Abstract: The present invention comprises a shunting roller 41, and when recording media P, which is output from an image forming device main body 11, is stacked as a stack of recording media and staple processing is performed thereon, the shunting roller 41 rotates so as to receive subsequent recording media P in the wrapping direction thereof, while the first stack of recording media undergoes staple processing. The present invention also comprises a first branching pawl 44, for switching the direction of transport of recording media P between a transport path 42 and a processing unit 40, and a second branching pawl 47, for switching it between an output tray 45 and the shunting roller 41.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery processing apparatus comprising an alignment stage, an aligning means having an alignment member operable to align a sheet on the alignment stage and to escape to a home position during a non-alignment period, a conveying means for conveying the sheet on the alignment stage, a sheet processing means for performing a prescribed processing to the sheet on the alignment stage, a delivery portion for stacking the sheets and a stacking amount detecting means having a detection member selectively moving to a detection position and a non-detection position at a region overlapping an operation region of the alignment member to detect the stacking amount of the sheet delivered to the delivery portion.

Abstract: A finisher for an image forming apparatus includes a pair of rotatable downstream rollers and a pair of rotatable upstream roller between which a path on which an imaged medium travels. The finisher determines when a trailing edge of the medium is about to leave a nip of the upstream rollers and then stops a leading edge of the medium. By stopping the leading edge of the medium, the medium buckles and the trailing edge registers against the upstream nip line. A finishing device performs a hole punch, staple, or other finishing operation to the medium when the trailing edge registers against the upstream nip line. The finishing operation is performed at a speed equal to or greater than a speed at which the image forming apparatus forms the image on the medium and outputs the medium to the finisher.

Abstract: A vertical sheet compiling apparatus and method compile sheets in a slot that accumulates a plurality of sheets. The slot includes a first baffle and a second baffle that each define generally vertical sides of a sheet path of the slot. The first and second baffles are separated from each other by a space therebetween. An actuator is coupled to at least one of the first and second baffles to move one of the baffles toward or away from the other one of the baffles, thereby adjusting a width of the sheet path as the sheets compile in the slot. A binding mechanism fastens the plurality of sheets together. The apparatus and method may also include a sensing device for determining an amount of available space in the slot during compilation of the sheets in the slot. The determined amount of space can be used to control movement of the baffle(s).

Abstract: In a sheet finishing apparatus of the present invention, when temporarily loading a plurality of sheets of paper on a standby tray until a processing tray finishes processing, to prevent a sheet of paper loaded first from being pressed out by a sheet of paper ejected later, a chuck for retaining the rear ends of the sheets of paper is installed on the downstream side of the standby tray, and for curled sheets of paper, a standby tray guide and an arm member for suppressing curling of the central part of the sheets of paper are installed, thus matching on the standby tray is stabilized.

Abstract: A sheet finisher includes a sheet stacker for stacking sheets conveyed from an image forming apparatus to form a sheet bundle and a binding device for binding the sheet bundle with a staple, further includes a center folding device for center folding sheets conveyed from the image forming apparatus, a first conveying device for conveying sheets conveyed from the image forming apparatus to the sheet stacker without passing through the center folding device, and a second conveying device for conveying the sheets to the sheet stacker via the center folding device.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus which makes it possible to carry out optimal bundling, such as bookbinding, according to sheet thickness, thereby enhancing the operability of the apparatus. A sensor LED control section 114 detects the thickness of a bundle of sheets to be processed. A post-processing control section 115 calculates a thickness of each sheet based on the thickness of the bundle of sheets detected by the sensor LED control section 114. The post-processing control section 115 changes the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be processed as a bundle based on the calculated thickness of each sheet.

Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus includes a conveying member configured to convey recording media and a tray configured to receive the recording media conveyed by the conveying member. The tray includes a holding member configured to hold the recording media therein and to contact a first edge of the recording media such that the recording media is positioned, a rotatable moving member configured to contact the recording media such that the holding member abuts against the recording media, a discharging member configured to discharge the recording media stacked by the holding member, and a protruding member mounted on the discharging member and configured to contact a second edge of the recording media such that the recording media is positioned. One of the rotatable moving member and the protruding member positions the recording media stacked in the tray in a travel direction of the recording medium.

Abstract: A copy machine achieves a reduction in power consumption when performing a saddle-stitching operation. An image forming unit forms visible images on recording sheets in accordance with image data stored in a memory device. A post-processing unit collects the recording media on an individual copy basis to prepare a bundle of the recording sheets, and performs a saddle-stitching process and a center-folding process on the bundle of the recording sheets. The post-processing unit ejects the processed recording sheets onto a predetermined eject tray. A system control part determines whether or not a total number of the recording sheets corresponding to the image data is within a limit number for the saddle-stitching process. When the total number of the recording sheets exceeds the limit number for the saddle-stitching process, the recording sheets are ejected onto the at least one eject tray other than a predetermined eject tray.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a processing tray on which sheets are stacked in a bundle form, an intermediate portion stapler which staples the intermediate portion of the sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray, a sheet bundle conveying member which conveys the stapled sheet bundle, a curved sheet bundle conveying path which is downwardly curved on the downstream side of the processing tray with respect to the sheet conveying direction and adapted to guide the sheet bundle conveyed by the sheet bundle conveying member, and a folding device which is arranged in the intermediate portion of the curved sheet bundle conveying path and which folds the stapled sheet bundle, wherein the processing tray is set to be lower on the upstream side than on the downstream side with respect to the sheet conveying direction, and wherein the curved guide path has an extended portion extending to a position under the stacking portion.

Abstract: To form stacks of printed products such as books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, etc., a plurality of printed sheets is delivered by a conveying section and assembled thereon into preliminary products, which are then formed into stacks, where the process for collating the printed sheets into preliminary products is controlled as a function of the size of the stack of printed products to be formed. A device for implementing the process includes a collating device for forming preliminary products and an indirectly downstream stacking device connected to a control unit.

Abstract: An improved method for monitoring stack quality in a finisher of a printer includes examining the net displacement of a compiling tray after each set has been ejected. A deviation from the normal increments of displacement for each set triggers a “tray full” condition which alerts a user to empty the tray.

Abstract: A stapler unit has a staple section, a cutter section, and a receiving section. A stapling device further includes a staple recovery box which is disposed at a staple discarding position and which recovers the tip ends to be discarded from the receiving section; and a staple discarding mechanism which delivers the tip ends received in the receiving section of the stapler unit to the staple recovery box. One of the plural stapling positions is identical with the staple discarding position.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus receives sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus one after another on a binding tray to be stacked on top of another, jogs each sheet as the sheet is received on the binding tray, binds a set of the sheets on the binding tray with a binding device, and discharges the bound set of the sheets from the binding tray. Sheets received from the image forming apparatus one after another after the binding device has started binding the set of the sheets on the binding tray and before the binding tray has returned from a discharging position to a receiving position are received one after another, stacked on top another and held on a sheet holding device. The sheet holding device releases the held sheets to be fallen and received on the binding tray after the binding tray has returned to the receiving position.

Abstract: When a sheet bundle formed on a processing tray descends in a sheet bundle conveying path by a sheet bundle conveying mechanism while a front edge of the sheet bundle is nipped, a band sheet is circled to a front edge side and overlaid to front and back surfaces. The band sheet is perforated at a plurality of positions by a cutter and, thereafter, cut to a necessary length. Both edges of the band sheet are stapled integratedly with the sheet bundle by a stapler main body also serving as a stapling of the sheet bundle. If the band sheet is not torn at the perforation, its contents cannot be browsed. Therefore, security holding performance of the sheet bundle is raised.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus has a stapler for stapling a center of plural stacked sheets; a sheet folding mechanism for folding a set of the stapled sheets in half; a sheet recognizing portion for recognizing the number of sheets forming the set of sheets; a sheet transport mechanism for transporting the set of stapled sheets to a position where the center of the set of sheets is folded by the sheet folding mechanism; a transport distance determination table for associating the number of sheets with a distance by which the set of sheets is to be transported by the sheet transport mechanism; and a sheet transport control portion for transporting the set of sheets by a distance determined by the transport distance determination table according to the number of sheets through use of the sheet transport mechanism.

Abstract: A stapler is incorporated in a finishing device associated with a document creating apparatus. The stapler has a control circuit with a memory and is driven by a variably powered motor. An end user inputs the job parameter information at the control panel of the document creating apparatus for each different set of documents to be reproduced and stapled. In response thereto, the control panel sends a particular variable start pulse signal to the stapler control circuit. The control circuit senses the duration of the variable start pulse. Based upon the duration of the variable start pulse signal, the control circuit selects the motion control profile to be provided to the stapler motor from the various profiles stored in the memory of the control circuit.

Abstract: In a sheet post-process apparatus of the present invention, a processing tray for loading sheets of paper fed via a standby tray for making ejected sheets of paper stand by or not via the standby tray and a standby tray roller for performing a first operation of making contact with sheets of paper loaded on the standby tray and matching and a second operation of making contact with sheets of paper loaded on the standby tray and conveying them toward a paper ejection tray are installed in the neighborhood of the standby tray.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus is provided with a processing tray on which sheets are to be stacked and subjected to a processing, a stack tray provided in the downstream of the processing tray with respect to the sheet conveying direction on which sheets are to be stacked, an oscillation roller pair for conveying the sheets stacked on the processing tray to the stack tray, and a trailing edge assist for conveying the sheet stacked on the processing tray toward the stack tray. The sheets stacked on the processing tray are discharged to the stack tray by the oscillation roller pair and the trailing edge assist.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: a buffer unit which stores plural supplied sheets with upstream edges in a conveying direction thereof aligned; a processing tray on which sheets discharged from the buffer unit are stacked; and an oscillation roller pair and a return roller which convey the sheet stacked on the processing tray to bring the sheet into abutment against a stopper for receiving the upstream edge of the sheet. The buffer unit is adapted to align the upstream edges of only sheets to be stored before a sheet to be supplied last among the sheets to be stored.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming member to form an image to an recording material, a plurality of sheet finisher units, each of which performs different sheet finishing to the recording material on which the image has formed, a plurality of indicating member provided respectively at least one to the each sheet finisher unit, an input member to accept an input of a sheet finishing mode corresponding to the sheet finishing performed by the sheet finisher unit, a sheet finishing judging member to judge the sheet finisher unit performing the sheet finishing corresponding to the input sheet finishing mode, and an indicating control member to light the indicating member provided to the judged sheet finisher unit in a first display mode.

Abstract: A sheet processing device includes a stapling tray, a rear-end clamp, and a stapler that staples sheets while the rear-end clamp is clamping the sheets. In response to a start signal, the stapler moves to a position where the stapler does not interfere the rear-end clamp while being closest to a stapling position. When the last sheet of a sheet bundle to be stapled is conveyed into the stapling tray, timing at which the stapler moves to the stapling position is determined according to a preset condition.

Abstract: A sheet finisher for executing preselected processing with a sheet conveyed thereto of the present invention includes a first processing tray configured to temporarily store the sheet and deliver it. A first and a second path are positioned downstream of the first processing tray in a direction of sheet conveyance and configured to convey a first and a second sheet stack, respectively. The first path conveys the first sheet stack upward over the downstream portion of the first processing tray while the second path conveys it downward over the same. A switching device selects either one of the first and second paths. The sheet finisher of the present invention is low cost and highly productive and space saving.

Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus of the present invention has a gate for taking in sheets of paper ejected from an image forming apparatus through a taking-in port and switching to either of a conveying path for post processing or a conveying path for non-post processing to convey the sheets of paper and a tray attached to the upper part of the sheet finishing apparatus by a link mechanism, and the tray can rotate between the height position for storing sheets of paper and the height position away from the upper part and keeps the angle of inclination thereof constant at either of the height positions, and furthermore, sheets of paper taken in from the taking-in port are clamped and conveyed by a pair of rollers, and one of the pair of rollers is supported by a sheet guidance member, and the sheet guidance member rotates in connection with the link mechanism and can cope with paper jamming, if any.

Abstract: A finisher for finishing a booklet having a bundle of center-folded sheets, includes: a detector for detecting an end on a side of a folded portion of the booklet: a moving device for conveying the booklet by movement thereof; a controller for controlling the movement of the moving device; and a cutting device for cutting an edge on a side opposite to the end of the booklet, which has been conveyed by the moving device to a cutting position. The controller controls the movement of the moving device from a position where the detector has detected the end of the folded portion to the cutting position so that a size of a booklet after being cut is kept constant for each of sheet sizes.

Abstract: An improved sloped stack detection system for a multi-function finisher includes a reflective sensor which suspends the conveying of stapled sets to an output tray when staple build-up in small stapled sets causes the stacked output to become sloped.

Abstract: A image forming system that can prevent a toner from coming off while reducing the amount of consumption of a clear toner in binding sheets into a book. An image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a sheet. A clear coating apparatus 200 forms a clear coating image on the sheet using the clear toner that becomes transparent after fixing. A bookbinding apparatus 600 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 and the clear coating apparatus 200 subjects the sheet to folding process. A job controller 501 and an image controller 502 cause the clear coating apparatus 200 to form the clear toner image at a folding position on the sheet in response to designation of a folding mode in the bookbinding apparatus 600.

Abstract: An improved booklet maker incorporates a movable backstop for compiling incoming sheets and a stapler and creasing module, which is moved to various positions during the booklet making sequence. The moving stapler and creasing function enables the compiling function to occur simultaneously with the stapling and creasing functions. This results in a productivity gain without a footprint increase.

Abstract: Sheet thickness data obtained from the output of a sheet thickness detecting sensor are calculated to thereby calculate a sheet bundle thickness. When the sheet bundle thickness reaches a predetermined value, other aftertreatment differing from a set aftertreatment is executed.

Abstract: When the rear end of a sheet bundle S is brought to reach the clamping portion between a rocking roller and a rear end aligning wall by conveyance means, the individual timings, at which the rocking roller and the rear end aligning wall move to the escape position, are controlled to drop said sheet bundle S onto a stack tray, and then the rear end aligning wall is moved from the escape position to the support position thereby to register the rear end of the sheet bundle S dropped on the stack tray.

Abstract: A sheet feeder apparatus is controlled for sequentially feeding sheets to a predetermined processing position. A detection signal of a sheet stacked in a rise and lower tray located at a lower limit position is received before receiving a feed signal to start feeding of the sheet. Upon receiving the feed signal to start feeding of the sheet, the rise and lower tray is moved from the lower limit position to an upper limit position, and the sheet is supplied.

Abstract: In an image forming device, images of originals up to an upper limit number of stapling are read (S1 to S5) and image data thereof are processed (S6 to S8). If a paper sensor has detected a subsequent original even when the number of pages of the read images reaches NS0 (S1, S2), a finisher discharges a bundle of printed papers without stapling. Consequently, the number of the printed papers included in the discharged bundle is made less than the upper limit number. In a case where the number of the printed papers sent to the finisher (S12, S13) is less than a set number NS1 (S15), the bundle is discharged without being stapled after the number of the printed papers reaches NS1 (S17).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the present invention enables a user to remove the printed papers from the finisher without the image forming apparatus mistakenly judging that a paper jam has occurred; and has effects including a preventing the occurrence of malfunctions such as a jammed staples and the like, a wasting of resources and time for unnecessary re-printing, and increasing usability of the image forming apparatus by allowing a user in a hurry to remove printed copies without affecting the performance of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A sheet output apparatus includes a sheet set generating unit, an information obtaining unit, a decision unit, an output unit, and a control unit. The sheet set generating unit generates a set of sheets by stapling plural sheets. The information obtaining unit obtains image forming information with respect to each of the plural sheets constituting the set of sheets. The decision unit decides whether a pair of sheets including two sheets in which the images formed on the sheets face each other exists or not in the plural sheets. The output unit comes into contact with at least one of the uppermost sheet and the lowermost sheet in the set of sheets to apply a force to the sheet, and outputs the set of sheets in the output direction. The control unit controls the output unit to output the set of sheets.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus which is capable of securing a sufficient sheet bundle processing time period even with a short sheet conveying path to thereby maintain required capability of processing sheets conveyed at constant intervals. Rollers that convey sheets are controlled such that the conveyance speed of a sheet being conveyed by the rollers is increased in first timing so as to set the sheet at an increased distance from a succeeding sheet being conveyed by the rollers. When a sheet preceding the sheet being conveyed is the last sheet of a set of sheets to be processed by the sheet processing apparatus, the rollers are controlled to increase the conveyance speed of the sheet being conveyed in second timing later than the first timing.

Abstract: The state of post-processing operation is detected, and a drive signal is limited based on the result of detection for a predetermined period after the start of the post-processing operation (for instance by setting an upper limitation to the driving current and thereby limiting and reducing the peak value).

Abstract: An image forming system enabling a cost reduction by decreasing the number of components and having enough performance levels of individual postprocessing functions, comprising: an image forming apparatus body and at least one postprocessing unit, the postprocessing unit selectable from a plurality of types of postprocessing units, wherein a single-sheet processing machine is provided as one of the plurality of types of postprocessing units and wherein the single-sheet processing machine has a plurality of types of single-sheet processing functions for postprocessing in units of a sheet and a sheet attachment function of attaching a cover sheet or an insert sheet to an output sheet bulk.

Abstract: A sheet finisher for executing preselected processing with a sheet introduced thereinto from an image forming apparatus and then discharging the sheet is disclosed. The sheet finisher includes a stacking device configured to temporarily stack sheets sequentially delivered thereto. Jogger fences jog each sheet within the stacking device. A stapler staples the sheet stack jogged in the stacking device. The stapler is supported by a guide shaft such it is movable along the guide shaft in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance and angularly movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of guide.

Abstract: A sheet finisher includes: a sheet stacker for stacking sheets outputted from an image forming apparatus to form a sheet bundle; a binder for binding the sheet bundle stacked on the sheet stacker; an ejection device for ejecting out of the sheet finisher at least one of the sheet bundle stacked on the sheet stacker and the sheet bundle which has been bound; an ejection tray for stacking the ejected sheet bundle or the bound sheet bundle sequentially; and a controller for controlling the ejection device to make the bound sheet bundle to wait on the sheet stacker, to make a sheet outputted from the apparatus which have not been bound to stack sequentially on the bound sheet bundle, and to make the bound sheet bundle and the sheet stacked on the bound sheet bundle as a unit to eject to the ejection tray.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus which is capable of reliably sandwiching or catching sheets, and also capable of providing control so as to ensure reliable conveyance of succeeding sheets during the catching operation. A stack tray is provided downstream of a processing tray that stacks sheets. A position on the stacking surface of the stack tray at which the leading end of a sheet having its trailing end passing a discharging section, which discharges sheets toward the processing tray, contacts the stacking surface is lower in level than the highest portion of the processing tray. A swinging arm that discharges the sheets stacked on the processing tray to the stack tray is capable of selectively assuming a catching state in which a sheet discharged to the processing tray is caught by the swinging arm, and a non-catching state in which a sheet discharged to the processing tray is not caught by the swinging arm.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprising a stack means for stacking sheets to be fed; a feeding path comprising guide members for feeding the sheets to the stack means, disposed facing with each other; a discharging means for discharging the sheets to the stack means; and a sheet processing means capable of moving in the sheet width direction for processing the sheets stacked on the stack means at a predetermined position. One of the guide members disposed facing with each other is divided into a plurality of parts in the sheet width direction such that the feeding path can be selectively opened per each part in a space for moving the sheet processing means in a space where the sheet processing means moves.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: a buffer unit which stores plural supplied sheets with upstream edges in a conveying direction thereof aligned; a processing tray on which sheets discharged from the buffer unit are stacked; and an oscillation roller pair and a return roller which convey the sheet stacked on the processing tray to bring the sheet into abutment against a stopper for receiving the upstream edge of the sheet. The buffer unit is adapted to align the upstream edges of only sheets to be stored before a sheet to be supplied last among the sheets to be stored.

Abstract: A sheet treating apparatus including, a conveying device for conveying sheets, a sheet stack tray for stacking the sheets conveyed by the conveying device, a sensor detecting the sheets conveyed to the sheet stack tray, a pressure-contact conveying device for conveying the sheets on the sheet stack tray in pressure contact with the sheets, a pressure-contact device for bringing the pressure-contact conveying device into pressure-contact with the sheets, and a controlling device for varying a time from when the sensor detects the sheets to when the pressure-contact device starts operating according to a sheet conveyance speed of the conveying device.

Abstract: An image forming system includes: an image forming apparatus capable of conveying a recording sheet at a predetermined speed; at least one finisher capable of conveying the sheet eject from the image forming apparatus at a prescribed speed to process the sheet; and a controller for changing a conveyance speed of the recording sheet in the finisher to be higher than that of the sheet in the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet conveying apparatus which is capable of easily distinguishing between a sheet bundle containing abnormal sheets, such as multi-fed sheets, and a normal sheet bundle. When it is determined that there is no abnormality in the conveyance of sheets to a processing tray 630, a finisher control section 501 causes a bundle of sheets stacked on the processing tray 630 to be discharged onto a stack tray 700, whereas when it is determined that there is abnormality in the conveyance of sheets to the processing tray 630, the finisher control section 501 causes the bundle of the sheets stacked on the processing tray 630 to be discharged onto a sample tray 701.

Abstract: A delivery processing apparatus includes an alignment stage, an aligning mechanism, including an alignment member operable to align a sheet on the alignment stage and to escape to a home position during a non-alignment period, a sheet conveyor for conveying the sheet on the alignment stage, a sheet processor for performing a prescribed processing to the sheet on the alignment stage, a delivery portion for stacking the sheets and a stacking amount detecting mechanism, including a detection member selectively moving to a detection position and a non-detection position at a region overlapping an operation region of the alignment member to detect the stacking amount of the sheet delivered to the delivery portion.

Abstract: A staple apparatus includes a support tray for stacking sheets into a sheet bundle, a head unit arranged at a position away from the support tray and having a drive device for driving a staple into the sheet bundle, an anvil unit arranged on the support tray for bending the staple driven into the sheet bundle, and a staple operating device for pressing the head unit against the anvil unit and for separating the head unit from the anvil unit. A cover member is arranged to freely open and close a space for the stapling operation between the head unit and the anvil unit, and a control device controls the staple operating device not to operate when the cover member is not positioned at the closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a paper processing unit for a binding device that can improve moving efficiency of a sheet of papers and prevent side binding error of the sheet of papers.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet processing apparatus that is capable of preventing a stapled sheet bundle from being misaligned at a side edge thereof or becoming torn or wrinkled when the sheet bundle is discharged. The sheet processing apparatus comprises a stapler that staples a sheet bundle comprising a plurality of sheets, downstream discharge rollers that discharge the sheet bundle, a driving motor that drives the downstream discharge rollers, and a controller that controls the driving device. The controller controls discharge of the sheet bundle in different ways between a case where the stapler staples the sheet bundle at one point thereof and a case where the stapler staples the sheet bundle at two points thereof.

Abstract: A feeding path with opposing guide members. One of the guide members is divided into a plurality of parts in a sheet width direction. The parts selectively open and close portions of the feeding path. The parts move in a space where a sheet processing device moves.