Medium processing apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a medium processing apparatus and an image forming system, and aims to detect whether a medium is properly set to ensure processing in a correct position. A medium processing apparatus (100) mounted on an image forming apparatus includes a conveying section that conveys a medium discharged from the image forming apparatus (300), a slit section (23) that communicates with an opening on a housing into which a medium is manually inserted from the outside and has a placement surface (23a) on which the inserted medium is placed, a medium processing section (19, 26) that processes the medium conveyed by the conveying section and the medium placed in the slit section, a plurality of detection sections (50) that detect the medium, a first edge and a second edge orthogonal to the first edge define the placement surface, and the first edge and the second edge are not parallel to an extension direction (Db, Dc) of a side surface of the housing (25) or a medium conveying direction (Da) of the conveying section, a stopper member (25a, 25b) that restricts an edge of the medium along the first edge and the second edge, and the detection sections (50) are provided on the stopper member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a media processing apparatus and an image forming system. Background Technology

[0002] Existing media processing devices, or post-processing devices, are equipped with devices for performing post-processing such as binding on paper that has been imaged by an image forming device.

[0003] The media handling device also has a manual processing mechanism for handling media such as paper that are manually inserted by the user.

[0004] When processing a medium, positioning is required to place the medium in the appropriate position. Prior art, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-181733) discloses a device with a positioning mechanism that allows processing to be performed at the desired location.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a binding device as a media processing apparatus, including an opening for inserting paper from the outside of the device housing; an isolation member that divides the opening into a first insertion port and a second insertion port in the thickness direction of the paper; a first positioning member that positions two adjacent edges of the paper inserted into the first insertion port at a predetermined angle; a second positioning member that positions two adjacent edges of the paper inserted into the second insertion port at an angle different from the predetermined angle; and a binding section for binding the paper inserted into the opening.

[0006] The device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to perform horizontal binding when the medium is inserted horizontally and oblique binding when the medium is inserted at an angle. However, when the medium is inserted at an angle, the medium may tilt relative to the proper setting position, making it impossible to process it at the required position. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a media processing apparatus that can process media in the correct position by detecting whether the inserted media is properly positioned.

[0008] To solve the above problems and achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a medium processing apparatus mounted on an image forming apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a conveying section for conveying a medium discharged from the image forming apparatus; a slit section communicating with an opening on a housing for manually inserting a medium from the outside, and having a mounting surface for placing the inserted medium; a medium processing section for processing the medium conveyed by the conveying section and the medium placed on the slit section; and a plurality of detection sections for detecting the medium, wherein a first side and a second side orthogonal to the first side define the mounting surface, extending in a direction not parallel to the side surface of the housing, and a stop member for restricting the edge of the medium along the first side and the second side, the detection section being disposed on the stop member.

[0009] The present invention also provides another medium processing apparatus mounted on an image forming apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a conveying section for conveying a medium discharged from the image forming apparatus; a slit section communicating with an opening on a housing for manually inserting a medium from the outside, and having a mounting surface for placing the inserted medium; a medium processing section for processing the medium conveyed by the conveying section and the medium placed on the slit section; and a plurality of detection sections for detecting the medium, wherein a first side and a second side orthogonal to the first side are arranged along the mounting surface and are not parallel to the direction in which the conveying section conveys the medium, and a stop member is provided for restricting the edge of the medium along the first side and the second side, and the detection section is disposed on the stop member.

[0010] The advantage of this invention is that it provides a media processing apparatus capable of detecting whether an inserted medium is properly positioned, thereby enabling processing in the correct location. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an image forming system.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of the structural block diagram of an image forming system.

[0013] Figure 3 This is an example hardware structure block diagram of an image forming system.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a media processing device, where (A) is a plan view and (B) is a side view.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the process for handling the paper ejected from the image forming apparatus.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a plan view of an example media processing device.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a media processing device, where (A) is a plan view and (B) is a side view.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the media processing apparatus of the present invention, wherein (A) is a plan view and (B) is a side view.

[0019] Figure 9 This is an example of an external perspective view of the media processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate an example of detecting a medium placed on a mounting surface.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate an example of detecting a medium placed on a mounting surface.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate an example of detecting a medium placed on a mounting surface.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate an example of detecting a medium placed on a mounting surface.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a media processing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein (A) is a plan view and (B) is a side view.

[0025] Figure 15 This is an example of a manual processing flowchart.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of an example operation panel display. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The media processing apparatus and image forming system of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated below, and modifications can be made within the scope of those skilled in the art, such as other embodiments, additions, deletions, or alterations to embodiments. However, whatever method is used to achieve the functions and effects of the present invention, it falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 1 This is an example of an image forming system including a post-processing apparatus as a medium processing device and an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 300 is, for example, an apparatus that forms an image on a medium by a known electrophotographic process. Hereinafter, the medium processed by the image forming apparatus 300, the post-processing apparatus 100, and the selection device 200 will be described as paper, but the medium is not limited to paper and may also be a sheet material such as plastic, cloth, or metal.

[0029] Figure 1 (A) is an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a post-processing device (internal processor) 100 as a media processing device. After the image forming process is performed in the image forming apparatus 300, the paper discharged is conveyed to the post-processing device 100 to undergo post-processing such as binding.

[0030] Figure 1 (B) is an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a post-processing unit 100 and a selection unit 200. In the image forming apparatus 300, after image forming processing, the paper is discharged and conveyed to the selection unit 200 for post-processing such as punching or folding. Afterward, it is conveyed to the post-processing unit 100 for post-processing such as binding. The selection unit 200 is a device that allows the user to select whether the paper is mounted or not.

[0031] Figure 2 This is an example of... Figure 1 The diagram shows a block diagram of a system comprising an image forming apparatus 300, a post-processing apparatus 100, or further including a selection device 200. Solid lines in the diagram indicate the flow of communication signals, and dashed lines indicate the flow of paper.

[0032] Figure 2 (A) is Figure 1 A block diagram of the image forming system of (A). The image forming apparatus 300 includes: a display unit 301 for notifying the user of the status and operation of various devices; an operation unit 302 for allowing the user to perform setting operations such as mode and number of copies; an operation panel 310 including the display unit 301 and the operation unit 302; a paper feeding unit 303 for storing paper and feeding it after separating it one sheet at a time; an image forming unit 304 for forming a latent image on a photosensitive drum (not shown) and transferring the image onto the paper; a fixing unit 305 for fixing the image transferred onto the paper; and a control unit 306 for controlling these modules.

[0033] The post-processing apparatus 100 includes a control unit 102 and a processing unit 101. The control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 300 sends a processing instruction to the control unit 102 via a communication line 307, performing specified processing on the paper designated by the processing unit 101. Information exchanged via the communication line 307 includes the type and mode of processing performed on the paper, paper size, processing time, and other information. The system operates with this configuration.

[0034] Figure 2 (B) is Figure 1 Block diagram of the image forming system (B). The configuration of the image forming apparatus 300 and the post-processing apparatus 100... Figure 2(A) is the same. The selection device 200 has a control unit 202 and a processing unit 201. The control unit 102 of the post-processing device 100 sends a processing instruction to the control unit 202 via the communication line 103 to perform the specified processing on the paper selected by the processing unit 201 of the selection device 200. The information exchanged via the communication line 103 is the same as the information in the communication line 307, for example, the type and mode of processing performed on the paper, the paper size, the processing time, etc. The system operates with this configuration.

[0035] Figure 3 This is an example hardware block diagram of an image forming system. The control unit 102 of the post-processing unit 100 is connected to the control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 300 via an I / F 102b. The post-processing unit 100 is controlled according to the processing signals from the image forming apparatus 300. The CPU 102a is a computing unit that controls the overall operation of the post-processing unit 100.

[0036] Figure 3 The display shows a selection device equipped with a selection device 200 for performing opening processing and a selection device 400 for performing folding processing. The control unit 202 of the selection device 200 is connected to the CPU 102a of the post-processing device 100 via I / F 202a, and the selection device 400 is connected to the CPU 102a of the post-processing device 100 via I / F 402a. Their operations are controlled by the control unit 102 of the post-processing device 100, respectively.

[0037] The post-processing unit 100, the selection unit 200 and the selection unit 400 are detachable devices, and the I / F (102b, 202a, 402a) are also detachable via hardware such as relay connectors or drawer connectors.

[0038] The control unit 102 of the post-processing device 100 is connected to the conveyor motor 111, the paper discharge motor 112, the binding drive motor 113, the conveyor sensor 114, the paper discharge sensor 115, and the binding movement HP sensor 116.

[0039] The control unit 202 of the selection device 200 is connected to the punch piercing motor 211, the punch moving motor 212, the punch front sensor 213, the cover opening and closing sensor 214, and the piercing unit HP sensor 215.

[0040] The control unit 402 of the selection device 400 is connected to the folding motor 411, the inlet sensor 412, and the folding sensor 413.

[0041] Figure 4 and Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the configuration and operation of the main body 100a, which performs post-processing on paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 300, as part of the post-processing apparatus 100 of the media processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0042] The post-processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment is an apparatus that performs binding processing as post-processing, and the post-processing apparatus includes a binding unit (binding device).

[0043] Figure 4 In the diagram, (A) is a plan view of the post-processing device 100, and (B) is a side view from the Y direction. The dotted line in (A) indicates the reference position of the center of the paper in the width direction that is conveyed and discharged in the main body 100a, and the dashed line in (B) indicates the paper conveying path.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown in (A) and (B), the post-processing apparatus 100 includes an inlet roller 11 located near the inlet into which the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 is fed and located at the upstream end of the transport path, a transport roller 12 located downstream therefrom, a moving roller 13 that moves the paper in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction (width direction) within the post-processing apparatus, and a discharge roller 16 located near the discharge tray 20 on which the paper is placed and located at the downstream end.

[0045] In addition, it includes a reference baffle 18 that the front end of the paper encounters during the binding process, and a rear baffle 21 that the rear end of the discharged paper encounters during the discharge process. The paper encountering the reference baffle 18 and the rear baffle 21 allows the ends of the paper in the transport direction to be aligned. Furthermore, it includes a return roller 14 that encounters the paper while feeding it to the reference baffle 18, and a tapping roller 15 that feeds the paper to the reference baffle 18.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), the post-processing apparatus 100 includes a pair of jogger fences 22 (22a, 22b) for aligning the edges of the paper P in the width direction. The jogger fences can be positioned differently depending on the size of the paper. The jogger fences 22a and 22b are configured to clamp the paper P in the direction indicated by arrow F in the figure, thereby aligning the edges of the paper in the width direction.

[0047] The post-processing device 100 also includes a binding unit (stapler) 19 for performing binding processing and a binding tray 17 for stacking papers before performing binding processing.

[0048] In addition to the "binding mode", the post-processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment also has a "paper shifting and discharge mode". The binding mode is a mode in which the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 is bound, while the paper shifting and discharge mode is a mode in which the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 is directly conveyed and discharged without post-processing. The user can select either mode for setting.

[0049] In the shift paper discharge mode, the post-processing device 100 inputs the paper discharged from the image forming device 300 through the inlet roller 11, and after being conveyed to the paper discharge roller 16, it is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 20.

[0050] In the binding mode, the inlet roller 11 receives the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 and feeds it into the post-processing apparatus 100. After being conveyed to the shift roller 13, it is discharged onto the binding tray 17. The paper is flipped by the action of the tapping roller 15 and the return roller 14, and then conveyed until the end of the paper touches the reference baffle 18. Similarly, after conveying multiple sheets of paper, the paper stack is bound by the binding section 19, and the bound paper stack is discharged to the paper discharge tray 20 by the rotation of the paper discharge roller 16.

[0051] Next, utilize Figure 5 Explain the process of the binding method. Figure 5 (A) to (F) are side views of the main body 100a of the post-processing apparatus 100, illustrating the transport path of the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 and the post-processing process. The dashed line in the figures represents the transport path of the paper P. Arrows D1 and D2 indicate the transport direction of the paper P.

[0052] Firstly, as Figure 5 As shown in (A), the inlet roller 11 receives the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 and feeds it into the post-processing apparatus 100.

[0053] Then as Figure 5 As shown in (B), to prevent the paper P from shifting, the paper feed driven roller 16b is kept in the pressure-released position, and the paper P is fed to the binding tray 17.

[0054] Then as Figure 5 As shown in (C), after the paper P is fed to the binding tray 17 by the shift roller 13, the paper P is struck by the striking roller 15, causing it to flip toward the reference baffle 18.

[0055] Then as Figure 5 As shown in (D), the paper P is conveyed by the striking roller 15 and the return roller 14 until the end of the paper P touches the reference baffle 18.

[0056] Paper P passes through the reference baffle 18 Figure 4 As shown in (A), the paper impact bar 22 is aligned with the edges in the paper width direction.

[0057] exist Figure 5 In the state shown in (D), the first page P waits, and the same process is applied to subsequent pages P. Figure 5 The actions shown in (A) to (D).

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown in (E), multiple sheets of paper P are stacked sequentially on the binding tray 17 to form a neatly arranged paper stack PS. The binding unit 19 performs a binding process on the paper stack PS. The binding unit 19 is a needle stapler that inserts needles into predetermined positions on the paper stack PS through the binding process. The paper feed follower roller 16b moves towards the clamping position.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown in (F), the bound paper stack PS is discharged to the paper tray 20 via the paper discharge roller 16.

[0060] The post-processing device 100 may include a binding unit that serves as multiple processing units. Figure 6 This is a plan view of a post-processing device 100 (main body 100a) as an example of a binding unit. The post-processing device 100 includes a needle-based binding unit (needle stapler) 19 that uses needles for binding and a needleless binding unit (needleless stapler) 26 that does not use needles for binding.

[0061] exist Figure 6 In the post-processing apparatus 100 shown, a needleless binding section 26 is provided at the other end of the Y direction of the reference line, relative to the position of the needled binding section 19, for binding without needles. However, the positional relationship between the needled binding section 19 and the needleless binding section 26 is not limited to this; it can also be... Figure 6 A needleless binding section 26 is provided at the position of the needle-binding section 19 shown, while... Figure 6 A needle-binding section 19 is provided at the position of the needleless binding section 26 shown.

[0062] Figure 6 In the binding mode, the post-processing device 100 shown performs binding processing by either the needle-attached binding unit 19 or the needleless binding unit 26. The binding processing action is similar to... Figure 5 The actions shown in (A) to (F) are the same.

[0063] Figure 7 This diagram shows an example of a post-processing device 100 (main body 100a) equipped with a needleless binding device 26, wherein (A) is a plan view and (B) is a side view viewed from the Y direction. Figure 7 The post-processing device 100 shown performs binding processing by the needleless binding unit 26 in binding mode. The binding processing operation is similar to... Figure 5 The actions shown in (A) to (F) are the same.

[0064] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a post-processing apparatus 100, which is an embodiment of the media processing apparatus according to the present invention. Figure 8 (A) is a plan view of the post-processing unit 100, and (B) is a side view. Figure 9 This is an exterior view.

[0065] The post-processing apparatus 100, as a media processing apparatus in this embodiment, performs binding processing as post-processing, and includes a binding section as a post-processing unit. The post-processing apparatus 100 in this embodiment includes a main body 100a that performs post-processing on the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 300 and a manual processing unit 100b. Figure 8 The dotted line in (A) indicates the reference position of the center of the paper being conveyed and discharged in the width direction in the main body 100a.

[0066] The media processing apparatus (post-processing apparatus 100) of this embodiment is mounted on the image forming apparatus 300, and includes: a conveying section for conveying media discharged from the image forming apparatus 300; a slit section 23 communicating with an opening on the housing from which media is manually inserted from the outside, and having a mounting surface 23a for placing the inserted media; media processing sections 19 and 26 for processing the media conveyed by the conveying section and the media placed on the slit section 23; and a plurality of detection sections 50 (50a, 50b, 50c) for detecting media, and having stop members (25a, 25b), wherein a first side and a second side orthogonal to the first side define the mounting surface 23a and are not parallel to the extension directions Db and Dc of the side surface of the housing 25, and have stop members for restricting the edge of the media along the first side and the second side, and the detection sections 50 are provided on the stop members (25a, 25b).

[0067] Furthermore, the media processing apparatus (post-processing apparatus 100) of this embodiment is mounted on the image forming apparatus 300, and includes: a conveying section for conveying media discharged from the image forming apparatus 300; a slit section 23 communicating with an opening in the housing from which media is manually inserted from the outside, and having a mounting surface 23a for placing the inserted media; media processing sections 19 and 26 for processing the media conveyed by the conveying section and the media placed on the slit section 23; and a plurality of detection sections 50 (50a, 50b, 50c) for detecting media, and having stop members (25a, 25b), wherein a first side and a second side orthogonal to the first side define the mounting surface 23a and are not parallel to the direction Da of the conveying section conveying the media, and have stop members to restrict the edge of the media along the first side and the second side, and the detection section 50 is provided on the stop members (25a, 25b).

[0068] Post-processing device 100 as Figure 8The media processing apparatus shown includes a stapled binding section 19 and a stapleless binding section 26 for binding media as media processing sections. A rotating mechanism is provided in the media processing section, such as... Figure 8 As shown in (A), rotating the media processing device in the R direction can change the direction of the processing unit.

[0069] like Figure 8 As shown in (A), the manual processing unit 100b is provided with a first stop member 25a and a second stop member 25b. The first stop member 25a is used to restrict the first edge of a rectangular medium such as paper that is manually inserted into the slit portion 23, and the second stop member 25b is used to restrict the second edge that is orthogonal to the first edge.

[0070] The first edge of the rectangular medium touches a stop member (e.g., the first stop member 25a) located on the first side, and the second edge of the rectangular medium, which is orthogonal to the first edge, touches a stop member (e.g., the second stop member) located on the second side.

[0071] When a rectangular medium such as paper is manually inserted into the slit 23 and placed on the mounting surface 23a, the first edge is blocked by the first stop member 25a and the second edge is blocked by the second stop member 25b, thereby positioning the paper.

[0072] The detection unit 50 is disposed on the surface of the stop members 25a and 25b that contacts the medium, i.e., the surface that the medium touches when it is placed. For example, the detection unit 50 is a sensor capable of detecting contact with the medium, such as a photosensor.

[0073] The media processing apparatus of this embodiment preferably includes a placement detection unit capable of detecting that media is placed on the placement surface 23a. It is also preferable that this placement detection unit is a sensor that does not react to contact with foreign objects other than the media, or with the user's fingers. Furthermore, it is preferable to implement control that only performs media processing when media placement is detected. For example, in paper binding processing, binding processing can only be performed when paper is detected to be placed on the placement surface 23a, thereby ensuring user safety.

[0074] exist Figure 8 In the example shown in (B), the slit portion 23 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal direction, so that the paper is placed on approximately the same plane as the paper tray 20. However, the shape of the slit portion 23 is not limited to this and can also be set horizontally.

[0075] The positional relationship between the paper tray 20 and the slit section 23 is not particularly limited as long as the binding device allows both the main body 100a and the manual processing section 100b to be processed.

[0076] Manual processing via user button Figure 8(B) and Figure 9 The start button 24 shown is activated. The processing device can also use the position where manual processing is performed as the base position (HP). In this case, after the power to the media processing device is turned on, pressing the start button 24 will immediately execute manual processing.

[0077] The mounting surface 23a of the manual processing section 100b of the media processing apparatus in this embodiment is relatively small compared to mounting surfaces with one of the first or second sides parallel to the direction Da of the medium being transported by the transport section, or mounting surfaces with the shape parallel to the extending directions Db and Dc of the side of the housing 25, and the area supporting the placed medium is also smaller. Therefore, there is a problem, for example, that the stack of papers placed during binding is prone to tilting, resulting in poor binding.

[0078] In response, the media processing apparatus of this embodiment includes multiple detection units to detect whether the inserted media is set properly, thereby enabling processing at the correct location.

[0079] The following is based on Figures 10-13 This illustrates the detection of a detection device. Figures 10-13 This is a plan view of the manual processing unit 100b, showing an example of paper (paper stack) P placed as a medium.

[0080] Figure 10 (A) and (B) show a comparative example (existing example) where the detection unit 50a is provided only at one location in the stop member 25b. Even if the detection unit 50a detects the paper P, the following occurs: Figure 10 As shown in (A), the paper is positioned incorrectly. Another possibility is as follows: Figure 10 As shown in (B), the paper only contacts the stop member on the side where the detection part 50a is located, and does not contact the stop member on the other side.

[0081] Even when only one detection unit 50a is set up, Figure 10 Processing will also be performed in states such as (A) and (B). In this case, during processing using the needle-attached binding unit 19, the binding needle may remain inside the device, causing a malfunction. During processing using the needleless binding unit 26, empty staples may occur, resulting in reduced tooth strength.

[0082] The following describes how to set up two detection units.

[0083] Figure 11 (A), (B) and Figure 12 (A) shows an example where two detection parts 50a and 50b are provided only on the stop part 25b. Figure 12 (B) shows that one of the two detection parts is located on the stop member 25b and the other is located on the stop member 25a.

[0084] like Figure 11 As shown in (A), since the paper P is placed at an angle, it is only detected by one detection unit 50a, while the other detection unit 50b does not detect it. Therefore, the paper P is detected as improperly placed. At this time, a warning can be issued to the user.

[0085] On the other hand, such as Figure 11 As shown in (B), the paper P, which is placed in the correct position, is detected by the detection units 50a and 50b, thus confirming that the paper P is properly placed.

[0086] However, even with two detection units set up, such as Figure 12 As shown in (A), when paper P is not placed correctly, it will also be detected by detection units 50a and 50b, which will result in the problem of erroneously detecting that paper P is placed correctly.

[0087] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown in (B), even when detection units are provided on the two stop parts 25a and 25b respectively, when the paper P is not placed correctly, the detection units 50a and 50b may detect the paper P but mistakenly detect that the paper P is placed correctly.

[0088] In this regard, increasing the number and location of the testing department can prevent false detections.

[0089] The following example illustrates the setup of three detection devices.

[0090] Figure 13 (A) and (B) show an example where two detection units 50a and 50b are provided on the stop member 25b, and a detection unit 50c is provided on the stop member 25a.

[0091] like Figure 13 As shown in (A) and (B), the paper P placed in the correct position is detected by detection units 50a, 50b, and 50c, thus confirming that the paper P is properly placed. Detection can be performed regardless of the orientation of the paper P.

[0092] Thus, when the first and second sides of the mounting surface 23a have different lengths, it is preferable to provide multiple detection parts 50 at at least two locations of the stop member 25b located on the longer side of the first and second sides, and at least one location of the stop member 25a located on the shorter side.

[0093] Furthermore, the arrangement of the detection units is not limited to the above example; for example, more than three detection units 50 can be arranged in more than three locations.

[0094] Figure 14The following diagram shows a post-processing apparatus 100 of a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (A) is a top view of the post-processing apparatus 100 and (B) is a side view of the manual processing unit 100b.

[0095] The post-processing apparatus 100, as a media processing apparatus in this embodiment, performs binding processing as post-processing and includes a binding section (binding device) as a post-processing unit. The post-processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a main body 100a that performs post-processing on paper ejected from the image forming apparatus 300 and a manual processing section 100b. Figure 14 In (A), the dotted line indicates the reference position of the center of the paper in the width direction being conveyed and discharged in the main body 100a.

[0096] The media processing apparatus of this embodiment includes a rotating part that rotates the media processing unit in the horizontal direction, and a control part that controls the rotation amount of the rotating part. Figure 14 In the example, the binding device, which serves as the media processing unit, is equipped with a rotating part.

[0097] The rotating part includes a rotating component 31 such as a drive motor, and a movable part 30 connected to the rotating component 31 and the needle-attached part 19. The needle-attached part 19 rotates horizontally in the direction shown in R2 in the figure as the rotating component 31 rotates in the direction shown in R1 in the figure. The needleless attaching part 26 (not shown) also has the same structure.

[0098] The control unit controls the rotation direction and amount of the rotating part. This allows for various processes such as tilt binding (tilted relative to the edge of the paper) and horizontal binding (horizontally aligned with the edge of the paper).

[0099] Furthermore, the media processing apparatus of this embodiment includes a movable part 33, which allows the media processing apparatus to reciprocate in the direction indicated by arrow M in the figure. Figure 14 As shown in (B), the needle-attached device 19 is mounted on the movable member 33 via the fixing part 32. The needleless attaching part 26, which is not shown, also has the same structure.

[0100] The control unit controls the direction and amount of movement of the movable part 33. This allows the processing mechanism to be moved and positioned to the required processing location.

[0101] Figure 15 This is an example operation flowchart of the media processing apparatus of this embodiment during manual processing. Manual processing is initiated by the user pressing the start button 24.

[0102] After the start button is turned ON (S1), it is first determined whether the main body 100a is currently performing a processing action (e.g., binding mode) (S2). When the main body 100a is in the process of processing, a work standby indicator is displayed on the operation panel 310 to notify the user (S3). An example of an image displayed on the operation panel at this time is as follows: Figure 16 As shown in (A).

[0103] When the main body 100a is not performing any processing, manual processing is performed. First, the detection unit 50 detects the medium being processed (S4). The medium processing apparatus of this embodiment includes multiple detection units 50, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the appropriateness of the medium setting is determined based on whether all multiple detection devices have detected the medium (S5).

[0104] If any one of the detection units (e.g., three detection units located in three locations) fails to detect the medium, the paper setting is deemed incorrect, and a warning of improper setting (S6) is displayed on the operation panel 310. The image displayed on the operation panel at this time is, for example... Figure 16 As shown in (B).

[0105] After the user confirms the warning is displayed, they can modify the media settings. After the user resets the media, the media detection is performed again (S4). This process is repeated until the media is correctly configured.

[0106] After detecting that the medium has been correctly set, processing is performed. A notification of ongoing processing is then displayed on the operation panel 310 (S8). The image displayed on the operation panel at this time is, for example... Figure 16 As shown in (C).

[0107] The above describes the binding process implemented in the post-processing apparatus of the media processing apparatus according to this embodiment, but the present invention is also applicable to media processing apparatuses that implement post-processing other than binding processes.

[0108] The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated below.

[0109] <1> A media processing apparatus, mounted on an image forming apparatus, characterized in that it comprises:

[0110] A conveying unit for conveying the medium discharged from the image forming apparatus;

[0111] The slit communicates with the opening on the outer casing of the medium to be manually inserted from the outside, and has a mounting surface for placing the inserted medium.

[0112] A media processing unit is used to process the media conveyed by the conveying unit and the media placed on the slit; and

[0113] Multiple detection units are used to detect the medium.

[0114] The first side and the second side orthogonal to the first side define the mounting surface, which is not parallel to the extending direction of the side surface of the outer shell.

[0115] It has a stop component for restricting the edge of the medium along the first and second sides.

[0116] The detection unit is located on the stop component.

[0117] <2> A media processing apparatus, mounted on an image forming apparatus, characterized in that it comprises:

[0118] A conveying unit for conveying the medium discharged from the image forming apparatus;

[0119] The slit communicates with the opening on the outer casing of the medium to be manually inserted from the outside, and has a mounting surface for placing the inserted medium.

[0120] A media processing unit is used to process the media conveyed by the conveying unit and the media placed on the slit; and

[0121] Multiple detection units are used to detect the medium.

[0122] The first side and the second side orthogonal to the first side are used to plan the mounting surface, which is not parallel to the direction of the medium being conveyed by the conveying section.

[0123] It has a stop component for restricting the edge of the medium along the first and second sides.

[0124] The detection unit is located on the stop component.

[0125] <3> According to the above <1> or <2> The aforementioned media processing apparatus is characterized by comprising:

[0126] A rotating part for rotating the media processing part in the horizontal direction; and

[0127] The control unit is used to control the amount of rotation of the rotating part.

[0128] <4> According to the above <1> to <3> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following is characterized in that,

[0129] The medium is rectangular.

[0130] The first edge of the medium is connected to the stop member located on the first side.

[0131] The second edge of the medium, which is orthogonal to the first edge, connects with the stop member located on the second edge.

[0132] <5> According to the above <1> to <4> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the present inventions is characterized in that it includes a placement detection unit for detecting that the medium is placed on the placement surface.

[0133] <6> According to the above <1> to <5> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following is characterized in that,

[0134] The length of the first side of the mounting surface is different from the length of the second side.

[0135] The detection unit is disposed at at least two locations on the stop member located on the longer side of the first side and the second side, and at least one location on the stop member located on the shorter side.

[0136] <7> An image forming system, characterized in that it comprises:

[0137] An image forming unit is used to form an image on a medium; and

[0138] The <1> to <6> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the above, wherein the media processing apparatus performs post-processing on the medium in which the image is formed by the image forming unit.

[0139] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0140] 19. Binding Department, including needle binding department.

[0141] 23. Slit section

[0142] 23a Placement Surface

[0143] 24 Start button

[0144] 25. Outer shell

[0145] 25a, 25b Stop components

[0146] 26. Binding Department, Needleless Binding Department

[0147] 50. Detection Department (Sensors)

[0148] 100 Media processing unit (post-processing unit: internal grease trap)

[0149] 100a Main body

[0150] 100b Manual Processing Unit

[0151] 300 Image forming apparatus

Claims

1. A media processing apparatus, mounted on an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, have: A conveying unit for conveying the medium discharged from the image forming apparatus; The slit communicates with the opening on the outer casing for manually inserting the medium from the outside, and has a mounting surface for placing the inserted medium. A media processing unit is used to process the media conveyed by the conveying unit and the media placed on the slit. as well as Multiple detection units are used to detect the medium. The first side and the second side orthogonal to the first side define the mounting surface, which is not parallel to the extending direction of the side surface of the outer shell. It has a stop member for limiting the edge of the medium along the first side and the second side. The plurality of detection units are disposed on the stop component; Wherein, the length of the first side of the mounting surface is different from the length of the second side. The plurality of detection units are disposed at at least two locations on the stop member located on the longer side of the first side and the second side, and at least one location on the stop member located on the shorter side.

2. A media processing apparatus, mounted on an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, have: A conveying unit for conveying the medium discharged from the image forming apparatus; The slit communicates with the opening on the outer casing for manually inserting the medium from the outside, and has a mounting surface for placing the inserted medium. A media processing unit is used to process the media conveyed by the conveying unit and the media placed on the slit. as well as Multiple detection units are used to detect the medium. The first side and the second side orthogonal to the first side define the mounting surface, and are not parallel to the direction in which the conveying part conveys the medium. It has a stop member for limiting the edge of the medium along the first side and the second side. The plurality of detection units are disposed on the stop component; Wherein, the length of the first side of the mounting surface is different from the length of the second side. The plurality of detection units are disposed at at least two locations on the stop member located on the longer side of the first side and the second side, and at least one location on the stop member located on the shorter side.

3. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, have: A rotating part for rotating the media processing part in the horizontal direction; and The control unit is used to control the amount of rotation of the rotating part.

4. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The medium is rectangular. The first edge of the medium comes into contact with the stop member provided on the first edge. The second edge of the medium is orthogonal to the first edge and comes into contact with the stop member located on the second edge.

5. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It includes a placement detection unit for detecting when the medium is placed on the placement surface.

6. An image forming system, characterized in that, have: An image forming unit is used to form an image on a medium; and The medium processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 performs post-processing on a medium in which an image has been formed by the image forming unit.

Images