Image forming apparatus including clip unit, clip device, and finishing apparatus

According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form an image to be printed on a sheet; an apparatus main body including the image forming unit therein; a recessed section provided on the outer side of the apparatus main body; and a clip unit configured to clip, when the sheet is inserted into the recessed section, an end of the sheet with a paper clip.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an image forming apparatus including a clip unit, a clip device, and a finishing apparatus.

BACKGROUND

In the past, sheets printed by an image forming apparatus such as a multi function color copying apparatus (MFP) are usually stapled by a stapler, punched for binding, and bound and filed in a binder or the like.

However, when the sheets are punched in this way, it is difficult to reuse the sheets. Therefore, it is known that a clip is used to bind plural sheets without punching the sheets and, for example, left side surfaces of the sheets are fixed.

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus having a function of making it possible to clip sheets such that the sheets can be filed without being punched.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form an image to be printed on a sheet; an apparatus main body including the image forming unit therein; a recessed section provided on the outer side of the apparatus main body; and a clip unit configured to clip, when the sheet is inserted into the recessed section, an end of the sheet with a paper clip.

Three embodiments of the present invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

In the explanation of a first embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus is a multi function copying apparatus.FIG. 1is a perspective view of an example of an external appearance of the multi function copying apparatus according to this embodiment.

An auto document feeder (ADF)101also functioning as a document cover and configured to automatically feed sheet-like documents one by one is openably and closably provided on an apparatus main body103of an image forming apparatus100. An operation panel102including various operation keys and various display devices for instructing copy condition and copy start is provided in a front part of an upper surface of the apparatus main body103of the image forming apparatus100.

A handle104is provided below the operation panel102on a front surface of the apparatus main body103to make it easy to open the inside of the main body when a paper jam or the like occurs.

Paper feeding cassettes152,153, and154are attachably and detachably provided in a lower part of the image forming apparatus100. Sheets of the same size are stored in a lateral direction or a longitudinal direction in each of the paper feeding cassettes152,153, and154. In printing, a paper feeding cassette is selected and sheets are fed from the selected paper feeding cassette.

Terminals such as parallel ports, serial ports, and an SCSI not shown in the figure are provided on a rear surface of the image forming apparatus100. The parallel ports connect the apparatus and external apparatuses such as a personal computer (PC) when the apparatus is caused to operate as a printer.

The serial ports connect the apparatus and external apparatuses such as a PC to read out internal management information of the apparatus during maintenance of the apparatus and set functions of the apparatus.

The SCSI performs communication of commands and data between the apparatus and an external controller that operates as a master.

On a right side section of the apparatus main body103, an automatic duplex unit155for performing duplex copying and a manual feed tray156, which can be folded when not in use, for manually feeding a sheet are attachably and detachably provided. A paper discharge tray157for receiving a printed sheet is provided in the apparatus main body103.

The operation panel102is provided on a front surface of the image forming apparatus100. A clip unit145explained in detail later is provided in a recessed section158at a corner in the center of a body of the image forming apparatus100. Therefore, it is easy to bind printed sheets (indicated by a dotted line) discharged to the paper discharge tray157and clip the sheets with a clip processing unit149.

An electric configuration of the image forming apparatus100and a relation between the electric configuration and the operation panel102are shown inFIG. 2. On the operation panel102of the image forming apparatus100, besides number keys106and a touch panel display107, a print key108for forming an image and instructing print processing and a clip key109for instructing clip processing for clipping plural sheets, i.e., a bundle of sheets are provided.

When the print key108is pressed, an image forming unit138operates. The image forming unit138includes a latent-image forming unit139configured to scan, for example, an image to be copied and generate an optical latent image, a developing unit140configured to develop, with a toner or the like, the latent image generated by the latent-image forming unit139, a transfer unit141configured to transfer a visible image developed by the developing unit140onto a sheet, and a fixing unit142configured to fix the transferred image. The sheet having the image fixed thereon is discharged to the paper discharge tray157.

On the other hand, when the clip key109is pressed, the clip unit145operates. The clip unit145includes a clip control unit146configured to control the entire clip processing, a sheet-bundle detecting unit148configured to detect that sheets discharged to the paper discharge tray157are inserted into the recessed section158as a bundle, the clip processing unit149configured to place a paper clip201on an end of the sheet bundle and clip the sheet bundle, and a clip supplying unit150configured to supply the paper clip201to be used next.

A sectional view and a perspective view for explaining an operation of the clip unit145are respectively shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. A plurality of the paper clips201are stored in a longitudinal direction in the clip supplying unit150of the clip unit145. The paper clip201is a member having a C shape in section and predetermined width. The paper clip201includes a rear surface section202and a pair of side surface sections203aand203b. At least the side surface sections203aand203bof the paper clip201have resilience and have a function of closing in a direction in which the side surface sections203aand203bapproach each other. The side surface sections203aand203bhave projections203apand203bpon both sides at distal ends thereof. A side plate206ais explained below. However, the same applies to a side plate206b.

When the clip unit145is used, an operator inserts a position desired to be clipped of a bundle of sheets204desired to be clipped into the recessed section158shown inFIG. 1and holds the bundle of the sheets204.

A light source204aand a photodetector204bare provided above and below the recessed section158to make it possible to detect the bundle of the sheets204. The light source204aand the photodetector204bare included in the sheet-bundle detecting unit148.

The paper clip201is held between the side plates206aand206bon both side surfaces of the paper clip201. Oblique grooves207aand207bare provided on the inner sides of the side plates206aand206b. The projections203apand203bpof the side surface sections203aand203bof the paper clip201fit in these grooves.

When the operator presses the clip key109of the operation panel102in this state, the paper clip201placed on a clip table208is pressed from the rear surface of the paper clip201by a pressing bar205in a lateral direction indicated by an arrow206.

Then, the projections203apand203bpof the side surface sections203aand203bof the paper clip201are guided by the oblique grooves207aand207b. The side surface sections203aand203bof the paper clip201open to the outer sides as indicated by a dotted line inFIG. 3. The paper clip201nips and clips the bundle of the sheets204. When the pressing bar205is returned in a direction opposite to the arrow206, the paper clip201clips a predetermined position of an end face of the bundle of the sheets204.

A configuration example of a control system of the entire multi function copying apparatus according to this embodiment is explained with reference toFIG. 5. The image forming apparatus100includes the clip unit145configured to perform the clip processing explained above, a system CPU500, a flash ROM501for storing computer programs and fixed data, a font ROM502for converting text data into font data, and a nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM)503and a DRAM504for work and for data storage.

The system CPU500performs control of the entire apparatus. In the following explanation, the system CPU500performs control of functions according to an instruction signal from the operation panel102by the operator, a signal input from a communication line, and input signals from various external interfaces.

A scanner interface (SIF)505receives image data from a scanner unit505S. An image processing circuit506performs image editing processing according to printing media such as image quality improvement processing, expansion and reduction processing, pixel thinning-out processing, and white void processing for a designated area by marker detection.

A printer interface (PIF)507gives image data to a printer unit507P. A page memory508stores, in page unit, image data subjected to image processing by the image processing circuit506and waiting to be output. The page memory508has a function of a page buffer for temporarily storing the image data and incorporates a codec configured to perform compression and expansion.

Control signals are exchanged between the system CPU500and the devices by a system bus511at high speed.

Concerning the operation of the clip unit145, when the clip key109on the operation panel102is pressed, a control signal is sent from the operation panel102to the clip unit145via the system bus511. The clip processing is performed in the clip unit145.

On the other hand, the devices related to processing of an image signal are connected via an image bus512. The image bus512is provided for the apparatus to operate as a copying machine. In order to guarantee a real-time operation of the copying machine, the scanner interface (SIF)505receives image data input from the scanner unit505S. The image processing circuit506performs the various kinds of editing processing such as the image quality improvement processing and the expansion and reduction processing. The printer interface507outputs the image data to the printer unit507P. These operations are performed in parallel. This processing is referred to as basic copying.

Among boards connected to the image bus512, the image data is not processed in processing boards unnecessary for the current operation. A large-capacity storage device, for example, a hard disk driving circuit (HDD)509stores, for example, image data given from an external apparatus and image data related to printing of plural copies obtained in the scanner unit505S.

A printer network controller (PRNC)510includes an interface with the printer unit507P side configured to control an image forming function during a copying operation and a printer operation. At the same time, the printer network controller (PRNC)510is connected to a LAN via an incorporated device such as a network interface card. The printer network controller (PRNC)510performs protocol control and data transfer, compression, and expansion control for receiving print data from a device such as a personal computer on the outside via the LAN, buffering the data, and transferring the data to the printer unit507P side.

As shown inFIG. 2, on the operation panel102, the touch panel display107is provided on the front side on the left, the clip key109is provided above the touch panel display107, and the print key108is provided on the front side on the right. Besides, a start key, a stop key, a reset key, a ten key for setting numbers, a function mode selection key for enabling selection of function modes such as copying and facsimile, and the like are provided on the operation panel102. Print is a mode used when a personal computer or the like is connected to the outside to perform printing. The operator can input an instruction by touching the touch panel display107with a finger or the like. The touch panel display107can display states of the units of the image forming apparatus100.

The number keys106are arranged in the same manner as a ten key array of a push-button telephone such that the number keys106can be commonly used in copying, facsimile, and print.

For example, a touch panel guidance screen is displayed on the touch panel display107. As modes, there are five modes of basic, image adjustment, application, storage, and confirmation. The operator can select one of the modes by touching a relevant tab displayed on the touch panel display107.

Control of the entire image forming apparatus100is performed via the system CPU500shown inFIG. 5according to information designated on the operation panel102including the touch panel display (TPD)107. For example, when copying is performed, as shown inFIG. 1, a document or the like desired to be copied is placed on a glass surface of the upper surface of the apparatus, the ADF101is closed, light from a light source is projected from a lower surface, and a latent image is formed on a not-shown photoconductive drum included in the latent-image forming unit139using reflected light. The latent image is developed with a toner or the like and visualized in the developing unit140. The visualized image is transferred onto a sheet in the transfer unit141. A toner image on the recording sheet onto which the image is transferred is, for example, heated and subjected to fixing processing in the fixing unit142.

An operation of the clip processing in the clip unit145is explained with reference to a flowchart ofFIG. 6.

When the clip processing is started, first, in Act A601, the clip unit145detects whether the clip key109on the operation panel102is pressed. If the pressing of the clip key109is detected, in Act602, the paper clip201is supplied from the clip supplying unit150(from above inFIG. 4) and placed on the clip table208(A602).

In the next Act A603, the clip unit145detects whether the paper clip201is supplied. If the paper clip201is not supplied, since the paper clip201is absent, in Act A604, the clip unit145displays, on a display surface of the touch panel display107, a comment for urging the operator to supply the paper clip201and returns to Act A603.

If the paper clip201is present, in the next Act A605, the clip unit145detects, in the sheet-bundle detecting unit148shown inFIG. 2, whether a bundle of sheets is detected in the recessed section158. If light emitted from the light source204areaches the photodetector204b, sheets are not inserted or, even if sheets are inserted, the insertion is shallow.

If sheets are not detected (N in Act A605), in Act A606, the clip unit145displays, on a screen of the touch panel display107, indication that sheets are not detected and a comment for urging the operator to correctly insert sheets in the recessed section158and returns to Act A605.

If a bundle of sheets is correctly detected (Y in Act A605), the clip unit145shifts to Act A607, performs the clip processing with the clip processing unit149, and returns to Act A601.

A front view of a bundle of sheets clipped with the paper clips201in two places at the left end by the clip unit145of the image forming apparatus100is shown inFIG. 7. The bundle of sheets created in this way can be regarded as a booklet701.

However, a bundle of sheets having necessary unity is often too thick to be clipped by the one paper clip201. Moreover, a thickness of the paper clip can not be increased so much. Therefore, a file that can collectively file booklets clipped by the paper clips201is explained below. The paper clips201used in the file are made of a magnetic material having elasticity.

A structure of the file that can be used in such a case is shown inFIG. 8. A file cover801of the file includes a cover802including a front cover802a, a back cover802b, and a spine802cand bar-like plural permanent magnets804rectangular in section fixed in parallel on the inner side of the spine802c.

The booklet701including the sheets204and the paper clips201shown inFIG. 7is fixed to the permanent magnets804of the file cover801by magnetic force as a unit booklet. In other words, the booklet701is fixed to the permanent magnets804in the file cover801by the magnetic force through the paper clips201.

It is desirable to set a thickness We of the paper clip201to be the same or smaller than a thickness Wm of the permanent magnet804. If such a relation of the thicknesses is set, since it is possible to fix unit booklets to correspond to the permanent magnets804, it is possible to create a file that can be easily attached and detached.

In the embodiment explained above, an example in which the recessed section for the clip unit is provided at the corner in the center in the front on the left side of the apparatus main body of the copying apparatus is explained. However, the position of the recessed section is not limited to this position. The recessed section may be provided anywhere on the outside of the apparatus main body.

In the embodiment, an example in which the insertion of sheets into the recessed section is detected according to block of light by the light source and the photodetector is explained. However, the present invention is not limited to such optical detection. A bundle of sheets can also be detected by a mechanical device such as a switch.

In the embodiment, the image forming apparatus in which the clip unit operates when the operator presses the clip key on the operation panel after the insertion of a bundle of sheets is detected is explained. However, it is also possible to cause the clip unit to automatically operate when a bundle of sheets is inserted into the recessed section. In the embodiment, the recessed section provided on the outside of the image forming apparatus is not covered at all. However, usually, the recessed section may be covered with a cover. The cover may be removable or may be openably and closably attached to the apparatus main body by hinges or the like. When the cover is provided in this way, it is possible to cause the sheet-bundle detecting unit to start operation when the cover is opened.

In the embodiment, the apparatus in which the touch panel display is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body is explained. However, in the present invention, rather than the touch panel display; a display in which information is displayed on a screen only has to be provided. The display is not always necessary.

In the embodiment, the clip unit is applied to the multi function copying apparatus. However, in the present invention, the clip unit can be provided in another image forming apparatus such as a normal copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile apparatus that includes an image forming unit configured to generate an image to be printed on a sheet and designates a paper type to be printed.

Second Embodiment

The structure of a second embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 9. In the second embodiment, the clip unit is provided as a single clip device. The booklet701shown inFIG. 7can also be created by the clip device.

A paper clip901is supplied to a clip device850in an obliquely above direction indicated by an arrow851. The paper clip901is a member having a C shape in section and predetermined width. The paper clip901includes a rear surface section901and a pair of side surface sections903aand903b. At least the side surface sections903aand903bof the paper clip901have resilience and have a function of closing in a direction in which the side surface sections903aand903bapproach each other. The side surface sections903aand903bhave projections903apand903bpon both sides at distal ends thereof. A side plate906ais explained below. However, the same applies to a side plate906b.

The paper clip901is held between the side plates906aand906bon both side surfaces. Oblique grooves907aand907bare provided on the inner sides of the side plates906aand906b. The projections903apand903bpof the side surface sections903aand903bof the paper clip901fit in the grooves907aand907b.

When an operator presses a clip key909provided in a main body860of the clip device850in this state, the paper clip901placed on a clip table908is pressed from the rear surface of the paper clip901by a pressing bar905in a lateral direction indicated by an arrow906.

Then, the projections903apand903bpof the side surface sections903aand903bof the paper clip901are guided by the oblique grooves907aand907b. The side surface sections903aand903bof the paper clip901open to the outer sides as indicated by a dotted line inFIG. 9. The paper clip901nips and clips a bundle of sheets904. When the clip key909is pressed again, the pressing bar905is returned in a direction opposite to the arrow906and the paper clip901clips a predetermined position of an end face of the bundle of the sheets904.

Third Embodiment

In a third embodiment, the clip unit is incorporated in a finishing apparatus of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 11is a perspective view of a main part of a finishing apparatus1007in which the clip unit according to this embodiment is incorporated.FIG. 12is a schematic diagram of a configuration of the finishing apparatus1007arranged adjacent to an image forming apparatus1005such as a copying machine.

The finishing apparatus1007basically includes a waiting tray1010, a processing tray1012, a clip unit1014, a first paper discharge tray1016, and a second paper discharge tray1018. The clip unit1014is a unit to receive supply of a paper clip and perform clip processing.

The waiting tray1010includes a pair of sheet supporting surfaces that can open and close to the left and right. When the pair of sheet supporting surfaces are opened, a stacked group of sheets drop from the waiting tray1010onto the processing tray1012.

As shown inFIG. 12, a sheet P having an image formed thereon by the image forming apparatus1005such as a copying machine and discharged from a pair of paper discharge rollers1006is received by a pair of inlet rollers1022, supplied to a pair of paper feeding rollers1024, and sent from the paper feeding rollers1024to the waiting tray1010.

The inlet rollers1022are driven by an inlet roller motor1026. A paper guide1036configured to lead the sheet P to the paper feeding rollers1024is provided between the inlet rollers1022and the waiting tray1010. The inlet rollers1022include an upper inlet roller1022aand a lower inlet roller1022b. The paper feeding rollers1024include an upper paper feeding roller and a lower paper feeding roller.

The processing tray1012on which the sheet P dropped from the waiting tray1010is stacked is arranged below the waiting tray1010. The processing tray1012aligns and supports the sheet P stacked while the sheet P is subjected to the clip processing by the clip unit1014, which is a processing mechanism configured to perform finishing.

The clip unit1014receives a control signal from a control unit (not shown) disposed in the finishing apparatus1007. The clip unit1014is positioned by a clip-unit driving unit1085and the clip processing is controlled.

Information concerning a sheet to be subjected to image formation is sent from the image forming apparatus1005to the control unit of the finishing apparatus1007. First, the clip unit1014changes a position thereof from a home position to be parallel to a front end of the sheet P (a leading end in a sheet conveying direction) and moves to near the center of a sheet width dimension. Subsequently, the clip unit1014moves in an outward direction of a sheet width in parallel to the front end of the sheet P by a predetermined distance from near the center of the sheet width. This is for the purpose of reducing a processing time by moving the clip unit1014in parallel. Therefore, the predetermined distance is suitably set to, for example, ¼ to ⅓ of the width dimension of the sheets P.

The clip unit1014moved from near the center of the sheet width to a predetermined position rotates at an angle smaller than 45 degrees, for example, 30 degrees in the predetermined position and further moves in the outward direction of the sheet width. After moving forward by a moving distance corresponding to the sheet width, the clip unit1014performs the clip processing in a desired position B or C. Therefore, even if a sheet size is different, the clip processing is performed at the same angle.

The desired position is, for example, a position set by an operator on an operation unit disposed in the image forming apparatus1005. If the operator does not set a designated position, appropriate position information for each sheet size prepared in advance may be set as the desired position.

The processing tray1012includes a pair of upper longitudinal alignment roller1038aand lower longitudinal alignment roller1038bshown inFIG. 15configured to align, in a longitudinal direction as the conveying direction, a plurality of the sheets P dropped from the waiting tray1010. The upper and lower longitudinal alignment rollers1038aand1038balso function as bundle conveying rollers configured to hold a sheet bundle after the end of the clip processing and extract the sheet bundle from the clip unit1014. The upper longitudinal alignment roller1038ais driven by a longitudinal alignment upper roller motor1040. The lower longitudinal alignment roller1038bis driven by a longitudinal alignment lower roller motor1042.

A paddle1044rotatable to align, in the longitudinal direction, the top sheet P placed on the processing tray1012is arranged in a position where a trailing end of the sheet P drops when the sheet P is dropped to the processing tray1012. The paddle1044includes, as shown inFIG. 14, a receiving section1044afor the sheet P dropped onto the processing tray1012, a tapping section1044bfor tapping down the sheet P onto the processing tray1012, and a feeding section1044cfor aligning the sheet P on the processing tray1012. The paddle1044is driven by a paddle motor1046. The paddle1044is made of a rubber material and has elasticity.

A stopper1045with which the trailing end of the sheet P is brought into contact to regulate a trailing end position is provided at an end on the clip unit1014side of the processing tray1012. A conveyor belt1050configured to convey the sheet bundle subjected to the clip processing and extracted from the clip unit1014by the upper and lower longitudinal alignment rollers1038aand1038bto the first paper discharge tray1016or the second paper discharge tray1018is provided substantially in the center of the processing tray1012. A feeding pawl1050aconfigured to hook the trailing end of the sheet bundle is provided in the conveyor belt1050.

As shown inFIG. 12, the sheet supporting surfaces of the waiting tray1010open and the sheet P can be dropped onto the processing tray1012. On the other hand, the sheet P can be conveyed in the direction of the first paper discharge tray1016or the second paper discharge tray1018. The conveyance of the sheet P in the direction of the paper discharge tray1016or1018is performed by bringing a waiting tray roller1028, which performs alignment of the sheet P, into contact with the sheet P on the waiting tray1010. The waiting tray roller1028is controlled to move up and down by a waiting tray roller driving source1030.

The waiting tray1010is arranged at a tilt angle θ1in order to support the sheet P in a state in which the leading end of the sheet P is higher than the trailing end of the sheet P. The first paper discharge tray1016or the second paper discharge tray1018is lifted and lowered by a paper-discharge-tray driving unit1052and selected. When the sheet P is stacked, the first paper discharge tray1016or the second paper discharge tray1018is lifted or lowered to a height substantially the same as the height of the waiting tray1010or the processing tray1012to realize improvement of alignment of the discharged sheet P. The first paper discharge tray1016or the second paper discharge tray1018is arranged at a tilt angle θ2in order to support the sheet P in a state in which the leading end of the sheet P is higher than the trailing end of the sheet P.

Lateral alignment plates1047aand1047bshown inFIG. 16are provided in the processing tray1012. When the pair of sheet supporting surfaces of the waiting tray1010open to drop the sheet P on the waiting tray1010onto the processing tray1012, the lateral alignment plates1047aand1047bperform lateral alignment to prevent the sheet P from being disordered in the lateral direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. The lateral alignment plates1047aand1047bare slidably provided to be adjusted to the width of the sheet P by a lateral alignment motor1048as indicated by an arrow v.

Actions of the finishing apparatus1007are explained below. When the sheet P is subjected to image formation in the image forming apparatus1005and discharged from the paper discharge rollers1006, the inlet rollers1022perform a different operation according to whether the sheet P is subjected to finishing or whether the preceding sheet P is being subjected to the finishing or the finishing ends.

If the sheet P is not subjected to the finishing, for example, the first paper discharge tray1016slides to a position indicated by a dotted line inFIG. 12, therefore, the sheet P discharged from the waiting tray1010can be stacked with high alignability. If the sheet P is not subjected to the finishing, the sheet P conveyed from the inlet rollers1022to the paper feeding rollers1024via the paper guide1036is conveyed onto the waiting tray1010by the paper feeding rollers1024. Subsequently, the sheet P is conveyed by the waiting tray roller1028, which is lowered onto the waiting tray1010and rotated in an arrow f direction, and discharged onto the first paper discharge tray1016.

In this way, the sheets P are sequentially stacked on the first paper discharge tray1016. The first paper discharge tray1016is arranged at the tilt angle θ2. The leading end of the sheet P is higher than the trailing end of the sheet P. Therefore, for example, even if the sheet P is discharged onto the first paper discharge tray1016in a state in which the sheet P is curled like a mound as indicated by a dotted line inFIG. 17, the preceding sheet P placed on the first paper discharge tray1016is not pushed out because of contact with the leading end of the following sheet P.

The discharged sheets P are sequentially placed on the first paper discharge tray1016without being out of order. Even if the preceding sheet P is pushed by the following sheet P and a slight positional shift occurs, since the first paper discharge tray1016is arranged at the tilt angle θ2, the sheets P drop with the own weight thereof and are aligned and stacked with the trailing ends thereof aligned on the first paper discharge tray1016. Paper discharge processing for the sheets P is completed.

When the clip processing as the finishing is performed, if no preceding sheet P being subjected to the clip processing is present on the processing tray1012, processing explained below is performed.

In this case, the pair of sheet supporting surfaces of the waiting tray1010open to drop the sheet P onto the processing tray1012. As shown inFIG. 6, in order to align the dropped sheet P in the lateral direction, the lateral alignment plates1047aand1047bare arranged such that the width between the lateral alignment plates1047aand1047bis substantially the same as the width of the sheet P. Consequently, the sheet P conveyed by the paper feeding rollers1024is dropped onto the processing tray1012through the waiting tray1010.

As shown inFIG. 14, when the sheet P drops, the upper longitudinal alignment roller1038ais retracted upward and the receiving section1044aof the paddle1044receives the trailing end of the sheet P. The sheet P drops with both sides thereof in contact with the lateral alignment plates1047aand1047band is aligned in the lateral direction. Subsequently, the paddle1044rotates in an arrow O direction, drops the trailing end of the sheet P from the receiving section1044a, and taps down the sheet P onto the processing tray1012with the tapping section1044b.

Further, the paddle1094feeds the sheet P in an arrow q direction with the feeding section1044cand brings the trailing end of the sheet P into contact with the stopper1045to complete alignment in the longitudinal direction of the sheet P. The alignment in the longitudinal direction of the sheet P on the processing tray1012may be performed by the upper longitudinal alignment roller1038amoved up and down every time the alignment is performed.

In this way, the sheets P subjected to image formation are stacked on the processing tray1012from the paper feeding rollers1024through the waiting tray1010while being sequentially aligned in the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. When the sheets P reach a predetermined number, first, the clip unit1014changes the position thereof from the home position to be parallel to the front ends of the sheets P (with respect to ends in the sheet conveying direction) and moves to near the center of the sheet width dimension.

Subsequently, the clip unit1014moves in the outward direction of the sheet width in parallel to the front ends of the sheets P by a distance of ¼ to ⅓ of the width dimension of the sheets P from near the center of the sheet width. The clip unit1014moved from near the center of the sheet width to the predetermined position rotates at an angle smaller than 45 degrees, for example, 30 degrees in the predetermined position and further moves in the outward direction of the sheet width. After moving forward by a moving distance corresponding to the sheet width, the clip unit1014subjects the sheets P on the processing tray1012to the clip processing in a desired position to change the sheets P to a bundle shape and form a sheet bundle.

Thereafter, the upper longitudinal alignment roller1038ais lowered onto the sheet bundle. The upper longitudinal alignment roller1038arotating in an arrow r direction and the lower longitudinal alignment roller1038brotating in an arrow s direction hold the sheet bundle and conveys the sheet bundle in the direction of the first paper discharge tray1016.

When a trailing end of the sheet bundle passes the upper and lower longitudinal alignment rollers1038aand1038b, the sheet bundle is hooked by the feeding pawl1050aof the conveyor belt1050moved in an arrow t direction and is conveyed onto the first paper discharge tray1016.

At this point, the first paper discharge tray1016is slid from the position indicated by the dotted line to a position indicated by a solid line inFIG. 12. The first paper discharge tray1016is arranged at the tilt angle θ2and the leading end of the sheet P is higher than the trailing end of the sheet P. Therefore, the preceding sheet P conveyed onto the first paper discharge tray1016is not pushed out because of contact with the leading end of the following sheet bundle. Even if the preceding sheet bundle is pushed by the following sheet P and a slight positional shift occurs, since the first paper discharge tray1016is arranged at the tilt angle θ2, the sheet bundle drops with the own weight thereof and is aligned and stacked with the trailing end thereof aligned on the first paper discharge tray1016. The clip processing for the sheets P is completed.

When the clip processing as the finishing is performed, if the preceding sheet P being subjected to the clip processing remains on the processing tray1012, processing explained below is performed.

In this case, the sheet P can be supported on the waiting tray1010. The waiting tray roller1028is retracted to above the waiting tray1010not to obstruct the sheet P. The sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus1005and fed by the paper feeding rollers1024is once placed on the waiting tray1010to wait for the processing tray1012to be emptied.

The sheet P placed on the waiting tray1010is longitudinally aligned by the waiting tray roller1028rotated in a direction opposite to the arrow f direction (seeFIG. 12). Further, since the waiting tray1010is arranged at the tilt angle θ1and the leading end of the sheet P is higher than the trailing end of the sheet P, the sheet P is longitudinally aligned by the own weight thereof as well.

Since the waiting tray1010is arranged at the tilt angle θ1, for example, even if the sheet P is fed from the paper feeding rollers1024onto the waiting tray1010in a state in which the sheet P is curled like a mound, the preceding sheet P placed on the waiting tray1010is not pushed out because of contact with the leading end of the following sheet P. In other words, the fed sheets P are sequentially placed on the waiting tray1010without being out of order. Even if the preceding sheet P is pushed by the following sheet P and a slight positional shift occurs, since the waiting tray1010is arranged at the tilt angle θ1, the sheets P drop with the own weight thereof and are aligned and stacked with the trailing ends thereof aligned on the waiting tray1010.

While the sheets P are aligned and stacked on the waiting tray1010, if the preceding sheet P on the processing tray1012is discharged onto the first paper discharge tray1016side and the processing tray1012is emptied, the waiting tray1010drops the sheets P onto the processing tray1012. The lateral alignment plates1047aand1047bare arranged such that a space between the lateral alignment plates1047aand1047bis substantially the same as the width of the sheet P. Therefore, the sheets P dropped from the waiting tray1010are aligned in the lateral direction with both the sides of the sheets P regulated by the lateral alignment plates1047aand1047b.

As shown inFIG. 19, the sheet P on the lower side of the two sheets P dropped onto the processing tray1012is fed in the arrow q direction by the lower longitudinal alignment roller1038brotated in a direction opposite to the arrow s direction. The trailing end of the sheet P is brought into contact with the stopper1045and the alignment in the longitudinal direction of the sheet P is completed. The sheet P on the upper side of the two sheets P dropped onto the processing tray1012is fed in the arrow q direction by the upper longitudinal alignment roller1038arotated in a direction opposite to the arrow r direction. The trailing end of the sheet P is brought into contact with the stopper1045and the alignment in the longitudinal direction of the sheet P is completed. Thereafter, the upper longitudinal alignment roller1038ais retracted upward.

The third and subsequent sheets P discharged from the image forming apparatus1005are directly dropped onto the processing tray1012without being caused to wait on the waiting tray1010. Thereafter, the third and subsequent sheets P are sequentially aligned by the paddle1044on the sheets P stacked on the processing tray1012earlier.

When the sheets P stacked on the processing tray1012reach the predetermined number, first, the clip unit1014changes the position thereof from the home position to be parallel to the front ends of the sheets P (with respect to the ends in the sheet conveying direction) and moves to near the center of the sheet width dimension. Subsequently, the clip unit1014moves in the outward direction of the sheet width in parallel to the front ends of the sheets P by a distance of ¼ to ⅓ of the width dimension of the sheets P from near the center of the sheet width. The clip unit1014moved from near the center of the sheet width to the predetermined position rotates at an angle smaller than 45 degrees, for example, 30 degrees in the predetermined position and further moves in the outward direction of the sheet width. After moving forward by a moving distance corresponding to the sheet width, the clip unit1014clips the sheets P on the processing tray1012in a desired position to change the sheets P to a bundle shape and form a sheet bundle.

Thereafter, the sheet bundle is conveyed in the direction of the first paper discharge tray1016by the upper and lower longitudinal alignment rollers1038aand1038b. Further, the trailing end of the sheet bundle is hooked by the feeding pawl1050a(seeFIG. 17) of the conveyor belt1050and the sheet bundle is conveyed onto the first paper discharge tray1016. The clip processing for the sheets P is completed.

A moving mechanism configured to move the clip unit1014is explained in detail. Directions of the clip unit1014at the time when a guide pin1053provided in the clip unit1014moves along a slit1058and a positional relation of a clip insertion port1059aduring clip in this embodiment are shown inFIG. 18.

The slit1058includes one slit in which, starting from a first end1058aon the right side, a first linear section1058b, a first inclined section1058c, a second linear section1058d, a second inclined section1058e, a third linear section1058f, and a second end1058gcontinue.

A center1057in performing the clip processing is present in the clip unit1014. The directions of the clip unit1014indicated by dotted lines change according to a relation between the clip unit center1057and the guide pin1053.

In the finishing apparatus1007, when it is instructed in advance to perform the clip processing, first, the clip unit1014moves to a position A. When it is instructed in advance whether a position for stopping a sheet is the upper right or the upper left, the clip unit1014moves to a position B or a position C and the clip processing is performed.

On the other hand, as in this embodiment, when a bundle of sheets once discharged is inserted from the clip insertion port1059a, the clip unit1014moves to a position D and rotates as indicated by an arrow to face a direction of the clip insertion port1059a.

A structure of a frame1060in which the clip unit1014is moved along a guide is shown inFIG. 19. As shown inFIG. 19, the frame1060to which the clip unit1014is attached has an elongated box shape.

A rail1063of a round bar shape is arranged to extend between one side edge1061and the other side edge1062of the frame1060. A first pulley1064is provided near the side edge1061and a second pulley1065is provided near the side edge1062substantially in the center of the frame1060.

The first pulley1064is connected to a not-shown motor to be driven to normally and reversely rotate. An endless belt1066is laid over the first pulley1064and the second pulley1065. A slit table1067is provided on the opposite side of the rail1063across the endless belt1066. The slit1058for controlling the movement of the clip unit1014is formed on the slit table1067.

As explained with reference toFIG. 18, the slit1058includes one slit in which, starting from the first end1058aon the upper right side, the first linear section1058b, the first inclined section1058c, the second linear section1058d, the second inclined section1058e, the third linear section1058f, and the second end1058gcontinue as shown inFIG. 19. The first inclined section1058cand the second inclined section1058eare inclined at an angle of 30 degrees smaller than 45 degrees with respect to the first linear section1058band the second linear section1058d.

FIG. 20shows a state in which the clip unit1014is movably attached on the frame1060shown inFIG. 19. The clip unit1014is moved along the total length of the slit1058. The clip unit1014is swingably attached on a moving plate1069. The guide pin1053is fixed to one end of the clip unit1014. The guide pin1053is inserted in the slit1058. Therefore, the clip unit1014swings to tilt at a predetermined angle along the shape of the slit1058. The moving plate1069mounted with the clip unit1014is movably attached to the rail1063via a support pipe1070fixed to a lower surface of the moving plate1069. The moving plate1069is attached to the endless belt1066. The endless belt1066rotates in first and second directions according to the normal and reverse rotation of the first pulley1064, over which the endless belt1066is laid, to move the moving plate1069in the first direction and the second direction opposite to the first direction.

According to the rotation of the endless belt1066, the clip unit1014starts from the first end1058aof the slit1058and rotates 30 degrees in a section where the clip unit1014changes from the first inclined section1058cto the second linear section1058d. A state of the clip unit1014rotated 30 degrees indicates a state of the clip unit1014in a position indicated by B inFIG. 13. A corner of plural sheets (a sheet bundle) SP desired to be clipped can be clipped by a paper clip of the clip unit1014.

When the clip unit1014changes from the second linear section1058dto the second inclined section1058eto clip the corner of the sheet bundle SP with a clipping position changed, the clip unit1014rotates 30 degrees at the opposite tilt. A state of the clip unit1014rotated 30 degrees indicates a state of the clip unit1014in a position indicated by C inFIG. 14. Another corner of the sheets P can be automatically clipped by the paperclip of the clip unit1014.

In the second linear section1058d, the clip unit1014is parallel to an edge of the sheet bundle SP and operates to clip the sheets P with a pair of paper clips in one row. Moving speed of the clip unit1014between the pair of paper clips is about 310 mm/sec. Initial moving speed of the clip unit1014to one clip position or two clip positions is about 110 mm/sec. Moving speed of the clip unit1014at the initial time and to a sensor provided in the home position is about 90 mm/sec.

The slit1058according to this embodiment includes the third linear section1058fand the second end1058gcontinuous from the second inclined section1058e. A front cover1059fis provided in front of a clip cover1059(indicated by a dotted line inFIG. 20) in which the clip insertion port1059ais provided. When the front cover1059fis opened, a front cover detection sensor FS detects that the front cover1059fis opened. When the front cover1059fis opened, the clip unit1014is led by the slit1058to move to the third linear section1058f. At this point, as indicated by the position D inFIG. 18, the clip unit1014rotates and an opening1014aof the clip unit1014is faced to the clip insertion port1059a.

With the moving mechanism of the clip unit1014explained above, it is possible to move the clip unit1014to the predetermined position along the shape of the slit1058with only one driving source and rotate the clip unit1014to the predetermined angle. Therefore, the structure of the clip unit1014is simple. In other words, another driving source for rotating the clip unit1014the predetermined angle is unnecessary.

An operation unit for manual operation is provided in an upper part of the finishing apparatus1007. As shown inFIG. 23, an upper surface1071of the operation unit includes a switch1072for clip position selection and a start switch1073. Display sections1074aand1074binclude LEDs that are lit in response to the selection switch1072. When the display sections1074aand1074bare lit, this indicates that clip selection positions are positions shown below the display sections1074aand1074b. When a display section1074cis lit, this means that the sheet bundle SP is subjected to the clip processing in a state in which a corner of the sheet bundle SP is manually inserted in the clip unit1014as shown inFIG. 21. When preparation for the clip processing is completed, for example, the start switch1073blinks. When the switch1073is pressed, a display section1075including an LED is lit. When the clip processing is completed, the start switch1073is lit.

A state of the finishing apparatus1007at the time when the sheet bundle SP to be subjected to the clip processing is inserted into the opening1014aof the clip unit1014is shown inFIG. 21. The finishing apparatus1007includes contact sections1077aand1077bwith which edges SPa and SPb of the sheet bundle SP come into contact when the sheet bundle SP is inserted into the opening1014aof the clip unit1014. Edge detection switches1078aand1078bare provided in the contact sections1077aand1077b. The edge detection switches1078aand1078bare, for example, actuator switches. The edge detection switches1078aand1078bare usually off and are turned on when pressed by the edges SPa and SPb of the sheet bundle SP.

A configuration example of an electric circuit of an insertion clip processing unit at the time when the clip processing is performed according to insertion of a sheet bundle is shown inFIG. 22. The insertion clip processing unit includes sheet-edge detecting units1081aand1081bconfigured to detect the edges SPa and SPb of the sheet bundle SP with the edge detection switches1078aand1078b, a sheet-bundle-insertion detecting unit1082configured to detect that both the edge detection switches1078aand1078bare turned on and detect insertion of the sheet bundle SP, a switch-light-emission control unit1083configured to cause, when the sheet-bundle-insertion detecting unit1082detects the insertion of the sheet bundle SP, the start switch1073to blink and emit light to indicate completion, a switch-pressing detecting unit1084configured to detect, when the start switch1073is pressed by the operator, the pressing and send a control signal to the switch-light-emission control unit1083to stop the light emission of the start switch1073, and the clip-unit driving unit1085configured to drive the clip unit1014according to a detection signal from the switch-pressing detecting unit1084and cause the clip unit1014to perform the clip processing.

Operations in a manual mode in which an end of the sheet bundle SP desired to be subjected to the clip processing is inserted into the opening1014aof the clip unit1014and the clip processing is performed are explained with reference to a flowchart ofFIG. 24.

When the clip processing is started, first, in Act A101, the insertion clip processing unit detects whether the front cover1059fof the finishing apparatus1007is opened. If the front-cover detection sensor FS detects that the front cover1059fis opened, the insertion clip processing unit moves the clip unit1014to the third liner unit1058fand rotates the clip unit1014(Act A102). The operator inserts the sheet bundle SP into the clip insertion port1059ain a state in which the front cover1059fis opened.

In Act A103, the insertion clip processing unit detects whether one sheet-bundle-edge detection switch1008ais turned on. If it is detected that the sheet-bundle-edge detection switch1008ais turned on, in Act A104, the insertion clip processing unit detects whether the other sheet-bundle-edge detection switch1008bis turned on. If the sheet-bundle-edge detection switch1008ais not turned on, the insertion clip processing unit cannot shift to Act A104for detecting whether the other sheet-bundle-edge detection switch1008bis turned on. The insertion clip processing unit waits until the sheet-bundle-edge detection switch1008ais turned on. If the sheet-bundle-edge detection switch1008bis not turned on, the insertion clip processing unit cannot shift to the next stage (A105). Both the sheet-bundle-edge detection switches1008aand1008bare turned on by adjacent edges of two sides of the sheet bundle SP. If both the sheet-bundle-edge detection switches1008aand1008bare turned on, this means that, as shown inFIG. 11, the sheet bundle SP is inserted deep into the opening1014aof the clip unit1014and the clip processing can be properly performed.

If both the sheet-bundle-edge detection switches1008aand1008bare turned on, the sheet-bundle-insertion detecting unit1082detects completion of preparation for the clip processing and sends a control signal to the switch-light-emission control unit1083. The switch-light-emission control unit1083sends a blinking control signal to the start switch1073and, in the next Act A105, causes the start switch1073to blink. The blinking of the start switch1073informs the operator that a sheet bundle about to be subjected to the clip processing is inserted into the clip insertion port1059aand the clip unit1014is in an appropriate state, i.e., a state of the completion of the preparation for the clip processing. Instead of the blinking, the start switch1073may be continuously lit. The lighting includes blinking and continuous lighting.

In the next Act A106, the switch-pressing detecting unit1084detects whether the start switch1073is pressed. If the switch-pressing detecting unit1084detects in Act A106that the start switch1073is pressed, i.e., the switch-pressing detecting unit1084receives a switch pressing signal from the start switch1073, the switch-pressing detecting unit1084sends a blinking stop control signal to the switch-light-emission control unit1083. In Act A107, the switch-pressing detecting unit1084stops the blinking of the start switch1073. The display section1075is lit from this point.

In the next Act A108, the switch-pressing detecting unit1084sends a driving control signal to the clip-unit driving unit1085. The clip-unit driving unit1085causes the clip unit1014to perform the clip processing.

Although not explained in detail herein, if the front cover1059fof the finishing apparatus1007is not opened and the clip processing is instructed, the clip unit1014is guided by the slit1058on the slip table1067to move and automatically applies, in the predetermined position, the clip processing to a sheet bundle conveyed to the Clip unit1014.

According to this embodiment, the clip unit usually used for the clip processing of the finishing apparatus can also be used when the finishing apparatus subjects a sheet bundle to the clip processing in the manual mode. Therefore, even if it is not instructed in advance to automatically perform the clip processing, it is possible to easily clip the sheet bundle.

In this embodiment, when the front cover is opened, the finishing apparatus detects the opening of the front cover and automatically changes to the manual mode. Therefore, to change the finishing apparatus to the manual mode, the operator only has to open the front cover and does not need to specifically instruct the manual mode.

In the example explained in this embodiment, when the two switches with which the adjacent edges of a sheet bundle come into contact are turned on, the start switch is blinked to inform the operator of completion of preparation for the clip processing. When the operator presses the start switch, the clip processing is performed. However, the completion of the preparation for the clip processing may be indicated by lighting of the start switch or may be informed to the operator by another switch or a lamp. It is also possible to automatically perform the clip processing when the preparation for the clip processing is completed even if the operator does not press the switch. In this case, for example, inFIG. 22, an output of the sheet-bundle-insertion detecting unit1082may be input to the clip-unit driving unit1085.

In the explanation in this embodiment, when the finishing apparatus of the image forming apparatus changes to the manual mode, the clip unit1014subjects an inserted sheet bundle to the clip processing.

However, the clip unit1014does not need to be incorporated in the finishing apparatus. The present invention can also be separately used as a clip device. In this case, as in the case explained above, when a sheet bundle is inserted into an opening of a clip, pressing switches on both sides of the opening are turned on, detect that the sheet bundle is properly inserted, and inform the operator of the completion of the preparation for the clip processing using a lamp or the like. When the operator presses a switch for the clip processing, the clip processing is performed.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to perform the clip processing in the finishing apparatus.