Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6698744
-
Patent Number
6,698,744
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, April 10, 200222 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, March 2, 200420 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Oblon, Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, P.C.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 271 221
- 270 5808
- 270 5811
- 270 5812
- 270 5813
- 399 410
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A sheet finisher of the present invention includes jogger fences for jogging sheets sequentially stacked in a stapling section, and a stapler for stapling the sheets together. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) controls a jogger motor such that the jogger fences each move to a first position, a second position, and a third position in accordance with the width of sheets in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance. The first position is remote from the edge of a sheet stack in the direction of the width by a preselected amount. The second position is closer to the edge than the first position by a preselected amount and slightly overlaps the edge. At the third position, when the stapler staples the sheet stack, the jogger fence substantially contacts the edge in accordance with the width.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a copier, printer, facsimile apparatus or similar image forming apparatus and more particularly to a sheet finisher operatively connected to the image forming apparatus for executing preselected processing with sheets.
2. Description of the Background Art
A sheet finisher is proposed in various forms in the past and capable of stapling, punching or otherwise processing sheets sequentially driven out of an image forming apparatus. The prerequisite with a sheet finisher of the type jogging sheets one by one and then stapling them together is the accuracy of jogging. Various methods have heretofore been proposed for meeting such a prerequisite.
It is a common practice to jog sheets with a pair of jogger fences or similar jogging members. Many of conventional jogging members address to accurate jogging at or around the allowable limit of the number of sheets that can be dealt with by, e.g., a stapler. Many users, however, daily deal with a stack of ten sheets or less to be stapled together and rarely deals with a stack of fifty sheets or more, as known by experiment and proved by the results of various market researches. More specifically, accurate jogging of a small number of sheets impresses users favorably.
Generally, jogging of sheets becomes more difficult as the number of sheets to be stapled together increases. In light of this, the jogging members are moved toward each other to a distance slightly smaller than the width of sheets, thereby pressing the edges of a sheet stack. This kind of scheme is desirable when the number of sheets is small. However, as the number of sheets sequentially stacked increases, it becomes difficult for the sheets to move. This, coupled with an increase in the reaction of the sheets acting on the jogging members, causes not only the jogging members but also parts for driving them to bend, obstructing accurate jogging.
Another advantage achievable with the jogging members pressing a sheet stack, as stated above, is that they absorb irregularity in sheet width and loosens sheets being stacked for thereby enhancing accurate jogging.
Japanese Patent No. 2,960,770 teaches a sheet finisher of the type described. After the last sheet has been stacked and jogged, the sheet finisher taught in the above document causes jogging means to again move in order to press the sheet stack during stapling. With this configuration, the sheet finisher prevents the jogged sheets from moving during stapling. The sheet finisher, however, presses the sheet stack by the same amount during stapling as during jogging. This is because the sheet finisher addresses to accurate jogging at or around the allowable limit of the number of sheets, as stated above, and directed only toward the simplification of software.
When a large number of sheets are to be stapled, the jogging means taught in the above document again moves after the last jogging movement so as to press the sheets during stapling. This desirably maintains the sheets in the accurately jogged position even during stapling. However, when the number of sheets to be stapled together is small, the sheets are loosened and therefore bent. As a result, the sheets stacked together are apt to shift in the lengthwise direction, which is perpendicular to the direction in which the jogging means moves.
Technologies relating to the present invention are also disclosed in, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-191219.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet finisher for an image forming apparatus capable of accurately jogging sheets without regard to the number of sheets.
In accordance with the present invention, a sheet finisher includes a stacking section for stacking sheets thereon, a jogging device for jogging the sheets sequentially stacked on the stacking section one by one, and a processing device for executing preselected processing with the sheets. The jogging device includes a pair of jogging members for jogging the sheets one by one, and a controller for controlling the jogging members. The controller moves, in accordance with the width of the sheets in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance, each jogging member to a first position remote from one edge of the sheets in the direction of width by a preselected amount, a second position closer to the edge than the first position by a preselected amount and slightly overlapping the edge, and a third position where, when the processing device executes the preselected processing, the jogging member substantially contacts the edge in accordance with the width. Assuming that the jogging members are spaced from each other by a distance of L
2
at the second position or by a distance of L
3
at the third position, the controller sets at least one of the distances L
2
and L
3
in accordance with the width or the number of the sheets.
An image forming system including the above sheet finisher and an image forming apparatus are also disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1A
shows a stack of sheets in a jogged state;
FIG. 1B
demonstrates how the sheet stack bends when pressed by pressing members;
FIG. 2
shows a sheet finisher embodying the present invention;
FIG. 3
is an isometric view showing a jogging mechanism included in the illustrative embodiment;
FIG. 4
is a fragmentary view showing a return roller and members around it;
FIG. 5
is an isometric view showing a stapler also included in the illustrative embodiment;
FIG. 6
is a fragmentary isometric view showing a copy tray further included in the illustrative embodiment and arrangements around it;
FIG. 7
is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the illustrative embodiment;
FIG. 8
is a flowchart demonstrating a procedure
1
available with the illustrative embodiment;
FIG. 9
shows a relation between a first to a third position and the amount of pressing; and
FIG. 10
is a flowchart showing a procedure
2
also available with the illustrative embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
To better understand the present invention, the problem with the sheet finisher taught in Japanese Patent No. 2,960,770 mentioned earlier will be described more specifically with reference to
FIGS. 1A and 1B
. In the event of stapling a large number of sheets, the jogging means included in the finisher again moves after the last jogging movement so as to press the sheets during stapling. This desirably enhances accurate jogging during stapling, as stated earlier. However, when the number of sheets to be stapled together is small, the sheets are loosened and therefore bent. As a result, the sheets stacked together are apt to shift in the lengthwise direction, which is perpendicular to the direction in which the jogging means moves.
More specifically,
FIG. 1
shows a stack of sheets accurately jogged by pressing members included in the jogging means. As shown in
FIG. 1B
, when the pressing members are fed toward such a jogged sheet stack by an excessive amount, the sheet stack bends in a semicylindrical cross-section. Further, the sheets tend to move away from a staple stray (upward in
FIG. 1B
) because they are restricted by the pressing members at the side edges and restricted by a rear fence at the rear edge. Moreover, if the amount by which the pressing members press the sheet stack is constant, then the ratio of the amount to width varies in accordance with sheet size, effecting the influence on jogging accuracy.
Referring to
FIG. 2
, a finisher embodying the present invention is shown and operatively connected to a copier or similar image forming apparatus not shown. As shown, the finisher includes a sheet inlet for receiving sheets sequentially driven out of the copier. An inlet sensor
36
and an inlet roller
1
adjoin the sheet inlet. The inlet sensor
36
senses a sheet entering the finisher via the sheet inlet while the inlet roller
1
conveys the sheet into the finisher. A path selector
8
steers the sheet toward either one of a copy tray
12
and a stapler
11
.
Upper rollers
2
are positioned on the path extending from the path selector
8
toward the copy tray
12
so as to convey the sheet toward the tray
12
. An outlet sensor
38
is responsive to the sheet being conveyed by the upper rollers
2
. An outlet roller
3
drives the sheet out of the finisher to the copy tray
12
. A push roller
7
pushes the sheet driven out to the copy tray
12
to a preselected position. A lever
13
senses the sheet present on the copy tray
12
. A sheet level sensor
13
senses the angular position of the lever
13
. An elevation motor
51
(see
FIG. 7
) selectively moves the copy tray
12
upward or downward. Also, a shift motor
52
(see
FIG. 7
) moves the copy tray
12
in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance, as needed.
Lower rollers
4
are positioned on the path extending from the path selector
8
toward the stapler
11
so as to convey the sheet toward the stapler
11
. A sheet sensor
37
senses the sheet being conveyed by the lower rollers
4
. A brush roller or feed roller
6
conveys the sheet moved away from the sheet sensor
37
into the stapler
11
. A conveyance motor
54
(see
FIG. 7
) drives the lower rollers
4
.
The stapler
11
is positioned at the bottom of a stapling section
61
and driven by a staple motor
56
(see FIG.
7
), which will be described later. The stapling section
61
additionally includes jogger fences
9
(only one is visible), a return roller or hit roller
5
, and a belt
10
. The jogger fences
9
cooperate to jog the sheet driven onto a staple tray included in the stapling section
61
. The belt
10
is positioned at the back of the jogger fences
9
for conveying a stapled sheet stack out of the stapling section
61
. A belt home position sensor
39
adjoins the belt
10
and is responsive to the home position of the belt
10
. A catch
10
a
(see
FIG. 6
) is positioned on the belt
10
for catching the sheet stack. The sheet sensor
37
is located at such a position that even when the return roller
5
is caused to act just after the sensor
37
has sensed the trailing edge of the sheet, the roller
5
can hit the trailing edge of the sheet.
More specifically, as shown in
FIG. 3
, a jogger motor
26
drives the jogger fences
9
via a belt
49
. A solenoid
30
supports the return roller
5
such that the roller
5
can swing in a pendulum fashion. A belt
47
transmits the rotation of the conveyance motor
54
to one of rollers constituting each lower rollers
4
and feed roller
6
. As shown in
FIG. 4
, a rear fence
19
is positioned below the jogger fences
9
such that the sheet abuts against the rear fence
19
. More specifically, as shown in
FIG. 5
, a pair of rear fences
19
are positioned side by side.
As shown in
FIG. 5
, a stapler motor
27
causes the stapler
11
to move via a belt
50
in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance, as indicated by a double-headed arrow. As shown in
FIG. 6
, belt motor
57
causes the belt
10
to turn in a direction indicated by an arrow. A stapler home position sensor
22
is responsive to the home position of the stapler
11
.
FIG. 7
shows a control system included in the illustrative embodiment. As shown, the control system includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)
70
implemented by, e.g., a microcomputer. Various switches and sensors arranged in the finisher send their outputs to the CPU
70
via an I/O (Input/Output) interface
60
. The CPU
70
controls the conveyance motor
54
assigned to the inlet roller
1
, upper rollers
2
, lower rollers
4
and return roller
5
, a discharge motor
55
assigned to the outlet roller
3
and push roller
7
, the jogger motor
26
assigned to the jogger fences
9
, the stapler motor
27
assigned to the stapler
11
, and the belt motor
57
assigned to the belt
10
in accordance with the outputs of the switches and sensors. Such motors all are implemented as stepping motors.
Further, the CPU
70
controls, based on the outputs of the switches and sensors, a tray up-down motor
51
and a shift motor
52
that are assigned to the copy tray
12
as well as the staple motor
56
. The motors
51
,
52
and
56
are not stepping motors. In addition, the CPU
70
sends a control signal to a solenoid
53
that actuates the path selector
8
. Counting pulses output from the conveyance motor
54
, the CPU
70
controls a solenoid
30
assigned to the return roller
5
in accordance with the number of input pulses. The CPU
70
constitutes positioning control means together with various operation programs for operating the CPU
70
.
The operation of the illustrative embodiment will be described hereinafter. First, assume that the operator of the copier selects a non-staple mode. Then, the solenoid
53
switches the position of the path selector
8
for steering sheets toward the upper rollers
2
. In this condition, the inlet roller
1
drives a sheet or copy driven out of the copier to the upper rollers
2
via the path selector
8
. The sheet is then sequentially driven by the upper rollers
2
and outlet roller
3
to the copy tray
12
. The push roller
7
positions the sheet to be stacked on the copy tray
12
in the direction of sheet conveyance. At this instant, as soon as the sheet sensor
38
senses the trailing edge of the sheet, the push roller
7
is decelerated in order to enhance accurate stacking. As sheets are sequentially stacked on the copy tray
12
, the top of the sheet stack raises one end of the lever
13
. When the sheet level sensor
33
senses the other end of the lever
13
, the tray up-down motor
51
is driven to lower the copy tray
12
by a preselected amount. As a result, the top of the sheet stack on the copy tray
12
is held at an adequate level at all times.
Assume that the operator selects a sort mode or a stack mode on a control panel mounted on the copier. Then, the shift motor
52
repeatedly shifts the copy tray
12
in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance, thereby sorting or stacking consecutive sheets until the job ends. At the end of the job, the copy tray
12
is lowered by about 30 mm.
A staple mode unique to the illustrative embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 3 and 9
. As shown in
FIG. 9
, each jogger fence
9
is moved away from its home position to a first position 7 mm remote from one side of a sheet width and waits for a sheet there ([I]). The conveyance motor
54
drives the lower rollers
4
to thereby convey a sheet entered the finisher. As soon as the trailing edge of the sheet moves away from the sheet sensor
37
, the jogger fence
9
jogs 5 mm inward from the first position (stand-by position), as indicated by an arrow ([II]). On sensing the trailing edge of the sheet, the sheet sensor
37
sends its output to the CPU
70
. In response, the CPU
70
starts counting pulses output from the conveyance motor
54
. On counting a preselected number of pulses, the CPU
70
turns on the solenoid
30
. The return roller
5
swings in a pendulum fashion in accordance with the turn-on and turn-off of the solenoid
30
. More specifically, when the solenoid
30
is turned on, the return roller
5
hits the sheet to thereby return it downward until the sheet abuts against the rear fences
19
, thereby positioning the sheet in the longitudinal direction. Every time the inlet sensor
36
(or the sheet sensor
37
) senses a sheet entered the finisher, the CPU
70
counts the sheet.
On the elapse of a preselected period of time since the turn-off of the solenoid
30
, the jogger motor
26
causes the jogger fence
9
to move 2.6 mm inward to a second position, as indicated by an arrow in
FIG. 9
, and stop there ([III]). As a result, the sheet is positioned in the lateral direction. Subsequently, the jogger fence
9
is returned from the second position to the first position by 7.6 mm so as to wait for the next sheet, as indicated by an arrow in
FIG. 9
([IV]). The jogger fence
9
repeats such a movement up to the last sheet. When the last sheet is introduced into the stapling section
61
, the jogger fence
9
moves 2.6 mm inward to the second position, as indicated by an arrow in
FIG. 9
, and stops there ([V]). Subsequently, the jogger fence
9
again moves 2.6 mm outward, as indicated by an arrow in
FIG. 9
([VI]), and then moves 2.2 mm inward to a third position, as indicated by an arrow in
FIG. 9
([VII]). Consequently, the jogger fences
9
press the opposite side edges of the sheet stack at the third position for thereby preparing the sheet stack for stapling. In
FIG. 9
, assume that the jogger fences
9
are spaced from each other by a distance of L
2
at the second position or by a distance of L
3
at the third position
FIG. 8
demonstrates a procedure
1
for determining the amount of pressing. As shown, the third position is set in accordance with the width of sheets, as measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance and the number of sheets to be stapled together. Also, a service person can change the third position on numeral keys arranged on the copier, as needed. After the jogging of the last sheet, the CPU
70
determines whether or not the width of the sheets is greater than B4T (B4 profile) (step
101
). If the answer of the step
101
is YES, then the CPU
70
determines whether or not the number of sheets to be stapled together is greater than thirty (step
102
). If the answer of the step
102
is YES, then the CPU
70
causes each jogger fence
9
to move 2.6 mm (7.6 mm inward from the first position), i.e., to press the edge of the sheet stack by 0.6 mm (step
103
). On the other hand, if the answer of the step
101
or
102
is NO, then the CPU
70
causes the jogger fence
9
to move 2.2 mm (7.2 mm inward from the first position), i.e., to press the edge of the sheet stack by 0.2 mm (step
104
).
It should be noted that the specific numerical values stated above are not theoretical values, but are simply typical values. While the illustrative embodiment varies the third position, the second position may be varied, in which case the third position will be varied relative to the second position.
On the elapse of a preselected period of time, the stapler
11
is driven to staple the stack of sheets. Assume that the operator selects a mode for stapling the sheet stack at a plurality of positions. Then, after stapling the sheet stack at one position, the stapler
11
is moved to another stapling position along the trailing edge of the sheet stack and again staples the sheet stack. After the stapling operation, the belt motor
57
is energized to drive the belt
10
. At the same time or on the elapse of a preselected period of time, the discharge motor
55
is energized in order to receive the sheet stack raised by the catch
10
a
of the belt
10
.
The jogger fences
9
are controlled in accordance with the sheet size and the number of sheets stapled together. For example, assume that the number of sheets is smaller than preselected one (thirty in the illustrative embodiment) or that the sheet size is smaller than preselected one (B4T in the illustrative embodiment). Then, the jogger fences
9
press the sheet stack whose trailing edge is raised by the catch
10
a
. When a preselected number of pulses are output after the belt home position sensor
39
has sensed the home position of the belt
10
, the jogger fences
9
each are retracted by a preselected distance so as to release the sheet stack. The number of the above pulses corresponds to an interval between the time when the catch
10
a
abuts against the trailing edge of the sheet stack and the time when it moves away from the ends of the jogger fences
9
. When the number of sheets is greater than preselected one or when the sheet size is greater than preselected one, the jogger fences
9
are retracted by the preselected distance beforehand.
In any case, as soon as the sheet stack moves away from the jogger fences
9
, the jogger fences
9
are again moved to the first position or stand-by position to prepare for the next sheet. The procedure described above is repeated up to the last job.
In the illustrative embodiment, each jogger fence
9
presses the sheets by 0.6 mm up to the last sheet. It is sometimes preferable to control the amount of pressing before the last page also, depending on the sheet size and the number of sheets to be stapled together.
FIG. 10
shows a procedure
2
for determining the amount of pressing. As shown, assume that the sheet width is smaller than B4T (NO, step
201
) or that the sheet width is greater than B4T (YES, step
201
), but the number of sheets to be stapled together is less than thirty (NO, step
202
). Then, the jogger fences
9
press the sheets preceding the last sheet by 0.6 mm (step
204
). If the answers of the steps
201
and
202
both are YES, then the jogger fences
9
press the sheet stack by an amount greater than 0.6 mm, e.g., 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm (step
203
). In the illustrative embodiment, the jogger fences
9
have a generally L-shaped cross-section each. Therefore, even when the number of sheets is great and causes the sheet stack to bend relative to the staple tray, the jogger fences
9
prevent the sheet stack from dropping from the staple tray.
In summary, in accordance with the present invention, a sheet finisher allows the second and third positions to be adequately set in accordance with the sheet size and the number of sheets to be stapled together. The finisher can therefore accurately jog sheets without regard to the sheet size. Further, the finisher allows a sheet stack to be surely stapled while guaranteeing high-quality jogging.
Various modifications will become possible for those skilled in the art after receiving the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.
Claims
- 1. A sheet finisher comprising:stacking means for sequentially stacking sheets thereon; jogging means for jogging the sheets sequentially stacked on said stacking means one by one; and processing means for executing preselected processing with the sheets; said jogging means including a pair of jogging members for jogging the sheets one by one; and control means for moving, in accordance with a width of the sheets in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sheet conveyance, each of said pair of jogging members to a first position remote from an edge of said sheets in a direction of the width by a preselected amount, a second position closer to said edge than said first position by a preselected amount and slightly overlapping said edge, and a third position where, when said processing means executes the preselected processing, said jogging member substantially contacts said edge in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of jogging members are spaced from each other by a distance of L2 at said second position or by a distance of L3 at said third position, said control means sets at least one of said distances L2 and L3 in accordance with the width of the sheets, and wherein, when said processing means executes the preselected processing, said control means sets said distance of L3 at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance of L3 at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 2. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 1, wherein the preselected processing comprises stapling.
- 3. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distance L2 is smaller than or equal to the distance L3.
- 4. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 3, wherein the preselected processing comprises stapling.
- 5. A sheet finisher comprising:stacking means for sequentially stacking sheets thereon; jogging means for jogging the sheets sequentially stacked on said stacking means one by one; and processing means for executing preselected processing with the sheets; said jogging means including a pair of jogging members for jogging the sheets one by one; and control means for moving, in accordance with a width of the sheets in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sheet conveyance, each of said pair of jogging members to a first position remote from an edge of said sheets in a direction of the width by a preselected amount, a second position closer to said edge than said first position by a preselected amount and slightly overlapping said edge, and a third position where, when said processing means executes the preselected processing, said jogging member substantially contacts said edge in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of jogging members are spaced from each other by a distance of L2 at said second position or by a distance of L3 at said third position, said control means sets at least one of said distances L2 and L3 in accordance with a number of the sheets to be stapled together, and wherein, when said processing means executes the preselected processing, said control means sets said distance of L3 at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance of L3 at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 6. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 5, wherein the preselected processing comprises stapling.
- 7. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 5, wherein the distance L2 is smaller than or equal to the distance L3.
- 8. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 7, wherein the preselected processing comprises stapling.
- 9. An image forming system comprising:a sheet finisher; and an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a sheet; said sheet finisher including stacking means for sequentially stacking sheets thereon; jogging means for jogging the sheets sequentially stacked on said stacking means one by one; and processing means for executing preselected processing with the sheets; said jogging means including a pair of jogging members for jogging the sheets one by one; and control means for moving, in accordance with a width of the sheets in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sheet conveyance, each of said pair of jogging members to a first position remote from an edge of said sheets in a direction of the width by a preselected amount, a second position closer to said edge than said first position by a preselected amount and slightly overlapping said edge, and a third position where, when said processing means executes the preselected processing, said jogging member substantially contacts said edge in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of jogging members are spaced from each other by a distance of L2 at said second position or by a distance of L3 at said third position, said control means sets at least one of said distances L2 and L3 in accordance with the width of the sheets, and wherein, when said processing means executes the preselected processing, said control means sets said distance of L3 at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance of L3 at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 10. The system as claimed in claim 9, further comprising varying means for varying the distance L2 or L3.
- 11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said varying means is included in said image forming apparatus.
- 12. An image forming system comprising:a sheet finisher; and an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a sheet; said sheet finisher including stacking means for sequentially stacking sheets thereon; jogging means for jogging the sheets sequentially stacked on said stacking means one by one; and processing means for executing preselected processing with the sheets; said jogging means including a pair of jogging members for jogging the sheets one by one; and control means for moving, in accordance with a width of the sheets in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sheet conveyance, each of said pair of jogging members to a first position remote from an edge of said sheets in a direction of the width by a preselected amount, a second position closer to said edge than said first position by a preselected amount and slightly overlapping said edge, and a third position where, when said processing means executes the preselected processing, said jogging member substantially contacts said edge in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of jogging members are spaced from each other by a distance of L2 at said second position or by a distance of L3 at said third position, said control means sets at least one of said distances L2 and L3 in accordance with a number of sheets to be stapled together, and wherein, when said processing means executes the preselected processing, said control means sets said distance of L3 at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance of L3 at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 13. The system as claimed in claim 12, further comprising varying means for varying the distance L2 or L3.
- 14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said varying means is included in said image forming apparatus.
- 15. A sheet finisher comprising:a stacking device configured to sequentially stack sheets thereon; a jogging device configured to jog the sheets sequentially stacked on said stacking device one by one; and a processing device configured to execute preselected processing with the sheets; said jogging device including a pair of jogging members configured to jog the sheets one by one; and a control device configured to move, in accordance with a width of the sheets in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sheet conveyance, each of said pair of jogging members to a first position remote from an edge of said sheets in a direction of the width by a preselected amount, a second position closer to said edge than said first position by a preselected amount and slightly overlapping said edge, and a third position where, when said processing device executes the preselected processing, said jogging member substantially contacts said edge in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of jogging members are spaced from each other by a distance of L2 at said second position or by a distance of L3 at said third position, said control device sets at least one of said distances L2 and L3 in accordance with the width of the sheets, and wherein, when said processing device executes the preselected processing, said control device sets said distance of L3 at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance of L3 at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 16. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 15, wherein the preselected processing comprises stapling.
- 17. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 15, wherein the distance L2 is smaller than or equal to the distance L3.
- 18. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 17, wherein the preselected processing comprises stapling.
- 19. A sheet finisher comprising:a stacking device configured to sequentially stack sheets thereon; a jogging device configured to jog the sheets sequentially stacked on said stacking device one by one; and a processing device configured to execute preselected processing with the sheets; said jogging device including a pair of jogging members configured to jog the sheets one by one; and a control device configured to move, in accordance with a width of the sheets in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sheet conveyance, each of said pair of jogging members to a first position remote from an edge of said sheets in a direction of the width by a preselected amount, a second position closer to said edge than said first position by a preselected amount and slightly overlapping said edge, and a third position where, when said processing device executes the preselected processing, said jogging member substantially contacts said edge in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of jogging members are spaced from each other by a distance of L2 at said second position or by a distance of L3 at said third position, said control device sets at least one of said distances L2 and L3 in accordance with a number of the sheets to be stapled together, and wherein, when said processing device executes the preselected processing, said control device sets said distance of L3 at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance of L3 at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 20. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 19, wherein the preselected processing comprises stapling.
- 21. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 19, wherein the distance L2 is smaller than or equal to the distance L3.
- 22. The sheet finisher as claimed in claim 21, wherein the preselected processing comprises stapling.
- 23. An image forming system comprising:a sheet finisher; and an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a sheet; said sheet finisher including a stacking device configured to sequentially stack sheets thereon; a jogging device configured to jog the sheets sequentially stacked on said stacking device one by one; and a processing device configured to execute preselected processing with the sheets; said jogging device including a pair of jogging members configured to jog the sheets one by one; and a control device configured to move, in accordance with a width of the sheets in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sheet conveyance, each of said pair of jogging members to a first position remote from an edge of said sheets in a direction of the width by a preselected amount, a second position closer to said edge than said first position by a preselected amount and slightly overlapping said edge, and a third position where, when said processing device executes the preselected processing, said jogging member substantially contacts said edge in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of jogging members are spaced from each other by a distance of L2 at said second position or by a distance of L3 at said third position, said control device sets at least one of said distances L2 and L3 in accordance with the width of the sheets, and wherein, when said processing device executes the preselected processing, said control device sets said distance of L3 at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance of L3 at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 24. The system as claimed in claim 23, further comprising a varying device configured to varying the distance L2 or L3.
- 25. The system as claimed in claim 24, wherein said varying means is included in said image forming apparatus.
- 26. An image forming system comprising:a sheet finisher; and an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a sheet; said sheet finisher including a stacking device configured to sequentially stack sheets thereon; a jogging device configured to jog the sheets sequentially stacked on said stacking device one by one; and a processing device configured to execute preselected processing with the sheets; said jogging device including a pair of jogging members configured to jog the sheets one by one; and a control device configured to move, in accordance with a width of the sheets in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sheet conveyance, each of said pair of jogging members to a first position remote from an edge of said sheets in a direction of the width by a preselected amount, a second position closer to said edge than said first position by a preselected amount and slightly overlapping said edge, and a third position where, when said processing device executes the preselected processing, said jogging member substantially contacts said edge in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of jogging members are spaced from each other by a distance of L2 at said second position or by a distance of L3 at said third position, said control device sets at least one of said distances L2 and L3 in accordance with a number of sheets to be stapled together, and wherein, when said processing device executes the preselected processing, said control device sets said distance of L3 at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance of L3 at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 27. The system as claimed in claim 26, further comprising a varying device configured to varying the distance L2 or L3.
- 28. The system as claimed in claim 27, wherein said varying means is included in said image forming apparatus.
- 29. A sheet finisher comprising:stacking means for sequentially stacking sheets thereon; contacting means selectively movable into or out of contact with edges of the sheets, which are sequentially stacked on said stacking means one by one, in a direction of a width of said sheets; and processing means for executing preselected processing with the sheets; said contacting means comprising a pair of contact members and control means for causing, when said processing means executes preselected processing in accordance with the width of the sheets, said pair of contact members to move to a position where said pair of contact members substantially contact the edges of the sheets in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of contacting members are spaced from each other by a distance set by said control means in accordance with the width of the sheets, and wherein, when said processing means executes the preselected processing, said control means sets said distance at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 30. A sheet finisher comprising:stacking means for sequentially stacking sheets thereon; contacting means selectively movable into or out of contact with edges of the sheets, which are sequentially stacked on said stacking means one by one, in a direction of a width of said sheets; and processing means for executing preselected processing with the sheets; said contacting means comprising a pair of contact members and control means for causing, when said processing means executes preselected processing in accordance with the width of the sheets, said pair of contact members to move to a position where said pair of contact members substantially contact the edges of the sheets in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of contacting members are spaced from each other by a distance set by said control means in accordance with a number of the sheets to be stapled together, and wherein, when said processing means executes the preselected processing, said control means sets said distance at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 31. An image forming system comprising:a sheet finisher; and an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a sheet; said sheet finisher including stacking means for sequentially stacking the sheets thereon; contacting means selectively movable into or out of contact with edges of the sheets, which are sequentially stacked on said stacking means one by one, in a direction of a width of said sheets; and processing means for executing preselected processing with the sheets; said contacting means comprising a pair of contact members and control means for causing, when said processing means executes preselected processing in accordance with the width of the sheets, said pair of contact members to move to a position where said pair of contact members substantially contact the edges of the sheets in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of contacting members are spaced from each other by a distance set by said control means in accordance with the width of the sheets, and wherein, when said processing means executes the preselected processing, said control means sets said distance at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 32. An image forming system comprising:a sheet finisher; and an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a sheet; said sheet finisher including stacking means for sequentially stacking the sheets thereon; contacting means selectively movable into or out of contact with edges of the sheets, which are sequentially stacked on said stacking means one by one, in a direction of a width of said sheets; and processing means for executing preselected processing with the sheets; said contacting means comprising a pair of contact members and control means for causing, when said processing means executes preselected processing in accordance with the width of the sheets, said pair of contact members to move to a position where said pair of contact members substantially contact the edges of the sheets in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of contacting members are spaced from each other by a distance set by said control means in accordance with a number of sheets to be stapled together, and wherein, when said processing means executes the preselected processing, said control means sets said distance at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 33. A sheet finisher comprising:a stacking device configured to sequentially stack sheets thereon; a contacting device selectively movable into or out of contact with edges of the sheets, which are sequentially stacked on said stacking device one by one; and a processing device configured to execute preselected processing with the sheets; said contacting device comprising a pair of contact members and a control device for causing, when said processing device executes preselected processing in accordance with the width of the sheets, said pair of contact members to move to a position where said pair of contact members substantially contact the edges of the sheets in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of contacting members are spaced from each other by a distance set by said control device in accordance with the width of the sheets, and wherein, when said processing device executes the preselected processing, said control device sets said distance at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 34. A sheet finisher comprising:a stacking device configured to sequentially stack sheets thereon; a contacting device selectively movable into or out of contact with edges of the sheets, which are sequentially stacked on said stacking device one by one; and a processing device configured to execute preselected processing with the sheets; said contacting device comprising a pair of contact members and a control device for causing, when said processing device executes preselected processing in accordance with the width of the sheets, said pair of contact members to move to a position where said pair of contact members substantially contact the edges of the sheets in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of contacting members are spaced from each other by a distance set by said control device in accordance with a number of the sheets to be stapled together, and wherein, when said processing device executes the preselected processing, said control device sets said distance at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 35. An image forming system comprising:a sheet finisher; and an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a sheet; said sheet finisher including a stacking device configured to sequentially stack the sheets thereon; a contacting device selectively movable into or out of contact with edges of the sheets, which are sequentially stacked on said stacking device one by one; and a processing device configured to execute preselected processing with the sheets; said contacting device comprising a pair of contact members and a control device for causing, when said processing device executes preselected processing in accordance with the width of the sheets, said pair of contact members to move to a position where said pair of contact members substantially contact the edges of the sheets in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of contacting members are spaced from each other by a distance set by said control device in accordance with the width of the sheets, and wherein, when said processing device executes the preselected processing, said control device sets said distance at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
- 36. An image forming system comprising:a sheet finisher; and an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a sheet; said sheet finisher including a stacking device configured to sequentially stack the sheets thereon; a contacting device selectively movable into or out of contact with edges of the sheets, which are sequentially stacked on said stacking device one by one; and a processing device configured to execute preselected processing with the sheets; said contacting device comprising a pair of contact members and a control device for causing, when said processing device executes preselected processing in accordance with the width of the sheets, said pair of contact members to move to a position where said pair of contact members substantially contact the edges of the sheets in accordance with said width; wherein assuming that said pair of contacting members are spaced from each other by a distance set by said control device in accordance with a number of sheets to be stapled together, and wherein, when said processing device executes the preselected processing, said control device sets said distance at a lesser distance when the sheets sequentially stacked exceed a determined number, and sets said distance at a greater distance when the sheets sequentially stacked do not exceed the determined number.
Priority Claims (2)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
2001-112815 |
Apr 2001 |
JP |
|
2002-086718 |
Mar 2002 |
JP |
|
US Referenced Citations (20)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
2000-191219 |
Jul 2000 |
JP |