Medium processor, image forming apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a medium processor capable of processing a plurality of sheets while being positioned in place in a transport direction.SOLUTION: A medium processor is configured to be switchable between a spaced state to receive media with a pair of clamp units oppositely provided sandwiching media stacked on an internal tray separated from each other, a clamp state to clamp the media by the pair of clamp units and a binding state to press a plurality of media by the pair of clamp units into binding. The medium processor, in a state in which N (N: natural number) pieces of media are being stacked on the internal tray, brings the binding means in the clamp state when the (N+1)-th medium is carried in a first transport direction while contacting the N-th medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a media processing device, an image forming device, and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a media processing device that bundles and binds sheet-like media on which images have been formed by an image forming device. Since paper is a widely known example of a sheet-like medium, in this specification, a "paper stack" in which multiple sheets of paper are stacked will be used as an example of a bundle of sheet-like media.

[0003] One example of such a media processing device is one that includes a first conveying means that conveys paper in a first conveying direction toward an internal tray, a second conveying means that conveys paper loaded on the internal tray in a second conveying direction that is different from the first conveying direction, and a binding means that closes the downstream ends of multiple papers loaded on the internal tray in the second conveying direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the media processing device of Patent Document 1, when new paper is transported to the internal tray by the first transport means while paper is already loaded in the internal tray, friction of the paper may cause the paper on the internal tray to shift in the first transport direction, resulting in a problem in which multiple stacked papers that are shifted in the transport direction are bound by the binding means.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and has an object to provide a media processing device that can process multiple sheets of paper by aligning them in the transport direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problem, one aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus including an internal tray and a discharge tray capable of stacking a plurality of sheet-like media, a first transport means for transporting the media in a first transport direction from the internal tray to the discharge tray, a second transport means for moving toward and away from the media stacked on the internal tray and transporting the media in a second transport direction that is different from the first transport direction, a binding means disposed at an end of the internal tray on the downstream side in the second transport direction and binding the plurality of media stacked on the internal tray, and a computer for controlling the operation of the first transport means, the second transport means, and the binding means. The binding means is configured to be switchable between a separated state in which a pair of clamping sections arranged opposite each other across the media loaded on the internal tray are separated to receive the media, a clamping state in which the media are clamped by the pair of clamping sections, and a binding state in which the media are pressed and bound by the pair of clamping sections, and the controller switches the binding means to the clamping state when N (N is a natural number) media are loaded on the internal tray and an (N+1)th medium is transported in the first transport direction while in contact with the Nth medium. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a media processing device capable of processing a plurality of sheets of paper while aligning them in the transport direction can be obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a punch hole forming unit and a binding unit. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are views of the binding unit as viewed in the thickness direction and main scanning direction. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart of a binding process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 6 is a plan view of the binding unit in S601. [Figure 8] A side view of the binding unit until the leading edge of the first sheet reaches the internal tray. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the process of S606-S608 for the first sheet. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a side view of the binding unit in the S610. [Figure 11] A side view of the binding unit until the leading edge of the third sheet reaches the inner tray. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the process of S606-S608 for the third sheet. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the process of step S613 for a sheet stack. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a side view showing the process of step S614 for the sheet stack. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a binding unit according to a first modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart of a binding process according to the first modified example. [Figure 18] 11 is a flowchart of a binding process according to a second modified example. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a binding unit according to a second modified example. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart of a binding process according to Modification 3. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a plan view of the binding unit in step S2001 of FIG. 20; [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is an external view of an image forming system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet S (typically, paper), which is an example of a sheet-like medium. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a housing 11 and an image forming unit 12.

[0010] The housing 11 is box-shaped with an internal space formed therein for accommodating the components of the image forming device 10. The housing 11 also has an internal space 13 formed therein that is accessible from outside the image forming device 10. The internal space 13 is located, for example, slightly above the center of the housing 11 in the up-down direction. The internal space 13 is exposed to the outside by cutting out an outer wall of the housing 11. Furthermore, a punch hole punching unit 20 and a binding unit 30 (media processing device) can be attached to the internal space 13.

[0011] The image forming means 12 forms an image on the sheet S stored in the tray, and discharges the sheet S on which the image has been formed to the hole punching unit 20, the binding unit 30, or the liquid application unit. The image forming means 12 may be of an inkjet type that forms an image using ink, or of an electrophotographic type that forms an image using toner. The configuration of the image forming means 12 is already known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0012] The punch hole punching unit 20 is attached to the internal space 13 of the image forming apparatus 10 downstream of the image forming means 12 and upstream of the binding unit 30 on the transport path of the sheet S from the image forming means 12 to the binding unit 30 (the path indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 1). That is, the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming means 12 is first handed over to the punch hole punching unit 20 for a punch hole punching process described later, and then handed over to the binding unit 30 for a binding process described later.

[0013] The punch hole punching unit 20 is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus 10. When the punch hole punching unit 20 is detached, the sheet S on which an image has been formed by the image forming means 12 is directly delivered to the binding unit 30 for binding processing. Furthermore, other processing units such as a liquid application unit are configured to be detachable at the position in the internal space 13 from which the punch hole punching unit 20 has been detached. That is, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured so that the punch hole punching unit 20 and the liquid application unit can be replaced depending on the application.

[0014] When the liquid application unit is attached, the sheet S on which an image has been formed by the image forming means 12 is first handed over to the liquid application unit for liquid application processing, and then handed over to the binding unit 30 for binding processing. The liquid application processing is a process of applying liquid to the surface of the sheet S at a binding position to be bound by the binding unit 30. Note that the position in the internal space 13 from which the punch hole punching unit 20 has been removed can be fitted with a unit that performs any processing on the sheet S, not limited to the liquid application unit.

[0015] 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the punch hole punching unit 20 and the binding unit 30. The punch hole punching unit 20 and the binding unit 30 are each formed as a unit, and an input / output interface for the sheet S can be connected to them. That is, the input interface IN of the punch hole punching unit 20 is configured to be connectable to the output interface of the image forming means 12. Furthermore, the input interface of the binding unit 30 is configured to be connectable to the output interface of the image forming means 12 and the output interface OUT of the punch hole punching unit 20.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the punch hole punching unit 20 includes a housing 21, a sheet sensor 22, punch pins 23a and 23b, and a punch scrap hopper 24. The housing 21 has an internal space for accommodating the components of the punch hole punching unit 20. A conveying path Ph0 is formed in the internal space of the housing 21, through which a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming means 12 passes. The sheet sensor 22 detects that the sheet S supplied from the image forming means 12 has reached a predetermined position. The punch pins 23a and 23b punch holes in the sheet S detected by the sheet sensor 22. Punch scraps that fall off the sheet S fall into the punch scrap hopper 24. This realizes a punching process for punching holes in the sheet S.

[0017] 3 is a view of the binding unit 30 as viewed in the thickness direction (A) and the main scanning direction (B). The binding unit 30 performs a binding process (post-processing) of bundling and binding the sheet bundle Sb on which images have been formed by the image forming means 12. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the binding unit 30 includes a binding case 31, a discharge tray 32, a plurality of conveying roller pairs 33, 34, 35, 36 (first conveying means), an internal tray 37, a tapping roller 38 (second conveying means), a return roller 39, end fences 40L, 40R, side fences 41L, 41R (main scanning direction alignment section), and a staple binding means 42 (binding means).

[0018] The binding case 31 is box-shaped with an internal space for accommodating components of the binding unit 30. In addition, the internal space of the binding case 31 is formed with transport paths Ph1 and Ph2, which are spaces through which the sheets S pass. The discharge tray 32 is supported on the outer surface of the binding case 31. The discharge tray 32 holds the sheets S or the sheet stack Sb transported by the transport roller pairs 33 to 36.

[0019] The conveying roller pairs 33-36 are disposed at a predetermined interval on the conveying path Ph1. The conveying roller pairs 33-36 convey the sheet S along the conveying path Ph1 in a first conveying direction. The conveying path Ph1 is a path from the input interface of the binding unit 30 to the discharge tray 32 via the internal tray 37. The first conveying direction is a direction from the input interface of the binding unit 30 to the discharge tray 32 via the internal tray 37.

[0020] The conveying roller pair 33 is composed of a drive roller 33a and a driven roller 33b arranged to face each other with a conveying path Ph1 therebetween. The drive roller 33a and the driven roller 33b are rotatably supported by the binding case 31. The drive roller 33a receives a rotational driving force from a conveying motor and rotates forward in a first conveying direction (clockwise in FIG. 2) for conveying the sheet S. The driven roller 33b is arranged to face the drive roller 33a with the conveying path Ph1 therebetween, and is driven by the rotation of the drive roller 33a. Then, when the conveying motor is driven with the sheet S sandwiched between the drive roller 33a and the driven roller 33b, the sheet S is conveyed in the first conveying direction along the conveying path Ph1.

[0021] The basic configuration of the conveying roller pairs 34 to 36 is the same as that of the conveying roller pair 33. However, the conveying roller pair 36 is composed of a drive roller 36a and a driven roller 36b that can be brought into contact with and separated from the drive roller 36a. The conveying roller pair 35 may be configured to be slidable in the width direction to realize a sorting process in which the sheet S is shifted in the width direction and discharged to the discharge tray 32. The conveying roller pair 36 is provided at the end of the internal tray 37 opposite the stapling means 42 (the end of the internal tray 37 on the upstream side in the second conveying direction).

[0022] The internal tray 37 temporarily holds a plurality of sheets S transported by the transport roller pair 36. The tapping roller 38 is supported at the tip of a rotating arm above the internal tray 37. When the rotating arm rotates, the tapping roller 38 comes into contact with the upper surface of the sheet S that has entered between the separated drive roller 36a and driven roller 36b (in other words, the sheet S that has reached the internal tray 37). When the tapping roller 38 rotates in this state, the sheet S is transported in the second transport direction along the transport path Ph2. The return roller 39 rotates in contact with the upper surface of the sheet S stacked on the internal tray 37, thereby guiding the sheet S toward the transport roller pair 36.

[0023] The transport path Ph2 branches off from the transport path Ph1 at the position of the transport roller pair 36 and runs along the stacking surface (upper surface) of the internal tray 37 to the end fences 40L, 40R and the stapling means 42. The second transport direction is a direction from the transport roller pair 36 to the end fences 40L, 40R and the stapling means 42 along the stacking surface of the internal tray 37. In other words, the second transport direction is a direction different from the first transport direction (typically, the opposite direction). The direction perpendicular to the second transport direction and the thickness direction of the sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 is referred to as the "main scanning direction".

[0024] The conveying roller pair 36 is disposed downstream of the conveying roller pair 35 in the first conveying direction. The internal tray 37 is disposed below the conveying roller pair 35. Therefore, the sheet S conveyed by the conveying roller pair 35 enters between the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b of the conveying roller pair 36. The sheet S whose rear end has passed the conveying roller pair 35 falls toward the internal tray 37 and is stacked on the internal tray 37. The striking roller 38 is configured to be capable of contacting and separating from the sheet S stacked on the internal tray 37.

[0025] The end fences 40L and 40R are disposed at the downstream end of the internal tray 37 in the second transport direction. The end fences 40L and 40R come into contact with the downstream end of the sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 in the second transport direction to align the positions of the sheets S in the second transport direction. The side fences 41L and 41R are disposed at both ends of the sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction. The side fences 41L and 41R come into contact with both ends of the sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction to align the positions in the main scanning direction. The side fences 41L and 41R are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction.

[0026] As one example, the side fences 41L, 41R can align multiple sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction by moving in opposite directions in the main scanning direction (in other words, to positions equidistant from the center of the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction). As another example, the side fences 41L, 41R can shift multiple sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction by moving in the same direction in the main scanning direction (in other words, to positions off the center of the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction).

[0027] The stapler means 42 is disposed at the end of the internal tray 37 on the downstream side in the second conveying direction. The stapler means 42 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction along the sheet stack Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 by transmitting the driving force of a main scanning movement motor 43 (see FIG. 5). The stapler means 42 moves to a home position shown in FIG. 3(A) and a position facing the binding position shown in FIG. 13. The home position is a position that is offset to one side in the main scanning direction from the sheets S or the sheet stack Sb stacked on the internal tray 37. The binding position is a position on the sheet stack Sb stacked on the internal tray 37. However, the binding position is not limited to the position in FIG. 13, and may be any position (for example, the position in FIG. 10) on the sheet stack Sb stacked on the internal tray 37.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the state of the staple binding means 42. The staple binding means 42 performs so-called "staple binding" by piercing a staple through the sheet stack Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 to staple the sheet stack Sb. As shown in FIG. 4, the staple binding means 42 mainly includes a pair of clamping sections 44a, 44b and a binding motor 45 (see FIG. 5). The pair of clamping sections 44a, 44b are disposed opposite each other with the sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 in between. A staple loaded in a cartridge (not shown) is set in the clamping section 44a. Furthermore, the clamping section 44a moves toward and away from (rising and lowering) the clamping section 44b by transmitting the driving force of the binding motor 45.

[0029] As a result, the staple binding means 42 is switched between a separated state shown in Fig. 4(A), a clamped state shown in Fig. 4(B), and a bound state shown in Fig. 4(C). More specifically, the staple binding means 42 is switched from the separated state to the clamped state and then to the bound state by the binding motor 45 rotating in a first direction. Also, the staple binding means 42 is switched from the bound state to the separated state, via the clamped state, by the binding motor 45 rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0030] 4(A) is a state in which the pair of clamping portions 44a, 44b are separated and can receive the sheet S. That is, when the staple binding means 42 is in the separated state, the sheet S conveyed in the second conveying direction by the striking roller 38 can enter between the pair of clamping portions 44a, 44b. Also, when the staple binding means 42 is in the separated state, the sheet S conveyed in the first conveying direction (discharged to the discharge tray 32) by the conveying roller pair 36 and the return roller 39 can exit from between the pair of clamping portions 44a, 44b.

[0031] The sandwiched state shown in FIG. 4B is a state in which the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 are sandwiched between the pair of sandwiching portions 44a and 44b. That is, when the staple binding means 42 is in the sandwiched state, the pair of sandwiching portions 44a and 44b abut against the front and back surfaces of the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37. When the staple binding means 42 is in the sandwiched state, the sheets S transported in the second transport direction by the striking roller 38 cannot enter between the pair of sandwiching portions 44a and 44b. Also, the sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 cannot exit between the pair of sandwiching portions 44a and 44b (i.e., cannot move in the first transport direction). On the other hand, when the staple binding means 42 is in the sandwiched state, the staple set in the sandwiching portion 44a does not penetrate the sheet bundle Sb (i.e., the sheet bundle S is not stapled).

[0032] 4(C) is a state in which the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 are pressed and stapled by the pair of clamping portions 44a, 44b. That is, when the staple binding means 42 is in the binding state, the pair of clamping portions 44a, 44b press the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 more strongly than when in the clamping state. As a result, when the staple binding means 42 is in the binding state, the staple set in the clamping portion 44a penetrates the sheet bundle Sb to staple it. Also, when the staple binding means 42 is in the binding state, the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb cannot enter or leave between the pair of clamping portions 44a, 44b.

[0033] 3, the binding case 31 is provided with a binding slit 31a for manual binding at a position facing the staple binding means 42 in the main scanning direction. A corner portion of the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the binding case 31 through the binding slit 31a can be manually bound by the staple binding means 42. The binding case 31 further includes guide walls 31b and 31c surrounding the binding slit 31a. The guide walls 31b and 31c position the sheet bundle Sb to be manually bound (i.e., the corner portion is inserted into the binding slit 31a).

[0034] Fig. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in Fig. 5, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102, a read only memory (ROM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, and an interface (I / F) 105, which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0035] The CPU 101 is a computing means and controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a working area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium in which programs such as firmware are stored. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information and has a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0036] Image forming apparatus 10 processes a control program stored in ROM 103, an information processing program (application program) loaded from a storage medium such as HDD 104 to RAM 102, and the like, using a calculation function provided in CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of image forming apparatus 10. A combination of the software control unit thus constituted and hardware resources mounted on image forming apparatus 10 constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of image forming apparatus 10. That is, CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 constitute controller 100 that controls the operation of image forming apparatus 10.

[0037] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the image forming means 12, the punching pins 23a, 23b, the pairs of conveying rollers 33-36, the tapping roller 38, the return roller 39, the side fences 41L, 41R, the main scanning movement motor 43, the binding motor 45, the sheet sensor 22, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 acquires various information from the sheet sensor 22 and the operation panel 110 through the I / F 105, and operates the image forming means 12, the punching pins 23a, 23b, the pairs of conveying rollers 33-36, the tapping roller 38, the return roller 39, the side fences 41L, 41R, the main scanning movement motor 43, and the binding motor 45.

[0038] 5 collectively controls the image forming means 12, the punch hole punching unit 20, and the binding unit 30. As another example, the image forming means 12, the punch hole punching unit 20, and the binding unit 30 may be operated in conjunction with each other by a controller that controls the operation of the image forming means 12, a controller that controls the operation of the punch hole punching unit 20, and a controller that controls the operation of the binding unit 30 communicating with each other.

[0039] The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts operations from a user, and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The operation panel 110 obtains information from an operator through the operation unit, and provides the information to the operator through the display. Note that a specific example of the notification unit is not limited to a display, and may be an LED lamp, a speaker, etc.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the binding process according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the binding unit 30 in S601. FIG. 8 is a side view of the binding unit 30 until the leading edge of the first sheet S1 reaches the internal tray 37. FIG. 9 is a side view showing the process of S606-S608 for the first sheet S1. FIG. 10 is a side view of the binding unit 30 in S610. FIG. 11 is a side view of the binding unit 30 until the leading edge of the third sheet S3 reaches the internal tray 37. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the process of S606-S608 for the third sheet S3. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the process of S613 for the sheet bundle Sb. FIG. 14 is a side view showing the process of S614 for the sheet bundle Sb.

[0041] In response to an image formation instruction input through the operation panel 110, the controller 100 causes the image forming means 12 to form an image on the sheet S, and outputs the sheet S on which the image has been formed to the binding unit 30 through the hole punching unit 20. More specifically, the controller 100 discharges the sheet S through the hole punching unit 20 until it reaches a pair of conveying rollers 33 (entrance rollers) of the binding unit 30. The image formation instruction includes the number of sheets S on which images are to be formed (hereinafter referred to as a "predetermined number") and the binding position of the sheet bundle Sb. Therefore, the controller 100 forms images on the predetermined number of sheets S in order.

[0042] In response to an input of an image formation command, the controller 100 executes the binding process shown in Fig. 6 in parallel with the processes of the image forming means 12 and the hole punching unit 20. At the start of the binding process, the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b are separated from each other, and the staple binding means 42 is disposed at the home position and in a separated state.

[0043] 7, the controller 100 drives the main scanning movement motor 43 to move the stapler 42 in the main scanning direction so as to face a position including the center in the main scanning direction of the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 (S601). The process of step S601 is executed before the first sheet S1 supplied from the image forming means 12 reaches the conveying roller pair 33. Then, the controller 100 waits to execute the processes of step S603 and the following steps until the leading edge of the sheet S1 reaches the conveying roller pair 33 (S602: No).

[0044] The controller 100 can specify the position of the stapling means 42 in the main scanning direction using a position sensor that detects the position of the stapling means 42, a rotary encoder of the main scanning movement motor 43, or a combination of these.

[0045] Next, as shown in Fig. 8(A), in response to the first sheet S1 reaching the pair of conveying rollers 33 (S602: Yes & S603: Yes), the controller 100 maintains the separated state of the stapling means 42 and rotates the pairs of conveying rollers 33 to 36 (S605). As a result, as shown in Fig. 8(B), the sheet S1 is conveyed in the first conveying direction along the conveying path Ph1.

[0046] Next, in response to the leading edge of the sheet S1 reaching the internal tray 37 (in other words, the trailing edge of the sheet S1 passing the pair of conveying rollers 35), the controller 100 stops the pairs of conveying rollers 33-36 and rotates the striking roller 38 by contacting it with the sheet S1 (S606). As a result, as shown in FIG. 9A, the sheet S1 is conveyed in the second conveying direction along the conveying path Ph2. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, the controller 100 waits to execute the process in and after step S609 until the trailing edge of the sheet S1 reaches the end fences 40L, 40R (S608: No).

[0047] In addition, the controller 100 can identify the position of the sheet S on the conveying paths Ph1 and Ph2 using a sheet sensor that detects the sheet S in the binding unit 30, a rotary encoder of the motor that rotates the conveying roller pairs 33 to 36 and the striking roller 38, or a combination of these.

[0048] Next, the controller 100 separates the striking roller 38 from the sheet S1 in response to the rear end of the sheet S1 reaching the end fences 40L and 40R (S608: Yes). As shown in FIG. 10, the controller 100 also moves the side fences 41L and 41R in the main scanning direction to position the sheet S1 accommodated in the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction (S610). Next, the controller 100 determines whether a predetermined number of sheets S are accommodated in the internal tray 37 (S611). If the controller 100 determines that the predetermined number of sheets S are not accommodated in the internal tray 37 (S611: No), it executes the process from step S602 onward for the next sheet S. The following process will be described using the third sheet S3 as an example, but it is similarly applied to all sheets S from the second sheet onward.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 11A, in response to the sheet S3 reaching the conveying roller pair 33 (S602: Yes & S603: No), the controller 100 rotates the binding motor 45 in the first direction to switch the staple binding means 42 from the separated state to the clamped state (S604) and rotates the conveying roller pairs 33 to 36 (S605). As a result, as shown in FIG. 11B, the sheet S3 is conveyed in the first conveying direction along the conveying path Ph1. Then, when the rear end of the sheet S3 passes the conveying roller pair 35, the sheet S3 is stacked on the sheet S1 or the sheet bundle Sb already stacked on the internal tray 37.

[0050] At this time, the sheet S3 falls onto the internal tray 37 while moving in the first transport direction due to the inertial force caused by the transport of the transport roller pair 35. Therefore, when the sheet S3 is stacked on the sheet S1 or the sheet bundle Sb, the sheet S3 tries to move the sheet S1 or the sheet bundle Sb in the first transport direction. However, since the staple binding means 42 in the clamping state clamps the sheet S1 or the sheet bundle Sb, the movement of the sheet S1 or the sheet bundle Sb in the first transport direction is prevented. That is, when N sheets S are stacked on the internal tray 37, the controller 100 puts the staple binding means 42 in the clamping state when the (N+1)th sheet S is transported in the first transport direction while contacting the Nth sheet S.

[0051] Next, in response to the leading edge of the sheet S3 reaching the internal tray 37 (in other words, the trailing edge of the sheet S3 passing through the conveying roller pair 35), the controller 100 stops the conveying roller pairs 33-36 and rotates the striking roller 38 by contacting it with the sheet S3 (S606), as shown in Fig. 12(A). In addition, after the sheet S3 reaches the internal tray 37 and before it reaches the end fences 40L and 40R, the controller 100 rotates the binding motor 45 in the second direction to switch the staple binding means 42 from the clamping position to the separating position (S607).

[0052] Next, as shown in Fig. 12B, in response to the rear end of the sheet S3 reaching the end fences 40L, 40R (S608: Yes), the controller 100 separates the striking roller 38 from the sheet S1 (S609). The controller 100 also aligns the position of the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction by moving the side fences 41L, 41R in the main scanning direction (S610). This aligns the positions of the sheets S1 to S3 constituting the sheet bundle Sb in the second conveying direction and the main scanning direction.

[0053] Next, when the controller 100 determines that a predetermined number of sheets S have been stored in the internal tray 37 (S611: Yes), as shown in FIG. 13, the controller 100 drives the main scanning movement motor 43 to move the staple binding means 42 to a position facing the staple position of the sheet stack Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 (S612). Next, the controller 100 rotates the staple motor 45 in the first direction to switch the staple binding means 42 from the separated state to the stapled state (S613). As a result, the sheet stack Sb is stapled at the staple position. Furthermore, the controller 100 rotates the staple motor 45 in the second direction to switch the staple binding means 42 from the stapled state to the separated state.

[0054] Next, as shown in Fig. 14(A), the controller 100 causes the stapled sheet stack Sb to enter between the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b by rotating the return roller 39. The controller 100 also causes the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b to sandwich the sheet stack Sb. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 14(B), the controller 100 rotates the conveying roller pair 36 to discharge the sheet stack Sb onto the discharge tray 32 (S614).

[0055] According to the above embodiment, for example, the following advantageous effects are achieved.

[0056] According to the above embodiment, when the succeeding sheets S are stacked on the internal tray 37, the stapler 42 is switched to the clamping state, thereby preventing the sheets S already stacked on the internal tray 37 from shifting in the first transport direction. As a result, the multiple sheets S constituting the sheet stack Sb can be aligned in the transport direction and stapled. Here, the sheet S already stacked on the internal tray 37 is an example of the Nth sheet, and the succeeding sheet S is an example of the (N+1)th sheet. N is a natural number.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by clamping the center in the transport direction of the sheets S or sheet bundle Sb loaded on the internal tray 37 with the staple binding means 42, it is possible to prevent the sheets S or sheet bundle Sb from skewing when the subsequent sheets S are stacked.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by moving the stapling means 42 to the center (S601) before the first sheet S1 reaches the internal tray 37, the productivity of the binding process is improved compared to moving the stapling means 42 after the first sheet S1 reaches the internal tray 37.

[0059] [Variation 1] Next, the binding unit 30A according to the modified example 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 15 to 17. Fig. 15 is a plan view of the binding unit 30A according to the modified example 1. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the state of the pressure binding means 46. Fig. 17 is a flowchart of the binding process according to the modified example 1. Note that a detailed description of the commonalities with the above embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences. As shown in Fig. 15, the binding unit 30A according to the modified example 1 differs from the binding unit 30 according to the above embodiment in that it further includes the pressure binding means 46.

[0060] The pressure binding means 46 is disposed at the end of the internal tray 37 on the downstream side in the second transport direction. The pressure binding means 46 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction along the sheet stack Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 by transmitting the driving force of a main scanning movement motor (not shown). The staple binding means 42 and the pressure binding means 46 can move in the main scanning direction independently of each other. Furthermore, the pressure binding means 46 moves between a home position and a position facing the binding position of the sheet stack Sb. The home position of the pressure binding means 46 is a position offset from the sheets S or sheet stack Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 to the other side in the main scanning direction.

[0061] The pressure binding means 46 performs so-called "pressure binding" by pressurizing and deforming the sheet stack Sb loaded on the internal tray 37. As shown in Fig. 16, the pressure binding means 46 mainly includes a pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b and a pair of auxiliary members 48a, 48b as a pair of clamping parts, and a binding motor (not shown).

[0062] The pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b are disposed opposite to each other with the sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 in between. The pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b are formed in a concave-convex shape that meshes with each other. The binding tooth 47a moves toward and away from the binding tooth 47b (rising and lowering) as the driving force of the binding motor is transmitted. The pressure binding is a process in which the sheet stack Sb is sandwiched between the pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b from both sides in the thickness direction, and the fibers of the multiple sheets S are entangled to bind the sheets S.

[0063] The pressure binding means 46 is configured to be switchable between a separation state (FIG. 16A) in which the pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b are separated, a clamping state (FIG. 16C) in which the pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b clamp the sheet bundle Sb, and a binding state (FIG. 16D) in which the pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b bind the sheet bundle Sb. The definitions of the separation state, clamping state, and binding state are the same as those of the above embodiment, except for the difference between staple binding and pressure binding.

[0064] The pair of auxiliary members 48a, 48b are disposed opposite to each other with the sheets S stacked on the inner tray 37 between them. The pair of auxiliary members 48a, 48b are made of flat elastic members (e.g., leaf springs). The auxiliary member 48a moves up and down together with the binding teeth 47a to approach and separate from the auxiliary member 48b.

[0065] More specifically, the pair of auxiliary members 48a, 48b hold the sheet bundle Sb before the pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b engage with each other. The pair of auxiliary members 48a, 48b elastically deform to maintain the state of holding the sheet bundle Sb until the pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b engage with each other. Furthermore, the pair of auxiliary members 48a, 48b move away from the sheet bundle Sb after the pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b move away from the sheet bundle Sb. This allows the pair of auxiliary members 48a, 48b to assist the pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b in moving away from the sheet bundle Sb after pressure binding.

[0066] The pressure binding means 46 including the auxiliary members 48a and 48b is configured to be switchable between a first clamping state shown in Fig. 16(C) and a second clamping state shown in Fig. 16(B) as a clamping state. In the first clamping state, the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 are clamped by both the pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b and the pair of auxiliary members 48a, 48b. In the second clamping state, the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 are clamped only by the pair of auxiliary members 48a, 48b out of the pair of binding teeth 47a, 47b and the pair of auxiliary members 48a, 48b.

[0067] The pressure binding means 46 is switched from the separated state to the bound state via the second clamping state and the first clamping state by the binding motor rotating in a first direction. Also, the pressure binding means 46 is switched from the bound state to the separated state via the first clamping state and the second clamping state by the binding motor rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 17, the controller 100 according to the first modification executes the processes of steps S1701 and S1702 instead of step S601 in Fig. 6. Also, the controller 100 according to the first modification executes the processes of steps S1703 and S1704 instead of steps S604 and S607 in Fig. 6. Furthermore, in the binding process according to the first modification, the process of step S612 in Fig. 6 is omitted. Meanwhile, the processes of steps S602, S603, S605, S606, S608, S609, S610, S611, S613, and S614 are common to Figs. 6 and 17.

[0069] First, the controller 100 moves the pressure binding means 46 in the main scanning direction so as to face the center in the main scanning direction of the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37, as shown in Fig. 15 (S1701). The controller 100 also moves the staple binding means 42 in the main scanning direction so as to face the binding position of the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 (S1702). The processes of steps S1701 and S1702 are executed before the first sheet S1 supplied from the image forming means 12 reaches the conveying roller pair 33.

[0070] Next, in response to the first sheet S reaching the conveying roller pair 33 (S602: Yes & S603: Yes), the controller 100 maintains the separation state of the pressure binding means 46. In addition, in response to the second or subsequent sheet S reaching the conveying roller pair 33 (S602: Yes & S603: No), the controller 100 switches the pressure binding means 46 from the separation state to the clamping state (S1703). Furthermore, after the second or subsequent sheet S reaches the internal tray 37 and before it reaches the end fences 40L, 40R, the controller 100 switches the pressure binding means 46 from the clamping position to the separation position (S1704).

[0071] According to the first modification, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the above embodiment. Moreover, according to the first modification, since the process of step S612 in Fig. 6 can be omitted, it is possible to further improve the productivity compared to the above embodiment.

[0072] 17 illustrates an example in which the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb is sandwiched by the pressure binding means 46 and the sheet bundle Sb is stapled by the staple binding means 42, but the roles of the staple binding means 42 and the pressure binding means 46 may be reversed. That is, when the (N+1)th sheet S is transported in the first transport direction while contacting the Nth sheet S, the controller 100 may place one of the staple binding means 42 and the pressure binding means 46 in a sandwiched state. Furthermore, when the sheet bundle Sb is loaded on the internal tray 37, the controller 100 may bind the sheet bundle Sb with the other of the staple binding means 42 and the pressure binding means 46.

[0073] Furthermore, the crimping binding means 46 in the first clamping state can clamp the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb more firmly than the crimping binding means 46 in the second clamping state. On the other hand, the crimping binding means 46 in the first clamping state clamps the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb with the uneven binding teeth 47a, 47b, so there is a possibility that marks will remain on the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb. In contrast, the crimping binding means 46 in the second clamping state clamps the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb with the flat auxiliary members 48a, 48b, so no marks will remain on the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb.

[0074] Therefore, when the pressure binding means 46 is disposed at the binding position of the sheet bundle Sb, the controller 100 may switch the pressure binding means 46 to the first clamping state in step S1703. In this manner, when the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb are clamped at the binding position where it is acceptable for marks to remain, the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb can be firmly clamped by setting the pressure binding means 46 to the first clamping state.

[0075] On the other hand, when the pressure binding means 46 is disposed at a position different from the binding position of the sheet bundle Sb, the controller 100 may switch the pressure binding means 46 to the second clamping state in step S1703. In this way, when the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb are clamped at a position different from the binding position, by switching the pressure binding means 46 to the second clamping state, it is possible to prevent marks from being left on the surfaces of the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb.

[0076] [Variation 2] Next, a binding unit 30A according to Modification 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 18 and 19. Fig. 18 is a flowchart of the binding process according to Modification 2. Fig. 19 is a plan view of a binding unit 30B according to Modification 2. Note that detailed descriptions of commonalities with the above embodiment and Modification 1 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described. The configuration of the binding unit 30A according to Modification 2 is common to Modification 1.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 18, the controller 100 according to the modified example 2 executes the processes of steps S1801 and S1802 instead of steps S1701 and S1702 in Fig. 17. Also, the controller 100 according to the modified example 2 executes the processes of steps S1803 and S1804 instead of steps S1703 and S1704 in Fig. 17. Furthermore, in the binding process according to the modified example 2, the process of step S612 is executed. Meanwhile, the processes of steps S602, S603, S605, S606, and S608 to S614 are common to Figs. 6 and 17.

[0078] 19, the controller 100 moves the stapling means 42 to a position facing one end in the main scanning direction of the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 (S1801). The controller 100 also moves the stapling means 42 to a position facing the other end in the main scanning direction of the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 (S1802). That is, the controller 100 causes the stapling means 42 and the pressure binding means 46 to face positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction of the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb.

[0079] Next, in response to the first sheet S reaching the conveying roller pair 33 (S602: Yes & S603: Yes), the controller 100 maintains the separated state of the staple binding means 42 and the pressure binding means 46. In addition, in response to the second or subsequent sheet S reaching the conveying roller pair 33 (S602: Yes & S603: No), the controller 100 switches both the staple binding means 42 and the pressure binding means 46 from the separated state to the clamped state (S1803). Furthermore, after the second or subsequent sheet S reaches the internal tray 37 and before it reaches the end fences 40L and 40R, the controller 100 switches both the staple binding means 42 and the pressure binding means 46 from the clamped position to the separated position (S1804).

[0080] Furthermore, when the controller 100 determines that a predetermined number of sheets S are stored in the internal tray 37 (S611: Yes), it causes the stapling means 42 to face the stapling position (S612) and executes stapling (S613). As another example, when the controller 100 determines that a predetermined number of sheets S are stored in the internal tray 37 (S611: Yes), it may cause the pressure binding means 46 to face the stapling position (S612) and execute pressure binding (S613).

[0081] According to variant example 2, by clamping the sheets S or sheet bundle Sb loaded on the internal tray 37 at positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction with the staple binding means 42 and the pressure binding means 46, it is possible to prevent the sheets S or sheet bundle Sb from skewing when the subsequent sheets S are stacked.

[0082] [Variation 3] Next, the binding unit 30 according to the modified example 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 20 and Fig. 21. Fig. 20 is a flowchart of the binding process according to the modified example 3. Fig. 21 is a plan view of the binding unit 30 in step S2001 in Fig. 20. Note that detailed description of the commonalities with the above embodiment will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described. The configuration of the binding unit 30 according to the modified example 3 is common to the above embodiment.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 20, the controller 100 according to the third modification executes the process of step S2001 instead of steps S612 to S613 in Fig. 6. On the other hand, the processes of steps S601 to S611 and S614 are common to Figs.

[0084] When the controller 100 determines that a predetermined number of sheets S have been accommodated in the internal tray 37 (S611: Yes), it moves the side fences 41L and 41R to one side in the main scanning direction (i.e., in the same direction) as shown in FIG. 21 (S2001). This allows the position of the sheet bundle Sb stacked on the internal tray 37 to be shifted in the main scanning direction. For example, when a plurality of sheet bundles Sb1 and Sb2 are continuously discharged to the discharge tray 32, by shifting the positions of the sheet bundles Sb1 and Sb2 in the main scanning direction, it becomes easy to distinguish the sheet bundles Sb1 and Sb2 on the discharge tray 32. In other words, the post-processing of the sheet bundle Sb1 is not limited to the binding process.

[0085] [Variation 4] Fig. 22 is an external view of the image forming system 1. As shown in Fig. 22, the image forming system 1 is composed of an image forming apparatus 10, a punch hole punching unit 20', and a binding device 30'. The image forming apparatus 10, the punch hole punching unit 20', and the binding device 30' are each devices that can operate independently, and are configured to be connectable to each other. The configuration of the punch hole punching unit 20' is common to the punch hole punching unit 20 described above, and the configuration of the binding device 30' is common to the binding unit 30 described above.

[0086] The above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 4 can be combined in any combination without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0087] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist of the present invention. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0088] The contents of the present invention are, for example, as follows. <1> An internal tray and a discharge tray capable of carrying a plurality of sheet-shaped media; a first transport means for transporting the medium in a first transport direction through the internal tray to the discharge tray; a second conveying means for conveying the medium in a second conveying direction different from the first conveying direction by contacting and separating the medium stacked on the internal tray; a binding means arranged at an end portion on a downstream side of the internal tray in the second transport direction and configured to bind the plurality of media loaded on the internal tray; a controller for controlling operations of the first conveying means, the second conveying means, and the binding means; The binding means is a separated state in which a pair of clamping sections disposed opposite to each other across the medium loaded on the internal tray are separated from each other to be able to receive the medium; a clamping state in which the medium is clamped by the pair of clamping portions; a binding state in which the plurality of media are pressed and bound by the pair of clamping portions, The controller is a media processing device characterized in that when N (N is a natural number) sheets of media are loaded in the internal tray, and an (N+1)th sheet of media is transported in the first transport direction while in contact with the Nth sheet of media, the controller puts the binding means into the clamping state. <2> The binding means is movable in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the second conveying direction, The controller switches the binding means to the clamping state at a position including a center in the main scanning direction of the medium loaded on the internal tray. <1> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <3> The controller moves the binding means to a position including a center in the main scanning direction of the media loaded on the internal tray before a first sheet of the media reaches the internal tray. <2> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <4> The controller: In response to a predetermined number of the media being loaded on the internal tray, the binding means is moved in the main scanning direction to a position facing a binding position of the media loaded on the internal tray; The binding means is switched to the binding state at a position facing the binding position. <2> or the above <3> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <5> The binding means is A stapler means for piercing a plurality of the media with staples to staple the media; a pressure binding means for binding the plurality of media by applying pressure and deformation thereto; The controller: When the (N+1)th sheet of the medium is transported in the first transport direction while contacting the Nth sheet of the medium, one of the staple binding means and the pressure binding means is in the clamping state; The method is characterized in that, when a predetermined number of the media are loaded on the internal tray, the predetermined number of the media is stapled by the other of the stapler and the pressure-bonding stapler. <1> or the above <4> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <6> The binding means is A pressure binding means for binding a plurality of the media by applying pressure and deformation thereto; a stapler for piercing the plurality of media with staples to staple the media; the controller controls both the staple binding means and the pressure binding means, which are disposed at positions spaced apart in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the second transport direction, to be in the clamping state when the (N+1)th sheet of medium is transported in the first transport direction while being in contact with the Nth sheet of medium. <1> or the above <4> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <7> The pair of clamping portions include A pair of concave and convex binding teeth that pressurize and deform the media loaded on the internal tray to bind the media; a pair of auxiliary members that move together with the pair of binding teeth toward and away from the media loaded on the internal tray; The clamped state is a state where the medium loaded on the internal tray is a first clamping state in which the pair of binding teeth and the pair of auxiliary members are clamped together; a second clamping state in which the pair of binding teeth and the pair of auxiliary members are used to clamp the binding teeth and the auxiliary members, The controller: When the binding means is disposed at a binding position where a plurality of the media are bound, when the (N+1)th sheet of the medium is conveyed in the first conveyance direction while contacting the Nth sheet of the medium, the binding means is in the first clamping state; When the binding means is disposed at a position different from the stapling position, when the (N+1)th sheet of media is conveyed in the first conveying direction while contacting the Nth sheet of media, the binding means is in the second clamping state. <1> or the above <3> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <8> a pair of main scanning direction alignment units arranged on both sides of the media loaded on the internal tray in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the second transport direction, and aligning positions of the media loaded on the internal tray in the main scanning direction; The controller shifts the plurality of media loaded on the internal tray in the main scanning direction by moving a pair of the main scanning direction alignment units in one direction of the main scanning direction. <1> or the above <7> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <9> A housing and an image forming unit that is accommodated in the housing and forms an image on a medium; a processing device for processing the medium on which an image is formed by the image forming device, the processing device being detachably supported by the housing; <1> or the above <8> and a media processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. <10> an image forming device for forming an image on a medium; The image forming apparatus connected to the <1> or the above <8> and a media processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1: Image forming system 10: Image forming device 11: Housing 12: Image forming means 13:Inner body space 20: Hole punching unit 20': Liquid application device 21: Housing 22: Sheet sensor 23a, 23b: Piercing pin 24: Punch waste hopper 30: Binding unit 30': Binding device 31: Case 31a: Slit 31b, 31c: Guide wall 32: Output tray 33-36: Transport roller pair 33a, 36a: Drive roller 33b, 36b: driven roller 37: Internal tray 38: Beating Roller 39: Return roller 40L, 40R: End fence 41L, 41R: Side fence 42: Staple binding means 43: Main scanning movement motor 44a, 44b: Holding part 45: Binding motor 46: Pressure binding means 47a, 47b: prosthetic teeth 48a, 48b: Auxiliary members 100: Controller 101: CPU 102: RAM 103: ROM 104: HDD 105: Interface 109: Common bus 110: Operation panel [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0090] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2012-176848

Claims

1. An internal tray and a discharge tray capable of carrying a plurality of sheet-shaped media; a first transport means for transporting the medium in a first transport direction through the internal tray to the discharge tray; a second conveying means for conveying the medium in a second conveying direction different from the first conveying direction by contacting and separating the medium stacked on the internal tray; a binding means arranged at an end portion on a downstream side of the internal tray in the second transport direction and configured to bind the plurality of media loaded on the internal tray; a controller for controlling operations of the first conveying means, the second conveying means, and the binding means; The binding means is a separated state in which a pair of clamping sections disposed opposite to each other across the medium loaded on the internal tray are separated from each other to be able to receive the medium; a clamping state in which the medium is clamped by the pair of clamping portions; a binding state in which the plurality of media are pressed and bound by the pair of clamping portions, The media processing device is characterized in that when N (N is a natural number) media are loaded in the internal tray, the controller puts the binding means into the clamping state when the (N+1)th medium is transported in the first transport direction while in contact with the Nth medium.

2. The binding means is movable in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the second conveying direction, The media processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the controller switches the binding means to the clamping state at a position including a center in the main scanning direction of the media loaded on the internal tray.

3. 3. The media processing device according to claim 2, wherein the controller moves the binding means to a position including a center in the main scanning direction of the media loaded on the internal tray before a first sheet of the media reaches the internal tray.

4. The controller: In response to a predetermined number of the media being loaded on the internal tray, the binding means is moved in the main scanning direction to a position facing a binding position of the media loaded on the internal tray; 3. The media processing device according to claim 2, wherein the binding means is switched to the binding state at a position facing the binding position.

5. The binding means is A stapler means for piercing a plurality of the media with staples to staple the media; a pressure binding means for binding the plurality of media by applying pressure and deformation thereto; The controller: when the (N+1)th sheet of the medium is conveyed in the first conveyance direction while being in contact with the Nth sheet of the medium, one of the staple binding means and the pressure binding means is in the clamping state; 2. The media processing device according to claim 1, wherein the other of the staple binding means and the pressure binding means binds the predetermined number of the media when the predetermined number of the media is loaded on the internal tray.

6. The binding means is A pressure binding means for binding a plurality of the media by applying pressure and deformation thereto; a stapler for piercing the plurality of media with staples to staple the media; The media processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the (N+1)th sheet of media is transported in the first transport direction while in contact with the Nth sheet of media, the controller places both the staple binding means and the pressure binding means, which are arranged at positions spaced apart in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the second transport direction, in the clamping state.

7. The pair of clamping portions include A pair of concave and convex binding teeth that pressurize and deform the media loaded on the internal tray to bind the media; a pair of auxiliary members that move together with the pair of binding teeth toward and away from the media loaded on the internal tray; The clamped state is a state where the medium loaded on the internal tray is a first clamping state in which the pair of binding teeth and the pair of auxiliary members are clamped together; a second clamping state in which the pair of binding teeth and the pair of auxiliary members are used to clamp the binding teeth and the auxiliary members, The controller: When the binding means is disposed at a binding position where a plurality of the media are bound, when an (N+1)th sheet of the medium is conveyed in the first conveying direction while contacting the Nth sheet of the medium, the binding means is in the first clamping state; The media processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the binding means is positioned at a position different from the binding position, when the (N+1)th sheet of media is transported in the first transport direction while in contact with the Nth sheet of media, the binding means is in the second clamping state.

8. a pair of main scanning direction alignment units arranged on both sides of the media loaded on the internal tray in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the second transport direction, and aligning positions of the media loaded on the internal tray in the main scanning direction; 2 . The media processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the controller shifts the plurality of media loaded on the internal tray in the main scanning direction by moving a pair of the main scanning direction alignment units in one direction of the main scanning direction.

9. A housing and an image forming unit that is accommodated in the housing and forms an image on a medium; 2. An image forming apparatus comprising: a media processing device according to claim 1, the media processing device being detachably supported by the housing and adapted to process the media on which an image has been formed by the image forming means.

10. an image forming device for forming an image on a medium; An image forming system comprising: the media processing device according to claim 1 connected to the image forming device.

Images