Finisher with compact medium conveying structure

An example finisher includes a first portion extending in a vertical direction, a second portion including an entrance to receive paper as a finishing process target, and a finishing unit to perform a finishing process, the second portion extending from the first portion in a lateral direction, a stacker to receive paper discharged from the finishing unit and which extends in an opposite direction to the second portion based on the first portion, and an elevation driving unit provided on the first portion to elevate the stacker in a vertical direction.

BACKGROUND

Finishers (i.e., post-processing devices) are devices used to perform a finishing process on a sheet-like printing medium, for example, paper and may be connected to a printing device to form an image forming apparatus. Finishers can perform a finishing process on a printing medium, on which printing has been completed, as a subsequent process of a print job performed in the printing device.

The finishing process may include a bookbinding process for binding multiple sheets of aligned paper, a folding process for folding one or more sheets of paper one or more times, or a punching process for punching holes in one or more sheets of paper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A finisher may be connected to a printing device to perform a finishing process on a sheet-like printing medium, such as paper, that is output from the printing device. A finisher connected, coupled, or combined with a printing device may be classified as a small-capacity finisher or a large-capacity finisher. A concave loading portion, on which discharged paper may be loaded, may be provided in the printing device. A paper discharge port of the printing device may be provided in the concave loading portion. The small-capacity finisher may be installed on the loading portion of the printing device. The large-capacity finisher may have a large size and thus is not able to be installed on the loading portion of the printing device but may be installed at a side of the printing device. In this case, a paper relay module for transporting the paper from the paper discharge port of the printing device to the large-capacity finisher may be used.

In an example, a finishing unit that extends in a lateral direction from a support structure that is extending in a vertical direction and supported at the outside of the printing device may be located within the concave loading portion of the printing device. Further, a stacker, on which paper on which finishing has been completed may be loaded, may extend in an opposite direction to the finishing unit from the support structure and may be located outside the printing device. An elevation driving unit including a motor for elevating the stacker may be provided in the support structure. Thus, a low-cost large-capacity finisher having a compact paper conveying structure that does not require a paper relay module may be implemented. A second stacker, on which paper on which finishing is not performed is loaded, of the paper discharged from the printing device may be provided in the finishing unit.

In an example, adjusting a length of the support structure extending in the vertical direction and supporting the finishing unit is possible. A height of the printing device may vary. Thus, a height of the loading portion in which the finishing unit is installed, may also vary. A height of the support structure may be adjusted so that adjusting of the height of the finishing unit is possible. Thus, a finisher that may be applied to a printing device having various heights may be implemented.

An example finisher may include a support structure extending in the vertical direction and a finishing unit extending from the support structure in the lateral direction. A finisher, in a form in which a finishing unit extends from a support structure in the lateral direction, may fall over due to the weight of the finishing unit in a state in which the finishing unit is not combined, coupled, or connected with the printing device. In an example, a fall-over reduction member may support the finisher to reduce falling over due to the weight of the finisher even when the finisher is not combined, coupled, or connected with the printing device. Thus, handling of the finisher is easy.

Hereinafter, various examples of a finisher will be described with reference to the drawings. Components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

FIG.1is a schematic side configuration diagram of a finisher2according to an example.FIG.2is a schematic side configuration diagram of the finisher2according to an example.FIGS.1and2show a state in which the finisher2is combined with a printing device1.FIG.3is a schematic configuration diagram of a finishing unit22shown inFIGS.1and2, according to an example.

Referring toFIGS.1,2, and3, the finisher2may include a first portion10extending in a vertical direction, a second portion20that includes an entrance21into which a printing medium (e.g., paper) P that is a finishing process target may be inserted, a finishing unit22for performing a finishing process on the paper P and that extends from the first portion10in a lateral direction, a stacker30on which paper P discharged from the finishing unit22may be loaded and which extends in an opposite direction to the second portion20based on the first portion10, and an elevation driving unit40that is provided in the second portion20to elevate the stacker30in the vertical direction.

The first portion10may extend in the vertical direction. The vertical direction may be a direction relative to a force of gravity. The vertical direction may be a stacking direction in which the paper P may be discharged from the finishing unit22and loaded on the stacker30. As shown inFIGS.1and2, when the finisher2is combined with a printing device1, the first portion10is located outside the printing device1. In an example, the first portion10may be located on a side of the printing device1in the lateral direction. The lateral direction may be a conveying direction of the paper P discharged from the finishing unit22into the stacker30. The lateral direction may be a length direction L of the paper P passing through the finishing unit22. A bottom end101of the first portion10may be spaced apart from an installation surface MS on which the finisher2and the printing device1are installed, for example, a bottom of an installation space, as shown inFIG.1. The bottom end101of the first portion10may be in contact with the installation surface MS, as shown inFIG.2. In this case, a support unit102supported at the installation surface MS may be provided on the bottom end101of the first portion10. The support unit102may have various shapes, such as a foot, a roller, a caster, and the like.

The second portion20may extend from the first portion10in the lateral direction. In an example, the second portion20may extend from a top end103of the first portion10in the lateral direction. The second portion20may include the finishing unit22that performs one or more finishing processes on the paper P. The finishing process may include a bookbinding process for binding multiple sheets of aligned paper P, a folding process for folding one or more sheets of paper one or more times, or a punching process for punching one or more sheets of paper. In the illustrated example, the finishing unit22may perform a bookbinding process for binding multiple sheets of aligned paper P.

Referring toFIG.3, the finishing unit22may include a paper alignment tray221on which a plurality of sheets of paper P, which are a finishing process target, may be aligned. The finishing unit22may also include a binder222to put a binding needle (e.g., staple) on the edge of the plurality of sheets of paper P. The binder222may be aligned with one edge of a distal end of the paper alignment tray221and may put the binding needle on the edge of the plurality of sheets of paper P.

A conveying structure for conveying the papers P may be disposed in the finishing unit22. In an example, the conveying structure may include conveying rollers223,224, and225, and an alignment member226. Each of the conveying rollers223,224, and225may include a pair of rollers rotating while being engaged with each other and may convey the papers P inserted through the entrance21. The alignment member226may be located above the paper alignment tray221. The alignment member226may include a paddle having an elastic arm, for example. The paper P conveyed by the conveying rollers223,224, and225may be dropped into the paper alignment tray221. The alignment member226may push the paper P on the paper alignment tray221toward an end guide227while being rotated. An end of the length direction L of the plurality of loaded sheets of paper P may be aligned by the end guide227on the paper alignment tray221. The plurality of sheets of paper P loaded on the paper alignment tray221may be aligned by a pair of side guides228in a width direction W. Through this configuration, the plurality of sheets of paper P may be aligned on the paper alignment tray221.

The binder222may put the binding needle on the edge of the plurality of sheets of paper P aligned on the paper alignment tray221. The binder222may put the binding needle in one or more positions of the edge while being moved in the width direction W along the edge of the length direction L of the plurality of sheets of paper P aligned on the paper alignment tray221. The plurality of sheets of paper P, of which a bookbinding process has been completed, may be pushed by an ejector229moved in the length direction L and may be discharged into the stacker30.

The stacker30may extend to an opposite side of the second portion20in the lateral direction based on the first portion10. The stacker30may be elevated in the vertical direction to increase a stacking capacity. The stacker30may be supported by the first portion10to be elevated in the vertical direction. The elevation driving unit40may elevate the stacker30. The elevation driving unit40may be provided in the first portion10. The elevation driving unit40may be implemented in various shapes. In an example, the elevation driving unit40may include, for example, a flexible circulating member41such as a flat belt, a timing belt, or a wire, which is supported by the first portion10to be able to circulate in the vertical direction, and a driving motor42for driving the circulating member41. For example, the circulating member41may be supported by a pair of pulleys43and44that are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, and the driving motor42may rotate one of the pair of pulleys43and44. The stacker30may be connected to the circulating member41. Through this configuration, a control unit (not shown) may drive the driving motor42according to the number of sheets of paper P loaded on the stacker30to elevate the stacker30in the vertical direction to a suitable position.

The stacking capacity of the stacker30depends on the weight of the stacker30including the loaded paper P. The driving motor42may be sized to drive the weight of the stacker30and the weight of the maximum number of sheets of paper P that may be loaded. In a finisher of the related art in which an elevation driving unit is provided in a stacker, a driving motor needs to have a torque that is sufficient to drive the weight of a stacker itself, the weight of the maximum number of sheets of paper P loaded, and a weight of the elevation driving unit. In that case, when the stacking capacity of the stacker is increased, the driving motor having a large torque needs to be employed. However, because the driving motor having a large torque is usually heavier, it is not easy to increase the stacking capacity of the stacker.

In the finisher2according to an example, the elevation driving unit40for elevating the stacker30may be installed in the first portion10. Thus, the driving motor42may have a torque that is sufficient to drive the weight of the stacker30and the weight of the paper P loaded thereon. Thus, it is easy to increase the stacking capacity of the stacker30and the finisher2, in which the elevation driving unit40is provided in the first portion10, is suitable for large-capacity.

The printing device1may include a printing unit11that prints an image on a print medium, for example, the paper P. The finisher2may perform a finishing process on the paper P discharged from the printing unit11. The printing unit11may print an image on the paper P by using various printing methods, such as an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, a heat sublimation method, or the like. The paper P may be supplied to the printing unit11from a paper feeding unit. The paper feeding unit may include one or more cassette feeders located under the printing unit11, for example, at least one of a main cassette feeder12, a secondary cassette feeder13, and a high capacity feeder14. The paper feeding unit may also include a multi-purpose paper feeding tray (not shown).

The printing device1may further include a scanner unit15to read an image recorded on a document. The scanner unit15may be located on the printing unit11. The scanner unit15may have various structures, such as a flatbed structure, whereby an image is read while the document is located at a fixed position and a reading member is moved, a document feed method, whereby the reading member is located at the fixed position and the document is conveyed, and a composite method thereof.

A concave loading portion16may be provided between the printing unit11and the scanner unit15. The paper P discharged from the printing unit11may be discharged into the loading portion16. The paper P may be discharged from one side of the lateral direction of the loading portion16toward the other side. The other side of the lateral direction of the loading portion16may be open. The front of the loading portion16may also be open. The rear of the loading portion16may also be open. A user may access the paper P through the other side or the front of the loading portion16.

The finisher2may be attached to and detached from the printing device1. The finisher2may be mounted on the printing device1to form an image forming apparatus. A finisher, having a structure in which a finishing unit is accommodated in a first portion, may be located at a side of the printing device1in a lateral direction, entirely. In order to supply the paper P discharged from the printing unit11to the finisher, a relay conveying module for conveying the paper P across the loading portion16in the lateral direction may be installed in the loading portion16.

In a finisher2according to an example, the second portion20including the finishing unit22may extend from the first portion10in the lateral direction. The finisher2may have a structure in which the second portion20including the finishing unit22is mounted between the printing unit11and the scanner unit15of the printing device1. The first portion10may be located on the side of the printing device1in the lateral direction. Referring toFIGS.1and2, when the finisher2is combined with the printing device1, the second portion20that extends from the first portion10in the lateral direction may be inserted into the concave loading portion16. Although not shown, a first mounting portion may be provided in the second portion20, and a second mounting portion on which the first mounting portion is seated, may be provided in the loading portion16of the printing device1. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion may be implemented by, for example, a first rail and a second rail, which extend in the lateral direction and have complementary shapes. A locking device for locking the finisher2in a mounting position may be provided on the second rail. After the first rail is fitted to the second rail, the finisher2may be pushed in the lateral direction and located in the mounting position so that the finisher2may be mounted in the printing device1. In the example ofFIG.1, the weight of the finisher2may be supported by the second rail. The finishing unit22may be located in the loading portion16, and the entrance21may be aligned with a paper discharge port (e.g., a first paper discharge portion18-1) of the printing device1. The paper P discharged from the printing unit11may be directly supplied to the finishing unit22. Thus, a low-priced finisher2having a compact paper conveying structure that does not require a relay conveying module may be implemented. The locking device may be released, and the finisher2may be moved in the lateral direction and separated from the printing device1.

When the finisher2is combined with the printing device1, the second portion20is included in a foot-print of the printing device1. Here, the foot-print of the finisher2depends on the length of the lateral direction of the stacker30and the length of the lateral direction of the first portion10. The length of the lateral direction of the stacker30depends on the size of the paper P. As described above, since the elevation driving unit40for elevating the stacker30in the vertical direction is installed in the first portion10, the first portion10of the finisher2may be more compact as compared to a finisher having a structure in which a finishing unit is accommodated in a first portion. The length of the lateral direction of the first portion10may be smaller than the length of the lateral direction of the second portion20. Thus, the foot-print of the image forming apparatus formed when the finisher2is mounted on the printing device1, may be reduced.

The second portion20may include a second stacker50on which the paper P of which finishing is not performed, is stacked. Referring toFIGS.1through3, the second stacker50may be provided above the entrance21. The top surface of the second portion20may function as the second stacker50. The printing device1may have a first path11-1for a finishing process of the paper P discharged from the printing unit11and a second path11-2for discharging the paper P discharged from the printing unit11. A path selection member11-3may selectively guide the paper P toward the first path11-1or the second path11-2. The first path11-1may be connected to the first paper discharge port18-1opposite to the entrance21of the finishing unit22. Thus, the paper P discharged along the first path11-1may be discharged into the stacker30via the finishing unit22. The second path11-2may be connected to a second paper discharge port18-2. The paper P discharged into the second paper discharge port18-2may be directly discharged into the second stacker50. The user may access the paper P loaded on the second stacker50via the other side or the front of the loading portion16.

A height of the loading portion16, into which the finisher22may be inserted, may vary. For example, a height from the installation surface MS to the loading portion16may vary according to a configuration of the printing unit11of the printing device1. Also, the height from the installation surface MS to the loading portion16may vary according to the configuration of a paper feeding unit located under the printing unit11. For example, one, two, or three of the main cassette feeder12, the secondary cassette feeder13, and the high capacity feeder14may be installed under the printing unit11. The height from the installation surface MS to the loading portion16may vary according to each combination.

In view these different combinations, the finisher2may include the first portion10that extends in a vertical direction, the second portion20that includes the finishing unit22for performing a finishing process on the paper P and extends from the first portion10in a lateral direction, the stacker30on which the paper P discharged from the finishing unit22is loaded and which extends in an opposite direction to the second portion20based on the first portion10, and a height adjustment unit for adjusting the height from the installation surface MS of the second portion20.

The height of the second portion20refers to the height from the installation surface MS on which the finisher2is installed, to the second portion20. An example of a height adjustment unit that may be applied to the finisher2shown inFIG.1, in which the bottom end101of the first portion10is spaced apart from the installation surface MS, will be described.

FIG.4is a schematic side view of a height adjustment unit according to an example. Descriptions of the first portion10, the second portion20, the stacker30, the elevation driving unit40, and the second stacker50shown inFIGS.1through3may also be applied to the example of the finisher2shown inFIG.4.

Referring toFIG.4, the height adjustment unit may include a height adjustment member60that is removably combined with the bottom end101of the first portion10. For example, a first slide rail61amay be provided on the bottom end101of the first portion10. A second slide rail61having a complementary shape with the first slide rail61amay be provided on a top end of the height adjustment member60. The first slide rail61aand the second slide rail61may extend in the width direction W of the paper P, for example. The second slide rail61may slide in the width direction W and may be inserted into the first slide rail61a. Thus, the height adjustment member60may be combined with the bottom end101of the first portion10. The height adjustment member60having a suitable height according to the required height of the second portion20may be combined with the bottom end101of the first portion10to adjust the height of the second portion20. A support portion62supported on the installation surface MS may be provided on the bottom end of the height adjustment member60. The support portion62may have various shapes, such as a foot, a roller, and a caster, and the like.

The height adjustment member60and the first portion10may be combined with each other by using various combining methods.FIGS.5and6are views showing a method of a combining the height adjustment member60and the first portion10according to an example.FIG.7is a view showing a state in which a height adjustment member is combined with a finisher that is combined with a printing device according to an example.

In an example, the first portion10and the height adjustment member60may be combined with each other through a combination hole-boss combination structure. A combination hole may be provided in one of the bottom end101of the first portion10and the top end of the height adjustment member60, and a combination boss insertable into the combination hole may be provided on another one of the bottom end101of the first portion10and the top end of the height adjustment member60. Referring toFIG.5, a combination hole104may be provided in the bottom end101of the first portion10, and a combination boss63, insertable into the combination hole104, may be provided on the top end of the height adjustment member60.

In an example, the first portion10and the height adjustment member60may be combined with each other through a hook combination structure. A hook may be provided on one of the bottom end101of the first portion10and the top end of the height adjustment member60, and a protrusion jaw on which the hook is to be caught, may be provided on another one of the bottom end101of the first portion10and the top end of the height adjustment member60. Referring toFIG.6, a protrusion jaw105may be provided on the bottom end101of the first portion10, and a hook64, to be caught in the protrusion jaw105, may be provided on the top end of the height adjustment member60. The hook64may be elastically biased in a direction in which the hook64is caught in the protrusion jaw105by means of a spring64a.

In a state in which the height adjustment member60shown inFIGS.4through6is mounted on the bottom end101of the finisher2shown inFIG.1, the finisher2may be combined with the printing device1. Also, as shown inFIG.7, after the finisher2is mounted on the printing device1, the height adjustment member60may also be combined with the bottom end101of the first portion10.

As shown inFIG.2, in a structure in which the first portion10is supported on the installation surface MS, the first portion10may extend in the vertical direction to adjust the height of the second portion20. Hereinafter, examples of a height adjustment unit for extending the first portion10in the vertical direction will be described.

FIG.8is a schematic side view of a height adjustment unit for extending the first portion10in the vertical direction according to an example. Descriptions of the first portion10, the second portion20, the stacker30, the elevation driving unit40, and the second stacker50shown inFIGS.1through3may also be applied to the example of the finisher2shown inFIG.8.

Referring toFIG.8, the first portion10may include a third portion10-1supporting the second portion20and the stacker30, and a fourth portion10-2that may be selectively combined in a plurality of positions of a bottom end of the third portion10-1in the vertical direction. The height adjustment unit may be implemented by the fourth portion10-2that may be selectively combined with a plurality of positions of the bottom end of the third portion10-1in the vertical direction. A first combination hole may be provided in one of the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2, and a plurality of second combination holes, which are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction, may be provided in another one of the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2. In an example, the fourth portion10-2may be inserted into the third portion10-1and may be movable in the vertical direction. A first combination hole106may be provided in the third portion10-1, and a plurality of second combination holes107a,107b, and107c, which are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction, may be provided in the fourth portion10-2. When, in a state in which a second combination hole107apositioned at the top and the first combination hole106are aligned, a combination pin65may be inserted into the first combination hole106and the second combination hole107aand the height of the second portion20becomes highest. When, in a state in which a second combination hole107cpositioned at the bottom and the first combination hole106are aligned, the combination pin65may be inserted into the first combination hole106and the second combination hole107cand the height of the second portion20becomes lowest. One of the plurality of second combination holes107a,107b, and107cmay be aligned with the first combination hole106, and the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2may be combined with each other by using the combination pin65so that the height of the second portion20may be adjusted. A support portion102may be provided on the bottom end of the fourth portion10-2.

The third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2may be combined with each other by using various combining methods.FIGS.9and10are views showing a method of combing the third portion10-1with the fourth portion10-2according to an example.

In an example, the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2may be combined with each other by a slot-combination piece structure. A slot may be provided in one of the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2, and a plurality of combination pieces, which are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction and into which the slot may be inserted, may be provided in another one of the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2. Referring toFIG.9, the fourth portion10-2may be inserted into the third portion10-1and may be movable in the vertical direction. A slot108may be provided in the third portion10-1, and a plurality of combination pieces109a,109b, and109c, which are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction, may be provided in the fourth portion10-2. One of the plurality of combination pieces109a,109b, and109cmay be inserted into the slot108so that the height of the second portion20may be adjusted.

In an example, the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2may be combined with each other through a pin-guide structure. A guide including at least two fixing guides which are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and a connection guide for connecting the at least two fixing guides in the vertical direction, may be provided on one of the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2, and a pin inserted into the guide may be provided on another one of the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2. Referring toFIG.10, the fourth portion10-2may be inserted into the third portion10-1and may be movable in the vertical direction. A guide110may be provided on the third portion10-1, and a pin111inserted into the guide110may be provided on the fourth portion10-2. The guide110may include a plurality of fixing guides110aand110b, which are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, and a connection guide110cfor connecting the plurality of fixing guides110aand110bin the vertical direction. The connection guide110cmay connect one end of each of the fixing guides110aand110bto each other. The fourth portion10-2may be moved along the guide110so that the pin111may be inserted into one of the plurality of fixing guides110aand110band thus the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2may be combined with each other. Thus, the height of the second portion20may be adjusted.

FIG.11is a schematic configuration diagram of a height adjustment unit according to an example. Descriptions of the first portion10, the second portion20, the stacker30, the elevation driving unit40, and the second stacker50shown inFIGS.1through3may also be applied to the example of the finisher2shown inFIG.11.

Referring toFIG.11, the first portion10may include a third portion10-1supporting the second portion20and the stacker30, and a fourth portion10-2located at the bottom end of the third portion10-1. The height adjustment unit may include a spacer66between the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2. The spacer66is replaceable. For example, the fourth portion10-2and the spacer66, and the spacer66and the third portion10-1may be combined with each other by the combination hole-boss combination structure shown inFIG.5. The spacer66having a suitable height may be inserted between the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2according to the required height of the second portion20. A plurality of spacers66may be inserted between the third portion10-1and the fourth portion10-2. In this case, the heights of the plurality of spacers66may be the same or different. The plurality of spacers66may be combined with one another by the combination hole-boss combination structure.

Referring again toFIG.5, before the finisher2is combined with the printing device1, a support portion (e.g., a first support portion)62provided on the bottom end101of the first portion10may be supported on the installation surface MS. In this state, the finisher2may fall over due to the weight of the second portion20. For handling convenience, the finisher2needs not to fall over even when the finisher2is separated from the printing device1.

FIG.12is a schematic side view of the finisher2according to an example.FIG.13is a bottom view of the finisher2shown inFIG.12, according to an example. Descriptions of the first portion10, the second portion20, the stacker30, the elevation driving unit40, and the second stacker50, and the structure for adjusting the height of the second portion shown inFIGS.4through11may also be applied to the example of the finisher2shown inFIG.12.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, the finisher2may include a first portion10that extends in the vertical direction and includes a first support portion102supported on the installation surface MS, a second portion20that includes a finishing portion (see22ofFIG.3) for performing a finishing process on the paper P and extends from the first portion10in the lateral direction, a stacker30on which paper P discharged from the finishing unit22may be loaded and which extends in an opposite direction to the second portion20based on the first portion10, and a fall-over reduction member including a second support portion71supported on the installation surface MS below the second portion20and supporting a load of the second portion20.

An example of the fall-over reduction member may include a bottom end support70that extends from the bottom end101of the first portion10below the second portion20and includes the second support portion71. Referring toFIG.12, the bottom end support70may extend from the bottom end101of the first portion10in the lateral direction. The second support portion71may be provided near the extended end of the bottom end support70. The second support portion71may have various shapes, such as a foot, a roller, a caster, and the like, which are supported on the installation surface MS. Thus, an occurrence of the fall-over of the finisher2in the lateral direction. i.e., in the length direction L, may be reduced. Also, in an example, two bottom end supports70may be provided. Two bottom end supports70may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction W of the paper P. Thus, an occurrence of the fall-over of the width direction W of the finisher2may be reduced.

At least one of two bottom end supports70may be supported by the first portion10to be movable in the width direction W of the paper P. In an example, a guide slot113that extends in the width direction W may be provided on the bottom end101of the first portion10. A guide pin72insertable into the guide slot113may be provided on the bottom end support70. Through this configuration, the bottom end support70may be moved in the width direction W along the guide slot113. A support member such as a foot, a roller, a caster, and the like, which is supported on the installation surface MS, may be provided on a lower portion of the printing device1. When the finisher2is combined with the printing device1, the bottom end support70may be inserted into or below a lower portion of the printing device1. In this case, the bottom end support70may interfere with a support member of the printing device1. In this case, after the bottom end support70is moved in the width direction W and is located in a position in which the bottom end support70does not interfere with the support member, the finisher2may be combined with the printing device1. InFIG.12, one bottom end support70is movable in the width direction W. However, each of two bottom end supports70may be supported on the bottom end101of the first portion10to be movable in the width direction W.

FIG.14is a bottom view of the finisher2according to an example. Referring toFIG.14, the bottom end support70may be rotatably supported by the first portion10between a first position (solid line ofFIG.14) extending outward in the width direction W of the paper P and a second position (dashed line ofFIG.14) closing inward in the width direction W. For example, the bottom end support70may be supported on the bottom end101of the first portion10to be rotatable around a hinge114. A first elastic member73may apply an elastic force to the bottom end support70in a direction of the first position. In an example, the first elastic member73may be implemented by a tensile coil spring of which one end and another end are respectively connected to the bottom end support70and the bottom end101of the first portion10.

When the finisher2is combined with the printing device1, the bottom end support70may be inserted into or below the lower portion of the printing, device1. In this case, the bottom end support70located in the first position may interfere with a support member17provided on a bottom surface of the printing device1. In this case, the bottom end support70may interfere with the support member17and may be rotated toward the second position, as shown by the dashed line ofFIG.14. An inclination portion74may be provided on an end of the lateral direction of the bottom end support70, may interfere with the support member17, and may be inclined at an acute angle with respect to the lateral direction to be stably rotatable toward the second position.

Through this configuration, the finisher2may be stably combined with the printing device1. When the finisher2is detached from the printing device1, the bottom end support70may be returned toward the first position, and the finisher2may be stably supported by the first support portion102and the second support portion71to reduce an occurrence of falling over.

FIG.15is a bottom view of the finisher2according to an example. Referring toFIG.15, the finisher2may include a rotation support75installed on the bottom end support70to be rotatable between an extending position (solid line ofFIG.15) extending outward in the width direction W of the paper P and a reduced position (dashed line ofFIG.15) closing inward in the width direction W from the extending position, and a second elastic member78that applies an elastic force to the rotation support75in a direction of the extending position. In an example, the rotation support75may be supported by the bottom end support70to be rotatable around a hinge77. A third support portion76may be provided on an end of the width direction W of the rotation support75. The third support portion76may be supported on the installation surface MS. The third support portion76may be spaced apart from the installation surface MS upward, and when the finisher2is inclined in the width direction W, the third support portion76may be supported on the installation surface MS so that the finisher2may reduce an occurrence of falling over. The second elastic member78may be implemented by a tensile coil spring having one end connected to an end of the rotation support75opposite to the third support portion76and another end connected to the bottom end support70.

The bottom end support70may be located outward in the width direction W so that the finisher2may reduce an occurrence of falling over in the width direction W. However, the bottom end support70may be fixed at the first portion10in a position in which the bottom end support70is moved inward in the width direction W to reduce interference with the support member17of the printing device1. That is, the bottom end support70may slide inward in the width direction W to reduce interference with the support member17of the printing device1. In this case, the stability of the finisher2with respect to falling-over in the width direction W may be deteriorated.

According to an example, the rotation support75may extend from the bottom end support70in the width direction W, and the third support portion76provided on the extending end may be supported on the installation surface MS, or the third support portion76may be slightly spaced apart from the installation surface MS upward and when then the finisher2is inclined in the width direction W, the third support portion76may be supported on the installation surface MS so that the finisher2may reduce an occurrence of falling over. Thus, in a state in which the finisher2is separated from the printing device1, stability of conduction of the width direction W of the finisher2may be improved.

The rotation support75may be elastically rotated in the extending position and the reduced position.FIGS.16and17are bottom views showing a procedure in which the finisher2shown inFIG.15according to an example is combined with the printing device1.

Referring toFIG.15, in a state in which the finisher2is detached from the printing device1, the rotation support75may be located in the extending position extending in the width direction W. In this case, when the finisher2is moved in the lateral direction to be combined with the printing device1, the bottom end support70may be inserted into or below the lower portion of the printing device1. In this case, the support member17located at the lower portion of the printing device1may interfere with the rotation support75. In that case, the rotation support75may be elastically rotated in the reduced position, as shown inFIG.16. When interference of the support member17with the rotation support75is ended, the rotation support75may be returned to the extending position due to the elastic force of the second elastic member78as shown inFIG.17. When the finisher2is combined with the printing device1, the rotation support75may be maintained in the extending position. Thus, even when the finisher2is combined with the printing device1, stability of conduction of the width direction W of the finisher2may be improved. The rotation support75and the second elastic member78may also be applied to the example of the finisher2shown inFIG.14.

FIG.18is a schematic view of a finisher in a state in which an inclination support80is located in a storage position according to an example.FIG.19is a schematic view of a finisher in a state in which the inclination support80is located in a support position according to an example. Referring toFIGS.18and19, the fall-over reduction member may include the inclination support80. The inclination support80may include one end81rotatably connected to the first portion10and another end82connected with the second support portion71. The inclination support80may be rotated around the one end81between a storage position (FIG.18) in which the inclination support80is stored in the first portion10in the vertical direction and a support position (FIG.19) in which the second support portion71is supported on the installation surface MS below the second portion20.

In a state in which the second support portion71is located in the storage position, as shown inFIG.18, the second support71may be located adjacent to the first support portion102. In this state, the finisher2may be combined with the printing device1. Before the finisher2is combined with the printing device1or after the finisher2is detached from the printing device1, the inclination support80may be rotated around the one end81and may be changed into the support position. As shown inFIG.19, the second support portion71may be spaced apart from the first support portion102in the lateral direction and may be located below the second portion20. A stopper117may be provided on the first portion10and may be in contact with the inclination support80located in the support position. The inclination support80may not be rotated beyond the support position due to the stopper117. The finisher2may be slightly inclined in a direction of arrow A ofFIG.19, and the second support portion71may be supported on the installation surface MS. Thus, the finisher2may reduce an occurrence of falling over.

Although not shown, the inclination support80may be maintained in the storage position and the support position due to an elastic force of a toggle spring (not shown). When the inclination support80is rotated from the storage position to the support position, the direction of the elastic force of the toggle spring may be changed from a direction in which the inclination support80is maintained in the storage position, to a direction in which the inclination support80is rotated to the support position. When the inclination support80reaches the support position, the inclination support80may be maintained in the support position due to the elastic force of the toggle spring. When the inclination support80is rotated from the support position to the storage position, the direction of the elastic force of the toggle spring may be changed from a direction in which the inclination support80is maintained in the support position, to a direction in which the inclination support80is rotated in the storage position. When the inclination support80reaches the storage position, the inclination support80may be maintained in the storage position due to the elastic force of the toggle spring.

The inclination support80may be detached from the first portion10. For example, the inclination support80may be detached from the first portion10, and the finisher2may be combined with the printing device1. After the finisher2is detached from the printing device1, the one end81of the inclination support80may be combined with the first portion10and may be located in the support position.

FIG.20is a schematic view of the finisher2in a state in which a first support90-1is located in a storage position according to an example.FIG.21is a schematic view of the finisher2in a state in which the first support90-1is located in the support position according to an example.

Referring toFIGS.20and21, the fall-over reduction member may include the first support90-1and a second support90-2. The first support90-1may be supported by the second portion20to be rotatable between the storage position in which the first support90-1is stored in the second portion20, and the support position in which the first support90-1extends from the second portion20downward. One end93of the second support90-2may be rotatably connected to the first support90-1. A second support portion71may be provided on another end94of the second support90-2. When the first support90-1is located in the support position, the second support position71may be supported on the installation surface MS and may support a load of the second portion20, and when the first support90-1is located in the storage position, the second support90-2may be stored in the first portion10.

In an example, one end91of the first support90-1may be rotatably supported on the lower portion of the second portion20. The one end93of the second support90-2may be rotatably connected to another end92of the first support90-1. A first stopper (not shown) may be provided on the second portion20in such a way that the first support90-1may not be rotated beyond the support position. A second stopper (not shown) may be provided on the other end92of the first support90-1or the one end93of the second support90-2and may maintain the second support90-2in an unfolded state.

As shown inFIG.20, when the first support90-1is located in the storage position, the second support90-2may be stored in the first portion10. In this state, the finisher2may be combined with the printing device1. After the finisher2is detached from the printing device1, the first support90-1may be rotated around the one end91so that the first support90-1may be changed into the support position, as shown inFIG.21. The second support90-2may be unfolded in the length direction of the first support90-1. The second support portion71may be spaced apart from the first support portion102in the lateral direction and may be supported on the installation surface MS below the second portion20. Thus, the finisher2may reduce an occurrence of falling over.

Although not shown, the first support90-1may be maintained in the storage position and the support position due to the elastic force of a first toggle spring (not shown). When the first support90-1is rotated between the storage position and the support position, the direction of the elastic force of the toggle spring may be changed from a direction in which the first support90-1is maintained in the storage position, into a direction in which the first support90-1is rotated in the support position. When the first support90-1reaches the support position, the first support90-1may be maintained in the support position due to the elastic force of the toggle spring. When the first support90-1is rotated from the support position to the storage position, the direction of the elastic force of the toggle spring may be changed from a direction in which the first support90-1is maintained in the support position, into a direction in which the first support90-1is rotated in the storage position. When the first support90-1reaches the storage position, the first support90-1may be maintained in the storage position due to the elastic force of the toggle spring. Similarly, the second support90-2may be maintained in a position in which the second support90-2is stored in the first portion10, and in an unfolded position due to the elastic force of a second toggle spring. The first support90-1may also be detached from the second portion20together with the second support90-2. For example, the first support90-1may be detached from the second portion20together with the second support90-2and the finisher2may be combined with the printing device1. After the finisher2is detached from the printing device1, the one end91of the first support90-1may be combined with the second portion20and may also be located in the support position.