JP3592869B2 - Post-processing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a post-processing device that is connected to a paper discharge unit of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A staple unit for staple processing the end of the recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus, a staple unit moving means for moving the staple unit, and the recording discharged to the staple tray of the staple unit A post-processing apparatus has been proposed that includes a vertical alignment unit that vertically aligns paper and a rear end fence that receives a rear end of recording paper discharged to a staple tray of a staple unit. Among such post-processing apparatuses, those having an oblique binding function have been proposed.
In a post-processing device provided with a stapling unit having an oblique binding (about 45 degrees) function, when the stapler is inclined, in order to facilitate the oblique binding, the stapler can enter a part of the rear end fence on the back side. Thus, it is conceivable to provide a notch.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when the stapler is not on the back side, the rear end fence moves to the center.If the rear end fence is notched as described above, the support on the back side of the recording paper becomes unstable, When the hitting roller for alignment is operated, there is a problem that the recording paper tilts to the rear side and the alignment of the recording paper becomes poor.
[0004]
It is an object of the present invention to prevent misalignment from occurring even in a mode in which the stapler is not on the back side when a cutout portion for the stapler to enter is formed in a part of the rear end fence on the back side. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a post-processing device capable of performing the following.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The object includes a stapling unit for stapling an end of a recording sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus, and a stapler for stapling an end of the recording sheet in the stapling unit. A stapler moving means for moving the stapler, a stapler oblique moving means for obliquely moving the stapler, and a vertical aligning means for vertically aligning the recording paper discharged to the stapling unit; In a post-processing apparatus having a rear end fence for receiving the rear end of the recording paper discharged to the pull unit, the staple unit moves obliquely to a rear end fence of a plurality of rear end fences. A notch for escape at the time is formed, and the operation timing of the vertical alignment means is changed by the staple mode. It is solved by means.
The above object is attained by a second means in the first means, wherein the operation timing of the vertical alignment means is changed according to the size of recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus.
The problem is solved by a third means in the first means, wherein the operation timing of the vertical alignment means is changed according to the number of recording sheets stacked on a staple tray of the staple unit.
[0006]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a driving mechanism of a jogger fence and a return roller, and FIG. 3 shows a first example near a rear end fence. FIG. 4 is a perspective view mainly showing a staple device, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a bundle of recording sheets is discharged by a discharge belt, and FIG. 6 is a rear view according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electrical system of the processing device.
[0007]
1, a paper discharge sensor 36, an entrance roller 1, and a branch claw 8 are provided at the entrance of a recording paper discharge conveyance path from a copying machine. The staple device (stipple) 11 is separated from the recording paper going in the direction.
In the transport path in the direction of the paper discharge tray 12, a plurality of upper transport rollers 2, a paper discharge sensor 38, a discharge roller 3, a shifting roller 7 for moving the recording paper to one side, a paper surface lever 13 which moves up and down by the loaded recording paper, a loaded recording paper A paper surface sensor 33 for detecting the height is disposed, and a plurality of lower transport rollers 4, a paper discharge sensor 37, a paper feed roller (brush roller) 6, and the like are disposed on the transport path in the direction of the staple device 11.
[0008]
The lower transport roller 4 is driven by a transport motor 54 to be described later, and the discharge tray 12 is moved up, down, left and right by a vertical motor 51 and a shift motor 52 as described later.
[0009]
The staple device 11 is provided below the staple tray 21, and the staple tray 21 has a jogger fence 9 for aligning recording paper, a return roller 5, and a recording stapled at a position behind the jogger fence 9. Discharge belts 10 for discharging a bundle of paper are arranged respectively. Reference numeral 39 denotes a discharge belt home sensor.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 2, the jogger fence 9 is driven in the width direction of the recording paper by a jogger motor 26 via a jogger belt 49, and the return roller 5 is moved back and forth by a return solenoid 30 onto and off the recording paper. It is configured to be exercised.
The brush roller 6 is rotated by a brush roller belt 47 in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, a rear end fence 19 is provided below the jogger fence 9 for abutting against the rear end of the recording paper.
[0011]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the stapling device 11 constituting the stapling unit is driven by the stapler moving motor 27 via the stapling belt 50 and moves laterally. Reference numeral 22 denotes a stapler home sensor. The rear end fence 19 has fixed pieces 19a and 19b and movable pieces 19c and 19d that move together when the stipple device 11 moves.
By the way, even if the paper discharge sensor 37 detects the rear end of the recording paper and immediately issues an ON command to the return solenoid 30 to operate the return roller 5, the return roller 5 strikes the rear end of the recording paper at that timing. It is located at a position where it can be applied.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the trailing end of the recording paper bundle bound by the staple device 11 is locked by a discharge claw 10 a provided on the discharge belt 10, and the discharge belt 12 is rotated by the discharge belt 10. It is being discharged.
[0012]
Here, an electrical system of the post-processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, signals from switches and sensors of a control panel (not shown) of the apparatus main body are input to the CPU 70 via the I / O interface 60. In response to the input signal, the CPU 70 controls the up / down motor 51, the shift motor 52, the branch solenoid 53, the return solenoid 30, the transport motor 54, the paper discharge motor 55, the staple motor 56, the discharge motor 57, the stapler moving motor 27, The jogger motor 26 is driven. The pulse signal of the transport motor 54 is input to the CPU 70 and counted, and the return solenoid 30 is controlled according to the count.
[0013]
Next, an operation when the non-staple mode in which no stapling is performed in the embodiment is selected will be described.
The copied recording paper is received by the entrance roller 1, sent by the upper transport roller 2, and discharged onto the discharge tray 12 by the discharge roller 3. Then, the recording paper is aligned in the vertical direction by the shifting roller 7, and is stacked on the paper discharge tray 12. At this time, the shifting roller 7 is decelerated when the sheet ejection sensor 38 detects the trailing edge of the recording sheet, thereby improving the stacking property. Further, as the copied recording paper is sequentially discharged, the paper lever 13 rises (swings clockwise), and this is detected by the paper surface sensor 33. 12 is lowered and always kept at the proper height.
In the sort and stack modes, the discharge tray 12 is shifted left and right by the shift motor 52 in accordance with a partition signal output from a control panel or the like of the apparatus main body, and sorting is performed until the end of the job. At the end of the job, the discharge tray 12 is lowered by about 30 mm.
[0014]
Next, a case where the staple mode is selected will be described.
When the staple mode is selected, as shown in FIG. 2, the jogger fence 9 moves from the home position and waits at a position 7 mm away from the recording paper width on one side. When the recording paper is conveyed by the lower conveyance roller 4 (driven by the conveyance motor 54) and the trailing end of the recording paper passes the paper ejection sensor 37, the jogger fence 9 jogs inward 5 mm from the standby position (reciprocation in the direction of the arrow). Exercise).
Further, the paper ejection sensor 37 detects this at the time of passing the trailing edge of the recording paper, and inputs the signal to the CPU 70. The CPU 70 counts the transmission pulse from the conveyance motor 54 from the time of receiving this signal, and After the transmission, the return solenoid 30 is turned on.
[0015]
The return roller 5 performs a pendulum motion when the return solenoid 30 is turned on and off. When the return solenoid 5 is turned on, the return roller 5 hits the recording paper to return downward, and hits the rear end fence 19 to vertically align the recording paper. Each time a recording sheet stored in the staple tray 21 passes through the entrance sensor 36 (or the sheet ejection sensor 37), a signal is input to the CPU 70, and the number of recording sheets is counted.
After a predetermined time has elapsed since the return solenoid 30 was turned off, the jogger fence 9 is moved inward by 2 mm by the jogger motor 26 and temporarily stopped, thereby completing the horizontal alignment of the recording paper. The jogger fence 9 then returns 7 mm and waits for the next recording sheet. This operation is performed up to the last page. On the last page, jogging of 7 mm is performed again, and both ends of the recording paper bundle are pressed to prepare for the stapling operation.
Thereafter, after a predetermined time, the staple device 11 is operated, and the binding process is performed. At this time, if a plurality of bindings are designated, after the binding processing at one location is completed, the staple moving motor 27 is driven, the staple device 11 is moved to an appropriate position along the trailing edge of the recording paper, and the second location is designated. Is performed.
[0016]
When the binding process is completed, the ejection motor 57 is driven to drive the ejection belt 10. At this time, the paper discharge motor 55 is also driven, and starts rotating to receive the recording paper bundle lifted by the discharge claw 10a. At this time, the operation of the jogger fence 9 is controlled so as to differ depending on the size and the number of the jogger fences.
For example, when the number of sheets to be bound is smaller than the set number or smaller than the set size, the trailing end of the sheet bundle is hooked and conveyed by the ejection claw 10a while the sheet bundle is held by the jogger fence 9.
[0017]
Then, the jogger fence 9 is retracted by 2 mm after a predetermined pulse from the discharge belt home sensor 39 to release the constraint on the recording paper by the jogger fence 9 (this predetermined pulse causes the discharge claw 10a to collide with the rear end of the recording paper bundle). After that, it is set during the time when it passes through the tip of the jogger fence 9).
If the number of sheets to be stapled is larger than the set number or larger than the set size, the jogger fence 9 is retracted by 2 mm in advance, and the discharge is performed. In any case, when the recording paper bundle passes through the jogger fence 9, the jogger fence 9 moves further by 5 mm, returns to the standby position, and prepares for the next recording paper. Further, it is also possible to adjust the binding force according to the distance of the jogger fence 9 to the recording paper.
The above series of operations are repeated until the last job.
[0018]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the paper ejection tray raising and lowering mechanism.
The paper discharge tray 12 is suspended by a vertical lift belt 48 as shown in FIG. The vertical lift belt 48 is driven by a vertical motor 51 via a gear train and a timing belt, and is raised or lowered by forward or reverse rotation of the vertical motor 51.
The home position and the moving height of the paper discharge tray 12 are detected by a paper surface lever 13 rotatable in the vertical direction and paper surface sensors 32 and 33, and when the paper discharge tray 12 becomes full of recording paper, This is detected by the lower limit sensor 34. Further, when the shifting roller 7 is pushed up by the sheet discharging tray 12 when the sheet discharging tray 12 is lifted, the upper limit switch 31 is turned off, and the vertical motor 51 stops rotating. Has been prevented.
[0019]
FIG. 8 is an enlarged configuration diagram showing a second example near the rear end fence.
The rear end fence 19 shown in FIG. 8 is composed of only movable pieces 19c and 19d, and the movable piece 19c on the far side is moved obliquely (about 45 degrees) by a motor (not shown) when the staple device 11 performs diagonal binding. Notch 19e is formed so as not to hinder the operation.
Since the notch 19e for escape when the staple device 11 moves obliquely is formed in the rear movable piece 19c of the rear end fence 19, the rear end fence is used in the mode in which the staple device 11 is not on the rear side. Since the movable piece 19c of the 19 moves to the center, the support on the back side of the recording paper becomes unstable, and when the return roller 5 for vertical alignment is operated, the recording paper tilts to the back side, Alignment may be poor.
[0020]
Therefore, the present invention sets the operation time of the return roller 5 for vertical alignment to the size and the recording time stacked on the staple tray 21 so that the alignment error does not occur even when the staple device 11 is not in the back side. By varying the number of sheets according to the number of sheets, even if the return roller 5 is operated, the recording sheet is not inclined to the rear side, so that misalignment does not occur when the stapling process is performed.
[0021]
Hereinafter, the control contents will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
FIG. 9 is a control flowchart of the return solenoid, and FIGS. 10 to 12 are flowcharts of subroutines of the flowchart of FIG.
[0022]
The flowchart of FIG. 9 is a flowchart for vertically aligning the recording paper discharged to the staple tray 21 by driving the return roller 5.
SOLJC is a JOB counter for processing any one of FIGS. 10 to 12 according to the value of the data set in the counter.
In FIG. 10, when the content of SOLJC (JOB counter) is "0", the routine returns.
In FIG. 11 showing SOLJC (JOB counter) 1, in S1, the return solenoid 30 is turned on (performs the vertical alignment of the recording paper as described above), and SOLTIM (timer) is set to "0", and SOLJC ( JOB counter) is set to "2".
SOLTIM is a timer, and counts up in another subroutine (not shown).
[0023]
Next, in FIG. 12 showing the SOLJC (JOB counter) 2, in S11, the front stapling in the staple mode is checked. When the front binding is performed, the process proceeds to “Y” and proceeds to S12. When the front binding is not performed, the process proceeds to “N”.
Note that the present invention is an invention when the stapler is in the front binding, and the description of “N” in S11 is omitted.
This front binding ("Y" in S11) is a mode when the staple device 11 is at a position closer to the movable piece 19d in FIG.
[0024]
In S12, it is checked whether the size of the recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus is A3 or B4. If it is A3 or B4, go to "Y" and go to S13, otherwise go to "N" and go to S17.
[0025]
In S13, it is checked whether the content of the STRYCU (number of sheets counter) is 15 or more. If the content of STRYCU (number-of-sheets counter) is 15 or more, go to "Y" and proceed to S14. If the content of SRYCU (number-of-sheets counter) is less than 15, go to "N" and proceed to S15.
The STRYCU (number of sheets counter) is a counter that counts the number of sheets of recording paper stacked on the staple tray 21. The count is incremented each time the recording paper is discharged to the staple tray 21 in another subroutine not shown. After the stapling, the counter is cleared when the sheet is ejected.
[0026]
In S14, it is checked whether the content of SOLTIM (timer) is 150 or more. If the content of SOLTIM (timer) is 150 or more, go to "Y" and proceed to S16. If the content of SOLTIM (timer) is less than 150, return with "N".
In S15, it is checked whether the content of SOLTIM (timer) is 100 or more. If the content of SOLTIM (timer) is 100 or more, go to "Y" and proceed to S16. If the content of SOLTIM (timer) is less than 100, return "N".
[0027]
In S16, the return solenoid 30 is turned off (the vertical alignment operation ends), and "0" is set in SOLJC (JOB counter). In other words, the control operations of S12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are summarized as follows. In the case of A3 or B4, if the content of the STRYCU (number of sheets counter) is 15 or more, and if the content of the SOLTIM (timer) becomes 150 or more, S16 When the content of the SOLTIM (timer) is less than 150, the program proceeds to S16 and turns off the return solenoid 30 when the content of the SOLTIM (timer) becomes 100 or more.
[0028]
If it is other than A3 or B4 in S12 ("N" in S12), it is checked in S17 whether the size of the recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus is A4T or B5T. If it is A4T or B5T, go to “Y” and go to S18; if it is other than A4T or B5T, go to “N” and go to S21.
Note that "T" next to the size indicates the vertical direction (the transport direction is the longitudinal direction).
[0029]
In S18, it is checked whether or not the content of STRYCU (number of sheets counter) is 30 or more. If the content of the STRYCU (number-of-sheets counter) is 30 or more, go to "Y" and proceed to S19. If the content of the STRYCU (number-of-sheets counter) is less than 30, go to "N" and proceed to S20.
In S19, it is checked whether the content of SOLTIM (timer) is 180 or more. If the content of SOLTIM (timer) is 180 or more, go to "Y" and proceed to S16. If the content of SOLTIM (timer) is less than 180, return with "N".
[0030]
If "N" in S18, it is checked in S20 whether the content of the SOLTIM (timer) is 160 or more. If the content of the SOLTIM (timer) is 160 or more, go to "Y" and proceed to S16. If the content of the SOLTIM (timer) is less than 160, return "N".
[0031]
If it is other than A4T or B5T in S17 ("N" in S17), it is checked in S21 whether the size of the recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus is A4Y or B5Y. If it is A4Y or B5Y, go to “Y” and go to S22; if it is other than A4Y or B5Y, go to “N” and go to S25.
Note that "Y" next to the size indicates the horizontal direction (the transport direction is the short direction).
In S22, it is checked whether or not the content of the STRYCU (number of sheets counter) is 25 or more. If the content of STRYCU (number-of-sheets counter) is 25 or more, go to “Y” and proceed to S23, and if the content of SRYCU (number-of-sheets counter) is less than 25, go to “N” and proceed to S24.
In S23, it is checked whether the content of SOLTIM (timer) is 200 or more. If the content of SOLTIM (timer) is 200 or more, go to "Y" and proceed to S16, and if the content of SOLTIM (timer) is less than 200, return with "N".
[0032]
In S24, it is checked whether the content of SOLTIM (timer) is 150 or more. If the content of SOLTIM (timer) is 150 or more, go to "Y" and proceed to S16. If the content of SOLTIM (timer) is less than 150, return with "N".
In S25, it is checked whether the content of the SOLTIM (timer) is 200 or more. If the content of SOLTIM (timer) is 200 or more, go to "Y" and proceed to S16, and if the content of SOLTIM (timer) is less than 200, return with "N".
Note that the numerical value determined in the subroutine is a predetermined value.
[0033]
In such an embodiment, a stapling unit for stapling the end of the recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus is provided. The stapler device 11 includes a stapler for stapling an end portion, a stapler moving motor (stipler moving means) 27 for moving the stapler device 11, and a stapler oblique moving device for moving the stapler device 11 obliquely. In a post-processing apparatus provided with a return roller (vertical alignment means) 5 for vertically aligning the discharged recording paper and a rear end fence 19 for receiving the rear end of the recording paper discharged to the stapling device 11, a plurality of Of the end fences 19, a notch 19e for escape when the stipple device 11 moves diagonally is formed in the rear end fence 19 on the back side. In addition, since the operation timing of the return roller 5 is changed depending on the staple (binding) mode, even when the stapler device 11 is not on the back side, a stable vertical alignment operation can be performed, and the alignment of the recording paper is improved. .
Further, in the above embodiment, the operation timing of the return roller 5 is changed according to the size of the recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus, that is, the recording paper stacked on the staple tray 21 of the staple device 11. Since the operation time of the return roller 5 is changed according to the size, even when the stapler device 11 is not on the back side, a stable vertical alignment operation can be performed, and the alignment of the recording paper is improved.
Further, in the above embodiment, the operation timing of the return roller 5 is changed according to the number of recording sheets stacked on the staple tray 21, so that even when the stapler device 11 is not on the back side, the operation timing is stable. Vertical alignment can be performed, and the alignment of recording paper is improved.
Further, even if the operation timing of the return roller 5 is changed depending on the number and size of the recording sheets, even when the stapler device 11 is not on the back side, a stable vertical alignment operation can be performed, and the alignment of the recording sheets is improved.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the operation time of the vertical alignment means is changed according to the staple mode, so that even when the stapler is not on the back side, a stable vertical alignment operation can be performed, and the alignment of the recording paper is improved.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operation time of the vertical alignment means is changed according to the size of the recording paper stacked on the staple tray of the staple unit. Therefore, even when the stapler is not at the back side, a stable vertical alignment operation can be performed. It is possible to improve the alignment of the recording paper.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the operation time of the vertical alignment means is changed depending on the number of sheets stacked on the staple tray, so that even when the stapler is not on the back side, a stable vertical alignment operation can be performed, and the recording paper can be aligned. Will be better.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a driving mechanism of a jogger fence and a return roller.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged configuration diagram illustrating a first example near a rear end fence.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view mainly showing a staple device.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a bundle of recording sheets after binding is released by a release belt.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electrical system of the post-processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a paper ejection tray raising and lowering mechanism.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged configuration diagram illustrating a second example near the rear end fence.
FIG. 9 is a control flowchart of a return solenoid.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a subroutine of the flowchart of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a subroutine of the flowchart of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a subroutine of the flowchart of FIG. 9;
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Upper transport roller 4 Lower transport roller 5 Return roller (vertical alignment means)
6 Paper feed roller 8 Branch claw 9 Jogger fence 10 Release belt 11 Stipple device (Stipple unit)
12 Discharge tray 19 Rear end fence 19c Movable piece 19e on the back side Notch 26 Jogger motor 27 Stippler moving motor 30 Return solenoid 37 Discharge sensor 51 Vertical motor 52 Shift motor 56 Stipple motor

Claims (3)

A staple unit for staple processing an end of the recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus;
The stapling unit includes a stapler for stapling an end portion of a recording sheet, a stapler moving unit for moving the stapler, and a stapler oblique moving unit for obliquely moving the stapler,
In a post-processing apparatus comprising: vertical alignment means for vertically aligning the recording paper discharged to the staple unit; and a rear end fence for receiving a rear end of the recording paper discharged to the staple unit.
Of the plurality of rear end fences, a notch for escape when the staple unit moves obliquely is formed in the rear end fence on the far side, and the operation timing of the vertical alignment unit is set according to the staple mode. A post-processing device characterized by changing the value. 2. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation timing of the vertical alignment unit is changed according to a size of a recording sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus. 2. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation timing of the vertical alignment unit is changed according to the number of recording sheets stacked on a staple tray of the staple unit.

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