JP2653738B2 - Paper handling equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming section of an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a copying machine may be provided with a mechanism for punching a punched hole or performing a printing process on a copy-processed sheet. In such an apparatus, a printing mechanism and a punch mechanism are arranged downstream of the fixing device in the paper transport direction. When printing is performed, the conveyance of the sheet after fixing is temporarily stopped at a predetermined position, and the printing process is performed by pressing the printing member against the sheet. When a punch hole is formed, the sheet is similarly conveyed to a predetermined position, temporarily stopped, and the punch mechanism is driven to punch the sheet.

[0003]

In an apparatus having the above-described printing mechanism and punching mechanism, each processing is performed at a different timing. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes time for processing. On the other hand, when the mechanisms are arranged side by side in the paper transport direction along one transport path, depending on the position where the punch hole is formed, the printing process and the punch process can be performed simultaneously to shorten the processing time. is there. However, in this case, it is necessary to arrange the printing mechanism and the punch mechanism side by side in the paper transport direction, so that the space in the paper transport direction becomes large and the apparatus becomes large. Also,
Even when printing or punching is not performed, the paper is discharged through a long conveyance path, so that there is a problem that it takes time to discharge the paper.

An object of the present invention is to provide two processing means such as a printing mechanism and a punch mechanism, and to further reduce the space in the sheet transport direction and shorten the processing time.

[0005]

A sheet processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for processing a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus. The apparatus includes a paper introduction unit into which a paper is introduced, a paper discharge unit from which the paper is discharged, a first conveyance path connecting the paper introduction unit and the paper discharge unit, The first to perform the first processing
Processing means, a second conveyance path that branches downward in the middle of the first conveyance path, a second processing means that is disposed in the second conveyance path and performs a second process on the sheet, and a first and a second conveyance of the sheet. A transport unit for transporting on a road and a control unit for simultaneously operating both processing units in a state where the sheet is opposed to the first and second processing units are provided.

[0006]

[0007]

In the sheet processing apparatus according to the first invention, the sheet on which the image has been formed is introduced into the sheet introduction section. This sheet is conveyed in the first conveyance path or the first and second conveyance paths and is discharged to the sheet discharge section. When performing the first processing and the second processing on the sheet, the sheet is positioned in the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path, and is opposed to the first processing unit and the second processing unit disposed in the middle of each conveyance path. Let it. By simultaneously operating both processing means in this state, the first processing and the second processing are simultaneously performed on the sheet.

As described above, since the first processing and the second processing means can be operated simultaneously, the processing time for the paper is shortened. Further, the first processing means and the second processing means are provided on the first transport path and the second transport path branched downward from the first transport path, respectively, and are arranged vertically. Therefore, the space in the sheet transport direction can be reduced.

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

EXAMPLES overall configuration diagram 1 shows a copying machine which employs an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a document table 2 is fixed on the upper surface of a copying machine main body 1, and a document holder 3 that can be freely opened and closed is arranged on the document table 2. A bypass tray 4 and a pair of sheet cassettes 5 and 6 are detachably mounted on the right side of the copying machine body 1 in the figure. On the left side of the copying machine main body 1 in the figure, a stamp / punch device 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. Further, a sorter 7 is mounted on the left side of the stamp / punch device 21 in the figure.

Inside the copying machine main body 1, an exposure device 8 for reading a document is provided at an upper portion thereof.
The exposure device 8 includes a light source, a mirror, a lens, and the like. A photosensitive drum 9 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed is disposed in the center of the copying machine main body 1. Around the photosensitive drum 9, a main charging device 10 for charging the photosensitive drum 9 to a predetermined charge, a developing device 11 for developing an electrostatic latent image, a transfer device 12 for transferring a toner image to paper, a photosensitive drum A paper separating device 13 for separating paper from the photosensitive drum 9 and a cleaning device 14 for removing residual toner on the photosensitive drum 9 are provided.

The bypass tray 4 and the paper feed cassettes 5, 6
A paper feed path 17 and a paper discharge path 18 for transporting a sheet are provided between the image forming unit including the photosensitive drum 9 and the like, and on the downstream side of the image forming unit. . Further, a fixing device 20 for fixing the transferred image on the conveyed paper is provided between the paper discharge conveyance path 18 and the stamp / punch device 21, and the fixed paper is sent to the stamp / punch device 21 side. Discharge roller 19 for discharging
And are arranged.

The sorter 7 includes a carry-in path 22 for receiving a sheet from the stamp / punch device 21, a plurality of sheet receivers 23a and 23b arranged at an interval in the vertical direction, and a carry-in path 22 and sheet receivers 23a and 23b. And a branching mechanism 24 disposed between them. Note that the paper trays 23a,
Among the 23b, the non-sort sheet receiver 23a is disposed at the upper end, and the sort sheet receiver 23b is disposed below the non-sort sheet receiver 23b.

The stamping punch apparatus stamping punch apparatus 21, as shown in FIG. 2, a paper introduction portion 30 for receiving the sheet from the copying machine main body 1, is disposed on the side opposite to the sheet inlet portion 30, the paper Sorter 7
Paper discharge unit 31 that discharges paper to the paper side, a conveyance path 32 disposed between the paper introduction unit 30 and the paper discharge unit 31, a stamp mechanism 33 for performing printing processing on paper, and a punch hole at the rear end of the paper. And a punch mechanism 34 for forming an image.

The paper introduction section 30 includes an introduction conveyance path 35 whose leading end is inserted into the copying machine main body 1 and an introduction roller 36 arranged at the other end of the introduction conveyance path 35. In addition, the paper discharge unit 31 includes a discharge roller 37 and a paper discharge switch 38 provided near the upstream side of the discharge roller 37. The transport path 32 includes a first transport path 40 for guiding the sheet from the introduction roller 36 to the discharge roller 37, and a second transport path 41 branched from the first transport path 40.
And The first transport path 40 is disposed so as to be inclined upward from the introduction roller 36 toward the discharge roller 37, and includes an upper guide plate 40 a and the upper guide plate 4.
0a and lower guide plate 40b arranged at a predetermined interval
It is composed of In the first transport path 40, a transport roller 42 is provided upstream of the discharge roller 37. In the first transport path 40, the lower guide plate 40b is provided to extend to the discharge roller 37 portion, but the upper guide plate 40a is not formed downstream from the transport roller 42 portion. Therefore, the discharge roller 37 and the transport roller 4
2, a loop forming space 43 is formed so that the leading end of the conveyed sheet can be curved upward, that is, a loop can be formed. The second transport path 41 is
When the sheet is conveyed in the reverse direction from the first conveyance path 40, the sheet is branched from the first conveyance path 40 so that the sheet is guided downward.
And the lowermost position of the first transport path 40.
The second conveyance path 41 is provided with a first guide plate 41a on the introduction side.
And the second continuous with the lower guide plate 40b of the first transport path 40.
And a guide plate 41b. First guide plate 4
The upper end of 1a is bent in the horizontal direction, and guides the sheet from the introduction roller 36 to the first transport path 40 side.

Stamp Mechanism As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the stamp mechanism 33 is disposed above the first transport path 40 between the introduction roller 36 and the transport roller 42. The stamp mechanism 33 includes a pair of opening / closing frames 45 that are disposed opposite to each other in the front-rear direction of the apparatus.
a, 45b and a pair of open / close frames 45a, 45b
It has a stamp support frame 46 mounted in between, and a stamp operating mechanism 47 for operating the stamp support frame 46.

The opening / closing frames 45a and 45b are supported at one end on the introduction side by a pin 49 on the frame 48 of the stamp / punch device 21 so as to be freely opened and closed. Pin 49
Are supported by notches 48a (see FIG. 2) formed in the frame 48. Locking members 50 are rotatably mounted on the discharge-side free ends of the opening and closing frames 45a and 45b, respectively.
8 is locked to the locking portion 48b. Therefore, when the locking between the locking member 50 and the locking portion 48b is released, the opening / closing frames 45a and 45b rotate through the posture shown in FIG. 4 and further rotate approximately 90 ° clockwise from the posture shown in FIG. It is possible to do.

The stamp supporting frame 46 is formed in a substantially box shape having an upper opening, and has side walls 46a, 46a in the width direction.
Reference numeral 46b faces the open / close frames 45a and 45b with a predetermined gap therebetween. Pins 51 protruding outward are fixed to the upper ends of the side walls 46a and 46b, and the pins 51 penetrate the opening and closing frames 45a and 45b, respectively. Opening / closing frames 45a, 45 through which pins 51 pass
The hole b is a long hole extending in the vertical direction, so that the pin 51 can move up and down within a predetermined range with respect to the opening and closing frames 45a and 45b. Further, outwardly protruding portions 46c and 46d are formed at substantially vertical intermediate positions of the side walls 46a and 46b of the stamp support frame 46. On the other hand, the lower ends of the opening / closing frames 45a and 45b are bent inward (toward the stamp support frame 46), respectively.
A return spring 52 constituting the stamp operating mechanism 47 is disposed between the protrusions 46c and 46d. Thus, the stamp supporting frame 46 is always urged upward.

On the other hand, a plurality of support portions 56 for mounting a stamp unit 55 are formed on both side walls 46e and 46f of the stamp support frame 46 in the sheet transport direction. The support 56 and the stamp unit 55
Will be described later. Also, the stamp support frame 46
A hole for a stamp is formed in the bottom wall 46g corresponding to the plurality of support portions 56.

The stamp operating mechanism 47 has the above-described return spring 52, an elevating member 60, and a cam 61. The lifting member 60 has one end locked to the tip of a pin 51 projecting outward from the stamp support frame 46,
The other end is a pin 62 protruding outward from the opening / closing frame 45a.
It is locked to. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the side portion has a locking portion 60a protruding toward the introduction side. On the other hand, the cam 61 has a shaft 63 rotatably supported by the frame 48.
Is fixed to both ends. When the cam 61 makes one rotation, the outer peripheral locking portion 61a of the cam 61 is locked to the locking portion 60a of the elevating member 60, and when the elevating member 60 is lowered by a predetermined amount at a predetermined position, the two locking portions 61a, The lock of the lifting member 60 is released by the return spring 52.
It is configured to be returned upward through the stamp support frame 46 and the pin 51. In addition, the stamp operation mechanism 4
7 are provided on the front side and the rear side of the apparatus, respectively.

The stamp unit 55 comprises a stamp holder 57 as shown in FIG. 5 and a stamper 58 with ink detachable from the stamp holder 57. The stamp holder 57 includes a main body 65 having a triangular prism shape,
A first slidably mounted on one side of the body 65
A locking member 66, a second locking member 67 mounted on the side opposite to the first locking member 66,
6 and 67. As is clear from FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, the main body 65 has a triangular shape when viewed from the side. A nail 69 is formed. The first locking member 66 has a large-diameter portion 66a, a small-diameter portion 66b, and a stop portion 66d. Large diameter part 6
As is apparent from FIG. 6, three protrusions 66c are formed on the outer periphery at equal angular intervals. The protrusion 66c prevents the first locking member 66 and the main body 65 from rotating with each other. Further, the second locking member 67 is attached to the main body 6.
5, a flange portion 67a located inside and a large-diameter portion 67b
And a small diameter portion 67c. In the small diameter portion 67c,
As is evident from FIG. 7, there are four projections 67d projecting outward at equal angular intervals.

On the other hand, the support portion 56 to which the stamp unit 55 is attached is provided on the side wall 4 of the stamp support frame 46.
6e and 46f are formed by notches 70 and 71 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The notch 70 formed in the side wall 46e has a width d of an open portion of the first locking member 6.
6 have such a size that the small-diameter portion 66b passes therethrough and the large-diameter portion 66a cannot pass through. Further, a portion on the inner side from the open portion is dimensioned so that the large-diameter portion 66a of the first locking member 66 can be engaged with the first locking member 66.
A notch 70a engageable with the projection 66c is formed. On the other hand, the notch 71 posted on the side wall 46f is
The small-diameter portion 67c of the second locking member 67 is dimensioned so as to be engageable, and the upper portion has one notch and the side portion has two notches into which the projection 67d of the second locking member 67 can be engaged. A portion 71a is formed.

As described above, the first and second locking members 66 and 67 of the stamp holder 57 and the notches 70 and 71 of the stamp support frame 46 allow the stamp holder main body 65 to be in the rotation prohibited state and the rotatable state. Communication means are configured. The punch mechanism 34 is disposed below the introduction unit 30 of the stamp / punch device 21, and the paper insertion unit is connected to the second conveyance path 4.
It is continuous with 1. The punch mechanism 34 includes a lever 75
And a punch (not shown) operated by the lever 75. The lever 75 is operated by an eccentric cam 76 rotatably attached to the bottom of the stamp / punch device 21.

Driving Mechanism FIG. 8 shows a driving mechanism and a stamp mechanism 3 for conveying a sheet.
3 and a drive mechanism for driving the punch mechanism 34. The drive mechanism includes a drive motor 80 for conveyance,
And a stamp / punch motor 81. The rotation output of the drive motor 80 is transmitted to the transport roller 42 via gears 82, 83, 84. On the other hand, the rotation output of the stamp / punch motor 81 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 88 to which the eccentric cam 76 is fixed via the gears 85, 86, 87 and the clutch 79. The stamp / punch motor 81
The rotation output of the pulley 89, the belt 90, and the pulley 9
1 and 92 to the intermediate drive shafts 77 and 78.
The rotational force transmitted to the intermediate drive shaft 77 is
The transmission is transmitted to the introduction roller 36 via the clutch 104 and to the shaft 63 to which the stamp cam 61 is fixed via the gears 94, 96, 97 and the clutch 98 and further via the gears 99, 100. Further, the rotational force of the intermediate drive shaft 78 is transmitted to the discharge roller 37 via the gears 101 and 102 and the clutch 103. Where each motor,
The pulley and the gear are supported by a frame 48 of the stamp / punch device 21, respectively.

Control Unit The copier body 1 and the stamp / punch unit 21 have control units 110 and 111 as shown in FIG. 9, respectively. Each of the control units 110 and 111 includes a CPU, ROM, RA
A microcomputer including M and the like is provided. The control unit 110 on the copying machine body side includes a key input unit 112 arranged on the upper surface of the copying machine body 1, a paper ejection switch 113 arranged downstream of the ejection roller 19, and other input / output units. It is connected. The control unit 111 of the stamp / punch device 21 is connected to the copier control unit 110. The stamp / punch control unit 111 includes a sheet discharge switch 38 shown in FIG.
Conveyance roller drive section 115 and discharge roller drive section 116
, The stamp driving unit 117 and the punch driving unit 118 are connected. Each of the drive units 114 to 118 includes a drive motor 80, a stamp / punch motor 81, a clutch, and the like.

Mounting work of stamp unit and change of printing surface
Further work In this embodiment, a stamp holder 57 (stamp unit) as shown in FIG. 10 is attached to the stamp support frame 46 of the stamp mechanism 33. In this case, since the stamp support frame 46 has a plurality of stamp holder support portions 56 in the width direction of the sheet, it is possible to mount a plurality of stamp holders 57 at arbitrary positions and at the same time.

When the stamp holder 57 is mounted on the stamp support frame 46, the first locking member 66 and the second locking member 67 are pushed into the main body 65 of the holder 57 from the state shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG.
As for the first locking member 66, the large diameter portion 66a enters the main body 65 and the small diameter portion 66b exits the main body 65. Further, the second locking member 67 is entirely formed of the main body 6.
Push it in to enter 5. In this state, the stamp holder 57 is set in the notches 70, 71 of the frame 46. At this time, the first locking member 66 has its large diameter portion 66a.
Enters the main body 65 and the small diameter portion 66b passes through the frame 46, and the second locking member 67 has all the notches 70 and 71 since the entirety of the second locking member 67 has entered the main body 65.
Inserted smoothly into. And each locking member 66,
When the pushing of the locking member 67 is released, each of the locking members 66 and 67 is released.
Project outward by a spring 68. The large diameter portion 66a and the projection 66c of the first locking member 66 are engaged with the notch 70 and the notch 70a, respectively. On the other hand, the second locking member 67 has the small diameter portion 67C and the projection 67d engaged with the notch 71 and the notch 71a, and the stamp holder 5 is attached to the stamp support frame 46 in a state as shown in FIG.
7 is attached.

Here, the stamper 58 is not shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and FIGS. 10 to 12, but one or more stampers 58 may be provided on each face of the holder as necessary.
Attach using 9. In the above operation, the opening / closing frames 45a and 45b are opened, and the mounting operation is performed with the stamp support frame 46 in a posture opposite to the posture shown in FIG. 2, that is, a posture in which the support portion 56 of the stamp holder 57 is located above. I do.

On the other hand, when changing the printing surface, the open / close frames 45a and 45b are opened as described above. And the first
The locking member 66 is pushed into the main body 65 and its small diameter portion 66 is
a is engaged with the stamp supporting frame 46. In this state, the main body 65 becomes rotatable with respect to the stamp support frame 46, and a desired stamper can be moved in the printing direction. When the desired stamper comes to the printing position facing the paper, the first locking member 66
Is released, the first locking member 66 protrudes,
The projection 66c is engaged with the cut 70a, and the rotation is prohibited.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the plurality of stamp holder supporting portions 57 are arranged in the width direction of the paper, the printing position in the width direction of the paper can be changed as necessary. In addition, by attaching the stamp holder 57 to each support portion 56, a plurality of types of printing can be performed simultaneously. Also, three stampers 58 can be mounted on one stamp holder 57, and the print content can be changed even at the same print position.

Further, the attachment / detachment of the stamp unit 55 and the change of the print content can be performed by a simple operation. Control Operation Next, the operation will be described according to a control flowchart.
In FIG. 13, when a main switch (not shown) is turned on, initial settings such as setting the number of copies to one and heating the heater of the fixing device are performed in step S1. At this time, a stamp flag, a position flag, and a punch flag described later are set to an off state.

Next, in step S2, a print key is pressed by the operator, in step S3, a stamp mode key is pressed, and in step S4, a key for designating a stamp position is pressed. In step S5, it is determined whether or not the position clear key for clearing the stamp position has been pressed, in step S6 whether or not the punch mode key has been pressed, and in step S7 whether or not another key has been pressed. Until any key is pressed, the program repeatedly executes the determinations in steps S2 to S7. When a key other than the print key, the stamp mode key, the position key, the position clear key, and the punch mode key is pressed, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S8. In step S8,
A process corresponding to the type of the pressed key is executed, and when the process ends, the process returns to step S2.

When the stamp mode key is pressed,
The process moves from step S3 to step S9. Step S
At S9, it is determined whether or not the stamp flag (S flag) is on. If the stamp flag is off, the process proceeds to step S10, and the stamp flag is turned on. On the other hand, if the stamp flag is on, the process proceeds to step S11, and the stamp flag is turned off.
That is, each time the stamp mode key is pressed, the stamp flag switches between the on state and the off state.

If the key for designating the stamp position has been pressed, the process moves from step S4 to step S12. In step S12, the position flag is turned on. Next, in step S13, the count value T of the timer for setting the stamp position is set according to the designated position, and this information is sent to the control unit 111 of the stamp / punch device 21.

If the position clear key has been pressed, the process moves from step S5 to step S14. Step S1
At 4, the position flag is turned off. Then, in step S15, the count value T of the stamp timer is set so that the stamp processing is executed at a preset position. If the punch mode key has been pressed, the process moves from step S6 to step S16. Step S16
Then, it is determined whether or not the punch flag (P flag) is on. If the punch flag is off, the process proceeds to step S17, where the punch flag is turned on.
On the other hand, if it is on, the process proceeds to step S18, and the punch flag is turned off. In this manner, each time the punch mode key is pressed, the punch flag is switched between the on state and the off state, as in the case where the stamp mode key is pressed.

When the print key is pressed by the operator, the flow shifts from step S2 to step S19 for executing various subroutines. The various subroutines in step S19 include a paper feed control subroutine, an image forming operation subroutine, and the like. In the stamp / punch device 21 side, FIGS.
The processing is executed according to the control flowchart shown in FIG.

That is, when the main switch of the copying machine main body 1 is turned on, initialization is performed in step S20. In this initial setting, the cam 61 of the stamp mechanism 33 and the eccentric cam 76 of the punch mechanism 34 are moved to the initial positions. Next, in step S21, it is determined whether or not the punch flag or the stamp flag is on, in step S22, it is determined whether or not only the stamp flag is on, and in step S23, only the punch flag is on. It is determined whether or not it is in the state. If both the punch flag and the stamp flag are in the OFF state, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S24, where a normal paper discharge subroutine is executed. If only the stamp flag is ON, the process moves from step S22 to step S25. In step S25, a stamp subroutine is executed. Further, when only the punch flag is in the ON state, the process proceeds from step S23 to step S26. In step S26, a punch subroutine is executed. When both the stamp flag and the punch flag are on, the process proceeds to step S27 via steps S21, S22, and S23. In step S27, a stamp / punch subroutine is executed.

Normal discharge mode If the normal discharge mode is selected, step S24
Is executed. In this subroutine, as shown in FIG.
At 1, it is determined whether or not the sheet has been discharged from the copying machine main body 1 side. This determination is made based on whether or not the sheet discharge switch 113 of the copying machine body 1 is turned on by a sheet and a signal to that effect is sent to the control unit 111 of the stamp / punch device 21.

When a sheet discharge signal is sent from the copying machine body 1, the process proceeds from step S31 to step S32. In step S32, the introduction roller 36, the conveyance roller 42, and the discharge roller 37 are driven. The driving of these rollers 36, 37, 42 is performed by a drive motor 80.
Of the stamp / punch motor 80
And the clutches 103 and 104 for driving the introduction roller 36 and the discharge roller 37 are brought into a connected state.

Next, in step S33, it is determined whether or not the sheet has been discharged from the stamp / punch device 21.
That is, when a sheet is conveyed from the copying machine main body 1 side, the sheet is guided to the first conveyance path 40 via the introduction conveyance path 35 and the introduction roller 36. Then, the sheet passes through the transport roller 42, turns on the sheet discharge switch 38, and is discharged to the sorter 7 by the discharge roller 37. When the trailing edge of the sheet passes through the discharge switch 38, the sheet discharge switch 38 is turned off. The transition from ON to OFF of the paper discharge switch 38 is detected, and the process proceeds from step S33 to step S34.

In step S34, it is determined whether or not all of the set number of sheets have passed through the stamp / punch unit 21. This determination is made by the control unit 110 of the copying machine body 1.
Is determined by the signal sent from If the processing has not been completed, the process moves from step S34 to step S31, and the processing of steps S31 to S34 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if all the sheets have passed through the inside of the apparatus 21, the process proceeds from step S34 to step S35.
Move to In step S35, the drive motor 80
Then, the stamp / punch motor 81 is turned off to stop each roller, and the process returns to the main routine.

Stamp Mode If the stamp mode is designated, step S25
Execute the stamp subroutine. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, in step S40, it is determined in the same manner as described above whether or not a sheet has been sent from the copying machine body 1 by a sheet discharge signal. If the sheet has been discharged from the copying machine main body 1, the process proceeds from step S40 to step S41. In step S41, a timer for a stamp is started. Next, in step S42,
The drive motor 80 and the stamp / punch motor 81 are turned on, and the rollers 36, 42, and 37 are rotated. As a result, the introduced paper is guided to the first transport path 40 by the introduction roller 36 and further transported to the discharge roller 37 side by the transport roller 42. At this time, if the sheet size is large, the leading end of the sheet passes through the discharge roller 37 and is conveyed to the sorter 7 side.

In step S43, it is determined whether or not the stamp timer has reached a set time. When the set time has come, the process proceeds to step S44. Step S4
In step 4, the drive motor 80 and the stamp / punch motor 81 are turned off, so that the rollers 36 and 4 are turned off.
The rotation of the papers 2 and 37 is stopped, and the conveyance of the paper is stopped.
At this time, the roller on the sorter 7 side is also stopped. Next, in step S45, the stamp / punch motor 81 is turned on, and the clutch 98 is engaged. As a result, the gear 99
The cam 61 makes one rotation via the and. One rotation of the cam 61 causes the locking portion 61a of the cam 61 to move the lifting member 60
Of the stamp unit 5 via the lifting member 60, the pin 51 and the stamp support frame 46.
5 falls. As a result, the stamper 58 is pressed against the paper stopped in the first transport path 40, and the printing process is performed. When the cam 61 continues to rotate, its locking portion 61a
Is released from the locking portion 60 a of the elevating member 60, and the stamp support frame 46 is raised by the return spring 52. Thereby, the stamp unit 55 also returns to the initial position as shown in FIG.

When the stamp processing is completed, step S46 is performed.
Move to In step S46, each roller 36, 4
Rotate 2,37. At the same timing, the roller on the sorter 7 side is also rotated. Next, step S
At 47, it is determined whether the sheet has been discharged. This determination is made by detecting the transition from ON to OFF of the paper discharge switch 38 as described above. When paper ejection is detected,
The process moves to step S48. In step S48, it is determined whether or not the set number of sheets have passed. If not, the process returns to step S40. Then, the processing of steps S40 to S48 is repeatedly executed. If the set number of sheets have passed, the process proceeds from step S48 to step S49. Step S
At 49, the drive motor 80 and the stamp / punch motor 81 are turned off to stop the rotation of all the rollers, and the process returns to the main routine.

Punch Mode When the punch mode is designated, a punch subroutine of step S26 is executed. In this punch subroutine, as shown in FIG. 18, first, it is determined in step S55 whether or not a sheet has been discharged from the copying machine main body 1 side. If the sheet has been discharged, the process proceeds from step S55 to step S56. In step S56, a punch timer is started. Next, in step S57, the rollers 36, 42 and 37 are rotated. As a result, as described above, the sheet is moved from the introduction roller 36 to the first transport path 4.
0, and the transport roller 42 and the discharge roller 3
The paper is conveyed to the sorter 7 side by 7.

Next, in step S58, the punching timer is determined whether the time Tp ₁ has elapsed. Time Tp
Waiting for the elapse of time ₁ , the process proceeds to step S59, in which the clutch 103 is turned off and the discharge roller 3
The rotation of only 7 is stopped. Also, the punch timer is reset and restarted. At the same timing as the stop of the discharge roller 37, the rotation of the roller on the sorter 7 side is also stopped. Here, the time Tp ₁ is a time set according to the paper size, and the first transport path 4
When the length from the rear end of the sheet conveyed to the first conveying path 40 to the junction (branch) of the first conveying path 40 and the second conveying path 41 becomes equal to the conveying distance of the second conveying path 41, the discharge roller 37 is set to stop. The second transport path 4
The transport distance 1 is a transport distance from the junction (branch) of the transport paths 40 and 41 to the end of the sheet insertion section of the punch mechanism 34, as shown by P in FIG. As described above, when the length from the confluence (branch) of the second transport path 41 to the rear end of the sheet has reached a certain length P, the discharge roller 37 is stopped, and the introduction roller 36 is rotated. The sheet is curved in the loop forming space 43 in the upstream portion of the discharge roller 37 for the length P. Thereby, a loop is formed as shown in FIG. When the sheet size is large, the leading end of the sheet enters the sorter 7 side and stops while being nipped by the rollers on the sorter 7 side. By providing such a loop forming space 43 and forming a loop corresponding to the transport distance of the second transport path 41, the punch processing can be performed only by the transport control in the stamp / punch device 21. On the side, turn on / off the transport roller.
Only the off control needs to be performed.

Next, when the time Tp ₁ elapses, step S6 is performed.
Move to 0. In step S60, the discharge rollers 37 determines whether the time Tp ₂ from being stopped has elapsed. Step S61 waiting for the time Tp ₂ has elapsed
Move to The time Tp ₂ is set such that the rear end of the sheet passes through the introduction roller 36 and is located further downstream from the junction (branch) of the second transport path 41. In step S61, the introduction roller 36 is stopped, and the transport roller 42 is rotated in the opposite direction. Thereby, the sheet is conveyed to the right side in FIG. Here, since the upstream end of the first transport path 40 is continuous with the second transport path 41, when the sheet is transported in reverse,
The sheet is guided from the first transport path 40 to the second transport path 41. At the same time when the transport roller 42 is rotated in the reverse direction, the punch timer is reset and restarted in step S61. In step S62, the punching timer is determined whether the time Tp ₃ elapses. Time T
proceeds to step S63 if it is p ₃ elapsed. In step S63, the transport roller 42 is stopped. At this point, the paper is stopped with the trailing edge inserted into the punch mechanism 34.

Next, in step S64, the eccentric cam 76 is rotated once by connecting the clutch 79 attached to the end of the rotating shaft 88. One rotation of the eccentric cam 76 pushes the lever 75 of the punch mechanism 34, and a punch hole is formed in the rear end of the sheet. When the punching process in step S64 ends, in step S65, the transport rollers 4
2 is rotated forward, and the clutch 103 is connected to rotate the discharge roller 37. Thereby, the sheets in the first transport path 40 and the second transport path 41 are discharged to the sorter 7 side. In step S66, it is determined whether or not the sheet has been ejected. If the sheet has been ejected, the process proceeds to step S67. In step S67, it is determined whether or not the set number of sheets have passed, and if not, step S5.
Returning to step 5, the processing of steps S55 to S67 is repeatedly executed. If all the set number of sheets have passed, the process proceeds from step S67 to step S68.
In step S68, all the rollers 36, 42, 37
Is stopped, and the process returns to the main routine.

Stamp / Punch Mode When both the stamp mode and the punch mode are designated, the stamp / punch subroutine of step S27 is executed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, it is first determined in step S70 whether or not the position flag is on. When the position flag is in the ON state, the stamp position is designated by the operator, so that the stamp processing and the punch processing are performed in order. That is, in this case, the process proceeds from step S70 to step S71.

In step S71, the control waits for paper to be discharged from the copying machine main body 1 side. If the sheet has been discharged, the process proceeds to step S72. In step S72, a punch timer is started. And FIG.
The processing from step S41 to step S45 shown in FIG. 7 is performed, and the stamp processing is performed on the sheet. In step S73, it is determined whether the timer time of the punch timer has passed time Tp _4. Here, the punch timer does not count the time when the introduction roller 36 is turned off during the stamp processing. That is, this step S7
In step 3, the sheet transport distance is determined, and it is determined whether the trailing end of the sheet is located further downstream than the junction with the second transport path 41 downstream of the introduction roller 36. For example, when the stamp position is specified at the leading end of the sheet, the sheet is stopped with the trailing end of the sheet sandwiched between the introduction rollers 36, and the stamp processing is executed. Therefore, in such a case, NO is determined in step S73, and step S7 is performed.
Move to 4. In step S74, the introduction roller 36 and the transport roller 42 are rotated. And wait for the time Tp ₄ has elapsed.

If YES is determined in the step S73, a punch process is executed. This punch processing is performed as shown in FIG.
Is the same as the processing in steps S59 to S65 shown in FIG. Upon completion of the punching process, the flow shifts to step S75. In the step S75, it is determined whether or not the sheet is discharged, and the process proceeds to a step S76 after the sheet is discharged. In step S76, it is determined whether or not all of the set number of sheets have passed. If not, the flow returns to step S71 to repeatedly execute the above-described processing. If all the sheets have passed, step S7
Then, the process proceeds from S6 to step S77, where all the rollers 36, 4
The rotation of the rotations 2 and 37 is stopped, and the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, if the position flag is not in the ON state, the flow shifts to step S80 in FIG. Step S80
Then, it waits for the paper to be discharged from the copying machine body 1. When the paper is discharged, a punch preparation process is performed. This punch preparation processing is the same processing as the processing of steps S56 to S63 in FIG. When the punch preparation processing is completed, the rear end of the sheet has been inserted into the predetermined position of the punch mechanism 34, and the front end is located in the first transport path 40. In this state, the flow shifts to step S81 to simultaneously execute the punching process and the stamping process. Next, in step S82, the transport rollers 4
2 is rotated forward, and the discharge roller 37 is rotated. As a result, the sheet subjected to the stamp processing and the punch processing is discharged to the sorter 7 side.

In step S83, the process waits for the sheet to be discharged. When the sheet is discharged, the process proceeds to step S84. In step S84, it is determined whether or not all of the set number of sheets have passed. If not, the flow returns to step S80 to repeat the above processing. If all the sheets have passed, step S85
Then, in Step S85, all the rollers 36, 4
The rotation of the rotations 2 and 37 is stopped, and the process returns to the main routine.

In such an embodiment, the stamp mechanism 33 is disposed above the first transport path 40 and the first transport path 4
The punch mechanism 34 is provided in the second transport path 41 that branches downward from zero.
Is arranged. For this reason, the stamp and punch device 2
(1) The dimension in the paper transport direction can be reduced. When performing the punching process, the discharge roller 37 is stopped, and the transport distance P of the second transport path 41 in the loop forming space 43 is set.
Since a loop is formed at the leading end of the sheet for a length corresponding to the length of the roller, only the on / off control of the roller is required on the sorter 7 side, and the control is simplified.

In this apparatus, the timing of the stamping process and the timing of the punching process are controlled depending on whether or not the stamp position is designated. That is, when the stamp position is not specified, the stamp processing and the punch processing can be executed simultaneously, and the processing time can be shortened. Further, when the processing is not performed, the paper can be discharged in a short time by the conveyance path having a short distance in the conveyance direction.

The apparatus of this embodiment can be easily mounted on the copying machine main body 1 having no stamp and punch functions, and can easily add the stamp and punch functions to a conventional copying machine.

[0058]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the first processing means and the second processing means are arranged vertically, the space in the paper transport direction can be reduced. In addition, since the sheet is positioned in the first and second transport paths and the first and second processing units in each of the transport paths are simultaneously operated, the processing time is shortened.

[0059]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a copying machine having a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vertical section of a stamp / punch apparatus as a sheet processing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the stamp / punch apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory view of a stamp mechanism of the stamp / punch apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of a stamp holder.

FIG. 6 is a partial view showing an attached state of the stamp holder.

FIG. 7 is a partial view showing an attached state of a stamp holder.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a drive system of the stamp / punch device.

FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of the device.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a stamp holder.

FIG. 11 is a front view for explaining the mounting operation of the stamp holder.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a state where the stamp holder is attached.

FIG. 13 is a control flowchart of the copying machine main body.

FIG. 14 is a control flowchart of the copying machine main body.

FIG. 15 is a control flowchart of the stamp / punch apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a normal paper discharge subroutine.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a stamp subroutine.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a punch subroutine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a stamp / punch subroutine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a stamp / punch subroutine.

FIG. 21 is a view for explaining a sheet conveying operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier main body 21 Stamp / punch device 30 Paper introduction part 31 Paper discharge part 32 Transport path 33 Stamp mechanism 34 Punch mechanism 40 First transport path 41 Second transport path 80 Drive motor 81 Stamp / punch motor 111 Stamp / punch control Department

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-3-107962 (JP, A) JP-A-4-334499 (JP, A) JP-A-1-127556 (JP, A) JP-A 64-64 28163 (JP, A) JP-A-59-223646 (JP, A) JP-A-63-161261 (JP, U) JP-A-62-83036 (JP, U)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A sheet processing device for processing a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus, comprising: a sheet introducing unit into which the sheet is introduced; a sheet discharging unit from which the sheet is discharged; A first transport path that connects the paper introduction unit and the paper discharge unit; a first processing unit that is disposed in the first transport path and performs a first process on a sheet; A second transport path that branches into the second transport path, a second processing unit that is disposed in the second transport path, and performs a second process on the sheet, and a transport unit that transports the sheet in the first and second transport paths. And a control unit for simultaneously operating both of the processing units in a state where the paper is opposed to the first and second processing units.