JP4901082B2 - Sheet post-processing apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing such as stapling, punching, and stamping on a sheet mainly discharged from an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a printing machine, and a copying machine. In particular, the post-processing mechanism is small and compact. It is composed.

  In general, this type of post-processing apparatus is attached to a printer, a copying machine, or a printing apparatus, and is widely used as an apparatus that performs post-processing on an image-formed sheet. As post-processing, various functional units for performing post-processing such as stapling, punching, stamping, and other post-processing for a series of documents after image formation are known and disposed at a sheet discharge port of a printer or the like.

  Such an apparatus temporarily stores sheets that are sequentially carried out on a tray (intermediate tray) for post-processing, and after performing post-processing on this tray, a tray for stacking other than this tray The device is roughly divided into the one that is transported and stored and the one that performs post-processing in the path from the sheet discharge port to the stack tray. The former is a large and high-function device, and the latter is a compact and inexpensive device. It is used. The present invention relates to the latter compact and inexpensive apparatus, and the post-processing apparatus incorporated in various printers, copiers, and the like or attached to the discharge outlet of these apparatuses can be configured to be smaller and more compact. Is.

  Conventionally, for example, a post-processing unit such as a staple is disposed between a paper discharge port of a printer or the like and a stack tray. Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-20156), Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-60123) Publications) are known. In Patent Document 1, a stepped corner support portion is provided at an intermediate position of a sheet discharged from a paper discharge port to a stack tray, and a series of documents (sheet bundle) is stapled by a staple unit disposed in the corner support portion. Things have been proposed. Then, the sheets from the paper discharge port are stacked in a state of straddling the corner support portion and the stack tray, and a stapling process is performed in a state where a series of documents are stacked, and then the document bundle is pushed out and stacked on the stack tray. Are disclosed.

  In this way, the sheet support member and the staple unit are arranged at the corner of the stack tray, and the post-step staple sheet is pushed out to the stack tray. The operation of pushing the sheet to be discharged from the corner support portion to the sheet discharge tray is repeated, or the sheet reaching the sheet discharge outlet is offset in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction in the path as disclosed in the same document. It is necessary to configure so that the operation of discharging to the support portion and performing post-processing and the operation of discharging onto the tray removed from the corner support portion are switched. Accordingly, the sheet stack tray has a feature that the sheet is offset in the sheet width direction and the mechanism for offsetting the sheet is necessary at the same time.

On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, the leading edge of the sheet carried out from the sheet discharge port is stacked on the stack tray, and the trailing edge of the sheet is supported by the sheet edge support member, and the side edge of the sheet bundle that supports the trailing edge by the support member. Have been proposed to bind in a staple unit. In this document, after post-processing such as stapling, the sheet bundle is pushed out onto the stack tray, and at the same time, the sheet support unit rotates in the sheet stacking direction, and after processing, the sheet bundle is stacked on the stack tray. ing.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-20156 JP 2002-60123 A

  In view of this, the present inventor has a support member that supports a corner portion of a sheet between the discharge port of the image forming apparatus and the stack tray, a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheet on the support member, and the post-processing unit. And an alignment means for aligning sheets, and the above-mentioned problems can be solved by moving these functional parts between the operating position on the stack tray and the retracted position retracted from the position. It was. In this case, it has become necessary to efficiently incorporate the support mechanism and the drive mechanism for movably supporting the support member, the post-processing means, and the aligning means into the limited space in the corner portion of the stack tray.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a sheet post-processing apparatus capable of compactly incorporating a support member that temporarily supports a sheet on a paper discharge unit of various image forming apparatuses, a post-processing unit, and a sheet aligning unit. The main problem is to simplify the drive mechanism that moves between the operating position on the tray and the retracted position retracted.

The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. A sheet discharge path having a sheet discharge port, a tray unit that forms a step with the sheet discharge port and stacks and stores the sheets, and a sheet disposed between the sheet discharge port and the tray unit and discharged from the sheet discharge port . comprising a corner support means for supporting lifting the cornering, a matching means for matching the sheets on the corner support means to a predetermined reference position, and a post-processing means for performing post-processing on the sheet on the corner support means.
The corner support means is provided with a sheet support surface for supporting a corner portion of the sheet in a plane substantially parallel to the sheet surface carried out from the paper discharge port, and the corner support means and the post-processing means are the sheet support a working position located on said tray means in a plane flush with movably disposed between the tray hand stage or we evacuated the retracted position.
The corner support means is supported by a shaft member so as to pivot between the operating position and the retracted position, and the post-processing means is a rail member that linearly moves between the operating position and the retracted position. supported on, a drive means to move between a retracted position and the corner support means and post hand stage and the operating position.

The drive means includes a drive motor capable of forward and reverse rotation, and the drive motor transmits the drive to the corner support means and the post-processing means in one direction rotation, and transmits the drive to the alignment means in the opposite direction rotation. Constitute. And said aligning means comprises a rotary member in contact with the sheet on the corner support means for moving the sheet to the reference position, the driving motor is moved to the retracted position from the operating position and the rotary motion to the rotary member movement Are transmitted so as to be executed simultaneously . Further, the aligning means is provided on the third support means so as to move between a position on the corner support means in contact with the sheet, a position spaced upward from the sheet, and a position retracted from the corner support means. To support.

The corner support means and the post-processing means move in one direction between the operating position and the retracted position by the driving means, and move in the other direction by a spring or other energy storage means. .
The driving means is composed of a stepping motor, the energy accumulating means is composed of an urging spring, and the accumulating force of the urging spring is held by the magnetic force of the stepping motor.

The present invention provides a corner support means for supporting a corner portion of a sheet between a paper discharge port and a tray means of various image forming apparatuses, an alignment means for aligning sheets on the corner support means, and a post-processing means. A drive motor that is movably supported between the retraction position and the retreat position, and is capable of transmitting power to the corner support means, the post-processing means, and selectively the alignment means with a drive motor that can be rotated forward and backward. Therefore , each functional component can be moved between the operating position and the retracted position with a simple drive mechanism . Therefore, the drive device and the transmission mechanism can be simplified, and can be arranged in a limited space in the corner portion of the tray means.

  At the same time, each time the sheet is discharged to the corner support means, the aligning means moves to a retracted position where it does not become an obstacle to discharging the sheet, and after the sheet is placed, moves to an operating position that contacts the sheet. The corner support means and the post-processing means after the sheet has been post-processed can be moved by the reverse rotation of the drive motor. It has an effect that it can be arranged in a space-saving manner.

The present invention will be described in detail below based on the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a general image forming apparatus. FIG. 1A is an external perspective view, and FIG. 1B shows an image forming apparatus configured with an electrophotographic laser optical system as an image forming unit. It is layout explanatory drawing. In FIG. 1B, the image forming apparatus 211 is appropriately provided with a plurality of stages of paper feed cassettes 200 in the casing, and each paper feed cassette 200 is provided with a paper feed roller 201 for feeding the stored sheets one by one. Then, sheets of various sizes are selectively supplied to registration rollers 202 provided in the printing unit.

  Hereinafter, an electrophotographic process as image forming means for forming an image on a sheet will be described with reference to FIG. The printing unit includes a photosensitive drum 203 that forms a toner image latent image, a laser head 205 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 203, and toner ink that is charged with a polarity opposite to that of the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 203. A developing device 204 that forms a toner image that is attached and forms a visible image, and a transfer device 212 that transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 203 to a sheet are configured. The laser head 205 is connected to an image forming unit 206 that modulates laser light in accordance with image information. The image forming unit 206 stores image data sent from a computer or scanner device in an image memory unit 207 that temporarily stores image data. It is connected.

  Therefore, the sheet from each sheet feeding cassette 200 is sent to the registration roller 202 and is synchronously aligned with the leading edge of the toner image on the drum, and the toner ink is attached to a predetermined latent image on the photosensitive drum 203, and the sheet is transferred onto the sheet by the transfer unit 212. Ink is transferred to. The transferred sheet is heated and pressed by the fixing device 208 to be fixed, and the stack tray is a tray unit that is disposed below the paper discharge port from the paper discharge roller 209 through the paper discharge port 106 and sequentially stacks and stores the sheets. 210. As the image forming apparatus having the above-described structure, various types such as a dot impact head and a silk screen drum are known in addition to the case where the printing unit is configured by an inkjet head, and any of them can be employed in the present invention.

  FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus. The paper feed cassette 200 is configured such that units 102 and 103 are stacked on the lower part of the printer main body 100 so that the paper feed cassettes can be sequentially added. The cassette 200 is built in the printer main body 100. 110 is a control panel, 210 is a stack tray, 106 is a paper discharge port, and 209 is a paper discharge roller.

  In order to perform post-processing such as stapling on the sheets sequentially discharged from the paper discharge roller 209 in the above general image forming apparatus, the following structure is adopted. A corner support means 3 for supporting a corner of the sheet at a step portion between the paper discharge port 106 and the stack tray 210 is provided at a corner portion of the paper discharge port 106 for carrying out the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus. A post-processing unit 1 that performs post-processing on the sheet supported by the corner support unit 3; an alignment unit 5 that aligns the sheet at a predetermined position (posture) of the post-processing unit 1; and a sheet on the stack tray 210. Sheet end support means 130 for supporting the rear end edge is disposed.

  Hereinafter, the structure of the corner support means 3, the post-processing means 1, the alignment means 5, and the sheet end support means 130 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a view in which a sheet end support means 130 to be described later is attached to the auxiliary lever mounting hole 112 provided below the discharge port of the printer main body 100 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram in which a staple unit as a sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention is set on the stack tray bottom 109 in the printer main body 100 of FIGS. A staple cover 120 is opened when the staples of the stapler in the staple unit are exhausted when the staples are replenished.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention. The post-processing means 1, the aligning means 5, and the driving motor 10 as the driving means are arranged along the tray means 210 from the paper discharge port 106. They are arranged in this order in the discharge direction. The reason is that when the sheet corner (ear portion) of the stack tray 210 is bound, it interferes with mechanical components such as a discharge roller 209 that carries out the sheet from the discharge port 106 and the sheets accumulated on the stack tray 210. This is because the post-processing means 1, the aligning means 5, and the drive motor 10 as the drive means can be arranged, and the apparatus can be further downsized. FIG. 5 is a side view. The post-processing means 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 and the drawings for each configuration.

[Composition of corner support means]
A height difference (drop) for stacking sheets on the tray is formed between the paper discharge port 106 of the image forming apparatus 211 and the stack tray 210. The sheet on which the image is formed is sequentially discharged from the paper discharge roller 209 of the paper discharge port 106 onto the tray and stacked. The illustrated image forming apparatus 211 is set so that sheets of different sizes are discharged from the paper discharge outlet 106 with reference to the one side edge thereof, so as to be carried out with reference to the right side of FIG. Therefore, the corner support means 3 is provided at a portion of the stack tray 210 located at the sheet corner (ear portion). The corner support means 3 is disposed between the paper discharge port 106 and the stack tray 210 as a tray means, and is configured to place and support the ears (corner part) of the sheet at a height position where a height difference is formed. For example, it comprises a plate-like member.

  The illustrated corner support means 3 is formed of a flat plate-like member, and is supported by a rotation shaft 32 which is a first support means and a rotary shaft member which rotatably supports the plate-like member on a unit frame 300 which will be described later. The rotation shaft 32 is rotated about the center. In the illustrated corner support means 3, a semicircular plate-like member is disposed at a corner portion that is higher than the maximum stacking height of the stack tray 210 and lower than the discharge port, and the plane and stack of sheets discharged from the discharge port 106. A sheet support surface 3 a is formed on a plane substantially parallel to the stacking plane of the tray 210. Then, by turning around the rotation shaft 32, the operation position (state shown in FIG. 4) located inside the sheet moving path on the tray from the sheet discharge port 106 to the stack tray 210, and the sheet retracted from the tray means. It is configured to be movable between a retracted position (state shown in FIG. 8) located outside the route.

  Accordingly, the corner support means 3 is selected as an operation position for placing and supporting the corner portion of the sheet from the discharge port 106 in the sheet carry-in path on the stack tray 210 and a retreat position retracted from the stack tray 210. Will be located. Further, the operating position and the retracted position are formed in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane from which the sheet is carried out from the paper discharge port 106. As described above, the plane of movement between the operating position and the retracted position of the corner support means 3 is substantially parallel to the plane on which the sheet is carried out. The mechanical parts such as the paper discharge roller 209 for carrying out the sheet from the paper discharge port 106 and the like. This is to eliminate the interference with the sheets accumulated on the stack tray 210 and to further reduce the size of the apparatus.

  6 to 9, the stapler 2 for binding the sheet and the corner support means 3 for supporting the corner of the sheet are moved between the processing position for binding the sheet and the retracted position retracted from the processing position. The configuration is shown. 6 and 7 show a state in which the stapler 2 and the corner support means 3 are in the processing position. A configuration that moves forward and backward from this position to the retracted position of FIGS. 8 and 9 will be described below.

  A drive motor 10 including a stepping motor is attached to the unit frame 300. A motor pulley 12 is fixed to the motor shaft 11 of the drive motor 10. A transmission belt 13 connects the motor pulley 12 and a shaft gear 14 attached to one end of a drive shaft 15 that transmits a drive for moving the stapler 2. The drive shaft 15 is rotatably supported by slider frames 7 and 8 erected from the unit frame 300. A moving arm 16 is attached to the drive shaft 15 at a position opposite to the shaft gear 14 via a drive shaft 15 and a one-way clutch 16ow. The arm engaging portion 17 at the tip of the moving arm 16 is fitted and engaged in a long groove of an engaging block 26 provided on the upper portion of the stapler 2.

  On the other hand, the stapler 2 is freely movable between a processing position for binding the sheet to the guide rails 21 and 22 fixed to the unit frame 300 and a retracted position retracted from the processing position via the support blocks 23 and 25. It is supported. Between the guide rails 21 and 22, return springs 18 and 19 are disposed between the unit frame 300 and the back of the stapler 2 to constantly bias the stapler 2 toward the processing position. .

  On the side 2a of the stapler 2 on the slider frame side, a staple rack (spur gear) 27 fixed to the slider frames 7 and 8 and moving integrally is provided. A pinion gear 34 is rotatably supported on the staple rack 27 by a pinion gear support shaft 35 planted in the unit frame 300. The corner support member drive gear 31 is integral with the corner support means 3 and is the rotation center of the corner support means 3 and is engaged with the pinion gear 34. The corner support means 3 and the post-processing means 1 are moved through the one-way clutch 16ow because the post-processing means 1 and the corner support means 3 are moved by the rotation of the driving motor 10 as the driving means. Movement in any one direction between the operating position and the retracted position is performed by the driving means, and movement in the other direction is performed by a spring or other energy storing means.

[Configuration of post-processing means]
A unit frame 300 (described later) that supports the corner support means 3 is provided with a post-processing means 1 that performs post-processing on a sheet on the support means. The illustrated post-processing means 1 shows a staple unit (hereinafter referred to as a stapler 2), and its configuration will be described.

  The stapler 2 has a head portion 28 for folding staple needles built in a normal configuration into a U-shape and press-fitting into the sheet bundle, an anvil portion 29 for bending the tip of the needle press-fitted into the sheet bundle, and the anvil portion 29. On the other hand, it is composed of a unit in which a drive cam for pressing and moving the head portion 28 and a drive motor are integrated. The post-processing means 1 composed of the stapler 2 having such a structure is a guide rail 21 which is a second support means for supporting the post-processing means 1 between the operating position on the stack tray 210 and the retracted position retracted from this position. , 22 is attached to a unit frame 300, which will be described later, so that it can move straight forward.

  The operating position is set to a position where post-processing is performed on the sheet placed on the corner support means 3 described above, and the illustrated one is supported by the corner support means 3 because it is inclined by 45 degrees to the corner of the sheet and stapled. The stapler is positioned so as to be inclined by 45 degrees with respect to the formed sheet. Similarly, the retracted position is set at a position away from the sheet placed on the corner support means 3 as shown in FIG. In the post-processing unit 1, the operating position and the retracted position are set in a plane substantially parallel to the plane from which the sheet is carried out from the sheet discharge port 106, as in the corner support unit 3. This is to reduce the size of the apparatus in the same manner as the corner support means 3. In particular, the retracted position (posture shown in FIG. 8) of the post-processing means 1 faces the position of the staple cover 120 provided on the unit frame 300 described later. This is for the purpose of maintenance of the post-processing means 1 such as replacement of the staples at the retracted position.

  Here, the operation in which the stapler 2 at the processing position in FIG. 6 reciprocates between the retracted position in FIG. 8 will be described. When the stapler 2 completes the binding process on the sheet supported at one end on the corner support means 3, a reverse rotation start signal is input to the drive motor 10. When the clockwise rotation is started in FIG. 7 of this embodiment, this rotation is transmitted to the shaft gear 14 of the drive shaft 15 through the motor pulley 12 and the transmission belt 13. As the drive shaft 15 rotates clockwise, the moving arm 16 also rotates in the same direction, and the arm engaging portion 17 rotates in the direction of arrow r in FIG. As the arm engagement portion 17 rotates, the engagement block 26 provided on the upper part of the stapler 2 is pressed in the direction of the long arrow shown in the figure. When this pressing operation is performed, the stapler 2 is guided and retracted by the guide rails 21 and 22 to the retracted position of the stapler 2 in FIG.

  A one-way clutch 16ow is provided between the drive shaft 15 and the movable arm 16, and the drive is transmitted only when the drive motor 10 rotates clockwise in FIG. That is, the one-way clutch 16ow is set so as to transmit the drive only when the stapler 2 is retracted to the retracted position. By the way, since the staple rack 27 is fixed to the side of the stapler 2, the staple rack 27 is also moved to the retracted position. As the staple rack 27 moves to the retracted position, the pinion gear 34 also rotates, and the corner support member drive gear 31 engaged therewith also rotates. Accordingly, in FIG. 6, the corner support means 3 fixed to this also rotates counterclockwise as shown in the figure around the rotation shaft 32, and rotates and retracts to the retracted position of FIG.

  That is, when the drive motor 10 is driven to rotate counterclockwise as viewed from the output shaft, both the stapler 2 and the corner support means 3 interlockingly engaged therewith are retracted to the retracted position shown in FIG. Become. At this time, the drive motor 10 compresses and accumulates return springs 18 and 19 provided between the back surface of the stapler 2. Incidentally, since the drive motor 10 uses a stepping motor, when the drive motor 10 is excited and locked at the position shown in FIG. 9, the stapler 2 is linked to the retracted position against the accumulated force of the return springs 18 and 19. The engaged corner support means 3 is fixedly held by the coercive force of the drive motor 10.

  On the other hand, when the power is turned off to unlock the drive motor 10, the stapler 2 is moved by the elastic force of the return springs 18 and 19 provided between the unit frame 300 and the back surface of the stapler 2. 6 is returned to the processing position. Further, this stepler 2 and the corner support means 3 interlockingly engaged therewith also rotate in the return direction and return to the operating position where the corner of the seat of FIG. 6 can be supported. At this time, the drive motor 10 can be rotated in the clockwise direction when viewed from the output shaft to return the stapler 2 to the processing position in FIG. However, in this case, since the one-way clutch 16ow is used, the driving force of the driving motor 10 is not transmitted, and the rotation of the moving arm 16 is allowed by the amount of rotation of the driving motor 10, and the stepping force is applied by the urging forces of the return springs 18 and 19. Move to the processing position of That is, the movement by the urging force of the return springs 18 and 19 is controlled by the rotational braking force of the drive motor 10 to enable smooth operation.

  In the above embodiment, the drive of the drive motor 10 is transmitted from the stapler 2 to the corner support means 3. However, the drive from the drive motor 10 is transmitted to the corner support means 3 first through appropriate gear means. Then, the stapler 2 may be moved after that. In any case, the reciprocating motion between the processing position and the retracted position can be performed by the single drive motor 10.

[Configuration of matching means]
The aforementioned corner support means 3 is provided with an alignment means 5 for aligning sheets placed for post-processing. 10 and 11 show the aligning means 5 for aligning the sheets by shifting the sheet placed on the corner support means 3 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to the aligning reference plate 6 serving as the aligning reference position. The drive configuration is described. The drive of the drive motor 10 is configured to be transmitted to the drive shaft 15 by the transmission belt 13. A central gear 41 is attached to the drive shaft 15 between the slider frame 7 and the slider frame 8 that support the drive shaft 15.

  The driving of the central gear 41 is transmitted to the driving gear 46 through the first gear 42, the second gear 43, and the third gear 45 as shown in FIG. The central gear 41, the first gear 42, and the second gear 43 are rotatably supported by a gear support arm a44 that is loosely fitted to the drive shaft 15. The second gear 43, the third gear 45, and the drive gear 46 are rotatably supported by the gear support arm b47. By the way, as will be described later, even if the belt drive shaft 48a moves back and forth in the belt drive shaft guide holes 7c and 8c and the drive gear 46 moves, the drive gear 46 is gear supported arm a44 and gear supported. Since it is supported by the arm b47, the gears do not disengage from each other. Accordingly, the rotational drive of the drive shaft 15 is transmitted to the drive gear 46 and rotationally drives the belt drive pulley 48 provided at one end of the belt drive shaft 48a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the configuration of the aligning means 5, the belt drive shaft 48 a supports the first bracket 53 and the second bracket 54 that are supported with the belt drive pulley 48 interposed therebetween. The first bracket 53 and the second bracket 54 have an alignment belt cover 52 that covers the upper surface of the alignment belt 50. This alignment belt cover 52 is for preventing the next sheet from coming into contact with the alignment belt 50 when the next sheet is carried in while aligning the sheet below the alignment belt 50. By doing so, the sheet can be prevented from being damaged or broken. The first bracket 53 and the second bracket 54 support the driven pulley shaft 51b of the belt driven pulley 51 on the opposite side of the belt drive shaft 48a.

  The alignment means 5 having the above-described configuration is rotationally driven as follows. That is, when the motor shaft 11 of the drive motor 10 rotates clockwise as viewed from the output shaft, the drive shaft 15 to which the central gear 41 is fixed in FIG. 11 rotates counterclockwise, and the first gear 42, the second gear Drive is transmitted through the gear 43 and the third gear 45 so that the drive gear 46 rotates counterclockwise. The belt drive shaft 48 a is also rotated by the rotation of the drive gear 46 and transmitted to the belt drive pulley 48. The counterclockwise rotation of the drive gear 46 rotates the alignment belt 50 stretched around the belt drive pulley 48 and the belt driven pulley 51 in the counterclockwise direction. When the alignment belt 50 comes into contact with the upper surface of the sheet, the sheet moves toward the alignment reference plate 6 and is abutted against the alignment reference plate 6 to be aligned. The driving of the alignment belt 50 is also transmitted from a single drive motor 10 that moves the stapler 2 and the corner support means 3.

[Reciprocating drive configuration between alignment belt retracted position and aligned position]
Like the corner support means 3 and the post-processing means 1, the alignment means 5 is also moved between the operating position and the retracted position by the drive motor 10 that can be rotated forward and backward. As will be described later, the sheet moves to a processing position for aligning the sheet, a retracted position retracted from the processing position, and a sheet pick-up position provided between the retracted position and the processing position and positioned above the sheet. Hereinafter, this moving configuration will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the aligning means 5 includes a belt drive shaft 48 a disposed between the slider frame 7 on the motor side and the slider frame 8 on the stapler side, and includes a slider front connecting pin 61 and a slider rear connecting pin 64. Are fixedly supported by a slider 60 that supports the alignment means 5 connected to each other. The slider 60 is supported by a slider rail a 62 and a slider rail b 63 between the slider frame 7 on the motor side and the slider frame 8 on the stapler side so as to be movable back and forth. The slider rear connecting pin 64 of the slider 60 is provided with a crank lever 72 that is disposed between the slider frame 7 on the motor side and the slide frame 8 on the stapler side and connects the rotating crank arm 70. Accordingly, when the crank arm 70 is rotationally driven by a drive system which will be described later, the crank lever 72 is converted into a back-and-forth motion, and the slider 60 is also supported by the slider rail a62 and the slider rail b63 and moved back and forth accordingly. The slider rails a62 and b63 described above and a cam groove, which will be described later, serve as third support means for supporting the alignment means 5 so as to be movable between the operating position and the retracted position.

By the way, the rotational drive of the crank arm 70 is performed from the following configuration. That is,
As shown in FIG. 12, the motor pulley 12 attached to the motor shaft 11 of the drive motor 10 is transmitted to the crank transmission gear 65 of the drive shaft 15 via the transmission belt 13. The crank transmission gear 65 is attached via a one-way clutch (not shown) so as to rotate only when the drive shaft 15 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG.
The crank transmission gear 65 is geared to the intermediate transmission gear 66. The intermediate transmission gear 66 is gear-coupled to an intermittent gear 67 that rotates integrally with a crankshaft 71 fixed to the crank arm 70. Therefore, when the intermittent gear 67 is engaged with the intermediate gear 66, the rotational drive of the drive motor 10 is transmitted, the crank arm 70 is rotated, and the slider 60 is moved.

[Intermittent gear configuration]
Here, the intermittent drive of the intermittent gear 67 will be described with reference to FIGS. The crankshaft 71 is fixedly provided with an intermittent gear 67 and an eccentric cam 92 and a locking cam 99 for starting engagement of the intermittent gear 67 with the intermediate gear 66. The eccentric cam 92 is provided with a cam biasing lever 96 that is pivotally supported at an appropriate position via a lever fulcrum. A lever spring 98 for urging the cam urging lever 96 is provided at one end of the lever to apply an urging force for initially rotating the cam counterclockwise.

  FIG. 20 shows a state where the solenoid gear 90 is locked at a predetermined position of the intermittent gear 67. In this state, the intermittent gear 67 is not meshed with the intermediate gear 66, and the crank arm 70 is not rotating. In this state, the urging force of the cam urging lever 96 acts on the cam inclined portion a93 of the eccentric cam 92. Therefore, the intermittent gear 67 is always given a force to rotate counterclockwise.

  Here, when the movement signal of the aligning means 5 is input to the solenoid 91, the solenoid 91 performs a suction operation, and the solenoid arm 90 is detached from the locking cam 99 as shown in FIG. When the solenoid arm 90 is detached from the locking cam 99, the eccentric cam 92 is rotated counterclockwise by the cam biasing lever 96. By this rotation, the tip of the intermittent gear 67 meshes with the intermediate transmission gear 66. Due to this meshing, the intermittent gear 67 starts to rotate, the crank arm 70 also starts to rotate, and the aligning means 5 also performs the back-and-forth operation accordingly. Incidentally, in accordance with the present embodiment, tooth missing portions are provided at two locations of the intermittent gear 67 in order to set the position where the aligning means 5 is stopped.

[Positioning cam structure of aligning means 5] FIGS. 12 and 13
Next, as will be described later, a processing position where the aligning means 5 aligns the sheet, a retracted position retracted from the processing position, and a sheet pick-up position provided between the retracted position and the processing position and positioned above the sheet. A configuration for moving to will be described.

  As described above, the slider 60 moves forward / backward with the rotation of the crank arm 70, and the aligning means 5 also moves forward / backward in accordance with the rotation. Then, it moves between the alignment start position, the sheet retracting position, and the retracted position. The movement between these positions is provided in the cam groove 80 provided in the side plate of the slider frame 8 on the stapler side of the slider frames 7 and 8 holding the slider 60 and the second bracket 54 of the aligning means 5. This is done by an engagement pin 56 that fits into 80. That is, the engaging pin 56 is guided in the cam groove 80, and the position and inclination of the alignment means 5 are determined.

  Here, the cam groove 80 provided on the side plate of the slider frame 8 on the stapler side will be described. The cam groove 80 has a cam retaining groove 84 having a width substantially equal to the engagement pin 56 at one end and is engaged with the other end. A cam free groove 86 in which the engagement pin 56 can freely move, a cam lower surface groove 87 that determines the lowest end position of the engagement pin 56, and a cam lift that raises the engagement pin 56 from the cam lower surface groove 87 to the cam retaining groove 84. It consists of a wall 83. These cam grooves are composed of a cam outer wall 81 that defines the outer periphery and a cam inner wall 82 that restricts the inner movement of the engagement pin 56, and is formed at the junction between the cam rising wall 83 and the cam retaining groove 84. A change flapper 85 that restricts the movement of the engagement pin 56 is provided. The change flapper 85 is always urged in a direction (clockwise in the figure) to close the cam ascending wall 83, and when the engagement pin 56 moves from the cam retaining groove 84 toward the cam free groove 86, 56 prevents the cam rising wall 83 from falling, and conversely allows the engaging pin 56 to move from the cam raising wall 83 side to the cam retaining groove 84.

[Explanation of operation of aligning means-FIGS. 12, 13..
FIGS. 12 and 13 show a state before the sheet is delivered, in which the sheet is not discharged onto the corner support means 3, and the alignment means 5 is located at the retreat position farthest from the corner support means 3. In this state, the slider 60 is located on the rightmost side as shown. The engaging pin 56 is also located at the right end of the cam retaining groove 84. In this state, the intermittent gear 67 is in a state where the solenoid arm 90 locks the locking cam 99 and does not mesh with the intermediate transmission gear 66 as already described with reference to FIG.

[Fig. 14, Fig. 15: Seat picking up position]
Next, when a sheet alignment start signal is input after the sheet is discharged onto the corner support means 3, the solenoid 91 is energized, the solenoid arm 90 is disengaged from the locking cam 99, and the intermittent gear 67 is connected to the intermediate transmission gear 66. Mesh. As a result, the crankshaft 71 and the crank lever 72 start to rotate, and the slider 60 moves to the left side in the figure. As a result, the belt drive shaft 48a supported by the slider 60 also moves to the left in the figure. At that time, the engagement pin 56 attached to the second bracket 54 moves over the change flapper 85 on the left side of the cam retaining groove 84 in the drawing. The state of FIG. 15 shows a state in which the aligning means 5 is positioned at the uppermost position with respect to the carry-in sheet on the corner support means 3. In this embodiment, the distance between the matching means 5 and the corner support means 3 is set to about 40 degrees. This angle enables the aligning means 5 to contact the carry-in sheet from above the sheet even if the carry-in sheet is slightly curled.

  By the way, when the engagement pin 56 further moves to the left side and passes the illustrated left end of the cam inner wall 82, the engagement pin 56 is configured to drop and move toward the cam lower surface groove 87 due to its own weight. This is because the sheet contact position of the alignment belt 50 is variable and the contact pressure is most appropriately secured when several sheets already aligned are placed on the corner support means 3. If the contact pressure is too low, it is possible to adjust the contact pressure by adding a weight (not shown) to the matching means 5. By being configured so as to drop and move toward the cam lower surface groove 87 by the weight of the aligning means 5, an appropriate contact pressure is adjusted without being affected even if the mounting amount on the corner support means 3 fluctuates. can do.

[Fig. 16, Fig. 17 Alignment start position]
The engagement pin 56 of the aligning means 5 moves further to the left in the figure on the left end of the cam inner wall 82, and the aligning means 5 falls by its own weight and is in contact with the seat of the corner support means 3 by its own weight. That is, in this state, the aligning means 5 is pivotally supported only by the belt drive shaft 48a, so that it can rotate about the belt drive shaft 48a as a fulcrum in the upward direction of the drawing and is in contact with the sheet by its own weight. . In this state, the intermediate transmission gear 66 and the intermittent gear 67 are disengaged. For this reason, the alignment means 5 is stopped from moving in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, the alignment belt 50 can be driven to rotate counterclockwise in the figure. As a result, the sheet can be aligned in the alignment reference direction in a state where movement in the front-rear direction is stopped.

18 and 19. Sheet retracting position (FIGS. 16 and 17 Alignment start position)
When the alignment operation by the alignment belt 50 of the alignment means 5 for a predetermined time is performed, the solenoid 91 is energized again, and the solenoid arm 90 is detached from the locking cam 99. Due to this separation, the intermittent gear 67 meshes with the intermediate transmission gear 66 again. By this engagement, the crank arm 70 starts to rotate counterclockwise in the figure. By this rotation, the slider 60 moves to the right side in the figure, and thereby the alignment means 5 also moves to the right side in the figure. By this movement, the engagement pin 56 is also moved to the right side in the drawing, the cam raising wall 83 is raised from the cam lower surface groove 87, the change flapper 85 at the upper end of the cam raising wall 83 is pushed up, and the right end position of the cam holding groove 84 is further increased. Move up. When the cam holding groove 84 is moved to the right end position, the cam holding groove 84 returns to the retracted (home) position shown in FIGS. In this state, it waits for the next sheet to be carried in, and when it is carried in, the operations shown in FIGS.

  In the above-described embodiment, the drive motor also has two operations, the rotational drive of the aligning means 5 in the belt aligning direction and the forward / backward movement of the slider 60 that supports the aligning means 5 and moves forward and backward. This is done by 10 single drives. In addition, the backward movement of the stapler 2 and the corner support means 3 to the retracted position is also transmitted from the drive motor 10. Two operations, that is, the rotational drive of the aligning means 5 in the belt aligning direction and the forward / backward movement of the slider 60 that supports the aligning means 5 and moves forward and backward, may be configured by separate drive motors. good.

[Configuration of sheet end support means]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 3, 22, and 23, in this embodiment, the sheet end support means 130 that supports the sheet discharged from the main body apparatus along with the corner support means 3 in the sheet width direction. It has. When there is a difference in height between the sheet support surface 3a of the corner support means 3 and the stack tray bottom 109 near the paper discharge port, the sheet support section 130 is provided to stably support the sheet on the corner support means 3. be able to. If there is not much difference in height, the sheet end support means 130 may not be arranged.

  The sheet end support means 130 includes an auxiliary lever 131 that moves between a position where the sheet is supported and a retracted position where the sheet is retracted from the support position, an outer frame 134 that supports the auxiliary lever 131, and a rotation to the outer frame 134. And an outer frame fixing pin 137 that is movably supported. The operation position and the retracted position, which are the sheet support positions of the auxiliary lever 131, are set in a substantially parallel plane having a level difference with the plane from which the sheet is carried out from the sheet discharge port 106, because the corner support means 3 This is to reduce the size of the device in the same manner as the above. Inside the outer frame 134, a moving frame 135 that is always urged and connected to one side by a return spring 136 is housed. Further, a moving frame rack 139 is provided near the outer frame fixing pin 137 of the auxiliary lever 131 of the moving frame 135.

  On the other hand, the outer peripheral surface of the outer frame fixing pin 137 of the auxiliary lever 131 is provided with an auxiliary lever pinion 138 and meshes with the moving frame rack 139. Accordingly, when the moving frame 135 moves, the moving frame rack 139 also moves, and the auxiliary lever pinion 138 that meshes with the moving frame rack 139 also rotates. By this rotation, the auxiliary lever 131 moves between the position where the sheet is supported and the retreat position where the sheet is retracted from the support position.

  By the way, the movement of the moving frame 135 is performed by the rotational movement of the corner support means 3 as shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8. That is, the moving frame 135 is operated in an interlocking manner by the auxiliary lever support member moving engagement portion 3 b provided in the corner support means 3. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the corner support means 3 is in the processing position for supporting the sheet, the auxiliary lever support member moving engagement portion 3b pulls the moving frame 135 to the right in the drawing. Yes. In this state, the sheet is discharged from the apparatus main body, and the lower surface of the sheet is supported by the corner support means 3 and the two auxiliary levers 131.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the corner support means 3 moves to the position where the sheet is dropped onto the stack tray 210, that is, the retracted position, the pulling of the moving frame 135 by the auxiliary lever support member moving engagement portion 3b is released. Is done. When this pulling is released, the moving frame 135 moves to the left side in the figure by the return force of the return spring 136 described above. By this movement, the auxiliary lever 131 moves from the sheet support position to the retracted position, and the sheet loses all support and drops and accumulates on the stack tray 210.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the sheet end support means 130 is also moved by the corner support means 3, so that the stapler 2, the corner support means 3, the alignment means 5 are moved back and forth, and the alignment belt 50 is moved. All the rotational drives are also transmitted from a single drive motor 10, which makes the cost extremely low.

[Explanation of operation flow]
The flow will be described according to the operation flow.
<Initialization operation>
When the printer main body power is turned on and a stapling unit operation start signal is transmitted from the main body to the post-processing means 1 (hereinafter referred to as a stapling unit) and received by the control means of the stapling unit 1, the drive motor 10 performs forward rotation as an initialization operation ( When the drive shaft 15 rotates, the moving arm 16 attached via the one-way clutch 16ow fits in the long groove of the engagement block 26 provided on the upper portion of the stapler 2. The stapler 2 is rotated by the urging force of the return springs 18 and 19 between the unit frame 300 and the back surface of the stapler 2 via the arm engaging part 17 that is engaged, and the stapler 2 is moved to the processing position. Allow. Further, when the alignment unit 5 is not in the retracted position when receiving the staple unit operation start signal, the solenoid 91 is energized, the solenoid arm 90 is detached from the locking cam 99, and the drive of the drive motor 10 is transmitted. The alignment means 5 is returned to the retracted position.

  At this time, the stapler 2 is moved to the processing position by the urging force of the return springs 18 and 19 between the unit frame 300 and the back surface of the stapler 2, and in conjunction with the stapler 2, the corner support means 3, the seat end The support means 130 also stands by moving to each processing position. The stapler 2, the corner support means 3, and the sheet end support means 130 come into contact with the positioning wall and the like, and the movement to each processing position is completed. In the subsequent forward rotation of the drive motor 10, the drive shaft 15 is idled at the one-way clutch 16ow, so that the stapler 2, the corner support means 3, and the sheet end support means 130 are not affected.

<Sheet stack alignment operation>
(Preparation for alignment)
Next, when the control unit of the staple unit 1 receives a sheet discharge signal from the main body, the drive motor 10 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the output shaft, and the solenoid 91 performs a suction operation for a preset time and performs FIG. Thus, the solenoid arm 90 is detached from the locking cam 99, and the eccentric cam 92 is rotated counterclockwise by the cam biasing lever 96. By this rotation, the tip of the intermittent gear 67 meshes with the intermediate transmission gear 66. Due to this meshing, the intermittent gear 67 starts rotating, the crank arm 70 also starts rotating, and the slider 60 moves to the left side of FIGS.

  As a result, the belt drive shaft 48a supported by the slider 60 also moves to the left in the figure. Accordingly, the aligning means 5 also moves to the left side in the figure, and the engagement pin 56 attached to the second bracket 54 changes the cam retaining groove 84 of the cam groove 80 provided on the side plate of the frame 8 on the stapler side to the left side in the figure. After passing over the flapper 85, the engaging pin 56 of the aligning means 5 further moves to the left on the cam inner wall 82, and the aligning means 5 is in contact with the loaded sheet on the corner support means 3 at the top dead center of the slider 60. The engaging pin 56 is detached from the cam inner wall 82 and falls by its own weight, and the aligning means 5 comes into contact with the sheet of the corner support means 3. This drop position is the alignment start position of the alignment means 5.

  At this position, when the intermediate transmission gear 66 and the intermittent gear 67 are engaged, the intermittent gear 67 is in a toothless position, and the engagement is released. At this time, the locking cam 99 is locked to the solenoid arm 90 again with the eccentric cam 92 in a state where the biasing force of the cam biasing lever 96 acts on the cam inclined portion a93. For this reason, the alignment means 5 is stopped from moving in the front-rear direction, but the alignment belt 50 can be driven to rotate counterclockwise in the figure. As a result, the sheet can be retracted and aligned in the alignment reference direction with the movement in the front-rear direction stopped.

(Alignment operation)
While the locking cam 99 is locked to the solenoid arm 90 and the alignment means 5 is stopped from moving in the front-rear direction, the alignment belt 50 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the figure for a predetermined time, and the sheet is moved against the alignment reference plate 6. Align.

<Judgment of completion of stacking a predetermined number>
It is counted whether the number of stacks set in advance has been reached.
(If the specified number of stacks has not been completed)
After the alignment operation by the alignment belt 50 for a predetermined time, the solenoid 91 performs a suction operation again for a preset time, the solenoid arm 90 is detached from the locking cam 99, and the eccentric cam 92 is rotated counterclockwise by the cam biasing lever 96. The intermittent gear 67 rotates in mesh with the intermediate transmission gear 66.

  Accordingly, in FIG. 19, the crank arm 70 also starts to rotate counterclockwise in the figure, and this rotation causes the slider 60 to move to the right side in the figure, thereby moving the aligning means 5 to the right side in the figure. The engagement pin 56 also moves up the cam raising wall 83 from the cam lower surface groove 87 by the movement of the aligning means 5, pushes up the change flapper 85 at the upper end of the cam raising wall 83, and further, FIG. It moves to the retreat (home) position shown in FIG. In this state, preparation for receiving the next sheet is completed. In this state, it waits for the next sheet to be carried in, and when it is carried in, the operations shown in FIGS. Repeat until a predetermined number of sheets are stacked.

(When a predetermined number of stacks are completed)
In the case of the staple mode, the stapler motor is started, and the aligning means 5 aligns the sheet with the alignment reference plate 6 and presses it with its own weight on the sheet bundle. Send a signal. After that, the solenoid 91 performs a suction operation for a preset time, performs the same operation as the above-mentioned predetermined number stack incomplete operation, and the aligning means 5 moves to the retreat (home) position shown in FIGS. To do.

  After the movement of the aligning means 5 to the retreat (home) position, the control means receives the operation completion signal from the post-processing means and reverses the drive motor 10. The drive of the drive motor 10 is transmitted to the drive shaft 15 and is transmitted to the moving arm 16 via the one-way clutch 16ow. When the drive motor 10 is reversely rotated (counterclockwise when viewed from the output shaft), the one-way clutch 16ow can transmit a driving force, and is fitted and engaged in a long groove of an engagement block 26 provided on the upper portion of the stapler 2. 7 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 7 while charging the return springs 18 and 19 between the unit frame 300 and the back surface of the stapler 2. It moves to the retracted position on the right side of the figure. In conjunction with the stapler 2, the corner support means 3 and the sheet end support means 130 also move to the respective retracted positions (home positions). In the non-steple mode, the same operation as the above-described steple mode operation except for the steple operation is performed.

<Falling stacking on sheet stacking stacker>
When the stapler 2, the corner support means 3, and the sheet end support means 130 are moved to the respective retracted positions (home positions), the stacked sheet bundle is dropped and accumulated on the stack tray 210 by the weight of the sheet bundle, and the job is executed. Completed and enters the next job standby state.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a general image forming apparatus, and shows an external perspective view. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a general image forming apparatus, and is an explanatory diagram of a layout of an image forming unit. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram in which sheet end support means is attached to the apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram in which post-processing means is mounted on the apparatus of FIG. 2 and shows a state where the corner support means and the sheet end support means are in the retracted position. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram in which post-processing means is mounted on the apparatus of FIG. 2 and shows a state where the corner support means and the sheet end support means are in the operating position. It is explanatory drawing which mounted | wore the post-processing means with the apparatus of FIG. 2, and shows the operation | movement relationship of a corner support means and a post-processing means. The top view of the post-processing means concerning this invention. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. The top view which shows the state which the post-processing means and corner support means of the apparatus of FIG. 4 exist in an operation position. FIG. 7 is a side view of the device of FIG. The top view which shows the state which the post-processing means and corner support means of the apparatus of FIG. 4 exist in a retracted position. FIG. 9 is a side view of the device of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the drive structure of the alignment means concerning this invention, (a) shows the top view of a drive system, (b) is a perspective view of an alignment means. The side view of the apparatus of Fig.10 (a). The top view which shows the state which has the apparatus of Fig.10 (a) in a retracted (home) position. It is arrow A side sectional drawing of the apparatus of FIG. 12, and the state which the change flapper is open is shown. It is arrow A side sectional drawing of the apparatus of FIG. 12, and the state which the change flapper has closed is shown. It is arrow A side sectional drawing of the apparatus of FIG. 12, and shows the state which a latching pin exists in a retracted position. The top view which shows the state which has the apparatus of Fig.10 (a) in a sheet pick-up (lifting) position. It is arrow A side sectional drawing of the apparatus of FIG. 14, (a) shows the state which the alignment means was located in the uppermost part, (b) is the state which the latching pin is moving in the cam retention groove. The top view which shows the state which has the apparatus of Fig.10 (a) in an alignment start position. It is arrow A side sectional drawing of the apparatus of FIG. 16, (a) shows the state which the aligning means is contacting the sheet | seat on a corner support means with dead weight, (b) is a locking pin in a cam free groove | channel. The state of moving. The top view which shows the state which has the apparatus of Fig.10 (a) in a sheet drawing position. FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 18, wherein (a) shows a state where the aligning means is in the sheet retracting position, and (b) shows a state where the locking pin is located at the right end of the cam lower surface groove. . Explanatory drawing which shows the state which the solenoid arm has latched the intermittent gear concerning this invention in a predetermined position. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which the solenoid arm removed from the latching cam concerning this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which has the sheet | seat end support means concerning this invention in an operation position. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which has the sheet | seat end support means concerning this invention in a retracted position. The operation | movement flowchart concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Post-processing means 2 Stepler 3 Corner support means 5 Alignment means 6 Alignment reference plates 7 and 8 Slider frame 10 Drive motor 15 Drive shaft 16ow One-way clutches 21 and 22 Guide rail (second support means)
32 Rotating shaft (first support means)
41 central gear 42 first gear 43 second gear 45 third gear 46 drive gear 48a belt drive shaft 50 alignment belt 51b driven pulley shaft 56 engagement pin 60 slider 62 slider rail a (third support means)
63 Slider rail b (third support means)
65 crank transmission gear 66 intermediate transmission gear 67 toothless intermittent gear 80 cam groove (third support means)
85 Change flapper 90 Solenoid arm 91 Solenoid 92 Intermittent cam 99 Locking cam 130 Sheet end support means 131 Auxiliary lever 202 Registration roller 209 Paper discharge roller 210 Stack tray 211 Image forming apparatus 300 Unit frame

Claims (9)

A paper discharge path having a paper discharge port;
A tray means for stacking storing sheets to form the sheet discharge port and the step,
A corner support means for the placed sheets cornering of taken out from the discharge port to supporting lifting between the sheet discharge port and tray means,
And aligning means for aligning the sheets on the corner support means at a predetermined reference position,
Post-processing means for post-processing the sheet on the corner support means;
With
The corner support means is provided with a sheet support surface that supports a corner portion of the sheet in a plane substantially parallel to the sheet surface carried out from the sheet discharge port,
The corner support means and the post-processing means are:
Wherein the operating position positioned on the tray unit in the sheet supporting surface within the same plane, is movably arranged between a retracted position retracted or tray hand stages et al,
The corner support means is supported by the shaft member so as to pivot between the operating position and the retracted position,
The post-processing means is supported by a rail member so as to linearly move between the operating position and the retracted position,
Sheet post-processing apparatus, characterized in that a driving means for moving said corner support means and post-hand stage between a retracted position and said operating position. The drive means includes a drive motor capable of forward and reverse rotation,
This drive motor transmits the drive to the corner support means and the post-processing means in one direction rotation,
The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein driving is transmitted to the aligning unit by rotation in the opposite direction. The drive motor is provided with control means,
The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means rotates the drive motor in one direction by an operation start signal of the post-processing means and rotates in the opposite direction by an operation completion signal. The alignment means includes a rotating member that contacts the sheet on the corner support means and moves the sheet to a reference position;
The drive motor is
4. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein drive transmission is performed so that the rotating member simultaneously executes a rotational movement and a movement of moving from the operating position to the retracted position. 5. The alignment means is supported by the third support means so as to move between a position on the corner support means in contact with the sheet, a position spaced upward from the sheet, and a position retracted from the corner support means. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sheet post-processing apparatus is provided. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit, the aligning unit, and the driving unit are arranged in this order in the sheet discharge direction from the discharge port along the tray unit. The corner support means and the post-processing means are moved by the drive motor in one direction between the operating position and the retracted position, and moved in the opposite direction by a spring or other accumulating means. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2. A sheet trailing edge support member for supporting the trailing edge of the sheet to be carried out is provided between the sheet discharge port and the tray means.
The sheet rear edge support member is configured to be movable between a support position for supporting a rear end portion different from the corner of the sheet carried out from the sheet discharge port, and a retreat position retracted from the sheet rear end.
2. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet rear edge supporting member moves from the retracted position to the supporting position in conjunction with the movement of the corner support means from the retracted position to the operating position. An image forming apparatus having image forming means for forming an image on a sheet;
A sheet post-processing apparatus for post-processing a sheet image-formed by the image forming apparatus;
Consisting of
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet post-processing apparatus includes the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images