JP3834455B2 - Sheet post-processing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus that bundles a predetermined number of sheets supplied one by one, staples and bundles the sheet bundle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, it is installed adjacent to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer main body, and an image-formed sheet discharged from the apparatus is stacked on a processing tray, and a sheet bundle is bound or a binding hole is formed. There is a sheet post-processing device for discharging.
Such an apparatus will be briefly described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 simply shows the inside of the apparatus main body 2 of the sheet post-processing apparatus 1. The sheet post-processing apparatus 1 is provided adjacent to an image forming apparatus G such as a copying machine main body or a printer. .
[0003]
The apparatus main body 2 has a receiving port 3 to which an image-formed sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus G is supplied, a discharge port 4 formed on a surface opposite to the receiving port 3, and a stack of discharged sheets. For this purpose, a stacking tray 5 protruding from the apparatus main body 2 is provided. A staple unit 6 is provided near the back of the main body 2. Further, inside the main body 2, a first conveyance path 7 that leads the sheet S from the receiving port 3 to the inside, a second conveyance path 8 that leads directly from the first conveyance path 7 to the discharge port 4, and this The second conveyance path 8 is separated from the second conveyance path 8 and the conveyance direction is reversed, and the third conveyance path 9 that conveys the sheet S into the processing tray 11 is branched from the middle of the first conveyance path 7 and a second (not shown) is branched. And a fourth conveyance path 10 for guiding the sheet S to the discharge port.
[0004]
In the first conveyance path 7, the conveyance drive roller 13 that further feeds the sheet S supplied from the receiving port 3 in cooperation with the driven roller 12, and the sheet S conveyed by the conveyance drive roller 13 further A rotary flapper 15 that switches the path between the case of guiding toward the front conveyor belt 14 and the case of guiding toward the fourth conveyor path 10 is provided.
The conveyance belt 14 conveys the sheet S to the second conveyance path 8 in cooperation with the driven roller 16. The conveyor belt 14 is a rubber endless belt, and is rotated by a belt drive roller 17 fixed to the drive shaft 17a.
[0005]
The processing tray 11 is provided below the conveyor belt 14. The processing tray 11 is a tray for temporarily stacking sheets S when performing post-processing such as bundling a plurality of image-formed sheets and binding or punching holes.
Above the second conveyance path 8, a rubber paddle 20 and a rotating arm 21 provided on a paddle rotating shaft 19 that is driven to rotate by rotation of the paddle driving roller 18 are provided.
A driven roller 22 is provided on the free end side of the rotating arm 21. A discharge driving roller 23 for discharging the bundle of sheets S after stapling to the stacking tray 5 is provided at a position where the rotating arm 21 rotates and contacts. The pivot arm 21 and the paddle 20 are misaligned in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 6, so that the paddle 20 is obstructed when the pivot arm 21 rotates. There is no.
[0006]
Further, a stopper 11 a for stopping the end of the sheet S sent to the processing tray 11 is provided on the leading end side of the third conveying path 9 on the processing tray 11, and the sheet S is conveyed beside the processing tray 11. An alignment plate 24 that moves in a direction perpendicular to the direction and aligns both sides of the sheet S is provided.
The operation of the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 will be described.
When discharging the sheet S supplied from the receiving port 3 to the first conveyance path 7 without performing post-processing such as stapling, the flapper 15 is rotated to guide the sheet S to the fourth conveyance path 10. Discharge to the second stacking tray.
[0007]
On the other hand, when post-processing such as stapling is performed, the sheet S is conveyed from the first conveyance path 7 to the second conveyance path 8 via the conveyance belt 14. When the trailing edge of the sheet S is deviated from the conveyance belt 14, the paddle 20 is rotated to convey the sheet S along the third conveyance path 9 on the processing tray 11. At the time when the trailing edge of the sheet S deviates from the second roller 14 on the second conveying path 8, the leading end side in the conveying direction of the sheet S comes out to the stacking tray side from the discharge driving roller 23. The paddle 20 acts to push back the sheet S. The sheet S pushed back by the paddle 20 advances along the third conveyance path 9, and when the conveyance direction front end is inserted between the conveyance belt 14 and the processing tray 11, this time, by the rotation of the conveyance belt 14, The tip is transported until it abuts against the stopper 11a. An alignment plate 24 that moves both sides of the sheet S that has stopped against the stopper 11a in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction pushes both sides of the sheet to a predetermined position and aligns them.
[0008]
Thereafter, the sheets S are conveyed and stacked on the processing tray 11 by the same procedure as described above for the number of sheets of one bundle to be stapled.
When the predetermined number of sheets S are aligned on the processing tray 11, the staple unit 6 is operated to bind the bundle of sheets S with staples. In this state, the bundle of sheets S is stretched from the processing tray 11 to the discharge drive roller 23.
When the bundle of sheets S is bound, the rotation arm 21 is rotated, the sheet bundle is sandwiched between the driven roller 22 and the discharge drive roller 23 provided at the tip, and the discharge drive roller 23 is rotated. Then, it is discharged to the accumulation tray 5.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In FIG. 6, the stapling unit 6 indicated by a two-dot chain line binds the end of the sheets stacked on the processing tray 11, and therefore the outside of the processing tray in the width direction, that is, the front side of the apparatus main body 2 It is provided on the back side.
Although not shown, the staple unit 6 includes a staple cartridge that stores staples. When the staples in the cartridge are used up, the staple unit 6 is replaced with a new staple cartridge.
[0010]
When the staple unit 6 is provided on the back side of the apparatus main body 2, the back cover must be opened to replace the staple cartridge. However, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 is often installed integrally with an image forming apparatus such as a printer so that the back surface of the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 is close to the wall, and the work of replacing the staple cartridge with the back cover opened is poor.
Therefore, some have been devised so that the staple cartridge provided on the back side can be replaced from the front side.
For example, in order to replace the staple cartridge of the staple unit 6 provided on the back side of the apparatus main body, there is a mechanism that can pull out the staple unit 6 from the front surface.
[0011]
In such a sheet post-processing apparatus, by pulling a handle provided on the front surface, the staple unit moves on the rail in the main body and comes out on the front surface of the main body. Therefore, the user can replace the staple cartridge from the front.
However, as described above, the structure for pulling out the staple unit from the back side to the front side is very complicated. This is because various mechanisms such as a sheet conveying mechanism and a sheet aligning unit are provided in the apparatus main body. Therefore, the complicated structure of pulling out the staple unit causes an increase in the cost of the entire apparatus.
[0012]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus capable of easily replacing a staple cartridge with respect to a staple unit disposed on the back side of a main body without incurring costs.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stacking tray, a processing tray provided in a path leading to the stacking tray, a staple unit for binding a sheet bundle in which a predetermined number of sheets are aligned on the processing tray, and a cartridge formed in the staple unit. In a sheet post-processing apparatus that includes an insertion port and a staple cartridge that is detachable through the cartridge insertion port, and that discharges the bundle of sheets stapled with staples to the stacking tray, the sheet post-processing device is rotatably attached to the apparatus body. The main body cover is attached, and the staple unit is attached to the main body cover, and when the main body cover is rotated, the cartridge insertion opening faces in a direction different from the direction in which the sheet bundle is bound. It is characterized by.
[0014]
The second invention is based on the first invention, and the main body cover is provided with a cover for covering the staple unit, and the cover is provided with a guide for guiding the staple cartridge to the cartridge insertion opening when the cover is released. It is characterized by points.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stacking tray, a processing tray provided in a path leading to the stacking tray, a staple unit for binding a sheet bundle in which a predetermined number of sheets are aligned on the processing tray, and a cartridge formed in the staple unit. In a sheet post-processing apparatus that includes an insertion slot and a staple cartridge that is detachable via the cartridge insertion slot, and that discharges the bundle of sheets stapled by staples to the stacking tray, the cartridge insertion slot faces the outer surface. A staple unit fixed to the main body and a cover covering the staple unit are provided, and the cover is provided with a guide for guiding the staple cartridge to the cartridge insertion opening when the cover is released.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the sheet post-processing apparatus of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a staple unit 25 is rotatably provided on the back side of the apparatus main body 2. Since the configuration other than the method of attaching the staple cartridge 25 is the same as that of the conventional sheet post-processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 6, the following description will be given with reference to FIG.
1 and 2 are views from the back side of the apparatus main body 2, and FIGS. 3 and 6 are views from the front side of the apparatus main body 2. FIG.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the staple unit 25 is inclined at substantially the same angle as the inclination of the processing tray 11 on the back side of the apparatus main body 2, and brackets 27 and 27 are attached to a vertical rotation shaft 26. Is attached through. Locking claws 28, 28 are provided on the opposite side of the staple unit 25 from the rotation shaft 26, and the locking claws 28, 28 are inclinedly attached to a frame 29 surrounding the back of the apparatus main body. I'm hooked to 30. In addition, an operation unit 31 is provided for hooking and removing the lock claws 28, 28 from the engagement shaft 30 (see FIG. 3).
Further, the staple unit 25 is formed with a cartridge insertion opening 32 opened on the back side. The staple cartridge 33 is inserted from the cartridge insertion port 32.
[0017]
Next, the procedure for replacing the staple cartridge 33 in the apparatus of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
When there is no staple in the staple cartridge 33, first, the sheet post-processing apparatus 1 is pulled away from the image forming apparatus main body G such as a printer, and a gap is created between the two. Then, the lock claws 28, 28 of the staple cartridge 25 are removed from the engagement shaft 30, and the unit 25 is rotated in the arrow A direction.
[0018]
The rotated staple unit 25 has its cartridge insertion opening 32 opened toward the front surface of the apparatus main body 2 as indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure. Therefore, the staple cartridge 33 that has been used can be removed and a new staple cartridge 33 can be inserted into the cartridge insertion slot 32 from the front of the apparatus. After the staple cartridge 33 is replaced, the staple unit 25 is rotated to the original position, the lock claws 28 and 28 are hooked on the engagement shaft 30, the apparatus main body 2 is moved, and the image forming apparatus main body G is reached. .
[0019]
As described above, the staple cartridge 33 can also be replaced from the front surface of the staple unit 25 on the back side of the apparatus main body 2.
In the first embodiment, the rotation direction of the staple unit 25 is the adjacent image forming apparatus G side. However, the staple unit 25 is rotated in the opposite direction to open the cartridge insertion port 32 to the front surface from the stacking tray 5 side. It doesn't matter if you do. Further, the cartridge insertion port 32 may be configured to be opened on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2 when it rotates.
[0020]
In short, if the cartridge insertion port 32 of the staple unit 25 provided on the back side can be rotated from the back side where the staple cartridge 33 is most difficult to be inserted to face not only the front side but also the other side such as the side and top side, the staple The cartridge 33 can be easily inserted.
In addition, as in the first embodiment, the rotation shaft 26 is provided and the staple unit 25 is rotatably attached, as in the prior art, the staple unit installed on the back side is moved inside the apparatus main body 2. Rather than moving it and pulling it to the front, the structure is simple and not costly.
[0021]
In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a cover 35 is provided outside the staple unit 34 provided on the back side of the apparatus main body 2. Except for the attachment structure of the staple unit 34, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted.
A staple unit 34 is provided inside the apparatus main body 2 and a cartridge insertion port 37 for inserting a staple cartridge 36 is formed so as to protrude from the back surface.
Further, a cover 35 that covers the cartridge insertion port 37 is attached to the rear surface of the main body 2 via hinged connecting portions 38 and 38 so as to be rotatable.
[0022]
Although FIG. 4 shows a state in which the cover 35 is released, the cover 35 is rotatable around the connecting portions 38 and 38, and can be closed by rotating in the arrow B direction. When the cover 35 is closed, the state is maintained by the inner locking portion 39 and the locking protrusion 40 on the apparatus main body 2 side. The locking portion 39 is composed of a pair of elastic pieces, and the cover 35 is held by sandwiching the locking projection 40 therebetween.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of guides 41 toward the cartridge insertion opening 37 is formed inside the cover 35. When the staple cartridge 36 is fitted between the guides 41, 41, the staple cartridge 36 is naturally guided to the cartridge insertion port 37.
[0023]
That is, even when the cartridge insertion port 37 is on the back side and is difficult to see, if the cover 35 is opened as shown in FIG. 4 and the staple cartridge 36 is aligned with the guides 41 and 41 therein, The staple cartridge 36 can be easily inserted into the cartridge insertion port 37.
Accordingly, the staple cartridge 36 can be easily inserted even from a position where the staple unit 34 is on the back side of the apparatus and the cartridge insertion opening is not clearly visible. After inserting the staple cartridge 36, the cover 35 is rotated in the direction of arrow B and closed.
In the second embodiment, the staple cartridge 36 is inserted into the cartridge insertion port 37 along the guides 41 and 41 formed on the cover 35 with the cover 35 released, and then the cover 35 is closed. .
[0024]
However, when the staple cartridge is placed in the cover in accordance with the guide formed in the released cover and then the cover is closed, the staple cartridge automatically enters the apparatus main body 2 from the cartridge insertion opening. You can also.
The cover 35 as described above can be applied not only when the staple unit 34 is on the back side but also when the staple unit 34 is on the front side. Wherever the staple unit 34 is located, if the guide 41 of the cover 35 is used, the staple cartridge can be easily inserted. In addition, since only the guides 41 are provided on the cover 35, the structure is simple and does not cost.
[0025]
The third embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is different from the second embodiment in that the back cover 42 of the apparatus main body 2 is rotatably attached around the rotation shaft 43 and the staple unit 34 is fixed to the back cover 42. . Further, the cover 35 is rotatably attached to the back cover 42. Other configurations are the same.
In addition, the said back cover 42 is a main body cover of this invention.
[0026]
In the apparatus of the third embodiment, when the staple cartridge 36 is inserted, the back cover 42 is rotated in the direction of arrow C with the apparatus main body 2 being separated from the adjacent image forming apparatus. The staple cartridge 34 rotates integrally with the back cover 42 and is positioned between the apparatus main body 2 and the image forming apparatus, and the cover 35 faces forward. Therefore, when the cover 35 of the back cover 42 is opened, the cartridge insertion opening 37 opens forward.
That is, the staple cartridge 36 can be attached and detached from the front side. In addition, if the guides 41 are provided in the cover 35 as in the third embodiment, the staple cartridge can be inserted more easily. However, if the back cover 42 is rotatably provided, the guides 41 and 41 are not necessarily required.
[0027]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first to third aspects, the staple cartridge can be easily inserted. In particular, even when the staple unit is installed on the back side of the apparatus main body, the staple cartridge can be attached and detached from the front side without turning to the back side of the apparatus. Moreover, since the structure is simple, the cost can be kept low.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the back side of a device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the apparatus of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating rotation of the staple unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the back side of the second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the back side of the third embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an internal explanatory view of a conventional sheet post-processing apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sheet post-processing apparatus 2 Apparatus main body 5 Stack tray 11 Processing tray 25 Staple unit 26 Rotating shaft 32 Cartridge insertion port 33 Staple cartridge 34 Staple unit 35 Cover 36 Staple cartridge 37 Cartridge insertion port 41 Guide 42 Back cover 43 Rotating shaft

Claims (3)

A stacking tray, a processing tray provided in a path leading to the stacking tray, a staple unit for binding a bundle of sheets having a predetermined number of sheets aligned on the processing tray, a cartridge insertion opening formed in the staple unit, and the cartridge In a sheet post-processing apparatus that includes a staple cartridge that is detachable via an insertion port and discharges a bundle of sheets stapled by staples to the stacking tray, the apparatus main body includes a main body cover that is rotatably attached, A sheet post-processing apparatus in which the staple unit is attached to the main body cover, and when the main body cover is rotated, the cartridge insertion port is oriented in a direction different from a direction in which the sheet bundle is bound . The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body cover is provided with a cover for covering the staple unit, and the cover is provided with a guide for guiding the staple cartridge to the cartridge insertion opening when the cover is released. .   An accumulation tray, a processing tray provided in a path to the accumulation tray, a staple unit for binding a bundle of sheets with a predetermined number of sheets arranged on the processing tray, a cartridge insertion opening formed in the staple unit, and the cartridge Staple unit comprising a staple cartridge that is detachable through an insertion port, and a sheet post-processing apparatus that discharges a bundle of sheets stapled by staples to the stacking tray, and is fixed to the apparatus main body with the cartridge insertion port facing the outer surface And a cover for covering the sheet, and the cover is provided with a guide for guiding the staple cartridge to the cartridge insertion opening when the cover is released.

Images