JPH0516566A - Paper treatment apparatus for sorter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable a single unit of image formation equipment to execute a plurality of paper treatments by providing a plurality of paper treatment devices that are arranged in the breadthwise direction of a bin for applying specified treatments to imprinted paper delivered to the bin, and also by providing a moving means that moves the paper treatment devices in a plurality of numbers in reciprocating motion in the breadthwise direction of the bin. CONSTITUTION:A sorter delivers imprinted paper to a bin 16 after sorting is applied to the paper. A plurality of paper treatment devices such as punches, staplers or the like are arranged in the breadthwise direction of the bin 16 for applying specified treatments to the imprinted paper delivered to the bin 16, and a moving means composed of a paper treatment unit 50 and others for moving the paper treatment devices in a plurality of numbers in reciprocating motion in the breadthwise direction of the bin 16 are provided. Since a plurality of paper treatments can be applied to the imprinted paper delivered to the bin, much improved serviceability can be ensured for an image formation equipment.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly to a sheet processing apparatus for a sorter which performs stapling or other predetermined processing on a transfer sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, those having a function of transferring the same original document onto a plurality of transfer papers and sorting these transfer papers into respective bins have become widespread. In particular, recently, an image processing apparatus having a function of further stapling the sorted sheets on the bin has been used.

[0003]

However, it is conceivable to perform paper processing such as punching and marking on the paper on the sorted bin, and a plurality of paper processing can be performed by one image forming apparatus. Is required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus of a sorter capable of processing a plurality of sheets with one image forming apparatus.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a sorter for sorting transfer paper into a bottle and discharging the transfer paper, which is disposed in the width direction of the bottle and discharged into the bin. The transfer sheet is provided with a plurality of sheet processing devices for performing a predetermined process, and a moving unit for reciprocating the plurality of sheet processing devices in the width direction of the bin.

According to the second aspect of the invention, each sheet processing device is detachable from the sorter.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, the plurality of sheet processing apparatuses discharges to the bin a first sheet processing apparatus that performs a predetermined process between the widthwise ends of the transfer sheet discharged to the bin. And a second sheet processing device which is provided on the side to be the rear side of the first sheet processing device when moving forward, for performing a predetermined process within a range narrower than both ends in the width direction of the transfer sheet. .

Further, in claim 4, the moving means is adapted to integrally reciprocate a plurality of sheet processing devices in the width direction of the bin.

Further, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a sorter which sorts and discharges the transfer paper into a bin, a plurality of paper processing devices that perform a predetermined process on the transfer paper discharged into the bin are placed and arranged in the width direction of the bin. A reciprocating support frame is provided, and a first sheet processing device is provided at a position on the front side when the support frame is moved forward, and a second sheet processing device is provided on the rear side of the first sheet processing device. It can be placed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the sheet processing apparatus for a sorter sorts and discharges the transfer paper to a bin and reciprocates in the width direction of the bin to perform a predetermined process on the transfer paper discharged to the bin. And a supporting member on which the first and second sheet processing devices are mounted and which is movable in the width direction of the bin from the initial position on the end side of the bin to the withdrawal position, and the first sheet processing device at the initial position. The apparatus faces the outside from one end side of the bin, and the second sheet processing device faces the outside from the one end side of the bin at the drawn-out position.

[0011]

According to the sheet processing apparatus of the sorter of the first aspect, the plurality of sheet processing apparatuses can perform a plurality of processes on the transfer sheet discharged to the bin.

According to the sheet processing apparatus of the sorter of the second aspect, any sheet processing apparatus can be selected and replaced as each sheet processing apparatus.

According to the sheet processing apparatus for the sorter of the third aspect, the first sheet processing apparatus such as a stapler for performing a predetermined process on both ends in the width direction of the transfer sheet reciprocates between the both ends in the width direction of the transfer sheet. By making it possible, the predetermined processing by the first paper processing apparatus can be performed, and also the predetermined processing by the second paper processing apparatus such as punching within a range narrower than both ends in the width direction of the transfer paper. It will be possible. Therefore, the moving range of the sheet processing device of the moving means can be shortened.

According to the sheet processing device of the sorter of the fourth aspect, each sheet processing device is integrally reciprocated in the width direction of the bin.

According to the sheet processing device of the sorter of the above-mentioned claim 5, the second sheet processing device optionally provided is provided on the support frame at a position which becomes the rear side when the first sheet processing device provided as standard equipment is moved forward. Since it can be placed, the second sheet processing device can be easily attached.

According to the sheet processing apparatus of the sorter, the first sheet processing apparatus faces the outside of one end side of the bin in the initial position, and the second sheet processing apparatus faces the one end side of the bin in the drawing position. Since it faces the outer side, it is possible to remove the supporting frame without pulling it out. On the other hand, the second sheet processing apparatus can be removed by pulling out the support frame to the pull-out position.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a sorter sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is an external view showing the entire image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is the first
The first housing 2
A contact glass (not shown) is provided at the center of the upper surface of the.

Inside the first housing 2, an optical system for optically scanning a document, an image forming means having a photosensitive drum and members for image formation disposed around the photosensitive drum, and a transfer unit. Each component such as a paper transport system is arranged. The original to be copied is placed on the contact glass with its copy surface facing downward, and the original surface is optically scanned by the optical system. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum by the image forming means based on the reflected light from the document surface, and is further developed into a toner image. The developed toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper and fixed on the transfer paper at the fixing section.

Reference numeral 3 denotes an automatic document conveying means for automatically conveying a document, which is provided with a document placing section 4, a document carrying-in section 5, a document conveying section 6, and a document unloading section 7. The originals placed on the original placing portion 4 are automatically moved one by one from the original carrying-in portion 5 to a predetermined position on the contact glass by the original feeding portion 6 and temporarily stopped. Be delivered to.

Cabinets 9, 10 and 11 for accommodating transfer papers can be used to set papers of different sizes. An operation panel 12 is provided with a copy switch, a copy number instruction switch, and the like. 1
Reference numeral 3 denotes a sorter mode switching key and a sheet processing selection key such as stapling and punching.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a second housing, the internal structure of which will be described later. Further, an opening / closing panel or the like is provided on the front side of the second housing 14, and the sheet processing unit 30 described later can be pulled out by opening the opening / closing panel. Reference numeral 15 is a sorter, which is provided with a plurality of bins 16 in a stepped manner, and 17 is a paper discharge unit. The transfer paper is sequentially discharged to the bin 16 when sorting,
If not sorted, the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge unit 17.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the second housing 14
The internal configuration of will be described. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the internal configuration of the second housing 14. 20, 21, 2
Reference numeral 2 denotes a first pin, a second pin, and a third pin, which are arranged on both the left and right sides of the bin 16 in the width direction of the paper so as to partially project, and have a pair structure. ing.
Each of the bottles 16 has a pair of first pins 20 provided on the left and right side plates in a groove provided with a slight inclination in the right direction in the drawing, and second pins 21 provided upright on the left and right sides. Column 23
By being fitted in the spiral groove 24 cut in the above, it is supported so as to be able to move up and down. The third pin 22 is provided on the right side of the second pin 22 in the drawing with a predetermined minute interval.

The bin 16 includes a stopper 25 for aligning the leading ends of the sheets, a flat plate portion 26, and the stopper 25 and the flat plate portion 26.
And a connecting portion 27 for connecting the and and connecting the connecting shaft with a spring or the like to urge the stopper 25 in the counterclockwise direction.
It consists of

Each bin 16 is a cylinder 23 driven by a motor (not shown).
By rotating the sheet by 360 °, the sheet is moved one step upwards or downwards in synchronization with the transfer paper discharge timing. When copying and sorting are completed and each transfer sheet is subjected to a predetermined process described below, the bin to be processed is moved up and down one step to a specific position therefor, and the bin 16 at the specific position is moved. Is moved backward (rightward in the figure) by a predetermined distance along the inclination.

Reference numeral 28 is a paper processing device for performing a predetermined process on the transfer paper sorted in the bin 16, and 29 is the paper processing device 2.
8 is a support frame on which 8 is mounted. Reference numeral 30 is a paper processing unit, 31 is a belt provided on the paper processing unit 30, and 32 is a motor for driving the belt 31. The support frame 29 is placed on a belt 31 and is reciprocally movable in the width direction of the bin 16, that is, the width direction of the paper by rotating the belt 31 from a motor 32 through a gear, and a motor 43 described later. By said bin 16
Is moved forward (in the figure, leftward) in the direction of inclination to approach the transfer paper side, and processing can be performed on any position of the transfer paper.

Next, the movement of the transfer paper side, that is, the bin 16 at the time of paper processing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a sheet moving mechanism.
FIG. 3A is a plan view and FIG. 3B is a side view. Reference numeral 51 is a motor for moving the bottle 16 in the front-rear direction, 52 is a worm wheel, 53, 54, 55 and 56 are gears, and these gears 53, 54, 55 and 56 are chain wheels 57.
Is hung. The rotational force of the motor 51 is transmitted to the gear 53 through the worm wheel 52 and further transmitted to each gear through the chain wheel 57.

Reference numeral 58 is a chain wheel 57 and a connecting portion 5
9 is a working plate connected by 9. The action plate 58 moves the bin 16 in the front-rear direction when the sheet is subjected to a predetermined process, as described later, and the second pin 21 causes the spiral groove 24 of the second pin 21 during the sorting process.
It also has the function of regulating so that it is not detached from the car.

Reference numeral 60 is a guide rail for guiding the moving direction of the working plate 58. Reference numerals 61 and 62 denote a first sensor and a second sensor which are configured by a photo interrupter or the like and detect the presence or absence of the action plate 58 and regulate the moving range thereof. With this configuration, the action plate 58 reciprocates within a predetermined distance range according to the rotation of the motor 51.

Reference numeral 71 denotes a fourth pin which partially protrudes from the bottle 16 and is pushed by an eccentric cam 75 which will be described later to cause a stopper 25.
To cancel. 72 is a motor for rotating the stopper 25 in the clockwise direction to release the stopper 25, 73 is a worm wheel, 74 is a gear, 75 is an eccentric cam, and 76 is a chain that is hung between the gear shafts of the gear 74 and the eccentric cam 75. It's a wheel. In this way, the rotational force of the motor 72 is transmitted to the eccentric cam 75 via the chain wheel 76.

Reference numeral 77 is a pulse plate that rotates integrally with the gear 74, and reference numeral 78 is a third sensor composed of a photo interrupter or the like for detecting the rotation amount of the gear 74 by the pulse plate 77. The release amount of the stopper 25 is set to a predetermined amount by the third sensor 78.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG.
A cutout portion 251 is formed on one side of the front end of the cutout 5 for reasons to be described later.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a mechanism for pressing the paper. The paper pressing mechanism has a positional relationship as shown in FIG. 8 and is for pressing and fixing the transfer paper sorted in the bin 16 to the flat plate portion 26 of the bin 16 immediately before the stopper 25 is released.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 81 is a paper pressing drive motor, and 82, 83, 84 and 85 are gears, and the rotational force of the motor 81 is transmitted to the gears 84 and 85 through the gears 82 and 83. There is. Reference numeral 86 is a paper retainer that presses and fixes the transfer paper, and 88 is a link rod that connects the gear 85 and the paper retainer 86. The upper end of the link rod 88 is rotatably attached to the side surface of the gear 85 at an eccentric position. Reference numeral 89 is a guide rail for guiding the moving direction of the connection point 92 between the link rod 88 and the paper retainer 86, and 87 is a spring attached between the connection point and the paper retainer 86, which is used to transfer the sorted transfer paper. A suitable pressing force is given according to the number of sheets.

Numeral 90 is a pulse plate which rotates integrally with the gear 84, and numeral 91 is a fourth sensor composed of a photo interrupter or the like for detecting the amount of rotation of the gear 84 by the pulse plate 90.

Next, the operations of the paper moving mechanism and the pressing mechanism will be described. First, the transfer paper moving mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3B shows the forward (original) position, and FIG. 5 shows the retracted position.

The motor 51 rotates to rotate the worm wheel 5
When the gear 53 starts to rotate through 2, the gears 53, 5
The chain wheel 57 hung on 4, 55, 56 rotates counterclockwise. By the rotation of the chain wheel 57, the action plate 58 connected by the connecting portion 59 begins to retract along the guide rail 60 (to the right in the figure).

At this time, the action plate 58 has the third pin 22.
By pressing, the movement of the action plate 58 moves the bin 16 provided with the third pin in the backward direction. When the action plate 58 reaches the position of the second sensor 62, it is detected and the motor 51 stops. In this way, the transfer paper is moved by a predetermined distance by the backward movement of the bin 16.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the state after the sheet is moved, and the action plate 58 is stopped at the position detected by the second sensor 62.

Next, the forward movement operation for returning to the original will be described.

At this time, the motor 51 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the chain wheel 57 is rotated in the reverse direction. By the rotation of the chain wheel 57, the action plate 58 starts to move forward (to the left in the figure) along the guide rail 60.

By the movement of the action plate 58, the second pin 21 is pushed leftward in the figure, and the bin 16 moves forward. When the action plate 58 reaches the position of the first sensor 61, it is detected and the motor 51 stops.

Next, the operation of the paper pressing mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. The motor 81 rotates and the gears 82, 83
When the gears 84 and 85 start rotating through
The rotation of the paper retainer 86 linked by the link rod 88
Moves down along the guide rail 89 and presses the sheet against the flat plate portion 26 by the force of the spring 87. And the gear 84
The rotation amount of the pulse plate 90 that rotates integrally with the fourth sensor 9
1 is detected, and the motor 81 is stopped at a predetermined position to press and fix the paper.

On the other hand, when releasing the paper retainer, the motor 81 is further rotated and the gear 85 is rotated just once, so that the paper retainer 86 connected by the link rod 88 rises along the guide rail 89. Return to the position.

Next, the operation of releasing the stopper 25 so that a predetermined process can be performed on the sheet fixed by pressing will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows the state before the release, and FIG. 6 shows the state after the release.

With the bin 16 in the retracted position shown in FIG. 6, the motor 72 rotates to rotate the worm wheel 73.
When the gear 74 rotates clockwise through the chain wheel 76, the chain wheel 76 rotates clockwise and the eccentric cam 7 rotates.
Rotate 5 clockwise. Due to the rotation of the eccentric cam 75, the peripheral surface of the eccentric cam 75 contacts the fourth pin 71, and the fourth pin 71 is caused to generate a rotational force in the clockwise direction. When the eccentric cam 75 further rotates, the connecting portion 27
The fourth pin 71 is rotated clockwise against the urging force of the inner spring, and the stopper 25 is rotated clockwise around the connecting portion 27 as a fulcrum to release the stopper 25. By releasing this, predetermined processing can be performed on the sheet.

The pulse plate 7 rotating integrally with the gear 74
The rotation amount of 7 is detected by the third sensor 78, and the motor 72 is stopped at a predetermined position.

When the stopper 25 is returned to its original position, the motor 72 is further rotated and the worm wheel 7 is rotated.
3, the eccentric cam 75 is rotated clockwise through the gear 74 and the chain wheel 76.
By the clockwise rotation of the stopper 25, the stopper 25 returns to the original position by the urging force of the spring in the connecting portion 27.

The position for processing the paper is
In the case of one corner of the paper, that is, the cutout portion 251.
If it is within the range, the above-mentioned release of the stopper 25 is not performed.

Next, the structure of the sheet processing unit 30 will be described. The plurality of sheet processing devices 28 such as the punch 40 and the stapler 41 are mounted on the support frame 29 so as to be integrally movable, and are detachable from the support frame 29. The configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 is an external view showing a schematic structure of the support frame 29 with the sheet processing device 28 removed. Figure 8
[Fig. 4] is a partial cross-sectional view mainly showing the structure of the support frame 29 as seen from the side. Further, FIG. 9 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a punch 40 as an example of optional equipment. Further, FIG. 10 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a stapler 41 as an example of standard equipment. The drive mechanism and the like are omitted in FIGS. 9 and 10.

A belt 31 is horizontally arranged on the left and right sides above the sheet processing unit 30 and is reciprocally movable by a motor 32. The support frame 29 includes a slide base 42 and a mounting base 44.

The slide base 42 is adapted to reciprocate the support frame 29 in the left-right direction by the rotation of the belt 31. The mounting base 44 is configured to move the sheet processing device 28 forward and backward along an inclination via a gear or the like by the rotation of the motor 43.

Gears 140, 141, 142 and 143 are provided coaxially with the gears 141 and 142.
The generated torque is increased and transmitted. 144
Is a pulse plate that rotates integrally with the gear 143, and 145 is a cylindrical body. Reference numeral 146 denotes a connecting rod that is rotatably attached to the eccentric position of the upper surface of the pulse plate 144 and the lower portion of the cylindrical body 145, and connects the pulse plate 144 and the cylindrical body 145. Reference numeral 147 denotes a cylindrical guide rod attached to the slide base 42 side, and has the same inclination as the guide rail 60 for guiding the backward movement of the bin 16.

The cylindrical body 145 is penetrated by the guide rod 147, and reciprocally slides along the guide rod 147 by the rotation of the pulse plate 144. 14
Reference numeral 9 denotes a cutout portion provided on the mounting base 44, which is the cylindrical body 145.
Contacts the edge of the notch 149 to move the mounting base 44 in the front-rear direction.

Reference numeral 148 is a fifth sensor composed of a photo interrupter or the like for detecting the rotation amount of the pulse plate 144.

Numerals 100 and 101 are rollers provided so that the slide base 42 can smoothly move with respect to the sheet processing unit 30 corresponding to the stationary side. Also, 102,10
Reference numerals 3, 104 and 105 are rollers provided so that the mounting base 44 can smoothly move with respect to the sliding base 42 corresponding to the stationary side when the mounting base 44 moves.

First, the mounting structure of the punch 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. Reference numeral 106 denotes a T-shaped metal fitting screwed at two points, which is adapted to assist in fixing the punch 40 through a slit 107 provided in the lower portion of the punch 40. Reference numerals 108 and 109 are connectors for connecting signal lines for controlling the operation of the punch 40, and two holes 110 for inserting pins (not shown) for assisting fixing.
Is provided.

Reference numeral 150 is a perforating blade for making a hole in the paper.
Reference numeral 1 is a table on which sheets are set when punching. Stand 1
On both sides of 51, an auxiliary stand 1 for preventing the paper from hanging down.
52 is provided. An inclined portion 151 for smoothing the setting of paper is provided at each tip of the table 151 and the auxiliary table 152.
a and 152a are provided respectively. In other words, the inclined portions 151a and 152a are for scooping up the leading edge of the sheet to be processed when the leading edge of the sheet to be processed hangs down due to the release of the stopper 25, and to set it appropriately at the setting position.

In the punch 40, the T-shaped metal fitting 106 is passed through the slit 107, the connectors 109 and 110 are connected, and the hole 1
Screw through 11 and 112 at one place.

Next, the mounting structure of the stapler 41 will be described with reference to FIGS. Reference numeral 113 is a U-shaped metal fitting that is screwed at two points.
It is designed to be inserted from both sides to assist in fixing the stapler 41. Reference numerals 114 and 115 are connectors for connecting signal lines and the like for controlling the operation of the stapler 41, and two holes 116 are provided for inserting pins (not shown) for assisting fixing.

Reference numeral 153 denotes a staple binding unit for binding sheets with staples, and 154 is a table on which sheets are set when stapling.

The stapler 41 has a cutout portion 251.
Since the stopper 25 is not released when stapling to the position, the auxiliary table is unnecessary, and when stapling to the position where the stopper 25 is released, the table 15 of the punch 40 is
1 and the auxiliary base 152 serve as an auxiliary base of the stapler 41, and further, the hanging paper is also drawn up. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an auxiliary base or an inclined portion. It is sufficient that the above configuration is provided on at least one of the punch 40 and the stapler 41.

The stapler 41 is clamped from both sides by the elastic force of the U-shaped metal fitting 113, and the connectors 114, 115 are inserted.
Are connected and screwed at one place through the holes 117 and 118.

The sheet processing unit 30 is attachable to and detachable from the second housing 14, and its configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 11. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram as seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the support frame body 29 from which the sheet processing device 28 is removed is placed on the sheet processing unit 30. In addition, FIG. 11 shows the second housing 14 with the paper processing unit 30 removed.
It is an external view which shows a schematic structure inside.

Reference numeral 130 is a roller, and a rectangular kerf 131 is provided in a corresponding portion of the second housing 14. Reference numerals 132, 133, 134, 135 and 136 are gears, and the belt 31 is provided with gears 134, 135 and 136.
Is hung on.

Reference numeral 137 is a sixth sensor which is composed of a photo interrupter or the like and detects the initial position of the slide base 42. The initial position is set to the front side of the second housing 14, and the sliding base 42 does not move when stapling to a position facing the inner cutout portion 251 of the sheet.

The front side of the sheet processing unit 30 is configured to be longer than the width of the bin 16 by, for example, the dimension length of the punch 40. For this reason, when the mounting work or maintenance / inspection work is performed on the outer sheet processing device 28, that is, the punch 40, it is only necessary to open the panel of the second housing 14. That is, unlike the stapler 41 as standard equipment, the optional equipment such as the punch 40 is different from the image forming apparatus 1
For installation after installation, etc., the installation work is performed only by opening the panel of the second housing 14.

Since the stapler 41 may be stapled to both widthwise ends of the paper, the stapler 41 needs to be movable between the widthwise both ends of the paper. Never punches. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, by controlling the movement of the slide table 42 so that only the stapler 41 can move between both ends of the bin 16 in the width direction, punching performed in a narrower range than between both ends of the paper in the width direction. The movement distance of the slide base 42 can be shortened without affecting the processing.

When the sheet processing unit 30 is pulled out to the front side, the roller 130 comes into contact with the front edge 131a of the rectangular kerf 131 and temporarily stops. At this temporary stop position (pull-out position), the roller 130 and the kerf 131 are set so that the support frame 29 is pulled out substantially from the second housing 14. Therefore, in this state, the inner sheet processing device 28, that is, the stapler 4 is
Maintenance and inspection work can be performed on 1.

When the sheet processing unit 30 is further pulled out, it can be pulled out slightly and lifted up to release the engagement between the roller 130 and the edge 131a, and can be easily pulled out by the roller 130.

The movement operation of the slide base 42 and the mounting base 44 in the above-mentioned structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 7 and 8.

First, the movement operation of the slide base 42 will be described. When the motor 32 rotates and the gear 134 starts to rotate through the gears 132 and 133, the belt 31 rotates and the slide base 42 moves in the left-right direction, that is, in the direction parallel to the width direction of the sheet that is pressed and fixed. To do. The control of the moving distance of the slide base 42 is performed based on the operating time of the motor 32 or the number of motor drive pulses with reference to the initial position and the like.

When the sliding base 42 is returned to the initial position, the motor 32 is rotated in the reverse direction, and when the sixth sensor 137 detects the sliding base 42, the motor 32 is stopped.

Next, the movement operation of the mounting base 44 will be described. The motor 43 rotates to rotate the gears 140, 141, 1
When the pulse plate 144 starts rotating through 42 and 143, the cylinder 145 is moved forward through the connecting rod 146, and integrally with this, the mounting base 44 is moved forward along the inclination toward the sheet side. .

Then, the rotation amount of the pulse plate 144 is detected by the fifth sensor 148, and the motor 43 is stopped at a predetermined position. As a result, the sheet is set on the table 151 of the punch 40 and the auxiliary table 152 or the table 154 of the stapler 41.

When the mount 44 is returned to the initial position, the motor 43 is further rotated in the same direction to move the fifth sensor 148.
When it is detected that the mount 44 has returned to the initial position, the motor 43 is stopped.

Here, an operation procedure for actually carrying out sheet processing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when performing paper processing. When the position and type of paper processing are selected with the selection key 13, the paper processing operation is started.

First, the position for paper processing is determined (step S1). When processing is performed on only one corner of the sheet processing device 28 on the initial position side (YES in step S1).
S), the process proceeds to step S2 in order to perform the process (hereinafter, referred to as a specific mode), and when the position where the sheet processing is performed is not only one corner on the initial position side of the sheet processing device 28, or at one or more other positions. (Step S1
NO), the process proceeds to step S3 in order to perform the process (hereinafter referred to as the normal mode).

First, the processing procedure in the specific mode will be described. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an operation procedure in the specific mode, that is, when the stapling process is performed only at one corner of the sheet.

First, the bin 16 on which the sheets to be stapled are placed is moved toward the stapler 41 to a predetermined position (step S11). When the backward movement is completed, the paper is pressed and fixed by the paper retainer 86 (step S12).

Next, the mounting table 44 is moved forward in the initial position to set a sheet on the table 154 of the stapler 41 (step S13). Since the notch 251 is formed in the stopper 25 at this one corner, the operation of releasing the stopper 25 is unnecessary. Then, the stapler 41 is operated to staple the sheets by the stapling operation (step S14).

When the stapling operation is completed, the mounting base 44
Is retracted to retract the stapler 41 from the sheet and return it to its original position (step S15). Next, the paper retainer 86 is released (step S16), and the bin 16 for which the stapling process has been completed is advanced to return it to its original position (step S17).

Next, it is determined whether or not the stapling process has been performed on all the stages of the bin 16 on which the sheets are placed. If not completed (NO in step S18), the bin 16 is moved to the first stage. Only (step S19). At this time, if the stapling process is started from the lower stage side of the bin 16, the stapling process is raised by one stage, and in the opposite case, the stapling process is lowered by one stage. Then, the processes of steps S11 to S18 are repeated for the newly moved bin 16. On the other hand, if the stapling process is completed for all required bins (YES in step S18), the process is completed.

Next, the processing procedure in the normal mode will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in the normal mode, for example, when punching at two positions symmetrical in the width direction of the paper. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the movement of the punch 40 and the punch position of the sheet at the retracted position.

First, the punch 40 is moved forward from the initial position (A) in the width direction of the sheet and stopped at the position (A) facing the first punch position (C) (step S21). Next, the bin 1 on which the sheet to be punched is placed
6 is retracted to a predetermined position (step S22). Subsequently, the paper is pressed and fixed by the paper retainer 86 (step S
23). When the pressing and fixing of the paper is completed, the stopper 25 of the bin 16 is released (step S24). Since the paper has already been fixed in step S23, the stopper 2
The paper does not slide down even if the setting of 5 is canceled.

Next, by moving the mounting table 44 forward, the sheets are set on the table 151 of the punch 40 and the auxiliary table 152 (step S25). Then, the punch 40 is operated to open a hole in the paper (step S26). When the punching to the first punch position (c) is completed, the punch 40 is continuously moved in the forward movement direction and stopped at the second punch position (d) (step S27). And
The punch 40 is operated to open a hole in the paper (step S28). When the punching is completed, the mounting table 44 is retracted to retract the punch 40 to the position (e) and retract from the sheet (step S29).

Then, the stopper 25 of the bottle 16 is returned from the released state to the set state (step S30), and further,
The paper retainer 86 is released (step S31). Then, the punched bin 16 is advanced and returned to the original position (step S32).

Next, it is determined whether or not the punching process has been performed for all the stages of the bin 16 on which the sheets are placed. If not completed (NO in step S33), the bin 16 is determined.
Is moved by one step (step S35). At this time,
If the punching process is started from the lower side of the bin 16,
It goes up one step at a time, and goes down one step at the opposite.

Further, the punch 40 is moved back from the position (e) in the width direction of the sheet and stopped at the position (a) facing the first punch position (c) (step S36). Then, for the newly moved bin 16, step S22
~ The process of S33 is repeated.

On the other hand, if the punching process is completed for all required bins (YES in step S33), step S
In step 34, the punch 40 is returned to the initial position (A), and this processing ends.

The method of moving the punch 40 is not limited to the above method. For example, step S3
Position (e) without returning from position (e) to position (a) at 6
Stop at. Then, for the next sheet, a hole is made first from the second position (D). Then, a hole is opened at the first position (c) and the hole is evacuated to the position (a). In this way, the order in which the holes are formed in the first position (c) and the second position (d) can be alternately changed every time the sheets are replaced.

Although the punching process has been described here, the stapling process can be performed by the same control. In this case, since the stapler 41 is placed adjacent to the punch 40, the initial position is different, and therefore the position control in the reciprocal movement direction of the mounting table 42 is required by that distance.

Further, here, the control in the case where there are two processing positions has been described, but the same control can be performed when there are more processing positions, and the processing can be performed for any desired setting position. Can be applied.

In the present embodiment, the punch 40 and the stapler 41 are described as an example of the sheet processing device 28, but the present invention is not limited to these, and any device such as a printing device or any other device for processing a sheet may be used. Further, the mounting portion of the device has the same structure as that of the other device, so that the device can be easily replaced.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, when the sheet processing device 28 is positioned and controlled at the processing position with respect to the sheet, the rotation amount of the motor 43 is controlled, but the invention is not limited to this. A paper presence / absence detection switch that detects the presence of paper and turns on may be provided near the processing unit 28, and the positioning may be controlled by turning on / off the motor 43 by turning on / off the switch.

By thus providing the paper presence / absence detection switch, for example, when the paper is removed from the bin 16 after the sort processing and before the paper processing operation, this switch remains off. Paper processing device 2
It is possible to prevent the idle operation of 8.

[0097]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the transfer paper discharged to the bin can be processed by a plurality of paper processing devices, so that the usability of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select and replace any sheet processing apparatus as each sheet processing apparatus, so that it is possible to properly use a plurality of sheet processing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, only the first paper processing device such as a stapler that performs a predetermined process on both ends of the transfer paper in the width direction is configured to be reciprocally movable between the both ends of the transfer paper in the width direction. Since the moving range can be shortened, the width of the image forming apparatus can be shortened and the size can be reduced.

According to the fourth aspect, since the respective sheet processing devices are integrally reciprocally moved in the width direction of the bin, the structure of the moving means can be simplified.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the optional second sheet processing device can be mounted on the support frame at the position which is the rear side of the first-equipped first sheet processing device in the forward movement. It is possible to easily install and maintain the paper processing device.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, since the first sheet processing apparatus faces the outside from the one end side of the bin at the initial position, it is possible to remove the supporting frame without pulling it out. Meanwhile, the second
Since the sheet processing apparatus of (1) faces the outside of the one end side of the bin at the pulling-out position by pulling out the support frame to the pulling-out position, it is possible to easily remove the bin at the pulling-out position.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state in which a support frame according to the present invention is placed on a sheet processing unit.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing an internal configuration of a second housing of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

3A and 3B are diagrams showing a sheet moving mechanism of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention, in which FIG. 3A is a plan view and FIG. 3B is a side view.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a sheet pressing mechanism of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is in a sheet retracted position.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state after the stopper of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is released.

FIG. 7 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a support frame body according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of a support frame body according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a punch of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a stapler of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an external view illustrating a schematic configuration inside a second housing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation in a specific mode of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation in a normal mode of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing movement of a punch.

FIG. 16 is an external view showing the entire image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[Description of Reference Signs] 1 image forming apparatus 12 operation panel 14 second housing 15 sorter 16 bin 20 first pin 21 second pin 22 third pin 23 column 24 groove 25 stopper 26 flat plate 27 connection portion 28 paper processing Device 29 Support frame 30 Paper processing unit 31 Belt 32 Motor 40 Punch 41 Stapler 42 Sliding base 43 Motor 44 Mounting base 51 Motor 52 Worm wheel 53, 54, 55, 56 Gear 57 Chain wheel 58 Working plate 59 Connection part 60 Guide Rail 61 First sensor 62 Second sensor 71 Fourth pin 72 Motor 73 Worm wheel 74 Gear 75 Eccentric cam 76 Chain wheel 77 Pulse plate 78 Third sensor 81 Motor 82, 83, 84, 85 Gear 86 Paper presser 87 Spring 88 Link Rod 89 Guide Rail 90 Pal Plate 91 Fourth sensor 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 Roller 106 T-shaped metal fitting 107 Slit 108, 109 Connector 110 Hole 111, 112 hole 113 U-shaped metal fitting 114, 115 Connector 116 Hole 117, 118 Hole 130 roller 131 Cut groove 131a Edge 132, 133, 134, 135, 136 Gear 137 Sixth sensor 140, 141, 142, 143 Gear 144 Pulse plate 145 Cylindrical body 146 Connecting rod 147 Guide rod 148 Fifth sensor 149 Cutout 150 Drilling Blade 151 Unit 151a Inclined Part 152 Auxiliary Table 152a Inclined Part 153 Staple Binding Part 154 Unit 251 Notch Part

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification number Internal reference number for FI G03G 15/00 114 7369-2H // B65H 39/11 K 9037-3F (72) Inventor Shoichiro Tajima 2) 3481 Kamizuruma, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture (72) Inventor Keiichi Asano 7-14-10 Higashioizumi, Nerima-ku, Tokyo

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A sorter which sorts and discharges transfer sheets into a bin, and a plurality of sheet processing devices which are arranged in a width direction of the bin and perform a predetermined process on the transfer sheets discharged into the bin, A sheet processing apparatus for a sorter, comprising: a moving unit that reciprocates a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses in a width direction of a bin. 2. The paper processing device for a sorter according to claim 1, wherein each of the paper processing devices is detachable from the sorter. 3. The first paper processing device, wherein the plurality of paper processing devices performs a predetermined process between both ends in the width direction of the transfer paper discharged to the bin, and the width of the transfer paper discharged to the bin. The specified treatment is applied within a narrower range between the two ends in the direction.
The sheet processing apparatus for a sorter according to claim 1, further comprising a second sheet processing apparatus provided on a side which is a rear side of the first sheet processing apparatus when moving forward. 4. The sheet processing apparatus for a sorter according to claim 1, wherein the moving unit is configured to integrally reciprocate the plurality of sheet processing apparatuses in the width direction of the bin. 5. A sorter for sorting transfer paper into a bin and discharging the same, wherein a plurality of paper processing devices for performing a predetermined process on the transfer paper discharged into the bin are mounted and reciprocally movable in the width direction of the bin. A support frame and a first sheet processing device at a position on the front side when the support frame moves forward, and a second sheet processing device can be placed on the rear side of the first sheet processing device. A sorter sheet processing device characterized in that 6. A sheet processing apparatus for a sorter, which sorts and discharges a transfer sheet into a bin, and reciprocates in a width direction of the bin to perform a predetermined process on the transfer sheet discharged into the bin. 1, a support member on which the second sheet processing device is placed and is movable in the width direction of the bin from the initial position on the end side of the bin to the withdrawal position, and the first sheet processing device at the initial position has one end of the bin A sheet processing apparatus for a sorter, characterized in that the second sheet processing apparatus faces the outside from the side and the second sheet processing apparatus faces the outside from the one end side of the bin at the drawing position.