U.S. patent application number 10/385489 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-20 for sheet finisher with a punching unit.
Invention is credited to Andoh, Akihito, Iida, Junichi, Kikkawa, Naohiro, Nagasako, Shuuya, Okada, Hiroki, Saitoh, Hiromoto, Suzuki, Nobuyoshi, Tamura, Masahiro, Tokita, Junichi, Yamada, Kenji.
Application Number | 20030215275 10/385489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29424805 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030215275 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tamura, Masahiro ; et
al. |
November 20, 2003 |
Sheet finisher with a punching unit
Abstract
A sheet finisher of the present invention includes a punching
unit configured to punch a sheet handed over from an image forming
apparatus to the sheet finisher. A scrap conveying unit conveys
scraps produced from the sheet punched by the punching unit. A
hopper stores scraps conveyed thereto by there scrap conveying
unit. The hopper is mounted on the front side of the sheet
finisher.
Inventors: |
Tamura, Masahiro; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Andoh, Akihito; (Kanagawa, JP) ; Iida,
Junichi; (Kanagawa, JP) ; Nagasako, Shuuya;
(Tokyo, JP) ; Okada, Hiroki; (Kanagawa, JP)
; Saitoh, Hiromoto; (Kanagawa, JP) ; Suzuki,
Nobuyoshi; (Tokyo, JP) ; Yamada, Kenji;
(Tokyo, JP) ; Tokita, Junichi; (Kanagawa, JP)
; Kikkawa, Naohiro; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
29424805 |
Appl. No.: |
10/385489 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/407 ;
270/58.07 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 2215/00818
20130101; B26D 7/18 20130101; B26F 1/02 20130101; B26D 5/00
20130101; G03G 15/6582 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
399/407 ;
270/58.07 |
International
Class: |
B65H 037/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 12, 2002 |
JP |
2002-066421 |
Mar 25, 2002 |
JP |
2002-082433 |
Jun 3, 2002 |
JP |
2002-162121 |
Jun 3, 2002 |
JP |
2002-162131 |
Sep 20, 2002 |
JP |
2002-274815 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching a sheet
entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for conveying
scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means; and scrap
storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said scrap
conveying means; wherein said scrap storing means is mounted on a
front side of said sheet finisher.
2. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 1, wherein said scrap
storing means is positioned in a space available for jam
processing.
3. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 1, wherein said scrap
storing means comprises a transparent member configured to allow
the scraps stored in said scrap storing means to be seen by
eye.
4. A sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching a sheet
entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for conveying
scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means; and scrap
storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said scrap
conveying means; wherein said scrap storing means is mounted on
said sheet finisher at a same side as an operation side of an
apparatus from which the sheet is handed over to said sheet
finisher.
5. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 4, wherein said scrap
storing means is positioned in a space available for jam
processing.
6. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 4, wherein said scrap
storing means comprises a transparent member configured to allow
the scraps stored in said scrap storing means to be seen by
eye.
7. A sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching a sheet
entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for conveying
scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means; and scrap
storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said scrap
conveying means; wherein said scrap storing means is mounted on
said sheet finisher at a side parallel to a direction of sheet
conveyance and where an openable door for selectively uncovering an
inside of said sheet finisher is positioned.
8. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 7, wherein said scrap
storing means is mounted on an inside of said openable door.
9. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 7, wherein said scrap
storing means is removably mounted to said openable door.
10. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 7, wherein said scrap
storing means is mounted on a support member positioned inside and
independently of said openable door.
11. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 10, wherein said scrap
storing means is removably mounted to said support member.
12. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 10, wherein said support
member and said openable door are supported by a single shaft.
13. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 7, wherein said scrap
storing means comprises a transparent member configured to allow
the scraps stored in said scrap storing means to be seen by
eye.
14. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 7, wherein said openable
door comprises a window that allows the scraps stored in said scrap
storing means to be seen by eye.
15. A sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching a
sheet entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means;
scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said scrap
conveying means; and sensing means for sensing a condition in which
said scrap storing means is unable to be used.
16. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sensing
means is responsive to whether or not said scrap storing means is
present in said sheet finisher.
17. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sensing
means is responsive to an amount of the scraps piled up in said
scrap storing means.
18. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 17, wherein said sensing
means comprises a photosensor configured to sense the amount of the
scraps via a window formed in a preselected position of said scrap
storing means.
19. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 17, wherein said sensing
means comprises a photosensor, and when said scrap storing means is
mounted to said sheet finisher, a member cancels a blocked state of
an optical path of said photosensor, whereby said scrap storing
means is determined to be present in said sheet finisher.
20. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 17, wherein said sensing
means comprises a photosensor configured to sense the amount of the
scraps via a window formed in a preselected position of said scrap
storing means, and whether or not said scrap storing means is
present in said sheet finisher is determined on the basis of
whether or not a member configured to cancel, when said scrap
storing means is mounted, a blocked state of an optical path of
said photosensor is present, as determined via said window.
21. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 20, wherein said member
and said photosensor are mounted on said scrap conveying means.
22. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 17, wherein said sensing
means is mounted on a body of said sheet finisher.
23. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus
comprising image forming means for forming an image on a sheet in
accordance with input image data; and a sheet finisher configured
to process the sheet handed over from said image forming apparatus;
said sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching the
sheet entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means;
and scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said
scrap conveying means; wherein said scrap storing means is mounted
on a front side of said sheet finisher.
24. The system as claimed in claim 23, wherein said scrap storing
means is mounted on said sheet finisher on a same side as an
operation side of said image forming apparatus.
25. The system as claimed in claim 24, wherein at said operation
side an operation panel to be operated by an operator is
positioned.
26. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus
comprising image forming means for forming an image on a sheet in
accordance with input image data; and a sheet finisher configured
to process the sheet handed over from said image forming apparatus;
said sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching the
sheet entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means;
and scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said
scrap conveying means; wherein said scrap storing means is mounted
on said sheet finisher at a same side as an operation side of said
image forming apparatus.
27. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus
comprising image forming means for forming an image on a sheet in
accordance with input image data; and a sheet finisher configured
to process the sheet handed over from said image forming apparatus;
said sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching the
sheet entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means;
and scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said
scrap conveying means; wherein said scrap storing means is mounted
on said sheet finisher at a side parallel to a direction of sheet
conveyance and where an openable door for selectively uncovering an
inside of said sheet finisher is positioned.
28. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus
comprising image forming means for forming an image on a sheet in
accordance with input image data; and a sheet finisher configured
to process the sheet handed over from said image forming apparatus;
said sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching the
sheet entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means;
scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said scrap
conveying means; and sensing means for sensing a condition in which
said scrap storing means is unable to be used.
29. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus
comprising image forming means for forming an image on a sheet in
accordance with input image data; and a sheet finisher configured
to process the sheet handed over from said image forming apparatus;
said sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching the
sheet entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means;
scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said scrap
conveying means; sensing means for sensing a condition in which
said scrap storing means is unable to be used; and control means
for causing, when said sensing means senses said condition, said
image forming means to stop image formation.
30. A sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching the
sheet entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means;
and scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said
scrap conveying means; wherein said scrap conveying means protrudes
toward a front side of said sheet finisher over a front side wall
to thereby convey the scraps toward said front side over said front
side wall.
31. A sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching the
sheet entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means;
scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said scrap
conveying means; and guide means for guiding the scraps from said
scrap conveying means to said scrap storing means while dividing
said scraps in at least two directions.
32. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 31, wherein said guide
means comprises a guide surface configured such that two slants
extend downward from a single ridge.
33. A sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching the
sheet entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means;
scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said scrap
conveying means; guide means for guiding the scraps from said scrap
conveying means to said scrap storing means; and a screen plate
mounted on said guide means and configured to selectively allow the
scraps to drop from said guide means in interlocked relation to an
openable cover, which is mounted on a front side of said sheet
finisher.
34. A sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching the
sheet entered said sheet finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means;
scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said scrap
conveying means; and removing means for removing the scraps from
said scrap conveying means to thereby forcibly cause said scraps to
drop.
35. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus
comprising image forming means for forming an image on a recording
medium in accordance with input image data; and a recording medium
finisher configured to process the recording medium handed over
from said image forming apparatus; said recording medium finisher
comprising: punching means for punching the recording medium
entered said recording medium finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the recording medium by said
punching means; and scrap storing means for storing the scraps
conveyed by said scrap conveying means; wherein said scrap
conveying means protrudes toward a front side of said recording
medium finisher over a front side wall to thereby convey the scraps
toward said front side over said front side wall.
36. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus
comprising image forming means for forming an image on a recording
medium in accordance with input image data; and a recording medium
finisher configured to process the recording medium handed over
from said image forming apparatus; said recording medium finisher
comprising: punching means for punching the recording medium
entered said recording medium finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the recording medium by said
punching means; scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed
by said scrap conveying means; and guide means for guiding the
scraps from said scrap conveying means to said scrap storing means
while dividing said scraps in at least two directions.
37. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 36, wherein said guide
means comprises a guide surface configured such that two slants
extend downward from a single ridge.
38. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus
comprising image forming means for forming an image on a recording
medium in accordance with input image data; and a recording medium
finisher configured to process the recording medium handed over
from said image forming apparatus; said recording medium finisher
comprising: punching means for punching the recording medium
entered said recording medium finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the recording medium by said
punching means; scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed
by said scrap conveying means; guide means for guiding the scraps
from said scrap conveying means to said scrap storing means; and a
screen plate mounted on said guide means and configured to
selectively allow the scraps to drop from said guide means in
interlocked relation to an openable cover, which is mounted on a
front side of said sheet finisher.
39. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus
comprising image forming means for forming an image on a recording
medium in accordance with input image data; and a recording medium
finisher configured to process the recording medium handed over
from said image forming apparatus; said recording medium finisher
comprising: punching means for punching the recording medium
entered said recording medium finisher; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the recording medium by said
punching means; scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed
by said scrap conveying means; and removing means for removing the
scraps from said scrap conveying means to thereby forcibly cause
said scraps to drop.
40. A sheet finisher comprising: sheet conveying means for
conveying a sheet handed over from an image forming apparatus;
punching means for punching the sheet being conveyed by said sheet
conveying means; and scrap conveying means for conveying scraps
produced from the sheet by said punching means; wherein a distance
over which said scrap conveying means conveys the scraps is greater
than a distance between holes to be formed at opposite ends by said
punching means.
41. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 40, wherein a surface of
said scrap conveying means on which the scraps lie is configured to
contact said scraps over a small area.
42. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 40, wherein said scrap
conveying means comprises a stripe-like conveying body whose
surface on which the scraps lie is formed with projections.
43. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 42, wherein a distance
between said projections is smaller than a diameter of the
scraps.
44. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 42, wherein said
projections each extend in a direction substantially perpendicular
to a direction of scrap conveyance.
45. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus
configured to form an image on a recording medium; and a recording
medium finisher constructed integrally or separately from said
image forming apparatus and configured to process the recording
medium handed over from said image forming apparatus; said
recording medium finisher comprising: recording medium conveying
means for conveying the recording medium; punching means for
punching the recording medium being conveyed by said sheet
conveying means; and scrap conveying means for conveying scraps
produced from the recording medium by said punching means; wherein
a distance over which said scrap conveying means conveys the scraps
is greater than a distance between holes to be formed at opposite
ends by said punching means.
46. A sheet finisher comprising: sheet conveying means for
conveying a sheet handed over from an image forming apparatus;
punching means for punching the sheet being conveyed by said sheet
conveying means; and scrap conveying means for conveying scraps
produced from the sheet medium by said punching means toward an
operation side of said image forming apparatus; wherein said scrap
conveying means and said sheet conveying means are driven by a
single drive source.
47. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 46, further comprising
control means for controlling said punching means, said scrap
conveying means, said sheet conveying means and said drive source,
wherein when said punching means punches the sheet, said control
means causes said scrap conveying means to continuously operate
until the scraps being conveyed all have been released from said
scrap conveying means.
48. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 47, wherein said control
means varies, based on whether or not said punching means should
operate, an interval between a time when a last sheet of a single
job is conveyed and a time when said scrap conveying means stops
being driven.
49. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 46, wherein said scrap
conveying means is constructed into a scrap conveying unit capable
of being inserted into said sheet finisher from a front side, and
said scrap conveying unit becomes ready to be driven by said drive
source when fully inserted into said sheet finisher.
50. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 49, wherein when said
scrap conveying unit is fully inserted into said sheet finisher, a
timing pulley for driving a scrap conveying belt and drive
transmitting means driven by said drive source are brought into
mesh with each other.
51. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus
for forming an image on a recording medium; and a recording medium
finisher constructed integrally or separately from said image
forming apparatus and configured to process the recording medium
handed over from said image forming apparatus; said recording
medium finisher comprising: recording medium conveying means for
conveying the recording medium handed over from said image forming
apparatus; punching means for punching the recording medium being
conveyed by said recording medium conveying means; and scrap
conveying means for conveying scraps produced from the recording
medium by said punching means toward an operation side of said
image forming apparatus; wherein said scrap conveying means and
said recording medium conveying means are driven by a single drive
source.
52. A sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching a
sheet being conveyed by suitable means; scrap conveying means for
conveying scraps produced from the sheet by said punching means;
scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said scrap
conveying means; and guide means for guiding the scraps on said
scrap conveying means to thereby cause said scraps to drop into
said scrap storing means; wherein said scrap conveying means is
reversely driven to convey the scraps thereon by a preselected
distance in a direction opposite to a direction in which said scrap
conveying means conveys said scraps toward said guide means.
53. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 52, wherein the
recording medium is handed over from an image forming apparatus to
said sheet finisher and then punched by said punching means.
54. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 53, wherein after the
sheet has been driven out of said image forming apparatus, said
scrap conveying means is reversibly driven in said direction.
55. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 52, wherein said scrap
conveying means is reversely driven in said direction when starting
being driven.
56. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 52, wherein said scrap
storing means is mounted on said sheet finisher at an operation
side.
57. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 56, further comprising
an door openable to uncover an inside of said sheet finisher,
wherein said scrap storing means is mounted on an inside of said
door and conveys the scraps in a direction perpendicular to said
door.
58. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 57, wherein said scrap
storing means is removably mounted to the inside of said door.
59. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 57, wherein said door is
openable about a shaft.
60. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 57, wherein when said
door is opened, said scrap conveying means is reversely driven in
said direction.
61. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 52, wherein said
punching means is of either one of a press punching system and a
rotary punching system.
62. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 61, wherein assuming
that a distance between an end of said scrap conveying means
opposite to said scrap storing means and a punch adjoining said end
is Da and that the distance over which said scrap conveying means
is reversely driven is Db, then there holds a relation of
Db<Da.
63. An image forming apparatus comprising: a body configured to
form an image on a sheet in accordance with input image data; and a
sheet finisher configured to punch the sheet handed over from said
body; said sheet finisher comprising: punching means for punching
the sheet being conveyed by suitable means; scrap conveying means
for conveying scraps produced from the sheet by said punching
means; scrap storing means for storing the scraps conveyed by said
scrap conveying means; and guide means for guiding the scraps on
said scrap conveying means to thereby cause said scraps to drop
into said scrap storing means; wherein said scrap conveying means
is reversely driven to convey the scraps thereon by a preselected
distance in a direction opposite to a direction in which said scrap
conveying means conveys said scraps toward said guide means.
64. The apparatus as claimed in claim 63, wherein an operation side
of said sheet finisher is coincident with a side of said body where
an operation panel is positioned.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a sheet finisher including
a punching unit and more particularly to an image forming system in
which the sheet finisher is constructed integrally with or
separately from an image forming apparatus.
[0003] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0004] Today, a copier, printer or similar image forming apparatus
with a sheet finisher including a punching unit is extensively
used. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-25995, for
example, discloses an image forming apparatus including a punch and
a die for punching a sheet, scrap conveying means for conveying the
resulting scraps, and a scrap box for storing the scraps. The scrap
conveying means is implemented as a screw type conveyor while the
scrap box is removably mounted to the outside of the apparatus
body. When the scrap box is dismounted from the apparatus body, the
scrap conveying means stops being driven, but the apparatus
continues its image forming operation. This, according to the above
document, not only prevents the scraps from being scattered around
the apparatus body, but enhances productivity as to image
formation.
[0005] However, the problem with the image forming apparatus
described above is that the scrap box is mounted on the rear of the
apparatus body, as seen from the operation side. The scrap box is
therefore difficult to handle although image formation may be
continued after the removal of the scrap box.
[0006] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 7-112861, for
example, teaches an image forming apparatus including a container
or storing means for storing scraps produced from punched sheets.
The container is mounted to or dismounted from the apparatus body
via an opening formed in the side wall of the apparatus body.
Further, the container is formed of transparent plastics or similar
material so as to allow the container to be seen from the outside.
The above document additionally proposes an arrangement in which
the container is mounted to one side of the apparatus body, so that
scraps stored in the container can be dealt with at the outside of
the apparatus body. However, the container mounted on the side of
the apparatus body needs an exclusive space for the replacement of
the container beside the apparatus body. Further, because the
container cannot be extended deep into the apparatus body, punching
must be performed in the vicinity of the side wall of the apparatus
body. It is therefore necessary to limit the direction of sheet
conveyance in accordance with the punching position.
[0007] Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 6-155393,
for example, proposes an image forming apparatus including a
punching mechanism mounted on an openable cover forming part of one
side of the apparatus body. Scraps produced by the punching
mechanism are stored in a tank removably mounted to the apparatus
body. The openable cover, however, needs an exclusive space beside
the apparatus body, so that the cover can be opened. It follows
that a space broad enough for the tank to be removed is required
beside the apparatus body, increasing the overall space to be
occupied by the apparatus.
[0008] The conventional image forming apparatuses of the type
including a sheet finisher with a punching unit have other problems
left unsolved, as enumerated below.
[0009] (1) When scraps produced from a sheet by the punching unit
drop, they should be surely received by a belt including in a scrap
conveying unit. To meet this requirement, the belt must be provided
with a length great enough to convey the scraps over a distance
between, among a plurality of holes, holes at opposite ends, i.e.,
80 mm in Japan or 240 mm in Europe. Also, the belt must be
positioned beneath the plurality of holes. Further, it is likely
that the scraps fail to fully part from the belt due to static
electricity.
[0010] (2) The scrap box mounted on the rear of the apparatus body
is not only difficult to handle, but also problematic when it is
dismounted because image formation is continued, i.e., scraps are
continuously produced.
[0011] (3) To solve the above problem (2), the scrap box or scrap
storing means may be mounted on the front of the sheet finisher.
This, however, gives rise to another problem that when the scraps
conveyed by the scrap conveying means toward the scrap box have
fibers appearing on their edges, they are caught by adjoining
members and cannot be smoothly or surely introduced into the scrap
box.
[0012] Technologies relating to the present invention are also
disclosed in, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication Nos.
6-155393, 2000-334696 and 2001-25995.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a small
size, space saving sheet finisher easy to handle and allowing
scraps to be dealt with only at the operation side, and an image
forming system using the same.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
sheet finisher capable of surely introducing scraps in scrap
storing means and efficiently using a space, and an image forming
system using the same.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
sheet finisher capable of introducing scraps in scrap storing means
without causing them to drop to the outside or being scattered
around, and an image forming system using the same.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
sheet finisher capable of causing scraps to drop into scrap storing
means in the form of a pile as flat as possible, and an image
forming system using the same.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
sheet finisher capable of forcibly removing scraps from scrap
conveying means before the scraps again enter the sheet finisher
via a front side wall, and an image forming system using the
same.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
sheet finisher capable of surely conveying scraps with a belt, and
an image forming system using the same.
[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
sheet finisher capable of removing scraps from a stripe-like
conveying surface at an adequate position and introducing them in a
hopper, and an image forming system using the same.
[0020] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a sheet finisher not needing an exclusive motor for scrap
conveying means, and an image forming system using the same.
[0021] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a sheet finisher capable of surely conveying scraps without regard
to whether or not image formation is under way, and an image
forming system using the same.
[0022] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
sheet finisher capable of surely introducing even scraps with
fibers appearing on their edges into scrap storing means, and an
image forming system using the same.
[0023] A sheet finisher of the present invention includes a
punching unit configured to punch a sheet handed over from an image
forming apparatus to the sheet finisher. A scrap conveying unit
conveys scraps produced from the sheet punched by the punching
unit. A hopper stores scraps conveyed thereto by there scrap
conveying unit. The hopper is mounted on the front side of the
sheet finisher.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing a first embodiment of
the image forming system in accordance with the present invention
and made up of an image forming apparatus and a sheet finisher;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a view showing arrangements inside the image
forming system of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a section along line A-A of FIG. 2;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a view showing a punching unit and a hopper
included in the illustrative embodiment in detail;
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a scrap conveying unit specifically and a
positional relation between it, the punching unit and the
hopper;
[0030] FIG. 6 shows a specific configuration of the hopper
removably mounted to the inside of an operable front cover included
in the sheet finisher;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the scrap conveying unit in
the usual operating condition in which the front cover is
closed;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, showing the front cover
in an open position;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system
included in the illustrative embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 10 demonstrates the operation the punching unit to
which a press punching system is applied;
[0035] FIG. 11 shows a driveline included in a pressing mechanism
for effecting the operation of FIG. 10;
[0036] FIG. 12 demonstrates the operation of the punching unit to
which a rotary punching system is applied;
[0037] FIG. 13 shows a driveline included in a rotary mechanism for
effecting the operation of FIG. 12;
[0038] FIG. 14 shows a mechanism for determining whether or not the
hopper is present and whether or not it is filled up with scraps
and representative of a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 15 shows the sensing mechanism of FIG. 14 together with
a mechanism for mounting and dismounting the hopper;
[0040] FIG. 16 shows a specific condition wherein the hopper is
filled up with scraps, and a sensor plays the role of a full
sensor;
[0041] FIG. 17 shows a relation between the hopper, a shutter and
the sensor when the sensor plays the role of a hopper sensor;
[0042] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary view showing a front cover
representative of a third embodiment of the present invention and
held in an open position;
[0043] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a conventional
condition wherein scraps are introduced into the hopper;
[0044] FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19, showing a condition
wherein scraps are introduced into the hopper in a fourth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIGS. 21 and 22 demonstrate the operation of a screen plate
included in a scrap guide;
[0046] FIG. 23 shows a conventional condition wherein scraps are
transferred from a belt to a scrap guide;
[0047] FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 23, showing a condition
wherein scraps are transferred from the belt to the scrap guide in
the fourth embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 25 shows a relation between a distance between punches
particular to a two-punch system and a distance of conveyance
specifically in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25, showing the above
relation particular to a four-punch system;
[0050] FIG. 27 shows a specific configuration of the belt;
[0051] FIG. 28 shows another specific configuration of the
belt;
[0052] FIGS. 29 through 31 show a relation between a punching unit
and a scrap conveying unit representative of a sixth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 32 is a flowchart demonstrating a specific operation of
the belt driven by a stepping motor and dealing with the last sheet
of a single job;
[0054] FIGS. 33A and 33B demonstrate how a seventh embodiment of
the present invention removes scraps from the belt;
[0055] FIGS. 34 and 35 are flowcharts each demonstrating a
particular procedure available with the seventh embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 36 is a view showing the configuration of the seventh
embodiment more specifically;
[0057] FIGS. 37A and 37B are flowcharts demonstrating a specific
operation of the seventh embodiment;
[0058] FIG. 38 is a fragmentary view showing a mechanism included
in the seventh embodiment for moving the belt in the reverse
direction; and
[0059] FIG. 39 is a flowchart demonstrating a specific operation of
the seventh embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0060] Preferred embodiments of the image forming system in
accordance with the present invention will be described
hereinafter.
First Embodiment
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an image forming system
embodying the present invention is shown and made up of an image
forming apparatus PR and a finisher FR. As shown, the image forming
apparatus PR, which has a copying function, includes a document
scanning section 31, an image writing section 32, a sheet feeding
section 33, and a document conveying section 34.
[0062] The document scanning section 31 is configured to scan a
document with a scanner in the main scanning direction while moving
the scanner in the subscanning direction. The document feeding
section (ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) hereinafter) 34 feeds the
document to a glass platen.
[0063] The image writing section 32 is implemented as conventional
optics including a laser diode, a polygonal mirror, and an f.theta.
lens. The optics optically scans the surface of a photoconductive
element for thereby forming a latent image. The latent image is
then developed by toner. The resulting toner image is transferred
from the photoconductive element to a sheet or recording medium and
then fixed by a fixing unit. Subsequently, the sheet with the fixed
toner image is handed over from the image forming apparatus PR to
the sheet finisher FR.
[0064] In the illustrative embodiment, the sheet feeding section 33
has four sheet feeding stages stacked one above another. A vertical
sheet path 36 extends from the pay-out side or right side, as
viewed in FIG. 2, of the sheet feeding stages to the image writing
section 32.
[0065] The sheet carrying the toner image thereon and driven out of
the image forming apparatus PR is introduced into the sheet
finisher FR in a direction indicated by an arrow M. The sheet
finisher FR includes a punching unit 4 for punching the sheet
introduced into the sheet finisher FR. The punching unit or
punching means 4 is positioned downstream of an inlet roller pair 1
in the direction of sheet conveyance, but upstream of a roller pair
6. A scrap conveying unit or conveying means 5 is positioned
beneath the punching unit 4 for conveying scraps produced from
punched sheets. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 which is a
section along line A-A of FIG. 2, the scrap conveying unit 5
extends in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet
conveyance and conveys scraps 23 (see FIG. 4) in a direction Q. The
direction Q is toward an operation side OP where the operator
stands to input desired information meant for the sheet finisher FR
or the image forming apparatus PR on an operation panel 37 or to
replace toner or remove a jamming sheet.
[0066] More specifically, the operator replaces toner or removes a
jamming sheet by opening a front cover 14 forming part of a housing
on the operation side OP. A hopper or scrap storing means 3 is
mounted on the inside of the front cover 14, so that the scraps are
conveyed to the hopper 3 in the direction Q. The scrap conveying
unit 5 and hopper 3 assigned to the scraps will be described more
specifically later. The front cover 14 may be provided with a
transparent window 14c, so that the operator can see the inside of
the hopper 3. In the illustrative embodiment, the window 14c is so
positioned as to allow the operator to see the top opening of the
hopper 3. The window 14c is implemented by a sheet of glass or
transparent resin (see FIGS. 5 and 6).
[0067] The sheet P punched by the punching unit 4 is steered by
path selectors 27 and 28 to be stacked on a shift tray 9 by way of,
e.g., a stapling station. Alternatively, the sheet P may be simply
driven out to a proof tray 29.
[0068] More specifically, in a sort mode, the path selector 27 is
so positioned as to steer the sheet P to a path on which a roller
pair 7 is located. The sheet P is then driven out to the shift tray
9 via the roller pair 7 and an outlet roller pair 8. The tray 9 is
shifted in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet
conveyance copy by copy, thereby sorting the consecutive sheets P
on a copy basis.
[0069] In a staple mode, the path selector 27 is so positioned as
to steer the sheet P to a path on which a roller pair 10 is
located. The sheet P is then conveyed to a staple tray 12 by the
roller pair 10 and a roller pair 11. Every time one sheet P is
brought to the staple tray 12, a knock roller knocks it downward
toward a rear fence. After a preselected number of sheets P
constituting a single copy have been stacked on the staple tray 12,
a stapler 13 staples one end, trailing edge in the illustrative
embodiment, of the sheet stack. Subsequently, a belt conveys the
stapled sheet stack upward toward the outlet roller pair 8. As a
result, the stapled sheet stack is also driven out to the shift
tray 9.
[0070] As stated above, the punching unit 4 and hopper 3 are
positioned upstream of all of the other finishing stations in the
direction of sheet conveyance and can therefore punch any kind of
sheet.
[0071] The reference numerals 2 and 45 in FIGS. 2 and 3,
respectively, designate an inlet sensor and a front side wall
included in the apparatus body, respectively.
[0072] FIG. 4 shows the punching unit 4 and hopper 3 more
specifically. As shown, the punching unit 4 includes a punch 15
movable to punch a sheet, which enters the punching unit 4 in a
direction indicated by an arrow M. The punching unit 4 may use,
e.g., a press punching system shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 or a rotary
punching system shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In the press punching
system, after the sheet has been brought to a stop at a preselected
position, the punch 15 is moved in the up-and-down direction to
punch the sheet. In the rotary punching system, while the sheet is
being conveyed, the punch 15 is rotated in synchronism with the
movement of the sheet to thereby punch the sheet.
[0073] FIG. 5 shows a positional relation between the scrap
conveying unit 5, the punching unit 4 and the hopper 3. As shown,
the punching unit 4 includes two punches 15 arranged side by side
in the direction Q. A sheet brought to the punches 15 while being
guided by a sheet guide 15a is stopped there for a moment, and then
the punches 15 are moved downward to punch the sheet. Scraps 23
produced from the sheet by the punches 15 drop on a belt 18
included in the scrap conveying unit 5 and positioned beneath the
sheet guide 15a. The belt 18 is passed over a drive timing pulley
19 and a driven timing pulley 17 with preselected tension. The
upper run of the belt 18 on which the scraps 23 drop moves in the
direction Q to convey the scraps 23 toward the operation side OP,
i.e., the front cover 14.
[0074] More specifically, a worm wheel 19a is formed integrally
with the drive timing pulley 19 and held in mesh with a worm 20.
The worm 20 in rotation causes the belt 18 to turn
counterclockwise, as viewed in FIG. 5, via the worm wheel 19a and
drive timing pulley 19, so that the belt 18 conveys the scraps 23
in the direction Q. A stepping motor 22 drives the worm 20 via a
timing belt 21. The scraps 23 conveyed to the operation side OP by
the belt 18 drop into the hopper 3 via a scrap guide 16. The hopper
3 is removably mounted to the inside of the front cover 14.
[0075] The scrap guide 16 includes a tubular guide 16a whose inner
periphery has an arcuate section and a slope guide 16b inclined
toward the inlet of the hopper 3. The upper end of the slope guide
16b adjoins part of the belt 18 passed over the driven timing
pulley 17.
[0076] In the illustrative embodiment, the driven timing pulley 17
protrudes into a space between the front cover 14 and the front
side wall 45 of the apparatus body, so that the scraps 23 are
handed over from the belt 18 to the guide 16 in the above space.
The hopper 3 is positioned below such a position. Therefore, the
hopper 3, scrap guide 6 and at least part of the timing pulley 17
are positioned between the front cover 14 and the front side wall
45.
[0077] FIG. 6 shows how the hopper 3 is removably mounted to the
inside of the front cover 14 in detail. As shown, a magnet 25 is
mounted on the hopper 3 and magnetically supported by a bracket 24,
which is adhered to or buried in the inner surface 14a of the front
cover. Positioning pins 14a and 14b are studded on the inner
surface 14d of the front cover 14 while positioning holes 3a and 3b
are formed in the hopper 3. The positioning pins 14a and 14b are
respectively inserted in the positioning holes 3a and 3b for
thereby positioning the hopper 3 relative to the front cover 14. In
this sense, the positioning pins 14a and 14b play the role of a
guide for guiding the hopper 3.
[0078] The magnetic force of the magnet 25 must be great enough to
support the hopper 3 even when the hopper 3 is filled with the
scraps 23. Such a magnetic force, however, is sufficient in
consideration of easy mounting or dismounting of the hopper 3. It
is noteworthy that the front cover 14 is opened and closed in the
event of jam processing and toner replacement as well and causes
the hopper 3 to vibrate. As a result, the pile of scraps 23 in the
hopper 3 collapses and allows the hopper 3 to accommodate more
scraps 23.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the transparent window 14c is
mounted on the front cover 14 at such a position that the operator
can see the top opening of the hopper 3 mounted on the inner
surface of the front cover 14. FIGS. 7 and 8 respectively show the
scrap conveying mechanism in a condition wherein the front cover 14
is closed and a condition wherein it is opened. As shown in FIG. 8,
the front cover 14 is hinged to the left side of the sheet finisher
FR, as seen from the operation side OP, via a shaft 26. When the
front cover 14 is opened, the hopper 3 mounted on the front cover
14, of course, moves together with the front cover 14.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 2, when the front cover 14 is in the closed
position, the hopper 3 blocks the scrap conveying path. Should the
hopper 3 be not retractable from the position shown in FIG. 2, then
it would obstruct the operator intending to, e.g., open a guide
plate for removing a jamming sheet. This is why the hopper 3 must
be moved together with the front cover 14 when the front cover 14
is opened. Stated another way, the hopper 3 can be increased in
size so long as it does not obstruct, e.g., jam processing when
moved together with the front cover 14.
[0081] Reference will be made to FIG. 9 for describing a control
system included in the illustrative embodiment. As shown, a
controller or control unit 350 is implemented as a microcomputer
including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 360 and an I/O
(Input/Output) interface 370. The CPU 360 receives the outputs of
various switches arranged on the operation panel 37, FIG. 1, inlet
sensor 2 as well as the outputs of a sensor responsive to the
discharge of a sheet to the shift tray 9, a sensor responsive to
the height of a sheet stack on the tray 9 and so forth via the I/O
interface 370.
[0082] The CPU 360 controls the various operations of the sheet
finisher FR in accordance with the above inputs: the up-down
movement of the punches 15, operation of the scrap conveying unit
5, jogging operation effected on the staple tray 13 in the
direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance,
stapling by the stapling unit 13, discharge of a stapled sheet
stack, movement of the shift tray 9, operation of the knock roller
and so forth. Pulse signals input to a staple motor, not shown,
that drives the roller pair 11 are counted by the CPU 360 and used
to control the knock roller and jogging.
[0083] It is to be noted that the CPU 360 controls the sheet
finisher FR in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (Read Only
Memory), not shown, while using a RAM (Random Access Memory), not
shown, as a work area.
[0084] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the press punching system
mentioned earlier and applied to the punching unit 4 will be
described hereinafter. In FIG. 10, (a) and (b) show one of the
punches 15 in the initial position and a position just after the
start of downward movement, respectively. In FIG. 10, (c) shows the
punch 15 in a position where it punched the sheet P. After the
position (c), the punch 15 moves upward to the initial position
shown in (e) via a position shown in (d).
[0085] FIG. 11 shows a drive mechanism assigned to the punch 15. As
shown, a cam 30 is rotatable about a shaft 31 and causes the punch
15 to move vertically downward to punch the sheet P, as shown in
FIG. 10, (c). More specifically, the punch 15 punches the sheet P
brought to a stop in a preselected period of time or after a
preselected number of pulses since the trailing edge of the sheet 2
has moved away from the inlet sensor, FIG. 2. More specifically, a
holder 32 includes an inner surface contacting the circumference of
the cam 30. The cam 30, rotating about the shaft 31, presses the
above surface of the holder 32 downward, so that the holder 32
presses punch 15 engaged therewith downward toward the sheet P.
[0086] A stepping motor 34 drives a pulley 33 mounted on the shaft
31 via a timing belt 35. As for drive transmission from the pulley
33 to the shaft 31, an arrangement may be made such that the pulley
33 is constantly driven by the stepping motor 34 via the timing
belt 35 while the rotation of the pulley 33 is transferred to the
shaft 31 via a one-way clutch, not shown, as needed. Alternatively,
the stepping motor 34 may be selectively driven to transfer its
output torque to the shaft 31.
[0087] FIG. 12 shows the rotary punching system also mentioned
earlier and applied to the punching unit 4. In FIG. 12, (a) and (b)
show one of the punches 15 in the initial position and a position
just after the start of rotary movement, respectively. In FIG. 12,
(c) shows the punch 15 in a position where it punched the sheet P.
After the position (c), the punch 15 angularly moves to a position
shown in (e) by 90.degree. via a position shown in (d).
[0088] FIG. 13 shows a drive mechanism included in the rotary
punching system. As shown, the punch 15 is rotatable about a shaft
36. A die 38 is located at a position where it forms a pair with
the punch 15, and is rotatable about a shaft 37. The punch 15 and
die 378 start rotating when the sheet P is conveyed by a distance
corresponding to a preselected number of pulses since the trailing
edge of the sheet P has moved away from the inlet sensor 2,
punching the sheet P in the position of FIG. 12, (c). More
specifically, the punch 15 and die 38 each are mounted on one of a
pair of rotary bodies facing each other via the sheet P and
rotatable about the shafts 36 and 37, respectively. Gears 39 and 40
are mounted on the shafts 36 and 37, respectively, and held in mesh
with each other. A stepping motor 41 drives the gear 39 via a
timing belt 42.
[0089] The rotary punching system described above can punch
successive sheets without stopping them and therefore makes it
needless to care about the image forming speed. In addition,
control is simplified because the sheet P does not have to be
stopped.
Second Embodiment
[0090] This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that
it additionally includes means for sensing the full state of the
hopper 3 and means for determining whether or not the hopper 3 is
mounted at a preselected position. As for the rest of the
construction, the illustrative embodiment is identical with the
previous embodiment, so that identical structural elements are
designated by identical reference numerals and will not be
described specifically.
[0091] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the second embodiment includes
a single photosensor 43 bifunctioning as a full sensor responsive
to the full state of the hopper 3 and a hopper sensor responsive to
the hopper 3 at the same time. The sensor or sensing means 43 is
located at a position where the bottom of the scrap guide 16 faces
the hopper 3. As shown in FIG. 14, an opening 3c is formed in the
hopper 3 in alignment with the sensor 43.
[0092] FIG. 16 shows a specific condition wherein the hopper 3 is
filled up with the scraps 23. In this condition, the sensor 43
senses the full state of the hopper 3 because the pile of scraps 23
blocks the optical path of the sensor 43. At this instant, a
shutter 44 is pushed upward by the hopper 3 and angularly moved
about a fulcrums 44a, which is present on the scrap guide 16, to
remain in an almost horizontal position. The sensor 43 therefore
does not sense the shutter 44.
[0093] FIG. 17 shows the hopper 3 dismounted away from the shutter
44 or moved together with the front cover 14 toward the open
position. As shown, the shutter 44 is angularly moved clockwise
from the position of FIG. 16 about the fulcrum 44a and hangs down.
In this case, the sensor 43 senses the shutter 44 present on the
optical path of the sensor 43 and therefore indicates that the
hopper 3 is dismounted. In this sense, the sensor 43 plays the role
of the two means mentioned earlier at the same time. Because the
sensor 43 and hopper 3 are fully separated from each other, the
hopper 3 can be easily emptied.
[0094] In the illustrative embodiment, when the output of the
sensor 43 indicates the full state of the hopper 3 or the absence
of the hopper 3, image forming operation is inhibited in order to
prevent the scraps 23 from dropping to the floor. More
specifically, the CPU 360 inhibits image forming operation when the
hopper 3 is unable to be used, as sensed by the sensor 43. For this
purpose, the output of the sensor 43 is also sent to the CPU 360
via the I/O interface 370.
[0095] The sensor 43 is implemented as a reflection type sensor or
photoreflector. Therefore, when the sensor 43 senses reflection,
the shutter 44 is held in the lowered position of FIG. 17 or the
hopper 3 is filled up with the scraps 23. On the other hand, a
sensor, not shown, responsive to the opening/closing of the front
cover 14 exists. When this sensor senses the shutter 44 hanging
down when the front cover 14 is closed, the CPU 360 determines that
the hopper 3 is not mounted on the front cover 14. If desired,
whether or not the hopper 3 is present on the front cover 14 and
whether or not the hopper 3 is full may be determined independently
of each other on the basis of a difference in level between the
output derived from the shutter 44 and the output derived from the
pile of scraps 23.
[0096] The sensor 43 and shutter 44 both are mounted on the scrap
guide 16 while the scrap guide 16 is constructed as part of the
scrap conveying unit 5. It is therefore possible to assemble the
entire scrap conveying unit 5 as a unit in a factory and then put
it on the market as a unit.
Third Embodiment
[0097] In the embodiments shown and described, the hopper 3 is
magnetically supported on the inner surface of the front cover 14
and moved together with the front cover 14. However, the crux is
that the hopper 3 be positioned inside of the front cover 14. As
shown in FIG. 18, in a third embodiment of the present invention, a
stay 3d is hinged to the previously mentioned shaft 26 and supports
the hopper 3 on its inner surface, so that the front cover 14 can
be opened and closed independently of the hopper 3. The third
embodiment therefore makes it needless to give consideration to the
mechanical strength of the front cover 14, which is implemented as
a resin molding. As for the rest of the configuration, the third
embodiment is identical with the first and second embodiments.
[0098] As stated above, in the first to third embodiments, the
scrap storing means is mounted on the front side of the sheet
finisher, i.e., at the same side as the operation side of another
apparatus that hands over a sheet to the sheet finisher or on an
openable door parallel to the direction of sheet conveyance and
capable of uncovering the inside of the sheet finisher. This
realizes a small size, space saving sheet finisher easy to operate
and allowing sheet scraps to be dealt with only at the operation
side, and an image forming system using the same.
Fourth Embodiment
[0099] This embodiment is essentially similar to the first
embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 13. The
following description will concentrate on differences between the
fourth embodiment and the first embodiment.
[0100] In the first embodiment, the belt 18 conveys the scraps 23
toward the front or operation side in the direction Q over the
front side wall 45, as stated with reference to FIG. 5. The scraps
23 can therefore be surely dropped into the hopper 3 positioned
between the front side wall 45 and the front cover 14. More
specifically, the front end of the driven timing pulley 17
necessarily protrudes toward the front cover 14 over the front side
wall 45, so that the scraps 23 are prevented from entering the
inside of the sheet finisher when dropped from the belt 18.
[0101] FIG. 19 demonstrates how the scraps 23 are stored in the
hopper 3 in the first embodiment. As shown, the scraps 23 conveyed
by the belt 18 in the direction Q drops in a direction A via the
inclined surface of the scrap guide 16. While the scraps 23 dropped
in the direction A pile up in the hopper 3, they drop substantially
from the same portion of the scrap guide 16 because of the flat
inclined surface and therefore form a pile with a single peak, as
indicated by a line 3b. The pile 3b grows up to the window 3a of
the hopper 3 with the result that the hopper 3 is determined to be
full despite that it still has room to accommodate more scraps.
[0102] By contrast, as shown in FIG. 20, the illustrative
embodiment configures the guide surface 16a of the guide 16 such
that two inclined surfaces extend downward from a ridge 16b, so
that the scraps 23 drop in the direction A along the two inclined
surfaces. Consequently, the scraps 23 in the hopper 3 form a pile
having two peaks, as indicated by a line 3b in FIG. 20. This
successfully promotes the efficient use of the space available in
the hopper 3 for a given number of sheets.
[0103] If desired, the guide surface 16b with a single ridge 16b
may be replaced with a division plate or flap-like plate configured
to divide the scraps 23 flowing along the inclined surface of the
scrap guide 16.
[0104] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the scrap guide 16 of the
illustrative embodiment includes a screen plate 46 having a
generally L-shaped cross-section. The screen plate 46 is angularly
movably supported by a shaft 46a. A spring 47 constantly biases the
horizontal portion of the L-shaped screen plate 46 in a direction
in which the screen plate 46 closes an outlet 16c formed in the
scrap guide 16. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, the screen plate 46
initially closes the outlet 16c of the scrap guide 16, preventing
the scraps 23 from dropping.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 21, a projection 14c protrudes from the
inner surface of the front cover 14. When the front cover 14 is
closed, the projection 14c pushes the upright portion of the screen
plate 46 and causes it to angularly move about the shaft 46a
clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 21, against the action of the spring
47, opening the outlet 16c of the scrap guide 16. In this
condition, the scraps 23 can drop into the hopper 3 via the outlet
16c.
[0106] As stated above, the screen plate 46 unblocks the outlet 16c
of the scrap guide 16 only when the front cover 14 is opened,
allowing the scraps 23 to drop into the hopper 3. This prevents the
scraps 23 from dropping via the scrap guide 16 during or after the
opening of the front cover 14.
[0107] As shown in FIG. 23, it is likely that the scraps 23
conveyed by the belt 18 to the front side or operation side do not
drop to the slope of the scrape guide 16, but remain on the belt 18
and again enter the finisher. This is ascribable to fibers
appearing on the edges of the scraps 23 and electrostatically or
otherwise adhered to the belt 18. Such scraps 23 again entered the
finisher are apt to drop somewhere in the sheet finisher while
being conveyed by the belt 18.
[0108] In light of the above, as shown in FIG. 24, the illustrative
embodiment further includes a blade 48 for separating the scraps 23
from the belt 18. The blade 48 is adhered to the guide surface 16a
of the scrap guide 16 with its leading edge contacting the belt 18.
In this configuration, the blade 48 forcibly removes the scraps 23
from the belt 18 and causes them to drop into the hopper 3 without
returning to the inside of the sheet finisher.
[0109] As stated above, the illustrative embodiment has various
unprecedented advantages, as enumerated below.
[0110] (1) The scraps are conveyed to the front side of the sheet
finisher over the front side wall of the sheet finisher and can
therefore be surely conveyed to the space outside of the front side
wall.
[0111] (2) The scraps are surely conveyed to the above position
without dropping in the sheet finisher or between opposite side
walls. This allows the space beneath the punching means to be
efficiently used for thereby reducing the size of the finisher.
[0112] (3) The scrap guide means guides the scraps from the scrap
conveying means to the scrap storing means while dividing the
scraps in at least two directions. The scraps therefore do not pile
in the scrap storing means via a single position, so that the space
available in the scrap storing means is efficiently used.
[0113] (4) The scrap guide means includes the screen plate
configured to allow the scraps to drop from the scrap guide means
into the scrap storing means in interlocked relation to the front
cover only when the front cover is closed. This prevents the scraps
from being scattered around when the front cover is opened.
[0114] (5) The removing means forcibly removes the scraps from the
scrap conveying means and causes them to drop into the scrap
storing means. The scraps can therefore be surely introduced into
the scrap storing means without again entering the sheet
finisher.
Fifth Embodiment
[0115] FIGS. 1-18 and the description of the first embodiment made
with reference thereto also apply to a fifth embodiment of the
present invention. The following description will therefore
concentrate only on differences between the first embodiment and
the fifth embodiment.
[0116] FIGS. 25 and 26 respectively show specific dimensions of a
two-hole punching unit and those of a four-hole punching unit
particular to the illustrative embodiment. In the two-hole punching
unit of FIG. 25, which is standardized in Japan, the distance
between the punches 15 is 80 mm. The scraps 23 produced by the
punches 15 drop on and are conveyed by the belt 18. In the
illustrative embodiment, the distance over which the belt 18
conveys the scraps 23 is selected to be greater than 80 mm. Also,
the scraps 23 drop on the belt 18 without fail because the belt 18
is necessarily present below the punches 15.
[0117] In the four-hole punching unit of FIG. 26, which is
standardized in Europe, the distance between the outermost punches
15 is 240 mm. In this case, the belt 18 is provided with a length
greater than 240 mm.
[0118] FIG. 27 shows the configuration of the belt 18 unique to the
illustrative embodiment. As shown, the belt 18 is provided with an
irregular outer surface for promoting the parting of the scraps 23.
Recesses forming part of the irregular surface each have a width L2
smaller than the maximum diameter L1 of the scraps 23, preventing
the scraps from being fully buried in the recesses. With this
configuration, the belt 18 conveys the scraps 23 while preventing
them from closely adhering to the belt 18 and therefore causes the
scraps 23 to surely drop into the hopper 3. In FIG. 27, the
recesses and projections are labeled 18-b and 18-a,
respectively.
[0119] FIG. 28 shows a modification of the illustrative embodiment.
In the modification, the belt 18 is implemented as a low-cost
timing belt formed with projections and recesses, or teeth, each
extending in the direction perpendicular to the direction Q. This
is preferable in the aspect of parting of the scraps 23.
[0120] The timing belt applied to the belt 18 may be one whose
opposite surfaces are toothed or one toothed on only one surface
and turned inside out. The timing belt toothed on both surfaces is
expensive and thick and therefore undesirable from the space
standpoint. While the timing belt toothed on one side is free from
such a problem, it should be driven at speed low enough to obviate
slip because the flat surface of the belt is be passed over the
timing pulleys 17 and 19.
[0121] As stated above, in the illustrative embodiment, the
distance over which the scrap conveying means conveys the scraps is
greater than the distance between the punching means, so that the
scraps can be surely conveyed by the conveying means. Further, the
surface of the conveying means is so configured as to contact the
scraps over a minimum of area, thereby reducing electrostatic
adhesion to act between the belt and the scraps. This allows the
scraps to surely part from the conveying means at an adequate
position and fall in the hopper.
Sixth Embodiment
[0122] FIGS. 1 through 18 and the first embodiment described with
reference made thereto also apply to a sixth embodiment to be
described hereinafter. The following description will therefore
concentrate on differences between the first embodiment and the
sixth embodiment.
[0123] FIG. 29 shows a relation between the punching unit 4 and the
scrap conveying unit 5 particular to the illustrative embodiment.
FIGS. 30 and 31 show the same relation in a fragmentary front view
and a plan view, respectively. As shown, the scrap conveying unit 5
beneath the punching unit 4 is configured to be inserted into the
sheet finisher from the front side or operation side, as indicated
by an arrow. The conveying unit 5 conveys the scraps 23 in the
direction Q toward the hopper 3. The worm 20 drives the belt 18 via
the timing pulley 19, as stated earlier.
[0124] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, the worm 20 and
timing pulley 19 are held in mesh with each other while the belt 18
is passed over the timing pulley 19. In this condition, the
conveying unit 5 is constructed into a unit that can be inserted
into the sheet finisher from the front. The conveying unit 5
therefore does not include drive means for driving the belt 18
alone. The absence of the drive mans successfully reduces the
weight of the conveying unit 4 for thereby facilitating mounting of
the conveying unit 4.
[0125] The worm 20 is formed with a spur gear portion at its base
portion. When the spur gear portion is brought into mesh with a
gear 101, the belt 18 can be driven. The timing belt 21 is passed
over the pulley portion of the gear 101 and driven by the stepping
motor 22. At the same time, a pulley 100 engaged with the inlet
roller pair 1, FIG. 1, is driven by the stepping motor 22, causing
the inlet roller pair 1 to rotate. In this manner, the stepping
motor 22 assigned to the inlet roller pair 1 is used to drive the
belt 18 as well.
[0126] Reference will be made to FIG. 32 for describing the drive
of the belt 18 effected by the stepping motor 22. It is to be noted
that the procedure of FIG. 32 deals with the last sheet of a single
job. As shown, the stepping motor 22 starts rotating when the inlet
sensor 2 senses the last sheet of a job entered the sheet finisher
(steps S1 and S2). The stepping motor 22 drives the inlet roller
pair 1 and belt 18 via the timing belt 21. On the elapse of a
preselected period of time since the trailing edge of the sheet has
away from the inlet sensor 2 (YES, step S3), the punching unit 4
punches the sheet (steps S4, S5 and S6). The stepping motor 22
continuously operates until the scraps 23 dropped from the sheet on
the belt 18 have been collected in the hopper 3 (step S7). The
stepping motor 22 stops operating as soon as the scraps 23 all drop
from the belt 18 into the hopper 3 (step S8).
[0127] If the sheet does not have to be punched (NO, step S3), then
the stepping motor 22 stops operating just after the sheet has
moved away from the inlet roller pair 1, thereby saving power.
[0128] As stated above, in the illustrative embodiment, a single
drive source drives both of the scrap conveying means and sheet
conveying means, i.e., an exclusive motor for the scrap conveying
means is not necessary. The scrap conveying means is therefore
reduced in cost and weight and therefore easy to mount to the sheet
finisher.
[0129] Further, the belt is continuously driven until the scraps
dropped on the belt all have been collected in the hopper. The
scraps can therefore be surely conveyed without regard to the image
forming operation. This prevents the scraps from dropping or being
scattered around inside the sheet finisher.
Seventh Embodiment
[0130] FIGS. 1 through 18 and the first embodiment described with
reference made thereto also apply to a seventh embodiment to be
described hereinafter. The following description will therefore
concentrate on differences between the first embodiment and the
seventh embodiment.
[0131] As shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B, the blade 48 is positioned in
the upper portion of the slope guide 16b, which forms part of the
scrap guide 16. The upper edge of the blade 48 adjoins the end of
the belt 18 facing the scrap guide 16 and causes the scraps 23
reached it into the hopper 3. The belt 18 conveys the scraps 23
toward the scrap guide 16 over the front side wall 45 of the sheet
finisher, as stated earlier. However, the configuration of FIGS. 5
and 6 has the following problem left unsolved. Fibers are apt to
appear on the edges of the scraps 23 produced from the sheet. This,
coupled with the upper edge of the blade 48 adjoining the belt 18,
is likely to cause the belt 18 and blade 48 to catch the fibers of
the scraps 23 therebeteween, causing the following scraps 23 to
stop at the upper edge of the blade 48.
[0132] To solve the above problem, as shown in FIG. 33B, the
illustrative embodiment inversely drives the belt 18, i.e., moves
it in the direction opposite to the direction of scrap conveyance,
thereby moving the scraps 23 on the belt 18 backward by a suitable
distance. Consequently, the scrap 23 caught between the belt 18 and
the blade 48 is released and surely dropped into the hopper 3,
which is positioned between the front side wall 45 and the front
cover 14. This can be done with specific means to be described
hereinafter.
[0133] In the sheet finisher FR of the illustrative embodiment,
when a sheet is driven out to the shift tray 9 or the proof tray
29, a stop signal is sent to the image forming apparatus PR. In
response, the stepping motor 22 is caused to move in the reverse
direction over a preselected period of time and then move in the
usual direction for scrap conveyance. As a result, the scrap 23
caught between the belt 18 and the blade 48 successfully drops into
the hopper 3. Such a specific procedure is shown in FIG. 34.
[0134] Another specific procedure is shown in FIG. 35. As shown,
when the power switch of the image forming apparatus PR is turned
on or when the front cover 14 is opened, the stepping motor 22 is
driven for a preselected period of time in the direction opposite
to the direction for scrap conveyance. As a result, the scraps
caught on the belt 18 are surely caused to drop into the hopper 3
positioned between the front side wall 45 and the front cover 14.
The scraps can therefore be removed even when the power switch of
the apparatus PR is turned off or when a sheet jam occurs.
[0135] As for the distance of reverse movement of the belt 18, as
shown in FIG. 36, assume that the distance between the end of the
belt 18 passed over the timing pulley 19 and the punch 15b closest
to it is L3. Then, in the illustrative embodiment, the belt 18 is
moved in the reverse direction by a minimum necessary distance L4
shorter than the distance L3 and necessary for the fibers of the
scraps to be separated from the blade 48. This allows the scraps 23
to surely drop on the inclined surface of the blade 48 and prevents
the scraps on the belt 18 from dropping to the side opposite to the
hopper 3 when the power switch is turned on or the front cover 14
is opened.
[0136] To move the belt 18 by the distance L4 in the reverse
direction, a number of pulses corresponding to the distance L4
should only be input to the stepping motor 22, as shown in FIGS.
37A and 37B.
[0137] As shown in FIG. 38, the belt 18 may be moved to any desired
position in the reverse direction on the basis of the output of a
sensor 49 responsive to the current position of the worm 20. FIG.
39 demonstrates a procedure for practicing this scheme.
[0138] In summary, the illustrative embodiment has various
advantages, as enumerated below.
[0139] (1) The scrap conveying means is moved in the reverse
direction to convey the scraps by a preselected distance in the
direction opposite to the direction in which the conveying means
conveys them toward the guide means. Therefore, even when the
fibers of the scraps are caught between the guide means and the
conveying means, such scraps can be surely released and smoothly
introduced into the scrap storing means.
[0140] (2) The scrap conveying means is implemented as an endless
belt, so that the scraps with the fibers can be removed by a simple
operation.
[0141] (3) Even when the scraps are not removed due to the turn-off
of the power switch or a sheet jam, they can be surely removed
later.
[0142] (4) The scrap storing means is positioned at the front side
or operation side of the sheet finisher and is therefore easy to
handle.
[0143] (5) The scrap storing means is mounted on the inner surface
of the openable door and therefore saves size and space and is easy
to operate. In addition, the scrap storing means is removable from
the above door.
[0144] (6) The relation of Db<Da is established to prevent the
scraps from dropping from the most upstream portion of the scrap
conveying means when the power switch of the image forming
apparatus is turned on or when the door is opened. More
specifically, the scrap conveying means is not moved in the reverse
direction more than necessary, so that the scraps do not drop to
the side opposite to the scrap storing means. In addition, the
minimum necessary movement is successful to save power.
[0145] Various modifications will become possible for those skilled
in the art after receiving the teachings of the present disclosure
without departing from the scope thereof.
* * * * *