the sheet P at a position in the +Z direction relative to the position where the sheet P is supported by the stacker body 35. The stapling section 41 is located in the +Z direction of the folding unit 42. The stapling section 41 applies stapling to a predetermined position on the sheet P. For example, the predetermined position on the sheet P is the center of the sheet P in the Z direction.

[0024] The folding unit 42 processes the sheet P at a position in the +Z direction relative to the position where the sheet P is supported by the stacker body 35. The folding unit 42 folds the center of the sheet P in the Z direction to create a crease in the sheet P. The folding unit 42 has a pair of folding rollers 44 and a blade 43.

[0025] A pair of folding rollers 44 are located in the +X direction of the bed 32. The pair of folding rollers 44 are aligned in the Z direction. The axis of rotation of the pair of folding rollers 44 extends in the Y direction. The pair of folding rollers 44 are drive rollers, however, one of the pair of folding rollers 44 may be a driven roller. Each of the pair of folding rollers 44 is displaceable in the Z direction. The pair of folding rollers 44 are displaceable in the Z direction so that they can move closer to and further apart from each other. The Z-direction displacement of the pair of folding rollers 44 is linked to each other. The pair of folding rollers 44 are in contact with each other to form a nip N.

[0026] The blade 43 is flat. The blade 43 is parallel to the XY plane. The blade 43 has a shape that tapers towards the +X direction. The blade 43 is movable in the X direction through the beds 32 on both sides in the Z direction. The blade 43 works in cooperation with a pair of folding rollers 44 to form a fold in the sheet P that extends in the Y direction by pressing the sheet P into the nip N.

[0027] The fold-enhancing unit 45 is located in the +X direction of a pair of folding rollers 44. The fold-enhancing unit 45 enlarges the folds of the sheet P.

[0028] For example, the saddle folding mechanism 30 can perform a binding process on a stack of sheets. The binding process involves stapling and saddle folding on the stack of sheets stacked in the stacker 31.

[0029] In the bookbinding process, the sheet stack is first stapled. The stacker body 35 moves the sheet stack in the +Z direction so that the center of the sheet stack in the Z direction aligns with the position of the stapling section 41. The stapling section 41 staples the sheet stack.

[0030] Next, the stapled sheet bundle is subjected to a saddle fold. The stacker body 35 moves the sheet bundle in the -Z direction so that the center of the sheet bundle in the Z direction aligns with the position of the blade 43. The blade 43 moves in the +X direction, pushing the center of the sheet bundle between the pair of folding rollers 44. The sheet bundle is saddle folded at its center in the Z direction. A crease extending in the Y direction is formed on the +X edge of the saddle-folded sheet bundle. The fold-up unit 45 reinforces the crease of the sheet bundle. This completes the binding process of the sheet bundle. The bound sheet bundle is discharged into the lower tray 28.

[0031] The saddle folding mechanism 30 can perform saddle folding on one or more sheets P stacked in the stacker 31 without stapling, as an alternative to the bookbinding process. One or more sheets P can be a single sheet P or a bundle of sheets. In this case, the stacker body 35 directly transports one or more sheets P from the stacking position to the folding unit 42. Then, in the same manner as saddle folding in the bookbinding process, folds are formed on one or more sheets P together. The folded sheets P are then discharged into the lower tray 28.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the sheet processing device 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, memory 92, auxiliary storage device 93, etc., connected by a bus. The sheet processing device 200 functions as a device equipped with a stapling mechanism 20, a saddle folding mechanism 30, and a communication unit 94 when a program is executed.

[0033] The CPU 91 functions as a second control unit 90 by executing programs stored in the memory 92 and auxiliary storage device 93. The second control unit 90 controls the operation of each part of the sheet processing device 200. The auxiliary storage device 93 includes storage devices such as a magnetic hard disk drive and a semiconductor storage device. The auxiliary storage device 93 stores information. The communication unit 94 is configured to include a communication interface for connecting itself to an external device. The communication unit 94 communicates with the external device via the communication interface.

[0034] This section describes the area around the stack entrance gate in the sheet processing device 200. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the area around the stack inlet gate in the sheet processing apparatus 200 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the sheet processing apparatus 200 comprises a guide 50, a support 55, a stacker 31, and a gate 60.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the sheet processing device 200 is equipped with a pair of first conveyor rollers 71, a pair of second conveyor rollers 72, and a pair of third conveyor rollers 73 upstream of the guide 50 in the conveying direction of the sheet P. The sheet P, fed out by the paper discharge roller 19, is conveyed in the order of the pair of first conveyor rollers 71, the pair of second conveyor rollers 72, and the pair of third conveyor rollers 73. The sheet P, conveyed in the order of the pair of first conveyor rollers 71, the pair of second conveyor rollers 72, and the pair of third conveyor rollers 73, curves toward the left side of the plane of Figure 3, and then moves diagonally toward the lower right side of the plane of Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the guide 50 is provided downstream of the pair of third conveyor rollers 73 in the conveying direction of the sheet P.

[0036] The pair of third conveyor rollers 73 are aligned in the X direction. The axis of rotation of the pair of third conveyor rollers 73 extends in the Y direction. The pair of third conveyor rollers 73 are drive rollers. However, one of the pair of third conveyor rollers 73 may be a driven roller.

[0037] Guide 50 is positioned directly below the third conveyor roller 73, which is in the +X direction. Guide 50 is positioned in the +X direction relative to the third conveyor roller 73, which is in the -X direction. The sheet P conveyed by the pair of third conveyor rollers 73 is directed in the -Z direction relative to Guide 50.

[0038] The guide 50 has a conveying surface 51 that is aligned with the conveying direction of the sheet P. The conveying surface 51 is inclined so that it is positioned in the -X direction as it moves vertically downward when viewed from the Y direction. The conveying surface 51 is inclined so that it is positioned in the -X direction as it moves vertically downward from the upper end when viewed from the Y direction, and then it bends and extends vertically downward.

[0039] The support portion 55, together with the guide 50, forms the sheet transport path C. The support portion 55 is positioned in the -X direction of the guide 50. The support portion 55 is positioned directly below the third transport roller 73, which is in the -X direction.

[0040] The support portion 55 has an opposing surface 56 that faces the guide 50. The opposing surface 56 faces the conveying surface 51 via the conveying path C. The opposing surface 56 is inclined so that it is positioned in the +X direction as it moves vertically downward when viewed from the Y direction.

[0041] The support portion 55 has a support surface 57 on the opposite side from the opposing surface 56 that supports the gate 60. The support surface 57 is inclined so that it is located in the +X direction as it moves vertically downward when viewed from the Y direction. The support surface 57 is inclined so as to form an acute angle with the opposing surface 56 when viewed from the Y direction. The combined shape of the opposing surface 56 and the support surface 57 is a V-shape that protrudes toward the -Z direction when viewed from the Y direction.

[0042] The stacker 31 has a stacking surface 33 that supports the surface of the sheet P being transported through the transport path C. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the stacker 31 comprises a bed 32 and a stacker body 35.

[0043] The bed 32 has a stacking surface 33 that supports the surface of the sheet P being transported through the transport path C. The stacker body 35 supports the leading edge of the sheet P in the -Z direction as it is transported to the stacker 31. The stacker body 35 is movable along the Z direction.

[0044] Next, we will explain gate 60. The gate 60 is configured to accept the sheet P into the stacker 31. The gate 60 has a first extension 61 and a second extension 62.

[0045] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the first extension portion 61 and the second extension portion 62 of the gate 60 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, multiple first extension portions 61 are arranged at intervals in directions perpendicular to the normal direction of the stack surface 33 and the transport direction, respectively (hereinafter also referred to as the "Y direction"). The second extension portion 62 is arranged to close the space between two adjacent first extension portions 61 in the Y direction.

[0046] In each of the first extended section 61 and the second extended section 62, the portion facing the transport path C is softer than the portion overlapping with the support section 55. The portion facing the transport path C in each of the first extended section 61 and the second extended section 62 is the portion of the first extended section 61 and the second extended section 62 other than the portion that overlaps with the guide 50 and the support section 55 when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0047] The first extension 61 and the second extension 62 are constructed by arranging two parts of different lengths adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The two parts of different lengths are arranged alternately in the Y direction.

[0048] One of the two parts, which are of different lengths (hereinafter also referred to as the "first extension 61"), overlaps with the end of the conveying surface 51 when viewed from the stacking surface 33 and has a tip 63 downstream in the conveying direction. The other of the two parts, which are of different lengths (hereinafter also referred to as the "second extension 62"), has a tip 64 upstream in the conveying direction when viewed from the stacking surface 33 compared to the first extension.

[0049] The tips 63 of each of the multiple first extensions 61 may be at the same position in the Z direction. The tips 64 of each of the multiple second extensions 62 may be at the same position in the Z direction.

[0050] Multiple first extensions 61 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction (six in the example of Figure 5). The lengths of the multiple first extensions 61 in the Y direction may differ from each other. Multiple second extensions 62 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction (seven in the example of Figure 5). The lengths of the multiple second extensions 62 in the Y direction may differ from each other.

[0051] The guide 50 may have a recess 52 into which the tip 63 of the first extension 61 fits. The length of the recess 52 in the Y direction may be the same as the length of the first extension 61 in the Y direction. The guide 50 may have a protrusion 53 between two adjacent first extensions 61 in the Y direction. The length of the protrusion 53 in the Y direction may be the same as the distance between two adjacent first extensions 61 in the Y direction.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the conveying surface 51 and the stacking surface 33 are inclined so that they move closer to each other as they move vertically downward when viewed from the Y direction. The conveying surface 51 is inclined so that it is located in the -X direction as it moves vertically downward when viewed from the Y direction. The stacking surface 33 is inclined so that it is located in the +X direction as it moves vertically downward when viewed from the Y direction.

[0053] Each of the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 is formed of a resin material. Each of the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 is formed in a film-like manner. Each of the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 is flexible. For example, the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 may have the same thickness as each other. For example, each of the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 may have a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

[0054] Each of the first extension 61 and the second extension 62 extends along the support surface 57 when viewed from the Y direction. The portion of the second extension 62 facing the transport path C is positioned vertically above the first extension 61.

[0055] The first extension 61 and the second extension 62 are supported at a position F in the support 55 that is further from the transport path C than the end facing the transport path C. For example, each of the first extension 61 and the second extension 62 is fixed at the upper end position F of the support surface 57.

[0056] When viewed from the Y direction, the angle A between the contact surface 66 of the second extended portion 62 that contacts the sheet P and the conveying surface 51 is 30° or less. Angle A is the angle between the surface 66 of the second extended portion 62 facing the conveying path C and the surface of the conveying surface 51 that is aligned vertically, when viewed from the Y direction. Note that the angle (contact angle) between the contact surface 66 of the second extended portion 62 and the sheet P passing through the conveying path C, when viewed from the Y direction, may also be 30° or less.

[0057] Next, the function of the support state of the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 in the support portion 55 will be explained. Figure 6 is a first explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the support portion 55 of the embodiment, based on the support state of the first extension portion 61 and the second extension portion 62. Figure 7 is a second explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the support portion 55 of the embodiment, based on the support state of the first extension portion 61 and the second extension portion 62.

[0058] As shown in Figure 6, when the sheet P moves from the transport path C side to the stacker 31 side, the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 are made flexible in the portion from the upper end position F of the support surface 57 to the position facing the transport path C. In Figure 6, the white arrows indicate the direction in which the sheet P moves from the transport path C side to the stacker 31 side, and the black arrows indicate the range in which the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 can be flexible (corresponding to the distance between the tip 63 of the first extended portion 61 and the end fixed at the upper end position F).

[0059] As shown in Figure 7, when the sheet P moves from the stacker 31 side to the transport path C side, the portions of the first extension 61 and the second extension 62 facing the transport path C can be bent. In Figure 7, the white arrows at the bottom of the paper indicate the direction in which the sheet P moves from the stacker 31 side to the transport path C side, the white arrows at the top of the paper indicate the direction in which the sheet P moves along the first extension 61 and / or the second extension 62, and the black arrows indicate the range in which the first extension 61 and the second extension 62 can be bent (corresponding to the distance between the tip 64 of the second extension 62 and the lower end position of the support surface 57).

[0060] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the sheet P moves from the transport path C side to the stacker 31 side, the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 can bend more significantly compared to when the sheet P moves from the stacker 31 side to the transport path C side.

[0061] Next, the position control of the stacker 31 will be explained. The position control (movement control) of the stacker 31 is performed by the second control unit 90. For example, a sheet P moving from the transport path C to the stacker 31 enters from the upper left of the paper in Figure 3 (the +X and +Z directions when viewed from the Y direction). For example, the second control unit 90 may move the stacker body 35 in the -Z direction so that the rear end of the sheet P entering the stacker 31 does not come into contact with the gate 60. For example, the stacker body 35 may wait in the first position to receive the sheet P. The received sheet P is supported on the stacking surface 33 of the bed 32. Hereinafter, the sheet supported on the stacking surface 33 will also be referred to as "stacked paper".

[0062] For example, when creating a booklet with two or more folds, the second control unit 90 may move the stacker body 35 in the +Z direction so that the leading edge of the second and subsequent sheets P contacts the belly (center side in the Z direction) of the stacked paper. For example, the second control unit 90 may move the stacker body 35 in the +Z direction so that the leading edge of the second and subsequent sheets P contacts a portion below the upper edge of the stacked paper. For example, the stacker body 35 may wait at a second position in the +Z direction from the first position and accept the second and subsequent sheets P. The accepted second and subsequent sheets P are stacked on top of the stacked paper.

[0063] For example, when receiving the second and subsequent sheets P, the second control unit 90 may lower the stacker body 35 to the first position after the leading edge of the second and subsequent sheets P has entered below the upper edge of the stacked paper. Then, the second control unit 90 may raise the stacked paper to the second position after the trailing edge of the incoming sheet P has passed through the gate 60. This makes it possible to receive the next sheet P while suppressing the occurrence of jams in the sheets P.

[0064] The sheet processing apparatus 200 of this embodiment includes a guide 50, a support portion 55, a stacker 31, and a gate 60. The guide 50 has a transport surface 51 that is aligned with the transport direction of the sheet P. The support portion 55, together with the guide 50, forms a transport path C for the sheet P. The stacker 31 has a stack surface 33 that supports the surface of the sheet P being transported through the transport path C. The gate 60 is configured to accept the sheet P into the stacker 31. The gate 60 has a first extension portion 61 and a second extension portion 62. Multiple first extension portions 61 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the normal direction of the stack surface 33 and the transport direction, respectively. The second extension portions 62 are arranged to close the space between two adjacent first extension portions 61 in the Y direction. For example, if there is a gap between two adjacent first extensions 61 in the Y direction, when the sheet P is moved, the leading edge of the sheet P is likely to enter the gap and get caught on the exposed end of the first extension 61. In contrast, in this embodiment, the space between two adjacent first extensions 61 in the Y direction is closed by the second extension 62, so when the sheet P is moved, the leading edge of the sheet P is unlikely to get caught on the end of the first extension 61. Therefore, snagging during sheet movement can be suppressed.

[0065] The portion of each of the first extended section 61 and the second extended section 62 facing the transport path C is softer than the portion overlapping with the support section 55. As a result, even if the leading edge of the sheet P hits the first extended section 61 and / or the second extended section 62 when the sheet P is received into the stacker 31 from the transport path C side, the portion facing the transport path C can be opened with little force. Therefore, the transport resistance when the sheet enters from the transport path C side can be reduced.

[0066] The first extension portion 61 and the second extension portion 62 are configured by arranging two parts of different lengths adjacent to each other in the Y direction. This makes it easier to flex the first extension portion 61 and / or the second extension portion 62 even when the leading edge of the sheet strikes them, compared to the case where two parts of the same length are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y direction. In addition, even if the parts around the gate 60 have irregularities, the first extension portion 61 and the second extension portion 62 can be arranged to follow the irregularities.

[0067] One of the two parts of different lengths overlaps with the end of the conveying surface 51 when viewed from the stacking surface 33 and has a tip 63 downstream in the conveying direction. The other of the two parts of different lengths has a tip 64 upstream in the conveying direction compared to the other part when viewed from the stacking surface 33. For example, if both of the two parts of different lengths have tips upstream in the conveying direction relative to the end of the conveying surface 51 when viewed from the stacking surface 33, there is a high possibility that the tip of the sheet P will get caught on the end of the conveying surface 51 when the sheet P moves from the stacker 31 side to the conveying path C side. In contrast, in this embodiment, since one of the two parts of different lengths overlaps with the end of the conveying surface 51 when viewed from the stacking surface 33 and has a tip 63 downstream in the conveying direction, even when the sheet P moves from the stacker 31 side to the conveying path C side, there is a low possibility that the tip of the sheet P will get caught on the end of the conveying surface 51. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the sheet P from getting caught. In addition, even if the leading edge of the sheet P comes into contact with one side as the sheet P moves from the stacker 31 side to the transport path C side, the sheet P can still be moved along that side. In Figure 4, the two white arrows indicate the direction in which the sheet P moves from the stacker 31 side to the transport path C side.

[0068] The conveying surface 51 and the stacking surface 33 are inclined so that they move closer to each other as they are viewed from the Y direction, downwards in the vertical direction. This prevents the sheet P from getting caught, even when moving the sheet P vertically downwards along the inclination of the conveying surface 51 or vertically along the inclination of the stacking surface 33.

[0069] Each of the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 is formed of a resin material. This makes it easier to ensure flexibility in at least one of the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 compared to the case where each of the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 is formed of a metal material. Therefore, even if the leading edge of the sheet comes into contact with the first extended portion 61 and / or the second extended portion 62 when the sheet is moved, that portion can bend, making it easier to move the sheet P without snagging.

[0070] The first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 are supported at a position F in the support portion 55 that is further away from the transport path C than the end portion facing the transport path C. This makes it easier to bend the first extended portion 61 and the second extended portion 62 compared to when they are supported at the end portion facing the transport path C in the support portion 55. Therefore, even if the leading edge of the sheet comes into contact with the first extended portion 61 and / or the second extended portion 62 during sheet movement, that portion can bend, making it easier to move the sheet P without snagging.

[0071] When viewed from the Y direction, the angle A between the contact surface 66 where the second extended portion 62 contacts the sheet P and the conveying surface 51 is 30° or less. This makes it easier to suppress jamming of the sheet P compared to when the angle A exceeds 30°.

[0072] Next, a modified example of the embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the first extension portion 161 and the second extension portion 162 of the first modified example. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the first extension portion 161 and the second extension portion 162 may be integrally formed from the same member. This reduces the number of parts compared to the case where the first extension portion 161 and the second extension portion 162 are made of different parts. For example, the formation method of the first extension portion 161 and the second extension portion 162 can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0073] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the first extension portion 261 and the second extension portion 262 of the second modified example. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the first extension portion 261 and the second extension portion 262 may be arranged so that their edges in the Y direction overlap when viewed from the direction of sheet P transport. This reduces the possibility of the leading edge of sheet P getting caught on the edges of the first extension portion 261 and / or the second extension portion 262 when sheet P is moved. Therefore, snagging during sheet movement can be suppressed. For example, the arrangement of the edges of the first extension portion 261 and the second extension portion 262 in orthogonal directions can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0074] In the embodiment, the portion of each of the first and second extended sections facing the transport path is softer than the portion overlapping with the support section. Conversely, the portion of each of the first and second extended sections facing the transport path may be harder than the portion overlapping with the support section. For example, the portion of at least one of the first and second extended sections facing the transport path may be softer than the portion overlapping with the support section. For example, the flexibility of the portion of each extended section facing the transport path can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first and second extended portions are configured by arranging two parts of different lengths adjacent to each other in orthogonal directions. Alternatively, the first and second extended portions may be configured by arranging two parts of the same length adjacent to each other in orthogonal directions. For example, the arrangement of the first and second extended portions can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0076] In the embodiment, one of the two parts of different lengths overlaps with the edge of the conveying surface when viewed from the stacking surface and has its tip downstream in the conveying direction. The other of the two parts of different lengths has its tip upstream in the conveying direction compared to the other when viewed from the stacking surface. Conversely, both of the two parts of different lengths may have their tips upstream in the conveying direction relative to the edge of the conveying surface when viewed from the stacking surface. For example, the positional relationship of the tips of each part relative to the edge of the conveying surface when viewed from the stacking surface can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0077] In this embodiment, the conveying surface and the stacking surface are inclined so that they approach each other as they move downward in the vertical direction when viewed from an orthogonal direction. Alternatively, the conveying surface and the stacking surface may be inclined so that they approach each other as they move upward in the vertical direction when viewed from an orthogonal direction. For example, the arrangement of the conveying surface and the stacking surface as viewed from an orthogonal direction may be arranged parallel to each other when viewed from an orthogonal direction. For example, the arrangement of the conveying surface and the stacking surface as viewed from an orthogonal direction can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0078] In this embodiment, each of the first and second extended portions is formed from a resin material. In contrast, each of the first and second extended portions may be formed from a metal material. For example, at least one of the first and second extended portions may be formed from a resin material. For example, the material used to form each extended portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first and second extended portions are supported at a position further from the transport path than the end facing the transport path in the support portion. In contrast, the first and second extended portions may be supported at the end facing the transport path in the support portion. For example, the support configuration of the first and second extended portions in the support portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0080] In this embodiment, the angle between the contact surface where the second extended portion contacts the sheet and the conveying surface, viewed from a perpendicular direction, is 30° or less. Conversely, the angle between the contact surface and the conveying surface, viewed from a perpendicular direction, may exceed 30°. For example, the angle between the contact surface where at least one of the first extended portion and the second extended portion contacts the sheet and the conveying surface, viewed from a perpendicular direction, may be 30° or less. For example, the angle between the contact surface and the conveying surface, viewed from a perpendicular direction, can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0081] According to at least one embodiment described above, the gate has a first extension and a second extension. Multiple first extensions are arranged at intervals in directions perpendicular to the normal direction of the stack surface and the transport direction, respectively. The second extension is arranged to close the space between two adjacent first extensions in the perpendicular direction. This makes it possible to suppress snagging during sheet movement.

[0082] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0083] (Note 1) A guide having a conveying surface aligned with the conveying direction of the sheet, A support portion that, together with the guide, forms a transport path for the sheet, A stacker having a stacking surface that supports the surface of the sheet being transported through the transport path, The stacker is configured to accept the sheet and comprises a gate having a plurality of first extensions arranged at intervals in directions perpendicular to the normal direction of the stack surface and the transport direction, and a second extension arranged to close the space between two adjacent first extensions in the perpendicular directions. Sheet processing device.

[0084] (Note 2) The portion of at least one of the first and second extended portions that faces the transport path is softer than the portion that overlaps with the support portion. The sheet processing device described in Appendix 1.

[0085] (Note 3) The first and second extended portions are formed by arranging two parts of different lengths adjacent to each other in the orthogonal directions. A sheet processing apparatus as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0086] (Note 4) One of the two portions of different lengths overlaps with the end of the conveying surface when viewed from the stacking surface and has its tip downstream in the conveying direction, while the other portion has its tip upstream in the conveying direction when viewed from the stacking surface. The sheet processing device described in Appendix 3.

[0087] (Note 5) The conveying surface and the stacking surface are inclined such that, when viewed from the orthogonal direction, they approach each other as they move downward in the vertical direction. A sheet processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0088] (Note 6) At least one of the first extended portion and the second extended portion is formed of a resin material. A sheet processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5.

[0089] (Note 7) The first and second extended portions are supported at the support portion at a position further from the transport path than the end portion facing the transport path. A sheet processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6.

[0090] (Note 8) The first extension and the second extension are integrally formed from the same member. A sheet processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7.

[0091] (Note 9) The first and second extended portions are arranged such that their orthogonal edges overlap when viewed from the transport direction. A sheet processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8.

[0092] (Note 10) When viewed from the aforementioned orthogonal direction, the angle between the contact surface where at least one of the first and second extended portions contacts the sheet and the conveying surface is 30° or less. A sheet processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 9. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 31...Stacker, 33...Stacking surface, 50...Guide, 51...Conveying surface, 55...Support section, 60...Gate, 61...First extension section, 62...Second extension section, 63...Tip of the first extension section, 64...Tip of the second extension section, 200...Sheet processing device, C...Conveying path, P...Sheet

Claims

1. A guide having a conveying surface aligned with the conveying direction of the sheet, A support portion that, together with the guide, forms a transport path for the sheet, A stacker having a stacking surface that supports the surface of the sheet being transported through the transport path, The device comprises a gate configured to accept the sheet into the stacker, having a plurality of first extending portions arranged at intervals in directions perpendicular to the normal direction of the stack surface and the transport direction, and a second extending portion arranged to close the space between two adjacent first extending portions in the perpendicular directions. Sheet processing device.

2. The portion of at least one of the first and second extended portions that faces the transport path is softer than the portion that overlaps with the support portion. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first and second extended portions are configured by arranging two parts of different lengths adjacent to each other in the orthogonal directions. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. One of the two portions of different lengths overlaps with the end of the conveying surface when viewed from the stacking surface and has its tip downstream in the conveying direction, while the other portion has its tip upstream in the conveying direction when viewed from the stacking surface. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The conveying surface and the stacking surface are inclined such that, when viewed from the orthogonal direction, they approach each other as they move downward in the vertical direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

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