JP4888349B2 - Recording material post-processing apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording material post-processing apparatus and an image forming system.

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a recording material post-processing device that post-processes a recording material on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine is equipped with a binding function unit that binds recording material bundles with staples (U-shaped needles). ing. The binding function unit includes a plurality of binding function units that bind different portions of the recording material bundle, such as an end binding function unit that binds, for example, an end portion of the recording material bundle, and a saddle stitching function unit that binds, for example, the central portion of the recording material bundle. Is provided. Then, the recording material bundles bound by different binding function units are carried out to different recording material holding trays and provided to the user.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a discharge tray for discharging a saddle-stitched sheet bundle (recording material bundle) and a tray for discharging post-processed sheets (recording material) and sheet bundles other than saddle stitching. A recording material post-processing apparatus provided is described.

JP 2004-277036 A

Here, in general, in a recording material post-processing apparatus, when recording material bundles that have undergone different binding processes are carried out to different recording material holding trays, it becomes necessary to install a plurality of recording material holding trays. The installation area of a processing apparatus becomes large.
An object of the present invention is to reduce the lateral dimension of a recording material post-processing apparatus.

The invention according to claim 1 is disposed on the rear side in the recording material conveyance direction with respect to the recording material stacking member, the recording material stacking member collecting a plurality of recording materials carried from the outside as a recording material bundle, A first binding member that binds to a first position of the recording material bundle; and a recording material stacking member that is disposed on a front side in the conveying direction of the recording material and binds to a second position of the recording material bundle. The second binding member and the recording material accumulating member are disposed on the front side in the conveyance direction of the recording material and below the second binding member, and the first binding member has the first position. A recording material bundle stacking member for stacking the recording material bundle bound to the second position by the recording material bundle and the second binding member , and the first binding member. And the front of the second binding member to the recording material bundle stacking member A control unit that controls the stacking of the recording material bundle, and the control unit changes the size of the recording material bundle loaded on the recording material bundle stacking member, and the first binding member and the second binding member. Between the recording material bundle loaded on the recording material bundle stacking member and the recording material bundle according to a predetermined condition set based on one or more of the stacking order of the recording material bundle from the member The recording material post-processing apparatus is controlled to insert one recording material into the recording material .

The invention according to claim 2 further includes a conveying member that conveys the recording material bundle held by the recording material accumulating member between the first binding member and the second binding member, The transport member is disposed at a position where the first roll member and the first roll member are pressed against each other when transporting the recording material bundle toward the second binding member or the recording material bundle stacking member. 2. The recording according to claim 1, further comprising a second roll member disposed at a position spaced apart from the first roll member when the recording material is accumulated on the recording material accumulation member. It is a material post-processing device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention , the control unit changes the size of the recording material bundle loaded on the recording material bundle stacking member, changes the conveyance direction of the recording material bundle, and the first binding member. According to a predetermined condition set based on one or more of the stacking order of the recording material bundle from the second binding member and the second binding member, the stacking amount of the recording material bundle on the recording material bundle stacking member is The recording material post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording material post-processing apparatus is changed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, and a recording material accumulating member for accumulating a plurality of recording materials on which images carried from the image forming apparatus are formed as a recording material bundle. A first binding member disposed on the rear side in the conveyance direction of the recording material with respect to the recording material stacking member, and binding the first position of the recording material bundle; and transporting the recording material with respect to the recording material stacking member A second binding member disposed on the front side in the direction and binding the second position of the recording material bundle, and the second binding member on the front side in the conveyance direction of the recording material with respect to the recording material stacking member. The recording material bundle, which is disposed on the lower side of the recording medium and is bound at the first position by the first binding member, and the second position is bound by the second binding member. A recording material bundle loading member for loading the recording material bundle, And the recording material post-processing device for performing a predetermined after-treatment on the recording material on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus, said from the first binding member and the second binding member of the recording material post-processing device A controller for controlling the stacking of the recording material bundle on the recording material bundle stacking member, the control device being configured to stack the recording material bundle stacked on the recording material bundle stacking member in the recording material post-processing device. The recording material bundle stacking according to a predetermined condition set based on any one or a plurality of stacking orders of the recording material bundles from the first binding member and the second binding member. An image forming system is characterized in that control is performed so that one recording material is inserted between the recording material bundle loaded on the member and the recording material bundle .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the recording material post-processing device conveys the recording material bundle held by the recording material stacking member between the first binding member and the second binding member. And a first roll member and the first roll member when the recording material bundle is conveyed toward the second binding member or the recording material bundle stacking member. And a second roll member disposed at a position separated from the first roll member when the recording material is accumulated on the recording material accumulation member. The image forming system according to claim 4 .
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention , the control device changes the size of the recording material bundle loaded on the recording material bundle stacking member in the recording material post-processing device, and changes the conveyance direction of the recording material bundle. And the recording material bundle stacking member according to a predetermined condition set based on any one or a plurality of stacking orders of the recording material bundle from the first binding member and the second binding member. 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein a stacking amount of the recording material bundle is changed .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the recording material stacking member and the recording material are arranged by arranging the recording material bundle stacking member on the front side in the conveyance direction of the recording material with respect to the recording material accumulating member and below the second binding member. Since the bundle stacking member is overlapped in the plane, the size of the recording material post-processing apparatus, particularly in the width direction, can be reduced as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the recording material on the recording material accumulating member is fed to the first binding member of the first binding member by the conveying member provided between the first binding member and the second binding member. It can be transported from the position to the second binding position of the second binding member, and the configuration of the transport member can be simplified as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, more recording material bundles on the recording material bundle stacking member can be stacked in a more stable state than when the present invention is not adopted.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, the inserted recording material avoids the collision of the recording material bundle, so that the recording material bundle can be stacked in a more stable state. it can.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the recording material stacking member is disposed on the front side in the recording material conveyance direction and below the second binding member with respect to the recording material accumulation member, and the recording material accumulation member and the recording material are arranged. Since the bundle stacking member is overlapped in the plane, the dimension in the width direction of the image forming system including the recording material post-processing device can be reduced as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the recording material on the recording material accumulating member is fed to the first binding member of the first binding member by the conveying member provided between the first binding member and the second binding member. It can be transported from the position to the second binding position of the second binding member, and the configuration of the transport member can be simplified as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, more recording material bundles on the recording material bundle stacking member can be stacked in a more stable state than when the present invention is not adopted.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, since the inserted recording material avoids the collision of the recording material bundle, the recording material bundle can be stacked in a more stable state. it can.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. An image forming system shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, an image forming apparatus 1 such as a printer or a copier that forms a color image by an electrophotographic method, and a recording material (paper, sheet) after the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 1. The sheet post-processing apparatus 2 is an example of a recording material post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing such as binding.

The image forming apparatus 1 is configured in a so-called tandem system, and forms four image forming units 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K (also collectively referred to as “image forming unit 100”) that perform image formation based on each color image data. A laser exposure apparatus 101 that exposes a photosensitive drum 107 provided in the unit 100 is provided.
In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an intermediate transfer belt 102 onto which the toner images of the respective colors formed by the respective image forming units 100 are transferred, and the intermediate transfer belt 102 to which the respective color toner images formed by the respective image forming units 100 are transferred. A primary transfer roll 103 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) to each other, and a secondary transfer roll 104 that collectively transfers (secondary transfer) each color toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 102 to a recording material (paper). In addition, a fixing device 105 for fixing each color toner image on a sheet, and a main body control unit 106 for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 are provided.

  In each image forming unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 1, the charging process to the photosensitive drum 107, the electrostatic latent image forming process on the photosensitive drum 107 by the scanning exposure from the laser exposure apparatus 101, and the formed electrostatic latent image The toner image of each color is formed through the development process of each color toner. Each color toner image formed on each image forming unit 100 is sequentially electrostatically transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 102 by the primary transfer roll 103. Each color toner image is conveyed toward the position where the secondary transfer roll 104 is disposed as the intermediate transfer belt 102 moves.

On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 1, a plurality of sheets P1 to P4 (collectively referred to as “sheet P” and “sheet bundle P”) of different sizes and types are accommodated in the sheet accommodating portions 110A to 110D, respectively. Yes. For example, when the paper P1 is designated by the main body control unit 106, the paper P1 is taken out from the paper storage unit 110A by the pickup roll 111, and conveyed one by one to the position of the registration roll 113 by the conveyance roll 112. The same applies to the case where the sheets P2 to P4 are designated by the main body control unit 106.
Then, the paper P is supplied from the registration roll 113 in accordance with the timing when each color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 102 is conveyed to the arrangement position of the secondary transfer roll 104. As a result, the toner images of the respective colors are collectively electrostatically transferred (secondary transfer) onto the paper P by the action of the transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 104.

  Thereafter, the paper P onto which the color toner images are secondarily transferred is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 102 and conveyed to the fixing device 105. In the fixing device 105, each color toner image is fixed on the paper P by a fixing process using heat and pressure, and an image is formed. Then, the sheet P on which the image is formed is discharged from the sheet discharge unit T of the image forming apparatus 1 by the transport roll 114 and is transported to the sheet post-processing apparatus 2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1.

The sheet post-processing apparatus 2 is disposed on the downstream side of the paper discharge unit T of the image forming apparatus 1 and performs post-processing such as punching and binding on the paper P on which the image is formed.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the sheet post-processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet post-processing device 2 includes a transport unit 21 connected to the paper discharge unit T of the image forming apparatus 1 and a predetermined post-processing for the paper P taken into the transport unit 21. And a sheet processing control unit 23 as an example of a control unit (control device) that controls each mechanism unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus 2. The paper processing control unit 23 is connected to the main body control unit 106 through a signal line (not shown), and transmits and receives control signals and the like. In the sheet post-processing apparatus 2 in FIG. 1, the sheet processing control unit 23 is provided in the casing of the finisher unit 22, but the sheet processing control unit 23 may be provided in the casing of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the main body control unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to include the control function of the paper processing control unit 23.

In the transport unit 21 of the sheet post-processing apparatus 2, a punch function unit 30 that performs punching (punching) such as 2 holes or 4 holes, and the paper P after image formation by the image forming apparatus 1 is used as the finisher unit 22. A plurality of transport rolls 211 that are transported toward the front are provided.
On the other hand, the finisher unit 22 includes a folding function unit 40 that forms a crease in the central portion of the paper P, a compile tray 60 as an example of a recording material stacking member that stacks a required number of sheets P and generates a sheet bundle P, An end-binding staple function unit 50 as an example of a first binding member that executes staple binding (end binding) at the end of the sheet bundle P, and a central portion of the sheet bundle P that has been creased by the folding function unit 40 A saddle stitching function unit 70 as an example of a second binding member that executes staple binding (saddle stitching), a recording material bundle stacking member that holds a sheet bundle P and moves up and down according to the amount of the sheet bundle P to be held. As an example, a stacker tray 80 is provided.
Further, when the sheets P are stacked on the compile tray 60 with the unloading roll (first roll member) 61 and the rotation shaft 62a constituting the conveying member for unloading the sheet bundle P stacked on the compile tray 60 as the movement center. Is moved to a position retracted from the carry-out roll 61, and when the paper P is carried out from the compilation tray 60, there is a movable roll (second roll member) 62 that constitutes a conveyance member that moves to a position where the carry-out roll 61 is pressed. Is provided.

Subsequently, post-processing of the paper P performed by the sheet post-processing apparatus 2 will be described.
In the sheet post-processing device 2, the main body control unit 106 outputs an instruction signal to the post-processing for the paper P after the image is formed by the image forming device 1 to the paper processing control unit 23. Then, various post-processing for the paper P is executed. Here, a case will be described in which an instruction signal for executing post-processing on the paper P is output from the main body control unit 106.
First, the paper P after the image formation by the image forming apparatus 1 is carried into the transport unit 21 of the sheet post-processing apparatus 2. In the transport unit 21, punching by the punch function unit 30 is performed in accordance with an instruction signal from the paper processing control unit 23, and then the paper P is sent to the finisher unit 22 by the transport roll 211. When there is no punching instruction from the paper processing control unit 23, the paper P is sent to the finisher unit 22 by the transport roll 211 as it is without being punched by the punch function unit 30.

When the paper P is sent to the finisher unit 22, a fold is formed in the central portion of the paper P in the folding function unit 40 when an instruction signal instructing saddle stitching is transmitted from the paper processing control unit 23. When there is no saddle stitching instruction from the paper processing control unit 23, the folding function unit 40 does not perform the crease formation process, and the paper P passes through the folding function unit 40 as it is.
Here, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the folding function unit 40. (A) is a figure explaining the structure of the folding function part 40, (b) is a figure explaining the paper P before a crease is formed in the center part, (c) is a paper P with a crease formed in the center part. FIG.
The folding function part 40 is arranged to face the groove part 41a below the crease pedestal part 41 and below the crease base part 41, with the groove part 41a formed in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper P, and from below the groove part 41a. The folding blade 42 that moves so as to protrude toward the paper, the paper fixing member 47 that presses and fixes the paper P against the crease pedestal 41 before and after the conveyance direction of the paper P of the folding blade 42, the folding blade 42, and the paper fixing member A holder 48 that supports the slider 47 and a cam 43 that moves the holder 48 in the vertical direction are provided. Furthermore, a paper roll 46 that transports the paper P and detects the timing at which the leading edge of the paper P passes, as well as a transport roll 44 and a transport roll 45 that fix both ends of the paper P in the transport direction when forming a crease in the paper P. It has.

In the folding function unit 40, when the paper P is transported from the transport unit 21, the transport roll 44 and the transport roll 45 transport the paper P. At that time, the sheet sensor 46 detects the leading end of the sheet P and notifies the sheet processing control unit 23 of the passage timing of the leading end of the sheet P. In this case, information related to the size of the paper P conveyed to the sheet post-processing apparatus 2 is notified from the main body control unit 106 to the paper processing control unit 23. Therefore, the paper processing control unit 23 detects the transport amount of the paper P by measuring a predetermined time corresponding to the size of the paper P from the passage timing of the front end of the paper P, and the central portion of the paper P is folded. When the transport amount reaching the arrangement position of the blade 42 is reached, the transport roll 44 and the transport roll 45 are stopped.
When the transport roll 44 and the transport roll 45 are stopped, the cam 43 moves the holder 48 from below to the crease pedestal portion 41 while the transport roll 44 and the transport roll 45 hold the paper P. As a result, the paper fixing member 47 presses and fixes the paper P against the crease pedestal 41 at the front and rear of the folding blade 42 in the transport direction of the paper P. Around that time, the folding blade 42 presses the central portion of the paper P toward the groove 41a. As a result, a fold as shown in FIG.

When the crease is formed on the paper P, the cam 43 moves the holder 48 downward. A spring (not shown) that urges the holder 48 downward is attached to the holder 48 that supports the folding blade 42 and the paper fixing member 47, and the holder 48 is attached with a spring when the cam 43 is retracted downward. Move downwards with power.
After the holder 48 moves downward, the transport roll 44 and the transport roll 45 start transporting the paper P again and carry the paper P out of the folding function unit 40.
Then, the paper P carried out from the transport roll 45 of the folding function unit 40 is sequentially accumulated on the compile tray 60 arranged at a position where the paper P is transported out from the transport roll 45 and dropped.
Here, in the finisher unit 22 of the present embodiment, the sheet P on which the folds are formed is pressed against the sheet P after the folds are formed by the folding blade 42 until the sheets are stacked on the compilation tray 60. Only the transport roll 45 is disposed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the folds formed on the paper P from being leveled before the paper P is accumulated on the compilation tray 60.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the sheets P sent out from the transport roll 45 of the folding function unit 40 are stacked on the compile tray 60. As shown in FIG. 4, when a crease is formed in the paper P and the feeding of the paper P by the transport roll 44 and the transport roll 45 is started again, the leading end of the paper P transported from the folding function unit 40 is moved to gravity. To go vertically downward. At that time, each of the sheets P has a predetermined rigidity (so-called “koshi”), and therefore, the leading end of the sheet P is the conveyance direction of the sheet P on the compile tray 60 arranged at the position where the sheet P falls. It is supported in the area on the front side (the unloading roll 61 side). In this case, the compile tray 60 according to the present embodiment is disposed in a state where the front side of the paper P in the transport direction (the side of the carry-out roll 61) is inclined upward by about 35 ° with respect to the horizontal plane. As a result, the vertical drop distance of the leading end of the paper P is shortened, and therefore, when the paper P is sequentially stacked on the compilation tray 60, the posture of the paper P is prevented from being greatly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. .
Further, since the compile tray 60 is disposed at a position where the paper P is unloaded from the folding function unit 40 and dropped, the leading end of the paper P is supported by the compile tray 60 while being held by the transport roll 45. The As a result, the variation in the stacking position on the compilation tray 60 with respect to the paper P is suppressed.

After the leading end of the paper P is supported by the compile tray 60, the rear end of the paper P passes through the transport roll 45. Then, following the leading edge of the paper P, the trailing edge of the paper P falls downward. In this case, the trailing edge of the paper P is in a state where the leading edge of the paper P is supported by the compile tray 60. Fall down. Therefore, the sheets P are stacked on the compile tray 60 while suppressing variations in position in the width direction. The “width direction” of the paper P means a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper P. The same applies hereinafter.
Thereafter, when the entire sheet P is placed on the compilation tray 60, the sheet P slides and falls toward the positioning stopper 60a at an inclination angle provided on the compilation tray 60. Further, in the finisher unit 22 of the present embodiment, in addition to the inclination angle provided in the compile tray 60, the paper P is directed toward the positioning stopper 60a of the compile tray 60 below the paper carry-out portion of the folding function unit 40. A rotating paddle 63 is arranged for alignment. Therefore, the rear end portion of the paper P is sent toward the positioning stopper 60 a by the paddle 63 while falling toward the compilation tray 60. As a result, a sheet bundle P is formed in a state in which the rear end portion of the sheet P is aligned by the positioning stopper 60a on the compilation tray 60.

Further, at both ends in the width direction of the compile tray 60, a paper width position alignment mechanism 65 that aligns the width direction position of the sheet bundle P according to the size of the sheet P to be conveyed is provided. Thereby, when the sheets P are sequentially stacked on the compilation tray 60, the positions in the width direction of the sheets P (sheet bundle P) are also aligned.
When the paper P is sent out from the transport roll 45 of the folding function unit 40, the movable roll 62 is moved to a position retracted from the carry-out roll 61.

When a predetermined number of sheets P are stacked on the compile tray 60 and the sheet bundle P is formed, staple binding (edge binding) or saddle stitching staple function unit for the end of the sheet bundle P by the end binding staple function unit 50 is performed. Staple binding (saddle stitching) is executed on the central portion of the sheet bundle P that has been creased by the folding function unit 40 according to 70.
First, when the sheet processing control unit 23 transmits an instruction signal for the end binding process, the end binding stapling function unit 50 executes staple binding (end binding) at the end of the sheet bundle P. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the end binding staple function unit 50 executes staple binding (end binding) at the end of the sheet bundle P, and the compile tray 60 is viewed from above (the folding function unit 40 side). It represents the state.
The end binding staple function unit 50 is provided with a staple head 51 for binding the sheet bundle P with staples (U-shaped needles) so as to be movable along the positioning stopper 60 a of the compile tray 60. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, in accordance with an instruction signal from the paper processing control unit 23, for example, two points parallel to the positioning stopper 60a at the end of the paper bundle P (the positions (A) and (B) in FIG. 5). The position is stapled (two-point end binding), or one end (position (C) in FIG. 5) is stapled (single-point end binding).
The staple head 51 is translated along the positioning stopper 60a between the (A) position and the (B) position, but between the (A) position and the (C) position, for example, Move with 45 ° rotation.

After the end binding of the sheet bundle P is executed by the end binding stapling function unit 50, the movable roll 62 (see FIG. 4) moves to a position where it presses against the carry-out roll 61 with the rotation shaft 62a as the movement center. Then, the carry-out roll 61 and the movable roll 62 start rotating, and the end-bound paper bundle P is conveyed from the compilation tray 60 toward the stacker tray 80. In this case, the carry-out roll 61 and the movable roll 62 function as a conveyance unit that conveys the sheet bundle P to the stacker tray 80.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the edge-bound sheet bundle P is carried out from the compilation tray 60. As shown in FIG. 6, the edge-bound paper bundle P is conveyed to the carry-out roll 61 and the movable roll 62 and stacked on the stacker tray 80.
In this case, the saddle stitching stapling function unit 70 has moved to a position retracted from the transport path of the sheet bundle P to be transported (the home position at the subsequent stage).

Next, when the sheet processing control unit 23 has transmitted an instruction signal for saddle stitching processing, the saddle stitching staple function unit 70 executes staple binding (saddle stitching) on the central portion of the sheet bundle P. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the saddle stitching staple function unit 70 executes staple binding (saddle stitching) on the center portion of the sheet bundle P. FIG. (B) represents the XX cross section in (a).
As shown in FIG. 7, the saddle stitching staple function unit 70 includes two staple heads 71 and 72 for binding the sheet bundle P with staples, and a booklet tray 73 that supports both ends in the width direction of the sheet bundle P. .
Each of the staple heads 71 and 72 includes a staple unit 71a and 72a that staples the sheet bundle P, and a base unit 71b and 72b that serve as a base for stapling. The staple units 71 a and 72 a are configured to move along the width direction of the paper P in accordance with the size of the paper P. Further, the pedestal portions 71b and 72b are located at positions facing the staple portions 71a and 72a across the sheet bundle P, and among the sheets P stored in the sheet storage portions 110A to 110D (see FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus 1. Thus, it is configured to move between a position outside the width position of the maximum size paper P (home position).
Further, the booklet tray 73 has a position that supports the bundle of sheets P according to the size of the conveyed sheet P and the largest sheet among the sheets P stored in the sheet storage units 110A to 110D of the image forming apparatus 1. It is configured to move between a position outside the width position of P (home position).

When the sheet processing control unit 23 transmits the instruction signal for saddle stitching processing, the carry-out roll 61 and the movable roll 62 acquire the information regarding the size of the sheet P from the main body control unit 106. The sheet bundle P is transported by a predetermined amount in accordance with the instruction signal from 23, and the central portion of the sheet bundle P on which the folds are formed coincides with the arrangement positions of the staple heads 71 and 72. In this case, the carry-out roll 61 and the movable roll 62 function as alignment means for aligning the central portion of the sheet bundle P with the positions of the staple heads 71 and 72.
On the other hand, in the saddle stitching stapling function unit 70, the booklet tray 73 is arranged at a position for supporting the sheet bundle P in accordance with an instruction signal from the sheet processing control unit 23 that has acquired information on the size of the sheet P from the main body control unit 106. Further, the staple portions 71 a and 72 a of the staple heads 71 and 72 are arranged at predetermined positions in the width direction of the sheet bundle P corresponding to the size of the sheet P. Further, the pedestal portions 71b and 72b are arranged at positions facing the staple portions 71a and 72a.
As a result, the staple heads 71 and 72 perform binding (saddle stitching) on the sheet bundle P supported by the booklet tray 73 at two predetermined positions in the central portion where the folds are formed.

  After saddle stitching, the booklet tray 73 is retracted to the home position. Similarly, the base portions 71b and 72b of the staple heads 71 and 72 are also retracted to the home position. Thereafter, the sheet bundle P is conveyed by the carry-out roll 61 and the movable roll 62 and loaded on the stacker tray 80. In this case, the carry-out roll 61 and the movable roll 62 function as a conveyance unit that conveys the sheet bundle P to the stacker tray 80.

  On the other hand, when the sheet processing control unit 23 instructs the edge binding processing and the sheet bundle P on which the edge binding by the edge binding staple function unit 50 is performed is transported, the booklet tray 73 is retracted to the home position. Similarly, the base portions 71b and 72b of the staple heads 71 and 72 are also retracted to the home position. As a result, the end-stitched sheet bundle P is conveyed while simply passing through the saddle stitching staple function unit 70 by the carry-out roll 61 and the movable roll 62, and is stacked on the stacker tray 80. The carry-out roll 61 and the movable roll 62 in this case also function as a conveyance unit that conveys the sheet bundle P to the stacker tray 80.

  The saddle-stitched sheet bundle P and the edge-bound sheet bundle P are both stacked on the stacker tray 80. The stacker tray 80 is configured to move downward according to the stacking amount of the sheet bundle P. By moving in this way, the stacking capacity of the stacker tray 80 is increased. Further, the sheet bundle P which is saddle-stitched by the saddle-stitching staple function unit 70 and carried out, and the end-stitching staple function unit 50 which is subjected to the end-stitching processing and simply passes through the saddle stitching staple function unit 70 and is carried out. The level difference between the sheet bundle P and the sheet bundle P already stacked on the stacker tray 80 is kept small.

Further, the stacker tray 80 is configured to stack the sheet bundle P subjected to the saddle stitching process and the sheet bundle P subjected to the edge stitching process in a mixed manner, thereby performing various post-processing in the sheet post-processing apparatus 2. The final stacking location for the broken paper bundle P is shared. Thereby, the user can take out the sheet bundle P subjected to the post-processing from one place (stacker tray 80) regardless of the type of the post-processing.
If the instruction signal for executing the post-processing for the paper P is not output from the main body control unit 106, the sheet post-processing apparatus 2 performs the post-processing for the paper P after the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 1. And the sheets P are stacked on the stacker tray 80 as they are. For this reason, in the stacker tray 80, there are cases where sheets P that have undergone post-processing are stacked together with the sheet bundle P that has undergone saddle stitching and the sheet bundle P that has undergone end-stitching.

Next, the sheet bundle P subjected to the saddle stitching process and the sheet bundle P subjected to the end binding process are stacked in an orderly manner on the stacker tray 80 of the present embodiment, and further, the stacked sheet bundle P and the sheet P are stacked on the stacker tray. The stack control of the sheet bundle P for suppressing the falling from 80 will be described.
As described above, in the stacker tray 80 according to the present embodiment, the sheet bundle P having different types of post-processing such as the sheet bundle P subjected to the saddle stitching process and the sheet bundle P subjected to the end binding process, and the post-processing are performed. Unused sheets P are mixed and stacked. At this time, the sizes of the sheet bundles P and the sheets P to be stacked are various, and the stacking order of the sheet bundles P having different types of post-processing is also various.
Therefore, when the size of the sheet bundle P or the like subsequently stacked on the stacker tray 80 is larger than the size of the sheet bundle P or the like previously stacked on the stacker tray 80, the stacking on the stacker tray 80 is performed. If the amount becomes too large, the subsequently stacked sheet bundle P or the like may fall out of the stacker tray 80 due to so-called load collapse. Further, when the sheet bundle P previously stacked on the stacker tray 80 has been subjected to the saddle stitching process, the leading end of the subsequent sheet bundle P or the like is caught by the staple used for the saddle stitching process. As a result, a defect such as a break may occur at the leading end of the sheet bundle P or the like.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the sheet bundle P or the like easily falls from the stacker tray 80.
In FIG. 8A, for example, after an A4 size (small size) sheet bundle P is end-bound and stacked on the stacker tray 80, an A3-size (large size) sheet bundle P is subsequently end-bound. It shows the case where it is loaded. In this case, a gap is formed between the paper bundle support surface of the stacker tray 80 on the leading end side of the subsequent A3 size paper bundle P. Therefore, the A3 size sheet bundle P hangs down due to its own weight, and furthermore, the slipperiness of the surface of the sheet P also overlaps, and when the stacking amount becomes too large, the A3 size sheet bundle P on the stacker tray 80 The loading state becomes unstable.
Such a state occurs in the same manner when, for example, the sheet bundle P of the same size is stacked, but the transport direction of the sheet bundle P is different. That is, for example, after the A4 size sheet bundle P is first loaded in a so-called horizontal conveyance (SEF: Short Edge Feed), the A4 size sheet bundle P is subsequently conveyed in a so-called vertical conveyance (LEF: Long Edge Feed). It is a case where it is loaded. Similarly, this is a case where the sheet is vertically conveyed (LEF) and stacked, and subsequently is horizontally transferred (SEF) and stacked. Also in this case, for the same reason, when the stacking amount becomes too large, the stacking state of the subsequent sheet bundle P transported vertically is unstable.
In this way, when the length in the conveyance direction and the length in the width direction of the sheet bundle P to be subsequently stacked are larger than the length in the conveyance direction and the length in the width direction of the previously stacked sheet bundle P. When the stacking amount becomes too large, the stacking state of the sheet bundle P tends to be unstable.

In FIG. 8B, for example, after a sheet bundle P of A4 size (small size) is saddle-stitched and stacked on the stacker tray 80, a sheet bundle P of, for example, A3 size (large size) is subsequently edge-bound. It shows the case where it is loaded. In this case, in addition to the state shown in FIG. 8A, since the sheet bundle P has a crease, the stacking state of the A3-size sheet bundle P on the stacker tray 80 is further changed. It becomes unstable.
In FIG. 8A, for example, when either one of the previously stacked A4 size sheet bundle P and the later stacked A3 size sheet bundle P is saddle stitched, FIG. ) For the same reason, the instability of the stacking state of the sheet bundle P on the stacker tray 80 increases when the stacking amount becomes too large.

  FIG. 8C shows, for example, after a sheet bundle P of A4 size (small size) is saddle-stitched and stacked on the stacker tray 80, for example, a sheet bundle P of A4 size (small size) having the same size, for example. This shows a case where the end-stitched and stacked state is repeated alternately. In this case, since the paper sizes are the same, there is no gap between the front side of the paper bundle P and the paper bundle support surface of the stacker tray 80. However, since the fold is formed in the saddle-stitched sheet bundle P, the central portion of the sheet bundle P is raised. In addition, the end-bound paper bundles P stacked between the saddle-stitched paper bundles P are not caught between the paper bundles P due to the folds, and the surface of the paper P is easily slipped. Therefore, the stacking state of the sheet bundle P on the stacker tray 80 becomes unstable when the stacking amount becomes too large.

  In addition to the state shown in FIG. 8, for example, when the end-binding staple function unit 50 performs end-binding on the sheet bundle P, depending on whether the two-point end binding or the one-point end binding is performed, When the stacking position on the lay 80 is moved, the stacking state of the sheet bundle P on the stacker tray 80 may become unstable when the stacking amount becomes too large.

On the other hand, when the size of the sheet bundle P or the like subsequently stacked on the stacker tray 80 is smaller than the size of the sheet bundle P or the like previously stacked on the stacker tray 80, the subsequent small size is set. There is no gap between the front end side of the sheet bundle P and the sheet bundle support surface of the stacker tray 80. Therefore, the stacking state of the sheet bundle P on the stacker tray 80 is stable even when the stacking amount is large.
Further, in the case where the same-size sheet bundle P is stacked, only the saddle-stitched sheet bundle P is subsequently stacked after the first edge-bound sheet bundle P is stacked on the stacker tray 80. In this case, since the subsequent saddle-stitched sheet bundle P is caught between the creases, the stacked state of the sheet bundle P on the stacker tray 80 is stable even when the stack amount is large.

Therefore, in the sheet post-processing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, the sheet processing control unit 23 uses the stacker tray 80 when the stacked state of the sheet bundle P or the like on the stacker tray 80 is maintained. The upper limit stacking amount of the paper P is set to the initial setting amount T1. On the other hand, when the stacking state of the sheet bundle P or the like on the stacker tray 80 is likely to become unstable, the sheet processing control unit 23 initially sets the upper limit stacking amount of the sheet P on the stacker tray 80. The setting is changed to a setting amount T2 (<T1) smaller than the setting amount T1.
For example, the sheet processing control unit 23 sets the upper limit stacking amount T1 of the sheets P set when the stacking state of the sheet bundle P is stable to 2000 sheets, and sets the sheet set when the stacking state of the sheet bundle P is likely to be unstable. The upper limit stacking capacity T2 of P is set to 300 sheets. Here, the upper limit stacking amounts T1 and T2 of the sheets P mean the upper limit value of the total number of stacking amounts obtained by integrating the sheets P in units of one sheet. For example, when the sheet bundle P is composed of 10 sheets, the stacking amount for the sheet bundle P is 10 sheets, and when the sheet bundle P composed of 10 sheets is stacked 100 sheets, The load capacity is 1000 sheets. The upper limit stacking amounts T1 and T2 of the paper P define the upper limit value of the total number of stacking amounts. Note that the sheet processing control unit 23 may be configured to change the upper limit stacking amounts T1 and T2 of the sheet P.
If the upper limit stacking amounts T1 and T2 of the paper P determined for each of them are exceeded, the paper processing control unit 23 instructs the main body control unit 106 to stop the image forming operation. Thereafter, when the stacked sheet bundle P or the like is removed from the stacker tray 80, the main body control unit 106 is instructed to resume the image forming operation.

  Here, a procedure of stacking control of the sheet bundle P on the stacker tray 80 performed by the sheet processing control unit 23 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a stacking control procedure for the sheet bundle P performed by the sheet processing control unit 23. As shown in FIG. 9, the sheet processing control unit 23 performs information (size information) regarding the size of the sheet P to be transported, information regarding the transport direction (SEF, LEF) of the sheet bundle P (sheet transport direction information), and Acquires binding instruction information from the main body control unit 106 (S101). Then, the paper processing control unit 23 determines the acquired size information, paper transport direction information, and binding instruction information (S102).

As a result of the determination in step S102, when the transported sheet bundle P or the like is changed from a small size (for example, A4 size) to a large size (for example, A3 size) (S103), the upper limit stacking amount T1 of the sheet P is set. The upper limit loading amount T2 is changed (S106).
When the transport direction of the transported sheet bundle P or the like is changed (S104), the upper limit stacking amount T1 of the sheet P is changed to the upper limit stacking amount T2 (S106). Here, the change in the conveyance direction of the sheet bundle P or the like specifically refers to the case where the conveyance direction of the sheet bundle P or the like is changed from vertical conveyance (LEF) to horizontal conveyance (SEF), or horizontal conveyance (SEF). ) To vertical conveyance (LEF).
When the binding process of the sheet bundle P to be conveyed is changed from saddle stitching to edge binding (S105), the upper limit stacking amount T1 of the sheet P is changed to the upper limit stacking amount T2 (S106).
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S102 is that none of steps S103 to S105 applies, the upper limit loading capacity T1 is maintained (S107).

Next, FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the leading end portion of the succeeding sheet bundle P or the like is caught by the staple used for the saddle stitching process. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, after a large-size (for example, A3 size) sheet bundle P that has been saddle-stitched first is stacked on the stacker tray 80, the end-bound small size (for example, A4 size) ) Sheet bundle P, edge-bound sheet bundle P of the same size (A3 size), saddle-stitched sheet bundle P of small size (A4 size), etc. are stacked, etc. Such a state that the leading end portion of the sheet is stacked while contacting the surface of the large-size sheet bundle P from the front side with respect to the center portion of the large-size sheet bundle P already loaded is likely to occur. For this reason, the leading end of the succeeding sheet bundle P or the like may be caught by the staple at the central portion of the large-sized sheet bundle P on which it is stacked, and the leading end of the sheet bundle P or the like may be folded. In addition, this is a factor that disturbs the orderly stacking of the sheet bundle P.
If the sheet bundle P previously loaded on the stacker tray 80 is end-bound, the binding portion of the sheet bundle P is closest to the finisher unit 22 regardless of the size of the sheet bundle P. Therefore, it is difficult for the staples to be caught as described above.

Therefore, in the sheet post-processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, when the sheet processing control unit 23 has changed from the saddle stitching process to the edge stitching process, the sheet processing control unit 23 performs a large size to a small size when performing the saddle stitching process. When there is a change, the main body control unit 106 is instructed to insert, for example, one sheet P (interleaf) before the image forming operation immediately after these changes. Accordingly, for example, the uppermost part of the large-size sheet bundle P that is saddle-stitched, the subsequent small-size sheet bundle P that is edge-bound, the same-size sheet bundle P that is edge-bound, or the small-size sheet that is saddle-bound. One slip sheet is interposed between the lowermost part of the sheet bundle P and the like, and it is difficult for staples to be caught.
Note that the sheet P used as the slip sheet has a size that covers the central portion of the large-sized sheet bundle P already stacked among the sheets P stored in the sheet storage units 110A to 110D of the image forming apparatus 1. Is used. Further, a configuration in which a dedicated paper storage unit for slip sheets is separately provided may be employed.

  Here, a procedure of insert sheet insertion control performed by the sheet processing control unit 23 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for insert sheet insertion control performed by the sheet processing control unit 23. As shown in FIG. 11, the sheet processing control unit 23 acquires information (size information) and binding instruction information related to the size of the conveyed paper P from the main body control unit 106 (S201). Then, the paper processing control unit 23 determines the acquired size information and binding instruction information (S202).

As a result of the determination in step S202, when the binding processing of the conveyed sheet bundle P is changed from saddle stitching to edge binding (S203), the main body control unit 106 is instructed to insert slip sheets (S205). ).
On the other hand, when the sheet bundle P to be conveyed is in the saddle stitch process and the sheet bundle P to be conveyed is changed from a large size (for example, A3 size) to a small size (for example, A4 size) ( In step S204, the main body control unit 106 is instructed to insert slip sheets (S205).

  In addition to the above-described method of inserting the slip sheet, or in addition to the method of inserting the slip sheet, when the transported sheet bundle P or the like is stacked on the stacker tray 80, the leading end portion of the sheet bundle P or the like. Are stacked from the front side (the direction side away from the finisher unit 22) from the center portion of the maximum size paper P among the papers P stored in the paper storage units 110A to 110D of the image forming apparatus 1. A member for setting the state may be provided in the stacker tray 80.

  As described above, in the sheet post-processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, the stacker tray 80 is configured to stack the sheet bundle P subjected to the saddle stitching process and the sheet bundle P subjected to the end binding process in a mixed manner. Thus, the final stacking location of the sheet bundle P and the like on which various post-processing in the sheet post-processing apparatus 2 has been performed is made common. Thereby, the user can take out the sheet bundle P subjected to the post-processing from one place (stacker tray 80) regardless of the type of the post-processing.

  Further, when the paper processing control unit 23 maintains a stable state of the stack of sheets P or the like on the stacker tray 80, the upper limit stacking amount of the sheets P on the stacker tray 80 is set to the initial set amount T1. Set to. On the other hand, when the stacking state of the sheet bundle P or the like on the stacker tray 80 is likely to become unstable, the sheet processing control unit 23 initially sets the upper limit stacking amount of the sheet P on the stacker tray 80. The setting is changed to a setting amount T2 (<T1) smaller than the setting amount T1. This stabilizes the stacking state of the sheet bundle P on the stacker tray 80 even when the stacking amount is large.

  Further, the sheet processing control unit 23 determines that the main body is changed when there is a change from the saddle stitching process to the edge binding process, or when a change from the large size to the small size is performed during the saddle stitching process. The controller 106 is instructed to insert slip sheets before the image forming operation immediately after these changes. As a result, the quality of the sheet bundle P or the like is maintained high, and the sheet bundle P is stacked in an orderly manner.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. It is the figure which showed the structure of the sheet | seat post-processing apparatus. It is a figure explaining a folding function part. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which sheets fed from a conveyance roll of a folding function unit are stacked on a compile tray. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an end binding staple function unit executes staple binding (end binding) at an end of a sheet bundle. It is a figure explaining the state which carries out the edge bound paper bundle from a compilation tray. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the saddle stitching function unit executes staple binding (saddle stitching) on a central portion of a sheet bundle. It is a figure explaining the state in which a sheet bundle etc. are easy to fall from a stacker tray. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a stack control procedure of a sheet bundle performed by a sheet processing control unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a leading end of a subsequent sheet bundle or the like is caught by staples used for saddle stitching processing. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for insert sheet insertion control performed by a sheet processing control unit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... Sheet post-processing apparatus, 21 ... Transport unit, 22 ... Finisher unit, 23 ... Paper processing control part, 30 ... Punch function part, 40 ... Folding function part, 50 ... End binding staple function part , 60 ... Compilation tray, 61 ... Unloading roll, 62 ... Movable roll, 70 ... Saddle stitching stapling function section, 80 ... Stacker tray, 106 ... Main body control section

Claims (6)

A recording material accumulating member for accumulating a plurality of recording materials carried from the outside as a recording material bundle;
A first binding member that is arranged on the recording material stacking member on the rear side in the conveying direction of the recording material and binds the first position of the recording material bundle;
A second binding member that is arranged on the front side in the conveyance direction of the recording material with respect to the recording material accumulation member, and binds the second position of the recording material bundle;
The recording material accumulating member is disposed on the front side in the conveying direction of the recording material and below the second binding member, and the first binding member is bound to the first position. A recording material bundle stacking member that stacks the recording material bundle that is bound at the second position by the recording material bundle and the second binding member ;
A control unit for controlling the stacking of the recording material bundle from the first binding member and the second binding member to the recording material bundle stacking member;
The control unit is any one of a change in the size of the recording material bundle loaded on the recording material bundle stacking member and a stacking order of the recording material bundle from the first binding member and the second binding member. Control is performed so that one recording material is inserted between the recording material bundle loaded on the recording material bundle stacking member and the recording material bundle in accordance with a predetermined condition set based on one or more. A recording material post-processing apparatus. A transport member that transports the recording material bundle held by the recording material stacking member between the first binding member and the second binding member;
The transport member is arranged at a position where the first roll member and the recording material bundle are transported toward the second binding member or the recording material bundle stacking member when the recording material bundle is transported toward the second roll member. And a second roll member disposed at a position spaced apart from the first roll member when the recording material is accumulated on the recording material accumulation member. Recording material post-processing device. The control unit includes a change in the size of the recording material bundle loaded on the recording material bundle stacking member, a change in the conveyance direction of the recording material bundle, and the first binding member and the second binding member. The loading amount of the recording material bundle on the recording material bundle stacking member is changed in accordance with a predetermined condition set based on one or more of the stacking order of the recording material bundle. The recording material post-processing apparatus according to 1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material;
A recording material accumulating member for accumulating a plurality of recording materials on which an image carried in from the image forming apparatus is formed as a recording material bundle; and the recording material accumulating member disposed on the rear side in the conveying direction of the recording material, A first binding member that binds to the first position of the material bundle, and a first binding member that is disposed on the front side in the conveyance direction of the recording material with respect to the recording material stacking member and that binds to the second position of the recording material bundle. The second binding member and the recording material accumulating member are disposed on the front side in the conveyance direction of the recording material and below the second binding member, and are moved to the first position by the first binding member. A recording material bundle stacking member for stacking the recording material bundle that has been bound and the recording material bundle that has been bound at the second position by the second binding member, and the image forming apparatus includes: Te a predetermined post on the recording material on which the image is formed And to the recording material post-processing device,
A control device for controlling the stacking of the recording material bundle from the first binding member and the second binding member of the recording material post-processing device to the recording material bundle stacking member ;
The control device changes the size of the recording material bundle loaded on the recording material bundle stacking member in the recording material post-processing device and records the recording material from the first binding member and the second binding member. One recording material is placed between the recording material bundle loaded on the recording material bundle stacking member and the recording material bundle in accordance with a predetermined condition set based on one or more of the stacking order of the material bundles. An image forming system which is controlled to be inserted . The recording material post-processing apparatus further includes a conveying member that conveys the recording material bundle held by the recording material stacking member between the first binding member and the second binding member, The member is disposed at a position where the first roll member and the first roll member are pressed against each other when the recording material bundle is conveyed toward the second binding member or the recording material bundle stacking member. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising: a second roll member disposed at a position separated from the first roll member when the recording material is accumulated on the recording material accumulation member. system. The control device includes: changing the size of the recording material bundle loaded on the recording material bundle stacking member in the recording material post-processing device; changing the transport direction of the recording material bundle; and the first binding member. The stacking amount of the recording material bundle on the recording material bundle stacking member is changed according to a predetermined condition set based on one or more of the stacking order of the recording material bundle from the second binding member The image forming system according to claim 4 .

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